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NATIONAL CONVENTION . Tuesday , May 3 . Mr . Duncan in the chair , Hi . leach In the vice chair . Minutes Tead and confirmed . Mr . M'Pherson , brought forward the folio-wing motion : — " That the ConTention take into consideration the best means of securing to the-working classes the full benefit resulting from their oirn labour , " and supported it in an able address in which he recommended co-operative policy . Mr . Feargus O'Connor secoHded the motion . Wi .- Woodward moved an amendment to the effect th » t the Convention should give no recommendation on the subject , but leave to tha judgment of the working ^ pb to take such steps as they may deem most proper fe , relieve their secial condition .
Mr . Bsrtlett seconded the amendment Messrs . Moir , and Thomason , ably sup ' ^ xxtsd the motion . » Mr . Leach -was opposed to the motion . . He thought ifc was calculated to divid&and distract . -ftjeSr attention . He thought the people were somewr ^ ^ ^ coition of the lion ' s provider ; they would . on ] y ^ allowed to procure a subsistence on condition that the greater portion of it went to the lion . To some of his constituents ibe mention of paying sixpence a-week to a co-operative society , was slmost an insult , they could scarcely procure food . Other members then addressed tha Convention .
Mr . M'Paersoa replied , and tbe metion was then j carr ied . ¦ Mr . Taomason moved a resolution , I " TZat in order to avoid ttre denunciations that bad j take * place , that a committee be appointed from England and from Scotland , independent of the Execu- 1 tiv * . to which all disputes shcnld be referred , " H- did not ^ brin ? forward this motion to screen or to attack any patty , but simply to do away with what ^ L . jh J 9 ^^ , ^ T" *\ a fun M . A *\ t hn t rt ¦ « i ¦ r- < a «« '&TX _ l * . J& ahhm ^ £ Z * 1 bad been the of great divisionThese denuncia
^ **^** . * cause . - ] tions had been the cause of driving many good men j from the ranks . They had made them the sport and ridicule of their enemies . If they did not take some j such steps they might continue to agitate the country I for twe ntj five years without any effect—their strength j ¦ would be wasted and lost . His object was to create j union and good feeling . I Feargus O'Connor seconded it with pleasure ; he j thought it necessary , for his own protection , as well as j for that of otfeer men . He hoped they would conduct , this discussion in a mild , temperate manner . He j believed the motion might have originated in the ' wounded feelings of Mr . Thomason ; he was the only man who coold say , with any shadow of truth , that he i
had ever been denounced , by himself . In connection with the . Scottish Convention , be certainly disapproved of Hr . Thomason ' s conduct , and wrote a letter to his constituents to that effec '; and he had since been told , by Mr . Thomason , that he was right in his views on that subject , and that the parties with whom he had beea acting were endeavouring to thwart the object the Chartists had in view . He had not been seven times in Leeds , since he had been liberated from York Csstle He had expended every farthing of profit , which he derived from his paper , in promoting the good of the cause . The denunciations complained of were not connected with the Editor or Proprietor of the Star ; but ¦ were resolutions carried at public meetings , and when at times they had been withheld by the Editor , he bad
received letter after letter complaining of it , and demanding their insertion . During the whole time he had been connected with the agitation , he had never denounced any single individual , while the last five years of his life bad been taken up in defending himself . All the vices of the Northern Star had been selected for observation ; but not one word was stated of the good it had produced . ( Hear , hear , and loud cheers . ) He was anxious that a tribunal should be formed to which all should be amenable ; he asked this as much for himself as for others . For years before he was connected with the Siar , he had advocated a censorship of the press , but he could not allew himself to be trodden under foot . It appeared that some parties wished Feargus O'Connor to stand with his
hands bound behind , a cock-shy for every one who thougbtproper to attack him . If anything whatever appeared in any paper or from any person , reflecting upon hi 3 character , it was immediately said , what a slap Feargus has got ; but if he attempted to say a word in reply they immediately cried out " what a shame , how wrong it was to denounce : " The Editer of the Northern Star , had perhaps more io endure thxn any other editor of a newspaper . The obloquy to whieh he was exposed , was almost unknown . His great strength arose from a knowledge of his own weakness —from knowing his friends from his enemies . Every man was liable to error of judgment ; but when he knew that he was following the straightforward path of principle he cared -not for all the obloquy which might be thrown upon him ; he would allow it all to
pass as the idle wind which he regarded not The leaders ef the people now present had quick ears and quick eyes , and be would defy any one of them to point out a time when he had attempted to denounce the chalaster of any leader of the people , though he himself had been denounced to his heart ' s content If ever he heard a leader of the people denounced , he had always supported him , in fact be had been blamed for giving men too good a character . He was willing , if such a tribunal as the motion proposed was creattd , to bow entirely to its decision ; if be had wounded the feelings of any man , it was unintentionally ; though be had never attempted to fritter away any man's character 4 but he found that the same conduct had not been pursued towards himself , but he was willing to waive every subject < if contention to promote union among the advocates of the cause .
Mr . Roberts said it was with much diffidence that he gave his opinion upon this subject He agreed with Mr . Tiomasoa that these denunciations were one of the most fruitful sources of- disunion which it was possible to conceive of . All seemed to be well aware of the evil , but the main -question was how to get rid of the evO . He could not agree with the motion to submit his character to the decision of any Committee ; he preferred to have the public at large for a Jury . That was a far better tribunal than any Committee that could be appointed , as that Committee must be of necessity formed from a section of the Chartist body . If a psblic metting decided wrong , there was rare to be a
reaction ; but if a Committee once decided wrong , they were almost sure to abide by that decision . He had , as an individual , experienced the benefit of appealing to the public In Bath and Bristol himself and Vincent had been calumniated and denounced , but thty had found that a public meeting was always ready to do justice to them ; and here he could not avoid paying a high tribute to the talent .- integrity , and manly conduct of Henry Yirctnt , and he could not avoid notxirzthat being in conversation with a Chartist of Bath , who expressed strong opinions against Tu : c = ct . O'Brien , and oibtrs attending the BimiiEeham Coi-i-reiice , he stated tbry were deserving a vote of censure be asked him if Vincent and
O'Brien were to "brisg over the "whole of t ! -e Conference to the C art = r , what be wouM then say ? He immecisrejj replied , they wonid then be woriLy of s vote of confidence So it appeared that v- tea o : censure or ccaSdexee were to be passed not according to the principle contained in them , bnt according to the success -srhich attended them : fur his own part he cartrd nothing fur denunciation ; he hid received far Eiore letters ef friendship and marks of confidence since he had reen der ^/ trcced than at any previous period . TTfcen asiB -was ncfairiy attacked , a re-acticr ) ai-srsTs solicited truth ; and if a man was provd to have acted-wt .. ^^ , jt was Tell ; if not , he had a fair oppcrtmnty oi txi ' irAEiiu himself . It was net the b ^ r « i doi-e to hinucif as an in Jivio . ual which he found f ^ ui . with , but the iDJury it had duce the cause with the
pn > n ; . He "was ~ r , x-ous top ' i 3 &e Chartism on as bread a b ^ sis as pc-ssio . e . it was for this reason he opp « . s * i 3 Ir . Thi ] p " s mo'S ? n on" teetotslism ; and for the same reason i ~ opposed the cpu-Zintment of this committ-.-e . ilr . Jt / DL-rrs then inauiged in some p-e-asant raillery on an eiciession of Mr . Bairstow ' s in the Cuynmonsict-Mih respecting eteruty's last bell having tolled ere Mr . O'Connor's fame wtnld be forgotten , which elie ! te < l tremendous laughter . lie was of opinion that eo mm had done more for the movement than Mr . O'Connor ; but such wholesale adulation was calculated to turn the head of any man ; vnd Mr . O'Connor must haTs been almost mere than man , if he was not affected by it He ¦ wished tuem to take a more txcended view of public afiiirs ; to ore : look the petty jra ! ousies which disnnittvi and divided them . He was epposed to a committee , bec . uie he thought the public a far more perfect iribuE&i .
Mr . O'Srlen concurred with Mr . Roberts , that a committee vrtis n-, t a competent tribunal for the decision of a snlject like the uresent He thought that in the present diTi-Jrd state * of cur organisation it would be impossiUe to shut the influence of faction cnt of a coniniittee . He tad d 7 a"m ud a resolution "whi' -h he thought would meet the case ; it was a resolution which , ro honest th-. t ) could disapprove of ; and he trnsted that the Convention would unanimonsiy arree to it ; 5 t yrzs as iVJows : — " That this Convention deem it abselutely essential to the snectss « . f the CLsitis : movement and to the safety of ail who take 2 . prominent part in it , that no pubiic men connect ^ with our cause should be
denormeed in any assen > b ' . y of the people , or in any newspaper supposed to bs in the interests of the people , until after the party acainst whom the denunciations ffiay be levelled * has been fully heard in bis own defence in tie presence cf the assembly , or through the colamiis of the newspaper which would denounce him , and furthermore this Convention records its solemn determination , collectively and indiviou'Jly , to treat all denunciations as calumnies and misrepresentations against the parties who may be the objects of them , unless the denunciators shall have pr ^ viouly invited or brcaght the denounced parties in presence of the public , so that a fair hearing of "both sides maj take place , —the public as jurymen , —before any public censure is awarded . "
He would not leave his character in the hinds of any committee : be held it that no man ' s character should be taken atray on the ea-parte statement of a newspaper . He was not opposed to the comments of any editor cf a netrEj-aper on his speeches , or even his imputed speeches , provided he was allow&d a fair opportunity of replying , but such comments should always
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be conditional—they should commence with an if . If Mr . O'Brien , if Mr . Vincent said s ^ and in the ' ease ft a well-known public man , it w ouid be but courtaouB to state , that from the weil- ^ noWn character of the man , they should hesitate t ^ believe until they had further evidence . If Borr , e st € p oI u ^ description was not adopted , no rr ^ . a priTafce or pubUc character would be Bale . He j ^ hel d the opinion that no matters gleaned > priTate society ahould be made " ^ k ™ t publ ic denunciation . They had an instance of tha ill er : ^ of thia in the present Convention . If tae Present system of denunciation was carried on it wou . a oe impoasiblfl to maintain theii existence as a P « y % In every town In the kingdom , they would be Dr - * fcn into parties and sections if one man denounced
! * B $ lher . He also was marked out for vengeance ; and eothing , could be more easy than to invent private conversations , and publish them to the world as matters of public importance . If he committed himself as a public man he was willing to be judged by the public ; but it' usually happened that the denunciations were got up by private coteries of individuals , posted off to the newspapers , and were spread on the wings of the press to the whole of the kingdom . ( Cries of hear , hear , hear . ) He could not avoid alluding to the reports given in a certain newspaper respecting his conduct at the Birmingham Conference . From that report they would believe he was a regular Sturgite ; that he was one of tho devils of the Conference ; that the Sturgite party were a regular set of knaves ; and that the five Bradford men were the enly honest men in the . Conferenoe . To this there was no exception—ail were humbugs and devils of the Corference save these five honest Bradford men . Hints were even thrown
out respecting their independence ; insinuations were given respecting soup ticketa , The fire Bradford meD , who scarce opened their mouths during the whole sitting of the Conference , were held up as the only pure and immaculate men . Now he hoped they would allow him to explain his conduct , and he could assure them that he was never in Joseph Sturge's house in his life ; that he never spoke to him save in the Conference on publicbasiness ; and that he never tasted his soup while he was In Birmingham , while the five independent Bradford men lived on Sturge ' s soup during the whole of the time they were in Birmingham . The part that himself and the other Chartist delegates to « k in the Conference had been unfairly represented in the Star . From the reports in that paper they would suppose that he had re ^ uiarlj flammuxdd Vheui ; that he had regularly humbugged the Chartist body ; that he was willing to change the name and to abandon the interest of the body he had eo long acted with . Ha could solemnly assure them that no proposition had ever been made for them to change their name . No man had ever dared to bring forward such a proposition ; they did net in his presence , and he believed , he was sure , they did not in
hi ^ abEence , Not a Charist deputy but would hav e felt himsslf inaulted by such a proposition . Even the middle class delecates , who were opposed to the name of the Charter had not dared to mention the subject of changing their name . The material which had furni .-hed certain parties with the means of propagating this delusion was , that certain middle class delegates expressed themselves pretty strongly against giving themselves the names of Chartists ; but the difference was only about the name . Many of the Conference deserved well of the Chartist body . The Rev . Mr . Sptnce , though opposed himself to being called s Cbartist , stated that nething would grieve him more than to see the Chartists abandon their name ; it would be weak and pusillanimous . He not only said this , but ho went still
further : _ he adviBed them not only to retain their name , but even their own organisation . But these middleclass men had many reasons for not publicly iupporting the Charter ; if they did , their names might perhaps hava shortly appeared in the Gazelle ; and thus , though they hesitated about it themselves , they were not opposed , to others bearing the name of Chartists . And when Mr . Lovett ' s resolution was brought forward , knowing that the matter was one of but little consequence , and seeing that , by styling themselves Chartists , they might icjure themselves among their middleclass constituencies , he thought their conduct was not so liable to blame ; but the Northern Star denounced the conduct of tbe whole of the delegates , with the exception of the five Bradford men , who lived upon Sturge's " soup .
The Chairman called Mr . O'Brien to order . To make such direct insinuations against persons not present to defend themselves , was low , mean , and contemptible . Mt . O'Brien—If there was anything mean or contemptible , it lay with those who originated the charge , and not with himself . With regard to the motion of Mr . Lovett , he believed that , though he did not move the amendment , yet he swayed the Committee , by his sdviee , to reject it . He cared nothing about their adopting the name . They only represented a small portion of the middle class ; whatever decision they came to was not to be taken as the decision of the middle class , but of them , as an individual body . They had agreed to the whole of the principles , and
therefore he advised them , as they bad no authority to give a name to their Association , that they should call another Conference , for the express purpose of deciding that question ; ai < d he hkd pledged himself , if living , to be there , and defend even the name of the Charter . Now , ' this was net the impression that bad been left upon their minds by the report they had received from a certain paper . He bad nothing more to do with Sturge or his Conference than the man of the moon : he was sent fcy Ms constituents to perform two express duties——first , to endeavour to get them , by the dint cf argument , to agree to the six poinis of the Charter , and , failing to do this , to protest against their acts being considered as the acts of the working classes give it as our deliberate opinion that the working
While he said this , he was not opposed to Mr- Sturge's plan , solang as they do not oppose us ; he was for perfect toleration to all persons—he held that they had no right to . interfere with them as a body , so long as they do cot interfere with ns , they have an equal right to form" an association as we have . They may gain a portion of the middle class to the standard of Chartism with whom we might have no influence . This was what he told them at the meeting at the Town Hall , Birmingham , the Whigs had made him such a devil , that thousands would come to hear Sturge , who would never come to hear him ( O'Brien ) and others of their party ; he there stated that owing to tnis circumstance , no inan was ever so fitted to head their movement as 3 Ir . Sturce ; this has been misrepresented , aa thoughhf
had saiii that no man was so fit to head our movement , and for this he had been styled a middle-class adulator ; O Brien an adulator of tbe middle class ! v ? hy , it came upon him like a thunder clap—like a shower bath . For ten years- had he denounced them as a class ; anl now beciuse he had expressed his admiration of the conduct of a few men , he was called an adulator of the middle class ; £ S well might Thomas Duncombe Le called to account" for the m i sconduct of every one of his electors as for him to be answerable for tha conduct of the wfcolu of the t ' tj-gates to the CoLfcreuce . Ha vras decidedly opposed to r . U denunciations . uo ' ces the man came baldly forward to a pub-ic rueetiEg tor the expressed purpose , or if denounced in a paper that he should be aiio ' ocd a fair ri 2 ht of repiy in the same eoiumns , not
th t he ahon ' id be condemned unheard ; debarred of the . right cfeitzjnship , of th&t righi which was extended «• - > tiie lowest eriniirals ; he did not blame any man for liifisrii . g in opinion from him ; heb-H ^ ved that in mary instances nine-tenths of the population differed frcm him inopinion ; but if the man denouncing him poss = i 5 rd jm organ of his own—if the statements in that organ were believed without the parties Icing Leard in their o-. Tii defence , then no man who was opposed by that organ , or by the parties conducting it vrere safe from Laving ti : eir charscU-rs frittered away . If private conversation "was to be maie the s ^' nject of public denunciation—if the statements made in that conversation ¦ ffer-d to be pfrverterl to any man ' s purpose—if ttatetiiert i in c- ' .-ntradictk-n vrtre denied insertion , thm this
btcanie an unbearable despotism , -n-hich it was every man ' s duty to put down . Is mattered not to him . that thtse dfer . unciavicns were said to be foun . led on a report in the Siatsiiian , that they were couched in honeyed language , that it vras given as a sur ; nise , that suspicion ¦ K ^ is -set t li ^ at , tbat charnoter vras traduced , wbi ; e tbe real author vras ailowed tD tsciipp . For five months had this fleeting spirit of division been fo > ic-mi in every tovfr . It had raised up tvro antagonistic parties . No sccner ' haa he arrived at a pine * than one party waited upon h ; ni to say tiit Mr . So-and- > -o was not to be trusted , he had this move or the other move . Scarcely ¦ were they gone ere the of her party c ^ rne , bidding him beTrare oi other parties : his answer haiinvariably been that he "Protiia hive EGttiir . g to do with either partv ,
end that if he could do the cause any service while in that town , let them bury their difference in oblivign , and assist Lim in iVjiuiZ it . He never aliotrtd any loader to" be fienourc-jii in his presence . In one place ho defended Vincent , in another O'Connor , and it was a CBT 10 U 3 fact that tbe nieetiug he attended at Birmingham ; at O'Xeil ' s chapel , La was actually put down for defending 0 'Coi . nor . He had attended tkera to see Mr . . Vincent wnd Mr . Ho . lis , of Cheltenham , on private business" connected with his paper , and being recognised ' the people they com polled him to speak , and he "was actually put down because he would not allow 0 Connor to be . called base . It was not from love to O'Connor that-he defended him , for he had no love only for the ( . theisKS , fcut from a feeling that such denunciations were injurious . He defended Vincant , as noble a little soul as ever breathed , against similar attacks . Tincent hid done mere good among the middle classes if Bristol than it vras possible for him or any other
man to do there ; let every man do the utmost good he could , and let him do it his own way . In the Town Hall of-Birmingham also , he had defended O'Connor ; be had defended him from that erratic friend of O'C&nnell's , Tom Steele ; no sooner did he get up to denounce 0 'Connor , than he stopped him . If a crisis vras to come and the Eame spirit to exist as at present , he trembled for the consequence . The worst scenes of past times would be re-enacted—the maa "who had worked hard in the cause , "whose heart had bled in its service , might be denounced , bis reputation , his very existence , destroyed by these vile means . It they looked back to past ages they wou'd find that the men who looked most to the interest of the people , were generally sacrificed fGr their zeal in their behalf . Socrates was compelled to £ rink hemlock ; and , to go to the highest authority , Christ . himself was sacrificed by those whose ii-terests he was endeavouring to promote . The scly way to put a check to this feeling was by adopting hi " , motion . L-. t bo newspaper dare to denounce a mop
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until a public meeting had been called , and he had met face to face with his accuser . Every man in that Convention was equally liable to have his character blasted and destroyed , unless such a step was adopted . He mentioned no newspaper in particular , bat applied to all in common . Mr . O'Connor stated that as his object was unanimity , if Mr . Thomason would withdraw Wb motion , he would second Mr . OBrieu ' s . This being acceded to , Mr . O'Connor stated that , in seconding tbfs resolution , he should make a few general remarks on what had fallen from Mr . O'Brien . Much had been said about the five Bradford delegates . He would appeal to Mr . Leach , and all who were present at Birmingham , that
they were not aware , until the Friday , that Mr . O'Brien was a delegate to the Conference . They believed that , like Steele , he was only a visitor . The Conference met on a Tuesday , the letter Mr . O'Brion complained of was written on the Wednesday , aad not knowing , until Friday , that O'Brien was a delegate , the praise awarded to tbe Bradford delegates in no way detracted from tbe merits of Mr . O'Brien , The delegates to their meeting , in calculating upen the number likely to vote upon certain questions , did not include Mr . O'Brien or Steele , believing them both to be visitors . Mr . O'Brien had attempted to saddle the onus of misrepresentation on the Siar , althongh he acknowledged that tbe report on which the remarks were made was taken from the
Statesman . Mr . O'Brien stated , that the question of the abandonment of their name was not mooted . Mr . O'Brien—not of the Chartists abandoning their name . Mr . O'Connor—Mr . O'Brien had attempted to shew that the Star had misrepresented his actions at the Conference . Surely the copying of articles from Newspapers specially reporting those meetiDgs , could not be misrepresentation . He agreed , with "Mr . O'Brien , that much mischief was done by cabal and private slander ; more than ever was done by public denunciation ; these
went forth to the world ; they were capable of being contradicted . No man bad been denounced , in secret , more than himself , and he could not avoid stating that , in almost every town he had visited , where O Brien had preceded him , he was asked what he thought of O'Brien ? On his expressing , as he invariably did , a favourable opinion , they informed him that O'Brien , in all his private conversations , was in the habit of assailing and denouncing him- Mr . Moir , and Mr . Bartlett , could bear witness , that both at Glasgow , and at Southampton , he had defended and praised Mr . O'Brien , and averred that no man in the movement had done more for the cause .
Mr . O'Brien hoped Mr . O'Connor wonld cease from praising him ; he only wanted him not to abuse him ; and to allow him the opportunity of stating a few facts in his paper to the public . He cared nothing for denunciation so long as the same medium was open to him to reply ; but he did complain that facts had been manufactured against him , and he had besn denied a reply . Mr . O'Connor sincerely regretted if he had in any way misconstrued the conduct ef Mr . O'Brien , or misrepresented his views—he had no intention of doing so ; but stili the fault lay with O'Brien . He had a week ' s notice that his conduct would be the subject of criticism . If he was so sensitive—and a public man had a right to be . so—be had ought to have immediately stated
that tbe report of bis conduct at the Conference was incorrect He ( Mr . O'C . ) had frequently taken pen in hand , iu the dead of night , to correot similar misrepresentations . No man—however high he might stand in tbe movement—should think himself above tbe necessity of contradicting misrepresentation . If be neglected to do so the onus fell on his own shoulders . He should deeply regret that any man was ever driven from their ranks . Mr . O'Brien was the last man in existence whom he would attempt to injure . He had an immense respect for him as a public man ; and , notwithstanding Mr . O'Brien did not like love , be bad a great affection for him as an individual , and he pledged himself , thai
whenever Mr . O'Brien wished or thought proper to write anything for the Siar , bo far as it was connected with the cause , or on matters of policy , it should alwayB have insertion . If Mr . O'Brien intended writing a letter to the Star , he would make no reply to it , unless it contained falsehoods . He trusted that all acrimonious feeling would cease . If any time had been misspent in this little difference , let them make up for it by a complete union . He would shake bands with Mr . O'Brien , bury the past in oblivion , and then they could get on , fighting side by side , the better for the future . He was willing to give to Mr . O'Brien the right hand of fellowship . '
Mr . O'Connor then gave his hand to Mr . O'Brien , which was accepted amid much cheering . Mr . O'Brien was willing to accept of this friendship on public grounds . If Mr . O'Connor would insert bis communication in the Siar , he was satisfied . Bat he must inform him that he had not had the liberty he could have wished in the past columns of the Star . All ho wished him to do was to send him back the blackguard letter , which the Editor would not insert , that he might show it to his friends , that they might be convinced it was not a blackguard one . It certainly contained some angry expressions , but what better cc uld they expect from him . He dia net care much for the rough style of Hill ; it was these smeoth men that he dreaded . Mr . O'Connor ' s last letter was
very clever , was written with great tact , and was calculated to do lira great injury . It would make persona believe while he was on terms of private friendship with Vincent and others , he was abusing them behind their back . It was a dreadfully smooth lett < : r . ( Laughter . ) Like the claws of the tiger , smooth as velvet , but the danger was still the same . All he hoped was that the Star would spare him that kindness , in future . He was bound to admit that whether , froni accident , 6 r from whatever cause , no man had done so much as Mr . O'Connor for the movement ; but though he looked upon him with admiration , be could not with love . Far from it But he would not put his private feelings in comparison with the public good ; but he must still impress upon them the necessity for his resolution . Within these few years , 40 , 600 persona from their ranks had been driven to
America ; three-fourths of the members of the last Convention had also chit fly , fey denunciations , been cemptlled to leave their . country , and that , too , chiefly caused by their own favourite journal ; and , unless this allowed them a reply , they were burked altogether , fjr no other journal inserted their proceedings ; or if it did , the same parties were not its readers . He should endeavour to forget the past , and in time peruaps hia admiration of O'Connor as a public man might merge into that affection for him as an Individual , which Mr . O Connor had so bountifully bestowed . He trusted that Mr . O'Connor would see that a full report was inserted in the Northern Star , which he slioulri take to be justification sufficient . We have omitted to Btate . that at the time Mr . O'Brien was expected to attend the meeting at Birmingham , for which his name was announced , business compelled him to be at Bristol . « w
Dr . M-D . iuali thought that they had met to perform-. a duty to the public and not to investigate private squabbk-s ; he thought it advisable to lay down a principle by which they should be guided , ond that those who would not abide by it could have no claim to itB protection . He should lay before them two resolutions embodying his opinions upon this subject . He had . seen the evils produced by denuciation in the eid Convention , and ever since the same feeling had existed . He did not think so liltta of himself as to be meanly jealous of other individuals ; they ought to throw overboard at this crisis every private feeling in favour of a grand Btruggie for the Charter ; if O'Connor or O'Brien were eternally to be the subject of dissention the movement wonld be better without them ; of their sincerity to the cause there could be no question , lut by this disunion cljey had injured the cause they had both at heart . He should move the following resolutions : —
" F : TStiy , that according to the trucjprincipk-s of dcmocracy 3 it is neither ju » t , necessary , nor aatV , to denou ce or condemn men ; but that it is perfectly consiiteiit with our ideas of liberty and justice , to criticise or condemn men ' s actions , recommendations , or measures . Secondly , that the only tribunal , judge , and jury , recognised or submitt-d by this Convention , are to be found in public assemblies called without charge , voting by Universal Suffrage , and before whom the . accuser au < i the accused shall star . d fac <; to face , and to both of whom the utmost liberty of tpeech must bu ; granted . " If they agreed to this resolution he should ¦ never fear to trust his character to & fairly called ass&iu- ; bly of his fellow conntryuu-ii ,
Mr . Staliwood seconded t ! ie amendment of D-. M'Bouall . He was sorry to differ from Mr . O'Brien , whom he respected as his political schoolmaster ; bat [ ho had too much respect for the liberty of the pre 93 to agTee to a resolution which iu bis opinion was a gag ( upon it . He thought public men were public property , i and that they must expect to have their conduct commented upon . All he claimed vtjs that they should be ullowed the right of repiy . He objected to that part of the resolut on which said " notice must be given in-some ; instances . If treachery was intended , a delay like this ; might Drove fatal . Mr . O'Brien had stated that 11 * one I ; I ; ;
had attempted at the Conference to change the name of the association , but he was sure that Mr . Spencer had moved and Mr . Vines seconded a motion to that effect , j and that Mr . Vines had on his return to Reading advised the Chartists of that place to change their name , i and join the Sturge Association . ( Mr . O'Briea stated j that it did not occur at the Conference . ) With regard j to the resolution before them , ho was opposed to fetter- , j ing ti-e press in any way or description . If they passed , that resolution of Mr . O'Brien ' s they woull be acting iu ' a most despotic manner . He trusted Mr . O'Brien would j withdraw his motion . : j i j j ¦ j
Mr . O'Brien said he would sooner have his hand ' cut off . ; Mr . Philp was glad to see that the . same unanimity j characterised this debate ,, as on the previous question ;¦ be had come to the Convection that morning with the intention of sayirg much more on the subject , but con- i sideringthe turn the debate had taken he agreed with , the resolutions of both Mr . O'Brien and Mr . M'DoualK j but thought that neither of them were sufficiently dafioitsi he should move as a rider the following reso- j Iution : — ; j j ; I I I
" It is the conviction of this Convention that in all matt ? rs upon which the opinions of the principals of the Chartist movement may differ , the people are the . ! best judges of right and wrong , and whilst every indi- vidual should be at liberty calmly to express his opinion j upon questions of principle or policy , no one has a
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ri £ ht to assume the © ffice of dictatior , and violently denounce those with whom he may disagree . " v Mr . M'Pherson seconded Mr . PQilp's amendment . In his opinion , the other resolutions had too great a tentency to trammel public opinion ; he was opposed to violent denudations , but if a person oontinned performing a succession of actions likely to injure the cause . He thought that such conduct ought to be denounced brthe public ; he did not see what result conld ensue from these resolutions , the denunciations generally arose from private raisanderstandiDM .
Mr . Lowrey thought that 1 neither resolatibh or amendment was sufficiently explicit , but that of Mr . O'Brien was , in his opinion , preferable . These denunciations generally arose from little knots ' of individuals and not from public assemblies ; he had known n * e individuals to pass votes of this description ; lie waa opposed to all denunciations , but he feared them not ; he had been denounced himself , but by firm conduct be had lived it down , and he believed that if a man acted openly and consistently , he never need fear the influence of any press ; he was opposed to a committee . He thought the public was the best jury for the trial of cases of this diBcri ptiob . ¦' ,
^ Mr . Bsesley—It appeared from the discussion that the majority of the country was quite opposed to these denunclatiopB ; for himself as an individual , he cared not for them , it had been stated that some of thei ? best men had been driven from the ranks owing to denunciation . He thought this must have been an error . He had not sought to ascend the pinnacle of fame . He was not anxious to be known out of his own district ; but he knew this , no man dared to denounce him in that district . He thought that the recommendation to the country would be sufficient to put a stop to tbe system . ' They had enough open foes , without commencing warfare with their friends .
Mr . White said he had heard a great deal respecting denunciation , but there were iiiany who wished to be thought Chartists who were not so in reality . If he thought a man was a shuffling fellow ; if he thought ho was going to make a bolt from their ranks , he would tell him so , if they called \ t denunciation . No man was more anxieus than hiriiself that the leaders of tbe people should stand firmly banded together . He should agree to Mr . O'Brien ' s resolution , bBlisying that it would protect them in the discharge of their duty . Mr . Bairstow stated that no person was ihore ready than himself to acknowledge when he was in error . He confessed that in the extract Mr . Roberts had read from a letter of his in the Commonwealthsinan , a statement that he had opposed the resolution , pledging
them to the name and , principles of the Charter , was liable to misconstruction . The letter alluded to was written during the continuance of the debate previously to Mr . Roberts withdrawing his opposition ; but if Mr * Roberta had read another letter in .. the ^ ame paper , he would have seen that he had made the ' . amend ? honourable , by stating that the greatest unanimity prevailed , and the resolution for the name and principles was carried unanimously . Mr . Bairstow then retaliated on Mr . Roberts fur the criticism he had indulged in hia language regarding the tolling of the eternity belL He was opposed to the denunciations which had taken
place . Much of it had arisen from private scandal . If they denounced the conduct of individuals without giving them a fair hearing , it was treating them worse than criminals . ; If a man waa denounced , he had a right to reply in the same channel . He thought that the Editor of the Star was far from being infallible ; but the Northern Star had been a good ftuvde to public opinion , and bod effected great good . With regard to denunciation , he had expirienped his share of it ; but he held it in most sovereign centeuipt He never feared any Editor or any papiT , so long as he . acted in a straightforward manner . He Bhquld support Dr . MDouall ' s motion .
The debate waa then adjourned to the ensuing morning . ' Mr . Morgan Williama read a letter referring to the Welsh victims , and likewise read a circular , which was to be addressed to the M . P / s respecting the return of Frost , Williams , and Jones ; the circular was adopted . Mr . White read a circular for the release of all political prisoners , which was likewise adopted ; and after notices of motion , had been given , the Convention adjourned until eight o ' clock on Wednesday morning .
Wednesday , May 4 . The Convention met at eight o'clock , Mr . Duncan in the chair ; Mr . Leach , Vice-Chairman . Present—Messrs . Campbell , Liwery , Duncan . Beesley , M'Pherson , Staliwood , Harrison , Bairatow , Leach , O'Connor , Doyle , Pitkethly , Woodward , and Ruffy Ridley . The minutes were rend and confirmed . A letter was read from the Council of the Democratic Chapel , at Nottingham / stating that they would , to the utmost of their power , support the Convention . Letters were read f rom Aberdare , in Wales , containing £ l for the use of the Convention , and £ U 10 s . from various other places .
Mr . Morgan Williams then commenced the resumed debate . He thought that it was necessary that the press should closely watch the leaders of the people ; it was the best means they had of keeping them firm to the principle . Mr . Williams then alluded to the press in America . Previously to Mr . Jefferson being elected President of America , no man bad been more foully maligned by the press of that ' . country ; but he outlived it all . He thought that it was impossible for the press to put dovvn a man in the present movement unless he first destroyed himself . Mr . Williams then passed some eulogiuuis on the ' Northern Star . He believed that eternal vigilance waa necessary towards those who occupied a leading station in the movement . He thought that if they destroyed the efficacy of the only organ they possessed they would be destroying their own efficacy . 1 The Chairman begged that be would retract the word " only . "
Mr . Williams thought that some of them were too sensitive . They seemed to think that a breath could blow their characters away . He thought his character would stand upon ita own merits ; and if he was disapproved of by his constituents , he would imnie ' diately resign . Air . Harrison thought they were too sensitive upon this subject . They denounced the conduct of the Whigs and Tories , because they did not steer a straightforward course ; was it not proper , then , to . denounce their own party when they were acting in a shuffling manner ? Mr . O'Brien h ; ul said that these denunciations had kept the middle class from joining them , yet at the samo time he said they were so prejudiced they would not even listen to him . He thought if that was the case this would have no influence upon them . He could not allow that a man was as good a Chartist as he was unless he belonged to an organisation .
Mr . Leach thought that considerable more damage had bi'en done to the cause by private blander than by public denunciation . Men would privately slander those whom they were too dastardly openly to meet . These public rtenunciationa were only the index to the private slander floating below . He should suppoxfc Mr . O Brieu ' motion , but be trusted that he would add tbo woiJs , " private slander " Mr . Kidley believed this motion was one of great importance . It was , necessary : that steps should be taken to prevent private ' slanderers from stabbing them in the dark . Much as the word love had been bandied about he was otill anxious to see them animated by a spirit of brotherly love . He knew not the motives by ¦ which some men were actuated , ; but » ie knew this , that
justice demanded that they should throw the shield of protection around their leaders . That they should prove to the country tbat they would not tolerate such dastardly coiu'luct They had opeu enemies sufficient without being epgagtyi in a 'warfare with their friends . He approved of the motien of Dr . M'Donnll . He thought that the press was an officer of justice , that the pnlilic was the jury , and to act between them and the press , and that the motion of Dr . M'Deuall would establish a court of appeal . He had seen men whom he respscted , whoni . for the persecution they had siiffeie-i , he almost iirioreil ; men who had been firm aud true to the people , ami when he saw denunciations in
the paper on . tht . men , he demanded that a tribunal should be erected before these yo , Ws of censure should be again passed . Ho saw another nian who had per- ' furmtd the work ! of an Hercules in the cause , attempted to be stabbed in the dark—men who had given up pro- ' 1 'erty , ease , aud caste in society , to advocate the cause ' of the poor . Would they tolerate this conduct—would ; they not rather join heart and hand in - this great cause , ' throwing aside all party ' -bickerings , and determine ; while tht-y have breath , never t > cease iu iheir united i exertions for the redemption of the poor and the needy . | The lesson the tyrants had given them last night j was sufficient to determine them ro unite in this i
| cause . : -. . - . Mr . Campbell thought the resolution of Mr . O'Brien was calculated to put a gag upon the press . The press w ; is a reflex of public opinion , and it would not . be wise to interfere with it . He was willing that the public should be the judge of hia conduct . The public voice was-seldom in the-wrong . If a man was honest he need not fear the power of any editor . He would speedily , by his conduct , be enabled to overcome i any denunciations which might be passed against him . . ¦ 1 ¦' . ¦ ' . - ' . ' ¦'¦'¦ . ' .- ¦¦ '¦ . Mr . Moir cired little for the censures of the press . It could not injure any public character for any length of time . He was an example of it ; he had been called all sorts of bad names , but they had no effect ; the shafts flew c-ff his back , the same as they would off the back of a rhinoceros . He would support Dr . M'DouaU's amendment . 1 -
\ : Mr . Doyle said he perfectly agreed with the motion . Ho thought every body should first have the opportu-! uity of defending themselves . If the conduct of a man was auch as to be opposed to the public good , then an editor had a right te comment ; it was difficult to dtfine how far an editor should go . Lord Althoip had ' said-that publio men's actions were open to criticism , and he agreed with . him . He was equally opposed to 1 piivate slander as to public abuss . Mr . Woodward said there had been a great deal said about the liberty of thw press . He would like to know if the liberty of the press existed in England , no Chartist cared what the Tiines , ; Chronicle , or other papers said of him what we had to look at was what our own Chartist . -press said . He thought it was right persons should have the opportunity of defending themselves , and that the people should hear both sides previous to delivering their judgment . He thought every man before ho " was denounced should have notice that he waii going to be -denounced ; - we had no power ,
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no real power , to put this in execution . They could only recommend it Much harm had- been done by persons taking up opinions too hastily ; he therefore thought it was necessary they should come to some resolution on thematter . Mt . Mason thought the Teso ' utton was necessary ,-to prevent great diMentions among our leaders . He had not been the vic ti m of denunciation ; but he felt for others . Being in the presence of Mr . O'Cennor , he must say he thought Mr . O Connor had not acted right , but rather harshly , towards Mr . O'Brieri ; bnt Mr . O'Connor had come in for bis share of the denunciation . But he ( Mr . O'Connor ) was differently situated from the
rest of them , having the means ofgoing to the place from which the denunciation sprung . He could feel the weight of the denunciations from the press of the other classes , and thought it was theiduty of our own press to defend us upon all occasions . He thought denunciations against individuals deteriorated much from the cause . He was inclined to think the resolution of Mr . O'Brien , umesa very carefully cariied out , would be worse than the evils it attempted t » cure . He hoped the time had now arrived when the meaner feelings of our nature would be set aside , and a complete feeling ef onion and cordiality be substituted in itflflfc « ad ' ¦ . ' : ¦ - . ' . ' ¦ ' . : ¦ :, '¦ '¦¦¦ '¦ ' . - ; . ' ' : " V
Mr . Thomason believed denunciation did a deal of mischief to our cause . He thought from the good humour that prevailed during this debate , it would be productive of great good . Mr . O'Brien felt so strongly the effect of the denunciation of the press on persons , that if there were not two persons in this Convention to support him , he would endeavour to carry it out , out of doors . He thought everybody should have an intimation by letter or otherwise , before they were attacked . This his resolution demanded . He did not want to shackle the press . Dr . M'Douall ' s resolution was vague . He thought a man ' s publio acts were open to comments from writers in newspapers , but he thought the man who would publish private co iversationa was a literary assaain .
That was plain E 1 glish . He had always given an op- j portuuity , when conducting a paper , for ail parties to have a reply . He had admitted , at least , six letters from R . Carlisle , attacking himself . He believed that if the Star made statements relative to him , five-sixths of the Chartists would believe it to be true , because they would say that Mr . O'Connor and Mr . Hill were his friends , and would not say anything against him , wbich was not true . He thought the press was morally bound to admit a reply to a charge . Mr . O'Brien then read a letter from Wotton-under-Edge , expressing confidence in himself , Vincent , and others . He had not brought this forward from any bad feelings . He thought it absolutely necessary when one set of persons
got favoured by a paper , and others could not get the truth inserted , they were driven to speak to individuals , and this waa called slander . But however he was opposed to private slander , he was delighted at tbe expressions attributed in the Star to Messrs . Beesley and Mason relative to the middle classes . Mr . 0 Connor promised him yesterday that he should have the opportunity of setting himself right in his paper . With this be had agreed that all enmity should cease . He would never join ip any cabal against any public man ; private slander meant telling lies against any one . He thought gentlemen would perceive that he had been actuated by the best motives in bringing forward this matter . He thought the . press should watch the people , and that the people Bhonld also watch tha
press . - .. .-. Mr . Duncan said Tories and Whigs did not condemn their own party , but the Cbartist press seemed to take a delight in censuring those who advocated the same principles as themselves . Mr . O'Brien had himself attacked him while conducting the Operative . Mr . O'Brien—But I did not refuse you a reply . Mr . Duncan said , because he never sent one ; he was opposed to all denunciation , they would never succeed nntil they were more united .
Mr . Philp acceded to the wish of Mr . O'Brien , that his rider sneuld be attached to Mr . O'Brien's resolution . The resolution of Mr . O'Brien was then put and voted for by Messrs . Beesley , M'Piierson , Leach , Doyle , Roberts , Philp , White , Woodward , O'Connor , Powell , Mason , Lowery , Thomason and O'Brien . Messrs . Stallwood , M'JDoualli Harrison , Bairstow , Ridley , Moir and Campbell voted for M'DouaU ' s amendment ; Messrs , Williams and Bartlett did not vote , thinking it unnecessary . Mr . Pitkeitnly was absent with leave . Mr Duncan in the chair .
Mr . O'Connor moved , and Mr . O'Brien seconded the following resolution : — " That we respectfully invite our brother Chartists throughout the empire to close their ears against alt private slander levelkd against the character of the people ' s friends and advocates , and at once to silence all such attempts to recognise in such a pernicious system the destruction of union bo necessary , and the frittering away of character so essentially necessary to the success of our conmmon cause . We a ' so recommend .. thatthe system of private letter writing for the purpose ^ of creating an ill-feeling , which is generally followed by the formation of sectional parties , who invariably direct their attention . 'to the support of individuals instead of the furtherance of the cause , be discountenanced . " The resolution was unanimously . carried . A deputation was then received from the National Association respecting a statement made by Mr . Hairison and reported inthe Star of April the 23 rd ;
Mr . Peat as the organ of the deputation read the report from the Star and stated that no deputation had ever waited on Mr . Duncembe , but on Mr . Duncan ; that the speech attributed in the Star to Mr . Parry was spoken with a trifling alteration by himself , and also somei other trifling errors . Mr . Harrison stated tbe general truth of the report of hia speech in the Star , with the exception of the error referring to Messrs . Daucau and P « &t , and read from hia minutes the exact report of what took place at the meeting aliuded to . The Convention then resumed its usual business . Mr . O'Brien moved and Mr . O'Connor seconded the following resolution : —
" That we , the delegates of the working classes in Convention assembled , after having witnessed the proceedings in tbe Commons House of Parliament , on the motion of Mr . Duncdm . be , on tbe 3 rd of May , do hereby give it as our deliberate opinion that the working people of this empire can have no hope of justice from the House of Commons , as at present constituted , and that we forthwith proceed to fee appointment of a committee of seven persons whose duty it shall . . be "to draw up a memorial to her Majesty ; and to consider such other measures aa may be neccaaary for the guidance of the Chartist body in the present crisis of the country , and that the said committee be prepared to" submit such memorial and such measures to the Convention by nine o ' clock oii Thursday morning . "
Mr . O'Brinn thought that it was absolutely necessary that they should calmly and deliberately reyiew their position ; and that they should propose not only . 1 measure , but a series of measures , each growing out of tho other . He thought that if they allowed government three months , and during the time employed themselves in procuring signatures to a memorial to her Majesty , they would be effecting a step in advance . He had also his eye to the future measures , as electing a Parliament by shew of hande , &c . N& man who had a drop of English ,. Irish , Scotch , or Welch blood in him , but would feel indignant when he heard the manner in which their petition had been treated . When they
carried down the . petition to the House of Commons was it not monstrous that they should : be driven back by the staves ef policemen ^^ r-that they should be denied e ? eu an entrance into the lobby of that House , He was well aware that it was not expedient fer a large body of men to attempt an entrance into that House , but he thought it an insult to their constituents that the delegates should have . been treated in the manner in which they were , when their only object was to see their petition fairly presented . He wished these measures to be adoptefl , that the people might be guarded against any sudden excitement wiiicll might lvdd to violence .
Mi . O'Connor stated that many years since he had anticipated . 1 crisis like the present He thought that great prudence and courage was necessary to guard the movement ,, and that ' . "while they guarded theinselves against over-zeal on the one hand ; they were equally bound , on the other hand , to guard against over-caution , find to see that the events which might arise from circumstances were not saddled upon tha Charter . Thei riots around Dudley arose froHi circumstances and not j from the Charter . Let them take care that they did ] not lose thevantage ground on which they at present ; stood . He was surprised at the manner in which even iome of their advocates in that house had defended i , heirprinciples .
j Dr . M'Douall thoaght tbat they would now bo fully j awai-e that justice would iieverbg done to thepeoplc by j . a House of Commons elected by the present constittiT j eacy . His blood boiled within him when he thought of ' the manner in which their petition had been treated by j the House ef Commons . j Mr . Beesley was opposed to ever petitioning again . : He thought it much better to bring the agitation to a I speedy close , ere those who now supported--them ' should I have died of starvation . He thought they should now t return to their constitnences and calmly enquire oftkem what course they should now pursue .
Mr . Philp very ably supported the resolution for a committee . He could scarce trust himself to speak calmly on the subject of the treatment they had met with on the previons evening . He trusted it would cause them to unite the more closely for the object they had in view . He should redouble his exertions in the cause . He would pledge himself , from that moment , never to lose an opportunity of spreading their views and of abiding by the whole cf their principles , and ever to oppose all attempts ta thwart their , organi-Eation . ¦ - . ' ¦ . - .. ' // . . '¦ / . - : . ; ¦' . . .. . .. .. . ' •; - ^ ' ' ' . " ; . . - . ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦ Jlr . Lowrey fully agreed in the ' appoinment of a Committee . He- '' trusted they would act calmly , and not
allow their zeal to outst 9 p their prudence . He thought it would be a degradation to them again to appeal to that House of Commons , but still he would not say that be would never again petition that House . Mr . Staliwood approved of the appointment of a committee , but he did not feel the least disappointment in knowing that their petition had been reject . d , nor believe that hia constituenta would be disappointed ^—they only regarded petitioning as a sort tf constitutional shield . They had effected great good by their procession—they had . caused- the greater portion of the press of the metropolis to insert the petition , and comment upon their viewB .
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Mr / MPherson supported the motion ; Hia constituents were in favour of a national remonstrance . The present had been supported by the whole or tne working men of London . The next j ^ monstrance would be signed by four millions ef persons , .. . \ Mr . Thomason thonght that the present agitated state of the public mind rendered nnion and determination absolutely necessary . He was opposed to any idea of physical force . The present Government only wanted a shadow of an excuse to make an attack upon them :. ' ¦ . ''' :. " -- ¦ .: ; ¦ ¦'¦ - ' ¦ :- ' ¦'' . . - ¦'¦ ¦ ¦ . - ; ¦ . • . - ¦ . . : .:
Mr . Mason stated that their present position was far superior to that of any other Convention which had preceded it . The House of Commons bad last night refused their prayers and their petitions , and had held out no hope to their starving children . If this was to remain so ; they had better return again to a state of nature . ' He was of opinion that it would be degrading to petition the House of Commons again ; that their next " atep should be to petition the Queen ; and jif that was of no avail they should leave the people to ^ jecido on tha next step to be adopted . 26 . Mr . Leach briefly supported the appointment of a committee . -r ' ¦' . :- ¦ " ' " . ¦ ' • ¦¦ ¦ . ¦ "'¦ ¦ ¦ " "; ¦ . - ¦ ¦ - ¦ - ' .: ' : ' . '! ,.
Mr . Ridley was of opinion that each delegate should express his opinion on the subject before them . He for one repudiated the doctrines of Mr . Macaulay , and would Btate fearlessly that it was him and bis party that were driving the people to that state which he asserted the Charter would produce . It was their duty to those who sent them there to take such steps as would enable them to save themselves and their country . He feared the memorial to her Majesty weuld meet with the same fate as the petition . He hoped the committee in drawing up the memorial would have an eye to the conduct of the House on Mr . Doncombe'a motion . - . ¦ ^ - /¦¦' - ¦ - ¦ . ¦ - . ¦ ' <'¦ '¦ .. ¦ .: " ¦• ; ¦ "' ¦• ' ¦ ' •¦;¦ ,:,. ' Mr . Bartlett thought the only thing the commute © could do was to draw up the memorial . Mr . Macaulay ' a speech / was ; calculated to dp them more goodtban barm ; it was a wild rhapsody , and a very foul
calumny .- - ¦ : ¦ - : .. N ' ¦ ¦ '¦ ¦ - - . ¦ . - ¦ . -- .. - . - . ¦; ... . Mr . Campbell had heard it stated by some that they would never petition again \ he ' -would not asaert this : ; he was prepared to act according to the exigency of the times . ¦; . "' ¦ ¦¦¦ ' : . '"' •'¦ ; -.:- ; - ' '¦'" . ¦ '• . ' ;¦ ¦ : ' ; . - - ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' ¦ ' ¦ ' ' Mr . Powell stated that his feelings were similar to those of Mr .. CampbelK - . " ¦ Mr . Bairstow joined cordially with those delegates who had expressed their disgust at the treatment they had experienced ; he could not state that he felt disappointed at it ; but at the period he was in the House of Commons his blood boiled within his veins , and he felt bitterly indignant ; he feared the memorial wenld meet with the same treatment , but it was their duty to exhaust every legal means in their attempts to gain the Chart . T ; he trusted thatthe conduct of those M . P . ' s who had opposed them would not be forgotten on the hustings . .- "¦ . - . ¦;¦ ¦' . '' ' . ¦ " : . . - " .: ' ¦' . -.- . " ¦
Mr . White had received letters stating that thousands were starving In his district . The men were driven to disperation , and they must be prepared to adept decisive measnres ; hethoughtthat the memorial should contain a call te dissolve the Parliament ; he cordially supported the appointment of . a committee . - Mir . Woodward thought thatthey must increase their organization . Though it was the largest in the . world , it was not yet strong enough to obtain their object , they were in a better position than they had ever yet beebL He thought they would have to present more petitions and memorials before they obtained the Charter ., .- " .. ; .. . . .-- . ,. ; ¦ . .- ' . ¦' - .. ¦ . ' - , - .- ' ¦ ,- - :: : Mr . Harrison supported the resolution for the formation of a committee , but he trusted that the committee would bear in mind that ether measures also must be adopted . ¦ ¦ ¦ . ' ' .: . " : Thursday \ May 5 . Mr . Duncan in the chair ; Mr . Leach in the vice
chair . .. : ' .- ' . ' . The minutes were read and confirmed . Mr . Beesley moved that a monthly journal beeatablished by the Executive . ; i Mr . Bairstow seconded the motion . Mr . Pitkethly moved the previous question . Mr . Staliwood seconded the amendment , which was carried . ' ¦ ' . - ¦ ¦ ' ' ,: . • ' . ¦''¦ ¦• ¦ " ' . - : ¦ ' ¦ ¦ '¦ ¦ .. : " ¦" . "¦' •• ' - . ¦ . ' Mr . Roberts brought forward his motion , condemnatory of Mr . Roebuck ' s language in the House of Commons , \? hile supporting Mr ; buncombe ' s motion . He
allowed that Mr . Roebuck had done , much for the cause of liberty in his peculiar way ,. but he had an infirmity of temper that ought to be checked . Mr . Roebuck used the words that the National Petition was " trashy and contemptible , and that it was drawn up by a malignant cowardly demagogue , and that he could name the reptile that had drawn it up were he not too contemptible for notice . " It wastheir duty to iEquire who was the individual he alluded to . It was his opinion that Mr . Roebuck should be called upon to retract the language .
Mr . Moir cordially seconded the motion . Notwithstanding . Mr . Roebuck ' s former good conduct , and the good speech he made in the House , his conduct in denouncing the petition , and the false language he used , had done more barm " -, to the cause than his speech or vote had done good . Sir Robert Peel and other Members seemed to gloat over tho charge , and no doubt it had its eflfect upon the decision of the Members . The charge of Mr . Roebuck was entirely false . It was the Executive of the National Charter Association who drew up the petition . ¦•¦ : " ¦ .. ;¦ . . ^> After various other members had expressed their sentiments , the motion was unanimously agreed to , and a deputation , consisting of Messrs . Moir , Leach , and Pitktthly , were appointed to wait on Mr . Roebusfc , and call upon him to retract the expressions , with the further instruction that he was either to name the individual he alluded to , or give a written ^ retraction of the calumny . ¦ :- . ' :
Mr . O'Connor had , we believe , from expressions he used the previous day , demanded explanations both from Mr . Roebuck and Sir Robert Peel . ; The committees for the return of Frost , and bis companion , and the release of the political prisoners , had leave of absence granted to wait with the memorials on the respective Secretaries of State . Some discussion took place on the subject of a \ vote of thanks being given to all who vote ;] for a hearing at the bar of the House l and onthe motion of Mr . Beesley , seconded , by Mr . Bartlett , it was ultimately resolved that a vote-of thanks should be given f > Messrs . Duncombe and Leader , the mover and seconder of the petition . " ' ¦ . ; .. "' ' ¦ ' . ' ¦ " ' ; ¦ ; ' •' . ¦ ; ¦ : . ' ¦¦ ' . . ¦ ]¦'¦;' , A copy of a printed bill issued in Belfast , calling a ChartiBt * meeting , was then read , and a letter congratulating the Convention on their unanimity , and on the favourable position of the cause in Ireland . . . -: ¦ . '
Mr . OBtienreported from the committee appointed to draw up an address to the country , and having read the address , : ' , Mr . M'Pherson moved , and Mr . White seconded , " That it be discussed in separate paragraphs . " Which was . carried . Considerable discussion took place on the second paragraph ' , respecting the propriety of again petitioning the Heuse , audit was decided that they would not abandon the right of petitioning ; ytt '' . they would not petition the present House of Commons . Most of the members expressed their opinion of the total folly of expecting a ; redress of grievances from the House of Cummoris as at present const-tuted . Mr . Beesley was entirely opposed to again petitioning . ¦ ' .. ' .. - ., ¦ ¦ -. ¦" Mr . Hiirrifloii was not so much opposed to petitioning ; but he thought each person should take his petition to the House : in his own hand . „ ¦¦ . ¦ .
Some discussion took place on the fifth paragraph , regarding . 'the appointment of lecturers to the agricultural districts , where , no localities existed , and whether the appointment should be vested in the hands of-the Executive , "which . appeared to be the prevailing opinion . The clause . was then agreed to , as was also the sixth . ' .. •;" . '' ' .. "' ¦ . '¦ . Mr . Williams moved that the seventh clause , expressing their gratification ' -at the conduct of the Birminghnni Conference in adopting the Six Points ef the : Charter , and recommending the country to send delegates to the Conference , to be held to- decide on the name , be oruifted . . ; . This gave risetp a lengthened debate . Mr . O'Brien luppbrted the clause . One of the resolutions passed at the 'Chartist delegate meeting in Birmingham was similar in substance .
Mr . White opposed it When they requested that party to postpone their motion , they , would not , but threw every obstacle iu their way . -Were tLey to receive all their kicks , and then , spaniel-like , applaud their conduct ? - Mr . M'Pherson opposed it on the ground that by praising au . d recommending . Association !* like that of Mr . Sturge , they would be giving encourageaient to every little ¦ knot of men . calling themEelves Chartieta to form an orgaDizition for theniselves , and thus destroy that-unity of action so essential to success . Mr . Pitkethly was opposed to : it , as also were bis constituents . He was fcurprised at Mr . O'Brien— -a man who had been louder in his denunciations of the middle ciass than any man in the movement—aov turning round , and eulogizing them . It was his belief that they , only wanted to stifle the . present movemen 6 , that they might bring on the only question they really had at heavt—the Repeal of the Corn Laws .
Mr . O'Brien explained that he did not eulogize the middle class ; he believed them as a body to be the bitterest enemies of the working classes ; those who attended the Conference were not now connected with , the Corn Law party ; they were 1 an offshoot from them , and were convinced that nothing short of a-full , fair , and free representation would benefit the people ; so far was he from eulogising the middle classes , that he could " not" even obtain ; sureties for ^^ his newspaper owing to the prejudice they entertained against him . ¦ :.. - ¦' ,: ' _ . " - . - ' :.. v . . '" - - ' ¦ . ¦ ¦ - ¦ ¦ - ¦; , ¦ ' -: ' ¦"' - , ¦ - ¦ ¦ ' ¦ . - : ¦ . -. ' : ¦ .. ; . ¦ ¦ . ¦¦' Mr . Doyle had made up his mind upon the subject ; the country would see bis opinion by the manner in which ^ he voted ^ "¦ : . ;' - ' / ,, \¦• '¦ : ¦ _ ' :-:..: ' : ¦ ' ' A motion was then carried , tiiat owing to the press of business and the necessity of the Convention breaking up that evening , that the spsakera be limited to three minutes each . V : 'r'v >"
Sir . Lowery waa surprised at any debate on ' this sotject ; they had decided in Uieir addres % of last week , that they hailed with pleasure all movenieiits based on the Chaii ^ r ; if they refused thi 3 clause , they wonld be acting ia opposition to their pxeviously expfessecl sentiments . ' / ;/ ¦;'" - .. . ' \ ' ¦ ¦¦ - ' - '¦ ¦ .. ' .. ' ; . /; ' , "¦¦ ¦ - ¦ ( Continued in oi tfeiohth page . ) " ,. . . ' ;;
Untitled Article
- THE NORT H ERNST ar ^_^^^ 4 i ?_ :
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 14, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1161/page/7/
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