Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
2 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
IMPEBIAL PARLIAMENT.
IMPEBIAL PARLIAMENT. --+- 'In the House of Commons, on Wednesday, Sir G. Mont- gomery took the oaths and tig seat on his re-election for Peeblesshire. 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- and) 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. I Mr. C. Fortescue, on the motion for the resumption of the adjourned debate on the Tenure and Improvement of iand (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 that it was founded on a principle of compensation and tenant-right which was established in England both by lew 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 After a retrospective discussion of some length the bill was withdrawn.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 stage. XJie House adjouraed at a quarter to seven o'clock. In the House of Commons, at a moaning 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 rt is also desirable that their term of offiee 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- cessive 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. Chilaers, 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 wsewithdrawn, an-d the Sitting was suspended. At the evening sitting, Mr. Osborne said, in reference to 8: 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 peeea. Air. Walpole said those relations were simply those be- tween a Secretary of State and a deputation. In Tegard 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 disturbances in the park was an alleged right of the public to meet there, her Majesty s Government would give every facility to determine Une?';lon> ajj<! 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 ?° .<i P1ia"°e; and he replied that if the people 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 Jhree of the deputation returned and asked it 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 Blajesty's Government the meeting would take place. This was a most extra- "ramary perversion of the fact, for the formal letter Of application by Mr. i'eales only reached him at six o'clock on Wednesday, and the placards must ha.ve been prepared before that hour. His answer 3n writing had not nor could not have been given at the time that the placards were issued. A member of the League, lir. Holyoake, went to the Home-offioe that afternoon, and in the strongest terms repudiated Mr. Beales' proclamation; that he perfectly understsed the prohibition in regard to the meeting, and that it had been Met down that an appli- cation on UJIC subject must be in writing. He (Mr. Walpole) written-a reply to Mr. Beales' letter, distinctly refusing permission of any assemblage in Hyde-park; though every lacnity would be given for a meeting at l?rimrose-hi!?. Her MaJesty B Government coii-ld 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 tfcat he had just had an interview with JM.r. ijeales and some of the League, who stated that as far as concerned they regretted that a miswnderstaad- Th f k which did not originate with Mr. Walpole. so, the same motives which influenced them in vent tvi bloodshed on the previous evening would pre- and t from taking advantage of the misunderstanding, peace 'would be done further to endanger the public 9? going into ■committee of supply, A M,aJOrJervis moved for a commission to inquire into the km- i°a 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 EzBheqKcr moved a supplementary estimate of £ 4;870, for a supply of gun metal for tila Prince Consort Memerial; and stated that it was only a carrying out of an undertaking made by the late Lord Palmerstoa, Which was agreed to. Mr. Lowe moved the balance of the which showed an increase over tha,t of last 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, as were also a number of Other votes. The other business was gone through, aad,the House adjourned ahorfciy after two o'clock. Lords, on Friday, the E&*? of Shaftes- bury, J?ee to the right of the working classes aeetm puWiL places ia the metropolis, said that he enter-; tamed the design of moving an address to the Crown, praying that ^pecial areas should he sat apart in the metro- polis where public rneetaags,might be held. rh.e Earl ot JJfcroy saia lt^vas too late this session to move address^ but t;b@ project one which met his entire Approval;, and in the event of the legal question of the exclusive right of the Crown to thepar-it,s being desided in favour of the Crown, the object should meet with hia im- mediate attention. A long list of bills were advanced a stage, and The House adjourned at mmuues past^even o'clock." In the House of Commons, at a morning sitting, en the deport of suptV/, the Air. Monk, on the item for the purchase of gun-metal for the memorial to the late Prince Consort, said that after the statement of the Government on the -previous night it was not possible to do otherwise than to the vote u but if he had heard the statement of .M-r- Gladstone ;before the vote was taken he should have-divided the House against The Chancellor of the Exchequer said that the metal ha<j been promised by Lord Palmer«tons and he aanerea to his Undertaking although the meaibers of his cabinet dissented from the giant. Hethoughtit would be somewhat captious if, after contracts had been entered into on the i&icn or that promise, it rescinded at the close of the report or i*i.r, W. Hunt expressed his acknowledgments of the valua- 'Bttpbly. the valum- ble assistance he had received from Mr. Childers in reier- ence to the passing of the estimates and the Treasury W1" nees in general Mr. Childers, in accepting the compliment, said that he had only done that which it was his duty to his successor to do. The Enclosure (No. 2) Bill was read a third time and Passed, as was the Parishes (Scotland) Act (1844) .Amend., saent Bill. In answer to Mr. Oliphant, Lord Stanley said that a prolongation of the armistice between Austria and Prussia bad taken place, bat he had no information with regard to the preliminaries. On the motion for adjournment to Monday next,' lir. D. Griffith called attention to objections to the pre- sent system of voting in public companies, by which share- holders whose occupation, convenience, or sex prevent them from attending public meetings or polls have no means of voting except by proxy, before they are aware of what is likely to happen at the meeting of the company. Sir S. Northcote promised attention to the subject. The O'Conor Don called attention to the treatment of emigrants onboard the steamers plying between.Liverpool' and New York, and to the great prevalence of cholera during the last three months on board many of those vessels. Mr. Adderley 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 adjournmsnt was agreed to. On going into committee en. Railways (Ireland) Tempo Tarv Advances Bill, Jslr. Henley cypress*?^ » hove that fell explanation wmdfi 'be given by the Government as to the position in which the House stood in this very exceptional matter of advancing C,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 X500,000, 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 undeniable. 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 that 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 that 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 was 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 time. It 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 ITouse 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 bilis, were read a second time. The Few 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 (freland) Bill, the Foreign Jurisdic- tion Act Amendment Bill, and ethers, were read a third time and passed. The House adjourned at half-past six o'clock. In the House of Commons, in answer to K-, r. O'Beirne, Lord Naas, in reference to the appointment of Mr. Napier to the Lord Justiceship ofAppealm Ireland, read a letter from that right hon; gentleman to Lord Derby, st-ating that owing to the impression on the public mind- raistakexi though it was-tbe. his defeat 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. Itlaguire, Lord Naas said he had notveceived a similar letter from Lord Chancellor Blackburne. On going into committee en the Fortifications (Provision for E-,penses) 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 Bullions, 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. 'She 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- i tions was not ele-ven, but five millions, although it grew to between six and seven. 'He did not think that a proposal I for new fortifications ought to be made at this, poeod of the j 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 if the House seriously objected to proceeding with the vote at this time, lie would not press it. After some farther discussion tke hill was withdrawn. he would not press it. After some farther discussion tke hill was withdrawn. The Public Health Bill was then 'tsfcen in co&amd&tee, and. passed through that stage. The Reformatory Schools Bill was taken in committee, ) and passed through that stage after fall discussion, as was .'1 The Industrial Schools Bills. The other buemeaB was disposed of, and ad- joarned. In the House of Lords, on Tuesday, Lord Lyre den in- quired whether it was tta intention of the Government to introduce during the present sess, n a-ay measure relating to the Confederation of the North American colonies. | Lord Carnarvon said the Canadian representatives were J shortly expected, and her Majesty's Government was most anxious to facilitate any arrangement that should be in 1 accordance with the wishes of the colonies and consistent I with the interests Of the country. :j The Local Gov-ernment Supplemental (Nos. I and 2) Bills J were read a second time, as were also the Railway Cam- j panics' Securities Bill and the Land Srainage Supplemental J (No. 2) Bill. I Other Bills were also advanced in their various stages, and their lordships then<&c|jsurned. i { At a wo-rn jug sitting in the'House of Commons, Mr. Yvatkin, pursuant to the .arrangement made last week, brought on his motion for tha appointment of a Soyal Commissien to-inquire into ;the causes of the late pre. in the money-market, and the Currency Laws generally. After ep-terinig at length. into the features of the late crisis, and the rate of discount connected therewith, he concludes by showing that the Act of 1814 had neither prevented panics nor fluctuations in the rate of interest, urged that an inquiry was necessary to ascertain whether the figures in the Act of 1S14 were still in proportion with the trade and manufactares of the country, and declared that if it were refused the commercial daises would believe that the House and the Government were indifferent to their difSculties. Mr. Akroyd seconded tle motion. Sir S. Northcotc 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 at the same time they were anxious not to do anything to lead to the impressien that they believed the Act of 1844 (to be a main cause of the monetary pressure, or that it was to any material. alteration of its provisions or abandonment of its principle that we were to look for a cure. They be- lieved that on the whole its principles were sound, though improvements might bepossible in the machinery to prevent a recurrence of some of the evils with which its working was attended. Daring the recess he: engaged that the Government would give their serious..attention to the working of the details of the Act, and if they found it nossibla on inquiry they would gladly introduce a remedial measure, but if they were not. able to propose beneficial legislation they would not object to a committee being appointed at thecomlDenceet of the session. Un- doubtedly one result of the crisis had been a rn; apon England," but that was not due to the operation of the Act of 18J;4, nor did the Government believe that it could be prevented by any tampering with the currency laws. After some observattOJillrfrom Mr. Fawcett, Mr- Hubbard defend.edin detail the administration of the Bank directors, explained the objects of the Act of 1844, and assarted that but for it the recent crisis would have been aggravated by the additional calamity of a 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, aad 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 how 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- joumeo^until Friday on the motion of,$tr. J. B. Smith. At the evening sitting. Mr. Buxton called afiention to the paragraph in the re- port of Commission which states that the pumshmen^ d in Jamaica were in many cases exces- sive and mdiscnminate, and moved several resolutions, the effect oi whi ^^ained, was to condemn what was done were suppressed, and to award compensation to those whose relations had been killed or property destroyed. Aifcei speahng. on the subject at con- sider ablelea| £ h>^he con. with a vigorous appeal to both sides of the House to vindicate the honour and credit of the ° Mr. Adderley criticised with: some severity the language of Mr. Buxton's resolutions, pointing out various incon- sistencies m them, and that while some were inadmissible, particularly those relating to compensation and remission of punishment, the others were unnecessary and unwise. He argued that, as the question had been fully discussed and pronounced upon by a lioy^l Commission, it was un- necessary to reopen the case, and concluded by moving the previous question.. Mr. Mill said that a criminal court alone was capable of inflicting adequate punishment in these cases. If any official could take away the life, of one of the Queen's sub- jects improperly without being brought to trial, we might as well give up altogether the principle of being governed S byJjaw, and tbeiigh it slight be said that; rl this case the officials thought those whom they put to death were 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 observatiorop, 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 in- 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'clock.
REFORM DEMONSTRATIONS.
REFORM DEMONSTRATIONS. Deputation to the Home Secretary. On Wednesday, the 25th nit., a deputation from the Council of the Reform League attended by appoint- ment on the Bight 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 effect-iiig some amicable arrangement by which peace and order could be restored. The deputation comprised Mr. E. Bealss, President of the League, Colonel Dickson, Mr. B. Lasgley, Mr. G. Broske, Mr. Ciinnington,, Captain Wal- hoase, Mr. Holyoake, Mr. Memman, Mr. G. Davis, MT. Leno, Mr. Howell, &c. Mr. Bealea having stated the object of the deputa- tion, and several other gentlemen having spoken in support of his observation, Mr. Walpole replied in a most courteous and conciliatory sumner, assuring them of his wish that the question in dispute as to tha 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 No further opposition would be made by the (xoverntnent, so long as tha peace was not broken. That permission^ would be given for meeting that, evening, and again oa Monday evening, in Hyde-park,1; assrd though a reserve of police would be at hand, no demonstration of force would be made. Mr. Berlas oa the part of the deputation, undertook that, so far as their influence extended, every effort should be made to avoid anythiag like disorder. Ia coneloeion • -Lie thanked the right hon. gentleman for his kindness and consideration, and the deputation then retired, cordially thanking Mr. Walpole for his courtesy and 5 kindness. In accordance with the above pledgs given by Mr. Bealea and the deputation from the council of the League, the council assembled the same evening at seven o'clock in Hy-sJe-park, sad 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 beftween 4'0,000 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 eight to prohibit meetings in the park, had consented, pending the settilement 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 evening. 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 nig-hfc, Consequent on these an* noEnoameiits, the report of the deputation which had appeared in the evening papers, and lastly, the en- tire absenes of any display of military and police force, the greatest order and good humour prevailed amongst the people, and any tendency on the part of unthinking lads 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. Bealea, -Colonel Dickson,.Mr. Cuncington, Mr. Holyoake, and Mr. G. Brooke, mounted one of the park seats, and 'were at opee surrounded with an immense assemblage, and received with loud and long-continued cheers. Mr. Bealss 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. j and leave the park in a. quiet and ordedy maimer, as i 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. j 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 ooneidor 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, an invitation which was responded to by many thousands, who fol- lowed Mr. Beales down Oxford-street amidst the most tremendous cheering, both from the crowds in the streets and the people at the wtndowa ef the houses. A large number of people lingered in the park for some time diecassicg the events of the last two days, in knota and groups., but all was quiet and orderly, and before ten o'clock the park was clear of people,; and the ceiphbourhood had resumed its ordinary ap- pearance. Workmen were oa Tuesday employed in j repairing the railings, and the shrubbery-was also'j being put into order, so that the park may shortly be j expected to resume its former appearance. 1 The Reform League. and Mr. Welpole. The following letter was published in the Times of Thursday the 26th ult.— I Sir,—I ara directed by Mr. Walpole to state that J arrangement was made fey him oa the part of the j Government with any member of the Reform League to announce that a public meeting would be permitted j to be held in Hyde-park on Monday I the 30fch instant, as stated in the bills placarded and circulated j by Mr. Beales. "An application for that purpose was Ksade by Mr. I Bfeales alter the interview which Mr. Walpole had with the deputatisn, ,to whish as answer has yet&aen sent. "I have the hesour to be, air, your obedient | ,servaiat, S. Wai/FOLe. J July 25." In answer to which the following appeared in the Evening the same day :— Sir,—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 ssext Monday, I feel it my duty to state* that it was the fali iippression of the other gentlemen who accom- panied me on my second interview with Mr. Walpole, as well as of myself, that this one more meeting was assented to pending the settlement of the question as to the right, upon the understanding that I should state in, writing the purposes for which the meeting was to be held, that there might be 110 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 rpgret-that the Council of the League acted upon such misunderstanding, as I am convinced, as I wsswhenlre- turned topressthe 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 ever re- joice to feel the Council were thus instrumental in pre- venting. I sincerely trust that nothing 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- po!e, not to censure £ he Government, bat to declare the public sentiment on the sabiact of the franchise.- I am, sir, yours faithfully, II Ejjjfojro BEATLES," r 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 tho hour ap- pointed for the commencement of the proooodings, 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 ereoted on the north side of the building. To the left of it, on each 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 behind the speakers, the other portions of the gallery were filled by persons who were anxious to eecare 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 platferm, 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 'I 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. Beal, Mr. H. J. Slack, !Mr. George Howell, Mr. C. Woolterton, the Revs. Dr. Massie, Sella Martin, Thoresby, J. Curwen, 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, tha moral support they had received throughout the country, and then called ea the gentleman who was to move the first resolutictn. 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 f rom 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 s belied your feelings, and the proof is now beeora them ij (cheers). Mr. Mason lones second-ad the resolution. Mr. J. S. Mill, M.P., who supported the resolution, on rising was received with had cheers.. He said: Ladies and gentlemen, this building is a sufficient guarantee that the cause of reform will ecrfier 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 ma on that subject. This meeting is & 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 tfesy are incon- sistent with k, not the only uooof puMic meetings. Oca of the ol-dects or such gatherings is demonstration (hear). You want to make a display of your strength, and I teU you that the countries where the-people are. allowed to show their strength ara those in which they are not obliged to use it. As regards the ,.parks,your chairman, who is a lawyer, does not doubt your right to meet in them. I aim met about the matter. But you thought it right to astaert your claim, and only to withdraw under protest. "Yeur protest has been saaae, and you have—I think wisely—determined not to reaew it. You have been promised a fair op- portunity ef having thequeetionstleàby judicial de- cision, and, you have wisely resolved that until that desiekm is given the question shall remain where it is. The Government, without abandoning what they thasght were their legal rigMs, might have permitted the park for one meeting when permissioa was asked, and I think it would have been a wkse policy and a graoious aet to have granted it (tremendous cheers). The Chairman then put the resolution, and it was I carried with great enthusiasm. j Mr. Bradiaugh propoaed'tha next resolution, viz. •— j "Tbai a petition eigned by the chairman, on i -beLaif- of -?tlu9 meeting, beesen;ed -to the House of Com oKms,,peay ing for the appointim-ent of ftcommittee I to iup;,uire-mto the conduct of Sir Richard Mayne, and | poisea under his orders, in forcibly preventing the j working classes from meeting in Hyde-,park, on Mon- the -of July, and likewise their conduct s in ejeefeb?4> persons from the park, amd otherwise mal- treatusg$heEU oa that and the two follGwing days." | Ele said: We are told that we should not in these cleiEoiistrations because they are of a menacing character towards the government. The tories have told us that we don't care for raforEl, and we ara here to tail them that we. do care for it (cheers). The Tories have told us that we shall not meet an the people's parks, and we tell them that we will meet there. The resolution wka. for a committee o tinquire into the conduct of Bir Richard Mayna. Sir Sichard 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 cbaers). The Police must never be the masters of the people (great cheering). They have nothing to do with the exercise of our political rights; their only duty is to preserve order, while the conduct of the present Government has been euchbas to break order {hear, hear). The Tories ridia-,Iedour Primrose- hill demonstration, and our Trafalgar-square demon- stration, but I den't think they will ridicule this (hear, hear). My friends, let, the whole of your s.t?i.tati»n he like this. Be calm, be Reva, be reada As Sholley says:- Rise like lioEg after slunaber, In unvaaqisishable number, Ye are maay, they uetew. (Load cheers.) Mr. Henry Vincent, in seconding the reec-luiion, aaid there never was a time when it was more important that the people, should publicly expresstei opinion. Whatever the reirnes, or the Standard might eay, 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 baek to power, and recommended those who> were assembled to show themselves peaceable, orderly, and magnani- mous. Mr. P. A. Taylor, M.P., in supporting the tpsolu- tion, said when the people assembled round Hyde- park they had no intention of violence. but all must rejsaejuber the story in which it was related that when some people of old assambled round Jericho, the walls fell down (laughter). The Tories were the same iiow as, they, were fifty years ago, and as they were laety,ear 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 enttre 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. Banner 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, adasd 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 Cr 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 official 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- ceedings shortly after seven o'clock. He was followed by Messrs. Davis, Preece, Buffham, and ouher working I men, and resolutions were adopted pieogmg ma ing to oppose any and every Government who wiL not deal honestly and in a comprehensive mannat with Reform, and condemning the conduct of tie Government in respect to the Hyde-park meeting, and the brutality of a portion of the police on last Monday and Tuesday. The meeting, which was o-ro of the most orderly character, was brought to a close between eight and nine o'clock, and by the latter hm;.r the park was entirely cleared without the slightest dis- order or damage having taken plaoe. There were nc police beyond the constables ordinarily on duty. Hyde-park. Although the Reform League had most extensively placarded and advertised the transference of the in- tended meeting in Hyde-park last evening to the Agri- cultural-hall, Islington, as early as five o c^ the afternoon a large number of persons had C0D8ref a^ in the park about the Marble Arch, o'eloc-k several thousand persons of all clao sembled, while a large number had taken up their po- sitions in Oxford-street, ia front of the Mar We Arch. There were no extra polioe on duty IQ the patK, DUE one constable was to be eeen now and then patrolling on the top of the archway, and taking a survey of the park and the people. It was known, however.that there was a very strong body, both of the mounted and foot police, held in reserve at various places in the neighbourhood, in readiness to be called out if neces- sary. All, however, went on peaceably until aarK, at, which hour the crowd rapidly thinned, and there was not the smallest indication that the peace of the park or the neighbourhood would be in any way di-s- turbed. 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, and of sympathy with the Reform League. Mr. A. Sharp was called to the chair. Two resolutions were unanimously passed. The first emphatically condemned the action of the Go- vernment, in attempting to suppress the meeting called by the London Reform League in Hyde-park, on Monday evening last, declared the Government wholly respon- sible for the breaches of the peace, and the injuries which unfortunately happened; and while deeply lamenting the disorders which took place, expressed the belief that such disorders wera entirely caused 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 expressed the meeting's earnest sympathy with, and gratitude to, the London Reform League, for the noble manner in which they bad vindicated the right of the working classes t9 meet in Hyde-park, and ita satisfaction to know that it was admitted by common consent that the vast mass who ranged themselves under the banner of the League, while manfully asserting their rights in all cases, aoted as conservators of the public peace. A collection was made in behalf of the sufferers from the late disturbance in Hyde-park, and Mr. D. W. Herty was appointed treasurer, as it was intended to enter into a subscription throughout the district. The Reform League and the Parks. During 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 Mounu'street, Grosvenor-square, who, whilst searching for his son, a deaf and dumb boy, had his head broken and his jaw frttcturedbythe policemen's truncheons, in con- sequence of which 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 Towns- hend, and his lordship and some members of the League brought ithe man to the Home-office, but an interview was declined by Mr. Walpole and Sir R. Mayne, who was conferring with him. Sir Richard stating that whatever was sent in 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 permitted to be held there. This meeting was not f directly promoted by the League, but was intended ta 1 be of a local character for people of the East-end. On Friday night a special meeting of the council of the Reform League was held ts receive the report of the depufeatien 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 wsre present from all the metropolitan branches. Mr, Edmond Beaks took the chair amid loud chaericg.—-Lettsrg were read by the secretary from Mr. John Bright, M.P. (approving the policy of the League), and quo from Mr. T. Hughes, M.P., as folLOWiS :— House of Commons, July 26, 1866. MY DEAR MJI. HOWELL,—I was much annoyed this morn- ing to seethe placard of the League, and this annoyance has been much increased by hearing Mr. "Walpole's statement and Mr. Mill's reply, which show that the placard was printed before any arrangement had been come to. Much as I should like to see the question decided in favour of the League, I can support no naovemont whatever which has any smack of mob law about it; and I must ask you to let the council know this, and that if they attempt a meeting in Hyde-park.on Monday I will withdraw my subscription, and turn out as a special constable.-I am, &c., THOS. HUGHES. This letter was received with much laughter. The chairman (Mx. Beales) detailed the occurrences of the past week, in which the League had been con- cerned, including- 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, which no one regretted more than himself, and explained how it had probably occurred. He would not be a party to take any ad van. tago of that misunderstanding, and if the council de- cided that the meeting in the park should be persevered in, in the face of the declared determination of the Government to oppose its being held by force, if ixeeeesary, he for one must decline to take the respsn- eibiliiy of the disastrous consequences that might enssie. At the same time he was decidedly of opinion that a public meeting was necessary to denounce the conduct of the Government, and the savage and ferociouc .conduct of the ruffianly police (cheers). A note from the Marquis Townshend was read, sug- gesting, afi a peaceable mode of settling the question, that several of -the council should go to Hyde-park at an early hour on Saturday morning, and there attempt to hold a meeting, and allow themselves to be quietly arrested. Mr. Beales said he had already submitted a ease to counsel, with a view of having the question determined in a court of law. Colonel Dickson, Mr. Odgers, Mr. Brookes, Mr. Merriman, Mr. Bradlaugh, and Mr. Lucraft having spoken, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to:— That the committees of the Reform League having on .Monday last, done sufficient to enable them to test in a legal manner the right of the people to meet in Hyde-park, the council hereby appoints a committee, which, in conjunction with the president, are to take immediate steps to bring the question to a legal issue; and it further resolves to hold a meeting of the members and friends of the League on Mon- day evening in the Agiicultural-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 in Victoria-park, in order that they may assist the League at their meeting in the Agricultural-hall." The remainder of the business related to matters of detail, including the mode of raising money to pav for the hail. A letter has been published by Mr. Beales in refer- ence to the misunderstanciing entertained by thedepu- tion to Mr. Walpole as to his assent to holding a meet- ing. In this letter Mr. Beales says that the disavowal of that assent by Mr. Walpole, who is an upright man, must be accepted as showing that he was rnisuHder- 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 for the imstrntfemaBcSing eatertained by them.