Benbow's speech was not heard beyond the few who surrounded him on the hustings, but he agreed that free trade was a good thing if other nations would become free traders. Mr. Rawson spoke with great freedom and effect. He pointed out the hollowness of the plea that the Corn Law protected the industry of the people, for by it the price of their food was raised, and the value of their labour depreciated. He drew a picture of the terrible sufferings which the population of that district had so recently endured, and proved its intimate connection with the high price of food during the years 1839, 1840, and 1841; and tracing the matter still further, he clearly showed how reviving prosperity was the attendant on reduced prices of food, the consequence of more abundant harvests. These points were loudly cheered, and were evidently well understood by the auditory. He then stated his conviction that two-thirds of the electors would vote for him if they dared; wherever he had gone they had wished him success, and declared that he should have their support if they could vote for bin without the risk of losing their employment. He asked his honourable opponent, on behalf of these voters, to pledge himself before that meeting that no unfair conduct would be pursued towards those who voted according to their consciences at this election. After this appeal, My, Rawson, turning towards his opponent, said, "I pause, sir, for a reply;" but the monopolist candidate remained silent amidst the shouts of the people, "Let us vote as we like."
Mr. Bolton, the returning officer, then called for a show of hands, when certainly two-thirds of the immense multitude raised their hands in favour of Mr. Rawson. The decision of the returning officer was at once given in his favour, amidst the most deafening cheers from the assembled thousands, and the countenances of the poor colliers who had been brought against him bore evidences of no less pleasure from the decision than did those of the
