2-982-642 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Messrs. Gibson and Bright at the Free-Trade Hall, Manchester, 1858. A soiree for '...the Right Hon. T. M. Gibson, M.P. for Ashton-under- Lyne, and Mr. John Bright, M.P. for Birmingham, for "the purpose of congratulating the hon. member for Birmingham on his restoration to health; to celebrate the return of himself and his late colleague (the Right Hon. T. M. Gibson) to Parliament for the boroughs of Birmingham and Ashton; and to thank them for their patriotic conduct during the last session of Parliament, as well as for their long and faithful services as representatives for this city."...When the two ex-representatives of Manchester made their appearance, the grand organ gave out a sonorous welcome in the familiar notes of "Auld Lang Syne"...[As they] entered the arena of their former triumphs...the huge gathering...stood up simultaneously and accorded them a vehement, prolonged, and deafening reception...The meeting thanked them...most warmly for their public services on behalf of the political, commercial and religious freedom, and renew[ed] its earnest hopes that they may long be spared to labour for the advancement and best interests of the British empire'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.