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TO THE LONDON CHARTISTS.
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M y Dear Feiekds, Every day's experience...
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TO THE SHOPKEEPERS, TRADESMEN, AND WHER ...
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THE MARTYRS. ilr F.-'OConnor moved an ad...
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Makcbejtzb.—* Woe unto thera that laugh ...
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C ' T meant to wait no longer than tho t...
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THE NATIONAL CONVENTION, THE NATIONAL PE...
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THE NATIONAL CONVENTION. TUESDAY MORNING...
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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.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
To The London Chartists.
TO THE LONDON CHARTISTS .
M Y Dear Feiekds, Every Day's Experience...
M y Dear Feiekds , Every day ' s experience teaches me , and will shortl y teach you , that indiscretion is , and ever has been , yonr greatest enemy . This is Friday morning , and you will have read a proclamation , cautioning the people from joining in any demonstration in favour of
the National Petition ; and you will see that the injunction is hased upon the valour of the mouthing patriots , who have advised the people to attend the Demonstration 'armed . ' Now , my friends , jonr cause must not be damaged by the folly and the ignorance of raw recruits . Yoa are aware of the fate of the Convention of 1839- You
recollect that I opposed the insanity which weakened our hands , strengthened the hands of the Government , and gave the Government a comp lete legal triumph over ns . But to the point I censured Odillon Barrot for deserting the French peop le in the hour of danger ; I censured Mr Cochrane for deserting his post in the hour of danger , and I would deserve
yonr censure were T to desert my post in the hour of danger . SO I SHALL BE AT MY POST ON MONDAY , and from our Proclamation you will see that it is our intention to keep the peace . I never had any other intention j for , althou g h it may suit the purpose of some to smile over the ruin they have brought upon . the unwary ,-my object is to secure comfort for all , and make life worth preserving . - Every Cnanist-wii
be a special constable on Monday , and in the country , you , the Fustian Jackets , the Blistered Hands , and Unshorn Chins , will hold your representatives responsible for any damage your cause may suffer at their hands , while the country will hold the Government responsible for any act of unconstitutional aggression upon its part . Faithfull y yours , Feargxjs O'Connor .
P . S . —This morning ' s post has brought me the following letter from your longtried and faithful friend and leader , T . S . Duncoaibe . Head and ponder well upon the words of this staunch friend of the good eause , and recollect that this warning voice comes from one , who , even while stretched np on the bed of sickness , is ever thoughtful of yonr welfare .
TO T HE S ON S OF LA B OUR AND INDUSTRY . Sidrnouth ^ April 6 th , 1848 . Mr Dear Femgus , — Taoa / i absent , I am not an inattentive observer of passing events , and it saddens me to see a canse for which I have so perseveringly struggled—and I think in the ri g ht direction—now likel y to be damaged by folly .
I can , of course , make every allowance for reasonable excitement , but I cannot reconcile to my mind the folly of jeopardising a good and just cause by extravagant language and foolish threats , which , as of old , can onl y have the effect of retarding progress , " and disarming its best friends . Nothing in my mind could be more ridiculous or cruel than to hazard the longlooked for prospects of £ ae people , by any rash collision with the authorities , and those who adopt such a course will impose upon themselves a fearful responsibility .
THINK I THINK" THINK ! and remember—that one false step may seal the fate of millions . Faithfully yours ,
T . S . BUNCOMBE
To The Shopkeepers, Tradesmen, And Wher ...
TO THE SHOPKEEPERS , TRADESMEN , AND WHER INHABITANTS OF LONDON . The members of the National Convention , unanimousl y assure the inhabitants of London , that they deprecate and view with unmitigated abhorrence all attempts that have been , or may be , made to create disturbance or efect plunder ; and that they p ledge
themselves lo adopt such means as will ensure order , peace , and good conduct on the day when the National Petition is to he presented to the House of Commons . B y order of the Convention , Philip M'Grath , Chairman . Convention Rooms , John-street , Fitzroy-square , Friday , April , 7 th , 1848 .
The Martyrs. Ilr F.-'Oconnor Moved An Ad...
THE MARTYRS . ilr F .- 'OConnor moved an address to the Crown praying that the Royal clemency mi g ht beextecded to Frost , Williams , and Jones , and all political offenders . Mr "W akley seconded and supported the motion , in common with Mr Hume and Mr Aglionby , Mr S . Crawford , Dr Bowring , and Mr Gardner , it being opposed by Sir George Grey , Mr C . Morgan , and SirDavid Dundas . Colonel Thompson thought the present an inopportune moment for bringing on the motion , which would have heen more properly made a week ago or a week hence . On a division the motion for the release of Frost , Williams , . Jones , and Ellis , -was negatived by a majority of 68 , the numbers heing 23 to 91 . '
Makcbejtzb.—* Woe Unto Thera That Laugh ...
Makcbejtzb . —* Woe unto thera that laugh now for they ebatt peep ' . ' —A . public meeting of the citizens of Manchester wilt be held on Snnday next , April 9 ib , in Smithfield-market , Shndehill , to take into consideration the awful state of the country , fellow citistns , the time has as length arrived when ic behoves yon to be prepared for any emergency that say arise . Your petitions have not only been neglected , bat treated with contempt . Aristocrats acd mitlecrats , who lire opoa the produce of yonr toi 3 , langh , ay , laugh at your ' sufferings , and seem to rejoice at jour degradation . Will you submit to be thus trampled npon ? Will yon eontinne , fipaniellike , iojiek the hand that smites you ? Forbid it
justice , forbid it God ! We call upon' you by every endearing tie—by the dignity of manhood—by the lore of liberty implanted in your _ breasts , to arouse yourselves , and solemnly swear , in the presence of high Heaven , that , come weal come woe , yoa will remain serfs no longer ; nor ever rest till you are ernjJEtipated from political bondage , l > jr the enscinrent of the People ' s Charter as the law of the land . Chair to be taken at two o'clock , p . m . By order of the council of the Manchester locality of the National Charter Association . William Grocott . chairman ; Thomas Orinsreker , eeeretsry . Mr B , S- Traycer will deliver a lecture in the People ' s Institute , on Sunday , April 9 th , Chair to taken at eis o ' clock in the evening
Bk-ADFOsd . —Oa Sunday , a Chartist camp meeting wilt be held at Jerebeiid Green , near Shelf , at two o ' clock in the afternoon . —A Chartist meeting roll bs held oa Sunday ( to-morrow ) , at six o'clock in the erening , at t & e Temperance room , Old Dolphin , near Queen ' s Head . Several speakers from Halifax and Bradford are expected to attend . —A public meeting will be held at Thornton , near Bradford , on Saturday evening , at six o ' clock , to organise the district .
C ' T Meant To Wait No Longer Than Tho T...
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AND MATIQIAL TBADES JQTOML . : " VOL-a . NQ 546 ~ MfflPOB . SATURDAY , jjfilL 8 , 1848 . ~ ~^^^^^^ S
The National Convention, The National Pe...
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION , THE NATIONAL PETITION , AND THE GREAT METROPOLITAN DEMONSTRATION . MEN OF LONDON ! It is time for you to be stirring . It is time for you to be up and doing . You are living in a most eventful period ; there is no telling what grand vicissitude , what brilliant achievement , what glorious revolution , a single hour may bring forth . The least semblance of apathy just now is criminal . Look at the Continent of Europe , swept by the tornado of Revolution , which , in its awful but grand career , has torn up by the roots one despotic
dynasty , while it has shaken others to t ^ eir bases . The storn . still rages , it sweeps along sublime in its fury , scattering by its destructions blessings among the people ; may its power continue to increase until every vestige of hell-born despotism disappears from the World . Men of London , in these strange times it behoves you to look seriously to your political and social amelioration . You are the despised victims of a barbaric , antiquated system of misrule ; you have galling wrongs to redress , you have dear rights taassert ,,, Now .. is the jrapHjoos
: ffiirapt £ W ; , « ISfi ^ establish' £ & latter . The most enslaved nations of the World are by their courage winning freedom from their tyrants . Surely you will not remain laggards in the cause of progression . Forbid , 0 holy Spirits of Liberty and Patriotism , such a traitorous disregard of your solemn injunctions , such an abasing dereliction of marts sacred duty ! Up then , and be doing . A sluggish , inert people never can win rights ; and these are only the rewards of courage and perseverance , for God helps but those that help themselves .
Irishmen resident in London , on the part of the Democrats of England we extend to you the warm hand of fraternisation ; your principles are ours , and our principles should be yours . Remember the aphorisms , that union is strength , and division is weakness ; centuries of bitter experience prove to you the truth of the latter , let us now cordially endeavour to test the ¦ virtue of the former . Look at yonr fatherland , the most degraded in the scale of nations . Behold it bleeding at every pore under the horrible lashings of class misrule ! What an awful
spectacle in Ireland , after forty-seven years of the vaunted Union ! Her trade ruined , her agriculture paralysed , her people scattered owr the four quarters of the globe , and her green fields in the twelve months just past made the dreary grave-yards of 1 , 000 , 000 of famished human beings . Irishmen , if you love your country , if you detest these monstrous atrocities , unite in heart and soul with those who will struggle with you to exterminate the hell-engendered cause of your country's degradation—beggary and slavery .
Trades op London I You , whose skill and ingenuity are shown in that endless variety of wealth that crowds the warehouse , adorns the palace , and glitters in the windows of this vast emporium of commerce , you , to whose intelligence all our architectural grandeur is a living monument , we appeal to you to shake of political apathy , mid to array yourselves / or once under the banner of your country ' s freedom . Your great numbers , bright intelligence , and compact organisation , give you immense power . "W e implore you to devote your strength immediately to the rescue of your order from the damning sway that Mammon now holds over you . Do this , and the benedictions of generations yet unborn will be poured upon your memories .
SIen of London . ' A great , peaceful Revolution must be accomplished in Britain . Old principles of legislation are out of date ; our laws and institutions are behind the spirit of the age ; they meet not the exigencies of the civilisation and enlightenment of our time . You , Men of London , possess an immense moral power , which , when concentrated and directed in connexion with that ^ of your brethren throughout the empire , would sweep the huge fabric of tyranny , hypocrisy , and fraud to utter annihilation , and thus secure to yourselves and posterity those blessings which truth and justice alone can confer . Again we say , survey the political horizon of Europe , it now presents one dread upheaving of society , one grand scene of Nature ' s insurgency against the despotism of Man .
Everywhere the people are arousing themselves , despots are either conceding their demands or quailing before their omnipotence . Nations whose wretched destinies monster injustice had sealed in their blood are now looking up with hope and struggling for Liberty and Nationality . May God strengthen their holy aspiration , and endow them with power for their consummation . In this bright era of the world ' s progress , how far are you prepared to go ? In this epoch of popular victory what achievement do you seek to accomplish ? We leave the response to your good sense and discretion , but we tell you frankly that the llbeity-seeking German , the emancipated Italian , the struggling Pole , and the proud French Republican , will regard you with an eye of disdain , if your aim be not to demolish oligarchic usurpation , and to substitute for it the legitimate power of the whole people .
Mbk op London ! The question of your newborn liberties or continued slavery will in a few days he submitted to parliament . Mr O'Cannor gave notice of the following motion on the 27 th ult . : — That this house recognising the great principle that labour is the source of all wealth ; that the peepls are the oalj legitimate source of power ; that the labourer should be the first partaker of the fruits of hia own industry ; that taxation without representation is tyranny , and
should be resisted ; and believing that the resources of the country would be best developed by laws made by representatives chosen by the labouring classer , In conjunction with those who live by other industrial pursuits That ( ia recognition of the above great truths ) , thi * house . adopts the principles embodied in the document entitled the People ' * Caarter , namely—Annual Elections , Unirertal Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Equal Electoral Districts , no Property Qualification , and Payment of Members . '
On the same day that tbig motion Is to be considered , the great National Petition , now in course of signature throughout the country , will be presented to parliament . A C nvention , consisting of ferty-nine delegates , elected at immense public meetings at as many of tceprincipal towns in the empire , will assemble in the Literary and Scientific Institute , John-street , Tottenham-courfc-road , on Tuesday , April 4 th , and following days . Tbeir business is to superintend the presentation of the Petition , and to devise such other courses of procedure for the people aa they shall deem necessary for securing the enactmtni of the People ' s Charter .
We propose that a great Metropolitan Demonstration shall accompany the People ' s Prayer , to the door of the House of Commons . The 10 th of April shall be a day memorable in the annals of political asitation ; it must evince to . the world the ardent love of Britons for freedom , and their sworn resolve to live no longer contented slaves . The great National Petition , the register of millions of signatures , will be borne in a triumphal car , drawn by beautifully-caparisoned horses . All you men of London , who . wish to take part in this Glorious Demonstration , will assemble on Kennington Common , at eleven , a . m ., on Monday , the 10 th inst . Yon will then be arranged in procession by authorised marshal * , proceed towards the Elephant and Castle , along Blackfriara-road , over Blackfriars-bridge , through Farriogdon-street , Holbora , Oxford-street ,
Regent-street , Charing-cress , Parliament-street , over Westminster-bridee , where tha procession shall peaceablv disperse to their respective homes . Merf or J ^ bbosJ ? our brethren throughout the empire expeetthat oa this glorious occasion you wil nobly do year duty . Remember that the eyes of Europe are f zed upon you , prove yourselves worthy their attention , congregate on the morning ot tfle 10 th . in your thousands , legally , peacefully , . but enthusiastically , leave no pretext for the minions ot power to utter the old calumny , that you are maitferent to your political rights , and satisfied with your present condition . Now , or never , is the auspicious moment to press your claim with success upon the legislature , * Now ia the day , and new « toe honr , ' to strike the great moral blow that shall give liberty and happiness to every sect and class in the British empire .
GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE .. Thiijas Clabk . Philip M'GKftin . CHRfclOPHfiR DoTfcB , beC
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION . TUESDAY MORNING , ApriUth . This body assembled at the large Hall , Johnstreet , Tottenham Court-road , at ten o ' clock . The organ-gallery was set apart for the reporters . The honourable delegate * sat at a table extending the full length of the room , each of them being provided with writing materials . Ten o ' clock was named aa the hoar of meeting , and by that time several delegates were in attendance , but the proceedings did not commence until some time afterwards .
ELECTION 02 EBKSrOENT AND SECRBTAtlV . On the motion of Mr Clark , seconded by Mr Grant , Mr Philip M'Grath , president of the association , was called upon to preside over the sittings of the Convention . On the motion of the same gentlemen , Mr Doyle was appointed secretary to the Convention .
TEB RETURNS . The secretary read the certificates of the followi ng returns : — Exeter , J . Prater Wilkinson ; Ipswich , Samuel George Francis ; Bolton , Matthew Stevenson ; Ha lifax , Ernest Jones ; Wigan , James HitcbAna Leicester , George Buck & y ; Nottingham , George Julian Harney ; Birmingham , Joseph Linney , and J . A . Fussell ; Oldham , Samuel Kydd : Maachester , Dan . Donovan and James Leach ; Liverpool EdmW ^^*» l : Henry ? Srmth : Edinburgh , James Gumming ; Dundee , James Graham ; Lancaster , J . T . Lund ; Barasley , Frank Mirfield ; Newcastle ; James
Watson ; Northampton , W . Ashton ; Bury , Thomas Tattersall ; Stockport , John West ; Staffordshire Potteries , Samuel Bevington , Edward Sale ; Aberdeen , James Shirren ; Derby . W . G . M . Reynolds ; York and East Riding , George Stevens ; Paisley , Robert Cochrane ; Glasgow , James Adams ; Irish Democratic Confederation , C . M'Carthy ; Bath Charles Baldwin ; Bradford , D . Ligh & owler ; Leeds F . O'Connor , John Shaw ; Carlisle , John Lowry ; Merthyr Tydvil , David Thomas ; Asbton-under-Lyne , Robert Wild ; Worcester , Edward Walter ; London , William Cuffay , Henry Child , and Bronfcerro O'Brien ; Plymouth , John Fetrie .
Mr Crjppiv wished to know if Mr Reynolds was a Chartist ? A good e " eal of conversation ensued relative to the impropriety of putting such questions , it being held that a man had a right to sit in the Convention as a delegate , no matter whether he was Chartist or Conservative , so aa he was sent by a Chartist constituency , regularly coriTened . ^ Vlr Retnolds said he had only become a Chartiet within the last few dars , but he had held the doctrines of Chartism ever since he had been eighteen years old . ( Cheers . ; He had gone even further than that . aud hadavowed htmselfa Republican . ( Cheers . ) One or tno delegates hero asked it some of the members present had not been elected contrary to the instructions issued by the Executive Council * [ UereMrFeargus O'Connor entered , and was received with loud cheers . ]
The return p f-Mr M'Carthy as the representative of the Irish Democratic Confederation was then read . Mr CuvPiv moved that the credential be not received . Mr Fbancis seconded the motion . Mr Essest Jokes moved that the certificate be received . On a point of order , Mr Cuffay was undoubtedly correct ; but now that the Conventiou had , by recent events , become the organ of democracy in this country , he thought they would do well to admit Mr M'Carthy ; when the Chartists of England and the Repealers of Ireland held out the hand of friendship to each other , it would ill become the Convention to refuse the representative ; of Irish democracy . ( Cheers . ) '
Mr Fsargus O'Connor : B j receiving thiacertifi . cate they would be establishing a dangerous precedent . ( Hear , hear . ) They might be asked to admit ten or twenty more delegates to morrow , on the same plea . Let it not , however , go to the country that the Convention bed no sympathy for Ireland ; they had as much sympathy with the Irish as they had for the English—the wrongs of Ireland were also the wrongs ot Eugland . ( Cheers . ) After some discussion , the question waa referred to the following committee ;—Messrs } Leach , FussaJL Adams , West , and Cuffay . ' THE BIGHTS A 5 D BEfPJMSIBIMmS OP THE EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL . Mr Wheblbr besged to remind Mr O'Cennor that having been elected as delegate for Leeds , he had a right to vote . Mr O'CoHKoa said , he would wave hia right to vote . Me Brokierre O'Brien said , that Mr O'Connor appeared there as aa elected delegate , and ho should no J ba allowed to escape from hia due share of responsibility . ( Hear , hear . )
Mr O Lonkor said , there was one objeetion to members of the Counoil being allowed to vote ; if they had a Chartist parliament they would not allow miDistera to vote . ( Hear . ) He did not wish to shake off one single particle of responsibility . ( Hear . ) A long discussion here ensued , in the course of which Mr O'Cokkor announced that he had just received a letter from Mr Thomas Slingsby Duncombo , M . P ., stating that he was much better , and that he hoped by next month to take hia place amongst them ( Cheera , )
w Ultimately the affair resolved itself into the follow , ing shape : — Mr Wito rmoved that members of the Executive Council should be allowed to sit ex oMo , but not to vote . Mr O'Brien moved that all delegates duly elected should sit and vote . Mr West moved that members of the Council should sit ex officio ; and that they should ba allowed to speak and vote . Mr Adams moved that members of the Council should , be allowed to speak in the Convention . Amid cries of 'order , * and 'divide , 'tha motions were pat teriatim from the cbair , and the result was aa follows : —" For Mr West ' s motion .., , „ , „ 18 Mr Adams ' s motion 11 Mr O'Brien ' s motion 4 Mr Wild's motion 9 Mr West ' s motion was thea declared to ba carried .
ORDER OF PR 0 CEEM . VG 8 . On the motion of Mr Cube , it was agreed that the Convention should meet each morning at tine , adjourn at one until half-past two , re-assemble at haltpast two , and sit until five . That the proposer of any motioa should ba allowed ten minutes for his introduction , and five minutes for his reply . That the seconder and other speakers should b & restricted to five minutes . That no person , except the proposers , should speak more than once on the same question . A committee to fold and arrange the petition was appointed , as were also a door-keeper and two or three messengers . The Convention then adjourned until half-paat two o ' clock .
THE REPORTS OF THE DELEGATES . At the afternoon meeting , the chairman called upon the delegates , ; in the order in which their certificates had been received ) to lay before the meeting the political and social state of the several districts for which they had been returned . Mr Wiikisson said he had very little to report . The city he represented was not remarkably forward on the subject of Chartism . A spirit of Chartism had arisen in the districts around , mora than in the city of Exeter . At Tiverton , where their friend Mr Harney had faced Lord Falmerston on tho hustings , a determined spirit bad been shown . A vast accession of members had been gained in that neighbour hood . The population round Exeter was very
scattered—the people were more like lambs than wolves —they were of a strictly peaceable character , and had great confidence in the moral strength of the Charter . ( Hear . ) They were , by nature , opposed to physical lorco . ( Hear . ) ' The Charter ( concluded Mr Wilkinson ) never stood so high before ; and having contended , through years of adversity , against physics ! force , let us not , at the eleventh hour , throw aside the majesty and dignity of that moral power which the Charter at present exercises over the minds and feelings of the people . ' ( Cheers . ) Mr Geo . Fbakcis said he had no . lengthened report to produce , because the society at Ipswich bad not long beep m existence . There were a few staunch 86 ula belonging to it , men who were ready and willing to live and die by the Charter . ( Hear 1
£ W jaAtiBEW SiavBNsoN said , the working classes of Lancashire were sunk for ever , if a change , and _ a sweeping change , did not take place m the institutions of the country . ( Hear , hear ) There was no good in preaching patience to the starving masses . ( Hear , hear . ) He wished to convey to government , through the medium of the t n e n ?' i * t ?^ [ * the people 0 f Lancashire land glutted with wealth . ( Hear , tear , hear . ) The scenes he daily wnnessed when at home were truly horrifying . Xhe naked , emaciated , Ppectre-like beings , whe crowded round his house for charity , were enough to melt a heart ot stone . It was high time the government stepped forward to remedy this state of society , insteadof listening to the finespun arguments of Jjhnny Bright . ( Hear , hear ,
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
and feuglvtM . J If they did not , noman . could answer for the peace b £ the country . Mr Ebhbst Joses' said , his constituents were impressed with theJesirability , if possible , of conducting the movement ' oa moral force principles ; but they warned him not to stoop to one act of tinned cessary humilitv in urging their olaima . To a man they were ready to fight . ( Cheers . ) If necessary , they were ready to msh down from the hills ol Yorkshire in aid of their brother patriots in London . ( Hear , r *' ., ^' wished to enforce moral force rnrasures u those measures were consistent with common sense . They thought the Convention should appeal to the House of OommoBB , and if treated with contumely , or ^ pufc off with half-measuresthey should
, petition the Queen to dissolve the parliament and dismiss her ministers . In case her Majesty refused to obey that command—he used thewerd' command ' advisedly , for the Queen was but tho servant of the people—they then would be prepared to advise the Convention to resolve themselves into a permanent assembling , and the struggle would commence betwe ^ ptfed two parliaments as to which should be the dotftlpiit authority . ( Cheers . ) MjggJAMKs Hitchjk said , that no town had been ^ iiisbre oppressed , nor had any population suf fereeljiore privations , than the people of Wigan , or putM « with bo bad a ' statojsf : things more peaceably . I ^ eJ ^'& 1 I : tfaiisvft ^ Qne 3 \ rere ' tit a ' 8 taQd { in short , tire * river had broken into the coat mines and
suspended operations . The people of Wigan considered , however , that they had suffered long enough , and they would rather go to work and resort to physicaltorcs at once , than remain in their present deplorable position . ( Hea , hear . ] He asked them to try again . Theysaid they would try oce more petition ; but if that were rejected , they would' go to work , ' let the consequence be what it might . He knew that the people of Wigan had the spirit to come out and stand manfully by the Convention until the Charter became the law of the laud . ( Hear , hear . ) They were determined to have the Charter , either morally or physically . Mr Buckby said that his constituents had furnished him with no specific instructions , nor was he prepared with any report . The people thought they had petitioned long enough , and if th ' ey eofc
nothing by this petition they would try no other . They told him that they would get the Charter by moral force if they could ; if they could not , they were determined to have it by other means . ( Cheers ) Julian Hakhey said , he was elected for Nottingham at one of the largest meetings ever held in that democratic town . He waa not , however , present at the meeting at which he was elected , and the only instructions he had yet received wag that the men of Nottingham had resolved that this should be the last petition addressed to the Houseof Commons , as at present constituted . He should be in daily communication with his constituents , and expected further instructions , which he doubted not would breathe a spirit of determination worthy of the known patriotic character of the men , of Nottingham . Whatever these instructions might be , he would enforce them to the utmost of hisability .
Mr Linnet said , that in the district round Birmingham the people declared that they were tired of meeting . He waa authorised by the people of Bilstsn , Wolverhampton , and Dudley , to say , that whatever course raightjbe recommended by the Convention , they were prepared to carry it out . ( Cheers . ) In his own mind , he felt determined to have the Charter before he left London . ( Hear , bear . ) Mr Fusbbia said , the condition of Birmmgbatn was better than it had been in previous years . The middle classes had declared for the People ' s Charter . The Chartists were now freely granted the use of the Town Hall , wherein to hold their meetings . The Chartists of Birmingham hope that the Convention n-ill bo unanimous , and they might then safely rely upon their . aid . They hoped the question of physical and moral force would not be introduced to destroy their unanimity .
Mr Smvxh Ktm > said , in Oldham there was a general feeling of discontent . So long and so continuous had been the misery , that tho people began tb feel reckless . They entertained the idea that constant starvation was worse than deat h . Mr ' D , 'D . vsovAN drew a deplorable picture of the sufferings of the working classes of Manchester , nearly 10 , 000 of whom are now entirely unemployed . They wish for the Charter at all risks ; but they would wish to arrive at their end without shedding one drop of blood . ( Hear , hear . ) The shopkeepers , too , felt the necessity for a change—then ? trade had fallen off more than one-half , while their rents and outgoings were the same . 6 , 000 summonses bad lately been issued against poor-rate defaulters . ( Hearhear . )
, . Mr Edmund Jones said that Liverpool com posed all the various classes of society . There were the wealthiest merchants in the world who looked down upon the other classes with indifference or disrespect . Liverpool had been prosperous , bat now it was the reverse . 10 , 000 unwilling < idlers , from among the river porters alone , thronged the streets . They had been twenty weeks out of eiuploy . Liverpool saw bankruptcy on the one hand , and revolution en the other . Depend upon it . there is an under-current at work which would wash before it every yeatige of oppression and wrong , leaving behind it a fair field for the erection of justice , humanity , and liberty . ( Cheers . ) . . ...
Mr H . Sunn said , hecould re-echo the sentiments of big colleague , Mr Jones , and he believed that if no other town commenced , Liverpool would . An immense meeting had been held in that town , and the "feeling was that if the petition was hot granted they ,, must obtain it at the point of the bayonet . Here the Repealers were Chartists . There was a great body of tho trades who had by destitution become Democrats . His constituents had resolved to have a large meeting , to call upon the members for the borough to support the motion of Mr O'Connor ,
when mid 6 Mr James CoMiuifo said that Edinburgh was not so badly off , comparatively speaking . They were not poverty-stricken Chartists at Edinburgh : they were Chartists from principle , and were ready to support that orinciple at the stake , in the dungeon or on the field . ( Cheers . ) If France had a republic , England ought to have her Charter . Mr J . Graham said that be was not instructed to say so ; but his conviction was , that the people of Dundee would indignantly resent any attempt to coerce the Irish , and that they would be ready , by every means , to support the People ' s Charter . Mr Lukd said , the Chartists of Lancaster were ready to join in extreme measures , if there exists of
any probability success . Mr Frank Miupield said that hia constituents , at a large public meeting , had iastructed him to say , ' that if the government let the military loose upon Ireland , something else would be let loose hei & ( Cheers . ) If the petition were rejected they hopep ! '" the Convention would not break up , but that it tvotild take into its hands the government of the country . ( Tremendous cheers from the strangers ' gallery . ) That they would divide the land into small farjas , and give every man an opportunity of gettiner his living by the sweat of his brow . Mr James V ^ atsoh said , come what might , the people of Newcastle were resolved to have the Charter . The Convention then adjourned for the day .
WEDNESDAY MORNING , April 5 . Mr M'Grath took the chair at nine o ' clock . j ) Mr Dixo » took his seat as delegate for Norwich . Mr MuKFfly took his seat as delegate for Huddersfield . Mr Leach reported from the Election Committee : 'That Dr Hunter was duly elected for Edinburgh . ' ' That Mr M'Carthy should sit as a representative of London . ' The report was received . Mr Tanker took his seat as delegate for TotneBS . Mr J . P . Gmshibtbr took hia seat aa delegate for Cheltenham .
reports . Mr Abtoh rose and said , that Northampton bad been in a bad state , and they had come to the conclusion that nothing but the People ' s Charter would restore a proper Mate of things , by bringing about good and beneficial social changes . The people being makers of boots and shoes , depend on foreign trade . Ho was justified in stating that tho working men were determined to have the Charter at all hesirds . The working classes thought the man who would not fight for it , was unworthy of it . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) They further thought that the wrongs ot Ireland were tho wrohgs of England , and that the people of both should unite for their removal , and the abolition of
class misrule . He was instructed to support any measure that would insure the adoption of the Charter in the shortest time , ( Hear , hear . ) Mr James Lbacu said , hia report waa much the same as his brother delegates ' . Ho should say nothing of physical or moral force , but leave that to the chapter of accidents . ( Hear , hear , ) Mr Tatxkrsau , said , the state of the people in Bury was most frightful—work so bad , that they eould scarce keep body and soul together , and such a state made thepeoplo recblcfls . Tho Charter was the Reabsorbing topic , and he could assert , without fear of contradiction , that at no previous time was the feeling so intense , or so enthusiastic as the present . He could gay , emphatically , the men of Lancashire
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
were up ^ tb the mark , but hethoaght they should not destroy -the labour ofyea ^ s . by . Wy act of rashness , 1 ''' Mr £ oHN . ' West said , taa . pe ' pple were living upon le ' sslEsn half wages , or . rather they were starving on it '; they were in favour of the protection of lives and property , " but it would be the lives and property of all , and if this were not done , they saw nothing before tbem Jbnt a war . The people of Stockport had determined that this should be the last petition . He , like Mr Tatttrsall , was opposed toa precipitate morement , but be was equally opposed to cowardice . Mr Bevxxgton said , poverty and destitution prevailed to an alarming extent , and he never witnessed such a state of uneasiness and restlessness—the people were determined to accomplish their rights at all and any risk .
t Mr Sale coincided with his colleague ; the authorities had refused to issue any more summonses for poor rates and had , at the suggestion of a public open air meeting , taken twenty acres of land to employ the destitute poor on ; but this did not go far enough for him—excitement in favour of the Charter was very high . y Mr James Shirron , said , in Aberdeen the ^ Chartists , were not well organised , butoia great occasion ? , like the present , the people bad always come out in great numbers ; they had procured upwards of 10 , 000 signatures to the National Petition . Should their petitionnot succeed , they would recommend the adoption of an address to the Queen , and leave any further steps to the Convention .
Mr G . W . M . Reyboids said , he had been in Derby but a short time , but he had made the best use of that time . The best feeling prevailed in the town and districts ; they wished every step to be taken , and did not anticipate that the government would grant the Charter all at once ; neither did lie . At the same time he thought this should be the last petition to the house , and he agreed with a deputy who spoke on Tuesday , that its refusal would be a declaration of tvar against labour . He said he agreed with the sentiment of Lafayette— ' That for a nafcioa to be free , it wassufficient that she willed it . ' A few drops of blood were as nothing in the eca ! e , and if moral means should fail , the people were prepared for any means . The people of Derby agreed fully in the sentiments he had given utterance toand he trusted they would speedily bo in possession
of their rights and liberty . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Geo . Stephen—Eia constituents wished & deputation to wait on Lord John Russel ) , and repre » sent to him the condition ol labour . The masons had been engaged in a resistance to a reduction of wages . The seamen had also been similarly occupied . The boiler-makers had been working short time during the winter , and the masters bad taken advantage of it , and made an attempt to reduce wages , A company ot the fifth had been quar . teredinHull ; they were ordered to Ireland , and before they left , not less than thirty-seven of that body attached their names to the National Petition for the People ' s Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) Hence , he thought this was adding disaffection to Ireland , ( Loud cheers . ) The people of Hull wished the Convention to continue its sittings until the Charter was gained .
Mr Cochrane said , his constituents wished that the delegates would wait on the members of Parliament to reason with them prior to the presentation of the National Petition ; also , that the persons residing in the several districts , should write to the members , demanding their support to the Charter , and they also recommended , in the event of the rejedion of the Petition , simultaneous meetings should be held ail over the country to ascertain what other steps should be taken , Mr Addams said , from Glasgow , which was a district comprising an immense population , ho bad brought up one hundred thousand signatures to the petition , and another thirty thousand had since been forwarded . The middle classes had begun to fraternise ; in fact , the only parties who refused their aid and subscriptions were those who fatten on the
vice-and dissipation of the people—the publicans , ( Hear , bear . ) They had a large hall in Glasgow , in the principal street , the Trongate ; and on its front was inscribed , in letters of large dimensions— ' Democratic Hall , ' and meetings were held almost every ntght . Poverty ' prevailed to a great extent , and discontent kept pace with it ; and so strong was the feeling that , at any rate , tbey could manage to keep all their soldiers to themselves . ( Loud applause . ) He had no particular instructions ; but he & b . ould oppose any precipitate movement , as beisg calculated to injure the cause . He had attended a meeting of the Irish in Glasgow , and the best feeling prevailed between them and the Chartists . ( Loud cheers . ) As regards the late riots in Glasgow , the Chartists had no connexion with them whatever , except to oppose them- ( Hear , bear . )
Mr Liqhtowieb said , he had the honour to repre sent something like 100 , 000 persons , and he should have at least 70 , 000 signatures to tbepetition—( hear ) —and the opinion of his constituents was , that life , under present circumstances , waa a burthen , and they , resolved to have their rights at all hazards . The people were in a starving condition , and the time ] had arrived when a change should take place . This was the opinion of the great majority of the inhabitants of his district . Mr F , O'Connor , M . P ., said , he was ready to receive a variety of taunts and sneers , in his place in the bouse , in the execution of his duty on presenting their petition , and making his motion consequeat thereon . ( Hear , hear . ) He looked on this Conven tion as a fair and faithful representation of the
people . ( Cheers . ) fie had long been connectedwith the movement . There were some that might have been a kw years longer , but none more incessantly than he had for the last fifteen years , and , consequently , the cause . was deeply graven on bis heart . At the first Convention , at a cost of JE 30 . 000 , they had only 1 , 250 , 000 signatures . At the second , at a cost of something less than . £ 200 , they had an accession of strength to 2 . 000 , 000 . and at the last occasion they had three millions and a half , at an expense of eighty pounds . Although the Scotch pedlar had stated that he had put down the movement , Chartism was increasing' , and to be increased , —( great applause , )—and he had every reason to believe that on this occasion he should have five millions faur hundred thousand
signatures , and yet the shopkeepers had only just be-& UAi to pwK \ a to ti \ a ataewa . "She mute oi France had doubtlessly given an impetus to the movement ; thrones were crumbling and tumbling on the continent , and was it to be expected that England should remain in slavery under such circumstances ? ( Loud cheers . ) The Press was now doing , or attempting to do , what Pitt did with gold heretofore , —destroy the proper influence of the French revolution . Ay , but should events occur here , when the change did come , the suffering of your friends had prepared yen with such a political and social system as oeuld , and would be , at once adopted by the people of this country . tLoud cheers . ) He would not give a fig for tho Charter unless it carried with it a social change ; such a one had he prepared as would
employ all the unwilling idlers , and set them at work in the free labour field . ( Loud cheers , ) In fact , the whole question was a labour question ; from bis starting into public life he bad always looked at it as such . His efforts in Ireland had been frustrated by the showman , with his box of figures . The meeting year , —the clinching year , —and the Repeal year , had resolved him in prosecuting a movement where such humbug would not prevail . On Monday they would go down to the House . He was hot prepared to destroy the movement he had been mainly instrumental in raising by precipitation , nor waa he prepared to allow the people to remain in bondage one moment longer than they could obtain their freedom . ( Loud cheers . ) Look to Ireland at the present moment , and he thought he might say
with the delegate from Glasgow , they would be at least able to keep all the military there . ( Loud cheers . ) He had a greater interest in the question of the Charter than any other man living ; he belonged to a persecuted and prosecuted family , whose wrongs he had sworn to avenge . He had fought and bled at Birmingham , Manchester , and Nottingham , and therefore was not likely to turn craven now . ( Hear , hear . ) He had received his credentials in 1835 , and was proud of them , and therefore would not abdicate , and should the people even depose him from their leadership , he would remain ia the ranks and fight the battle out . ( Loud cheers . ) The Projrhad kept the aristocracy and monied classes in igno rauce of the real state of the people . He was how becoming a quasi-minister , and doubtless would bo asked what they intended to do en
Monday , un the iaitn . ot that Convention , he should reply , that not one pan © of glass , nor one pennyworth of property would be injured . ( Lotid cheers . ) That peace and good order would prevail whilst their grievances were under discussion , ( Hepeated cheering ) An alderman had told him , in the house , that he would ba shot on Monday ; he told the alderman that were he shot , shooting would take place all over the country . He would bo in the procession , in the front row of the front rank ; and now they might shoot away , ( Rapturous cheering . ) In the event of the rejection of the petition , he recommended simultaneous meetings ir > every part of the country , to address the Queen to oisraiss ttie ministry , and call to her councils men who . would make the Charter a cabinet question . ( Applause . ) If that were unavailing , he would never flinch , but wouH sooner die than not win '& he Charter , He
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
meant to wait no longer than tho time when the majority of the people demanded it—and wera prepared to establish their righls . He thought they now bad power to obtain is . He was now about to leave to go to the house , to givo his support to Mr Sharman Crawford , for a bill relative to Ireland . ( Hear , bear . ) Again ho repeated , oa their faith he would pledge himself for the security of life and property on Monday .. ( Great cheering . ) Mr John Shaw said , in the reports delivered here , much of the opinions Of those he represented had been expressed , '; like tbem , theywsolved . tbisshoa ] d be the very last petition presented , and- that they woulc | have the Charter , if not peaceablyi otherwise ; they believed their condition could not be worse under any circumstances , and they were prepared to risk their all on the attempt to gain the Charter . Hisinstructions were , not to retani i Until the Charter was the law of the land . . meant to wait no longer than fto time when the majority of the people demanded it—and mtQ PP 6 P aTed t » establish their righis . He ^
Mr Lowert described the condition of the people in Carlisle to be most fearful . As regards physical force—the Carlisle peeple were not in favour of it ; they thought the Charter would bo gained , without it —Wigton , Dalston , and other tewna thoaghS differently , that it would never would be gained without physicalforce . The shopkeepers had signed the petition , and more numerously than at any former time ; they were generally complete suffragists . Mr D . Thomas said , the people of Merthyr Tydvil were desirous of having a procession in their district , at the same time as tfee procession was proceeding to the Commons with the petition ; theylwere prepared to carry out the views of the Convention .
Mr Robert Wild said , the district he represented he thought had not less than one hundred thousand unenfranchised workmen in it , all expecting soon to be enfranchise- ! , and he believed theyshonld have nearly that amount of signatures ; he had brought up 70 , 000 with him . He had instructions ; one waa to wait on ihe members of the government , atvd tell tbem if they were not prepared to find employment , tb give up their offices to those wfcewere both willing ar , d able to do so . ( riear / . hear . ) He had the pleasing dirty of informing them , that only one middle class man bad refused to sign tho petition when , asked . ( Loudcheers . ) The district had autkoritedhim to say , that collision with the authorities would be
premature until one more step bad been first taken ; they were tired of petitioning , and resolved that if London did its duty , Lancashire would not be behind hand . ( Hear , bear . ) In fine , the portion of Lancashire and Cheshire he represented , were determined to continue their efforts until their object was achieved . Mr Walter thought that petitioning , under any circumstances , was humiliating . He should , however , go with it , on this occasion . Ho believed ga ; Is and gibbets were the implements of the aristocracy to keep down the people , and he thought that aristocracies should be abolished—some portion of his constituents were in favour of physical—others in favour of moral force .
Mr Wm . Cuffay said , the middle classes in London were opposed to ns , but the working classes were up to the mark . In the Westminster district they increased in numbers thirty or forty per nigfc £ - Confederates were with the Chartists , and would march UUder their OV ) n banner—the green flag of Erin , on Monday next . The trades were also coming out . He was prepared to carry out all he bad said . Mr Henry Child said , his constituents were determined to have their rights , peaceably if they couldbutforciblj if they must . But he was certain bo alarm need be raised . The people would keep peaceable until such time as their petition ' s prayer was either granted or rejected . The Convention thea adjourned to half-pant two o ' clock .
AFTBRN 90 N SITTING . Mr M'Grath having resumed the chair at halfpast two , Mr G . W : M . Rbykolds announced that the government had sent two reporters to t * ke their proceedings . This announcement was received witb gift & t applause ; Mr Pjsthix rose to give in his report . In Plymouth they had a considerable number of half-pay officers . The people were peaceably inclined , but wished , nevertheless , ecergetic measures taken for the purpose of the obtainment of the Charter . Dr Huntbr said , Edinburgh waa not quite 80 democratic as be conld wish . He was delighted at hearing Mr Feargas O'Connor to-day ; only one
result could take place from the obtainment of the industrial principles laid down by that gentleman—the prosperity and happiness of the people ; there were only two er three min who thoroughly understood those industrial principles , amongst whom was to be found Mr Feargus O'Connor . ( Loud cheers . ) He had no instructions from his constituents , but be did wish to say a few words on first principles , he thought the Charter could be made the law by moral force , and moral force only , as whenlthe people sa \ u—* We wilt the Charter , ' it must become law . ( Cheers . ) - Mr J . P . Gleknistsb said , perhaps they would esteem it a novelty to have a delegate from the aristocratic and priest-ridden town of Cheltenham , Their clergyman had from the pulpit denominated
toe provisional government of France— bbod-hounds . He could not say rs others bad done , that bis constituency were prepared for such and such things but they desired agitation , and a long pull and strong pull for the obtainraeii of our right ? , Mr Wjmiaji Takheb said , the Chartists of Totnesa had thought some mistake had occurred in making out the districts , as Totness was not a recognised porti > n of tbe National Charter Association ; however , they supposed the object . waa national , and as they were in favour of the Charter , they had gone to work—got the use of the Guildhall , adopted tho National Petition—and afterwards he'd a meeting for the election of delegates , when he waa ekcted . His instructions were to remain until the petition - was presented . Mr Richard Mabsdbn said , he bad brought up
some 65 , 000 signatures with him . lie was up ia-London about ten years ago , things were bad enough then , they were ten times worse new —( hear , hear )—and unless something was done he sincerel y believed it would be impossible" to keep North Lancashire quiet . He gave a harrowing picture of the suffering endured by the people in North Lancashire ; one woman lay perishing , and ten minutes , before she died she said to her husband , 'Is it right that I should be murdered like this , by starvation ? ' The husband said , ' Thouknowest I can ' t help it , I have done my best . ' Ten minutes from this the woman died . This was not a solitary oace , by any means . Now , notwithstanding this , they were prepared to wait time for it to be done , but a change must be had . { Tremendouscheering . )
Mr Wm . Dison said , his constituents were bufclitlls better off than those described by MrMarsoen . and he eould say Mr Marsden had not overdrawn tho picture . Hcioonstituents said , should the prayer of tha petition be rejected , they were in favour of Simttlt taneous meetings to be held all over England on one day , and at one hour , and never to desist until the Charter was law . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Chablbs M'Carthv ( Irish Confederalist ) said , the Coufederalnts were detennvaed to achieve their liberties ; and they had their rifle clubs , showing atf once tbeir determination to fight for their liberties , if necessary —( loud cheers )—and should asingleshot be fired in Ireland , forty thousand Irishmen , in Loudon , were ready to aveoge their brethren . Mr Mukpht said his constituents at Huddersfiald , were determined to have tha Chartr morally , if possible , but to have it any road . ( Loud cheers . )
Mr G . J . Hahnet said , he yesterday stated that he bad receired n > instruction from his constituents ; to-day he had received a letter , sotting forth the wish of the constituents , that the Convention siionkl continue their sitting until thu Cfcarter biur . me law . A meeting was called for Monday next , thn mayor bSfi refuaed the use of the hall , aad the I'tjuisitiotiisiu had resolved to hold it tbsniselvei ; the iu > -: ij u' aaiij , ho had received a letter from Sir Geo ' < ru ' " ' - . uy , sotting forth that a great-number t ? p ; J »; r ; 3 nm * boiugmanufactured and distributed in Nottingham . ( Tro ° mendous cheering . )
Mr J . B . 0 BitiKuhad attended meetings in London , and he found them warm , and if they w « e not , he generally endeav & vwed to make them so ; he had attended a meeting in the National Hall , where the question was put , ' Should the government take up arms against the provisional government , would yoa fight for the government of England or the provisional government of France ? ' the answer nets , unanimously , 'The provisional government of France . ( Tremendous cheering ) Of couree , aa a loyal man , he regretted this state of feeling . ( Laughter ) He did not think the people of London generally were with , them , nor did he think they were prepared for ulterior measures at the present moment , he would not go against tbe law so long as he thought the law would do us justice , but as soon as he found the law would not do ua justice , and that the people were stranger than tfje law , at that moment he snapped his finger at the law . ( Loud cheers . ) ( Continued to the Eighth Page . )
Tower Haui,Ets. — A General Meeting Of T...
Tower Haui , ets . — A general meeting of the Globe and Friends locality of tho National Charter Association will meet , fer . important business , « B Sunday evening April 9 th , at seven o ' clock . Mr i . rne . t Janes lectured at the Globe and fiends on Sunday and gave great satisfaction . Twelve pers ° ^ nte « d after the lecture This locality meets on Monday Hewood .-A meeting of the No . 2 branch of the National Land Company mil take place on Sunday
next , at two o ' clock in tho afternoon , at Samuel Partington ' s , Paved-brow . Newton Hhath . —The quarterly meeting of this branch of the Land Company will house of Mr J » hn Smith , Dab-lane Sunday , April 9 tb , at two o'clock Cahusm . —A special meeting the Co-operative Society , connected of the National Land Company , wiH John-street , Caldewgate , on Tuesday eight o ' clock in tbe evening . wishing to become members , attend * '•
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 8, 1848, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_08041848/page/1/
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