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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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NATIONAL CONVENTION . Friday , April 22 . Mr . Duncan in the chair . Miu Leach , vice chairman . Mi . Campbell , Secretary , called the roll , -when Messrs . Btesley , M'Pherson , Stallwood , Harrison , Burstow . Bartlett , Powell , Thompson , Ridley , Leach , Diyle , Morgan Williams , Mason , Moir , Woodward , 0 Connor , Campbell , and Duncan were present . The fiumztes ware re 3 d and confirmed . Mr . O'Connor gave in a report of his | c urney to Northampton , and stated that he had addressed in that town one of tks largest assemblies ever known in that district , and gave a most cheering account of the state of feeling in the agricultural districts . Sir . Kidiey reported from two meetings he had attended . Mr- Morgan Williams reported his reception at a meeting , ealled for the purpose of forming a committee in aid of Frost , Williams , and Jones , which passed off in an excellent manner . ~
Mr . Doyle reported that he attended a meeting , where Mr . Sidney Smith lectured , but finding that Mr Smith would not discuss the question , he and the friends with him retired and left Mr . Smith lecturiug to seven persons . " Mr . ilason reported from the Trades' Delegates ' lleeting , that they were ¦ well received , and that a resolution , pledging themselves to assist in carrying the Cairter and loin in th . 2 National proeessioa , wlj unanimously adopted . Messrs . jI DouaH , M'Paerscn , Stall woo 3 , and Wood-Ward . a ! sor ? Djrt = d on the same subject .
ilr . Powell r-jpjried from a meeting he had attended . A q =. ^ nt . ty of Petition Sheets were faen handed in . Mr . Carnp > . ll reported f .-oru the English Ex-cutive . They haa been in existence now about twelve months . - At the period they came into office there W ; is but seventy or eighty towns in the Association , now they tad about three bundred and fifty lowr . s in he Association . In the London Disirut , at that pt : iod , they had Beventesn or eighteen loealiti . s > n London , now they had abont forty . In the Xurlhampicn disirict , at tiurt period , they had not one , now they had seven or eight . In Blraicsbam they had an increase , he believed , in numbers , but not in associations ; they had not contributed mnch to the snpp-jrt of the Executive . Jn
Xsiceitir they had at that period only about one hundred members , now tbey - had upwards of twelve hundred . In Nottingham they had a large increase of numbers , and they gave good support to the Executive . In the Derby district they had only two loe-i-. ities , now they had twelTe ; they did not pay so well . In the Potteries tbty got en well , save good tnpport to the Executive , and were animated by an exeei ' ent spirit . In Cheshire , until lately , within this four or five months , they had scarcely any iocaiitirs ; siLCe Mr . Doyle ' s exertions they were progressing well , bnt had not been in existence lon ^ enougs to afford much support to the Executive . In Lancashire they had then twenty associations , now they had between forty and fifty in existence , and their numbers were rapidly progressing ;
taken as a whole they paii we } l to the . Executive- In Torkshire , at that time , there was only twelve or fifteen localities , now tbi _ re were not less than one hundred . Some of the districts , as Huddersfield , Hebden Bridge , and other places ; were the best paying parts in the kingdom , with the exception or London , which had paid equally well . In Northumberland , Durham , Cumberland , and Wes t moreland , fee could not say much progress ha 4 been made . In Devonshire and in Corn-Trail , until these last few months Chartism was . almost unknown ; there had been five or six fresh localities established , tut being trefi localities tnev could not yet
expect from thtse places much support . In Brighton tley had a good association which paid welL In Norfolk . Cambridge , and Suffolk , one year since , only one locality was in existence , now they had eight or ten O : Monmouthshire he could say bnt little . In Wales tee Assjciatiou was extending itself ; within a short p riod there had been four ur five localities opened . Of London he could speak very favourably ; within thia period Aey had contributed between £ 00 or £ 70 . This district and that of Yorkshire , bad nobly fulfilled its ciary , : he other districts had not done their duty in regard to the contribution cf funds ; in some places they tad not even paid for their cards .
Dr . M ' D _> uail should , more especially for the information of the Scottish delegates , give them a sieteh of their present organ ^ zition with re gard to the Executive , It wa 3 exclusively formed by the workin ? men- A delegate meeting was called at Manchester 3 iany of the delegates now present were then in prison , as he himself was at that period . When he first read the plan , he thought it vtsjs too extensive to be carried out by the woiiir . s : classes ; bnt he was happy to state that it succeeded fir beyond his most sanguine expectations . They had not been in Gffice twelve months , and they had heard from Mr . Campbell the extensive progress they had made . Wkere they were at first met with great -opposition , now they were received ¦ with open ana ? . Mr . Bairstow could corroborate that
the opposition he ( Mr . Biirstowi had met with in Derbyoiiire , was not of the most pleasant description . D ^ ad ea ' -s , brick-bats , ic ., were plentifully showered upon him—even fire aims were brought into requisition to intimidate him ; but through all he had persevered ; and when be iDr . M'D ; nall ) last visited Derbyshire , he had splendid meetings ; and , instead of the people Hgbtirg against the Chartists , they would now fight for them . He was not for granting any great essension cf power to the Executive , but pnly such an extension as would contribute to their utility , m carrying oat tbe organization . He diti not think that the Executive should have the power of appointing lecturers to those places already organized , and capable of supporting them , but only to those districts where
Chartism st present waa dormant . In the Counties of Devon an . i Corawal . the Chairman and Mr . Powell could bear witness u > the great wish expressed for lecturers , andalso to the great good which they would produce ; in Wales also it waa of great and paramount importance that lecturers should be appointed . He ¦ was entirely for local government—he did not wish to have any power over those places which could appoint their own lecturers . He should oppose any proposition of that description . The . Executive had never interfered in any local business—they had looked only to the . general business of the Association . He thought the present organisation would carry out every object they tad in view ; but he thought that the plan of paying a regular sum for each fifty members would be superior
to tie present method : it would ensure a regular supply of funds , and would be less expence to the localities than even now . They had meS with a few pecuniary fiimenlues , but they hsd no reason to complain : they had been better supported than even could be expected considering the destitution which prevailed . From the metropolis they had met with great pecuniary support ; and though some members might complain of tfeeir meeting in pot-houses , ia , yet if they looked at the manner in which they had supported the Executive , and the manner in which they had supported this Contention , they would see that they could afford to loA ever any drawbacks in this district They had prograssed rapidly . There were thirty or forty localities in connection with the council at the Old Bailey ; and when the central committee was brought iiito action he had no deubt tbey would have an hundred localities
He could give the same good account of Torkshire ami Lancashire . From the density of the population in this aistrict ; from the sufferings the hand-loom weavers had endured ; and from the moral tone of the people , these districts -were almost unanimously in favour of the Charter . Taking the position of the Exrcutive as a whole they stood i : > a good position—tbey were not above < £ 5 in dett , including everything ; and by issuing a circular they could raise immediately £ 30 , whica * as owing for cards . Witii regard to his eolleagnes th " e greatest unanimity prevailed . He believed this waa one cause why they had been bo well supported . If division had existed among them ; if they had evinced a feeling of hesitation or suspicion against each other , it "would have re-acted to their disadvantage in the public mind . He waa prond that he had such excellent colleagues .
The Chairman then read a note frem Mr . Mason , stating , that in Bilston , where there were only 180 ¦ members , there are now 1000 ; that an Association had been raised at Darlaston , and at other places ; and that at Birmingham and at Wolverhampton , their numbers had greatly increased . 7 , Mr . Campbell explained that he was very happy to be corrected with respect to the progress in Staffordsbire . Mr Leach thonght that it would be ptop&r , in order to arrive at their tras position , to look to the condition of the body previous to the establishment of an Executive . At the first Delegate meeting held at Manchester , finding that the Chartiirt body was completely broken Tip , as fir as organization waa concerned he " moved that they laid down a plan for the guidance of the Chartist body . Dr . Taylor opposed this on the ground that it might prejudice the trial of Mr . Frost , and he
withdrew hia motion . As soon as that trial was concluded he wrote a letter in the Xoiihern Star . prctsiLg this subject on Vhe attention of the Ciiaru > ta . This was responded to , and seventeen towns sent delegates to a conference at Manchester . At this meeting , a p ; aiTof organization was agreed upon , ntarly siiiilar to the present This plan met -with moeti opposition . Many ¦ who had previously been in the Chartist ranks objected to the plan , on the ground of legality and clamoured loudly for them to alter it , and then they would join and assist them . They called another delegats meeting at great txpenee , to remove tnis squabble of legality . They invited those to attend who had objected to it , but they nerer attended ; neither when tbey had altered the plan did they join them . The plan then adopted was their present plan , aod it had "worked so well , that now tirey had between 3 and 400 towns is the Association , and 600 meetings were held on the same night every -week , to discuss the principles of Chartism . In some parts of the country the plan bad not been properly worked out . and the funds consequently not raised . He had received letters from all jarts of the kingdom , stating their approval of tbe conduct of the Executive . On that morning he had receiYed . a Ittter fr » m the females of Oldham , containing a Tote of thaDks and - . w £ l tojbg . Cqavention , in addition to their full quota , ^ V \ T 2 * ftrWBHoi tra » far superior to that < f the first Con-% ' " $ TOptifflpf "Sfaat body waa two or three years in advance ' ^ . Of thi t iatBlligence of tie country : there was ctrraiuly 1 aTOpfc-JUBOunt of enthusiasm exhibi t ed , bat it had no -foundation , " and burst like a bubble in the da > ut trial . . Thefr srganfaation was bow of _ & different cast ; it « ¦ ¦ ¦ •* " *¦ ' ' ¦ « BSffik
¦ place , and in many instances he had known that it | produced a great amount of good . He trosted they , would do all that lay in their power not only to send j them to Ireland , but likewise to Wales—all would be ; glad to receive them , and by the truths thus inculcated j" the good seed wonld be sewn , and the lecturers would j only have to follow and reap the harvest j Mr . Moir sUted that for some length tf time be had ] appreciated its advantages , and Bent those which he i ceuid procure to Ireland . j Mr Baesley said that for some length of time he had taken six Stars weekly , and that vmh what he collected from others , he ¦ asually sent twelve to Ireland , besides Circulars , tracts , &c . Mr . Whits had taken a great interest in that subject , and had been , enabled to send hundreds of Stars to Ireland . With regard to the agents of the Northern Star bting the paid tools of Feargns O'Connor , as one of those agents , he could assert , that be was in the same position for doing his duty fearles-sly as before he accepted that office ; his actions were equally free as
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was characterised by a spirit of steady intelligence . Notwithstanding the vast amoutt of destitution which existed aniong their body , there had not been a angle act of riolence committed—not a single transaction which could jeopardise their c&usb . During this period they had defeated the Whigs , the Tories , and the Complete Suffrage scheme . This he attributed te having a head to direct the movement , not to contreul , but ¦ simply to direct public opinion . Had it not been for this , each town would have had » nostrum of its own , and they wou d have been split into sections . Now , even if the Executive weDt astray , the eause would not be ruined , tbougb it would cause a temporary disorganisation ; their place would speedily be Hupplied . It had been insinuated that the Executive bad done
nothiue ; if they had not exercised an affirmative , they bad exercised a negative power , and if they were properly supplied with funds , they wonld shortly be in possession of an affirmative power . In Manchester the present pian bad worked well . Manchester , though supposed to be Radical , was the true seat of Wbiggery . Iu that town the anti-Corn Law League bad SDent £ " 50 , 000 in one year , their chief object being to break up the Chartist organisation , and get the people to follow unreflectingly in their wake fer cheap bread , but with their poor penny per week they bad so organised the town ; that at every public meeting where they could get&t them , they defeated their schemes by a majority of forty to one . This party issued for about six weeks running , forty or fifty thousand tracts wetkly , the Chartists only Issued one tract which completely ! -roke the i > ck of all the others . In Lancashire , Derby , Cheshire , BirminEham , and othe / districts , they had regular lecturt-rs in their employ ; in Yorkshire they
had three lecturers employed , ht-sides supporting their local exper . cts and the Executive , or -more properly speaking the organisation , for in some weeks it ha 4 cost them £ 20 foi stationery , printing . &c . This micht appear a large sum , but if the present p : an was carried out , if would enable them to dtiray all expences , to employ thirty talented lecturers , and to carry on successfully the present agitation . He thought that the present Convention had no p' -wer to alter either the plan or the spirit of the OTgainziti"H . He trusted they would carefully peruse it and it defective in any point , take measures more fully t > carry it out . He had derived much pleasure from being a member of the Executive booy ; it had procured him much personal friendskip , and be had received from the public a character that he should scarce dare to givehiiusejf , that of being an honest man . He would sa \ for his colleagues that they ha-i earned a character which wouid be- transmitted with applause to posterity .
ilr . Philp gave his support to the present organization . . He believed that , notwithstanding all its difficulties , it had worked w ? ll He w : is one of the dekgates who assisted at its fori .-u . tion in Manchester , ;> t a period when their r . inks were so broken that they could carce collect any force ut auy given point . They tnew not what measures to at ' . opt , or to what subject they shonld next direct their artentioa To remedy this itite of disunion , they had laid down the present p ! au , and they could now carry out any given object better than any Association in the kingdom . Messrs . Ltacn , Cimpbeil , and M"D ; mil had been more active members of the Executive thai : him .-elf or Mr . Williams . By the o : « inai plan he did not consider that they were all required to be permane : tiy employed ; but whenerer 3 iiy iiupjrtmt business -was to be- broagtit ft / rtvard , he always attended their sittings . Hb had been lecturing through a lar »; e di .-trict of the kingdom , and he had seen the « ood effects o ? the ? j " *' . i .-iii ; aiiil he trusted
they wculd make no alteration in it . If they were continually altering or amending it every year , it would give a sort of unfixedness to their aniuuion , which it wo 3 very um ' . e 4 rrabie to produce . H « had not heard any sufficient argument ad'iuccd to enable him to consent to an alteration in the mode of collecting the funds . The pre ^ eut plan only wanted to oe properly carried out At present many parties not only contributed nothing to ihe funds , but did not even pay regularly for th- ^ r card ? . This ktyt them short of funds . It w ; . s of great importance that the counties of Cornwall and Divon should be well agitated . He had promised to attend there , and endeavour to assist in doing this ; but when prepared to start , he foutid that it was impossible f r want if funds ; and he was reluctantly . competed to disappoint the men of those districts . He thouiiht it would be the duty of this Convention to urge upon the people the necessity of weil-tuyporiiug the Executive , and of supplying them with " funds to employ lecturers in tbe unakiitatid counties
Mr . . Morgan Williams said he shouhi make but few remarks , as he had never taken an active part as a mtmbei of tbe Executive , bu * on all important occasions he had promptly attended . The manner in which the Executive had transacted their business gave great satisfaction to his constituents . He trusted they would devise some means to employ a larger body of lecturers , more especially in Wales . In bis own district they were nut so ranch needed , bnt in others tbe want of them was severely felt . He could take but little credit to himself for the good the Executive had effected ; but he must -state that they had ever been uiiinimous , and thr . t when absent he never had occasion to disapprove cf their measures . Mr . O Connor moved , and Mr . Moir seconded , that the report of the Executive be referred to the Committee appointed for that purpose . Carried .
Mr . Djyle moved a resolution calling upon them to K quest their constituents to send the Northern Star and other ' emoeratic journals to Ireland . Tuif , if carried into general operation , would greatly bemfit the cause in Ireland . It would shew to the Irish people the manner in which they had been calumniated and abused , and that their principles were calculated to do more good for them than even those promulgated by men whom they had so long looked up to as leaders He had great pleasure in informing them that while in Ireland he had attended six meetings . At Belfast he addressed a large Repeal meetinj " . They piedge . l bim to keep to the Repeal question , and not to broach the Charter ; but somehow he was compelled to bring in the
Charter , and on being called to order , promised better b ; haviouT for the future ; but before the close of the meeting he believed he made a considerable impression He was sure that if properly supplied witk political knowledge in the shape of tracts , &c , they would no longer pin their faith to the sleeve of any political leader , bnt would art and think for themselves . He hoped that in the address they were about to issue they Wonld recommend the sending of Stars , ic . to that patt of Ireland : most of those at present sent were sent to Dublin . The part he alluded to was the North of Ire ; and . Tbey had requested him to act as delegate . to the Convention for them , but as the law did net allow it , he could act only as their friend .
2 Ir . O Ce ; : nor would gladly second the resolution , if the words Sorlhern Star was left eut . He thought it wcu ' . d be better worded if they said democratic papers , without nominating one in particular . Mr . Stallwood seconded Mr . Doyle ' s motion ; he approved of it as at present worded . Mr . O'Connor stated that , from his peculiar position , he cou ; d not have seconded Mr . Doyle ' s motion consistently with his principles . Daring the whole course o his agitation he had never , at any meeting , even once mentioned the Xorthem Star . He defied
contradiction on that point ; and he would take that opportunity of replying to a few observations which , during their sitting , had been made respecting the Northern Star . The votes of cen .-urr- in it had been alluded to as thengh they had been concocted by the Editor , or some party connected with the paper , instead of which they * eil knew that they were inserted ¦ y order of the people . He well knew that the Northern Slar was watched by both friend and foe , and th . it there was a strong desire , on the part of some parties , to put down the "Star . " It had been stated , that his reporters were hired tools , while the reporters of other papers were public spirited indiviriu-Us . He could positively assert that he never wrote a line to Wheeler in his life , that be never wrote a line to White , or any one of his
correspondents ; he had been particularly careful on this point , that be might be enabled to rebut sny such charge ; they had been entirely free and unshackled frnm any restraint ; they had been appointed to the office , not from any acquaintance with him , but at the desire of the body of people where they were labouring . The Editor of the paper he had known many years , and had never written a line to him to influence his conduct , during fhe four years the paper had been in existence . He defied them to point out a single line where he had denonncert any man , or to prove that he had ever attempted to fritter away any man ' s character . Great latitude must always be allowed
to a puDlic newspaper , but this should never be extended beyond tee bounds of propriety . He was glad to think that the paper had been of some service to tbe cause . Mr . Srallwood could bear him out in stating that several persons , Ir ishmen , in Hammersmith , had shewn him letters stating the great service it bail done to tLe cause , and that it had caused tbe formation of several Associations in that country . He had , by application to individuals and by public recommendations , endeavoured to send newspapers , tracts , < fcc , to Ireland , and he was happy that parcels ot Stars of several cwts . each , had been sent to parties who were too poor to purchase them .
Morgan Williams stated that he believed great advantages would accrue to Ireland from sending a large sappiy ot Stars , &c , it would also be found to act very beDefidallj in Wales . From Merthyr Tydvil , where a considerable number of Stars were taken in , they sent them through the agricultural districts . If one was sent into a pai ish in generally went the tour of the whole
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before . It was well known that When he was employed in Yorkshire , he wenld never be controlled in his opinions or his actions by his employer , and he should act now in a similar manner . So far as O'Connor supported the cause he should support him , wht-ther be was called a tool or no ; and , if he ( Mr . O'Connor ) deserted the cause , he-would be one of the first to oppose him . He had been sorry ts see a certain littleness of feeling prevailing amongst little knots of individuals , which induced them to attempt to put down the Star , not that tbe public might be benefitted , but that they might be enabled to raise their own fame upon its ruins . The Star had been the main
cause for keeping the agitation alive when there were many of them in prison , and when all their prospects were dark and gloomy . When he was in prison , he recollected being asked by thirty or forty in the Conrt yard what would become of the ' -: cause ? - ' - / he asserted that the Northern Star -would keep them together It had done this ; and tbe people owed to it a debt of gratitude . He did not assert that it had no faulte ; bnt taken as a whole , the good that it had done would amply recompence for any errors that it might have fallen into . He had supported the paper strenu ? ously previouly to his connection with it , and so long as the Xortficm Star did its duty , so long should it have his hearty support .
Mr . Harrison was of opinion that this motion had been in a great measure , anticipated . He had sent off several packets of Stars , weighing ^ cwt . each , to Ireland ; but if it came as a recommendation from the Convention , it would have more weight . Mr . Campbell said there was another little publication , the Enyh ' sh Chartist Circular , which would effect great good if well circulated . He thought that instead of sending packages of old Stars to Ireland they should sell them for waste paper , and purchase such tracts as " Wba '" s a Chartist » " Circulars , &c . Irishmen liked to see the newB of the day much better than old papers . He advised them to send their new papers by all
means . Mr . Powtll had seen the good produced by the silent working of these agents . He had found them in little isolated villages by the sea side ; and as his occupation led him from door to door , he was often asked how the Chartists get on ? Tliey bad read a good deal about them in a paper called the Northern Star . This opened a door for further conversation on the subject , and information was thus elicited . They formed excellent forerunners , breaking up the grouud , and clearing the prejudices tut of a lecturer ' s path , and thereby effecting much good .
Mr . M'Pherson—In his district the Northern Star had been much blamed by several parties ; but as these had since turned out mere Whigs their olject was plain . and therefore tbeir « urds were not attended to . The Star as an organ of the society could not be dispensed with : it was an index to the general state of Chartism throughout the kingdom . For general information , tracts and other publications were more adapted . Tracts were excellent auxiliaries in places where Chartism was unknown—they contained information which it was impossible for the Star to give . ¦ Mr . Morgan Williams stated that they had translated the tract " What ' s a Chartist ? " into Welch , and it had done much good .
Mr . Woooward stated , that they had sent one week , 200 back Stars to Ireland , which were duly acknowledged . They had since sent 450 , but had not received any information of their reception ; this disheartened them , for they were fearful they bad fallen into the hands of the Post-office autborites . He thought that a monthly registe bad ought to be inserted in the Slar , of their reception . Mr . Doyle explained that his motion alluded to all democratic papers , tbe Circular included , but bethought the Northern Star deserved the pre-eminence ; it was the only paper whioh defended their interests while in prison ; under persecution and prosecution it had never deserted them . His motion did not allude so much to back Stars as to the current numbers of the day . He was well aware that Irishmen liked to see fre&h , in preference to stale news . The motion was . then unanimously passed .
A letter was then read by the Secretary from Bronterre O'Brien , in answer to a communication which he had been instructed to make to him ; the purport of the letter was , that he had not taken his seat in . the Convention , owing to his not having received from Newcastle or elsewhere in the district , any official notice of his election ; unless Mr . Campbells letter could be regarded in that light . He had written to the Secretary at Newcastle , Mr . Sinclair , upon the subject , stating that his circumstances would not allow him to devote more than & week or ten days to the Convention ; yet at whatever iDJury to himself , he would attend if they furnished him with the necessary credentials ; to this let ^ r he had not , ut that period , received any
answer . The Secretary also read a communication from John Leach , of Rr > chda : e , in answer to a letter which he had been authorized to send him . The letter stated that the deputation had nut an opportunity , owing to the shortness of the time , to communicato with Mr . Sharman Crawford , but from the statement he made to them on the last occasion , he had not the least doubt but he would postpone bis motion until after the petition had been presented , and that he would also vote for the petition , the on ' y clause to which he objected was that respecting the Repeal of the Union . Mr . J . Leach observed that Mr . Sharman Crawford had two sets of opinions , one for his constituents at Rochdale , and another fer the lobby of the House of Commons .
Mr . Lowery brought up , on behalf of the Committee , the address to the Chartists of the Kingdom , ordered to be written on the preceding day . The addnss having been read , Mr . Bairstow suggested some trifling alterations and the Committee retired for that purpose . On being brought up iu its amended form , it was unanimously agreed to . The members were requested to append their signatures , and the address ordered to be printed . Some discussion took place respecting strangers leaving the room while some private business was being transacted . Messrs . O'Connor , Bairstow , and many other members objected to any business being transacted with closed doors . . ' .-.-.,
Dr . M'Douall explained that it waa business cennected with the Finance Committee , bnt that the object won d be answered if tbe members would stay in the room for a short time after the adjournment . The following resolution being received from Birstal , Mt . O'Connor moved , and Mr . White seconded , that it be inserted in the miutes : — ¦ " That this meeting having maturely considered the proceedings of the Birmingham Cenference are of opinion that the recommendation to establish a new association for Complete Suffrage is only another scheme of our enemies to break up the present powerful organisation of the working classes , and being fully convinced that
our present association being legal and constitutional is well calculated to effect the object for ¦ which it was formed , hereby declare that we have no confidence in any set of men that would cause disunion among our ranks ; and that we will abide by our Charter in name and substance , and have confidence in our Executive and tbe honest leaders , who have stood by the people in times , of danger and persecution , and will neither countenance nor support any man or set of men who would throw our Charter over board , even though they should affirm the truth and justice of its principles ; and farther , that we have confidence in the present Convention , and will carry out its recommendation by all meanB in our power . "
The roll was then called , and the Convention sittings adjourned until Monday morning , at nine o ' clock . During the sitting Mr . O'Connor read tbe debate in the House of Commons on Mr . Crawford ' s motion , and likewise the editor's remarks , but it elicited no
diacas . Saturday , April 23 . The committees were busily engaged on this day in making arrangements respecting the theatre , and in forwarding the presentation of the petition .
Monday ^ April 25 . Mr . Duncan was called to the chair , and Mr . 'Leach to She vice-chair . The Secretary called the roll , and Messrs . Beesley , M'Pherson , Harrison , Williams , Powell , Ridley , Leach , Doyle , Philp , Moir , Woodward , Bartlett , Lowery , Duncan , and Campbell were present . Minutes read and confirmed . Mr Meir reported that he had received letters from Glasgow , instructing bim to wait on their M . P . ' b ; ' He had written to them , and they had requested his attendance at half-past eleven o ' clock that'morning . Mr . Bairstow reported a good account of a meeting he and Mr . Staliwood had attended at Twickenham .
Mr . Harrison reported he hail pieached a sermon in the Shepherdess Fields , on Sunday morning About sixteen hundred persona were present They obtained 1 000 signatures to the petition , sold 5 s . worth of tracts , and collected 9 s . towards the demonstration . Tbey had a similar meeting in the afternoon , at the same place , but not quite so well attended as that in the forenoon . He also attended a large meeting in tbe evening , at the Albion Coffee House , and many members were enrolled . A discussion then took place respecting the theatre not proving an advantageous speculation . Mr . O'Connor suggested a plan for their adoption . Mr . Lowery moved that the members of the Convention write to their constituents for information upon the truck system , and its bearing upon the interests of the working classes .
Mr . O Connor seconded the motion , and stated it as his opinion that no man was scarcely aware of the evils inflicted by the system , and he thought it was their duty to render the committee all the evidence which lay in their power . Mr . Leach read a document , showing the scandalous manner in which the track masters overcharged their werkmen for goods purchased from them . The resolution was then carried unanimously . Mr . Philp moved the following resolution : — " That , with a view to the most speedy enactment of the People ' s Charter , this Convent ion recommends the people of Great Britain to totally abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks ; and also to abandon the use of tobacco and &nuSf , and refrain as much as peaBible from the use of all exciseable articles—that fey these means the revenue may be affacted , the people be improved by sobriety , and the lands of tbe Chartist As-
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sociation , be made more ample ; and the Convention cannot refrain frem-. expressing ita opinion that every man enlisting in the array or the police , whilst the present corrupt institution exist , becomes 9 alaviah tool in the hands of ; tyrants , is a disgrace to his country , and a dishonour to the name of man . " , ¦ Mr . Philp , in an able manner , supported the resolution , aud instanced many persons who . had contributed the funds tnus Baved to the cauBe of the Charter in Ireland . Thei efifcet had [ been entirely to deprive the Government of the power of enlisting soldiers . Not a man could row be found to enlist in the army . He trusted they would come to a unanimous vote upon this question . - - ¦ - ¦ : ' ' ' . ' ' . ; v * ¦' .. "' : " ' ... ' ¦/ -. _ ¦¦ - .. ¦ ¦ Mr . Bartlettseconded the resolution , and instanced a recent case in which an active member of their body had injured the cause by not being a total abstainer .
Mr . O'Connor stated that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see this carried eut into practice . He acknowledged that 'temperance ) had done much good in Ireland , though at thesame time this was not the true reason of their not enlisting in the army ; it was the eanie line of conduct as they once previously adopted , they would not enlist until they bad attained the measures they were struggling for . It was with them a matter of policy . He could not agree with thtir mixing this up with the agitation of the Charter , he thought it would embirrasa their proceedings , He trusted they would form a committee to considtr the subject . : ' ;
Mr . Beesley m a long and able address supported Mr . Philp ' s motion , he thought Mr . O'Connor was acting inconsistent iuopposing the motion , ho had recommended the constituents to pledge the delegates to be Teetotallers during the sitting of the Convention ; if it was good during that period it was good ; at all other periods . Muchiharm had been done by ' their Jectuxjrs not being Teetotallers , they after their lectures had perhaps taken only a single glass , but those who entered the houBe with them , perhaps not having equal command over themselves , got intoxicated , asid thereby mere harm was done than ; the lecturer had done good ; it would allay the prejudicus of ninny of the - 'females against them if tbey came home from their meetings entirely sober . Mr . Thomason supported the motion in a lengthy address . His constituents were highly in favour of it ; it would also allay the prejudices which certain teetotallers entertained agairisi theai .
Mr . O'Connor moved the following amendment : — " Tbat we tlie delegates sitting in this Convention , in order to set an example to the people at large , arid to prove our approval of the principle of temperance do hereby pledge ourselves to abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks , as well as from the use of snufl and tobacco , and this resolution we adopt in order that we sel an example in our persons , which we trust the people generally wilt consider worthy of adoption , and that both the recommendation and amendment be submitted . to a committee who shall report to the Convention . "
Mr . Roberts in a long spoech , seconded Mr . O'Connor's motion for a comruittee ; it was a question of principle , expediency , and law j he was not sure that the latter part of the . resolution respecting enlisting wi / uld not subject them to a charge of sedition , seeing that according to the law an ignorant jury were the judges of what constituted sedition . . He , liowever > thought for these reasons it had better be rt-ferred to , t committee ; that it might be well considered He admired the success that attended isetotalism , but he believed the man who took a glass of liquor , was equally as' good a man as the one who do did not .
Mr . M / Pherson thought the motion not called for ; its every object would be obtained by : advocating Chartisnh Thsir lecturers were compelled to be men of high moral habits , and if they made Chartists of them , tbey would speedily be sober men . With respect to the army , the advice to Chartists was unnecessary ; they would not enlist ; to those who were not Chartists ; the advice would be entirely useless ; they must first make them Chartists . If a man became a Chartist , it was a guarantee to their wives and families that they would become sober moral men . Mr . Lowrey ably supported Mr . Philp ' s motion .
Mr . Bairatow should be willing to adopt not only the principle of total abstinence , but , if it was practicable , from all taxable articles ; but he should protest against this Coovention passingthe resolution unless every man was pledged to the principles . He had seen in Leicester the ill effects of separating theinselves into Teetotal Chartist Societies distinct from the main body . If the motloa had beeo , made to recommend sobriety instead of total abstinence , he should have hud no objection to it . ' ; . ' "¦¦ ' " ''' : - - ; ' " ¦ " . . ' . ' . . ¦ ¦ ' ; - ' . ' ¦ ' : Mr . White thought the motion was very premature . If the House of Commons rejected / as ' no doubt they would , the National Petition , it would then be a duty for them to la ; down some line of conduct , teetotalisra or something else , by ¦ which they might operate on th * Government .
Mr . Ridley was surprised at the motion being broughi forward . He admired enthusiasm , but was opposed | o fanaticism ; he thought that it would be calculated to divide rather than to unite . Mr . White-moved that the question be deferred . Dr . M'DvJUiiU admired the principle in the abstract , but he thought that it would be calculated to raise a prejudice against them in parts where their principles were not at present known . They would be known only as Teetotalers , —as a Chartist , the only standard to which he , would bow should b « the six points of the
Charter . If their object was to conciliate tbe Teetotal body , he believed it would f ; iil . They were more of a religious than a political body . He believed that the part-respecting enlistment would infringe upon the law . Mr . Stallwood was compelled to differ with his two colleagues , and perhaps this was well , as all their constituents would then be represented . Mr . Stallwood then ably defended the principles of total abstinence . Mr . Campbell would never allow his conduct to be regulated by the opinions of any body of men .. If they passed this resolution be should not feel bound to adopt it . ' - ¦ : ' . ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ - '¦ ¦ : ' , . ¦ ¦ . ¦ : ¦ ¦ ¦¦
Mr . Harrison had two bodies whom he represented , the one teetotal the . other not , but they were both good Chartists . His own opinion was against the motion . ¦ . ¦ Mr . Mason was willing to adopt any line of conduct which would give a high moral tone to society . He was feaiful that ,, they would be laying themselves open to the charge of" sedition , if they recommended the non enlistment proposition . The foreign policy of the Government was such that they would immediately pounce upon any body of men who attempted to deprive
them of the means of raising soldiers , and also they would look with an eye of suspicion upon those who , in addition to . this , recommended them to refrain from exciseable articles and thus cripple their funds . It would be raising up a new standard of Chaitism which would involve , them in difficulties he likewise hoped thoy would not lay down any line of conduct which they were not certain would be carried into effect He thought it bad policy to lay down any plan which they were not certain would be very generally adopted .
Mr . Woodward was opposed to the motion . The mnjority of the Chartists of Brighton were not teetotallers , but he would not aj low it to be asserted that they were not as good Chartists as any body of men . He could state the good effect which they had produced in his neighbourhood by recommending the plan of non-enlistment ; but if it interfered with the law they would bo Wrong in recommending it . Mr . Powell thought if this motion was carried into effect , it would be raising up a spirit of despotism—a feeling towards which was already too prevalent in some parts of the country . Mr . Pitkethly could not support the motion , much as he approved ef the principle of sobriety . If , at a future time , it conld bo shewn that it would advance the cause , then he might be inclined to support the plan .
Mr . Bairstow moved that the consideration be postponed sine die . Mr . M'D < uallseconded the motion . M r . Leach stated that at the first Manchester delegate meeting a similar plan had been _ brought forward , ' and he had then been told that he was not a good Chartist because he had opposed it . He had since seen those men so drunk that they had run their heads against a lamp-post This savoured somewhat of inconsistency . He thought that if they passed it , no good would be effected : the Cbartist bouy would still take a glass of ale if tbey thought fit .: He as an individual should not feel himself bound by it , even if they passed the resolution . A Paine and a Washington , and other great men , who would be immortalised by their actions , had been none the worse inen for takiag a small quantity of drink . He thought that the principles of Chartism were of sufficient weight and foree , without mixing them up with any other question whatever .
¦ Mr . Doyle ; , in a humourous speech , oppossd the resolution . Mr . O'Connor withdrew his amendment Mr . Philp , in an eloquent manner , replied . It was not for the purpose of raising up any new test for Cbartism ; it was only for the purpose of giving a high moral tone to the people ; it would give them a wish for intellectual pursuitsr ; it would teach them to think ; &n <\ if rec # gniztrt by Buch ani important body as this Convention , it would greatly tend to promote its adop tion . It had been said that Sir Robert Peel would pounce upon them if they adopted thia resolution . He
wits rather surprised to hear this from men who had weathered the buttle and the breeze . He thought that the Whigs had so far proved the inefficiency of imprisonment , that it would not again be adopted . They had by those trials spread far and wide the principles of Chartism , and he knew that , if necessary , they would again dare all that a government could do against them . Mr . Philp then stated / that seeing the names of Messrs . Leach and Bairstow attached to a paper as pledged teetotallers , he trusted they would support the resolution .: ¦ -.. 1 " - ' -, . ¦ . - ' ¦¦ ¦ . '" ' . : ¦' . ¦ .-.:. ¦ . ¦ ¦¦ : ¦; : . ¦ : ; ¦; . ¦ . - Mr . Leach explained that his name was a forgery .
Mr . Bairstow stated that his name had been sent by a teetotaller , without his consent . ^ Mr . Bairstow ' a amendment was then put , and seven persons voted for it . ~ Mr . Whites motion , that the subject be adjourned until after the presentation of the Petition , received nine voteE . ¦ The resolution was then put , and five persona voted for it , and . sixteen -. against it . The subj-ct was , according to this decision , deferred until after the presentation of the Petition .
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A deputation from the Tower Hamlets was then received .: - - ' . ¦'¦' ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ' ¦ -. •"' :. ' ¦ . ¦"'¦ - - - ' ¦ ¦ - "'• " . ' ¦ " Mi . Treadwell having explained their -views to the Convention , : ftlr . O'Connor moved a vote of thanks to the deputationi and that the subject be referred to the agitation committee . ; Mr . Powell seconded the motion . Mr . Stallwood moved that the Convention recommend the formation of Chartist Registration Societies throughout England , Ireland , Scotland , and Wales * for the purpose of placing all persons holding our opinions on : the borough and county registries , with the view of returning as many Chartists as possible to the next Parliament . Mr . White seconded the motioD . He was In favour of either having ia sure friend or an open foe ; and not a quantity of fca . f and half men , like Messrs . Warburton , Hume , and Ci * . ¦ - '¦' ,: :
Mr . Pitk 6 thly perfectly agreed with the resolution , but they had failed in carrying it out at the last election , and he was fearful they would now . Public opinion bad not progressed much during that period . Mr . Woodward supported the motion , and showed the good effect it had produced in Brighton . Mr , O'Connor thought the present a very important motion ; they might date their present position from their conduct at the las ^ election . He agreed with Mr . Stallwood that thirty , twenty , or twelve persons in the House of Comjiions , -and backed by the pressure from wlth'jut , would do much to gain the Charter There was but two ways of acting upon the Government—by moral and by physical force— -they had denounced physical force , and determined to carry it
by : moral means . He believed that notwithstanding the maiiner in which they had been denounced , that they were the true safety valve , of the nation , TLie strength of the people should always be directed against the party in power—their battle must now be directed against the party in power . He thought that new they ¦ were in a much better position as regarded organisation than they : ever had been preyiouRly . Ireland , as at present situated , would be an efficient ally toAtheinv There was not a Repealer in Ireland who was not a Chartist ; aiid they . would sooner unite with them than with the Tories . It was the opinion of some that it was necessary to have upwards of . half the House in their favour to constitute a majority . If thirty Chartis | 8 were in that House , and banded firmly together , they could so paralyze the government that it would be impossible for the business to be transacted . If the fbrty-twb Repealers bad remaine < i firmly banded together they would long ere now have placed that
question iu a prominent position . They should always look to their locai position . Government might be considered as a wheel witbin a wheel ; They must look to the machinery of the corporate bodies , and they w « uld find that the Whigs would sooner coalesce with them than with the Tories . Once get possession of this machinery , and they would then be able to influence the jurymen and the magistrates . They woiild not then be enabled , as they had done previously , to call out the militia , and to imprison and convict you frpm tbe jurybox . They would theiv be enabled to make a general attack upon the citadel of corruption . ; We : recognise no difference between Whites or Tories , but between them and the Chartists . They were now bound to make th , eir grand attack upon the Tories , as they were the party who now occupied tbe garrison of corruption . If they carried out this plan , instead of being compelled to attack the enemy in an undisciplined stae , they would be able to attack them , well diseiplineii and marshalled , and then they would be certain of
success . Mr . Biirstow seconded , the motion ; he thought that if carried out , even by the present limited constituencies , they would be able to return thirty or forfcy Chartist members to the House of Common * . Mr Thomasou thought with Mr , O'Connor , that if they intended to carry out toe object , they ought to array themselves in an organized form j if they had been fully organized they would have been enabled to place themselves in a much higher position at the last election , and yet , ; vt the last election , he believed , they hail done greater good to the cause than they would by two years of agitation . If the Convention decided upon this step , they had many honest electors who would come forward and support them , and they would be enabled to return men of their own ranks , who would devote their talents to the cause of the people ¦¦ ' -..
Dr . M'Dv-uall admired the spirit of the resolution ; but after they had formed these Electoral Committees they must le \ ve it entirely to their own judgment , and not trammel them with any : recommendations as to whether tbey should coalesce with Whig or Tory . If bo again stood for Northampton , as most probably be should , he should stand on Chartist principles alone , discarding both Whig and Tory ; and from the manner in which their representatives aa ? i . acted , and from Peel's tariff scheme , he had no doubt he would be supported by the great majority of the Northampton tradesmen . The motion was eventually deferred until after the presentation of the National Petition . Mr . O'Connor stated that he received a letter from Loughrea , ( the place which could no where be . found in the map , ) and they stated that their petition wasaigned by 600 persons .
Mr . Pitfcetbly presented a petition from Hull with 7 , 400 signatures , fie requested that the report of Hebden Bridge signatures should be corrected . It stated in the Star 3 , 400 signatures ; it it had onght to have been 5 , 400 . Mr . Moir reported tiiat he had had an interview with Mr . Denistown , M . P . for Glasgow , but could get no satis f actory answer from him as to whether he would support the National Petition . He stated that he had no objection to every man having a vote , but those who possessed property should be entitled to more than one vote . , ¦ A tetter was received by Mr . Morgan Williams , from Wales , with an inclosurefor the use of the Convention , on the condition tuat not one -farthing , should go to any one . who wis not a whole- hog Chartist . Mr . Betsley moved the following resolution : —
" That the Convention recommends to the country the necessity of bringing forward Cbartist candidates at the next general election ; and if there is no possibility of carrying them by votes , that they be carried by a show of hands ; and that they take their seats' in the House of Commons , and only be ejected from there by forc « . . : ¦ ¦ . . ' . ''¦ - ¦ . ' ¦ ¦' ' ., ¦ ¦ " . ;¦ ¦ ¦ '¦ ¦ . . - Mr . Beesley ably supported this motion . Let them take their seats in that House , and let them be ejected by force ; and if tbey thiught proper , carried to the Tower ; they would then set * whether the people would allow them to be quietly in prison . It was useless td carry their candidates by a show cf bands , unless they were prepared to go farther . If they did this , they would place the Government in a very awkward position ; they weuld then see that the men were determined upon attaining their rights , and they , as leaiteK , would know who they . could rely upon . :
Mr . Kidley seconded the motion , he thought it idle to have anymore child ' a play , petitioning was a mere farce —( "No ")—; i person said ho , it was useful for creating public opinion , but it was a mere farce upon the part of the Government ; thia would be a test whether they were longer determined to be contented slaves , or whether they were determined to be free ; it would show whether the Government would longer be allowed to ride rough : shod over tiiem ; be expected they would have to emlure prosecution and persdution for the principles he advocated . Mr . White entirely agreed in the spirit of the resolution , but thought it best to postpone it until after the presentation of she petition .
Mr . O'Connor entirely agreed with the resolution ; It was necessary that they should adopt this species of passive resistance , it might appear a wild scheme to some , but he hati spent sixteen months in a stone cell , and he was not daunted , but would for one carry it out even at tbe risk cf again meeting that fate ; there was no prospect of their being ejected from that House ; for they would never be able to obtain admission , but he trusted Mr . Beesley would postpone his motion , and after the fate of the petition had been decided he should be happy to support it . Mr . Beesley then withdrew his motion . Several notices of motions were given , and the Convention adjourned .
Tuesday , April 2 Q . Mr . Duncan in the chair , Mr . Leach in the vice chair . Present : —Messrs . Beesley , M'Pherson , Harrison , Bairstow , Thoniason , Powell , Ridley , Roberts , Leach , Doyle , J ^ hilp , Williams , Mason , Moir , White , Woodward , O'Connor , Campbell , Pitiethly , and Duucan . Minutes read and confirmed . Mr . Thomason reported tnat he had attended a trade meeting , and they were unanimous in coming out to support the procession . ¦ Mr . Bairstow reported that he had attended a large and enthusastic meeting en Stepney-Green .
Mr . Philp wished to have a mistake corrected which occurred in the report of his speecn in the Northern Spar . It appeared from the statement in thin journal , that be asserted that divisions existed in the Deverilis he bad stated that the greatest unanimity prevailed in those villages , and that they were more united than the older towns in the association . The " reporter asserted that ne still believed the report in the Star to be correct . - .. . ' :-. ' / ' ' . '¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ . /¦ ¦¦ - ¦¦ " ¦'" . ¦ ¦¦¦'¦ . ¦ Mr . Ridley affirmed the same . Mr . 6 Connor stated that an error might easily occur . Mr . Roberts bore testimony to the general correctness and fairness of the London reporter to the Star .
A deputation was heard from the locality of Stepney Green , reapeciing the attendance of deiegates at public meetinga , whicb gave rise to considerable discussion . The deputation also requested the Convention , according to a suggestion thrown out by them , that they would take means to procure banners for the ensuing procession . -: . ' •; . - ' ; '' .. : ' ¦ ' .- .. '¦ . - ' ¦ ¦ -.. -. '¦' . ¦' .: ¦ The thanks of the Convention was then given to the deputation . ; ¦ Mr . White reported that he had attended a meeting of shoemakets at the Pitt ' s Head , Old Bailey , and was favourably received . Mr . Woodward reported that he had attended a meeting of shoemakers , at the Golden LioDi and that they were Unanimous in joining tbe proce > si 6 n , and gave orders to their Secretary to warn al their body to attend . ' - . - ,.. , ' ' .- ¦ - . : - : - ¦ : ¦ ' ¦ Mr . Maaon reported in a a ' milar nanner from a body of joiners
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Mr . Doyle gave a satisfactory report from a body oi bricklayers they intended to form a Chartist locality . A considerable number of sheets of petitions wet s received from various places , but we did not ascertain their correct number . .: ¦ ; A petition was presented by Mr . Stallwood frora ( rreafc Marlow , containing 400 signatures . Mr . White stated that he had received accounts that the people around Stpurbridge were going in masses of twenty or thirty , taking- food where they could find ifc , aiid that they werei in the greatest diatres ? . -
Petitions were presented from Liverpool , with 32 ; 000 signatures ; from Cheltenham , Wplverhainpton , Duufermline , Staleybrldge , CirenceBter , Darlington , Bingley / Watton-under-Edge , Bury , Bradford , Newcastle-under-Lyne ; Norwich , l . ondori , Harleston , Bury St Edmonds , Bath , Woolwich , and various other places , from tbe agriculturists of the North and East Riding ef Yorkshire , with 14 . 840 signatures Northampton 2 500 ; Kettering 2 066 ; Davontry 1 , 052 j Oundle 350 ; Long Buckby 800 ; Eye 200 Pifcford 400 . ¦ ; '¦'¦¦ ,. ' ¦ . •¦ ; : ;¦; '¦ . ¦ ' : ' .- \ - ;; ¦ . ; ' . ' ¦; " . . ; : ; - . ] - - ! r " ; .: . ' ¦ Mr . O'Connor read a letter respecting the East and North Riding of Yorkshire , explaining the separate districts , and stating the petitions Came from places where no signatures bad previously been obtained . Mr . Mason read a letter from the Council at
Coventry stating that they felt greatly dissatisfied with the statement made by Mr . Mason , that the men of Coventry were desirous to ¦ ft . ect him as a delegate to the Sturge Conference . The letter was directed , to the' secretary of the Convention . They were desirous for hini to call upou Mr . Mason to state the names of the parties who . had been desirous of electing him , as no such subject was ever , brought before them . Mr . Masun explained in connection witU that letter that he had been in conversation with six of the most inflaen-:
tial persons in Coventry : he could , if necessary , state their uames ; but he would simply state'that they considered it would be no violation . of principle ; but that , by attending at that Conference they would be enabled to effect much good , He thought there could be no violation of duty in so doing ; they hart elected six men in Birmingnam for' a similar purpose . The reporter would rhost probably 3 tate to : the country , this explanation . Ho had not been invited to attend the Conference by a public meeting or by the Council of Cbvemry . r ; : . .. ; ;
Letters were read from Salfordj expressing a desire that they should procure copies of the People ' s Charter , and furnish tbe members of Parliament with themy that they might not be ab \ e to plead ignorance of what the Charter really was . Also from Bradford , stating , that they had sent the petition sheets to Mr . Duncombe ; and likewise stating that theWhigs in the town had now deserted Mr . Sturge on the plea that he went teo far for them ; that the Chartists were determined upon adhering to their principles , and standing by the Charter name and all . Also from Newton , enclosing £ 1 for the use of the Convention ; and from pewsbnry , enclosing £ 2 . - , > -
Letters were , read : from Yprkshire showing that the greatest fxcitenient prevailed , owing to a report that Government intend interfering with the Convention ; from Rippohdale requesting information respecting the bill-poster who had been arrested and fined for posting Chartist bills , andwishing , to know ¦ whether he was the only victim ; from Nottingham , stating ; that they had divided the town into twelve districts , and were pro > curing signatures to a requisition of' electors calling upon the Members for the borough to support Mr . Duncombe's motion , that a deputation froin the working classes be heard : at the . bar of the House of Commons :
from Worcester , st tting that they had forwarded their petition to London ; from Ashtpn , stating that the Rev . Mr . Stephens had been grossly libelling them , and that they appointed a deputation to wait upon him respecting she calumnies in the Manchester and Satford Adver-User—be avowed being the author , of them , and said if ¦ th ey wanted their principles ridiculed , he could do it for them : he also stated in his sernion , that if the holding up of hia little finger would obtain the Charter he would not do it : the Convention , he asserted , was not composed of working men ; and that these statements of Mr . Stephens had doue them great injury in the obtaining of signatures . : ]
A petition was received from Mr . John Hinrtcs , of Shoreham : stating that owing to his having taken the chair at a Chartist meeting , which was conducted with the greatest decorum , he [ had been deprived of a pension , which he had well earned in facing the battle and the breeze . He had appiied to the Lords of the Admirally on this subject , but had received an answer from tbe secretary that be was not a fit- ' . perion' to receive a government pension . He had presented a petition to Parliament on the subject , but it had been laid on the table , and no notice taken of it . He had a wife and nin 6 children , and was entirely deprived of procuring a livelihood for them . He hoped the Convention would enter into a subscription for the purpose of procuring him the means of purchasing a boat , nets , &c , that he misht , by this method , gain a living .
Mr . O Connor moved the following resolution , "That the Convention lake into consideration the best : means for protecting labour against those employers who apply it to artificial productien , and for ensuring to the working classes a supply of all the necessaries of lifej independent of foreign countries or mercantile speculation . " He did not wish to infringe upon the rule laid down with regard to the length of time allowed to speakers When they thought he was infringing on their time , he hoped they wpulri call him to time . He thought that the motion was one Of great importance , and that at this period it waa taore than ever necessary . The Charter was a new system of government . It Was nectB sary te secure the continued approbation of the public that they should produce before them , in a tarigibla
shape , the benefits to be derived from the adoption of the Charter . The public mind was now prepared for gteat changes ; the Charter would be the means of giving them a power of increading the productive resources of the empire ; and secondly , the Charter would give them the means of more equitably distributing that weulth ; The representation of the country as at present constitued , waa a : mere-nullity ; ¦' .. it was confined almost exclusively to the landed proprietors . The feudal system was still practically carried into effect in the laws of the country ; he considered the land to be the raw material of England ; they had often been told that the land ef Eagland was not sufficient to afford the means of subsistence to its population ; but he could show to that Convention , and
through them to the'country , that the land of this country was aufficienfc to support in presperity one hundred millions of inhabitants ; and here he could not help adverting to the Com Law Repealers ; their plan was a bad substitute for the removal of all restrictions on the land . The country had been divided into two great parties , the landholders and the newly sprung up manufacturing interest . Tbe manufacturersi in the large towns had combined , add , by the aid of money , had obtained a toleration , and now they : were struggling for the ascendency . They united all their forces for the attainment of the Reform Bill , and , aided by the masses , they produced such a pressure from , without as enabled ; them to carry : that measure ; but it had bsen useless tb the great mass of the people ; and
would continue to be so unless they removed all restrictions on the cultivation of the land , let them consider the number of acres in Qreat Britain , and ask themselves why they should be dependant npon other couiuries for a supply of food ? This was the most fertile country in the world , and yet we were by these restrictions compelled to purchase food from foreign lands . In the Celestial Empire ( China ) , with its immense population , they had for the last fifteen years , oaly six millions of acres of ground in Cultivation for grain ; there the Princes of the land , the Nobles of the country were engaged in the pursuit of agriculture They considered this occupation as one of the most honourable to which the labour and the mind of man could be devoted . Lord Monteagle , the other night in
the House of Lords , dilated on the old exploded doctrine of fcbe political ecpnomists , that our population pressed upon the means of subaisteuce ; never was there a completer fallacy uttered ; it was the restrictions upon land ; it was the old feudal power which landlords possessed over tenants ; it was the pewer of distress which they possessed , and the System of granting leases which pressed hardly on the means of subsistence , and not the incapability of the land toproduce a sufflcieney of food . Lord Mohteagla stated that it was the increase of our population which caused us to be dependent on other nations for a supply of corn . Within the last fifteen years , our population hadic creased two . millions , yet the same restriction as ever was . imposed upon the land . It had been the custom
when a tenant rented a firm , that b ? Was bound by the lease only to break up two acr s , the remainder was to be laid down in grass which he considered only to be the chief weed of creation ; if this restriction was adequate to the production of a tufiiciency of food at that period , it was net so at the present period ; suppose for instance that America , with a population of seventeen millions / passed a law prohibiting the fcxportation of foreign grain they would only break up such a quantity of iand for the growth of wheat as would be sufficient fjr their present population , but if the population of America increased to one hundred millions of the inhabitanta , the demand would consequently be greater ; and if their laws prohibited the breaking up of more land , they would be placed in a similar situation ta ourselves . They couW not interfere with the power of machinery , every man was affected by ita working ; if it displaced manufacturing labourers in the countryj . they immediately worked their way up to
London , and thus created a surplus population for the masters to fall back upon . They were not aiming for therestriction of machinery , it would be a violation of reaaon and of justice if they did so . The hud was the only reaource the working man had capital sufficient to ' ehjsage in profitably working upon it himselt It had heen stated that they were employing their energies on the waste lands of the country ; this waa not correct . He considered the waste land te be the cold meat in the larder , which might be left in reserve for a century to come . The lands already in cultivation would be amply sufficient for our population , if cultivated , in an improved manner ; they might be breught ^ to a degree of fertility equal in comparison to the finest linen over the undressed fldX . The land waa not cultivated to one-fifth of its power ef production . Land was the only raw material which appeared from their conduct not to be worthy of an improved cultivation , and yet this was the only ra « material on which they could rely for all the necessaries ( Continued in our fifth page . )
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6 THE NORTHERN STAR . - \ . .. ., - . .. " ,, " , .- . ' ; . : .. ; .: . ^ /"; . ; - ;/ . : - ; . ; -. ;¦ _ . . ¦ . . . _ - _ ——— —^ — —— : — ¦¦ ' - . - — ' . ""' . ¦ i ' . ¦¦ ¦ . . i - ¦ - . ' . ¦ ' ' . . i . ¦ , . - - i - . '"'" ' ' ¦ - ' ' - •¦¦¦• ¦¦ - ¦ .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 30, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1159/page/6/
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