The centre of agitation for free-trade, especially in breadstuff’s, was Manchester,—­the second city of the kingdom for wealth, population, and influence, taking in the surrounding towns,—­a very uninteresting place to the tourist and traveller; dingy, smoky, and rainy, without imposing architecture or beautiful streets; but a town of great intellectual activity in all matters pertaining to industrial enterprise and economical science,—­the head centre of unpoetical materialism, where most of the well-to-do people dined at one o’clock.

As soon as this town was permitted to send members to Parliament it selected eminent free-traders,—­Poulett Thomson and Mark Phillips,—­who distinguished themselves for the fearlessness of their speeches on an unpopular subject.  The agitation in Parliament had begun in 1836, at a period of great depression in all kinds of business and consequent suffering among the poor; but neither London nor the House of Commons was so favorable to the agitation of the principles of free-trade as Manchester was, and the subject began to be discussed throughout the country.  An unknown man by the name of Poulton was the first to gain attention by his popular harangues; and he was soon followed by Richard Cobden,—­a successful calico printer.

An Anti-Corn-Law Association was started by these pioneers, and L1,800 were raised by small subscriptions to enlighten the people on the principles of free-trade, when protection was the settled policy of the government.  The Association was soon after reinforced by John Bright, an exceedingly brilliant popular orator, who was rich enough to devote a large part of his time to the spread of his opinions.  Between him and Cobden a friendship and cordial co-operation sprang up, which lasted to the death of the latter.  They were convinced that the cause which they had so much at heart could be effectually advanced only by the widest dissemination of its principles by public meetings, by tracts and by lectures.  It was their aim to change public opinion, for all efforts would be in vain unless the people—­and especially their leaders—­were enlightened on the principles they advocated.  They had faith in the ultimate triumph of these principles because they believed them to be true.  From simple faith in the power of truth they headed the most tremendous agitation known in England since the passage of the Reform Bill.  It was their mission to show conclusively to all intelligent people that it was for the interest of the country to abolish the corn laws, and that the manufacturing classes would be the most signally benefited.  To effect this purpose it was necessary to raise a large sum of money; and the friends and advocates of the movement most liberally subscribed to circulate the millions of tracts and newspapers which the Association scattered into every hamlet and private family in England, besides the members personally giving their time and effort in public speeches and lectures in all parts of the country.  “It was felt that the battle of free-trade must be fought first by the conversion of individuals, then at the hustings, and lastly in the House of Commons.”