Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/425

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A QUESTION OF TIME.
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sented one of the most extraordinary and exciting spectacles ever witnessed on such an occasion. Mr. Brotherton rose to move a vote of thanks to Mr. Bright and Mr. Pottenger. He declared his opinion that but for the Corn Law the national debt would now have been paid off, the labourer would have been enjoying the just fruits of his labour, and the commerce of the country extended to every part of the world. He expressed his conviction that the Corn Laws would be repealed; it was only a question of time. Mr. David Ainsworth seconded the resolution, which was carried with applause.

Numerous as these meetings were, there was not the slightest flagging of interest in the subject. At all times Manchester has visitors from every part of the kingdom, and those strangers were all anxious to hear the proceedings of a body, the fame of which was now spread throughout the land. Foreigners also were present, for the question at issue was one which might have a world-wide application.