he began to
prepare another work for the press, which appeared towards the end of
1836, under the title of _Russia_. It was mainly designed to combat a
wild outbreak of Russophobia which, under the inspiration of David
Urquhart, was at that time taking possession of the public mind. But it
contained also a bold indictment of the whole system of foreign policy
then in vogue, founded on ideas as to the balance of power and the
necessity of large armaments for the protection of commerce. While this
pamphlet was in the press, delicate health obliged him to leave England,
and for several months, at the end of 1836 and the beginning of 1837,
he travelled in Spain, Turkey and Egypt. During his visit to Egypt he
had an interview with Mehemet Ali, of whose character as a reforming
monarch he did not bring away a very favourable impression. He returned
to England in April 1837. From that time Cobden became a conspicuous
figure in Manchester, taking a leading part in the local politics of the
town and district. Largely owing to his exertions, the Manchester
Athenaeum was established, at the opening of which he was chosen to
deliver the inaugural address. He became a member of the chamber of
commerce, and soon infused new life into that body. He threw himself
with great energy into the agitation which led to the incorporation of
the city, and was elected one of its first aldermen. He began also to
take a warm interest in the cause of popular education. Some of his
first attempts in public speaking were at meetings which he convened at
Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Rochdale and other adjacent towns, to
advocate the establishment of British schools. It was while on a mission
for this purpose to Rochdale that he first formed the acquaintance of
John Bright, who afterwards became his distinguished coadjutor in the
free-trade agitation. Nor was it long before his fitness for
parliamentary life was recognized by his friends. In 1837, the death of
William IV. and the accession of Queen Victoria led to a general
election. Cobden was candidate for Stockport, but was defeated, though
not by a large majority.

In 1838 an anti-Corn-Law association was formed at Manchester, which, on
his suggestion, was afterwards changed into a national association,
under the title of the Anti-Corn-Law League (see CORN LAWS). Of that
famous association Cobden was from first to last the presiding genius
and the animating soul. During the seven years between the