The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. In the House of Commons, on Wednesday, Sir G. Mont- gomery took the oaths and his seat on his re-election for Peebles shire. The Public Libraries Act Amendment Bill was taken in committee, and passed through that stage. On the second reading of the Landlord and Tenant (Ire- land) Bill, Mr. Gregory stated that it was not intended to proceed with it, but observed that its object, which was to establish a system of long leases and to do away with tenancy at will, should be considered in the recess. Mr. C. Fortescue, on the motion for the resumption of the adjourned debate on the Tenure and Improvement of Land (Ireland) Bill, stated that as the present Government had of course declined to take it up, it had been determined to withdraw it, though he believed that sooner or later its principles would be adopted by the legislature. Lord Naas having declined to adopt the principle of the bill on any future occasion, Mr. Gladstone urged tfaat it was founded on a principle of compensation and tenant-right which was established in England both by law and custom. After a retrospective discussion of some length the bill was withdrawn. The Inland Revenue Bill was read a third time and passed; as were the colonial Branch Mints Bill, and the Tramways (Ireland) Acts Amendment Bill. The other orders were gone through, and the House ad- journed shortly before six o'clock. In the House of Lords, on Thursday, in answer to the Earl of Shaftesbury, The Earl of Derby stated the circumstances of the recent proceedings between Mr. Walpole and the Reform League, which were also given by the right hon. gentleman himself in the House of Commons. The British Columbia. Bill and several others were read a second time; while a number of other bills were advanced a rriare. Tilt: House adjourned at a quarter to seven o'clock. In the House of Commons, at a. morning sitting, on going into committee of supply, Mr. Seeley called attention to the general administration and accounts of her Majesty's dockyards, and moved that the course pursued in paving the roadways, workshops, and other places in the dockyards with iron ballast was inex- pedient; that anchors are provided for the use of her Majesty's navy without a due regard to economy; and that the manner in which the affairs of the dockyards have been managed in these and other respects ren- ders it desirable that the superintendents should be possessed of a practical knowledge of the business carried on therein, and that it is also desirable that their term of office should not be limited to a period of five years. The hon. member went through, in a most minute and .searching manner, a series of details, showing that the Admiralty accounts were most unreliable, and gave no true information with regard to expenditure but if they proved anything, it was that our ships of war were built and repaired at an ex- eeSSlve cost. Sir J. Pakington stated that his recent accession to office prevented his being capable of giving satisfactory explana- tions on the points of detail raised; and he expressed a hope that Mr. Chiiders, who was doubtless fully informed, would do so; but he admitted that if some of the statements were correct, it was plain that there was something wrong, and the subject demanded attention, especially the cost of re- pairs. After a discussion, the motions were withdrawn, and the sitting was suspended. At the evening sitting, Mr. Osborne said, in reference to a meeting which was advertised to take place in Hyde-park on Monday, he wished to ask Mr. Walpole what were his relations with the Reform League, and what steps he had taken to preserve the public peace. L' _L L' Mr. Walpole saia tnose relations were simpiy tnose De. tween a Secretary of State and a deputation. In regard to whether any meeting was to take place, he could show that a most extraordinary misconception had occurred. On a recent occasion he stated to the deputation that as the main, if not the only, cause of the disturbaneea in the park was an,allegel right of the public to meet there, her Majesty's Government would give every faeility to determine the question, and nothing would be done to interfere with the decision of that question. It was then stated that if demonstrations of force ceased no further disturbances would take place; and he replied that it the peoxjle were in- duced to retire the police would be withdrawn. An under- taking was given that all that could be done would be done to bring about a cessation of the rioting. Afterwards two or three of the deputation returned and asked if her Majesty's Government would allow a meeting on the subject of Reform to take place in Hyde-park on Monday evening. To this he responded that such an application must be made in writing, and a reply returned in writing.. Placards were issued asserting that by leave of her Majesty's Government the meeting would take place. This was a most extra- ordinary perversion of the fact, for the formal letter of application by Mr. Beales only reached him at six o'clock on Wednesday. and the placards must have been prepared before that hour. His answer "placards were issued. A member of the League, I Mr. Holyoake, went to the Home-office that afternoon, and in the strongest terms repudiated Mr. Beales' proclamation; that he perfectly understood the prohibition in regard to. the meeting, and that it had been laiA down that an appli- cation on the subject must be in writing. He (Mr. Walpole) had written a reply to Mr. Beales' letter, distinctly refusing permission of any assemblage in Hyde-park; though every facility would fee given for a meeting at Primrose-hill. Her Majesty's Government could not but believe that there must be a disposition on the part of the public to aid the executive in preserving peace and order. Mr. S. Mill said that he had just had an interview with Mr. Beales and some of the League, who stated that as far as they were concerned they regretted that a misunderstand- ing had occurred, which did not originate with Mr. Walpole. That being so, the same motives which influenced them in preventing bloodshed on the previous evening would pre- vent them from taking advantage of the misunderstanding, and nothing would be done further to endanger the public peace. On going into committee of supply, Major Jervis moved for a commission to inquire into the condition of the railways of this country as regards their ability to fulfil their engagements to the public, having due regard to the interests of all parties concerned. The motion having been considered by several members, was withdrawn. In committee of supply, The Chancellor of the Exchequer moved a supplementary estimate of R4,970, for a supply of gun metal for the Prince Consort Memorial; and stated that it was only a carrying out of an undertaking made by the late Lord Palmerston, which was agreed to. Mr. Lowe moved the balance of the estimate of £102,744., which showed an increase over that of last year— £ 98,164. He stated that many valuable additions had been made to the collection by purchase and donation; but the evil of want of space not only was not abated, but greatly increased. The vote was then agreed to, aa were also a number of 0tTneVosher business was gone through, and the House adjourned shortly after two o clock. r Tim,oo nf T.nrds. on Friday, the Earl of Shaftes- In the House of Loras^ ° of the working classes to bury, in refeienct metropolis, said that he enter- meet m public places an address to the Crown, tained the design of m be set apart in the metro- praying that special areas sb0 held- polis where public; meetingsim 0 latetllis session to move The Earl ot Derby said it was to^wbinh his entir0 an address, but the project w leg-al question, of the approval; and in the event being decided in exclusive right of the'Crown to tne p meet wit!l his im- favour of the Crown, the subject o mediate attention. and A long list of bills were a-l vanoea a stag 0<ci0ck. The House adjourned at 10 minutes past sev „,™-nin2 sitting, on the In the House of Commons, at a morn g report of supply, 0f gun-metal for Mr. Monk, on the item for the piit-olia'Se K that after the memorial to the late Prince Consor > ioua night it the statement of the Government on t.ao y* the vote was not possible to do otherwise than g_.e before but if he had heard the statement of Mr. ingt the vote was taken he should have divided tne ifc'The Chancellor of the Exchequer said that themetal been promised by Lord Palmerston, and he adhere undertaking although the members of his cabnl^f-fc^aptious from the grant. He thought it would be somewhat cap if, after contracts had been entered into oujthe £ that Bromise, it rescinded at the close of the report !«Pr 'w Hunt expressed his acknowledgments of the valua- ble assistance he had received from Mr. Chiiders m ence to the passing of the estimates and the Treasury busi- ^^Tr^hlfders" in accepting the compliment, said that he had on^done that whfch it was his duty to his successor t°J?,0- -n i „„ /xTr, 91 Bill was read a third time and parsed, aT wlTthfp^ilhes (Scotland) Act (1844) Amend- ment Bill: In answer to Mr. Oliphant, jonnation of the armistice Lord Stanley said that a pro on^ place, but he had between Austria and Prussia uaa v > no information with regard to the Pr^1 ne'xfc On the motion for adjournment to Mon 7 » Mr. D. Griffith called attention to object: to the pre- sent system of voting m public companies, Yent t]aem holders whose occupation, convenience, or se p eana 0f from attending public meetings or polls kaj f what is voting except by proxy, before they are awar likely to happen at the meeting of the company. Sir S. Northcote promised attention to the suLijecu The O'Conor Don called attention to the treatmen emigrants on board the steamers plying between Li rp and New York, and to the great prevalence of ciioiei during the last three months on board many of those VeMr|SAdderley said that no blame attached to the Emigra- tion Commissioners but some cases of cholera had broKen out on board some vessels which had touched at Rotterdam. Care had been taken to prevent Dutch emigrants from being taken as passengers. After discussion, the motion for adjournment was agreed On going into committee on Railways (Ireland) Tempo rary Advances Bill, „ Mr. BLenley expressed a hope that full explanation would. r be given by the Government as to the position in which the House stood in this very exceptional matter of advancing £500,000, but to whom was not stated the professed object was to prevent wide-spread distress and embarrassment in Ireland, and the provision did not seem proportionate to such a purpose. But the circumstances of such an advance ought to be very special, and care should be taken that no precedent should be created. Mr. Childers said that advances had ere now been made to Irish railways, the policy of such advances having been adopted in that country; but it was under a very exceptional state of things arising out of the present monetary crisis that the late Government agreed to advance £ 500,000, not so much for purposes of construction as to enable Irish rail- way companies to pay off debentures, which they could not do in any other way.. „ Mr. O. Gore supported the proposition, and urged further dealing in this direction with Irish railways. Mr. Gladstone admitted that proposals of this kind should be carefully considered. The proposition was made by the late Government three months ago, and its carrying out was only interrupted by the pressure in the money market. Every precaution had been taken to render it certain that the security on which advances were made should be uncleuirtble. Mr. Grant urged that the proposal in question was one likely to be drawn into a precedent, and its principle must be extended to English railways. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the main reason which led the Government to adopt this proposition was that it was probable tha.t the rolling stock of the Irish rail- ways would be seized, and the traffic of the country para- lysed. Besides, the persons by whom loans had been ex- pected by the arrangement of the late Government had a fair claim to be considered.. The bill was taken in committee, and passed through tha,t stage; as was the Landed Estates Courts (Ireland) Bill, which regulated and increased the salaries of the two judges of the court, to which the number wad now diminished.. Next, progress was resumed in committee with the Public Health Bill, beginning at clause 11. Clauses to 22 in- clusive were agreed to with amendments, and progress was reported. „ The Appropriation Bill was brought in and read a first tXTt'was announced by Mr. Hunt, and confirmed by Mr. Childers, that the first message had been received through the completed Atlantic cable. The House adjourned at 20 minutes to two o clock. In the House of Lords, on Monday, Lord Redesdale, on the part of the Archbishop of Canterbury, moved to dis- charge the order for the third reading of the Consecration of Churchyards (No, 2) Bill. Lord Stanley of Alderley opposed the withdrawal. On a division the withdrawal was agreed to by 28 to 19. The Thames Navigation, and several other bills, were read a second time. The New Forest Poor Relief Bill, the Rochdale Vicarage, the Inland Revenue, and other bills passed through com- mittee. „ The British Columbia Bill, the Militia Pay Bill, the Public Works Loans (Ireland) Bill, the Foreign Jurisdic- tion Act Amendment Bill, and others, were read a third time and passed. The House adjourned at half-past six o'clock. In the House of Commons, in answer to Mr. O'Beirne, Lord Naas, in reference to the appointment of Mr. Napier to the Lord Justiceship of Appeal in Ireland, read a letter from that right hon. gentleman to Lord Derby, stating that owing to the impression on the public mind-mistaken though it was-that his defect of hearing was an obstacle to his performing the duties of a judge, he felt it right to withdraw from the office to which he had been ap- pointed. In answer to Mr. Maguire, Lord Naas said he had not received a similar letter from Lord Chancellor Blackburne. On going into committee on the Fortifications (Provision for Expenses) Bill, Mr. Osborne objected to its passing without discussion, and proceeded to contend that the whole plan to which the House originally consented had been altered; and whereas the original estimate was eleven millions, the expenditure would be nearly thirty. He urged that there was yet time to pause in this reckless expenditure. General Peel was unable to give an exact account of the state of the fortifications at present. The estimate was for a new work at Tilbury, for the defence of the mouth of the Thames, and this he deemed it necessary to submit to the House. Mr. Gladstone said that the original estimate for fortifica- tions was not eleven, but five millions, although it grew to between six and seven. He did not think that a proposal for new fortifications ought to be made at this period of the session, and in the form in which it was made. He objected to this sum being raised by loan, instead of being taken out of the revenue. „ The Chancellor of the Exchequer said it tie House seriously objected to proceeding with the vote at this time, he would not press it. After some further discussion the bill was withdrawn. The Public Health Bill was then taken in committee, and journed. In the House of Lords, on Tuesday, Lord Lyveden in- quired whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce during the present session any measure relating to the Confederation of the North American colonies. Lord Carnarvon said the Canadian representatives were shortly expected, and her Majesty's Government was most anxious to facilitate any arrangement that should be in accordance with the wishes of the colonies and consistent with the interests of the country. The Local Government Supplemental (Nos. 1 and 2) Bills were read a second time, as were also the Railway Com- panies' Securities Bill and the Land Drainage Supplemental (No. 2) Bill. Other Bills were also advanced in their various stages, and their lordships then adjourned. At a morning sitting in the House of Commons, Mr. Watkin, pursuant to the arrangement made last week, brought on his motion for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the causes of the late pressure in the money-market, and the Currency Laws generally. After entering at length into the leatures of the late crisis, and the rate of discount connected therewith, he concludes by showing that the Act of 1844 had. neither prevented panics nor fluctuations m the rate of interest, urged that an inquiry was necessary to ascertain whether the figures in the Act of 1814 were still in proportion with the trade and manufactures of the country, and declared that if it were refused the commercial classes would believe that the House and the Government were indifferent to their difficulties. Mr. Akroyd seconded the motion. Sir S. Northcote said the Government responded to the natural desire of the mercantile community for an investi- gation into the causes of the commercial distress and the long prevalence of a high rate of discount, but they did not allow that a Commission was the best mode of inquiry. It would however, be wiser to wait until the result of the in- quiry which had been instituted by the French Government was known. The Government had no desire to adhere tenaciously to every detail of the Act of 1844, but the same time they were anxious not to do anything to lead to the impression that they believed the Act of 1844 ito be a main cause of the monetary pressure, or that it was to an> material alteration of its provisions or abandonment ot its principle that we were to look for a cure. They be- lieved that on the whole its principles were sound, though improvements might be possiblein the ma^meiy to prevent a recurrence of some of the evils with whicli its working was attended. During the recess he g g the Government would give their serious at working of the details of the Act, and if they found it possible on inquiry they would gladly introduce a remedial measure, bunfthey were not able to propose beneficial legislation they would not object to a committee being appointed at the commencement of the session. Un- doubtedly one result of the crisis had been a run iipon England," but that was not due to the operation of the Act of 1844, nor did the Government believe that it could be prevented by any tampering with the currency laws. After somo observations from Mr. Fawcett, Mr. Hubbard defended in detail the administration of the Bank directors, explained the objects of the Act of 1844, and asserted that but for it the recent crisis would have been aggravated by the additional calamity of a suspensirn of cash payments. No system of currency, he maintained, could avert these panics, and the chief duty of a Govern- ment was to maintain the convertibility of the note, which the Act had done. The directors would gladly welcome any inquiry. Mr. Gladstone approved the determination of the Govern- ment not to grant a commission, and also their intimation that next Session they would either propose to legislate or would grant a committee. He eulogised the operation of the Act of 1844 as having solved many important problems, among others ho w_ to stop foreign drains, and also as having established the principle that the whole business of issue be- longed to the State. After some remarks from Mr. Henley, the debate was ad- iourned until i riday, on the motion of'Mr. J. B. Smith. J At the evening sitting, Mr. Buxton called attention to the. paragraph in the re- port of the Jsmaica Commission which states that the punishments mflicted in Jamaica were in many cases exces- sive and indiscriminate, and moved several resolutions, the effect of which, as he explained, was to condemn what was done after the disturbanees were suppressed, and to award compensation to those wliose relaAions had been killed or nroDerty destroyed. After speakmg on the subject at con- Stweleugth.he concluded with a vigorous appeal to both sides of the House to vindicate the honour and credit of the C°MrrAdderley criticised with some severity the language of Mr Buxton's resolutions, pointing out various incon- fiLmicies in them, and that while some were inadmissible, T^Hrttcularlv those relating to compensation and remission KSit, the others were unnecessary and unwise. HVT-ued that, as the question had been fully discussed aid pronounced upon by a Royal Commission, it was un- necessary to reopen the case, and concluded by moving the ^r^MiU^aid'tliat a criminal court alone was capable of • S- adpauate punishment in these cases. If any inflicting away the life of one of the Queen's sub- ofhcial co j without being brought to trial, we might jects nnj»r _P altogether the principle of being governed as well g though it might be said that in this ease the officials thought those whom they put to death were I deserving of it, the same excuse might be urged for the authors of the St. Bartholomew and the September mas- sacres. Mr. W. E. Forster, though declining to support Mr. Mill in prosecuting Governor Eyre, agreed with Mr. Buxton that the House of Commons ought to censure him for the exces- sive punishments-" legal massacres," as he described them —the whole responsibility of which, he showed, rested on him alone. He suggested that the Colonial-office should look into the whole system of martial law in the colonies, and place it on the same footing as in England. After some observa':ioij| from Mr. B. Cochrane, The Attorney-General deprecated any judgment of the House as to the legality of matters on which judicial pro- ceedings might yet be taken. Mr. Cardwell explained the reasons which induced the late Government not to deal with Mr. Eyre by a criminal prosecution, but simply to dismiss him, and reminded the House that instructions had been issued to institute ia- quiries into the conduct of all the subordinate officials who might be suspected of not having acted with perfect bona fides. Mr. Hughes, Sir R. Palmer, and Mr. R. Gurney having spoken, After some discussion as to the exact sense in which it was to be understood, the first resolution was agreed to, and the three others were withdrawn. The Bill for further suspending the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland was brought in and read a first time. The remaining business was disposed of, and the House adjourned at 25 minutes to two o'closk.

Deputation to the Home Secretary. On Wednesday, the 25hh ult., a deputation from the Council of the Reform League attended by appoint- ment on the Right Hon. Mr. Walpole, M.P.. the Home Secretary, at the Home-office, in reference to the dis- order which has prevailed since Monday evening in Hyde-park; and with the view of effecting some amicable arrangement by which peace and order could be restored. The deputation comprised Mr. E. Beales, President of the League, Colonel Dickson, Mr. B. Langley, Mr. G. Broake, Mr. Cunnington, Captain Wal- house, Mr. Holyoake, Mr. Merriman, Mr. G. Davis, Mr. Leno, Mr. Howell, &c. Mr. Beales having stated the object of the deputa- tion, and several other gentlemen haviBg spoken in support of his observation, Mr. Walpole replied in a most courteous and conciliatory manner, assuring them of his wish that the question in dispute as to the right of holding meetings for political or other exciting objects should be settled amicably, but that that would be done by the judicial authorities, or possibly by the House of Commons; and in the mean time so further opposition would be made by the Government, so long as the peace was not broken. That permission would be given for meeting that evening, and again on Monday evening, in Hyde-park, and though a reserve of police would be at hand, no demonstration of force would be made. Mr. Beales, on the part of the deputation, undertook that, so far as their influence extended, every effort should be made to avoid anything like disorder. In conclusion he thanked the right hon. gentleman for his kindness and consideration, and the deputation then retired, cordially thanking Mr. Walpole for his courtesy and kindness. In accordance with the above pledge given by Mr. Beales and the deputation from the council of the League, the council assembled the same evening at seven o'clock in Hyde-park, and found that Mr. Wal- pole had kept good faith with them, for not a police- man was to be seen in the park or its neighbourhood save those usually on duty. At the above hour there were at the lowest computation between 40,000 and 50,000 people in the park, on every available part of which and on the gates had been posted by order of the League, the result of the interview held that day with the Home Secretary, with an announcement that the Home Secretary, without abandoning the right to prohibit meetings in the park, had consented, pending the settlement of the question of right, either by Parlia- ment or in a court of law, to allow the League to hold a meeting in the park on Monday evocin g. These placards were read with avidity by the people, and men of all par- ties felt relieved from deep anxiety as to what were to be .the events of the night. Consequent on these an* nounoements, the report of the deputation which bad appeared in the evening papers, and lastly, the en- tire absence of any display of military and police force, the greatest order and ^ooa humour prevailed amongst the people, and any tendency on the part o £ untftifiKing IacJa or disorderly boys to create a dis- turbance was promptly checked by the mass of work- ing men present. The council of the League and the friends accompanying it, amongst whom were several members of the Working Men's Association, at once spread themselves amongst the people, de- tailing the good news, and exhorting to peace and orderly conduct. In the meantime, Mr. Beales, Colonel Diokson, Mr. Cunnington, Mr. Holyoake, and Mr. G. Brooke, mounted one of the park seats, and were at once surrounded with an immense assemblage, and received with loud and long-continued cheers. Mr. Beales then announced the glad tidings of peace, and trusted that as the Home Secretary had kept faith with the people, the people would keep faith with him, and leave the park in a quiet and orderly manner, as they would have done if the meeting had been allowed on Monday evening. The responsibility for the peace of the park that evening was on the League and its council, and he called upon the people for their sup- port. Colonel Dickson also addressed the meeting on the brutality of the police during Monday and Tuesday evenings. Mr. Walpole had also con- sented to consider the cases of the people who had been apprehended and committed to prison. The meeting then broke up, Mr. Beales inviting the people to accompany him out of the park, au invitation which was responded to by many thousands, who fol- lowed Mr. Beales down Oxford-street amidst thB most tremendous cheering, both from the crowds in the streets and the people at the windows of the houses. A large number of people lingered in the park for some time discussing the events of the last two days, in knots and groups, but all was quiat and orderly, and before ten o'clock the park was clear of people, and the neighbourhood had resumed its ordinary ap- pearance. Workmen were on Tuesday employed in repairing the railings, and the shrubbery was also being put into order, so that the park may shortly be expected to resume its former appearance.

The Reform League and Mr. Walpole. The following letter was published in the Times of Thursday the 26th ult. Si.r,—I am directed by Mr. Walpole to state that no arrangement was made' by him on the part of the Government with any member of the Reform League to announce that a public meeting would bo permitted to be held in Hyde-park on Monday next, the 30th instant, as stated in the bills placarded and circulated by Mr. Beales. "An application for tha.t purpose was made by Mr. Beales after the interview which Mr. Walpole had with the deputation, to whi^h no answer has yet been I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, S. WALFOLE. July 25." In answer to which the following appeared in the Evening Star of the same day Sirt- "With regard to the letter published in the Times of to-day, stating that no arrangement, was made with Mr. Walpole as to a public meeting being permitted to be held in the park on next Monday, I feel it my duty to state that it was the full impression of the other gentlemen who accom- panied me on my second interview with Mr. Walpole, as well aa of myself, that this one more meeting was assented to pending the settlement of the question as to the right, upon tke understanding that I should state in writing the purposes for which the meeting was to be held, that there might be no mistake; which statement I did put in writing and send within a short time after leaving the Home-office. I much regret if there was thus a misunderstanding as to the intentions of the Government, though I can hardly regret that the Council of the League acted upon such misunderstanding, as I am convinced,a?I was whenlre- turned to press the request upon Mr. Walpole at the second interview, which is wholly ignored in the Times, amidst its cloud of other misrepresentations, that we were, by the announcement of this intended meeting, materially assisted in preserving entire quiet in the park last night, and saving the metropolis from scenes of sanguinary violence which I shall ever re- joice to feel the Council were thus instrumental in pre- venting. I sincerely trust that nothin g will be done to alter the peaceful arrangement which now exists, honourable alike to the Government and the people; the object of the proposed meeting being, according to our understanding of the interview with Mr. Wal- pole, not to censure the Government, but to declare the public sentiment on the si-ibiect of the franchise.- I am, sir, yours faithfully, EDBIOKD BEALES."

Great Meeting in the Agricultural-hall. On Monday night probably the most numerous and imposing demonstration of popular feeling that was ever exhibited under a single roof took place in the Agricultural-hall. Eight o'clock was the hour ap- pointed for the commencement of the proceedings, but long before that time some thousands of persons had assembled in the body of tha hall, whilst still greater numbers were congregated outside. The platform for the speakers was erected on the north side of the building. To the left of it, on eaoh side of the great organ, the gallery was occupied by a dense mass of persons, amongst whom were several ladies; and thence all around the hall, facing the platform, on the western extremity of the building and I behind the speakers, the other portions of the gallery were filled by persons who were anxious to seeare what they considered favourable positions. The prospect from the platform was truly wonderful. About 25,000 stalwart men, evidently belonging to the working classes, packed in front of the platform, the galleries all round the building so filled as to leave no spaces vacant, the bands playing popular and patriotic music, and the banners arranged in the dis- tance presented a spectacle such as could scarcely be equalled in any other part of the world. It was vast in its proportion, orderly in its conduct, unanimous in its sentiment, and resolute in its determination. The banners were inscribed with various mottoes, such as "Manhood Suffrage and the Ballot," "Gladstone and Reform," The Clerkenwell Branch of the Reform League," with a very well executed medallion bust of Mr. Bright. Amongst those present were:—Mr. J. S. Mill, M.P., Mr. P. A. Taylor, M.P., Mr. Mason Jones, Lieut.-Col, Dickson, Mr. Charles Westerton, Mr. H. Vincent, Mr. G. J. Holyoake, Mr. H. Eeal, Mr. H. J. Slack, mfr. George Howell, Mr. C. Woolterton, the Revs. Dr. Massie, Sella Martin, Thoresby, J. Car wen, Foy, &c. The appearance of Mr. Beales, the chairman, accom- panied by Mr. Mill, M.P., Mr. Taylor, M.P., and other members of the Reform League, was the signal for enthusiastic and long-continued cheers. When silence had in some degree been obtained, Mr. Beales briefly referred to the proceedings of the last week in London, and the moral support they had received throughout the country, and then called en the gentleman who was to move the first resolution. Mr. Woolterton then proposed That the present Government, by assisting to defeat the bill introduced by the late Government for the amendment of the representation, and by themselves indefinitely post. poning the whole question of reform, and finally by their employing the police to forcibly prevent the working classes from peaceably meeting in Hyde-park, on Monday last, to complain of the suffrage being withheld from them, have forfeited all claim to the confidence and support of the country." It is utterly impossible, he said, for anyone with such a demonstra- tion as this before him, to deny that the people are anxious for reform. Those who have spoken thus have belied your feelings, and the proof is now before them (cheers). Mr. Mason Jones seconded the resolution. Mr. J. S. MiU, M.P., who supported the resolution, on rising was received with loud cheers. He said: Ladies and gentlemen, this building is a sufficient guarantee that the cause of reform will suffer nothing by your having determined to hold your meeting here instead of repeating the attempt to hold it in the park. But I do not want to talk to you about reform, you do not need to be stimulated by me on that subject. This meeting is a sufficient reply to any one who supposes that you do not want to discuss reform (hear, hear). You have been very much attacked for holding such large meetings, on the ground that they are incon- sistent with discussion. But discussion is not the only use of public meetings. One of the objects of such gatherings is demonstration (hear). You want ta make a display of your strength, and I tell you that the countries where the people are allowed to show their strength are those in which they are not obliged to use it. As regards the parks, your chairman, who is a lawyer, does not donbt your right to meet in them. 1 am not a lawyer, and know nothing about the matter. But you thought it right to assert your claim, and only to withdraw under protest. Your protest ha.s been made, and you have—I think wisely—determined not to renew it. You have been promised a fair op- portunity of having the question settled by judicial de- cision, and you have wisely resolved that until that decision is given the question shall remain where it is. The Government, without abandoning what they thought were their legal rights, might have permitted the park for one meeting when permission was asked, and I think it would have been a wise policy and a gracious act to have granted it (tremendous cheers). The Chairman then put the resolution, and it was carried with great enthusiasm. Mr. Bradlaugh proposed the next resolution, viz. "That a petition signed by the chairman, on behalf of this meeting, be presented to the House of Commons, praying for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the conduct of Sir Richard Mayne, and the police under his orders, in forcibly preventing the working classes from meeting in Hyde-park, on Mon- day, the 23rd of July, and likewise their conduct in ejecting persons from the park, and otherwise mal- treating them on that and the two following days." He said: We are told that we should not indulge in these demonstrations because they are of a menacing character towards the government. The tories have told us that we don't care for reform, and we are here to tell them that we do care for it (cheers). The Tories have told us that we shall not meet in the people's parks, and we tell them that we will meet there. The resolution asks for a committee to inquire into the conduct of Sir Richard Mayne. Sir Richard has made a mistake; he fancied that he was a prefect in Paris instead of being a servant paid to keep the peace in England (hear, hear, and cheers). The police must never be the masters of the people (great cheering). They have nothing ta do with the exercise of our political rights; their only duty is to preserve order, while the conduct of the present Government has been such as to break order (hear, hear). The Tories ridiculed our Primrose- hill demonstration, and our Trafalgar-square demon- stration, but I don't think they will ridicule this (hear, hear). My friends, let the whole of your aaitaticin be like this. Be calm, be firm, be resolute. As Shelley- aays:— Rise like lions after slumber, In unvanquishable number, Ye are many, they Me tew. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Henry Vincent, in seconding the resolution, said there never was a time when it was more important that the people should publicly express their opinion. Whatever the Times or the Standard might say, the people of this country were determined to have re- form (cheers). The speaker declared that having lately visited different parts of England, he had found everywhere a strong determination to put down the Tories and bring the Liberal Government back to power, and reoommended those who were assembled to show themselves peaceable, orderly, and magnani- mous. Mr. P. A. Taylor, M.P., in supporting the resolu- tion, said when the people assembled round Hyde- park they had no intention of violence; but all must remember the story in which it was related that when some people of old asssmbled round Jerieho, the walls fell down (laughter). The Tories. were the same now as they were fifty years ago, and as they were last year in Jamaica (cheers). The resolution was then put and carried. Colonel Dickson moved the following resolution »— That it is, the imperative duty of this meeting, and of the entire population of this country who value their rights and liberties, to raise funds in sup- port of the Reform League in their great battle for their unenfranchised fellow-countrymen, and for the relief of those so brutally beaten by the police in Hyde-park. The gallant colonel called upon the meeting to rally round the Reform League by enrolling themselves as members. That society was, in fact, a peace society. There was no mistake about it. Referring to the ministry, he said the only good element in it was poor. good, kind-hearted Mr. Walpole (laughter). Mr. Walpole was a good man, he had a woman's heart, and he (Colonel Dickson) believed he was going to leave the ministry. Mr. Bonner seconded the resolution, -which was then put and carried. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the.meeting commenced to disperse by forming procession for their respective destinations, but owing to the immense crowds outside, added to that within, the work was a difficult one, and about two hours elapsed before the neighbourhood was completely cleared. The proceed- ings were of a very orderly character for so large an assemblage.

The Victoria-park Meeting. Notwithstanding the various reports spread about that the meeting in Victoria-park would be prohibited by the Government, the committee who had arranged for the meeting, a body of working men entirely uncon- nected with the Reform League, in the absence of any offioial announcement to that effect from the Home- office, persevered in their arrangements, and the meet- ing was held on Monday evening, and was attended by from 10 000 to 12,000 people. It took place near the orchestra where the Sunday band plays, and was pre- sided over by Mr. Baxter Langley, who opened the pro- op^dinas shorfclv after seven o clock. He was followed SS iDSSeeo=,BdIl1.m, other worktaj men, and resolutions were adopted pledging the meet- Sg to oppose any and every Government who will lug iaj upp-jaa jr comprehensive manner wit\dR^m.6 S Totdemning tSe conduct of the Government in respect to tbeHyde^ark raeeti^g nd the brutality of a portion of the one of the and Tuesday. The meeting, °ebetween most orderly character, was brought tour til0 eight and nine o clock, and^ by the 1 park was entirely cleared without tll3 8"J order or damage having taken place Ta^JeIS police beyond the constables oramarily on y-

Meeting in Bradford. A large meeting of working men was held on Satur- day evening in the theatre of the Mechanics Institute, at Bradford, for the purpose of expressing condemna- tion of the conduct of the Government in reference to the recent meeting in Hyde-park, ana of sympathy with the Reform League. Mr. A. Sharp was caked to the chair. Two resolutions were unanimously P^sed. The first emphatically condemned the s vernment, in attempting to suppress the^etosca bvthe London Reform League in Hyde-park, on Monday evening last, declared the Government wholly respon- sible for the breaches of the peace. and the i^n a which unfortunately happened; and while aeepiy lamenting the disorders which took P]aGe' the belief that suchdisorders were entire.ycaused by the ill-advised action of the Government, and the brutal violence ef a portion of the police present on this occasion. The second resolution exprened the meeting's earnest sympathy with, ana gratitude to, the London Reform League, tor the manner m wh;ch thev had vindicated the right of the wooing ciasses ta meet in Hyde-park, and its Batisfac.ion to ^now that it was admitted by common aonsent Aat the vast cases, acted M 780rVfi of torn the collect on was made in behalf ot the sunerer late disturbance in Ilyde-park and Mr D- W. Herty was appointed treasurer, as rt 7«s TrZ a subscription throughout the distric.

The Reform League and the Parks. Daring Friday several cases were presented at the Reform League Office, to show the effects of the vio- lence committed by the police. One of the worst cases was that of Stephen Baldwin, of Mount-street, Groavenor-square, who, whilst searching for his son, a deal and dumb boy, had his head broken and his jaw fractured.fhe policemen's truncneons, in con- sequence of fhich he has since been unable to take solid food, and has to be supported on liquids. He was taken on Friday in a cab to the Marquis of Town s- hend, and his lordship and some members of the League brought (the man to the Home-office but an interview was declined by Mr. W alpoie Mayne, who was conferring with him. Sir Richard stating that whatever was sent m writing should be attended to. On the same day Lord J. Manners sent a verbal message to the League, stating that as Victoria-park was a royal park, no meeting could be permitted to be held there. This noting was not directly promoted by the League, but was intended to be of a local character for people of the E-at-end. On Friday night a special meeting of the council ot the Reform League was held to receive the report of the deputation to Mr. Walpole, and to decide as to whether the proposed meeting in Hyde-park on the following Monday should be held there or elsewhere. The meeting was crowded, and delegates were present from all the metropolitan branches. Mr. Edmond Beales took the chair amid loud cheering.—Letters were read by the secretary from Mr. John Bright, M.P. (approving the policy of the League), and one from Mr. T. Hughes, M.P., as follows House of Commons, July 26,1866. MY DEYB, ME. HOWELL,—I was much annoyed this morn- i-nttotpethe nlacard of the League, and this annoyance has mgtoseet P v,v hearin^ Mr. Walpole s statement; beeAr'MUTs reply Which show that the placard was printed before any arrangement had been come to. 1rluch as I should like to see the question decided in favour of the League, I can support no which has any turn out as a special constable.-I am, &Thos_ Hl.gh3S. This letter was received with much laughter. The chairman (Mr. Beales) detailed the occurrences of the past week, in which the League had been con- cerned, inclndbg the deputation to Mr Walpole, to whom he paid a high compliment. He then referred to the unfortunate misunderstanding about the meet- ing in the park on Monday, whicn no one regretted Sore than himself, and explained bo* it had probaoly occurred. He would not bo a party to take any advan- tage of that misunderstanding, and if the council de- cided that the meeting in the park should bs persevered in, in the face of the dcplared aetermtnatmn of the Government to oppose its being held by for?e, if necessary, he for one must decline to take the sibility of the disastrous consciences that mig^ ensuef At the same time he was deciaealy of opuuoj that a public meeting was n.ce s .ary to ^d conduct of the Government, and the &av»g ferocious conduct of the ruffiamy ( eaCj Eug- A note from the Marquis i'™hend wa^ fcioili gesting, as a peaceable mo&ecA Bettl g Hv<je_park at that several of the council should go, ttere attempt an early hour on Saturday mormng^ hQ quiefciy (to hold a meeting, and allow themseive arrested. alra9Av submitted a ease to Mr. Beales said he had alres qncsto temined counsel, with a view of having the question determmed in a court of law. odeers, Mr. Brookes, Mr. Colonel D'okson, M Mr< Laaraft having Memman^mr^wra^ r=egoiution was unanimously agreed to, ef the Eeform League having on That the to enable them to test in a legal Monday last don peopie to meet in Hyde-park, the manner tli« rig ,tg comlnittee, which, in conjunction tha nrasideat. are to take immediate steps to bring the WltMon to a let-al issue; and it further resclves to hold a ™U«.HnTof the members and friends of the League on Mon- day evening in the Asiicultural-hall, both to take into consideration the question of. Reform, and to express indig- nation at the conduct of the Government in reference to the Hyde-park meeting. It was also resolved: "That friends in the East-end be invited to postpone the meeting ia Victoria-park, in order that they may assist the League as their meeting in the Agricultural-hall." The remainder of the business related to matters of detail, includiug the mode of raising money to pay for the hall. A letter has been published by Mr. Beales in refer- ence to the misunderstanding entertained by the depu- tion to Mr. Walpole as to his assent to holding a meet- meeting in the Agricultural-hall." The remainder of the business related to matters of detail, includiug the mode of raising money to pay for the hall. A letter has been published by Mr. Beales in refer- ence to the misunderstanding entertained by the depu- tion to Mr. "Walpole as to his assent to holding a meet- ing. In this letter Mr. Bealea say s that the disavowal of that assent by Mr. Walpole, who ia an upright man, must be aooepted as showing that he was misunder- stood. At the same time Mr. Beales refers to the report of what took place at said interview, in order to show that the deputation was not to blame ^or the misunderstanding entertained by them.