of that term the ministry which they were sent to support felt itself safe, whatever might be the state of public opinion. Under triennial parliaments there might have been expected, in this eighteen forty-four, not a majority of free traders, but such a minority as, promising soon to become a majority, would have given it almost the power of a majority; but Peel's parliament might exist for four years more, and therefore Peel's ministry might "wait on Providence," and calmly look on the storm without: and the more calmly, perhaps, from the belief that a considerable portion of the free traders, with a four years' inert resistance before them, might compromise with the whigs for an eight or ten shillings fixed duty, and thus load themselves with an odium that would render them powerless.
With that resistance, provided by "matchless constitution," irremovable for four long years, the members of the League abated not a jot of faith or hope, energy or determination They felt that they had justice on their side. They saw that the instruction of the people had already done something, and they believed that it would do more; and they felt that even if the struggle should last for four years more, in addition to the five during which, with less hope of success, it had already existed, the benefit to the people would be worth all the labour expended.
The realization of the 100,000 fund went on most promisingly. On the 4th January a meeting was held at Oldham, attended by Mr. Cobden, Col. Thompson, and Mr. Moore, at which the sum of £860 was subscribed. On the following evening one took place at Bolton, attended by Mr. Cobden, Col. Thompson, Mr. Moore, and Mr. W. Evans, at which the sum of £1,205 was subscribed, of which £200 was from Messrs. Callender, Bickham, & Cross; £200 from H. & E. Ashworth; £100 each from J. K. Barnes & Son, and Mr. Thomas Thomasson; and 50 each from R. & J. Lord, and Arrowsmith & Sons. On the 4th January, Mr. Bright and Col. Thompson attended
