On this page
- Departments (2)
-
Text (8)
-
BV 0AE I FOR THE CHAR PER ! "Onwards we conquer—backwaid, and we fall."
-
5"0 THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS. ift ]3«.oved...
-
//^A-sC^ Ck^^t^- J ^c^c^tJ-^emkLv j/ &^i...
-
' ' ¦ .. - . -. M ^ —^ ^ ^—MM^—^—^^ . . ...
-
CHARTIST CONVENTION
-
The extraordinary meeting of Chartist de...
-
- -..-. . ' f. sthat tha people should a...
-
It 4r* ^^ vT _ \ «• ^4 .. ^=*
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Bv 0ae I For The Char Per ! "Onwards We Conquer—Backwaid, And We Fall."
BV I FOR THE CHAR PER ! "Onwards we conquer—backwaid , and we fall . "
AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL , - i
5"0 The Imperial Chartists. Ift ]3«.Oved...
5 " 0 THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS . ift ] 3 « . oved Fjuesbs , —Thia ia Christrnw-dav , tiioliolidaj forme , fiewever , the work tnat I Hrc to perforin is of so cheering a nature , that I nader itu a valuable Christmas-box—more -valu-Witii & n anything you could have conferred upon 3 ' It is the work of praising you to yourselves . In the ' outset I wisn y ° u not many happy returns of ^ day as many of you -will spend , but I wish you \ any sacu happy Christmases as I hope and trust , („ store for you ; and now to my subject . Have „ ihous bt of the point where oppression and ^
tflsnny stopped Chartism in 1842 ? Have you tkoos Ut of tne many who have since deserted ns , asd who , to palliate their own treachery , have never .. j ^ d their endeavour to sow confusion in our j ^ niii ? Have you thought of the intermediate p rtgparitj—more prosperity than within the same time was ever known in Britain ? Ilave you thought ofvour own apathy , caused by a roaring trade and the laws intimidation ? And have you , when reficctiug upon those things , ever thought that Charj-au was dead ? And when you learned that its bitterest foes , the Whigs , had returned to office , did
^ oar spirits shrink within you at the notion that it was a visitation , a malison , a curse upon your j , fads , a triumph to mark your littleness ? And have you read and heard of the magical manner in which ( jjiartism , with all those odds and false appearances against it , has risen from its slumber , and once more knocked the presumptuous monster in the head ? Oh , mighty people ! who , but oue short fortnight since , would have imagined that the slumbering masses could have been more easily summoned to action than wakeful and ever-grasping Toryism , than watchful and ever-ready Whiggism ? Did you nut imagine that the machinery , so long unused , Lad become rusty , and would require some lime to
put it into working order ? Who would have ever thought , who could have ever , thought , that in eight and forty bonis after writs were issued to thirty of the most important Chartist towns , that the response would have been a delegate from each , testifying the resolution of their constituents to maiv-h onwarda to victory ? W ho , I ask , would "have supposed that , in the depth of winter , In the midst of apparent apathy , such an event could have occurred ? And yet it is so I And I confess , candidly , that the magnitude of tbc fact astounds me . It is , indeed , a " GREAT FACT , " that , wlnfe organised faction cannot be brought together in ten days , a disorganised multitude can meet in eight and forty hours .
My friends , deny it who can , if we were represented liv the press as factions and sections of all denominations are , this " great fact" would , of itself , be sufficient to proclaim our superiority . See the meetings which have taken place within the last fortnight of tlie people ' s party , and not a single notice by the press , except a passing insolent comment , such as that of the Manchester Guardian upon the Rochdale incetiuE , stating that it was but thinly attended . Will not those present give the scribbler the lie ? Will not the fact , that £ 2 or £ 3 was collected by voluntary subscription after the meeting , give the
scri'jMer the lie ? while it will prove that the meeting was not only numerous but satisfied . You know what it is to collect that amount of money . Again , look at the spinners' dinner , another great fact . The fact that nearly the whole body had assembled together in its might , to proclaim its undying resolution upon the object most dear to it . Look to the fact tbat the limes newspaper has made it one of its flics to fish for sectional popularity ; and look to the fact , that the Times newspaper had a special reporter there from London , and a deputy from Manchester ; and look to the greater fact , that the Times NEVER
PUBLISHED ONE LLSE OF THE PROCEEDINGS : ' And why ? Because to have omitted reporting my speech that time would have been to have performed Rawkt , leaving Hamlet ont ; andto hare reported my speech would have shown the question to the world , not in the party garb in which tie Times would present it for party purposes , but to show it in its true and veritable Chartist colours , as a people ' s question , not as the stalking horse of faction . Again , look tr- the miserably meagre report i , i the Guardian ; again , look to the fact of
thirtyfvs delegates meeting at . Manchester , and not noticed by one single scribbler ! Look to the meetings we have had within the last ten days . Look to tie . Laid Conference sitting for a week , composed of ihe very wisest of the working-ckus order , and not a hue , a comment , except a flying dash by the ASS whtse jealousy is choking him , whose disappointment is driving him stUI , and still , wore mad . Now lookat all those facts , and then ask yourselves if it is not a fact that we must force , that we must thrust , that we must drive our policy down the very throat o : faction .
How , then , is this to be accomplished ? By those means , which Mr . Buncombe tells ns should now abssrb our undivided consideration—THE REPRESENTATION OF OUR PRINCIPLES IN THE HuUSE OF COMMONS . Duacombe has done more for Chartism in the House , than in ten years Ciiartisni could have done for itself out of the House . When wescttusretasy must represent us , ami , therefore , it is indispensable that we make a struggle to accomplish that object . I shall be the better able to forward It , because , my resolution not to creep in until 1 open the front door , through which I can walk in majestically , will strengthen iny hands for the general service . Oh , that you had taken the advice that
1 gave yon ia September , 1833 , when I pointed out t ' sc mode of doing that which you are now beginning to think of . AN ELECTION IS NOW AT HAND , and while the League is openly corrupting , with its isocer , ire mast fearlessly coerce with our power . In even- district where we possess the balance of power —tbat is , where the votes of the two factions are xearly eoual—we must get up a vigorous , a bold , a determined agitation ; committees should at once be anointed for tliis purpose . Exclusive beatjsg should be resorted to , and no means at your disposal should be left untried to secure a single seat . This is the way to ensure representation ; this is the way tc ensure respect .
-team , my friends , you must look to the old means ti securing the publication of your principles by all and by every means , and it is for that purpose that 1 it'tl called upon to expound the most important I'art of our policy , as embodied in our resolutions . y « first resolve that the Chartists shall remain a « £ » iia . ci and separata body—we secondly resolve , that either the League , the Whigs , nor Daniel O'Connell && have the gratifying opportunity of charging ns * iiu having starred the poor . We are not prepared fe give to free trade the double reward arising from incased speculation and public sympathy , ba . * ed
!»!*» what it would have done had Jot the rascally chartists obstructe d IT . But , nevertheless , our policy does ki > t So the length of allowing the League to use the ( : V ' . rtuaitv offamine , and our tenderness to advanse ** * U 1 XCH * LE 8 OF F & EE TRADE ; we but Wowe the act , UNDER EXISTING CIRCUM . * -TA- * CES ; but we do not thereby recognize the t reaty of the measure as a means of bettering your Kraiai on until , in the words of the resolution , power ** ifrrred upon the whole people shall make the ^^ S-i a national , instead of aclass benefit .
No * , jjjj . frie ,, ^ t i -pray that I would construe fkt Pi % in fetter , in sp ' irit , and in honour , is * fs- W leare free trade wholly oat of the ques * : 'fiie people themselves say that they omjhtnot ^ ] ive unl the apprehension of being " starved , ^ tliere is a prosp ect of getting food from any-^ ere . Their representatives say the same . Tueu *?« ^ tstioa arises as to how that policy can be car ^ oat wigiout giving a triumph to the principle . it iiuk the sixth resolution provides against such a y ^ Sency ; but as those that bear upon this branch } ^ , % ct should be taken as a whole , I will s wtea % general policy from their spir it .
ia" 5 * . we affirm that food may be required , and , T ^ ' , as far as procuring fcod goes , we shou . d £ 5 » ot only no obstruction , but we should give every ^ Mice in our power to provide an immediate J ^ lsfae famine , starvation , and want come " ^ Wnguponus . What j recommend then is just aat I recoimaendcdin 18 * 0 . That in every town a joonfittee rfobservation be appointed , andthat that * J » autite atten-1 every meeting called for the pur-
5"0 The Imperial Chartists. Ift ]3«.Oved...
pose of providing against scarcity , and that every Chartist in the district attend as an army of observation—that in the event of the necessity of providing against famine , and the opening of the ports , as the speediest and only means constituting the object of the meeting , that the Chartist body , under their committee , not only give no opposition , but having decided upon the necessity , that they boldly carry out the policy ; but if , upon the other hand , any wild theorist , who should not be able to properlv estimate the toleration that , UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES , we accord to the League , should venture upon that toleration to propound the principles of free trade as a panacea for all your grievances , or as a political principle at all , that then in such case the committee move the Charter as an amendment .
Now ,. the effect of this course will be , to keep the League in the straight jacket that famine has imposed upon it ; while it will keep our party together ; and this policy will always insure the ready : tteadauce of good officers , and a powerful army of observation ; whereas , if we continued that opposition , which , under other circumstances , was not only justifiable , but politic , wc should disgust a number ef our staunchest friends , and give—not the League , but the frightful apprehension of famine , which would bo put down to free trade strength—a triumph
over us . My friends , —I have now clearly and unmistakably propounded our policy at considerable length , and in conclusion I have only to observe , that it would hare gladdened the heart to see the spirit and unanimity that was manifest throughout the whole proceedings of the Convention ; very different from the times when rascals spoke for hire , and deserted us when we had ' ut the means of paying for their patriotic enthusiasm . It took two days to discuss six resolutions , and
each and all , after a ca ' m and earnest examination , were passed , not only unanimously , but cordially . Let me tell an anecdote ; one deserving to be recorded , not more for the honour it evinces than , for the name it applies to . A fine , respectable , manly-looking fellow , of the name of EMMETT , was delegated from Keighley , and , upon settling accounts with the di-legates , I found that he only mentioned his travelling expences , which he said had been paid by his constituents . " But , " said I , " the wages—the 6 s . a day . " " Oh , sir , " said he , " I won't take that ,
AS I WAS OUT OF WORK , and I COULD'NT BE BETTER EMPLOYED , axd I am sure that my own constituents will see to me honourably , without imposing any more burden upon you . " Now , my friend ? , I have only to say , that if you approve of the work done—that if you approve of agitating the whole country for the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and to enable us t * let the dying Parliament see that they shall meet the spirit of our patriots onee more upon the" hustings—that if you wish to see a dozen Chartist lecturers keeping our ground and battling our foes—if you wish to sea a body of men prepare *! to take their places upon the hustings at the next general election , you will
subscribe your mite to pay tor the past , and inspire me with confidence in the future . I am determined that poverty shall not stand in the way of the advantage that may bs taken of emergency , but , to confess the truth , though I am willing and able to lend , I am not able to give . Tou have had the advantage of my poor ability , and by next Saturday I hope , for your honour , to be able to announce , not only the discharge . of the debt , but a surplus to carry oa the war . I f « el confident in your honour ; but if I lose the money , it will not deter me from pursuing the same course when TOUR principles are again endangered from the assaults of prepared faction . Farewell , ray friends , and , again I say , think what a revival the heaven-bom principle has had .
Ever your faithful friend and unpurchasable servant , Fbargcs O'Coxson . P . S . I have earnestly to request that this letter be read wherever the Chartists gather , and that a collection be made immediately after to carry on the Chartist war , and that the proceeds be instantly transmitted to me ; in order to enable the Executive to see what strength they can enlkt as expounders of tfce Chartist faith . F . O'C .
//^A-Sc^ Ck^^T^- J ^C^C^Tj-^Emklv J/ &^I...
//^ A-sC ^ Ck ^^ t ^ - J ^ c ^ c ^ tJ- ^ emkLv j / &^ i- ^ ctf ^^ s < -J < J 4- # , ¦ 1 #£ a * - > - * 6 s ^ - ^^ f ^^ ^
' ' ¦ .. - . -. M ^ —^ ^ ^—Mm^—^—^^ . . ...
' ' ¦ .. - . -. M ^ —^ ^ ^—MM ^—^—^^ . . ^^^—^^^^^^^ — . , —7 VOL . X . NO . 424 . LONDON , SATUBMY ; MCEMEE ' , T 845 . Fi „ JS ? L'E £ S ? Z ' ! % «* . ' — .. ! .. , r _ - , 1 ^ L ' ¦ - .- ' ' . ¦ ¦¦ — **
Chartist Convention
CHARTIST CONVENTION
The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...
The extraordinary meeting of Chartist delegates , called together to consider the present " crisis , " anil adopt necessary measures thereon , commenced on Monday last , December 22 nd , 1815 . The delegates assembled in the Carpenters' Hall , Manchester . Mr . Wild , of Mottraiu , in the absence of the president , was called to the chair . Credentials were received from : — Mr . G . W . Wheeler , Reading and Norwich . — Robert Wild , Mottram , Staleybridge , and Hyde . — John Shaw , London . Msssrs . Donovan andNuttall , Manchester . — Canning , Wigan . — Marsden , Preston . — Elias Hitchen , Hebden Bridge .
— . Moouey , Todraorden . — Jones , Leeds . — Sweet , Nottingham . — John Beale , Birmingham . — . Richard Pilling , Ashton-under-Lyue , — Mitchell , Rochdale . — Piekvancc , Bolton . — John Lawson , Halifax , Lower Waiiey , Sowerbv — W . Bell , Heywood . — Briggs , Sheffield . — Yaruicy , Oldham . — Almond , Blackburn . — Tattersall , Burnley . — Webb , Stockport . — J . West , Macclesfield .
It was then resolved thai the conference should assemble at nine o'clock in the morning , adjournal twelve , meet again at half-past one o ' clock , and jimiily adjourn a t halt-past five . The conference then adjourned .
AFTERSOON SITTIXG . Mr . M'Grath in theiejiair . Credentials were received from : — Mr . J . Einmctt , Keighley . — Michael Seagraves , Barnsley . — Wilkinson , Derby . John Moss , Hauley and Shelton . — Cole , Bradford . Mr . O'Connor read the following letter from Mr . Duacombe , which was received with acclamation : — Mr Dear Feabgus—I have just received yours . 1 collect from it the policy you propose to pursue , and highly approve of the plan that you suggest . Let the factions fight and knock their heads together , while the people stand aloof . As you say , " thdr Jay is fast approaching . " You know I am , and always have bsen , for constant changes of Ministers . Every change
gives strength to the popular cause , —each succeeding Minister outbidding his predecessor for popular favour by concessions to the popular will . Their inconsistency we have nothing to do with ; all that concerns Hi is tolook after our own , and to sec that oun raaas are not bamboozled . As to the proposed demonstration at Kcrsal Moor , I think it premature . Demonstrations may be resorted to as a great auxiliary to the popular cause , but then their efficacy and importance should not be wasted on slight occasions , as , like petitions , they might lose their effect . I th ' inkyou had better up-husband the popular strength for times that would more require its exhibition ; and as to vour reason for holding the meeting , I do not coincide with your notion , that the people require it to inspire each other with confidence . I think I know mt cocsthtmes , and , however the apostacy of false leaders may have unjustly earned for them the
character of fickleness , I defy any one to point me out one single instance of the English people abandoning their principles , or flinching from the most dangerous position , until fear , or the Treasury sharpshooters , had frightened off , or shoi off , their leaders . The fact is that the people are always too forward for their leaders , and until our time their noble zeal and truly English courage have been made political barter of . Once let the people know and believe that their " leaders are true , honest , sincere , brave aud
The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...
prudent , and then you need have no fear of flinching or wavering . I think the virtuous stand and manly strugglemade by the Chartists in the depth of winter , at Birmingham , and again at the Crown and Anchor , should have banished all doubts from your mind as to the honour and reverence in which the-noble fellows hold their principles . I had no doubt , as I think I proved by testing their principles in the presence of those leaders who sought to-rob them of their triumphs by depriving them of their leaden-. You say that you are cautious to move without the consent of the leader who struggled for the people while in prison and visited them in their dungeona . The very confidence that the people honour me with makes me more
cautious , as I am aware of the impossibility of retrieving one false step . I most highly approve of the policy of keeping the Chartist . peM-ty distinct and separate from all oilicrs , watching events and profiting by change . I hold it to be an impossibility much longer to govern the growing genius of this country , by the very best choice or selection to be made from the old political parties . I say , therefore , let not the Chartist party—of which I have the proud boast of being a member—disband , or retreat , or join any other party whatever , while I think their immediate policy should be to exhaust all available means to insure as large a representation of their own
principles as possible in the next Parliament . This , in my mind , should absorb all other considerations just now . Highly approving of the representation of the working classes by their own delegates , I shall now conelude by charging you with the tender of my respects and services to those delegates , and assure them , that if every man in England deserted their principles , that I , if I stood alone , should advocate them in my place in Parliament , because 1 believe them just , and because I feel assured that nothing short of them would be considered as a sufficient concession to the popular will and national requirements . Yours , very faithfully , T . S . DoxcojinE .
P . S . —At any time that my presenceor council will be of service to the working classes , I shall be happv to assist them with either or both , while I do not think they stand in need of either just now , added to which , a two-fold domestic affliction precludes me from taking any further part at present . Yours , & c , - T . S . D . The reading of this letter was received with several rounds of cheers . Mr . O'Connor then read the following resolutions as embodying the line of policy laid down by the Executive of the National Charter Association : — That the Chartist party remains a distinct and separate body , not agitating for any measure short of the People ' s Charter , whole and entire .
Thnt the Chartist party shall be prepared with a national petition , embodying our principles , to be presented to the House of Commons , by Tlios . S . Duncombc , Esq ., after a general election sliull have constituted a new representation . That in the event of a general election taking place , it will be the duty of the Chartist electors , and non-electors . to render their most strenuous exertions in favour ot candidates who have pledged themselves to support the People ' s Charter in the House of Commons , and in . the eventofnoChartistcandidatebeingintUe field , in such case , preference shall be given to those who will pledge themselves to vote for a Ten Hours'Bill , a repeal of the Poor Law Amendment Act , and the restoration Of Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis .
That while the present scarcity would place the Chartist party in a false position , it' they continued their op . position to a repeal oi the Corn haws , that , nevertheless , having no faith whatever in the efficacy of that measure , as a means of bettering the condition of the working classes , that we abstain from taking any part calculated to make our approval of the principles of free trade , without political power being conferred upon the whole people to make the change a national , instead of a class benefit . That , in ord „< r to carry out the spirit of tho fourth resolution , we recommend the Chartist party to abstain from taking any part in free trade meetings that are held for the purpose of repealing the Corn Laws ; and that , as a party , we shall tender our strength only to those whose measures are Lest calculated to advance the principles of the People ' s Charter ..
That in the event of public meetings being called to test public opinion , it will be the bounden duty of the Chartist party to move their principles , as an amendment , to any proposition calculated to lead-to tho notion that Chartism has been merged in any less measure . Mr . O'Connor , said , he expected this quick response , on the part oi' the country , to their request for this convention ; a convention representing fully the state of feeling of the whole Chartist body , and he had no doubt but they would agree to the resolutions he had read . He had submitted them to the public at Manchester—to the men who had kept the spark of liberty alive , and which this convention would raise into a flame throughout all the land . The resolutions had likewise baen submitted to the men of Rochdale , Bacup , Ilebden Bridge , and Todmt-rden—mensecond to none in the movement . These places had ail given in their adhesion to the resolutions , which were also quite in accordance with the views of Mr . Duncombe . ( Applause . )
Mr . Canning then moved , that each speaker be allowed five minutes , and that the resolutions be discussed seriatim . Carried . Mr . Briggs moved the adoption of the first resolution , seconded by J . West ; Messrs . Donovan , Clark , G . W . Wheeler , and Mr . Sweet supported it . The second resolution was proposed b y Mr , Sweet , and seconded by Mr . Clark . Mr . Wild wished to know whether Mr . Duncombe would present another petition to Parliament ? Mr . O'Connor : l ' es ; to a new House . Mr . Wild would agree to petition a new House , but was decidedly opposed to petitioning t' . u > present one .
Mr . J . West : Petitioning was the most invaluable of all British privileges . They should petition everyday until they had obtained their long withheld rights ; so long as they had grievances to redress , so long would they have plenty of materials for their petitions . They should never give up this legal right while they had money to purchase a single sheet of paper . Mr . O'Connor : Petitioning was the only method oy which they could make their principles generally known . De found , while he was on tho continent , that their principles were utterly unknown , and that
the Chartists were considered to be the Lazaroni ol the country , theidle and dissipated , until iho national petition , signed by three-and-a-half millions of persons , dispelled this illusion , and made known the true nature of Chartism . The venal press of the country would not notice their proceedings , but if they had a national petition it would be carried on the wings of the press to all parts of the world . He was confident that , if proper exertions were made , wc should have a petition with five millions of signatures . Ireland and Scotland would both be with us on the next occasion .
Mr . Doyle : What but petitioning had crushed that infamous measure , the Masters' and Servants' Bill ? Discussions in the House of Commons were reported , but let them hold 10 , 000 meetings , and the press would not notice their proceedings ; let them , therefore , petition bith locally and nationally . Mr . Clark supported the resolution . Ho had been in the West of England ; puople there had become Corn Law Repealers from reading the reported speeches of Cobden and Bright . It Chartist principle * were duly reported , as they would bj in a debate in the House , they would be equally able to make converts .
Mr . T . M . Wheeler : A national petition , backed by a national delegation and a public demonstration , would effect more good , by the notoriety it gave their proceedings , than any other measures thev could devise ; he believed that they could get up a , better demonstration now than thtv had eve . r done before . Mr . Shaw corroborated the statement of Mr . Wheeler , lie believed that if something of this sort was not adopted the men of London would not support the Executive . In their opinion it was high time something decisive should , be done Mr . O'Connor : It was theiv own fault that something was not done before ; their apathr deprived the Executive of the mean ^ of carrying out any measure which tlwy might h ave devised for the welfare of the Chartist cause . Mr . Donovan ' s constituents were in favour cf local petitions . Mr . T 5 cU was in favour of the motion
. Mr . Nuttall wa , ain favour of pe . itioning the present House , to show ' ihat we were alive . Mr . O'Conr- . or : A nationil petition was the "real gun 5 the loc al petitions we .-c the ii « lit artillery tha : should folkr > v it . ' Mr . Marsdeu and Mr , Mooney supported tin motion . ^
The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...
Mr . Tattersall would support the resolution , if it would include getting up petitions for the release of the exiles . - . Messrs . Yardley and liltchins took the sah ' ie view . The resolution was earned unanimously . . Resolution third was moved by Mr . Yardley , and seconded by Mr . Mitchell , who stated , that the men of Rochdale were decidedly in favour of this resolution . Mr . _ O'Connor : A Ten Hours' Bill is a limb of Chartism , and if . a man had two hours' spare iime a day , there is little doubt but they would devote it to the cause of liberty . Mr . Nuttall : What course should they adopt if no such candidate came forward ?
Mr . West—If no such candidate was to be found * , thsn , of course , it was the duty of the Chartist body to put up a candidate of their own , to give expression to their own principles . Mr . Donovan wished to know what they should do with such men as Milner Gibson , the member for Manchester , who is opposed to the Ten Hours' Bill , though he has voted lor the Charter , and is a Corn Law repealer . Mr . O'Connor—Mr . Duncombe is a Corn Law repealer , and yet we always support him , as he is a Clnirtist . If they will support the Charter they should receive » ur support . Mr . Tattersall—How are we to get Chartist candidates ? At the last election I was nominated , but theilayor would not let me speak without pro duclng my qualification and paying £ 25 . 'Mri O'Connor explained the law , and showed that the mayor acted illegally . Mr . Nuttall thought , with his colleague , that Mr . Gibson was not worthy of their support .
Mr . Doyle—In all cases prefer a man who will go for the Charter . Mr . Mitchell supported the resolution , and stated , that Sharnian Crawford would go fur the whole . Messrs . Webb , Jones , and Emmets supported the resolution , which was carried unanimously . Mr . O'Connor introduced the fourth resolution , in a speech of grent force and eloquence . The resolution was then moved by Mr . Shaw . His constituents were determined to oppose the League with reason and discussion , whenever they could jiet a chance ; but it was well known they were afraid to give them the opportunity in London . Mr . Seagrave seconded the resolution , and stated , that if it was not adopted , it would place us in an awful position relative to Ireland , if , by opposing the repeal of the Corn Laws , we supported the high Tories , and gave the Orange faction the dominating
power . Mr . West supported the motion , as tlicy must pay attention to the signs of the times . Mr . Wild was in the habit of * mixing with different political parties , and was confident that we should fall into an error if we opposed the League . If the measure was defeated in Parliament , ail the blame would be laid on tho Chartists . If we remained ncutor , we should be carrying out our old and correct policy . No Chartist , however simple , could misconstrue the policy laid down in the resolution . We only agree not to oppose the League , owing to the deficiency of the harvest . Mr . Donovan was opposed to allowing the public to believe that the Chartists were in any way acting in concert , or giving wny to the Anti-Corn Law League .
Mr . Bell thought that , if this resolution was not properly explained to the Chartist party , it would be calculated to lead them astray , as he had opposed the League , and would again , upon all fitting opportunities . Mr . Pilling was convinced that the majority of tho people in his district were in favour of opening the ports , it would be folly to oppose them ; but it was a duty to show them that that measure would not be productive of the benefits predicted . Mr . Bealc was confident that the feeling in Birmingham was in favour ofopeningthe ports . Mr . Tattersall thought we should make many enemies if wc opposed the League at present . He thought the proper policy was to stand aloof . Mr . Mitchell thought the resolution did not debar any man from going to their platforms and declaring his views , provided he did not move an amendment . Mr . Pickvauce supported similar views .
Mr . West thought it would not at all compromise their principles , while famine was threatening the land , nut to oppose tho League . He , for one , would not risk an honest fame by so doing . When the proper time came , he , for one , should not be backward in assisting to give them a good drubbing . Mr . Emmett : The opinion of the working classes in his town was greatly changed . Many who were bitterly opposed to the League , and many had votes , would now vote for a League candidate , if a Chartist was not in the field . Mr . Nuttall thought that the adoption of the first resolution had entirely settled the question . The rise in the price of bread had materially altered the question .
Mr . Doyle thought that with starvation staring them in the face , all eloquence to persuade the people againsta repeal of the Corn Laws would be thrown away ; the people were led away by the prospect ot famine . Mr . Clark : The future fortune of the cause depends upon the decision of this conference . He thought we could not attend meetings of the League unless we opposed them ; indeed all attempts to show the futility of their measures was considered by the League to be an opposition . He was of opinion that we ought to entirely abstain from attending their meetings , and eall meetings of ouv own .
Mr . Wilkinson said his constituents were in favour of the resolution . Mr . Moss : The people in Hanloy were opposed to any opposition to the League . Mr . O'Conncr : There was a time for policy , a time for expedience , but there was also a time for existence—he should bo sorry to have the death of any man laid at his door . This convention had a power , by acting with the Duke of Wellington and the Tonlords , to stop a repeal of the Corn Laws . If the aristocracy thought they should have the support of the Chartist party they would speedily use the bayonet and the bludgeon to enforce their views , and then the League would be looked upon as the guardians and saviours of the poor . Nature and hunger , even in Chartists , was stronger than principle . He was
not the man to adhere to a policy which might bl till death of thousands ; the people would soon sec and repent of their crrors-if they depended on the promises of the League . Mr , T . M . Wheeler believed that it was in the power of the Chartist party to stop a repeal of the Corn Laws , but in the present crisis he should be sorry to share such a responsibility . He was confident that in London , Stockport , and many ether places , they could triumphantly defeat the Anti-Corn Law League , but if starvation should afflict the masses , he knew that it would be more than human nature could hear , and that riots and rebellion would be the consequence , and the Chartists would be the party upou whom the brunt of the warfare would fall , lie should , therefore , strongly support the resolution .
Mr . Boll : He should do as he ever had done , give his views plainly , . at any meeti :. » upon the question of the Corn Laws , and that would bo taken for opposition . Mr . Canning agreed with Mr . Bell's views , lie thought we should recommend the people to keep away from their meetings . Mr . Donovan : If a repeal of the Cora Laws , in Yorkshire and Lancashire , were placed auainst the Charter , he feared it would be carried ; but if they combined the Ten Hours' Bill with the Charter , thev
could , in all places , defeat the League . Ho should vote for the resolution , as it did not debar them , under circumstances , from opposing tl . 3 League , lie thought it best not to attend their meetings . 1 : 100 , 000 Chartists were at a mreting , and only SOD Corn Liw repealers , and the 300 held up their hands , and the Chartists did not , tho whole meeting would be taken for Corn Law repealers . Let them pass another substantive resolution , seating that Chartists should not attend their -aeetings . Mr . Webb agreed with Mr . Donovan .
Mr . M Grath was proud to see the unanimity that prevailed . With respect to the threatened scarcity he thought the opening of the ports a matter ol absolute necessity , lie would sign a petition to that effect to-morrow . He would to God that tho Corn Laws wore erased from the statute book ; their repeal would prove the truth of Chartist predictions . He thought it unwise to attend any of the Anti-Corn Law meetings . The resolution was then carried unanimously . Mr . O'Connor then read the fifth resolution , and showed that it would give confidence to the Chartist party . Mr . G . Wheeler moved the resolution , and said they must fellow out the course laid down , or they would be forgetful of the name and principles of the Charter ,- and the press would ring with tho tiding that Chartism was dead ; in fact , it alroadv asserted so , and it was necessary that it should be speedilv contradicted . . Mr . Mooney seconded tho resolution .
• . MivMarsden thought that a clear line of policv should be laid down . The League intended koldhf " monster-meetings during the courso of the spriiio- ; at thosemeetings they would propose the Corn Laws as a remedy for national , grievances p what course should the Chartists then adopt ? Mr . O'Connor : If they put the repeal of tk Cum
The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...
Laws forth as the only panacea' ior P"bl ic wrong then-he would mount the platfom 1 to s " ° them tin the Charter was a superior measure *• Mr . Donovan was in favour of th , ° res ° h > tu > n . _ it was not carried it would allow othei' parties tp rit roughshod over them . The motion w as withdraw for the present . Mr . Webb moved , and Mr . West sec , ™ « y " sixth resolution , which was carried unaiiim . \ ms' ) 'i an the convention then adjourned .
TUESDAY MOnSING . A-letter was read from John Frost , whicli SPA ^ re ceivfd with great attention ; fresh slips were WcK " to be printed for the evening ' s meeting . Mr . < 0 " € " Oi nor then resumed the discussion on the rcsoJA * 8 ii ! n . which was withdrawn the previous evening , antl stated thsfc if anything could induce him torcu : « jn Srm to that resolution , it was the spirit which he had seen evinced ; especially by the females , at a largfi meeting at ftockdale . We must tolerate the League owing to the famine , but never desert our principles . Mr . Donovan strongly- supported the resolution ; principles with the Chartist party , when fairly tested , were stronger than even hunger . He should propose the resolution with the- omission of tho words " political principles . " Mr .- Tattersall wished to- know whether it was meant So apply to a »' agitation' lor the Ten Hours '
Bill . Mr . GPConnor : Decidedly not ; tlie Ten Hours ' Bill was-one of the legs-of Chartism . ; it stood in the same relation as the Poor Law Amendment Act , or the restoration of Frosfr , Williams , and Jones , and , it was not likely they would be placed in opposition to Chartism * . Messrs . Clark and Doyle expressed similar opinions . Mr .. Wild r . The resolution was open to misconstruction . Meetings were often called to consider the distress of the country ; if the Corn La as were proposed as a panacea , they would be found to place the Charter ui opposition to that or any similar measure . He did not consider that would " be any violation of the resolutions previously passed .
Mr . O'Connor did not think the resolution could be improved ; he a ? iould comment upon and cxpkin it and the other resolutions in the Northern Star , and the delegates would do the same in their districts . There was a great difference between not opposing the opening of the ports , and the admission of the general principles of tVee trade . Mr . Doyle : In his opinion they had no business to attend lectures or other private meetings of the League , and in that respect their proceedings had hitherto been faulty ; but if public meetings were called that was quite a different thing . Mr . Tattersall proposed a similar resolution , which was afterwards withdrawn . Mr . M'Grath expressed his opinion on the impolicy of attending private League meetings .
Mr . West denied the impolicy of attending League meetings in past times , if the Chartists were placed on an equality with Leaguers in the eye of the law , it would be wrong to force our opinions upon them ; but while the working men were slaves , it was tho only wise policy to be adopted . He would never let them suppose that he was a contented slave . Mr . O'Connor was happy to hoar what fell from Mr . West . If ticketed meetings were taken advantage of by the League , he , for one , at the risk of his life , would attend them . If they attempted to thrust their opinions upon tlie public as the expression of public opinion , it was the duty of the people to oppose them . He confessed to ho error ; he deemed the course pursued to be perfectly right : it was the very reason he opposed the resolution of Mr . Parry at Birmingham , in the Sturge conference . He had not abated one iota of his hatred to the damnable system pursued by the League capitalists of this country .
Mr . T . Wheeler thought the policy they had hitherto adopted was one highly conducive to the good of Chartism ; it spread their principles far and wide on tlie wings of tho press , it caused tho whole London press to admit that no meetings could be called , for any object , at which the Chartists' priu ciple was not triumphant . Mr . Jones wished to know whether Mr . Doyle considered that he was acting with despotism when , in past times , he had attended the various League ticketed meetings ?
Mr . Doyle : I have attended as many private meetings as any man , but I was convinced at the time that 1 was acting wrong ; but if I had not done so 1 should hare been denounced as a traitor . At Leeds I went , not to oppose or break up the meeting , but to discuss the question ; and when 1 attempted to speak I was dragged off by the police . But if it is the will of the people 1 am ready to go again . Mr . Nuttall : It has been by meeting the Leaguers on their own dunghills that we have achieved in Manchester our proud position . We have stuck to principle and prospered .
Mr . Donovan : As the Leaguers had called-lecture meetings public meetings , the Chartists would have stultified themselves if they had nut attended , and proposed their principles as an amendment . Mr . Bell : The League would follow their old policy ; they would calf their meetings "lectures , " and afterwards convert them into public meetings ; it would then be our duty to oppose them . Mr . Moss expressed similar views . Mr . Yardley : They had come to ihc resolution in Oldham to act according to the resolutions laid down by the convention , until the League made an inroad upon them .
Mr . West : They must ever adopt their old line of proooGdinsj ; they must drive the League forward ; they had done so ; they had made them shift their line of policy , until they made the labour question the one great question of the day . If any one of the resolutions implied that our former policy had been wrong , he would move that it be rescinded . Mr . O'Connor : Chartism had never done wrong ; obstruction and antagonism was the life ' s Wood ol Chartism ; they were opposed to every party in the state , and had stood up nobly in defiance of them . If ever the times demanded it , he should be proud to recur to the old obstructive policy .
Mr . Marsden : Working men were not opposed to a repeal ot the Corn Laws , but they could not see that they would be productive of benefit to them . He never knew a man in a mechanical employ who thought to benefit by them , unless accompanied Inother measures . If they attended lectures by the Len ^ jc , and they thought proper to answer questions , 'twas well ; if not , it was not wise to compel them . The resolution was then carried unanimously . Credentials were received from Mr . Bairstow , of Leicester . Mr . Wild moved , and Mr . Bairstow seconded , that the following resolution be an instruction to the address committee : — " That wc fuily approve of the past policy of the Chartist body ; their opposition to the Leagucbeingjustiiied by circumstances , the cause of that opposition having originated with the Corn Law League . " After a long discussion , in which all the delegates took part , the resolution was carried unanimously .
Mr . Doyle moved , and Mr . Webb seconded , the following resolution : — "Thnt Messiv . West , Donovan , Wild , Bairstow , Briggs , M'Grath , Sweet , Yardley , a . iil Tattersall , be appointed as u committee to draw up an address to the country , embodying the spirit of tho foregoing resolutions , and calling upon tho Chartist body particularly to pursue the lino of policy laid down in tliem . " Carried unanimously . Mr . Nuttall moved and Mr . O'Connorscconded the following resolution : — " That wo recommend to the country the necessity of ye ; ting up local and individual petitions ia favour of tho release of Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis , immediately , and also petitions in favour of the Ten Hours' Bill .
Mr . Bi \ irstow was of opinion that similar means should be taken relative to petitions for the Charter . _ Mr . O'Connor showed the inutility of potitioningthe present Parliament for the Charter , and stated the disinclination of Mr . Buncombe to have the people insulted by presenting one- to the present Ilousti . _ Mr . Shaw strongly recommended local and individual petitions for tho above object , and stated that the metropolis was acting with great spirit in this matter . Mr . West was strongly in favour of petitioning Parliament ; lie once stood almost alone on that
subject . He trusted they wonl . l bring not only those subjects , but all their grievances , before the country by means of petitioning Parliament . Got men in the habit of working in the habit ol petitioning , and they would as readily think of purchasing a sheet o ! paper for a petition on Saturday' night as think ol purchasing their tea or tobacco . Mr . Wild proposed an amendment-, embodying My . West's views , but it was ultimately withdrawn . Mr . Pilling agreed with the original resolution He thought it best to have delinite objects to lay before Parliament .
Mr . Wheeler road a letter from Mr . Hoylo , a victim of the strike in 1 S 12 , calling attention to the case of tha victims transported by Abinger at the Liverpool special commission . Mr . Yardley spoke strongly upon the caoc of these men , and detailed the case of a young man , named Knewles , brother-in-law to Mr . West , " whr-m it was well known was innocently transported , and trusted the convention would consider the cast * of these m n . Mr . Tattersall suggested an amendment in Mi \ jSuttail ' s motion , that it should include all political prisoners . Mr , West wanted a general prince laid . & own
- -..-. . ' F. Sthat Tha People Should A...
- -..-. . ' f . sthat tha people should always petition Parliament for the redress of any grievance under which tliey might bo labouring . , The letter from Mr . Frost was again read , many delegates being absent when it was previously reau , and a considerable manifestation of feeling tools place . Mr . Bairstow could not consent to the vital spiri 6 o f Chartism , as represented in this convention , appearing before tho House of Commons for other measures to the exclusion of the People ' s Charter , die wished for all their grievances to be included , and that it should be an instruction to tho address committee to embody them .
Mr . Marsden : If he must beg , he should like to be placed in a position to awe the Parliament , and not to be kicked by them . Let them' make the Struggle a national one . f Let the case t > f Frost , Williams , and Jones be brought prominently forward , and a national -straggle . take place for their release . The resolution was then carried with Mr . Bairstow ' s suggestion . The address committee was ordered to report at four O ' clock , and tho arrangements of the public meeting were also referred to them . The meeting then adjourned .
AFTERNOON SITTING . The address committee stated they were not pre- - pared to report , and were allowed until eight o'clock in the evening . f Mr . Shaw" moved , and Mr . Yardley seconded , I "That it be an instruction to the 001111 * 1111100 to \ 'Scommeiid the getting up of a Central Exiles' Restoration Committee . " , Air . Yardley advised the keeping of the petitions f . and memorials distinct one from another . Mr . O'Connor expressed a similar opinion . ! Mr . Shaw explained that in Loudon they had jalff . ays got up separate petitions , although they were jali ! adopted at the same meetings . Mr- Mowiey : ¦ In Todmorden they took advantage ofi ' tibe presence of the Messrs . Wheeler to get up petitions for JPi'ost ,. Williams , Jones , and Ellis , and lit ? was sure that the effect would not be speedily lost in liodmordeu and Heb < Un * Bridge .
the reeom / ssendatios was then unaniniously carriidv A letter was lead from' Mr , Henry Ross , of Londf-ifr Mr . West impressed- upon the meeting the necessity ot ' lwing Chaj $ 8 fr-tfantSSdntes- » 5 the ensuing : olectioijA / He iiiomsatii thtfy had ra » - candidates * who woK-la * represeiit- tliom , aiicy siukskv pr ' opissuivorking-nen ., and , if camt'df tl » y should -endeavour to take thair seats in thuHouse cf Gommoas .- The / would , probably , be an & stcd ; - but they must bar prepared fovthat . The , ? -should ftlso emfwivour tohave an audience with ser- Majeaty if they wereagain arrested- ; .. it would farce their epiuions on the public . He should move th « following resolution :-v"That at tho--ne . \ t general election' the Ghsttisfcbody bo prepared with Chr . nist-candrshvtes-to propound and support our principles upon the hustings . " '
Mr . O'Connor seconded tk « "resolution , , but dis * - agrced with the views expressed-by . Mrr West . A . man could legitimately take life-seat in the House jlie could also legitimately murder'aanau , aiuLthea he would be legitimately hung for . it . Mr . O'Connor then showed 'She various ibrmula to be ^ onetthrough before a maa could take hisscat in the House of Commons . Mr . Donovan feared tho plan could not . Le carried : out . He had si ^ en it foil at the last election . If Mr . Leach was put up at Manchester , ifc hu had not the » - money to pay f < ..- the hustings 11 c would be speedily" - handed over to the p « Hce . A man- who , like Mr-O'Connor , could defy the-power of the local authorities , might perhaps have a chance of success .. Mr Pickvauce thought-the spirit of tho resolution , had been previously adopted .
Mr . Briggs statt-d , tha & in Sheffield they- had carried their candidate by showof hands , and . no-money was demanded . Mr . O'Connor stated that expenses could- not . be legally demanded until the .: ' e ! uotion was over . He had many times been a candidate without having w > pay the expenses . Mr . Mitchell thought it could be easily-effected b , y the districts entering into a subscription for the pur-ipose . They had nobly done it at tho last county election at Wakefield . They needed only union , and concentration . Mr . West agreed to insert the words " wherever prudent" in his resolution . Mr . Seiigrave was in favour of ; tlie resolution . At Wigan , at the last election , tho $ elected-Mr . Dixon , by a large majority . The i evolution was then carried unanimous ' y ..
Mr . . Nuttall thought that some explanation . wasnecessary regarding ihe position' of-tho Executive , whether they intended to resign ; , as some persons supposed , owing to their position as director of the Land Society . Mr . O'Connor stated , that the Ghnrtiht Executive * became directors of tlie Land Society because of the confidence reposed in tliem . If over- the duties of the Executive became too onerous- for ti ; ein to perform , he could Siifcly say that ,, as-honourable men ,, they would resign . Uegai'diug the funds-, ho might say . with Mrs . Glass "First catch : youi-hare , then cook it . " They wore ablo , he believed , to conduct ,, by a little extra exertion , bocli lliu auuinl and politiu . iL features of the movement , and im trusted that this convention would not sej-a . atc until they had given * decided opinion upon the couductof the Executive .
Mr . Yardley stated , that his constituent- ; highly approved of tho conduct of the Executive , anj wished that other towns hud supported the Executive as Oldham had done . He should . move , , cTh at we have the fullest confidence in the Executive , and return them our thanks for their past services . " Mr . Mitchell seconded the resolution . Mr , Doyle stated , positively and solemnly , that the Executive had no intention of resigning ; tliey would never be guilty of such dastardly cwiducta * to desert the cause in tho hour of need . Mr . xNuttall was perfectly satisfied with fie- explanation of Mr . O'Connor , but wished other parties also to bo satisfied .
Mr . Clark could not imagine how such an opinion , could have been entertained , they never- thought or , " resigning when they only received a lew ' shillings , per week , mid it WilS Hut likely thev should reiigu . now that they were otherwise provided fur . Mr . Moss stated that his constituents highly approved of the conduct of the Executive , and had ever supported them to the utmost of their power . Mr . Moouey thought that the » ppeariiu «< s of thc delegatesat this convention , on the summons oft he-Executive , wasaproof of their confidence , sufficient for any reasonable person . Mr . West : If the Chartist organization was perfect , as it ought to be , he thong lit ihay' mi ^ h-t to bo a body distinct from tho directors of the Land . Society ; but at pveseftt they acted like bntl mailers , they employed servants , and did nuc pay tiiem , aud theivforo ought to be thankful for their gratuitous exertions .
i \ lr . Donovan : Surprise was expressed that thedirectors should be supposed to be about lvwgm ' ng ; he know not how is gut about , but he positively heard the names of a new Executive ubnit to hi appointed . The Executive were not the servants of tllu Chartist body ; they had ordered a levy from . mother holy fur thoirsupport , and b was- support that this convention would elcet a vww Exwuuive . Mr . O'Connor : Mi ' . Donovan hud opCiictl a new view of the question ; would he bo kind entuigli toname wiio the now Executive were' { if thsy were more fit , he knew the present body vvouiu then have * uo objection to resign . Mr . Donovan : As the convention s ^ Cined unanimous on tlie point , he thought it would beiii-titiK-d toindividualize the subject , and thus creutu bicUe . i'if . g and paper war .
Mr . West ; Aswcuo not pay the Executive , we have no claim upon their servievs , The contract made- with them wasj « u' £ aud void , and tiieir servi-jeswcj'c therefore gratuitous . Mr . Tilling wished to know if fumU accumulated for tho Executive , in whan maimvv were they to be * disbursed ? Mr . O'Connor stated that it wowld be the duty of the Executive to employ lecturer * , and othcrwiaoex * pend the money collected in fuviiicrauce of Cim-fLut purposes .
Mr . lleale , the delegate from Dirmiuuham ,. moved ths following resolution , in necordancts with instructions received tVf > m his eons ' iiUK'nts :--"Time we recommend to tits- various eOLstkuenoic .-v represented in this convention , tlie propriety wf defraying the expenses , of itie dulegat ' .-s , as we deem it to he highly discreditable wi the part of tha Ohartiit body , to allow wir worthy tiXMMiriT , Ml ' . Feargus O'Connor , to pay , from his own private re-Hources , demands which , in common justica , ought to be defrayed by oursslves . " Mr . Shaw seconded ihe resolution . Tho men of London scouted tho idea of Mr . O'Couiwr payir ' w their delegates ; they thought In ; hud suffered s ' ufticicutly ali-eady . Messrs . Emmett , Webbtv , and other delegates , supported tlie motion , which was carried uniu : i > mauslv .
Mr . Donovan moved thnt the proposed desnnnatration on KersillkmOiir , oniNuiv re ! ii'V . D .. v , UoliaiiJi-d to StOpik'usOn-SUtl . W , Manchester , t ; uc . to ensure success , there must be agitation in the surrounding villages . Mr . O'Connor steomicu tho resolution , but wished its consideration to bo deferred until after the evening meeting , which was agreed to , it was then resolved— " That the best thanks of this convention bo given to those constituencies who had sin noblv
ro-* pomkd in the call ol" the Executive . "— " That the ' ' . hanks of this convention be given to Philip M'Gr .-i li > for his conduct-in the chair , and also to Mr . Sweetfor his services as vise-chairman . " ^ inv ' jtiwfSji ' nnQ cheers were then given for the Charter , lor JJUlK combe , for O'Connor , Ac ., and the convention broke up , alter a short sitting , but one that will be remarkable in the annals of Chartism for the promptitude of its decision ^ , the tner-y of Its deteniiunUkms , and the spirit and friendship which characterised ita proceedings . [ Por the AdJrcss of the Convention see page ! , ]
It 4r* ^^ Vt _ \ «• ^4 .. ^=*
It 4 r * ^^ _ \ «• ^ 4 .. ^ = *
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 27, 1845, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_27121845/page/1/
-