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Northern Star (1837-1852), 15th June 1850, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, tol an. p. esc. mm,mmjs^m - ^^jsgss&i**:

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    • TO THE CHARTISTS
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      To The Chartists

      TO THE CHARTISTS

      •It F Jtglksds,.1 Have Frequently Told Y...

      • it f JTglKSDS , . 1 have frequently told you "that yonr Y ^ invariabl y based their power upon your g L fiiBa ; " a ° " I ^ a ™ frequently told yon , fajjal the p ride , the vanity , the ambition , and Jgc of some men seeking for leadership , IJas been the basis of Governmental power , 4 of jo ** ¦ weakness . ** , 1 am now , however , * c ^ . yea , rejoiced—to find that men of this lass can no longer delude the working classes . c oB are aware of the difficulties against Which I havehad to contend ; and perhaps you ! # aware of the truth of Lord Babrymobe ' s * flniaxun » that" Oneenemy candoyoumore i jjnn than a thousand friends can do good . " Ut James Adams—one of the delegates to the

      RATIONAL ASSEMJJli Y in 1848—has had the use ofthe Scotch- Press to propound his Yajour and to attack me ; and what can give a more p leasure and satisfaction as to be j ^ e—althoug h absent ^ and not capable of replying , oaring Been * h ose attacks—as to ^ hi s accuser completely overpowered and put down by his own townsmen , who must jnow him best ? My friends , if any one circumstance more gran another was capable of wedding me more closely to your cause , it was the gloriousthe cheering and enthusiastic—recep tion I received from the brave and sterling men of Glasgow on Thursday night last I will give youths proceedings unmutilated—whole and enure—from the Glasgow Post of Saturday , and then I shall require to make but a brief

      comment : — 3 IR . FEARGUS O'COXSOR LY GLASGOW . UPE 0 AHI 005 HEKIIKG IK THE COT w ^ t . t .. On Thursday evening , a great public meeting of theci tiiens of Glasgow was held in the City Hall , Candleriggs-street , for the purpose , as the placard announcing it . stated , of electing a delegate to a & endthe CharnstConfetenee , to be held in Edinburgh on Sondiy * 10 ttfin 3 t ., to devise ' the best means for resuscttgSng the Chartist movement in Sco tland ; also , to hear an address from Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., on the state of parties in j ^ ince , and the prospects of the people ' s cause in Great Britain . Mr . James Adams , the Glasgow delegate to the last London Convention ; having challenged Mr . O'Connor , and intimated his intention of appearing

      to discuss with him certain differences of opinion and sentiment , there " was a more than usually large assemblage of people anxious to hear the -pordy warfare . Accordingly , by eight o ' clock , the area and galleries , from one extremity of the building to the other , presented one dense mass of human beings , and when the proceedings commenced , it may be fairly calculated that there was sot le $ s than 4 , 000 to 5 , 000 persons in the hall . Precisely at eight o clock , Mr . F . O'Connor entered the Hall , accompanied by Messrs . Paul , Cameron , Sherrington , Brown , A . Macfarlane , A . Barley , J . Walker , J . Adams , and a large party of the . leading Chartists of Glasgow . On making their appearance the immense assemblage rose en matte , and cheering , load and reiterated , broke forth en all sides .

      Mr . Oasis . Pact was , amid acclamation , voted fc > the chair . The Chairman read the hill calling lie . meeting , and afterwards stated the order of the business ; which included the proposal of a sales of resolutions , the election of a delegate to attend the Edinburgh Conference , an address from Mr . O'Connor , and , if time permitted , the settlement , by debate , of the long pending dispute betwist the hon . member for Nottingham and Mr . Adams of Glasgow . Mr . Dc 5 Cis SffEBBiKGios was introduced by the chairman . He rose , he said , for the purpose of submitting for the approval of the meeting a series of resolutions , which had been adopted by a delegate meeting , held in anticipation of the present The resolutions recommended . 1 st , The

      adoption of a national in preference to a local association ; 2 nd , The advocacy of the People ' s Charter whole and entire ; 3 rd , While holding political enfranchisement to be a means to an end—that end being the social elevation of the masses—yet they would not identify the association now to be established with any particular system advocated by my of the social reformers of the present day , lot at the same time would recommend all joining the society to use their energies , individually or collectively , for the purpose of spreading a knowledge of what they held to be best calculated to

      raise the condition of the people , so as to be able to use their political power , when once obtained , to the best advantage ; 4 th , -That they use all proper , moral , and energetic means—by the holding of public meetings , the publication ' of tracts , and otherwise—to advance the movement ; and , 5 th , Hat they resolve not to consign the Chartist osvement into any other hands than the Chartist Executive for the time being . " Mr . Sherrington brieSy-explained the resolutions in detail , and coneladed by moving their adoption by the meeting . Mr . Jobs Caiceeos , Hutchesontown , seconded the resolution .

      Mr . Avms rose , amid loud cheers and hisses , the former greatly predominating . On the resumption of silence , he said—Mr ; Chairman and fellow citizens , in accordance with instructions which I have received from an association with which I have the honour to be connected , I am now about to oropose an amendment upon the third resolution which has been submitted to your notice . ( Cheers and hisses renewed . A Voice : "You ' re a renegade "laughter ) . And allow me to say that , in appearing here this evening , I am exceedingly anxious that

      tins whole business should be conducted with fairness and calmness ; and I am ready—as I already told Mr . O'Connor—to retract any statement I hare made concerning him , if I have been in error . ( A Yoice : "You ' re a Judas . " Loud laughter , cheers , and disapprobation . ) The Chairman here reminded the meeting that as Mr . Adams was perfectly in order , he ought to be patiently heard . So other person could address the meeting until Mr . Adams was heard , therefore it was better to allow him to-go on . ( A Yoice : "Put him out . " )

      Ifr . Adams resumed , I have no wish to detain too , but I may state , that previous to coming into this meeting , I sent a note to Mr . O'Connor , stating to him , —{ shouts of "Go on with with your auendment , " "Putbimoutf * followed by great confasion , )—and stated to him , —( renewed cries of "Pat him out , " hissing and cheering . ) 2 fow TU not be be one moment in getting out tins sentence . ( Confusion . ) I have stated that if I find I am in error , Til confess that error , and pnbliclyretract it , and I think that ' s what every honest man should do . ( Hear , hear , and loud cheering . ) My amendment to the third resolution is , that it be an instruction to the delegates to propose a motion at the Conference in Edinburgh , to the following

      effect— " Th » t the executive be empowered and instructed to take the necessary steps , by the publi cation of tracts , lectures , < fcc ., to hare the people folly instructed on the question of their social % hts . " ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) The difference between Duncan Sherrington ' s motion and my amendment is this , he is for everybody instructing tte people in their social rights , and I am for som individuals in particular , and these individuals responsible people , to undertake that duty , and be ^ sponsible for the performing it . ( Cheers . ) It js an o'd adage , that what is everybody ' s business is nobody ' s businesss , and if everybody is to do fias , it will follow as a consequence that nobody ^ do it . Xow . I mention this that the political

      Worms we contend for , and intend to accomplish " ? the Charter , are all intended to result in the s & eial well-being of the people , and there is not a higher authority oa this point which I can produce to this meeting than Mr . O'Connor himself . ( Hear . ) What has Mr . O'Connor told you on this ^ hject ? Has he not told you often that if the "Do " was to be looted to morrow he would not give a fig for the Charter to day . ( Shouts of ' tone , true , " cheers , and disapprobation . ) Now , « it is true , as O'Connor has himself so very fre-9 aentl y affirmed , that if the land were locked up » d ay he would not give a fig for the Charter to ™ otrow , it clearly implies that social reforms ought M be advocated in connexion with DolitieaJ changes

      -icheers )_ but Duncan Sherrington has told you—UVoice : -T ^ e all know th at , " and disapprobatory When the National Assembly were sitting ^ London , Mr . O'Connor told us —( Shouts of V estion , " " Question , " " That's not the SJ teuou » t all , " hissing and cheering . ) These " ¦ terraptions are all against yourselves . O'Connor , ffijjild us , when the National Assembly were Z ^ S in London , to draw up our social prof ? < . Now this was his advice , and the rr ^ % was a re presentative body , met for the deration of what was best . ( A voice : " Stick J ? « m ; point , Jamie "—cheers , hisses , and great T-UElUOn . wf , ;„ i . ~ nm-iat-i- . fmo-npii the . voice of

      ^ spe aker . ) pn the midst of the uproar the l e ^ aa again interfered to obtain a better *!* $ * iJr ^ oanis , but could not obtain a Til ? - . bunself . ] Mr . A ., after a lapse , resumed . ^ ow ^ ^ finctly on the question of social reform . aptto Say ' and * appeal to the gentlemen who sUa * " 0 a ^ platform here , if I have not WtI rcco lgnised the authority I am now tf « . ? ^ a- hi gh authority on the question fcudtt * " ( Brewed uproar . ) Now , sir , I have ftform * ° ' tnnor ' s advice to us on the question on fettin r ^ draw U P socia * P ° gran , me 5 tira s in tr SJorth that social reforms ought to go hand WX ? r ltil Political changes . ( Hisses , cheers , * confusion . } Now . I shall come to Duncan Sher-

      •It F Jtglksds,.1 Have Frequently Told Y...

      rmgton—( uproar)—he falsely represented the proceedings of the delegates to you , and I am here to proven . ( Shouts of " put him out , " " question , " ' put him in your pouch , Feargus "—laughter , cheering , and confusion . ) I say that I am on the question of proof , and I will bring as my evidence every person who was at the delegate meeting ; and every person who was there will certify that no proposifcon was brought forward asking the delegates to identif y the principles of the National Reform league . ( Hear , hear . ) The precise resolution wmoh was proposed 3 fc that meeting was the one which I have proposed to this meeting . 'Tis exactly verbatim what was proposed at the delegate meeting ; and the resolution simply saysthat the

      exe-, cutive be empowered and instructed to take the necessary steps by the publication of tracts , lecturers , ex ., to have the people folly informed on questions of social rights . Now , I deny that there is any reference there to the principles of the National Reform league * ; and I state that , knowing that it will be corroborated by every delegate present willing to speak the truth—and I assert that the peculiar principles of the National Reform league were never once introduced . ( A Voice : " That'll dae , Jamie , ' * followed by roars of laughter . ) But Duncan Sherrington tells you that you were to be asked to acknowledge— ( Shouts of " Time ' s up , " " Let him be heard , " & c . ) He tells you that you were

      to be asked on onr part to acknowledge the peculiar , principles of the National Reform League , and that you We * e to add these peculiar principles to the Charter . But the fact is , we have never asked you to do this , nor-have we asked the' delegates to do this . ( Confusion . ) Mr . Sherrington sneered at the propositiona-of-tfcfrNstionat Reform League , but let me tell that gentleman— XHissing , hooting , and uproar , during which Messrs . Sherrington , Brown Dr . Greer , and others on the platform , crowded round the chairman , and gesticulated as if in the way of remonstrance , although , from the noise that prevailed at the time , not a word of what they said could be heard where the reporters sat . )

      The Chaibmas , at the pitch of his voice , which was somewhat husky from the effects of cold , here roared out—Mr . Adams must be beard . Mr . Brown also , in similar stentorian notes , insisted upon Mr . Adams' right to be beard out . The tumult having in part subsided , Mr . Adams proceeded—Duncan Sherrington has sneered at the propositions of the National Reform League , but let me tell Duncan Sherrington that there is not one of the propositions but have been advocated by Feargus O'Connor himself . ( Uproar , in the midst of which a voice , as if in much mental agony , exclaimed , " By the powers , this is worse than Patrick Brewster , " followed by shouts of laughter . ) I am now to refer to proof , and in doing so , I will just point yon to the first number of the National Instructor , & weekly periodical just issued

      by Feargus O'Connor , and there yon will find the glorious principle enunciated , that what God made for all , it is unjust for any individual to appropriate to his own individual use . That is one of the peculiar principles of the National Reform League . ( Hear , hear . ) Well , then , there ' s another principle to which Sherrington , has referred , and that is the peculiar currency doctrines of the National Reform League . Now , sir , let me tell you that , in the address of Mr . O'Connor to the people of this country , previous to taking his seat in parliament at the commencement of 1847 , he declared himself in favour of the principles of the Anti-Gold Law League . ( Hisses , cheering , and confusion . ) A Voice : " Sit down , sir . "

      At this stage of the business it became evident that the great body of the meeting were determined to put Mr . Adams down , nor was it less apparent that Mr . Adams was equally resolute to maintain his right to he heard , and put his opponents to silence by standing their disapprobation out . On the platform there appeared to be as much confusion as in the body of the hall . Mr . Adams was liberally pelted with such epithets from his friends in front of the p latform , as " you rat , " " you thin ? , " " you little blackguard , " " go wash your face , and such other unpleasant remarks ,-which he bore with pretty good temper , only occasionally shaking his clenched fists-at his tormentors , and daring them to put their menacing threats into execution . In the midst of the storm , Dr . Greer , the pill doctor , was to be seen near the chairman ' s seat ,

      now advising Mr . Adams , then couno ' uling , Mr : O'Connor , and a gooddeal of merriment was caused by a strong voiced fellow shouting to the doctor to stop Adams ' s mouth with a box of his pills . Amid the almost deafening uproar which sow pervaded the entire Assembly , Mr . O ' Connor stood forward and waved his hand for silence . For a few seconds even Mr . O'Connor could not restrain the discordant elements which ranged above , below , and all around him . A lull shortly succeeding he implored the meeting , as they valued the liberty of free discussion , to afford Mr . Adams an impartial hearing . Mr . Adams again rose , and endeavoured to obtain that object , bnt the confusion became so great that the voice of the speaker was altogether drowned . He continued to gesticulate with the utmost violence , but not one syllable of what he uttered was audible at the distance of a few feet from where he

      stood . He was at length constrained to be silent , hut persisted in maintaining his situation , holding himself in readiness to resume whenever an opportunity might occur . A scene of the most indescribable confusion came to be enacted . The dissentient orator was surrounded by two or three zealous friends , who did what lay in their power to support him , but the majority of those ou the platform were obviously adverse to his views . The hooting and yelling , before which he had been obliged to succumb , was kept up with unabated vigour for a long period . Several parties , whose names we could not learn , got up at different times , and vainly endeavoured to propitiate the agitated multitude . No conception of the nature even of their proposals

      could be gained . At times , apparently from sheer exhaustion , a temporary lull occurred amid the tornado of sound . Mr . Adams invariably took advantage of such a circumstance to step forward again to the breach . The instant it was seen that he intended to speak , the tumult broke forth with fresh fury . ' Mr . O'Connor during the whole of this time sat at the opposite end of a small table from him , with arms a-kimbo , and somewhat of a cooe-and jaunty air . Various attempts at pacification or compromise were directed by his friends towards Mr . Adams and his compact body of followers They were disdainfully rejected . The party appealed to declared that he stood on his right , and was prepared to resist despotism , from whatever quarter it

      emanated . Some of those near the platform sprang at , and were with difficulty withheld from , tearing him down from it . The chairman , during the whole of this period bad been exerting himself assiduously to little purpose . At length , a person on the platform raised a stentorian voice , and proposed that he should dissolve the meeting , and vacate his situation , while the assembly should re-constitute itself , and elect another chairman , with the special purpose of hearing an address from Mr . O'Connor . This proposition was received with much acclamation . Mr . Adams intimated that he had an amendment to it which he desired to propose and speak to . This announcement was disregarded ; the occupant of the chair declared the meeting dissolved ; Mr . George Ross was nominated to his situation ;

      that gentleman suddenly made his appearance from the rear of the platform , and after shaking hands with Mr . O'Connor , proceeded to assume the office to which he had been so abruptly called . Silence having been partially procured , the new chairman said he stood thereasthe personal friend of Mr . O'Connor , and the personal friend of Mr . Adams , but as chairman of a public meeting he was bound to know no man in particular . He next referred to the principle of the constitution which gives to every one the rig ht of expressing his opinion , and said that he was sorry to have had come there , but did it with the m ' kw of throwing oil on the troubled waters . He concluded by stating his persuasion that those present would conduct themselves as slaves who desired to be free .

      It seemed for a little while as if all parties had been mollified ; but the appearance was delusive . Mr . Adams , who had never quitted his portion , again asserted his claim to be heard . And this provoked another vehement explosion . Mr . O'Connor also got up , but desisted from any effort to gain a hearing . For some time the trio formed by the two opponents and the intervening chairman stood side by side without uttering a word , gazing on the tossings and snrgings of the agitated mass beneath them . A cry got up in the Hall for the police , and two of these officials , who were stato the latform

      tioned at the door , made their way p . The Chairman then called on Mr . O'Connor to go on , threatening Mr . Adams with the preference of a ch arge to the officers against him , should he seek to interrupt the business . The reply was , that he mieht take that course , on his own responsibility , if he dared . After some altercation the constables , Sos i and 49 , seized the obnoxious individual by the wrist , and , amid loud acclamations , were draggingrfioff . when an inspector got upon the platform and motioned them to desist-a mandate Stbey tamediately obeyed ^ . ? ft ? Sff their prisoner , and slinking off amid the crowd .

      •It F Jtglksds,.1 Have Frequently Told Y...

      The chairman thus discomfited , recommended another dissolution . It is impossible to convey to our readers any adequate notion of the extraordinary scene which was witnessed about the time the police made their appearance . The following , however , may he considered a fair specimen of the manner in which , the argument was conducted by the respective belligerents : At one part of the debate Mr . Adams . —I tell yon that while I have a right to speak to my own amendment , I have a right to

      speak to every resolution before the house . - ( Oh oh ! "disgraceful !"— "the little blackguard" — " puthim down "— "he'll speak all night-V- " we'll never hear Mr . O ' Connor "— "it ' s a trick , ' ' 'the scoundrel— "tear him down , " and general uproar . ) Mr . Paul ( the chairman ) . —Mr . Adams , you must speak to your amendment , and no more . ' If you do not keep by it , I'll put you down . Yoa have'no right— . - :: . : ¦ : .. . My . Adams ( fiercely ) . —! am " quite prepared to take the consequences . ( " Boo , boo , " hooting and clamour . ) ' .. . .. .. ,

      Chaibuan . —I have to state that when Adams was going to speak , he said he was only toy move an amendment to the third proposition , and ^ T say he has no right to do any more . ' : ¦ ¦ . ¦ $ ; . ? . Mr . Adajis . —I shall be heard . ( Uproar . ) Chaibmas . —I'll fut you down . ' Mr . 'AoJ & s . —Try it if you dare . . If you do you will only put me down by force . ( Renewed confasionafid tuniult . ) > K . J- & P &• :.:. ; :- - * " : - - " . -. SetS ^ a jjemu-. oif the platform' proposed that some one shqnld second . Mr , Adam ' s" amendment , and thus have it put to the house , and in this Way bring that gentleman ' s ' discourse to a close , npon which the Chairman shouted is'the amendment seconded .

      A Mr . Wu . Campbell immediately bawled out , "I second the amendment . " ' Mr . Adams . —Ah ! my hoys , you'll not put me down by that dodge . I am speaking to my amendment , and I shall be heard . ( Shouts of "You wretch , you ' re paid for this , " followed by clamoar . ) Mr . Sherhistos . —I now come forward , as the mover of the resolutions , to reply . Mr . Adams . —I ' m not done yet . ( Voices : " Send for the police . " ) The Chairman : Will you not sit down ? Mr . Adams . —I'll sit down when once I get a fair hearing .

      Mr . Sherrington ( to Adams , with a withering scowl of defiance ) . —I'll put you down . Mr . Adams ( bravely ) —You dare not ; I stand here for my right , and I'll have it . Mr . Brown . —This is -a meeting of the citizens of Glasgow . Adams says here he will be heard , and he has a right to be heard . Mr . Sherrington ( at the utmost pitch of his voice ) . —I hare just one question to put to this meeting . Are you anxious to hear Mr . O'Connor ? ( Cries of "Yes , yes , " and tremendous cheering . ) Well then , allow Adams to proceed . ( Shouts of "No , no , " and confusion . ) This is a sample of the mode in which the fight was conducted while Mr . Paul was in the chair ,

      and matters were not much improved under the new auspices of honest George Ross . Finding it a hopeless task to preserve order , or reconcile the opposing parties , Mr . Ross declared the meeting dissolved , and , without pausing to ascertain whether this advice was approved , assumed his hat and walked off . Mr . Mackay , the Assistant Superintendent of Police , then intimated that the meeting was dissolved , and a portion of those present forthwith made to the door . Mr . O'Connor just then , however , got upon the table , and having once commenced to speak , comparative silence was procured , and a end put to the two hours' uproar . About half-past ten o ' clock , when the war of voices had in some degree dwindled down into a

      calm , Mr . O'Connor again rose and obtained a hearing . He began by expressing his regret at the character of the evening ' s proceedings , and professing his anxiety that Mr . Adams should have been heard . He then went on to protest his uncompromising attachment to the cause for which he had so long laboured , mentioning that on Tuesday last he had given notice in the House of Commons , that on Tuesday week he should again bring forward their question of the Charter , and that he had sent information to Lord John Russell , that if he did riot then accede to its principle , he ( Mr . O'Connor ) would forthwith ask for somehing more , and proclaim to the people that under a monarchy they had no choice—but they must have a republic .

      ( Loud cheers . ) In England they had what was called a free press—that was , a press that abused him and them , and supported the middle class ; but , after all , they were not so badly off as the people of France , where , if a journalist spoke out , he was prosecuted , sent to prison for perhaps two er more years , and fined some 5 , 000 f . or 10 , 000 f . That was the license given to the expression of public opinion in Paris . These were the effects of a revolution . He had always proclaimed that such results must accrue where a tyranny had long existed , which the people hail struck down , but where , having fired the last shot , they did nothing more . Free admission to the National Assembly could not now be obtained . It cost , a fortnight ago , when

      he was in Pans , between thirty and forty francs to procure admission—and the reason was , that the discussion of the proposed change in the electoral law had caused so great an excitement in the public mind , that the galleries were every day filled ere the Assembly met . That alteration was a specimen of the benefit of the revolution . The special constable President had his salary increased from £ 20 , 000 to £ 120 , 000 . Thatwassomuchfor free trade , and political economy in France . In England the palace of their pretty little Queen was guarded day and night by two soldiers , but in Paris the residence of the special constable President was guarded by a whole regiment .- That showed that he apprehended something . He ( Mr . O'Connor )

      trusted in God that , if there was another revolution , it would end in the success of the working classes , —that the people would not , as heretofore , be the sufferers by it . IT that took place , then they would have Lord J . Russell coming down to the House ot Commons , and asking him : Is there any thing more , Mr . O'Connor , than the People ' s Charter that the People wish ? He had been told that he was not a fit man to be in the House of Commons . No independent man was fit to be there . "When he rose in his place there was a solemn silence ; but whenever he began to lash the government , there was a bellowing raised like that of cows in a cow-house . Lord John Russell constantly baaed his opposition to chance on the feelings of the loyal English

      people . Was it not a sham , a farce , a mockery and a delusion , to tell them that a girl of eighteen years of age was fit to rule over the country , while a man of twenty-one was declared not fit to have a vote in selecting who should represent him ; When her dear , delightful Majesty went to Ireland , she was welcomed by the shopkeepers , who thought that by her visit , their trade would be improved , and by the lords who came from north and south to bow to her , and so she was led to think the people loyal and dutiful . So also in Glasgow , where they raised a triumphal arch , and shouted as she passed through the city ; but on the 10 th'day of April , 1848 , she left her palace in the same train with him . with her horses and carriages , for fear of an

      emeute , in which she might use her little crown . God forbid that there should be such a revolution ; but he , on this 6 th of June , 1850 , predicted that unless justice was done , that would occur . The last twenty years bad produced greater changes than the two centuries before . There were improvements in printing , improvements in machinery , improvements in the electric telegraph , and were they not to have a share m these great changes that were taking place , or would they only tend still further to hind their chains ? They would travel from Land ' s End to John O Groats , and they would find that there was not in broad England , Ireland , or Scotland , twenty acres of land which yielded one-tenth part of what

      it would do under proper cultivation , as it wouM be were the land then own . If it were in his power , he would knock down every poors' house and every iail in the kingdom ; because if justice was done to the people there would not be a pauper or a thief throughout the country . Give him the child ol the murderer , the child of the thief , or the child of tbo prostitute , in infancy , and he would tram that child to be modest , virtuous , and pure . Give him the children of the Q . uccn , and he could train them to be murderers , prostitutes , drunkards , and thieves . What was the reason that their children were not trained in paths of virtue ? Just because th

      their own children were neglected while e Queen ' s children were sucking out the people s marrow , blood , and sinews . ( Cheers . ) He had stated last session in the House of Commons that he cared not whether the Pope , the Devil , or the Pretender was on the throne , provided that throne rested on the power of the people ; and Sir Harry Verney , turning his hands and eyes to heaven thanked God that during all the time he had been a , member of that houso he had never heard such sentiments as that which had fallen from the honourable member . It was really sickening to hear Lord John Russell getting up , and propounding

      •It F Jtglksds,.1 Have Frequently Told Y...

      views as ; IIer , Most Gracious , Majesty ' s opinion upon'certain-subjects—subjects of which she had never heard , or if she had heard , knew as much i J . a 1 % dW of geometry . Mr . O'Connor Preluded an address of an hour ' s duration , and of wmoh the above gives but a very imperfect conception ,-by expressing his devoted attachment to the people ' s cause . ' . ' , ; The meeting thereafter - ' abruptly terminated , amid considerable sensation . ; ' - . ??? . ^ en s , yo . u are aware of two , facts" ^ "JV / that the whole Press is opposed to me ; a ^? n that nothing couldmore damage riie *« th the . shrewd Scotch people than to

      exaggerate . ; I do not exactly know what your feMmg *; , will be ; when ydri peruse the conduct of Adams . ; but this I do know—that no man evet-haa such a reception at a public meeting asrl ^ eceivei from my good friends of Glasgow onms occasion . I told Ad ams ' s committee ; before the meeting , that ! was fully ' p & 0 k to ' ^ # ^ W ?; an ( Lthat I would ^ nde ^ vour vit q s ^^®^^ n a oalm hd impartial n ^ arinf '; ° ot : J |\ % as evident to every man '' p i ( : ies ^ nt ^ at A » AM ^; dreaded the conflict ^ and 'fished , t » occnpyjjjhe time of thejneetin jfj so ias ^ to preyent-. tne controversy , froni to > ing vplacfc A vo ^ pX ^ nfidence in , and thanks to me ^ as nmi l |^ pu 6 ly ; icarried amid the most raptarbuB applause . ,.,. . - ,., -. ' - ' / ••;•• ¦ ' , \ You will read my speech as taken from the Post , whicb acknowled ges it to be a mere outline . I spoke for more than an hour— Adams

      occupied nearly two hours and a half , but not one sentence could be heard . You cannot form the slightest idea of the scene . He was dragged off the . platform , and I was afraid he would have been murdered . When the meeting bad concluded , he and some of his friends were awfully mauled ; and a poor fellow—one of the assailants—was taken into custody by the ] police . \ Nbw for the DOB . GE . A Mr . James Walker , confectioner , is one of Adams ' s greatest supporters , but not ADMIRERS . He is the friend of a GENTLEMAN , to whose famil y I paid Nearl y £ 80 , when he was imprisoned ; and I have it from authority , that this GENTLEMAN has been the prime mover in the affair—but he has not taken much b y his DODGE . I must state a fact which would more than

      compensate me for any insolence , which is , that the mind of Glasgow—that is , the CHARTIST MIND—is more deepl y imbued with Chartist princi p les than ever it was before . I now come to

      PAISLEY . On Friday I visited Paisley , where I was entertained at a most sumptuous dinner . When the clotb was removed , we had the cheering Scotch songs , of " Old Times , " and good anecdotes , and a more genial and hearty set of fellows I never met . At half-past seven , the immense hall was not onl y crowded , but crammed to suffocation . M y OLD FRIEND , Patrick Brewster , was expected to be present ; and YOUR FRIEND , Robert Cochrane , did make his appearance . In passing , I must observe , that I should be most happy if we had a few more as independent and bold

      ministers as Patrick Brewster , as , in my conscience I believe him to be sincerel y devoted to the cause of the poor , and he is as brave as a lion ; however , he did not attend ; but Cochrane was there , and I agreed to give him every facility , he required to make any charges against me . I addressed the meeting at considerable length , and so did your young persecuted Lancashire Chartist" victibv ' T § Mlinson , in a most able and eloquent speech , which was justly and loudly cheered . I only

      wish we had a few such eloquent young gentlemen in the House of Commons . Well , when my speech was over , I was anxious to hear my prosecutor ' s charge ; he came forward and commenced his charge by reading two letters , not mentioning even my name . We were to have ten minutes each ; he exhausted his first ten minutes amid roars of laughter , and when he concluded , I occupied only one minute , b y reading the following letter from my accuser to his constituents , written on the 10 th of April

      -BENNINGTON COMMON DAY :-" London , 10 th April , 1848 . " Dbae SiB , —The meeting is ovor , no procession took place , as the Convention did not wish to risk an unarmed multitude in the power of an armed police . The proclamation issued by the Commissioners of Police declared against the procession as well as the meeting ; they , therefore , in allowing it to go on , sustained a complete defeat . Much praise is due to Mr . O'Connor on this occasion ; to him principally belongs the credit of saving the lives of the inhabitants of London , and I feel confident that

      he will receive it at the hands of the country . The government , I believe , never felt more alarm ; police armed and unarmed ; paraded the streets in . great numbers ; hut a peaceful people set them at defiance , and there cannot be a doubt that the cause of Chartism is now triumphant . I will not attempt in short , to give you an account of the glorious meeting , there were not less than 300 , 000 persons present ; I therefore send you a copy of the Telegraph , containing a report of the proceedings ; the numbers stated in the report is evidently a mistake . " I am , Dear Sir . yours truly , " Robert Cochrane . "

      When I concluded the letter I thought the building would tumble down , so great were the cheers and laughter . He came forward to use his next ten minutes , and not one single word could he utter—not a sentence—having the slightest reference to rae . I replied in about two minutes—he did not make his appearance again—when the following resolution and addresses were unanimously adopted , amid cheers and waving of hats : — " That we , tho inhabitants of Paisley , in public meeting assembled , tender our warmest thanks to Feargus O'Connor , for his addresses and his long and arduous labours in the cause of human progress . " 10 FEARGUS O CONNOR ESQ ., M . P .

      " Honoured and Respected . Sir , —We , the members of the Renfrewshire Young Men ' s Association ( of late formation , ) for the diffusion of political knowledge , take this opportunity of expressing our gratitude for your long arid arduous advocacy of the people ' s rights , both in and out of the House of Commons , and for your laudable exertions in endeavouring to reclaim toman his lost though inalienable right to the soil . Though baffled in this glorious and gi gantic attempt to regenerate the human family , by a base , corrupt , and hireling press , which panders to the interest of that class , who , under the disguise of Liberalism , take every opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense and

      misery of the toiling millioi s of this misnamed land of the brave and the free ; but despair not , honoured sir , for we hope the time will speedily arrive when the disfranchised millions of this nation will shake off the lethargy which for ages has enthralled them , and rise in the majesty of their might , and proclaim to the world their acknowledgement of those great and glorious principles which you have so long and fearlessly struggled to maintain . Honoured sir , we , though young , must acknowled ge the many benefits wo have already derived in political knowledge from your hands , through the columns of that invaluable journal , the Northern Stai ; for a long time the onl y independent und unfettered advocate of the ri ghts , and exposor of

      the wrongs of the downtrodden masses of thisclassijoverned and unhappy country . Honoured sir , in conclusion we fondly anticipate that you may be spared to witness the realisation of your fondest wishes , and behold the beneficial effects likely to flow from the adoption of those principles embodied in that glorious document—the People ' s Charter . Hut , should it happen otherwise , you will have tho satisfaction in your own mind of having done your duty to your fellow men ; and , vest assured , that a grateful people will have inscribed on your tomb' Here lies ono who , for tho greater part of bis existence , has struggled against tyranny and oppression to leave the world better than liefound it . ' Paisley , June 7 th . Tnos . Smith , Chairman . " '

      •It F Jtglksds,.1 Have Frequently Told Y...

      V TO FEARQBS O CONNOB , BSQ ., M . P . " Honoured Sir , -- , the members of tho Paisley Chartist Association , are anxious thus publicly to express our confidence and esteem in you , for your long ,. consistent , patriotic , and unparalleled exertiqnsin the cause , of . the political and social regeneration of the people of Great Britain . ''' . "' . .. ... ' " Your efforts , sir , for the improvement of the people , and your disinterested services to reseue'thein

      from the power of the capitalist , and to plantihem on the land , ' each under his own vine and fig tree , ' are without a precedent in the history ; of our country ; and we are deeply impressed with the conviction that , if the working classes bad continued as they had begun , with their support , to your Land Scheme , they would , ere bow , have been in possession of a mighty fulcrum , by which they cdtild have raised and secured their position in the general wellbeing of society . - . : ¦¦¦; ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ .. ; : . v ";

      , j- 'But , sir , what could be expected , when fhb press of this country , all powerful for : gobdias- ; for syU--aotuat . ed , moreover , by : the basest and ; jnost fiendish motives fabricated , published ,. and . gave implicit credence to , ' the vilest insinuations and the foulest aspersions concerning " your character ^ and thus arrested , for the time being your bepeficeht soheme ?> Nevertheless , thanks to the Divine j » iver of all good , who has enabled you to stanoRforth ' , firmly and . undauntingly ; in the ; face of thelBritish dominions , with an [ integrity of .. principle . and a purity _ of heart , whichjxhaveiconmletely ^ par ^ y ^ ed t

      mo > v » "ss ^ ijftjjpwjwnaQnwaHw The gov ^ nvJmpwFS ^^^ i ^ m jury of your fellow countrymen , olth 6 ugh . ; BUike ^ against you , were , after a long and searching inquiry , compelled , from a formidable array of facts and figures , jjp pronounce a verdict in your favour , and to proclaim to the world that your conduct was above suspicion . . Thus , v 8 ir , although for a time the Land movement may appear to be on the wanej yet your plan and similarones are beingaoted upon all over the realm ; and as the elevation of the working labourers cannot be otherwise achieved , we feel persuaded that your endeavours will yet be crowned with success , and sot at nought all factious opposition . *

      • " Respected sir , we conceive it a duty incumbent upon us to tender you our sincere thanks for your great and benevolent labours in Parliament , upon the platform , and through the press , to make the People ' s Charter the law of this afflicted nation ; and however much tergiversation or difference of opinion may arise among those who would be leaders , yet we are extremely grateful that we behold in you , for the last twenty years , the bold , uncompromising and gratuitous advocate of our

      cause . The sordid worshipper of Mammon may sneer at you , and the mercenary sycophant may assail you , but the people of these islands will' stand a wall of fire' around you , so that the arrows of malignity shall fall blunted and pointless . ' May the Divine Being grant you long life , health , and happiness , and enable you to see the consummation of your earnest desires , is the devout and heartfelt wish of the members of our association . "On behalf of the association , "John Scott , President . "

      When the resolutions were passed a hearty vote of thanks was given to the chairman . The meeting broke up , and I spent some time with a large number of male and female Chartists in the Ball-room of the Hotel , where we enjoyed ourselves most cheerfully ; and at eleven o ' clock I started for Glasgow with my kind friend , and your good and true friend , Duncan Shebrington and two other friends for Glasgow . I now come to an out-door meeting of Colliers and Iron Miners of Lanarkshire . Perhaps the English people are not aware that the tyrant Iron and Coal masters of Lanarkshire have stopped all their hands because their , slaves would not submit to

      be robbed by the- TRUCK SYSTEM—a reduction , of wages — unfair measurement of their ; product , and several other acts of robbery , for I cannot call it . anything ^ se .: ; , I ; was . ; tovitedrto , take part ' ' at : their meeting , which was held in the open air on Saturday , at Baillieston , five miles from Glasgow , at twelve o ' clock .. I went there accompanied by an old veteran Chartist , a master shoe » aker , Mr . Cameron . When we came within half a mile of the place of meeting , we were met by a splendid hand and a large procession , and presently four processions , each headed by a magnificent baud , arrived ; it was a glorious sight , in the open

      air under the canopy of the broad blue sky , although I regretted the necessity of poor men being thus compelled to devote their time to seeking justice , to which they have an inalienable ri ght . Each band an it arrived played , a cheerful tune in front of the platform . I gave them a gopdrouser , and though surrounded by policemen , made them both feel , understand , and cheer what I said . Mr . Davies and Mr . Halstone also made admirable speeches , all of which appeared to g ive general and entire satisfaction . . At the end of my speech—as I was obliged to start for Glasgow , and from thence to Falkirk , in time to attend another out-door and in-door

      meeting—the following resolution was carried with enthusiastic cheers" That we , the miners of Lanarkshire , in public mneting assembled , declare , emphatically , that we still continue to have every confidence in Mr . O'Connor , M . P ., the indomitable champion of the working- and unfranchised classes , and recognise him as the representative of the working classes in the House of Commons . " At four o ' clock I left Glasgow for Falkirk by express . train , and was met at the station by a number of the right sort . They had a splendid carriage , drawn by a pair of spanking greys , headed by a fine band . The procession

      had not gone far , when it was joined by another procession , headed by a splendid band ' . We went through the town and arrived at the place of meeting , where a platform was erected ; we had a . magnificent meeting . I gave them what appeared to please them , as they cheered most heartily ; some other speakers addressed them ; but as it commenced raining before I had concluded , I was obliged to leave the platform . In the evening we had a fruit party , as is the custom in Scotland , in the Church of the Rev . Mr . Duncanson , and a most gratif ying party and sight it was . Mr . Tomlinson made an admirable speech ; Mr . Duncanson followed him to explain the six points of the Charter ; and , without flattery , I say that such

      a speech I never heard in or out of the House of Commons : he is a young , fine looking , gentlemanlike fellow ; he literall y electrified his audience , and me also ; his eloquence , his energy , his action , his words and his manner , surpassed anything I ever witnessed , and I only wish that we had a few more of his class and eloquence to propound the Charter , and it would speedily be riveted to every man ' s heart . I followed Mr . Duncanson , which was a great disadvantage to any orator , but I pleased my audience ; and after a vote of thanks , which was justly due to a very admirable Chairman , the meeting separated . The following were tho resolutions passed unanimously , and the address presented to me at tho out-door meeting : — .

      " That this meeting view with feelings of offended dignity tho unequal laws that govern this empire , and are convinced that class-legislation must ever press with unjust severity upon the interest of the industrious , claim , as the inborn rig ht of humanity , that all futufre legislation be based upon the principles contained in the document known as . the People ' s Charter . " "Thatthis meeting being fully convinced that the People ' s Charter is the only measure of political justice worth struggling for , resolve to unite and agitato with renewed energy for the enactment into law of the principles contained in that document . " - . - .

      " TO FEAROUS O CONNOR , ESQ ., U . P . " Ebspbcted Sib , —We , tho'Democrats and Chartists of Falkirk and neighbourhood , congratulate you on your first visit to our town . Wc have long wished to have this honour and pleasure , and are

      •It F Jtglksds,.1 Have Frequently Told Y...

      now much gratified in haying both . Like all who have taken a share in the cause of humanity yott have been the ' subject of much persecution . The persecution and prosecution you have undorgona from the government was looked for-rexpected-for what corrupt state has not persecuted its noblest men , its greatest patriots ,. its . brightest spirits . What spy-employing , liberty-persecuting , freedom . crushing government has > not buried in a «»™| tomb , or persecuted to the death , every soul that had the magnanimity to desire to he free ? You , sirj have undergone the prison > ¦ fetters and ; worn ; the felon ' s manacle—for what ? for aimin g at the birthfelon ' s manacle—for what ? for aiming at the

      birthright of every , man—liberty to breathe-the . air . which God has given , and -look , upon the skies which Q od has made , and have a share of common , blessings which . Heaven has bestowed . But there ia another species" of persecution , ' which you have undergone—a persecution at once uncalled for , bitter , and unrelehtihg;—uncalled for , because the ^ best framed schemes , when opposed by interest ah'da corrupt legislative influence , when prosecuted by those that may chance to possess the ruling power /; and nullified in action , —bitter , because coming , from those whose intipwg ^ has been the . opjeot jO * , your study and the ! end ' of yjoiir endeavours , -- . unro .- „ lentin ^/ beoause no mean ' s . are left untried ' that ' . 'tho : press or the platform oari supply to damage youi ? '•

      ^ o ^ i : i character , —in such a situation we deeply-sympa > fchise with you , and trust that you will yet : ri 8 e su- ;' perior to it , and pour confusion and dis ' may :. oh : ypur , js opponents . r--. '> ¦ . ¦ . '; . >; i : - - ¦ ¦ '' '¦' * ' . ( . ' . .. i «« We have watched you r : poliUcal career ; j ^ wjj ;^ have marked your stern adherence to the . principles of the Chartor .. ih-gbou ari ^^ have hot been . closed-tQ the fact that you have ' . fought singlerhatided I ' m the ^ jfhidst of' the people ' s enemies in the ^ people ' s cause and for the people ' s •' rights . Sucti'bircumstances require a man of no ' ordinary stamprand you have proved yourself the- ' : man the circumstances demanded . The battle is ; not yet fought—the race is not yet ran—the Char * :. » ter , with all its glorious provisions , is yet an object \ , of the future . -You have endured : the burden and .,, heatofthe'day , the'hottest of the persecution ,- ^©;; on , multitudes are being convinced that the ' Charter ; is the great bill of the people ' s rights , that'itis the ; only measure that will-give'the country a ; E 6 use of n Commons that may , in truth , ' be callea the people ' s : house . -.-.:,.. » : ¦ ' j ^ feiiriav : - ^ P- ' Vi ' ' - ^ ' r 4 ? iYou-, ara--wrt ^ ^{ M & $ ^ <^^ certain must the present ^ aavahc ' ein pmitieaonow- ..- , ledge and consciousness * of deprived rights .. butst every . fetter , and sweep corruption before it ; ' Tito ' Charter must be passed , it , must become law—truth ' ^ is in it , progress is in it , —the rights of humanity are in it . ; the eood of the country fs in it , —the hap- ;

      piness of unborn generations is in it . Be encouraged when you have seized the grand ftuure , what your , enemies charge upon you , as the Ftopianism of the > present will rule our country in the future . Stand undismayed , —come not down from your present position lest another step up and seize your laurels , All must come up to you . Why ? because you have , truth , -you have a grand , fuller , and more triumphant plan of reform than any now before the attention of the country , or likely to ho . You have something ultimate—something satisfactory . Be unconfounded ; your enemies may multiply , but

      truth can never change . Hold it fast ; many eyesare on you , but we yield to none in praise of your endeavours , and our desire is , that you should in all things prove successful . Wo conclude this , our address , with an expression of confidence in your exertions for the great cause , and hope that yoa will steadily move onward , and that we shall have to congratulate you at some future period—it may not be so long as we in our fears may anticipatethat the Charter has been triumphant , and that democracy has obtained its due influence in the ruling power of the land .

      — M'Watbbs , Chairman . The reader will see that I attended an OUT-DOOR MEETING , five miles atone side of Glasgow , at twelve o ' clock ; an OUTDOOR MEETING , ¦ twenty-five miles at the other side of Glasgow on the same day ; and an in-door meeting on the same night ; and from this he will learn that I have not become incapable of acting in the good old cause ; and now let me inspire the English Chartists with

      no little hope , when I inform them , that the Chartist mind in Scotland has increased , since I was last in their country , to a degree that 1 never anticipated—a fact , which has inspired me , not only with hope , but with increasing confidence , that ere long the PEOPLE'S CHARTER will be the LAW OF THE LAND , and no mistake . Your Faithful and Uncompromising Friend and Advocate , Feargus O'Connor .

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      SOUTH LONDON CHARTi & T HALL , BLAC & •• " ' ¦ ' ' "FRIATt ' S-ROit ) . :. ' ' A public meeting was held on Monday evening , June 10 th , to discuss the present prospects of Chartism , and the steps best calculated to advance the interest of veritable democracy . Mr . Collins was called to the chair , and said , as Chartists were proverbial for their love of free discussion , he trusted that all who presented themselves would obtain a fair , full , and impartial hearing , as the object for which the meeting bad been convened was best served in eliciting truths both political and social . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Small , in an eloquent speech , reviewed the

      schemes of the middle . classes , declaring that he had ho confidence in thom or their party , and moved the following resolution : — " That in the opinion of the meeting , the schemes of the middle and , aristocratic classes are conceived , propounded , carried , and worked for their own aggrandisement , and not for the good of the people at large ; that the plan of the so-called Parliamentary and Financial Heformers is dishonest in principle , deceptive in appearance , and calculated to mislead the unreflecting portion of the working classes : therefore , we will not agitate for or support any movement that does not recognise the whole of the principles contained in the People ' s Charter . " Mr . Small resumed his seat loudly applauded .

      Mr . Elliott , m an excellent speech , seconded the motion . Mr . G . J . Harnbt—who , on his appearance , was most warmly applaude'd—proceeded , in his usual forcible manner , to show up the trickery and miserable shuffling of the middle classes , anddescanttd , amidst loud cheers , in favour of the enfranchisement of the whole people , as the best and surest means of enforcing social rights , without which he believed the people never would be happy , and without which they never ought to rest content . ( Applause . ) Would the people ( he asked ) be better off if Cobden and Walmsley had gained their professed object , and the people had Cobden installed as Prime Minister—Bright , Chancellor of the Ex-,

      chequer—Walmsley , Secretary of State , and Roebuck , Secretary of the Colonies ? That question was answered by a reference to the discussion on the motion with respect to the journeymen bakers , the Ten Hours Bill , and other measures affecting the working classes . ( Cheers . ) The only security for the sons of toil rested in their universal enfranchisement , and their thorough-knowledge of social rights . ( Great cheering . ) Bbontebbe O'Brien then came forward , amidst the most hearty cheering , and apologised for his late attendance , having justreturned from ameeting got up for the benevolent purpose of aiding the fund now being raised on behalf of the widows and orphans of the late Messrs . Williams and Sharp ,

      and made a most eloquentand touching appeal on behalf of the victims generally . Mr . O'Brien paid a high and well-merited compliment ( o their suffering friend , John Shaw , and hoped that , as tho time was fast approaching for their release , an effort would be made—a last effort , as it were—to place something in the hands of the committee to relieve the pressing wants and necessities of the liberated victims . ( Applause . ) In allusion to the resolution before the meeting , he said the present system placed the wealth producer in a most deplorable condition . Even in this metropolis-which is the reservoir of the plunder of the world—a fearful mass of pauperism abounded ; and the reason assigned by the men of property for refusing to grant

      the vote was that , by giving it , " property would be in danger . " What ridiculous nonsense was this ! Why , if the people wished property destroyed , could any one believe that they would elect members of parliament to do it ? ( Laughter , and cheers ) Oh , no ! . these little matters were too delicate to be done by deputy—they were generally done in person . ( Cheers . ) It was the keeping the people unenfranchised that rendered them violent , as witness the recent scenes on the continent—where thrones tumbled , and were consumed . ( Cheers . ) Mr . O'Brien then eulogised the National Charter Association , and tho National Reform Leagueadvised every true reformer to join those tfl'O

      associations—the first as an excellent expounder of political , and tho latter as an able teacher of social rights . ( Hear , hear . ) He admired the boldness of the National Charter Association in taking up the great and important question of social rights . ¦ The National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association he could not conceive to be anythin « else but - a huge swindle ; and , ho was happy to find that the men of Greenwich had resolved to offer i ( , their most strenuous opposition , - and to move an amendment hi favour , of the Charter . ( Cheers . ) He did not believe that co-operative societies or social systems could succeed , unless political awl social rights were first fairly established . ( Cheers . ) - Thoresolution " was then put , and carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was given to the chairman , and the meeting terminated ,

      ^ I A V

      ^ I A V

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), June 15, 1850, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_15061850/page/1/