On the 24th of September, in the Free-trade Hall, Manchester, which was crowded almost to suffocation by upwards of 5,000 persons, Mr Bright, was presented with an Address by the Reform League recently established in that city. In accepting it, Mr Bright spoke as follows:

I was not aware when I was invited to attend this meeting that anything different from the ordinary course of proceedings would take place. I was not informed that I should be honoured by the presentation of any address. I accept this address with many thanks for the kindness which you have shown me; at the same time I accept it with something like fear and trembling, because of the mighty responsibility which by this address you would throw upon me. I have never had any ambition for leadership; I do not feel myself to have fitness for such an office. I have worked hitherto wheresoever I chanced to be, whether in the ranks or in the front; and without pledging myself to undertake all that this address asks of me to undertake, and perform, I may, however, freely pledge myself to this, that wherever I find men willing to work for human freedom and human happiness, I trust I shall be ready to take my part with them.