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    NATIONAX . CONVENTION . FRIDAY , Apsil 15 . Mr . Duncan was elected to the chair , Mr . Lsach to the ¦ v ice , and Mr . Campbell Secretary , who having called the roll , Messrs . Campbell , Leach , 3 rPherson , Duncan , H'DouiU , Morgan Williams , Kidley , Stallweod , Beesley , and Halson were present . The minutes having b ^ en read and confirmed , Mr . Lsach delivered in petition-sheets from the following places : — Middleton , 'with 3 . 200 signatures . Leigh , do . 8 , 400 do . Kilcliffe , do . 2 , 008 do . ChowbenS , do . 27200 d <\ Eeywood , do . 6 . 4 S 0 do . Oliiham , do . 9 & 70 do . Droylsden , ' do . 2 600 < Jo .-Filmouth , do . 1 . 200 do . Ecdea , do . 2 , 600 do . Hollia Green , do . 800 do . Bolton , do . 18 . 500 do . Kochdale , de . ly . Goo do . Astley , do . 3 , 000 dA . Pilkington , do . 3 . S 6 S do-Prestwica , do . 1 . 200 &o . Wigan , do . 8 500 do . SaHord , do . 19 . G 00 » 2 o . Askton , do . l-i . 200 do-Manchester , do . 92 280 do . Ixortb . Lancashire , do . 52 . C 00 do . Kewton Heath , do . 1 , 900 do \ Wilmslow , da 1 , 200 do . Hyde , do . 7 , 009- do . Bizlegrove , do . 1 , 600- do . Kew Jilills , do . 1 . 40 * do . Cougkton , do . 2 , 490 do . Chester , do . 2 . S 74- do . GIossop , do . 5 . 6 « 0 do . Leicester , do . 15 . C 00 do , Lon ^ hboroush , do . 7 . GOO do . Derby , do . 3 , 70 S do . Barton-on-Trent , do . 3 , 400 do . Dakinfieid , do . 3 , 000 do .

    Mr . Morgan Williams presented petitions from Merthyr Tydvil , -with 13 , 200 signatures . Tredegar , do . 10 , 000 do . Aberdare , do . 4 . 165 do . Newbridge andDinaas , do . S . 550 do . Cardiff , do . 2 , uoO do . Mr . White presetted petitions from Birmingham , " with 52 , 000 signatures . Protn Notts county , -with . 40 . 000 signatures . Boston , do . 1 , 400 do . StccSport , do . 14 . 000 do . MacciesSeld , do . 9 , 000 do . }> orthwich , do . 1 000 do . Capstan Bridge , do . 1 , 000 do . Daring the day many other petitiens were received , tut the cumber of signatures they contained ,, and the districts they "were received from , have not ytt bten reported .

    letters "were read from Messrs . Shannnn Crawford and DuEC-mbe , IM . P . ' s , in answer to communications torn the Secretary . Mr . Shannon Crawford ' s letter stated he bad communicated wilh . a bxiy of his Chartist constituents at Rochdale , and had stated his willingness to receive any comnnnncation from any Convention of their body , tnt that he could not delay his motion later than the 21 st cf April , provided the forms of the House "would admit of it coming on at that period . He thought it desirable to inf . na them that his motion "would include the six points of the Charter . Sir . JXancombe ' s letter stated thai he should be happy to receive 3 . dej u : st : on from the Convention , at 11 o ' elock . Messrs . Leach , M'Douall , and M'Ph rscrj , who "were the deputixion appc-inted , received leave if absence-at that VcrioJ ,

    A Repo-t "s- ^ s received rrom . Coirmiit-23 f ^ r Drawin ; up the Riles and H ^ olat . ozs for the faiJnnce of the Conventics , "which were read n :: i discussed , seriatim , and "were ordered to be brought up for cuLfirmation on llcnday morning . Mr . O'Connor moved that the deputation s- ^ nt to Mr . 3 > iuxrombt : be paid their cab bixe , they having a considerable r'lstince to so , aad King pressed . for timt , he bright it forward thus publicly , rath . r than it should l > e brought forward privately in committee . Mr . Bairstow seconded the motion . Bj wis in favour of all sums be n ? thus publicly cra ^ t-. d . the

    3 Ir . R- 'i ! ey moved z ^ - \ t urputati-.-n might have Etaited at an earlier period , that their 6 ipences . be nut defrayed . Mr . Szallwcol seconded the motion . Sir . Thamas ^ a thcu ^ ht that as many of them "were Etranrtrs in London , that , "when on the business if tb- j Convection , the expei ; ce 3 of the delegates should fce paid . Messrs . Lowrie , Mason , and Philp Ecpported the motion . Mr . Meir and Mr . B—sley , thought that delegates should be very circf d how they entered into any expesccs of this description . It -sras decided that upon this occasion the espences of the deputation be paid . Credentials wcre received from Mr . Moir , of Glasgow .

    Mr . Roberts read a portion of a private letter from Bronterro O'Brien , stating that he should be unable to attend during the -whole of the sitting of the Convention , bnt should bs able to dsvote a portion of his tirc = to it . A statement had been previously mace by Mr . O'Connor to the came effect from Mr . Pitkethly . Mr . Philp moved that each delegate do now report the state of Chartism in the district -which he represents , asd give tia opinion of the best method of a-STreiing the success of the causa Mr . ThomassGn seconded the motion , "which being acceded to , it "was arranged that the delegates -should deliver their reports in the order in "which their names stood on the roll call .

    Mr . AbraiBDnzjc ;!! represented the men of the Western and Midland distrkt 3 cf Scotland ; he was happy t : > Btate that tbeir organisation "was in an exceedingly satis- i factory state ; in the smallest villages , they had halls for themselves , in "which lectures "were delivered gene- i rally ones a -week . He might almost S 3 y that their or- j ganisation "was complete ; they were in possession of a fast amount of public opinion , indeed they might say that do other public opinion existed , save that in favonr of Chartism ; their number of signatures were doable those they had contributed to the last petition . -In Arbroatb the cause "was progressing -well ; they had a hall , capable of holding six or seven hundred persons ,-vhieh was their own property . They had two

    excellent meetings in their hall last week , and had sent four thousand signatures to the petition . In Forfar . their progress was net so satisfactory ; they h 3 d been deluded by the idea of a repeal of the Corn Law 3 ; since then , they had progressed t ? Mr . Sturge's Declaration , and ¦ ffCTe beginning to perceive the superiority of Chartism : for this place he had brought three thousand five hundred Kgnatures . Taking his district as a whole , there was an excellent spirit manifested in the good cause ; they had everywiere triumphed over opposition , and tad " removed all obstructions from their path ; one good featsra in their aviation wa 3 , tlmS they observed peace , law , and order ; they had been guilty of no folly , but had acted wisely , prudently , tind firmlv .

    Mr . Beesley represented the district of North Lancashire , -which be - » -as happy to inform them -sras in a ficuriibing state . They bad vrhtstwd temptation in every form ; and their numbers were great . y increased . The opposition they had received frcm the middle class was being rapidly removed ; and pri-judice was fast dying away . A . short time back they -svere net able to procure place 3 of meeting , now , in * i ; ost districts , they wpre allowed tbe use of Sunday schoo ' s to hold their meetings in . The agitation for tbe com laws was dying aw 3 y . Instead of men . being now turned away for joining the Chartists , their employers now actually advised the men to have nothing to do-with hnmbng , But to keep to their Charter . He was sorry to heir that in many places the middle class had been dt-nt-nnced as

    their enemies . He knew not how tbey were in other parts , but , in North Lancashire he beitved , tbe middle classes -were honest in their professions . There had been soms Httls discussion respecting the conduct of some individuals attending tbe Birminghini Conference , bet it was now the general opinion of those who had ds = <« 2 ce < J them , that they hafi done the ; a irjestice , and that they had been actuated by the purest motives Us .-could net state the exact number of aigcatorts irvm iis dictricr ; He liad broncht 52 , 000 asd he expected to lastive 50 , 000 more . The petition -would receive the firoatures of the great majority of the whole Eizie population . They had penetrated also into the surroundisg districts , and had opened localities in Ciiinberland , and at TTlvcrstcne and Kendo ] . Tbtj hid

    received invitations from various mountainous districts in Westmoreland , and he trasted that by the aid of lectures , tKU ± 3 , ic , they should speedily be enabled to organ ? zi the -R-hole of Westmoreland . 2 > 1 t . Beesley then detailed the alarming destitution and misery which pre-T&iled in North Lancashire . They were compelled to lie on shavings ; they had no covering for the night save the Tags which they wore during the day , and were compelled to hsva their shirt 3 washed en a Saturday night , to appear decent on a Snnday ; and were destitute of food during a considerable portion of the week . In some places the authorities had < lone all that laid in their power to put Cnartism down ; they had threatened to stop the relief cf all "who were Chartists ; one individual , who was in the receipt of 3 s . 6 d . per week from tbe authorities , was Informed by

    them that they had heard he had subscribed to the Chartiit fund ; if he continued this they would give j him no more relief ; but he boldly told them that he j wonld support the Charter until they had gained their j rights as Englishmen , and if they stopped his relief ,, ] they should take him and his wife and five children into the workhouse . Thi 3 showed the determined I spirit evinced by the men of North Lancashire ; if j . something was not speedily dona to remove the present i distress , something would take place which "would be ! very disastrous to the cause of Chartism ; for the men affirmed that it was better to risk everything than to diflof Lunger . In proof of the feeling evinced by the j Huddle class , he -would instance , that in Blackburn they allowed them the ase of the Music Hall on any evenhig } in CUtheroe and other places , they kid the Infan Schools ; and they bad an Infant School capable " of

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    holding 1 , 800 persons , let to them for 20 ? . per quarter . He trusted that they won ] . d unite firmly together for Xhe Charter . Mr . Stallwood was or ^ e of the representatives of Middlesex , Surrey , Kent , &ad E ?? ex . He -would commence with Middlesex . 5 n London , Chartism was in a healtby state ; tho Tow . tr Hamlets district , which last year only furnished 2 , 400 signatures , had already procured upwards of ^ 0 , 000 . He was not aware of the numbers obtained in tbe other districts ; but he believed that they were propoitionably large . Unfortunately , in the other parts of Middlesex , they had but few associated 'bodies : this arose not for "Want of a proper spirit , bnt from a deficiency of means , to send lecturers to them . In Surrey , a great deal remained to

    be done ; they had about nine localities , but these lay chitfly in the metropolis . They had made a good openir . g atCroydon ; and if they could raise the necessary funds , might effect great good in Kent . They had a good locality at Greenwich and at Chatham , Canterbury , and he believed &t Tunbridge ; bnt still a wide field was here open for their exertions . Essex was in a still worse position ; with the exception of Stratford and "West Ham , no piace appeared to be making any effort ? . They had on tbo previous evening held a large meetiDg there , and an enthusiastic feeling was exhibited . He believed they were also arousing themselves at Chelmsford . Throughout the greater portion of these districts distress prevailed

    amongst tbe -working classes to an unprecedented extent . In tbe Spitalfields district distress was equally prevalent as in those districts spoken of by Mr . Beesley . The tailors , printers , shoe-makers , and other bodies had rever before expt rienced tu : h a state of tetal destitution . This state cf things deprived them of the necessary means to support the agitation ; the spirit was good , but the ptciiniary difficulties deprived them of the Kcaris of exerting it In London , whatever differences of opinion might exist , tht-y were always unanimous when their opponents were before them ; at every public meeting the Chartist flag had waved triumphant . We have ever met and carried in all meetings the National Charter Association in opposition to the Corn Law humbug , the Sturge , or any other humbug .

    Mr . Roberts protested against baA motives or insincert / being attributed to any patty . The Chairman stated that he hoped Mr . Stallwood would not make use cf the word humtug , neither was he justified in attributing insincerity to any ptrty . Mr . stallwosd said he should bow to the decision of the Chairman , but he was a working man , aad he expressed his feelings in the language of working ni ^ n . He should conduce by informing them that in London they had upwards of foity localities , and they only vanted toe oectssary means to spread Chartism through the f jut conntic 5 .

    , iJr . Leach said he was the delegate for the South Lancashire district Chartism never stood better in this district than it did at present ; this would be confirmed \ . y ths 250 . 000 signatures which he had brought attached t > the petition , and ho ixpecttd to have about GO , 000 more scKt him previous to its presentation . Like other districts ttey had received n ; u b . oppesir . en ; their most powerful opponent "wr . s the Anti-Corn Law League ; whether their motives were good or bad , he would leave to themselves ; they had fought them under cover , a : i < i not in an open manly manner ; but they bail overcame all opposition , and the ami-Corn Law party coul-1 not now call a meeting , unless it were by ticket This arises from a feeling that we have nps <_ -t and disturbed their meetings ; but , for the credit of

    Lancashire , I deny that we ever attended one of their ii . tetir . ga to give a factious opposition . We hav - gone fur She purpose of dircnfsing the subject Tr . eir refusil to dj this hastened to uproar . Our cause progr = sse 3 well in Manchester . We have six meeting places . Tha Carpenters have lately joined us as a bouT , and vce are to have the use of their Hall , which 5 s one of the largest buildings in Manchester , free of txpence . The Chartists have also engaged it on Sunray mcrni :: gs for sis months . In the whole of South Lancashire the cause lovks well , but at the same time 1 am directed to draw the attention of the Convention to deviss s-a ; h methods as shall fetill further increase onr prosperity by creating a union amongst all ranks of Ktf jr : rer ? .

    Mr . M-Phtrson , ik ' eer . te from Aberdeen and the surrounding districts , said—With respect to i-oine part of his district , he had not been previously much acquainted with it ; but if he mirht judge of their strength frcm th ^ -ir ability to cope vrith other parties , they were the triumphant party . Thty curried their cljrcts at every public meeting . Iheir greatest opp jsltion was from parties profes ^ ng to act cu simihir principles . - These weTe originally snti-Corn Lrw men , now they were Sturgites : but , finding we were the strongest party , they agreed to u : ite "with us on common giound ; and , to show we were not actuated by factions motives , we r . greed to mtet them ; but I am sorry to say they did not act in the fiir , candid way we txptded . From what has fallen from the Chairman , we

    are no : allowed to rtn . ct on other paities , yet , I must say , thtir conduct has btcn anything but fair . In Inverness , Mtatb , &C-, ChartisBi is not so flourishing . These places have net yet bften properly organised , but ruckus wtre being taktn for that purpose . If missionaries could not be supported in these thinly populated districts , tracts might , with great advantage , be distributed as forerunners . In Aberdeen , Chartism vrns in a very very flourishingstat 2 , and they were emlevonring to increase this by a system of co-operation ; Englishmen should endeavour by all means to bring about a greater intimacy of feeling with their Scottish brethren , that they might act with greater nnanimity so ae to give more force and vigour to their proceedings ; ie vraj instructed by his constituents to request their attention to

    the issuing of tracts showing the present distrtssed stateof the country , and pointing out an efficient remedy . Mr . Harrison represented , with his colleague , Mr . Bairste"w , the cennties of iCottingham , Leicester , Lincoln , and Rutland ; -with Rutland ho was unacquainted , never having visited that district . la Lincolnshire there were but three associated bodies ; from Boston he had bronght l , 4 <) 0 signature ? . With Nottingham he wa 3 more acquainted than with Diri > y or Leicestershire ; he should thereforeconfinehiniselfmoretothat district , leaving the others to his colleague . In XottiBgha . ni , t : > say the lowest , they bad eight or nine htrndred members ; he thought he should not even exaggerate the numbers if he estimated them at one thousand two hundred , but on this subject he had written for information .

    They were in possession of a chapel which ¦ would bold more than eight hundred persons ; in this place lectures were delivered during the week , and preaching on the Sibbath . We here perbapg carry on our agitation different to what they do in some parts of the country ; we know the strong religious feelings which actuate a large portion of the community , and ws endeavour to prove to them that our principles are those advocated in the Bible , and hitherto we have done 80 with tomplete success . We have eight localities meeting in different pnbb ' c-bowes , besides onr chapeJ . 1 Ye have associations in between twenty and thirty villages

    in the county , each of them having on an average fifty members altogether . We have between two and three thousand members in the county . He bad brought up 40 , 400 signatures to the petition . We have now regularly employed one missionary for nine months , who his been of the greatest utility ; if we had means we have plenty of opening f jr three lecturers ; poverty alone keeps us bsck . As soca as we have means we intend organising Rutland and Lincolnshire ; we are all unanimous , discord is out of the question . We keep on in one straightforward manner , endeavouring to cause the People ' s Charter to become the lav ? of the Ur . rl .

    Mr . Ba-. rstow said , for the last thirteen months he had been labouring in Derbyshire snd the surroundirg country . When he commenced his labours there were only three localities in Derbyshire , now there were fourteen ; the number of membL-rs was then one hundred and fifty , now , in Derbyshire , vras six hundred . The old adage of Dsibyshire was , " Derby bred , thick in t '; 8 head , " and considering the hardness of the material upon which they had to work , he must congratulate themnpon the pleasing aspect of Chartism in this part of the country . Leicester occupied the proudest positisn of aDy town in the kingdom ; the Seeds of Chartism were early sown in this town by the immortal Robert Hall , and tbe result was that the different sects of religionists in thi 3 town were mere

    hberal t > . an in any othtr part cf the kingdom . Tho Rev . Mr . Murcell , and Mr . Miall , Editor of the Xoncoji / ormis ! , -were examples of ttris . Mr . Jiiirtto ' . v iheD read extracts from a letter he bad that day received from Leicester , giviEg a glowing account of Chartism in that town , and alluded to the Words of one John Winks , who might be regarded as the thermometer tf middleclass opinion and feeling inL-icesler , and his advice to the working men , at the late meeticg , was to remain firm to tttir CLa . Tter . They had two associations in Leicester , the one-numbering about 400 , the other about 1 , 1-40 members Their organization wss the most perfect cf any he had yet witnessed . Their books were iept with the mo&i scrupulous exactness . Tee sfete of feeling between them and the middle class was very

    rood , and lie could give no better protf of their power than the manner in whidi Mr . Biggs ' s Midland Counties Charter fell , still-born , to the ground . Mr . Biggs was one of the largest and lsost otulent glovers ami stccking-makers in the town ; he was respected by all parties ; he had always endeavoured to kefd up the wajesif the working men ; yet , wittr all this influence , with the aid of his talettid bro iers , and the approbation of the dissenting ministers , to whom he committed his bantling , with all , it f . XIl without a stinggle before the genius of Chartism . He had established a Sunday school in Leicester , am 1 the last time he wa 3 there he waited tipon Mr . Biegs , * 'ho gave £ 1 for that object , as did likewise each ' of , ^ 3 two brothers , and they then told him that if we won . ** not go to the middle classes , they must come to us . They

    had also established a library , containing many volui 'oes of books , and an adult female school in Leicester , ai' ^ d taken as a whole , they held a proud position . With ' regard to the Corn Laws , if they held a meeting , they came to them and begged them not to oppose them , thus showing that as a party , they only existed by sufferance . Mr . Bairstow then gave instances of the great distress endured by tbe working classes of these districts . It was impossible for words to describe or pen to ponrtray the destitute condition cf many districts ; bnt amid all , they remained true to the Charter . They had extended their association into two of the moat aristocratic towns ; Matlock , famous as a fashionable watering place ; and Mtlton-Mowbray , equally celebrated for its foxhunting . From Leicester he had brought 16 , 000 signatureKjLoughborough , 7 , G 00 ; Derby ,

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    3 , 700 ; the majority from this place bad been washed away by the great flood ; in the whole he had brought 32 , 000 signatures to the petition . Dr . M'Douall was one of the delegates for the Metropolitan Counties ; the position of Middlesex , and more especially London , was better than ifc had been at any former period ; still many improvements might be effected in its organisation , He was averse to giving a flattering report , but from bis own experience , it was in f \ better position now than at the last Convention , and much better than at the first Convention . They "were now forming Central Monthly Councils , to which delegates from the whole of the four counties could be deputed . This , in his opinion , would materially assist in spreading the cause in the country districts ; some

    difference of opinion existed , but it was founded on such trifling circumstances that / were it not for the irritation it produced , he should not have mentioned it ; in fact , it was founded upon nothing ; and he trusted this monthly council , by uniting them , would allay this unpleasant feeling when fairly organised . There was a great body of men in London devoted heart and soul to the Charter . He had the honour of giving tbe first lecture ia Canterbury ; a large number of tbe middle class town councillors and ot&ers assembled in the Town Hall . Since then a good association had been formed at Chatham . They had formed an association , and got up large meetings atDeptford , and at other places there Iwere associations . In Essex they had only one ; but they were raising one at

    Cbeltusford . All bid fair , if a plan cf central agitation could be carried out With regard to the trades , five or six trades had come out , as trades , in favour of the Charter . He had addressed a trades' meeting on tbe Charter by merely voting the chairman out cf the chair and voting him in again . They were all aware of the suppott they had received from the masons in the last presentation of the petition ; and tbe masons were now det ^ rniioc ! to walk as a trade in proctssion to the House . Bodies of the shoemakers , the tailors , the basket makers , the hatters , . and a body of carj-enttrs were now actively working in support of the Charter : he need not dwell upon this subject , for he was happy to announce that u deputation from these trades wuild lay their views before this Convention . With regard to the middlo classes in London , he was fearful they could not look to them for much support ; they had many electors who were Chartists , but the great body of the liberal shopkeepers were in favour of Sturge ' s plan ; another large

    boay in favour of Lovett ' s plan ; but taking them aa a whole , a vast numbei entertained Chartist principles . They had in connection with the National Charter Association , a good body of electors , more especially in Southwark and Marylebonr . Ho had the pleasure of addressing a large meeting in Southwark attended oy many of the middle class , where the national petition was adopted with two dissentients . They had * large body of the trades , and they had the great majority of thd working classes . Tbey had a body of delegates meeting weekiy at 53 , Old Bailey , who , for intelligence and ii : « 2 uitry , were net inferior to any body of men . This body might be said to fotm a sort of Weekly Convention , for they might with propriety be called so . This body , iu connection with the Surrey Council , was the centre from whence recruiting parties issued tj agitate th « various districts . The Metropolis was in a better state than it had ever yet been , and in a few months time he had no doubt but London would

    contain quite as many active intelligent Chartists as any othtr district tf the same number of population in tho kingdom . Mr . Doyle said , in the district which he represented , previous to him there bad been no lecturer . Save hi two or three places there had beea no organization . Stockport had long Ken a Radical town , but this was tho only place where Chartism was in a flourishing condition . About three months ago , be went among them as a lecturer ; it was almost purely au agricultural district , and they were mesUy of the old'Tory school tf politics , imbued witu those aristocratic notions which our principles are calculated to remove . I found the fanners in the district , although they w < re electors , very ii ^ noratt , yet they were anxious to obtain

    information , and a good supply of tracts , if they could be procured , voulvi be calculated to produce a good result . We have now fourteen districts in Cheshire sending delegates to . 1 County Council , held once a month . At our last meeting we took steps iflkiently t ) organise the whole county ; : md I have no doubt but in nine or ten months Chartisni will be in the ascendant in this ceufctv . in the town of Caestcr wo are getting on pretty Weil . We have considerable opposition , and have ko men who are bold enough to face the Whigs and Tories of the town , or we should progress faster . In Stockrort Chartism is in a flourishing condition . We have about 700 member ? . At every public meeting we have successfully carried our pr inciples , except en ono occision , -when their cowardice led them

    to call meetings at an hour of the day when they were well aware that the wcrkiDg men were locked up in the factories ; f-arful of trusting to argument and reason , they havt .-then resorted to eunning . The more it was possible for their principles to be made known , the faster wonM they be enabled to get on : nothing could assist the movement more than tho distribution of cheap tracts and publications , and he hoped the Convention would lay down apian upon this subject , or get the Executive power to do it The physical condition of the population in the largo towj ; s was truly deplorable : in H : z ' egrovo the silk-weavers only obtained 13 s . 4 d . for weaving eighty yards , and out of this they bad to pay 33 . for rent cf loom , &c ., leaving them only 10 s . 4 tl . ; and to earn this they were

    compelled to work fourteen hours a day for a fortnight . " Sever bad he seen families worse off than in this district If Cheshire - was well agitated , Chartism would be triumphant ; but if tho fire was allowed to go outif it whs not continually renewed , they would lose ground . The opposition they met with in this county was generally very weak ; more was to be dreaded from the apathy of the people themselves . In Stockport they had attempted to put them down , but they had signally failed . In Congltton , owing to tho tyranny of the misters , they were weak ; but in Macclesfield , and other large towns , they were triumphant Mr . Morgan Williams .= aid the district he represented was Svuth Wales ; he had also been nominated in Hertford and Monmouthshire , but they had not

    proceeded to the election . Of North Wales be could eay nothing , He would commence with Pembrokeshire . There "w . 13 no Association in that county ; he belie ved that a lecturer had never been there ; in . the lower part there were many English , but-in-the upper part the population was chiefly Welsh . A lecturer here would do much good ; but nothing could be done without one . In Caermarthenshire , at one time , Chartism was flourishing ,, but new it bad quite declined . Mr . Hugh Williams , who once roused it up in these parts , bad lately taken ns active steps . The population was chiefly agricultural , and were living in a state of destitution surpassing all belief . In Cardiganshire , the population was also chiefly agricultural , and were very bad off . Mr . Hugh Williams had formerly employed at

    bis own expence a lecturer to travel through this county-, but though a good spirit was raised , yet he had net succeeded in establishing any associations on a firm footing ; he feared not a Bingle signature to the petition would be obtained from Cardiganabiie , yet it was not from the want of proper materials , for the people wtre more intelligent than the generality of their neighbours , and only wanted to be properly agitated . In Brecknockshire they had not a single association , it had not been visited by a lecturer , save just on the confines ; the population was chiefly agricultural , and in intelligence were far behind tho other counties ; - he feared that if a lecturer was sent among them he would not be able to raise an association , they were so bound to the aristocracy that they would not listen to any one their

    employers might choose to denounce—their word was entirely law . In Glamorganshire , they had only one association , at Merthyr Tydvil ; formerly they had one at Swansea , but though they had a large meeting there with the Mayor in the chair , a short time back , and carried the six points of the Charter , yet they had allowed it to rest without forming an association ; they sidly wanted lecturers and the means to pay them . In this district they had difficulties to contend with which did not exist in England . They were compelled to have two lecturers , one who spoke Welch and the otber English , or one who spoke both languages . Merthyr Tydvil was the only place were Chartism could be said to exist , and in no place . in the kingdom did a better spirit prevail ; the signatures from this

    place were 3 G , i > 00 , anil before the petition was presented he should receive some thousands more , They bad a great desire to hear and see some of the Executive or other friends ; himself and Messrs . Yincett and Philp , were the only persons who had visited them ; they were prttty well off for lecturers , having eight or cine who were capable of addressing a public meeting ; tbey commanded the whole of public opinion . The middle classes , in fact , bad never tried their bands at getting up public meetings ; when any had been called to congratulate her Majesty , ic , they had always carried their amendments by immense raajuriti .-: ? . They bad totally annihilated all other parties It would not avail to talk to them about Complete Suffrage ; they were for the whole hog , snout , bristles and

    all . and desired him to express the same to the Convention . They entertained strong feelings regarding the three men who tad been transported . This wasnalural , as ttvo of their wives residtdin that town ; with regard to the support which they received , Mrs . Williams was as well supported in her business as could be expected . It had f . ; l ! en off lately , but that was owing to the slackness of eriiployment which prevailed , and in . supporting these persons , they were only doing their duty . Williams -was a man that was generally liked . He had had upwards of a thousand men under his direction , and there was not a single man who did not say that he wasa good man and a good master . —( hear , bear ) . They also entertained tbe most reverential respect for Mr . Frost as fir as men could do so ; they might be said to

    adore him ; they desired me to express this to you , and urge yeuto employ every means to procure their return . 1 Chartism here is in Buch an excellent state , that \ f any of my brother delegates could visit us we could g st a meeting of fifteen hundred or two thousand men at a few hours notice . At least ten thousand men a « c . " > mpanied him to tbe railway station , carrying their petit ™ ™ front . In Aberg&venny , there "was a little divisi " » n . existing , but any one not connected with them could . * ** sent among them much good weuld be done . They ha . "I a good association , and were Very active in Bpreading their principles in the villages around . In Pontypoel , at which place there were many large iron works , Chai "tiainis not in so good a state as when I last vi eited them ; ih&te tas been seme little divisions which

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    have been prejudicial to the cause , but with a little discretion and the aid of a lecturer , the cause would abundantly prosper . He now came to MonBiouthshire ; there bad used to be a good association , at Newport ; this town , tbey knew , bad been the residence of John Frost ; here the feeling iu his behalf was equal to that at Merthyr ; his name would be respected in that place as long as Newport should exist . He vfaa regarded with feelings of the deepest reverence by man , woman , and child ,-- . wio all bore testimony'that he erer took the part of the poor man against that of tbe ^ ricb .

    oppressor , and yet with this strong feeling existing , he was sorry to say that he found no association in existence , and they had not obtained a single signature to the petition . On the night I lectured here I had a most numerous attendance ; I got them to take petition sheets , and we snail eventually , I believe , have 10 , 000 signatures from Newport . The great , and the only want , throughout the districta which I represent is , that of lecturers who understand the two languages ; it was not so material that they should be eloquent men , as that they should be able to lay down the prlnciples in Lmguaco all could understand .

    Mr . Philp said he was , with hia colleague Mr . Roberts , the representative of the men of Gloucester , Somerset , and Wiltshire ; they had been elected at large meetings , and were , he believed , the real representatives of those counties ; . In Bath they had many intelligent and . infi . aential ; persons who bad espoused their principles ; in this place there had been some disunion between the different ranks of Reformers ; but steps had been taken to reconcile this division , to cause a firm union between the two classes of socitty , and , in a few weeks time , he believed that Bath would present a favourable example to the surrounding districts . In Bristol they had great divisions ; he had endeavoured , but in vain , te discover the cause . It appeared to be ; caused by personal jealousie ? . In

    Gloucester , Chartism was alinott unknown . In Stroud they were progressing . In Cheltenham there were many pnfessing their principles , and it only wanted union and exertion to render it a flourishing association . Th « re were numerous towns in the neighbourhood which . would form excellent auxiliaries , if proper means were t . tken to arouse them . If the persons who at present were devoted to our * principles would but ujiite to remove all obstructions , immense gped might be tffected . He hoped that the Convention , during its sitting in london , would adopt measures to heal the divisions which bad occurred , and would also consider the propriety of , arranging an organized system : ' of . distributing tracts , cheap publications , &c . He feared there was something wrong in our present system cf organization . He bad always discovered that in those places where Chartism had been lately planted , it flourished to a greater degree tbaa in the large towns where it-had , long existed . These new districts were

    enabled , in many instances ; to surpass tho older and better organized towns , but scarce were they established on a firm basis , than divisions rose up among them . This was the caso iu the DeveriUs , and other places in his district : instead of being as they once were , united , he found ono party espousing the cause of one man , and another party the cause of some other man , thereby faljing into the same divisions which existed in the older localities . He w ; ia sorry to bo obliged to make this statement ; it would be far more pleasant to him to be able to give a pleasing account , and would refket more credit on himself and bis colleagues . But it ' was ' for the best to give a correct statement of tbe district , and to adopt measures to . , remedy the : evils he complained of . He should Dot say more on this subject at present , but previous to the Convention dissolving he fahi . uld propose some means to heal the dirTtsreuces and divisions which exiBted . This was a duty not only incumbent on him but on them all .

    Mr . O'Conuor moved , and Mr Robert 3 seconded , that tbe deputation appointed to wait oil Mr . JDuncombe , do now report . Carried . . Dr . M'Doiwil itated that in the Interview with Mr . Buncombe , they had informed him of their intention to present tho National Petition to the House of Commons on Monday , May Snd , and they likewise requested liim to move that a deputation , on behalf cf the working classes , should be heard at tho Bar of tbe Hcuse , in support of its allegations . Mr . Duncombe informed them that Monday being a Government clay , it would be impossible- f'for him . ' to present it on that day . They then explained to him that . Monday was the best day for the procession , aiid that they had finally agreed

    10 favour of that day . The deputation and Mr . Duncombo then arranged tnat the procession should "take phice on Monday , and that on that day he would , ( if the House did not prevent him , ) go into the premises of the question ; and on Tuesday he would move that a deputation from the working classes be heard at the bar of the House . With regard to the procession , it was Mr . puncorabe ' 3 opinion that unltss it was a splendid one , it would not benefit the cause , ( Men of London , rally round it ! und make it , aye , even more than splendid- } ! j' Mr , Duncombe also advised the deputation to wait on Sharman Crawford , and request him to postpone his motion until after the presentation of the National Pi tition ; be had no doubt he would consent . Dr . M'Douall stated that he informed him of the

    contents of Sharman Crawford ' s note , but Mr . Duncombo was still tf opinion that , from the friendship Mr . Crawford professed to entertain for Mr . O'Connor , if a deputation , consisting of tbnt gentleman and others , waited on him , be would . withdraw his motion , until their petition was presented . •• Mr . Moir moved a id Mr . Thomason seconded , that the deputation which waited on Mr . Duncombe should also now wait on Mr . Sharuian Cra-wf jrd . Carried unanimously / Dr . M'Douall expressed his opinion that if Mr . Crawford did not accede to their request , it would prove the hollowness of those professions of union which of late they bad so loudly professed . Mr . Crawford , of course , would abide by tho instructions of the Birmingham Conference Committee . It was quite consisteut with tbe forms of the House of Commons to postpone his motion . .

    Mr . O'Connor also coincided With tbo sectiments expressed by Mr . M'Douall . A member of the Hcme could , if he thought proper , postpone any motion . The Secretary having called the roll , and the whole of the members being present , Mr . O'Connor moved that the Convention be adjcur . ed until nine o'clock on Monday morning—then to proceed with the reception of the reports from the various delegates . Mr . Roberts seconded the motionj which was carried unanimously . The Finance and other Committees remained until the evening transacting their several duties .

    Saturday v April 16 . This day having been set apart for the transaction of business by the Committees , the several gentlemen composing these Committees were busily engaged in considering and arranging the various plans necessary for tbe facilitating of business during the ensuing week . We are happy to state that the greatest unanimity and cordiality of feeling exists : every personal feeling has been cast aside , and all are intent on the one grand object of adopting the best means to promote the welfare , and ensure tbe freedom of their common country .

    Monday , April 18 . Mr . Duncan was called to the chair , Mr . Leach to the vice-chair , and Mr . Campbell as secretary . The roll being called , Messrs . Campbell , Leach , M'Pherson , White , Bairstow , Duncan , M'Douall , Woodward , O'Connor , Morgan , Williams , Ridley , Doyle , Beesley , Halson , JLowry , Mason , and Thomason were present . Mr . Roberts was called upon to report , Int not having arrived , the Chairman called upon Mr . White to repoit .

    Mr . White said be was the representative of the men of Birmingham and the surrounding district . He would commence with Birmingham . The cause in this place was curiously circumstanced . The Chaitiats cf Eugiand were , greatly misled regarding the political position of this town . They had supposed it to be out-and-out Radical ; but he had found that although , at the time of the Reform Bill , the working men had been raised to a pitch of enthusiasm by tho masters , yet they had in reality no political character of theiv own . Ever since the establishment of the National

    Charter Association , they had met "with opposition from all parties , even from those where they had least right to expect it . Tho old Radicals were bitterly opposed to them . The Christian Chartism party , and their own , was continually clashing . All attempts to unite them had hitherto filled . True , they had held large meetings , at which they promulgated their principles ; they wera sadly disorganised , but steps have been taken to remedy this , and he believed that if tbe spirit of the people was properly concentrated . it would be found to be as good as thot of any town in the kingdom . In Worcester a great number of the men wero what were called freemen , and they never troubled their heads

    with politics , save at the time of an election . Since an association had been established there , sometimes tbey had gone on well , sometimes bad ; but they bad never made great progress . At a large public meeting , called to consider the distress of the country , with the mayor in the chair , they had refused him a bearing ; but still they had carried the Six Points of the Charter , and the mayor refusing to put the National Petition , they voted in another chairman , and passed the petition amid great cheering . ; This showed that a . good feeling existed in Warwickshire ; but little had been done . Mr . Donaldson and Mr . French were the only active Chartists in the town . Messrs . O'Neil and Collins had

    lectured m tue theatre , but with no permanent result No association had been founded in Bromsgrove , the inhabitants were chiefly nailers , and they were in a most wretched state of poverty . Men , women , and children were compelled to work for the merest trifle . He had seen women hammering at nails with their children hanging to tbeir breast ^ theyuot haying , time to suckle , afraid of the loss of time further reducing their scanty pittance . They had held several public meetings , and the general opinion was in favour of Chaitism ; but

    the association had not greatly progressed , Stourbridge was a great iron district ; they had held several : meetings , and obtained 3 , 500 Vsignatures to the National Petition . Limewaste was an adjoining village , inhabited by colliers ; there was a good feeling in this place , ' but they greatly wanted a lecturer , which they fcud not yet been able to supply them with . Dudley > vas a place of a similar description ; here their principlea . ' -bad progressed rapidly ; they had formed an aBsociatiou ; but it was yet in its infancy . In Coventry they ha . 1 carried their principles at several large meetings ; the

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    men at the head of the association in this town were as intelligent and as active men . as wero to be found in the kingdom : in this place they werepoweifiiL In Nuneaton they were similar to Coventry , ; chiefly ribband weavers , and were favourably disposed to the Charter . At Leamington , noted for its fashionable spas , their association was progressing . In Redditch , they might judge of the state of Chartism , when he told them that they had built a Hall for themselves , and the majority of the population were zaalous for the Charter : these were the ten towns of his district ; the

    chief thing was the want of lecturers ; but the grand point was the payment of them ; they were immersed in such poverty , and sonw were so apathetic ; that they found it difficult to raise funds for this purpose at present ; and unless some other method was devised , they would not mafee that rapid progress which otherwise might be deue . He could not sit down without testifying to the great good Mr . Mason bad done in the two counties , Warwick and Worcester , since he had been their lecturer ; he had added much to their strength .

    Mr . Q'Connor said if he understood the matter right , they were to lay down the beat means of advancing the cause , as well as to report the state of their districts . If the number of persons who bad voted for the election of delegates , or the signatures to the petition was any criterion of their strength , Lancashire and Yorkshire might be said to be the hotbed of Chartism : all who had watched the progress of the cause , who had traced it step by step , to its present position , must acknowledge that , until they met with opposition from the Corn Law lecturers and others , they were never enabled to maintain so high and so flourishing a position ; from the date cf this opposition might a new era in Chartism be traced ; previous to then , they Were supposed , as a party , to bo without union , to have no bond of

    sympathy or concert ; this struggle had brought forth all their latent energies , and enabled them to read such a lesson to that and to afl other paj ties , as would not speedily be forgotten ; it had shewn to themselves and to their enemies the powers which , by union , they were enabled to wield ; every attempt to break up their agitation , come from what quarter it might , had failed ; let them nevertheless beware bow they allowed that strength to be frittered away . Let them be careful to counteract every scheme calculated to divide and- disunite them . Let them hold firmly to principle . For his own part ho would not abandon one single point of the Chiirtor . He "would not even abandon that name which had weathered the storm and the calm ; but while he looked upon the organized Chartists to be the

    main army in the attack upon the citadel of corruption , ytt he recognised all as allies who bore down upon the game works—who combined in attacking the evils which existed ; and in this view of the question , so long as the party connected with Joseph Sturgc kept to the line of conduct they had lain down , they deserved their thanks , and their co-operation . All sections of reformers , Whether monetary , local , or of whatever elescription > wero abetting the grand cause by distractiug and barrassing the common enemy ; but ho feared that the effects of a large party would be more directed to the restoration of the Whigs to office , than to assist in producing benbfit to the whole community . He was sure tlnvtthe present delegated body , representing the iuterests of vast masses of men , muat have heard with

    satisfaction the various reports which bad been laid before them . There was only pne report , at the hearing of which he experienced any thing like a feeling of dissatiafaction , be alluded to the report of 3 VIr .. Philp . He was sony he was not present , but still , in bis public duty , ho should proceed with bis remarks . If the district which he represented was in the disunited , the miserable state , in which he represented it—if his statement did not savtur somewhat of dieappointment , it ceitiinly did not refldct much credit upon those who had been leading men ia that district . If you look in any district you will usually find that if it is apathetic , or disorgtinizjd , it proceeds from a want of energy and union iuneng tho leaders and not among the mass . When working men delegate that power to leaders , which they have not time individually to exert , they are too apt to allow themselves to be lulled into apathy

    if those , leaders do not act with suflicieiit energy to arouse them . This did cot , however , apply to the whole country . In the past annals of this or any other nation , there never exit ted a more intelligent , honest , and determined bedy of men than the present Chartist leaders , or lecturers . As a party the Chaxtista .-had sufficient power , virtue , and energy , to command tho respect if auy Government , whether it was composed of Whigs or of Tories , and having obtained this position he again warned them not to allow their energies to be frittered away—to hold out the hand of fellowship to all men , but to form no union whieh was not based on their own glorious , inseparable principles , in defenco of which they bad fought , had Buffered , and had bleel . For his own part he would not abandon one iota of the six points . He would never fight under any banner which had not tbo Charter inscribed upon it .

    Mr . Roberts—He with his colleague , Mr . Philp , represented the district of Somerstt and Wilts . In Mr . Pbilps statement be recogn'zed the true position of those Counties ; but he would refer to a few places which Mr . Philp had not noticed . There was Devizes , a place famous , or icfanious , for the treatment which he and others had there experienced . It was situated in the centre of an agricultural district , the population of which was deplorably ignorant , who wore willing to act in the pay of either party who would best remunerate them . By the aid of these men they had driven Chartism out of Devizes , and imprisoned him and others for a riot , of which they were the-victims and not the creators ; but he was proud to inf / rm them that a better spirit now existed in this place ,

    produced , perhaps , by a . recollection of the injustice they had been guilty of . Mr . Vincent had since lectured in this town . A spirit of inquiry was abroad , and if Sir . O'Connor thought it worth his while to visit that district , let him have a short notice to beat up the surrounding districts , and he would procure him a warm reception . At Salisbury they had an association , which though few in number was composed of as determined and good men as any in tho kingdom . A large mass , too , only wanted the excitement of a public meeting or two . to declare boldly in their favour . If some lecturer of note , some one whose name was calculated to arouse , their dormant energies , was to visit thorn , great good would be effected . Salisbury was in the centre of a lot of small villages where Chartism

    was unknown , where they were taught by the parson to live and die content in poverty . Tfcia Eeighbourhood , he thought , was deserving not only of local but general agitation . A better spirit now existed than when the late riots occurred ; they would then have thought it good sport to stone a man to death at the bidding of tbeir masters . He would now refer to general matters , and he would say that it was their duty to look their evils in the face ; they were not assembled for the purpose of praising each other and of giving flattering reports . From some of the reports given on Friday his only surprise was , that the Charter was not the law of the land . From those statements it would appear that it wanted a drag to hinder it from progresBing too fast . He looked

    upon Chartism as a thing yet to be won . If the only object of their assembliDg was to present tbe petition one half the time and one half the number of delegates would be amply sufficient ; he thought it to be their province to consider the best means of removing obstructions from their path . There was evil that permanently and progressively impeded the causa of Chartism , and if they .. bad not been aided more by circumstances than by their own exertions , it would have still more hindered the progress of tb . e cause . He alluded to the general disposition on tbe part of the Chartists to interfere with the sanctity of private opinion ; he admitted that if they approved of a man ' s conduct they would be justified in expressing it if they thought a nian not honest , they had a right to say so .

    So far bo good ; but they were not content with this , they gathered together knots of individuals , and immediately passed votes of censu e . These were immediately sent off to the Northern Star , the only public organ tbey possessed ; and by this means a man who , on Monday was considiered of sterling honesty , on Saturday , found himself , denounced over the , whole kingdom as a spy arid a traitor . Individually , perhaps , this was not so important , for when a man truly entered the ranks of the people , he should be prepared to sacrifice even his life in the cause ; but the mischief did did not rest here , it drove good men from the ranks ^ it caused bad blood ampng those yrbo ought to be united , and hindered many from joining our ranks . Mr . R . . then went into a long detail of the circumstances connected

    with his election , and the election for Bristol of Messrs . O'Connor and Leach , and stated other circumstances connected with the subject . The cheapest and the readiest way of obtaining popular favour was by Iajtng hold of some prejudice and fiddling on that string , —( laughter ) , —he at least had found it so , The readiest way to raise your own fame was by denouncing the conduct of your brother Chartists . Mr . Roberts then referred to bis be ' wf ; questioned at Birmingham for going to the Chartist Churcb .. If be was asked to what he should attribute this inteifireDce with public opinion , be knew not what to answer . For three years the leaders had no jealousies among tUemselves ; they were everywhere received with equal : warmth ; but about a year and a half ago , this feeling sprung up whether it

    came by intuition or by atmospheric agency , ho Jknew not , but from that time the feeling had existed , that all who did not think similar to the Northern Star were traitors , Ac ., to their country . He did not so much find fault with this species of despotism ; if the time was one of action , it might , by circumstances , then be necessary , but the present was the time not of action but of thought ; coincident with the origin bfthis feeling , was the denunciation p « uted but against those who signed Mr . Lovett ' s document . Many signed that without a thought perhaps of its tendency . ! The conduct pursued on that occasion gave him great grief ; he felt that many lefi the ranks Whom 4 little courtesy

    would have retained . If opinions were to be interfered with to this extent , let it be done by a deliberate assembly like the present ; let them lay down a rule of what Wo ate to think , how far we are to go > and when to stop , If this assembly decided that a Chartist Bhould not join another asBociation , he should to a great extent bow to it ; this would be far better than leaving your conduct to be judged of by the ever-varying ; state of public feeling . He wished this to be fairly considered , be wished that when Mr . Bairstow had given fais report , be had alluded to the quarrel between Messrs . Cooper and Markham , and in conclusion he should like to see a map of Chartism drawn up , shoeing the particular shades cf opinion in each district . To some , they could

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    then send lecturers ; who "would lay down the first broad principles ; ether districts would require the servicea . of men of a more philosophic cast . He would conclude by giving them the words Mr . O'Connor , had expressed in hia report , ' ' That he was willing to co-operate with any section who held the principles of the Pea . pie * Charter . " - , :, ¦ " [¦ . - . ¦'¦'¦' ¦ .. - ;¦ : ¦'¦ . :. ¦ • ' .. - . ' Messrs . Bairtow and White stated that as Mr ; Roberts had alluded to Birmingham and Leicester they would explain at a fitting opportunity . Mr . Woodward was the representative of the Susses difltrict ; with the more Southerly portion of Shropshire he was not so weUaccquainted , but he should leave that to Mr . Bartletfci his colleague , who he treated would arrive in time to report . Chartism in his district must

    not be estimated by the amount of the population ; his ; district was the retreat for : the aristocracy , and the residence of royalty ; except at Brighton they had not any body cf great strength : in Brighton they had no differences or division ; if any occurred they toofe care to settle them , and not to make them public . The population of Brighton was 50 , 000 , and put of thia number one half was composed of the aristocracy , theit Bervants , and dependents , and the ¦ wealthy shopocracy ; they had not therefore the materials to work on which existed in other places , but still no public meeting could be called at which their principles were not advocated , and Chartism rendered triumphant . Previous to the establishment of their association , many of the middle class professed to be Radicals , but they enly

    made use of the working men for their own purposes ; when they choose to rest quiet all was dormant until they again wished to raise an enthusiasm for the attainment of some local or other benefit From this Radical body of middlemen they had experienced great opposition . They had only one place of meeting taken . A member took a' large room for the meetings . He was turned out and ruined . They could get no place . They wera then forced to adopt the only plan left , that ef attending all meetings and convei ting them to their own ends . This had answered so completely , that they were new glad to let them have the use of the Town Hall . At the Town Hall tb . 6 y hid adopted the National Petition , all t xpences being paid Out of the town funds . To this petition they had lO . OOO signatures attached . In the villages round s thiey had a ? s : j 800 signatures .- To the last petition , including the villages , they bad only 8000 . At Lewes , which was the most corrupt town in England , they had

    1200 signatures ; to the last , only 200 . At this place there was a real contest at elections as to who should give to the voters ; it was truly a paradise for the voters . They -had spent many pounds in agitat-ing the villages round ; yet such was the oppo * sition , that they weve fearful whether greater , evil than good was not the result . Mr . Woodward then detailed many instances of dreadful revenge taken agiiintt parties in these country districts who dared to take auy part in the agitatieiv At Ghichester " , a meeting having beea called to find some means ' -of relieving , tbe destitute poor , a gentleman of the town proposed the six points of the Charter ,, and told them , they did not want , charity but justice . This was responded to by loud cheers , and the six points were unanimously carried . This showed that even in this Piirson-riilden town a strong feeling existed ; Mr . W « concluded by alluding to their approaching election covitest ,- they having proposed a strong Chartist .

    Rutry Ridley coincided with his brother delegates in their statement regarding the four counties . As far as the coimtry districts were concerned Chartism : waa almost unknown . They had associations in Canterbury , Chatham , and other places , but they were so crippled for means that unless the Convention could lay down some plan of agitating them ,- he feared they would not progress . In Surrey , Chartism was established in a few towns , but a vast extent of ground was yet entirely unoccupied . In Middlesex they were in a similar position , and likewise in Essex . In that hot-bed of corruption , London , at all public meetings the working classes attended andexpressed tbeir sentiments , and were always triumphant ; still Chartism was far frohl being so flourishing as it ought ta be . We were deficient

    in Halls ; and places of ; meeting in which ; to assemble . They might in some degree be said to : resemble what the working classes had been taunted with , that of being pot-bouse politicians . But had they not entered these houses and drawn men from the pot and the pipe , to a knowledge of their true position , they would never have numbered the large body they did afc present A good spirit existed among all their advocates . He found , even tee-totaUers , much as - -they- ' ' abhorred beer and tobacco , < fcc , entering these houses for tho purpose of promulgating Chartist principles . A strong feeling also existed for the Welsh martyrs and other political prisoners , and urged some decided steps to be taken to procura their release . Upon the whole , though not flourishing in the counties , in London it occupied a : proud and . prominent position .

    Mr . Powell , delegate for Cornwall , Dorset , arid Devon , said , thatwith Dorset he was not acquainted . At TmrO , in Cornwall , they had got up several meetings , and had : done much good . This town was a hetbed of Toryism . At Redruth he had met the great Corn Law agitator , Mr . Paulton , and , in a set discussion , completely defeated him—not twenty bands being held up in iiis favour . Previous to this they could obtain no place to meet in . At Catnbourn , "when he first went , they had not a single Chartist . Now he had left them upwards of seventy strong , and had received a 6 heering letter from them on that morning .: At Hay they were doing nothing . There were a few liberal men , but they were connected with Mr . Lovett ' s party . At Penzahce , St Columbs , Weybridge , Padbtidge , Newby ,

    Elstone , and other villages round , good had been effected , and small localities raised in most of them . At St . Day and St . Ann's there was a prospect of . having an abundant harvest . At Plymouth tUey were going on successfully . At Ashburtcn they were in a very destitute condition . Many were leaving their own soil to till that of other lands . At Buckley there was a good spirit , but they wanted enrolling . At Tiyerton they had many good members ; arid the whole of these counties , by exertion , might be made to stand in a prpminent position in the Chartist cause . If a member of the JExecutive , or a man of note , could go amongst them , much good would be effected , more

    especially among the miners—many of these were now on strike for wages , Another party had struck against the tyranny of their master . He had several timea lectured to them , and showed the inefficacy of epmbinations without political power . He had at first experienced much opposition and much ill-treatment . Heceuld get no one to print his bills ; nor the crier to cry bis meetings—so that he was compelled to cry them himself ; but opposition was now vanishing ; he had only to tell the boys , and they would soon get trim up a meeting . He hoped BOme friend from the Convention would visit that district ; he would ensure him a good reception . ,

    Mr . Mason , delegate for Staffordshire , had chiefly laheured in Stafford , Wolverbarapton , Dudley , and Bilston . With the Potteries he was not so well acquainted ; but he knew thai they bad excellent meetings , that a good disposition was evinced , and that the feeling of this district was decidedly democratic . Their organization was far from being perfect ; in very few places was it so perfect as to give them that command of public opinion to Which , if it was , they might attain . There is a want of some method of concentra * tion , which defect , he trusted , would be remedied . At Bilston the organizition was more perfect than that of any town , in tbe kingdom . Previously to the formation ^ of an association in this place , it was . enveloped in the ' gvessest ignorance and political delusion ; they had been

    , debased by their brutal toil , and the ignorance in which they had been kept . Few could read or write ; but they were animated with the true Chartist spirit ! At Wolverhiunpton the organizition : was not good ; but at public meetings , their principles were triumphant . At Wedhesbury the cause progressed well . Afc Stafford the feeling was good ; but they were not organized sufficient to command public opinion . They had lately a large public meeting . Divisions had been alluded , to ; he must say , that there was a want of a feeling of charity ; many who had dared to give vent to feelings contrary to the majority had been denounced in the lotteries ; there had been some paltry differences , but to no extent ; but in the other districts we have not the least division . The manner in which the working classes have been treated has made them very jealous of every action , the object of which they cannot clearly ascertain ; this he considered to be one of the greatest

    bulwarks to the working classes ; ifc prevented them from the danger of being deluded ; but at the same time , he disapproved of any interference with private opinions . He would have signed Sturge'a declaration , and have attended " the Conference - the men of Coventry were anxious to elect him but he feared if he teok thia step he should have been denounced ; and knowing how essential it was that a lecturer sbould possess the confidence of the people , he had twarted his inclination and bad not attended the Conference ; he had atso been elected for Shropshue ; but had not visited that district ; feut from information he bad received , they were essentially demc craticin ^ principle . ; Mr . Prow had several times visited that district ; at his first visit he had been much illused , but now he was everywhere received with 'f ^ r * : .-. ¦ WUb respect to his district as a whole , Staffordshire was well-organised , and in spirit waa not inferior to any district in England .

    Mr . Lowery , delegate from Edinburgh—He was delegated from a very aristocratic town ; one-half of the population were parties living upon their means ; it was divided into two towns , the old and the new , and contained a population of 250 , 000 , of whom 150 009 were living without any business . They bad few public works or manufactories ; and therefore there was not that discontent existing from which the desire for Chartism arose . They would perceive that in Edinburgh they had not the same material * to work on as in Glasgow ,, or in other large manufacturing towns . Is Edinburgh they rented a large chapel , in which lectures

    were given once a weefe . A discussion was also beM once a week ; and on Saturday evenings they had a social festival , at which they usnally cleared a profit of £ 2 103 . They had associations at Masselbareh IJalkeithj Galashiels , Lasswade , and other places , and in each place . they were capable of commanding public opinion . . The profits of their festival they devoted to the spread of Chartism in the surrounding village ? . They were not able to carry their principles to any great extent of distance into the country from want of suffi , cient funds . The -villages were in most instances isolated , and locked up between hills and mountains ; and being a thinly scattered agTicultnral district , laying wide ( Continued in our seventhpane . J

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    6 - THE NORTHERN STAR . _ / - ¦ ' . " ^^ . ¦ ¦ p . . . . . - .- ¦' - I * l I ' ' I ' ' —I ¦ 1 J 1 _ I ^ __ l _^ ^_^ J ^ LB ^»^— _^ MI . I _ mJ ^_^ ' ' ' ' ' ¦

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), April 23, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1158/page/6/