traders in the House of Commons was only 125 out of 658 members. Further means were needed to bring that body into accordance with public opinion.
Five years had elapsed from the time at which the Manchester Anti-Corn-Law Association had been established. Three years had elapsed from the time at which the League, representing hundreds of local associations, had begun to exercise some influence upon elections. During that time thirty-five members had been added to the free-trade party in parliament. That fact marked progress; very slow progress indeed; but there was reason to believe that the increase of strength there would go on in an accelerating ratio. Fifty thousand pounds had been readily given to carry on the operations of the League for one year, and the council had faith that the public would accede to the claim of means to carry on, at the same rate, the wholesome agitation for two years more, It was resolved to raise a fund of one hundred thousand pounds, to engage Covent Garden for fifty nights, although it was known that the rent would be three thousand pounds; to expend ten thousand pounds a year in distributing amongst ten thousand subscribers, of one pound and upwards to the fund, a full sized-weekly newspaper, to be called The League, instead of the small fortnightly publication called the Anti-Bread-Tax Circular, and that in addition to the constant labours of some twelve or fourteen lecturers, and the incessant and liberal distribution of tracts to electors in counties and boroughs, members of the League should be invited to become deputies, whensoever any locality invited aid in the work of public instruction; for now requisitions for the services of Cobden and Bright had become so numerous, that, ubiquitous as those gentlemen seemed to be, it was impossible that they could comply with one tenth of the demands made upon them.
The first number of The League, published in London, under the able editorship of Mr. Paulton, appeared on
