proceedings were immediately taken to canvass the borough. The following is a copy of Mr. Rawson's address:
"Gentleman,—The resignation of Mr. Hawkes having caused a vacancy in the representation of your borough, I have, at the earnest request of the friends of free trade in Dudley, consented to offer myself as a candidate for your suffrages.
"Free trade I believe to be essential to the prosperity and happiness of all classes in this country. In this district the iron, mail, and glass trades have, until very lately, been in a state of great depression; the most skilled and hard-working men have scarcely been able to live by their labour.
"Every recurrence of insufficient harvests, and seasons of scarcity, must inevitably bring about periods of suffering, similar to those which you have just experienced, unless you can secure for the fruits of your industry a free exchange for the commodities of other countries.
"The repeal of the Corn Laws would increase your trade, and so find room for your ever-increasing population, by enabling you to sell your glass, iron, nails, and other manufactures, for the corn and provisions of foreign countries. There need never be want in England. The industry and skill of the people are unequalled, and yet the working men do not get a fair day's wages for a fair day's work; and never can, until they are at liberty to work for the whole world, and take in payment whatever the world can give.
"Should I be chosen to represent you in the House of Commons, my utmost efforts shall be used to carry the total repeal of the Corn Lars, and of all other laws made for the benefit of the few, to the injury of the great masses of the people.
"Gentlemen, your faithful servant,
"William Rawson.
"Manchester, August 3, 1844."
In the evening a very numerous public meeting was held in the large Lancasterian School-room, Stafford-street, which was addressed in a speech of much ability by R. R. Moore, Esq., and by Mr. Rawson, the free-trade candidate. A very excellent spirit pervaded the meeting, and a resolution to do all that could be done was manifested by those present. During Monday and Tuesday the canvass was prosecuted with zeal, and in all quarters where independence existed there was a most gratifying result. On
