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TO THE WORKING CLASSES
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My Fkibnds, - Saturday Morning. ' -It is...
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Maxcheweb.—' Woe nnto them that _ laugh ...
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meant to wait no longer than the timo wh...
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/ ^^^^y g &. NSlr y M A NT) W A TTON AT,...
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TO THE LONDON CHARTISTS. M y Dear Friend...
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TO THE SONS OF LABOUR AND INDUSTRY. Sidm...
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TO THE SHOPKEEPERS, TRADESMEN, AND "OTHE...
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THE MASTYRS. Mr P. 'OConnor moved an add...
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Sooth Lokdok Chaktibt Hall.—At a meeting...
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THE NATIONAL CONVENTION. TUESDAY MORNING...
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Tower Hamlets.—A general meeting of the ...
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, will be held at No , 0, Tuesday, April...
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Transcript
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
To The Working Classes
TO THE WORKING CLASSES
My Fkibnds, - Saturday Morning. ' -It Is...
My Fkibnds , - Saturday Morning . ' -It is now nearl y eleven o ' clock on _Satnr-!& . y , and I am about to start to discharge my dudes as bailiff , to pay the workmen tlieir week ' s wages ; and I assure you , after seventeen , hours a day of hard work and great anxiety , I should much rather devolve the trouble upon some one else ; as I am literall y doubled up with a severe pain in the chest However , that shall not prevent me from the faithful discharge of my duty .
When you read the proceedings of last nig ht in the House of Commons , you will see that I have no liulebadgering to stand for the follies of those who cause me to he insulted—and actuall y jeopardised and perilled—without cause . I have conducted this cause from the month of September , 1835 , to a successful
issue , so far as we Bave gone . I resisted the foll y of the Convention of 1839 , which subsequentl y led to the imprisonment of our leaders , and the prostration of our cause for many years . M y advice was unheeded , and a consequence was that I suffered —in common with others—from the foll y whicii I tried to resist .
I then , as now , saw my way b y prudent and courageous conduct to the successful issue of our cause ; and , if my counsel bad been followed , it would have been out of the power of any government to _hsrye proposed _fucb a measure-as : _Sir-G . Grey p _^ op _ise . d _, lasr _^ mgnt ' "in the House of Commons ; a measure which , when carried , will subject every man , who is found guilty of speakin g or writing advisedl y anything which may
subsequentl y lead to—or may be supposed to lead to — an overt act of violence endangering tbe monarchy of this country , to transportation for life : that is , if I make a speech now , or publish a written article , and if violence takes p lace subsequently , that speech or that article would be termed an act of felony , and would subject me , or any person acting as I have described , to transportation for life .
I delivered my op inion very freely upon the subject , but Air Fox , the member for Oldham , made tbe most constitutional , the most able , and eloquent speech against the measure that I have ever heard delivered upon any subject ih or out of Parliament ; a speech which , if he never spoke before or after , would immortalise hum "Well , you will have seen how the current of feeling ran in the bouse when I stated that an Alderman , and a member of that house , assured me
that I was to be shot tin Monday ; it was met with a " laugh ; " and I also stated that I had received communications of a similar nature from veiy many sources . Alderman Thomson , without g iving me any notice whatever , read to the House what he called a report of my speech at Cartwri g ht ' s Coffee House on Monday last , taken b y a city solicitor , and sent as his depositions to Sir G . Grey ; and not one sentence of which , as reported , on my oath ,
did I speak ; but I mention the fact to show yon the snares by which we are surrounded , and I ask you , with a knowledge of the fact , that the whole force , cunning , and ingenuity ofthe Government , and the hatred of the middle classes and aristocracy , thus directed against our movement , with every one of your leaders threatened -with instant death , or the law ' s _^ vengeance , whether you , b y any folly-and imprudence , are prepared to make _needless ' _sacrifices ?
Read the letter of your discreet ahd * zealous leader , Mr Duncombe , who rose _Jrom his Sick bed to write those words of wisdom » and admonition ; and say , whether or not you are prepared to reject the admonition of one who has all but sacrificed life itself in your
cause . _Now , I unhesitating l y declare to you , that I see my way to the comp letion of our object as clear as I see the daylight , and I ask you , in the name of God , in the name of justice and humanity , in the name of your families , your interests , and your country , not to peril the cause of
liberty , and jeopardise the cause of humanity , b y g iving ear to spies and informers " for , believe me , that , in the present state of Europe , nothing but democratic folly—which would be regarded as a justification for Governmental tyranny—can much longer retard the accomplishment of your full , vour undivided and entire liberty .
You , who know that I have stood the battle and the breeze from the moment I entered this cause , will not put down to shrinking or hesitation what comes from hope , resolution and courage . - Working Men ! I leave myself and the destines of your country in your own hands , and conclude with my reiterated assurance , that worlds could not purchase me , and that folly shall not intimidate me . Working Men ! in the words of Mr .
Duncombe—THINK ! THINK ! ! THINK ! !! §§ Tlnnk what my feelings would be if the world rang with a calamity I had produced , and think what yours would be if I were sacrificed to your folly . Ever your faithful friend and representative , Vear vs 0 'Coxxoil
Maxcheweb.—' Woe Nnto Them That _ Laugh ...
_Maxcheweb . — ' Woe nnto them that __ laugh now for they Ehall _vreepl '—A public _meeting of the citizens of Manchester will be held on Sunday next , April 9 'b , inSmithCeld-market , Shndebill , to take into _consideration the awful state of the country . Fellow _citizens , the time has at length arrived _xrhen it behoves you to be prepared for any emergency that aay . _arisel Tour petitions have not only been _nei-lected , bKt treated with jcontemot . Aristocrats asd millocrats , who lire upon the _prednee of yonr toil , _laugh , ay , laugh at your sufferings , and seem to rejoice at your degradation . Will yon submit to be thus trampled upon ? Will you continue , spaniellike _, to lick the hand that smites you ? Forbid it
justice , forbid it God I We _csll upon yon by every eadearing tie—by tbe dignity of manhood—by the IoT _3 of liberty imp lanted in yoar breasts , to arouse yonrse ' Tf s _, and solemnly s _* e ar _, in the presence of hi"h Heaven , that , come weal come woe , you wiU remain serfs no longer ; nor ever rest till yon are _em-. ccipaledfiom political bondage _. _by tbe enactment of the _People ' s Charter as the law of the land . Chair to le taken at two o _' eieck , p . ra . By order of the council of the Manchester locality of the National Charter Association . William Grocott . chairman ; Thomas Ormersher , _recretary . Mr B , S- _Trayner will deliver a lecture in the _Peopled In . _stitutr _, on Sunday , April 9 th . Chair to taken at sir o ' clock in the evening .
Bradford . —On Sunday , a Cbartist camp meeting _vrtli be held at _Jerebend Green , near Shelf , at _tvro o ' clock in the afternoon . —A Chartist meeting _s-illbe held on Sunday ( to-morrow ) , at six o ' clock in the _evening , at the Temperance room , Old Iblphio , . near Queen ' s _Iltad . Several speakers from _Halifai and Bradford are expected to attend . —A pnbiic me * ting _. will be held at Thornton , near Bradford , on Saturday evening , at six o ' clock , to organise the district . .- •"
Meant To Wait No Longer Than The Timo Wh...
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/ ^^^^Y G &. Nslr Y M A Nt) W A Tton At,...
A NT ) W A TTON AT , TITOW R ' _TOFMP # f # _^ y , _-Sk VOL XL No ~ ~ LONDO _^ S _^^ _^ Zl _^^^ _m _,-
To The London Chartists. M Y Dear Friend...
TO THE LONDON CHARTISTS . M y Dear Friends . _Triday Morning . Every day ' s experience teaches me , and will shortl y teach you , hat indiscretion is , and ever has been , your greatest enemy . This is Friday morning , and you will have read a proclamation , cautioning the peop le from joining in any demonstralion in favour of the National Petition ; and vou will see that
the injunction is based upon the valour of the mouthing patriots , who haye advised the peop le to attend the Demonstration ' armed . ' Now , my friends , your cause must not be damaged h y the foll y and the ignorance of raw recruits . You are aware of the fate of the Convention of 1839 . You recollect that I opposed the insanity which weakened our hands , strengthened the hands " of the Government ,
and gave the Government a complete . - ; legal triumph oyerus . . . _^ . X _^ _v-. f _^ ~ ' -: _" ; _' """ _^ i _5 uiio the p oint . I censured Odillon Barrot for deserting the French people in the hour of danger - , I censured Mr Cochrane for deserting his post in the hour of danger , and I would deserve your censure were I to desert my post in the hour of danger . SO I SHALL BE AT MY POST ON MONDAY , and from
eur Proclamation you will see that it is our intention to keep the peace . I never had any other in tendon ; for , although it may suit the purpose ofsome to smile over the ruin they have brought upon the unwary , my object is to secure comfort for all , and make life worth preserving . Every Chartist will be a special constable on Monday , and iu the
country , you , the Fustian Jackets , the Blistered Hands , and Unshorn Chins , will hold your representatives responsible for any damage your cause may suffer at their hands , while the country will hold the Government responsible for any act of unconstitutional aggression upon its part . Faithfull y yours , Feargus O'Connor .
P S . —This morning ' s post has brought me the following letter from your longtried and faithful friend and leader , T . S . Duncombe . Read and ponder well upon the words of this staunch friend of the good eause , and recollect that this warning voice comes from one , who , even while stretched upon the bed of sickness , is ever thoughtful of your welfare .
To The Sons Of Labour And Industry. Sidm...
TO THE SONS OF LABOUR AND INDUSTRY . Sidmoutb ., A p ril 6 th , 1848 . Mr Dear _Feakgus _, — T . n . i r \ absent , I am not an inattentive observer of passing events , and it saddens me to see a cause for which I have so perseveringl j struggled—and I think in the rig ht dircetion—now likely to be damaged by folly .
I can , of course , make every allowance for reasonable excitement , but I cannot reconcile to my mind the foll y of jeopardising a good and just cause b y extravagant language and foolish threats , which , as of old can only have the effect of retarding progress , and disamiing its best friends . Nothing in my mind could be more ridiculous or cruel than to hazard the longlooked for prospects of the people , by any rash collision with the authorities , and those who adopt such a course will impose upon themselves a fearful responsibility .
THINK ! THINK ! THINK ! and remember—that one false step may seal the fate of millions . Faithfully yours ,
T . S . DUNCOMBE .
To The Shopkeepers, Tradesmen, And "Othe...
TO THE SHOPKEEPERS , TRADESMEN , AND "OTHER INHABITANTS OF LONDON . The members of the National Convention , unanimously assure the inhabitants of London , that they deprecate and view with unmitigated abhorrence all attempts that have been , or may be , made to create disturbance or eFect p lunder ; and that they p ledge themselves lo adopt such means as will ensure order , peace , and good conduct on the day when the National Petition is to be presented to the House of Commons . B y order of the Convention , Philip M ' _Guath , Chairman . Convention Rooms , John-street , Fitzroy-square , Friday , April , ? tk _, 1848 .
The Mastyrs. Mr P. 'Oconnor Moved An Add...
THE MASTYRS . Mr P . 'OConnor moved an address to ihe Crown praying that the Royal clemency mi ght be extended to Frost , Williams , and Jones , and all political offenders . Mr "Wakley seconded and supported the motion , in common with Mr Hume and Mr Aglionby , Mr S . Crawford , Dr Boivring _, and Mr Gardner , it being opposed by Sir George Grey , Mr C . Morgan , and _SirDavid Dundas . Colonel Thompson thought the present an inopportune moment for bringing on the motion , which would [ have heen more properly made a week ago or a week hence . On a division the motion for the release of Frost , Williams , Jones- ,- ; and Ellis , was negatived b y a majority of 68 , the numbers being 23 to 9 I _«
Sooth Lokdok Chaktibt Hall.—At A Meeting...
Sooth Lokdok _Chaktibt Hall . —At a meeting of members of the National Land Company , held at the above Hail , on March 26 tb , it waa resolved : — ' That the members of this locality and the friends of Mr Gathard generally , do enter into a subscription to assist in placing him npon his location , he having been the first secretary to the Land Company . ' Subscriptions will bereeeived by the secretary , A . Side , 5 . Pepper-street , Union-street , Borough , and at the Hall , on Sunday evenings , from six to seven . It was resolved : — ' That Mr R . H . Side be the land agent for tho ensuing quarter ; also that ihe members meet every _Snnday morning for the future from half-past ten to twelve , for discussion , nnd in the evening from six to seven , to receive money . ' Towee Haulms . —A public meeting will ba held in Bishop Bonner ' s Fields . Victoria Park , Betbnalgreen , on Sunday afternoon , April 9 th , in support of the People ' s Charter . Several delegates to tbe Ci _nvention will attend and _addreu the meeting .
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION . TUESDAY MORNING , April 4 tb . This body assembled at the large Hall , Johnstreet , Tottenham Court-road , at ten o ' clock . The organ-gallery was set apart fer the reporters . Tbe honourable delegates sat at a table extending the full length of the room , each of them being provided with _writing materials . Ten o ' clock waB named as the hour of meeting , nnd by that time several delegates were in attendance , but- the proceedings did not commence until some time afterwards .
ELECTION OF _i-BBSlDBNT AND 8 ECBBTABY . On the motion of Mr Clark , seconded by Mr Grant , Mr Philip M'Grath , president of the association , was called upon to preside over the sittings of the Convention . On the motion of the same gentlemen , Mr Doyle was appointed seoretary to the Convention .
THE BEIUR 5 S . The secretary read tbe certificates of the following returns : — Exeter , J . Prater Wilkinson ; Ipswich , Samuel George Francis ; Bolton , Matthew StevenBon : Halifax , Ernest Jones ; Wigan , James ' Hitchins ; Leicester , _George Back by ; Nottingham , George Julian Harney ; Birmingham , Joseph Linney ,- and J . A . FusseU ; Oldham , Samuel J £ _yddj Manchester , Dan . D * mo _* ffi _** t _^ d . . _Jgmes : Leacht ; -Liverpool , Edmund _Jonetfaatf'BehrySmith ; _'Edinburgh , James Cnmming ; Dundee , James Graham ; Lancaster , J . T . . Lund ; Barnsley , Frank Mirfield ; Newcastle . James
Watson ; Northampton , W . Ashton ; Bury , Thomas Tattereall ; Stockport , John West ; Staffordshire Potteries , Samuel Berington * Edward Sale ; A ber . deen , JameB Shirren ; Derby , W . G . M . Reynolds ; Tork and East Riding , George Stevens ; Paisley , Robert Cochrane ; Glasgow , James Adams ; Irish Democratic Confederation , 0 . M'Carthy ; Bath , Charles Baldwin ; Bradford , D . _Lightowler ; Leeds , F . O'Connor , John Shaw ; Carlisle , John Lowry ; Merthyr Tydvil , David Thomas ; _Aahton-under-Lyne , Robert Wild ; Worcester , Edward Walter ; London , William Cuffay , Henry Child , and Bronterre O'Brien ; Plymouth , John Petrie ;
Mr Cuffat . wished to know if Mr Reynolds was a Chartist ? A good deal of conversation ensued relative to the impropriety of nutting snch questions , it being held that a man had a rght to sit in the Convention as a delegate , no matter whether he was Chartist or Conservative , bo as he was sent by a Chartist constituency , regularly oonvened . . Mr RisrNOLDa said he had only become a _Chariisfc within the iast few days , but he had held the doctrines of Chartism ever since he had been eighteen years , eld . ( Cheers . ) He had gone even further than ihat , and had avowed himself a Republican . ( Cheers ) One or two delegates here asked it some ofthe members present had not been elected contrary to the instructions issued by the Executive Council ? [ Here Air Feargus O'Connor entered , and was received with load cheers . }
¦ The return of Mr M'Carthy as the representative of the Irish Democratic Confederation was then read . Mr Cum * moved that the credential be not received . Mr Fbakcis seconded the motion . Mr Eesest _Jojies moved that the certificate be received . On a point of order . Mr Cuffay was undoubtedly correct ; but now that the Convention had , _byrecent events , become the organ of democracy in this eonntry , he thought they would do well te admit Mr M'Carthy ; when the Chartists of England and the Repealers of Ireland held out the hand of friendship to each other , it wonld ill become the Convention to refuse the representative ., of _Iriahldemocracy . ( Cheers . )
Mr _Fbarqus O'Conhor : Bj receiving this certificate they wonld b 8 establishing a dangerous precedent . ( Hear , hear . ) They might be asked to admit ten or twenty more delegates to morrorv , on the same plea . Let it not , however , go to the country that the Convention bad no sympath y for Ireland ; they had as much sympathy with the Irish as they had forthe English—the wrongs of Ireland were also the wrongs ot England . __ ( Cheers . ) After some discussion , the question was referred to the following committee : —Messrs ? Leach , FusseU , Adams , "W est , and Cuffay . THE RIGHTS ASD RESPONSIBILITIES OP IHE EXECUTIVE
C 0 UKC 1 I ,. Mr Whbelbr . begged to remind Mr O'Connor that having been elected as delegate for Leeds , he had a right to vote . Mr O ' Cosnor said , he would wave his right to vote . Mr Bhoktzrrb O'Bbikn said , that Mr O'Connor appeared there as an elected delegate , and he should not ba allowed to escape from his due share of responsibility . ( Hear , hear . )
Mr U Uonhor said , there was one objection to members of the Counoil being allowed to vote ; if they had a Chartist parliament they would not allow ministers to vote . . ( Hear . ) He did not wish to shake off one single particle of responsibility . ( Hear . ) A long discussionhere ensued , in the course of which Mr _O'Cojhjob announced tbat he had just received a letter from Mr Thomas Slingsb y Duncombe , M . P ., stating tbat he was much better , and that he hoped by next month te take his place amongst them , ( Cheers . )
Ultimately the affair resolveditself into the following shape : — Mr Wild jnoved that members of the Executive Council should be allowed to ait ex officio , bat not to vote . Mr O'Brien moved that all delegates dnly elected should sit and vote . Mr VVesi moved lhat members of the Council should sit ex officio , and that they should ba allowed to _speak and vote . Mr Adams moved that members of the Council should be allowed to speak in the Convention . Amid cries of order / and divide , * the motions were put seriatim from the chair , and the result was as follows : — For Mr West ' s motion ... 18 Mr Adams ' s motion ... 11 Mr O'Brien ' s motion 4 Mr Wild ' s motion 9 Mr West ' s motion waa then declared to ba carried .
ORDBB OP PROCEEDINGS . On the motion of Mr Clabk , it was agreed that the Convention Bhould meet each morning at nine , adjourn at one until half-past two , _re-aflaemble at half _, past two , and sit until five . Tbat tbe proposer of any motion should be allowed ten minutes for his introduction , and five minutes for his reply . That the seconder and other speakers should be restricted to five minutes . That no person , except the proposers , should speak more than once on the same question . A committee to fold and arrange the petition was appointed , as were also a door-keeper and two or three messengers . The Convention then adjourned until half-past two o ' clock .
TUB BBPOBIS CF TBE DELEGATES . At the afternoon meeting , the chairman called npon tbe delegates ,, in tbe order in which their _certificate bad been received , to lay before tbo meeting the political and social state of the Eeveral districts for which they had been returned . Mr Wilxi . vsoh said he had very little to report . The city he represented was not remarkably forward on the subject of Chartism . A spirit of Chartism had arisen in the districts around , more than in the city of Exeter . At Tiverton , where their friend Mr Harney had faced Lord Palmerston on the _huntings , a determined spirit had been shown . A vast accession of members had been gained in that neighbour hood . The population round Exeter was very scat- |
tered—the people were more like laniba than wolves —they were of a strictly peaceable character , and had great confidence in the moral strength of the Charter . ( Hear . ) They were , by nature , opposed to . physical force . ( Hear . ) ' The Charter ( concluded Mr Wilkinson / never stood so high before ; and having contended , through years of adversity , against physical force , let us not , at the eleventh hour , throw aside the majesty and _dif-nity of that moral power which the Charter at present exercises over tbe m , ° _ds and feelings of the people . ' ( Cheers . ) Mr Geo . _Frascib said he had no lengthened report to produce , because tbe society at Ipswich had not long been in existence . There were a _fewBtaunch souls belonging to it , men who were ready and willing _m " \ y the Caarter . ( Hear ) _Matthxw
Mr _Stevewson Baid , tho working classes of Lancashire were sunk for ever , if a ohaBge , and a , sweeping change , did not take place in the institutions of the country . ( Henr , hear . ) There was no good in preaching patience to the starving masses . ( Hear , hear . ) He wished to convey to government , through the medium of the press , the assurance that the people of Lancashire _EfiiHM rt _N _^ _-rVk b y thousands in a landglutted with wealth . ( Hear , tear , hear . ) The scenes he daily witnessed when at home were truly horrifying , fhe naked , - emaciated , _speclrc-like beiDgp _, whe crowded round his house for charitv , were enough to melt a heart of stone . It was high time the . government .. stepped forward to remrdy this _- _state of society , instead of listening to the finespun _argnraeRta of Johnny Bright . ( Hear , hear ,
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
and laughter . ) If they did not , noman could answer for the peace of the country . Mr Ernest Jones eaid , his constituents' were impressed with the desirability , if poasible _. 'of conducting the movement oh moral force principles ; but they warned , him not to stoop to one act of unnecessary humility in urging their claims . To a man they _werexeady to fight . ( Cheera . ) ; If necessary , they were readv . to rush down from the . bills of Yorkshire in aid of their _brother patriots in London . ( Hear , r Sil y _wisae < i t 0 enforce moral force measures if those measures were consistent with common sense . They thought the Convention should appeal to the House of Commons , and if treated with contumely , oriput off with _half-measures , thev shonld
petition the Qaeen _. to dissolve the parliament and dismiss her ministers . In case her Majesty refused to obey that command—he used the werd ' command ' advisedly , for the Queen was but the servant of the people—they then would be prepared to advise the Convention to resolve themselves into a permanent assembling , and the struggle would commence be tween tho two parliaments as to which should be tbe dominant authority . tCntetB . ) Mr JAtos HiTOHix said , that no towu had been more oppressed , nor had any population suffered more privations , than the people of Wigan , or pat . ap with eo bad a state ef things more peaceably . _NeaHy _^ H t . h 0 _; factories were _afe _^ staad _^ in short , the river had broken into the co & l mines and
_anspended operations . The people of Wigan considered ,.-however , that they - had suffered l ong enough , and they would rather go to work and resort tb physical force at once , than remain in their _present deplorable position . ( Hea _* , hear . ) He asked them to try again . _Theyjsaid they _^ would try one more petition ; but if that were rejected , they would * go to work , ' let the consequence be what it might . He knew that the people of Wigan had the spirit to come out and stand manfully by the Convention until the Charter became the law of tbe land . ( near , hear . ) They were determined to have theCharter , either morally or physically . Mr BccRBt said that his constituents had furnished him with no specific instructions , nor was
be prepared with any report . The people thought they had petitioned long enough , and if they got nothing by this petition they would try ho ether . They told him that they would get the Charter by moral force if they could ; if tbey could not , they were determined to have it by other means . ( Cheers ) _Jvjliah _Harnby said , he was elected for Nottingham at one of the largest meetings ever held in that democratic town . He was not , however , present at the meeting at which he wss elected , and the' only instructions he had yet received was that the men of Nottingham had resolved that this should be the laatpetitionaddressed to the _Houcoof Commons , as at present constituted . He should be in daily
communication with his constituents , and expected further instructions , which he doubted not would breathe a spirit of determination worthy ofthe knows patriotic character of tbemen of Nottingham . Whatever these inatructions-might . be , he would enforce them to tho utmost of his ability . Mr Linsby said , that in the distriet round Birmingham tho people declared that they were tired of meeting . He waa authorised by the people of Bilstan , Wolverhampton , and Dudley , to say , that whatever course _raight | be recommended by the Convention , thoy were prepared to carry it out . ( Cheers . ) In his own mind , he felt determined to have the Charter before he left London . ( Hear ,
hear . ) Mr _FiKBBti said , the condition of Birmingham was better than it had been in previous years . The middle classes had declared for the People ' s Charter . The Chartists were now freely granted the use of the Town Hall , wherein to hold their meetings . _JTjjs Chartists of Birmingham hopBtbat the _Conyj |§ on will be _unanime-us , and they might then safer ? Tely upon their . aid . They hoped the question of physical and moral force would not be introduced to destroy their unanimity . Mr Sauubl Ktdd said , in Oldham there was a general feeling of discontent . So long nnd so continuous had been the misery , that the people began to feel reckless . They entertained the idea that constant starvation was worse than death .
Mr D . Dohovan drew a deplorable picture of the Bufferings of the working classes of Manchester , nearly 10 , 000 of whom aro now entirely _unemployed . They wish for the Charter at all risks ; but they would wish to arrive at their end without shedding one drop of blood . ( Hear , hear . ) The shopkeepers , too , felt tbe necessity for a change—their trade had fallen off more than one-half , while their rents and outgoings wero the same . 6 , 000 summonses had lately been issued against poor-rate defaulters . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr Eduund Joses said that Liverpool composed all the various classes of society . There were the wealthiest merchants in tbe world who looked down upon the other classes with indifference or disrespect . Liverpool had been prosperous * but now it was the reverse . W , 000 unwilling idlers , from among the river porters alone , thronged the
streets . They had been twenty weeks out of employ . Liverpool saw _bankruptcy on the one hand , and revolution en the other . Depend upon it , there ia an under-current at work which would wash before it every vestige of oppression and wrong , leaving behind it a fair field for the erection of justice , humanity , and liberty . ( Cheers . ) MrH . Smiiu said , hecould re-echo the sentiments of hi & colleague , Mr Jones , and he believed that it no other . town commenced , Liverpool would . An immense meeting had been held in tbat town , and the feeling was that if the petition was not granted they must obtain it at the point of the biyonet . Here the R _pealera were Chartists . There was a great body _. of the trades who had by destitution become Democrats . His constituents had resolved te have a large meeting , to call upon the members for the borough to support the motion of Mr O'Connor ,
when made . , , Mr Jambs Cumming said that Edinburgh was not so badly off , comparatively speaking . They were not poverty-stricken Chartists at Edinburgh ; they were Chartists from principle , and were ready to support that principle at the stake , in the dungeon or on the field . ( Cheers . ) If France had a republic , England ought to have her Charter . Mr j ! Graham said that he was not instructed to _sayEo ; but hia convictien was , thatthe people of Dundee would _indignantly resent any attempt to coerce the Irish , and that they would be ready , by every means , to support the People a Charter . Mr Lund said , the _ChartiBta of _Lancaster were
ready to join in extreme measures , if there exists aDv probability of success . Mr _Frahk Mirfield said that his constituents , at a large pnbiic meeting , had instructed him to say that if the government let the military louse upon Ireland , something else would b 3 let loose here . ( _Choers . ) If the petition were rejected they hoped the Convention would not break up , but that it would take into its hands the government of the country , ( tremendous cheers from the strangers ' gallery . ) _fh / _fit they would divide the land _^ into Bmalti ' arm _^;' and give every man an opportunity of _getting bis living by tbe sweat of his brow . Mr Iujss W at son said , come what might , Ihe people " of . _Newcastle . were resolved to have the Charter .. ; The Convention then adjourned for the day .
WEDNESDAY MORNING , April 5 , Mr M'Gk & _th took the chair at nine o ' clock . JMr Dixos took his Beat as delegate for Norwich . Mr _Muuput took his seat as delegate for Huddersfield . Mr- Lbach reported from the Election Committee : 4 That Dr Hunter waa duly elected for Edinburgh . ' ' That Mr M'Carthy should Bit-as a representative of London . ' The report was received . Mr _Tasnbb took his seat as delegate for _Totnesji . Mr J . P . _Glenisier took his seat as delegate for Cheltenham .
RKPOniS . Mr Aston rose and said , that Northampton had been in a bad state , and they had come to the conclusion that nothing but the People ' s Charter would restore a proper nate of thing ? , by bringing about good and beneficial social changes . The people being makers of bootB and shoes , depend on foreign trade . He _was justified in stating that fhe working men wero determined to have the Charter at all hazards . The working classes thought the roan who would not fight for it , was unworthy of it . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) They further thought that the _wrongaof Ireland were the wrongs of England , and that the people of both should unite for their removal , and the abolition ol
class misrule ... He was instructed to support any measure that would insure the adoption of the Chartet in the 9 hor , test time .- ( Hear , hear . ) Mr James -Leach said , his report was much the same as hia brother delegates ' . He should say nothing of _physical or moral force , but leave that to the chapter of accidents , ( Hear , hear . ) Mr _Tattersall said , the state of the people in Bury was most frightful—work bo bad , that tbey could scarce keep body and soul together , and such a state made the peopio reckless . The Charter was the _all'absoibing topio , and he could assert , without fear of contradiction , that at no previous time was the feeling so intense , or so enthusiastic as the present . He could say , _emphatically , the men of Lancashire
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
were up to the mark , but he thought they Bhqnld not destroy the _labour _' _oTyiiars byMy net of _riishtjftp . Mr _Jouu West said , the people were living upon less than half wages , or father tbey were starving on it ' , they were in favour of the protection of lives and property , bat it would be the lives and property of all , aHd it' this were not done , they saw nothing beforethem biit a war . The people of Stockport had determined that this sheuld be tbe last petition . He , like _MrTatttrsall , wasopposedtoaprecipitatemovemeut _, but he was equally opposed to cowardice . . Mr Bkvington said , poverty and destitution prevailed to an alarming extent , and he never witnessed such a state of uneasiness and restlessness—the people were determined to accomplish their rights at all and any risk .
Mr Sale coincided with his colleague ; the authorities bad refused to issue any more summonses for poor rates and had , at the suggestion of a publio open air meeting , taken twenty acres of land to employ the destitute poor on ; but this did not go far enough for him—excitement in favour of the Charter was very high . t James Suibrdh , Baid , in Aberdeen the Chartists wera not well organised , but on great occasions , like the present , the people had always come ont in great numbers ; they had procured upwards of 10 , 000 _aignatures to the National Petition . Should thei _& petition not succeed , they would recommend the adoption of an address to the Queen , and leave any further steps to the Convention _^ Mr G . W . M . Reynolds said , be had been Sn
Derby but a short time , but he had made the best use of that time . The best feeling prevailed in tho town and districts ; the _^ wished every step to be token , and did not anticipate that the government would grant the Charter all at once ; neither did he . At the same time he thought this should be the last petition to the house , and he agreed with a deputy who spoke on Tuesday , that its refusal would be a declaration of War against labour . He said he agreed with the sentiment of Lafayette— ' That for a nation to be free , it waa sufficient that she willed it . ' A few drops of blood were as nothing in the scale , and if moral means should fail , the people were prepared for any means . The people of Derby agreed fully in the sentiments he had given utterance to « ° _* and he trusted they would speedily be in possession of their _richts and liberty . ( Lopd cheers . )
Mr Geo . Stephbn—His constituents wished a deputation to wait on Lord John RuBse ]] , and represent to him the condition ol labour . The masons had been engaged in a resistance to a reduction of wages . The teamen had also been similarly occupied . The boiler-makers had been working short time during the winter , and the masters had . taken advantage of it , and made an " attempt to reduce wages . A company of the With bad been quartered in Hull ; they were ordered to Ireland , and before they left , not less than thirty-seven of that body attached their names to the National Petition for the People's Charter . ( Lond cheers . ) Hence ,
he thought this , was adding _disaffection to Ireland , ( Loud cheersj The people of Hull wi » hcd the convention to continue itB sittings until the Charter was gained . # Mr Cochrane said , his constituents wished _tfeas the delegates would wait on tbe members of Paflrament to reason with them prior to the presentation of the National Petition ; also , that the persons residing in tbe several districts , should write to the members , demanding their support to the Charter , and they also recommended , in the event of the rejection of the Petition , simultaneous meetings should beheld all over the country to ascertain what other steps should be taken .
Mr Addams said , from Glasgow , which was a district comprising an immense population , he had brought up one hundred thousand signatures to the petition , and another thirty thousand had since been forwarded . Tbe middle _classen had begun to fraternise ; in faot , the only parties who refused their aid and subscriptions were those who fatten on the vice and dissipation of the people—the publicans . ( Hear , hear . ) They had a large hall in Glasgow , in the principal street , the Trongate ; aud on its front was inscribed , in letters of large dimensions— ' De mocratio Hall / and meetings were held almost every night . Poverty prevailed to a great extent , and discontent kept pace , with it ; and so strong was the feeling-that , at any rate , they could manage to keep all their soldiers to themselves . ( Loud applause . ) He had no particular instructions ; but he Bhould
oppose any precipitate movement , as being calculated to injure the cause . He had attended a meeting of the Irish in Glasgow , and the best feeiing prevailed between them and the Chartists . ( Loud cheers . ) As regards the late riots in Glasgow , the Chartists bad no connexion with them whatever , except to oppose them- ( Hear , hear . ) Mr Lightowleb said , he had tbe honour to represent something Hire 100 , 000 persons , and he should have at least 70 , 000 signatures to the petition—( hear ) —and the opinion of bis constituents was , that life , under present circumstances , was a burthen , and they resolved to have their rights at all hazards . The people were in a starving condition , and the time ] had arrived when a change sbould take place . This was tbe opinion of thegreat majority of the inhabitants of his district .
Mr F . O ' Conhob , M . P ., said , he was ready to receive a variety of taunts and sneers , in his place in the hense , in the execution of hia duty on presenting their petition , and making his motion consequent thereon . ( Hear , hear . ) He looked on this Convention as a fair and faithful representation of the people . ( Cheers . ) He had long been connectedwith the movement . There were some that might have been a few years longer , but none more _incessantly than he had for tbe last fifteen years , and , consequently , the _canae was deeply graven on his heart . At the first Convention , at a cost of £ 30 , QQ 0 , they had only 1 , 250 , 000 signatures . At the second , at a cost of something less than £ 200 . they had an accession of strength to 2 . 000 . 000 ,
and at the last occasion they had three millions and a half , at an expense of eighty pounds . Although the Scotch pedlar had stated that he had put down the movement , Chartism was increasing , and to be increased , —( great applause , )—and he had every reason to believe that on this occasion he should have five millions four hundred thousand signatures , and yet the shopkeepers had only just begun to pour in to the stream . The events of France had doubtlessly given an impetus to the movement ; thrones were crumbling and tumbling on the continent , and was it to be expected that England should remain in slavery under such circumstances f ( Loud cheers . ) The Press was now doing , or attempting to do , what Pitt did with gold heretofore , —destroy the
proper influence of tho Fiench revolution . A y , but sbould eventi occur here , when the change did come , the suffering ofyour friends had prepared yeu with such a political and social system as could , and would be , at once adopted by the people of this country . _( Loud cheers . ) He would not give 9 fig for the Charter unless it carried with it a social change ; such a one had he prepared as would employ all the unwilling idlers , and eet them at work in the free labour field . ( Loud cheers . ) In fact , the whole question was ' a labour question ; from his _startjng into public life he had always looker at it as such . Ilis efforts in Ireland had been frustrated by the _showrnnn i with hia bos of figuree . The . meeting ye _& , —the clinching year , —and the
Repeal year , had resolved him in prosecuting a movement where such humbug would not prevail . On Monday they would go down to the House . lie was not prepared to destroy the movement he had been mainly instrumental in raising by precipitation , nor was he prepared to allow the people to remain in bondage one moment longer than they could obtain their freedom . ( Loud cheers , ) Look to Ireland at the present moment , and he thought he might say with the delegate _frim Glasgow , they would be at least able to keep all the military there . ( Loud cheere . ) He had a greatci- interest in the question of the Charter than any other man living ; he belonged to a persecuted and prosecuted family , whose wrongs he had sworn to avenge . He had fought and
bled at Birmingham , Manchester , and Nottingham , and therefore was not likely to turn craven now . ( Hear , hear . ) He bad received his credentials in 1835 , and was proud of tbem , and therefore would not abdicate , and should the people even _depose him from their _leadership , he would remain in the ranks and fight tho battle out , ( Loud cheers . ) The Presshad k « pt the aristocracy and monied classes in igno ranee of the real state of the people . lie was now becoming a _quaai-minister , and doubtless . wnuld be _asKed what they intended to do en Monday . On the faith of that Convention , he should reply , that not one pane of _glasB . nor one pennyworth of property weuld be injured . ( Loud cheers . )
That peace and good order would prevail whilst iheir grievances were under discussion . ( _Repeated cheering . ) An alderman had told hira , j n the _bouse _. that he would be shot on Monday ; he told the alderman that were he shot , shooting would take place all over the country . He weuld be in the _proccsaien , in the front row of the front rank ; and now they might shoot away . ( Rapturout cheering . ) In tbe eveutof the rejection ofthe petition , he recommended simultaneous meetings in every part of the country , to address the _Qacento _diaraiea . the ministry , and call to her cbjuudiis men who would _niake the Charter a cabinet " question . ( Applause ) If that were unavailing _^ he would never : flinch , but would sooner die than not wis the Charter . He
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
meant to wait no longer than the timo when the majority of the people demanded it —and wera prepared to establish " their , rights ' . - Ha . thought , they .. now had power to obtain it . He waf _* now abont to leave to go to tbe house , to give hie * support f o -Mr Sharman Craw ord , for a bill relative to Ireland . ( Hear , hear . ) Again he repeated , on their _faitfhe would _pledge _hirnseif for' tbe security of life and property . onMoaday , ( _Great cheering . ) " Johs Shaw said , in the reporta delivered bere , mnch of the opinions of those he represented had [ been expressed *; like them , theyresplved _i ' this should be the very last petition presented , and that they would have the Charter , if . not peaceably , otherwise ; they believed their condition ' could not be wor & under any _oireumjatancaaj . a & d'tliey weraprepatreil tb risk their all on . the attempt to : gain the ' Charter . His _instraotion 3 were , not to _retumfuntii the Charier was the law of the land . „ ¦ - . ; _. meant to wait ne- longer than the timo when the maioritv of the people demanded it —and
_MrLowBR ? _deaonbed the condition of fhe people in Carlisle to be most fearful * As regards physical force—the Carlisle people were not ia favour of it ; they thought tbe Charter would be gained without it _—Wigton , Dais ton , and other towns thought differently , that it weuld never would be gained without physical force . The shopkeepers had signed the petition , and more numerously than at an ? former time ; they were generally complete suffragists . Mr D . Thomas said | the people of Merthyr Tydvil were desirous of having a procession in their diatrict , at the same time as tke procession was proceeding to the Commons with the petition : _thoy > ere prepared to carry out the views of the Convention .
Mr Robert Wild said , the district he represented he thought had not less than one hundred thousand unenfranchised workmen in it , all expecting soon to be _enfranchised , and he believed they should have nearly tbat amount of signatures ; be had brought up 70 , 000 with him . He had instructions ; one was to wait on the members of the government , and tell them it they were * not prepared to find employment , to give up their offiees to those who were both willing and able to do so . ( _uear / he , ar . ) He had the pleasing duty of informing them , that only one middle _clasa man bad refuseiHo sign the petition when _orked . ( Loud cheers . ) _^ ' The district had authorhed hira to say , that collision with the authorities would be
premature until one more step had been fir < st taken ; they were tired of petitioning , and resolved that if London did its duty , Lancashire would not be behind hand . ( Hear , hear . ) In fine , the portion of Lancashire and Cheshire he represented , were determined to con * tinue their efforts until tlieir object was achieved . * _ Mr Walter thought that petitioning , under any circumstances , was humiliating . He should , however , go with it , on thia occasion . He believed gai . ls and gibbets were the implements of the aristocracy to keep down the peopio , and he thought that aristocracies should be abolished—some portion of bis constituents were in favour of physical—others in favour of moral force .
Mr Wm . Cem * f said , the middle classes in London were opposed to us , but the working _olssses wera up to the mark . In the Westminster district thej increased ia numbers thirty or forty per night . Confederates were with the Char' . ists , and would march under their own banner—the green flag of _ Erin ( on Monday next . The trades were also coming out . He was prepared to carry out all he had said . Mr Hbnrt Child said , bis constituents were defermined to have their rights , peaceably if they couldbut forcibly if they must . But he was certain bo alarm need be raised . The people would keep peaceable until such time as their petition ' s prayer waa either granted or rejected . The Convention then adjourned to half-past two o'clock .
AriEBNeON sitting . _MrM'GBilH havintf TABumnrl tha "l _^ _-I-- _" ¦ _t—ie past two , Mr G . W ; M . _Rbtnolbs announced that the government had sent two reporters to take their proceedings . This announcement was received with _, great applause-. Mr pETBiBrose to give in his report . In Plymouth they had a considerable number of half-pay officers . The people were peaceably inclined , butwished , nevertheless , energetic measures taken foe the purpose of the obtainment of the Charter . Dr Hunter said , Edinburgh was not quite so democratic as he could wish . He was delighted at hearing Mr FearguB O'Connor to-day ; only one result could take place from the obtainment ef the industrial principles laid dawn by that gentleman—tha prosperity and happiness of tbe people ; there wera
only two er three man who thoroughly understood those industrial principles , amongst whom was to ba found Mr _Feaigua O'Connor . ( Loud cheers . ) Ha had no instructions from his constituents , bufche did wish to say a few words on first principles , he thought the Charter conld be made the law by moral force > and moral force only , as when ' _. the people said— ' We will the Charter , ' it must become law . ( Cheers . ) Mr J . P . Glbknisikr said , perhaps they would esteem it a novelty to have a dekgato from the aristocratic and priest-ridden town of Cheltenham , Their clergyman had from the pulpit denominated the provisional government of France—bl- oi _!« hounds . Ue could not say as others had done , tbat his constituency were prepared for such and such things , but they desired agitation , and a long pull and strong pull for tho _obtainmeLt of our rights .
Mr William Tanner said , the Chartists of Totnesa had thought some mistake had occurred in making out the districts , as Totnesa was not a recognised portion of the National Charter Association ; however , they Buppo 3 cd the object was national , and as they wero in favour of the Charter , they had gone to work—got the use ofthe Guildhall , adopted the National Petition—and afterwards held a meeting for the election of delegates , when he waa elected _. His instructions were to remain until the petition was presented . Mr Richard Mabsden said , he had brought up Bome 65 , 000 signatures with him . He was up in Loadon about ten years ago , things were bad
enougkthen , they were ten times worse now —( hear , hear)—and unless something was done he sincerely believed it would be impossible to keep North Lancashire quiet . He gave a harrowing picture ofthe suffering endured by tho people in North Lancashire ; _oua woman lay perishing , and ten minutes before she died she said to her husband , 'Is it right that I should be murdered like this , by starvation ? ' Th 8 husband eaid , * Thou _knowest I oan ' t help it , I hava done my best . ' Ten minntes _' from this the woman died . This was not a solitary ca ? e , b y any means . Now , notwithstanding this , they were prepared to wait time for it to be done , but a change must be had . ( Tremendous cheering . )
Mr Wm . Dixon said , his constituents were butlittle better off tban those _deacribedby MrMarsdcn _. and ha could say Mr Marsden had not overdrawn tbe picture . Hciconstituents said , should the prayer of tha petition be rejected , tbey were in favour of simultaneous meetings to be held all over England on ona day , and at one hour , and never to desist until the Charter was law . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Charles _M'Cartht . ( Irish Confederalist ) said , ths Confederalists were determined to achieve their liberties ; and tbey had their rifle clubs , showing at once their determination to fight for their liberties , if necessary—( loud cheers )—and should a single shot be fired in Ireland , forty thousand Irishmen , in London , were ready to avenge their brethren .
Mr MuBPnt said his constituents at Huddersfield , were determined to havo the Chartr moraily , if possible , but to have it any road . ( Loud cheers . ) MrG . J . Harney said , hB yesterday stated that he had received n > instruction from his constituents ; to-day he had received a letter , setting forth the wish ofthe constituents , thatthe Convention should con « tinue their sitting until the Charter became law . A meeting was called for Monday next , the mayor bad refused the usd of the hall , and the requisitionists had resolved to hold it themselves ; the mayor said , he bad received a letter from Sir George Gtey , _setting forth that a great number ef pikes were being manufactured and distributed in Nottingham . ( Tremendous cheering . ) ¦
Mr J . B . _O'Bmi _' Nhad _attenced meetings in London , and he found them warm , and if they were not , he generally endeavoured to make them so ; he had attended a meeting in the National Hall , where the _question was put , * Should the _government take lip arms against the provisional government , would you fight for the government of England or the provi _« sional government of France ? ' the answer ?? as , unanimously , 'The provisional government of France . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Of course , as a loyal man , he regretted this state of feeling . ( Laughter ) ' Hedid not think the people of London generally were with . them , nor did bethink they were propared for . ul * terior measures at the present moment , hc would not go against the law so long as he thought the law would do us justice , but as soon as he found the law . would not do us justice , and that the peopio were _strenger than tbe law , at that moment ho snapped his finger at the law . ( Loud cheers . ) ( Continued io the Eighth Page . ) . ..
Tower Hamlets.—A General Meeting Of The ...
Tower Hamlets . —A general meeting of the Globe and Friends looality ofthe National Charter _Association will meet , for important business , on Sunday evening , April 9 th , at . seven o ' clock . Mr Ernest JeneB leotured at the Globe and Friends , on Sunday , and gavo great satisfaction . Twelve persona entered after ihe lecture . This locality Meets on Monday morning , at seven . o ' oleck , tojoin the > demonstration . Hevw 9 od .-A meeting of the . No . 2 branch of the National Land Company will take place on Sunday next , at two o ' clock in the afternoon , at Samuel Partington ' s , Paved-brow . Nbwtom Hkath . —The quarterly _raeeiinff of this brauch of the Land Company will be he ' d at the hou _< e of Mr Juhn Smith , Dab-lane , Fadsworth , on SundayApril 9 tb , at two o'clock in the afternoon .
,, Carlisle . —A special meeting of the members of _thoXJo-oper ative Society , connectedwith this branch _, of tbeN ational Land Company John street , _Cildewgate , on eight o ' elock in the evening . wishing to become members attend . ' " f
, Will Be Held At No , 0, Tuesday, April...
, will be held at No , 0 , Tuesday , April 11 th , at . - ' Any _^^ _W _^ erftonsi L , are _* _^^^ | _fM _^ _•^¦ _W _^ M . , Will be held at No , O , - _uesday , April 11 th , at . . : ' Any ' _^^¦^ _ergpnsi L " .. .. ' •; rs , are ' " * _fi _^^^ p _*^ fe _^ :.
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 8, 1848, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_08041848/page/1/
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