ecause
it had been convened by the high sheriff; and he thanked them for the
patience with which they had listened to his observations, though
neither he nor his colleagues considered it to be properly designated as
a farmers' meeting, the majority present being composed of other
classes.

Mr Cobden briefly replied; and

Mr Towle (a tenant farmer) moved the following amendment, "That in the
opinion of this meeting the principles of free trade are in accordance
with the laws of nature and conducive to the welfare of mankind, and
that all laws which interfere with the free intercourse of nations,
under the pretence of protection to the agricultural, colonial, or
manufacturing interests, ought to be forthwith abolished."

The motion having been seconded, was put, and declared to be carried,
with only three dissentients.

Mr Henley then proposed, and Mr Cobden seconded, a vote of thanks to the
chairman, who briefly acknowledged the compliment, and three cheers
having been given for free trade the meeting separated, having lasted
nearly five hours.

* * * * *

PUBLIC DINNER TO R. WALKER, ESQ., M.P., BURY.--On Wednesday week a
public dinner was given, in the Free-Trade Pavilion, Paradise street,
Bury, by the electors of Bury, to the above-named gentleman, for his
constant advocacy of Liberal principles in the House of Commons. The
meeting, though called to do honour to the worthy representative of
Bury, was emphatically a gathering of the friends of free trade, Mr
Bright, Dr Bowring, Mr Brotherton, &c., being present.

DR BOWRING'S VISIT TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.--Dr Bowring arrived in Bolton,
on his annual visit, on Thursday week. In the course of the afternoon he
called upon several of the leading reformers and free-traders of the
borough; and in the evening, according to public announcement, he
attended at the Temperance hall, Little Bolton, to address the
inhabitants generally. The doors of the hall were opened at seven
o'clock, and hundreds immediately flocked in. At half-past seven, the
hall was crowded to excess in every part. On Dr Bowring's entrance, he
was greeted with loud cheers. The chief portion of the proceedings
consisted in the speech of the learned and honourable member, who, as
might be expected, dwelt with great power on the question of
questions--free trade. We have only room for the following eloquent
passage: "The more I see of England, the prouder I am to recognise he