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THE NORTHERN STAR. April 6, 184 *.
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THE NATIONAL CONVENTION
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Printed Vy DOUGAL M'GOWAN, of 16, Great *ffindmil> fetrcci wij ¦ oi —
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, xiajruiuitkci.,. *» *«c .v * ' w.«-».....
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
( Continued from the First Page . ) Mr _Teouas _Cl-lBS , in rising to submit a pro * gramme , said , they had not taken steps as regarding nlterior measures ; feeling that they were the Executive not the legislative body , one individual might from a platform offer a recommendation , and be alone responsible for Buch a recommendation , buthad the Executive done so . the whole body would have been involved . The National Petition would show the _nnmbera desirous of being represented , and then it was for the country to say what next steps should be taken ; and perhaps yoa would wish to know what steps we ( ihe Executive Committee ) weuld recommend . The House of Commons was only one of the estates of the realm , and hence we should recommend thst a memorial be presented to the Queen , praying
ber to dissolve the Ilouse of Commons , and call to h ? r councils men who would make the Charter a Cabinet _raesusre . urging that ene out of seven have no rlghttotaxtheothersix . Theyfiret then appealed to the Commons , the representatives of one seventh of the people . We e & nld not recognise the Lord ? , hence we piss them by . and go to the monarch ; and let them , like tke Americans , issue a manifesto , giving tbe representatives ofone-seventh the opportuHity of wiping off the stain and stigma that now rest upon tbem . They proposed that this memorial should be adopted at simultaneous _meetings to be held on Good Friday ; and he hoped thev would make a good day's work ef
it . ( Lond cheer 3 ) They urcposed that delegates should present those memorials to the Queen , and then he hoped to see a delegation of at least 500 persons . They wished to see quiet , determined , and earnest measures taken , as this was better thau enthusiasm . The Executive Committee would not Bhrink from any _resrjonsibility this course might entail . The Executive Committee thought the Bitting ofthe present body should not be permanent , but that in the interim the country should be agitated from one end to the other— ( hear , hear )—and that another Convention ba held to carry out the measures now recommended . ( Lond cheers . )
Mr O'Bries gave notice tnat he would submit a motion to the effect— 'That this Convention do peroral its legitimate duty oi presenting the petition , and thst being the representative of asmall fraction , tbat a body representing the whole people shall be summoned to take ulterior measures to carry the Charter . * _ Mr T . Cure then formerly moved the first proposition on his programme . < Mr G . J . Hasset said , he thought it would be _advisable to get the programme and Mr O'Brien ' s motion printed , and put in the hands of the members , and tha discussion take place thereon to-morrow . They were 80 important , that he conceived this should be dene , go that each member might understand them . Mr Clark assented to the suggestion .
_MsvKsnn rose ta submit a _metton relative to the issniiig an address . He was aware that many commissions were in existence , but he _thcuaht that if Lord John Russell , really knew the state ofthe . people , he . could not treat them in the way he did . He would move the following resolution : — ' That an address expressive of the condition of the people be drawn np and submitted to the people . ' Mr Cuumms seconded the motion . . Mr T . M . Wheeler suggested that the motion should stand over until the programme was considered and settled . . Mr Jons V 7 esx said , the question was a very important one , and he could not but think the government and the middle classes were ignorant of the * State of England question ; ' they ran away with Ihe idea , that we wanted the elective franchise for power ' s sake , instead of as a protection for eur _jndostrv .
Mr WiH > 8 aid , he wanted an address as _nachas any one—but thought it premature -, he wished a Blight delay—say two days—he would raovean amendineatto that effect . Mr _A-sTis seconded the amendment . It being now fire o ' elock the Convention adjourned THURSDAY MORNING-Aprh , 6 th . : As on previous occasions , -tha galleries were crowded , and hundreds assembled around tbe doors of the hall . - Mr _M'GsiiH took the chair at nine o _' c ' ock . Mr Kydd , in resuming tLe adjourned debate , said , Mr Wheeler thought his motion premature , whilst he thought , if anything , it had been delayed too long _.
Several delegatea here rose , and expressed a wish to speak on the subject . Mr Ktdd waved hia reply for a time . : Mr Wheklbb requested Mr Kydd to withdraw . Mr Ktdd declined . Mr J . A . Fussnii , said , the address proposed would give great satisfaction to his constituents , and he Believed it was well calculated to do a great deal of ; good , shewing the real state of the operatives . ' Mr A 87 ox said , although he thought that the
general distress of the operatives was well known , Eat , as ignorance was pleaded , aad as it was calculated to do much good , he , therefore , cordially supported the motion . Mr Cjjvfat opposed tha address as being entirely uncalled-for and unnecessary . The working classes knew that distress prevailed—the middle classes knew that distress prevailed , too—Ifc was but telling them what they knew already ; and besides , the money of the Convention sheuld be dealt charily ffith .
Mr _Fsuffr , Mirfjbld said , "he thonght an address _ehould be issued , although he thought the distress ' was known , and hence , he wished the address to ¦ _s seommend simultaneous meetings on Monday next , and ho wished that some sueh sentiment should be contained therein as— ' that it was necessary that the whole country should be up when the Petition was presented . ' _MtM-Casiht said , he supported the amendment as being best calculated to eaoso the provinces to ba acquainted with the _matroDoli _? , and vice versa . ' ' ¦ - ¦ a £ r " _Sravess said , the . country would expect some _address , but _,-fe-iias _^ ne _. _tBOTgh ' fc . tho time for _BstagingiJ forward was rather " premature . Aa to expense ,- h « -believed . _tho people would _saeri _£ oe one _SaASS * ctt £ _3 ? fuily , to _isfos tbfexcess of
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
Mr Ernest Jokes said , he rose to support the motion of the _delegate for Oldham . The delegate for London had said it was useless to draw up this address , because the working classes were aware of the misery they felt themselves—granted . The middle classes were aware of it also—granted . But they ought to be told , that the Convention was awareof it , too , and meant to make it one of their chief considerations . ( Cheers . ) Here was' the great strength of the _Conveation—that they were not merely political innovators , but social reformers as well . ( Loud cheers . ) It was , therefore , necessary one of the first acts should be to prove this to the world . ( Hear , hear . ) A delegate had said , atter Monday was time enough . It was not ; for tins very address might influence many who would fear to join ua on Monday . As to expense , 1 _^ not the Conyentioa fear . Tbe country ' s work was about ; to \ be fit-fee , and they would b 5 ready to supply the means , now- talk had changed to work . ( Cheers . ; _? _* Mr Cochrane said , he would advise Mr Kydd to withdraw his motion until the other subjects were
' _MrIfjoBssrose to support Mr Kydd ' s motion , and said , he believed that they should present such a mass of matter , disclosing such an amount of human suffering , as the men ot the metropolis were in entire ien- > rance of . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr T . Clark said , the only exception he took was , that Mr Kydd ' s motion bad not been the very first _busings introduced ; he waa enrc it would materially strengthen any proceeding we might ultimately take , and hence , he had much pleasure in supporting Mr Kydd ' s motion . Mr E . Johbs begged to read a letter he had Just received , bearing on tbe puint , strongly recommending some such aadress . Mr _GfcKNMsiEB had much pleasure in supporting
Mr Kydd s motion . Mr lincHiN said , he never had greater pleasure in supporting any motion , and believed , if the real condition ofthe people were known that many ofthe middle and upper olss > es would be induced to render their support in the movement for their enfranchisement . Mr O'Connor , at this moment , entered , and was received with great eheering . The amendments were , with consent , withdrawn . _"Z _" ,
Mr Pbihib said , he believed tho motion was calculated to do an incalculable amount of good . ( Hear . ) Mr Cobden had recommended that expenditure should be confined to the limits of income . The go . vernment had commenced at the wrong end , reducing clerks and leaving the comfortable officers untouched . A meeting had been held in Plymouth , to _congratulate the Queen on the birth of a princess , when the working classes had attended , and reminded the Mayor that poor women had not the means of getting a sufficiency of water-grnel .
The motion was then put and carried unanimously , and a resolution that a committee of seven bo appointed to carry ont the same . [ _Ifetsrs Kydd , West , Adam ? , Wild , Graham , _Madden , and Leach , were appointed . ) Mr _O'Consoh moved that a petition be drawn np by a committee , and signed by every member of the Convention , in favour ot Frost , Williams , Jones , and all political offenders . Carried _uaanimously . A committee , consisting of Mr Dixon , G . W . M . Reynolds , and B . O'Brien , were appointed for that
purpose . Mr T . Clibk then rose to submit the programme of the Executive Council : — jfto _^ ramms of business submitted by the Executive Committee to the National Convention . 1 st . —That , in the event of the National Petition being _rejected by the House of Commons , that this Convention prepare a National Memorial to the _Qneen to dissolve the present Parliament , arid call to her conncil sach ministers only as will make the People ' s Charter a cabinet measure . 2 nd . —This this Convention agrea to theconvooa tion of a National Assembly , to consist of delegates appointed at public meetings , for the purpose of presenting the National Memorial to the Queen ; and adopting such other steps as they may deem advisable tu secure the immediate establishment of the Pec * ple ' a Charter .
3 rd . —Thia Convention call upon the country to hold simultaneous meetings on Good . Friday , April 21 st , for thepurpoBe of adopting the National Memorial , and electing delegates for the National Assembly . 4 th . —Thatthe National Assembly meet in London , oa Monday , May 1 st , 1848 . Mr Clakk , having read the above , moved the first paragraph on behalf of the Executive Committee . Mr O'CoKNor was opposed to addressing the electoral body , and thought the programme had better be discussed as a whole , Mr O'Brien _tookasimilar objection . Mr Clakk . took Ms seat as delegate for Bristol . Mr Wheeler seconded Mr Clark ' s motion for a memorial to the Queen .
Mr Adams thonght no arrangements of this sort should take place before the arrangements were made relative to the presentation of the Petitionlie wished to go with the majority , and was prepared _tjdoso , _evente the scaffold —( cheers)—and moved an amendment in accordance with his speech . Mr Cotfiy . as chairman of the Demonstration Committee , said , all and every preparation was made for the procession , and presentation of the Petition on Monday next . Mr O'Cohkor reported that a carriage was nrepared at _Snip ' s End , for the conveyance of the Peti-. tion , and another for the delegates , so thatthe _ineohffenience of persons carrying the Petition , experienced on the last occasion , would bo obviated . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Adams withdrew , with _consent , hie amend ment .
Mr T . M- Wheei , 3 b proposed that an address be issued to the shopkeepers of London , stating that they had no danger to apprehend from the procession on Monday ; that they were in favour of , and determined to protect life and property ; and that they bai no _ intention of a collision with the constituted authorities . This was _seconded , aHd , after a few words from several delegates , it was carried , with only two dissent ' enfs . The 'discussion on the programme was again re-Bumed . Mr Clubs _, presumed , that if any delegate had amendments to move a . _ainst the propositions embraced in the programme of the Executive , this was tho time to move them .
Mr Cuffat said , he considered the programme one of serious import , and wished to submit au _amendrntnt , to tne effect , * That aa the programme had not yet . been printed , it should be done prior to & discussion taking place thereon . ' Mr Clark again stated that he could not get it printed in time . Mr Cuffay ' s amendment not being seconded , _^ Mr G . W . M . _Rbvkoids said , he did not _riso to give a factions opposition to the Executive Committee , but must confess he was astonished when he heard the programme read—as many had expressed a determination to have the Charter before the Convention broke up—and on tearing Mr O'Connor ' s magnificent speech yesterday , be mentally
exclaimed * Thank God , we shall have no more temporising . ' Yet we hsd the temporising policy of the . programme . * Why , appealing to the Queen , was like appealing first to the Lord Chancellor on the bench , then to the same Lord in Privy Council ; and the Queen bad been applied toon behalf of starving Spitalfields Weavers , sad hep answer Traa tjhe bad no funds . What ? n » fundB out of £ 369 , 800 . per annum . He waa sick of procrastination , and be repeated tbat such rejection would be . a declaration of war . Mr Reynolds moved : * That in the event of thei rejection , the Conveation declare its sitting permanent , and declare the Charter the Uw of the land . '
Mr Wiluah Cuffat seconded the amendment , he shonld take the rejection as a declaration of war , and be prepared to go to war accordingly , and the Executive should be prepared to lead on to liberty or to death ; Mr J . B . O'Bbieh said / at tha thU of any unpopularity he Bhould venture to oppose both programme and amendment . He was opposed to any further petition , er memorial ; but he thought before they declared the sitting of sn assembly permanent , tbey should have the sanction of the great mass of the
people , instead of a fraction , as now ; thus , for instance , he was elected by some two thousand out bf two millions of persons in this metropolis . And it sbould be known , that there were many Chartists , and others , going for tha principles , that were not represented here , having no confidence in either himself or Mr O'Connor ; be would "therefore move an amendment , to the effect that tho _pressat Convention confine itself to presenting the petition , and that a National Assembly ba : called instead ; then , come what may , it Bhould declare its sittings permanent , and go oa , coaie weal come woe .
Mr _Lowaar seconded the amendment , as his constituents were not yet in favour of violeat ulterior measures , Mr _O'CoMUOBsaid Mr Cuffay was a good Chartist , but he emphatically denied that ha or the Executive wished , by any means , to Impede the movement . He came now tothe most important of all questions . _Andhere let him repeat , that . whatever this Convention agreed on , he was prepared to do . ( Loud cheers . ) It was . non ? _6 Hse to tell him that the Executive wa § shrinking from ruk j they had
communication with all parts of the country , aad understood the mind of the country . He had never failed to rtcet danger , and now declared , in the' presence of the government reporter , sa help him God . he would ia . her die a martyr than live a slave . ( Tremendous oheoring . ) But , he said , appeal to the . people before yon declare the sittings permanent- — organige . tbe trades , and others- _^ and meet again on an early day , ! and then Jiq _^ eared hot whether they _meraoraiUsed or not ; ay , and on that _oocsaioa _, in despite of the Convention Act , . he wdnld ask the Irish toiead _delegates to it . ( Great _applanse . ) Be _didstt 2 &?& e j & _aef _&& m m _& m pwt & msit
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
into septennial ones , and ho implored them not to damage their righteous cause by precipitation . Have a National Assembly ; aU being represented , and he would be prepared to do its bidding . ( Long continued cheering from tha galleries and body of the ball ) Mr Hbhrt . Child said , he roBe to move an ' amendmentta both questions before the house , at the same time he repudiated the observations mado by , a foil _, mer speaker , that the Convention only _represented a few . He would move : — _« That the question under consideration should be adjourned until after Monday next ; ' which was seconded . Mr O'Connob said , the Executive would abandon the Memorial . Mr _Doxovan said , that be did not think' the Conference should abandon the Memorial . ( Hear J hear !) u ' Mr Clark said , although tho Executive abandoned it , he as a member did not , and hence it still remained before them- ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ - -.
Mr _Dongvah said , Mr Reynolds had spoken strongly on making the sitting permanent , - but he should like to know what _powei ! they had of d _^ Ing bo 1 it would be an act of despotism . HAb constituents were desirous of having every stop taken , and would stand by the decision of the Convention , be it what it may . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr _Tatibrsaix said , thia waa the most important question yet submitted ; it was simply this , were we tor war , and if bo , had vre the means of supporting it . In opposition to what had fallen from Mr
O'Brien , he contended that they wero the virtual representatives of the people , and he feared were suoh a Convention to assemble , ita time would be lost in Bquabbling . ( Hear ! hear !) He recommended simultaneous meetings . If the question Tm ° -n a ° ! _K ? ° f _Lancashire , they would say , We will fight for it . ' ( Loud cheera . ) He would move—* That simultaneous meetings be held on tho 12 th of April next , and tbat such meetings shall decide what shall be the future steps of the Convention .
Mr _Jo-pii Lihkev seconded tbe amendment . Mr L . Jones moved a further amendment , as follows : — 'Be it resolved tbat , in the event of the National Petition being rejected by the Houso of Commons , a memorial adopted at simultaneous meetings ofthe peopio shall be addressed to the j _? ' deraandiag tne dissolution of _Parliaments and the dismissal of her ministerial . _advisera _^ iind further , that the _aaid simultaneous _meetiuga ' shall elect delegates to a new Convention , instructed to sit permanently until the Charter is made the _law of thejand , and tbat the present Convention continue sitting antil the meeting ofthe National Convention . ' ond said , he held it absolutely necessary that in the present crisis no baokward step should be taken . If
they wanted more members in their Convention , that waa a reason not to _diamlw tho » e they had . ( Cheers . ) _Howas surprised at one of the delegates for London saying they represented small constituencies ; their constituency was the five and a half millions who had signed the National Petition . ( Loud cheera . ) Hiwaa also surprised at the delegate introducing party ri anie « _T t t * me waa con _" ! _* ° r _measures , not men . He ( Mr Jones ) was neither an _O'Connorite nor a fcturgite , be recognised no' _ites '—he only recognised two classes—the oppressor and the oppressed . ( Protracted cheering from ball and galleries . ) The Lin don delegate had said the recent movement on St _Patriok ' _s day had failed because the leading men had not amalgamated , but he ( Mr Jones ) said it had failed becauso tho people had looked too much to 'leading men' instead of building on themselves . ( Loud cheers . ) If this Cenvention does not shrink from its duty ~ we shall have a St
Patrick ' s day ia England—for all the vermin will fce driven out . ( _Cheeia . ) He moved this amendment because he thought it necessary to memorialise the Queen—not that he expected her complianceebut history must never have to say the Chartists took in blood , that whichthey might have gained in peac 3 . ( Loud cheers ) That memorial would give time for better organisation—it would show .-that we were temperate , and the third step Bhould show that we were brave . ( Great applause . ) -He moved the amendment , because it was absolutely necessary the organisation should go on instead of going back—grow _larger instead of smaller—and the nucleus mast be kept in London . The Convention must be kept sitting—and while they ought to be acting in tbe capital , they might be only electing in the provinces . ( Protracted cheering . ) Mr _CLAfiKsecondsd the amendment proposed by Mr _ErneBt Jones .
Mr _STavaaaos supported the amendment of Mr Ernest Jones . Mr LrjflD said , the great question was what should be the ultimate steps on a certain contingency arising ; for his part he thought they mighE as well consider what was to be done if the memorial was rejected ; he thought the beat way was to appeal to their constituents . Mr J . A , Fussell supported tho memorial to the Queen , such memorial to be presented by a National Assembly . A large meeting held in the Birmingham Town Hall , had decided that all means should be taken to secure the _object'in view . In reply to Mr Tattersall , he said , the Conference in Birminsham was held for a different purpose from that which
the meeting in question had been held , such a meeting as that proposed had never previously been held . Mt Idiiuxd _Jonhs rose to support the amendment of Mr Ernest Jonea . Ho thought that the best calculated to secure the object they all had at heart ; he could not say he represented the middle classes of the part of Liverpool : but tho down trodden oppressed working classes , Mr _SniRRON said , he supported the amendment of Mr Ernest Jones , and he thought Mr O'Brien would see its force . Here would be the _simnltaseous meetings , and the opportunity of such a National Assembly as he ( Mr O'Brien ) desired . Ho should like Mr O'Brien to withdraw in favour of the amendment of Mr Ernest Jones .
Mr Aston also supported Mr E . Jones , as regarded simultaneous meetings . He should be justified' in voting for making the sittings permanent , as his constituents had given him instructions to that _( fFtfct : be shonld , therefore , support Mr Jones ' s amendment . Mr Adams said he would , with confidence , appeal to the people , and should have no fear of such an event as that of-1842 . He _should like to have a body called , in which the Irish would bs represented ,-he did not wiih te gain the Charter by physical force , if it could be obtained otherwise ; he would support Mr Clark ' s motion .
Mr Wilkinson said , it appeared to him they had not the power of constituting themselves a permanent body . ' Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof , So much had been said about physioal ulterior measures , he had told them that the people of Exeter we a peaceable people . He fell in with the idea that they should have a more extended constituency . He shonld certainly like to have Ireland represented , and he believed that if proper steps were taken , that many more than five millions of _eignatures could he obtained to the memorial . He should return , _Rafter the presentation of the petition to receive fresh instructions .
Mr T . M . _Wheblbh said , he did not see muoh differe nee of feeling , so far as the memorial was concerned , and , as . regarded other matters , he thought the amendment proposed by : Mr Jones was the best , and be . _didaofclike the idea of breaking up until a fresh body was elected . Ifc would . be wrong to bave the post of honour in the hour of danger . ( Great cheering . ) He thought , from appoarance , a unanimous conclusion would be arrived at . ( Loud cheera . ) Mr _Bugkbv said , his instructions were , not to leave until the Charter was tbe law of the land . His
constituents were so poor that they were not , on the average , in the receipt of five shillings per week . He had once been deceived by tho middle classes , and would not be again ; tho people had sent him there with strict instructions _» 6 t tc- _leturh without the Charter , and they had accompanied him on leaving the town by a procession of 20 , 000 persons to : the railway . Atthe station , amid waving of hats and handkerohiefs , the last words that Btill rung in his ears were , * Do not return without the Charter . ' ( Tremendous cheering . ) He supported Mr Jones ' s amendment .
Mr _GLEKmsxER also supported Mr Jones ' s amendment . MrDAvro Thomas said ,. his constituents had desired hira to remain until the Charter was gained , and had Bent hira for that purpose ; and although they were moral force men now they would soon be converted into physical force men , ( Loud cheers . ) Mr M'Cautht said , he could not see why another assembly should be called , when the present could effect the object ; he represented the Irish Confederates residing in Ireland , who were to a man Chartists . ( Loud cheere . ) He thought that five oraix millions were a fair representation of tbe will ofthe nation ; and he argued tbe rejeotion of that will's expression , was a declaration of war , which bo and his constituents were prepared to aocept . ( Great applause . ) The time for adjournment having arrived , Mr Harn & v read the following letter . —
Gosport , April 4 th , 1848 . Sin , —I was informed by a friend of _mln _» , lasl : evening , andwho is a carpenter _workinginHer Majesty ' s dockyard , Portsmouth , that an order was received by the officers there , that tliey . are to furnish , by Saturday next , ' 1 , 001 truncheons , made ef African oak , to bo forwarded to London . The men in the joiners' shop were at work on them yesterday . It is imagined that they are forthe specials on Monday nest , to be used against the Chartists for demanding their just rights . I thought it my duty to send you this communication that tho 'lads' might . be prepared on Monday . ( Cbeers of derision from hall . and gallery . ) The Convention thon adjourned .
AFIEBN _008 8 _ITTIKQ , Mr M'Grath resumed the chair at half-past two o ' _clock-, Mr 1 ) otls brought up the report and read the _petition ef the committee appointed to draw up the petition , in favour of Feast . Williama _, and Jones , and all other political offenders ; also , the address to the shopkeepers of the metropolis . Mr Dixon moved , — That ths irepost ba _scodved . '
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
RESUMPTION OF DEBATE Off THB FB 00 RAUM 8 . Mr Christopher Dotlb said , he bad an address to propose , but before he did eo , be woald , in reference to what fell from Mr Reynold ? say , aa-regards being tired of agitation , ho had been an agitator since 1836 , and endured four imprisonments in the ' eau _^ of the Charter , arid , therefore , he might aay , '• wished the agitation concluded , bat before it wa he wished to have it terminated successfully ( Cheers . ) But allow him to say , that he was not afraid of fighting , he defied any one to say that Christopher Doyle , wan ever afraid of an enemy . ( Hear , hear . ) He differed with the idea of those who would ] make this a permanent body , and thought the addendum he was about to propose wo meet the approbation of Mr Ernest Jones . . addendum was—' That this Convention agrea t provisional committee , consisting of thirteen _^ or members , to remain in _London until such time ' _^ tho National Assembly were _elected /
Mr" Cum ? objected to the addendum , on the ground tbat it did not emanate irom the Executive in their c _illcctive capacity . Mr Ernest _JosEsdedtned withdrawing his amendment , being equally opposed to the amended proposition . MrDovMBaid , four out of five oftho Executive had agreed to it . Mr Wilkinson said , when he heard some persons talk of guns , pikes , and swords , with such coolness , his blood chilled within his veins . ( Laughter , ) Was it nothing for the father ' s hand to be raised against tiie son , and the eon's raised against the father ? He highly approved of the addendum of the Executive Julian _Haiusey _, delegate from Nottingham , said he equally dreaded rashness and weakness ; and he
believed he would but steer clear of both by giving his hearty support to Mr Ernest Jones ' s ' amend _, ment . He thought they were bound to memorialise the Queen , not that he anticipated the demand contained in the memorial would be granted , but because they would thereb y put their enemies still further ill the wrong . ( Applause . ) If they were refused admission to the presence of the Qaeen , the people would not fail to contrast the cold front of Bucking _, ham Palace with the open doors of the Hotel de Ville , where the deputations of the working men were received at any hour of the day by the truly national government of France . He agreed with those who
desired a fuller representation of the people . He wished the men who had the confidence of the trades of England to have seats in the People ' s Parliament . The elections to the National Assembly taking place at the simultaneous meetings , would prevent the election of any but known patriots—thorough Chartists . He wanted a fuller representation of the industrious classes , but cared nothing for any other class . He desired that the new Assembly should he instructed to declare itself permanent . ( Cheers , ) He was instructed to vote for the permanency of the present Convention ; but he thought that the plan proposed in the amendment was the best . It had been said
taat a permanent Convention was a dictatorship , but in times of revolution a dictatorship was often necessary . They would have all the advantages of a permanent Convention by the present assembly continuing its sittings until the National Assembly met . If the Petition was rejected , the Convention should on Tuesday next , appoint commissioners to proceed to the country to prepare the people for the simultaneous meetings . Two or three dele _, gates should be sent to Scotland , one to the border
counties , one to Lancashire and Yorkshire , one to the midland counties , two or three to the south and west of England , and two or three to Ireland . ( Loud cheers . ) "When the simultaneous meetings approached , the Convention might , if necessary , adjourn for forty-eight hours , to enable the delegates te attend those meetings . There should be no breaking up of this Convention until the Assembly met . The Convention must remain in London , and take advantage of every favourable circumstance to obtain the Charter with the least
possible delay . ( Great cheering ) Mr Walter said he would not willingly consent to a dissolution of this assembly until another waa elected . He wa 9 seat here to obtain the People ' s Charter , and ha would do so , even at tho sacrifice of his life , if necessary . ( Ch _eers . ) Mr Wm . Dixon said he was pleased to find tbat tho memorial to her Majesty was likely to be adopted . Even the Americans had tried that step as a last resort ; and we could not justly say her Majesty would not grant tbe prayer , until such times as they had made the attempt . ( Hear . ) He thought the addendum _proposed by Mr Doyle a wise one . Were we to vote our sittings permanent , we should be as great a set of usurpers a 3 were those members of
parliament who were elected for three years , and made their sittings septennial —( hear , hear ) -and hence he wns for tbe addendum , and would attin accordance with what they wero sent here to perform . Mr James Watson said he rose to support Mr Ernest Jones ' s amendment , and waa satisfied their constituents would not warrant them ih taking _n-r-h steps , and Mr Jones ' s amendmen , while it was determined _andfair , at the same time avoided _rashnes ? . ( Cheers . ) Mr Graham said , as he understood Mr Jones ' s amendment , it did _DDt make the sitting of this body permanent . ( No , no . ) Somo _delegates were pledged not to return until the Charter _bseatne the law of the land ; and he could not see how they could support Mr Jones ' s amecdmeni . He thought they had better return to their constituents for
_instruction . Mr R . Wild said , with most of the things before the Convention he agreed , as they appeared all to be aiming at one thing . Now he _recjgaised no interest save that of the people , and he contended , that in tho world at large no interest but that of the whole people should bo recognised , and therefore he trusted that , tin calling a new National Assembly , hey would uot ppeal to middle , or any other _c'a _& ea , but to the people at large . ( Loud eheers . ) He did not think that a Convention of five hundred was as likely to do so muchgojd as a smaller one , _comisting of honest hearts and clean hands . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) He should on a _division vote for the amendmentof Mr Jones . ( Cheers . )
Mr Cochrane said , there was such a similarity between the two motions , that he did hope one would bewitbdrawn , to prevent a division on the subject . He had been for twenty years an advocate of the people ' s cause , and hid often gained disapprobation by advocating moral o force—and , [ of course , wer a revoluties to take _phco , the brunt , in a great measure , would fall on tbe men of London . Tne men in Paisley were constrained "to live on a penny a day —( shame ' . )—andreally he could nothelp thinking in pity it would be better that a few should die by the sword , than lhat millions should perish of famino . ( Great Cheering . ) Mr _Hiichim would support Mr Jones's amendment .
Mr Kvdd said , if they adopted the addendum proposed by the Executive , they would be admitting the right of the body to control the election of any _aaracmbly that might be called ; and surely , thoy had as muchvignt to make their _aittingpermaaent as they had to elect a provisional committee—and as this Convention had given members permission to go into the country to address publio meetings , this too , would apply to either of the subjects proposed . Mr Cochrane hid asked , how men from a distance wero to know the _feelings of the men in London ?
He ( Mr Kydd ) aaid , remain in London , and you will _lenrait . ' ( Londcheers . ) The _oucb'ion was , shall we remain , and have fresh blood added , or _sh-ill we break up , and allow a new nucleus to be formed f Mr Wilkinson had _exprenaed his regret that war should take place ; he also _regretted it , but it was better to warwith _wiong tban remain nmil they were compelled to war _nith _eacla other for the means of living . ( Tremendous cheering ) Messrs _Tattersall and Cmr . D , with permission _, withdrew their amendments , in la vour of that of Mr Jones .
Mr _CuwuMos fliid , if tho Petition was rejected _, the feeling would rise so high that he wou'd nut be responsible for the consequences . Be should support Mr Jones . . ' , „ ' , Mr _Fiut-cis supported Mr Jonea a amendment . Mr Bolwkll _siid , he was not pledged to take the Charter back with bim—nevertheless , his conetituents were resolved to do their duty , and , like _other e , « o » o of opinion that petitions were becoming uselovs . ( Hear , hear . ) Tbey would support a memorial , and send up a _delegate to back it . He hid no fear in an appeal to the country ; he believed the _njinpner 8 _in 8 would be again returned with an
addition of the same stamp to back them , Mr Smith said , he was happy to see such a unity of feeling ; ' he had no positive instructions , but had the privilege of voting for what he thought _wo-11 best serve the cause . Ha should support Mr Ernest Jones ' s proposition , and he believed the IrMi people were _anxkmf-ly _looking to this Convention . He knew the Irish re _: idents in Liverpool were watch ing it with intense anxiety . ' These were the times to try men ' s souls . ' When he came here lie made up his mind 'Come w _^ al _csme woe * to carry out the reBolve of this Convention .
Mr CunK ( of the Executive ) having conferred with _MeBir _.-. Jonea and _Hanwy , irtated , that the Executive _conssnted to Mr Jones ' s amendment , a * alaoto bis suggestions for altering the date of the _meetiag ofthe National Assembly , from the 1 st of May to the 24 th of April , and for declaring the sitting of the Assembly permanent till the obtainment of the Charter . He therefore submitted tbe programme aa amended thus : — Ut . —That la the event of th « flat ' onal Petition being rejected by the House of Gammons , this Convention prepare a "National _Moiaorlal to the Qaeea to dissolve tha _present Parliament , ana call to her council sueh ministers only as will make the People ' _* Cttar _* ox ~ a Cabinet mnasure . - . " 2 nd . —That this Ceuv « atei agree te the _conrocatloa of s _JfatiwiBl _ABSMafcJy , e _» consist o 2 delegates ap-
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
pointed at publio meetings , to _prssent the National Memorial to the Queen ; and to continue permanently sitting until the Charter Is the law of this Und . 3 rd . —That this Convention call npon tbe country to bold _elamltanaaus meetings on Good Friday , April SI , for the purpose of adopting tbe National Memorial , and " filing delegates to the _Naticnal Assembly . _y-That tbe National _Assomb ' y meet Jn _Londen on j > y , April 2 _* th . _Ai-That the present Convention shall _contlnne Its _* ' J p until the meeting of the National Assembly . . _^ fr _Erhest Jones rose to second the programme , ; amended . Ho was _prond of the unanimity in vfe Convention . The government reporters weuld le bad news for their masters . They would tell , igm that personalities had died ; that self glorifies-¦ on had ceased ; that every man inthat Convention
_..: efts willing to be in the rear rank in tbe day of { triumph , bat eager to be in the front rank , in the hour of danger . __ Mr Leach said , during the day severe denunciation had been hurled at tbe heads of the middle classes ; now , that tbey had deceived tbe working classes was true , at the game time they had deeeived themselves ; in tho new assembly he hoped to have many of them with us , the sorew was fast bringing them over , and if appealed to , s great number would be on our side . In respect to Ireland , it had been suggested that you should send delegates there ; he hoped to God they would . ( Loud cheers . ) The announcement that yoa had resolved to send me there , to aid and assist in effecting the rights and liberties of both nations , would be received with heartfelt gladness , ( Great applause . )
Mr 0 _Bmen eaid , be rose to withdraw his amendment in faveur of Mr Jones . Dr Hunter delivered some general remarks , and expressed himself in favour of the proposition contained in Mr Jones ' s _amendment . Mr Frank _MmFiuLD hoped Mr Reynolds would withdraw his amendment . Mr REy * foiP 3 S 8 id , he was not the man to eause division and he would at once withdraw his amend * ment , protesting against the memorial to the Queen . The programme as amended was then put—and carried unanimously . The delegates and people rising and cheering simultaneously . The sittings of the Convention , have now excited such an intense sensation , that the hall is crowded to excess by _Btrangera to listen to the proceedings , so much that tho ball bas all the appearance of a orowded public meeting . The Convention adjourned at half-paBt five o'olock _.
FRIDAY _MORNING-AraL ? ttt . Mr M'Grath took the _chait * at nine o'clock . Mr T . M . Whbblbb moved that the Cenvention should issue a proclamation declaring their determination to hold the meeting on Monday next , notwithstanding the foolish proclamation of the government and notice of the police . Mr Cuffay seconded the motion , and asked that all applause should subside , and that all steps should be taken coolly and deliberately . Mr J . _West supported the motion , and said , that police notices or proclamations vrere not law . A law must emanate from the three _estates of the realmlungs , LordB , and Commons—and hence , he set at defiance the police notice . He contended tbat people had a right to live . They were willing to work and live ; but they were not willing to work and _atane . Neither would thoy .
Mr Child also supported tbe motion . Their intentions were peaceable , and if disorder ensued , the consequence must fall on those who created it . Mr Adams said , he felt it hia duty , ai the representative of a large body , to _support the motion , and should the government break tbe law , it would be the duty ot the people to uphold it . He said this as the representative of half a million of people . Mr J . Shaw said , he also represented a large constituency , and he must confess he was rather pleased
at government prosecution than otherwise . ( No , no , ' from Mr West . ) He said yes—aB be believed it was calculated to bring the question to an issue . Mr Stbvbnson said , he must support the motion . They had been deputed to perioral a duty ; and were the whole members of tbis Convention destroyed on Monday , it would not be tbe first sacrifice made to class legislation . They , the delegates , had as great a stake—their wives and _ohilnrea—aa Lord John Russell , or Lord Clatendin . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr R . Cochrane also supported too motion .
Mr West said the police notice said only ten persons should carry a petition ; why , their petition would be carried by horses . ( Laughter . ) Mt _Boiwaiiii said , the people did not wish to play at soldiers , but they wished to make a peaceable , mora ) , and vigorous demonstration ; but , Bhould the government resist , it would be for the people to say what steps should be then taken . Mr _Watsok said , when he came here he counted the coat , and he found it bis duty to support the motion . He would go to that demonstration let the consequence be what it may . ( Cheers . ) Mr Wilkinson repeated the opinions he had given utterance t » yesterday . He was deemed weak yestorday _, and to-day he declared his determination to act with them , and attend the procession ; and if any gentleman had any doubts abont him , why let them put him into the front rank .
Mr O'Connor her & arrived , aud waa greeted with loud cheering . Mr O'Connor , in reply to a question from Mr Cuffay , said no motion for an adjournment over the Easter holidays had been made in the house ; on the contrary , they would have plenty to do . ( Hear , hear . ) He looked to their discretion and prudence : and , although ho had told them Yesterday he had great private and public business , he had put that aside to attend tothe more important business of this Convention , and he should attend the procession on Monday . He had told them in the house , last night , of the precedents for processions—the Reform Bill , Dorchester Labourers , aud the Seamen , and in reply he was taunted with the
expressions used « ut of this- Convention . He was pleased to learn that they had agreed to continue their sitting until such time as another Convention was elected . ( Hear , hear . ) He had been taunted with turning the agitation to pecuniary account . From this day forward he put at their _disposal the whole profits arising from the Northern Stab , which was no mean weekly amount now _^ ( Tre . mendous cheering . ) He alluded to the motion for Frost , Williams , and Jone ? , and said , the numbers were less than on a former occasion , when the same motion waa submitted by Mr Duncombe . He bad received a letter from Mr Duncombe , setting forth the necessity of taking care that he was net prevented on Monday from submitting his motion . He found
the government had placed no order on the papers for Monday ; but , however , he would take the earliest opportunity to bring it forward . ( Hear . ) Sir G . Grey had given notice that he would Bubrait a motion to tbe house to-night to strengthen the government . He be lieved it was for _closely allying sedition with treason . Ueshould be in his place to-night tomeet it . ( Cheers . ) It waa our duty to be determined , prudent , and courageous . ( Great cheering . ) Thero was in this day's -Mommo Chronicle an article stating what a general officer said to Lord George Gordon , about running his sword into his heart . Of course this was intended for him and others who stoud up in that house for tbe people . And in that same article tbey alluded to a speech of his delivered in tbis hall ,
relative to the land as a means of employment , should the Charter be obtained . Was it too much to say , that the land would afford the people a support three times as large as that obtained per week by the weaver , who could notobtain more than 5 s . 61 . per week . ( Cbeers ) He _an'icipated a'stormy debate on Sir G . Grey ' .-motion to-nichfc . He , at any rate , should be found its opponent , ( Cheers . ) He had been taunted with not being up to the mark , but this morning , prior to coming here , _Iva had caused a letter , signed by his own name , to be printed , announcing his determination to be present on Monday ; and , come what rmy , he would not abandon the people . ( Cheers , ) Leave of absence was then given to Mt Doyle , who had to proceed to Snig ' s End and Charterville , to pay the mechanics , and labourers , & c , engaged at
those places . Mr Doyle assured the Convention he would bo back on Monday . Mr Ktdd said , tho Chartists were a quietly disposed _people , _[ but when , as he knew , hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men were starving an the manufacturing districts , he wondered not that a state of great exoitement prevailed , or thst some strong language might bs used . ( Hear , hear . ) Respecting the talking of ' carrying arms' on _Mbnday _, he could say _/ he had attended two large meetings , and had heard n * such statements made , and consequently no such statements responded to , but on the contrary , he had heard starving people ¦ s ay : — ' we will keep the peace . ( Loud cheers . ) He knew the Chartist feeline better than Sir George Grey or ani other _minister . ( Loud cheers . ) r
Mr O'Comhob read » letter be W received from a person who had been a spy in the employ of the government , and who had placed a petition in his band , demanding remuneration for his services . He ( Mr O'Connor ) waa _abauUo present that petition . ( Hear , hear . ) . Mr Ebnbst Johbs said , he felt indeed proud of being a member of the Convention . For hi 3 part ho begged the Convention to dismiss from their minds the thought of an attack—that proclamation was a mere device to frighten them . With regard to strong language , ho . had lately attended more meetings in London than most of those present , and tho _language he bad used and heard used was' Keep peace and order—march back quietly—and only defend yourselves , if you are attacked . Those words every delegate , he believed , was ready to into effect .
carry . . . Mr Chablbs M'Carthv said , that the body he represented would attend the procession on Monday ; they had no intention to go armed , they certainly wished peace , but were determined to proceed , and proceed peaceably . ( Cheers . ) Mr Francis said , his constituents wished no violence to be used . He should go to the procession , and if tho police interfered allow himself : to be _draggedoffi . :, . ; , , MeG . W . M . RsvKOLnseaid ,. i 6 _eould not be said he had no stake ia _thesraainy irom bis _bnuh ? £ > he
The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...
thought , paying as he did , £ 120 per annum rent , _bq _, bn he shonld goto the procession , but he shonlr } nI ] not recommend tke taking of a stick or even an at nmbrella . Tbi . aet now * fecalled to life , said _tbaiaaa only ten people could meet topetition ; itwas a _mostogj unreasonable ene , and had justly become _almostoae obsolete . Mr _Tbohab _Curx said , he and _hiscolleaffqeg of _thithi Exeoativo contended the honour of the first no _^ _«„ _« , Monday . He read from the Chroniclb of this morn rw ing the paragraph relative to « S tabbing' _Ieadere'ra and hoped the Convention and people would _throwori the mantle of their protection around Mr O'Connor on who ao faithfully represented them in _ParliameatlntI ( Load cheera , ) And that tbey would be prepared _tatl pay all due respect to his exhortations , that near *™ . order , and moderation should characterise all tS proceedings , _ineiBUi
Mr Astos said , ft person of the name of Moo ™™ had pleased to put himself in correspondence _wiriSrB the Daily AWw _, and assert that no such man aa _M Aston was known . Now he begged to state , that hebii was elected at a duly convened meetine , and tbat uL had fairly represented them . Mr Moore was anan employer , and he a journeyman , hence Mr _Moorara would not know bim . He would bo at Kenningtonon on Monday to do his duty . ( Cheers . ) Mr Liohtowler said his _censtituenta were in a a starving condition ; thousands of families _existing on ) E less than Is . 4 d . per head , per week , and li « nce heic was sum that a change must take plaee , or the _™ a _ssSri _^ f v * star _rS ' there Whe disss not _Bhrmk from doing what he considered to be hii > ifi The
duty . work of murder was now going on , and fl whatever was done , at leeat , _ooald only accelerate it . t . ( _Liua cheers . ) Mr WiLn said , it would have been far better _tbatiti the government should have issued & proclamation a declaring that they were preparing such measures aaa would bave the _effect of Slline _theatomaohs , _anddl giving liberty fo tbe people . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr Dixom said , this was an important era in ourr proceedings ; yesterday was the day of words , this of > £ action , and it was our duty to _Btate that we would 3 not submit to illegal dictation . Sir George Greyy gave notice , that , to night , he should come down a . with a bill for increased powers . Why , sedition was s _> just what they pleased to make it / and what mere did 1 , they require ! ( Hear . )
Mr J . A . Fusskll said it waa thei ? duty to go on . Mr Donovas said , he did not think any _discussioa i was required , he came here to do his duty and waa J determined to do it . He had received a letter from t a middle-class man , of Manchester , _Btating that a i meeting of tho middle classes would be field this i evening to sea what was to be done . The traders and i other bodies had resolved the Charter should be tha i law of the land . A meeting was to be held in Smith .. field , Manchester , on Sunday next ; now that _plaea * was capable of holding 100 , 000 persons , and , he had I no _hesitation in saying that it would be full . Mr _Ehnes-t _Josss asked for liberty of absence for Mr O'Connor , in erder to enable him to attend the House of Commons this afternoon . ( Granted . )
Mr G . J . HABNEYsaid Mr Donovan had alluded to foreigners ; he ooald assure them that nothing bat tbe most profound respect prevailed in their breasts for the rights of Englishmen , and they would refrain from attending the procession , for reasons be neeol not state . He wished no armed men to surround bim . Mr _Shirron supported the motion . _. MP BcrcKBr said , they were here the representstives of the working people of England , and he believed that the people would hear of the proclamati * n and say , ' Onward , men of London . '
Mr Waltke said , he was sent there to _obtain the People ' s Charter , and be thought it the duty of tho people to go forth , despite all the obstacles that might be placed in their way ; hence he supported the proposition , and would attend the procession ob Monday * Mr _CrjuutKQ supported the motion . His con _» _atituents had themselves held meetings in despite of opposition . He would attend on Monday . Mr Tattbssall thought Monday would prove whether tbey should have their wishes .
The _Chairuam said , he agreed with Mr Cuffay that wo had arrived at a point from which there was no retreat . We must and shall hold the procession on Monday next . If they wanted an argument against class-legislation—they had it in the proclamation issued that morning . He had never recommended the going armed to that precession , and hi never would , but let the people fall into orderly procession , and then if they were attacked let slip ih & dogs of war . the blame would not bo theirs . The motion was then put and carried .
It was resolved that a Committee of three be ap * pointed to draw np tbe proclamhtion . Messrs T . M . Wiiselek , Dr _Huhier , and Mr Walter , were appointed to that office . Mr G . J . Harnbt asked permission to read an article from the Timbs of this day , which hc _describedas atrocious . Having read the article , he declared it the duty ot the Convention to declare the editor of the Tjmbs , a base calumniator . ( Cheering . ) Mr Revjoldsmoved , 'That a deputation be despatched to Sir G . Grey , to acquaint tbe goveramenfc that they have no intention , and never had , tomake an armed disphy on Monday- ' He did bo , being wishful to place the government decidedly in the wrong , and ho thought it would be well to go to the head of the government at once , and place it in their hands , Mr T . _Clabksscondad the mo ' ion . Mr _Cuffav opposed tie motion .
Mr Cochrane said , he was aware the government knew that tbe assertion made in the Timbs and elsewhere was false ; but , nevertheless , it would be good policy to send the deputation . Mr Edmund Johbs suppcrted the motion , Mr G . J . Harnkt supported the motion , bnt wished the government to bi informed that they had resolved to hold the procession—peacefully and legally . Motion carried . « Meters Wilkinson , Reynolds , and T . Clark , were appointed to the deputation .
Mr Johh Whst rose to move—That deputations be appointed to wait on tbe several members of the _government to lay before them the awful condition of the people , ' and said , if they knew the awlul state of the people in the cotton , iron , silk , or other trades _,, whioh were { _-etting worse , he thought thoy conld noe act as they now acted . Whole families had to exist on _leps than four shillin gs per week , and there were not less than 200 , 000 persons in thtea counties , of the north and midlands , out of employment ; and he asked , was it _surprising that in such a state of things , discontent and dig & ffection prevailed ? He wished deputations to tell Lord Jobn Russell that the lives and property of the people should be protected , as well as tho live sand property of the rich .
So long as such astateof things existed ail the bullets and bayonets in the world could not put down discontent and disaffection . Government was led astray by false reports . Mr Tremenheere , the government commissioner , had giyen in false reports , He wished the government reporters to tell the goveonmenfe this . If Lord John Russell would receive tbem , they would be happy to wait on him . He therefore moved— ' That a deputation be sent to Lord John Russell and other ministers , to lay the real grievances and state of the people before them . ' _Mr'BoLwntL seconded the motion . Mr Erhest _Jonks moved tbe _following resolution —* That the people of Gre _* t Britain and Ireland be _reqursted to hold public meetings oa Monday next ,
the 10 th instant , fer the purpose ot pledging their support to this Convention ; tbat the _resuH of _.-neb meetings be forthwith forwarded to the chairman of the Convention , and that the said meetings adjourn ts Wednesday next , the 12 th instant , to he & r tha report frora tbe Convention relative to the presentation of the National Petition . ' Seconded , and carried unanimously . Mr _Eksbst _Jonsb moved that printed circular ** _tf > this effect be forthwith forwarded . Carried . The Convention then adjourned . < Not onlv the bodvofthe hall and galleries were crowded this day , irom the opening hour , but large crowds _coatinat d assembled out * ide .
AFTERNOON SITTING . Mr _Hauxbt informed ihe meeting that , in addition to the truncheons which he spoke of as being made at Portsmouth , one man in Loudon had got aa order for 30 , 000 staves . ( Groans . ) Mr Walter then brought up the proclamation , j » answer to the police : — -SBE MA . TIOKM . CONVENTION TO THE _IHEiSVTJvUTS OS IONDON . Fellow Man—We . the members of the National Convention , now assembled at tbe Scientific Institution , Johnstreet , . Fiizroy-squave , composed of delegates from alt parts of Great Britain , having seen a proclamation issued by the Commissioners of Police , stating that _tha procession _adrertised to take place on the _K'tU of * April i & contrary to a statute passed in the arbitrary reign of Charles II ., believe that such proclamation is an infringement of
the right of petition and public meetings , and hereby ue . clare their firm determination to hold such meeting and _processlon _. _' and call upon the inhabitants of Loudon to assist by their presence in vindicating our mutual rights _. We have also observed wiih indignation the statement in the _Tihjes ond other papers , that we were organising a physical outbreak , with tlio intention of commencing war against life and property . We throw back thc imputation _, with scorn upon its' malignant and _ilt-advised pro . _claimere , and assert In the most positive terms that _yre have no Intention ot breaking the law ; that our procession will be an _unnrmed , moral demonstration ; that wa respecc lite and property but are equally determined to hare our , own lives aud property respected , and in the event of our being unjustly attacked , we call upon you and the coun tr ucnenrlly to throw around us the mantle o £ your protection _, i _' riday , April 7 , 18 _t 8 . ( Signed by all tbe Delegates . ) ( Continued to _ottr fifth page . )
The Central Committee Met On Monday And ...
»&«» and boots , being obviously the m Mtptoatable fart of the work . _Thess men found the work dtalnlihlng . and the cuius was , the large quantity of boots and shoes imported into _Inverneis from ether places—the effect of which , if continued , would _prore ruinous to the operatives here , who -weuld , in _coastquenct , be limited in their employment to the mending merely . Now , in tbi 3 emergency , the journeymen make a perfectly civil and _reipoctfal intimation to the masters , and say that , if the importation is continued , after 6 _uffijUut time is given to dispose of tho stock on baa < l , we will mend no more shoes or boots thst you g « t made out of Inverness . ' The journeymen did not threaten any constquences hut the _withdrawal of their Eerrioes;—and was it to be eaid thst they were nst entitled to make this very reasonable and proper stipulation as a condition of their future
_engagement ? All the masters agreed in this—that no journeyman Is engaged longer than he takes tO finish the _p-ece th ; _n on hand . All that was threatened was what was conceded by the learned _counsel to be the right of his client?—to refuse to take further employment after the _pisea-work on hand at the Vm * was finished . The purpose of the pannels iu this threat Of refusal is , however , said to render the threat _illegoV Kow , could any oas doubt the sole and exclusive purpose to be to protict their own rights aud prevent ntter inin to themselves nnd their t _' amilies . The other braneh of the case referred to Poison , who was taken lUtO _Uacqueens' shop as a cutter and for _smsller johs . There was SB understanding ; in the trade , and 3 rale established among the journeymen , which was known to be perfectly well known ta the Marqneens at the
time ftbey'employed . Poison , that no cutter gets tbe work of a Journeyman _inside the shop ; aad that if such work be given , the men working for that shop will quit . Kaeqaeea not only knew this rale to bo established among tbe journeymen , but by his emploment of tbem lBtb . e knowle dge Of the rule , l : e must be held to have auctioned it , and to have engaged them npon that _understanding . Now , what bad bapppened in the case of Poison * that , although only engaged ae a cutter , he sets tae _dosing of hoou , the most profitable branch of the whole work , and the mea employed on lha faith of ihe understanding to which he was referred , get the _cradpery to do merely . Was it not natural , upon thi . beach of faith on tbe part of the master , asd his breach
Of contract with his own cutter , for the men to have _remonstrated with Macqueen ,- and in the _erent of his not implementing the rale , had they not a perfect right to _iatimate that thdr * eivioeB would be withdrawn ! This _vrss all they threatened to do . Their intimations were conveyed in a quiet , civil , _businesslike way , and no . violence was threatened . The existence of apurpoje , -even assuming it to be illegal , was not cognisable under file BtltUte , unless SUCh purpose were enforced by _llligal means ; and , with deference , hc ( _ifr D . ) demurred to fhe _oppositeproposiiion laid down by the learned counsel on this subject . After citiBg several authorities and going over the evidence at some length , Mr Dallas concluded en ab ! e _adnriss by calling upon the Court , on every principle of equity and freedom of action , to acquit
Jus clients . We need scarcely * dd that judge-jury sheriff , Colqu-BQun pronounced tha _pannel guilty , ond sentenced four of them to two ' months' imprisonment , asd the fifth to one month . Comment on this farce Is . _uuneteBBMy _. An appeal _against the conviction is entered , and will be _discuBted in Edinburgh , in the courte of the present month . These poor men mnst be rescued from the fangs of their vampire persecutors . The opinion of the best lawyers of Edinburgh , is tbat the conviction i * bad , and will b » overruled by tbe superior court . The money must be foand to pay the costs . The trades of England will not suffer their _feUow-sUves t » pine in a dungeon for lack of £ 50 . One halfpenny _eseh from 25 , 060 individuals will be more than sufficient . We therefore confidently appeal to the trades for thefr assistance in behalf of tbese men . and at the same time to re-affirm their determination to defend their rights of association from all aggression .
The Northern Star. April 6, 184 *.
THE NORTHERN STAR . April 6 , 184 * .
The National Convention
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION
Printed Vy Dougal M'Gowan, Of 16, Great *Ffindmil≫ Fetrcci Wij ¦ Oi —
Printed Vy _DOUGAL _M'GOWAN , of 16 , Great * ffindmil > _fetrcci wij ¦ oi —
, Xiajruiuitkci.,. *» *«C .V * ' W.«-».....
, _xiajruiuitkci _.,. *» *« c . v * ' w . « - » ... _»» , _« . - Office , in the _same'Streetand l ' _arish , forthe Pn > _prictor » ' FEARGUS O'CONNOR , Esq , M . P ., and published " ¦ toWiriUK Hewitt , of Xo . IS , Charles-street , Bran » _don-strcet , Walworth , in the parish of St . Mary , New . . ingtoa , ia t ! 0 . County of Sur : ey , at tha Office , Ko . 16 , Groat _Windruiil-stniet . HaymnrRet , in the _Citr "' _"*»*» minster . —Saturday April , ; 8 th , 184 ? . * " *
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 8, 1848, page 8, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_08041848/page/8/
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