day, when I was speaking of the Corn Laws, 'Never keep them on on our account; I can only say, it is impossible to make this country worse, as to bring it into a state of greater degredation.' (Hear, hear.) It has not, therefore, answered their purpose; and, if I am to believe what I hear from the months of British farmers, it has not answered their purpose either, When I look at the farmers in this country, when I look at the condition in which they are placed at this moment, I say it is necessary, when you talk of an experiment being tried, to ask upon whom are you to try it? Not upon a party that is whole, but upon one that is sick. And when I look to what we are brought at this moment—for we are glad even of lard—I ask, is this the state of things after thirty years? protection? (Hear, hear.) If it is, I for one am willing to give up that protection. (Load cheers.) I say this conscientiously, All I have in the world is in the land and on the land (hear, hear); but I have this consolation, let the wind blow high or blow low, I have acted conscientiously. I have made this declaration, because I am a party deeply interested. I have taken an active part against free trade, and, now that I have changed my opinions, I am not ashamed to own it. (Loud cheers.) I have done this conscientiously; I have done it because I believe free trade to be right; and, marls you, I do not mean free trade only in corn, but in sugar and timber too. (Hear, hear.) And one reason why I come forward to espouse this cause is, because I cannot ask for free trade in sugar while corn is protected. I know well, that, if I want to build a house, I must build it with timber which will soon decay, because I cannot go to the market to buy better, Therefore, I think it is for the interest of every class that this cause should triumph; and I have come forward in its behalf, as I have told you, conscientiously, because, I believe, it will secure the safety of the crown, the upholding of the aristocracy, nad the increase of the happiness and comforts of the people. (Immense cheering.)"
Mr. Cobden and Mr. W. J. Fox followed, and delivered spirit-stirring and hope-inspiring speeches, exciting the utmost enthusiasm in the meeting
The opening of the Bazaar in Covent Garden Theatre, May 8th, created an interest scarcely inferior to that which was felt at a later and happier period at the opening of the Crystal Palace, in Hyde Park. The London newspapers, whether of protectionist or free-trade principles, vied with each other in describing the interior of the theatre, the extensive contributions, and the daily proceedings. The
