AND THE DUKES OF BICEMOND. 175 



with the agricultural interest. His Grace's pre- 

 dictions of the effect Free Trade would have by the 

 abolition of the Corn Laws has been fully verified, 

 and probably in a more serious degree by the in- 

 creased facilities in communication and transit ; the 

 result of which has been the ruin of many engaged 

 in agriculture, and the reduction of incomes derived 

 from landed property, affecting the general employ- 

 ment of labour and the interests of the local tradesman. 



When his Grace had no opportunity of expressing 

 his views in the House, he did not fail to speak else- 

 where in support of the great and important cause 

 he had so strenuously advocated. 



On the 1st of May, 1849, a meeting was held at 

 the Hall of Commerce, Threadneedle Street, convened 

 by persons engaged in the agricultural, commercial, 

 manufacturing, and shipping industries, who were 

 favourable to the principle of moderate, just, and 

 equal protection to every interest of the State. 



The Duke was called to the chair, and in his 

 opening speech said : "He had to congratulate the 

 friends of the great principle of protection on the 

 large and influential assembly he saw around him. 

 He had ventured to take the chair on the present 

 occasion — a meeting of the citizens of London — not 

 because he felt himself entitled to do so from any 

 talent he possessed, but because, yielding to none in 

 his desire to see fair, just, and adequate protection to 



