The Northampton Herald of this day reports the proceedings at
the Mayor's dinner, on Tuesday, which was attended by the Borough Members, Mr. Vernon Smith and Mr. Raikes Currie, and Earl Spencer. The Earl declared that neither of the two Members was a stronger ad- vocate for free trade than he was. He did not think that repeal of the Corn-laws would materially lower the price of wheat ; but it would raise the price of corn abroad, and enable our manufacturers better to compete with those on the Continent ; it would directly or indirectly promote the export of manufactures, to pay for corn imported ; it would give the people more employment, and raise wages; he believed that it would benefit the agriculturists as well as the country at large ; and therefore he was " an advocate for total repeal of the Corn-laws."
Sir Edward Knatchbull presided at an agricultural meeting in Faver- sham, on Thursday. There was nothing particularly novel in his speech, except that he rather came out as an adherent of the new agri- cultural movement : he counselled energy among farmers ; advised them to better the condition of their labourers by giving them employment ; and professed himself willing to give leases, though he does not yet do so, his tenants having equal confidence in him without.
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