The Online Library of Liberty

A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.

• Public and Parliamentary Speeches 1869–1873
• July 1869 to March 1873
• 143.: The Cobden Club 10 July, 1869
• 144.: Women’s Suffrage [1] 18 July, 1869
• 145.: The Education Bill [1] 25 March, 1870
• 146.: Women’s Suffrage [2] 26 March, 1870
• 147.: The Education Bill [2] 4 April, 1870
• 148.: Election to School Boards [1] 22 October, 1870
• 149.: Election to School Boards [2] 9 November, 1870
• 150.: Women’s Suffrage [3] 12 January, 1871
• 151.: The Cumulative Vote 13 February, 1871
• 152.: Discussion of the Contagious Diseases Acts 23 February, 1871
• 153.: The Army Bill 10 March, 1871
• 154.: Land Tenure Reform [1] 15 May, 1871
• 155.: Land Tenure Reform [2] 18 March, 1873
• Appendices
• Appendix A: the Manuscripts
• Appendix B: Questions Before Committees of the House of Commons (1866, 1868)
• I.: Select Committee On Metropolitan Local Government
• II.: Select Committee On Extradition
• Appendix C: Petitions In the House of Commons (1866-68)
• Appendix D: Manuscript Drafts of Speech
• I. Manuscript Draft of the Westminster Election of 1865 [2] (1865)
• II.: Manuscript Draft of Representation of the People [2] (1866)
• III.: Manuscript Draft of Women’s Suffrage [1] (1869)
• IV.: Manuscript Draft of the Education Bill [1] (1870)
• Appendix E: Missing Speeches
• Appendix F: War and Peace, By Helen Taylor (1871)
• Appendix G: Textual Emendations
• Appendix H: Index of Persons, and Works Cited, With Variants and Notes

Appendix C

Petitions in the House of Commons (1866-68)

After 1842, petitioning had little effect on the House of Commons, but Mill was continuing a strong Radical tradition in agreeing to present petitions, seeing himself like his earlier congeners as a representative of the unrepresented, especially of minorities. Though there can be no question about his whole-hearted support of the views of some of the petitions, it must not be assumed that he agreed with all of them; indeed he not infrequently presented petitions on both sides of an issue, and his opposition to that concerning Napier (5 June, 1868) is part of the record. This appendix is not therefore a record of his beliefs; it is, however, an index of his repute nationally as well as locally, and of his exceptionally busy and regular parliamentary activity.

The reports are summarized from the Reports of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Public Petitions [RPP], checked substantively whenever possible against those in The Times [TT], and (for 1867) against the St. Stephen’s Chronicle. Indication is given when the petition is given in full in an Appendix to RPP, or summarized as part of the entry. In one case, when Mill presented in one day (5 May, 1868) over one hundred individual petitions in favour of Municipal Government for the Metropolis, the entries are (as in TT) conflated into one.

1866

19 February

For repeal or reduction of the duty on fire insurance, from merchants, manufacturers, and traders of the city of Westminster. (No. 229, 772 signatures; TT, 20 Feb., p. 6.)

22 February

That adequate provision might be made for the religious worship and instruction of Catholic juvenile offenders in the Industrial School at Feltham, from members of the Roman Catholic Church in Farm Street, Berkeley Square. (No. 282, 257 signatures; TT, 23 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from members of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Horseferry Road. (No. 283, 733 signatures; TT, 23 Feb., p. 6.)

That provision be made for the spiritual instruction of Roman Catholic adults and children in workhouses and reformatories, from members of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Horseferry Road. (No. 287, 711 signatures; TT, 23 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from members of the Roman Catholic Chapel in Farm Street, Berkeley Square. (No. 288, 260 signatures; TT, 23 Feb., p. 6.)

27 February

For repeal or reduction of the duty on fire insurance, from the Minerva Permanent Benefit Building Society. (No. 408, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Freehold and Leasehold Permanent Benefit Building Society. (No. 409, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from the London Permanent Benefit Building Society. (No. 410, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Mutual Reversionary Investment Society (Limited). (No. 411, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Carlton Permanent Benefit Building Society. (No. 412, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Professional and Commercial Benefit Building Society. (No. 413, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Athenaeum Permanent Benefit Building Society. (No. 414, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Standard Benefit Building Society. (No. 415, 1 signature; TT, 28 Feb., p. 6.)

12 March

For extension of the suffrage to all adult males (excluding peers, those of unsound mind, and those convicted of crimes), and vote by ballot, from inhabitants of the City of London and the Metropolitan Districts, in a public meeting in St. Martin’s Hall, Longacre, 12 Dec., 1865. (No. 1461, 1 signature [Edmond Beales], printed in App. 180, pp. 77-8; TT, 13 Mar., p. 5.)

For repeal or reduction of the duty on fire insurance, from members of the Independent Building Society, No. 7. (No. 1738, 1 signature; TT, 13 Mar., p. 5.)

Idem, from members of the Land, Building, Investment, and Cottage Improvement Company (Limited). (No. 1739, 1 signature; TT, 13 Mar., p. 5.)

Idem, from members of the Independent Building Society, No. 6. (No. 1740, 1 signature; TT, 13 Mar., p. 5.)

13 March

For readjustment and redistribution of Irish Church property, from the parish of Scarriff and Moywe, County Clare. (No. 1708, 323 signatures, printed in App. 185, p. 79; TT, 14 Mar., p. 5.)

10 April

Praying that those who have suffered from vaccination may be examined at the bar of the House before the Vaccination Bill is passed, from John Lofts and others. (No. 3430, 62 signatures; TT, 11 Apr., p. 6.)

12 April

In favour of the Representation of the People Bill, from working men of London in public meeting assembled in St. Martin’s Hall. (No. 3776, 1 signature [George Potter]; TT, 13 Apr., p. 5.)

17 April

In favour of the Hop Trade Bill, from the brewers of Westminster. (No. 4935, 4 signatures; TT, 18 Apr., p. 6.)

27 April

In favour of the Representation of the People Bill, from the Vestry of the parish of St. James’s, Westminster, under their common seal. (No. 5871, sealed, printed in App. 523, p. 211; TT, 28 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from inhabitants of Westminster in public meeting to the number of 2500 assembled (the Members for the City being present) at St. James’s Hall. (No. 5872, 1 signature [Charles Westerton], printed in App. 524, p. 211; TT, 28 Apr., p. 6.)

7 May

For reduction of public expenditure, from the gentry, merchants, professional gentlemen, and others in Westminster. (No. 7049, 828 signatures; TT, 8 May, p. 8, identifies the topic as abolishing the duty on fire insurance and modifying the Income-tax, and says 834 signatures.)

14 May

For a committee of inquiry into the attitude of the working classes towards the opening of the national museums, etc., on Sundays, with evidence from the trade societies and representatives of the large workshops, from a meeting of 1000, including delegates from Trade Societies, in St. Martin’s Hall, Dec. 1865. (No. 7357, 1 signature, printed in App. 627, p. 250; TT, 15 May, p. 8.)

Praying that in the Bill for the completion of the approaches to the Thames Embankment, the site of Northumberland-house may be treated on the same principles of justice and equity as any other property, from the vestry of St. James’s, Westminster. (No. 7785, sealed; TT, 15 May, p. 8.)

17 May

Praying that two representatives in Parliament may be granted to the Scottish Universities, from the Principals and Professors of the University of St. Andrews, signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Principal John Tulloch. (No. 7340, 1 signature, the petition not assigned to Mill in RPP;¹TT, 18 May, p. 6.)

In favour of spiritual instruction for Roman Catholic pauper children, from wives and mothers belonging to the Roman Catholic congregation of St. Mary’s Horseferry Road. (No. 7475, 231 signatures; TT, 18 May, p. 6.)

Praying for an inquiry into his suggestions respecting sewage, the ventilation of the Houses of Parliament, the magnetic and meteorological survey, and other subjects, and into the circumstances under which he was removed from an appointment under the Board of Ordnance, from Franklin Coxworthy. (Not in RPP; TT, 18 May, p. 6.)

29 May

Against the Bills authorizing the construction of gasworks in the neighbourhood of Victoria Park, from inhabitants of the eastern and other divisions of the metropolis. (No. 8099, 358 signatures; TT, 30 May, p. 6.)

1 June

Against the Bills authorizing the construction of gasworks in the neighbourhood of Victoria Park, from inhabitants of the parishes of Stepney, Bow, Hackney, etc. (No. 8325, 224 signatures; TT, 2 June, p. 6.)

7 June

For extension of the electoral franchise to all householders, without distinction of sex, who possess such property or rental qualification as may be appointed for male voters, from Barbara L.S. Bodichon and others. (No. 8501, 1521 signatures,² printed in App. 747, p. 305; TT, 8 June, p. 5.)

8 June

Against the Bills authorizing the construction of gasworks in the neighbourhood of Victoria Park, from members of the East Central (London) Temperance Association. (No. 8705, 58 signatures; TT, 9 June, p. 6.)

11 June

Against the Bills authorizing the construction of gasworks in the neighbourhood of Victoria Park, from inhabitants and frequenters of Victoria Park. (No. 8706, 566 signatures; TT, 9 June, p. 6, implies only one petition submitted.)

Idem, from inhabitants and frequenters of Victoria Park. (No. 8707, 396 signatures; TT, 9 June, p. 6, implies only one petition on this subject submitted.)

Praying for a general, in lieu of a county, area of rating for compensation for losses by cattle plague, from inhabitants of the township of Hyde, Cheshire. (No. 8813, 105 signatures; TT, 12 June, p. 7.)

Praying for an investigation of the petitioners’ right and interest in 21 acres of land, of which they state that they have been unjustly deprived, from Joseph Gibbins and others, chiefly farm labourers, of Shawell, Leicestershire. (No. 8846, 8 signatures; TT, 12 June, p. 7.)

5 July

For a committee of inquiry into the currency laws, with a view to protect the working classes and their families from the injury done them by a high rate of discount, from working-men of the city of Cambridge. (No. 9447, 45 signatures; TT, 6 July, p. 6.)

Against the Bills authorizing the construction of gasworks in the neighbourhood of Victoria Park, from inhabitants of the East and North of London. (No. 9449, 100 signatures; TT, 6 July, p. 6.)

6 July

Praying for justice generally, and specially that the memory of her late husband, who had illegally suffered the death of a traitor and a felon, might be vindicated, and his sentence and execution be declared to have been illegal, from Mrs. Maria Jane Gordon, late of Kingston, Jamaica, and now of 40 Avenue Road, Regent’s Park, widow of George William Gordon, who was recently executed in Jamaica. (No. 9451, 1 signature, printed in App. 829, p. 341; TT, 7 July, p. 6.)

20 July

Praying that in case of any mediated intervention by France in the affairs of Italy the House will take measures to discountenance such intervention, from Mr. W.J. Linton, of Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. (No. 9569, 1 signature; TT, 21 July, p. 5.)

23 July

For the postponement of the Artisans and Labourers’ Dwellings Bill to another Session, from the Board of Works for the Strand District. (No. 9526, sealed; TT, 24 July, p. 6.)

2 August

Praying for inquiry into the conduct of Sir Richard Mayne and the police under his command, in regard to preventing a meeting from being held in Hyde Park, on the 23rd of July last, from inhabitants of the Metropolitan District, in public meeting assembled at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, on 30 July, 1866. (No. 9670, 1 signature [Edmond Beales], printed in App. 875, p. 376; TT, 3 Aug., p. 4 [saying 25th rather than 23rd July].)

10 August

Praying that the House will take steps for preventing the annexation of Mysore, and for maintaining that tributary State with every possible security for British interests and for the prosperity of the people of the country, from General John Briggs, the First Commissioner of Mysore; General J.S. Fraser, late resident at Hyderabad and at Mysore; Sir John Low, late member of the Supreme Council of India; Colonel Haines, late Judicial Commissioner at Mysore; General Jacob, late Commissioner of the Southern Mahratta Country; Sir Robert Hamilton, late agent to the Viceroy in Central India; and 50 others. (No. 9640, 56 signatures, printed in App. 869, pp. 36871; TT, 11 Aug., p. 6.)

1867

12 February

For Committee of Inquiry into allegations made with reference to the appointment of Sir Fitzroy Kelly to be Chief Baron of the Exchequer, from Rigby Wason of Corwar, Ayr. (No. 330, 1 signature; TT, 13 Feb., p. 6.)

15 February

Against the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday, from the minister and members of Trinity Independent Church, Dewsbury, Yorkshire. (No. 123, 198 signatures; TT, 16 Feb., p. 6.)

28 February

For residential and registered manhood suffrage and vote by ballot, from Henry Beal, of 9, Charles Street, Portman Square. (No. 984, 1 signature; TT, 1 Mar., p. 4.)

1 March

Praying that legislative provision be made for the removal to certified Roman Catholic schools of all Roman Catholic children in workhouses, from the Roman Catholics of the congregation of Farm Street Church, Berkeley Square. (No. 1034, 301 signatures, printed in App. 89, pp. 38-9; TT, 2 Mar., p. 6.)

4 March

For the repeal or reduction of the duty on fire insurance, from the Westminster Permanent Building Society. (No. 1254, 1 signature; TT, 5 Mar., p. 7.)

Idem, from the Second Warwick Building Society, held at the Saint Leonard’s Institution, Pimlico. (No. 1255, 1 signature; TT, 5 Mar., p. 7.)

Idem, from the Second Warwick Benefit Building Society, held at the Saint Leonard’s Institution, Pimlico. (No. 1256, 1 signature; TT, 5 Mar., p. 7.)

Idem, from the First Pimlico Building Society, held at 37 Warwick Street, Pimlico. (No. 1257, 4 signatures; TT, 5 Mar., p. 7.)

5 March

Stating that the petitioner was the first proposer of schools of design and industrial exhibitions; that with much labour and considerable cost he drew up a plan, for which he was promised pecuniary remuneration by a committee of the House of Commons; that a sum of money for this purpose was voted by the House, but never received by him in consequence of his not knowing when or to whom to apply for it, and praying that the intended remuneration may be given to him, from Robert Thomas Stothard. (Not in RPP; TT, 6 Mar., p. 6.)

8 March

For repeal or reduction of the duty on fire insurance, from the Seventh Pimlico Building Society, 37 Sloane Square. (No. 1284, 1 signature; TT, 9 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Athenaeum Permanent Benefit Building Society, held at 30 Regent Street, Piccadilly. (No. 1285, 1 signature; TT, 9 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Freehold and Leasehold Permanent Benefit Building Society, held at 20 Great Marlborough Street, Regent Street. (No. 1286, 1 signature; TT, 9 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Professional and Commercial Benefit Building Society, held at 20 Great Marlborough Street, Regent Street. (No. 1287, 1 signature; TT, 9 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Carlton Permanent Benefit Building Society, held at 30 Regent Street, Piccadilly. (No. 1288, 1 signature; TT, 9 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Mutual Reversionary Investment Society (Limited), 30 Regent Street, Piccadilly. (No. 1289, 1 signature; TT, 9 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Land, Building, Investment, and Cottage Improvement Company (Limited), 18 Adam Street, Adelphi. (No. 1290, 1 signature; TT, 9 Mar., p. 6.)

12 March

In favour of opening the British Museum and similar institutions thrice a week, from 7 to 10 p.m., from inhabitants of St. Saviour’s, Chelsea, at a meeting held on 6 March at the National School Rooms. (No. 1523, 1 signature; TT, 13 Mar., p. 6.)

Praying that the penalties for deficient weights and measures may be confined to cases of fraud, from the tradesmen of Dean Street, Old Compton Street, and other parts of Soho. (No. 1559, 126 signatures; TT, 13 Mar., p. 6.)

14 March

For the restriction of Sunday trading, from the tradesmen of Bloomsbury, etc. (No. 1638, 126 signatures; TT, 15 Mar., p. 4.)

For a measure re-establishing the exemption from rates of hospitals and other like charities, from the House Committee of the Westminster Hospital. (No. 1659, 1 signature, the petition not assigned to Mill in RPP;³TT, 15 Mar., p. 4.)

15 March

Praying that women be admitted to the electoral franchise on whatever qualifications—of property, rent, taxation, or education—which the House may adopt in the case of men, from Mrs. Elizabeth Wilmshurst French, of Staplehurst, Kent. (No. 1562, 1 signature; TT, 16 Mar., p. 6.)

18 March

In favour of the Bill for the abolition of Tests in the University of Oxford, from the members of the Senatus Academicus of the University of St. Andrews. (No. 1779, 9 signatures, printed in App. 179, p. 84; TT, 19 Mar., p. 5.)

19 March

In favour of the repeal or reduction of duty on fire insurance, from the Thirteenth Saint Martin’s Mutual Benefit Building Society, 119 Long Acre. (No. 1825, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Eleventh Saint Martin’s Mutual Benefit Building Society, 119 Long Acre. (No. 1826, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Fifth Saint Martin’s Mutual Benefit Building Society, 119 Long Acre. (No. 1827, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Sixty-fourth Starr Bowkett Benefit Building Society, held at the school room, Grafton Street Chapel, Grafton Street, Fitzroy Square. (No. 1828, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Twelfth Saint Martin’s Mutual Benefit Building Society, held at 120 Long Acre (No. 1829, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Metropolitan and Suburban Benefit Building Society, 387 Oxford Street West. (No. 1830, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the No. 1 Ancient Order of Foresters Building Society, Star and Garter, Poland Street, Oxford Street. (No. 1831, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Warwick Mutual Benefit Building Society, held at the Queen’s Arms, Warwick Street, Pimlico. (No. 1832, 1 signature; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

Against the Metropolitan Improvements Bill, from the vestry of the parish of St. Martin in the Fields. (No. 1875, sealed; TT, 20 Mar., p. 6.)

20 March

For a searching investigation into the present mode of inspecting weights and measures, from the tradesmen of Westminster and Pimlico. (No. 2052, 151 signatures; TT, 21 Mar., p. 6.)

21 March

Against the Metropolitan Improvements Bill, from the Board of Works, Westminster District. (No. 2008, sealed; TT, 22 Mar., p. 5.)

22 March

For the complete enfranchisement of the working classes, from George Jacob Holyoake. (No. 1889, 1 signature, summary with entry, p. 165; TT, 23 Mar., p. 6.)

In favour of amending the Printworks Act by reducing the hours of labour for women and children, from the workpeople employed at Belfield Printworks, Rochdale, Lancaster. (No. 2034, 200 signatures; TT, 23 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the workpeople employed at Hollingworth Mill Printworks, Hollingworth, Chester. (No. 2035, 71 signatures; TT, 23 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the workpeople employed at Dinting Vale Printworks, Glossop, Derby. (No. 2036, 510 signatures; TT, 23 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the workpeople employed at Reddich Vale, Lancaster. (Not in RPP; TT, 23 Mar., p. 6.)

25 March

That the national museums, picture galleries, botanical gardens, and similar collections be open to the public on Sunday afternoons, from the employés of Messrs. Arnold, Jermyn Street, St. James’s and others. (No. 2081, 30 signatures; TT, 26 Mar., p. 3.)

Idem, from the employés of Messrs. P. and W. Wilson, tinplate workers, Wardour Street, Soho. (No. 2082, 71 signatures, printed in App. 236, p. 107; TT, 26 Mar., p. 3.)

Idem, from the employés of the London Journal Office. (No. 2083, 32 signatures; TT, 26 Mar., p. 3.)

26 March

Against the Metropolitan Improvements Bill, from a public meeting at Exeter Hall. (No. 2305, 177 signatures; TT, 27 Mar., p. 5.)

Idem, from a public meeting at the Store Street Rooms, Tottenham Court Road. (No. 2306, 155 signatures; TT, 27 Mar., p. 5.)

1 April

Against the Metropolitan Gas Bill, from Lawrence Lord Barnes. (No. 2677, 1 signature; TT, 2 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from William John Blew. (No. 2678, 1 signature; TT, 2 Apr., p. 6.)

2 April

For alteration in the Representation of the People Bill to get rid of certain qualifications for the franchise, to admit women to the franchise, to alter the redistribution scheme, and to control bribery at elections, from Richard Sleman, an elector of Tavistock. (No. 2488, 1 signature, summary with entry, p. 228; not in TT.)⁴

For inquiry and redress concerning the petitioner’s claim concerning remuneration from the Committee on Arts and Manufactures, etc., from Robert Thomas Stothard. (No. 3038, 1 signature, summary with entry, p. 255; not in TT.)

4 April

For the opening of the national museums, etc., on Sunday afternoons; from working men of various trades in the metropolis. (No. 3061, 264 signatures; TT, 5 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from the employés of the Savile House Printing Establishment, Beaufort Buildings. (No. 3062, 34 signatures; TT, 5 Apr., p. 6.)

Against the Metropolis Gas Bill, from Robert Cradock Nichols. (No. 3743, 1 signature; TT, 5 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from John James Mullins. (No. 3744, 1 signature; TT, 5 Apr., p. 6.)

Complaining of the present system of selling and hawking goods on Sunday, and praying for a law to confine trading on that day to articles of necessity, from tradesmen of Westminster and Pimlico. (No. 3145, 187 signatures; TT, 5 Apr., p. 6.)

5 April

Praying that the suffrage be granted to women on the same conditions of property, rating, rental, or otherwise, on which it may be granted to men, from Emma Winkworth, Lydia E. Becker, Jacob Bright, and others of Manchester. (No. 3094, 3086 signatures,⁵ printed in App. 320, p. 141; TT, 6 Apr., p. 5.)

8 April

For extension of the elective franchise and vote by ballot, from the Executive Committee of the Reform League. (No. 4366, 3 signatures [Edmond Beales, William Dell, George Howell], printed in App. 343, p. 151; TT, 9 Apr., p. 6.)

Against the Metropolis Gas Bill, from Benjamin Rawlings, Brompton. (No. 4551, 1 signature; TT, 9 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from Sarah Gunthorpe, Brompton. (No. 4552, 1 signature; TT, 9 Apr., p. 6.)

9 April

In favour of the Metropolis Gas Bill, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Martin in the Fields. (No. 5403, 1 signature; TT, 10 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Clement Danes. (No. 5404, 18 signatures; TT, 10 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint George, Hanover Square. (No. 5405, 34 signatures; TT, 10 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Saviour’s, Southwark. (No. 5406, 19 signatures; TT, 10 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Ann, Fulham. (No. 5407, 29 signatures; TT, 10 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint James, Westminster. (No. 5408, 29 signatures; TT, 10 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in Kennington, Lambeth. (No. 5409, 36 signatures; TT, 10 Apr., p. 6.)

11 April

For extension of the elective franchise to women, from Clarissa Handforth, 4 Grove Street, Ardwick, and others. (No. 5442, 875 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from Elizabeth Hulme, 97 Collyhurst St., and others. (No. 5443, 230 signatures;⁶TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

In favour of the Metropolis Gas Bill, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Mary le Strand. (No. 5728, 34 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Paul, Covent Garden. (No. 5729, 24 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Martin in the Fields. (No. 5730, 25 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parish of Saint Margaret, Westminster. (No. 5731, 19 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the Vauxhall Bridge Road. (No. 5732, 29 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in Pimlico. (No. 5733, 30 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in Millbank. (No. 5734, 22 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the District of Knightsbridge. (No. 5735, 27 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

Idem, from consumers of gas in the parishes of Saint Margaret and Saint John the Evangelist. (No. 5736, 27 signatures; TT, 12 Apr., p. 5.)

29 April

In favour of the Metropolis Gas Bill, from 1,812 consumers of gas in Westminster. (No. 6141, 1867 signatures;⁷TT, 30 Apr., p. 6.)

30 April

Against the Metropolitan Improvements Bill, from the City of Westminster. (No. 6194, 221 signatures; TT, 1 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from St. James and St. George, Westminster. (No. 6195, 140 signatures; TT, 1 May, p. 6.)

2 May

In favour of the Metropolis Gas Bill, from the Board of Works for the Lewisham District. (No. 6942, sealed; TT, 3 May, p. 6.)⁸

Idem, from the Board of Works for the Westminster District. (No. 6943, sealed; TT, 3 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from the gas consumers of Brighton. (No. 6944, 7 signatures; TT, 3 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from the gas consumers of Bolton, Lancaster. (No. 6945, 89 signatures; TT, 3 May, p. 6.)

6 May

Deprecating interference on the part of Government with the intended public meeting in Hyde Park, from the Council of the Reform League at Aberdeen. (No. 8271, 1 signature; TT, 7 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from the Council of the Reform League at Parkhead. (No. 8272, 38 signatures; TT, 7 May, p. 6.)

9 May

For restriction of selling and hawking goods on Sundays, from tradesmen of St. James’s, Westminster. (No. 8663, 181 signatures; TT, 10 May, p. 6.)

13 May

For restriction of selling and hawking goods on Sunday, from tradesmen and others of Fetter Lane and neighbourhood. (No. 9108, 105 signatures; TT, 14 May, p. 7.)⁹

Idem, from tradesmen and others of Henrietta Street, Chandos Street, Bedford Street, and places adjacent Covent Garden. (No. 9109, 229 signatures; TT, 14 May, p. 7.)

Idem, from tradesmen and others of Carey Street, Chancery Lane, and neighbourhood. (No. 9110, 201 signatures; TT, 14 May, p. 7.)

14 May

To be heard against the National Gallery Enlargement Bill, by the Select Committee, from the vicar and churchwardens of Saint Martin in the Fields. (No. 9210, 4 signatures, summarized in the entry; TT, 15 May, p. 6.)¹⁰

Idem, from the vicar, churchwardens, and others of the parish of Saint Martin in the Fields. (No. 9211, 6 signatures; TT, 15 May, p. 6.)

20 May

For extension of the elective franchise to women, from Sarah Steinthall and others of Manchester. (No. 9669, 1750 signatures;¹¹TT, 21 May, p. 7.)

Idem, from Sarah Patchell and others of Manchester. (No. 9670, 108 signatures;¹²TT, 21 May, p. 7.)

For altering the time for closing the gates of the gardens of Chelsea Hospital, from inhabitants of the neighbourhood. (No. 9718, 35 signatures; TT, 21 May, p. 7.)

Against the Traffic Regulation (Metropolis) Bill, from the Board of Works for the Westminster District. (No. 9743, sealed, printed in App. 617, p. 262; TT, 21 May, p. 7.)

23 May

In favour of opening the British Museum and other national institutions on Sunday afternoons, from the employés of Charles Aldin, builder, South Kensington. (No. 9781, 65 signatures; TT, 24 May, p. 6.)

27 May

Against the Metropolis Gas Bill, as amended, from the Board of Works for the Westminster District. (No. 10,098, sealed, summarized in entry; TT, 28 May, p. 8.)

“Mr. Mill hoped that under the peculiar circumstances of the case, which was one of pressing exigency, the House would permit him to say he had just received a telegram from Dublin stating that a petition from Fellows and other gentlemen connected with Trinity College for the remission of the capital sentence on the convict Burke had this day been very numerously signed.” (Not in RPP for subsequent dates; TT, 28 May, p. 8.)

5 June

Praying that an opportunity be afforded the petitioner of proving experimentally the efficacy of his treatment of the cattle plague, from Professor Antonio Bini of the Licensed Chymical Laboratory, Leicester Square. (Not in RPP; TT, 6 June, p. 8.)

6 June

In favour of the London Coal and Wine Duties Continuance Bill and against the Metropolitan Improvements Bill, from the inhabitants and ratepayers of Regent Street, Oxford Street, and neighbourhood. (No. 10,892, 195 signatures; TT, 7 June, p. 6.)

Idem, from the inhabitants and ratepayers of Piccadilly, Jermyn Street, and neighbourhood. (No. 10,893, 47 signatures; TT, 7 June, p. 6.)

Idem, from the inhabitants and ratepayers of the City of Westminster. (No. 10,894, 115 signatures; TT, 7 June, p. 6.)

Idem, from the inhabitants and ratepayers of Saint Margaret and Saint John, Westminster. (No. 10,895, 59 signatures; TT, 7 June, p. 6.)

13 June

Against the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday, from the inhabitants of Oakhill, near Bath. (No. 10,720, 57 signatures; TT, 14 June, p. 6.)

17 June

For the opening of the British Museum and other national museums etc., on Sunday afternoons, from working men resident in London. (No. 11,181, 203 signatures; TT, 18 June, p. 8.)

Praying to be heard before the Select Committee on the Hours of Regulation Bill, from Messrs. Woodfall and Kinder. (Not in RPP; TT, 18 June, p. 8.)

18 June

Representing the petitioner’s great services as the originator of the railway system and of other important inventions, and his distressed circumstances, and praying for inquiry and some recognition of his services, from William Henry James, civil engineer. (No. 11,367, 1 signature, summarized in entry; TT, 19 June, p. 6.)¹³

20 June

In favour of alterations in the Factory Acts Extension Bill and Hours of Labour Regulation Bill, from Messrs. Savill and Edwards, printers. (No. 11,361, 1 signature; TT, 14 June, p. 6.)¹⁴

Stating that the petitioner’s treatment of cholera in Limehouse and Spitalfields during the late epidemic has been eminently successful, and praying for inquiry into its character and merits, from James Barnett. (Not in RPP; TT, 21 June, p. 6.)

28 June

Praying for inquiry into the excessive mortality from consumption and its connexion with rebreathed air, and for legislation directed to the removal of its causes, from Dr. MacCormac, consulting physician to the Belfast Hospital. (Not in RPP; TT, 29 June, p. 8.)

5 July

Praying for justice to Prince Azee Jah Bahadoor, of the Carnatic, from the Foreign Affairs Committee of Keighley. (No. 11,977, 3 signatures, printed in App. 882, p. 372; TT, 6 July, p. 7.)

8 July

For the opening of the British Museum and other national institutions on Sunday afternoons, from working men, residing in the metropolis. (No. 11,893, 156 signatures, summarized in entry; TT, 9 July, p. 6.)

10 July

Against the Sunday Trading Bill, from tradesmen and residents of Lambeth. (No. 12,110, 279 signatures; TT, 11 July, p. 6.)

19 July

For inquiry into the possibility of giving better accommodation to the public in the grounds of Chelsea Hospital, from the inhabitants of the neighbourhood. (No. 12,278, 9 signatures, summarized in entry; TT, 20 July, p. 6.)

5 August

For an address praying the Queen to acquaint Foreign Powers that the Declaration of Paris, having been made without her authority or consent, is not binding on this country, from the Birmingham Foreign Affairs Committee and from the Foreign Affairs Committee of Ladywood, Birmingham. (No. 12,667, 4 signatures; TT, 6 Aug., p. 6.)

7 August

Praying that a Bill be passed to allow affirmations or declarations to be taken instead of oaths in judicial proceedings, from inhabitants of the metropolis. (Not in RPP; TT, 8 Aug., p. 6.)

12 August

For an address praying the Queen to acquaint Foreign Powers that the Declaration of Paris, having been made without her authority or consent, is not binding on this country, from the Home and Foreign Affairs Association at Macclesfield. (No. 12,670, 2 signatures; TT, 13 Aug., p. 3.)

1868

21 February

Praying that at least two representatives may be given to the Scottish Universities, from the General Council of the University of St. Andrews. (No. 1131, 1 signature, printed in App. 53, p. 26; TT, 22 Feb., p. 6.)

In favour of the Bill for Restricting the Sale of Liquors on Sunday, from the Pimlico A.A. Band of Hope, Vauxhall Bridge Road. (No. 1447, 1 signature; TT, 22 Feb., p. 6.)

5 March

In favour of the Bill for prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday, from Thomas Edwardes and others. (No. 1926, 90 signatures; TT, 6 Mar., p. 4.)

Praying for the appointment of a Minister of Public Instruction, for introducing Art instruction into national education, and other educational improvements, from Robert Thomas Stothard. (No. 2336, 1 signature, summarized in entry; TT, 6 Mar., p. 4.)

10 March

For the repeal or reduction of the duty on fire insurance, from various benefit building societies. (No relevant petitions are assigned to Mill in RPP, but unassigned Nos. 2747-57 are from various societies in Westminster; TT, 11 Mar., p. 5.)

13 March

For the reduction or abolition of the duty on fire insurance, from the Globe Permanent Benefit Building Society. (No. 3521, 6 signatures, not assigned to any Member in RPP; TT, 14 Mar., p. 6.)

16 March

Against the Bill for restricting the sale of liquors on Sunday, from Westminster and other places. (No. 4046, 530 signatures, not assigned to any Member in RPP; TT, 17 Mar., p. 5.)

26 March

For the reduction or abolition of the duty on fire insurance, from the Eighth Saint Martin’s Mutual Benefit Building Society, 120 Long Acre. (No. 6487, 5 signatures; TT, 27 Mar., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Effra Mutual Benefit Building Society, 50 Carey Street, Lincoln’s Inn. (No. 6488, 1 signature; TT, 27 Mar., p. 6.)

For an address to Her Majesty, praying the Queen to acquaint Foreign Powers that the Declaration of Paris, having been made without her authority or consent, is not binding on this country, from the Home and Foreign Affairs Association of Macclesfield. (No. 6506, 2 signatures, printed in App. 275, p. 123; TT, 27 Mar., p. 6.)

30 March

Praying that in the Reform Bill for Scotland two representatives, at least, should be assigned to the Scottish Universities, from the Principals and Professors of the University of St. Andrews. (No. 6580, 1 signature; TT, 31 Mar., p. 5.)

Praying that in the Reform Bill for Scotland the clause or clauses which would incorporate in the General Council any graduates who have not resided and studied at the University may be omitted, from the General Council of the University of St. Andrews. (No. 6581, 1 signature, printed in App. 285, pp. 128-9; TT, 31 Mar., p. 5.)

3 April

Against the disestablishment of the Irish Church, and praying that if the resolutions be carried, the House will immediately dissolve the Union and withdraw the grant to Maynooth, from Hoxton, Westminster, and other places. (No. 9100, 41 signatures; TT, 4 Apr., p. 6.)

Against the disestablishment or disendowment of the Protestant Church in Ireland, from Westminster. (No. 9101, 180 signatures; TT, 4 Apr., p. 6.)

23 April

For an improved municipal government of the metropolis, from F.D. Lambert, 20 Devonshire Place. (No. 10,977, 1 signature; TT, 24 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from Major-General Lord Frederick Paulet, Albany. (No. 10,978, 1 signature; TT, 24 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from Comyn, Ching, and Co., 28 and 29 Castle Street, Long Acre. (No. 10,979, 1 signature; TT, 24 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from William Hargreaves, 12 Chepstow Villas, Bayswater. (No. 10,980, 1 signature; TT, 24 Apr., p. 6.)

24 April

For the repeal or reduction of the duty on fire insurance, from bankers, merchants, manufacturers, and traders of the City of Westminster. (No. 10,694, 571 signatures; TT, 25 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Fourth Saint Martin’s Mutual Benefit Building Society, 119 Long Acre. (No. 10,695, 2 signatures; TT, 25 Apr., p. 6.)

Idem, from the Thirteenth Saint Martin’s Mutual Benefit Building Society, 119 Long Acre. (No. 10,696, 3 signatures; TT, 25 Apr., p. 6.)

4 May

For restriction of selling and hawking goods on Sundays, from Westminster, Pimlico, Chelsea, and parts adjacent. (No. 14,830, 303 signatures; TT, 6 May, p. 5.)

5 May

Against Mr. Ayrton’s amendments to the Artizans and Labourers’ Dwellings Bill, from Bassishaw, City of London. (No. 14,889, 44 signatures; TT, 6 May, p. 8.)

In favour of municipal government for the metropolis, from a large number of individual petitioners. (Nos. 14,934-15,095 and 15,891, each signed; TT, 6 May, p. 8.)

11 May

In favour of municipal government for the metropolis, from F.E. Walpole, 3 Queen’s Street, Mayfair. (No. 15,894, 1 signature; TT, 12 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from Ernest F. Webb, 4 Westbourne Villas, Harrow Road. (No. 15,895, 1 signature; TT, 12 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from Henry Burchett, 9 Saint Stephen’s Square. (No. 15,896, 1 signature; not in TT.)

Idem, from Arthur Provey, 34 Somerset Street. (No. 15,897, 1 signature; not in TT.)

12 May

Praying for an alteration in the vagrant laws, whereby householders and ratepayers may no longer be punishable as vagrants because they practise astrology, from Christopher Cooke, Ryde, Isle of Wight. (No. 15,908, 1 signature; TT, 13 May, p. 6.)

13 May

In favour of municipal government for the metropolis, from John Watkins, 34 Parliament Street. (No. 16,068, 1 signature; TT, 14 May, p. 8.)

Idem, from J. Hardwicke, M.D., Deputy-Coroner. (No. 16,069, 1 signature; TT, 14 May, p. 8.)

14 May

For extension of the electoral franchise to women, from Mary Somerville and others. (No. 15,933, 21,783 signatures;¹⁵TT, 15 May, p. 6.)

In favour of municipal government for the metropolis, from Henry Latham, 15 Upper Westbourne Terrace. (No. 16,071, 1 signature; TT, 15 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from William Aston Blount, 1 Eaton Place West, Belgrave Square. (No. 16,072, 1 signature; TT, 15 May, p. 6.)

18 May

In favour of municipal government for the metropolis, from Francis Edward Reade, 7 Saint James Street. (No. 16,233, 1 signature; TT, 19 May, p. 6.)

Idem, from William Stevenson. (No. 16,234, 1 signature; TT, 19 May, p. 6.)

21 May

In favour of municipal government for the metropolis, from Reginald E. Thompson, M.D., 21 South Street, Park Lane. (No. 16,376, 1 signature; TT, 22 May, p. 4.)

22 May

Against the chartering and endowing of a denominational University in Ireland, and in favour of opening Trinity College, from the Presbytery of Coleraine. (No. 16,353, 19 signatures; TT, 23 May, p. 5.)

25 May

Complaining that proceedings have been taken against the petitioner by the Attorney-General for not having made a declaration and entered into recognizances, under the Act of 1 William IV, c. 73, and praying for the repeal of that and all similar Acts, from Charles Bradlaugh, Sunderland Villa, Northumberland Park, Tottenham, editor of the National Reformer. (No. 16,481, 1 signature; TT, 26 May, p. 6.)¹⁶

26 May

In favour of the disestablishment of the Irish Church, from a public meeting at St. Mary Cray, Kent. (No. 16,447, 1 signature; TT, 27 May, p. 6.)

5 June

Representing the injustice of the Abyssinian War, and praying that the House will not confer its thanks upon General Sir Robert Napier and the army, and will appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the whole of the transactions relating to Abyssinia, from the Home and Foreign Affairs Association of Macclesfield, Chester. (No. 16,639, 2 signatures, summarized in entry; TT, 6 June, p. 6.)

Complaining of the prosecution of Mr. Bradlaugh, of the National Reformer, under the Act of 1 William IV, c. 73, and praying that this and all similar Acts be repealed, from a public meeting of residents of Greenwich and Deptford. (No. 16,975, 1 signature; TT, 6 June, p. 6.)

Idem, from a public meeting assembled at Cleveland Hall, Cleveland Street, Fitzroy Square. (No. 16,976, 52 signatures; TT, 6 June, p. 6.)

8 June

For the repeal of the Acts of 60 George III, c. 9, and I William IV, c. 73, under which the pending prosecution of Mr. Bradlaugh has been instituted, from Matthias Robinson and others. (No. 16,979, 4 signatures; TT, 9 June, p. 6, which identifies the petitioners only as “certain persons at Chelsea.”)

9 June

In favour of the Married Women’s Property Bill, from inhabitants of Belfast. (No. 16,954, 399 signatures; TT, 10 June, p. 6.)

10 June

In favour of Married Women’s Property Bill, from inhabitants of Birmingham. (No. 17,114, 2434 signatures; TT, 11 June, p. 6.)

Idem, from inhabitants of Rochdale. (No. 17,115, 612 signatures; TT, 11 June, p. 6.)

12 June

In favour of municipal government for the metropolis, from Messrs. Truman, Hanbury, Buxton, and Co., General Sir De Lacy Evans, and other ratepayers in London. (No. 17,119, 731 signatures;¹⁷TT, 13 June, p. 6.)

Idem, from Edmund B. Ray, 15 Prince’s Gate, Hyde Park. (No. 17,120, 1 signature; TT, 13 June, p. 6.)

16 June

For the repeal of the Acts under which the National Reformer has recently been prosecuted, from residents in Harrow Road and its vicinity. (No. 17,226, 82 signatures; TT, 17 June, p. 8.)

17 June

In favour of the Municipal Corporations (Metropolis) Bill, from James Beal, 209 Piccadilly. (No. 17,335, 1 signature; TT, 18 June, p. 6.)

25 June

For extension of the elective franchise to women, from inhabitants of Lichfield. (No. 17,362, 311 signatures; TT, 26 June, p. 8.)

29 June

For the extension of the elective franchise to women, from inhabitants of Alnwick. (No. 17,364, 163 signatures; TT, 30 June, p. 9.)

9 July

For extension of the elective franchise to women, from Eliza Cairnes and others. (No. 17,616, 972 signatures; TT, 10 July, p. 4.)

Praying that the power may be restored to parochial authorities of rating the landlords in respect of small tenements or houses let for periods less than a year, and that Clause 7 of the Representation of the People Act be so modified, from inhabitants and ratepayers of the parish of Saint Matthew, Bethnal Green, and adjacent parishes. (No. 17,620, 21 signatures, printed in App. 780, p. 363; TT, 10 July, p. 4.)¹⁸

14 July

Against the proposed concessions to the Portpatrick, Belfast, and County Down Railway Companies, from Rigby Wason, of Corwar, Ayr. (No. 17,665, 1 signature, summarized in entry; TT, 15 July, p. 6.)

[1 ]A note says that the petition would have been given in full had “the Member presenting the same” complied with the Order of 20 Mar., 1833, that every member presenting a petition “affix his name at the beginning thereof” (p. 570).

[2 ]TT gives the number as 1515, and says, “Mill stated that the whole of the signatures to it had been obtained during a period of little more than a fortnight.” The Committee notes that they “have reported the number of names appended to this Petition, but they observe that, with the exception of seven, they are all written on Slips of Paper and pasted on the Petition” (p. 697).

[3 ]Again a note that the petition would have been given in full had “the Member presenting the same” complied with the Order of 20 Mar., 1833, that every member presenting a petition “affix his name at the beginning thereof” (p. 134).

[4 ]TT, 3 Apr., p. 6, gives another petition, perhaps a confused version of this: “Praying that an Act may be passed disqualifying every person concerned in corrupt practices at elections, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of another, from holding any public office or exercising any political privilege, from Lancaster.”

[5 ]TT gives the number as 3161.

[6 ]TT gives the number as 246, and says the petition was from Manchester.

[7 ]TT gives the number as 1812, and says “also from a public meeting in Westminster.”

[8 ]TT gives this and the following three petitions as against the Bill, adds Cambridge and Sheffield, and says the Westminster Board of Works petitioned for a Select Committee on the Bill.

[9 ]RPP does not assign this and the following two petitions to any Member.

[10 ]TT evidently conflates this and the next petition, saying the petitioners were the trustees and governors of Archbishop Tenison’s School and those of the parochial school of the parish.

[11 ]TT gives the number as 2348.

[12 ]TT gives the number as 104.

[13 ]RPP does not assign this petition to any Member.

[14 ]Given its appearance in TT of 14 June, the petition must have been presented on the 13th, but the date of 20 June in RPP conforms to the official numbering.

[15 ]TT gives the number as 21,757.

[16 ]The heading in RPP is “Law of Libel—for Alteration”; under the heading “Newspapers—for Alteration of Law” another petition from Bradlaugh, apparently identical, is given as No. 16,970, also submitted by Mill; Nos. 16,975-6 and 16,979 below appear under the latter title.

[17 ]TT gives the number as 731, plus those named, and probably including the next entry.

[18 ]Nos. 17,621 and 17,622 repeat exactly No. 17,620, giving 14 and 23 signatures respectively.