plate, which was a specimen of exquisite workmanship. It bears the following inscription:—
"Presented to J. B. Smith, Esq.,
"By the ladies of Walsall, as a testimonial of their gratitude and esteem for the patriotic and spirited manner in which he stood forward in February, 1841, to contest the representation of the borough against a monopolist and bread-taxer; for his upright and independent conduct and urbane demeanour during the struggle; for his general and unwearied advocacy of the rights of labour and happiness of all, in opposition to the selfish interests and usurped domination of a class. May he live to enjoy the reward of his exertions, in beholding truth triumphant and his country happy."
Mr. Smith then rose and said, that after so long an absence they would not be surprised that he felt some embarrassment at coming before them, and inadequate to express himself upon the reception of that beautiful testimony of their kind esteem and regard. It was delightful to see so many then around him who had cheered him on in his contest, and many of whom had made great sacrifices for the advancement of those principles which he and they deemed essential to the welfare of their country. When he first came to Walsall, he had not the most distant idea of becoming a candidate, and it was nothing but a deep sense of the importance of the struggle in which they were then engaged that could have induced him to engage in so arduous a contest. It was the first struggle for free trade which they had had in the kingdom. It was nobly fought, and, though they were defeated, they were greatly indebted to the generous enthusiasm of the ladies for the favourable struggle they had made. When he commenced the canvass, his opponent boasted that he could command 700 votes, and that he (Mr. Smith) could not raise 500 supporters. He believed there was some truth in the calculation which was then made; and if he had come forward upon any other grounds than those which he had adopted, he never could have succeeded to the extent he did against such great odds. He did not
