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Dsvbrill ilts—At membe meet- and unwarra...
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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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Mr O'Connor And His Accusers. The People...
H & 'l . 44 , Tronsate . on Monday , the . 5 ta inst . :. Th mas Reid in the chair . Mr O'C : . nn nr . !** * ere read , and discoued at ereat ^ Jr * ^ rras = nt wbea a resolution vwp r"P « sad , and c & rr ea presspt . wfteaareoiuHou k Rmpa , bise with tnantmously :- 'Tfa * t *!• „ * fa which he is placed Mr O'Connor for the position in j Mcn n p bjth 8 » t « e » pU m « B J , y Jis en « ^ ^ confidence in him . « reg « -a ) eader % and 5 fJZe ' oarse !« SSSC him Ungasbe pursues ?„? rtrStfor « rd and independent aaime be has Sfwta done . * * That tbe secretary be n quested to 'K to Mr O'Connor , requesting him < opay Glss n * a Visit as early as he c mvement ' y can , 8 B tha we may have an opportunity , personally , ol tenderin g our confidence '
Paislzt , — The two subjo ined resolutions were Rioptci a ' - a meeting held on Monday evenini ? . in the Ball Gilarae-street , composed who'ly of delete : — That this tseeting of delegate * from all the districts , workshoDS , and factories in Paisley , is sincerely ^ de-Eirous that an exoression of confidence in Mr O'Con , sor be recorded in the Northers Stab of Saturday next and derplv regre ' s that aay manife-fatioa of nspicion to « ria that patriotic eent eman jhon'd hwe teen mide by some of the member- or tbe Naiional Assembly such p-licy beiRt ; both
unwsr-, rantable an 4 untrue , and beine only calculated t create di vision in ear ranks aod thereby enable tt , e ece-nv to take advantage of eur divided state ; that this meeting , therefore , will cantmue to give Mr O'Connor its undivided support so long as he cantimvs to pursue the same prudent and ^ man y po icy which hi s hitherto characterised him * ' That this meetin * feels astounded as to the wish expressed by Borne o ? the delegates ia lbs National ASvemb y to change the name of the Charter Association . Were enclTa course adopted , it would end in the total
overthrow of the Chartist movement , as , in giving op the name , we gire up the Charter . This meat , ing is , theref jre , of opinion , that without all the points contained in that God-like doaument—Uni-Tersal Suffrage , of itself , would ' all short of the requirements ot the people of this country ; and that the name of the Charter , until it is made the law of the land been retained and constantly adhered to . Hartlvpool . —A lecture was delivered on Thursday evenioe , the 11 th inst , in Mr Bells Schonl-room , Kins-street , in this town , by Mr William Byrne , < -f Newcastle , on the Six Points ef the People ' s Char ter . ' After exp laining the points of the Charter , Mr Byrne entered at great length into the state < -f the country . Mr Robinson then moved , and Mr Kow seconded , a vote of confidence in Fearaus
O'Connor . Esq ., which passed with acclamation After sundry caeers for the Charter , Mr O'Connor , the cbaVmsn , and the lecturer , the meeting separatfd . Gosport . —The following was parsed and carried nnanimansly at a meeting of members belonging to the Go ^ n nrt district of tee Land and Chartist members : — ' That we place entire confidence in our great friend and champion , Pear ^ us O'Connor . Esq , and we tender hi « onr sincere thanks for hisnoble exertions in tbe manly struggles he has had to contend with on bekalf of " the rights of the working classes of this empire , aeainsfc the machinations of our enemies , and evil designs of pretended friends . Hoping he will continue ih his straightforward fxertion . until evpry slave is p laced in his own castle , on his own estate . '
Bethkal Grbes . —At a general meeting of the Globe aid Friends locality of the Natienal Charter Association , on Sunday evenine . May 7 th , the follow , ing resolution was carred unanimously , with the exceotion of two dissentitnt * : — ' Thit this meeting has the greatest confidence in F . O'Connor , E-q ., and ever will have , so Jong as be pursues tbe same line of conduct , as he hitherto has dons . ' At a public meeting of tbe Chartist and Land merobe r « , and other ' , held on Tuesday evening , May | 9 : h , at the G'obe and Friends , tbe foil-wing resolution waa nnanimou'lv carried . Moved by Mr Kendrick ,
seconded by Mr White !! : — ' That we have the greatest confidence in Mr O'Connor , as a thorough-going Chartist' A discussion tnnk place conoerning Mr J . Shaw ' s sppesh in the Morsixg Post and Daily News , which Mr Shaw pasitivelv contradicted ; he considered it as a libel on biro , ashs never said such Kords as were imputed to him . ' Mr Shaw was exonerated from any stigma on his character as a delegate and a true Chartift . Mr Preston will ; lecture a * , the Globe and Friends , Morgan-st ' eet , Commercial road , on Sunday , May 21 st . Chair to b » taken at right o ' clock .
Hoxtojt New Tows . —At a pub'ic meeting held on Sunday evening , May 7 th , the following resolution was adopted : — * That we , as nembers of the National Charter Association , do niace our implicit confidence in Ft-argns O'Oinnor . Esq ., for his indefatigable exertions in the great cause of democracv . ' Wallace BuiGinE , Charter Coffee-house , Wegf . minster . —Mr Fvdd ga ^ e a very able lecture at tbe above o ' ace , oh Sundav night . At a meeting of the mealwrs on Wednesday evening a resolution was passed to theeff ct that though not entirely agreeing with the letters of Mr O'Connor , yet they wWd do him the jastice t >> say that they believed thosf letters were not written with the intent oa of giving offence to any one , and tendering him their sincere thanks for his past services in the p ? ople ' e came .
Haklet . —The following resolutions were pas = ed at the weekly meeting held on Tuesday evening : — 'Thni ^ e , th = » members of the Hinley and Shelton branch of the Natienal Land Conpmr , declare we have the fullest confidence in F . arena O'Connor , Esq , as manager of the Natiosal Land Company ; and we further declare , that we cannot place any confidence inany other individual ag manager ; and we shall continue the s * me confluence in our wellfcebived Feargus O'Connor , so ling as h ? continues to
act in tha manner be has hitherto done . '— * That finding , from past experience that c rtain individuals have crept into the good graces of the National Land Company , to creve disturbance ? , and bring about division , we are of opinion all such oersons shou'd ba discarded , and held u ^ to public scorn ' — * That we think it unjust that Mr O'Connor should be put to expense in sending witnesses to and frn throush lbs country , and that the expenses of the late witnesses to London be paid out of the expense fund .
Merthtr t tdvtl . —Resolved— ' That we ., the members of the Chartist Association of Merthvr Tydvil , in public meeting assembled , view with deep regret and heart-felt indignation the bige , cowards , and unmanly conduct of certain individuals in the National Assembly , in attacking the character of nur leader and champisn , F . O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . ' _ Resolved — * That we do unhesitatingly exnreRs our unshaken confidence in onr heroic leader , F . O'Connor , Esq , M . P ., for bis etraighr / orward conduct ; and we trust that such persons as do declare themselves friends te suffering humanity , will hereafter avoid siea bickerings . '
Bbamhope . —At a meeting of the Chartists employed on the Bramhope contract . Leeds and Thirsk Railway , the following reselntions were unanimously adopted : — 'That this meeting reposes entire confidence in Feargus O'Connor , Esq . M . P . '— That this memis is of opinion , that if the National Assembly can ficd no better employment than that of finding fault with ear public men of unblemished character and especially when the object of its denunciations is the self-denymg , discreet , and indefatigable member for Nottingham . —tbat Assembly bad better dissolve at once , and its members return home and surrender their delegated office into the hands of their constituents . ' TO THAT S 0 BLE OP KATORE , FEARGUS O ' COSKOB SCO Representative of the Working Millions in the British
Parliament-Whom do we dab t & e gentleman ! The knare , the fool the brute , ' If they ru : own full tithe of gold and w *> ar a costly su ' t » The parchment tcroll of tilled line , the riband at the knee ' Cdn still enffiee to ratify and grant such bleb deprce : Bat Ksture , with a matchless hand , sends forth her noblj born , And laughs the paltry attributes of wealth and rank to scorn ; She mrnlds with care a spirit rare—half human half divine , ' And cries exulting , 'Who can make a gentleman like miae !' There are pome spirits nobly jest , uawarped by pelf or pride , Great in the calm , but greater still when dashed by adverse tide :
They bold the raak no king can give , no station can disgrace , 2 fatnre puts forth her gentleman , and manarchs mnet give place . Wosiar Sou op a host koblk Sire —We the members of the Barnsley branch of the National Land Company , hasten to assure you that we sympathise with your situation in the Houre of Commons , and keenly feel the insults heaped upon you in your absence , in the National As-embly and the wholesale lying journals of the day ; but tha magnanimity and Christian heroism yon have displayed in repe'tiog their foul attacks , have won thousands over to our principles , and raised yourself , the Charter , the Land Plan , and the Land and Labsur Back , a thnusand decrees higher in our estimation . We therefore conjure you by the elevated position in
• which yon stand to us and the wsrld , and the filial relationship we bear to you , never a ? : ain to take knos-Jed ^ e of th eir ' bellowing *? , ' hot to leave tbe ' Brayers' in the hands of your Old Guards and youus ; Recruits , ' and g ? on building in the' Temple of Freedom , ' until the superstructure of Chartism is completed , with the shouts cf freemen that shall make the lands of the toep ,, the shamrock , and the thistle , rejoice and blossom as the rose , and bring forth abundantly for one and for all . Tke aspirations of grateful multitudes , in every town and city of the British empire , hark you forward to certain victory ! The indomitable T . S . Duncamba , Esq ., ia most anxious to ba-at your Bid * -. Hope , like fglorions star . Eternal Troth , and Jastice . like s sunbeam , wivb millions of manly hands , womanly hearts aad
Mr O'Connor And His Accusers. The People...
f u-.- ' ulv b s , * waity .. ur bidding , echoing and reel h in * the noble sentiment you have so long and so ab j taught them—Onward and we conquer , backward and we fall ! Th People ' * Charter and No Surraderl And when the father and founder cf the Lsnd Plan sbal ! mak « his ia'ended tour through the country , Barnsley we trust will not be forgotten , nor b- the last to receive a viMt from him . as it has always been the first to rfef-nrf him and tbat g lorious luminary , the Northern Star and National Trades Journal , from the a-saulta of hyp . * c > ideal lriends and open foe < . Moved by Frank Mirfield , seconded by Peter Hoe ? _ 2 ' That wo depr < -c ^ te , all idea of Feargus O'Connor , Evq declining the honourable trust reposed in birobelieving that such a utep would be
, attended with the destruction of the Land Scheme , and therefore pledge nurselves individually and collectively toth'ow around him the sh'eldofourprotectinn , and again call upon Feargus O'Gonnor , Esq ., to leave the' ( -corners' to their scorning , the barkers' to 'heir harking , and the ' yelpers * to their ' --lpings' Moved and supported by George Haifh , L- 'ke ~ Hob « on , and Tho ^ ia * llebden —3 . ' That a o"t > y of the address and resolutions be forwarded te F ^ arens O'Connor , E ? q ., and to tbe Editor of the Noo thebn Star , for insertion therein . ' Moved by Ge ^ rae Haieh . s ^ onded by William Pearson — S'tjne'l on behalf of a meeting of the members of the Bimsley branch of the National Land Company , held in Mr TJr ' ey ' s lar ^ e room , May 9 th , 1848 . — rmniHT Bate * Chairman .
Lower Waklet —At a roeetins held at this place , on Tuesday , 9 th , the fo'dnwine resolutions were adonted : — ' That we . the members of the Charter Association a . r . d tbe Nati'nal Lwd C'mpany . view with fpelinev of deep rfgr * t ^ he differences tbftt exist between Mr O'Connor and the members of the National Assembly . ' ' That we have the t-rea-esr confidence in the integrity and ability of Mr O'Connor , in carrying out the Lind Plan , and feel indignant at 'he b '« Re attempt * that are being made to shake the c ^ nfidtnee of the people in his honesty . We also appmve "f his political conduct at the present crisis . —Charles Messenger , Stc .
TEiGKUOUin . — At a meeting of this branch of the Cha-tist Association , it was resolved unanimous l y : ' i hat the thanks of thi « meeting be given ta Fergus O'Connor , E < q , M . P ., for his zealous and praiseworthy conduct both in and out of tbe House of Commons , and at the name time to assure him of our approha'iin of his conduct , in referance to the National Assembly , and our condemnation of thp ingratitude , and impudent assumption of the parties who have trumped up the malicious charge * against him ' Biss np ' s WEAEunuTH . —A meeting of the Old Guards and Land Members of this branch , w as held nn Sunday evening , when a vote of unqualified confidence in Mr O'Connor was unanimously passed . The Old Guards of this town , aro determined to stand by Mr O'Connor through every danger and through every difficulty , so long as he continues to be the friend and advocate of the interests of the workin ? msn .
Dkvokfort . —Tbe following resolution was passed unanimously on Monday evening , May Sth . ' That this Assiciation deepl y reirets the proceedings of fevera' members of the National Assembly with re' e'eoce to the conduct and character of Feargus O'C nnor , Esq , and heartily exoress their entire cenScence in that gentleman ' s policy , firmly believin ; him to be a cautions , bold , and determined leadpr of the Chartist body . Nhwpirt , —On Monday a nublio meeting was held lure , when the following res « lutif * n was passed unan'mousfr : — ' That the thanks of this meeting are doe . and are berebt heartily given , * o onr uncompromising chief , Feargus O'Connor , E-q ., M . P ., for his oast ferTi ' ce * on al ! occasions in the jnut cause of the p -nple and we ba * to assure that gentleman that , the Chartists of Newport at Ieait are not ungrateful ; reither are the ? quite so silly as to fi-l » ow in the wake of men who have made such a dastardly a t - tempt to divide our ranks , and thus make us an easy prpy to cur enemies . '
Clitheroe . —At a meeting of the Land members thefn liwingresolution was passed nnanimouslv : — ' That this meeting have » he ful'est confidence in tbe judgment and honesty of Mr O'Connor , as the company ' s baip'ff , and view with indignation the conduct nf those p ° rfons that factiously condemn the ondurto * M O'Connor , and , in addition to his labonr-i , subject h'm to needless and venations exp- n ^ . ' * t araee'ine of the Cka- 'is' - Association . Mr J'rne' Clitheroe in the chair , . Mr Brivgs moved , and Mr Frankland seconded , the following
resolution : — 'That in the opinion of this meeting the policy and line of agitation pursued b ? Feargus O'Connor , Esq . is one which we conceive to be pre eminently calculated to brins nur movement to a succwsful termination , inasmuch as he recommends peaceful , cirjcil'atnry , and constitutional means ; a d wft nr ° further of ooinirm that the a'tacks upon Mr O ' fionnor ' * character a'e uncalled for , and unjustifiable , and we pledge ourselves to support him aca'nst his enemies and calumniator ' , so long as be pursue * bis present line of policy . ' Carried unani . mous ' v .
I . amblet , Nottikgham—At a , meeting of our bnrcu of the Land Comeariv a , resolution of unbminded confidence in Mr O'Connor was passed unanimnn-lv . Olpham —A Female Chartist Association has bpen formed in the echoo' - 'Oim of the above flail , whieh pr » miFe ? fair to beenmf a numerc . ua and useful anxiliarv to the c * n « e « f Chartism . The meetings are . h" ' d ° v * ry Tuesday evening , at h * lf-pa « t seven o ' clock Fema ' es , attend and enrol yourselves in this pa ' rintie band . Ireland . - Press of ma ter compelled us to with hMd tho pommuniration fr » m our Irish corresp'Ddeir la « t week . We now , give an extract , therefr m : - * We find that Mr F ^ veus O'C'nnor has given umbraeo to a section of the English Chartists . At
th 8—though Irishmen will reeret the cirenraatance —we are not surprigod The wonder is , that the jealousies of ambitious would-be rivals , and the nntinathv whieh too many Britons still retain towards Iri-hm ^ n , did not raise a 'torm about that brave ? e' ! o <* ' - head before this . We know however , that Mr O'Connor is not a man to be frijhtenpd aUtraws We kniw he is b'ameles ? , and we have nn fear for the isene of any paltry oppnuition which he may ex perience . Wp in Ireland , are more proud than ever o * nur enterprising frier d and countryman . We al ways if > "kert on him as trnld d ^ termin » d , eTiereetip , and nnflinching . W » afe now rejoiced to find that , with the courage , of th © l > nn . he possesses the wisdom nf the serpent . They quarrel with O'Connor because he conld not sanction tbeir mad designa , and forever rnin the great cause , in which for years he has been embarked , and for which he renounced ea-e and en jovment . and ri « ked fortune , property , health ,
liberty and lir * . Mr O'Connor bv his prudent , sa gacions conduct deserves well of every giod and patriotic man in Great Britain and Ireland . There is a ranort here also that , a new rival to Ihe Northern Star is to enter the field one of those days , which is to fline that old , aitd steady and long tried lumioan entirelvin the shade ! Mr O'Connor , lam sure , will not fret , even should snch an ev- nt take place in a wpek . Minds like his are not rr . fflod nt trifles Bo-Hides he is not a trader in the craft nf the ' Fourth estate . ' _ So that I am certain the treading of an <» ppis tioH ? . » toa hi * heplg wi'l not disturb bis pqntnimHv . It th"f e who ' birk' so waspUhly at Mr O'Connor can ' hit " ' nnlv at the broad-sheet of the Star , thev had better not ' show their teeth' at all . They only make thsmBelvoii ridiculous . O'Connor and the Northkbx Stab will live when those pnny crea t . ures and their tadrole ' Instructor' will bs forgoften . '
Scttos-in-AsHriKLu . —At a public meeting it was ag-eed— 'That we , the Char'is's of Sntton-in-Ash field , repose the greatest confidence in Mr O'Connor , and pledge ourselves fo vindicate him from the attacks of those who wish to osw the eeed of dissension in our ranka _ : andwe are of opinion that it is not a time for strife , bickering , and jealousy , but a time tbat we abonld unite as one roan , and phnw to our enemie » that we are wor hv of liberty , and are deter nrineo . to have it ; and . sstong as Mr 0 'Conne . r advocates the cause of liberty , we shall own no other leader Chkbter —At the weeklv meetiBs of the members of this branch , a vote of confidence was passed in Mr F . O'Connor .
Brighton . —We . the mpmb ° rs of this locality of the N * t onal Land C « mnany and tha Charter Associate , beg to SFsure Mr F . O'Connor , than our confilenee in that gentleman--till remains the same unshaken , both as regards the Land Company and the Charter . And we condemn the conduct r f certain members of the National Assembly in attempting to take a ^ ay the character of tbat gent ' ernin without cond cause . Wo eubw > riho nu » names as ffiearaof the Lsnd Company and Charter Association— -William Fiest , sub-treasurer ; John Brown , oecretary ; Charles Parkinson , scrutineer ; William Dixon , chairman . ^ Tivertojt . —At » he monthly meeting ot the Chartist Association , the following resolution wa ^ unanimously adapted : — ' That we place the most implicit confidence in Mr O'Connor , and beg to assure him that nothwithstanding _ the invidious attacks that persons in the National As « embl y have made ou his character , that onr confidence is unshaken , and our affections as deepinc-frd as ever . '
Barnstaplb . —The following resolution has been passed by the Chartists nf this place : — « That tbe Chartists of this locality view with feelings of deep regret the recent uncalled-for attack , of eorae of the m ? mbars of tbe Na'iooa ! Assembly on tbe political conduct of that lionet and consistent patriot , Mr Fearcus O'Connor . We cannot for ^ e * . tbe treatthe manifold—the stedfaat and long-continued services and sacrifices , phys'caby and pecuniary , occasioned by his ardent grivneacy of the rights of tne people under the most adverse ciroum-tances . We bail Mm as our leader , and thi"k him prd-erainentl y calculated to conduct n * in the wisest course to the speedy establishment of the People ' s Charter , and the & ettlementoftlie peop'e noun the I ^ nd . That this meeting iherefore , expresses ite unlimited confideure in the hocestj af Mr O'Connor as regards the Land Company . '
Mr O'Connor And His Accusers. The People...
Moskt 'N Dsvbrill , Wilts . —At a membe-a meetirg of the Mor . kton Deverill branch of the National Land Company , an unanimous vote of confidence in Mr O'Connor wasadopted . Stockport —Resolved : — ' That we , the members of the Stockport branch of the Land Company , place the utmost confidence in Mr Feargus O'Connor , and request him not to allow those disappointed men to draw him again before th ^ public on the same subject ; and further , that we pledge him nur entire support so long as he continues to pursue the same straightforward course k * hitherto hag dono . ' An address in accordance with the above was also adopted- n . „ . „„ . w ..-. _* .- —_ . . — . --. r .
Winchkstbr . -Resolved : — ' That we , the members of the Land Company and Chartist Association , do sign our names as a pledge to you , sir , to support you in your noble and honest work , and wo regrat to hear that the secret enemies are try ing their arrows against you , but we feel a strong persuasion that our united efforts will throw the covrards tothe dust . ' Charterville — Resolved : — ' That it is the opinion of this meetin g tbat the policy of Mr O'Connor has ever been beneficial to the Chartist cause , and that the general management of the Nobthrrn Star deserves our commendation ; these opinions have been formed from an intimate knowledge of the movement in the various districts from whence we came ; we further earnestly desire our brother Chartists to desist from denunciation , and unite more closely for the attainment of the People ' s Charter as the law of the land . '
Blandforo . —Resolved : — ' That wo , the Chartists and Land members of Blandford , seeing by the Northern Star that some delegates in the . National Assembly have unjustly assailed Mr O'Connor for his motives and policy respecting such Assembly , and that the NdRiuERjj Star has been denounced , we unanimous ! v give tbe country our decided opinions that Mr O'Connor is the only man we can place implicit confidence in as a leader ; that we will not recognise any other as long as he acts with that honegtv and integrity of purpose which have hitherto marked his career , and that we will give him and the Star our mental and physical support if necessary ; we , at the same time , censure those parties who have so treacherously attacked Mr O'Connor in his absence , and we beg to remind those parties that the men of DoKetwM not support the views of such men , if they are called tho " representatives of the people , which we very much doubt .
Longton . —This branch of the National Land Company , in special meeting assembled , unanimously adopt ? d the following address : — TO FEAROUS O ' CONNOR , ESQ ., M P . * Dkar Sir , —The unjust attacks which have been made upon your honour and reputation by profe « ing Chartists baa drawn forth expressions of the liveliest stmpathy in your behalf . Be not cast down , dear lather , you still retain our confidence and esteem , the extent of which we cannot find language to express . You have brought us out of the dark and almost impenetrable passes of ignorance , and placed us upon the hiehway to liberty and happiness -, though yoo p lahour has been \ oiik and tedious , jou have never allowed us to be pounced upon by the enemy without timely warning ; when traps and gins have set upnn our thorny path , by your vigilance and care we have been enabled to keep clear and steer our course ; never through tbe journey has your zaal or ardour abated , but when we have slumbered , your rallying cry has
been' Onward and we conquer , Backward and we fall !' Shall we then at the command of a few raw recruits turn round , and desert our old friend and tried leader on the very verge ef victory ? No ! a thousand times , no ' . Press forward , brave general , you are fit to lead us to both the Land and the Charter , and we hope you will stick to the Land , ( we know you will , ) and while you direct its course we are con vinced it will be conducted in the same manly and straightforward manner as heretofore , and we will rally around you with the alacrity and spirit that will stifle tbe snarls of division-seekers , money-hunters ,
blood-sucker p , hypocrites , Chartists , when there is pickings , —ent upon the vagabonds , they are not fit for society ' s gaze . Keep op your spirits , it is necessary for your health , —there is no division here , we are with you to a man . T < urs in the cause of hura ° , n redemption , on behalf of the members . James Mayer , chairman , and Stephen Amisnn , sub-sec ' After the adoption of this address , a vote of confidence was passed in Mr O'Connor , and a vote of censure to those delegates who have attacked Mr O'Connor and the Star in that gentleman ' s absence , to be transmitted to the chairman of the National Assembly .
Bilston . —A public meeting was held in Pipe ' s Meadow , on Monday , the Sth inst ., for tbe purpose of memorialising the Queen to dismiss her Ministers , and to call to her council men who would make the principles of the Charter a cabinet measure . A gentleman from Nottingham , whose name we could not catch , warmly and energetically advocated the right of the people to memorialise the sovereign as a constitutional right , he concluded a zealous harangue by proposina— ' That a Memorial be sent to her Majesty . ' After which , tbe chairman called upon Mr J . Linneysto movethe Memorial , which he did in ' a spirited , yet consistent manner , reading it lo the meeting , and commenting" on the Beveral items as he proceeded , H's speech evidently made an imprts < iooon tbe meeting and police , as the
commandant ordered the last sentence to betaken down . The Chairman next called upon old Daddy Richards to a cond the Memorial , lie commenced by observing , that he was in the hopes of seeing some of his old acquaintances from West Bromwich . as he had been hououred with their company on two occasions when he had been there . The old Daddy then commenced a harty glance at the British constitution , from the time of the Great Alfred , showing that , when that constitution was young and strong , then the people had the election of all the officers of state , from the sovereign to the village constable . and just mentioned a plan by whioh the police might be done away with ; observing , that by the old Saxon institutes , the whole ef the village were bound for the honesty of all the men of the village . Thus every man became a policeman , and a guard over the property of tbe whole ; for , if anything was
st » len , the whole village had to make it pood —Mr Vlason , of Birmingham , supported the resolution , and defended the right of the people to approach the sovereign at all proper times , either to present petitions , or memorials , or remonstrance . " . He i hen cited the Magna Charta , and showed , that if the king departed from fulfilling the enactments of that Charter , then the barons had the power to attach tbe person of the sovereign , and to keep him so attached until he returned to the principles of that Charter . Mr Mason continued to reason on Magna Charta for some time , and concluded a most brilliant address , proving that the Charter was calculated to restore the prosperity of this once happy land , and to give happiness to tbe cottage , security to the throne , and respect re the laws . After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting peaceably separated . The numbers present were about twelve or thirteen hundred .
Ipswich— Resolved— 'That thismeeting places the greatest confidence in their old tried friend Feargus O'Connor ; and as a proof , determine to assist to its utmost to establish and support a daily paper , which aaper ii to be under the entire direction of that gen' A * man ; and further , resolveon taking saarestherein ' Resolved— That this meeting regrets the attempts made by some of the members of the National As . -embly to cause dissension amongst the great body of the Chartists , by endeavouring to alter its name , and casting obloquy oa the character of Mr O'Connor . This meeting conceiving that no good can accrue to the Chartis' movement by a protracted sitting of tbe National Assembly , as at present constituted , it therefore calls upon tbe members of tbat Assembly to make as speedy arrangements as possible for the pre . sentation of the Memorial to the Queen , after which to dissolve at once , that another and better constituted body may be brought together , whioh thia locality will do its utmost to support . '
Nunkaton . —Resolved— That it is the opinion of this meeting that the gross and unprincipled attack of certain indjvi iuals enemies who have attempted to calumniate and undermine the character of our leader , F . O'Connor , E > q ., M . P ., for the purpose of creating a disunion and marring our glorious cau * P will meet with that censure they so justl y deserve ' It , was further resolved— ' That this meeting do place the utmost confidence in F . O'Connor , JEsq ., M P for his manly and straightforward conduct and pledge themselves to support him to the la ' ft in struggling for the just rights of an oppressed people ' Swindon , Alva , Ltnh , Macclesfield , IVkqua t Eccle ;" , Bikolev , CoLCHESTKB , and Chiepp . —Addresses from the Chartists and Land members of these localities have beon adopted expressive of their confidence in Mr O'Connor , and thanking him for the cautious advise contained in his letters , and con » ratulating him upon his conduct on the 10 th of April . TO F . O ' CONNOR ESQ .
Mixbkden Stonrs —The following was unanimously agreed to;— ' We tbink the present a proper time to thank the founder and father of the Land Plan , for tbe philanthropy , the integrity , the patience , the forbearance , and the indomitable perseverante be has manifestedin propoundingand putting in practice the glorious Land Scheme , which has been t > us a bright star ol hope for the future . In the midst i . f suffering and privation unparralleled , ithas kept alive within us a single ray of hope . And we beg io assure > ou , that it was our confidence in jour wisdom and integrity that first caused us to join the Company , and that that confidence has been
strengthened byevery attempt made by your and our enemies ; o weaken that confidence . We can never place the same confidence in any other man or get of men we phce in you , and your giving up the management of the Company would be the death blow of ur hopes . But we hope that will never be and our prayer ia that yon m ^ live till you see the whole of yourcnildren located oatheir own land . Dear father we thank you for your unprecedented exertions in our cause , and hope that the . gratitude nnd affection of the sons of labour wiileser Aeep paciJ ( it p 08 sible ) with your exertions inour > oaua 3 . l ' BBBWfc-fiBBfeed- 'Hiat # & consider the base
Mr O'Connor And His Accusers. The People...
unwarrantable attack made by a nnmberof delegates in the National Assembly upon the chaiaoter of Feargus O'Connor , E « q ., M . P ., was uncalled for , and unmerited on the part of that gentleman , and that whilst we repudiate such a manifestation of ill will on their part , and are of opinion that tbeir object is to divide the Chartist body into aioti' ns , and ultimately break up the movement , we must express our unqualified confidence in tbe political integrity of nur hmg-tried ind unimpeachable representative , and his trustworthy and honest coadjutors of the late executive „ „ ,, ,. ,.. . Md unwarrantable attack made by a nnmberof dele-
Darling ton . —On reading the preceedinaa of the National A-sembly in the Star of the 6 th inst ., we find that s ^ rae ot the members of that bod \ have made an unmanly attack en the character of Feargus O'Connor . Esq ., M P . ; it was suggested to me to bring forward a resolution at our Land meeting , on the 8 th inst , and in accordance with the request of a few of the Old Guards I drew up a resolution highly approving of the conduct of the above gentleman recently . We think that his conduct waa highly praiseworthy oh the 10 th of April , inasmuch as he was the means of preventing a great sacrifice of life . I
submitted tbe resolution to the meeting , and there was an amendment made te it , which was carried by the chai rman uiving his casting vote , of which you will in all probability have received areport ; there was a yery thin attendance of the friends of the abwe gen'lemau , as very few of them were apprised of anything of the kind being brought forward . It is our intention to have a public meeting at our earliest conv .-nience . The Chartists uonirally of this locality have the greatest confidence in the honesty , integrity , and uprightness of that champion of liberty , Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . —William Carlton , One of the Old Guard .
Worsbro' Common , near Barsslet . — ' Address to Feargus 0 Connor , Eeq ., MP for the borough of Nottingham , Propounder of the National Land Company , and the unpaid advocate of the rights of the toiling millions—' Dear Sir , —At the present time , when you are assailed < n all sides by thescribea of a hireling press and time serving politicians , we deem it a duty on our part to tender you our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the able , disinterested , and manly manner in which you have conducted tbe cause of right against might , in despite of the base calumnies brought against you by pretended friends and aristocratic enemies , for no other earthly purpose than to destroy you , and through you the cause of the people , which by your leadership has attained
that pre-eminence that the enemies of tbe people begin to fear that their day ot oppression and misrule will , in a chore time , be brought to an end , if the people will act by your advice . And sir , we beg to assure you that , in our opinion , there is no one act in the whole of ynur agitation , that has obtained for you more political and p ersonal esteem than your conduct on the 10 th of Aprd . Yes , air , although you may be abused by a fe » - for that day ' s proceedings , yet we aro thoroughly convinced that the Chartist ranks are considerably increased . There are also some whodenounce you for your letter published in the Star of the 22 nd of April , recommending the postponement of the Na'innal Assembly , and your opinion of the law on that Amenably . N > w , sir , we beg leave to differ in opinion with those whodenounce you . Because all men are not lawyers , and that
tetter being read in every district returning ^ delegate , every constituency would nee the position in which the delegates stood , and whether they were prepared to support them if anything unpleasant took place and on these grounds we look upon it with feelings of respect and admiration . And sir , allow ust * express our gratitude to jou as the leader "f the Chartist movement , and lather of the Land Company , a » d may health , and long life , and prosperity attend you , until the right * and liberties of those for whom you have so long contended are achieved , and your children uf the Land Company placdin their own castles provided by your care , where you nny bead wed to visit them unto a good old age . And believe us , trat any plan of operation you may devise for their accomplishment , shall have our support , either morally « r physically .
Wioton —Reg'dved : — We , the members of the Wigton branch of the National Land Company , do hereby tender to F O'Connor , M . P .. our sincere and undivided confidence and attachment , and feel it our duty to support him , with » li our united ability , t > ailenee ana banifth from the rai > ks ofthe Chartist movement all who endeavour to scatter the seedsot contention , in order to gratify the minds of their ba « e employers . Leamington —At the last weekly meeting a . vote of confidence was passed to the Provisional Executive Council , as elected by the late Natioi-al Assembly ; but that this mtet'ng s-xpress tbeir ean est hope that in the list of persons nominated and elected as a permanent Executive Council , that Mr Fearsm O'Connor ' s name i-hould not be omitiel .
Accbinoton . —At a meeting of the Chartist and Land membeis , at the Land Office , Accrington , the following resolution was unanimously adopted : — ' That we , the Chartists and L ; md members ot Accrington , bave the most unbounded confidence in F . O'Cenior , M , P ., and the Northern Star , notwithstand . cg the attacks made upon them by some members of the National A-serably ' Armlei and Worthy . —This branch of tbe Cha' - tist Association belu its weekl y meeting as u ? ual on Monday night , at Mr J / feph Barker ' s room , Wortley , when a discussion arose upon the uncalled for attack up > n the character of F . O'Connor . Etq . M . P ., and his conduo * . on the 10 : h of April , when it was unanimously resolved : — 'That ibis branch having unbounded confidence in that gentle man , do deprecate the calumnie « brought forth by some of the members of the National Assembly . ' TO P . O ' CONNIR , ESQ .
Dear Sib , —It is with feelings ot the deepest regret , thai we are called up . in to revert to the conduct and language of certain individuals , with reference to your general policy and conduct , not only as the leader of the Chartiets , but also as the proprietor ot the Northern Star . We feel it to be a duty we owe to you , not only to defend > our character in any emergency , but also t » s-ympathise withyou , in whatsoever trials ynu may be cailed to pass through , in defence of those great principles which you have so laboriously advocated , both iu and out of Parliament ( especially so wit & reference to the National Lund Companj ) : not only do we approve of your policy , with reference to the late important movement and its results , but also the advitableness if post p * ning the meenngof the AEsembly . And we arc anxious to and do
hereby tender j ou our warmest thanks , for your un flinching advocacy , your deep interest for the rights and literties of the people ; and it is our unanimous determination to give you that decided support which we think you are sojustly entitled to ; and it is our eamet wish that you may be spared to s ^ e 'h'iae lowering clouds disperse , which have recently hovered over the political hemispheres ai'd mat the glorious sun may again appear in gorgeous npJendour , and shed its genial rays on all the sons of toil , ripeninu those plans so judiciously matured by you . In conclusion , we beg once more to u nder you our thanks , and the assurances ot our attachment to your i erson and the h < -ly cause . I have the hon nrto remain , Sir , your obedient servant , Edmund Barkkr , Cor . Sec Signed on bebalt of the Chartist Association . Norwich , May Sth , 1848 .
Halifax . —At a men ing of the merobsrs of this bniioh oi the National Land Company , on Monday night . May 8 tb , the foJJi . wJDg resolutions wereagreed to : — ' Tbat the meetings , in future , be held on Saturday nieht , instead of Widmsday night , at the house of Mr George Buckley , Friendl y Inn , Chur .-hsfruet , frem eight to ten o ' elock . ' j ' h » t on May 22 nd , the members and their families have a tea party at the same place ; tickets to be had of the landlord and the secretary . Tea on the table at five o ' clock precisely . ' That we place the greatest
condence io Mr O'Connor , M . P ., for DjH unflinching , and never tiring zeal in advocating the peoplt ' a rights , and censure the conduct of th , se persons who s ot op the meeting in Dean-street ; « e dtem th . m enemies to the working man and i est * to society men in our opinio , who would deitrov the confidence of the members of the Land Company tiy taxiug the founder with deceit ; but we are d-termined t « stitk to him like wax , and never lorsuke him so long as he c ntinuea in the course he is at present pursuing , but support him wi < h us untiring zeal as ha does the cause ot the working class . *
Romford —At a meeting ol the Chartists and shareholders ol the National Laud Company , helds » t the Lamb Inn , Romford , Essex , the fol owing resotion was unanimously agreed to : — ' That we view with great conctrn and sorrow the malevolent feeling that exists in the mind * of some of the members of the National Aetembly towards Feargus O'Connor , Eaq , M . P . ; and wo hereby express our diaappr . bation of such conduct . At the same time , we repose the utmost confidence in the integrity ot Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . ; and wa hail with delight his strong determination to pursue unflinchingly the same glorious path and uudeviating rectitude he has hitherto followed . '
HoLMFiRin .-At a meeting of the Chartist and Land members , held in their room , Underbank the following resolution was unanimoualy adooted — That we , tfe members of the Land Company and ot the National Chartist Association , view with feelir . es ot indignation and regret , the great announce and inconvenience to which our * . * ou . and indefatLSe propounder and manager of the Land Company Mr Karniu O'Connur . has been subjected toon ma , y occasion ,, by men wh 08 eonly object seems l 0 be £ destruction Ol his character . We are „ Z (~„ , \ fed with the arrangements mad ?[] M ^ nT for the completion ot the different estates , aid £ respectfully request bin . t <> adopt such « , i ¦* T may think best calculated for tK rZ Tthemem bers ; aLd we are also fullv Bitisfi ^ . 1 . "; utm , ! m . tletnan is duly entitled to TheSfid ni'i &' cC ' list , and Land members of this locality '
. Southampton .- Ti . o Chartist * «» - . k ; ' . » usual on Wedne ^ revenS Mav 10 ? V \? Burton Ale house , OrchardS £ ttft . in *** £ ? qsFs = *« 5 S 2 gentleman , and the ^ Eductors of the £ ^
Mr O'Connor And His Accusers. The People...
Stab , taattbey have our entire confidence , and may K % : ZZ « : ^ f *& :- ' That W tbe Char tists and Land members , view with feelinn of d « p regret , the unmanly attack made upon to $ *™ % and conduct of our champion , Feargus 0 Connor , Esq , M . P ., by a partof the memtew of the National Assembly . We have tbe greatest oonfidenoe in . he honesty , uprightness , and integrity of thoabove « entleraan , and we still hope that he will continue to maintain tbe same proud position that he now occupies , both as regards the Land and the Charter move * meats , until tyranny and oppression are laid prostrate with the dust . ' _ .. Tir ^ onM ^ confidence . Stab , that theymww" «« , '
Ovbr-Darwen . —The Chartists of Over-Darwen in puolic meeting assembled , do hereby unanimously agree , that afcerhaviag carefully watched and traced out Mr O'Connor ' s character since he commenced aRitatin * tor the People ' s Charter , that honesty of principle demands us to say ( not copfining ourselves toene particular act , but summing the general tenor of his character into one aggregate , and then tracing out the annals of history , and » e & rcning into all thu heroic characters that have preceded him , ) not one can be discovered that ever possessed more of that honesty of principle , that faithfulness , that atedtastness , that soundness of judgment , connected with all your actions up to tbe present moment , wesay , then , on these grounds alone you damand our warmest sympathy . T . JP . 0 ' C 0 NN 0 n , B 6 Q M . P .
Newark . —The Chartists of this town have read With feelings of deep concern and indignation , the unjustifiable attacks which have been made upon you by some members of the National Assembly . We hereby express our unqualified approbation of the whole of your past conduct , but more particularly of tbe dignified , and at the same time conciliating policy whieh you have pursued daring the present agitation ; and also our unbounded confidence in your integrity , and ability to carry out the great objects we have in view .
Buhxlet . — At a public meeting of the members of the National Land Company , held on Sunday , the 14 th inst ., it was unanimously resolved ;— ' I hat we have the utmost confidence in Feargus O'Connor ' s management of the Land Company ' s affairs , aod we repudiate tbe foul and unfair means that unprincipled individuals have taken to destroy the character and usefulness of one who baa servei us so diainte * restedly . Likewise , we have unanimously agreed that the unnecessary expenses that he has been put to in defending his management of the Company , be paid by the Land members . '
Swinoon — Resolved , at a public meeting of the Chartists of Swindon— ' Tbat it is the opinion of the Chartist body of Swindon , after reading and studying Mr O'Connor ' s two last letters in the Noilthbbn Stab , relative to tbe National Assembly , that we earnestly concur in the opinion therein expressed , and still continue to hold our former explicit conndence in that gentleman . ' Mr Arkell was requested to state the above to the Assembly when he
returned Nottingham —At a numerous meeting of the Char . tist Association , held at the Noah's Arfc . on Sunday , it was resolved : — ' That thej place the most implicit confidence in Mr O'Connor , and hitjhly approve of his conduct , and at the same time deeply regret the conduct of a few of the members of the National Assembly , for tbeir rashness in condemning , without a cause , tbe conduct of one whose shoes they are not in a political point ot view , worthy to carry ; ler where u the individual hone it politician that can condemn Mr O'Connor , whose whole life has been spent in a straight line of agitation , which he challenges his enemiea from alt ranks of political quacks , who are seeking , in an underhand way , their way to popularity , which they will never obtain by condemning the conduct ot a true friend to the poor man . like Feargus O'Connor . '
Worcester . —At a public meeting of the Chartists and citizens of Worcester , held in the Corn Market , on Thursday , May llth , the following resolution was unanimously carried : —¦ ' That Feargus O'C ' nnor , Esq ., M . P ., is worthy of the confidence of the unenfranchised millions of the British empir e , as he has proved to be a consistent advocateof equal civil and religious rights . We believe bim to be a true patriot and unpurchaseable friend ot the workinu classes ; therefore , we consider him the ffiOdt fitting person to lead and direct the Chartist movement ; we believe , also , that those persona in the National Assembly who bave attempted to ihruw ohluquy upon Mr F . O'Connor , have av . t d very unwise , and not according to the principles they professed , and that we will stand b . » him to long as he pursues the tame straightforward course of action which he has pursued for a number oi years , '
Denny . —At a meeting ot the Chartist Associa tion of this place , held in the Odd Fellows ' Hal ) , on Friday , the 12 thinst ., to take into consideration the conduce of the National Assembly with regard to their abuee ot Mr 0 'C > nnor , the following resolution was unanimously adopted : — ' That this meeting record their unqualified disapprobation of tbe insane conduct pursuea by the National Atstmbly in abusing eur tried and valued leader , Feargus O'Connor , B : > q ., for what we consider to be the true line of policy to obtain our rights , namely , that recommended in his letter published in the Northern Stab of April 22 od . That we declare onr unbound * d confidence in Mr O'Connor as our leader , and our closer attachment to him f"r his conduct on , snd
advice since , the memorable 10 th of Apnl . We declare our want of confidence in any Assembly which does not co-operate with and acknowledge that gentleman as their leader , his name alone having tb < magic to unite the people in this part of Scotland to struggle for the Charter ; and all his acts hitherto appearing to us to be dictated by consummate wisoom . we look to him forguidance , and shall not desert him until we find he dtserts his princip les , which we thiok to be impossible . ' ' That the Northern Star being the medium through which Mr O'Connor conveys his instructions to us , we condemn the conduct ot any member of the assembly—or the
assembly collectively—for proposing to start a pa ^ er in opposition to that iTAR , by the true and unvarying light of whioh we first groped our way , then bold In steered for the port , and are now alongside deter mined to be moored to the Charter of our rights . L ke grateful voyagers , we return eur hearttelt taauks to the pilots of the people ' s paper , whose watchful skill conducted us through the breakers ot faction into the bright and placid waters of fraternity . ' ' That we will gladly welcome any papet which will advocate the rights of man , but detest Che want of principle which would strive to crush the friend who guided us through darkness and ad versity . '
Dalston . —A special general meeting of the Daiston branch of the National Land Company was held on Friday evening , May 12 . Mr John Murdoch was called to the chair . 1 he charge brought against Mr O'Connor having undergone an animated discussion , the following resolution was moved by Mr Thomas Sowerby , and seconded by Mr Arthur Leaun : — 'That we , the members of the Dalston branch of the National Land Company , having read the charge brought against Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., by Mr Dowiing , do hereby censure tho conduct ot that
infatuated and stlf-mterested tool ; and beg to express our most sincere thanks and our unqualified confidencei in the h ne ' aty , the integrity , and ability of our distinguished , indefatigable , unflinching , and unpaid lather , friend , and champion — Feargus 0 ' ionnor , Esq ; and further , this meeting being convinced that the success of the National Land Company depend * wholly upon the perseverance and the stability of the members themselves . ' Tne chairman having put the resolution to the meeting , it was carried without a disscntie t .
Dalston . —A public meeting of the Chartists of Dalston was held on Saturday evening , May 13 , for tbe purpose of ascertaining how far a portion of the National Asiembiy was justified in denouncing the conduct ot our chief and champion , Feargus O'Con nor . Mr William Johnson , one of the Old Guards , was called to tbe chair ; and a discussion on the above suiiject having ensued , the following was moved t . y Mr Thomas Sowtrb y , seconded by Mr John Murdob , and carried unanimously ;— ' That we , the Chartists ot Dalston , vitw with feelings of indignation ;> nd regret the conduct of a portion of the
National Assembly , who have truleuvoured to oast disrepute upon thecbaracter of our chief and champion , Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., we therefore beg to tender our sincere and heartfelt thanks to him , for hia patriotic and disinterested perseverance iu the cause of human redemption , and that we place unbounded and unqualified confidence in him as our political friend and father ; and further , this meeting pledges itself to support both Mr O'Connor and the Northern Star , by every means in its power . ' A vote of thanks was given to the chairman , and the meeting separated .
G tuau—We had a large meeting en the Llillsiae , where nature shone with all its loveliness , to read from the Northern Star Mr O'Connor ' s letter to the Old Guards , and to engage Mr Skevington , ol Loughborough , to give ns a lecture , as we have never had one at Gotham . ' At the close of the ™ ? , i m V 0 te 0 tttl & sik 9 and confidence was passed in Mr 0 Connor as our leader , as an honest and upright gentleman . OswALDTWiBTLE . -The members of this branch of the National Laud Company and Chartist Association bey to express their most sincere confidence in Mr O'Connor , and hope he will continue to hold the situation ot General .
1 Burnley . — At a public meeting held on Sunday , the 14 th in = t „ it waa proposed , ' That this meeting deeply feels and sympathises with our unequalled champion m social and political liberty , F . 0 . Connor , Esq who has suffered so much from public aud private enemies , and that we confidently declare our cardial and uu . shak . en confidence in the integrity and ability of our champion , not only as a fit and proper leader in the important political movement of tb . day , but aleo worth ) of our acquiescence as to the postponing of tho National Assembl y . ' ' That wt the Chartiata of Burnley , consider that tho langus ^ ' used by some of tbe delegates in the National Ass rubly , respecting the character and conduct oi MO'Connor , is a cowardly , unmanly , and ungenerou ^ attack upon that geatlamaa . Carried unanimously .
Mr O'Connor And His Accusers. The People...
LONDON DEMONSTRATION . A great public meeting was convened of t London Chartists , to meet the delegates of t nation on Clerkenwell-green , on Monday evening last . The attendance at seven o ' clock was numerous , and it increased rapidly as the night advanced , f ill there were not fewer than from 3 , 000 to 4 , 000 , soog said 5 , 000 persons present , respectably dressed men * . a most enthusiastic Assembly . The arrival of Dr M'Douall , Mr Ernest Jones , and the other delegates to the late National Assembly , was hailed with loud cheers . When order had been restored in the mitf . titudeit was proposed and seconded , that Mt LONDON DEMONSTRATION . . —
, M'Crae , the delegate from Dundee , and late Vice . President of the National Assembly should preside at the meeting . This being unanimously agreed to , Mr M'Crae said , working men of London , we bave come together this evenin g in order to exercise a great constitutional right , that is to memorialise the Queen ; to tell her the grievances , and to specify the sufferings endured by the British people . ( Cheers . ) This is our only resource . The Whi g government have destroyed tbe petition which we presented to the British House of Commons , and we have no opportunity to make our grievances known , the evils under which we labour—the miseries of
the peop le of Great Britain , except by appealing to Her Majesty , the Sovereign of these realms . But I am convinced that such is the kindness that exists in the bosom of our gracious Soverei gn , tbat if she knewofourgrievanccs and our deteriorated condition , she would certainl y do something towards giving us redress . ( Hear , hear . ) I cannot for one moment believe that she who voluntarily came forward at the opening of the present Session of Parliament , and from the Thron ° declared that she sympathised with the sufferings of the people , and commiserated their degradation—I cannot believe that she would not now take immediate steps to alleviate their sufferings —( cheers )—and raise them from their
disgrace . ( Cheers . ) But the Whi g Ministry by which the throne is surrounded , bave cut all connexion between the people and the Queen of Great Britain . ( Groans . ) We cannot at the present time get our grievances redressed , because tbe Whin Ministry are in power , and have determined that they shall not be so much as named in the hearing of Her Majesty . Can I believe that tbe Queen would continue to frequent the theatres and places of amusement , and lavish ber immense income upon the hireling songsters from Ital y and other foreign countries , if she knew the circumstances in which the working classes are placed ? No , I cannot bftliftVe that she would do this ; I cannot believe that she would ask
additional accommodation for herself ; additional palaces and increased grandeur , if she knew tbat thousands and tens of thousands of her subjects were wret' -hed and naked , and without any place where to lay their heads . ( Cheers . ) She would not countenance soon a renewal of those levees and magnificent assemblies at Buckingham Palace , where the gold and lustre of the scenes was enough to dazzle the eyes of any human being—if she knew that so many ef her loyal and attached subjects were living in the utmost misery , without a morsel to put into their mouths . I believe that if she knew the present situation of this country , she would not encourage the prodigal squandering away , for the
purposes of magnificence and vain show , of the money which is expended upon the aiistocracy and the place-mongers of society , while it is true that the working men and women of this nation are in misery , clothed in rags , depressed in degradation—who have neither bread to consume , nor house to shelter them , nor a single article which they can call their own . ( Hear , hear . ) I think if these things were represented to her in their true colour , that she would not suffer them to c mtinue . But this is the last time that we mean to appeal to royaltv . ( Hear . ) I mean
to tell her our grievances , and if there be no sympathy for us , a time may come , and will come , when she must and will redress them . We might tell them we wsh it may come , for the sake of al ! classes , and we ask the ministers of her Majesty ' s government whether they wish to see the institutions of this country upheld and respected by all ; whether they wish to see all hearts and affections united for the support of them ; whether they wish to see the throne itself established on the principles of justice ? then we ask them to consider and to redress the
grievances of the working classes : ( Great cheering . ) 'f tbey should not choose to do so , then on them rests the responsibility . But meantime let them look around them , and take warning by tbe events which are falling out in the neighbouring nations . Letthtin look to the consequences which have fallen upon the crowned heads of Europe , so that they are not safe in their own country , and cannot even find a resting place in the land which a little time ago they called their own , ( Loud cheers . ) Yes , the trumpet of liberty has sounded in France , and shall we be the only people in Europe who shall not spurn away the chain of our slavery nnd trample tbe broken links in the dust ? No , it
never shall be ! ( Cheers . ) Tbe trumpet of liberty has sounded in France , and the nations abroad , once deep in despotism , have risen , and now call on us to awake from our slumbers , to break away our chain , and to stand forth free , and to show that we are free , to advance marshalled in the cause of truth , justice , and relig ion : and the wants of humanity and the God of truth lay it upon us to volunteer in the cause , and call upon Englishmen , Scotchmen , Welshmen , and Irishmen , and men of every clime , everywhere to break away the bonds of their degradation . ( Cheers . ) We are here this evening to make the last test , the last moral experiment which we shall ever make , and if ever we meet again , it shall be in a different guise , for I will never consent to call th ^ men of London together unless
either to do or to die . ( Cheers . ) He then informed them thp . t they had been referred by the Lord Chamberlain to Sir George Grey , who had said , tbat no Memorial could reach the Queen except through him , and continued : It is quite useless to tvaste our time in this way . 1 have no doubt but the Memorial must fail ; but we want to prove that the Queen of England is no longer connected with the people , that she is cut off try a treacherous and a dissembling ministry . But , I say , if it is determined that the people shall no longer have any access to the Queen , then , let the aristocracy , let the ministry , then let them pay their salaries out of their own pockets . If we cannot now bring our sufferings and our grievances to the foot of the throne , it is high time that we bad no throne at al !> ( Hear , hear . ) He begged at once to call upon
Mr Kydd , who rose to move the first resolution to this effect : — That the present social condition of th > ' people of England is dUgracelu 1 , nllka to our rulers nud the people themselves , and that we hereby receive te unituour effora , and endeavour , with our uime- > t power , to alleviate the calamities of the working classes . The chairman had told them that he believed the Queen had no desire whatever to see the people oi this monarchy miserable and wretched , and he ( Mr K ydd ) quite agreed in that opinion . He most thoroughly believed lhat her gracious Majesty was a gracious little woman , being a kind mother , and . certainly , no disciple of Malthus . ( Laughter . ) But
he believed that she entertained opinions very far from right concerning the condition of the people of England ; that Britain , which was but a monarchy in name , was an aristocracy in fact ; that we had no liberty ; but these things , and many more that might be particularised , he was inclined to lay , not at the door of her Majesty , but at the door of her Home Secretary , Sir George Grey , and her Prime Minister , Lord John Russell . London proved the state of the empire—London , with its contrasts of rich and poor—where 6 , 000 beings were doomed to wander without a home , and to live f ' om night to night in the streets , while listless ladies and pampered scions ot the aristocracy were rolling in luxurv
and magnificence along liond-street . London that could boast at the same time with the Andover Union the St Pancras bones-crushing workhouse . ( Hear , hear . ) Yes ; the death ' s head and cross bones were the emblem of the condition and glory of England . It was written everywhere , on her palaces as well as her hovels . It was imprinted on the brow of her subjects . It was this condition of the working meu that he desired to see alleviated , and he would never cease agitating till he saw it accomplished . Was it ri ght , he asked , that their taxes should increase annually to the amount oi £ 800 , 000 , and the workhouses should increase ?
that while the cost of the raw material was now - fallen to one half ils ori ginal price , wages should have fallen also a half , although the labour ot tne poor man was aggravated , and his burdens too ? They told him of rights secured by law—of vested ri g hts—hut he told them that Guri ' slawto man was stronger than man ' s law to man . He told them that man b y the divine law , had a ri g ht to live , and that was stronger—yes , than tbe Queen ' s rig ht to ihe throne . The legislation of this country had been for the benefit of the few , and tu the detriment of the masses . The rich man was protected in bis power of wealth , and the poor man was crushed , and the workhouses were , therefore , filled
Dsvbrill Ilts—At Membe Meet- And Unwarra...
« ,, «*« May 20 , 184 ® . THE NORTHERN STAR . | Mi —t , G - ™ m . u u - - j—^ mw ^ w w ' "^ i < "t ^^^^ ^ s ^ s ^ !^ = ^^ ' and may I —¦ . I , , i , i i * mw " ^ ^ ^ ^ .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 20, 1848, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_20051848/page/6/
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