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TO . THE OLD GUARDS.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Onwarf , * n& we eomjser ! Backward and we fell ! -- pEO ? I- ' s CHARTER AKD SO StERESDER
Oib Guards , you who have read my letter in the Star t Saturday week upon the conduct of nfflLLON BARROT , and others , who Tup the REFORM BANQUET in | ° . and then left the people to the tender Aes of the soldiers and the Government , ^ 11 « ee by this week ' s Star that the very same £ " ne has ' been played hy Mr Charles Coch-*> * in London . That gentleman called a et ins ° * *^ P P ^ in Trafalgar-square for
Tlfon ^ ' althou o ^ communication th th " e P 0 ^ 06 authorities fr ° m the previous f-fo V as to the legality of the proposed meet-• " and although upon that day he had re-* £ ed an assurance from the police that the eetin 2 was ^ eS ^> ^ &e l prohibits any public meeting within a mile of the House of C omm ons during the sitting of Parliament—A , having this information , and when a single j- ^ e in the Star of Saturday could have undeceived the people , this gentleman allows the i peop le to assemble , and never makes his appearance . Now , let us see what , under the
circumstances , was his duty . He should have I < rone to the meeting at all hazard , no matter I hW great ; and he should have explained the cause of the meeting not being continued ; and he should have remained there to the last . T his was his duty ; and not having performed that duty , it now becomes his bounden duty to support the family of any poor fellows who were wounded by the police , until they are able to work . The corrupt Press praises the clemency and forbearance of the police ; but I ! ? m informed , bv an eye-witness , that they
be-S isved in the most savage , brutal , and tyranj nical manner " ; but you know enough of the | Press and the authorities to be aware that they measure clemency by BRUTALITY . The ruffian Press has endeavoured to fix all the foolish mischief done to property , and all the thefts committed , upon the Chartists ; hut I never heard the name of one of the speakers before , while the originator , Mr Cochrane , is not a Chartist , but is opposed to Chartism .
I trust that all who have been deprived of their protectors and supporters , will apply to Jlr Cochrane , in a body , for the maintenance of their families . Tour greatest duty now is to avoid evil counsel , and to sign the NatiOBal Petition ; and , not as a bribe or an inducement , but as a reward for virtue , I will give a premium of bl . out of my own pocket , and the flag by which the Petition will be surmounted , to the district which , according to its population , transmits the largest number of signatures . Let this he a " real monster , " and " no mistake . "
On Monday next , the carpenters at Snig ' s End will build a carriage out of the timber grown upon Lowbands , for the conveyance of the Petition to the House of Commons , and which shall be drawn by four of our own jjQj-sgs—such a team as won't be seen in London on that day . Now , Old Guards , if you have confidence in me / after a quarter of ' a century ' s straggle , you will not allo w the mischief-maker , or the coirara—and therefore the braggart—to mar our glorious object . I tell you candidly , that to
I see mv ^ Y a successful issue without the slightest violence to person or property ; and I tell you , further , that , while 1 set my face against violence , if we are attacked , either by the law or by force , we will defend ourselves ; while if our united moral power is brought to bear upon corruption , in its present weak state , I have not the slightest fear of a successful issue . Ever your faithful Friend , Feargus O'Connor .
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TO THE WORKING CLASSES . My Friexds , — It was my intention to Bave presented you this week with my Financial Budget , proving my assertion , that there is yefe ifl this country ample means for making the poor rich , and the rich richer . However , being engaged durinff the whole-of the week , up to the present hour ( twelve o ' clock on Thursday ) , it was impossible for me to submit my table and its results in that clear and simple form . indispeasable for the illsstration of a heretofore complicated subject .
Next week I promise you my manifestoand shall now proceed to report the meetings at Hanley , in the Potteries , on Monday last : and that " at Preston on Tuesday . On Monday , I left my " cold quiet home , " Sing's End , where I . am always most happy because most profitably engaged—and reached the Whitrnore station at half-past two , where I was met by two of the OLD GUARDS , and a carriage drawn by four grey horses .
Y » hen we reached Hanley , we were met by an enthusiastic concourse of " true Labourers " and a splendid band . I can give no guess at the numbers , beyond the fact that we had fully half a mile of a dense mass of human beings . The authorities granted us the uss of the Bells for the occasion , and . as we entered the town , they struck up the merry peal of ' -Welcome . '' I had a long interview with The OLD GUARDS , not one
of whom has ever wavered in the most trying times . At nve we sat down to tea in the covered FREE MARKET , capable of accommodating over 7 , 000 persons ; and between 1 , 600 arid 2 , 000 sat down to tea . After tea the public were admitted at a charge of 3 d . a iead , and the ppacious building was sooa crowded . Mr Capwell , a working man was called to the chair , and our old friend Daddy Richards was introduced as the first speaker , and was received by his old townsmen with the most gratifying marks of affection and regard . He proposed the adoption of the " Adin
dress to the French People , " which appeared the Star of last Saturday , and it -was unanimously and rapturously adopted . I spoke next to the resolution , pledging the meeting to persevere for the Charter ; and never was a speech better received—never was there a more enthusiastic meeting . When the speakin ? partfconcluded , the girls began the ball , and all , I am told , was happiness and goodhumour . Lord Talbot , the Lord-Lieutenant of the county , was anxious to send the military amongst us ; " but owing to the good advice of Mr Wisea magistratehe was calmed into
, , reason , and well for him , as I am sure we did not want the soldiers , and they did not want us ; but their appearance mi g ht have led to some awkward work , as the people owe his lordship no good-will for his persecution of them in 1 S 42 . I spent a part of the night and till twelve the next day in conversation ¦ with the OLD GUARDS , " and left for Preston . There , also , we had a glorious gathering , in the Exchange-room , granted by the mayor . From TOO to 1 , 000 sat down to tea . Mr Franklin landlord of the Temperance Hotel ,
was in the chair , and , during my quarter of a century ' s experience , I never heard a more eloquent ; sensible , logical and well-rea soned speech th * n he delivered upon tne Land and the Charter ; a speech that proved to me that my teaching had not been in vain , ana convinced me that both questions had no « - assumed their proper place in popular thought and esteem . The occasion of our meeting was to celebrate the location of six Preston shareholders upon the land , and , ' therefore , the comthemselves to
mittee were obliged to pledge the mayor that politics should not be made the prominent topic of the evening . It was a great G » fl-i ? enfl to get so fine a building to meet in , and , to tne honour of the committee , they did great violence to their feelings by not being able to adopt an address to the French people , but 1 love good faiili and I yielded to their honourable feelings , although I had drawn up a resolution to congratulate the French . 1 spoke for nearly two hours upon the Land Plan , explaining ' it in all its bearings , but show-
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ing its utter insignificance as compared with the Charter , which would at once make it natioaal instead of merely sectional . We passed resolutions in favour of the Land and the Charter , ? and when the proceedings terminated the girls began the dance . Here , as at Hanley , I found the OLD GUARDS staunch and resolute , " and the young mind every where | imoibing ; the Chartist princi ples . The great delight I experienced from these two meeting £ was , the large attendance of women , who were not , as formerly , impatient to conclude the speaking and
commence the dancing , but were the most attentive listeners , a change which I attribute to the fact that sensible women—mothers , with all the domestic cares upon them—recognise in the Land Plan their redemption from slavery , and I contend that woman has never yet been placed in her legitimate position in this country . She should be the most honoured , because the most useful and ornamental ; but , shame to say , she has been doomed to slavery , by the weakness , the . depravity , the brutality and tyranny of man . A mother ' s place is in her own . house , her duty is to train up ,
instruct , love and protect her little children ; the man ' s place is the free Labour field , working for himself ; the child ' s place is the school , the open air , and the comfort of a home ; and but for the women of England the men of England would never be free , as they are the main prop of the Land Company , thus proving their love of liberty , and their willingness to be thrown on their own resources ; and if I discovered one husband disrespectful to his
wife , or neglectful of his children , I would expose him to the world , and do my best to transport him to the SLAVE MART ; but , thank God , all at O'Connorville and Lowbands NOW seem proud of their wives , and look upon their children as a blessing . Yesterday I left Preston and arrived here at eight last night , so that I have not had much spare time , all of which , however , is , as usual , devoted to the poor . My tour has delighted me , and refreshed me . Ever your affectionate Friend , Feargus O'Cohnos .
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GREAT METROPOLITAN DEMONSTRATION . THE REPUBLIC FOR FRANCE , AND THE CHARTER FOR ENGLAND , ' Thu § was headed one of the placards convening the ' Metropolitan Demonstration , to congratulate the heroic people of France on their glorious victory in establishing a Republic , and to advocate the right of every maa to the elective franchise , held on Thursday evening , March 2 nd , in the great Circus of the National Baths , Westminster-road , Lambeth , and undoubtedly it wasi without , exception , the largest in-door aeeting the metropolis can boast of . The proprietor of the building told us he had seen a meeting within the walls , at which , five thousand persons had payed for admission , and that that
meeting was nothing as compared with the meeting now in question—it was one dense wedge—not only the bottom portion of the building , but the massive beams that support the roof were lined with human beings , who had climbed to that altitude . to obtain a view and hear the proceedings of tfee evening . Some idea may be formed of the magnitude of the meeting , when we tell them that several speakers , althongh well-known , and * he people showing every desire to make way for them , took half an hour to make their way into the meeting , we are certain that not less than ten thousand persons could have been preseBt in the building , many thousands reluctautly going away who could not obtain
ad-. At half-past seven o ' clock , Mr John Shaw was called to the chair pro . tern ., the committee not having jet been able to make their way to the platform " He said he was sure all rejoiced in the establishment of a glorious French Republic . ( Tremendous cheering . ) The chairman read from the placard , convening the meeting as follows : — 'The provisional gorernmeRt of France has declared in favour of Universal Suffrage , the Abolishment of
Capital PanUhEent , the Separation of Church andState , and handed over the million per aDnum , recently con . sumed by the Monarch , for the benefit of the starring pssple . Each point of which was received with enthusiastic acclamations , perfectly indescribable . He said their reception of the deeds of the provisional government , was such that raust gladden the hearts of their Gallic neighbours , and when sent through , the press , must delight the democrats of the world . ( Immense cheering . )
At this moment the Executive Committee made their "way to the platform , amidst considerable cheering , and Mr Shaw having vacated the chair , Mr W . Dixon was unanimously called thereto—Mr Dixon said , when our brave Gallic neighbours were struggling , they paid the greatest possible respect to individual property and to haman lifehe trusted that immense meeting would follow so good an example , and do the same —( great applause)—and that they would show their love of otder by giving to every man a full , fair , and impar . tial hearing . We , in these eventful times , as it were , lived a life-time in ajew days ; thus had three
ministers and two monarchs been destroyed in less than one week—never were the words of Lafayette more fully or completely illustrated , ( hear , hear , ) but we must not forget that there are other nations that require freedom . ( Loud cheers . ) And be trusted that we ( the English people ) should this nigbt swear eternal fealty to each other , and never rest satisfied until we had obtained the People ' s Charter . ( Tremendous cheering , ) Some of the press had doubted the ability of the provisional government , to insure stability to the Republic , but he ( the chairman ) thought their acts since its installation would completely set all such doubts at ' rest . { Great cheering . )
Mr T . Clark , amidst loud cheers , came forward a nd moved tbe following resolution : — That this meeting hails vrith tmmingled pleasure the triompn of Republicanism in France , and hereby pres > nts its cordial greetings to those patriotic heroes who hurled to destruction the fell power of the tyrant Louis Philippe . Aad this meeting expresses an ardent hope , that knowledge and wisdom will so direct and use the splendid achievements of the Revolution , as to erect in France an enduring temple to trnth and liberty from which shall emanate tbose holy principles of haman emi uc ' p * tioB , that muetere long result in the subversion of despotism throughout the globe .
He said : \ ve have met here , for the purpose of showing to the people of France our entire sympathy with them , ( loud cheers ) and to evince our determination to establish our liberties . ( Great applause . ) The English ministry did not repose on a bed of rosei , ( hear , hear ) and the briar must still be made sharper , as they did not yet seem to know that avast majority of the English people were without the pale of the constitution ; that only one in seven of the British nation possessed the elective franchise ; it is , therefore , our imperative duty to make Lord John Russell acquainted with that circumstance . ( Loud cheers . ) Toe people of France had displayed true nobility of soul in not sullying their hand ' s in the bloorl of either the fallen tyrant Louis Philippe , or the ex-ministers , ( much
applause ) and deserved well of their fellow men . ( Reiterated cheering . ) And he thought the principles propounded by the provisional government , demanded the heartiest support of every Democrat and sincere Referraer throughout the world . ( Loud cheers . ) Louis Philippe had attempted to suppress public meetings , and such attempts justly cost him his crown . ( Immense , loud , and long continued cheering . ) Yes , the people of France bad trampled the throne of the barricades in . the dust , ( reiterated cheering . ) the sentiments of the people of England will be waUed on the wings of the press from one end of the world to the other , ( hear , hear ) and thus shall the people know that the pruducenjiif all wealth in England , cordially sympathise with their brethren of France , extend to them the hand of fellowship , and salute them with
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the most cordial and fraternal salutations . ( Rapturous cheering . ) The provisional government , although bat one week old , was the only ministry in existence that had manfully grappled with the great question of labour . ( Loud cheers . ) Ay , the reason was , because it was not composed of aristocrats , but of the most talented men to be found in the ranks of industry—of orators , philosophers , and of men of science . ( Loud cheers . ) All honour to the men of France for producing such events and such a government . ( Great and long continued applause . ) They are , indeed , entitled to our thanks , our sympathy , and our . highest approval ; and in conclusion , I now propose that we testify it by giving three hearty cheers for those gallant , heroic , virtuous , and wise men . ( Tumultuous cheering , which , for at least five minutes , made the building ring again . )
Mr James Grassby , in seconding the motion , said the time had now arrived , whilst they congratulated their French brethren , they should think of doing something effectual for themselves ,. and it would be well to back up these moral demonstrations with an amount of physical courage and force that might , in the event of an accident , be found useful . ( Loud cheers . ) It was disgracefol to the English government that so many thousand labourers were walking the streets of our metropolitan and
provincial towns , without work , in a state of utter destitution—starving for want of the common necessaries of life , whilst the idle , useless aristocracy , rieted in luxury , and the widows and other offshoots g £ Royalty revelled in profusion . ( Great cheering . ) Seeing this horrible state of things , it was the duty of all to be up and doing , to effect such a political and social change as shall produce employment , wages , liberty , and happiness for all . ( Immense cheering . )
Monsieur J . F . J . Caplin supported the resolution , and said the French had been charged with having a desire for war ; but he , as a Frenchman , emphatically denied it . They desired peace , liberty , and order . As a Frenchman , he had come forward to propose three cheers for the united people of England and France . ( Tremendous cheering . ) The resolution was carried amidst the loudest applause . Mr Ernest Jones , whose appearance in the meeting had bees loudly greeted , then came forward to move the following resolution : —
That from the testimony which history and experience bear to the malignancy with which tyrants regard the progress of the peeple in liberty and happiness , thiB meeting would not be surprised , if , in the nildnesa ot their iniquity , a league ol king * were formed to crush the infant Republic of France , and reestablish the fallen dynasty . Ba it , therefore , resolved , that in the event of such an alliance being formed for such a nefarious parpase , this meeting considers that it will become the most sacred duty of the friends of progress throughout the world , to aid to the utmoBtthe people of France in vanquishing their enemies , and preserving their liber , ties ; and this meeting recognising the right of every nation to frame Us government according to its wishes , solemnly protest , at British subjects , against any hostile Interference on the part of oar government in the arrangement of the mil affairs of the people of France .
When the cheering had subsided , in the course of & speech remarkable for its brilliancy , Mr Jones made the following observations : —Men of London , however strange it may appear to the incredulous , we may have the Charter in one month . Mark ! the government is oh its last legs . A body of political cowards trembling on a meagre treasury bench , and turning pale before the French Republic . What have they done ? They propojed embodying the militia—they cin't , because we won't fight . They are trying to increase the army—but they can't carry on peace , how then will they arm for . war ? They proposed raising the income tar to five percent . That was defore the French
Revolution . They ' ve given it up . That was after it . They attacked © 'Conner ' s seat . That was before the Revolution . They ' ve given up the skirmish . That was after it . ( Enthusiasts cheers . ) Y , ou see their weakness—well ? Do you feel your strength ? ( Loud cheers . ) Then I'll tell how you may get the Charter , and all ' legally , peaceably , constitutionally . ' You have the right to meet , and the right to petition . - The laws have just this one merit , that they leave you the power to alter them . Then I would suggest to you the propriety of adopting the following course , and it will not conflict with the National Petition to Parliament , which ought to be presented alse . There is no redress to be hoped for from parliament . They call themselves a mibdle class parliament—a muddle clas 3 parliament they
should say . Why not address the throne direct ? There is no law against it . Assemble half a million of men in one spot in Scotland ; half a million more in the Northern counties ; as many more in Ihe Midlands ; the same ia Londou and the South ; and let Ireland have another Clontarf , all on one day , to petition the Queen for the immediate Dismissal of the Ministry , Dissolution of Parliament , and a General Election on the principles of Universal Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliaments , Common-sense Qualification , Payment of Members , and Equal Constituencies . ( Loud and long continued cheering . ) Then let each great gathering send ita delegates to London , telling the chief magistrate that on the same day and same hour , half a million of men sent them to the foot of the throne with the
same words upon their lips ; and let 200 , 000 men of London , unarmed and peaceable , escort them in a vast procession to the palace . ( Applause . ) Should leave be refused for the deputation to approach the Queen—should the petition be treated with neglect —No matter . The millions meet again to consider the next step-for , take my advice in this , —don't meet one day , without knowing well what you have to do , and where you are to do it , on the next . ( Loud cheers ) No pause , no dallying ! Let no one object that you will lose to many days' work ! [ speak to the unemployed . I speak to the unwilling idlers . I speak to the hungry and the houseless —their name is ' millions ! ' And I am now pointing out to you reproductive employment on the rich field ol political emancipation . This appears to me
the first step . When that is done , you will be ready for the second . ( Rapturous and continued-cheering . ) - Mr Cuffat , in seconding the resolution , said—We have arrived at a time when a league of kings is no longer to be dreaded . W e no longerfear the Russian bear , the Austrian spider , or the Prussian vulture . ( Loud cheers . ) The French had set us a glorious example , beating the strongest array in the world , and sending Louis Philippe forth a wandering vagahond on the face of the earth . ( Great cheeriug . ) Never despair of your rights . ' Look there , ' said the speaker , pointing to a huge placard , bearing thtj words , 'The Republic for France—the Charter for England . ' ( Rapturous cheering . ) Ay ! and if they refused us the Charter , we should then begin to think about a republic . ( Great cheering . ) Why , even the middle classes were now fast joining the
Chartist movement . Look at the immense meeting recently held at Leeds , with the Mayor in ihe chair , who declared himself heart and soul a Chartist . ( Loud cheers . ) Let them follow up this meeting , and the day was not far distant when the Charter must become the law of the land . ( Great cheering . ) N . Szonakowski , a Pole , came forward to support the resolution , and said—He was not a Frenchman , but he was one of the victims of tyranny—he was a Pole . ( Great cheering . ) It was only by such victories as that just obtained in France , that his country could expect to gain its liberty . ( Cheers . ) Italy—poor Italy—too , was borne down by her oppressors . France had gallantly won her liberty , and liberty never would come from governmentits the
—source was people . ( Cheers . ) Every nation desired liberty—the English people wisely demanded the Charter , and he trusted they would keep to the agitation until it was obtained , [ At this moment Feargus O'Connor , M . P ., entered the building amidst deafening shouts ot acclamation , and after a time elbowed his way to the platform ; on his reaching which , and presenting himself to the meeting , the cheering was renewed with increased vigour , and were the loudest and longest we ever remember to have heard , which having subsided , N . Szonakowski proceeded : You people of England are a great people . It was the first time in his life he had bad the pleasure of addressing such a meeting . Were such a meeting held at Warsaw , the speakers would be confined for life , ( ' Shame , Shame . ' ) and it was pleasing to see them appreciate the sen-
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timents and actions of the French nation , as shown through the acts of their provisional government , and also they honoured their leader . ( Loud cheers . ) Tis you ( the English ) , and you alene , that can liberate the Polish nation from the fangs of their triple despots . ( Loud cheers . ) He trusted they . would continue to sympathise with France , and keep up their advocacy of the Charter . ( Loud cheers , ) For his part , he represented a Polish Democratical Softiety , but the Poles were of no countiy , but the brethren of the whole human race . ( Great applause . ) He repeated , go on for your Charter—follow the advice of the eloquent Ernest Jones- ^ go on and g ive liberty to the world , and rest assured that the continuous cry of the Polish people was ' Live the brave English people . ( Great cheering . )
Mr O'Conmor now rose to addreBsthe meeting , and his appearance was the signal for a burst of applause impossible to describe . He Bald when he looked back © n twelve ^ years past , and then on this great and important assemblage , he was sure he had not laboured in vain . ( Hear , hear . ) He had frequently said he should have a league of kings against a league . of peoples—his prediction was verified ; but , thanks to bis men of the blistered hands and fastian jackets , the pesple were proving victorious , and he now felt more proudly than ever , his promotion from the aristocracy to a post in the army of democracy . Many yeara ago ho predicted the events of today . ( Hear , hear . ) The people of France had accomplished their rights with comparatively [ little
bloodshed —( hear , hear , )—and the king-, who was raised t 9 power on the shoulders ot the people , was by those same people dashed from his eminence , and where the monarch once sat there now presided a working man . ( Immense applause . ) Knowledge , like an eleotrio shock , played round the universe , and had taught the provisional government of France the necessity of finding employment for the starving operatives . ( Loud cheers . ) For this principle ho had lang contended , and had been carrying it into practical effect for the last three years— ( oueara)—and , consequently , for any holes that , might be found in the prevailing system , he had piuga ready to put in them . He would not give a fig for & political change , unless it carried a socia l one with it ,
and produced plenty , health , happiness , and prosperity for the whole people ^ ( Loud oheers . ) He , the other day , presented | a miniature petition to the House , signed by 230 , 000 persons , and those signatures were all obtained in three days—asking for agrarian rightB . ( Hear , hear . ) He , from his seat in the House , had told tho ministers , that if they wished to continue in their seats , they must govern in accord - ance with' enlightened public opinion , bearing in mind our penny postage , our penny stamp on newspapers , our railways , our steam engines , and our electric telegraphs ; but if they had resolved to think with the dead , talk with the dead , legislate for the dead , why they had better at once remove to a grave yardand there , meditating amongst the tombs ,
, gather inspiration from the inscriptions chissc ! ed on the stones . ( Loud laughter aad great applause . ) He looked forward with much anxiety to the 15 th of April , when he hoped to marchdown to the house at the head <> f fifty thousand persons , with atmonster petition signed by 5 , 000 , 000 persons , asking for the Charter ; and let them but obtain their Charter , they could then get with easo their whole rights and liberties . ( Tremendous cheering . ) They would then possseaa the Eleotiw Franchise , and could return such members as would be the real representatives of the people , whereas there were not more than six members in the houao who really represented the people . ( Hear , hear . ) For bis part he took his seat in the house right
opposite the minister , and had always resolved not to say anything outside' the house , he was net prepared to eay within its walls . He had told the minister that the . time was come , when he ( the minister ) , could no longer depend on hired tools . ( Great applause . ) They had been deoeived by the Reform Bill—they , when it passed , looked for roast beef and plam-pnddiDg—( laughter )—for bis part he had never presumed to tell them what the Charter would do , bat of this he ^ was certain , it would give them the means of returning members who mast do the bidding of their constituents . ( Great applause . ) He loved tno Land Plan , but it was like a drop or water in the ocean as compared with what the system conld do under the Charter—now it was
merely * sectional—the Charter could make it universal . ( Loud oheera . ) The Land was the raw material . It employed many hands in its culture and preparing , and those hands in return employed man in other trades , callings and professions ; this , if carried out , must create a new and unexceptionable home ^ market . ( Loud cfceera . ) He would not nor could not be a sephist , and must therefore tell them frankly , that he did not believe the working classes could ever fraternise with the middle classes ; those mea who had ever been their persecutoro and prosecutors . ( Hear , hear . ) He had told the house the other night , that if he could not continue the advocate of the rights of the people , whether English or Irish , he would scorn to sit
within Ike walls of Saint Stephen ' s . ( Loud cheers . ) Lr > rd Chesterfield had once said every man had Din price , and he ( Mr O'Connor ) had his ; it was Universal Suffrage , Annual Parliaments , Vote by Ballot . No Property Qualification , Equal Eleotoral Distriots , Payment of Members for their services , and a Free Labour Field for the people , ( Loud oheers . ) He really believed if he ( Mr O'Gonnorhraa sawn up in a bag , the people would find him . He had been exceedingly onwell—and when their message osme for him , he was in the baths , ia Argyle-atreet , but ill as he waB he had come at tbeir request , and entered the people ' s vapour bath . ( Much applause . ) The time had now arrived when the cormorants of Church and State must no longer eat up all , and leave their flooks and herds to starve . ( Loud cheeraj ie should like to kaow where new were thoae gentle
men who used to come to meetings with their books and pencils , aud take their notes—and then six months after Bwesr to the correctness of their reports , although they admitted they were framed in'the meeting and their elbows jogged . Those things always left an impression oa the mind , that their memories must have had a golden jog ,-- ( laughter and cheers)—but now he did uot pare if all the police sriies in the world were there , with Colonel Rowan or Sir George Grey at their head . Happily the English and Irish working classes were aow united , and by a steady and determined adherence to their motto— ' Onward and we conquer , backward and we fall / the Chartered no Surrender ' . '—truth , justice , happiness and universal liberty must soon prevail . ( Tremendous and long-continued cheering , which was kept up until Mr O'Connor had reached the exterior of the building . )
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously amidst loud cheers . Mr G . J . Habnet then came forward amidst loud cbeers , to move the adoption of a congratulatory address to the French people . [ The address has already appeared in our columns . ] The motion wai seconded by Mr John Shaw , and carried' unanimously , amidst deafening shouts of applause , and ' Vive la Itepvbliqwe . " The atfdrees was drawn and engrossed on parchment , surrounded with a tricnloured border . Messrs George Julian Harney , Philifi M'Grath , and Erneafc Charles Jones , were appointed on behalf of the . Fraternal Democrats , the Charti 3 t Executive , and the Chartists of London , to present the address to the provisional government of France , amidst rapturous cheering . The evening being now far advanced , Mr Drake merely moved , and Mr M'Grath seconded , the following resolution : —
That whilo-tau meeting rejoices at the signal triumph jaet gaintd by Franch valour , it Is at the same time fully cognisant of the melancholy fact , that nearly seven millions of Britons clank the degrading ; chains of serfdom ; and they consider that witb the bright example of emancipatsd France buforo the world , the preBent in the accepted time for pressing- onward the great moral strugglo for . the enactmoBt of the People ' s Charter , Rhich , Investing all with the panoply of the Franchise , would pro » e the guarantee of national prosperity , and the best security against the convulsion of Revolution .
Which was adopted by acclamation . On the motion of Messrs Harney and M'Grath , a vote of thanks vras unanimously awarded to the chairman ; which was acknowledged by the chairman , and the meeting having given three cheers for the French republic , tlivee for the provisional government of France , und three for the Charter , dissolved in- good order , eridcntly delighted with the evening ' s proceedings .
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GREAT PUBLIC MEETING ON CLERKENWELL-GREEN , IN FAV 0 UR . 0 F THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER . A meeting conveyed by the Metropolitan Delegate Council , was held on Monday evenine , March 6 th . At half-past fire Messrs Doyle , Clark , FuBsell , Tapp , G . W . M . Reynolds , Dr Mingay Sider , Archer , Sharpe , and others were observed making their way to the place of meeting . The person who had agreed to let the van , which was to hare formed the hustings , refused ; and , consequently , a long broad form was hired , which formed a temporary platform .
Mr Chrisiofhbb Dotle was unanimously called to the chair , and eaid when he left the Chartist Estate that morning , he had not the least notion that such an honour would be conferred on him , but he trusted that having placed him in the chair , for the honour of the Chartist cause , they would do , aathey inrariably did , in all their meetings , obseryo the strictest order and decorum—( loud cheers )—and at the same time evince by their firmness—their determination to possess their rights as laid down in the People ' s Charter . ( Great applause . ) They wero differently situated to what their French neighbours were . ( Hear , hear . ) , In England the right of meeting was permitted . Louis Philippe had sot into power on the shoulders of the people , he bad basely betrayed his trust , snd was most justly by the
people hurled from power : ( Cheers . ) The people of France had wished to meet as they wera meeting , the right was denied them ; but they had resolved to meet—they did meet , bled , and conquered . ( Thundering cheers . ) We now meet to assert our right to radical reform , and to resolve that we will , in our moral might , obtain it , ( Great cheering . ) Iftkere were any shopkeepers ie that meeting , Jet them bear in mind that class-made laws oppressed the people , rendered the toiling millions poor , and that such poverty prevented them from dealing so extensively as they otherwise would at their shops—consequently their profits were Jess . ( Hear . hear . ) Then , had tber not an interest in the working men obtaining their rights , as proclaimed in the People ' s Charter . ( Loud cbeers . ) It was a disgrace to England that bo many
of her toiling , ingenious sons were beggars , whilst the pampered aristocrats rolled in luxury , and wallowed In wealth—the produce of their stewing brethren . ( Tremendous cheering . ) But was it to be wondered at f Did not the rich few make the laws ? And the consequence was , thnt the few monopolised all the benefits of soriety . ( Hear , hear . ) So long aa the mass ef the people are kept out of the pale of too constitution , so long will want , poverty , disease , and crime afflict the people . He , therefore , called upon the people to use every legal exertion to oauee the People ' s Charter to become the lav ? ef the land . ( Immense applause . ) Mr G . W . M . Reynolds , in rising to move the first resolution , said the events of this morning had thrown him amongst them , and he Tfould now
remain amongat them , until their great object was accomplished , and he contended that they had as much right legally and constitutionally to demand their rightB as they had to meet and congratulate tho French people on the achievement of theirs . ( Loud oheera . ) The recent events in France proved that a nation could have liberty whenever she willed it . ( Great applause . ; Tie people of England were seeking their rights by moral means ; he washappy to nod that the people of England were so determinedly bent on possessing their rights ; in all the novels and romances he bad written , he had never failed to push forward the great rights of humanity . Ho wished
his and their voice in favour of the enfranchisement of the whole people to resound through Clerkenwell to the palace at Pimlico , and throughout the whole British empire . ' . ( Tremendous cheering . ) A manuscript was found in the Palace of the TuHeries , setting forth where all the troops were to have been posted . He looked on this as a scheme of premeditated murder , and declared Lonia Philippe a miscreant . The people of Eneland were an industrious and ingenious people . They deserved to be and must be free , and their owe . conduct must determine the time when they should be better off . ( Tremendous oheering . )
Mr John Fus 3 ei > i > seconded the resolution in an excellent speech , and waa much applauded . [ In consequence of the great and increasing pressure , we felt it impossible to maintain our frail position , and give any further a correct report of the speeches . ] Messrs T . Ciark , Dr Mingay Sidbr , A . Shakpb , snd Archer , addressed the meeting amidst enthusiastic oheering . A resolution and petition in favour of the People ' s Charter was adopted by acclamation ; aB was also a resolution of congratulation to the French nation on their glorious achievement of the Republic A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to the Chairman ; and , after three thuDderiDg cheers bad been given to the brave citisene of France , and three for the People ' s Charter , the meeting quietly dispersed . Before the meeting concluded , there could not have been lees than from eight to ten thousand persons pre « ent .
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GLORIOUS GATHERING AT STEPNEYGREEN , TO PETITION PARLIAMENT FOR THE IMMEDIATE ENACTMENT OF THE PEOPLE ' S CHARTER . On Wednesday evening last , a public meeting Has hold on Stepney-green , for the purpose of adopting a petition fer the People ' s Charter . The meeting was called for five o ' clock , but long bafore that hour arrived , the Green waa one living mass of human beings . At a few minutes after five o ' clock , Messrs Clark and Dixon entered the Green , and were received with the hearty cheers of the assembled thousands . In a short time a vehicle was provided , upon which Mr Clark and Mr Dixon ascended , when the oheering again commenced , and continued for several minutes . The meeting at this time presented a most splendid appearance . - The gathering was gigantic . In fact , every part of the vast Green was filled , and , turn the eye which way you would , suoh was the density of the crowd , that ifc appeared like one large mass of human head ? . On the motion of Mr Clvrk , Mr Dixon was nna « nimouoly called upon So preside .
Mr Djjkw , upon rising to open the business , said ; Gentlemen , I thank you for the honour you have conferred upon me by electing me to preside over this meeting by your suffrages . I trust , therefore , that each man here preBent will consider himself a conservative of the publio poace , and be determined to protect life and property from the base conduct of those vagabonds who are going about the streets breaking lamps and windows , and purloining the property of their fellow citizens . This , by the press , is laid at the door of the Chartist bodj , whieh we here publicly repudiate . We glory in the name of Chartism . But it ia not Chartism to destroy property , ffe have this day , gentlemen , met for the purpose of exercising the right of the British sub .
jeci—the right of meeting when and where they will to make known their grievances , and petition for the redress of such grievances . However , gentlemen , let the press say what they will , m will , by our couduot , show to the world that we do not deserve these calumnies , which appear daily . Gentlemen , I have no fear of you . I know from past experience that meetings of working men are tho most orderly assemblies that any man can attend . Gentlemen , we have met for the purpose of adopting a petition to the House of Commons , for the People's Charter , in which are embodied those principles which would give justice to all , ind injustice to none —principles which would alike protect the interests of all . Whv , therefore , are those righteand
prerogatives withheld from the people ? One party aays you are not sufficiently intelligent , and another that you are not educated . I would ask , w hy are the people taunted with tbia want of intelligence , and want of education , as the reason of keeping the suffrage from them ? Do the present eloctpral body hold the suffrage because they are intelligent and educated ? No ; gentlemen , they hold the suffrage on n © such tenure . They hold it upon that tonure which is a disgrace to us as a nation , and of them in particular—that of property qualification . No truly independent man would hold the suffrage on such an absurd principle . Intelligent , indeed ; it makes one smile . There is not a man amongBt them helds the right of citiaen because ho is wise , moral , honest , or a man of integrity ? No—but simply because he pays 90 much rent , or holds so muoh property But
in a commercialcounlry like ours , where panio follows panic in quick succession , and property is constantly changing hands , it frequently happona that some of these men who prate about intelligence and education are , because they are poorer than they were a month back , deprived of the right of citizenshin . Not beoauso they hare committed any offence against tbe atate—not because they have done anything which in the lenst militated against their moral dignity—not beoause they have done anythiug drrogatory to the name of man , butsiroply beoause adverse circumstances have fallen upon them , and they are unable to pay tho rent they did in tho tinw ot' their prosperity . They are again branded with the mark of Blavo , because they are become poor . Gentlemen , if the electoral body of this country had one spark of that old Englisb . indepcndoncefor which
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their forefathers were eo eba , racteru . he , the would at once W ™ m * li n ? lon g ? r •» dSadet 1 b / W »* the suffrage by , such aa abfurd and unjust tenure . WewiU . make commoa cauae with the people , and demand the Suffrage , not because they had a certain property qualification , but became they had heads and knew how to me them . This was their duty . And if they neglected i& , on them ba the blame . But the people must un . oeasingly and determinedly demand the enfranchisement of the whole of tbe male adult population , an provided for in the Pe < pte ' a Charter , at once and without delav , being mnde tho law of the Land . Gentlemen , I now conclude by asking your pardon for occupying bo much of the time , aad impress upnn you to keep ( rood order , and give to every man a fair and impartial hearing .
Mr Rktkolbs rose , amid mnoh applause , to move the firat resolution . And in doing bo , he took the opportunity of giving to some pertioaa of" the daily press a deserved and well-merited CafifcigftttOtt / 0 B their gross neglect in aomecaaeB of entirely passing over the late important meetings which had been held dnring the week ; and in other cases where they had endeavoured to identify the insane and unjustifiable conduot of thoae who had been broaklng windows , lamps , &c , and , in some instances , helping themselves with other men ' s property , with the meetings . He thenreterred to the glorious 23 rd ana
24 th of February in Paris , where the people had done so much for human progression . After which , he , in an eloquent and masterly maDner , expounded the principles of the Charter , and the undeniable right of the people to the rights of the Suffrage , and concluded by reading and proposing the following resolution : — ' That thismeeting considering England to have been in the van of all other European king , dems in the inarch of Progression and Reform , are . therefore determined to be behind none in the carrying out of those principles ot Ciril , Political , and Religious Freedom , guaranteed by the People ' s Charter . '
The resolution was most ably seconded by Mr C . Harrison , a working man , and carried unanimously . Mr Thomw Cl&bk , one of the Executive Committee of the National Charter Association , rose amid much cheering , to move the petition : and in doing so called upon the people to maintain their right to meet , but at the same time endeavour to put down tbose ruffians who were going about the streets committing' depredations which were disgraceful to all who teok part in them . He therefore hoped that the Chartists of the metropolis if they caught hold of any of those vagabonds , they would hand them over to the authorities ; and by these means prove that the Chartists were the conservators and not the deutroyers of property . Mr Clark then entered iato a lucid and eloquent exposition of the people ' s rights and dutieB , which wo are sorry to say the want of room prevents us from giving . The petition was seconded by Mr Sharp , and ably supported by Mr FusseUi , and on being put to the meeting , was agreed to without a dieaeating vote . Mr Tapp moved , and Mr Shaw seconded , a vota of thanks to the chairman , which was passed by acclamation ; after which the people gave three cheers for the French republio , three for the Charter , and threq for the people , and thus terminated one of the latge&t and most orderly out-dnor meeting * it hae been our good fortune to attend for mas ; years .
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Glorious Tridmph opDeuocbacy !—The MoNsiEB Mbetiko at Beihnal greek . —On Tuesday evening , the 7 th instant , a public meeting was publicly announced to take place at ' the Whittington and his Cat' Tavern , Church-row , Bethnal-green-rqad . Crowds of respectable people congregated , and in a very short time the room was crowded to exoese . On the motion of Mr Hollis , and seconded by accla . motions , Mr II . Mander May was called on to preside Mr H . Mander May , in taking the chair , w ; u received with loud applause . He said : Friends and countrymen , this is a momentous period . It is high time that the people of tbia country should tolerate nothing ancient which common sense should not approve of , nor should they Bhrink from any movement ..
however novel in its character , which reason sanctions as correct . ( Cheers . ) It is high time that the human energies , which have been so long occupied in . subordinate achievements and inferior objects , should mark the commencement of a new and glorioua epoch in our historical recordB by giving asisfc- - ance to the Bublir ae and democratic art of improving or upsetting governments—( cheers)—and increasing tbe social and political felicity of all mankind . ( Hear , and cheers . ) And it id high time that the people were honestly and judiciously represented in tho Commons House of Parliament . ( Great applause . ) We have met this evening for the purpose of congratulating the brave Parisians on their proud and victorious achievements of their rights aa men—( cheers )
—and their privilege ? , as members of one great haman family . ( Applause . ) Rally round your faithful leaders , ani the day is very nigh when the French will have to congratulate you on the attainment of all that which is dear and precious to yourselves and your darling little ones—viz , the right to make the laws which your neighbours will cheerfully obey , and the happiness of all men . ( Great cheering . ) At this juncture Mr May produced a redcap , which elicited great applause . Mr Ferdinacdo then attempted to address the meeting , but was interrupted by the immense mass of people—hundreds of whom could not get admission . At this , Mr May proposed they should adjourn to the open air , to Ilall ' s-squarewhere , during the proceedings , there ceuld not have
been less than 7 , 000 te 8 . 000 persons—who very attentively listened to Mr Hollis , who made a brilliant speech , in which he read and moved a congratulatory address to the people of France , which was loudlj cheered . Addresses were then delivered by Messrs Kirby , Gale , Ferdinando , Smith , and others , who eloquently advocated the People ' s Charter and No Surrender . Three hearty cheers were then given far the French Republio ; three groans for Louis Philippe ; and three cheers for Mr May . The police were in attendance , and surrounded the meeting . The meeting separated , giving three tremendous oheera for freedom , equality , and fratesnity . Mertitir . Tydvil . —The Chartists of this town met on Sunday morning last , at the branch office of
the Land Company , when Mr O'Connor ' s letter to the Old Guards waa read with unbounded jey . A " committee waa instantly formed to set the machinery in motion , and the town divided into districts , to take sheets and headings round , and to solicit their pecuniary aid , in fact , nothing shall be wanting on our part to have this petition a bumper , The glorious proceedings of our French friends have greatly augmented our forces ; there was also an earnest appeal drawn out in the form of a circular , to the ministers of the gospel in this town , respectfully soliciting their aid . Next Sunday we intend to lay the case of Mrs Jones , the wife of the exile , William , Jones , before our friends , trusting the friends throughout the kingdom will do the same . ~
Lbioh . —On Monday evening a publio meeting was held in the large chapel , $ oily-field , to hear a lecture from Mr James Leach , of Manchester . The ohapel was well filled , chiefly with the working classes . Mr George Bellamy presided , and after a few remarks called on Mr Isaac T 7 ood to more the first resolution , as follows : — 'That this meetinghaa witnessed with great concern the depressed and degraded state of the industrious classes of this kingdom , and is of opinion that it arises from tho present monopoly of the elective franchise—that it is highly requisite thatmeaeures should be originated for placing' the whole male adult population on one political equality , and thereby permanently benefit the country at large . ' Mr John Dickenson seconded the resolution , which wag
carried unanimously . Mr George Black proposed the second resolution , ' That this meeting would direct the attention of the middle classes to the document known aa the People ' s Charter , in which are contained erery requisite for securing an efficient carrying out of the suffrage , and that they be earnestly solicited to render every support towards causing it to be enacted as the law of the land . ' James Collier seconded the resolution which was carried : Mr Edward Smith rose to move the adoption of the National Petition , which , on being seconded by Mr Isaac Wood , was carried amidst great applause . The Chairman then introduced Mr J . Leaoh , who delivered an excellent lecture , in the course of which he pointed to tbe Land , aa the only available souvee on which to
employ the surplus population ; and Ihe attainment of the People ' s Charter , as the best mode of securing it . He next referred to his late visit to Ireland , and gave a brief but graphic description of that ill-fated country , which produced great sensation in the meeting . After a vote of thanks to the lecturer and chairman , the meeting broke up at late hour . IlAtiFAX . —At the District Delegate Meeting , in the Working Man ' s Hall , on Sunday week last , the following resolutions were put and carried : — ' That Mr Joseph Riley be put in nomination , and recommended to the district as a fit and proper person to succeed Mr George Webber in the office of Distriofc
Secretary , as MrWebber has expressed Mr intention of retiring from that office at the expiration of the quarter . '— That Mr John Bates be the delegate to represent the Halifax district , at the West Riding Delegate Meeting , to be held at Wakefield on Sanday nezt . » —That the delegate from this district DO instructed to vote for , or put Ernest Jonts , fisq ., M nomination to represent the West Riding , in the JNational Convention , to be held hi London in May next . ' - ' That tho delegate be instructed to vote . for another individual , being added to the present drreetors of the Land Company , to coipprwe «» & *«¦ tive of the Chartist Association oi G > eat Britain . The additional member to perform the duties ot Secrctary to the EMCUtive . ' -G . Webbkr , strict
Be-^ wIlsall —A district delegate meeting was held at this place on Sunday , which was well attendod ; roanv important subjects were brongh ; befores it , one in relation to poor old Daddy Richards by Mr Linney , calling for support for the old veteran , which it is hoped will bo responded to ; the meeting wasadjourned till that day month , at the Malt Shovel , Bilston . Bacup . —A meeting was held on Sunday week last , in the Churtiist room , when it was resohpd— 'That iho moBt atrenuoua exertionB shoulU be used to spread the principles of the People ' s Charter . '
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Noitinghau "—A meeting of the district council will be held at tho King without a Head , Woolpacklane , on Sunday afternoon , at three o ' clock . Liverpool . —A meeting of the members and friends of this locality will be held in the Association Room , 52 Rose-place , Cazneau-skeet , on'Tueaday evening next , March Hth , for the purpose ot forwardine tbe National Petition , and other business . Chair to be taken at half-past seven o'clook .
To . The Old Guards.
TO . THE OLD GUARDS .
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_ VOL . XL No 542- LONDON , SATURDAY , MARCH . 11 , 1848 . gl , e JSgJggKA ,,
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 11, 1848, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1461/page/1/
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