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TO THE WORKING CUSSES.
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U Mr DEAR Friekdi. Iff if yon could see ...
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IQif on 'b to %t Hwtttm Mim? AND NATIONA...
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VOL. X. NO. 487- LONDON, SATURDAY, FEBRU...
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REPEAL OF THE RATS-PAYING CLAUSES OF THE...
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CDartist ittmiurcitce.
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DR. M'DOUALL IN THE POTTERIES.-Acoording...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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To The Working Cusses.
TO THE WORKING CUSSES .
U Mr Dear Friekdi. Iff If Yon Could See ...
U Mr DEAR Friekdi . Iff if yon could see one in every ten of the letters that I that I now receive from the middle and higher jjjjiC jjjjics , lauding the Land schema to the skies , your onlv i onlv astonishment would be that such a project had not b not been long since thought of . During the whole of tld of tliis week , I hate been busily engaged in purchasing h ing hone-dung for Herringsgate , ''Roraan cement for the c the cottages at LowbandV and working horses , so
fea t that those who are to occupy the allotment * at Hen Herrmgsga * will understand that the fact of their bein being fortunate in obtaining early locations has pot , pot made as unmindful of their future comforts . Kotj >' ow that is the great value of our institution , that jt i it is universal , and that its directors have an equal jot interest in the comforts of those who have paid their mo money and those who have not paid it , whereas , in all aB other societies , where a few well-paid individuals . jt are sustained by a bubble , they look only to those w ! who have yet to be fleeced .
On Wednesday I went to Herringsgate , and there found the three refractory families against whom I towed vengeance last week , and the way ! took the vengeance was by advancing them £ 10 , not out of the funds of the Association but out of my own poc ket . There was a wool-comber , a weaver , and a chair-maker , and I wish the Whistler had seen fte delight with which they were cultivating their own spots . Of course they were not very comfortable at first , the place and the occupation being strange to them , and the weather being anything bat favourable , but when I asked them if they
jrished to go back again , they said they would rather atarre there . I should mention that this relaxation in oar savage decree of last week was as much the act of my brother directors as myself , while ft should be also understood that never again will we iHotf either onr rales or the resolutions of the Conference to be violated . ' I have bought nearly a thousand tons of the best London horse dung , and 1250 bushels of Roman © ement , and I am now about contracting for a supply pf seeds of all descriptions , in order to get the several allotments ready for the occupants . Now , I would ask the Whistler and his master what
landlord or cotton-lord will build houses and offices , and put out manure , and superintend the agricultural operations for his tenants , without farther hope of reward than that of seeing them happy , and inreoeipi of the produce of his and their own labour . Ian really afford to wrifegood-humonredlyand philosop hically upon this subject now , because it has teSe i such a h old of the mind of millions , that I believe it would be a dangerous experiment upon fee part of the strongest government to resist it . ftfat Minister in the world can feel equal pride in fee service that he renders to his master or mistress jn tie collection of taxation , to the ' pleasure that I , erpf rienced in reading the letter from our friend at ¦ ( toham , enclosing a hundred pounds as a nest egg :
for the Bank . Here it is : — Caroline-place , Ordnanca-place , Chatham , 16 th Feb . 1847 . Sjt , —is our vmlft-De 6 °° ^ frwnds hate laid out a Tojsre to America for Mr . O'Connor , and no doubt bat feyrish him a speedy one alto , and as Mr . O'Connor his lecotne to poor by pnrehasing so ranch land , I , as a IcniMe member , come forward with a mite to asaistin tar cause wrung from blistered hands , and the beer-shop sfca ' . ed oat of it , and will chance its beisg whistled off to AsKiica .
Sit—Please to place one hundred pounds , as per order « c 51 . Lombard-street , to my name in ths ^ Deposit De-)|« rtnentoftheI . and and Labour Bank , with the required soCcf ef withdrawal . Tour obedient servant , Johm West . ' f To the Directors of land Company . ? . * . —Please to answer the receipt of this by return of past . j Jbd here ' s my answer : —
My dear good friend , —Permit me , on the part of millions , to thank you from my soul for an act of eon-Sdeare which will inspire thousands with the same feelings , and me with more energy and resolution . Oh' sir , if I could but get a few of your class and means to assist me in my great national , —nay uni-Tareal—undertaking , I believe from my soul that in lea than two years from this date , the history of olden
¦• times down to the present moment would be looked t Spon as fiction and romance . It is strange that many vrhokaowrrie but from the evil report of evil dise posed persons , should have minds sufficiently strong * * to trust me ; while the opposition that I have rej . oeired from capitalists , who , by my plan , might sei- esre eight per cent , and comfort for their monies , 5 * impresses me with the greatest horror of the system ¦ Bhicb enables them to make cent , per cent , by traffic id ~ r *
ix n hhii ; and , consequently , satisfies them with four ae ht cent , upon the surplus realised in the blood r" ssrket . On Wednesday I received your hundred poanc ' . ^ and on Thursday I directed the purchase of r Eiebiq'ier Bills to that amount , together with the ie- remainder deposited by persons depositing smaller ^ smouats ; and you may rely upon it , that no power H on earth shall induce me to speculate otherwise tith } our money than in the purchase of land , which in Fill r > turn £ 5 per cent . Thanking you for your jjj * toble example .
ee I remain , * i * Tour most faithful friend ' ° £ and Banker , ng Fearoes O'Cosxor . it , O'v , my friends , I give you another instance of ' lie rainner in which our project inspires all at home | ^ and a broad with hope and consolation . Ilere is a g ( etter from a frugal and honest working man , an iry wc'iHman earning bis bread ia France . He writes ° thus : — he ose Calais , February Kin , 1847 .
UP lr ^ 'r «—Seeing the glorious news in last Saturday ' s sed f'lr : sba 11 Jjere Zire mf , 'ttJe assistance by placing - ' -0 in the Bank of Deposit , and wishing we may get hold On ^ "fc l . " 'J 0 acres as \ juick as possible . I have a little ^ "rthi .- airistamce in store yet . dg . TVlLLUH BBAMWEtL . md Heie ' s my answer to him : — My dear Bramwell , !^ 1 May God bless you , and induce others , je- * Jour order to seek redemption from slavery by the , cd ' -ame means . I have purchased Exchequer Bills > cfc riih the fruit of your blisters , and will be answerable
or yoar interest and principal . ' ob Ever your faithful friend , ohn ( Feakccs O'Cosxon . it-- Sow , my friends , in this moment of calm and cool ^ ^ flection , only picture to yourselves what a nation ' Ireland would be if Daniel O'Connell had expended icefc | ie thousands and hundreds of thousands subscribed fee- tjhis confidingcountrymen , in the purchase of Land is or th 9 Irish people , instead of in the prostration of d » y , gh ramd as * . marketable commodity for the Saxon , ear Pohti .-al market . I dare say that it does sometimes
0 strike you that I have made something like a stand-It r " ' ' thh man ' a 11 otLer ^ dare , fw 10 j !/ lsit . , ourteen years ; and I dare sav you do and harm that while they are one " and all , aoundenns in their own filth , that those who hav « era . jojwed me in my MADNESS are readin g a at « son of wisdom to the world ; but while you ° can ion- part / all y m , ag , - ne nj feei ; ngS | do nofc guppoge ^ a *' Sre nnmixad with anxiety , for , be assured , that 87 , h e wagnitude of our project not only presses bree jwii , upon ray time < bat ^ opon ^ ^ . ^ Wlwt i . ' ' Ui , uu m * rew , ngs .
^ iU ¦ so lwa T > what so gratifjins , what so checraB S And !' , * ! ^ tmited and confideJ ia ° y " > i « 5 on » ? po lion reWard ! 0 & eit M the desire an < i "tenfon J , 'f tL «»? If you have read my farm-, ect- ' £ * * . ' you wi » see that I prophecied in 1843 , ^ er trm ' S ™ " dUDS" WOald become a fasnionaWe The att * * U ° nSe of Commons . an ^ ^ a * sooner or ft er- ' jj ^ TOu"ster of agricnltare should be added to a Jtn £ t . I told y { m ^ we should Io $ e Mme of at- i W ^* , 00101 " ' ' and that tLa l 063 w"ld be » $ e ^ tfit , tHt ^ Cuurca vonld be pressed _ rr £ ' the landlords would be oppressed and
Ur »»* : i «
U Mr Dear Friekdi. Iff If Yon Could See ...
that the Cotton Lords would be deceived . Nat long rince I ventured to hint at the propriety of stinting war hortes , that peaceful peop le should be Bay ed / rom starratioD . I further ventured to suggest the propriety of a property war tax in time of-peace , and that MUST BE HIS NEXT MEASURE . I suggested that government should take stock of every man ' s store , to the end that none should die or suffer , and that he will alss
bfrcompelled to do , as famine has but yet limped m comparison with the rapid strides the monster will mahe , and if you will read the next number of the Zabourtr you will find a suggestion by which , without one farthing additional tax , or a single injustice , the Chancellor of the Exchequer may raise the enormous sum of forty millions ; and this , by merely tr enching upon an ideal privilege to be conferred upon those who shall live in the year . 1359 , 1860 .
Now , my friends , none of those shabby schemes and devices , those " MOCKERIES , DELUSIONS , AND SNARES , " need be resorted to , if the Land plan was universally . adopted ; if statesmen would be bold aud j *» t , instead of cringing and artful , there are yet deposits in the earth , if equitably distributed , to save ub from foreign insult ; domestic tyranny from suffering famine and even want ; and to this they mutt € on | l ) t last , for , if I am not obstructed , I will emancipate the nation , and if I am obstructed , my hottest words in 1839-40 , will be « frozen icicles compared to mr burning denunciation of those who
¦ hall oppose a sjstera that breathes peace , and promises contentment . I believe in my soul that au attempt to resist our Land plan now would lead to a revolution ; it has taken deep root in every man ' s mind , and so convirced am I of the necessity for its promulgation , that I shall abandon my intention of remaining out of Parliament , and shall try upon the first opportunity to make myself acceptable to a constituency who shall consider the principles of the Land and the Charter sufficiently matured for NIGHT ! DISCUSSIONS in the House of Commons . It is my
intention to devote . ' a very largo portion of ] the April number of the " Labourer , " if not the entire of it , to a simple , full , and complete derelopemnt , illustration , and explanation of the Land plan , and the Bank to aid it . I find it impossible to embrace so large a subject in the space that my editors condescend to allow me in th » " Northern Star , " and 1 am particularly anxious that the whole subject should be placed before you in a single number of the magarine . I am in treaty for a place for the Bank , and , until the Conference meets , with the consent of my brother directors , I mean to constitute
myself the sole and responsible banker , and even whan the Conference does meet , I shall prefer the alternative of imposing exclusive responsibility upon myself to being trammeUedJby any check , hindrance , or eontroul , save ; that ; which legitimately belongs , and must belong , to the directing body . Indeed , the great strength of our movement consists in the fact af its being managed by humble working men . For the present , all monies sent for the Bank will be acknowleged in one bulk sum , and for this simple reason , because so dreadful is the power of oppression , that many poor men would not wish to have their circumstances divulged ; but , however , all who wish to have Jtheir deposits acknowleged , will be satisfied by the receipt of a quarterly
account rendered to each , not in a general balance sheet , but by private letter , while I will also take cara to establish some free-masonry by which any error of the week may be corrected in the next week ; —for instance , the non-receipt of money . Now this can bedoae by a very few persons uniting in any one town , who wish for a weekly return , and the expense would be —say onjytenny per week , divided between twenty , not a large tax imposed for satisfaction . In short , my whole time ia devoted to the proper details for the system , and youmay all sleep securely in your beds , haunted by no worse foreboding , let the worst come to the worst , than the return of your money with interest .
Your faithful Friend , Banker , and Bailiff , Fearocs O'Connor
Iqif On 'B To %T Hwtttm Mim? And Nationa...
Q % t Hwtttm Mim ? AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL . - — ¦ ... ... - . ' " _ ; „ ¦ :- ~——¦ -. —
Vol. X. No. 487- London, Saturday, Febru...
VOL . X . NO . 487- LONDON , SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 20 , 1847 . n „ JS ^ JrSSSSi ^^^ -
Repeal Of The Rats-Paying Clauses Of The...
REPEAL OF THE RATS-PAYING CLAUSES OF THE REFORM ACT . GREAT PUBLIC MEETING IN THE METROPOLIS . On Wednesday evening a crowded meeting was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern , Strand , for the purpose of petitioning the Legislature to repeal ' * the obnoxious , vexatious , and oppressive clauses of the Reform and Registration Acts , " so unjust in principle , unsound in policy , and hostile to the spirit of that reform which national progression demands , and government undertook to concede . There were several friends of the popular cause present ; amongst others , Mr . Thomas Wakiey . M . P . ; Mr . Thomas Duneombe , M . P . ; Gen . Sir Da Lacy EvansM . I ' . ;
. Mr . Charles Cochrane ; Mr . Feargus O'Connor ; Mr . Lawrence Ileyworth ; Mr . E . Jones ; Captain Houghton , R . N . ; — De Conway , Esq ., and the officers of the National Charter Association . Mr . Thomas Wakiet , M . P ., was called to the chair amid loud and prolonged applause . Having briefly acknowledged the high and distinguished compliment conferred upon him , he proceeded to state that , accompanied by his honourable colleague Mr . Buncombe , and Sir De Lacy Evans , they had just come from a place called the House of Commons where they had participated ingaining thateveninga , splendid victory . He was sure it would gladden the hearts of all whom he had the privilege of addressing , when he announced that the second reading of the
Ten Hours' Bill had been carried by a majority of 10 C . ( Loud cheers . ) lie trusted that the spirit which animated them in receiving this cheering intelligence xiould pervade the people throughout the entire length and breadth of the land , because if tbey , in the exercise of their unquestioned majest * and might , resolved that the Bill should become law * , they would see it enacted in the course of a few weeks . ( Cheers . ) Labour had too long been the slave of capital , but the great attention of late paid to the social condition of the industrial classes was beginning to have its due effect , and laws happily were being enacted lor the protection of the suffering classes of this country . ( Hear . ) It was become the imperative duty of the people to follow up the
victory they had achieved , and not to suffer , from their own inertness or indifference , trickery , manoeuvring , treachery , and deceit , to foil their previous efforts , and di > ajipoint the best hopes of those who naturally felt solicitous for the welfare and well being of the great mass of the community , who devoted their energies in upholding the manufacturing character of Great Britain , ( Hear , hear . ) The special object for which they had assembled was to assist the Whig Ministers in carrying out the principle of their own act . The Reform Bill , as they were all aware , received the sanction of the legislature in 18 i 2 , and by some accident a clog was placed , through provisions of that measure , on the elective franchise , which had the effect of depriving hundreds of thousands of their votes , and , under the present laws reguaUng the franchise , greater restrictions and limitations were placed on the constituoncioB then had originally bsen contemplated by the
Reform Act , partial and unjust as was that measure . He . was informed that the present movement had originated with the non-electors , who generousl ) came to the aid of those empowered to register . Tbi > proceeding was highly to their credit . Under theprovisions of the Reform Act , there were various persons qualified to register ; the franchise certainly was not by any means so extensive as they could wish , or as was necessary to insure a pure and patriotic House of Commons , but the privilege conceded to persons holding houses of a cerlain value was considerably restricted by rendering twelve months residence or occupation necessary and in many cases occupation for one year and eleven months was indispensable . It was furthermore provided that all rates and taxes due on the preceding Gth of April , should be paid before the 20 th oi July , or that such non-payment should disqualify the temporary defaulter from establishing his claim to the
Repeal Of The Rats-Paying Clauses Of The...
f ranchise . Now , that provision had the effect of deprivine not only some of the richest men in the kingdom of their votes , but it disfranchised numbers of the middle classes , and those engaged in laborious and industrial pursuits . The county voters had no such clog imposed on them . Now , he should wish to have thh exemption explained , and he asked was it reasonable or just , that such a restriction as he had described should be imposed on the £ 10 householders , when the conaty voters were left altogether free from its operation . ( Hoar , hear . ) Hw Hon . Colleague had again and again brought this question before the hous * but he was not supported out of doors as he ought to have been . He ( Mr . Wakley ) ventured to say , that if the exertions of his
hon . Colleague had been seconded by the people , in a spirit and determination equal to that which prompted Mr . Duncombe , those oppressive and unjust clauses would not have disgraced the statutebook . In conclusion , the chairman recommended that the question of abolishing the restrictionsshould be generally agitated ; and as they were indefensible in every point of view , and pressed with undeserved severity on a class of the community entitled to every consideration , and the greatest possible amount of protection , he had not a doubt on his mind that their total repeal would be achieved by the aid of independent memters of the House of Commons , and the pressure of public opinion on the Government-( Cheers . )
Mr . StAiiwoon , the secretary , read several letters received in reply to invitations from the committee to attend the demonstration . Lord John Russell simply declined , without assigning any reason ; Sir Benjamin Hall , M . P . ; Mr . W . Williams , M . P . ; Dr . Bowring , M . P . ; Mr- Georire Thompson ; Lord Robert Grosvenor , M . P ., Sir William Molesworth , M . P . ; Mr . W . S . O'Brien , M . P . ; Captain PechelL M . P . ; Mr . C . Lushington , Mr . Sharman Crawford , & c , excused themselves in consequence of previous engagements , but promising to give their cordial support to the movement , and to exert themselves to carry out the object of the promoters . Colonel Thompson inclosed £ 5 to assist in defraying the expenses of the meeting . The members for East Surrey , Tower Hamlets , and the borough of Lambeth , had sent no answer to the invitati ons forwarded to them . Mr . Thomas Clarkmoved the first resolution .
, "That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the Rate and Tax-paying clauses in the Reform and Registration Acts are vexatious , unnecessary , and oppressive , and opposed to the progressive spirit of the age , and that they should be repealed forthwith . " Mr . Clark , who on rising had been greeted with great applause , said that in his opinion those clauses weife not only unjust and oppressive , but the Reform Act itself was so . A different spirit , however , characterised the age in which that Act was passed from that which now happily existed , and , thank God , they had lived to hear Lord John Russoll declare that finality was at an end . In his opinion , if . theie oppressive provisions , which they were assembled to protest against , were repealed , the constituencies would be more than doubled . ( Applause . )
Mr . Charles Cochranr briefly seconded the resolution , and in doing so gave expression to a confident hope that the repeal of those unjust clauses in the Reform Act , so deservedly condemned , would be effected at no distant period , if the people made the Whig Ministers feel ttut they were determined on no longer enduring such undeserved oppression . ( Cheers . ) General Db Lact Evasb said that some of the Gentlemen who had written to them that evening , stated that they had 14 years ago voted against the rate paying clauses of the Reform Act . lit also had the honour of voting against these clauses thirteen years ago . ( Hear , hear . ) It was said that these clauses were to have lomx foU rate payers electors ; but his belief was that the real o ' . ject of the proposers of the
Reform Bill in framing those clauses , was to clog the elective franchise by every possible means . He was not one of those who thought that the Reform Bill had done no good . On the contrary , he believed it had effected much good ; but still it might be made more useful for the people . As to the rate-paying clauses , he thought it right to say that he brought forward a bill to change the date of the rate-paying e ' auses from April to October , thus giving nine months additional advantage to the electors in respect to the payment of rates . His hon . friend Mr . Duncombe called this "tinkering . " ( Hear , and laughter . ) Well , it might be so ; but he thought that tinkering did good sometimes . ( Heat . ) Injustice to Lord John Russell , it was right he should state
that that noble lord had , when Home Secretary , carried a bill through the Commons , changing the date of the rate paying clause from April to October , but the bill was " burfcd" in that place , whieh ' waa called by some persons "the House of Incurables . " Another effort was made by bim ( General Evans ) to carry his bill on this subject through the House of Commons , and in this be was supported by Lord John Russell , but Sir J . Graham succeeded in inducing the house to reject the bill , because the right hon . baronet suggested that if these rate paying clauses were struck out of the Reform Act , it would be getting the sharp end of the wedge of democracy into the elective franchise . ( Hear , hear . ) The gallant member then proceeded to show the injustice of the rate paying
clauses , and said that he had called for returns to prove this fact . These returns showed that in the wealthy parishes of St . James , St . George , and St . Martin , in the city of Westminster , no less a number than 1 , 455 bona / de ratepayers had been deprived of their right of being on the registry , because they had not paid their rates on the day mentioned in the rate paying clauses of the Reform Act . ( Hear , hear . ) It was shown that only one out of the 1 , 455 rate payers in question had not paid his rates . ( Hear , hear . ) It was als-3 stated that in the parish of Marylebone 1 , 200 ratepayers had been deprived of their right to vote in consequence of the operation of the rate paying clauses of the Reform Act . This fact proved the ineffectiveness of those clauses toillustrate the
solvency of the electors . ( Hear . ) 1 he hon . and galiant gentleman tben proeeeded to complain of the conduct of the parish officers in not returning persons who were entitled to be on the registry , and quoted instances to show that the parish officers had wilfully neglected to do their duty in this respect . He should support bis hon . friend ' s motion . ( Cheers . ) He congratulated them on the modesty of their present movi-ment , and trusted they would succeed in obtaining their object . ( Apphuse . ) Mr . F . O'Connor then rose and was received with
great cheering . While , he said , he admitted that part of the gallant general's observations in reference to the modesty of the meeting , he denied the assumption , that because they were modest , they were therefore insensible to the injustice and the iniquity of the Reform Act . ( Hear , hear . ) No , they would never cease unt 1 they had completely reformed the Reform Act itself . Incoming forward on the present occasion to get rid of the rate paying clauses sf the Reform Act , they were only going to assist the more liberal portion of the representatives of the people from the unjust operation of the clauses in question . He called the party of which Lord George Bcntinck and Lord Stanley were the head , the Loyal Royal Landcrab aristocracy . ( Laughter . ) Now this class would take
advantage of the rate paying clauses to turn out the present government ; so that in coming forward on the present occasion they were only assisting Lord John Russell himself , for they might depend upon it that at the next elections the royal landcrabs— ( a Jaugh)—wo'ild make a set to get rid of him through the medium of these rate paying clauses . He ( Mr . F . O'Connor ) hoped to be able to go up at the head of 300 electors to oppose these '' landcrabs , * ' and to defeat them in the county of Worcester . ( Hear , hear . ) Yes , he expected to be able to wrest that county from these gentlemen , because he , and those by whom he would be suppoi ted , would represent the
property ot the people in the county to which he had referred . ( Hear , hear . ) Who was the Ministernow ? No one . The diseased potatoe was the Minister . ( A laugh . ) Well then , let them , while they come forward to get rid of the rate paying clauses , give an assurance to the government and the country that they would never cease their agitation until they had obtained the People ' s Charter . ( Cheers . ) He could not conclude his observations without saying that he had recently purchased 500 turesfor £ 20 , 000 for the people . ( Loud cheers . ) He was also in treaty for the purchase of 1 , 700 ncres for the people—but doing this was , after all . " " tinkering" compared with the People ' s Chai . ( Great cheering . )
After a few observations from Mr . Hansorac , the rcfolution was put to the meeting and agreed to . Mr . M'Gkaiji then proposed" That the following petition be adopted by this mcetinji , signed by the Chairman , and forwarded to T . S . Djncombe . P . M ., for presentation to the Commons House of Parliament . " To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland iu Parliament assembled . The Petition of the inhabitants of Sheweth :
That , as the object of all laws should be the attainment of justice by the most simple and definite means , and finding from experience that those legislative enactments called the " Reform" and " Registration" Acts are deficient in this important particular , not being understood by the people at large , nor even by those authorised to expound them , your petitioners pray of your honourable house to take this branch of the law under your immediate acd atten-
Repeal Of The Rats-Paying Clauses Of The...
tive consideration , in order to effect a careful revision and improvement of the same . Your petitioners think it requisite , that the law in this important particular should be rendered clear and comprehensive , since legal authorities have arrived at conflicting opinions , and that , which ehould be the decision of an incorruptible statute , is left to the caprice or judgment of a subordinate fun « - tionary . _ Believing that , under the present laws regulating
the franchise , greater restrictions and limitations are placed on the constituencies than were originally contemplated by the Reform ; Act , partial and unjust as was that measure , your petitioners further pray of your honourable house to repeal that portion of the said Act commonly called the rate-paying clauses , as unjust in principle , unsound in policy , and hostile to the spirit of that relbrm which national progression demands , and government undertook to eoncede . And your petitioners , & o „ He .
Mr . Ednest Jonbs , who was received with much applause , said he hoped the burst of popular feeling honourable members on thatyplatform had witnessed , would give them a better idea of popular feeling than they conld obtain in the house ; , if this feeling was elicited by the desire to obtain even so trivial an amendment in the vexatious clauses of that most vexatious act , miscalled " Reform ; " he loft them to judge how intense * the feelings of the people must be for that true reform—their Charter . ' ULoud cheers . ) The speaker then proceeded to show the inconsistency of an « % based on the property quail * fication , which deprived of the vote those living ) in furnished lodgings , an intelligent , wealthy and numerous class , consisting largely of professional men ; an inconsistency further proved by the exemption of county voters from the rate-paying clauses .
He wished to know the reasons of that exemptionthey would obtain an answer that applied to most legislative enactments of the country—there was no reason in them at all ! ( Laughter . ) These clauses turned the property qualification of the Act into a tax-paying qualification . The speaker then illustrated the unconstitutional power they gave to parish officers , and to the revising barrister , of preventing men of democratic principles from exercising their right to the vote . To mend the Reform Act thoroughly was hopeless . It reminded him of an anecdote of the poet Pope , who was a very small deformed man , and had a habit of saying— "God mend me ! God mend me ! " A beggar , hearing him one day , replied— "God mend you ! He had better make a new one altogether . " The beggar ' s advice applies to the Reform Act . The best way of mending that is to make a new one altogether . ( Loud cheers . )
Mr . Duffy supported the motion . The petition was then unanimously adopted . Mr . Dokcoubk , M . P ., then came forward , and was received with enthusiastic cheering . He commenced his observations by admitting , in reference to an assertion made by the last speaker , that the last year a Parliament had to lire wai the best for the people , for they had tben a chance of getting what they desired . ( Hear , hear . ) It was acting oa this assumption that he was induced to bring forward his motion for a total repeal of the rate-paying clauses of the Reform Act . ( Hear . ) And here he might state , tliat if he were successful in getting rid of these clauses , he would not even then be satisfied , until lie succeeded in altering materially the Reform
Act . ( Hear . ) Ten years ago heproposed in a short Bill the repeal ofths rate-paying clauses in question , lie succeeded in bringing in this bill . Ilisobjeckions to the clauses fiere two-fold . He looked upon them as being unconstitutional in principle , and vexation * in operation . ( Hear . ) They were unconstitutional , liecaHge , according to the principle ot the British Constitution , representation preceded taxation . Her * taxation preceded representation . That they were vexatious in operation had been established by every gentlemen who preceded him . They gave a power to the parish collector to interfere with the rights of the electors . That was a power which no tax collector ought to possess . The 1 , 200 voters that were disfranchised in Marylgbone , were so disfranchised ,
because the tax-collector had not called upon them . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Now , it was his intention , and that of his honourable friend , near him , to try and deprive the tax-collector of the power which he possessed in this respect . ( Hear , hear . ) He should like to know what course the Government intended to take on the question . He should not be content to have his bill admitted in the first instance , and then se « it strangled on the second reading . If , then , the Government would not support him , ha trusted the people of England would see under what circumstances the Whigs were dispesed to stand by their finality doctrine . ( Ucar ?* ear . ) He also trusted that the electors would mark the division on the motion ,
and if they vot « d for , any man who opposed his proposition , then he would say that they were unworthy of possessing the elective franchise . ( Hoar , hear . ) Mr . Doyle , in an effective speech , which was loudly cheered , moved the third resolution : — " That a deputation consisting of Joseph Hume , Esq ., M « P ., Charles Cochrane , Esq ., Ernest Jones , Esq ., Messrs . Philip M'Grath , C . E . Wagstaff , J . Savage , J . Shaw . George Rogers , J . Sewell , T . M . Wheeler , and Edmund Stallwood , be appointed to wait on Lord John Russell , to impress on Her Majesty ' s Government the necessity of an immediate repeal of the Rate and Tax-paying clauses in the Reform and Registration Acts . " Mr . GrussBr seconded the resolution .
Mr . Lawrencr Hetwobtii , who was loudly cheered , said he had not come there to make a speech ; however , he thought this was a step in the right direction , lie thought it would be a great good if every man possessed equal political privileges , lie was happy to find their pctitioa placed in such able hands as those of the honourable member for Finsbury- ( Loud cheers . ) They had heard much talk of education , lie thought meetings of this kind were well calculated to confer the right species of education . Whilst travelling per rail to London he met a German traveller , from Bavaria , who told him
they had a clause in their Constitution , to the effect that no man should be a member of their house while he was engaged in a lawsuit ; so that when they don't want a man there they commenced a suit against him ; and the rate-paying clauses were similar in spirit . He agreed with some of the speakers who had preceded him , that it would be well to repeal the Reform Act , and that the franchise should be conferred on all . ( Loud cheers . ) lie was sure it was only necessary to call meetings like this to convince all of the great benefits which would bo derived from such a course . ( Great applause . ) The motion was carried by acclamation .
Mr . Wakley having left the chair , and Mr , Dun > combe , M . P . having taken it , Mr . Fuarocs O'Connoh proposed , in a very complimentary speech , a vote of tlnnks to Mr . Wakley , their chairman , not merely lor his services this evening , but for the great service rendered to the people in general . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Charles Cochrane seconded the motion which was carried with three times three hearty cheers . Mr . Wakley acknowledged the compliment . Three cheers were then given for Mr . Duncombe , three for the Land and the Charter , three for Mr . O'Connor , and tke meeting dissolved . The following gentlemen contributed the following sums towards defraying the expences of the
meeting : — £ s . d . Colonel Thompson . . . 5 0 0 T . Wakley , M . P . . . . 5 0 0 T . S . Duncombe , M . P . . . 5 0 0 Charles Cochrane , Esq , , , 2 2 0 Sir De Lacy Evans , M . P . . 110
Cdartist Ittmiurcitce.
CDartist ittmiurcitce .
Dr. M'Douall In The Potteries.-Acoording...
DR . M'DOUALL IN THE POTTERIES .-Acoording to appointment , Dr . M'Douall delivered two lectures in the Christian Brethren ' s Meeting Room , Market-street , Hanley , on Wednesday and Thursday , Feb . the 10 th and 11 th instant . Mr . H . Foster was called to the chair . Dr . M'Douall , on rising , was received withgrcat applause , and proceeded to show with groat eloquence and argument the advantages derivable from the JNational Land Company . He pointed out the mischievous tendency of co-operation , when rendered subservient to tho accomplishment of evil purposes . In proof of which , ho refected to the Bank of England ; and showed that it originally , as well as at present , was conducted upon the co-operative
urinciple . And in exact proportion as its shareholders increased , its operations extended , its power and influence strengthened ; until it acquired its present ascendent position in the administration of the affairs of this country ; tor now it regulates commerce , holds in awe princes and statesmen , and rules the destinies of this extensive empire . The Dr . also cited the East India Company , as another example of the evil employment of tho co-operative principle . He then proceeded to show that co-operation , directed in its proper course , would become an angel of goodness and mercy , and this he amply demonstrated in a very able and convincing manner in reference to the National Land Company . He showed that every allottee upon the land , would not only add to the increase of production , but would be a consumer of the
Dr. M'Douall In The Potteries.-Acoording...
products of other ' s labour also . The labour market would not only be thinned , but a demand for labour would be created , and by this means ths toiling classes in general , would be placed in a position to demand an equitable remuneration for their industry . 'the Dr . next went on to show tho advantages that would accrue from the People ' s Savings'Bank , and concluded a lecture ef full two hours duration , having been listened to with the greatest attention , frequently interrupted by bursts of applause . TnuneuAY Nioht ' s Meeting . —The chair was taken by the same worthy individual who occupied it on the preceding evening . Dr . M'Douall lectured on " Home Colonization verstu Emigration . " The Dr ., after recapitulating a few of the advantages of the
National Land Company , proceeded to show its great superiority over any system of emigration . An Emigration Society he ( the Dr . ) understood had been established in the Potteries ; that proposed to emigrate to Wisconsin , a settlement in tho back woods of North America . The Dr . then described the lawless , solitary , and uncivilized condition of that settlement , the rude and barbarous manner in which they would be obliged to cultivate the soil , —its unadaptcd condition to operative Potters—the many incoveniences they would inevitably be subjected to—the unavoidable dearness of many necessary comforts of life , Ac . Having shown the disadvantages of emigration , he
proceeded to contrast them with the advantages of Home Colonisation . He showed the advantageous situation of our estates , iu being near populated towns . The easy and rapid transit of our productions to market—tho quick sale of those productions , there being a demand tor them in the market , and consequently a quick return of good current coin , besides which , they would mix with a civilized people—and command the protection of the law . The worthy Dr . did ample justice to his subject , but was unable to continue his lecture more than an hour and twenty minutes on account of his indisposition . Tho Dr . resumed his seat amid much applause .
We have every reason to expect the best results from the Dr . ' s visit to the Potteries . TOWER HAMLETS .-At the Globe and Friends , Morgan-street , Commercial Road , East , Mr . Ford in the chair , Mr ; Philip M'Grath delivered a very instructive address here , on Sunday evening . A discussion followed between Messrs . Drake , Shaw , Knowles , Ford , Ac , after which Mr . Drake expressed himself so satisfied with the explaiations given that , although ho had previously opposed tho Land project , and always held the opinion that it must end in disappointment , he desired now to take out his card of membership , and immediately handed over to Mr . M'Grath the money in full for a twoacre allotment . Thanhs to the lecturer and chairman closed the proceedings .
PUBLIC MEETING AT LEICESTER . Agreenbly to the notification in the Star , tho Chartists of this place held their public meeting on Monday evening last , in the Town Hall , which tko Mayor had courteously granted for the occasion , lor the adoption of a petition to the House of Commons to repeal tho Rate Paying clauses in tho Reform
Bill . On tho motion of Mr . Langham , seconded by Mr . Grey , Mr . Joseph White was unanimously called p the chair . The Chairman briefly addressed the mooting , explaining the object sought to be obtainsd , and pointing out some of the evils of the present Whig law , and then called upon Mr . Swart to address the assembly . Mr . Smart commenced by observing that ho was apprehensive that many of those present woro not » ufh * cient ) y awnrc of the extensive mischief of the clauses in question , and to what lengths they went to destroy the exercise of the franchise amongst that great and important class of borough and town residents , the Ten Pound Renters ; and to give an idea of what they ware capable of doing , he quoted the declaration of Sir B . Hall , that in ono parish alone in London their enactment had disfranchised more
than 8 , 000 electors , and in Leicester they had operated in perhaps a larger proportionate degree . He then detailed the history of the humbug Reform Bill , and pointed out the manner in which the Whigs , alarmed at the probable effects of their own measure in the extension of popular rights , hadjoined willingly with the Tories , to emasculate those priviliges , which they had basely and hypocritically pretended to grant to the dupes , whom they had deluded to assist them in obtaining power and wealth . He then urged them to support the Petition , not that he expected their wishes would bo complied with , but as their own duty , and to convince the most credulous of Whig advocates , that the miserable faction , were now , as they ever had been , and ever would be , more inveterate enemies to the extension of popubr rights than the Tories , He concluded a lengthened address amidst much cheering .
The Chairman having read the Petition , and Mr . Smart having moved its adoption , called upon Mr . Buckby to second it , which he did in an able address . The Petition was unanimously carried . Mr . Green then moved— "That the Petition bo signed by the Chairman on the behalf of the meeting , and sent to T . S . Duncombe , Esq ., for presentation to the Commons , " which was seconded by Mr . Langham , and unanimously carried , Mr . Smart theu moved , and Mr . Buckby seconded , a vote of thanks to the Mayor , for the use of * the Hall , which was also unanimously carried . A rote of thanks was moved to the Chairman for his services in the chair , to which he made a suitable reply , and the meeting broke up .
PUBLIC MEETING AT BRIGHTON . A public meeting was held at the Articheko Inn , William-street , on Monday evening , February 15 th , 1847 , to take into consideration the propriety of petitioning Parliament for a repeal of the Rate-paying clauses of the Reform Act . . Mr . Stevens was unanimously called on to preside . After having opened the business of the meeting by making a few preliminary remarks , he called upon Mr . Giles to propose the uist resolution . Mr . Giles , in a very lucid manner , moved the following motion . " That it is the opinion the Rate-paying provisoes of the Reform Aot render , in ' a great measure tlut Bill nugatory ; inasmuch as it deprives many persons of the Elective Franchise . This meeting , therefore , resolves to petition Parliament to abrogate the said clauses . "
Mr . I lower having in an energetic manner seconded the motion , it was carried unanimously . Adopted . Mr . John Page proposed in a brief and pithy manner , the adoption of the petition , which has appeared in the Star , which being seconded by Mr . Fiest , a long discussion arose , when Mr . Wright proposed some slight alteration in the last paragraph , which being seconded by Mr . Osboiirnc , was put horn the chair , when only six hands were held up . Tho Petition as it originally stood was then pnt and carried unanimously , —Mr . Wright voting with tho rest . Mr . Capel proposed , and Mr . Mills seconded" That the Chairman sign the Petition on behalf of the meeting . " Carried .
Mr . Hoppey proposed , and Mr . Page seconded tho next resolution , viz . — "That Captain Pcuhell present the said Petition in the Commons House of Parliament ; and Lord Alfred Harvey bo requested to support the prayer thereof , " wliich was also carried . Mr . Giles proposed , and Mr . Bourne seconded the following resolution— " That a Committee of five persons be appointed , ( with power to add to their number ) , to obtain signatures to a petition for the same object , to bo signed by the electors of this borough , and that the following persons form such committee , namely , Mr . Flower , Mr . Tullett . Mr . Mitchell , Mr . Page , and Mr . Feist , " Cavricd unanimously . A vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman for his able and impartial conduct , and the Chairman having replied , the meeting dissolved .
PUBLIC MEETING AT MANCHESTER . On Wednesday evening , a public meeting was held in the Town Hall , for the purpose of petitioning Parliament , praying them to repeal the riitc-y ; v > iug clauses in tho Reform Bill , The hall was well filled . Mr . John Sutton occupied the chair , and there were on the platform the Rev . J . Scholefield , Mr . Abel Heywoed , Mr . J . Watts , Mr . Dickinson , Mr . Cooper , Mr . Dixon , Mr . NuttnJ , and many others equally zealous iu their endeavours to ameliorate the condition of the working classes . After an able address from the Chairman ,
Mr . Dixon proposed tUc first resolution , and said , tho legislature must not longer deprive the poor man of his vote , and neither must the landlord system oi paying taxes by compound be toler . ited , as by this means many intelligent men were denied the privilege of having a voice in the representation . lie considered it the duty of every man to use his best endeavour to obtain a vote , and to a"d those in retaining the votes they are already in possession of , as by that means they may in course of time bo enabled to send to Parliament such men as would unhesitatingly vote for the repeal and adoption of such measures aa would not only benefit one , but every class of the community . ( Applause . )
Mr . Watts seconded the resolution which was suppo ir ?/ Mr * ^' ck ' 1180 "! and carried unanimously . Mr . Hey wood rose , amidst great cheering , to propose the second resolution , Some might think that
Dr. M'Douall In The Potteries.-Acoording...
Ithey were shirking some of those principles which they had always advocated in Manchester , hut as Mr . Thomas 'Duncombe had considered it his bounden duty to bring before Parliament a bill for the aboli . tion of that clause in the Reform Bill which disfranchised a man if he did not pay his rates by a certain time , it would have shown ingratitude on their part if they did not strengthen his hands by their support on the occasion of his bringing forward his motion * lie moved , " That a petition be sent to the Commons Houseof Parliament , from this meeting , signed by the chairman , praying that honourable assembly to abolish the ratepajing clauses of the Reform . Act . " Mr . Warren seconded the resolution , which was carried . ... j
The Rev . J . Schofield moved the adoption of the petition , and said he would watch the members fgr Manchester , and if they did not support Mr . Duncombn ' s motion on the 23 rd ol this month , it would be the duty of himself and fellow townsmen to call them to account . ( Cheers . ) t Mr . Kuttal , in a brief speech , supported the resolution , which was unanimously carried . < Votes of thanks to the Mayor and chairman coneluded tho proceedings . LIMEIIOUSE .-BRUNSWICK HALL ; -Mr ; Thomas Clark lectured to a very numerous and attentive audience on the subject of the Land and the Labour Bank ; He was much applauded throughout , and at the close , the company received a considerable acquisition of strength :
MANCHESTER .-Dr . M'Douall lectured at the People ' s Institute , which was crowded . Attheappointod time tho Dr . had not arrived . The Chairman therefore , after Mr . O'Connor ' s letter in the Sw was read to the meeting , intro * duced Mr . John Sutton , who stated he had received letters from Mr . Bright and Mr . Mark Philips , who both promised their aid and support in favour of Mr . Buncombe ' s motion fortha repeat of the Ratepayingclauses . Mr . Dixon then addressed the meeting . He briefly alluded to tho advantages the country would derive from a repeal of the Rate-paving clause , z . % he said it would enfranchise about 40 thousand of the non-olcctors .
The Manchester Packer then came forward , and addressed the meeting with force and effect until after eight o ' clock , when the Dr . arrived , who had been detained by an accident on the Liverpool Railway . The Charter and the Land were briefly , yet powerfully handled by the Dr . He was greatly applauded .
PUBLIC MEETING AT LEEDS . The public meeting to adopt the petition for the Charter was held on Tuesday last , in the Court House , with tho Mayor in the chair . The large Court was filled even to the doors . The Mayor in opening tho meeting , expressed bis pleasure in meeting his fellow-townsmen , and although he did not go tho full length with the originators of the meeting , he held it to be his duty to furnish every opportunity within his power for the purpose of discussing great national and local
measures . Discussion would lead to truth , He thought , however , that tho Suffrage might be extended , but how [ tar , he was not able to say at present . He then proceeded to call the attention of the meeting to the business to bo brought forward , and hoped every gentleman would have a fair hearing . Mr . Councillor Horner moved the first resolution in a very neat and impressive speech , which told well on the meeting . He said he was a Chartist , and had been one for some time , and longed to see the day when the six points would be carried out :
Mr . Councillor Brook seconded the resolution , and commented at length upon the evils of Class-legislation . He pointed to the state of Ireland , and asked if the present distressed state of that country would have existed if the people had been properly represented ? And concluded by calling on the working men te combine together in one national party , and their freedom would be gained . The resolution was carried unanimously . Mr , M'lntosh moved the second resolution in a clever and humourous speech . He took up the word " expedient " . Parties said it was not expedient to grant the suffrage . Ho siid when this was asked , they should be asked , —to whom would it not bo expedient , and it would be found out to be those who now possessed power—it would not be expedient with them , but to the great bulk of the people it would be expedient , because it was doing that which was right .
Mr . John Shaw seconded it with an earnest and forcible speech . He called on the people to be temperate in their habits , to put aside urunke » ness , and agitate for their poltical rights . Carried unanimously , Mr . James Harris moved the adoption of the Petition , embracing tho six points of the Charter ; and made some very pertinent remarks respecting the present qualification for members of Parliament . Mr . Roger Preston , seconded , and it was carried with great applause . Mr . Thomas Clarkson moved : — " That the Petition be signed by the Chairman , on behalf of the meeting , and sent to Mr . Duncombe for presentation . Mr . Thomas Harper seconded the resolution which was carried .
Mr . Joseph Hewitt moved a petition , for the re . peal ef the Rate Paying Clauses of the Reform Act . Mr . Win , Johnson seconded tho petition , which was carried . The Mayor then mado a few remarks on tho speeches , lie could not agree with all that had been said , he was , however , highly gratified with the proceedings . A vote of thanks on tho motion of Mr . Brook , was given to the Miyor for calling , and presiding over the meeting , with loud and long continued cheering . This meeting has infused new life into the Chartist body , and struck their opponents with astonishment at the Mayor taking the chair—some of them are horror-struck with the giant strides which Chartism is making in this town .
TO THE PEOPLE . I have been so much harrassed by travelling , that I could not find time to address you sooner , or report progress . I am extremely glad , however , to state that the old spirit seems reviving again , and former enthusiasm taking the lead oace more . This is the time for renewed agitation . Our enemies are divided , and no party seems to be in existence save ourselves . Even nations , as well as factions , seem divided . When rulers are weakened by disunion , the people become strong . Combine , then , now—cooperate and make a common effort to secure the Charter and the Land . These should bo the rallying cries . The petition ought to be , and I have no
hesitation in saying will bo , more numerously signed than before . The discussion that will bo raised on its merits will do immense service to the cause of democracy . It will prove that wo have been slumbering , not suffocated , and arouse the democrats of all nations . Air . O'Connor said truly in the last Convention that tho disccssinn on the former petition did an immense service on tho Continent . Besides , we are in proper time , for tho approaching dissolution of Parliament is in our favour , and tho fear of meeting a hostile people will influence tho votes of many members . Up , then , brethren , to your duty . Sign the petition sheets , and prove that you have not lor gotten your rights , nor relinquished your claims upon the legislature . Mr . O'Connor and myself had , a most cheering meeting at Cheltenham . It was enthusiastic in the
extreme . At Pershore I had a bumper . A number of farmers were present , and highly approved of tho Chavtist Land scheme . At Birmingham I had also a very fair meeting . At Bilston and Longton ( he same . But the two meetings in the Potteries exceeded tho others . I had occasion there to caution the people against emigration to the lawless district of Dodge county , Wisconsin America . Mr . Evans , tho leader of the foreign dodge , challenged me to three nights' discussion on the question of home versus foreign colonisation . I will accommodate the gentleman as goon as possible .
The Manchester meeting was a tremendous affair , but I was detained eight hours on the rail , ami c . imo in late . Mr . Dixon and Mr . Dickenson ably supplied my place for two hours . At Bacup , the meeting was said to bo as good as when Mr . O'Connor was there . At Halifax , the meeting was very good , but I was totally exhausted when I reached it , having had to tramp through the mud and rain from Bacup , This reminds me of one point that ought to bo understood . The localities , according to the resolution of the Executive , are to pay my travelling exomta . This is a point often neglected , and proves injurious to the cause in many ways , for a lecturer may be left without money to go on , or ho may bo so coniBletclv
knocked up as not to be able to lecture at all . For tho purpose of diminishing expenses , and likewise to disarm the enemies of Chartism , I propose abstaining from all superfluities , such as intoxicating drinks , whilst employed by the Executive . A good deal of recrimination has arisen on the latter point , and for the purpose of crushing any hostile feeling , as tho sacrifice is but a trifle , I see no reason why I should not or cannot make it . I believe I will proceed « s far as Newcastle from Hull , and J hope those places which may desiro my services , will at once communicate with Mr . Doyle , so that a timely notice may be sent forth iu the columns of the Fortham S ' tar .
As I am late in forwarding this letter , I must now concluta it with the earnest and heartfelt wishes of a sanguine mind for tho welfare of the working classes , and the speedy achievement of tho People ' s Chartcr I remain , Friends , Your devoted friend and advocate , P , M , M'Docm . Halifax , February 17 th . 1 SI 7 .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 20, 1847, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_20021847/page/1/
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