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A London Rookery.—By Day There Are The D...
^^ ADDBESS OF : THE METROPOLITAN ^ HTJES * DELEGATES TO THEIR FELLOW SStWTRYMEN , OS THE INTERESTS AND " SSSSS POSITION OF THE LABOURING ggBi OF THE EMPIRE . - u ^ iLOW Codstbtmett , —There is not recorded an in the history of our country , nor , indeed , m S . mstorv of aU nations , ^ hen the great subject of 8 SB and social rig hts of thosejvho live by * of their labour , was required to be so ^ -wfnllv considered , so clearly explained ; tW ^ js j , and faithfully supported , as the ^ rimtelv connected as we are with the interests , L n « . r « bv being members of that class who 0 to SUPPO" themselves and their families b y the h & ve ^ t e sercise of labour , and being entrusted by cosst f our fellow 4 abourers of this nation with ^" ffrcat dutv of ascertaining , as far as we may be v ? the great operating natural and social causes
t - hnffect either beneficially or injuriously , tne ; Sition and the prospects of aU who are engaged ' con j we desire to caUthe earnest attention of n hew ' . rkin" men of this great country to the u in" declaration of our views . . fo innkin" steadily and carefully at those natural ?^ Sfrom which the physical well-being of all Tin CYCTT nation ofthe worid , are derived , we vVntha * hone ofthe material productions in na--Jrlaried either for food or for clothing , for shel-^ nrftaanv Other purpose , varied and abundant * f ' . iS , thPse materials are , can he acquired exceptwldfeS ™ moreover , that little advancemet ccul J ^ f v ^ made in the necessary , useful , or orna-1 ^ t- « . prop--iat ! on ofthe crude materials of In ?„ if the efforts of labour had not heen made in « 5 STdepartments of industry , or , as it is called ^ writers on political economy , the division and ^ ftrf w £ » ^ 1 thus directed to . a
' wplicity of emp loyments , eacnmau uneerwK . ng nS £ occuFtien for the purpose of-ensuring a ^ Lnn -ind general object , which is , superiority K 5 SS 5 * * * and Eft- fr ff ? Jf- of labourers lave become untied efforts by 1 " n of nep ^ ctions of each lahpu « r bemg re Sed and exchanged by and with his fellow £ ooureS the several productions thus becoming , bv X fect of change , th ? confuted means 0 V wWchthe la % 3 urersandtkeir faniaies are sup-P 0 2 fc ' onSidenns anxiouslv the sc ^ rinciple thus Involved by ths ^ ction of labou rers having become SS . , hence , a dependant ^ ctmn-the one S de ^ Bdsnton the other , by the fact of-exchan ° e for the purpose of consumption , of each other ' s ' protection—we see that some rate or torn of ^ rri nn is indispensably necessary for preserving the
constituted Tiffht , or the due enjoyment of those ; who have -entered upon this -conjoined course of labonr involving , as it does , production of commp- ; dities on * ks onehand , and consumption of them on Bv looking carefully on the-aimple state of things inst alluded to—the * combination of the passive matter-denature , and ofthe active power of lahocr —the elements of the earth and the labour of man directed to educe , to alter , and » to modify these elements for use and convenience- ^ we see the manner in whishthe interests of mtuvin a social state axe
constituted . "We see that -mas must , by the constraining power of those circumstances with which his tatoral condition is surrosnded , unite himself with hls j Kigfi & oiir , in ordertoaccomplish any satisfactory and successful progress , or acquire the possession of those things 5 that are necessary for his comfortable subsistence . & 'most important question , arising out ofthe state Of things just alluded to , is then presented to « s , which is , who constiintesihis neig hbour with ¦ whom the agreed union of labonr , together with the exchange of productions ressltins from it , takesalaee" ?
Totals important question one right answer , and one only can be given , which is , he who is nearestthnt-is ^ a , fellow countryman . We see then , that in the order of nature fpriority of connexionjyriofk * in the union of labour—priority in the exchange of productions cria commerce , must spring up acd subsist between ; -aien in that particular sphere which they inhabit ,-this great social act and principle prevailing in-every > eommunity or nation . By this course it is-that : the connexion of family with property is established .
Seeing , then , that the priority of connexiomjust alluded to must of necessity-subsist , and attaching to this priority a rule -er law of progress , which is required everywhere and « ver everything , we main- ? tfiin that the social obligations of men are oT that character which requires them to attach themselves in the first place to ihe interests of their fellow : conntrymen or fellow -labourers . "We maintain that ; commerce , which is an exchange of productions "
tetween man and man , should be conducted ,-in ; every nation , in such a manner as to comprehend and ireserve to the utmost degree the interests of all the members of the = uatio 2- Hence we advance and Maintain the principle that established and home trade shonld first be considered and preserved , - and that changes and foreign ; trade ought to be .-uiiderteken only by means of - -that value or capitat whieh may be over and above < what is required ibr ! maintaining in their-enjoyments , the membtrs ^ of
eacn nation . Ton will discern that the principle of commerce just adverted to by us-is that sfrinciple which was anciently adopted by oar ancestors , the incorporation : of it in our laws and incur practice having formed one ol the most important and influential characteristics of the British . Constitution , though lbs principle has bean -50 partially , and hence , ; so cnjustly applied , as ; to derange and destroy its ; ovm operation , thereby . causing : the minds , even of many thoughtful and " honourable men , to suspect itstruth , to deny its utility , and-to demand its rejection .
Deeply impressed hy = ihe degraded social condition of so many men in-eur own ,. and also in ether nations—so many human creatures being seen to suffer mider the tremendous -evilsrcf poverty and destitution—a class of men have been induced , during -the last seventy-dive -years , to direct the power « cf their minds to an investigation of the science-of Social and Political lEconomy . Foremost-ofsihesc writers was §) r . Adam Smith . The work-of this celebrated writer ,, appearing under the striking and alluring title : of " the Wealth of Nations , " many persons were induced to read the elaborate-statements , and the ingenious reasonings contained in it , and also to place reliaree on those
commercial doctrines which are mainly propounded in it . Binee the departure of Adam Smith , a number of other-writers ha-ve sprang . up . who have received him as their chief authority , or-Iea & r . Thus a modem-school of Political sad Social ^ Economy las been scared in our country . JJ y this-school all the most important subjects , -connected . with the physical interests of men , hate been freely dealt with ; for hesides a discussion o & the natural * means placed within ^ je appropriation « man forshis maintenance , together with the varioucanethods . invented and adopted hvjaian for making this appropriation , his ri ght to iarroduce his offspring into thcworld , has been discussed also . The niain-result ofthe intellectual effort of this school is the adhesion _ giren by its members to . the doctrine of free social , snd
commercial action .. We have it thus announced to us that it is undsr the operation of . unregulated , stimulated , and nnirersal competition , we are hencefbiSb to lire . Cheapness is proclaimed to be the ose great and , desirable attainment . But the cheapness that is ; attained under this sjaiem is not the result of / air ? cd distrihotory abundance—being mabalf acquired b y-diminishing the enjoyments , er the consumption cf-taose b y whose labour productions are derived , asfi hy that economy of labour by which , in so many instances , the labourer is cast off altogether from employment , because a . cheaper , that is , a less consuming instrument than hfe body , is invented and applied . The labour of the srorking man thus hecomes a superfluous commodity in the market , so that he ciust cither be an outeast altogether tana
society , urelse find some viaj cf doing more woji . *?^ ies snisf £ r ] als of consumptisn ; and even theo , II he should succeed in this « sarse of realising cheapness he becomes instrnmeatal in bringing nwuv other of liis fellow labourers 4 own to the same degraded level to which he isreduead . Had and appalling , however , as is the existing condition of so msay whose only mean * of supporting themselves and their families is tha exercise of their dail y labour , ret we maintain that the prospert before us is stdj more dark and gloomy . We decjare to you onr conviction that a far greater degree af suffering and « f destitution impends over the h & ouring class and jtheir families , both of this sad of nil other nations , unless the falseness of the fteeor compet itive system ha thoroughly penetrated , * kari y expascd , and a course of general commerce , T £ ry different Iron ? that ensealing from tho free
ostein , lettered ufw . Jt has become a mati « r ef the rery highest impor-^ ee- that every working man , and . indeed , the * 1-c 1 e nation , shonld be h *^ acquainted with the "elus ion that prevails rega rding Adam Smith ' s 2 m ?! P > asa , so tne writings o / tbosesho , together ! 5 r cr . Adam Smith , constitute < be BKafcrn school mff ileal Economists . " has been asserted throughout the * ^ ooiry , and i < yf ^ the waUs of parliament , ti > at ihe sub-$ 1 , ^ S Lts of lab o « r , comprised *« * bese Toh ' o - b —~ " * »» uuui , vu |* i |/ iiocu ¦— --
if , , e ln the princi ples of general COL " Berc ^ " ** oeeii so well and so full y considered a . ™ « cje l j ™ ? th 5 s lod ^ writers « thatthe vital « 6-**> <[ * 1 J , f ed aS a fiub J thoroug hly vad £ h * t 5 a $ * V ¥ - Writere and statesmen have as- " k * t * t ^ «> much confident assurance tbat Penj ; ° t * ? h ftB welfare of tlie who'e nation deotW i bcen EOme instances , made , and in advam . ^ *^ ' accordance with the principles u ^ nced by this school of Economists . 4 M ? £ ? i . , nWB -fctal delusion than that of placing tgirl ^ . FOficiency of this school , cannot be enter t » " « i , and we are hound to announce to you that a
A London Rookery.—By Day There Are The D...
deception ' of-the grossest character has been prac * tised qa the nation with regard to it . This assertion -we will prove , and the proof shall he derived from the leading Economists themselves , they having been-under the necessity , of admitting that the true characters of the main branches of the science of- Social Economy , have not been discovered by them . _ The proof which we will adduce first , is derived from the writings of Mr . M'Culloch , who , himself being a disci ple of Adam Smith , and acknowledging him as his leader and master , has , nevertheless , admitted , in a passage in the introductory part of his own work , that his master was very deficient . The following is the passage : —
However excellent in many respects , stiU it cannot be denied that there are errors , and those too of no slig ht importance 1 ; ia The Wealth of Nations ! ' Dr . Smith does not say that , in prosecuting such branches of industry as are mostadvantageous fc > themselves , individuals necessarily prosecute such as are , at the same time , nws'advantageous to tne public ; His leaning to the system of M . Quesnaya leaning perceptible in every part of his work— made him so far swerve from the sounder principles- of his own system , as to admit that the preference shown by individuals in fiivour of particular ' employments is not always a true test of their public advantageousriess . He considered agriculture , though not the only productive employment , as the most productive of any ; " the home trade as more
productive than a direct foreign trade ; and the latter than the carrying trade . It is clear , however , that these distinetions are all fundamentally erroneous . Perhaps , however , the principal defect of ' The Wealth of Nations' consists in the erroneous doctrines laid down with respect to the invariable value of corn , and the effect of fluctuations in wages and profits on prices , These have prevented Dr . Smith from acquiring clear aud accurate notions respecting the nature and causes of rent , and the laws which govern the rate of profit ; and have , in consequence , vitiated thefteoretical conclusions in those parts of hU Work wheh treat on the distribution of wealth and the principles of taxation . —Principles of Political Economy ; byJ . R . M-C « Uoc 1 i .
If you will examine carefully the foregoing extract , you cannot fail to discern how great those dcficiences are which the pupil alleges ngainst the master , for he declares him to have been ignorant ofthe true character and value , firstly , of home tiade ; secondly , of foreign trade ; and , thirdly , of the carrying trade between nations . A pretty extensive category of ignorance this is ; and then , in addition , he declares , that the master was not able to discover the lawa which govern the rate of profit . 3 fow , as all increase of wealth is comprehended by the term of profit , so , failing to discover and apprehend the cause of profit , is failing to dis-. cover and apprehend the whole subject ' of the -creation of wealth . Dhe next category -tff ^ kificiences , admitted by the schoolmen themselves , we derive from the writings of Mr . Malthus . They are comprised in thefollow-4 ng passage : — -
Since the era of these fiuttinguished writers , the subject 'has gradually attracted the-attention of a greater number of persons , particularly-during the last twenty-or thirty years . AU the main propositions of the scienceifaave been -examined , and the events-wiiich have since occurred , tending either to iEastrate-crxoafute them , have teen repeatedly discussed . The result of this examination and discussion seems to he , that-on some very important points there are stiU great differences of opinion . Among these , perhaps , may he reckoned , the definitions of wealth and of productive labonr—the'p . ature and measures- ©? value , the nature and-measures ofthe principles of demand and supply ; the origin -and progress of rent ; the » causes which practically -retard and 'limit the progress of wealth ; the level of the precious rnetals in difierent countries ; the principles of taxation , fcc . — Principles of-Political £ conomu ; hy T . JClfaltiius , edition 1836 , page 8 .
By these passages from the writings of Ma ' thus , containing his-Zaf £ t { judgment , -for thework has been published since Ms death , you will -see how much the writers on Political Economy have left for succeeding inquirers -to explore , to discover , and to explain to the world . The next evidence which we will adduce , is derived from thereeorded judgment of > a scientific and practical-statesman , one who , having attached himself to the'liberal . political party , before enterinu on public life in the House of Commons , devotod himself , with theCEdinburgh schoolmen , to an especial study of the science of Political Economy . We allude to'Francis Horner . He studied patiently afid-perseveringly Adam Smith ' s wort . He studied also thescience of Political Economy . The results of his-studies are communicated to usin the following passages ::
—- •" We'have heen jmsder the necessity < cf suspending our progress in tiie . perusal of' the Wealth ef Nations' on ac-- countof the insurmountable difficulties , obscurity and embarrassments in which the reasonings o ? the fifth chapter are involved . It-is amusing to recollect the history of one ' s r f ! eeIingson a matter of this kind . Manyyears ago , when 1 ifirstread 'the Wealthof Nations , ' tlie-whole of the first beok appeared to me as perspicuous as it was interesting and new . Some time afterwards , whildl lived in England . I attempted to-make nn abstract of Smith ' s nriiieipal iteasonings , but 1-was impeded by fhe'doctrine ol the real measure c / talue ,- « nd the distinction between nominal and ¦ real price ; thetfiseovery that I did notwiderstand Smith speedily led me to doubt whether Smith understood himself , and I thought-I saw that the price-of labour was the Eame sort of thins as the price of any-other commodity , but the discussion , was too hard for me ; and I fled to something more agreeable , because' more ^ easy . —Memoirs of / Francis Horner , itiL . 1 , page 163 .
There has beennoSung new verylatelyin theline of Politi-• eal Economy , though Brougham's workead Malthus ' s are a -great deal for oneyear . An indirect application was made -to me - to fiirnisli--a set of notes for a new edition of -Smith ' s * Wealth oflfations . ' This , of ; -course . I declined . because I have other things to attend tc : even if I had beenprepared for ^ Eueh an undertaking , which certainly : i am notyet , I shonld be reluctant to expose Smith ' s errors before his work has operated its full effect We owe much at present to the superstitions worship of Smith ' s name , ind we must not impair that feeling tiU the victory is more complete . There are few practical errore in the ' Wealth of Nations , atleast of any great consequence , and , until « e can give a correct and precise theory of the nature and orii ^ in of wealth , Iris popular , and plausible , and loose hvpo-- thesis is as good for the vulgar as any otter . —Menioirs of Francis Horner , tol ., l , page 229 .
The opinions just quoted are those of a man who «? as expressly educated as a scientific statesman , ^ nd who was introduced andreceivedjn Pa rliamen t * 7 ith this high character . flfou will not faihto mark the deep importance of his-words when he declares that a correct and pre-<&& . theory of Hie nature and ori gin of wealth , has not been discovered cither hy Adam Smiih or by any other member of the- school . tThe writer who has appeared last on . the stage of literature of those who are connectediinfluentiall y with the modern school of Political Economists , is He-John Stuart Mill ;; the work of this-writer having been very recentkr . presented to the -world . The estiimation in which " : iMr . Mill holds the work of Adam Smith—that wci-k which our most . influential and leading statesmen have of late declared to be all sufficient for guidkjg them in their most important courses of national 'law-making , is announced hy tfce > following words-.:
—The - ' --Wealth ot lotions * is in many parts obsolete , and , in allriaperfect . Political Economy , properly , so called , has grown up almost from mfancy since tlie time , of Adam Smith ; : cnd the philosophy of society , from which practically thateminent thinker never separated his more peculiar theme , though still in a xery early stage of its-progress , has advanced many steps beyond the point at which he left it—Principlesof Political Economy , by John Sttxtf ilVl , toLl , preface , p . 5 . Such are the proofs we have to lay befose the working men of this nation respecting the assumed discoveries . and the doings < if this highly vaunted school . That which the whole . people have been , exhorted to admire and to adopt , is admitted te be nothing better than " a popular , plausible , and loose hypothesis , " but although of this worthless character , it as , nevertheless pronounced to be" aa good for the vulgar as any eiher . "
Many more euch proofs might be adduced , bat , we have adduced sufficient You will now see how urgent the necessity is for renewed and more skiliful investigation da this important ^ eld Of sciencea field of iniquiry-in which the deadest interests of yeurselves and yocr families , of eveaw family of the nation , and indeed . of the whole wield , are comprised . Xhe great and aijgent question then is—What shall we do ? What practical eoasse can be adopted ? In reply te this question we answer as follows : —We enjoin sou , in the first fUnce , to examine . well , and consider maturely , the tew suggestions , asd the declarations contained in this address .
Enough hS presented in itio lead your minds to a solemn consideration of those princi p les , -aad that course of social action , which conduce , on Sue one hand , to the elevation , and , . en the other hasd , to ithe depression , ofthe interests of those who hsse to lire by their - labour . Be prepared to g ive us effectual support for securing , before a competent tribunal , a full examination and discussion of ihe mighty subject . We , on our parts , will be prepared to adduce evidence , and to submit argument , in accordance with tbe declarations contained . in this address . This we solemnly promise you . But then this evidence , and this argument , must- be submitted to those who alone ean give to them practical influence and effect when they are bo established . "We mean those statesmen to whom the power of governing the nation is entrusted .
It is generally seen and admitted that tbe governing principle and power of our country areTat the present juncture of onr national affairs , in a position of lamentable instability , which could not be if the principle were true , and the power broadly and deeply founded . ' The predominating influence and power of aristocratic government having prevailed for a lengthened period , are now passed away . The aristocratic part having raised tbe structure of its government upon the ancient constitutional principles , departed from
these principles , introduced corruption , and is now deposed . The predominating influence and power of the middle classes of tbe nation are acknowledged and accepted at the present time . This party having introduced , as principles of general social action , the meanest incentives and motives that can anin / ate the human mind , namely , the free and full act / on of unenlightened self-interest—the unqualified h' * v « of wealth and the gratification of this love —the a 'ceumnlative principle of social action instead of the d ^ tNuutive— their political philosophy being of a chars . ^ k' wholly mercantile—is now impaired and degradt ^ by tt > P conflicting operation of those
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courseS'vrhich'itrsets'ih motion and ; stimulates . , This ; power also is in a ' condition to be rejected . ' let us ,: then , be prepared . " You' he prepared to g ive us all necessary support in a temperate , firm , and constitutional manner , —at all times remembering that in undertaking to argue arid to-treat of our own rights and interests , we , must , necessarily , argue and treat also of the rights and interests of others . ¦'¦ . 'We , on our part , will bo ready to show your rights , both in a manner and in substance , not hitherto attempted . Resting our case on its right foundations , and submitting it in the good shape of calm and dispassionate reasoning ; tHere will not be wanting to us zealous ' and honourable advocates both withiu the walls of Parliament and without them , by whose aid and full and fair hearing , followed by a just judgment , will be ensured us . If , then , your judgments approve ofthe views and declarations we have now submitted to it will
you , be your duty to " give an ardent support to the cause in every sphere where your influence may be exerted and felt , and on every fitting opportunity . Moreover , you must be resolute in demanding that wo be heard . ThU heariag will , we feel assured , lead to convincement in the eases of those whom we desire and require to convince ; and convincement , as far as it can be made to extend , will lead to the recognition and adoption of that just national policy , and of action in accordance , with this policy , which constitutes the only remedy for those terrific social evils that so many labouring members of our country have to feel and deplore , Signed on behalf of the Delegates , — Jons Segrkvb , President . Augustus E . Delaforcr , Secretary , 10 , North Square , Portman-place , Globe-road Mile-end . Committee Room , St . Andrew Coffee House , 82 , High Holborn , London , April 11 th , 1850
L&Rltfs?, 1s50. -Mats ^Hiehnbflfhlsn Sta...
l & RltfS ? , 1 S 50 . -MATS ^ HiEHNBflfHlSN STAR . , ^_ . __^ . __ , ^~^ 7
National Reform Association. Public Conf...
NATIONAL REFORM ASSOCIATION . PUBLIC CONFERENCE . In pursuance of the recommendation of a meeting of reformers held in the City of London on Thursday , Dec . 20 th , 1849 ( Sir -Joshua Walmslcy , M . P ., in the chair ) , to hold a conference of the friends of reform from all parts of the kingdom , the Conference commenced on Tuesday in Crosby Hall , Bishopsgate-street , at eleven o ' clock . The objects of the Conference were to receive reports from delegates in reference to the progress of the reform movement , to devise means of carrying out with promptitude and vigour the objects of the association , and to complete the arrangements for realising
the fund of £ 10 , 000 required for the present year a operations . The large hall was very numerously attended , and amongst those assembled were no less than 130 delegates from different parts of the kingdom . On the platform were many distinguished reformers including Mr . Oebden , M . P ., Mr . Hume , M ; P ., Colonel Thompson , M . P ., Mr . George Thompson , M . P ., Mr , W-. J . Fox , M . P ., Mr . J . Kershaw , M . P ., Lord Dudley 'Coutts Stuart , M . P ., Mr . Feargus O'Connor , M . P ., Mr . J . Williams , M . P ., Mr . L . Hey worth ,. M ; i » ., Mr . J : B . Smith , M . P ., Mr . B . Wilcox , M . P ., the Sheriff of Norwich , the Hig h Bailiff of Southwark , Admiral Gordon ,
Sir . J . Wa & xisLET , president of the association , having been called upon to take the chair , commenced the proceedings by saying ; 'Gentlemen , — In accordance with your wishes I do not hesitate to take the chair and briefly to explain the objects for which , we are assembled . In doing so it is necessary I should-state that this conference ean only consist of those members who vote with Mr . Hume on his motion for an amendment of the national representation , the members ofthe council 'of the National Association , gentlemen appointed by associations who have adopted the principles of the National Association , and such other gentlemen as may have been in-vlted by the executive committee , and who attend in their individual capacitv . As you are
aware , -we are not here for the purpose of deciding cponthe nature and extent ofthe measures of parliamentary reform which we niiall seek to attainthat question is already determined . There is , therefore , happily , no occasion , and no room for controversy on matters of principle . Our deliberations and our discussions will have reference to practical measures for carrying oat a . previously adopted and generally accepted . scheme of representative improvement . Little more than a year has passed since this association , then -conlined to the metropolis , entered upon its important labours . Since thtitperiod it has extended " the sphere of its . exer" tions to the kingdom at large , and has assumed a name corresponding with its designs . As a national
r . sssciation it has sought to awaken and arouse the energies of reformers in all > parts of the country ; andtf have the gratification Of announcing thatthe meetings which have been held'have been one ofthe most animated and enthusiastic character , and have , without a single exception , > been unanimous in their approval of the -objects of the association , your first act will , I apprehend , be the appointment of a committee to report to the conference such resolutions as will becaleulated to bring the more important subjects -for' discussion under immediate notice , and also to -report a list of officers to-superintend and record your proceedings . The council desire you to express , in the most unreserved manner , your opinionsof their past conduct .
Whilst convinced of our own sincerity and zeal , we lay no claim to infallibility , and are prepared to profit by the suggestions and animadversions of those who are hero to consult for the interest of ourcommon cause . In the name of the council , therefore , I invite you to the exercise ofthe utmost freedom of speech . The opportunity has been afibi-ded us of testing , with tolerable accuracy , the sentiments of our countrymen = in the several parts of -the kingdom ( with the exception of Ireland ) , and -of taking to some extent ithe verdict of the agricultural , as well as of the mercantile , trading , and artisan classes of the community . The result , in all-cases , has been one and the same . It has been a deliberate judgment of approval of our Sfdinmn nnd a nnvHinl nffinp . nf nnnnnnl n ,. nn » .. i
We-have found tbe industrial classes—and I speak it te-their praise—disposed to concede , in favour of this movement , the urgisg of 'their more extreme views , convinced of the value of ours , as embodying a scheme of broad , practical , and peaceful reform . We have also found men , of "hitherto measured : and cautious views on the subject of the extension of the suffrage , opon ; to reason and conviction , and inclined to admit , after a candid development of the case , that we ask no more than is required to purge the system of those abuses which have entailed upon the country so many flagrant evils , and have made our elections anything rather than that which they-should be the
, expression of the popular mind and will . I need not say onrefforts have been directed 'to the maintenance of the principle of : free trade , in its most enlarged sense , and for our encouragement we have found where the resolute defenee of those principles has been Halted to a fearless revelation of the abuses of our financial system , and an exhibition of the injustice to the millions , by the absence of all equity in the mode of distributing taxation , we have invariably found ihe farmers and labouring agriculturists ready to ¦ enlist under our banner , ana to proceed from the foint of free trade to the advanced post of cheap government , and an equal imposition of fiscal burdens . In resoect to overt or ' active
opposition , we have none . We have everywhere been permitted to walk over the course , yet lam bound to siiy , that we have found the supporters and dependents of the party in power inert , irresolute , or discontented with what they are pleased to ¦ describe as the unoettling tendency of our movement . The cause which principally ' -operates to iprevent the rapid and universal support , by vigorous efforts , of the oljijects we have in view , is , one which we cannot contemplate without unmixed satisfaction , and one which , not even for Ihe sake of achieving eur end , would we disturb , or desire to lessen . I refer to the now very general employmentand comparativel y comfortable circumstances ofthe producing classes . It is , indeed , enough to
reconcile us to the somewhat slow progress of a cause universally admitted ib y those classes to be a good one that the reason wc have them not at present , in ( the majesty of their millions , flocking to our standard is , that they are reaping , in the shape of constant employment , cheap bread , and domeatic comfort , ( the benefits of thoee great movements —the repeal « f the Corn Laws , and the removal of the restrictions upon commerce- —in which most of those whom I address had an honourable share ; and that , while in this condition , ihey find something more immediately profitable and more congenial to their feelings and habits than the work of political agitation . If for this cause our progress should be slower , it will at the same
time be safer , and we must all join in the hope that the time is far distant when the chief stimulus to agitation will be idleness and the unsatisfied cravings of hunger . Notwithstanding the drawback to which I have referred , it may be said that there never waa any public question , involving a corresponding measure of reform , which had more universally , or more unequivocally , the assent of the enlightened people of this country . We have only therefore to pursue a steady and a faithful course , to see our objects in due time attained . I have now , gentlemen , to approach a subject on which it is absolutely necessary I should bo frank and explicit . Should you approve of the past proceedings of
embody , and give us encouragement to proceed in the work to which we have put our hands , I trust you will also aid us with your counsel as to the best means of giving to that bod y what is essential to their existence , " The sinews of war . " The funds which have enabled us thus far , with even more success than we ventured to anticipate , have been contributed by a very limited number , and those principally connected with the metropolis . Our treasurer , who is not only the conscientious trustee Of our funds , but one ofthe most willing and liberal contributors to the fund which he disburses , will tell you tbat our supplies from the provinces have a ? yet been comparatively small . This w do not
National Reform Association. Public Conf...
name jn th 6 , . \ vay ; of Jcomplamt , as we have arways looked forward to this conference as the suitable time / . fpr , the consideration of pecuniary aid from the provinces , . -I fed ; ho , delicacy : mibrittgmgihis . subject before you , because as men of business you will have foreseen its necessity as a matter of paramount practical importance . The measure of our exertions and success will be in some degree determined b y the meas ' ure of the liberality of our friends throughout the ^ couritiy . " . 'I hiive every confidence that we shall not separate without , a committee ol the whole house ,, devising tho- ways and means for prosecuting the measures we have before us . I now leave the cause of national reform in your hands , and
beg you to accept my assurances that I shall ever be individually anxious in the humblest capacity to be a zealous co-worker with those who are honestly labouring to secure the people ' s rights , and the upright and just government of this great emp ire . Mr . Parry proposed a resolution ,. " That a committee of seven gentlemen be appointed to arrange the business of the conference , to whom all papers and resolutions sbould bo submitted at the close of each day ' s sitting . The committee to consist of the following gentlemen : —J . H . Tillett , Norwich ; R . Walters , Newcastle ; N . A . Wilkinson , treasurer to the association ; — Watkinson ; C . Walker , Rochdale ; R , Heywood , Bolton ; William Biggs , Leicester . "
Col . Thompson seconded the resolution . He congratulated them on tho fact that the government seemed disposed to yield a little towards the principles of this association . Though not at present very earnest . in their views respecting the cause of financial and parliamentary reform , they had betrayed a willingness tofollow In the rear when they felt that sufficient power and argument had ;; ono before them .- They were not the light troops which took the lead , but the heavy horse that kept up the
rear . ( Hear , and laughter . ) Many intelligent men who were formerl y of opposite opinions were now going in the right direction to support the cause ! Reform was now a fashionable saying . There was no peril in it . The very tories were reformers . They must be reformers for fashion ' s sake . ( Hear , hear . ) He had always been a staunch advocatefor religious freedom to its utmost extent . He should be sorry to hear anybody say he had wounded the feelings of persons opposed to him ; but he must say there was at , this moment a : schism of most awful
import . One half of our national church appeared to be on the march back to papistry . Proofs of this were to be seen in all directions , lie was glad , however , to think that the largest and most powerful body , the evangelical sect , were . with them . Mr . Hume then rose to support the resolution , and was received with enthusiastic cheering , said , he had always found fault with the manner in wliich our legislative body , in the House of Commons was constituted . Its tendency was to support class interests and not to confer benefits upon the community at large . ( Hear , hear . ) It was the result of the power enjoyed by our aristocracy . They considered ; it their patrimony ; and their idea was , that they were born to be fed and supported by the
community . ( Hear , hear . ) He highl y approved of the principles on which this association was conducted . It was only by joining financial and parliamentary agitation that that great measure , of reform in 1830 was effected . They must look to measures , not to men . : ( Hear , hear . ) He had no hesitation in saying that he had generally acted with the Whigs , but he had always supported a constitutional government . He was perfectly satisfied with that form of government which comprehended Queen , Lords , and Commons ; but he protested against a system which enabled one body of the legislature to assume those honours which the other ou » ht to engross . ( Hear , hear . ) He did not wish to interfere with the Lords , but he objected to their
assuming the powers which ought only to be exercised by the Commons . Every man who contributed towards the taxation of the country ought to have , directly or indirectly , a voice in the election of members to serve in parliament . In order to prove to them how necessary it was to persevere in their present endeavours , he woitfd mention to them that in the year 1821-22 there was great distress amongst the landed interest of the country but incredible as it might appear , after every effort was made to alleviate that distress , not a single motion was carried to reduce the expenses of public establishments . In that year corn fell to 35 s „ and at length an amendment was adopted ; declaring that all tho institutions in the country should he inquired'into ,
and all expenses reduced which were found to press heavily upon the finances ofthe nation . Years had elapsed since that period , and they were now falling back into their then state , because the people had no power in the conduct of thcr own affiiirs . ( Hear , hear . ) ; The exposure of the condition ofthe country , which was continued up to the year 1830 , had produced the-Reform Bill , and tbe exertions of this association would in time lead to similar practical results . As regarded the present Prime Minister he must say tbat he had always respected him for the part he took in respect to the Test and Corporation Acts , and also for the support he gave to the Lancasterian system of education . Fori his conduct upon those points , and also for the course pursued by his father , the Duke of Bedford , he should always entertain a respect for him . As for the little contradictions which he occasionally indulged in , they were the result of thepressuro of the times .
William Pitt declared that an angel from heaven could not govern the country under the state of things which existed daring his time ; and the same might bo said at the present . Lord John Russell ' s heart was honest , but he was compelled to keep his situation . ( Laughter and cheers . ) He eongratelated them upon the progress they were making . What he desired to « ee effected was an extension of the suffrage to every man who had been registed to his domicile for a given period , so that all classes in the country should be able to carry out their opinions , whatever they might be . He also thought that the duration of parliament ought not to exceed three years . He might not live to see the day when the reformfl they wore now endeavouring to accomplish wouid be brought into action , but the younger men , who were now commencing their career , would profit b y the exertions they were now making . ( Cheers , )
Mr . € obden came forward and said , that he was compelled to attend a committee in the House of Commons , but he had attended there to show his respect for the gentlemen who were present . He ' begged , however , to'inform them , that he should have the pleasure of saying a few words to them tomorrow . Lord D . D . Stuart congratulated the association upon one of the most important meetings which had ever assembled , and one which every man must be proud to be present at . Their object was to reduce the burdens of the people , and to place the system upon a more ijust and equitable footing . In the year
1833 Mr . Cobbett demonstrated , by a series of resolutions , that the taxation of this country pressed upon the poor man forty times more than upon the rich man . ( Hear , hoar . ) It was under such-a state of laws as Mr . < Jobbetfc pointed out that they were now living , and such laws the Financial and Parliamentary Association were determined to get rid of . Their object was to have the public taxation reduced to moderate limits , and to cause it to bo placed upon a just footing . They would not carry their object until the people were fairl y represented , as the only way of securing financial reform was by obtaining in the first instance parliamentary reform . ( Cheers : )
Mr . W . J . Fox expressed his entire concurrence in the social revolution which was now going on in this country—a revolution ( he said ) sought to be carried out without bloodshed or plunder—a revolution which would raise to their proper position the intellectual and moral aristocracy ofthe empire . It was not birth or wealth , but ability to govern , « nd integrity to govern rightly , which were the true qualifications to fit a man for a seat in the House of Legislature . The constitution ought to be so modelled as to enable the working men to sit side by side with those cliques which had hitherto governed the country . As regarded the benefits conferred b y the state upon persons who rendered services to the public . Mr . Fox observpd
that < they were not bestowed upon those who were reall y entitled to them . Why should Lord Clanricsi'de become the master of ' Rowland Hill , who had propounded the grand scheme for the reform of ihe postage ? It was because the system was to ma & e the poorer men of this country subuervient to ihe rich , and this was the system which the present association were endeavouring to alter . lie was deli ghted to have the opportunity of seeing sueli a meeting as was there gathered together , and he wished notfcing better than that there should be a phrenologist pment who could fchow , that even in that room there were the materials arid the germs
of regeneration in the land . Tho hon . gentleman then set down amidst the loudest applause . Sir Joshua Walms & ey then called upon the secretary , Mr . Beggs , to' read the report , of the business committee recommending the adoption of certain resolutions , appointing a president , a vice-president , and a secretary , proposing fifteen minutes as the limit to each speaker , and an adjournment of the mooting that day at four o ' clock until ten o ' clock this morning , when the business was to ho continued until five o ' clock p . m . Tlie meeting unanimously agreed to tho report , and the resolutions contained therein .
Sir Joshua Walmslet , wliowas appointed hy the meeting to . act as president , then returned thanks lor their expression of the confidence which tiiey had in him . Mr . Keksiiaw , M . P ., for Stockport , then proposed the first resolution , to the effect : — " That this conference ,, convened for . the purpose of concerting the best means of carrying out the princi ples and objects of the National Reform Association feels it incumbent at tho commencement of the proceedings to express its . strong sense ofthe necessity of parliamentary and financial reform , its satisfaction at the progress already made in extending the operation * ofthe association , and its approba-
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tion ofthe measures , adopted by . the council to that end .,. If „ further . declares it conviction : that , as ; a properly , instructed and well-directed public opinion is fully competent to effect , any change that the , circumstance of the country may require , ; the work of reform in all instances rests with the great body ofthe people ; and therefore the conference invites every class of reformers , and those connected with the various political and financial ; reform associations , to become members ofthe National Reform Association , and in every suitable way aid its operations . " iHe felt no difficulty whatever in proposing such a resolution as that to a body of English reformers , and in congratulating them on the present aspect of their affairs . Tho first word that Mr .
Fox said to him on entering the meeting was that he liked their faces , and then he ( Mr . Kershaw ) stated that he felt tho same impression . Tho resolution said that they were met for the purpose of adopting the best means of carrying out the principles and objects of tho National Reform Association . These princip les and objects had been explained to them by that veteran reformer , Mr . Hume , to whom tho nation owed an extraordinary debt of gratitude , ; for he during a great number of years , and through good and evil report , had steadily , perscverindv , and constantly advanced the
great principles which they were . met to promote . ( Cheers ) All thoy asked for what was that the people should be fairly represented , that they should have what is called household suffrage , should be able to send to parliament men who were capable of conducting their public business , and should have a vote by ballot , a protection which , was greatly needed in this country . His observations had led him to conclude that the ballot was essential to the liberties of this country . On all occasions he had voted for it , as he had done for all measures which he thought tended to the liberty of . the country .
Mr .. Lawrence Heywortii , M . P . for Derby , in seconding the resolution , said that of all tho instances which marked the glorious times in which he . lived , there was nothing on which they congratulated themselves with more reason than tho fact that they were able to meet in such large numbers without arms , peaceably to work for the remedy of evils which they laboured under . They were not now , as formerly , compelled , when they had any great public burthen to relieve themselves of , to meet armed in large numbers to' c 6 ntest with violence for . the attainment of their ri ghts . Thank God they could now meet the cannon at its mouth without arms . The power of armies was impotent when matched against reason and determined
intellect . ( Cheers ;) There meeting there to-day from all parts of England argued that they were in ear nest . Their great end and object wiis not merely to procure changes in the government , but it was through that instrumentality to obtain a remission of taxation . Their intention was not : merely to remove burthens which , were disagreeable to them , but to extend their commerce , so that every labouring man inthe country should find employment , and be well remunerated . They should look to their taxation and discover the mode in which it was to be lightened . . Mr . Hume told them he did not wish to see property rendered insecure . He joined with Mr . Hume in that desire , for it was the ' security of property that gave stability to society ; but , at the
same time he'd id not see why the property of the poor man should not be considered of as much importance to him as the property of the rich man was to him . ( Cheers . ) By these laws , they were putting their hands into the poor man ' s pocket , and robbing him of his hard-earned wages . It was said they must maintain a revenue for the purpese of supporting the army and navy , but he would answer that a change could be made in the system which would , enable them to dispense with the army and navy , altogether . The national debt afforded another strong ground of objection , and it was doubted whether the people would pay the intereston the national debt b y means of direct taxation . He was of opinion that , if the people investigated the thing , and found that the debt was a just one , such w ; is their honesty , that they would be moat willing to pay the interest on it by direct taxation .
The hon . gentleman was proceeding , when the chairman told him that he had gone beyond the time allotted to each speaker . He accordingly sat down , having given his cordial approval of the resolution which he had the honoar to second . : : Mr . J . Williams , M . P . for Macclesfield , then spoke to the resolution , and congratulated the meeting on being able to call forth the opinion of tlie country in favour of one ofthe best measures that was ever proposed for the benefit of the people , in such a manner as to fill so largo a room with delegates from all parts of England , for the promotion of the objects of the Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . He concluded by saying that he would do every thing in his power to forward the views of tho association , and he promised tbe people ol this country that they could command his services , and rely on him without distrust .
. ' The resolution was then put and unanimously carried . Mr . G . Dawson , of Birmingham , then proposed the second resolution , to the effect : — " That in order to instruct , arouse , and concentrate public opinion upon practical measures , it is desirable that the council should employ as many lecturers as the funds may enable them to command , to visit various districts with the view of bringing before the people the principles and objects of the association , of forming local cohimitteea in connexion with the association , organising a machinery for enrolling members , and otherwise promoting the principles and objects of the association ; and , as special efforts already made in some of the farming districts have
been attended with signal success , it will be well for the council to direct j-art of its labours specially to the agricultural districts . " He had no choice in taking this resolution , as it savoured too much of the profession . He himself was a lecturer , and he could not join in the cant that was raised against that profession , whether it came from parsons or from prophets ; who spoke against them either because they thought that they were interfering with them , or because they did not feel themselves capable of doing what the lecturers did . There were now several organisations in which the people did not believe , but be hoped that they could organise something in which the people did believe . There were religious organisations in which no man
believed , there was a House of Commons which no man cared about . ( Cheers . ) There still existed a series of things in which the people once had faith , but which were now supported , though nobody believed in them . He wished to hoar an end of the 10 th of April talk which was often heard about protection to property . His opinion was , that property would always take care of itself when it was weli managed . He wanted an organisation-politico in which the people did believe—an outward form of inward faith ; what might be called an " outward rendering of real inward reality . " There existed many institutions in this country at which the people laughed privately , and which they pretend to reverence in public . In the hope that the
resolution which he had m his hand would tend to bring their ways more near their thinking , he would give it his most hearty support . He particularly liked tho latter part of the resolution , because he believed that they had something to do for the farmers . He did not like to hear tho talk that was generally used against them , because they were a very good sort of fellows when they eame to be known . What they must do with the ¦¦ farmer was this , they must have them away from their clergy , and a set cf men whom they considered to be their hereditary property . They had their Stanhops , their Spooners , their Ashleys , and their Newdegates . These were the men who were considered to bo the farmers friends . The men he wanted to go down to them to advise them , were men without antecedents , men who could not have it thrown in their teeth that they were traitors like Peel , or a Manchester cotton lord like Golden . ( Cheers and laughter ) Thev should
bring them to believe in their errors , and they should tell them that they would certainly he ruined under the present change , unless they contracted their expenses , extended their agricultural operations , had their rents diminished , and their taxes lowered . ( Hear and cheers . ) He would not have them deceived in any way . If they wished to do anything , their only plah was to join the Reformers in diminishing the expenses and increasing tho powers ofthe people . He had been visiting the farmers lately . One of them said that he was brought to that state , that for the purpose of annoying the people ofthe towns who had injured him he would lower the wages of his labourers to six shillings per week . To that he ( Mr . Dawson ) replied , that he hoped that if he did he would soon find himself burned in his bed , and showed him the absurdity of reveng ' ng himself on the inhabitants ofthe towns by causing conflagrations throughout the country . ( Hear . ) s
Mr . Tillett , from Norfolk , seconded the resolution . Mr , HouonioN , of Upton , near Aylesbury , spoke in favour of the resolution . He said that some of the faces around him brought to his recollection the time when he lent his assistance in carrying the repeal of the corn laws . He did not think that tliey had taken a retrograde step on that occasion . h very thing that he had seen , and everything that had occurred since that time strengthened him in the opinion that it was the best policy that England could have taken , He would , however , beg to say , that he , as he believed himself io be , was
one of the largest occupiers of land in the kingdom , and he was not prepared to accept tho repeal ol the corn laws , and to go on with the present system of taxation . ( Cheers . ) He wanted not only free trade in corn , but free trade in everything else . He meant not only that they and tho country at large should go to the very best market that they could get , but they should go to it without the exciseman . ( Cheers . ) He was not only for free trade , but for free trade carried out to its fullest extent . He would now repeat what he had often said before , that it was impossible for a man to grow wheat at a low price , and have an extra *
National Reform Association. Public Conf...
ordinary amount of taxation . 'While he stated this he was preparedto ' stand for many of the institutions-of his country . ^ he wasTeady to support his sovereign and the House of . Lords ^ ' ahd it was to save them both that he now called on then to yield to the just demands of the'peop le . ( Cheu 3 . ) Havingalluded to the present limited' state ol tlie franchise in England and Ireland , Mr . Houg bton concluded by saying that their intelligence , niauatry , and perseverance would secure their success . The resolution was then put and carried . Mr . Parry , who was delegated to attend by the inhabitants of Norwich , moved the next resolution , to the effect : — " That in order more fully to awnken and direct the reform feeling , it is expedient that the council should continue from time to time to issue
such tracts and publications , embodying the principles of the association , or pointing out specific p lans of action , as may appear to them useful and necessary . " He repudiated tho attacks of-those who called them Socialists and Red Republicans , and said that they were met there for the purpose of obtaining their just rights in a peaceable manner , and concluded by ' observing that it would go'forth to the world that thoy had fulfilled their important mission , the result of which must bo final success . [ Cheers . ) Mr . Walteus , from Newcastle , then seconded the resolution . _"' . '„ „ . . Hamlets
Mr G Thompson , M . r ., for the-Towcr , said that he begged extremly hard to be excused irom addressing the meeting , on account of extreme indisposition , but ho could not refrain from offering a few observations on so important an occasion . He congratulated the meeting upon the encouraging nature of the circumstances under which they had met . It seemed to him that thoy hild onlytobo steadfast in their cause , and to go on working wisely and temperately inculcating their principles on the public mind , and they would ultimately place themselves in a position which would , rendi-r ifc impossible for any power within the state to concrol them . He recommended the people not to be led astray at the hustings by the ambiguous generalities of the great majority of candidates , but to send m men to parliament who sympathised with them . He repudiated the notion that the people should be
taxed for the support of an idle aristocracy . 1 hey were p lundered to the extent often millions a year for the support of the church establishment . They had also to pay six or seven millions for the support of men who strutted on the quarter deck in vessels belong ing to what they call her Majesty ' s navy ; Thoy also paid an immense sum for the support of men who did nothing but exhibit the skill of tailors by walking about the streets like animated clothes pegs , and who pretended to scorne their betters in the fustian jackets . And the fact was that at the present moment , they had patrician pauperism and Belgraviiin mendicancy supported by what was taken from the pocket of the poor but honest man . Having alluded to the corruption , subornation , dishonesty , and debauchery which take place at elec « tions now-a-days , and the little good that was effected by the Reform Bill , the hon . gentleman closed his speech , it being announced that it was four o ' clock .
The conference then adjourned to the morning
WEDNESDAY . Tho second sitting of the conference took place this day at Crosby Hall , at ten o clock , wherein in pursuance of the request of the chairman , the various delegates proceeded to address the meeting on the subject of . the political feeling of their respective districts . Mr . William Biggs , of Leicester , who said that the feelings in favour of reform entertained in Leicester , were strong and perfectly healthy , the men for the most part concurring with all the views of the Reform Association . He suggested that the conferences should be held annually as a means of holding united the Democratie parties throughout England , and complained that the City of London had been less ready , in taking up' the great
questions of political reform than many other cities ot England . He did not wish to see it become to this country what Paris was to France ; yet he hoped that , at least in the present movement , Loudon would take up the position which belonged to it as the great metropolis of the land and of the world . Mr . Adams , of . Derby , declared that the people of the city to which ho belonged , had warmly embraced the principles of National : Reform , and would proceed whether or not they received the support of the Whig administration . The Chartists there had not abandoned the principle of Universal Suffrage : but as the means of attaining their
ultimate designs , they gave the present movement their most hearty . support . Mr . M'Gbatii , of Dublin , said that as a friend to reform , he had come to the meeting , but was delegated by no public body ; he was certain that under more favourable auspices they would hud no warmer supporters than the Irish . Rut that country was then in a state of degradation , humiliation , and prostration , from no fault of its own , but owir . g to the successive misfortunes under which it unhapp ily laboured . Mr . H . Lewis , and Mr . Addisou of Stroud , Mr . Whitwall ofPeterborough , Mr . Tuwaites of Southwark , Mr . Gilpin , and Mr . Wade , addressed the Conference .
The Chairman . called on Mr . Oohden , whom ha introduced as the most useful and practical m ;< n of the age , who had accomplished greater measures of usefulness than any man of modern times , and had brought up to the working man the blessings of plenty and cheapness . Mr . Cobdkn , who was enthusiastically received , said he believed ho was not wrong in assuming chat the gentlemen before him had come to London from their several localities because they were dissatisfied with the proceedings of the House of Commons . ( Hear , hear . ) They thought a large majority of the house was not doing all the things it ought to do , and that they , did a great many things they ought not to do . ( Cheers and laaghter . ) He believed
they were of opinion that the house was not going as fast as it could iu the right direction , and that in many cases it was not going there at al ) . ( Cheers , ) After the votes he had recorded and the motions he had made , he should be a very insincere representative of his constituents , and a very great hypocrite indeed , ifho did not agree with them in that opinion . The result of the divisions which had taken place in the house had . given him precisely the same notion , ( Cheers and a laugh . ) He and thoy mi g ht be wrong in that opinion , and mi g ht be in error in wishing certain things to be done , but he should be a very great hypocrite if he did not thank them for assembling to support the minority of the House of Commons and to enable them to accomplish the object
they had in view . ( Cheers . ) He assumed they were of opinion they could get abetter House of Commons if the people had a larger control over the representation . The theory of the constitution was that the House of Commons represented the people . It was that which was peculiar to them among the nations of Europe . If , then , they found in many cases that it was a complete sham , delusion , and fraud , they would be traitors to the principles of the constitution if they did not endeavour to make the house represent the people . They were anxious for greater economy in the administration of the affairs of state . ( Cheers . ) There the theory of the constitution was with them again , and they must be traitors to it if they did not believe the
people were tho best guardians of the people ' s purse . In opposition to all who denied that a fair representation of the people would give us-a more economical government , he maintained that all experience showed such would bo the result in the administration of the people ' s affairs . He would take the case of the three countries in which the people had the lurgest influence—the United States , Switzerland , and Norway—and he pointed to them as tho models of modern times for the wise , prudent , and economical administration of-financial affairs , ( Hear hear . ) A greeing in all these points , and there was scarcely a rational man could object to theni , they had assembled there to lay the foundations for effecting a change in the representation
that would give them a better government and a more economical administration of affairs . ( Cheers . ) There was no royal road to change in the affairs of this country . Any one who dreamt that anv great moral change could be effected by violent meansby a fight in the streets—by any means but bv arduous continued labour , was not worthy of joining with them . ( Hear , hear . ) They thought to effect their change by moral means alone ; but he asked them to look around and see what me ; uis were at their command . No change had been made since 1833 , when Sir Robert Peel raised the cry of "Register ! register ! " at a time when his party were in a most miserable condition . The whole source of political power in . this country sprang
from tho registration court ; and , if thoy would effect any change , it must be made by means of those courts now , as in 1833 . The first object to which they must direct their attention was to act on the registration of electors by mean ' s of local bodies . Let them , when they returned home , form associations for the purposes of registration . If they did so , and paid some attention to registration matters , it would g ive them a title to a voice in the election of a candidate to represent them in parliament . He knew of no other way in which they could obtain a title to the same ri ght could not be effected by a be done by local means , uiriui uicir enorts imi iui i
comu anu to persevere in theregistratiSh not merely in the boroughs this ; they mustregisteiMn t must infuse more of the country constituencies by the holds . Ihe country would carrying oit the work \>^ to do so by means on prided themselves , and w concussions which were so abroad-namel y , moral means alone . They boastad themselves as being able , whether from long pisotice or coldness of temperament , to hold a great and exciting public n . eetmg , and then go home and |
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 27, 1850, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_27041850/page/7/
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