order, and quite inapplicable, it being well known that Mr. Brisco was one of the most liberal benefactors to the poor in the whole borough]. He pledged himself to vote against any attempt to re-impose a duty on foreign corn. He had endeavoured to advance the prosperity of his labourers, many of whom were there and could speak for themselves. He felt a pleasure in going round to the cottagers, to see if they were comfortable [Much confusion and interruption here prevailed, caused by the rougher element among the Liberals, which induced even Mr. Cooper to call for order, and to declare that Mr. Brisco was one of the best landlords in the county, and that he (Mr. C.) as a liberal, had a right to say it]. He was always happy to meet his tenants and workpeople, and he believed that no one could charge him with ever having done a dishonourable action [Cheers and hisses].
Ald. J. A. Warre said it was with feelings of proud gratification that he found himself once more on his old ground. He would express his concurrence in what had been said by their townsman, Mr. F. Smith, and would endeavour to avoid all personalities; but on the question of Free Trade he had expected something more encouraging than a cold and reluctant consent. He had expected something about the extension of the franchise, upon law reform and upon national education. On Mr. Brisco’s banners he noticed “Reform when needed” and “No Delusion” [Laughter]. He disliked delusions as much as anybody, but Mr. Brisco should have told them what delusions he meant [The reporters’ bench here broke down through other persons getting on them for whom they were not intended, which caused more laughter, but no slaughter]. He wished to put a few questions to Mr. Robertson, if not too late in the day. He had expected him to fulfil a recorded promise of some ten weeks date, that he was looking forward to various opportunities of stating his views at greater length. It was for Mr. Robertson to choose his own time, but the opportunities were now reduced to one. There were hundreds and thousands who were disappointed that explanations had not come sooner. [The speaker then indulged in personalities which he had promised not to do. He was profuse in questions and assertions, and evoked responses of a similar character, which gave rise to much confusion. He was told to be content with giving his own opinion, and when asked if he did not vote for the Militia Bill, he said he did not, because there was none when he was in Parliament, but he admitted having voted for the Mutiny Bill, and told Mr. Langham that he was making a happy confusion between lawyers’ law and military law.] He would ask Mr. Robertson to give his opinion on the management clauses of the Education question, a matter of no small moment, the dispute being whether the Puseyites should not have the dominant ascendancy [Conservative No, no!] He would tell them that if they had heard as he had done, the great discussions on the point, they would not be so ready to say No! [Here the speaker was frequently interrupted and much confusion prevailed]. He -
