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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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C-H / i . IiV . lST Zil-rTZI ^ I tf ElCCI :. FROST , WILLIAMS AND JOXKS . "The following memorial has been adopted by tbe committee , and will be submitted to tbe great nwrting it Hclloway Head , on New Year ' s Day . TO THE QUEENS MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY , The humble and loyal address of the indttstsrious el&ssea of the town of Birminghva . and its vicinity , agreed to ate public meeting Mat it please t < Hjr SUjesty , —We , your Majesty ' s loyal subjects , do most humbly apfwach the throne , thus to lay our grievances , and crave redress , at your hands . We yield to no class in pure » od unsullied loyalty to your Majesty's person , as bead of the Government , -while tbe Constitution oxer which yon hare been called to reign , tells us that protection is doe to the subject , tt return ior allegiance rendered to the Monarch .
We appeal to yaw Majeetgr on hebftlf of John Frost , Ze $ bK&l&k Williams , and William Jonee , lately tried , « o 8 Ticted , and sentenced to death , for the crime of Sigh Treason , st a Special Commission , bolden at Ifronmouth , And -which sentence mi subsequently commuted by year Majesty to transportation for life . We bef most fcnmbly t « place the following -striking * ica > before yow 3 dsjest-y in the light in wbicfr- they appear to those ¦ who are oailed upon to obey the laws « f thiseoBafcry . In case cf soy accusation being brought against an individual affecting his-life or liberty , it is a ooble and protecting sssarim of the constitution , that all matter of evidence shall be so clear as to leave no doubt as to the prisoners -guilt upon "the mind of a single juror ; and tbe laws , lather presuming innocence than guilt , give the benefit < of every such doubt , which may arise , to the accused .
The tribunal appointed by your Majesty for the trial of the aforenamed . Frost , Williams , and Jones , con- j eisted of the Chief -Justice of your Majesty ' s Court of j Common Pleas , Mr . Baron Parke , one » f the Barons of your Majesty's jCourt of Exchequer , ana Mr . Justice j Williams , one ef the Judges of your Majesty ' s Court | of < iusen " B Bench , aad in whom , according to" the terms ! presented by your Majesty ' s Royal Cotaniission , was Tested plenary j > ower to hear , at Menmouth , and ! THEJtS , ( after having heard all matters chained against ' the prisoners , ) to decide whether , or not , according ' to lair , the matter so charged were within the j construction of those statutes and usages of law , '• as to justify the court , so constituted , in sending j the prisoners for trial before a jury of their country .
The Ceurt did , as we , your Majesty ' s subjects , hare reason to believe , proceed to hear and determine upon the validity of sach charges , when two of the three Judges constkating the Court decided that there was no law to justify the Court in sending the said John Frost , Zephsaiah Williams , and William Jones before & Jury of their country , upon any of those allegations Dpon which they stood charged in the indictment preferred against them by your Majesty ' s Attorney-General ; but , nevertheless , the Ceun aid proceed to hear witnesses in support of those several charges , and did , in eonseqirence thereof , in tbe estimation of your Majesty's loyal subjects , commit a gross Tiolation of the law of the land , and create a great prejudice against the prisoners , fey tbe admission of evidence irrelevant and upon matter not legsJly tsfore the CourL We , your Majesty ' s loyal subjects , take the common-Benss view of the case , that unanimity in the Court , upon all questions of law and justice , is as necessary as unanimity in tbe Jury upon ail matters of fact . May it please your Majesty , is further appears that the judgment of the Court , upon the point raised on behalf of the prisoners , was delivered by the Chief Justice of the Couit of Common Pleas , when he assured the counsel for the prisoners that tha accused should not be in a worse position than if tbe point had been toeniu ' ed upon iheir behalf , while -we beg most humbly to submit that , in such case , the prisoners would , according to the majority of the Court , have been entitled te an unconditional acquittal We , your Majesty ' s loyal subjects , further beg to remind your Majesty that , upon the point being submitred to the consideration of the fifteen Judges , that the course usual in . such cases is for the whole body , after deliberation , to advise those of their learned brethren who presided at the trial , with a view , if dissentient , of convincing them of their error ; while , in tbe case of Frost , WilliamB , and Jones , the advice of tbe judicial tribunal does not appear to hare shaken the former opinion of Mr . Baron Parke and Mr . Joshes ' Williams , two of the Judges who presided , and constituted a majority of the Court at ilonmouUj , inasmuch as those Learned Judges did , notwithstanding such advice , Still adhere to their former decision . We , your Majesty ' s loyal subjects , further beg leave to lay before yout Majesty tbe fact , th « six of tiie fifteen Judges were of opinion that the trial was illegal , ¦ while three o € the remains ^ nin e were of opinion that if the point had been made at a previous stage of tiie proceedings , it would have been good in law , thus leaving only a minority of six in favour of coatpltls and entire justice having been done to the accused .
We farther humbly beg leave to remind your Majesty that eo tender are our iaws ' of human life , and so jealous aie they of the least suspicion , that at no period , from arrest to execution , is hope placed beyond the reach of the accused , inasmuch as an sppeal lies in favour of the prisoner , in case of doubt or informality . Even after comietion , and before execution , the irregularity of sentence by the Court , or want of technicality in tbe indictment , may be pleaded ; and if sjsts ' ined , the culprit is entitled to his freedom in as full and ample a manner as if he had been acquitted by a Jury of bis country .
Again , when extenuating facts transpire subsequent to trial and conviction , we are led to believe that in such case your Majesty , jealous of your high prerogative , refers to the Judge or Judges , tefore whom tiie parties were tried , in order to ascertain whether injustice has been done througk muconception , ignorance , or prejudice , with the view of preventing wrong being done to any of your Majesty ' s subjects . But even when all &ueh technicalities fail , -we t ; : ani God and the Constitution , that , as Britons , we still have that last appeal , which , when respectfully made and reasonably supported , seldom Sails of curing those defects to which all human institutions are li able . We h » Te an appeal to the throae for justice ; to the breast of Majesty ; to the sworn protector of every Britoa ' s
right ; to one whose brightest attribute and most glorious prerogative is administering justice . But , above All , we ire twice blerred in this our timely application , inasmuch as , since the above-named Frost , Williams , and Jones were tried , condemned , and sententenced to death for the crime of high treason , your Majesty has become a wife and a mother , and thereby , ¦ we trust , added new bonds to taose before sufficiently powerful to convince the world that in Britain , under your Majesty ' s rule , treason only exists in the consti action of obsolete enactments by subtile lawyers , enactments framed by cruel and ju&tly suspicious Monarchs , as a substitute for that love , affection , and regard which , alone can . constitute U * e loyalty and insure the allegiance of the heart , which is stronger than all
mental fetters and forced construction of law , and which , we proudly assert , that your Majesty possesses beyond any other earthly Monarch . May the year of your Majesty ' s Royal nuptials and maternity be still more deeply marked upon the page of history , and sanctified in the British mind , by having , in accordance with the united prayers of your loyal sab- ' jects , administered an act of justice , than which none other would be more gratefully received by the nation at large , Tha discontent and dissatisfaction which has been s » generally expressed by your Majesty s loyal subject * of the industrious classes of late , is owing as much \ o the inroads upon the rightful prerogative of the Crown as upon the liberties of the people , being convinced that the Monarch and the people are most
united whsn their respective prerogatives 'are best protected . We , your Majesty ' s loyal subjects , do therefore pray that your Majesty will be graciously pleased to issue your Majesty ' s gracious order to the proper authorities , for the immediate liberation of John Frost , Zsphaniah Williams , and William Jones , and thereoy restore them onc 3 more to their families , their homes , their country , and their allegiance , and we , your Majesty ' s loyal subjects , as in duty bound , will ever pray , and pledge ourselves for the security of your throne amid tbe conflict of foreign intrigue and domestic rttife , and that God may bless your Majesty , and incline your heart to hear our prayer , is the sincere wish of your Majesty ' s loyal subjects .
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COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING FOR WILT- ' SHIRE . According to the previous announcement , that ap- j peared In the Northern Star of the 28 th of November ,, the meeting was held at Mr . Tuckers , Westbury , on ' Sunday morning , at ten o ' eloek . Delegates from tke folio wing places were present : — ' Trowbridge , Messrs . Moore , Watts , and Pain ; Bradford , Mr . Gordon Holt , Mr . Chapman , and Mr , Scott ; ; Westbury , Mr . Tucker ; Kingston-Deveral , Mr . Gar- j rett ; Moickton-Deveral , Mr . Tadgey ; Mere , Messrs . Crouch and Hills ; Warminster , Mr . George Paine ! Letters from Salisbury and Bromham were read , stating ! their devotion to the Chartist cause , and was willing to ' abide by the decision , of the County Council . The Secretary having read the minutes of their first meeting , the Chairman called on Messrs . Croueh and Mills to state what progress they were moving in the town of
Here towards attaining their birthright ? They said they bad st last commenced in association after much opposition from their Tory masters and farmers , and they were proud to state that they were progressing ; although their numbers were but small , they were good determined Chartists , and they were now going to tike their cards with them , and they hoped ere long that they should have a lecturer to come amongst them to expound tbe principles of the Charter to their benighted fenttaiO . They did now take two Northern Stars every VBel ^ aad they have been the means of doing much ftoi . Mt efOBGK Paine , of Warminster , next stated that , Witt respect to that town , he was serry to say that ^ MSi WBte io many pri ests and lawyers that infested tbafc , jJace ,- * iiat it would be almost impossible for any IBeciaaiea to hold a Chartist meeting in that tovra , but
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v ?• _ ^ vi - - _ - a icw v . vtf . iu :,.. ..- « t .. » : i ,: d r . ' . ke X ) it y < . rth ; iru Slarin , and did do all that laid in their povrer to-wards raisiag subscriptions to help in carryinL on tire Chartist cause ; and what was chiefly wanted was political information . The agricultural labourers in this district have heard something about Chartism , but never had it fally explained to them , and many of them were thirsting for knowledge ; but the great j "farmers and the clergy do all in their power to keep I them from it ! Mr . Q&tJLETT said , be was happy to say that they ! had just formed an association at Kingston-Deveral . i It i 3 true they were but in number , yet but what few j they were they were good ones , and in spite of all ' opposition which they had received they were determined to go on . Mr . Paise then addressed the meeting on behalf of their incarcerated townsman , Carrier , and his distressed j wife , who was followed by
Mr . Moq&e whoBaid it had been kis lot to see him in his prison dress , which was a disgrace to any Christian couatry to cause a man to appear as he saw Wm . Carrier , and he was sorry to Bay that there was a mistmdentandiag -with their Chartist friends in many parts of the country . They bad made an appeal to tlieir friends twice towards raising the £ 20 that his bail was obliged to advance previous to his trial ; a few places had sent a small tribute of respect and many other places had sent direct to him , and he told me that the magistrates and the parsons will only let him have such books as they think proper to have purchased fer him , and his last words to me were that he hoped the country would make up the money for him , so that he may be able to procure bail when his time was expired , and he had to inform the delegates present that only £ i 10 s . was collected yet . He mentioned this that the country may know how we are situated .
It was then proposed by Mr . Wm . CROUCH , and seconded by Mr . WjlTcckee : — " That every delegate do exert themselves to the utmost of their power in their different localities towards raising as much money as they possibly can against the next county meeting ia held , and for the council to appropriate it to such purposes as they shall think best towards advancing the Chartist cause in this country . " It was proposed by Mr . Ephraim Chapman , and seconded by Mr . James Maslen , and carried unanimously : — " That the Delegates de send in all monies they have collected by the 21 st December , to thecounty secretary , and that he be empowered to give Mrs . Carrier tke sum of £ 1 as a present for a Christmas box ; the proceeds to be sent to the county treasurer . " Proposed by Mr . Jas . Watts and seconded by Mr , Stephen Tudget :
" That the county council hail with great delight the progress that Chartism is making in this once benighted country , and . will never Max in their exertions until it is established in every town and village in the county . " A vote of thanks was then given to Messrs Dover and Hewitt for their bold aad uncompromising condac ; in defending their principles before the idle drones and locusts of Norwich . A vote of thanks was given to the chairman and secretary ; the delegates then broke np highly gratified with the union that is now existing ¦ with the different town and villages of Wilts . The next county meeting will be held at Trowbridge , at the Democratic Chapel , the first Sunday in January , 1841 . ¦ I .-. -. * ¦ * . 1 . . , . _^^^^ ¦ < M . I-M-W - JI < - !<¦»¦¦ I
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TO THE WORKING MEN OF SCOTLAND . Fbiesds , Brothers , Covntrymen , —Ihave nearly completed my northern tour , and it ia time that you should be informed of my future intentions . I have to return my most sincere thanks to the working men of the various towns in which I have lectured for their kindness , attention , and hospitality . The sterling purity of the good old spirit is everywhere evinced , and a brave race still cherish the patriotism of their fathers . Working men , I lean upon you , like all my persecuted companions , and I rejoice , for the honour of my eonntry , to bear testimony to your faithful attachment to the great cause , for which I have suffered , in common with thousands . The reck of your principle has only to be touched , and a stream of exhaustless energy rushes forth to enliven and uphold , to cheer the fainting , and to rally the faithful . I thank you for
your approval ef the course I have adopted in accordance with the strength of my body and the principles of my mind ; indeed , I would be at a loss in which quarter to look if the hard-handed sons of toil deserted me , or 1 ceased to advocate their cause . The first event is not to be expected ; the second could not be endured . I have been delighted with the enthusiasm of the young , with the energy of the eld , with the determination of alL Believe me , friends , a people who , like j-uu , are courageous enough to determine , honest enourh to be firm , and bold enongh to execute , need only express their will and show their power so as to secure their emancipation . Your expressed will can overawe , and your well-known power can always subdue . The first can always be exercised ; but the second can only be successful trhen the chapter of accidents is fall or the season favourable .
My hope of ultimate and immediate success has been much confirmed by witnessing the unusual co-operation amongst a reasoning people of town with town , city with city , district with district . A great people never can be long enslaved when the whole resolve to adopt one course , adhere in one national movement . I have observed , with unbounded pleasure , the mental power and the calculating foresight of the working men ; and 1 thank God I have lived in an age when the industrious have tora the front mark of ignorance from their c ' ass , and successfully affixed it to the brows of the titled , of tbe rich , of the college learned , nay even to the foreheads of the heathenish parsons . In steering to the one haven of the Charter , the unity of purpese amongst the fustian jackets has become a landmark in historyj ; what memorable resolution ha * been displayed , what heroic sacrifices have been recorded .
I will relate to you one instance out of thousands which have come under my observation , not beeause it is singular in its kind , but because it has been recent in its occurrence : — A lad in Dundee , of the name of Reid , entered the service of a master , of the name of Peter . Murray Bride , and having served a considerable tirre he was about to be bound as an apprentice ; unfortunately for his interest , but fortunately for hi * honour , he attended the Chartist demonstration , and , therefore , the criminal was brought up to the bar of the counting-house . The ma&ter easily got him to confess his delinquency , and rerj humanely ordered him to take an oath ! before
bis God and his own conscience , that he never would , under any circumstances whatever , be guilty of attending any more Chartist meutings , of reading any more Chartist publications , or of holding communication with any more Cbartists , and because he spurned the ignominious bondage , the master turned the noble lad out into the street , stole from him his trade , robbed him of his prospects in life , blasted the hopes of the young , the principled , and the weak . Curse upon the capitalist ! why did he not wage his infernal war upon men ! and why did not the men employed by him not strike against such a diabolical exerciE 9 of power .
God of Justice ! when will thy reckoning day arrive ! When will tbe thunder-bjlt strike , and the balancing day come , like a whirlwind over a polluted land , to cleanse a nation of the robbers of the poor , of the tyrants over the fatherless , of the taskmasters over the | all-powerful , all-producing , but , alas ! all-EUbmissive i millions . Here we have an example of Roman virtue on the one side , and of fiendish malignity on the j other . Go on , noble boy ! and when the tyrant is no longer : known , thy name iaay yet be recorded by the patriot , ; and repeated in the songs of thy country . What are { the most prominent actions of the whole people ?
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Tiie teurr . iity of tl ; o press bus been corrected , and traiupied upon . The arrogance of faction has been humbled and subdued . The supplies of public opinion nave been stopped , together" with the boasting bravadoes of party meetings—the gill-stoup has been crushed under foot—the persecution and power of masters met and overthro-vrn—the selfish priesthood alarmed by the appearance of better preachers—thrown into convulsions by the truths of religion , and knocked down hy tbe Bible itself . Above all , and for the first time in the history of nations , the cause ef the people has been thrown down in the public arena of discussion , and , like Aaron ' s rod , has consumed all other agitations , party causes , and cunning interests . Hip , hip , hip , hurrah ! for the Charter , the good old life-boat that has rode through many storms , and which , like the Ark , when the flood of prejudice , interest , and fraud subsides , will rest upon the secure basis of freedom , the eternal stronghold of truth , the enduring institutions of a free people .
I have , as usual , I perceive run out the line to a considerable extent , and I must , however reluctantly , conclude my epistle , and crush aU the news into the concluding paragraph . My intention was to proceed from Aberdeen to Edinburgh per steamer ; but I have been compelled to alter that course , and return by laud in consequence of the numerous solicitations » f tbe-working men of , at least , twenty different places , none of which I could possibly visit during my present tour . I will , therefore , leave AbeTdeen on or about the 15 th , proceed to Arbroath , and from thence through a part of Pertshire . apd Fifeshire to Edinburgh , which city I mean to reach on Christmas . From Edinburgh , I proceed to Lanark , Hamilton , Lark Hall , Paisley , Barrhead , Pollockshaws , Ac
Being in the neighbourhood of Glasgow , I offer my services to the Female Association to lecture on the Factory system , giving one or two lectures for tbe benefit of their Association , or for the benefit ef any person or persons whom they may approve of . From Glasgow I shall proceed te Greenock , Ayr , Kilmarnock , Irvine , Saltcoats , West-Kilbride , Cumnock , Saugahar , Dumfries , &nd Castle Douglas j thence to the border towns , Carlisle , Newcastle , fee . I particularly request the committees of those places I have mentioned to state the days -which will best suit them , and direct their instructions to me under care of John Duncan , of Edinburgh . It is niy intention to offer a plan of organization to the Scotch people in the new year , which I sball make a present of to all tbe associations in the kingdom . I bave to request the committees to make me acquainted with the best method of effecting this object
It is impossible to supply a written copy to each , and the expence of publishing copies for all would be equally objectionable . I must adopt some plan which will place in the hands of every Chartist workman the plan I contemplate , without subjecting any one of thorn to a charge , or at Iea 3 t , "without making any necessary charge be individually felt . I remain , fellow-countrymen , Your sincere and devoted advocate , P . M . M'DOUALL . Forfar , Dec . 8 th , 1840 . Note . —I particularly request the Editors of the Scottish Patriot , Dundee Chroniele , and Perth Chronicle to insert this letter . P . M . M'D .
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« v DR . M'DOUALL IN ABERDEEN . This powerful advocate of " Live our Charter " has just completed a course of leciuie * to O'Connor ' s fustian jacket . meu in theNorthera Metropolis . Tnis modern Emmett is decidedly the moat talented lecturer that ever it has been our fortune to hear apart from the powerful appeals to the reason ot his audience ; he manages to to keep their attention rivitted on the subject matter of the lecture , that it is difficult for the most fastidious to leave the room while he continues to speak ; and the impulse which has been effected b y the delivery of these lectures in furtherance of the cause ot" right will not be without a lasting impression .
The first lecture was delivered in the Chartists ' Hall , on Thursday evening , Dec . 10 th , Mr . John Leggeinthe chair ; who introduced Dr . M'Douall in a short address , in which ho stated that no advocate had yet appeared , whore principles he so much admired , as the student of Chester Castie now before them . At this stage of the business a deputation from the Aberdeen Female Union a « - ceuded the platform for the purpose of presenting Dr . and Mrs . Douall each with a j ; old ring . The Chairman first introduced Mrs . Angus , who , in a neat and appropriate address , put a massive gold ring on tbe fiuger of Dr . M'Douall . M ' . ss Lakdeb was then introduced to Mrs M'Douall , who placed a splendid gold ring on h « r finger , during which she repeated the following acrostic : —
M ay this small token of esteem R ecord for you our high regard ; 8 how also our respect for him—M' ore worthy of a vast reward . D evoiJ of every meaner aim , O nly his country ' s freedom craves ; U nmov'd he vindicates its claim : A nd stands the friend of British slaves . L ong may we hear of brave M'Douall ' s fame , L et Scotia ' s daughters celebrate his name .
Dr . M'Dodaix then came forward amidst tremendous cheering , and very feelingly returned thanks to the females of Aberdeen , who had bo honoured him and his partner on the occasion . He then delivered a lecture on the government of the " do-nothings , " their rise , progress , and tyranny . The lecture occupied two hours in delivery ; and he certainly did pay the Whigs a pretty large instalment of the debt he owes them for the instruction they imparted to him in the College of Chester Castle . Tbe Hall was crowded to suffocation ; yet such was the interest felt , that scarcely a whisper was heard during the whole time . Dr . M'Douall , in concluding , proposed three cheers for Mr . O'Connor and all imprisoned Chartists , which was unanimously responded to ; also three for M'Douall , and the meeting separated .
Dr . M'Douall delivered his second lecture on Friday evening , Dec . 11 , Mr . M'Donald in thb chair . The lecturer , during the course of his address , developed the rise and fall of wages from 1050 to 1840 , together with the effects of the paper currency on the credit of society . The lecture gave universal satisfaction to those who heard it . After giving the usual cheers to the friends of freedom , the meeting dissolved . On Saturday evening , Dr . and Mrs . M'Douall was entertained to a soiree in the same place , Mr . John Legge in the chair . In the centre of the room
was suspended the crown of democracy , surmounted by the cap of liberty , having inscribed on its sides the names of O'Connor , M'Douall , Lovett , Collins , Frost , Williams , and Jones ; also , behind the chair , was a full length portrait of Dr . M'Douall , surmounted by a lion rampant , over which was inscribed the Lion of Chester Castle . " The meeting was addressed by the Chairman , Dr . M'Douall , and others . The hilarity of the evening was kept up till a lato hour , each returning to their respective homes el&ted by the thought tbat they had actually honoured these to whom honour is due . —Northern correspondent .
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IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE REDDITCH A > "D STUDLEY WORKING MEN'S ASSOCIATIONS . A public meeting and dinner of the above Associations took place at the Needle Maker ' s Arms , Green Lane , on Monday , in last week , for the purpose of forming a Committee to act in conjunction with tbe men of Birmingham in securing the return of M essrs . Frost , Williams , and Jenes to their native land , and enrolling themselves into the National Charter Association of Great Britain , the deputation from Birmingham , which bad been previously invited , being present Shortly after four o ' clock , W . D . Whitehouse , Esq . entered the Assembly Room , followed by Councillor Barrott , Messrs . Penn , Pare , and Green , of the Birmingham Delegation ; also the Council of the Working Men ' s Associations , consisting of Messrs . A . and E . Morrall , Stinton , Moule , Prescott , E . and B .
Cook , Periis , and others . After dinner , Mr . William Perks , the celebrated rocket-maker , amused the company with a display of fireworks , rockets , balloons , 4 c ., from the tower adjoining the house . On the assembly again entering the room , and the Chairman resuming the chair , the first toast given was— " The people , the legitimate source of all wealth ; " responded to by Mr . Penn . After which— "The National Charter Association of Great Britain " was responded te by Mr . Pare . " Speedy return of Frost , Williams , and Jo . nes , and the liberation of all incarcerated Chartists , " was the next toast ; to which Mr . T . V . Green responded in a speech of considerable length , The Chairman next gave— "The health of the Birmingham delegation . "
Councillor Barrott returned thanks , and proposed the health of the worthy and esteemed chairman , W . D . Whitehouse , Esq . The Chairjuvn acknowledged the compliment in a suitable speech . W . D . White . house , Esq . having left the chair , and all the assem bly standing , gave him three times three hearty cheers as he left the room . Mr .. Moule , on taking the chair , said there was another health which he had the honour of proposing ; it was tbe health of oi le who had leng struggled in the cause of the people , anJ was now suffering in a dreary cell in York Castle ; I z eed not say any more ; it is the health of that uncomproi uMng advocate of the Charter and the People ' s liberties — " Feargus O'Connor , Esq . " The assembly , after givi ug three times three hearty cheers , gave "A little ' un i x The Chairman then put the following resolution to the meeting , which was carriiXl unanimously ;—
" That this m ( eting do individually and collectively demand the restoration of Frost ,. Williams , and Jones ; also , that this metting do hereby give thsir hearty co-operation to the General Comm ittee of Birmingham for that desired object " Proposed by Mr . E . Cook , seconded by Mr . Thos . Prescott , and carried unanimously :
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"Th : it a Cou . 'iiiittee beiormed , coiis-sti-n ; •* lieKsra . MorraU , Moute , W . Cook , Perks , Wimiwell , Hinton , Neale , Hughes , Duggins , and E . Prexcott , with power t » add to their numbers , for the purpose of cooperating with the Birmingham Committee , to secuve the return of Frost , Williams , and Jones . " Proposed by Mr . Morrall , seconded by Mr . E . Cook , and carried unanimously;—"That the account of tnia meeting be sent for insertion to the Northern Slar , Glasgow Patriot , Northern Ii 6 erotor , and Western Star newspapers . " After the business of the evening had concluded , the conipnny were amused with recitations and songs by Messrs . E . Morrall , Moule , Preacatt , Cook , Clark , Perks , and others . The company did not separate until a late hoar , when they all returned peaceably to their respective homes , with a determination not to cease their exertions until they had gained tbe objects of the National Charter Association , and the return of Messrs . Frost , Williams , and Jones .
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» m FROST , WILLIAMS , AND JONES . The General Committee for these victims held their usual weekly meeting on Thursday night , at Bill ' s Coffee House , Moor-street , Mr . Penn in the chair , when the following report was given in by the subcommittee , appointed to manage the forthcoming demonstrations on January 1 st . Orders and Arrangements for the Public Meeting to be held at Holloway Head , on January 1 st , 1841 . 1 st That the Memorial to her Majesty the Queen be signed by the Chairman of the meeting on behalf of the numbers present 2 nd . That the petition to the Commons be submitted to a course of signatur s of the inhabitants of Birmingham generally , and tables be provided at the place of meeting for signatures and subscriptions , for the purpose of carrying out the objects ef this meeting .
3 rd . That the necessary placards be issued for the purpose of calling the meeting , and invitiug all trade and benefit societies to render ull the assistance to the Committee that lies in their power . Mr . Smith , of Manchester , was duly elected an honorary member of this Committee at its last sitting , whose name was omitted through an over-Bight The following twenty-eight gentlemen were also duly elected honorary members of this Committee : — Mr . Davis , Dundee W . D . Whitehouse , Esqs ., Mr . D . Davis , Tydvil Studley and Redditcfl .
EvanRees do . H . C . . Moules , do . William Williams , do . VV . Cook , do . John Rees , do . Thomas Dugglns , do . Ezron Evans , do . Thomas Prescote , do . Benjamin Jones , do . Wm . Perks , do . Henry Rynian , da Will . Mitchell , do . Henry Morgan , do . A . Morrall , do . David Rees , do . A . Morrall , jun ., do . David Hughes , do . D . Dunnttll , do . Thomas Lewis , do . C . Cottrell , do . Emanuel Jones , do . Wm . Hinton , do . Win . Gould , do . E Crow , do .
E . Cook , do . A great number of letters were read from various parts , and all gave the most cheering accounts of the prospects of the Committee . Collectors are requested to apply to the Committee for duly authorised collecting books , which are now ready . The Committee wish their friends to understand that until the Committee have obtained a permanent place of meeting they have not thought it prudent to pass their accounts in so small a meeting as their Committee-room is capable of holding , us they intend to obtain a place of meeting by next Tuesday night , of which due notice will be given , by placard , in Birmingham .
The various sums that the Committee have received from all sources will appear in a monthly balance sheet of the Committee , on the first Saturday of every month , agreeable to the rules and objects of the Committee . Notice . —The friends of Frost meet eveiy Sunday night , at Bills Coffee House , Moer-atreet , at Beven o'clock , when the company of any friend to freedom is requested . By order of Committee , T . P . Gueen , ) T , . _ . , W . H . Cotton , \ Joint Secretaries . J . Guest , Treasurer , To whom all communications are addressed . Birmingham , Dec . 9 , 1840 .
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BATH . —On Monday , in last week , the 7 th inBt ., a public meeting was held in the People ' s Room , Monmouth-stteet , to memorialise the Marquis of Normanby for a remission of the remainder of the imprisonment of Messrs . Vincent and Edwards , now confined in Oakham Gaol . Mr . Bolwell was called to the chair , and explained the object of the meeting . Ho spoke of the ability and sound moral conduct ot Mi . Vincent , and of the public and private worth of Mr . Edwards . He alluded to an almost direct pledge given by Lord John Russell , that towards the close of Vincent ' s imprisonment , a portion of it phould be mitigated . Mr . R . K . Philp , l atter some introductory remarks ' , proposed the adoption of the following memorial : — TO THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY , HER MAJESTY'S SECRETARY OF STATE , The Memorial of numerous Inhabitants of Bath , in
Public Meeting assembled , Respectfully SHEWETH . —That Henry Vincent is at present confined in Oakham Gaol , Rutlandshire ; that the said Henry Vincent was first tried , charged with , and found guilty of sedition , at the Summer Assizes for the County of Monmouth , and senteifcied to twelve months imprisonment in Monmouth Gaol . At a subsequent assize , in the same county , ( then having four mouths of this sentence unexpired , ) Henry Vincent was again tried for a similar offence , and sentenced to eight months additional imprisonment , the jury by which he was tried recommending him to mercy . That in consequence of the spotless character , and manifest intelligence , of the said Henry Vincent , instructions were given that , during his imprisonment , he should receive better treatment than the usual regulations of Monmouth Gaol would afford ; he was not subjected to wearing the prison dress , or having his hair cut , and he was allowed the use of pens , ink , and paper .
That , subsequently , it pleased her Majesty ' s Gsvernment to remove him from Monmouth Gaol to the Penitentiary at Millbunk , where he became subject to severe treatment — treatment which Mr . Sergeant Talfourd , the prosecuting counsel on the part of the Ciown , afterwards declared , in the House of Commons , was never contemplated by the judge who passed sentence upon him , and was wholly disproportioued to the offence committed . That a representation ef these facts was made by Mr . Sergeant Talfourd , in the House of Commons , on Tuesday , the 2 nd of June , 1840 , and the Hen . Member moved that , " considering the privations that had already been endured by Mr . Vincent , an humble address be presented to her Majesty , praying that her Majesty would be graciously pleased to abridge the remainder of Henry Vincent ' s imprisonment . "
That in commenting upon the motion , the Hon . Fox Maule observed , " He did not think the time had yet arrived to advise her Majesty to remit the remaining portion of Vincent ' s sentence ; " and Lord John Russell , in continuation , said , " With regard to the present motion , he did not say that towards the end of the imprisaument , when the advisers of the Crown considered the whole of the imprisonment which had been undergone , and the part of it which had taken place in the Penitentiary , that that might not bo a reason for advising the Crown to remit some part of the duration of the punishment ; " an announcement which the newspapers report to have been received with loud cheers
by the Honourable Members of the House of Commons . Your memorialists , therefore , beg respectfully to draw your Lordship ' s attention to the fact , that the term of Henry Vincent ' s imprisonment is drawing to a close , and will expire in March next And your memorialists respectfully solicit your Lordship to advise her Majesty to mitigate the remaining portion of his punishment , upon the grounds already set forth ; but more particularly upon the intimation conveyed to the House of Commons , by Lord John Russell , in consequence of which the motion of Mr . Serjeant Talfourd , for an abridgement of Vincent ' s imprisonment , was withdrawn .
Mr . Philp added , that as in the debate in the House of Commons , on the 2 nd of June , Mr . Vincent alone was alluded to , it would bo advisable that a separate memorial for Mr . Edwards should be adopted , that no opportunity of e ^ ading the expectations held out in the case of Vincent should be afforded . Mr . Twite seconded the memorial , and sincerely trusted it would have the desired effect . Mr . Samuel Bartlett proposed the adoptioo . of a memorial for Mr . Eawards , similar in its object to that intended for Mr . Vincent . Mr . Charles BolweU seconded the motion . The two latter speakers entered upon a brief glance at the position and prospects of Chartism . The motions being put , were carried unanimously . We shall be happy to hear of the adoption of similar memorials in other parts .
MANCHESTER . —The following lecture was delivered by Mr . Tillman , secretary of the Executive , on the plan of organisation agreed te by the delegates 20 th July , 1840 , in Tib-street , on Sunday evening : —Mr . Chairman and friends , —While I congratulate you up « n your glorious position , permit me to take a glance at the general . movement now going on through the country—a movement which has for its object the emancipation fiom the trammels of class legislation the industrious millions , not only of this country , but of the
known world . Yes , Sir , the British artisan , notwithstanding the calumnies that have been raised against him , knows no blessing which he is not prepared to extend to biafellow men ; hence the good old English saying , " I wish every man had as good a dinner as I have . '' Indeed , Mr . Chairman , it ia my opinion that the high and exhalted feelings of our nature are best appreciated by what are designated "the lower orders , " and manifested by them in a very superior manner . Yea , my friends , yet a little longer , aud the veil of ignorance shall be rent asunder ; yet a little longer , and the
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ought sun of reason shall illumine ihe hearts of out operatives and bring into operation the r various intelligences—intelligences before wcose mighty influences murky mists of ignorance shall vanish and recsde , like a foggy vapour on the appearance in the horizon of the glorious orb of light . Mr . Chairman , the present movement of the vilified Chartists is calculated to strike terror into the hearts of the poor man ' s oppressors . It is , indeed , the march of intellect , "—the enlightening the minds and the opening of the eyes of the . people , the growing intelligence of the millions , brought about by the dissemination of tracts , and the preachings of political missionaries , that will produce an union irresistible in its action , and certain in its effects . Tyranny will tremble before its mighty power , whilst
injustice will not dare to raise its eyes in the presence of an indignant and enlightened nation . I have endeavoured , Sir , to discover a plausible pretext for denying to the people of this country the rights of citizenship , but in vain . I find the privileged classes as much opposed to a qualification founded upon intelligence as they well can be , indeed so much so that they oppose and * coff at everything calculated to improve the mental capabilities of the poor . Only talk of educating the poor , and you have a whole host of bishops and parsons about your ears , like so many humming drones , ready to choke the people with common prayer books . What a desire the Commons-House of Parliament exhibited to educate the people of Great Britain when it voted the enormous sum of
thirty thousand pounds for that purpose—the same House deeming such a sum per annum baTely sufficient to finish the education of a German beggar ! Well ,, after all , it was little enough ; he was about commencing the classical study of breeding dogs and race horses . " But , Mr . Chairman , the ignoranc 9 of the people is no argument for withholding the franchise , since , under the present regulations , any dolt can exercise that privilege who happens to rent a ten-pound house . Enfranchise the working classes to-morrow , and , with all their faults upon their heads , they could not produce a more deplorable , a more humiliating , order of things tban the time-serving constituency , which bolsters up the present tottering Ministry . And yet , Sir , these props of corruption ' are continually charging the
people with their vices , as though they themselves were immaculate . They immaculate , indeed ! Among what class move the wine bibbers ? The unfortunate females who disgrace our streets you will find are victims to the unbridled lusts of the monsters who use their ill-gotten wealth as blandishments to deceive the beautiful daughters of their poor countrymen , destroying the peaco of the family circle , and inundating our streets with a demoralizing population of harlots , and these immaculate gentlemen , whose track is wicked with desolation , degradatian , and ruin , are the lawgivers of Britainthese Pharisees , who ostentatiously bestow munificent endowments upon public occasions , for which purpose they barefacedly filch from the poor man ' s earnings in
the shape of fines and waste , and so forth . I propose , in this lecture , to enter upon the plan of organisation propounded by the delegates assembled at Manchester , on the 20 th of July last—a plan of which I highly approve , on account of its embracing a practical system of education of the right kind , namely , political education ; and , speaking of education , much depends on the women . Woman was intended as an helpmate for man , and in this particular her services became most essential : to her care is committed the important duty of giving a proper direction to tbe tender mind of youth ; on her precepts and example depend , in a great measure , the future conduct and pursuits of the man . Let but the mothers of the present generation beget a hatred to despotism in tbe
hearts of their sons , and the succeeding generation will be a generation of freemen , and the declared snd open enemies to despotism , wherever it may appear , and whatever form it may assume . Then let me implore you females , young and aged , te make the subject of liberty the theme of your conversation at the breakfast table , the dinner hour , at the fires ' de , when you assemble together in friendly parties . I will now proceed to the plan . The first clause is as follows : —1 . " That the Chartists of Great Britain be incorporated in one society , to be called ' The National Charter Association of Great Britain . '" The motives for tbe adoption of this clause must be evident to every wellregulated mind . In the first place , for a people to gain anything of moment , their exertions must be unanimous
and simultaneous ; two important things without which could not be obtained a thorough radical reform of the House of Commons . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Tbe charge of sinister motives cannot be fairly imputed to the delegates of the 20 th of July , inasmuch as no one amongst them could reasonably expect to be placed on the Executive Council , besides which the salaries proposed for the services required , can never be deemed a sinecure by the most fastidious economist , more particularly bo , when the persecution is taken into account te which the members of the Executive Council are sure to be subjected . I shall now pass on to the second clause : —2 . " The objects of this Association it to obtain a radical reform of the House of Commons ; in other words a full and faithful representation of the
entire people of the United Kingdom . Now , Sir . it is acknowledged by all parties , that there is a great deal of wretchedness prevailing in the country , that our commerce is crippled , our financial matters in a bewildering state of complication , our expenditure yearly increasing , while every budget exhibits a falling off in the revenue . ( Hear , hear . ) Still do our rulers go recklessly forward in the same old worn-out method of legislating , increasing their own difficulties and shame ; prostrating the honour and dignity of our country , and spreading misery , degradation , and wretchedness through the empire . ( Hear , hear , ) It is to remove this shame—it is to assert the honour and dignity of our country—it is to banish degradation and wretchedness and misery , that we want a real radical reformation of
the House of Commons , upon the principles contained in the third clause . 3 . " The principles requisite to secure such a representation are , the right of voting for Members of Parliament by every male of twenty-one years of age , and of sound mind ; Annual Parliaments ; Vote by Ballot ; no Property Qualification for Members of Parliament ; Payment of Members , and division of the kingdom into electoral districts , giving to each district a proportional number of representatives according to the number of electors . " These are the six points of the People ' s Charter . 1 . The right of voting for Members of Parliament by every male of twenty-one years of age , and of sound mind . Now , I hold it as a principle that laws should be instituted , not exclusively for the protection of property ,
but also for the protection of liberty and life ; hence the necessity of a full and faithful representation of the whole people ; for if property alone be represented , the liberty and lives of the unrepresented will continue to be sacrificed to the interest of the moneymongers , stock-jobbers , political economists , and traffickers in human debasement and misery ; besides the possession of property is no real qualification or standard of virtue , but , on the contrary , is frequently the index of an overreaching , avaricious disposition . Indeed , the greatest revolutionist that ever lived , whose principles of equality acquired for him the glorious title of Saviour of the world , distinctly stated these memorable words : " That it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a
rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven ; " not that a rich man must of necessity be wicked , but that wealth in the hands of wicked men give them the power of working mischief to the damnation of their souls . Riches toe often beget a thirst of power , a power which lays prostrate the better feelings of humanity , and tends to engender in society vices of the moat malignant description , such as usury , monopoly , bribery , and perjury , which can only be counteracted by tbe sovereign authority of the whole people , expressed by representatives , chosen upon the principle of an universal adult male suffrage . The very terms , franchised and unfranchised , conveys an idea of slavery strong enough to guarantee a resistance to the laws . Some of our greatest statesmen have acknowledged that "taxation without
representation is tyranny , and ought to be resisted "; and again , no man ought to be called upon to perform a contract to which he was not a consenting party , or , in other words , no man ought to be expected to obey laws which he has no voice in making , either in his own person , or through his representative . The third principle is " Annual elections . " Now , the only arguments that have ever been advanced against this principle are , that twelve months is a space too short to mature any measure of importance , and that such frequent elections would have the effect of too frequently exciting the public mind . The former part of this argument might appear plausible , did the people of this country call for an annual change of the Administration , but , when applied to the election of members
entirely falls to the ground , inasmuch as the people would be sure to return a majority of those members who had honoured the trust reposed in them ; and the sooner the really dishonest were got rid of the better . " Vote by Ballot . " On + his ' subject little need be said , it being an established fact that its very opponents have adopted it as a means of security and protection . And now , Mr . Chairman , for the most grand and glorious principle after that of Universal Suffrage , viz ., Payment Members . " Now , Mr . Chairman , the Charter proposes a salary of £ 500 per annum , but these high-minded , independent gentlemen are net so fearful of being contaminated by receiving this salary , as they are of the people employing poor but honest and talented men , who would take care , whilst they received the £ 500 , you should not be robbed by gambling law quacks to the tune of hundreds of thousands ; besides , how could a member of Parliament be more disgraced by receiving his salary for services performed , than a Judge , Prime
Minister , or German groom of the Queen's bedchamber . ( Cheering . ) Bvery man ought to go into tha House of Commons independent , not of the people , but of the minister . The next point is the division of the kingdom into equal districts , giving to each district a proportionate number of representatives according to the number of electors . This may be summed up in these few words , that no one part of the country ia to have or receive a preponderating influence . Toaccomplish the foregoing objects , none but peaceable means ought to be employed , such as public meetings to discuss grievances arising from the existing system , to shew the utility of the proposed change , and to petition Parliament to adopt the same . ( Hear . ) Mr . Tillman m . \ de remarks on the different points of the plan of organisation , and exhorted the people to unity and perseverauce of action . He likewise defended the conduct 0 / Mr . Thomasson during his employment in the foreign policy question , stating tbat he ( Mr . T . ) had always
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held the Charter in hold relief to any ofchsr qaeiti . A faw questions were a-. ked , aud answered to-tt »» tkl faction ef the audience . A vote of thanks to M * iSn . man was carried with acclamation , and ihe « eotiU dispersed , apparently highly edified . Weftfegitf t ? state that a great many of that valuable peripdicaL tha Chartist Circular , were sold on Sunday . ^^; -Lectuhe . —On Sunday afternoon , a Ieefeuo Wm delivered by Mr . Win . Thomasson , of Newcastle ^ ^ the Tib-street Association . Mr . J . Wheeler , WM «» Sied to the chair . He introduced Mr . Thomawwi to the meeting . He said they were met on purpose to dtaeow their grievances , and instruct each other Alii : t ' oeii rights and duties as citizens ; and , could theyg # « U the working men of this nation to feel as < lMf 4 &h »
, their wishes would go forth with every breath , WWU 4 burden every gale , would murmur in every lijim IUH . 1 I concentrated and united by knowledge ; and Wormatian . frond its way , like the toll of ten tivKu&u * thunders , into the doors of the House of Cumm < w , and an intelligent population were invested With all the attributes of freemen . The necessity of IMking men uniting to better their own condition * U | be obvious from this circumstance , tbat in allreformtwight the interest of one class of the community was only ontemplated ; reform has been demanded by men in high stations , but it was only to make themselW national spendthrifts . But , as working men , th » y demand that , as members of the commonwealth , tluir well-being besought in the proposed reforms , and us
a . portion of the body politic , we realise a sha . ra of th& benefits expected to be produced . Unity of purpose U necessary in order to ensure success-, and hence the fact that the operatives of this country are in posse «« ton of a charter , comprising their wishes , and which is a * good as fifty years agitation ou the plan formerly adopted . Newcastle might be denouncing a New Pi ^ r Law Bill—Lancashire cursing its factory system—Birmingham seekingan alteration in currency matters ; now all these questions had been waved , and that measure , which was with working men the Alpha and Omega , tho beginning and the end , the first arid the lakt , was aa investure with all the rights of Suffrage , as denned in the People ' s Charter . He said he was well aware that the position taken by the working classes has exhibited
them in the light of supporters of bad laws and institutions . Nothing could be more unfounded . Hence , because amendments may have bem moved at Corn Law meeting , ergo , Chartists approve of bread monopolies . Now , the real position of the question is this —A is a cotton lord , B is an operative . We will suppose that a repent of the Cam Law will make A two pounds richer , and B , perhaps , twopence . Now , we say that all public acts should have utility as their rule , and that as benefits are unequal , we are justified in refusing our co-operation . These remarks proceed on the supposition that a repeal of the bread tax would raise the operative of this country ; but when we hear capitalists talk of competing with foreigners in their markets—with nations unblest with , a national debt of
£ 806 , 000 , 000 , yearly interest £ 29 , 000 , 006—a Church £ 10 , 000 , 000 annually—a peace establishment numerous as Trar ones , and equally expensive—when , in addition to a war debt , we look at the swarms of police , soldiers , parsons , bankers , spies , stock jobbers , fixed salary men , profltocracies , lawyers and speculators—and when , in addition to these drains upon his handlabour , we see machinery , like a Juggernaut , untiring and untaxed , competing with his hand-labour—when , with all these drags upon his industry , competition with an untaxed foreigner is mentioned—ask yourselves , ye factory slaves , if a repeal of a broad tax will not give the mill-owner a still greater purchase than they possess at present—and enable them to make still tighter a screw almost at present unbearable . ( Cries of
hear , hear . ) The same remarks would apply to questions of foreign policy . Lord John Russell might sell Tavistock and Wobnrn , in order to bribe an apologist among the working men of this country . The Noble Lord would scarcely command a partizan , if he would generously offer ( forgive the word , to apply it to him is blasphemy ) to restore every foot of soil wrested out of the hands of the nation by his illustrious ancestorsif he would do this , no operative would come forward to defend Whiggery , —in destroying Poland , attempting topoisonthe Chinese—its attempt to take away the Democratic usages of the Basque provinces—( cries of hear , hear )—would not be approved of by the workers . But what is the view taken by the unrepresented T We aie not recognised as part of the nation ; it is not
responsible to us for its acts ; let us have Parliament a mirror of our own minds , and , instead of standing as we are at present , the enemies of freedom and the world , we would exhibit the olive branch of peace to every member of every state , until the powerful tie of universal brotherhood unite every kingdom , and good-will to man be the basis , the measure , and the rule of our national policy . The voice of the people , which is the voice of God , should be the only adjudicator in questions of international law , believing that man never was the enemy of man , excepting so far as he was made so to gratify the pride and ambition of politicians and statesmen . Universal Suffrage would put a stop to all those bloody sports exhibited on the theatre of Europe . [ The cheering and
enthusiasm of the people at this sentence , was exhibited in a most marked and pleasing manner . Mr . Thomasson then came to tbe Charter and proceeded in a most effective manner to glance at its various points . ] He remarked that the charge of novelty as applied to the doctrines of Chartism was false . The Witenageinot of the Saxons , or yearly assembly , was elected by th » whple people duly summoned for the purpose ; then Government was paternal in its character , and the happiness of the entire man was considered the base of their legislation ; a portion of the soil was set apart for the people , and their enclosure acts were past only by a government which had shut the people entirely from the House of Commons . ( Hear , hear . ) AParliament , representing the whole , would only ueek the interests of the whole . The opponents of Chartism often decry the intelligence of the people . The working men of this nation have acquired their knowledge , not at Oxford ,
Cambridge , Eton , London , or other seminaries ; no , it has been obtained at the school of adversity ; and who so At to legislate aa men who can enter into the sorrows and wants of his ? fellows Politics must not be the play ot parties , as they have hitherto been . Legislation is the science of life , the science of comfortably living , and discharging those duties made incumbent upon us . Another point upon which the trading classes harp is , the insecurity of property , if democracy were on the ascendant . At the time our Convention was about to proclaim the national strike , several of the respectables were frightened , and were on the eve of leaving the country , which , by the way , would not have been a great loss . ( Laughter . ) One of our monied men in Newcastle fled ; and where did he fly to ? Did he repose under the shade of Nicholas ? Did he solicit the protection of the Citizen King , Louis Philippe ? No , the Only parties with whom he durst trust his
p carcase were the democrats of Switzerland ? ( Roars of laughter , lasting for some minutes . ) What is it makes property insecure ? Is it because the people are naturally vicious and reckless of every tie which binds society ? No , it is because misery and misrule exists , because the means of subsistence are taken from the people by excessive taxation . Give the working man a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work , and the rights of property will be held sacred and inviolate . ^ ( Long and tremendous applause . ) Mr . Thomasson proceeded , seriatim , to glance at the points of the Charter , and referred to the means of obtaining the rights of suffrage . The first step , he said , was to spread . information by means of circulating libraries : another way in which they could increase their strength was by means of Debating Societies ; by this plan , they would become acquainted with each other ' s views , and , as a consequence , widen the circle of their information , and also strengthen their devotion
to the cause of equality and right . Another plan was to abstain from all intoxicating drinks . The operatives of England surely possess moral heroism enough to make as . % crifice : their ardent spirit is the price of blood ; it is from this cursed stuff that Government get the means of oppression . Place an extinguisher upon the gin-bottle , and sober habits will secure them the rights of freemen , and make them the possessors of their constitutional liberties . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Thomasson , in conclusion , made a few remarks on a question with which he had been mixed up , namely , foreign policy , and vindicated hia conduct and character from the aspersions cast upon him . He defied any man to produce a single sentence of his at variance with the Charter , and concluded an excellent address , of which the above is but an outline ,, by exhorting the people to contend for the adoption of the Charter as the one thing needful . The audience departed , highly delighted with the powerful and impressive remarks of the lecturer .
VALE OP X . EVEN . —On Sunday last , Mr . Hardie , from Glasgow , preached two sermons , to numerous and respectable audiences , in the Democratic Seminary which has been erected here for the joint purpose of preaching the gospel , and instructing the younger portion of the community in the principles of education . LONDON . —The monthly general meeting of the members of the Finsbury National Charter Association took place in the lecture room , Lunt ' s Coffee Housed Clerkeuwell Green , oa Wednesday evening , Dec . 9 th , for the purpose of receiving a report ; of the financial affairs of the association and other important business , in connection with the progress of the cause of the People ' s Charter . After a few brief remarks from the chair , the secretary laid before the meeting the report of progress for the past month , with balance sheet duly audited , which , with other business matters , were highly satisfactory to the
meeting . A resolution , recommending the immediate co-operation of all parties favourable to the principles of the Charter in the Metropolis , with the view of commencing a vigorous and determined agitation for the one ' great and essential object , viz ., our tight of citizenship , was carried after some friendly discussion . The members delegated to assist in the New Year's Day Demonstration in favour of the Welsh patriots , reported their proceedings in that , committee , when it agreed that a general subscription should be immediately entered into by the whole of the members , and that the several class leaders ' collect-the seme . The Council holds its weekly sittings every Wednesday evening , at the above place , when the members are requested to attend , and frieudiy discussion take place on Sunday evenings , at seven o ' clock ; after collections were made for the incarceratoa victims , the meeting was adjourned till Wev \ ^ J .. .. 7 ' , 1 . ¦ - " ' "' . V ~ J , &" ^ :
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A DIALOGUE . Question—What are the necessary means to be taken in order to establish the Charter ? Answer—First , by getting a most extensive circulation for the democratic press ; and , in order to do this , every reader of every democratic paper should feel it his duty to procure as many readers as he possibly could to that paper which he himself reads . Where poverty prevents an individual from the purchase © f a ¦ weekly paper , two or three should then co-operate and take one among them . Where ten or a dozen Radicals could conveniently form themselves into a reading class , or club , it would be to their advantage to do so , because they could then take in a variety of papers ; and , after having read them , they could then circulate them throughout the district in which they Teside . Secondly , by having competent persons to deliver j iemocr&tic lectures at every possible place . Thirdly , by establishing political tract societies , so as to have tracts distributed in every city , town , and village , throughout the United Kingdom . The expence -would be but trifling , but the effect * would be mighty . One halfpenny per week from each Radical would be sufficient . Fourthly , as the law sanctions the right to have arms for self-deffince , let each Radical procure them , without talking so much about it He will then be prepared , as every man has a right to be , to resist aggression il ever it should be made . Fifthly and lastly , by organising in tens , twenties , or as many as best might suit for the purpose of collecting monies , calling meetings , &c . 4 c . How many organised men would it require to carry the Charter ? At least one million . Would that be suflident to establish it morally ?
Yea ; not a doubt of it ; because we should then form the political majority of the nation . We should then be more powerful than the present House of Commons , they being elected only by about half a million . But supposing , even under such circumstances , moral force to be of no avail , how then would you act ? That question can only be answered by the people themselves , when such a crisis arrives . E . H . S . New Road , Fitzroy-sqnare .
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 19, 1840, page 2, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/king-y1kbzq92ze2715/page/2/
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