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GEEAT CONFERENCE AT
BIRMINGHAM . ( Continuedfrem our last . ) - THURSDAY , DECEilBER 29 . —Thisd Dai . The Conference assembled at nine o ' clock this morning . 2 > It . Sterge having Tesagned the chair , the first business "was to appoint his successor , On the morion of Mr . CCoxxoa , Mi . O'HIggtns , of Dublin , was called to the chair . That gentleman hkvms ; taken ihe chair , chared a few observations , recommendatory of abstinence from ali irritating feeling , an < 1 justifying the coarse which the advocates of the Charier had resolved upon . The nextboslness was the . appointment of a Secretary , sad on the motion of Mr , O'Cossoa , Mi . LoTett wa 3 appointed to the cfiLs .
Mr . Hobsos , of Leeds , moved ihzt a . dspntatioD be appointed to wait on Mr . Morgan , the late Secretary , vo request him , in the name of the Conference , fcj i ^ Iirer up the minutes of the proceedings , a copy of the bJl , and all other docnmentsjjvbich the Conference were entitled to possess . In ' accordance vnih this resolaaon , a deputation " was appointed , and after waiting cpon Mr . Morgan , Mr . Mora , of G : assow , repory * 3 that the late Secretary -bad expressed his perfect willingness to laud offer to the Conference all documents to which ihev were entiiled . - ' , Tbe Secsetjlrt read the following letter from Mi . Uo r ^ B , announcing his resignav ' on : — "BinninghsiB , Dec . 29 lh , 1 S 42 .
« SiB , —I take tie liberty of for u-arding to yen ? cars the enclosed copy cf the minutes of the Conference . ** The period haying arrived in ¦ which 3 feel that my duty as a dtltgile called upon me to decline acting jrita its majority of the Conferences-it is . obvious that isy atte ^ daBci as Secretary would involve all parties in some dtgree of ntmt-etsKiry pain . I ttertfare think that I ihail most conduce vo ths preservation of that peaceful ci 3 cusdon TTkidi ought ever to characterise gT ^ t asssifl&r . cs of tlie representatives of the people , by handier to yon this resignation , instead of giving jny persoi ^ al aturjidaiioe to present it . will to
" At the same time , 3 bt ^ yon ¦ convey the gentleman over trtiMn yen preside my gratitude for the candid forbearance exercised towards me , and an assurance oT my unalterable desire for the political and social happiness of ay country . *• I am , Sir , « Your obedient Servant , *• William Morgan . " To tbe Chairman of the ilestiaS of Ds !? g 3 te 3 . " The rcs ^ atioE of Mr . Morgan was accepted . Mr . SsliTH , of Liverpool , .-n ^ ge-aed that a vote of ifcanfca snoaid be given to Mr . Morgan , for his services—( HeaT , hear , and So , no . )
Mr . Hobs ;~ x , of Leeds , said he shonld oppose snch a motion , a ? he nt-vsrr conld consent to give a vote of thsaks to a man who had deserted his post—( Hear , liesr ) . Mr . fesiTH did not offsT any resolution on the subject , asd the ztatter dropped . Mr . G'Cc'SSi-B moved the adoption of the minutes of tbe previous ev » na g * s proceedings ; aud ^ after some obj-ci .-ois on the part of Mr . R-jbehis , the action was put and carried . The fiuv . Hr . Sollst moved the adoption of the resolutions moved , by Mr . Beg ^ a , on the first day of ihe siitin ? , with the exception of the fourth , recognizing the bill of the Complete Suffrage Association , as & basis of disenssion , snd substituting the atnend-Dcd ; mt-Vrd by Jt-r . Luvett ,-thai the Charter should be the basis of disenssion . "Wiih this alteration , the Eotion was aaopit-d .
Mr . KiMBLE proposed tbe appoiatnseal of an Esecctive Commutes . Mr . Wk .-t seconded the motion . Mr . Wilej >* 505 opposed ihe moHon , on thegronnd ihat ii svould be nnadrisable to take out of the Conference -& dczai Delegate ? , to examine documents wiien coald as wtll be disposed of by tbe Conference St large . Mr . RtBSETi Eoved , as an amendment , ihat the ConfeTentx li ^ df be ths Esecalive Committee . Mr . WtLKixsoy secoiided the amendment , and it was put auti agreed xo . A resolarion was then mored aod adopted , that the Conference should £ 0 inio a disccsion of ihe . clauses in ihe Charter . . - The Cbaibxas read the preamble , whicb » was as follows : —
" An Ad ioproridefor Vie just Rupresenlediox o / OiePeoj , ' e o / Grnt Britain and Ireland , isi" ihe Commwa ' Mouse of TuAiamerd . " "Wliereas , to insure , in as far as it Is possible by lumau foreiiiongQt acd Ttisdom , the jaist government of ths people , it is necessary to subject those ¦ who hsve thepovrgr of making the laws to a -whoieBome and strict re--ponsibihty to those irhosa dnty it is 4 o obey ^ aeTTi wnen made : And whereas , this tespousiHlity ia best enforced drocga tbe iBStnnnenlarity vf & body -which emanates dirtctly f-. oas , aad is itsdf imaitSiitely sulrjeei to" the "Whole people , and vrbich complttely represents their feeliszs and their itterette :
And wb . orea 3 , * s ths CommonsHouse « f Parliament » ot ? txercises in tha name and on Hie tEpposed behalf of the people , the power of maiing the 1 : ws , it ought , in erficr to fuISl i »; th wisdom and with honesty the great duties imposed on it , to be made the faithful and accurate representation of fee people ' s wishes , feelings , and interests : — Be it therefore esactid . That from and after tbe passicg of this Act , every
mslB inhabitant of these realms he entitled to vote for the eiee&m of 3 MeniSer trf Pariianiest , snije < S , however , to tbe Iollowiai : condidoEs : — ^ 1 . Thsihe be a cicz = n of Qiase realms . 2 . Ihit he be twenty-one years of a ^ a . 3 . Tbat he has not betn declared intane by a jnry . ¦ 4 . That hsfcas sot beeu cuavietafi of f lorjy . 5 . That he lias not beea coi . victe < l of bribery at elections , or of personation , or forgery bf election certificates .
6 . That the Secretary of Stat ^ Home' Department shall appuint three competent persons' as commissioners , and as many sub-connuisa ouers as may be necessary icr Bettling tha boundaries of each of tte three hundred electoral districts , and so on from time to tima , "SFhenfcVcT a Be ? deccsninal census of tkspeople betaken . 7 . TEatdB necessary expenEss of the said commisaoners , snb-eommisKcnara , clerls , znd other persons employed by them in the performance of their duties , he paid out of the public treasury .
BESISTRATION OFFICERS . : Be it enacted , thst for thB purpose of procuring an accurate rKpslration of voters—far finally adjadieating in all cases of obj 6 « & > 3 s made against persons claiming to be re ^ istered^—&r receiving the nomination of the Members of Parliament , and returaiDj ; officers , and dedaiiQg thar election—as well sa for c-inducting and Bnperintendifig all parfies connected with registration , nominz'Aon , and elections , sccordhtg to the provisions cf this Act , the fallowing ofiLsrs he appointed ;—1 . Httnndng c&cas for each electoral district . - 2- Ifeputy returning offijars for each aistrict . - ' 3 . The parish clerks for the time being in every
'S . ETTTB . ' STSa OFFICES , ASD HIS BTTJZS . * 1 . Be it enacted , that at the first seEtra ] electioD afttr tbe paasiisg tf Jus Act , a rctnrning offic&j be elected for every electoral district throughou ! the ! krogdom , and bo in like manner at the end of every three years . 2 / That at the end of every such period , the returning uffisexfor each dislrie . be Domiaated in lite manner and tJected st the same time aB the ^ Member of Parliament for the district . He-shall be eSgible to be re-eleci 8 < L .
3 . Taat Tacandes occasiosel by the death , . removal , or resignation , of the returning efficer , shall ,:, in like manner be Utied ap as vacancies for ilembere of Parliansait , forth * unexpired term-of ths three years . 4 : That every ictusr . Bg iM . ca shall appoint a deputy xettssxdztg efficer for the ^ ay of election , for every ballottiivg p ' ace within his diBtricl , anfl in all cases be responsible far tbfc ; cst folnlment of the . duties of such dfepniiea . o . Thai it be the duty of the . returning officer to see that the pamh clerk in each ^ aiish . 1 b properly qualified for the duties of registration , and if not ; to represent ths sams to the parochial authorities , -who are hereby authciisedanu commanded to appoint a person qualified . for such duties . - i
6 . That be also see fiat proper balloting places , ana Bcch other erections ajrmay be necessary , be provided by-each parish < or auy ' immber that lasy be united , ) and that tbe balloting boxes be made and provided according to the provisions of this Act . 7 . That lie xeesire the lists of voters from all the parishsain bis district , in wMch lists » M 1 be marked or specified the names of the persons who have been objected to by ths parish tierkB , or any other persons . Mr . Pabst moved Its adoption , and suggested She introdnction of the word " Bill" instead of " Jucfli and also that instead t > f the fourth clause , ~ u Thai- he has not been convicted of felony , " the foHowio ^ -irbrdsshonld 1 ^ inserted , ** That he be not undergoing the sentence of ihe law , at the time when called on to exercise the electoral rights . " ¦ Mr . Lowestseooaded tbemotion .
At this stage of the proceedings , a resolution 'was proposed and carried , for the admission of the pubholo witness the proceedings of ths Confeienoe . Mr . Willuxs , of Soacerland , moved as &d amendmant-on ihe proposition of Mr . Parry , that the preamble of . the ** HUlxti Sights / ' conanencing K That ' whenwipoii the trne -fijeorj of . the British CJonstitniion , * ' fhonld be aibsdtnted . JMr . Phiep , of BaaboroQgb , seconded the amend-Meoi . -
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The Chaib 3 ian read the preamble which was as follows — w Wnereaa , upon the true theory of the British Constitution every male person of full age is party to making ao Act of Parliament being present thereat by his representative ; and whereas it is nowrions that the ' laws which have long prevailed in the choice of members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament , havo failed to carry ont snch theory into practice ; and whereas it ia expedient to take eSecmal measures to render the theoiy and practica of the constitution nniform , by securing to every mala person of full aga tbe light to vote in the choice of his representative in Parliament , as bein ^ the delegate to whose charge is committed the disposal of hi 3 property , biB liberty , and his life , and
lor this purpose to grant the Tight of retundns ; representatives to districts having an equal amount of popniatfon in every county , to provide that the election of snch snail be annual , and by way ot bailor , that any person qualified to be an elector may be chosen to be a representative , and that all members be paid for their services and charges in the execution of their office : Be it therefore enacted by tbb Qaeen ' s most Excellent Majesty , by and witk the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Tem poral and Commons , in this present Parliament assembled , and by the authority of the same , that the provisions of this Act shall commence and take effect from and after the end of the present Session of Parliament .
" And be is enacted , that all law ? , statutes , and u ? age 3 , shall be and the same are hereby repealed , in so far as they may be inconsistent or ai variance with ibe provisions of this Act . kV And be it enacted , that every male person , of full a ? e . shall , if duly registered according to the provisions hereafter contained , be entitled to vote in vhe election of a member to serve in Parliament for the district in which ne thall be so registered . " A long discnssioD ensued on this amendment , into which we have not now time to enter . On a division , the amendment was lost by a large majority . The preamble of the Charter , therefore , wiih rb . e alterations proposed by Mr . Parry , was carried .
The Conference then went into Committee on the clauses in tbe Charter , and at the close of the eveni > gfs sitting , one half of them ware got through . Various alterations and amendments were proposed , seme of which were agreed to , and others negatived It is important to state that ihe following resolution , proposed by Mr . O'Coxxoa , was adopted unanimously : — " That any alterations which may be proposed to , and received , by the majority of this Conference , shall be snbmitted to the whole people , for tho pnrpose of testing publ . c opinion , with respeci to these alterations , with the view of submiuing them to any fmure Conference , and called by the whulo people . " Tae proceedings were adjourned at eight o ' clock .
FRIDAY—Fodbth Dat . Mr . O'HiGGixs took the chair at half-past nine o ' clock . The SECB . ETiRT Tf&i the minutes of the previous afternoon ' s sitting , which were ordered to be eonflrmtd . ilr . Roberts said that in the Times newspaper which had reached Birmingham that merning . it waa insinuated that the Conference wouid go off on a cla m t > f prioriety , on the part of the Chartist party , met by a simiisr claim by the Complete Suff-age party . Now , it Wis well known that Mr . Lovett had offered to withdraw his amendment , if Mr . BeggB , would have consented to adopt the same course with regard to the original resolution—( hear , bear ) . But in order that the Conference might understand how the matter leally stood , he would take the liberty to read the terniB of the invitation by which ihey had been convened . Mr . Roberts then read as f » Uows : —
" We therefore advise that Public Meetings be called by advertisement or placard , giving not less than four clear days' notice in every town tbrou ? bont the Kingdom , inviting the inhabitants to elect representatives to hold a National Conference at Birmingham , on Tuesday , the 27 th of December , 18 * 2 , for the purpose of preparing a Bill to be snbmitted to Parliament , for securing the just representation of the vhole people ; and for determining on snch peac fal , legal , and constitu ? ioDsl means at may cause it to become the law of these realms . "
Is was trae , indeed , that the object of this proceeding was to change the name of the Charter . Well , they were told of that before hand , bnt many of them did n * t bfclievsit . It was plain that the Complete Suffrage party intended that the future agitation of the question shonld go on under the name ot the " Bill of Bights , and on that account be I Mr . Roberts ) was zlad thdt the advocates of the Charter had stood up so manfully for the inviolability of their principles—< cheers / . Who did-the proposition come from ? It came from a body of men—a society known by the designation of " FriendB , " —a society whjse pertinacious
adherence to forms and ceremonies , perhaps indifferent in themselves , but which served as symbols of the persecution they had endured—( hear , hear ) . Were the advocates of the Charter , then , to be blamed , if they ¦ d isplay fcd th . e same pertiaacitv in favour of ttieir principles , as did the society of Friends in favour of their sjmbob ? flroar , hoar , ojjtl cIltseK ) . Mo callcU Up'JXJ the supporters of tbe Charter to carry to victory the standard under which they had so Ions ; struggled—a standard sever stained by one act of dishonour on the part of those "who had stood forward in its defence—( cheers ) . He now begged to move the fo lowing resolution : —
" Thai in the opinion of this Onferencs , the members of the Complete Suffrage Union , who havo abruptly rerired from the discussion , have not exhibited good faith , bat , on the contrary , have acted in direct violation of the terms on which they were called together . The country wtre invited to send delegates to Birmingham , for the parpose , amongst other things , of * Preparing a Bill to be submitted to Parliament for securing the just representation of the whole people . ' At a sacrifice almost too great for them to bear , the country responded to this invitation , and at a large expense of time , toil , and money , elected delegates for the purpose of so preparing the bill above-mentioned ; in the full and fervent hope that their united « ff > its .
while they would give no precedence or priority to any individual section , wonid result in a cordial union of all classes of reformers , lor the pnrpose of securing a just representation of the whole people in the Commons' House of Parliament The delegates met together and proceeded to the business for which they were elected . On the first day of their discussion , a declaration of principles was proposed by Mr . Beggs , on tbe part of the Complete Suffrage Union , which declaration insisted , * That the Bill to be presented by the Council of the Complete Suffrage Union , bs taken as the basis of discussion . ' The Chaitist body opposed this claim to priority in favour of a Bill which they had never seen or beard , and which had never been
seen or heard except by the members of tbe CompleteSoffrajie Union : they anxiously and often sougbt the withdrawal of the offensive and insulting distinction , but their re quest was met with a determined and emphatic refusal . The Chartist body then , rather than admit the claim of priority and precedence required by tbe Complete Suffrage body , proposed as an amendment a declaration ' that the document called the People ' s Charter shonld form the basis of discasslon , ' and ibis amendment , after a long and temperate debate was carried by a majority of 193 to 94 . And then , for the firs : time , the Conference were informed by their Chairman , Mi . Joseph Sturge . thai he and the members of the Complete Suffrage Union should now retire from the ConJerence , and fiom tbe further discussion for which they had assembled
together . This conduct of the Complete Snffrage Union appears to the Conference an unfair deoertiou of their duty . They believe that if the country had before the elections " been informed of the intention of tbe Complete Suffrage body to retire from the discussion , unless an invidious priority were given to the bill over the People ' s Charter , no Chartist constituency would have thought it requisite or desirable to send delegates to the discussion—a discussion which must thus necessarily have resulted in disappointment . It is therefore the opinion of this Conference that the Complete Snffrage Union ought , in the first instance , to have avowed their intention ; and that by not doing so , they have evinced a want of good faith and honest purpose "
Mr . O'Coxif or seconded the motion . Mr . Moib , of Edinhro , * had not hitherto troubled tbe Conference much with remarks of his own , bnt be could not then omit the opportunity of saying that there seemed to be a disposition t > n the part of some persons , and those the advocates of Complete Snffrage , to get rid of the Chartists as a body of men whose principles were inimical to the welfare of society—( hear , hear ) . Now , irarely , if this were an argument in favour of such persons , it were equally so if directed by the Chartists against them—( hear , hear ) . What was the © Vject of both parties , or rather the professed object ? A sordial union of the two ? Was the union likely to be brought about by snch * ' insurrections" as these ?—{•« No , jjo" ) . He called upon the Conference to be consistent , and not to stultify its own proceedings by pandering to expediency—( cheers ) .
Mr . PrRECB , Isle of Wight , as a member of the society alluded to bv Mr . Rober ts , begged to say , in reference to what bad fallen from that gentleman , that those who had caused the secession from the Conference , were not members of the society ; but those who were the Tory elentete of fiiBcoid—icheers ) . He had no sympathy-with-their proceedings , or otherwise ne should not havo been there—( hear , bear ) . ' ¦ Mr . Xoveti regretted that tola resolution had been introduced , because they Jod carried a tote of tbanks to Mr . Stnrge , and had almost leiterated the feelings of Mr . Spencer , that they -would run in parallel llnea / He regretted tbe introduction of that resolution , too , because he thought thatrach ¦ worda as * ' dishonesty" and *• want of faith , " manifested hostility to the Complete Suffrage Association—( hear , and no , no } . He hoped it would not be agreed to . He admitted the propriety of putting forth a statement of facts , bat be deprecated the introduction of words calculated to generate hostility . The
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great principles of democracy recognized the right of every man to set forth their opinions honestly and boldly , as to the salvation of the country and the social condition of the people . The right be claimed for himself , he conceded to otbeTS , and he regretted to sse kigh intolerant hostility manifested in this resolution . If the Conference adopted it , they would keep up the intolerant epirit , which he had hoped they were met to have prevented . He should move that the werds " want of good faith" and " honest pnrpose" shonld be expunged from tbe resolution—( hear , bear , aad no , no ) .
Dr . Wade seconded the proposition , but in doing so , he could not halp expressing the indignation he felt at the manner in which the Conference had been treated—( hear , hear ) . He did not believe that any real Chartist would have come thera , if be hail thought that the " Bill of Rights , " as it was so termed , wai to have been taken as the basis of discussion— ( hear , bear ) . At the same time , it would answer no useful purpose to foment disunion , and for the sake of avoiding that he shonld support the motion made by Mr Lovett . In doing s » , he did not" think that he was at all compromising tbe
great principle which they had in view . He thought that the advocates of the Charter wauld stand in a metre honourable and excellent position if they altered the reso ! ntion , as -saggested by Mr . Lovett , than to sanction it in its present shape . He did not wish them to sacrifice « rie iota of the principle of the Charter , but rather that , as i bedyof men knowing their own rights , they were deteimined to abide by them—( Cheers ) If the Complete Suffrage Associatien did not choose to unite with them , let tiHriu the go on in their own way , and the advocates of the Charter would go on in theirs—ihear , bear . )
Mr . Roberts here consented to expunge the woids , " honest purppso , '' Mr . CoLQCHouji moved that the resolution of Mr . Roberts fc-= T ? ferred to & committea Mr- BuCHA > A . f seconded the proposition . Mr . © Cons or ¦ was strongly of opimon that the motiTts of Me . Roberts , in bringing forward the resalution , bad been misunderstood—( hear , hear . } Mr . Lovett appeared to think that the advocates of the Charter ha-. i pledged themselves not to introduce a resolei . ion of this kind , because they had proposed a vote of thanks to Mr . Sturge . No , he ( Mr . O'Connor ) proposed that resolution , and be staged , at the time , thai he wouid not enter into any discussion as to the itep wh > ch had been taken by the Complete Suffrage
Association ; bat that he wou ' . d confine himself exclusively to a vote of thanks to Mr . Sturga , as their Cnairman— Ibear , hear . ) What had they been called t < J » gethei- for ? To promote tho adoption of the Charier—( hear , hear . ) That was his object in coming there . Supposing the advocates of tbe Charter had failed to carry on their agitation ; suppose they had been left in a mino ity , and suppose , f > r instance * , upon such a decision , that they had immediately seceded , n-ouid not the organs " of the Chartists have represented such conduct as odious and tjraunical?—( hear , htar > . Then , again , objection bad beeu taken to the resolution , on the grounjl that it was a slur oa the society of Friends . So far from him ( Mr . O'Cosnorj viewing it in that light , he t * ok every word of it as a compliment to them for the m : mner in which they had borne their persecution — ( hea . r . hear * . Re would ask the Conference , could
they go away without expressing their opinions in the manner proposed by Mr . Roberts?—( shouts of "No . no . " ) Afi « r putting the country to aa expense of £ 2000 , to assemhle delegates at Birmingham , ought they to Bt-parate without expressing their opinions onfi the manner in which the Conference had been treated ? —( no , noi . The resolution spoke of the cocnu ; t of the Complete Suffrage Association , being a breach of good faith—icriea of " It is" ) . Was it not a breach of good faith' —( y * s . yes ) . Was there ever a grosser violation of good faith ?—( no , no ) . Why , such conduct reminded him of a man who invited a uutnber of guests to his table , but when they had assembled be said , " H-re you are . bat unless you sign a declaration you shan't eat your dinners "—{ hear , hear , and laughter ) . If there bad been 300 delegates preBent , atd 299 of them had voted for the Bill , he would hava stuck to the ChaTter—( cheers ) .
Mr . Campbell did not think that the Complete Suffrage party had sneaked out of the room , as suutned to -be insinuated by some persons , for they had honestly avowed that they coul-4 not go along with the advocates of the Charter —( hear , hear ) . air . Williams said , that be conld not allow the resolution to pa&s , some portion of which he moat cordially supported , and some portion of which he most cordially dissented from , without taking this opportunity of stating his sentimeots . He thought that some matters had been introduced into the resolution named
by Mr . R-jbarts , which were not strictly the fact , and that some expressions tad been introduced which were objectionable —( No , no . ) He knew that he was addreB 3-injj those who entertained decidedly different feelings and opinions . He did not think that it was strictly the fact that the council had displayed bad faith—( jes , yes ) Tha delegates bad been called together to consider the details of a bill to be submitted to them by tbe council —( No , no . ) If they would read the programme , they would flad his statement to be Btrictly the facttNo , -no . )
Mr . White thought they haij had enough of long speechifying—( heaT , hear ) A * tateruent of facts ought to go forth t « the world , showing tho manner in which tbe Suffrage party had acted—{ . hear , tear . ) They ba > 1 called delegates from all parts of England , Ireland , Rr » Us . n < i And Waiuo , and thun having got them together in Birmingham , because they would net submit to the dictation sought to be practised by the Suffrage party , the latter walked out and left the Conferencetsh&me . ) He wished things to be called by th « lr proper names and be shcuUl vote for the retention of the words , " bad faith" —( cheers . )
Mr . Roberts claimed his right of rep ' y ; but be would exercise it very britfly . He wished to set the meeting right wiih regard to a mistake into which Mr . Wiliia » 8 had fallen . The programme was not printed until tbe dele § aUs met at Birmingham —( hear , hear ) . Tfiey were invited for the purpose of preparing o bill ; and not to take the bill that tal already been prepand —( loud cries of ' hear , heat ") . It bad been said that he bad spoken in terms of co t * mpt of tbe body cailcd Quakers for their attachment to the symbols of their opinions ; now so far frem wishing to convey such meaning he thought adherence to them nfleeted the highest honour , and be urged it as a reason for a pertinacity on tbe part of the Chartists in adhering to their principles —( hear , hear ) . He contended tu&t the
Complete S ' -iff . age party had acted most inconsistently —( b *> aT , hear ) . It was just tne Bame as if a man , haviug invited 200 or 300 friends from a distance , either on business or pleasure , without staging any terms for their conference , was to 'say to them that they must agree to a certain principle before he would hold that conference . ; whereas he must have known before hand that not a man invited would agree to it—( cries uf " hear , bear ") . For himself , he bad attended that Conference at great persona ] inconvenience . He had Chartibt trials to attend to , and clients tequ ring his attention all over the kingdom ; and he declared that he wouid not have sacrificed the money of his constituents to submit to tbe conditions imposed by the Snffrage party—( hear , hear ) .
Tee Chairman was decidedly opposed to any person or any body of men in that Conference seeking to cause a quarrel between tbe two sections of reformers . He thought ibe best way to promote the object they had in view wjs to unite more firmly for tbe future , and not weaken themselves by useless bickerings about what had passed . He would rather that tbis resolution had not been brought forward at all , and in or . ier to show how far they were mistaken as to the feelings of the other party _ he would state a fact which he thought of no small importance . A discussion took place in the
Association Rooms , as to tbe admission of paupers to the electoral privilege . One member moved , and another seconded , a resolution , that no pauper should have a right to vote , who had received parochial relief three months prior to an election . Not a single member , save the mover and seconder , voted for it —( hear , hear . ) This showed that the Association was firm to its principles , and he thought that whilst the Conference were of opinion that tke Suffrage party were mistaken in the course they had taken , they ought to give them credit for honest intentions—( hear , hear . )
After a desultory conversation , the resolution was amended , by the substitution nf bad taste for the terms bad faith , and on being put to the vote , it was carried with only two dissentients . The Conference tUen proceeded with the consideration of the remaining clauses in tbe Charter .
AFTERNOON SITTING . The Conference again assembled shortly after three o ' clock , and tbe discussion on She clauses was res-unied . This part of the business was got through at five o ' clock . Mr . O'Connor moved that the Chairman do leave the chair , in order that the Conference , having been in Committee , might resume . This motion having been carried , and Ur . O'Higgins having again taken tbe ebair , Mr . Hobson moved" That the document which has been read before Conference , in Committee , subject to the suggested amendments which hava been agreed upon , be now submitted and agreed to aB a whole . "
Mr . Beown , ef Lambeth , seconded the proposition Mr . Pabrt said that ] they had recognised in this document the rights of man , but they had said nothing about the rights of woman . —Hanghter ) . Gentlemen around him were ; laughing , and it was quite possible , when ' the rights of man were talked of in the House of Lords , that they should be met with the same kind of risibility as that which had been excited in tbe Conference when be spoke of the rights of women . He had come to the Conference , impressed with this con-• yiction , that every adult weman as well as every adult man , Iought to possess the franchise ; but he should not
then offer % motion on the subject , and for this reason He should content himself by the simple expression of his opinion , that it was as unjust to deprive woman of her rights as it was to deprive man of his ' rights—( question j ; and bis only reason foi not offering a resolution on the subject was , that U might be said be was guilty of gross impracticability , and that it would be assisting to defeat the efforts which were making to obtain the Charter—( bear , hear ) . In order therefore that that should not be said , and in order that no slur might be cast upon the Conference , be declined moving a resolution , but at tbe same time be took that opportunity of
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sijU'g thtt in nis opinion , the rights of worn : n ought $ 9 be as dear and aa aacrad to her as the rights of man — ( uear , hear . ) Mr . O'Connor implored the Conference not to enter into the consideration bf any such question . —( hear , hea r , i , Mr . Roberts observed that the Conference could not entertain tbe question , even if they were so disposed , because they were called to consider the rights of man and not the rights of woman—( hear , hear . ) Mr , Buchanan differed from Mr . Roberta . He could not call the Charter a measure of full justice , while ittook away tba franchise from the- female part of the population—( Qaestipn . ) No delegate rising to offer any further observations on the question , the Chairman put the resolution moved by Mr . Hobson , which was adopted unanimonsly and amidst considerable cheering .
Mr Loveit moved , " That the People ' s Charter , being a bill to provide for the just representation of tha people of Great Britain and Ireland , in the Commons ' House of Parliament , revised at a Conference of the people held at Birmingham , December , 1842 , with the suggested alterations printed in italic , be printed and circulated , previous to receiving the sanction of another | Conference , to be called for that purpose . " Mr . O Connor seconded the motion , and it was agreed to . A resolution was proposed and adopted— " That Mr . Cleave be the publisher of the-amended bill . " Mr . Cleave thanked the Conference for the honour , and said it was his intention to publisk the bill , as aoiBiided . in a double sheet of fie C / iariist Circular , and also another edition , suitable for ths pockes—ihtar , heart .
Mr . Hobson moved— " That Thomas Slingsby Dnncoriibd , K > q , M . P ., be * the gentleman to whose care the bill for securing the just representation of the whole people , now read aud adopted by this Conference , be coaaded for the purpose of being introduced in a formal manner , to the House of Commons , anil that John Temple Leader , Esq ., be requested to secund the motion for leave to bring it in . " ' Mr . Koberts seconded the motion . —Agreed to . i Mr . Hobson said he found in the 7 th clause of the address inviting the country to convene this Conference tbe followia ? wjrds : — " To express an opinion as to
tbe duty of tho people giving th'jir countenancts and sujtport'to all those who may suffer from espousing their cause .. " —( hear , hear ) . That was one of the e ^ - jecta which tbey were met to consider , and he therefore begged to move— " Thai this Conference cannot separate without expressing its deepest and most sincere sympathy with the persons who are now suffering , er who may have Buffered , from espousing the cause of the people , snd advocating their ri ^ ht to a just and equal represent i ' , ive Government ; aud its consideration of their pre-eruii : eut cUim to the sympathy , assistance , and support of tlw people , whom they have sa well anto faithfully BBrved . ''
Mr . Roberts seconded the motion , and in doit : g so regretted the absence of members of the Complete Suffrage Association , because theii presence might be valuable in tbtB instance . In March mxt , sixty CUurtiata would have to takd their trials , and as society was constituted , there could be no doubt that these individuals would need all the assistance of tueitjnendi It was the duty of the Conftjreace , therefore , to render them all the assistance in their power ; an < 1 he trusted that ^ he names of John Frost and William Ellis would never be absent from their memories , « r that they would ever allow their efforts to cease , until under the protection of the Caurter , they wer « restored to their native iale—ichuers ) .
Mr . Fussell , of Southwark , hoped that while they were in Birmingham , they would not forget that tbrea persons hai bean exiled f . om that town , whose cases hart scarcely ever been heard of . At the present tiina , thy poor unfortunate wifu of Mr . Roberts—a temperance man , a nii'mber of the Church of England , aud he ( Mr . Puast-tli believed one of the best members of thu Chartist Association , was now in a starving comlitbu —( bear , htur ) . She was desirous of exsrtirg heraelf to obtain an honest livelihood , which she could do , if tbe country would only raise her the small aum of j £ l 0 to commence in business . Mr . CLakke , of Stockpott , thought that the Conference ought to express an opinion on the judicial conduct of Lord Abiuger during the late Special Commission— ( hear , hear , and no , no ) .
Mr . Parhy rose to ordfr . He thought it would he a waste of time to enter ittd a discussion which could lead to no practical resuit . He was very much inclin d to bring forward the unconstitutional conduct of Mr . Jmtice Creadwell , but for the reasons he bad stated he should abstain from doing so . Mr , Harnev h > ped that the names of Clayton and Hulberry , of felivffijM , who had livud and died C&artists , ^ would not be forgotten —( hear , hear / . As . the representative of the Chartists of that piaca , he could not return home , and look the widows of those true
and brave men in tbe fact * , without doing all in his power to alleviate their sufferings , by bringing their cases before tho notice of the Conference—( bear , hear ) . Mr . Cooper wished to announce that the widu < vof William Ellis was then in the room , and that £ 3 bad been collected for her —( hear , bear ) She was now in the dtepest distress , and the authorities had threatened to place her in a bastlle —( shamej . It had been said . that she was to be taken care of by the father and mother of her husband , but it was untrue , and there , s eraed tu be a disposition to' punish the unfortun-ita woman still more by starving her—( shame ) .
TJju resolution w&a then put and carried unanimously , by acclamation . The Kuv . Mr . Sollev said that the resolution which he was about to propose must , under any circumstances , come recommen iled to their best attention , but especially so on that occasion , seeing that they bad an irishman in the cnair—( hear , hear ) . The resolution ho wished to propose was" That this Conference of National Delegates hereby express in tbe strongest manner their earnest desire to promote a cordial , brotherly and permanent good understanding between the people of tnis country , and our brmbrenin the sisttr kingdom of Ireland , and their determination to usa their utmost endeavours to secure for tbe Irish people equal political and social rights , which they also desire to obtain for this country . '—( cheers ) , Mr . Bnow . v , of Saltmarsh , soconded the motion .
Ttie Chairman , before putting the resolution , eaid that this waa what he had always expected from tua representatives of ths English working classes , because he bulitved that the latter were anxious for the social and political amelioration of the same class in his own country—( hear , hear ) When be first visited England , eighteen years ago , he observed that the people were weil fed , andwdll clad , and that there was scarcely a poor man , or a beggar , to be satin—( hear , hear . ) At that time he felt desirous that the condition of the working classes of Ireland should present a similar appearance—( hear , hear . ) Bat , in h's presunt visit , he found that class-legislation bad brought down the operatives of E'gland to a more degraded position than the working classes of Ireland were placed in —( loud cries of bear , hear . ) In every district he had travelled through ; tho peoole seemed to be crushed to the very
face of the earth by this system , and be maintained that any man , priest or friar , lawyer or member of Parliament , who would oppose the efforts of the Conference to break down sucU a system , was the enemy cf the peop ' e —( cheers . ) The union of England with Ireland had been brought about by men who sought to crush the people ; but if the people became thoroughly united , thay would make it tbe dearest union that ever waB beard of—^( cheers . ) He thanked them for the resolution which had been proposed , and be could assure them that , conveying as it did , an assurance of the Oh&Titists of England to co-operate in promoting a friendly Union between the two countries fur obtaining the political rights of both , would be recaived with that gratitude for which the character of his countrymen was so signally distinguished—( cheers . ) The resolution was then put and carried .
Mr . Paiiry said they had met for the pnrpose of promoting union , though at the same time they recognised the undoubted right of every man to act upon bis honest convictions . In order to show that they were above anything like party or factious feelings , but that their great object led thera to overlook the d . fferencea that had taken place—whilst they held their opinions firmly , and whilst they considered that the body who seceded from them acted in an impolitic manner , yet , that because the Conference admitted their right to do so , bo thought they would be acting on great principles , irrespective of all party'feelings , if they manifested a charitable disposition towards those who might differ from them as to the means of attaining their object Entertaining these feelings , he begged to move the rollowing resolution : —
«• That as the principles of democracy tally recognise the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly on all questions effecting their political and social interests , tbis Conference deems It necessary to proclaim this important right ; and at tbe same ; time to express their opinion that the cause of the people will be best served by a charitable and forbearing spirit towards all classes of Reformer 8 , who recognising the same great principle at political justice , yet feel themselves conscientiously called upon to pursue the attainment of those principles by different means . " Mr . Vevers seconded the motion .
Mr . Lowert should oppose the motion , because in his opinion , it stultified thd resolution mov « d by Mr . Roberta , on the previous day , and which the Conference adopted—( hear , hear ) . He had another objection . He could not admit the principle that expediency was justifiable at any time when it was a departure from tight —( cheers ) . The best way to go to work Was to go the right way , and cot beat about the bush to see which way the other people were going —( hear , bear ; . Mr . Jones was sorry to say that among those who professed bo much anxiety for an union between the
middle and working classes , there were some who did not -wish for any union at all—( hear , bear ) . These patties bad prophecied before coming to the Conference that there was no chance of such an union being effected , and not wishing to appear as false prophets , would make no effort to secure an union at all—( hear , bear ) . The Charter had suffered more from disunion than any thing else , and he tboaght that any delegate opposing tbis resolution was acting in a very uncharitable spirit —( no , no ) . Mr . White moved tbe following amendment ;—
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" That this Conferrnca recognises the right of every man to take any course ho thinks proper , bolrtly and honestly , in thejadvooacy of the People ' s Charter , whilst we rutciin to ourselves tho right " of pursuing in the same straightforward manner which we have hitherto pursued , and resolve never to cease from a firm , steady , and determined jagitation until the People's Charter becomes the law of the land . " Mr . Ridley seconded the amendment . Mr . Lovett Observed that there was a ¦ variety of opinion in tit pjnftsrence , and if they claimed a right to think for themselves , he thought nothing could be flo
intolerant as to deny that right to others . No man had been more persecuted for opinions' sake than ha had be « n , but at the same time he was one * f those who wouid give credit to every man who honestly differed from him— -- ( hear , hear ) . The principles of democracy gave to every individual an opportunity of exercising his opinions fully aud freely , and in his opinion the resolution inov ^ . 1 by Mr , Parry was a conciliatory one , and amounted to nothing more than this , that as democrats , they jwisned to do away with the intolerant spirit which hadpvoJuced so much mischief ia their ranks—( bear , bear ) .
Mr . Moift said that no man valued more than be did tbe right of priyate judgment ; but there were times and seasons wh 6 n it was not always expedient and politic , and when that spirit did not display the vsry best judgment . jTbe resolution moved by Mr . P ^ rry appeared to him | to bs a complimentary one to tlie minority who had seceded from them—( hear , hear ) .. That they had a . rigbjt to do so he freely admitted ; but having called the | repreaentatives of the people together , he thought they would have displayed much more good sense if they had allowed themselves to be guided by tfeo decision of [ the majority—( bea * . hear ) . 0 aleBs this principle were to bd actel upon , he could not see
upon what principle tln-y were ever to be usiited . TMy had d ff ^ red veryjmuch in opinion ; but surely it never could be ri ^ ht for the party who happened to be in the minority to kick up their heels and run cut of doan»—¦ ( heat , bear ) . If jtuey wauted to establish a flrta position , tbey muat act from principle , and not fruin expediency— ( hear , hear ) . ff ' Mr . Clark thought that the resolution amounted to nothing more norjlesa thin indirect censure upop themselves ibear , hear . ) Ho had heard Mr . White represented as evprytbjng that was injurious to their cause , but never having had the pleasure of meetfng trim before , be b ggedjto thank him for the amendnient he had proposed . ]
Mr . OCoNNOR . ' was of opinion thit the re ^ luHon amounted to a censure , because it would announce this fact , that they ( the maj ; rityj had seen the error of their ways , in having tak 9 n aa injurious path , and one contrary to the principles of democracy—( hear ; He remembered that { in the Scottish Conference a similar resolution was proposed * , and rejected by a large majority , because it wa ! s supposed to have another meaning than tbe words imported— ( hear , hear . ) He q'lite agreed with the sentiments expressed by Mr . Pirry , that every man had a right to expness his opinions freely and fully , land he believed thut the Chartist body had been thej first and the loudest to claim th . rieht for everj- man—( hear , hear . ) Like his friend White , he would ! go straight down tbe roai . He would not abuse anybody , aud it Whs bucausa he did not thii k the resolution neo ssary for cassation ; and as castitation was not necessary f . ir the past , they did not want it as a warning for tae future—ihear . heart )
Mr . Baiustow should Rive his unqualified support to the resolution , ! because it simply asserted a : truth which no human bging could dispute f > r a moment , — namely , the vi ^ ht of a man to tnink for bimseif ' Mr . Cooper , supposed that they were assembled to promote legislation [ and organz itieo ; instead of which it seemed they were rpet to Listen to a numbei of sp ^ ecbes-For his own part , the resolution Beem > -tl to him to . be a sort of lo » p-hole out of which the Complete Suffrage party were to escape—( hear , heart . Mr . Cowan , of , ; Liverpool , thought the restitution entirely uncalled fa ' r , and ttiat its introduction was ( iesi ^ ned to throw thjair proceedings overboard altogether — Ihear . huat ) . i Mr . Pare *—I beg to say that I indignantly diacliini any such intemion-Hbeai , hear ) . ¦ .
Mr . Koberts thought he saw tho tamper of the Conference ; and in ; the amendment he was about to propose , he fancied he ehonM have the support of tbe largest number . It was admitted that the resolution , of Mr . Parry was \ the enunciation of a truth ; but it was also admitted ] that , at this time , the resolution would b ? offensive ] to a large portion of them—ibear , hear ) . There were ; other causes of division , without introducing fresh ones ; and ha would press upon the Conference to go back to the previous question , in order that they might getlrid of this apple of discord which
had unfortunately got among them—( hear , hear ) :. He attributed nothing to M r . Parry but the most sincere motives ; and he believed that no man bad been more succebsful in hia tff » rts in inducing meaibera of tie Complete Suffrage Association to j ^ iin tb « Chartist racks than that gentleman bad been—ihear , hear ) . But , ' a * tbe same time , be believed that when Mr . Parry : proposed his resolution , be did not think that it would have given rise to so much discussion , and to so much d ff rence of opinion—( hear , hear , from Mr . Parry . ) . He begged to
movtsr" That neither the ; amendment or resolution be § rfter : tained . " i A Deletjete seconded tbe proposition . Mr Lovett said ! it swinij . i to him that they w&re manifesting a very intolerant spirit , and if Mr . Parry ' a resolution was lost , he should pursue his own course fur the future . ! Mr . Giieen theuqht that if the motion and amend , ment were minutely [ examined , there was no difference between them . The amendment pledged the Conference to unit'j to the utmost of their power fox the
attainment of tha Chimer , and to curry ont its principles Now . was th ^ re a single word in the original resolution which weut to cr imp tb ir efforts ? Ho maintained that it did not . If there had been a singU expression that went ! to cramp the independent judgment of any man in carrying out his principles ; he would have opposed it as strongly as any man j bu ^ h « conceived that independence of thought , and the ino .-t indomitable adherence to the principles of the Charter , were as baldly and upfiinchiugly asserted in the resolution as ia Mr . White ' s amendment—( hour , hear , and no . no . >
Mr . Parry , ie replyi sa < d he could assure the Conference that he had not tbe slightest idea that a resolution enunciating a principle of this description , could have excited bo much coisfusion , and apparently so much ili-will—ihear , ' hear . ) Gentkmen seemed to think tbat tba resolution rtflact < -d on some course of conduct which had been previously adopted , bat he never intended it to hava any such r ^ nWtion , nor did ft , in hia opinion , bear such a construction . Mr . O'Connor seemed to thiDk that j the country would put a false construction upon it Now so long us he ( Mr . Parry ) was coKsciouo that the ; resolution contained nothing but what was true and right , he cared not one iota about the couitry putting a wrong construction upon it—(« he « rf > and bissts ) < lf the resolution were false , it
would fall of its own ( weakness . He would now say one or two words with respect to the reasons which had induced him to bring it forward . He believed he might say that his public caret * had neither btea a long or a remarkable one , and he btliuved he bad never come into personal collision with any man advocating his own principles—( hear , hear . ) From the bottom of hia heart he regretted that there should have been this difference , and disunion , and bad spirit among men who ought to have been united in one common bond at brotherhood against the common foe—( hear , hear . ) They could not blink tbis fact nor could they disguise it . They were then osaeznbkd in solemn Conference on an important object , and j men who had been quarrelling with each other and abusing encn other in various parts of the country , wero met together to agree , if possible ; on one common object , ! aud his motive , in moving this
resolution , w > s , that they should substantially pledge themselves before the country , tbat whatever past diffsrencos might have occurred , ttwy should ba forgotten , and that as they had agreed on one great principle , they Bhould go to the world aa an united Chartist body - ^ -: ( bear ) . He believed the adoption of tbia resolution would have a greater | moral effect upon the country , than anything else they could devise . It had been ' remarked by one deli gate tbat the resolution was intended to help forward the movement of the anti-Corn Law League . —( hear ) . No man despised that body more than he did , { ami he did and he would take ever / fitting opportunity to show that their opinions were net the opinions of the people . —( cheers ) . In order , then , to show that he bad do wish to cast any reflection upon what had been done before , he had no objection to accede to an alteration being made in the resclolution . —( hear ) .
Mr . Cooper and Mr . iKoberts urged Mr . White to withdraw his amendment . Mr . White said thatjif Mr . Parry was willing , they would vote for Mr . Robe . rts ' a resolution . Mr . Parui , in replyAfiaid he could not agree to such
a course . Mr . White then intimated his intention to press bis amendment . | After some time spent in altering and amending tbe original resolution , without giving any satisfaction to the objectors , \ Tne Chairman put tbe amendment of Mr . Roberts , namely , that the Conference should go to tbe previous question , which was carried by a large majority . Mr . Lovett regretted j the decision'to wiiich the Conference had come , because it manifested ths same intolerant spirit of which jhe had before complained—( no . no ) . He should consider it his duty to have tbe votes recorded —( much confusion and uproar ) . Mr . Parry suggested ^ o Mr . O Connor whether the resolution might net be so formed as to meet the views ' ? ill , without sacrificing the principle for which be seen contending . j « a considerable loss of time .
~ t . O'CONNOB rose and said that the " firebrand' * was now g < iing to try to throw a little oil on the troubled waters —( laughter ) . The resolution he bad drawn op was aa follows : — " That , as the principles of democracy fully recognise the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly on all questions affecting their political and social rights , this Conference deems it essential to proclaim this important right , and at the same jtime to express their opinion that the cause of the people will fK ^ nat served by a manly perseverance in their agitaUoa ^ ror the People ' s
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Charter , wbite tbey receive with gratitude and thanks the co-operation of all parties whe shall , in pursuanca of their own means , endeavour to achieve the same . and we further recommend thai all means , not ineoa ! aiatent with principle , Bhall fee used to conciliate all classes of Reformers '* ' —( cheers ) . Mr . PaRRT said that the resolution met with hia entire approbation , and he should have great pleasure in seconding it —( cheers ) . The Chairman then put the resolution , which was carried amidst great acclamation , and with only four dissentients-Mr . Hobson moved— "That all papers anddocuments belonging to this Conference Bhall be placed fa the hands of Mr . Lovett , and that be retain possession of them until duly authorised to deliver them up . " Mr . O'Connos seconded tba motion . Agreed to .
It was then agreed that Mr . Lovett should prepare a copy of the minutes suitable for publication , and Mr . Hobson announced hi 3 intention to print them in a cheap form for the use of the delegates and the Coartiafc body generally . The business of the Conference having terminate * Mr . O'CONNOR rose and said—Sir , I rise to discharge a most important dnty , and in the outset , I wjoice to think that Mr . Lovett has been a false prophet When the seceders left us , Mr . Lovett expressed his opinion that it would be the forerunner of the existence of three parties , but I think our subsequent position has proved that hereafter there will be but two—( hear , hear ) , ifc has been my fortune to differ with Mr . Lovett , ( and he has broadly intimated tbe fact , ) but from this moment
all thought and all recollection of it is banished from my mind —( cheers ) . I may often have be 6 n placed in such peculiar circamstmces as to reader it impossible for me to explain , because others would not « xpl » ia with tne . I-may truly say when speaking of another or denouncing another , that I have had my full and ample share ' of it throu ? bout . the country . I have only to say far the future , that so long as Mr . Lovett con « tinues ( which I am sure he will ) to perform thesama duties in the sam « way , so long will he find in me a supporter instead of a denouncer—( hear and cheers ) . It frequently happens that a number af individuals may form themselves into associations , but all their ar-. tions woil be spurious unless propelled by the mind , which is tha only true spring of action . Many
bickerings have taken place in our ranks , and it is not unlikely that before we come to the conclusion of eur career , there will be more . But however great the delusion and how 0 ver thick the cloud that may be thrown round us , public opinion will break through the mist , and the man will be seen according to his real value —( hear , and cheers ) . I don't think a man tbe worse for being denounced—reaction takes place in hia favour , aiid puts him in possession of the fact tbat he is not infallible—( hear , hear ) . We have discovered more than one thing ; we have discovered not inertly that Mr . Lovett is dearly wedded to ttese principles , but that be will continue to use bis efforts to carry them into practical effect —( che « ra ) . Then I ask whether any difference should exist among
men who are labouring for the same objects 1 Wbeu you talk <> f an union between the middle and working classes , which is so desirable , is there not another thing still more desirable ? I mean an union among the working classes themselves ?—( cries of " Hear , hear ;'') Their weakness is the enemy ' s strength ; their strength is the enemy ' s weakness—( hear hear ) . And now , » ir , if I have been the means of saying one word which has been personally offensive or hurtful to the feelings of Mr . L > j 73 tt , I trust that I did sa under a misapprehension , aud that I did not do it for the purpose of denunciation , but for the purpose of what I conceived tobetnu —( heir , hear ) . I now beg leave to tender openly to Mr . Lovett my apology to him for any pain
I have caused him , and I have only to hope that the example set through our proceedings , will prove to those who would fetter and keep us in chaius , that while we are united among ourselves it is impossible for them to succeed in their object—( hear ) . In conclusion , Sir , I beg to move that the most cordial and heartfelt thanks of the Conference be given to Mr . Lovett , for the services he has rendered as secretary , and for tbe part he has taken in drawing up that document which has stood public agitation for five years , and which I trust ere long will become the safeguard of the rights and liberties of the peoplu of England . — ( loud cheers ) . Mr Cooper seconded the motion .
The CHa irmaN put tbe resolution , which was carried unanimously amidst great cheering . Mr Lovett , on rising to return thanks , was received with much applause . He said , in reply to what has been urged by Mr . O'Connor , during tbe twenty years that I have been engaged in political agitation , I have aisrays in the first place enquired whether tbe thing was rixht and just , and without waiting for the sanction of individuals or parties , I have always pursued a straightforward course towards its attainment , regardless of personal consequences towardB mysulf , or whatever others might choso to say of me—( cheers . ) In pursuit of this object , and in acting up to these views , my plans bavo been de . ounced , my sincerity has beea impugned , and my object has been greatly
retarded ; but it bas given me some satisfaction to find tbat as public opinion progressed , I have seen an approximation to the opinions I have always entertained—( hear , hear . ) Reference bas been made by Mr . O'Connor to the National Charter Association . On tbat point he has stated that they ware deficient in a plan of organization . You may remember that while suffering imprisonment in Warwick Gaol , I always concurred with htm iu opinion tbat it was deficient . I conceived that it was not only necessary that we should put forth a sound principle , but that , if possible , we should devize means to prepare the people to carry tbat principle into operation . Hence I laid down a plan of united agitation—a plan the first object of which was to
create an united public opinion in favour of' the Charter ; and I thought tbat while we were labouring for that object , some means might be devised for educating and instructing the people . That plan was published with all its details , and then the only question w& 3 , bow it could be carried into practical effect :. ' . V hen it was projected to the country , it was assailed from a quarter which I little expected ; but as an upology has been made , I will say nothing more un that part of the au ^ jaot —{ hear , bear ) I always conaidered it to be far preferable to the National Charter Association , and I say so without any fet-linga of disrespect to the gentlemen wbo may have been associated with it . I believe it to be so because it combines a plan of education , not merely
tbe elements of reading and writing , but a plan which would teach the people while they are agitating for their rights , how to answer those who taunted them with the reproach tbat they were unfit for the suffrage , because they wera not sufficiently enlightened—( hear , hear ) . I know not whether my plan wili ever be acted on er not , but I think I shall best answer the great object of democracy in pursuing tbe course which appears to me most likely to lead to a speedy and satisfactory result—( hear , hear . ) Now , in America tbe people have possessed the franchise for fifty years , and in tbat country the great mass of tbe people are the slaves of the few . I hate asked the reason of this , and I find tbat it is for want
of re ^ l knowledge on part the people as what constitutes their political rights—( hear , hear . ) It is for tbis reason that I want to combine with our systematic plan of agitation , some meartB for instructing the people , so that the elective franchise may become a blessing to them and not a curse—( hear , hear , hear . ) I am not aware that I can say anything further . I hope we shall go on peacefully and successfully for the future , and so far as aDy exertions of mine , either personal or otherwise ^ can conduce to the attainment ( f . our common object , be assured they shall be mostv ^ e » rfully and willingly rendered . Mr . Lovett resumedhirseat amidst loud and continue ! cheering .
Mr . O'Higgins then left the chair , and on the motion of Mr . Parry , seconded by Mr . O'Connor , it was taken by Dr . Wade . Mr . Parry said a most pleasing duty devolved on turn , namely , that of proposing the cordial thanks of the Conference to Mr . O Higgins , for the admirable manner in which he had discharged the duties of Ghairmaa—( cheers ) . Mr . O'Higgins was the representative of a Scotch county , but morally he might be said to be the representative of the Chartists of Ireland , and he hailed hia presence among them as an omen tbat the day would soon arrive when " justice to Ireland '' would find a practical echo in the breasts of every Englishman . Mr . Roberts seconded the motion . The Chairman pus the proposition , which we nesd scarcely say was adopted amidBt great cheering . Mr . O'Higgins , in a few words acknowledged the honour , and
Mr . Hobson then moved , and several members sec ; > n Jed , " That this Confarance do now dissolve . Which was put from the chair , and carried unanimously . At half past nine o ' clock , the laborious sittings of the Conference were brought fo a conclusion .
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JVIEUTHBH TTOVXt—A full meeting of the Chatter Association , Mt . David John in the chair , the following resolution was unanimously passed ; — " That the thanks of this meeting are due and are hereby given to Mr . Win . . Lovett , F . O'Connor , Esq ., and others , tor the honest e-ad manly course tbey took in the late Conference , In bringing the People ' s Charter ad an amendment to the imperfect doeument of thd Sfcnrge party . " WALSAMi . —Mr . John Mason was entertained by the Walsall Chartists , at dinner on Thursday Bo'nnigbt , at tbe house of Mr . D . Standley , the New Inn , St . Johnstreet
- The dinner was of excellent quality . Upon the sloth being drawn , Mr . Mulholland was called to tha chair , and in a neat and eloquent speech proposed the health of Mr . MaSoii ^ eulOglsing his past conduct , and expressed his belief tfek ' bia future life would be such as would entitle hirn ^ io tbe high estimation in which he is held at present Mr . Mason rose to respond , and was met With loud cheers . * Ha delivered ore of the most eloquent speeches ever beard , occupying upwards of an hour and a half . Several patriotic songs and toasts were given , and the company broke up highly pleased with the proceedings of the evening and the company of their old friend ,
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6 THE NORTHERj _ SW . - — == ' - ' ~ ,
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 7, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1194/page/6/
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