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" Hereditary bondsmen, know ye not, yjho...
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" Onward and we conquer! Backward and we...
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umson with the march of intellect lifica...
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THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER One of the most cro...
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^p oure ?
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WESTMINSTER.—Steau.no a Watch.—Moira Fin...
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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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" Hereditary Bondsmen, Know Ye Not, Yjho...
" Hereditary bondsmen , know ye not , yjho would be free himself must strike the blow ?
" Onward And We Conquer! Backward And We...
" Onward and we conquer ! Backward and we fall ! _im PEOPLE'S CHARTER AND 50 SURRENDER ! "
TO THE OLD _GTXAEDS . Loved and _Hoxoobed Comrades _, "We have fonght inany and many a battle together—and , although some have deserted onr standard , others are immured in the dungeon , and some prematurely consigned to the cold grave , yet " Freedom ' s battle once begun , Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son , Tho * baffled oft is ever _WQU 1 "
I adopt the motto o £ Da 3 Siel _O'Cqnkell , but do not use it in the physical sense , hut as emblematical of the time ; because if Labour doe 3 not now strike the blow , which is to shake off its manacles and shackles , thelabourer -will "be for ever a puling beggar , looking for doles , and alms , and charity ; while , if profitabl y employed at reproductive work , it would make the rich richer , the poor rich , and the country a Paradise .
Old Guards , ' for many a year you have honoured me with your confidence—and have I ever betrayed it ? I have invariabl y warned you of approaching conflicts , and rather than abandon the cause , when the people have been driven to desperation and madness , I have taken my full share of the consequence . I warned you of the result of the agitation of 2839 , ' 41 , and ' 48 , and I now again warn you—and to be forewarned is to be forearmed —of the _result-of the present agitation . In 1841 , our aid was sought by the Free Traders , and when we could not be seduced
from our allegiance to the principles of the EBO _^^ _JDILyiTER , ; some pf _^ _ourpro _^ fesahg _^ iend 3 and" leaders were emp loyed as lecturers by the League . They preached vio _^ lence and resistance , and afterwards became Bpies and informers . "When they failed to cajole us at the Birming ham Conference , in 1842 , and when they found that we were resolute and determined , they then changed their tactics . They held ticket meetings and tea parties , from which you were excluded . The Press reported those meetings which were thinly attended , and you were paraded as the auxiliary force of Free Trade , while not a single Chartist demonstration was reported , and thus our weakness was presumed .
Old Guards , the very same dodge is now being resorted to . Tou are sought to be enlisted as mere Financial Reform recruits , and your glorious Charter is to be once more merged in this question of minor consideration . _JJut upon you will depend the result . So long as I looked upon the question of Reduction of Taxation as one that was to be immediately and continuousl y pressed , I hailed it as a corruption-slaying , patronage-destroying
measure 5 but when I discovered that it was a mere bait for the trap , and merel y submitted to the consideration of the Minister , to be effected when he discovered its expediency , I then abandoned all hope of its accomplishment . Tou axe now again sought to be enlisted in this spurious agitation , and the effect , the inevitable effect , of such a course would lead to the presumption that you had abandoned the princip les of the Charter for Financial Reform .
If you are prepared to adopt that course , you have a right to communicate your intention to me , as I have a right to understand the bearing of the mind of which I am presumed to be the leader ; and as there should be no mistake between us , it is my duty to tell you that if you are prepared to abandon this agitation for the Charter for Financial Reform , that I am prepared to surrender my commission , which I have held since September , 1835 , fourteen years next September ; but I am not prepared to surrender my principles though all should desert me .
Old Guards , have yon not gathered wisdom from past experience' ? and have you not discove r ed that the sli ghtest retrograde motion upon y our part g ives advantage and a victory to your opponents ! "What nation or what class has ever achieved a triump h except b y the most pertinacious adherence to popular principles ? Once surrender a particle or atom and your surrender of so much is construed into the intended abandonment of all ; and are you , now that the convulsions in all other countries are about to have their effect upon the policy of the rulers of this country—are yon , I would ask , at such a time prepared to retreat one single inch from the position you have so long manfull y occup ied .
Old Guards , ours has now become a struggle of right against might—of justice against injustice—of knowledge against bigotry end intolerance ; they are strong weapons in the hands of a well-disciplined army , and , if judiciously used , are capable of achieving all that its forces contend for ; but take warning by the past . In 1839 , when six guineas a-week was the Teward of patriotism , the Charter was upon -every banner ; but when the exchequer was
exhausted our most enthusiastic leaders betook themselves to more profitable avocations ; they were the loudest in denunciation of the very schemes and projects that they had advocated in the Convention ; they looked for other paymasters and found them amongst the wealthier class , and not amongst the impoverished slaves whose cause they advocated as physical force Chartists when they received six guineas a-week , but whose violences and practices they denounced when they bad exhausted the poor man ' s exchequer .
This fatality created the first crop of Chartist opponents _^ and for the first time filled your dungeons with Chartist victims , as the mi g ht of the { ew ever takes advantage of the dissensions of the many , and makes martyrs of the true . Old Guards , the next suicidal act was the leaders of the Chartist party becoming Free _Trade lecturers , at large salaries , in 1841 and 1842 , when again their mad excitement of the -unemp loyed millions led to the co nvulsion of 1842 , and a second crop of Chartist victims ; and now ibis money game is once more
to be tried , as I find that many enthusiastic Chartists are catering for the office of Financial Reform lecturers , finding that we are too poor to sustain them . But , thank God , knowledge is now so diffused that even this third crop will find it impossible to win you from your allegiance to your own principles . This will be the dodge , and yon must be prepared to meet it . If you surrender now you will perish like cringing , crouching slaves , while , if you manfully resist the bait and boldl y rall y around the standard of Chartism , your strength , your power , and your union will produce that
PEACE , RETRENCHMENT , AND
REFORM , which nothing but a combination of mind can achieve . Ol d Guards , the Labour Question is now a < ritating all countries in the world ; it is the question to the solution of which I have devoted a life ' s thought , and from thought and experience I have arrived at the conclusion / that when tyrants can no longer resist the force of nnited public op inion they hurry the masses that the le
into revolution , well knowing peop will be the greatest sufferers , as the about -which vainl y proclaims the popular tnumph lulls the victorious peop le into apathy and calm , of which their taskmasters avail themselves toestablisb their own stronger power ; _Trhereasthe triumph of the mind cannot be thus wrenched from the grasp of the victors , as the voice of knowledge then silences the cannon ' s roar , and thoug ht becomes a scabbard for everv sword .
1 repeat _it-as I have told you a thousand tinus—that the people of this country are better prepared for the adoption of princip les in
" Onward And We Conquer! Backward And We...
_umson with the march of intellect and _progression anY otherpeopleupon the face of the earth ; while , as regards p h ysical force a nd arms they differ from all other nations . In a physical revolution in other countries many of the aristocracy , a portion of the middle classes , and a majority of the army , all coalesce with the people to overthrow despotism ; while the people of this country are governed
upon the " ruh > of-three" pr incip le which every aristocrat , every middleman , every shopkeeper , every fanner , every officer , every soldier , and every policeman considers it his duty , because ic i s his " interest , to maintaininasmuch as upon your industry they live , and from your industry is gathered more than even all the Despotisms of Europe and the Republic of America extract from industry .
Old Guards , I am aware of the influence that employers have over their slaves . I am aware that at Birmingham , in Manchester , and in the Market-place of Notting ham , they may array them in savage , brutal , and sanguinary opposition tomc ; but I declare—and most solemnly—that I would Tather perish' in one of those conflicts than _? bo _>^ 8 _fffy' | p _^ a _^ de luS 6 h | the objectI of whichislto bnidygu _^ _lttfe industrious classes _^ still more closely to the dominion of capital . Yes—if I stood alone , I am determined to see the issue of this strugg le , and that issue depends upon your own nnion , the surrender of your own jealousies , and the developement of your consolidated and welldirected opinion .
I have told you that there are three stages through which public op inion must pass . It must be created—it must be organised—and it must be directed ; and in the present state of Europe all that the mind of this country r e quire s , is to be broug ht to bear upon its present representatives , and that can only be achieved through the Press , and that can onl y be ensured by the constant and unmistakable declaration of a majority of the peop le in favour of the PEOPLE'S CHARTER .
Old Guards , there has been a lull ; but I trast there is to he neither compromise nor surrender of our princi ples . On "Wednesday ni ght I attended a meeting at the east end of London , where I had never been before . The spacious room was not only crammed to suffocation , but a large adjoining room , the lanes , alleys , and street were also crowded , and I witnessed an amount of fervent enthusiasm and determined devotion to the OLD ANIMAL , which cheered my heart and filled me with joy .
Old Guards , need I weary you b y reminding you that in Ireland and England I have strugg le d for the pr i nc iples of Democracy for a quarter of a century and two years ; that I have had to struggle against the most fierce and tyrannical opposition , and most especiall y from the opposition of truculent , servile , and speculating Chartists and , that I am yet undaunted and unscared ; and that , so help me God , I would rather perish to-morrow than co n s ent t o the a bandonment o f e v en the n a m e of the Charter .
Old Guards , your cause has been to me a deep and continuous source of slander , persecution , and loss ; but , with your confidence and your countenance , I mil still brave those greater dangers which are now shadowed forth in the distant horizon of other lands ; and if dep rived of that confidence and countenance I will retire into private life , but will never abandon the infant that requires hut your genial breath to nurture it into a gigantic monster . Loved and honoured comrades , let me find your resolution expounded' in next week ' s "Northern Star" and if you adhere to our loved and honoured motto of . ¦ ' "Onward and we conquer ! Backward and we fall !
THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER AND NO SURRENDER !" though older than when I commenced the agit a tion , he will be an active man who will outstride me in the onward march , Next week I shall look to the reflector of Labour ' s mind with some anxiety , but with flattering hope ; and pleased would I be to see advertisements and all other matter disp laced b y forty-ei g ht columns—ay , and a double
supplement—proclaiming the Peop le 's virtue and determination to preserve their princip les whole , unmutilated , and entire . Perhaps the most pleasing int e lli gence that I can communicate is , that your friend and mine , TnoMAS SlingsbtDuncombe , has resumed his place in Parliament . I remain , Old Guards , Tour devoted , faithful , and uncomprising Friend , Feargus O'Connor .
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The People's Charter One Of The Most Cro...
THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER One of the most crowded meetings of modem times , was held at the " Phoenix Tavern , " Ratcliffe-cross , in support of the People ' s Charter , on Wednesday evening , May 23 rd . Not only was the room crowded , but every spot within hearing , while hundreds went away unable to obtain admission . At eight o ' clock Feargus O'Connor , "Esq ., M . P ., entered the Toom , and was received with the loudest app lause . Dr . Brooks was immediately called to the chair , and said , he trusted that the meeting would hear the several able speakers that would address them on the important subject which had called them together , and by their respectful attention show themselves worthy of that which they sought to obtain . ( Cheers . )
Mr . Thomas Clabk moved the following resolution : — " That inasmuch as the impositions oftaxation without its correlative representation , is " a tyranny , and at variance with the constitution of the third estate in these realms .: this meeting is of op inion , that it is imperatively required of all who seek to remove unjust public burthens , and oppressive exactions , to revert to the original , simple , and direct principles of the constitution of the people ' s House of Parliament . " He said : This resolution contains truths , with reference to taxatio n an d r e pre s entat i on , which I think will meet with the unanimous assent of this meeting . As the resolution clearly sets forth , the British House of Commons is presumed to be a bona fide
representation of the whole British people , and upon the realisation of that presumption only , can the House of Common s ri ghtly and constitutionally impose taxes on the millions , who at the present time have no control whatever over that or any other branch of thelegislature . The Tory Blackstonc said , that " Taxation without representation was a tyranny whi c h ou ght to be resisted . " I say , that according to the ordinary rules of life , it is robbery , to which none but slaves would submit . ( Hear , and cheers . ) Wo are taxed , and that to a most shameful amount , but we are not represented at all . To us then the constitution is a dead -letter . It is , in fact , no constitution at all . ( Hear , hear . ) It has no claims upon us for respect , and we will obey it only until we shall have moral power _sufficient to set it at defiance ! ( Cheers . ) Of what avail I should like to know would be such a constitution , if you ,
labouring men , could be made to feel and thinK _ukc men ? ( Hear , hear . ) It will remain to you as a whip and a scourge until you shall have acquired manliness to stand erect and look above it . ( Cheers . ) We ask for representation firstl y , b e c a use a s MEN we are entitled to it . Secondly—because of the preponderating influence of our members ; and thirdly—because of our usefulness . ( Cheers . ) If any other qualification could be devised to which I would lend my assent , beyond maturity of age , and sanity , it would be utility ; and if being of use to the commu n ity , were once established as a qualification for the _exercise of the elective franchise , how small would be the political power of the aristocracy and the bench of bishops . ( Laughter and cheers . ) Yes , LABOURING MEN-and it is an honour to-you that you are labouring men—I say you would have no occasion to entertain any doubts about the exercise of political power , were the qua-
The People's Charter One Of The Most Cro...
lification to which I have alluded made law . ( Hear , hear . ) My indignation grows apace , when I reflect upon the great powers of that mighty mass of intellect which is excluded b y t he pre sen t elector a l law . The GREATEST class of the greatest peop le in the world are at this very moment nearly the only persons throughout Europe that are without political power . ( Cheers . ) Why is this ? Is it because you are too- degraded to make an effort to throw off the incubus that is wei g hing you down . to tho earth ? I do not believe it : you have had the cap acity to make England what she at this moment is—for , let no man think that the power of this wonderful island is the creation of heads bedecked with CROWNS and CORONETS ; but , on the contrary , the might and grandeur pf England is the work of the strong arms and majestic intellects of
the toiling and industrial portions of the community . ( Loud cheers . ) Why , then , do you not stir yourselves ? ( Hear . ) Europe is up ; 'dynasties have faded away—have perished ! Despotisms have been annihilated ! thrones have been hurled into the abyss of oblivion !—and , amidst all these g lorious achievements-, you , alone , ' have been quiescent . ( Cheers . ) A Trench p a triot sp oke truly when h e uttered the famous sentence , — " For a nation to be free , it is sufficientthat she wills it . " . For England to be . free , it will be sufficient that her children have courage to _tfcroand . th ' eir freedom . : rhavemuchpleasuf _^ in _movmg _^ e _^ _ohatlpn . ; l ( _LpudTcheers . _^ _^ _<^| _q realit y , the sooner they experienced its existence the better . Man should be represented , and not bricks and mortnr . '
Mr . William Dixon came forward to move the second resolution as follows : — " That in the opinion of this meeting , the document known as the People's Charter contains the most indubitable recognition of the foregoing principles ; while it suggests the most equitable and efficient means for their peaceable and salutary operation ; therefore it pledges itself to the principles and objects contained in the People's Charter . "—Mr . Dixon said his friend Mr . Clark had shown them that the House of Comm o ns was not in accord a nce with the theory of the British Constitution , an d that in order to make it so , they required an extensive measure of Parliamentary Reform . There were
at present various opinions as to what extent Parliamentary Reform was required , but the resolution which he held in his hand pointed out the only measure of reform which would meet the case , and make our representative system such as the constitution should be , namely—that representation should he co-equal with taxation ; this is provided for in the document known as the People ' s Charter , the enaetment of which alone can secure to the people a full , free , and equitable measure of representation . ' He was aware that the name of the Charter made some old women faint , but what is it after all ? A measure of Parliamentary Reform , which gives to every male of the
age of twenty-one , and who has a head and a pair of hands , and who , by the honest use of them , contributes something useful for the commuity , that he should participate in all the immunities of a citizen . In fact , it goes for Universal Suffrage , and provides the necessary details for the effectual working of the same , by protecting the voter from all undue influence of either landlord or employer . The only objection raised against Universal Suffrage , is the want of intelligence on the part of the working classes , bnt intelligence is no test of the fitness of men to vote . No man will presume to say that the present electoral body hold the Suffrage because they are wise or virtuous . No , the system is most absurd , and if the electors had one spark of English independence within their systems they would not hold the
franchise by . such a tenure for another day , but would at once join the working men , and demand the Suffrage , because they were men and not because they were in possession of a certain species of property . Only look at the monstrosity of the system . A man may now be in prosperity and be enabled to pay the required rent and rates , but before next year adversity overtakes him , and not from any immoral act of his own—not because he has done anything beneath the dignity of a man , but because * he is poorer than he was last year , he is robbed of his right to vote , and tumbled back into the ranks of the slave , and slaves they are who' would hold their rights upon such a flimsy tenure as that . He , Mr . Dixon , was fully aware that so soon as the people fully understood and appreciated the Charter the document would become law . He entreated them to
think well on this matter , for they might rest assured that there would never be any amendment either in the taxation of the country or their moral , social , or political condition , until there was such a reform in parliament as the one provided for in the resolution . He then said—Working men , what is it that sweetens yonrtoil ? What is the uppermost wish of your h ea rt when th e l a bour of th e d a y is over , when the prattling pledges of your love come climbing upon your knee ? Why , this : You hope that they will be enabled to enjoy more of the good things of this world than you , their unfortunate
parent , have ever been allowed to possess . It is this that sweetens life . It is this that enables us to work in the mines , the mills , at the loom , and the anvil . But let us remember that so long as causes exist 30 long will effects follow , and if we do not now unite to destroy the causes which produce our misery , but by our apathy allow them to continue _, then we may rest satisfied that instead of their condition being mended it will be worse than ours at present is . Therefore , working men , the work is your own , and unless you do it for yourselves it will ever bo undone . He moved the resolution and
resumed his scat amidst great applause . "When Mr . O'Connor rose he was received with loud and tremendous cheering and clapp ing of hands . He said : Mr . Chairman , and my friends , the other House has adjourned for the Derby day , and I am come here to start you for the labour p late . ( Cheers . ) Now , I am not come here to flatter you or to talk nonsense , I am come here to explain the Labour Question to labourers governed by the rule of three , and when I make you thoroug hl y understand it , blame yourselves and not your rulers or me , if you cannot solve it . I will first take taxation in the aggregate , and then I will reduce it to individual receipt , and you shall jud ge of the justice of both as administered by the present system of representation . Firstly , then , you pay to the amount of
twenty-seven millions a year , as interest upon what is called a national debt , expended upon the she d ding of human bl o od to up hold the ascendancy of faction , and to subject you to the will and'dominion of that faction . ( Hear , hear . ) Now , those twenty-seven millions a year would give £ 27 a year to every man of one million heads of families . ( Cheers . ) Next comes army , navy , and ordnance , the expense of which is about twenty-three millions a year , a sum which would give £ 23 a year to every one of another million of labourers . ( Cheers . ) Next comes State Church , poor ' s rates , regal and governmental expenses , and a thousand and one incidentals , amounting in the aggregate to about twenty-five millions a year—that amount would give £ 25 a year to each of another million of labourers ; and
observe ,- that in these aggregated sums I am making no estimate of the one thousand and one casual and local expenses , such as legal , police , and the other items ; but you will find that the three departments that I have mentioned , would allow on the average £ 25 per annum to each of three million labourers , or , at five to a family , would support fifteen millions of a population . ( Hear , hear , and loud cheers . ) Well , then , the question for them was , whether the present generation should be liable to a tax , to pay the interest upon a debt which was contracted to uphold a vicious system by the shedding of human blood ? —• • ¦• i- _ . ii whether
( Cheers . ) The next question was , army or ordnance would be required , if satisfaction prevailed ? And jf those establishments were not merely necessa i y t o enable all p arties with power and cap ital to live upon the p _oweriess slave ? ( Cheers . ) Next came tithes , poor rates ' , regal and governmental expenses , and he would aslc if there would be less p iety , reli g ion , and Christianity , amongst a comfortable , satisfied , and peace-loving people , " than there is how to be found amongst an uncomfortable ; dissatisfied , and discontented people ? ( Cheers . ) Ho had so far shown them the vice iu the aggregate ,
The People's Charter One Of The Most Cro...
and _^ now * he would in . lividualise it . A Cabinet Minister receives £ 5 , 000 a year , or nearl y _' ai | B 100-a week—that , at 10 s . a week would _support two hundred families , and at five t _o-a _| famil y one thousand indiYiduala . ( Hear , | hear , and " Shame . " ) It is not a shame _^ or if it is a shame , the shame is upon the he | ds of those upon whose disunion it rests . . _^ Cheers . ) Then he would take a pious rig ht _* rev | rond Father in God having £ 20 , 000 _a-yeari || all sorts of pickings , or nearly £ 400 a-week _^| that would give ten shillings a-week to . ei _^ t | hundred men , and at five to a famil y would ., support four thousand . ( Loud shouts of _^ Kanle , " and "Toobad . " ) Mr .
O'Oox-NOR : ' Ayj it is too bad of you never to have taken this fair view of the Labour Question before , but now . " you will think of it . Next came unhappy Ireland , and there the viceregal system with its adjuncts cost the peop le over £ 40 , 000 a-year ; but putting it down at £ 40 , 000 a-year , this one puppet received as much as would allow 2 s . 6 d . a-week to six thousand ( four hundred families , which , at five to _^ lafe _woujd amount to thirty-two thou-M _^ _nPtas _^(^ ou _^ and this , be it observed , in a country from which the inhabitants are fl ying , and whero this representative of royalty can see his mistress ' s loyal subjects dying under his very nose in thousands . ( "Shame , Shame . " ) . Mr . O'Connor : It is not a shame upon him .
( Cries of "It is . " ) Mr . O'Connor : It is not , the shame is upon you . ( Cheers . ) But it is your own disunion—your own base and servile competition , upon which the system is based . ( Hear , hear . ) He would explain the nature of that competition . Suppose two rival coaches were running upon a road upon which there was not traffic to pay the propietors of both , what would be a greater pleasure to either than to see the rival coach upset and all the passengers mangled or killed ? Would he not advertise it in order to puffins own vehicle , and increase his own profit ? ( Hear , hear . ) Well , then , you are just the same ; if ten men or a score of men are out of employment , what will give them greater pleasure than to hear of the dismissal or death of
ten or a score of their rivals , whoso places they may fill ? ' ( Hear , hear and " True . " ) - Yes , it was true , and they themselves were to blame for it , because b y their union and co-operation the system which tolerated it would pass away as chaff before tho wind . A great struggle was now taking p lace all over the world , and he was rejoiced to think that while that struggle was a physical one in other countries , it w as a moral s truggle , a strugg le of tho mind , in this country . ( Cheers . ) And why ? Because , denounced as they were for i gnorance , he proudly contended that they were the best instructed people in the world upon the
Labour Question , which was the question of questions . ( Hear , hear . ) In France the labourers , uninstructed in the Labour Question and accustomed to arms , had recourse to arms to achieve their rights ; they f o ug ht bravel y and gallantly , and gained the victory ; but no sooner did the shout of triumph proclaim that victory ; than the owners of capital and speculators in labour took advantage of the people ' s heroism and turned the arms of the hired mercenary against those who had won Labour ' s battle . ( Cheers . ) Well , then , had they not had sufficient proof of the use that the dominant classes ever made of a
popular victory , without this recent French illustration , a nd with s uc h proof staring them in the face , were they again about to surrender themselves , bound hand and foot , to the keeping of their taskmaster ! ? ( No , no . ) Yes , you are ; you are now asked to become an auxiliary corps in the tax-redeeming army , a n d to g i ve up t h e Ch arter f or t h e " Quadruped . " ( Loud shouts of " No , never . " ) Ho was glad to hear it , and he had come there that ni g ht for the purpose of placing the whole animal in all its proportions before them , well knowing , but at the same timo disregarding , the odium to which it would subject him ; but , as he had struggled in that cause for nearly a quarter of a century and two years , and
could say what no Jiving man could say—what none could deny—that in the midst of the great and astounding changes upon . which others had based their conversion within that convulsive period , he had never altered his opinions or principles . ( Loud cheers . ) It was not to bo supposed that imprudence was a tiling with which the most consistent may not be charged , but with inconsistency he defied any one to t a unt him ; and ho trust ed th a t , taking a lesson from the past , they would become wiser in the future , and he would now explain the most important part of his mission . He invited them to look at that __ platform , and there they would find but one reporter—and that one for his own
paper—( loud cheers)—whereas , if there had been " such a gathering , or half such a gathering , for' Financial Reform , Protection , or tho QUADRUPED , this platform—large as it is—would be but too small for the staff minions . ( Hear , hear . ) They presumed , and foolishly , that they were governed by the House of Commons , whereas the House of Commons itself , though constituted as it was of all classes but tho friends of Labour , was operated upon by the Press . The people evinced their power outside , and the Press conveyed the knowledge of that power , and the will of . the people , to the ear of the representatives ; that is , it conveyed the power of that class who advertised in it and supported it , an d who s e
exclusive interests it represented . ( Hear , hear . ) But it never did communicate the will , the strength , or the resolve of the working classes , except when that will , or strength was marshalled as the auxiliary force of their taskmasters . ( Lbud cheers . ) What were they doing now ? Just what they had done in the times of Emancipation , Reform , and Free Trade agitation . They are fishing with a bit of popular bait for a reduction of taxation , which is to be conceded—not to justice , but when Lord John Russell shall consider it expedient and practicable to do so . ( Cheers and laughter . ) And when do they think that will be ? Why , it is enough _tomake John Bright kick his mother —( roars of laughter)—to
think of sueh a question being placed in the keeping of the First _Minister of'the Crown .. But he would now prove—and if not satisfactorily , at least incontrovertibiy—the power of the Press ; how the people were duped before , and how it is intended to dupe them again . In 1841 , the Free Traders—knowing that the masses looked for veritable free trade which the Charter would produce , who were looking for that Free Trade which would in cr e a se monopol y and preserve competition , did for a time seduco tho Chartists as co-operators , and the result was , that this adhesion led to a belief of the surrender of Chartist principles , and the adoption of Free Trade as a substitute . Ho
( Mr . O Connor ) was in his cold cell at York Castle , and saw through this suicidal act . It stung him that , w h il e s ufferi n g for the ca use wh i ch was dearest to his heart , those who professed to support it should be thus juggled . All boasted that Chartism was dead and buried , and from his cell he told the people what the result would be . He told them to attend those Free Trade meetings —to hear if they were heard—and to strike if they were struck . Well , what was the result ? Why , whereas as mayors , mag istrates , town counsellors / and capitalists , as . chairmen , declared their own resolutions carried , when they saw a couple of dozen of hands , with kid-skin gloves , flourished around them iii support of those resolutions , the , short-sighted gentlemen could not see the thousands of blistered hands that were held
up for the Charter . ( Cheers . ) Well , for a long time the Press reported those meetings as unanimous , thus putting the extinguisher upon Chartism—until , at length , nettled by the injustice , the Press was compelled to ' _inotice Chartism , but itdid so as an _^ obstructive and revolutionary policy . But we ' were not i ce d , an d our op p os i t i on fille d the dungeons with victims , pronounced guilty by Free Trade . iuries . ( Hear , heat , and loud cheers . ) Well , then , was not that a . sufficient , warning to them not to be caught again ? And now the dodge Was to make them ( the Chartists ) the auxiliary force of Financial and mock Reformers —( cheers)—and thus , once more , bury the Charter in oblivion . ( Cheers ;) If , upon the contrary , they fairly contended for their own principles , the Press would be compelled . to report their power , their strength , laud their resolution , & n 4 a knowledge of' that
The People's Charter One Of The Most Cro...
power would have its due influence upon their representatives . ( Hoar , hear . ) If , as . he had anticipated , Financial Reform was to be urged and pressed as of immediate necessity , he would h a v e h a iled it as a corruption-slaying , patronage-destroying measure ; but when it was committed to the prudence of a Whig Minister , based upon expediency , he saw through the juggle . And again , let him call their attention to the fact—that tho proposed reduction of ten millions a-year would give six shillings and eightpence a year to each one of the thirty millions of population , or something under a farthing a day . ( Loud laughter . ) Ay , but that was presuming that the working classes would receive their fair share of the reduction . Let him now show the insignificanccof National Dobt , Army ,
Navy , Ordnance ,. Tithes , Poor Rates , Reg a l a nd Governmental Expences _, as compared with the loss sustained by the unrepresented labourer , and the consequent profit made by the capitalist . The proposed reduction would give you a farthing a day , that is , if you had your full share of it ; and let him ask , where was the working man in that room , or in the country , who was not compelled to submit to a graduated scale of reduction based upon Labour competition in the market , and suppose five millions , or a sixth of the population , instead often millions , or a third of the population who receive the farthing a day , are subjected by this infernal competition to a reduction of sixpence in the day , —andvLmuoh underrate it—that-would' amount to thirty-nine millions a year—( cries of" Shame " )—
and si would be much nearer the mark if I set it down at a shilling a day , which would be seventyeight millions , or twenty millions a year over and a bove the interest o f the Nation a l Deb t , Army , Navy , Ordnance . Regal and Governmental Expehces . ( Loud cheers . ) But put it down at sixpence a day , or thirty-nine millions , and add the poor rate , eight millions , rendered _necessary for the support of the idle competitive reserve , and you have fortyseven millions a year . You have drunkenness , prolligaoy , dissipation , lewdness , and criminality ; allone and all—consequent upon unwilling idleness , for which the state is satisfied to pay eight millions a year , to paupers for the maintenance of that idle competitive reserve , upon whose destitution capitalists traffic , and by whose idleness every class
in " the state suffers prodigious loss . ( Cheers . ) W ell , think of that , with the land of their birthmore than sufficient to maintain four times the population—uncultivated , unproductive , and waste . ( Cheers . ) They would understand—and they did appear to understand—that this part of his address referred to the silence of the Press as regards Chartism , while they would be used as an auxiliary force to substituto the Quadruped , a n d Fin a nci a l Reform for the whole animal . ( Cheers , and "Never ! " ) The Quadruped was a political bait placed in the Financial trap , and let its advocates once secure a reduction of their own taxes , and then , like Fox when he achieved power for advocating the Charter , they will say " Bo quiet , what do you want more ; sure we
only wanted this political power to achieve Financial Reform . Now we've got it without it , and what more do you want ? " ( Cheers and laughter . ) Well , but this wouid be the case if they did not agitate for the Charter , and propose it as an amendment to every humbug proposition . ( Long and continued cheering . ) Heretofore , the Suffrage , as at present constituted , was only considered in a commercial view as affecting the purse , but now ho would consider it in another and a still more important light , as affecting the liberty of the people . Were they aware that the Suffrage constituted a jury , as well as a voting qualification ? And were they aware that the present struggle was between the eight hundred thousand voters who had a monopoly of power , and the six millions Who
legitimately contended for a participation in that pow e r and that the men who tried those looking for power , invariably found them guilty of riots , routs , sedition , conspiracy , felony , treason , or any charge that may be preferred against them . ( Loud cheering . ) Now that was a view of the question that they had not taken , but he would illustrate it for thera ;—Suppose that he was placed upon his trial to-morrow , with tho Attorney-General as his prosecutor , the learned gentleman would merely have to say " Gentlemen of tho jury , that is Feargus O'Connor , the notorious Chartist . " The official would then say " Gentlemen , have you agreed to your verdict ? " " Yes . " " How say you , is Feargus O'Connor Guilty or not ? " " Guilty , upon all the counts ! " ( Loud
cheers and laughter . ) Well , that was his pride and his boast , that he advocated principles which were repugnant to tho feelings of bad men and a damnable system ; a system , however , which was tottering in every country in Europe , and which the league of despots could not much longer preserve . ( Cheers . ) He came there not to flatter , but to speak the truth , aud he told them that neither government , master nor capitalist was chargeable with any act of tyranny of which they complained , because if they constituted the government , or were masters or capitalists themselves , as self-interest constitutes tha basis of human action , they would " and do likewiso ; " so that what he struggled for was to destroy that system , by making the small minority of dissatisfied tributary to the will ot
the large and then satisfied majority . ( Loud cheers . ) And then you would have true religion and piety , based upon nure philanthropy and humanity ; then you woukf not have a criminal in the land ; nor would you require a cannon , a musket , a bayonet , a sword , or a bludgeon , to preserve tranquillity in a happy , contented , cheerful , _tnd peaceable society . ( Loud cheers . ) Here he would di gress to communicate a p iece of intelligence , which" would give his audience more pleasure than anything they had yet heard , it was that that d ay he w as honoure d w i th a visit from T h omas Slmgsby Duncombe ,. who would resume his seat in parliament to-nvorvow , ( Thursday ) . ( Upon this announcement the cheering and waving of hats and handkerchiefs was perfectly indescribable . ) Let
him refer for a moment to the proceedings of last night in the House of Commons : —The first question brought on was the adjournment of the House for the Derby day , at that discussion 257 members , or more than a third of the House , were present : next came Mr . D'Eyncourt's motion for Triennial Parliaments , and upon that only eighty-seven were present at the division : next came Mr . Slaney _' s motion to consider the means of elevating the condition of the L ab ourer , and before he had concluded the House was count ed out , there being no more than twentyseven members present . ( Loud cries of " Shame . " ) Well , he ( Mr . O'Connor ) was one of the twentyseven . ( Cheers . ) A word as to the folly of Septennial Parliaments , and ho would conclude . Men who were returned for seven years were your
masters instead of your servants , for five years they crowded the statute book with tyrannical acts , and upon the sixth , when they hoped to meet their constituents again , they catered for support , by shadowing forth signs of repentance and conversion , until again elected upon trust , they relapsed into their former bigotry and tyranny . ( Cheers . ) Could he g ive a more apt illustration of its truth than the fact that upon the eve of the dissolution of 1841 , a motion was made for the liberation of all political offenders , and was only lost by tho Speaker ' s casting vote being given against it . This act of clemency was urged upon the hustings as full groun d s o f c o nfi d ence , but when those philanthropists were again returned , not a voice was r ai se d , not a sound was heard on behalf of the incarcerated
victims . ( Loud cheers and " True . " ) He stood nearly alone in that House ; he had never bartered the i r pr i nciples for place , pension , or emolum en t , although he was offered half the patronage of his native county ( Cork ) , if he would support ministers upon his first introduction into the House of Commons , which he . indignantly refused , and in return for which he immediately supported the motion of Mr . Lambert upon the question of Tithes , which was most violently opposed by the government , and that was the manner in which he bartered popular confidence for ministerial patronage . ( Loud cheers . ) And he now told them that if he stoed _aloaio he would abide by the decision of the Birmingham Conference of 1842 , and that he would rather abandon seat and public life than surreader one Binglo bristle of tho . animal , . ( Loud _citers and waving of hats . ) In 1842 , five _hundred popular
delegates assembled at Birmingham m the dead of winter , at enormous expense and gr «» t . inconvenience , to save the name of the Charier , our oppo _* nents professing every one of its _principles ; _and after seven years of , slander and persecution , was he now , at the whim of a few , 5 a surrender aae particle of those principles . No if he stood _& 3 w > c , he would nurse and nurture .. the- animal in Sits integrity and it entirety , notalkwing a _singly bristle to be plucked from it ' s mane , for if they _suxirondered oven the name to-day , its dimensions would be gradually reduced , until it became a perfect nonentity , a thing in which _noprinciple . could be recognised , and used as ; Fox used it for theme ?© purpose of achieving , power for _faction . ( L _^ ud cheering , and . waving of hats . ) It was his- b « _Ut to say , that neither , in England _rtov ; Ireland ¦ had he oyer eaten a meal , or travelled . a mile , at _the-ex-I _pense of the _peoplo ; the pvinciples of the Charter
The People's Charter One Of The Most Cro...
were tie true principles of democracy , niid if he stood alone in the House of Commons and out ol the House of Commons , he would bear aristocratic s c orn middle class vengeance , and the taunt of popular ignorance , rather than abandon those principles , the advocacy of which had absorbed his life ' s devotion . ( Loud and continued' cheering . ) The Labour Question was now agitating the world ; for years he had been instructing them in the subject , and when all could take shelter-under N a ture ' s wing , he would abandon all political . strife ; r _\ he would accept of neither gratuity nor reward for _t his services , but , like Qunitus Cincinnatus , he _^ V would return to his plough , and open Nature ' s _* _vfc \ breast to Nature ' s children ; he would be the unpaid v \\\ bailiff of the toiling millions ; he would _bedeck tha _V ! _N _> J breast to Nature ' s children ; lie would be the unpaid _^* V \ bailiff of the toiling millions ; he would bedeck tho W _* V now barren land with sightly cottages and home- _T ' steads ; he would place all at reproductive labour , A waking tho now idle , producers of food nnd eon- f , _sumera of manufactures , and ho would ask no re- S . 5 ward beyond what such a heavenly sight could \ J \ bestow ; when bis heart was gladdened at the sight r * _V _^ of cheerful and domestic wives , of sober , iiulus- \ \ _, trious , and contented husband , surrounded by their V -V _.-healthy , cheerful , smiling , happy offspring . They \ \ m ay look li _g htly upon sucli a prospect , which ho - \ v \ had but shadowed forth in the . distance , but against vv \ f _> all odds he would fearlessly struggle to turn the \ \ ' present hell into a future paradise . ( Mr . O'Connor _^ _Ni _^* resumed his seat amid the most enthusiastic and _( K ' rapturous applause . ) \ h
Mr . Ballantink moved the third resolution , as _f * lb-lows : — " That this meeting , therefore , in _pursu- __ / ance of a laudable and legitimate purpose , also P _pledges itself to promulgate , and , by every peaceable I and laudable means , to enjoin upon all the necessity \ . of adopting these principles , as the basis of a sound y conciliatory , public opinion , by which alone all \ great . abuses in a state can be effectually remedied . " . _\ Mr . M'Gratu seconded the resolution . He con- I _<» sidered that the time was eminently favourable for a { _> 1 determined struggle to secure the triumph of Demo- I \ 1 S cracy in this country . ( Hear . ) To whatever part of V \ continental Europe they looked , they beheld thepeo- ' \ pie hurab ing desp » tism _, and winning for themselves the blessings of liberty . France was a Republic — Rome wasa Repub ic—and the day was not far in the future when Germany would be a Republic ( Chter / i . ) But while other nations were careering along in tho
progress of liberty and civilisation , what _wera tho people of England doing ? On _' y quietly permitting their tyrants to rivet those chains which , to their disgrace , thoy have so _lon-i borno . ( Hear . ) This criminal apathy must be no longer permitted to deaden the people ' s energies . Heaven knew they had strong incentives to exertion . Their own daily increasing poverty should stimulate them to seek out its cause , and apply a proper remedy . Let them take any period in the past , and compare _thi-h then position with their present one , and the decline of their cmforts must be manifest . ( Hear , hear . ) Our senators were most industrious iu the fabrication of
laws , and all , too . tor the _go" : d of the people ; but their wretched tinkering _increased , lather than dij niinished , the sufferings of the people . And such would be the case till all took part in the construction of a House of Commons designed to promote tie happiness , glory , and greatness of the people . ( Cheers . ) Mr . _M'G-ath then adverted to the , deplorable circumstance of Ireland , successfully _combatting the assertion of Lord John Russell , that tha melioration of Ireland was not within the scope of legislation . He alluded to the agricultural capabilities of that country , an I contended that , if the id'e lands were given to the idle hands to cultivate , the squalor , ihe misery , and murder of the last two years would have been prevented . lie concluded with * strong appeal to exert every energy in their power to secure their just rights , that through them th y might exterminate that monstrous system that row developes its baleful influence by brutalising and canibalising its victims .
Mr . Stallwood said , he just wished to say a word or two in vindication of the people of Franc . ! . Yosterday at the city meeting a Mr . Pliillimore had denounced and condemuod Universal Suffrage , because , forsooth , they had not returned _Lair _. ai tine to the National Assembly . Now he ( Mr . Stallwood ) thought they were to be commended , and that it spoke loudly in favour of Universal _Suffrage . We demand the Charter in order that we may effect social reforms , « bc ., —we want the Land , —the trades have begun to cry out" Home Colonies , " and " Minister of Labour . " Well , ths French have got their Charter , and now di mantled their M mister ol Labour . Lamartin _. ' had refused it : the French nation had rejected Lamartine . Was not this a justifica ion of the French nation , and a glorification ot * the principle of the Suffrage " " ? ( Grt at cheering . ) The resolution was put and carried unanimously .
The _Chaiumajj delivered a few _seasonable remarks in clt sing . A vote of thanks was moved , to him for his services in the chair . Mr . T . BapwN , in supporting it , said , a public meeting for a similar purpose would be held iu the Theatre , Milton-street , on Monday evening , June 4 th . The vote of thanks was adopted by acclamation . The Cuaiumas acknowledged the compliment , and announced that d _scussioiu were held every Suuilay evening , and that a Chai tisHoeality was about to he formed at the house they were then meeting in , the landlord _having given the use of the room gratis ; aud that frequent public meetings wouid be held ; iu fact he hoped to see it become the East-London " Crown and Anchor Tavern . " ( I . _i-ud chee'S . ) The immense ami enthusiastic Char ist _gathering then _separated .
^P Oure ?
_^ p oure ?
Westminster.—Steau.No A Watch.—Moira Fin...
WESTMINSTER . —Steau . no a Watch . —Moira Finch , a well-dressed woman of the town , was charged with stealing a gold watch , value twenty guineas , from the person of Mr . C Faulkcr . cr , a gentleman residing in Wilton-street , _liclgravesquare . —It appeared from the statement of the prosecutor , that he was walking along Piccadilly early on Sunday morning , after having spout the evening at the house of a friend , and took shelter from tlie rain , under a doorway , where he was joined by the prisoner , with whom he fell into conversation . The rain having abated , he proceeded towards his residence , accompanied by the prisoner ; but in consequence of another shower they were
again compelled to stand up . From the time at which the prosecutor had first conversed with the prisoner , a man continually walked up and down before them , evidently with an intention of giving annoyance ; and prosecutor having spoken to a constable , tho man disappeared for a minute or two , but shortly returned , and having repeated his offensive conduct was given in charge . On their leaving the station , the man , who was not detained , was in company with the constable , and the prosecutor having proceeded towards homo , parted with the prisoner . On laying hold of his gold guard to lift the watch out of liis waistcoat pocket , to his great astonishment he discovered that although the chain was perfect and the swivel at its end un opened , his watch had disappeared . He had looked
at it on the his way to the station , and it was safe at the time ho was there , as could be proved by the inspector . The man who had been so treublesome went a different way , and had no chance of committing tho robbery , and the prisoner must have stolen the watch , as she was the only person who could . possi bly have taken it . Although prosecutor had been staying late at the house of a friend , ho was not at all affected by liquor . Prisoner was taken into custody on Monday evening , but the watch was not found . —The prisoner protested her innocence , and declared that the prosecutor ought to be punished for giving her into custody- She added , "Although I ' m an unfortunate girl I ' m not a thief ; and if you ask tho gentlemen about St . Jamcs'sstrcet they can prove it . "—Mr . liurrull ordered her to be remanded till Friday . .
THAMES . —Attempted _MuitDuit _a . yd Suimdk . — Daniel Holmden , a coal-backer , was charged with attempting to murder a * young woman , named Martha Jane Uriden , by cutting hou _tluwvfc with a razor . It appeared that the comulainaut _Uvtd lived with the prisoner for nine years , and that she had been compelled to leave him in consequeueo of his violent and jealous conduct . One morning he wen t to her lodgings , and having charged her with being unfaithful to him , cut her throat , with a razor . Immediately afterwards he committed a similar act upon himself ,, and was _endeavouring _taassault complainant a second time , whoa . he was-taken into custody . —The _jirissner was committed to the Old Bailey on tine charge of feloniously _wemnding with 7
intent to _miarder . A _Stuasoe CwAKAC 2 _sn . |—A _urafctched-looking } creature , almost in a state of nudity , named _Heiu-y Wood , was brought un by City _poliasinan No . 63 _A „ charged with attempting to force- his way into tha ltoyal Mint , and assaulting WidJasim _Larcombsj ; a private- of the 2 nd battalion _© S the _Coldstrcaai Guards , who was on , duty at tlus iua » e . —It _appealed , froni the evidence _w John Urawa . _» the porter a & tho Mint ,, that the prisoner made Ijiivce _successive-attemjts ' tb force an _entrance . between _eigbjl , and twelve o'clook yesterday . Hs > first claimed . adniittaace as the _Ji-ing of these- realms , with a , view to _supervise- his own coinage ,, feat _subsequently caino : as tlie _claimant of a large- amount , tor . -which ho
jalleged the , " Mint , " was indebted to _Sfrn . —Mr . Yardley ( _ts > thcprisonc 5 _);; What have _^ _3 W to say to this charge ?—• _Prisoner ; I do not ku ' $ w anythingabout it .. I was taken up this _niorajttg , charged ! with _suiting the < _£ u , wn , and tried _fojr high _treason 'Well ,,. when I was-discharged , I _viQy . t to the _JVlyit to _gei my expeuses , and they _locked hie up again .. Why should 1 be- tried twice ? I ia net know _wniro it was 1 shot tb _» Q . uecri . —A po _^ _iw constable H 3 S _U ) said he had tUo prisoner—wh _$ resided at urovei street ,.-St . . fteorgc _' _s-in-thc-Eait—in custody- a few days _previousl y , on the charge of attempting : to . pass a spurious half-crown , but the prosecutor , ' . perceiving that his mind was aftcctod , abandoned the charge , —Mr . Yardley , having questioned -the prisoner , mid finding that his answers were wholly , incoherent , sent for Mr " . 'Ilughca , ' the roIieviii _« r offtccr _otWlutecbapc ! _, to whoso oare he was comroittedj
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 26, 1849, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/nss_26051849/page/1/
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