I - Prelude

Summary

‘There is no country in the world where every class can speak its own mind and exercise its influence so openly and earnestly as in England: no country where there is so little practical separation between the several classes…; none where the freedom of the individual is so absolutely secured; and none where social rank and personal influence enjoy a stronger sway over every class. There is no country therefore more free or less democratic.’

Thornton Hunt (of the Daily Telegraph) to Layard, May I 1866. Add. MSS 38993

‘If the nation is to be split into two parts and there is to be a wide gulf between them, there is nothing for the future but subjection for you are powerless to obtain your end: but working with a large portion of the middle class and with the most intelligent and just of the highest social class, we may find these great measures accomplished without any violation of public peace and without any disruption of that general harmony which ought to prevail throughout all classes of the people.’

Bright to Leeds Manhood Suffrage meeting, October 8 1866 (Morning Star, October 9 1866)

‘Come, then, Fellow-workmen, and let your orderly conduct, your respectable demeanour and law-abiding qualities, be so many thousand mouths, whose united voice shall make your enemies stammer forth the sacred truth that the vast Aerarian classes of this country are worthy of the Franchise.’

Hugh McGregor, Hon. Sec. Working-Men's Rights Association, on proclaiming break-away from Reform League and determination to meet in Hyde Park on Good Friday 1867. H.O. OS 7854