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THS PETITION COKVENTXOF . THURSDAY , Mat 13 . Mr . Pitkethly in the chair . The Convection Hall bad this evening a Vfcry full Bttend&noe of members and strangers . The-minutM of the last meeting having been Confirm ad , Mr . Skevington stated that the Lougbborougb petition bad receiTed 1 , 359 additional signatures . Mr . Bose said that he had had an interriew with the Member for Lambeth , npon whose support they might depend . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Hawee made most
particular inquiries into Mr . O'Brien ' s caae , -wished to see his letters , and to hare an interriew- with Dr . JI'DouaU , so that he might be made well acquainted with his state of health . Mr . Hawes was of opinion that he should be immediately released . He farther said Uttt he would attend the Convention on Saturday morning . ( Hear , hear . ) He professed himself a Chartist , asd declared that he felt himself bound to join in the opinions of the greatest number , ( Hear , hear . ) He also consented to form one of the deputation to wait upon the Marquis of Normanby . ( Hear , hear . ) Messrs . Benjamin Wood and Humphrey also promised their support .
Mr . Cullen said that , in compliance with previous j arrangements , the deputation waited yesterday , npon ilr . Fielden , to ascertain if there was a possibility of I obtaining an interview with the Queen . ( Hear , hear . ; Mr . Fielden seemed to know very little about the Court , and could give no opinion as ; to the way by which they could obtain an audience of j her Majesty ; General Johnson , npon whom they also j waited , made very light of the matter and Beemed to ¦ look upon it as delusive . He designated court dresses j as tomfoolery , and said tLat the money expended . npon j them would be a useless expenditure . ( Hear . ) He " ; recommended the deputation to apply for advice at the j Chamberlain ' s omce . They did so . One gentleman said that an interview with her Majesty could be ; obtained , and that the memorials could be presented at j all events on levee days . Another gentleman , who ap- j peared to have more experience than the former , said he j ¦ would recommend the memorials io be sent or pre- \
sented to the Secretary of State for the Home Depart- j menu They then went to Mr . Francis Place ' s . On « nter- j ing his office they found a gentleman apparently con- j nected with the Q-ovemment conversing with him ,. and . j stating . that Government had decided npon a dissolution j and thaf a declaration to that effect would be made in : a day or two . ( Hear . ) , The Chairman—Did Messrs . Fielden and Johnson \ say tint we cooid not get to the throne , or did they ; advise ui not to go ? i Mr . C alien . —They gave no decided opinion . Mr . ! Place said that the Queen was surrounded by corruption , j and that she would continue to be surrounded by cor- j Tuption , nxtil the working classes by their unanimity j ¦ overthrew both parties who were equally -bal and j equally , corrupt . ( Hear , hear . ) In his ( Mr . Place ' s ) j opinion a general election would enable the working j classes to achieve that victory . ( Hear . ) i
Mr . Pitkethly , although he differed widely in politics . irom Mr . Place , yet he must acknowledge that at j various times he derived the greatest assistance from j him . " When the three men were sentenced to be ; banged in Birmingham , Mr . Place did all he could to j save them . ( Hear , hear . ) He acted the same part in i Frost ' s case . He devoted his time and his talents to the saving of Frost , Williams and Jones ' s lives . ( Hear , ' . hear . } They should avail themselves of the assistance ; of every man ; and without regarding Mr . Place ' s ! Malthusian doctrines , they should look upon him as he i was , a-real R = publi < un , and accept of his assistance , ! ( Hear , hear , hear . > " } Mr . Morgan—Yes , we should make as many friends ^ as possible . ( Hear , hear . ) j Mr . Cullen said that he understood that members tf ; Parlianisnt were admitted to her Majesty by courtesy , ; and that Peers alone had the right of demanding an * aodience . t Hear , hear i
Mr . Piikethly said that the deputation appointed to ' wait upon Lord Teynham respecting the presentation ; of the memorial , called at his Lordship ' s house , when ' they were informed that he was at Cheltenham . They then wrote to him on the subject . ¦ Mr . Wall s dd tbsi a frightful system of corruption ! was carried on by the Whigs . About twenty of them . met daQy at Cleveland-row , and made arrangements for j the disposal of vacant places in the House of Commons . ! They agreed with the candidate who offered himself ; that if he succeeded , he should pay all the expencea of j the election , and that if defeated , he was to pay a ' certain portion of them . ( Hear , liear . j Hume and Coppoci , the election agent , were at the head and tail j of the ] junta ; they should expose to the country the ; base aad corrupt workings of that gang . —\ Hcar ,, hear )
Mr . Pitkethly—They should take all the help that ; was offered , and ' should not make enemies . —( Hear ,: hear . ) < Dr . M'DDnaE said , that the addres to the country ; was ready . Mr . Pitkethly—The address shon'd not be made , public until the Convention was dissolved . — ( Hear ,, hearo ; Mr . Martin sdd , that it wonld be well to read the addreas then , and it could be in readiness for publica- , tion or the dissolution of the Convention , i It was ultimately decided that the reading of the ' address be deferred till to-morrow ^ Friday , i . , Mr . Pukethly said , that they should appoint a deputatien j to accompany Messrs . Hawes snd Builfer on Saturday , i The memorials ought to be presented separately , and j should be arranged by the committse for that purpose . . I — . Hear , hear . ) j Mr . Smart—We will go ; and be all things as far as j
we can . - i A general committee , conaisticg of Dr . M'Donall , ! Messrs . Williams , Smart , Martin , and Skevington , was ] appointed to read all letters , and to expedite the gene- j ral business ef the Convention . j Mr . Skevington said that he waited npon his own ] representatives , and other Members cf Parliament , an-: l ' he informed them that unless the condition of the j starving and suffering people was ameliorated , that j tho"e would be no prr . ee f jr the home of the rich , as , - ' while such a state of things existed , there was no peace j for the poor man's cottage . . Hear , bear . ) Mr . Smart . —Avowed enemies were better than pre- j tended friends . If that redress was not affjrded to the working classes , they should address the whole country , and threaten to >» ottlnghamise it , if the Members of Parliament refused to kupport the People's Memorials and the Peorte ' s Charter . ( Hear , hesr . i
Mr . Wali said that the Marylebone petition had 1 , 500 signatures . After some roadne business tb * Convention adjourned . FRIDAY , Mat 14 . Mr . Barniby in the chair . Mr , Skevington handed in a memorial from Lsnghborough , in iivoox of Messrs . Frost , Williams , and Jones . Mr . Piikfethly said that they were doing all in their power to ascertain if they c ^ uld obtain an interview wuhthe Q-ieen , as their constituents expressed a strong wish they snouldtffect it- After they had had an interview with the gentlemen at the Chimberlain ' s office , who held oat na hopes that an interview could be had , the
deputation went to Mr . Place , who agreed to make al necessary inquiries , stating at the same time his opinion that they ccnld not haTe an interview with her Majesty , ci have an opportunity to present the memorials , unless at a levee . He was also cf opinion that the memorials should be presented to Lord MelbenniB and the Ministry , and that it would have a greater impression than presenting them to the Qaeen . \ Hear , hear . ) The court dresses would , at least , cost . £ 20 , " which could be better applied by dividing it amongst the prisoners . ( Hear , hear . ) He ( Mr . Pitkethiy ) waited npon Mr . Daneombe , who prom ' sed to
speak in the House that night vpon the state of the country . With regard to the tea or twelve pounds paid by Mr . Daneombe , he was gratified on being enabled to state that the post effioe intimated a willingness to refund it ( Hear , hew . ) He went to ilr . Berkeley , -who expressed himself in similar terms with Mr Duncombe . There was no doubt of their success , if the country sanctioned and supported them . As Mr . Daneombe was not en good terms with the ilarquis of Xormanby , it would be as well to select Borne other Member to accompany the depatation . ( Hear , hear . ) Lard Xomunby was greatly opposed to such deputations .
Mr . Smart said they had but one course to pursae , and that was to obtain , if passible , an audience of her Majesty . To obtain that they should exert every nerve ¦ until'they were fully satisfied that every access to her Majesty was blocked up against them . ( Hear , hear . ) Then they could inform their constituents that the royal ear was closed agvinst their prayers . As soon as that gained publicity , it would make such an impression as would force every man who regarded civil liberty to join in the present struggle for freedom . < Hear , hear . )' Mr . Rose—Has the Convention the power to interfere so far with , the memorials as to direct or recommend the Committee to present them to any one bat her Majesty ? Mr ; Pitkethly—If we had your advice , it would strengthen our hands . We wilL . however , again try to present them . ( Hear , hear . ) "
Dr . ' M'D ^ aall—We can recommend the Committee to adopt such measures as may appear advisable . ( Hear , best ) Mr . Pitkethly said that Mr . Duncombe informed bin that Mr . Collins had been with him , and urged him to present the memorial / . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Williams—We have done our duty . Still we Tronld not be jastiisd to let the memorials pass from onr hands without the approbation of the Birmingham Frost Committee . ( Hear , hear . ) We are still willing to pzs » on again and again for our interview with her Majarty , ~ aad to obey any farther instrattions that may be forwarded from oof constituents . ( Hear , hear . ) Mi . Skevington—I dont see how we have done any jibing so Ion * u we are denied the interview with her ilr . ^ ty . ( H ear , bear . ) Mr . Sn ^ t—A r #£ asal to see the Qaeen will do us no barm . ( Hear , hear . ! , It was tbenmovedand seconded , - "That the address to tie couatry , as recommended by the general ccn ^ ttee , be read and adopted . " Dr , M'Douall then read the following address : — j
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The Adirets of the tmderngned Mtmben of the Victim-Restoration and Charter-Convention of the Indxutrious Classes , to the Working Men England , Scotland , and Wales—to the Member ef the National Charter Association—and to the Chartist Electors of Great Britain . Fellow cor ^ TBTHEN and Brother Chartists —Ton have honoured us with your confidence , and delegated to us the most sacred and important duties . We have endeavoured to lealixe your hopes ; and , ia the pursuit of our humane and merciful mission , we have done everything which mature deliberation could devise or reason suggest . In e * e sense we have been successful , * nd in another we have failed . We have successfully appealed to many Memfeers of Parliament , and have secured the support of men of opposite sentiments and interests . Mercy has been listened to by many , and justice baa been
heard . Oa the other hand , we deeply regretthe obstinacy of an unrelenting and merciless Government , whlchstill refuses to » estore the lonely prisoner to his family , his fireside , asd his friends , and which denies the far-distant exiles tbe hope of again beholding the shores of old England , the scenes of their early youth , or the faces of their wives , their kindred , or their children . Cin these men expect your support at the next election ? They aspire to it now—they expect it hereafter , and therefore it becomes our duty to caution you on the one hand , and advise with you on the other . At the present
crisis our duty is an important one ; and , feeling it to be so , we have found it necessary to act with caution , at the same time th 3 t we address yon with firmness . We address yon as men ruined in your trades , oppressed in your homes , and insulted in the midst of your poverty . The accursed Whig Poor L-iw ha * driven yon to three of the worst of all ruinous alternatives First , you are compelled to labour for poor and inefficient wages ; secondly , to starve within the ironbarred bastile , or steal in defence of nature ; thirdly , to seek an uncertain refuge in the far distant lands cf the emigrant , or become the liveried servants of your oppressing masters .
The centralised army of spies and blood-thirsty slave-drivers have destroyed your independence of action in your homes , and your freedom of speech in the streets . We address you as men who are forced by bludgeon and bayonet beyond the pale of tbe constitution , whose best friends have been immureil in dungeons , crowded in bulks , tortured on tread-mills , and even murdered by the cruel devices of a vindictive Government , in cells where the voice of friendship cenld not soothe the agonies of death , or the tears of a sorrowing wife even fall on the body of the dead . We address yon as Englishmen , Scotchmen , and Welshmen , who have laU a just and merciful prayer bef j re the footstool of royalty ; and we ask you as fathers , as husbands , and as men , whether we ought to bear with patience continued reftual to our petitions , or suffer a government to insult with impunity our mild and canstitutional demands ?
We have made our last demand ; we have carried our last petition to the threne . We wait the issue with firmness , and leave the final result to the insulted God of justice and of mercy . We declare , without hesitation or doubt , that we hope for nothing from the sense of justice which the Government pretends to ; and we cannot conceal from you that we , on the other hand , anticipate much from the fears of a struggling Ministry , and an imbecile and dying factiun . The least accident may cast the relentless gaolers at the mercy of the masses ; and whilst you
ask impatiently , " What shall we do ? " we have found it to be our duty to proclaim , on the evidence of a recent election , that tbe balance of the elective power is even now within your grasp . The Chartist electors an now fight the battle of justice . Will they be firm nd faithful ? Will you be united aud ready ? We loubt neither , we depend on both . The day of battle approaches . It wiil be an eventful day , as the issue will decide the fate of the banished and theincarccratedthe fate of the Charter—the fate of our cause , of our liberties , and of our country .
The next paramount duty we have to perform is , to implore yon , the labourers , to unite . We denounce none ; we appeal to all ; and earnestly do we call upon you , in the names of Frost , O'Connor , O'Brien—for the sake of all that is dear to principle and sacred to justice , unite , unite , unite ! organise , organise , organise ! We deplore thi various divisions which have weakened vis and wearied us ; and , actuated by the sole hope of securing your political power , and thereby doing justice to all , we particularly recommend that all sectariMi discussion may cease , and all party spirit be for ever still . Oh , think of the glorious cause we are engaged in ! Sympathise with tbe prisoner , and be just to each other , with the wives and tho children , and be united ta aid and protect thtru .
Think of your wrongs , and then only will you form a brotherhood to secure jour right .- * . Pass a vote of oblivion on the past , anil let uniun be the bright star to guide us for the future . Wo have heard much of Charch-ChortiEm , of Tcetotil-CLiartism , and of EJucation-CLartism ; we hu ' . d ii to be tbe sacred right of every man to worship his Maker as he tiiinks best ; to regulate hia domestic habits as he may think proper ; and to adopt any one scheme which he may think conducive to human happiness and social reformation . Why dispute with any . ' Why n-. it invite all to enter the Great National Charter Assutiaiion ? Our end ia not- to secure power to party , or separate privileges to sects- Admit all parties in religion , invite all denominations , and refuse no man who declares himseJf _ a Chartist ; . no matter what may be his creed , his cuumry or his caste . We hope that our appeal will not be in vain ; and having appealed to jour sense of justice , let us now address your reason , and your judgment
Our old and untiring enemies have ascended the Pohtiesl Auction Bdx , and , like uaprincipie 1 salesmen , they have offered hollow and deceptive wares to the mass of onlookers . You are not to be deceived with ch ^ ff , nor will your judgment be arrested through your excited hopes Threr nsiniiternl clap-traps have b ^ tn east upon the wattrs of opinion , and after a few d . iys they expect an abundant return . They shall be deceived . A reduction is proposed in the Timber Duties , which will admit foreign wood at a cheaper rate , instead of the colonial timber .
What benefit can this measure effect for the poor labourer ? If the workman hid the means of building a cottage for himself , he would not be a gainer uf ten shillings on the whole edifice ; because the reduction will Ve only felt on shiploads ; thereby throwing the whole benefit into the pockets of the capitalists , ship builders , and large importers . It will not make a chair or a table one farthing cheaper , and the landlord vrill not lower his rents a single penny . Are you to suv'port an agitation for reducing the duties on timber for the sole purpose of increasing the profits of the capitalists or middle clas ;? Forbid it , justice I Tke same fallacy ¦ was made evident on the reduction of the dntiea on
leather . Is bencStted the "wholesale trader , but were shoes any cheaper ' : All changes winch appear to be beneficial to the wholesale dealers are ever found to be really detrimental to the retail purchaser . Take as an example the second Whig bubbte—the reduction of the duties on Sugar . The movement will secure the votes of the sugar refiners , and attract the large tradtrs , and wholesale 5 TOcers . Again we ask what benefit will the labourer receive ? The reduction amounts to Is . Sd . the cwt ., therefore the purchaser of a pound of sugar would have it 6-10 ths of a farthing cheaper than it is now . What coin have we to expres 3 that ? None . What difference then will it makt to the haadloom weaver
who buys one ounca at a time ? Out upon the hypocritical crew . ' Davrn w . th tbe ilrfrauding ministry ! —Why did they expand 20 . Q 00 , e 0 o of money in emancipating the slaves ? Why did they then ask us to pay dearer for sugar , so that the slaves might be liberated ? Why do they now ask as to accept of cheaper sugar grown by the slaves of Cuba and the Brazils ? Are not tbese proofs that their policy is one tissue of fraud , deception , aru i njustice ? We are likewise destined to have an notation created for a fixed duty o » corn . How often must we explode the fallacies circulated under this head ? The most ardent haters of the Corn Law sbow as that the quartern loaf would sell twopence c !« aper after a total repeal ; therefore the labourer who -earned one shilling per day , would have his wace 3 raised twopence per day ; he who earned two thiliines would be benefitted
at the rate of fearpence ; aud be who earned fow shillings , at the rate of eightpesce per day . The ¦ firovernment propese to have a fixed duty at eight shillings the quarter . Under this fixed duty , the difference in the price of a quartern loaf could be consumed by an iafunt at one meal . Is it possible that reasoning mea can be deluded by such ministerial frauds ? No ! We think higher of the reasoning workmen of this oppressed land , and therefore we content ourselves with simply cautioning jou as to the domestic policy of the Whigs . They tell os that labour will become scarcer . Have they proved to us that wages will be higher ? Jfoi bt cause we are sensible tha t there are three powers in the hand « of the manufacturers which will enable them under the present form of Government to destroy that scarcity , to lower wages , and throw thousands out of employment .
First—Tbe labourers ont of employment , at the present time , are sufficient to supply ten tUaes the existing demand . Second—If ingnffirfcnt , the railways would poor into the manufacturing districts the discharged agricultural labourers , and glut the market in a few weeka , Third—If both sources were exhausted , experience has proved to us that the infallible specific for high wages would be adopted , viz ., the introduction of new machinery . The end of the " whole boon" of cheap bread , we safely predict , would be the lowering of the wages of the highly taxed operatives of this country , so as to enable ths capitalist to compete with the low taxed workmen of the continent .
Besides all these reasons , what human object can be gained , in a moral or physical sense , by driving thousands off the land into the unhealthy and overheated factories . Finally , our olgect being to legislate for the labouring population , we must take into consideration the wrongs of the agricultural as well as those of the manufacturing workmen . We despise all such Whig plasters : we want justice / i £ f working men of Great Britain ; and if we mean
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; -Si' i ' ¦ to have it ire most contend for ( hat political pewer r « ing placed in your hands which will enaMq pxu not to repeal the taxes on one or two articles ,: * tmfc « a all articles of foreign growth and domestic consumption . The duties on timber and dyewoods amount to £ 1 , 663 , 584 , and on cum , grain , meal , and rice , to £ 1 . 131 , 075 ; on sugar and molasses , £ 1 , 826 , 917 . The Whigs propose to repeal part of these duties . Oar objects are to abolish all , as well as the duties on tea , tobacco , coffee , wines , fruits , spices , hides and skins , wool , cotton , besides such provisions as bacon , hams , butter , eggs , &c 4 c . &c . ; in short , the whole host of taxes which press npon your Industry , and diminish tbe supplies of life .
We advocate no half measure beneficial alone to the master . We extend our -views of amelioration to the oppressed workmen and the starved labourers of the whole of Great Britain and Ireland . Will you support us ? will yon listen to oar advice ? will you pursue oar directions ? Your subtle and designing enemies also design to introduce manufactured goods , and thereby destroy the trades of cork-cutters , brass founders , potters , watch and clock makers , embroidery and needle workers , glass blowers , glovers and silk manufacturers , ( already starving , ; and a host of other trades , who will be overrun by the introduction of goods manufactured by the low-taxed operatives of the continent . Do you hot see , therefore , the reason why the capitalists have erected mills and manufactories in Belgium and parts of France , and likewise , why they have vested their capital in speculations in Saxony , Switzerland , and Germany ?
Do you not see the reason of inviting the operatives of this country into Holland , Prussia , and Belgium ? Their design is upon our home market , because we exclude manufactured goods coming from other nations after the following rate : — Duty . Amt . of do . Brass manufactures 39 percent ...... £ 1 , 710 Boxes of all kinds 30 do 2 , 769 Bugle 3 Is . per lb . 2 , 140 Earthenware , china , &c . 15 to 20 percent 5 , « 23 Clocks and watches 25 do 9 , 628 Copper , manufactures of ... 30 do 731 Cotton do lo made up 20 ... 6 , 584 Embroidery and needlework 30 8 , 578 Artificial flowers 25 5 , 289 Bottles , all sorts of glass SO to 120 27 , 304 Hair and coat ' s wool
manufactures 30 3 . C 97 Leather gloves 20 to 40 18 , 505 Boots and shoes 30 6 , 095 Paper hangings „ . 3 d . per lb . 1 sq . yd . 1 , 573 Silk goods 23 . to 40 s . per owt 247 , 361 Toys 29 per cent 3 , 793 Woollen manufactures ... 15 do . made up 20 25 , 113 The cloven foot has been shown , and poverty stares in the face of thousands of our operatives Arise , awake , fellow countrymen , or ye are betrayed . Let the trades of this great nation vindicate their character , and come forward in the cause of justice and humanity .
I t is better at times to submit to a real despotism than to . a Government of perfidious , treacherous , and pretended friends . We are natural enemies to Whiggism and Toryism , but being unable to destroy both factions , we advise you to destroy the one faction by making a tool of the other . We advise you to upset the Ministerial candidates on every occasion , todoubt their professions , and disbelieve their hustings promises . They even propose what they term a large extension of the Suffrage . Be not deluded again—stand by the Charter , accept of nothing less , and like the stern and indomitable Komans , rather bring your enemies under a despotism thau be deluded with their treacherous professions . We advise yeu , after mature deliberation ,
First—To make returns to the Executive of the voters and the state of parties in each constituency in the empire , with the view of considering the propriety of contesting an election and of appointing fit and proper persons to do so . Second—To raise a fund by voluntary contributions , for election purposes , and to appoint three national treasurers . Third—T « report the places where the members are returned , and where there is a likelihood of the opposite parties proposing to split the votes with our candidates . Fourth—To pledge all candidates to vote for the Charter , the release of all prisonsrs at home or abroad , repeal of the Poor Laws , the abolition of the Rural Police , and the removal of all grievances complained
of-Fifth—To elect committees for the purpose of carrying out the above objects , and to act as election committees in any place where a Chartist candidate is likely to be returned , or a Ministerial hack upset . Sixth—To pledge all Chartist candidates to sit and act as members upon a Convention which shall meet in London , and be called the Great Convention of tha People's Deputies . Its constitution to be as follows : — The members to be the People ' s candidates , propusrd and elected by them to serve iu Parliament ; tbe deputies elected by large towns or counties ; and a deputation appointed by the General Executive ; all of wLoin shall meet in London after the elections , to devise the best means of securing the People ' s Charter—of liberating the Political Prisoners—and of protecting or preserving the remaining rights of the trades and labourers of every description within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland .
( God save ( he People . J P . M . M'Douall . T . R . Smakt . ^ .. John SkkMxgton . Wm . Martin . <__^ Thomas Joum Wall . Williaji Morgan . John GooiAvi . v BarjIby . Morgan \ Villiams , _ Lawrence Pitkethly . Matthew Cillen ^ Rlffy Ridley . John Rose . Mr . Rose and Mr . Martin moved and seconded the adoption of the address . Mr . Pitkethly asked if all agreed to tbe address ?
Dr . M'Douall said that all agreed to it . The Committee , however , were willing to introduce such modifications as the Convention might suggest . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Martin said that it ought to be issued at once . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Skevington said it ciuld be left with the Executive to carry into effect the recommendations of the address . The address was adopted nc » u con . Mr . Martin moved , and Dr . M'Douall seconded , that it be forthwith printed . Carried . Dr . M'Douall stated that Carlisle had offered to split at the next election between Chartists and Tories . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Smart said that operations were carrying on at Leicester to effect the same object . ( Hear , hear . )
Dr . M'Douall said that it was generally believed that Government had resolved not to dissolve Parliament , and that they would resign . ( Hear , hear . ) It was pretty clear that Ministers would die game , and gloriously , as Lord Palinerston had said they would . ( Hear , hear . ) M r . Pitkethly recommended the address to be kept back until the Convention terminated their sittings . Dr . M'Douall . —It wiil be adopted as the lost act of the Convention . Mr . Morgan . —Steps should be taken to give it immediate publicity . Dr . M'Douall then brought up the following report of the General Committee to the effect that Mr . Mason ' s letter to the Convention was of such a nature as it
could not be entertained by the Convention . That a deputation be appointed to wait upon the Marquis of Normanby with a view of ascertaining the probability of presenting the memorials to her Majesty , and that in case of a refusal to wait upon her Majesty ' s ministers to ascertain the probability of laying them before them , and that Mr . Pitkethly , Mr . Matthews , and Mr . Cullen , be the deputation . That the treasurer be instructed to produce his accounts on Saturday morning with a view of ascertaining the real amount of funds in his hands , and also the expenditure that has taken place . That all letters on public business be handed over to the General Committee . That they advise the people of Andover to plae 9 themselves in communication with the London Comwittee , as the pressure of business will not permit the Convention to lay down a plan of organisation for that place . The above report was unanimously adopted .
Upon the motion of Dr . M'Douall , it was resolved that Messrs . Morgaa , Williams , Pitkethly , and Williams , be of the deputation to wait on the Marquis of Itormanby . Mr . Cullen waited * ipon Mr . Oswald , the member for Glasgew , who declined to accompeny the deputation , but promised to give tbe inemeriala and the petitior his consideration . Mr . Cullen informed the Honourable Member that he would let bis constituents know the xeception he gave him , and his answer to his request that he should support the ' memorials . Mr . Cullen , in exclusion , haaded in a petition from Falkirk , most wUnerously and respectably signed . He also handed over to the treasurer foar shillings , forwarded from Falkirk .
Mr . Pitkethlysaid that their friends in Parliament had expressed a strong wish that the petitions should be v numerously signed a * possible , in order that a powerful impression be made . ( Hear , hear .. ) Such was the recommendation ef Messrs . Daneombe , Berkeley and Fielden . ' Dr . M'Douall said that Mr . Duncombe wished to know taa exact number of prisoners in the different gaols , and also their names , and their state of health , After some discussion between Messrs . Pitkethly , Morgan , and other gentlemen , respecting the situation i of the prisoners , Mr . Pitkethly said he had written to a large number of their friends to ascertain their present state , their treatment , and the effect that impri- ' sonment bad on their health . The other members ! resolved to write to other friends « f the imprison « d j for similar information . After which the Convention oie . [
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will , if necessary , prove . ( Loud cheers , and cries of " Bravo , bravo , " from the Chartists , with a few hisses from the Repealers . ) Mr . O'Connell has declared that if he obtains Repeal , that he witt nfae thirty Baronets to the House of Peers . They will be creature * of bis own , and not as they ought to be , selected by the common voice of the people . ( Hear , hear . ) Thus Ireland was to be converted into a den of corruption . ( Hear , hear . ) Was it necessary that that selection should be made from Baronets ? ( Cries of " No , no , " " Yes , yes . " ) He also declared himself the supporter of Household Suffrage . ( " Oh , oh . ") If Mr . O'Connell acted upon , the broad principle of Chartism , he would net require the aid of the aristocracy , nor would the people look for their support . —
( Hear , hear . ) But Mr . O'Connell shall apeak for himself , and you can judge of his honesty . In his letter to Lord Charlerewnt , he says , " It is quite manifest that a great many of the Peers would be naturally desirous of having their sons and immediate connections in the House of Commons , and they could not expect a son or a relative to succeed with a popular constituency , if the Peer himself continued to oppose patriotic measures . The Irish House of Commons being a popular party , the Government must necessarily be such as would favour the advancement of popular institutions . The consequence would be , that every Peer who held out in opposition to such a Government would be deprived of all participation in Government patronage ; he could not have the least hope of providing for any of
his family through the Government unless be supported the plans of such popular Government . " ( Hisses and cheers . ) In the same letter , Mr . O ' Connell says , " In 1782 , an Irish Parliament threw open the blessings of education to the Catholics of Ireland . " Whether the poor peasantry were benefited by the blessing may be judged of by the fact that they cannot even read ! ( Hear , hear . ) That blessing , ho doubt , benefited the aristocracy and the middle classes , but haw could it have benefited the poor peasants , or how could they , out of sixpenceaday , pay forthe instruction of their children ? ( Hear . ) In that letter Mr . O'Connell boasts as follows : In 1702 the Irish Parliament conferred another measure of emancipation upon the Catholics by opening the bar
to them , and admitting Catholics as attornies . In 1797 an Irish Parliament passed another act abolishing a penal statute , and authorising Catholics as eligible to be placed on grand juries , and likewise conferring on them the right of the elective franchise . A great boon indeed , which merely odrtttaiitbe sons of Roman Catholic gentlemen to be attafjmes ^ r rather created a new race of conjurors % nd ro \ sbera who had not the slightest sympathy with the poor , and in their oppression were only surpassed by tbe rapacity of the priests , who , under the pretence of saving men ' s souls , robbed their pockets . ( Most awful confusion , accompanied by hisses , groans , cheers , and every demonstration of popular fury and popular pleasure . ) The noise continuing , Mr . Martin ' s voice could not be heard , when
Mr . O'Connell rose and said , you promised to hear him . A VoiCE- ~ He has no religion . ( Hisses and cheers . ) Chairman—Pray do hear him . ( Increased confusion , amidst which a youug man was most brutally dragged out of the room and hurled down stairs amidst cries of " murder . " ) Mr . O'Connell—Will you do me the injustice not to hear my accuser . Hold your tongues . Let him spin himself out , and then you will have an opportunity of laughing at him . ( Hisses and great cheering . ) Mr . Martin—When I spoke of the priests , I meant the priests of the Established Church—those vagabond robbers of the poor . ( Immense cheering from the Chartists , with hissing and hooting from the Repealers . ) Chairman—Pray , do keep silence ; the sooner the accusation is over , the sooner will Mr . O'Connell have an opportunity of refuting it .
Mr . O'Connell—Oh , no , no ; let no man suppose that there is an accusation ogaiust which . I am anxious to defend myself . ( Cheers from the Kepealers , and groans from the Chartists . ) Chairman—I was wrong . I Bhould have said that the sooner his opponent closed , the sooner Mr . O'Connell can defend himself . Mr . O'Connell , jumping up in a rage , exclaimed—No , no ; let no man suppose that I have anything to defend myself against ! ( Oh , oh , and immense laughter from the Chartists . ) Mr . Martin , in continuation , said Mr . O'Connell also opposed the Trades' Unions in their efforts to secure fair wages . Mr . O'Connell—I did no such thing . A Voice—Martin is a brave fellow . Mr . O'Connell—Hear him out There is not a single wretched calumny that I will not demonstrate to be false and absurd . I will make short work of it
Mr . Martin . —I have another charge against Mr . O'Connell . - In his letter to Lord Charlemont speaking of the outbreak of 1798 , he classes as murderers with Government spies of that day , the noble patriots and illustrious dead who poured forth their lives and blood in the struggle for freedom . ( Oh , oh , shame , shame . ) Yes , he says that he holds in utter comempt such men oa Lord Edward Fitzgerald and the Shearer ' s . ( Hisses and groans . ) Yes , that Is the languaco which he applies to men who saerficed their lives in their efforts to emancipate the poor Irish from the yoke , the galling , grinding yoke of an heartless aristocracy . ( Hear , and cries of " shame . ") Speaking of them , Mr . O'Connell says : — " As to 17 S 8 , we leave the weak and wicked men who considered force and sanguinary violence as part of their resources for amelierating our institutions ,
and the equally more villanous and designing wretches who fomented the rebellion and made it explode in order that in tho defeat of the rebellious attempt they might be able to extinguish the liberties' of Ireland . We leave both these classes of miscreants to the contempt aud indignation of mankind , and we equally with your Lordship , detest and deprecate the crimes of both . " Is that language becoming an Irishman ? Should such assertions escape his-lips ? As well as Mr . 0 'Connull I am a paid agent . I am a member of that Convention which is now sitting iu London for the purpose of devising measures for the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and the liberation of nil Chartist prisoners . fGneers . ) The Convention are net aware that I attend here . Nor could I do so with their approbation , as they have passed a resolution prohibiting their members interfering , as members , in public meetings .
Mr . O'Connell—Don't mind tke Convention ; go on . Mr . Martin—Sol will , Mr . O ' Connell . You stated that the Chartists who weTe convicted deserved punishment— - ( groans)—and that you would lead over 509 , # 00 Irishmen to put down Englishmen . ( Hisses , groans , &c . ) There is not much philosophy , there is not much philanthropy in Mr . O'Connell ' a acting with Melbourne , who apprised of , nay , who encouraged the Manchester slaughter . ( Hear , hear . ) There : . s not much patriotism in Mr . O'Cpnnell's co-operating with Lord Palmerston , who could , if he liked , liberate Sligo from the two Tories who now represented it . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr .
O'Connell is wonderfully vexed because the Chartista assisted in returning a Tory for Nottingham . I assure Mr . O'Connell that the Chartists detest the Tories as much as they do the Whigs , and that their reason for supporting them is , that the Tories have promised to release the 400 Chartists now in prison . ( Hear , hear , and cheers ) If the Whigs throw open those ptisan doors—if they act a merciful part—if they restore Frost , Williams , and Jones to the bosoms of their families , and if they release all political prisoners , the Chartists will support them , and will address the country in their behalf . ( Loud and continued cheering , and immense hissing . )
The room at this moment presented an awful appearance . The platform , the reserved seats , and every part of the place exhibited all the rage of party . In vain Mr . O'Counell exerted hia authority to preserve order : irritated to the highest pitch , he stamped , exclaiming , " For God s sake , be quiet ; he is no fi-iend of mine who makes the slightest noise . " ( Hisses , ; cheers , && ) Order having been partially restored , Mr . Martin , who remained quite tranquil amidst the storm , said—Gentlemen , I have but imperfectly discharged my duty . Mr . O'Connell has heard the charges
against him ; let him answer them . ( Hear , hear , hear , and hisses . ) But before I sit down , I will read for him a report of the Select Committee on the Factories Regulation Act , and will then leave Mr . O ' Counell to reconcile his conscience with the course he pursued respecting the poor , helpless , and defenceless factory children . ( Hear , bear , and cries of " Bead , read . " Mr . Martin then read the following extract from tha report of the Factory Select Committee , which contained the evidence of a factory childwhich detailed the sufferings of one of the victims of that accursed system : —
" My name is Elizv Marshall . I live in Leeds . I was born in Doncaster . I am seventeen years old ,. My father is dead : he was guard of a coach . My mother came to Leeds when I was nine years old , to seek work for us . I got work at Mr . Marshall ' s flax mill , in Water Lane . I left there because it was so dusty : it stuffed me so that I could scarcely speak : it affected my health : I should not have lived long if I bad not left ? he factory bell was a doleful sound to me . My father was dead , my mother was very poorly off , and my sister and I did what we could for her : I have cried ' many . ' an hour in the factory . I could scarcely walk . I could hardly get home . I was exceedingly fatigued at night Sometimes I had to be ' trailed ' home . I have an iron on my right leg ; My knee Is SWtractea * . It was a great inisery to me to " work . I was straight before . My sister has carried me up to bed many ¦ a time . I have been
an ' out-patient' of the Leeds General Infirmary nearly twelve months , and this last winter I have been in the Infirmary six weeks . I was under Mr .. Cliorley ; they put Irons on to my legs , which cost the Infirmary £ 3 . I have gone with great difficulty to the mill , aud could not tel ( anybody what I suffered . They , could not believe me , ' I am sure , if I did . My mother was very unhappy t 6 see me so dealt with ; she cried , but she ceuld not . keep me at home . I was obliged to go or else drop in the streets . I went to the mills as long as I could . At last I cried , and used to fallback in bed when they called me , so that they could not find in their heart to sand me . I new live with my mother . Mr . Ctiorley has examined me thoroughly ; be says that it Is with long standing , and that the marrow ia dried up quite out of the bone . He says , that when tbe marrow gets dried out , it wil never be formed again . "
One simultaneous burst of execration followed the reading of the above ; after which , Mr . Martin left the iptatl ' orm amidst the most enthusiastic cheering .
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: — ! — ; : — : ¦ — . . . % Mr . OtJONKELi . then rose , and was received with groans , hisses , yells , and cheers . He at first Bttemptad to render Martin ridiculous by cross-examining him on hia place of birth , &o . Falling in that , Mr . OConneS said that be never had toted against the factory chS . ; dim ;"' " ' . ' ' " . •" '¦ ' ' " ' : ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' ¦ ¦ A Voice—Who gave you the £ 1 , 000 ? You know you got it ; we can prove it . ( A general fight , dnrfno which several Cha » tiflt » were unceremoniousl y forced ont of the room . ) V ., Mr . O'Connell—3 ir Thomas Potter declared that ft was a lie , the paper declared it a Hei and he defied his enemies to state the time or place when he was paid
that money . ( Cheers from the Repealers , and cries of "We don't believe you , " from the Chartists . ) He voted for every Bill in favour of reduction of labour . Ab to the education charge against him , the Parliamen . tary returns proved that in Ireland the poorer Catholics who were educated were : three to one &s compared with the Protestants who enjoyed that blessing ; and that there were more Catholic childrtn educated at their own expence in Ireland than there were Prot estant children bo educated in England . ( Hear , hear . ) He would be glad to know , from Mr . Martin , which of the Torjes promised to let the Chartists out of prison . ( Great confusion , and pries of "hear , hear . " ) A Voice—Don't answer him . ... ..
Mr . OCOJJnell—Oh , wretched , . deluded men , who support the Tories who perpetrated the Manchester slaughter , and would again , If opportunity offered crimson their swords with human gore . ( Cheers and hisses . ) At the Nottingham election tbe Chartists snoported Walter , who designated Irishmen as beast * brutes , savages—a filthy ferocious crew , and their priests as surpliced ruffians and ferocious tyrants . — ( Hisses , and cheers . ) Yes . Walter so designated their venerated and venerable clergy ; and that ni ght the Orangeman was breaking out on Martin , as he was about applying the same epithets to them , when he was j * . minded of his error . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Yej yes ^ he ( Mr . O'Connell ) would lead-Sob . OOO Irishmen to
put down the miscreant Chartists , if they threatened the ' torch or the dagger . ( Yells , hisses , and cheers . )—Mr . O'ConnelFthen abused Feargus O'Connor , and said that it was reported in the Tory press that he ( O'C onnell ) wanted separation ; that was a lie . All that he sought for Ireland was , that she should enjoy those rights which she had before her connection with En / , land . In his devetion to his country he sacrificed £ 8 , 300 a year which his nrofession returned him . Sa refused to be Master of-roe Rolls and to be Chief Baoa of the Exchequer , both of which were offered to him by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland . ( Hear , hear : ) m , O'Connell reiterated hia oft-repeated arguments in favour of repeal , and concluded amidst gruans , hisses and cheers . . ^^
Mr . John Cleave presented himself inthe front of the platform , and was received with loud cheers . He said—Fellow-countrymen , I will not , at this late how ( twelve o ' clock ) detain you long . I have dnrine my life attended many meetings , and I have heard many strange sayings at those meetings , but thw nighfj sayings and this night ' s doings have surpassed for strangeness all that I have either htard or witnessed before . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) For many years past I laboured with the Catholics in their endeavours for emancipation ; and , above all , in the exertions that were made to ameliorate the condition of the Irish Roman- Catholic working classes . ( Hear , bear ) During those years , I never attended a meeting which gaye mesp much regret as the one otthia night . ( Hear
hear , and a partial dissent by Repealers . ) I assure lit O'Connell that he will ere long deeply repent the statements t he has made , and the language he has adopted thte night . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) ^ Frora the first moment that Mr . O'Connell landed in England , from the first moment that he took his seat iu "the Old rotten House , " I , in common with other liberal English Protestants , extended to him the right hand of fellowship . Have we not a right to expect that he and hi * countrymen should in turn hold out to us tbe same right band of fellowship ? ( Hear , hear , cheers , and a few faint hisses . ) When the rabid Tory press , are , and
the equally rabid Whig press denounced Mr . O'Connell and his followers as rebels , when they ' attempted to cry down repeal as rebellion , and when they recommended the question to be kept back by force , then Mr . O'CoD ' nell found . friends and stanch supporters in the Eneiish working classes . ( Hear . ) , \ Vhy then dtes heat this moment attempt to turn upon and vilify thosemenf ( Hear . Y This is not the time for him to create new enemies . When the Whig and Tory press are armed to the teeth against him , as a repealer . ( Hear and cheers . ) When the only Catholic paper in London is I-believe opposed to the repeal of the union ( Hear . ) I appeal to Mr . O'Connell ' if such is not the fa- 't .
Mr . O . Con . nell . —Yea . The Tablet is opposed to Repeal . ( Hear . ) Mr . Cleave . —Well ; Mr . O'Connell is anxious to give the Whigs every support , and to retain them in office . ( Hear , hear , from Mr . O'Connell . ) What did Lord Althorp say in the first reformed House of Comnions ;? He declared that sooner than submit to the Repeal of the Union , he would risk the dismemberment . of the British Empire . I tell Mr . OConneH that the Charcists are- not endeavouring to create rebellion . . ( No . no . no . ) They are only struggling far their rights , and those rights simply consist in the power of self government—a power to which .-as Englishmen they are entitled by the constitution of thafi country . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . O'Connell was one of tbe ttrsi men to draw up the Charter , and was the first man to sign it . ( Loud cries of hear , hear . ) Mr . O'Connell—I drau ? hted it ( Hear , hear . )
Mr . Cleave—Yes , Mr . O'Connell , and you werathe first to sign it . I hold in my possession that signature of yours . ( Immense cheering . ) - Mr . O'Connell—I - acknowlidge that I signed ii ( Increased cheering . ) Mr . Cleave—My delight was great -when Mr . O'Connell ratified the Charter by affixing his signature to it . Mr . O'Connell well knows that until tbe British House of Commons be constituted upon the principles of the . Charter he will never effect Repeal , unless he does so by open rebellion , and with an awful sacrifice of human life . ( Hear , hear , hear , hisses and cheers . ) A Voice—That's false . ¦
Mr . Cleave . I regret that Mr . O'Connell lus made this meeting an occasion for an attack upon the Coattists and the working classes of England , and upon Feargus O'Connor . ( Hisses . ) His conduct to Mr . Martin was unbecoming—was unmanly and most unwise . ' ( Hear , hear . ) His conduct towards Feargos O'Connor—his countryman—a Protestant—a brothtt barrister , and formerly a member of the same House with him , was most cowardly . ' ( Immense rioting amongst the Repealers , whose rage appeared to have no bounds , in which they indulged by screeching , hooting , and hisses . As soon aa they exhausted their
anger , the Chartists followed with repeated rounds of cheers . ) Yes , his conduct towards Ftargus O Connor was most cowardfy , was most unwise , and was nnstatesmanlike in the extreme . ' Continued hisses and rioting among the Repealera ) I am afraiil I must not call you , who thus conduct yourselves so indecent ' yt my friends . I repeat it , 'that Mr . O'Connell ' s attack was most cowardly , especially when coupled frith the bombastic threat of bringing over 500 , 100 of his countrymen to put down the " miscreant Chartists , " as he called them , if they in any way assailed the throne of the " angelic creature" who sits upon it . ( Laughter and hisses . )
Here an indescribable scene of confusion ensued , amidst which we could only gather from Mr . Cleave , whose speaking at the moment was . a mere dumb show , that he told Mr . O'Connell that he ought to get him ( Mr . Cleave ) a heating , so that the pufc ' . ic mipht be made " ' acquainted with his statements . He , however , pledged himself that Mr . O'Connell ' s attack npon th « family of Feavgus O Connor , and upon Feargus O'Connor himself , would be repaid with interest . The Chairman cried out , Gentlemen , do hear him . Mr . O'Connell—Be so good as to listen to him . Mr . Cleaveas soon as order was pirtially
re-, stered , said , I am surprised that Mr . O'Connell shouM attack an absent man—an imprisoned man , as ms ( Mr . O'Connell's ) -countryman , Feargus O'Connor . « was cowardly . It was cru « l . It was unbecoming a statesman . ( Hear , hear . ) If the Irish uni : e with tne Chartists the Chartists will unite with tliera , and tn » union is the only way by which Ireland will be enablea to obtain Repeal , and obtain her political station amongst tbe nations . ( Cheers . ) Let not the inia be deceived , and let them know , once for al ., ¦ w » they will never obtain the repeal . of the Lmon , w long as they retain renegade Whigs in office and in
power . ( Tremendous cheers . ) ' Mr . O'Connell—I am asked by Mr . Cleave if I w » join the physical-force Chartists , the torch-anr t-tnedagger men , and if I will follow the Ken who brow out in ' open insurrection . ( " No , no , " and . 1 es , y » i I tell" Mr . Cteiwe that I will do no such tting . ' «»* hear , ami confusion . ) Justice must be done to every one . iord Althorp 4 lid-sfty « i at he would rathersee * dismemberment of the empire than aeccde to «•»•?* forced upon him by a faction . ( Hear , hear . ) «« «" also said , . that if the universal Irish people desirea « they were entitled to it ( Hear , bear . ) Mr . <» eave w » plains of my attacking Feargus O'Connor . Has ne i « w his papea , which calumniated me 2 When i ™ posed in Leeds to the assassin ' s dagger , bad * eaw-OConnonthe honesty to take my part m hisprw Once for all , I tell you I will riot join your misenuw Chartist prejudices . ( Hisses . )? n . . Mr . Cleave—I am not asking you . ( A lwgn . )
Mr . O'Cownell-You come ; forward t o e , n < ^^ j rebellion and revolution . ( Great tumult , an <* f » f ^ I seek Reform . You talk of the Cbirtto * « ngj Repaal ; ' It would be better to suffer any f ^ 'Lj than adopt their plans of eflfeettag Rep eal . ( Haw-In conclusion . I say . Heaven preserve my country kw » Chartists . ^ Tremendous hisses , and ctwerw . _ ^ 'Mr . Cldave was loudly cheered during W « W rf after which the meeting broke up , A-WW 8 ™ , Repealers escorted the " Liberator of l * " * * ^ patent safety cab , which conveyed h » m ^ w ay ^ cheers , hisses , and groans . Jtis said «»* "Jf ^ grf sons were dangerously injured by the Iran porters , who were in attendance at thfr meet »» " m out vi et armis any one who even dared to < nsse Jtepeal . One young man from Marylebcne ib v £ ^ riously indisposed from the savage tre atment w " ^ experienced . The Chartists are getting up ft c meeting at the Crown and Anchor , to whicfl w intend inviting Dan and his myrmidons .
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£ ElP : SAL- THE MISCREANT CHARTISTS " ^ DAN'S SIXPENNY MEETING . On Friday , the 14 th lost ., a general mustexot the Repealers of London was held at the Crown and Anchor , Strand . A silver sixpence afforded a pass-port for strangers , while Dan's retainers were admitted on presenting ft card , or giving by sign , watchword , or otherwise proofs of their determination to " cutthe painter . " This was called a public meeting . Notwithstanding the arrangements made by the Rspealers to the contrary , a very large body of the Chartists contrived to get in , played their artillery very effectually during the night , and , as the sequel proved , marred the intended victery of the liberator .
A full hour having elapsed beyond the time fox taking the chair , the assembly evinced strong symptoms of dissatisfaction . At length the ould Irish cry announced the arrival of the "lion" of the night , who made his appearance with his long sweeping tail , composed of "my son John , " Mr . Dillon Browne , M . P ., Mr . Martin Blake , M . P ., Father M'Hales Pets , Mr . O'Niel Daunt , secretary to Dan , a barrister named Mr . Stevens , and Mr . Timothy Duggin , late spirit dealer in Liverpool , and now " rint" collector in Manchester . A Mr . Edward William O'Mabqny , business , profession , or residence unknown , was called to the chair .
Tbe Chairman having delivered himself of a long speech , in which be lauded to the Skies the respectability the intelligence , and the iyijluence of the meeting . ( A laugh ; cries of " hear , bear . " ) Ireland , he said , was a degraded province , and England , being ignorant of her wants , could not legislate for her . ( Hear , bear . ) The Ministry , whose existence depend « d upon the votes of Irish liberal members for their existence , should remember that no paltry concession , would satisfy them . ( Hear , hear . ) A Mr . Hogan next presented himself . He said that
he was a working man j and would denounce the Chartists if they attempted to disturb the meeting . ( Immoderate laughter from the Chattibta . ) If the Chartists raised a clamour , they Were prepared to put them down . ( Immense confusion , and hisses . ) . The liberator unfurled the flag of Repeal—( laughter)—and would lead them to victory . ( Increased laughter ) Since the Repeal of the Union Ireland was robbed of £ 49 , 000 , 000 sterling ( Shouts of laughter , amidst which Mr . Hogan resumed his seat , apparently much pleased with the hit he made . )
A Mr . O'Brien , a true Milesian in appearance ana manner , announced himself as " an exile" from his native land . ( Cries of " why don't you go home ?") He said that the curses of their fathers , that the curses of their mothers—( laughter )—and the curses of their sisters— 'increased laughter)—would fall thick and heavy upon them if they did not repale the union . What cared Irishmen for physical-force Chartists ? ( "Ah ! ah . ' " groans , and critsof "bear , " aud cheers . ) He knew something of physical-force Chartists . ( Hisses . ) They knew the Chartists—they defied the Chartists—( hisses;—for they knew that if the Chartists were in power to-morrow they would act towards them oa their uncestors did . ( Loud hisses from the Chartists , and then from tbe Repealers . ) Ireland never trusted in England that she was not deceived . ( Hisses . ) They would obtain bock their owu Parliament by their own stalwart arms . ( Hisses , and cries of ' turn him out , " from the Chartists , and cheers from the Repealers . )
Mr . Dillon Biiowke said that , after much anxious consideration , he came to the conclusion that the English legislature was incompetent and unwilling to legislate for Ireland . ( Hear , hear . ) A crisis had arrived of importance to England and Ireland , when the reins of power were about being resumed by men hostile to liberty —by the advocates of slavery , and who invariably opposed Mr . Wiiberforce in his struggle for the freedom of the unhappy beings who were in bondage . ( Hear , hear , and hisses . ) He hoped that Irishmen and Englishmen , sinking their petty
differences , would unite iu driving Wellington and Peel from office , and in hurling the Tories from power . ( Hisses , groans , and cheers . ) Those men were opposed to liberty , and thuir motto was persecution . ( No , no ; yes , yes ; hisses , and cries of hear . ) He attended the Chartist meeting at Palace-yard , but he separated himself from the Chartists , because he repudiated , the means adopted by them for carrying tbe Charter . ( Hissts and chetera . ) If tho Chartista conducted themselves like rational men they would be supported . ( Loud hisses , hooting , cheers , and stamping of feet . )
Chairman— Englishmen Bhould listen to him . He is inculcating the ni st principles of liberty . ( Oh , oh , hisses , and cheers , and great confusion . ) Mr . OConnell—Order , order , order . [ Here a Chartist attempted a remark , but he was put down with hisses , and a cry of turn him out . ] Mr . Brow . ve resumed . He followed his political leader , and adopted his new philosophy of moral force . Physical forco was the doctrine of renegades and cowards . ( Hear , huar , and hisses . ) Mr . Browne was obliged to retire amidst the hisses of the Chartists . Mr . O'GORH'AK said that if they had their own Parliament back again in College Green—( a laugh)—they Wauld have more beautiful streets —( increased laughter ) —and would erect a splendid testimonial to the Liberator . ( Hear , hear , and " Oh , oh .
A Scotchman named M'Leod said that he was a convert to repeal , and would give it his support The rank and title of this new accession to repeal were not known . Mr . O'Xiel Daunt said that the Union had feeen forced down their throats ; they should sooner feel at tkeir sides for their swords than yield to it . tCries of " Is not that physical force ? " ) The Union robbed them of ^ 1 CO , OOU , » 00 sterling . The bigots of Exeter Hall A Voice—What have we to do with them ? Mr . O'Con . nell—If you will not listen to reason , others will . ( Hisses and cheers . ) Mr . Daunt-The foul Church establishment —( immense confusion , accompanied by the cheers of the repealers , and tho hisses of the Chartists . ) Mr . Daunt endtavoured to get a hearing , but was ultimately compelled to sit down .
Mr . O'Connell here introduced to the meeting Mr . Martin , a member of the Convention , who was liaikd with iuunuusti cheering by the Chartists . Mr . O'Conntll called upon the meeting to give him a fair hearing . Mr . Martin , who is the representative of tbe Birmingham Frost Committee , in the Convention now sitting in Lou I on , ascended the platform amidst loud and reiterated cheers . Order being partially restored , Mr . Martin said , I hope you will take tke advice of Mr . O Cuuuell , and , be silent , as I do not wish you to give me a single cheer , but thafc you should hear what I have to say . ( Hear , hear , hew . ) When you bear me out , Mr . O Conuell will then have an opportunity of
answering me . ( Hear , hear . ) I , with othtr Chartists , regret that ill feeling exists between Mr . O'Connell and us . 1 am , like Mr . O Council , a Repealer—( cheers )—I say that Ireland has a right to a Parliament of her own , and that she ought not to be—as she is—a paltry province , for she never was conquered , but betrayed . ( Hear , hear . ) I am nn Irishman ; and as devoted to Ireland as D . miul O Cunnell says that he himself ia , and , as an Irishman , I oppose the Union which waa foisted upon Ireland by fraud and by force . ( Hear . ) I also oppose the existence of a Church Establishment which , uiukr the name of Christian , has , and is still ready , to spill the blood of ourfellowChristians . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Some of the unwashed of St . Giles hero created a disturbance , when .
Mr . OConnell exclaimed will you not hold your tongue , you blockheaos ? ( Cheers . ) Mr . Martin—I appear here this night from no factious motive ; I only come forward to confront Mr . O'Connell , who has declared himaelt the enemy of the Chartists . ( Cheers , mixed with Repeal hisses . ) Yes , Mr . O'Ctinnell , in his letter to Lord Cnarlemont , after alluding to us , says— " The Chartidts , from whom we could expect no aid , but upon the terms with which neither you nor we , my Lord , could comply . The Chartists are exclusionista of the worst kind . They would exclude from political power , not only what are called the upper- ^ -that is , the wealthier ranks of society , but even the intelligence and independence of the middle classes . Bo assured ; therefore , that , from
the great masses- of popular support that your -Lordship relies upon , you must deduct the entire body of Chartists , be they more or less . " Why , the majority of the working classes form the basis 'of the fabric of Society . ( Hear , hear . ) The working men are the protectois of society , and the friends of Ireland , while the middle classes and the aristocracy are the bitterost enemies of Ireland . ( Hisses , and loud cheers . ) If the working men had the privilege of voting , they would support the laws that would benefit that unhappy country , Ireland . ( Hear , hear . ) It was well known that the aristocracy —that the shopkeepers , and the middle classes , opposed thoBe laws , and did all in their power to destroy the liberty and welfare of England and Ireland . ( Cheers and cries of hear , hear . ) The electoral power
was in the hands of the middle classes , who returned to Parliament aristocrats , bankers , and wealthy landlords . ( Hear , hear . ) The magistracy were composed of bankers—the sons of wealthy men , ami ; of ¦ we iltliy middle-class men . ( Hear , hear . ) AH these parties agree amongst themselves to oppress tbe ^ working classes . The members of Parliament say , tike care of us and we shall take care of you , by giving you a share of the plunder , and enabling you to extract the greatest possible , produce from the labour of those uuder you . ( Hear , hear . ) Again ,, writing to Lord Charleinont , Mt / OConnell says : — "That the body of CnartiBtsare , to say the least of it , neutral as regards justice to Ireland . " I deny that .: On the contrary the , body of the Chartists will unite with the Repealers , if the Repealers will unite with them . '( Hear , hear . ) It is said that we cannot place confidence in Mr . O'Connell , and that
his conduct shows that . ( Loud cries of hear , hear , hear , from the Chartists , and hisses from theRepealeip . ) I fear that be cannot be trusted . ( A volley of hisses from the Repealers , answered by Chartist cheers . ) I will adduce evidence that he cannot be trusted . ' ( Here the . Repealer ^ ' lost all patience , and setting up a wild cry , endeavoured to come to an angry collision with the Charts' * in the body of the room ; but tbe latter wisely declln sd the honour . ) It is said that he received money f ° his vote against the factory children , or at least for' his conduct regarding that question . { Busses , and cries of " Hear , hear . " ) There is evidence to prove that he w . is called out of the House of Commom , ani that in the lobby of the House he received £ 1 , 0 * 0 ., ttbe amount ogrt « d for . ( Loud cries of "Shame , shame shame . ") I make that charge against Mr . OdnaeH , ! which Linney , & working man and a Chartist , can and
Untitled Article
6 THE NORTHERN STAR .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 22, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct380/page/6/
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