Mr. Moran to Mr. Seward
Sir: In the early part of the present week an important meeting was held in Manchester, under the auspices of the Reform League. This organization is but a few months’ old, but it possesses much power, and is destined to exert an influence in effecting the political enfranchisement of the lower classes of England, but little less powerful than that wielded by the Anti-Corn Law League twenty years ago, in advancing the principles of free trade. Its growth has been rapid, and the interest it has created in the mind of the masses in favor of an extension of the suffrage is regarded by prominent persons as too serious to be treated with indifference. Indeed, judging from the tone of the opposition or conservative press, there is manifest alarm in the ranks of that party about its success. The pretended feeling of contempt entertained towards it about the time of the Hyde Park riots, has given way to respect. And several of the London newspapers, heretofore disposed to indulge in denunciations of its objects, have assumed a conciliatory style of remark. They are trimming their sails to catch the popular breeze; for but few members of the political parties of the time believe that any public business of importance can be transacted in the next session of Parliament until this question of reform shall have received due consideration. In fact it is pretty generally conceded that an extension of the franchise must be granted. The meeting at Manchester on Monday is considered as simply the forerunner of others of equal consequence in the northern counties of this kingdom. It is believed that in the beginning of the year there will be an expression of the popular sentiment from almost all the large towns in that section of England, as well as from those of Scotland. And this movement on the part of the non-voting masses cannot wisely be opposed. Edinburg will no doubt continue to adhere to her past convictions; but the rest of the country north of the Tweed, and particularly those portions influenced by the great towns of Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen, are thought to be almost certain to take decided ground in favor of the popular movement. There is considerable democratic feeling in Scotland, and this is powerfully encouraged by the preachers.
I transmit copies of several London newspapers containing reports of Mr. Bright’s speech at Manchester, as well as editorial comments thereon. These, while tacitly admitting the justice of the popular demand, differ only as to the character of the measure that may ultimately be adopted:
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.