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t T.11%^ ' ^ tTj 30^ 184C;
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TTO TDllSED-ODT. -GREAT MEETING AT LIVES...
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WORKING MEN, SUPPORT YOUR ORDER Fellow W...
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THE TEN HOURS' BILL. IMPORTANT MEETING O...
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MEMORANDUM FOR THE NEXT GENE- HAL ELECTI...
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CD 'm^ponotiue
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LIMEHOUSE
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E SECTION OP A DELEGATE TO Tni' ENSUING ...
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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.
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T T.11%^ ' ^ Ttj 30^ 184c;
t T _. _11 _% _^ ' _^ _tTj 30 _^ _184 C ;
Tto Tdllsed-Odt. -Great Meeting At Lives...
_TTO _TDllSED-ODT . -GREAT MEETING AT _LIVES-- * pOOL OF THE OPERATIVE CLASSES . On Thursday evening , the 21 st inst ., a crowded and enthusiastic _meeting of the turned-out operatives was held st thc Concert-hall , Lord _"Xelson-stn-et , for the purpose _af taking into consideration the prestut condition of _tinfcahV . ing trades , and of devising the best means of rendering them further assistance . Shortly after _efeht o ' clock the chair was taken , aarid loud applause , by Mr . Thomas Carter . The C _HAraHAJJ commenced by saying that he felt ' _prou-1 at having been called upon to preside over _rneh a meeting . Thenumbers then _present were amply sufficient tO show that there was a pioper spirit abroad , and ihat the ¦ workmen were beginning to understand where their true interests lav . The condition ofthe building tradesat the present time , he was sorry to say , was anything but what
ihey could wish it robe ; but , _confhhriog the circumstancc ( by which it'had been surrounded during the last two months , it was , nevertheless , in a very favourable position . He might state that at the commencement of the dispute hetween the master builders and the men fliere were nearly three th » Hsand persons oa * . of employment , and that they weie turned out for _renins to sign a document pledging themselres to have no connexion -with any trades _socU-ties . Since that period i very great number of these men had got other employment . An improved state of trade in other parts ofthe country h : id taken them away ; and now only about 800 operatives claimed ihe assistance of their fellow workmen . A great number of men he was sorry to say , had been found base and unmanly enough in many ofthe branches to sign the document ; but those men ought not to be judged off too
harshly . The situation in which they were placed oug ht to be considered . _Thetra-leto whiel theybelongedmust "be looked at . so also must the position of tliat particular trade at the time the document was presented for signature . They had it upon very good authority thnt" man ¦ was the creature of circumstances . * ' He might mention tbat out of the whole number turned out in Liverpool in the stone mason trade , not one had signed the docum * nt ( Applause . ) This , he thought , would be sufficient to show that there must have been a cause wh y so many had been found to sign . He was of of opinion that if the great majority oftho 3 e who signed the document had _fantieS originally that there would be half the amount of protection afforded wnich hrd been realized for them "by _thnr fellow working men of Liverpool , they never ¦ would have signed ( hear , and applause . ) He felt it necessary to make two or three remarks with reference to
the employers . There was only one of Mr . John Tomkinson ' s men ont nn the strike at the present time . Mr . Tomkinson appeared not to be satisfied with this state of things , —he seemed not to think it right that other masters should have so many men standing out , and himself having only one . He _therefore turned three of his apprentice ; out . the sons of three of the men who had refused to sign the document . He demanded from them two foot-rules and their leather aprons , aad sent them about their _business . ( Murmurs of disapprobation ) Mr , Tomkinson would have shown a great deal more of the pnilamhrophist if , instead of doing evil and injury , he had protected the lads . The chairman , after again repeating that eight hundred men with , their wives _andfamilies were now claiming assistance , and urging atten tion for the various speakers , resumed his seat , amid loud cheers .
3 ir . _Jostru _Sueti-eiid , smith , proposed the firsjt _re-EOhrtion : — '• That this meeting congratulates the operative builders on the steady determination which they have evinced since they w _« re _turned out of their employment , and trusts they will _continus to persevere with the same assiduity and firmness in _resistin ; r to sign the document presented to them by their tmployers . He had not the least doubt that the meeting would congratulate the operative builders on the steady , firm , and _deteuninc-1 manner in which they had conducted themselves in this affiiir . There nsver wns a strike or turnout which had created more feeling and sensation in the country than the present . The news was spread abroad irom oue town to the other ; and though tlie trumpet was sounded feebly at first , he was glad to say that they had
now public opinion In their favrfur , and whatever it willed would , sooner or latter . be earned into tfiect ( applause ) , "Si-neb , from time to time , had been said and written agaiust trade societies , hy those who did nntreally understand the sul'j- ct ; but as far as his experience had gone , _bnshus-5 was transacted in them in an open , straightforward , an . l creditable manner . Those masters who had presented the obnoxious document did not seem to _understand what a trade union was ; but having been a _nwm"bsr of one for several years , he could tell tbe public and those gentlemen that trade societies had for their abject purposes the best and most philanthrop _' c which it was possible for the human mind to contemplate ( applause ) . Tr . _ide societies provided for the working man when he -was sick , when lie met with accidents , when he was no _longer able to follow his daiiy toil ; and tbey also
provided for the decent interment of his remains when life ' s _chequered course was finished ( applause ) . Of this they were all sensible : but tliey provided for something more important still , —tliey relieved him when he was destitute and thrown out of employment , travelling he knew not where , and craving '' for leave to toil" ( applause ) . Seedug ail tiiis , he did not wonder at the reluctance ot working _n-. eu to _aban-lon thein . If those who wished them ta si-, rn this document would provide for them as their trade societies did , if they would afford tiiem the same guarantee , tliey as working men wire not so bigoted but that they would assist in carrying tho object into effect . He was sure the day was not far distant when the working classes would be looked upon as _having a right an _< _l stake in the country . They h » -J not _Mtl-fcrto been represented , their claims had not been
attended to . Now thc chief _objection against trjde societies was that they caused turnouts . He put it _t-i the mseting if any of them ever _a-ivocatcd oue ? ( " No . ") He said no ; every working man knew that a cessation fr-.: n labour was injurious to bim all well as to al ! others . Then how was it that turn-outs did tafca place I It was because tlie _working classes had been forced to it ; because they had no tribunal to which they could _nppanl for justice . Government had never yet recognised the _rhihis of libnur . aud thc _consilience was , tliat the working- classes were often compelled to turn out , it being their only resource against the influence of that capital which was arra ; , ed against tln-m ( . ipplause ) . It was ¦ never till the _ntmost _cxtrea _. ity that men left _tlseir employment . Tho workmen did not wish to dictate to _thfir employers , as hail been falsely represented bv those
who had au inter _. -st in misleading the public on the subject . It was said by their opponents that if unions went on , the workmen would dictate about coutracts , and ruin the public b y their extravagant charges ( laughter ) . But these short-sighted persons did not see t * iat when the working classes became distressed , if there was no union to _relieve them , they must _becouis a burden to tlie parish , aad thus have to be supported by the public ( loud applause ) . It struck liim f-rcibly that _UUl'in _coal-l he carried to a far greater extant that it had ever yet been , and it was his opinion the Working classes were now awaking to Uie utility of carrying it out . If _thsre was one thin- ; more calculated than another to convince t ! _: e working _elates of the utility of union , It vr . ii to see thai capital , with all its might and _influence , w .-. s obliged tu _untVe to array itself against
th _? : n . The working _cUss' _-h were , the producers of all ¦ _nrtuiOt , sua lied a right to share in its consumption . ( ApnUuSr . ) _H-- put it W tliose present if the idea never struck th « : n that tbey cold build for themselves ? ( Hear , heir . ) Ue saw l _» sf « r « him men of the highest mechanical guuiu-i and skill . If they manufactured things for themselves , did tliey not think they would answer as well as if they had manufactured tlicm fur tha employer and _capitalist . ( Hear , hear . ) Then he could tell them what they sbrmld do . It was calculated in an article in the Times on Monday , tliat if half a million of the working classes laid by : ¦ _lartliing a week , uu-3 all iu employment could at lc . vt < b » that —( a langb)—it would amount to £ 2-5 , 000 p _^ r annum . When they had that fuiid , they could formnuex ' _.-enthe , and build workshops for themselves . In four or five rears tliey could make same very large
Workshops , and he had no doubt itany of them would be as pleased lo uork in their owu shop as iu liiat of another . _N'tw , at a slack time when men were walking the streetand unions had to pay them , _though idle , would it not be _better to place tieui iu these simps , giro them goad wages _t-- » work for them , and thus all would be benefited . ( _Appi-UlftJ Machinery , under the present state « : f society ; was brought into competition with manual labour , and t ' ris lesseued its value ; but , by the plan lie proposed , f « r ani not against thorn , prove a general benefit , and il xuarhuiery , if _introilaceu into their workshops , would work Adopted on a _larger seals' , would tend to reduce the hour ? Oilabuur . lt would never do to tax Mjclmicvy . If it were taxed in this country and _n-it in others , uut tradimust fall o ! F , and general misery ensue . So , —they wanted no fetters upon _tealc—he hated fetters of every description , but he would _ie _rejoiced to find _sufficient union and good sense amongst Ilia irorhin _^ ehttts , as to make machinery available for their own advantage . They must produce for themselves—they bad the power , und
the sooner they set about it the belter . { i _. mid . ippl iUSe . ) "When they had thus acquired wealth of tlieir own there would be plenty to alvocite the ri . ghts of labour—tliey could hope for justice then from the press , inasmuch as they could pay for advertisements —( laughtci and applause)—but at present their claims were neglected and their motives maligned—the press , with one honourable eicepti * n , stooping to the shrine of gold . ( Cheers . ) He expressed his opinion that the princi ple of joint-stock companies and unions was spreadiug through the land ; and it was his op inion , that till tlie great princi _p le of union -was still farther carried out , they could not carry out the divine precept _. Of doing to others as they wished others to d *> unto them . ( Applause . ) Whilst a competitive slate of society existed , they could never love their neighbours as themselves . He cautioned them against any infrin"e-• mtnt ofthe law , and concluded amid loud applause , by saying that union was strength—union was power ; by a uiiion of mind , of capital , and of skill amongst tlie workiii " classes , anything which tliey willed , could and would be accomplished .
Mr . Robert Davies seconded the resolution . After expressing his regret that the struggle should have been SO long protracted , and that in consequence be had again "been called upon in public to vindicate tbe ri ght of the oppressed , he said tbe resolution which he had to second called npon the meeting to congratulate those men for their firmness who had been turned out of their employ _, ment ; and bethought there was no one capable of _reflection _butmufit own that the individuals who were now the living monuments of the hostility of their emp loyers , " were worthy ofthe sincere attachment and esteem of their fellow-men , ( Applause . ) If there was one thing more
Tto Tdllsed-Odt. -Great Meeting At Lives...
than anoihtr ' _crtculated totaake ah impression _uponJto minds of those present , it was this _mportantfact :- _^ , «» w _* n fl , ; . _strJiTOle . so long as it had lasted , that there had Ecu _ ? 3 & Z _* U * _Ut h * _M fto -to foot with the antagonist , and not one of them had yielded These were , Ihe believed , the stonemasons . ' ( Loud applause . ) He would say , let every associated body take a lesson from that . They had prepared themselves for such a struggle in years gone by —( hear , hear)—aud now they were reaping the glorious harvest of What they had previously effected , by meefing together and _subscribing their money to vindicate their rights whenever they might be invaded . ( Applause . ) He was at all times an advocate for conciliation ; and he had hoped when the large meeting of the masters had
taken place at Newton the other day , tbat some step to effect that end would have been proposed . But no , tbey had evidently assembled trith an hostile intention ; and when a deputation of the working men applied for admission , the doors were shut against them ( hear and shame . ) It behoved every rational employer , desirous of establishing the truth , and possessing a spark ofhumanity in his bosom , to invite , submit to , and court enquiry . If their object had been a good one , why did they net throw Open their doors , and admit of honourable and peaceful discussion ? ( applause . ) He thought if anything was calculated to teU against the false position the employers had assumed it was in tbat act , —an additional proof of their undying hostility to the co-operation cf the working classes , ( loud applause . )
A person in tlie body of the hall asked for information as to the _definite steps which bad been taken , or proposals made , towards a settlement of the present unhappy difference ? It was not generally known amongst the trades of thc town . The _GBAtmt & K read a copy of the letter which had been sent in by the deputation to the meeting of the masters at Newton , and of their reply ; and the individual expressed himself satisfied . The resolution was then put , and carried unanimously . Mr . Johh Gibson , stonemason , _propot-ed the next _resolution ; and replied at some length to the statements made in a pamphlet , printed b y Smith , Rogerson , and Co ., widely _' circulated , and purporting to be an account of the proceedings at the meeting of the masters in the Portico , Newington . The pampblettermed the present movement
a strike ; but this he denied emphatically ; it was a turnout by the masters of the men , ( hear , hear . ) He wondered ho w tke master masons would co-operate wilh men who had talked from time to time of doing away with masonry _and giving plasterers all the work ( a laugh . } ' ' Why , it had lesseued the demand for such buildings iu Liverpool ; aad ne knew of one plan , iu which there was orig inally much stonework , but it had since been all marked out . Perhaps masons would have to go to the railroad , and work with their pickaxe and spade ( continued laughter . ) Well , he was _glad they were so innurcd in youth that they could turn their hand to any sort of labour . He recollected the remark made by a master during the late shorttime movement , that it was not the length of hours which made the lives of masons short , but it was the obnoxious sulphur and dust from the stone . But surely , then , they
were justified in asking for a reduction ofthe hours of labour , that they might be less in that dust , and live to a greater age ( _laaghter and applause ) . The pamphlet in question said , the combinations of working men met in secret , but this he denied . But could they not retort the charge ? When the masters held their meetings _, reporters were not admitted , so that the working classes had not an authentic report of it , sueh as they could rely upon ; and it was these meetings which were hole and corner , and in which the business was secretly transacted , but the trades , when any important proposition was made , had always submitted it in public , and invited the gentlemen of the press . "Mr . _Holmo , at the Portico , Newington , had said he was not an advocate of oppression ; but was not every man worthy of his hire ? Oppression ( said the speaker ) so help me God , 1 will never submit to ! ( loud applause . ) They might try to starve him to it ; but if he died like a dog in a ditch , he would have it said , there _uied a son of liberty ( continued applause . ) They might hunt - him from one end of the country to the
other , but there was a country across the Atlantic where there was liberty ( applause . ) They wanted masons there , would give them 8 s or 9 s a-day , and" if they could not get is . fid . a-day here , without signing the document , then he said , hie , lads , across the Atlantic ! ( Loud applause . ) The pamphlet said , " yeur voluntary idleness is a thing for which we are sorry , but cannot help . " ( Laughter . ) Could they not help it ? Such a statement he emphaticall y dented . The pamphlet went on to complain that , in consequence of combinations amongst the colliers , the price of coals had been raised , and thus the working classes had been injured . Now , the colliers in this neighbourhood struck for , he believed , and obtained , about 2 _Jd . per ton advance upon getting the coal , but the masters had advanced their price a shilling per ton . Who , then , benefitted mostly by it ? Why the proprietors of collieries themselves : Did , went into the pocket ofthe capitalist , and 21 d . to those who were , during one-half of their existence , buried in the earth , He then proposed the following resolution : —
"That it is the opinion of this meeting , that a document , emanating from either the employer or tbe employed , that has a tendency to destroy the liberty of the British subject , is both unjust , _unconstitutional , and tyrannical ; and that no man possessing the least spark of independence would sign such a document ; and that this meeting pledges itself , individually and collectively , to support the men who are now refusing to sign the document emanating from the master builders of Liverpool and Birkenhead . " He entreated other trades to come forward and assist the operative builders , that they might not , through necessity , fie compelled to sign a document which was so repugnant to their feelings , and which they looked upon as so serious an' interference with ; _thyr liberty . jThe whole reasoning of the pamphlet , with hut very little exception , was false from beg inning to end . He concluded by a poetical quotation against "pamphleteers void of shame , " and with quoting the eloquent words of a modern writer upou the vast value of labour and industry , __
Ilr . Joux _ItoWLiNSON , steam-engine maker , seconded the resolution . The speaker then showed at _sreatlength the hardship and punishment which in many cases portions of the working Classes had from time to time endured before the old combination laws were repealed . One of the greatest evils of the present competitive state 9 f society , was that if a dishonest master reduced wages , all others to keep iu the market with him were obliged to follow his example . Trades' Unions originated from the nets of tyrannical employers . ( Applause . ) To show thjey had at present the high sanction of law , he read the Gth Geo . IV ., c . 102 , s . 4 . Both employer and emp loyed had a perfect ri ght to unite , and any document having a tendeucy to destroy that right was unjust and tyrannical , and should be opposud by every man valuing his independence , or the welfare of his posterity . Unions ,
he showed , existed ia the lowest and in the highest grade of society , every rank or profession being more or less so incorporated , that others were excluded . The timber merchants ot Liverpool and of every Other port fixed their prices . The masters of this town were not satisfied with the influence of their wealth , although they had the wkole p ress at their command , with the exception of the Liverpool Journal—( applause)—aud they must even sund a deputation in the first-class train to the Home Office , to claim the protection and assistance of sir James Graham against the weakness of the poor operative classes . ( Applause . ) What did they gain by it ? Simply the answer , " he would consider of it . " ( Loud laughter . ) If they had been acquainted with the act which he had read , it weuld have saved them the trouble , the mortification , and expense . After a lengthy speech ,
he concluded by trusting that the working classes would never consent to sign a document affecting so materially their liberty and happiness . Let them resist it firml y be true to themselves , and success was certain . ( Loud applause . ) Tbe resolution was then put , and carried unanimously . Mr . Jons _Cablisle , mason , proposed the next resolution , and addressed the meeting _r-t considerable length , eulogising , in an excellent speech , the conduct of those masters who had refused to take thc steps which the others had against tlte liberty of their workmen . Such men were friends to the human race , At the Portico , -Vewington , it appeared , the masters had come to the resolution of establishing " a beuevolentbuilders'
association " — the committoe to he composed one-half of employers and the other half of the employed . Its objects were excellent , but it was impossible it could work with fairness ; inasmuch as if the masters proposed anything disagreeable to the workmen , none of those on the committee , through fear of dismissal from their employment , durst rise iu opposition ; besides , it conveyed the idea that they did not possess intelligence and honesty enough to conduct their own affairs . It was vain to attempt to reconcile the interests of the employer aud employed , as things were at present constituted . The shopkeepers _n-ereinterested in the present struggle , and he entreated all who loved liberty or studied their own interests , to lend their support to those why were engaged in it . ne concluded by proposing : —
3 d . — " That the thanks of this meeting are due , and hereby given , to all those employers who have refused to combine with the master builders to carry out their unjust resolutions ; and trust the conduct of their workmen will be such as will show them that the straightforward ¦ ¦ md independent course they have pursued has been duly appreciated . " Mr . _KicHAXD Dixon , collier , seconded the resolution , and also addressed the meeting at groat lunutu , but 0 UI _* limits preclude us from giving more than a mere outline of his speech . Englishmen were like jack asses , and never stirred til ! the goad was applied ; and the present event he considered , would lead to that perfect combination Of the Working Classes Which would otherwise have taken years to form . He trusted that all trades Would concentrate their strength . He denied the reasoning of the pamphlet before referred to : if a workman got an
advance of 2 s . a week in his wages , he in all probability spent it with the shopkeeper , and thus tbe community at _Ltrge were benefitted . ( Applause , ) If the hours of labour were shorter , so many persons would not bo out of employment ; hut the masters chose to have some working seven days a week while others walked about , as they had them then more under control , and could readily intimate tbat if they did not comply with this or that , there were plenty at hand would be glad of their situation . ( Laughter and applause . ) He appealed to the e _.-. perience of those present if tbey ever got an advance of wages without struggling for it . ( Cries of "So ") Their masters were uot apt to cemo to them voluntarily and say , " now my lads , trade is good , and I i will advance your wages 3 s . a week . " ( Laughter and applause . ) He san * mach in tbe proceedings of Trades ' _. Unions in times past to lament , nothing to censure , their
Tto Tdllsed-Odt. -Great Meeting At Lives...
former errors were a beacon to-the future ; and there was little doubt but by a long poll , ' and a strong pull , Trades' Unions eould resist all " the tyranny which might be brought to bear against them . ( Applause . ) Mr . Holme in tho pamphlet had said- " you do less work than formerly . " Well it was hi gh time they did —( applause)—for the working classes had been compelled to toil so long tbat they had no time for moral and mental , improvement / or for physical recreation . ' Mr . John Fielden had said some time ago that three hours labour per day , with our present improvements in machinery and powers production , under a right system of society , was sufficient for aU the necessaries of life" Threescore years and ten was according to the scriptures' the - period allotted for the life of man ! but what was it in Liverpool _S—27 _J years . ( Hear , hear . ) Then if a man was robbed of better than two-thirds of his existencewas it
not time they should speak out J ( Laughter and applause . ) Every man might be a master , but all masters would not make journeymen . In Manchester a body of working man- had united-their means' taken ft ' large timber yard , and had 35-workmen to whom they were paying the best of wages going . There was np document there , and the men were going on peaceably and p ' easantly . - "Working men had not such a luxurious sty le of living to keep up ; and _euoh ' combinations therefore , he thought , had every chance of success . "Many hands make light work , and equal burdens break no back . " The pence ofthe working classes , from their number ' soon accumulated into pounds . The resolution ffas then put and carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was then passed to the chairman , and the compliment having been dul y acknowledged , the meeting broke up at half . past eleven o ' clock . The most orderly demeanour was exhibited throughout the whole proceedings .
Working Men, Support Your Order Fellow W...
WORKING MEN , SUPPORT YOUR ORDER Fellow Woiikisg Mes , — -Allow me to congratulate you on the practical adoption of a plan of co-operation longsince recommended in that valuable paper the Northern Star , and the only one calculated to raise the working classes of this country from tbat state of degradation and poverty in which they are at present placed . While I rejoice at the attempt now made by my brother craftsmen , at 151 , Drury-lane , to emancipate their labour from the tyranny of the master-class , and view it as the commencement of a system which will , ( if this' be successful ) be followed hy workmen of most other trades , I feel a very . great anxiety lest this experiment should far ] , being * fully
convinced in tny own mind , that every effort that tlie roasters of all trades can make , no matter the expense , will be made to overthrow the project of the working part of the community for talcing into their own hands the retail trade , and thus appropriating ihe profits of tlieir own labour to the benefit of themselves , their wives , and families . In attempting to penetrate into futurity without pretending to the spirit of _prophecj * _, what may we not anticipate should this system of co-operation be established , and the small farms proposed by the _ChartUt Land Association be adopted throughout ihe land . Why , lam certain that any attempt of mine to describe the beneficial results which must follow the adoption of these plans would fall short of
the actual good which will be accomplished . Of this we may feel assured , the names of those patriots who are now toiling for the benefit of the masses will be remembered with _gratitude and love wlien the names of Wellington , Napoleons Nelson , and a long list of the slaughterers of their fellow men , shall be remembered with Kgret and p ity . * Bnt the object I have in view in thus addressing you is , to endeavour to impress upon the minds of my fellow working men how much it depends upon them whether these plans succeed . I have said that I feci very anxious about the success of the experiment now making in _DrHry-lnne , not because I have any doubts about , the practicability of the plan , or in the capability of those who are carrying it out , but for fear thatthe working men of London should not give that support to it which will place its success beyond the possibility of a doubt . If this support is
given , the next thing ; must be to secure agents throughout all parts ot London , who will take orders , transmit them to the principal shop , and receive the goods for the customers ; and this can be done at our Chartist Localities , where , I have no doubt , persons would be found who woultl willingly undertake an agency for this purpose . I hope the committee will endeavour to effect this as soon as possible , so that no time may be lost . In concluding this letter , I would most earnestly call upon every member ofthe Land Assoeiation , and every Chartist , in whatever circumstances , to do all tbey possibly can to further the great cause in which we are engaged . Let us all act as soldiers are somelimes _ealled upon to do , each to fight aa if the suecess of tho contest depended upon his individual exertions . If we do this our triumph is certain . I shall conclude as I began , by saying to my fellows" Working men , sunport your own order !"
Iloping that my feeble effort to do something towards tho cause to which I am most ardently devoted may be in some measure successful , I remain , fellow workmen , Yours , respectfully , May , 1810 . A Limehouse Shoemaker .
The Ten Hours' Bill. Important Meeting O...
THE TEN HOURS' BILL . IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE DELEGATES . On Saturday evening a meeting ofthe short-time delegates from the operatives of Lancashire and Yorkshire was held at their rooms in _Bcaufortbuildings , for the purpose of devising measures to continue the application to Parliament this session , and also read over and consider the debate of Friday night . Mr . John "Brewer , chairman of the delega t es , presided . The Cuaikuis , ' in opening the proceedings , observed , that although their cause had suffered a nominal defeat on Friday night by a majority of ten in a house of 400 members , he considered it a virtual victory , considering that the whole power of a hostile government had been brought to bear against them , as well as the united efforts of tho leaders of
the Free Trade movement . Mr . S . _IIowautii , of Bolton , in moving the first resolution , observed , that having beard tbe speech of Mr . Cobden read from the newspapers , and having been in the House of Commons when it was delivered , he felt greatly surprised that he should have ventured such a charge against the delegates as that to which he gave utterance . Mr . Cobden had told the House of Commons that the persons of whom he ( Mr . Hon-nrth ) was one , who had eome up to Lon _« don pretending to represent the operatives , were not Free Traders , but the very parties who had , from time to time , disturbed the Free Trade meetings in the country . Now , as far as he was concerned , he most distinctly contradicted that assertion , and could refer to Dr . Bowring and'Mr . Henry Ashworth for a confirmation of that contradiction . Under those
circumstances , he did not hesitate to denounce the charge made by Mr . Cobden as wicked and untrue . He concluded by moving— "Thatthe delegates now assembled in London cannot return to then-constituents without expressing their unqualified disapprobation of many of the statements made in the House of Commons last night , during thc debate on the Factory Bill , more especially that made by Mr . Cobden , when he charged the ' delegates with having at various times disturbed the Free Trade meetings in the north of England . "
Mr . Joux Mills , of Oldham , in seconding the resolution , in the most emphatic terms contradicted tlie calumny set forth by Mr . Cobden , and he observed ihat he believed that Mr . Cobden had made tho c charges with a wicked design , knowing them to be untrue . Mr . James Greaves , of Saddlcworth , took the same view of tlie subject , declaring that lie had-frequently got himself into disrepute amongst many of his fellow operatives in consequence of having taken . an active part in his own neighbourhood in promoting ft repeal ofthe Corn Laws . When he heard Mr . Cobden make the charge against the delegates he was perfectly astounded , and could not have believed it had lie not heard it . from his own lips .. He did therefore throw back the foul slander as untrue as far as ho was concerned .
Mr . Paul _IIauoueaves , of Manchester , said he had never taken public or private part in any meeting on any other subject than the Ten Hours' Bill , and therefore he entered his protest _. against the charge made by Mr . Cobden . It was true he had on one occasion asMstcd hii the election of Dr . Bowring , an oiience oi which he would never again be guilty . Mr . David Ross , of Leeds , followed in the same strain , ami declared that he had never , at any time or in any place , attempted to disturb any meeting of Free-traders , or any other party .
Mr . iViwjam _AitBowsMiTii , of Manchester , was indeed suvpvised to hear Mr . Cobden make thc statements he had made . The Hon . Gentleman had frequently attended the meetings of the trade association to which he ( Mr . : Arrowsmith ) belonged . At those meetings ho ( Mr . Cobden ) held out the hope that if the Corn Laws were repealed the Ten Hours ' Bill would follow , and by such inducements the opevativo COttOIl _spiimeta had joined the Free-trade movement , and had appointed deputations from their own body to wait upon other traders who were not interested in the Factory Biil to _urge them to join the Free-trade movement ; After what had been
( lone in this way , and the Free-trade measures being 1 now carried , lie * considered it cruel on thc part of Mi * . | Cobden to make such charges against the working ' classes , which he believed was done with a view of injuring them . But when his statements went forth to tho , country , it would be seen by thc operatives ihiVfc Mr , Cobden had never any desire to do them auy good . Not more that a week ago he met Mr . Cobden in the lobby of the Ilouse of Commons on ihis question , when lie advised the delegates to go down to the manufacturing districts and form an association to agitate for a Ten Hours' Bill , and that if they would do so , he ( Mr . Cobden ) would beeomo the patron of the society , and go down to thc manufacturing : districts , and agitate for it as energetically
The Ten Hours' Bill. Important Meeting O...
as he had ever done for the repeal of the Corn Laws . Mr . Cobden knows well enough that such au arrangement could never be brought about by an agreement between masters and men , and , therefore he-could berfectlyunderetandthe motive which stimulated himto ' _giYfc 8 uCttadvice : ; L . ., ; The Chairman , on putting the resolutions , said , his _opinions on the . subject of Free Trade were so well known that it was unnecessary to give any explanation . He had travelled hundreds of milesm
promoting the measure amongst his fellow operatives , having been led to believe that a repeal of tbe Corn Laws would have facilitated the passing of the len Hours' Bill instead of retarding it , and hechaUenged Mr . Cobden to give up his authority upon which lie had made his unfounded charges , and also to ahoy * that any one ofthe delegates , had ever taken any part in disturbing a Free Trade meeting . ¦ ' --- . ¦ ¦ ¦ , The resolution waa then put and carried unanimously . . In the course of proceeding the following resolutions were also unanimously adopted : —
That the delegates once more advise tho factory operatives not to be deluded into the trap of combining to pass the Ten Hours' Bill by turn-outs and strikes , believing , aB they do , that a combination for that purpose would tend to dissensions between masters and men , and be calculated to revive that spirit of hostility between them wliich has ever been one of the objects of the Short Time Committee and the leaders of the movement to allay . That a deputation from the delegates be appointed to wait upon some influential members of the House of Lords , with a view of ascertaining whether it is possible to get the Factory Bill , as it now stands , introduced into that house , and _^ if possible carried into a law this session ; that this course appears to the delegates perfectly reasonable , and they believe they are quite justified in adopting this course when they look back to the proceedings taken in 1844 to prevent a renewal ofthe two divisions which affirmed tbe principle of the Ten Hours' Bill ,
Thanks having been voted to their friends in Parliament , and the Chairman , the meeting separated .
Memorandum For The Next Gene- Hal Electi...
MEMORANDUM FOR THE NEXT GENE- HAL ELECTION . : Working men ! Treasure the following list of the division on the Ten Hours' Bill . Saturday , 22 nd May , 1846 . You know what use to make of it !
MINORITY—AYES . Acland , Sir T . D , Heatheoto'G . J . Acland , T . D . ' * Henley , J . W . Acton , Colonel Hervey , Lord A , Adderiey , C . B , Hildyard , T . B . T . Aglionby , H . A . Hill , Lord M . Ainsworth , P . Hindley , C . . Alford , Viscount Hollond , It . Archdaii , Capt . Jtf . Howard , Hon . 0 . W . G Arundel , Surrey , Earl of Howard , Hon . E . G \ G Austen , Colonel Hudson Q . "Bagot , Hon , "W , _Ingestre , Viscount B _; igge , W . Inglis , Sir B . H . Bailey , J . Jervis , J . Baillie , W . Johnson , General
Bankes , G . Kemble , H . Banuerman , Ai Knight , F . W , Barnard , E . G > Lambton , H . Baskeryille , T . B . M , law , Hon . C . E . Beckett , W . Lawson A . Bell , J . Lefroy , A . Benett _, J , Lennox , Lord 6 . H . G . Benet , F . Leslie , C . P . Bentinck , Lord G . Liddell , Hi , Bentinck , Lord II . Lowther , Hon . Col . Beresford , Major Macaulay , Right Hon , T . B _Bovlse * ey , Hon ,, C Maclean , D . . Bernal , » . M'Carthy , A . BlacUburne . J . I . M'Donnell _, J . Jf . Blackstone , "W . S . Manners , Lord J .
Borthwick , P . March , Earl of Bradsnaw , J . Miles , V . "W . S . _Bramston , T . W . . Miles , "W . Bridgeman , H . Milnes , R . M . Brisco _, M . Morris , D . Broadley , H . Mostyn , Hon . E . M . L Broadwood , H . Muntz . G . F . Bro 3 klehurst , J . Napier , Sir ., C . Brooke , Lord Ifeeld , Joseph Brotherton _, J . Heeld John Browne , Hon . "W . _Newdegate , C . K . Buller , C Newry _, Viscount Buller , E . Morreys , _tord Burrell , Sir C . M . O'Brien , W . S . Busfeild _. -W . O'Connell , D .
Cayley , E . S . O'Connell , J . Chandos , Marquis of Ossulston , Lord Christie , "W . D . "Paget , Colonel Christopher , 11 . A . Paget , Lord A . Churchill , Lord A . S . " Palmer , R . Clifton , J . T . " " Palmcrston _, Viscount Cole , Hon . n . A . " Plumptre , J . P . Colquhoun , J , C . _Plumridg-e _, Captain Cowper , Hon . "W . F . Pollington , Viscount Crawford , "W . S . Rashleigh , TV . Curties , H . B . ' Itepton , G . W . J . Denison , J . E . j Rich , H . D'Eyncourt , UightHon . C . T . Richards , R , D'lsraeli , B . Rolleston , Colonel Douglas , Sir H . Russell , Lord J .
Douglas , J . D . S . Ryder , Hon . G . D . Duff , J . Sandon _, Viscount Duko , Sir J . Scott , Hon . F . Duncombe , T , Shaw , Right Hon . F . Duncombe , Hon . 0 . Shell , Right Hon , R . L . Dundas , D . Sheppard , T . East , J . B . Sheridan , R . B . Ebrington , Viscount Sibthorp , Colonel Entwisle , "ff , ' Smith , A . Etwali , R ' . , Smi t h , Right Hon . R- V Evans , Sir DeL , Speoner , R . Ewavt , _Vf . ' Staunton , Sir G . T . Farnhaui ; E . B . Stuart , Lord J . lPeU 0 , TV 8 , _- . B . Stuart , J . Ferrand , W . B . Strickland , Sir G .
Finch , G . Taylor , T . E . Fitzroy _, Lord C . Taylor , J . A . Fox , C . R . Tollemache , J . Frewen , C . H . Tower , C . Fuller . A . E . ' Towneley , J . Gardener , J . D . Trouhridge , SirE , 1 Gaskcll , J . M . Turnor _, C . ( Con . ) Gooch , E . S . _Tyrell , Sir J . T . Gore , " V 7 . 0 . Vano , Lord A . Gore , W . It . 0 , Verner , Colonel Goring , C . Vyse , R . H . R . H . Granby , Marquis of Waddington , H . S .
Granger , T , C . Walker , R . Grey , Right Hon . Sir G . "Watson , W . H . _Gi-imsditch , T . Wawn , J . T , Grogan , E . _Welb y , G . E . _Grosvcnor , Lord R , "Williams , \ V . Halford , Sir H . "Wodehouse , E . Hall , Sir . B . Worcoster , Marquis of Hall , Colonel "Wyndliam , J . H _, Camp _Halsev _. T . P . Yorke , _H _, It , Hamilton , G . A . Harcourt , G . G . TeUers . Harris , non . Captain Wakley , T . Hiittou , Captain V . Fielden , J .
_MAJORITY—NOES . A'Couvt _, Captain Hope , Sir J . Alexander , If . Hope , ' G . "W . Bagot , Hon . W . Houldsworth , T , Baillie , Colonel Howard , Hon . J . K . Baine , W . Hume , J . Baldwin , B . _" . ' _Hutt , W . ¦ Balfour , J . ir , James , W . Barclay _. D . James , Sir "W . d Barkly _. ' H . St .-Jennyn , Earl Baring , Ri ght Hon . F . T . Jocelyn , Viscount Baring , Rt . Hon . W . B . Jones , Captain Larrington , Viscount Kelly , Sir F . - Bell , M . " Ker , D . S . Bellew _, R . M , Labouchere , Rt . Hon , H
Iknbow , J . Langston , J . II . Bodkin , W . II . _Lascelles _, Hon . E . Boldero , JI . G . Lascelles , Eon . W . S . Botfield , B . Legh , G . C . Bouverio , Hon . E . P . Lemon , Sir C . Bowes , J . Lindsay , Hon . Captain Bowles , Admiral Lockhart , A . E . Bowring , Dr . Lockliart , W . Boyd , J . Lyall _, G . Bri g ht , J . _Lyuon , Hou . General , Bruce , Lord E . Mackenzie , T . Cardwell , E . Mackenzie , W . F . Carew , W . H . P . _M'X _^ ill , D . _Curiiej'ic , Hon , Capt , Mahon , viscount Cavendish , Hon . C . C . Maitland , T ,
Cavedish , Hon . G . H . Manners , Lord C . S . Cliolmondeley , Hon . n , Marshall , TV . Chute , W . L . W . Marsland , H . Clay , Sir W , Martin , J . Clerk , Rt . Hon . Sh' G . Martin , C . TV . Wive , Hon . R . H . Masterman , J . Cobden , R . Maule , Ri ght Hon . F . Cockburn , RightHon . Sir G . _Mej-nell , Captain Oolebrooke , Sir- T . E . Mildmay , H _, St , John Collett , W . R . Mitculfe , H , Coote , Sir C . II . Mitchell , T . A . _Cori'ie , Right Hon , II , Moffat , G . Craig , TV . G . Morgan , C . Cripps , W , Morpeth , Viscount Currie , 11 . _Mutidy , E . M . Dalaieny _. Lord Norreyij Sir D . J .
Darner , Hon . _Colontf "Northland , Viscount Dawson , Hon . T . V . Ogle , S . C H . Deedes , W . Oswald , J . Damson , J . E , Owen , Sir J . _DennistOHU , J . _Pagot , Lord TY . Divett , E . -, Parker , J . Dodd _. G .. Patten , J . TV . Douglass , Sir C . E . Pattisou _. J . _Douro , Marquis of Peel , _llight Hon . Sir R _"Dowdeswell , W . Peal , J . Drummond _, H . H . Philips ' , G . R , Duckworth , Sir . J . T . B . Philips , M . _Dugdale , TV . S . Price , Sir R . Duncan , Viscount Protheroe _, E . Duncan , 6 , Reid , Sir J , R . Duncauho n , Viscount Reid , Colonel Dundas , F . Rfcardo , J . L .
Memorandum For The Next Gene- Hal Electi...
Dundas , Hon . J . 0 . Bomilly , J . . _¦ _- ,., ; ,, Egerton , TV . T , Round , J / 7 E _« sott , B . ¦ - '¦ ' _¦¦"* . ' ¦' . ¦ " ¦¦"¦ ' _Rumbold _; C . E . Estcourt , T . G . B . . Russell , C . . Evans ,-TV .- Sanderson ; R . Fielden , TV . Scott , " *! . Ferguson , Colonel Seymour , Lord Filmer , Sir E . Seymour , Sir H . B , Fitzmaurice , Hon , TV . Shelburne , Earl of . Fitzroy , Hon . H . Smith , B . Flower , Sir . J . Smyth , Sir H . Forbes , TV . Siriythe _, Hon . G . Forraan , T . S , Somerset , Lord G . Forster , M . Sotheron , T . H . S . Gibson , T . M . Stansfield . TV . R . C
Gill , T , Strutt , E . Gisborne , T . Sutton , Hon . H . M _. Godson , R . Tancred , H . W , Gordon , Hon- Captain Thesiger , Sir F . Gore , M . Thornely , T . Goulburn , Ri g ht Hon . H . Tollemache , Hon . F . J Graham , Right Hon . Sir J . Traill , 0 . Greene , t . _Trclawney , J . S . . Hallyburton , 'Lord J . F . G , Trench , Sir F . TV . Hamilton , J . H . Trevor , Hon . G . R . Hamilton , W . J . Vernon , G . H . Hamilton , Lord C . Villiers , Hon . C . Hanmer SirJ . Vivian , J . E .
, Hustle , A , Walpole , S . H . Hawes , B . Warburton , H . Hay , Sir A . L . "Ward , H . G . Hayes , SirE , Weliesley , Lord C . _Hayter , W . G . Wood , C . Heneage , _Gy . W . Wood , Colonel Hepburn , Sir T . B . Wood , Colonel T . Herbert , RightHon , S . Wortley , Hon , J . S , Hinde , J . H . Wyndham , Col . C . Hodgson , F . Wjnn , Sir W . W . Hodgson , R . Tellers . Hog ff , J . W . Young , J . Holmes , Hon . TV . _A'Court Baring , H .
, PAIRS . FOB MINISTERS . AGAINST MINISTERS Attwood _. John Colvile , C . R . Brooke , Sir A . Grattan , H . Bruges , W . H . L . Gladstone , Captain Baillie , H , J . Attwood , M . Cresswell , B . . Blake , M . J . _Codrmgton _. _Sir'W _, Milton , Lord Compton , H . C . Floyer , J .-Hughes , W . B . Packe , C . TV . Kirk , P . _n BateBon , T . _Macklnnon , W . A . ; ,- , Fleetwood , Sir P . H , Morgan , O . Ackers , J . Neville , R . M'Geachy , F . A , _Swnerton , Viscount Campbell , Sir H , Villiers , Viscount Seymer , H . K . Noes ( tellers included ) 205 Ayes ( tellers included ) 1 % Majority 10
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THE COMING ELECTION — DUTY OF THE PEOPLE . TO TnE EDITOR OF THE " NOBTHEHN STiE . " Sir . —Should the Ministry be defeated after all on the present Corn measures , it may not be uninteresting or useless to enquire what course the Wbrkimr - Class ought to pursue , for though they are not permitted in elections to vote , they enjoy the privilege tobawl , and though their voices be at all times harsh and discordant , they become on these occasions sweet and harmonious enough to the ear of those in whose favour the welkin is made to ring . _ ..
We are told by Peel , Graham , D'lsraeli , and all the other great orators both for and against the measure , that the veal question at issue is " What ia for the improvement of the social and moral condition of the masses , or that great class which subsists by manual labour . " Mow , surely we , the much cared for class , should know what is required to amend our social condition ; and if these sympathizing Gentlemen had but bethought themselves to ask us this question three months ago what a deal of bickering , personalities , and mental and bodily trouble we might have saved them . As to ouv moral condition , if they mean by it our mental blindness and low moral character , though our Legislators often talk about it as something even more to be deplored than our physical hardships , they just need
_amendments this respect equally at least with ourselves . Talk _ofmentalblindness indeed ! and here are C 58 of the talkers debating for months about what is required to amend our condition , when any one , with half an eye may see , that if we had not been robbed to a most Shameless extent , we must have been now in a comparatively happy state , since 1820 we have produced five times as much clothing as before that period , and we are now able , by agricultural improvements , to produce twice as much from a given quantity of soil , as is now raised in any other country in Europe or America . 2 * btivit _* istanding this superabundance we are ' actually worse off than before the improvements took plaee . If shameful robbery was not practised tin ' s could not be . We ought clearly to be much better off instead of worse . ¦
We are often told that we ave ignorant , and we do not know What is good for us ; but when any of our . ghostly teachers tell us this , tliey generally add , "God alone knows what is best , " they are seldom sufficiently insulting to aver that our fellow men can know better than we ourselves do . Lest , however , they should still think that We do not know , I may just state what it is that we agree amongst ourselves to think necessary for our good . It is simpl y tbis , " That we should ivork for ourselves , and enjoy tbat which we produce , without being under the necessity of toiling to keep others all their lives in idleness and abundance . ' - ' This is what we think necessary to make our social condition what it ought to be ; but the idlers whom we are obliged to solicit to make it so are not likely to do it for us ; and indeed we should be as great fools as they profess to think us were we to hope for anythin g of the kind ; so tbe question which we have to consider is , " What can w _" e do , In tha event of an _elee . tion , towards accomplishing something for ourselves V
According to the present theory of elections the public and not individual good ought to be studied by the electoral body . If every man had the vote the princip le would be different , for then c-ich consulting his own interest alone , secured throug h the medium of legislation , the general good would be thereby obtained . Now before a man can know what is necessary for the general good he mus t thoroug hly understand what is the real condition of the great mass ot society and he must know too what that condition oug ht to be . This would be a knowledge easy of acquirement , if it were not for that unnatural position in which we are all at present placed ; the rich being above , and the poor below nature ' s level , Owing thereto we view every thing conuected _^ with society through an impure medium , and Hence it is , that we are everlastingly running one against another with our
various projects for amending our condition ; whilst , at the same time , the confusion springing therefrom is doubted by being awed and coerced by the governing power and ouv minds meanwhile _newttderei by the - sophistry of fools , or desi gning knave * . But if instead of listening to what others say , we were , with our minds divested of all prejudices , to study men and things ; perusing nature ' s volume only , the mystery would vanish , and the solution be easy . We sec first one and then another improvement take place in producing the necessaries and enjoyments of life . There must have been a time when these improvements had a commencement , and before this period , it is equally clear man could only have subsisted by hunting wild beasts and gathering such fruits as nature spontaneously put forth . But bye-and-bye animals would be domesticated , and fruit trees planted ;
roots aud other vegetables _suitable to man ' s sustenance would be , ono by one discovered , and thus the earth ' s value would become appreciated ; when war arid plunder would speedily lead to its undue appropriation , and to that accursed monopoly of the soil , whicli has ever since rendered every improvement , to thc disinherited mass % f mankind , a bane instead of a blessing . Every useful plant and animal , with every rood of cultivateable soil soon became thc possession of a few * , whilst the remaining members of the human family having nothing left for their sustenance but water and air , were thus placed completely at the mercy of the monopolists , and of them thev had to crave for liberty to toil . Evory improvement ,
every new invention the monopolists wrenched to thenown purposes , to make themselves less dependent on their slaves . Tho simple invention of that useful implement , the spade , would ho to the tyrant a godsend , Fewer slaves , " b y its means , would be needed to dig up the soil ; the others he would bring under his war baimer , to fi ght his battles , to gain fresh conquests , to extend his power and to wreathe his brow with victory ' s laurels . Far better would It have boon for the _tyrant-doomed Sims of toil if the ground had yet to bo scratched up with the fingers , to fit it for the reception of seed , aided only with bits of sticks , and no other tire to harden their points than jEtna ' s belching blaze .
Here then is the present position ofthe working class . Every material from whicli the necessaries of life must be raised in the possession of a few monopolists—the lauded and monicd capitalists . These two uunatural excrescenes are now sending out their cancerous fibres into each others vitals . Hitherto they have existed , if not in harmony , at luast in peace with ouch other , save that now and then a glance of withering contempt was directed from the elder to the younger , but now thu younger in its more lusty eagerness for prey , is sewing upon that which hath hitherto
been . _required to feed the elder . These vile antagonists have now thc hyprocrisy to pretend that they are each actuated b y a desire to promote the welfare of those beings which tbey have hitherto made their prey . Happily the feudal power of tyranny is extinct , or from the fens of Lincolnshire and the South of England , the agricultural serfs would rise to meet thc mill bound slaves of Lancashire and Yorkshire in battle array , to spill each others blood . This state of things need not be apprehended now ; all the fighting has to bo done at the poll booth , and they merely wish us to bawl and shout , and carry by popular clamonr the election in tlieir _f-ivour .
If a lion and ti ger were struggling for the mastery , and the other animals upou which they usuall y fed were to come and array themselves , some on the lion ' s side and others on the tiger ' s , and then commence tearing each others throats , what would any man say who should _cnance observe it , "Poor sill y creatures , " he wouid
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naturally remark ; _^ they _. were only . made tobeeaten , i ) And what would be tbe feeling of any'rational man when he saw working meni _an-ayib-f themselves , someTon tht landlords side , and others on the millowners « " Look " he would instinctiyely . exclaim , with a glance of indignant Scorn , " how those brutes in human shape , prove them _, selves fitted onl y for slaves !" Working Men , let us no longer be gulled . Hitherto we have either been duped by their sophistry , or hired our . selves as wiuing tools , traitors to our order for a little of their gold , If we wish well to ourselves and our _pos . terity _. let us change our tactics , and neither be fooled nor bribed .
Sir , I fear that I have exceeded the limits assigned to _Correspondents , and have as yet said little or nothing ol the course to be pursued in the event ofa speedy dissolu . tion of Parliament , I deemed the foregoing remark * necessary to a clear understanding and justification of my views . If you will insert _thenf _injour forthcoming paper , I shall consider such insertion a proof of your willingness to print one more letter on the above subjact . Yours respectfull y , lUenARD Maesbeh .
Cd 'M^Ponotiue
_CD ' m _^ ponotiue
Limehouse
LIMEHOUSE
E Section Op A Delegate To Tni' Ensuing ...
E _SECTION OP A DELEGATE TO _Tni ' ENSUING NATIONAL CHARTIST CON . VENTION . On Monday evening , May 25 th , a public _meeting , for the above purpose , was held at the Brunswick Hal ] Itopemaker's-nelds . Mr . John Shaw was unanimously called to the chair , and the proceedings were commenced by singing the National Charter Anthem . The chairman said , they had assembled for the purpose of electing a delegate . Mr . Ernest Jones , a poet , who was known as the author of "My Life , " and other works , and several of _whosa contributions had , from time to time , appeared in the Northern Star—( hear , hear ) —had volunteered hig services . Of course , it would be their duty to question him , and if they thought him not qualified they had the Opportunity of nominating and electing some one else , ( Hear , bear . )
Mr . Atling , in an excellent speech , moved— " That this meeting do now proceed to the election of one dels _, gate , to represent limehouse , in the National Charter Convention /' Mr . BrrNAM _) , in an able speech , in which he entered into an . elaborate exposition of the principles : Of the People ' s Charter , and refuted several objections urged against it . He added they had now met for the election of a delegate to a'National Convention , to deliberate on and adopt means for carrying into practice the great principles of the People ' s Charter— ( loud cheers)—an event of far taore . iinpoi-tan . ee than the birth ofa Princess which had that day taken place . ( Hear , hear . ) He nordSMly seconded the motion . The resolution was _*> is . iyi * _. < i unanimously .
Mr , _Arusc , after paying a marked compliment to Mr . _Jowt for his talent as a democratic poet , proposed : — " That Mr . Ernest Jones is a fit arid proper person to be our delegate to the ensuing Chartist Convention , " Mr . Ansell seconded the motion . ilr . _Peibce thought it necessary that they should hare an opportunity of hearing Mr . JoneB ' s statements before they proceeded to the election . The _Cdauimaii said he conceived that the best mode of eliciting the sentiments of Candidates was . by questioniug thein , and he should , therefor * , be happy to hear any one who had a question to submit . Mr . _Beabak asked , was Mr . Jones a member of the National Charter Association , he put the question as lie understood not .
Mr . Jones said he had not been until very recently , he had called at the Office in Dean . street , a few days ago and found the Executive were absent from London , on a visit to the Chartist estate , and that the Secretary ' s wife , who was in care o f the office , could not take the money for the six months' contribution , or issue a card . He had , however , obtained the " Hand Book , " left his name and would call again for the card and pay the six months contribution . The Chaieman said the answer appeared satisfactory , Mr . Jones was unquestionably , a man of talent , his recent address that appeared in the columns of the Star , shewed him to be a thorough . Chartist , _whilst his _pcetieal effusions , breathed the purest democracy . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Jones , in an eloquent speech then addressed the
meeting on a variety of political subjects , and in the course of his address , made the following observations oa the present deficient representation of the people : —He said , that in the National Convention he saw a great principle about to Ve evolved , the right of the people to self-government ; and when he remembered that there was not more than about 800 , 000 electors out of the many millions of our countrymen , that every means was resorted lo , from secret bribery to open intimidation , to paralyse and nullify the use ofthe franchise by those electors ; when he remembered that place aud pension were but given for party services , and preferment was the reward of political subserviency , —that government has at its disposal twice the amount of places sufficient to influence the majority of the elelced , and patronage enough to bribe a majority of
I electors ( without mentioning private interest ana local influence)—remembering all these things , and thus seeing this shadow of a representation reduced to a shadow ofa shadow , he could not help considering it a matter of wonder , that the people of tbis mighty country should so long have submitted to a system so nefarious , a _nihrepresentation so flagrant . ( Great cheering . ) Ue further alluded to the want of sympathy shewn by tbe privileged classes _towaj-ds the working classes . _Theyj > ro » i » i ( i much indeed . They even told us they had already made a beginning . They were enforcing reform . Oh ! the liberal men ! TYhat was the result of their measures ? What was the measure of their liberality ? They had emancipated the black slave abroad : —TYhy did they not emancipate the white at home ? ( Cheers . ) They had sent
their church-missions over the habitable globe : —Why did they not purify tlieir Church of England . ( Loud cheers . ) They told us they htideut down sinecures : — so they had . But for one they abrogated , they created ten . There wore , somehowor other , always places enough for the portionless younger sons of the aristocracy , and the bribed seceders from the ranks ofthe democracy , and there always would be , as long as we were thus governed . Again , they told us , we were not fit to rule ourselves , We had not tlie intellect , the experience , the something or other , he believed they scarce knew what ' themselves , Tbey said we were not sufficiently educated . The more shame for them thou . TVh y then did they not educate us better t They had had timo enough to do so . Why did they in the same year vote £ 70 , 000 for the QuooVs _stshfc ? , and only £ 10 , 000 for the education of the poor ? ( Cheers . ) He would answer those noble legislators , that hereditary and collective wisdom , there was not a man iu the far nobler assemblies of the people , who would not make a kinder
statesman than tbe Duke of Norfolk , or a more conseien ' tious minister than Sir James Graham . ( Loud chcevs _. ) But they still objected , this was not ihe fault of tills class , it was but the fault of the ministers in power . Ministers were transitory things—and , as a class , they would atone for what , as a _governmeni , they bad enacted . Strange , then , that we hnd Tory ministries , Whig ministries , Conservative , and so-called Liberal , aye . Radical ministries , all taken from their own class , and ; . yet the results of all had been much the same 1—How remarkably odd , that they should just have turned up such unlucky specimens . ' ( Cheers and laughter . ) Trust to their sympathy , indeed ! To their sense of rig lii as a class ! Was it harboured by men iike _Ilobhouse _, who opposed a two hours' reduction in the daily a » ount of labour , because the revenue might happen to lose '' I millions sterling per annum . Down with sueh sympathy ! Let them save the millions of fellow-beings—keep infants from the factories and women from the looms—and
perish ten times two millions sterling i ' rom the _rcveiUWi Let the deficiency be made up by a less expensive court , less salaried and fewer officers of state , fewer palaces of royalty , and smaller stables for the royal horses ( cheers ) Or was that sympathy enshrined in a bench of bi .-Hops , who , to the God of _I-aaeo profit-rod thanksgiving for a terrible slaughter , but couid not offer a petition to parliament for their starving and suffering countrymen . Prom tbe bishops , who rolled in luxury , while their brethren in Christ were perishing from want . Who , to the churches , sepavated the poor from the rich , and smiled on the great man ' s half-empty pew , while the pauper stood shivering on the stones ( much chew-ring ) . Mr . Jones , then , after alluding to the Suffrage , the Poor Law , the moral and physical i _' uree question , aiul other
pomts , said he felt U necessary to ndd a few words OB the occasion of his coming amongst them ; _rerhups it was a novelty to have a connection of aristocracy mis with them , but he did not see why , because his forefathers held Conservative opinions , lie was not to hold , and hoM sincerely democratic opinions ( hear , hear ) , IK- _thow- ; M by so doing he was setting a good example , although he would by no means wish to stand in the way of any veteran in the cause who was better qualified than liimielf . Jlr . Jones resumed his seat nmid ' great cheering- ! Iu answer to questions put by Mr . Ansell , Mr . _Job _& said , he would move for or support a plan for the better
organisation of Chartism throughout the country , and advocate the sitting of a permanent . Convention during the discussion of auy important questiou in Parliament , the sending in Petitions to the Legislature , and attend * to thc Registration of persons who were qualified to bt > come electors , by the holding of property to ths value ot £ 10 annually , and otherwise . He thought the law Primogeniture an absurdity , because it would be ridiculous to punish a man for any crime his father _nngM have committed ; ami it was equally ridiculous" to _rcn ' iU ' _- liim for any good deed performed by his ancestors . ( _LoU'l cheers . ) He should not like to sae any party spring up and profess to be advoeates fwr the principles without _tltf name if any did he _should suspect them .
The _Queviest said , the Complete'Suffrage Men wei * the party to whom Ue had alluded . Mr . Jones veond < that he hoped that party would now combine with tl _' Chartists , and form _on-j grand whole . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Pbasek , in an eloquent speech said , that the ensuing Convention would b * totally _dillerbnt from any that had preceded it , and for his part he should m _^ like to see Feargus O'Connor and Joseph _Stttrgw on u * e most friendly terms in that Convention , aud apian ad * ted , in whicli all would march on unitedly for the attainment of the great principles of the Peop le ' s Clan * * * ( Hear , hear . ) _^ The motion having been agreed to without one _ilisaentient voice , thc Chairman declared "Mr . JEbsest lo ** duly elelcted , amid loud cheers .
A . Subscription was then opened to defray the _exy _* " _*' of sending the Delegate to Cunveniion , for which p UfpO _'* Afr . Bernard was elected Treasurer ,
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 30, 1846, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_30051846/page/6/
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