[Memorandum enclosed from Sir Robert Peel to Prince Albert, about the political condition of Birmingham, which the Prince was intending to visit.]
The Mayor is a hosier—of extreme political opinions—in fact, a Chartist.
The contest for the office of Mayor was between him and a man of Radical opinions, but Chartism prevailed.
The Mayor has taken a violent part, before his Mayoralty, against Church Rates, and in reference to the state of Ireland.
The Conservative party took no part whatever in the Municipal Elections, and would not vote.
They would, if invited or permitted by the Mayor and Town Council, cordially co-operate with men of opposite opinions in any mark of respect to the Prince.
No probability of any tumult or of any demonstration but one of respect personally towards the Prince, if his visit be clearly and manifestly unconnected with politics.
An immense concourse of people must be expected, not only from Birmingham, but Wolverhampton, Walsall, and all the neighbouring towns, and previous police arrangements must be very carefully made.
There may be a proposal of a collation and of an Address, to be received in the Town Hall.