1849.
Ar. 45.

504

HAY.
LIFE OF OOBDEN. [o

strength for the one question as the other, by merely gothing
people to register and qualify for retrenchment and direct
taxation. Besides, I have no objection to our advocating
Reform, whilst advocating economy. I should myself do
go. I would say— We may cut down the expenditure, a8
we did in 1835; but it will grow up again, as it has sinc
unless either the agitation were perpetual, or the Parliamen?
were reformed. I have no objection to this line of arg%
ment. I object only to our separating ourselves from Liver
pool in our organization.
“And now I think I know the feeling of the majority of
the influential money-givers in Manchester, and I feel gon
vinced that they would all give their 10l. more heartily
for my plan than any other. It would at once put WilsoZ
you, and me in a pure and disinterested light before their
eyes. We should not be open to even the shade of a 80%
picion of wishing to arrogate to ourselves any separate line,
or to use them as onr party, or to make Manchester needlessly
 the focus of a central agitation. You would have far
more strength upon the platform for my object than any
other, T have only room to add—advertise a meeting %
co-operate with Liverpool in Financial Reform, and make
any use you like of my name. . . . . T have a good opinio®
of Paulton’s judgment. Not a word has passed between
on this subject; but I wish you would let him read ®J
letters, and ask him to give a candid opinion on the matte”
in discussion.”
Before the session began, he took part along with Mr.
Bright in a ceremony of joyful commemoration. Peel’®
measure of 1846 provided that the duty on corn should
expire at the end of three years (see vol. i. p. 855). The
day arrived on the first of February, 1849. On the eve™
ing of the thirty-first of January a gathering was held 12
the great ball at Manchester. Speeches were made ond
choruses were sung until midnight. When twelve o'clof¥