and the foul and pestilential principles which, by their action, began, forty years ago, to consign to beggary hundreds of thousands of harmless and ingenious hand-loom weavers, seem destined, if not speedily resisted, to sweep away all the barriers that still remain to shelter productive industry from the encroachments of those classes of men, to whom the abasement of industry is the source of increased power and influence."
From the Times:—
"Mr. Cobden's speech was clever and pointed. It was creditable to his talents, as evincing an aptitude of mind and an ability to adapt bis style to the air of the place and the taste of his audience; but we do not think it was equally creditable to his judgment. A stronger impression might have been made, had he abstained from personality and persiflage. Still, allowance must be made for a man who had to repeat a tale for the nine hundred and ninety-ninth time, and who, therefore, was compelled to adapt it to the palate of his hearers. * * * * But the debate is over; the question is settled; for how long? How many even of the majority are satisfied with the working of the sliding scale? How many of the minority would be gratified by an utter and immediate abolition of all corn duties? These questions may perhaps be answered before June, A.D. 1844. Meantime, the legislature reposes from much operose and futile talk; and time is given to Mr. Cobden to ingratiate himself with his new friends, the farmers; to Col. Sibthorp, to point new and delicate jests; to Mr. E. Buller, to cull new and á propos quotations."
From the Spectator:—
"Mr. Blackstone and his class are in despair, and almost disposed to give up the struggle; other agriculturists, like Mr. Campbell, boldly embrace Peel free-trade, with the sound of which ministers continue to familiarise their followers, as if in preparation for future contingencies; Mr. Gladstone being the eloquent asserter of their principles, and the adroit special pleader for not applying them yet. Lord Howick is prepared to support total and immediate repeal, if he cannot establish a fixed duty of four or five shillings. Lord John Russell, less in advance, adheres to his fixed duty, with a manner that says he will be obstinate as long as he can. The doom of the Corn Laws is to be learned in these indications, from the mouths of agricultural members and of tenant farmers."
From the Morning Chronicle:—
