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jfom'gn JnteHtgence.
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SCENE IN THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
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FRANCE . The trial of tbe twelve so-called Franco German conspirators is concluded . They all denied having conspired in any way against France , and indeed no evidence intelligible to an English apprehension was produced to warrant the name given to tbe ' plot . They admitted that they had concerted plans for what they called the regeneration of Germany . One of them , Cherval , defended himself in a long speech . lie avowed himself to be a communist , but repudiated any connexion with L ? dru RolHn or Mazzini , who he said were democrats , and as such the enemies of communism . The communist committee existed openly in London , and he
iad thought that he might act in France as he had done in England . His principles might be ridiculous , but if so they would fall by themselves . They would not he extinguished by imprisonment . If he had been born an aristoc rat , he should have wished for a republic as in Poland . If he bad been born a ' bourgeoise he should have been a Girondin . But he was born a working man and a G-rman , and , therefore , he vtas a communist . One of the other prisoners said that he was a communist , bat that he abhorred the principle of an equal division of property . By coramunism he merely understood the amelioration of society . Three of the prisoners wtre acquitted . The others were found guilty . Cherval was sentenced to e ' ght years , and the remainder to terms varying from six months ' to eight years' imprisonment .
The * Univers' contains an article upon the state of Switzerland , to which I invite your attention . This ardent champion of the Sonderbund chides tbe tardy nephew of Napoleon for passing in the energetic career inaugurated on December 2 , and stopping to bandy notes with the unrighteous federal council , after the lukewarm fashion of those political Laodiceans , MM . Tbisrs and Guizot , instead of repeating the cannonades of the boulevards in the valleys of the Helvetic republic . Good hard knocks are the only arguments that can be understood by the Swisi radicals . Catholic Fribourg , which the Emperor placed at tbe head of tbe confederation , groans , trampled by the rabWe ront heretics . Tbe curate oi tbe great parish of Vippens , for treading in the pious steps of Monsignor J ranzoni , and refusicj ; the sacraments to a dying catholic ,
unless he recanted his oath to the schismatic constitution imposed by the radicals , has been turned out of his parish ¦ fe y tbe government for this courageous performance of his duty . Such martyrdom calls for vengeance . Let that zea-Ions son of the church , Louis Napoleon , lpave the dilatory ambages of diplomacy , and strike . Let him cut with his sword the knot of the federal constitution , and restore the cantonal independence which was recognised by his uncle as the most solid base for tbe existence of the Swiss confeder ation . Such is tbe substance and spirit of th ' : s article , conceived in the true vein of the church militant . I must not forget to add that in the course of it the fact Ieak 9 out that the French government has addressed notes to the Federal Council , insisting npon the necessity of a chance in tbe constitution .
Political circles have been occupied with a telenraphic despatch from England , giving the outline of Lord Derby ' s political programme . But no declaration of a pacific policy can suffice to mitigate the distrust which is inspired bv a Tory cabinet . On the other hand , the pledge to exercise strict surveillance over the refugees is regarded rather as an advance addressed to Austria than to France , and an attempt to mollify the insolent arrogance of Prince Schwarzenherg . Therivalry which hassubsistedforfiometimebetween M . D . Persiitny and M . D . Maupasseemsunabated ; but theinfluence of the former over thePresident has been greatly abated by his hesitation and scruples in the face of public opinion and the
Minister of Police is decidedly in the ascendant . Louis Napoleon seems more and more to shut bims » lf , . as far as the JwutepoBligue is concerned , into the narrow circle of this second Fonche and his bead myrmid < ns , the inspectors , general . Notwithstanding the announcement of the departnre of the latter functionaries for their provincial destinations , it is noted that several , and particularly M . Berard , the inspector-general at Lyons , still remain in Paris , and are continually at the Elysee . The importance of M . Berard ' s post having been greatly increased by the capital of the Rhone becoming tbe pivot of the projected operations against Switzerland , the assiduous presence of this gentle * man at head quarters indicates tbe activity with which such det ' uns are . pnrsned .
A . number of political prisoners were brought out of the Montpellier prison on Feb . 26 ih , and escorted by a numerous body to the Cette Railway . They are to be embarked on board the Dauphin , together with others from Bezeirs , P ? zenas , and St . Pierre , for transportation to Algeria . On the 27 th ult . 350 convicts were shipped at Rochefort for Brest , of whom 230 are to remain in hulks , and the remaining 120 to be transported to Cayenne . Tbe Presse * publishes Colonel Gninard ' s letter , contradicting the report of his liberation , which the
'Constitutionnel' declined to publish . The only point in it is the assertion of the colonel that pardons are only granted to those who ask for them , and that be na 3 never asked anything of the government of December 2 nd . Seven prisoners at Moissac ( Tarn and Garonne ) have also written to the Presse * to deny the truth of a statement in the circular of M . Belmontel , the government candidate in that department , to the effect that the President had pardoned the political prisoners of the district at his instance . They say that they are still within prison bars , and that they have authorised no one to bargain for their liberation .
The independent papers of the provinces , which have been struck with ruin by the . clause of the law on tbe press which deprives them of judicial advertisements , are fast dying out . The 'Glaneur / of Amiens , and the 'Impartial' and 'Messager , of Rouen , are announced as extinct . A woman , named Carre , has just been convicted of an offence rarely committed by females , though common enough amongst men—the illegal ' wearing of the Cro 3 s of the Legion of Honour , for which she has been sent to prison for three months . M . Groce Spinelli the well-known Republican jeweller , has been sentenced to banishment , and ordered to quit Paris .
Tbe papers on Saturday last contained addresses from a dozen different prefects , declaring that all opposition candidates and their supporters would he considered as ' enemies ' of Louis Napoleon . Now , Louis Napoleon ' s summary method of dealing with his enemies is so well known , that people don ' t care about placing tbemselvea in that category for the sake of sitting in an Assembly where they would exercise no power , and where few suppose that either honour or distinction is to be gained . The following is a good specimen of the government electoral circulars . It is from the sub-prefect of Montmedy , to the majors of his arrondissement : —« I shall regard the number of vote 3 as the laost sure thermometer which can indicate to me the degree
of your influence in the commune . Prince Napoleon , I repeat , wishes the election to be free : therefore electoral meetings , fit only to exercise a bad pressure upon people ' s minds , are formally prohibited . Tbe reign of clubs is passed . If , then , in spite of your warnings , any should be formed , you will dissolve them at once , and let me know without delay . * On Monday morning the mayors , finding that great numbers of electors had neglected to apply for cards , spared tbemthe trouble by sending to tbeir lodgings the necessary authorisation to vote . They have also distributed to the electors a circular , urging them to the poll , lest their abstention should be calumniously interpreted by cenain parties . It is said that circulars have been addressed from tbe
several ministries to all their employes , menacing them with dismissal in case of abstention . Tbe following gentlemen have been elected deputies for the Seine : —Delalain , De-Tjnck , Cavaignac , Lepelletier , Konigswater' Veron . In the two other circumscriptions Carnot and Ferret obtained the majority . The election of Cavaignac for the 3 rd district is a fact of immense significance . The district includes , in fact , tbe most important section of the capital in a commercial point of view . It embraces the portion of the 2 nd arlondissement containing the Bourse , the 3 rd and 4 th ar-: ondis 3 ements , and a part of the 5 th . By referring to a map of Paris it will be seen that this space is bounded by the Sue Tivienne on the one side , St . Denis on tbe other , the bouie ? ard 8 on the north , and the quais on the south . We know not better how to describe than by this local
definition all the commercial importance of this quarter , which ¦ contains eo many flourishinjc streets of sliops , with hotels of the financial aristocracy . On the other hand Carnot has obtained the majority in the fourth district , although he has fallen short by a few hundreds of half of the expressed votes , which is necessary for immediate election . If the district vtuch has chosen Caraignac represents the shopping and monied interest of the capital , that in which Carnot has gained the day represents the workmen . The latter includes the populous district of St . Denis , St . Martin , and the Temple , and these faubourg * which have furnished the sinews of revolt in eo many terrible insurrections . In the 5 tb district SI . Goudchaux treads close upon the heels of M . Pdrret , and 1 i i £ 6 C 0 nd 6 leclion t 0 be fceld next SKnday week > n 0 doubt both these members of the provisional government will be returned .
It is announced that out of forty-seven elections in the aeparlmenis known to be complete , all are in favour of gover nment candidates .
GERMANY . liyn TRIi "*~ VlKN ! fA ' Fcbrnary 24 .-The news of Lord tT f a 0 SSel ! s resi 3 ™ i < " » reached Vienna on the 22 nd ult . We favourite theme of the papers is of course Lord resnppHn , v T , are furnisned wlh some very curious details AwtCl . W X . rb r f . thelate minister Stanley / attach v f * Jm ? 7 having been i ttst 8 PP ° inted P **• The Llo h " ° Ple ' tbWe WM at * rst some m ^ 1 > *«« way , flat Lord Derby 'belongs to one of
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the few ancient families in England who were in existence during the Wars of the Roses . ' This is naturally , according to Austrian opinions , the best of all qualifications for governing England . Of his political opinions , therefore , they say nothing . England has at last learned to respect herself : she has given the reins of power into the hands of a nobleman who can mate with the Howards , Cecils , Talbots , and Cavendishes ; ' and , perhapB , if she goes on in the same way , Austria may some day or other hold out one or two fingers of the hand of reconciliation ; that is , of course , however , only in a good humoured patronising waywhich
, m all we can expect ; for what are the Wars of the Ro 6 es to those of Radebot . son of Kauzeline , whose descendant , Werner , built the castle of Hapsburi ? on an ' eminence above Windisch , ' and became the founder of the present Austrian dynasty ? What was the first Stanley to the first Schwaraenberg , who may have broken heads side by side with Duke Ethico and feasted with Guntram the Rich ? There is no beating about the bush in Vienna ; this is the way the Austrians reason on political questions , and they would pity you profane people in England if you were to laugh at them .
The Prince deLigne , sent here by the King of the Belgians on a special mission relative to the Orleans robbery , was received by the Emperor in a private audience . The papsrs say that his presence here is not connected with any political object whatever , but that he has been simply despatched to assure the Emperor of the respect and good feelmgsof theKug . It is reported that General Haynau is gone mad . He has certainly been acting very strangely during these last few months . WURTEMBERG—The second chamber of Wurtemberg adopted in its sittings of tbe 26 th ult ., the report of its committee tending to declare the fundamental rights proclaimed by the Frankfort National Assembly of legal force in the kingdom , and imprescriptible except by constitutional means .
ITALY . LOMBARDY .-A letter from Milan , of the 23 rd ult ., says , that the municipality had received orders to increase the accommodation for cavalry on the Piazza d'Armi , and also to erect more stables outside the town . It had also been directed to point out the localities which , under certain circumstances , might be conveniently occupied by troops . The same letter says that the Archbishop of Milan has refused to give up the church of St . Anthony to the Jesuits , and expressed some doubts to the government as to the expediency of allowing that body to organise establishments at Milan .
A Milan letter in tbe' Opinione' of Turin of the 25 th ult . shows that the Austrian authorities have commenced towards English travellers that system of petty annoyance which was threatened in the note of Prince Schwarzenberg to Count Buol-Sch » uenstein . The letter states that the police had received orders to exercise the strictest surveillance over English travellers . Ic was with great d . fficultv tbe latter could obtain passports , and , with rare exceptions ' , they were not to be permitted to sojourn more than twentyfour hours in Lombrdy .
PIEDMONT . —In its sittings of the 23 rd , the Senate of Turin passed the bill for an electric telegraph connecting Turin , Genoa , Alessandria , Casale , Yercelli , and Novara . When the bill on the modifications to be introduced in the laws on the press , as far as regards foreign potentates , was taken into consideration , Robert d'Azeglio and Alberto della Marmora both spoke against the extreme liberty allowed to the press in Piedmont , and called for further restrictions . M . Deforesia , Minister of Grace and Justice , defended the principle of tbe liberty of the press , as did also Senator Selopis , who wbb minister at the time the decree on the preBS was issued by Charles Albert , and who countersigned it . The discussion was adjourned to the following day , when the bill was passed by 49 votes to 3 . The bill on Public Safety was then adopted without amendments by 46 votes to 2 .
The ' Piedmontese Gazette' of the 25 th announces that the Professorship of Civil Law has been conferred upon Dr . Nuytz , who was anathematised by the Court of Borne some months ago . ROME . —A letter from Rome states that , on the 19 th ult ., the police discovered fifteen explosive shelU , capable of containing a pound of gunpowder each , and three daggers , in the house of a person named Lnigi Jacopini . The daggers had evidently been buried somewhere , for they were rusty , and had particles of fresh earth sticking to them . The shells were intended to be thrown that very evening in the Corao at several persons , said to he obnoxious to the republican party , amoug whom was Colonel Nardoni . Two persons , of the name of Bizzarri and Tazi , have been arrested as accomplices .
SPAIN . All readers of modern Spanish history are aware that on the 2 nd of May , 1808—a day ever memorable for the tigerlike cruelty with which Murat suppressed the outbreak in Madrid against the authority of the French usurper—a Spanish artillery officer , named Velarde , greatly distinguished himself . Although the members of that family have experienced the protection of the government , yet no reward of importance has ever been given to them to mark the gratitude of Spanish patriotism . Now , however , the Mi .
nister has bethought himself , and the brother of the Spanish patriot has been named Count of Velarde and Viscount of tbe second of May . As it is reported in Madrid' that Napoleon has been threatening Belgium and Switzerland , many believe that this nomination at such a juncture , coupled with the ostentatious way in which a board of artillery officers have been sent to Mahon , is meant as a broad hint that Spain is not to be deceived and bullied by the nephew as the was formerly by his uncle . At any rate a countship given after so many years without any explanation in the public official journals is something worthy of attention .
BELGIUM . In the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium on Thursday , M . Osy gave notice that he would the next day question the Government , in a secret sitting , on ' a political , financial , and warlike' subject . ~ The Ministers demanded that be should make the interpellations at once . Tbis , after some discussion , he consented to do . The public were thereupon excluded , and the Chamber remained in secret sitting for two hours . It adopted a resolution to the effect that , ' in consequence of tbe reassuring explanations given by the Cabinet , ' the public sitting should be resumed and the order of the day be proceeded to .
SWITZERLAND . The ' Revue de Geneve ' of the 25 th has the following upon the attitude of the Federal Council with reference to the claims of France : — ' The various statements which we have hitherto made public with respect to the demands of France , are in general exact ; that is to say , the French government in its note positively required of Switzerland the ' expulsion of such refugees as she Bhould name . This note was drawn up in terms anything hut affable ; it , however , was confined to the subject of tbe refugees , and contained nothing concerning the press . It is also true that Austria made verbal representations with regard to the refugees , and upon the duty of Switzerland to avoid generally anything
which might give umbrage to the neighhe-uring states . These observations were made with a certain harshness of expression , hut there was no mention made of an occupation of Tessin . Finally , a conversation has taken place with the representative of Ertgiand . The British minister recommended the Swiss government to satisfy any complaints which might , on examination , appear to he well founded , hut not to make promises oi concessions incompatible with the honour and rights of the country , nor to give way to unjust demands . The Federal Council ' has replied to the French government firmly , and with reason . It declares that Switzerland will fulfil all its international duties , and will answer that no refugees shall undertake
anything again . t the tranquillity of surrounding states ; that it protests against the pretension of placing the nation under tbe orders of any foreign cabinet , and rejects it as inadmissible . We do not know tbat any answer to this note has arrived at Berne , but if tbe formation of a mobile column at Lyons , has any connexion with sneb an answer , it is clear that the latter will not be of a satisfactory character . The formation of such a column may naturally give rise to apprehensions . The departments around Lyons are calm , and were so throughout the late events ; no interior consideration exists for the formation of this corps by special order , and it is difficult to belmve that it is not intended for external purposes . It is also to be remembered that when similar attempts have before been made against
Switzerland , the mode of proceeding has been of an analogous characttr . At the present moment Holland , Belgium , England , and Prussia , appear to be preparing for circumstances which may arise , and for an end which is evidently the same . It ma ; be that we shall assist at the reconstruction of the great Protestant league , provoked by the exaggeration of the Catholic spirit which , like that of the French government at this time , jlid so much damage to Louis XIV . It is , then , very probable that a war against Switzerland or Belgium will be the signal of a coalition which may , perhaps , number among its members Austria , now holding aloof in prudent reserve ; and , what would he yet more singular , Russia , which admits the coup d ' etat , but not its consequences , if these are to change the limits
of France . Another French note , it is said , on the same subject , bas been sent . It is presented in the character of an ultimatum France insists anew upon designating refugees for exnulsion , and in strong language calls upon the federal government to reflect on the consequences which resistance enUll .
may ^ . mco UNITED STATES . Wp have our usual advices from & * Uflited Stat ( ! ' They at . I that on the 14 th ult . John Fiecna Crampton . Eeq ., prated ? o the President of tbe IM * Slate * the letter
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of recall of Sir Henry L . Bulwer , and his own credentials as envoy extraordinary and -minister pleni potentiary of her Bnttannic Majesty to this government . ' Kossuth was at Cincinnati on the 14 th ult . . be addressed fcixons Hall . One thousand persons were pre 6 ent and many offered high price , for admission , but the numbers were limited . He made no set speech , but promised ?! S so the following week when it was ex ected ^ " ad " d ™ all the friends of Hungary , at the Hamilton RaiUoad
The < Herald' says : _ ' We are sorry to hear that the Ger man populate of Mobile took occasion to pub ] c y insu t Chevalier Hulsemann , the Austrian charge , on hsrecen passage through that city , enroute to Havannah SoweS unpopular a forei gn representative may make himself ou ci . z-n . should never so far forget their own E yand self-respect as to personally insult him . The disgrace brought upon the whole country by the proceedings of a few 2 s nojers against the Spanish consul at Ne * Orleans sTould not have been so soon forgotten . ' = » uuiu
The California news is by no means as cheerine as usual The democratic candidate has been elected by only 270 ma iorny Cvemor Bigler complains of the arrival of i » rei Kn convicts , sent out from Europe ; animadverts upon the heavy posiage pa . d on communications between California and the Atlantic States , and the neglect of the Federal government to provide ighthouses , buoys , &c , for the coast He S the mineral land ,, should always remain free asa present and tbat any successful proposition to sell or lease them bv ' the government would l , e calculated to rear up monopL / ? 2 0 O P O 0 O ien 3 iVe T tbe I I ? di , ° f Califo ^ ia e S ted at 200 , 000 m number , will always be troublesome , and "Sf oJc W " J' ° nd the HmitS ° f the 8 tate 8 *«
A man named J . Q . Adams , « as shot at Sacramento City on the 12 th January , by a Mrs . Bond , whose daughter had been seduced by him . He had been arrested by the police l ™ S n ing thS P- T h 0 me ' when the m ^ er , a " I" ! T ™? > - * f aild 8 tre ° 8 th of purpose , pro . reeded to the statmn house , and having obtained an en . trance , on the request to speak a few words with the prisoner found him niung , « the ante-room in company with an officer . Approaching htm , she asked if he intended to marry her daughter , and receiving an unsatisfactory response , drew a pistol and discharged it , the ball entering his right side near the tenth rib , and lodging probably in the ahdo . men . Adams died on the following day , hning in the meantime married his victim , whom he acknowledged to have seduced under a promise of marriage .
A fatal encounter had occurred at Perry ' s camp on the Calaveras , thirty miles -from Stockton . Tbe difficulty occurred in a Mexican house , where a fandango was in progress when two Americans , namrd Alexander M'Dowell and James Plymall , went to the bar , in order to take a drmk finding some of the Mexicans in their way , the two American , requested them to stand aside , that they might get their hquor . One of tbe Mexicans took offence , and leaving the house , soon returned with a sword or machete , with which he commenced a most desperate attack upon the Americans , neither of whom were armed , A ? m » Pl . ° / m l ° retreat t 0 the *<><» ' The moment MDowell and Plymall reached the open air , the lights : , r " ^ follow . im-edlately hy the ' report f a
P ' C C Tr , .: hkh took •«« & h the back of M'Dowel on the left side , and glancing upnards , lodged in the left breast . He lived until nine o ' clock next morning when he expired . Plymall was also severely wounded . On the next day the Americans becoming thoroughly arnued to vengeance , made search for the Mexicans , and after a severe encounter succeeded in capturing the two who were supposed to be guilty of the assank made the night , before . During the latter fight , one of the Americans was slightly cut with a knife , butimtne . dutely drawing a revolver , discharged it with euch preci-T ' , u \ J e . conlents were lod Ked in the thigh of one of the Mexicans , severely wounding him . Immediately the Mexicans were tried by the people , ' convicted , and Colonel Fremont ' s title to the Mari posa track of country had been resisted .
TURKEY . The German journals publish letters from Constantinople dateo . February 14 th , stating tbat the ascendancy of Riaehid Pacha augments wvih every day . A violent opposition to the new Income Tax has broken out , and in some places payment bas been refused . The tovernment is resolved to overcome this resistance , and will have recourse to ' energetic measures in case of need . Serious conflicts have taken place at Beyrout between the united Greeks .
PERSIA . The ' Prussian Moniteur' publishes a telegraphic despatch , dated Trebiz .-. nd , F « hruary 8 th , stating that the recently dismissed Grand Vizier of Persia , Mirw-Taghi-Khan , had been put to death by order of the Shah . He was . takeit to a bath , where several of his veins were opened , and he was Buffered to bleed to death . The government then seized hia immense treasures .
INDIA . We learn from Bombay , under date of the 3 rd of Feb ., that a second Burmese war had commenced . The new Viceroy arrived at Rangoon on the 4 th of January . He had refused to receive any deputations from the British Comraan er , had forbidden communication between the shores and the vessels , insulted the British flag , and erected batteries and stockades below the town to prevent the departure of any of the vessels lying there . The Commodore proclaimed a blockade of the mouths of the Irrawaddy . On the 9 tb the Viceroy wrote to the Commodore to allow ' the passage of tbe river , or he would set fire to the batteries mentioned . The steamers Fox and Hermes were attacked by the batteries in passing . They replied to the fire , destroyed the fortifications , and killed nearly 300 persons .
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NATIONAL REFORM ASSOCIATION " CONFERENCE IN ST . MARTIN'S HALL . On Tuesday morning a meeting of delegates irom tho branch societies of the National Refovm Association / and also from other political rofqrm associations , was held in St . Martin ' s Hall , Long-ncre . On the platform were Mr . Hume , M . P ., Mr . Heyworth , M . P ., Sir J . Walmsley , M . p . | Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., Mr . Torrens H'Cullagh , M . P ' Sir C . Napier , Mr . W . J . Fox , &a . Sir J . Walmsley proceeded to address them at considerable length , lie observed that , as Lord John Russell ' s Reform Bill was no longer a . govenmrent measure , the great object of tho Conference would be to devise tbo 3 e measures by which a future administration would be
compelled to grant to the people of the united kingdom a full and equal representation in the House of Commons . ( Hear , hear . ) After listening to the statement of the late Prime Minister on the 9 th of February , he had declared that the measure was totally unworthy of the House of Commons , of being called a Reform Bill , and of the political antecedents of Lord John Russell . ( Cheers . ) It was no Ruform Bill , for it made no -provision for tho independent exercise of the right of voting . By the omission of the ballot it brought upon it the condemnation so emphatically pronounced by the great employers of labour at a late conference in Manchester , who declared " that any extension of the franchise , unaccompanied by the secrecy and security of tho Ballot , would be a mere mockery . " It was no Reform Bill , for it would not bestow the right to vote upon more
than 500 , 000 of the at present unenfranchised classes , or upon one in eight of tho millions who were unjustly debarred the right of electing those to whom were committed the disposal of their property , their liberty , and their lives . Such a measure carried upon the face of it tho appearance of an insult rather than of a boon , It was no Reform Bill , for if , to some extent , it widened tho area of Bixty-six existing boroughs , it left otherwise untouched the anomalies , inequalities , and corruptions of the existing system . It did not repeal the Septennial Act , but left members to the influence during that period—to the deteriorating associations —of the House of Commons . Such being tho character of the bill brought in by Lord John Russell , he must congratulate them on the fact that it no longer existed to impede their efforts to obtain a measure more consistent with the
ju 3 t demands of tho people and the interests of tho country at large . The hon . member went on to define what tho association asked , and what they did not ask for . It had boen most erroneously supposed that by tueciaiming to berated to the relief of the poor was meant the a ' ctual payment of ratea as a condition of voting . Such was not the case . All the association meant was , that the existing parochial machinery Bhould be maintained , as the best adapted for the purpose of local registration , under local supervision and self-government ; but the right to be upon the register and to vote should be wholly independent and irrespective of the payment of rates . ( Cheers . ) They would most strenuously oppose all attempts to insert a ratepuying clause in any future Reform Bill , believing such a chiuse to be a fruitful 6 ouvce of oppression , chicanery , and fraud ,
and little better than a penal enactment , visiting upon honest men tho penalty of disfranchisement for the nonprepayment of a duo which tho parochial authorities had ample power to enforce . ( Cheers . ) The association had had , to be sure , to contend with difficulties . The council wero convinced that a large number of persons belonging to the middle ' classes ( persons themselves in possession of the franchises ) were sincerely desirous of extending to the working classes their political rights . They , however , complained , and with much justice , that the working classes bad not , during recent year ? , ' manifested that < mthuBiasm and energy in their own cause which were essential to the success of any exertions which others might put forth on their behalf . ( Cheers . ) They pointed to the la . boura and enthusiasm of the people in 1831 and 1832 , in the
conflict for tho overthrow of the boroughmongering system , and to their later struggles and sacrifices for the establishment of the People ' s Charter , and contrasted these with the apparent unconcern of the working classes at the present time . Every friend of reform must deeply regret this state of things , and earnestly desire to see the intelligent and powerful body of the industrial community awakened to a sense of the importance of working out their own political emancipation . Others were prepared to co-operate with them ; but , tf the great olivet was to be accomplished , it must be by the efforts of the unenfran . chised themselves , aided and supported by their friends who already possessed the suffrage . He acknowledged the readiness with which large numbers of the producing classes , had united with the . association while holding
more advanced opinions ,. and the valuable aid of Christian ministers , who had perceived the intimate connexion between the improvement of the social and civil condition of the people , and their own success in the discharge of the sacred duties which devolved upon them . ( Hear , hear . ) The adyont of a Protectionist party to power would doubtless revive the spirit which animated the people during the struggle for the repeal of the Corn Laws . No one could witness the manifestation of tbat spirit with more sat'sfactionthan himself , but he should deeply regret to see the energies of the nation directed exclusively to the maintenance of the principles of Free Trade , instead of being directed to such a change in the system of representation as would permanently exclude from power all monopolists , whether commercial , ecclesiastical , or political . Had the
signal victory over the monopolists of the people ' s bread been followed by an immediate assault upon the monopolists of the people ' s franchise the year 1852 would not have seen Lord Derby in power ; but a government acting in harmony with the people , through a reformed and rcgenerated House of Commons . For himself , he would not unite in a general agitation upon exclusively Free Trade principles , and would counsel his countrymen , who wanted not only cheap bread but cheap government , and a constant and effectual control over the national puvso , to embrace the present favourable opportunity of securing the perpetual blessings of Freo Trade , and a general amelioration of existing burdens by means of a radical change in
the representation . ( Loud cheers . ) In conclusion , the hon . gentleman expressed his belief that their proceedings would be characterised Ky courtesy , moderation , and a spirit of liberality towards all who addressed the meeting , and added , that henceforth the pecuniary responsibility must be divided between those who wero labouring for the people and the puople themselves . It would be for them to determine whether they would renew their confidence in the Council and Executive of the association , and , if so , then to devise the means of placing such resources of sympathy and funds at theii disposal as would enable them to prosecute successfully the great work which had been committed to their hands . ( Cheers . )
Sir Joshua Walmsley then proposed Mr . J . Hume to tbe chair , which was seconded by Mr . G . Thompson , and carried by acclamation . Mr . R . Heywood , M . P ., and J . Walters , Esq ., of Newaatle , were then nominated as vice-presidenfs . Mr . Le Blond proposed that Mr , G . Thompson , M . P ., should act as Secretary , which was also carriod . Mr . Bezer inquired , as many had attended only as deputations , and they were now called upon to vote for various officers , whether they had the right to do so . The OiiAinMAN stated that the present was merely preliminary business , but it was his opinion that all who attended , either ua deputations or otherwise , would , in tllO OOUrfle of Ihfi proceed ings , be entitled to a vote . The Chairman then stated that tho next stop would be the appointment of a Business Committee . Mr . Ernesi Jones asked , whether any delegate havin « a resolution to propose must submit it to the Business Conv mittee .
The Chaibiun stated it waa necessary , in order to keep the business within the bouuds of respectability , that resolutions should be submitted to the Council ; but , in his opinion , any delegate could put any resolution to the meeting , even if rejected l > y tho Business Committee . Some further discussion took place on the subject . A Delegate from Bedford wished the decision to bo left to the meeting , lie considered it was uselessattentling the Conference , unless he could propose any resolution without the intervention of a Committee . Mr . G . TnoMP 30 N , M . P ., had had expevionce of public meetings on both sides of the Atlantic , and believed it was a recognised custom to appoint a Business Committee for regulating resolutions , and the manner in whioh they should be proposed . If any person should feel himself aggrieved by the decisions of the committee , he had the right to appeal to the meeting . ( Hear . ) Mr , J . Siuw made a statement relative to obstruction given to some of the deputations attending .
The Chairman explained relative thereto , and read the circular convening the Conference , giving an outline of the motion that for some years he had been in the habit of making in the House ot Commons on the Reform question , fle concluded by slating that any persons complying with the forms laid down by tho circular were eligible to take their seats . This he bolievod applied to Messrs . Jones , Shaw , and others . Mr . Dick proposed Bronterre O'Brien to serve on the Business Committee , but thut gentleman not being present was declared not eligible , Mr . Le Blond proposed , and Mr . Salisbuii ? seconded , the nomination of Mr . Lattimore , as a representative of the agricultural interest . —Agreed to . _ On the proposition that Mr . Miall be nominated , some interruption took place , when
Air . G . Thompson explained that no person could be nominated on the committed who was not a member of the National Reform Association Delegates had been invited from all the various reform Associations , and would have an opportunity of explaining their views , but no one could sit on a committee , or vote , who was not possessed of the card of the association . Mr . Dick claimed to speak as the delegate of the Finsbury Manhood Suffrage Association . He had carried a manhood suffrage motion at the Store-street meeting acainst a clique ; but he was not a member of the National Reform Association because h 0 did not think it honest . ( Loud cries of " Order , " hisses , and ' Turn him out . " ) fl olZ ^ Tf C ! l l 6 ( 1 the 8 peaker t 0 0 ^ - Not having ftWh I ? 7 , a PerKli » sivo power to speak , and hi the chairman ) could not permit any person to stigmatise the National Association as dishonest . ( Cheers !) Mr . JJick was finally prevailed upon to resume his seat , and the election of Mr . M . all wa 5 carried unanimously
. and m 0 Ve < 1 the ap P ° intment of Mr - HolyoaKe , Mr . Thompson , oh seconding tbe motion , repeated bia announcement that no person could take any part in tbe bunneBB of the Conference without previously producing his Mr . Gissing , of Bedford ,- moved that persons of » Jlpar ' ties Bhould be represented on tho Committee .
Untitled Article
' ' m wiww > iafliMiaai ( W ^^^ Mr . E . Jones seconded the resolution , which was declared to be informal , Messrs . Serle , Birch , Latimer , Miall , flolyoako , Jackson and Gregory Foster , were elected as a Business Committee ! Considerable opposition was offerod to Mr . Ilolyoake , Mr . Miall stated that he could only accept the honour conferred upon him on one condition . ILi rame there to advocate the views now entertained by tho Parliamentary Rijfiirmers . If the Conference was convened to settle tho principles on which a new Reform Bill should be founded , ho must decline uither to act as ; i membor of the committee , or as a deleirato . He believed no better measure could ba ndonted as a " compromise than that of tho Association . The Committee then retired to arrange the order o £ business .
T'lo Cmairmas made a speech in the interval , in which he saui that he had far forty-one years advocated in public life tne principles of IWovm ' , and was the first man in tho house who Had ever called himself a Radical Reformer . He was not lor revolutionary tt » fOrm but for the removal of all S ^ inSZ rW ^ Brown up in tIie courso of years Kff tl St c of - El > 8 l » bmen . lie was not surprised to anLn 5 lZou ° ? PUli 0 " tho «« eetin for it wns only ^« tWi ™ . ^ T ™ " ™ " » " *«» , & * >* » "ked them , rXT i 7 ' "t tlley thMW obitaclo . in the way of fl Sr ^ r ft , ? SS n 7 heSi they ^ ' 1 ^ L wL h . /» ri , Mr , ™* ' " » n saying that he was one who had assisted in drawfn ii % s ill
» „„ ho concurred in all its prineffi ^ ' ° ? T ?^™* tha 6 other men who did MX'J ^ KS ' ^™ ™ do would be to attempt bv fa t ind J , ™¦ /? " - uld them he was right / Wlvs hi beonn ^ hJ t 0 . con " t everything he wished , to throVohSKE intf" v ft 5 ? ncialprogV ? . ( Heur , h v . ) They WMnT c unTy " where the mnjonty must ultimately rule thev wero in S majority ; and any man who interrupted thc « e proceedings could hardly be called a friend to his country Ho Wou ! J therefore ) tell Mr , Jones » nd the other Chartists present that twelve years before they had by their oonriu-t slaved the progress of Reform . ( Ilwir , hear . ) There wero ' men
in their association of all calibres of understanding weak and strong , bold and timid , although ail were actuated by the same wish for the welfare of their country , and the plan which should unite all their efforts was , in his opinion , the best that could be devised . ( Hear , hear . ) It would not do to drive the coach faster than the horses would carry it , but endeavour to pave the way to ulterior Reforms by accepting the present compromise , for it was nothing more . la accopting it , he did not abate one jot of his opinions , but he said . " Bide your time . " They " had now an administration that declared aguinat all Reform , and was that a timo for Reformers to refuse everything ? ( Hearhoar )
, . Every step they took was one in the direction of tbe Charter , and there was no reason why they should not t'O on Iwmonih , ! hoped thil { those who took a different view would allow the majority in this , as in other cases , to direct their proceedings , while he promised that each should have an opportunity of expressing his opinion . The questum now was , how they should meet the common enemy ? Uiartist as he was-and he had never shirked the name—( ciieer 8 ) -he saw they could not obtain the Charter now . out the time was coining when nien must have their full ( Ch \' nd ' regressive steps , reach to full liberty .
The Rev . Mr . Buunkt ( Dissenter ) observed , that Lord Derby would care very little for such meetings if he heard of the disorder that prevailed in them . The sure w . y to make the strength of Reformers feltwns by unity and Cooperation . It was said that Lord Deny was in power — that was the phrase . He denied it . Lord Derby waa merely in place- ( cheers and laughter )—and if he " ever was in . power it would bo tho f .-. ult of the Refonnwa . ( Interruption from the Pinsbury delegate , followed by indignant cries from the meeting . ) They might let the man bark sometimes . ( Great laughter . ) What the association wanted was , that every sane man —( laughter at the- interrupted )—unconvioted of crime , and with a home within the limits of the empire , should have a vote ; but the vote would bo of little use without the ballot . Until the people were fullyrepresented they would find the houBe of Stanley ; u > d tha house of Russell , and all tho great houses , —one out and tho Other in , —wheeling and w<ting about » s if they were tup only men in the kingdom fit tor office . ( Cheers . )
Mr . Miall read the report of the business committee which set forth thnt the object of the Conference was to organise an agitation for a bill commensurate with tha wants of the people in parliamentary representation , and that the association had met with the support of the working classes . Mr . Vaurien , who stated that he was a Chartist and a Parliamentary Reformer , objected to the constitution of the association . ( Cheer . < . ) There wero no working peopla in it , and it did not represent the feelings of the workinw classesCheers Did attend their
. ( . ) they meetings , or had they supported the association ? He denied it . ( Cheers . ) lie wished real Chartists , like Mr . J . Ilunie and Sir J . Walmsley , would always stand by their principles ; but ' for his own part , ho did not see what great good it would < lo the people if the Financial Reformers were in power . The people would not ho in power , but 'he manufacturing capitalists : and , ns to that , he believed many of the aristocracy had more chivalry , love of countvy , and fine generous feeling about them , than most of your mercantile classes , ( Loud cheers . )
Mr . Fox , m . l \ , then addressed tho meeting . Ileairreed with most of the sentiments of the last speaker , though he could not agree with all his deductions . He had ever felt confidence in the decisions of the people . lie had attended large meetings both in Manchester and in other lnrge towns , to which he had been invited by tho Chartists- * ( cries of " no" )—and he always found the people with them . If working men were not with them , where were they ? They were told tlmt the Chartists kept aloof ; he was a Chartist , But to bo a Chartist did not imply that a man should oppose their proceedings . As a Chartist , looking at the state of the country , he could not see that ha had so good a chance of succeeding ; vs by joinin" tho Pailiamentary Association . Three years back they bad agreed to a standard , and to that standard they meant to adhere . The speaker then dwelt upon the Rei ' orm Bill of the lato Ministry . They should , in the present crisis , tench . Co-operation to their representatives , and to do this they must themselves co-operate in thought and action
Mr . J . Dawson said lie was a thorough-paced Chartist . At the late meeting in Birmingham , he had given notice * to their Chairman that a resolution would be moved in favour of Universal SutFrage . He had moved it himself and he need not say that it was curried- by an immense majority . Since then he had moved a mild resolufon , on the occasion of the death of the late ministers , anil ' had himself been defeated by a motion for Universal Suffrage , lie regretted that tho present Association seemed to cndea « vour to drive ns near the edge of a principle as possible and yet by some sleight of hand , actually kept from getting it , Though those were his feelings , he ' regretted that anything like intolerance or interruption should be displayed . If be could not get all ho wanted , ho would endeavour to work with others to get a portion of it . He agreed with Mr . Varian , to give no support to enthrone a mere manufacturing interest in the Legislature . He was not for turning the woolsack into a cotton bag . There were questions relative to working men in which masters and manufacturers were not the most liberul judges . ( Cheers . )
Torens M'Cullagh , M . P . for JJutidiilk , stated that ho had , in common with some other Irish members , invariably voted for Mr . Hume ' s measure . He thought ¦ hat it was morn important , that they bhould have good legislation than any particular class of men in power . As all Irishman , he must be allowed to say that one class of men . seemed inclined to make them go faster than they could . Such men , however honest , were this greatest friends of the Earl of Derby , by the division they were causisg among the ranks of reformers . The delegates were then called on to state the condition of political feeling in their localities , and aceo : dindy Mr . Geesin , of Bedford , stated that the people there were generally in favour of reform , lie repudiated Chartism ; he was a loyal subject . The Rev . " Mr . Dean denied that the Chartists were not loyal subjects .
Mr . Dick represented the Manhood Suffrage Association of Finsbury , ILj regntted that they did not adopt thai principle as thoir motto . If they hud done so they would not have been compelled to deplore the apathy of [ lie paoplo . Tho Whigs had never consulted the in twos ts of the people , but had on all occasions persecuted and prosecuted them . It mattered not to working men whether Derby or Russell were in power . Either were opposed to the interest , cf the people . lie would oppose every system of sham reform , and could not agree to judge favourably of t :. e Whigs , because lifter six years of bad conduct they now advocated liberal measures ns the only means by which they could effect a return to power . The speaker thon went mto an analysis of the representative system of tho borough ho represented , both parliamentary and parochial .
Mr . Lb Blond , on the part of the Chartists of Bradford , repudiated any sympathy with tho sentiments of the last speaker , who certainly did not represent the intelligent Chartists in tins country , lie had never seen Mr . Dick at a public meeting whereat lie did not interrupt ever ¦ tliinoand he could assure him that such were not the tactics $ v which they would obtain Reform . ( Hear , hear . ) Bradford was a borough in which some alteration was loudly called for , as the population was 110 , 000 while the electors were only 2 , 100 . ( " Shame . " ) The Chartists of that town had followed the practice of reporting pngitss monthly to the National Reform Association in London , : utd had nlso sent up . periodieal contributions , a practice wh ch in h s op-nion ought to be generally followed . He unlersto d tint tho
association meant to explain that portion of tw programme relative to the payment of rates ; by so doing they would meet tho wishes of his constituents . Tiiey wero also in favour of Annual Parliaments and ihe Payment of Members ; but they wevo witting to go with she rociirtj fot whatever it might be practicable to obtain . He thought the Se was past wienmon should ^ X ^^ SZ rjagsg £ 3 ? M * 3 f ffi ^^^ ssiiffj ^ ^ ' BBs ^ sx ^ -ziLZ
Tho liov . ft . PARS 0 SS ' of , Stroud , said he was a Chartiqr Md ta ? W » * rom th ? : L 7 al * ° a loyal sS I ? o oared not who was at tbe head o { the people-wheVher W ««•» . £ r *« d jn ~« 0 ong „ th e / ruled according to the Ja ^ . He had ever acted with the workin * men His congregation consisted of working men . I e had been tl ; eir teacher twenty-five years , though he coulda ^ any 2 S hare trebled his income by a removal , in Hid t ! woS
Jfom'gn Jntehtgence.
jfom ' gn JnteHtgence .
Scene In The United States House Of Representatives.
SCENE IN THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES .
Untitled Article
In the House of Representatives , on the 11 th ult ., an amusing but disgraceful scene occurred between two of the members—Messrs . Stanly and Giddings . The former having charged tbe latter with uttering a falsehood , the following conversation ensued : — Mr . Stakly . —It is usual for one who has no regard for the decencies of life to relieve himseif from responsibility by pronouncing statements false , and it is characteristic of the man who snored away from this house , and took his pay for work which he did not do . Air . Giddings . —When the gentleman descends toW vulgarity 1 cannot follow him . I protest against Doughfaces prompting tbe gentleman from South Carolina
Mr . Staslt —It is the business of a scavenger to have anything to do with him , and I will have to wash my hands after handling him ; but the thing has to be done , as he has thrust himself on us a kiud of censor . It is a small business for mo , and I don ' t know how I cm descend any lower than to take hold of the hon . member for Ohio . ( Cry of "Good . ) l J Mr . Giddings . —Will you hear me ? Mr . Stanly . — Nobody wants to hear you , but I will indulge you . Mr . Giddisos . —The gentleman is barking up the . wrong Mr . Stanly . —The galled jade winces again . Mr . GiDDiNos .-The gentleman shan ' t crack the overseer ' s iasb to put me down .
Mr . Staklt . —1 hope that the gentleman will not gnash his teeth so bard ; he might hurt himself . Who is here playing the overseer over white men-who but he , who is throwing his filthy gall and assailing everybody as Northern Whig Doughfaces , and what he culls tho vile slaveholders ? He is the only man who acts in that way . We don ' t raise the overseer s lash over our slaves in North Carolina If that member was in the southern country , nobody would own bini u ablack man with a white skin- ( laughter ) -but he would be suffered to run wild as a fi « e negro ? and in tho course of three weeks he would be brought up to the whipping post and lashed , for stealing or slandering hianeigh"'IfeShood ^ 8 ay tllJlt heka ° eiltlma ' » The SP £ AKER ( to Mr . Stanl y . )—Will the gentleman suspend for a moment ?
* \ t' «^" ~ 7 [ e ought t 0 su * P end that feHow ( pointing to Mr . Giddings ) by the neck . ( Laughter . ) ' Mr . Giddings . —The gentleman from North Carolina reminds me of the boy who turned round ? o fast that the hind part of his breeches wa 3 on both sides . ( Laughter . ) Ihe gentleman says that I was at Norristown , too ; but where was he and the members of the House ? Whv , drinking their grog . ( Laughter . ) Mr . Stasly . -I charge the official reporters not to let nis ( AIr . Giddings a ) felonious hand touch one word of what I say , tor weknow how he on a former occasion misrepresented my colleague from the Orange district , and his own colleague from the Chilhcotbe district , having altered his own speech after to got to his room with his coloured friends . ( Laughter . ) He talks about my associates ; but has anybody ever Been him in private decent company ? Free negroes may gull to see him . He does not let his ri . ht
nana Know what his left doeth . He alludes to my absence ; but I have not set myself up as a standard . I don ' t sav I m always in tho house , as I ought to be . He says wo WhLT ff ingou' - gfog . during Christmas times . Where was he ? In Philadelphia , drinking beer and eating oysters w , th free negroes . I Laughter . ) Nvhich washes thin J Si ' / ff i , >) He thinks ll ° be » er off M P »» tI- ( Mr . Stanly paused , and looking towards Mr . Preston King who was standing near Mr . Giddinw remarked , raising his voice to a higltev Sell « IlelnS out ; he needs a little more poison » viSes « nl S i i § iHi ^ f associations show that heneverminli ^ u duct , whose let him rave on till doonwdsr . lngled fflth S < <> n .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 6, 1852, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1668/page/7/
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