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NATIONAL CONVENTION . Friday , April 22 . Mr . Itancan in the chair , Mr . X < eacb , vice chair-rain . Mr . Campbell , Secretary , called the roll , when HessK . Beesley , M'Pherson , Stallwood , Hurison , Bnirstow . Bartlett , Powell , Thomason , Ridley , Le * ch , Doyle , Morgan Williams , Mason , Moir , Woodward , O Connor , GAmpbell , and Dancan were present The ¦ minutes "SFsre read and confirmed . Mr . O'Connor gave in a report of his journey "to Northampton , and stated that he had addressed in that town one of tbe largest assembles ever knovrE in that dutrict , and gave a most cheering account of the state of fteling \ b the agricultural district * . Mr . Bidley reported from t to meetings lie had
attended . . Mr . Mocgan Williams reported his reception at ^ meeting , called for the purpose of forming a committee in aid of Frost , Williams , and Jenes , -which passed-eff in aa excellent manner . Mr . 3 > j > yle reported -that he attended a meeting , ¦ Where Mr Sidney Smith lectured , but finding that Mr Smith "weald not discuss the question , be and the frieads -with him retired and left Mr . Smith lecturing to seven persons . Mr . Meson reported from the Trades' Delegates ' Matt ing , tiat they were -wellreceived , and that a-resolution , pledging themselyes to assist in carrying the Charter an * 30 m in ths National procession , -was cnanimcntsly adopted . Messrs . M'Douall , M'Pherson , Still wooded-Wood ward , alsoreported on the S 3 me-subjec-Mr . P swell reports i from a meeting he had attended .
A quantity of P . stition Sheets ware taen handed in . Mr . Caagbell re > > orted from tho English Executive . They haa been in i ccistencs now about twelve months . At the period they came into office there was but seventy or eighty t owns in the Association , now they had abont three bum Ired » nd fifty towns in the Association . In tbe Londoi . ^ District , at that period , they had seventeen or eights * n loealitiis in London , now thty had about forty . In the Northampton district , at that period , they had not one , new they had seven or eight . In Birmingham they bad * n increase , he believed , in numbers , but not in associations ; they bad not contributed much to tfci i support of tb . B Executive . " In ieieester they had st that period only about one hundred members , now they -had upwards of twelve
hundred . In NottiBgh wn they had a large increase of numbers , and they save go » d support to the -Executive . In tbe I > erby district th-. iy -had only two localities , now they had twelve ; they lid sot pay so welL In the Potteries they got en V . 'eH , « sre good support to the Executive , and were ani mzfced by an excellent spirit . In Cheshire , until lately ,- > r ££ m this four or five months , they had scarcely any loca ; ities ^ since Mr . Boyle ' s exertions they were progressin ? weil , but had not' been in existence long enough to ifiwd much support . to the Executive . In Lancashire ti » y hid then twenty associations , now they had bet * & = e forty and fifty in existence , and their nmnbsrs iwe rapidly progressing ; taten as a whole they paid ¦ s le-U . to the Executive . In Yorkshire , at that time , tl iese "was only " twelve or fifteen localities , now there -w-ere not less than one hundred . Some of the distrii tt , as Huddersflfeld , Hebden Bridge , and other places , ¦* ese the best paying parts in the kingdom , with the exce PSwn or London , which
bad paid eq&ally well . In Ki tthumberland , Durham , Cumberland , and WesJmorelanc ' . ie conld act say much progress had been made . In 1 "fevonshire and in Cornwail , until these last few montl a Chartism was almost unknown ;• there had been five ot six fresh 'localities established , but being new locali ties , they could not yet expect from taese places much s ipport . Ih Brighton they had a . good association which : paid well . In Norfolk . Cambridge , and Suffolk , one year since , onJy one locality was in existence , now t \ ey had eight or ten . Of Monmouthshire he could say b ot little . In Walts the Association was extending it seif ; within a short p-riod there had been four or fh 'e localities opened . Of London he conld speak very fa vo drably ; - "ss-ithin this period they had contributed b-. t ween £ 60 or £ 76 . This district , and that of YortsMra , had nob ' . y fulfilled its duty , the other districts had not d one their duty in regard to the contribution cf funds ; in some places thty had not even paid for their card : t .
Dr . il'D ^ nall should , more tspechu ly for the infotlaation of the Scottish delegates , giv 3 them a sketch of their present orgajrzition wi : h reg- tfd to tbe Es ^ - cutive . It was exclusively formed b . T the working men . A delegate meeting was called : * t Manchester ilaay of the delegates now present were ' ^ . an prison , as he himself was at that period . VTben ie first rrad the plan , he thought it was too extensive to be earned out by the working classes ; but he was h » PP to stats that it succeeded fir beyond his most sar ? uuie expectations . Thty had not been in office tw . dve months , and they had heard frcm Mr . dmpbell L « extensive progress they had made . Takers they "w 2 r = a ' &zel met with great opposition , now they wei » received ¦ with open arms . Mr . Bairstow could corro . x > rat « that
the epposition he ( Mr . Biirstowj had mi t with in Derbyshire , was not of the most pleasant dt scription . Dsad cats , "brick-bats , &c , were plentifully . lhowtred ~ npcn hio—even fire arms were brought into requisition to intimidate him ; bat througk all he ha d perse-Tared ; and when he ( Dr . M'Diuallj last visited Derby-Ehire . he had splendid meetings ; and , instead of the people fighting against the Chartists , they won - Id now fight for them . He was not for granting an ^ ' great ecKDSon of -power to tbe Executive , but en 2 y st « & an extension as would contribute to their utiiity in csrrying out the organization . He di * i Bot think tha t the Executive should have the power of appointing lecturers to those places already organized , and cap able of supporting them , but only to those districts -wl « = re
Chartism at present waa dormant . In the Coantiel ' of DaTon and Cornwall the Chairman and Mr . Powell coi dd bear witness t » the great wish expressed for lecturers , ai * d also to ths great good which they would produo ^ i in Wales also it was of great and paramoui * importance t&at lestnrers should be -appointed . H 3 » as entirely for local government—he < iid not wish to iave any power over those places which conld appoint their own lecturers . He should oppose any proposition of that description . The Executive had never interfered in any local business—they had looked only to the general business of the Association . He thought the , present organisation would carry out every object they bad in Tie w ; but he thought that the plan of paying a regular sum for each fifty members would be superior ;
to tke present method : it would ensure a regular supply of funds , and would be less expence to the localities than even . now . They had met with a few pecuniary difficulties , but they h ? d no reason to complain : they had been better supported than even could be exp « cttd considering the destitution which prevailed . From the metropolis they had met with great pecuniary support ; and though some members might complain of tkeir meeting in pot-houses , < fea , yet if they looked at the manner in which they had supported the Executive , and the manner in which they had supported this Con-Tention , they would see that they could afford to lo-jk ever any drawbacks in this district They had progressed rapidly . There were thirty or forty localities in connection with the council at the Old Bailey ; and when the central committee was brought ii » ti action he had no deubt they would have an hundred localities
He could give the same good account of Yorkshire an < t Lancashire . From the density cf the population in this district ; from the sufferings tbe hand-loom weavers had endured ; and from the moral tone of the people , these districts were almost Tmanimousiy in favour of the Charter . Taking the position of the Ex-cutive as a "whole they stood in a good position—they were not above £ 5 in debt , including everything ; and by issuing a circular they could raise immediately , £ 30 , whicn « as cwing for cards . With r ^ rd tD his colleagues the greatest unanimity prevailed . He believed this was one cause why thty had been so well supported . If division had existed among them ^ if they had evinced a feeling of hesitation or suspicion against each other , it woald have re-acted to their disadvantage in tha public mind . He was proud that he had such excellent colleagues ..
The Chairman then read a note from Mr . Mason , stating , that in Bllst > n , where there were only 100 members , there aie now iouO ; thit an Association hau been raised at Dariasiori . and at otner places ; and that at Birmingham and at Wolverhampton , their numbers had greatly increasfed . Mr . Campbell explained that he was very happy to be corrected with respect to the progress in Staffordshire . Mr Leach thought that it would be p » oper , in order to arrive at their true position , to look to tho condition of the body previous to lue establishment of an Ext . cntive . At the first D legate meeting held at Mancntsit-r , finding that the Ctiart ^ t bedy was coa ; pleteiy brokea up , as ffr as organ Z ; iioa "was concerned , he moved
that they laid down a plan fur the guidance of the Chartist body . Dr . Taylor opposed th-. s on the ground that it mi ^ ht pn-ja-ncd the tri U of Mr . Frost , and he withdrew his mutiun . As soun aa thai trial was concluded he wrot = s , Ittter in the NorUiern Star , pressing this subject on sh = attention of \ tm C ; sarti ^ ts . This was responded to . and tcventcen towns tent delegates tu a conference at Manchester At this mtcting , a plan of organizition was agrs-cd upon , nearly similar to the present . This plan met with much opposition . Many who had previously been in tbe Cnartist rants objected to tbe ' plan , on iha ground cf legality and clamoured loudly for them to alter it , and then they "Would join and assist tbein . They called another dele-¦ gata lneeViTsa at * rc ? . t rxp ~ ci . ee , to remove this-squabble of legality . They invite ! thosa to attend who bad ofcjeetfcd to it , bnt thev n- ^ ver attended ; neither -when
they had altered th » plan did they join iberu . The plan then adopted sr * 3 ifccir present pian . and it had "Worked so well , thivt now the . , ha + i between 3 and 400 towns in the Association . aDd 600 meetings were held on the same nicbt tvtry week , to discuss the principles of Chartism . Jn tome parts « -f the country the plan had not been prop ^ ny work > -d out , and the funds coMequenUy notj ^ ai-a-: . He had received letters frotn all parts '~' 6 T ; tw kin ^ nom . Eta-ting their approral of the conduct of the Executive . On that morning be had rrceiTvd z . lrt ' -er frem the females cf " CUd&am . cant » inins a vote of thanks and £ l fortheConve tion , in addition to their full qnota . Tbfii posifcioiysjras far superior t >> that if the iirsl Con-Tentioii . That bboy was rwo or three years in advance . OftfcS fntelligepce ct the country : there -was certainly . » "rast ' asiOBDt jST ^ rajansiasin exbibred , bat it had no fonndatJos , iunfffnis ^ JSte a fcnnMe in the d- 'j cf trial . Their ereaciafififf ^ as cow of a Giffurent cait ; it
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¦ was -characterised by a spirit of steady intelligence . Notwithstanding the vast amount of destitution which existed among their body , there had not been a single act of violence committed—not a single Vraniaction ¦ wiich could jeopardiss their cause . During this period tbey had defeated the Whigs , the Tories , and the Complete Suffrage scheme . This he attributed te having a head to direct the movement , not to contronl , but ¦ simply to direct public opinion . Had it not been for this , each town would have had a nostrum of its own , « nd they would have been split into sections . Now , even if the Executive went astray , the cause would not be ruined , though it would cause a temporary disorganisation ; their place would speedily be supplied . It had been insinuated that the Executive had done
nothinx ; if they had not exercised an affirmative , they had exercised a negative power , and if tbey were properly supplied with funds , they would shortly be in possession of an affirmative power . In Manchester the present plan had worked well Manchester , thoagh supposed to be Radical , was the true seat of Whiggery . In that town the anti-Corn Law Xeague bad spent , £ 50 , 000 in one year , their chief objtct being to break up the Chartist organisation , and get tbe people to follow unreflectingly in their wake fer cheap bread , but with their poor penny per week they had so organised the town ; that at every public meeting where they could gttat them , they defeated their Bchemes by a majority of forty to one . This party issued for about six weeks running , forty or fifty thousHnd tracts weekly , the Chartists only issued one tract which completely broke the neck of all the others . In Lancashire , Dei by , Cheshire , Birmingham , and other districts , they had regular lecturers in their employ ; in Yorkshire they
had three lecturers employed , besides supporting their local expences aad the Executive , or more properly speaking the organisation , for in some weeks it had cost them £ 20 for stationery , printing , &c This might appear a large sum , but if the present plan was carried out , it would enable them to defrajf all expences , to employ thirty talented lecturers , and to carry on sue-€ eB 3 fully the present agitation . He thought that the present Convention had no power to alter either the plan or the spirit of the organiEition , He trusted they would carefully peruse it , and if defective in any point , take measures more fully to carry it out . He had derived much pleasure from being a nienil > er of the Ex © - cntive body ; it had procured him much personal friendskip , and he had received from the public a character that lie should scarce dare to give himself , that of being an honest man . He would say for his colleagues that they had earned a character which would be transmitted witii applause to posterity .
Mr . Philp gave his support to the present organizition . He believed that , notwithstanding all its difficult ies , it had worked welL He was one of tbe dtltgates who assisted at its formation in Manchester , : it a period when their ranks were so broken that they could carce cQllect any force at aoy given- point . They knew not what measures to adopt , or to what subject thty should next direct their attention To . remedy this state of disunion , they had hud down the present p an , and they could now carry out any given object betu-r than any A&sociation in the kingdom . Messrs . I ^ ach , Campbell , and M-Doull had been more active members of the Executive than himself or Mr . Williams . By the oiiijinal plan he did not consider that tiwy were all required to be permanently employed ; but whenever any iiuportint business was to be brought forward , he always attended their sittings . He had been lecturing through a large district of the kingdom , and he had seen tne good effects of the system : and he trusted
they would make no alteration in it . If tbey were continually altering or amending it every year , it would give a sort of unfixedness to Their agitation , which it was very undesireable to produce . He had not heard any sufii ^ ient argument adduced to enable him to consent to an alteration in the mode of collecting the funds . The present plan only wanted to be properly carried out At present many parties not only contributed nothing to the funds , "but did not even pay regularly for their cards . This kept them short of funds . It'was of great importance that the counties . of Cora-Wall and Djvon should be well agitated . Ho had promised to attend thtre , and endeavour to assist in doing this ; but when pn-pared to start , he fuu : ; d that it vras impossible for want tf funds ; and he was reluctantly compelled to disappoint tUe men of those districts . " He tboneht it wonld be the duty of this Convention to urge upon tbe people the necessity of weil-muporViuR the Executive , and of supplying them with funds to employ lecturers in the un . igifc . t-d counties
. Mr . Morgan Williams said he sbcuhl jnake but few remarks , as he had never taken an active part as a member of the Executive , but on all important occasions he had promptly attended . The manner in ¦ whieh the Executive had transacted their business gave great satisfaction to his constituent ? . He trusted they would devise some means to employ a larger body of lecturers , more especially in Wales . In his own district they were not so much needed , but in others the want of them was severely felt . He could take but little credit to himself tor the good the Executive had effected ; but he mnst state that they han ever been unanimous , and that when absent he never had occasion to disapprove cf their measures . Mr . O'Connor moved , and Hr . Moir seconded , that the report of the Executive be referred to the Committee appointed for that purpose . Carried .
-Mr . Djyle moved a resolution calling upon them to request their constituents to send the Xoriliern Star and ciaer democratic journals to Ireland . Tins , if carried into general operation , would greatly trentfit the cause in Ireland . It would shew to the Irish people the manner in which they had been calumniated and abused , and that their principles were calculated to do more good for them than even those pvomulgated by men "whom they liad so long looked up to as leaders . He bad great pleasure in informing them that while in Ireland he had attended six meetings . At Belfast he addressed a large Rtpt-al meeting . They pledged him to keep to tile Repeal question , and not to broach the Charter ; but eomehow he was compelled to bring in the
Char-¦ ter , aad on being called to order , promised better behaj vioor for the future ; but before tbe < slose of the 1 meeting he believed he made a considerable impression . Hews * sure that if properly supplied witk political knowledge in the shape of tracts , &c-, they would no longer pin their faith to the sleeve of any political 1 eader , bat would aet and think for themselves . He b oped that in ' . he address they were about to issne they w ould recommend the sending of Stars , ic to that pa it of Ireland : most of those at present sent were sei t to Dublin . The part he alluded to was the North of . re ] and . They bad requested him to act as delegate to t ie Con * tention for them , but as tbe law did nut allow it , h 9 could act only as their friend . ¦
Hi . O Connor would gladly second the resolution , if the vs ords Jlcrihern Star was left eut He thought it would be better worded if they said democratic papers , witnoi "t nominating one in particular . ilr . Staliwood seconded Mr . Doyle ' s motion ^ he approve mI of it as at present wcrded . Mr . O "Connor stated that , from his peculiar position , he cou . d not haxe seconded Mr . Doyle ' s motion consistently with , his principles . During the whole course o . his ag itation he had never , at aDy meeting , even once mtnt lone ^ the Jsorihem . Star . He defied contradiction on that point ; and he would take that opportunity of rt T ' ji ^ S to a few observations which , during their sitting . ha < l bfrsn made respecting the Northern Star . The vot-es of cen .-nrt .- in it had been alluded to
as though tht 7 bad betn concocted by the Editor , or some party ct > naeeted -sritb the paper , instead of -which they * e ) l knfe * that they were inserted * y order of the people . B e well inew that the Northern Star was watchtd by bo : b- friend . and foe , and vhut there was a strong desire , on ' * b e psrt of some parties , to put down the " Star . " It i ^ -d bean stated , thut his reporters were hired tools , wiiilo the reporters of other papers were public spirit * d individuals . He could positively assert * that he nevt » wrote . aline to Wheeler in his life , that he never wrot * : a line to White , or any one of hia correspondents ; he Siad beea particularly careful on this point , that he n ^^ be-enabled to rebut any such charge ; they had b * = n entirely free and unshackled from any restraint ; te * € > y had been appointed to the ( ffice , not from any ac <| saintnnce with him , but at the desire of the body of , * K > ple where they vrera labourin ? . The Editor of tl « paper he had known many
years , and had never wr . 'Ofcn a line to him to influence his conduct , during the ft t jeais . tfee paper had been in existence . He defied then i £ o point out a single line where he hail denounce ' any iffian . or to prove that he had ever attempted ** fritter away any man's eh . racier . Great latitude mast aLtcays be allowed to a puol c newspaper , bu . ^ this -should never be extended beyond the bounds < of propriety . He was glad to think that tbe paper ha i been if sume service to the cause . Mr . Stallwowl trsald beas him out in stating that several persons Irish tt * &n , infiamniersniitb , had Hhewn him letters statini , ' Iho jE-teat -Surviee it bad done to the cause , and that it had ^ jssed ths formation of s-vcTal Associations in that Co * &Atj . H « had , by application to individuals and by t ' . «^ lic reeomniennations . endeavoured to send new » pap **» tracts , &c , to Ireland , and be was happy that pa * £ eia oi . Stars of several cwt ? . each , had been sent to pi ^ itea wLo were too poor to purckase them .
-Morgan W llliams stated that he belie * ed gr&at advantages would accrue to Irtland from stn . iiBg a large supply of Stars , it , it would al » o be found . *¦« act y-ery beutficiallj in Wales . From Merthjr Tydvii , whets a , considerable number of Stars were taken in , U ^ J Beat thtin ttirough the agricultural districts . If one v > . v » sent into a paiish in generally went the tour of tbe v'iioJe place , and in many instanc-s he had known tha ^ - it produced a great amount of good . He trusted th . V would do all that lay in their power not only to senu * them to Ireland , fcut likewise to Wales—all would be glad to receive taeni , and by the truths tbua inculcated the good seed would be sewn , and tbe lecturers would only have to follow and reap the harvest j air . Moir stated that for some length i f tiae he had appreciated its advantages , and sent those which he i c « uid procure to Ireland . I
Mr Beesley "said that for some length of time he had i taken six Stars weekly , and that whh what he collected I froin others , he visually sens twelve to Ireland , besides Circulars , tracU , to . j ilr . White- had taken a great interest in thet subject , I and had been enabled to send hundreds of Slai's to Ire- ( lai . d . With regard to the agents of the Northern Star ! beh-g the paid tools of Feargus O'Connor , as one of = those agents , he could sssert , that he was in the same j pos : ti--n for coin « his dnty fearie-sly as before he ! itcctpt ^ d that office ; his actions wtre equally free as *
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before . It was well known that when he was employed in Yorkshire , be would never be controlled in his opinions or his actions by hia employer , and he should act now in a similar manner . So far as O'Connor supported the cause he should support him , whether he was called a tool or no ; and , if he ( Mr . O'Connor ) deserted the cause , he would be one of the first to oppose him . He had been sorry te see a certain littleness of feeling prevailing amongst little knots of individuals , which induced them to attempt to put down the Star , not that the public might be benefitted , but that they might be enabled to raise their own fame upon its ruins . The Star had been the main
cause for keeping the agitation alive when there were many of them in prison , and when all their prospects were dark and gloomy . When he was in prison , be recollected being asked by thirty or forty in tbe Court yard what would become of tho cause ? he asserted that the Northern Star would keep them together It bad done this ; and the people owed to it a debt of gratitude . He did not assert that it had no faults ; but taken as a ' whole , the good that it had done ¦ would amply recompence for any errors that it might have fallen into . He bad supported the paper strenuously previouly to his connection with it , and bo long as the Northern Star did its duty , so long should it have his hearty support .
Mr . Harrison was of opinion that this motion had been in a great measure anticipated . He had sent off several pacfeets of Stars , weighing £ cwt . each , to Ireland ; but if it came as a recommendation from the Convention , it "would haTe more weight . Mr . Campbell said there was another little publication , the English Chartist Circular , which would effect great good if well circulated . He thought that instead of sending packages of old Stars to Ireland tbey should sell them for waste paper , and purchase such tracts as " What ' s a Chartist'" Circulars , &c . Irishmen liked to see the news of the day much better than old papers . Ha advised them to send their ntj- w papeTs by all
means . Mr . Powell had seen the good produced by the silent working of these agents . He had found them in little isolated villages by the sea side ; and as his occupation led him from door to door , he was often asked bow the Chartists get on ? TLey bad read a eood deal about them in a paper called the Norifiem Star . This opened a door for further conversation on the subject , nnd information was thus elicited . They formed excellent forerunners , breaking up the ground , and clearing the prejudices eu- of a lecturer ' s path , and thereby tffcxting much good .
Mr . M'Pherson—In his district tbe northern Star had been much blamed by several parties ; but as tbi . se bad since turned out mere Whigs their object was plain , and therefore their words were not attended to . The Star as an organ of the society could not be dispenatd with : it was an index to the general state of Chartism throughout the kingdom . ' For general information , tracts and other publications were more adapted . Tracts were excellent auxiliaries in places where Chartism was unknown—they contained information which it ¦ was impossible for the Star to give . Mr . Morgan Williams stated that they had translated the tract " What ' s a Chartist ? " into Welch , and it had done much good . '
Mr . Wooaward stated , that they had sent one week , 200 back Stars to Ireland , which were duly acknowledgod . They had since sent 450 , but had not received any information of their reception ; this disheartened them , for they were fearful they had fallen into the hands of the JPost-clfice authorites . He thought that a monthly register had ought to be inserted in the Star , of their reception . : Mr . Doyle exp lained that his motion alluded to all democratic papers , the Circular included , but bethought the Northern Star deserved the pre-eminence ; It vras the only paper which defended their interests while in prison ; under persecution and prosecution it had never deserted them . His motion did not allude so much to back Stars & 8 to the current numbers of the day . Ho was well aware that Irishmen liked to see fresh , in preference to stale newF . The motion was then unanimously passed .
A letter was then read by the Secretary from Bronterre O'Brien , in answer to a communication which he bad been instructed to make to him ; the purport of the letter was , thit be had not taken his st-at in the Convention , owins to his not having : received from Newcastle or elsewhere in the district , any official notice of his election ,- unless Mr . Campbell's letter could be regarded in that light . He had written to the Secretory at Newcastle . Mr . Sinclair , upon tbe subject , stating that his circumstances would not allow him to devote more than a week or ten days to tbe Convention ; yet at whatever injury to himself , he would attend if they furnished him with the necessary credentials ; to this letter he had not , at that period , received any
answer . The Secretary also read a communication from John Leach , of R chda ^ e , in answer to a letter-which he had been authorized to send him . The letter stated that the deputation had not an opportunity , owing to tho shortness of the time , to communicate with Mr . Shaman Crawford , bat from tbe statement he made to tht-m on the last occasion , he had not the least doubt but he would postpone his motion uutilafter the pttition had been presented , ana tnat he would also vote for the petition , the on ' y clause ti which he objected was that respecting the Repeal of tbe Union . Mr . J . Leach observed that Mr . Sharman Crawford had two seta of opinions , one for his constituents at Rochdale , and another fer the lobby of the House of Common ? . .
Mr . Lowery brought up , on behalf of the Committee , the address to the Chattists of tho Kingdom , ordered to be written on tho preceding day . The address having bsen read , Mr . Bsirstow sng ^ ested some trifling alterations and the Committee retired for that purpose . On being brcuzht up in its amended form , it was un : mimousiy agreed to . The members were requested to append their signatures , and the address ordered to be printed . Some discussion took place respecting strangers leaving the room while some private business was being transacted . Messw . O'Connor , Bairstow , and many other members objected to any business being transacted with closed doors .
Dr . M'Douall explained that it was business connected with the Finance Committee , but that the object won d be answered if the members would stay in the room for a short time after tbe adjournment The following resolution being received from Birstai , Mr . O'Connor moved , and Mr . White seconded , that it be inserted in the niiutes : — " Thatthis meeting having maturely considered the proceedings of the Birmingham Conference are of opinion that the recommendation to establish a new association for Complete Suffrage is only another scheme of our enemies to break up the present powerful organisation of the working classes , and being fully convinced that
our present association being legal and constitutional is well calculated to effect the object for which it was formed , hereby declare that we have no confidence in any set of men that would cnuse disunion among our ranks ; and that we will abide by our Charter in name and substance , and have confluence in our Executive and the honest leaders , who have stood by the people in times of danger and persecution , and will neither countenance nor support any man or set of men who would throw our Charter over board , even though they should affirm the truth and jubtice of its principles ; and further , that , we have confidence in tho present Convention , and will carry out its recommendation oy all means in our power . "
The roll was then called , and the Convention sittings adjourned until Monday morning , at nine o ' clock . During the sitting Mr . O'Connor read the debate in the House cf Commons on Mr . Crawford's motion , and likewise the editor's remarks , but it elicited no
disco . Saturday , April 23 . The committees were busily eugnged on this day in mating arrangements respecting the theatre ^ and in forwardine the presentation of tfie petition .
Monday , April 25 . Mr . Duncan was called to tu « chair , and Mr . Leach to the vice-chair . The Secretary called the roil , and Messrs . Beesley , M'Pherson , Harrison , Williams , Powell , Ridley , Leach , Doyle , Philp , Moir , Woodward ,. Bartlett , Lowery , Duncan , and Campbell were present . Minutes read and confirmed . Mr . Moir reported that ha had received letters from Glasgow , instructing him t > wait on their M . P . ' s . He had written to them , ami they had requested his attandacee at half-p . st eleven o ' clock that morning . Mr . Bairstow reported a good account of a meeting he and Mr . Stallvrond had att « n e < i at Twickenham .
Mr . Harrison rtportt-d he hui ! pieached a sermon in the Shepherdess F « -Ms , on Sunday morning About sixteen huntlnd persons wer « . pn-sent . They obtained 1 i : 00 signatures to the pttiti"u , sold 5 s . -worth of tracts / and collected 9 a . towards the demonstration . Ttiey had a similar meeting in . the afternoon , at the iame place , but not quite so « t-ll attended as that in the forenoon . H « -a ) so attendee ! a large meeting In the evening , at tbe Albion Coffee House , and many members vrere enrolled . A discussion ' . then took place respecting the theatre nut proving an advantageous speculation . Mr . O'Connor suggested a plan for their adoption . Mr . Lowery moved that the members cf the Convention write to their constituents for information upon tee truck system , and its t >( rariog upon the interests of the working classes .
Mr . O Connor seconded Ihe motion , and stated it as hte opinion that no man was scarcely aware of the evils ii "flicted by the system , and he thought it was their . dui . "V to render the committee all the evidence which lay inthv ^ po ^ er . Mr . ^ each read a document , showing the scandalous manner . ' " which tbe truck nnsters overcharged their werkmen . **>* goodi purcha 8 e > i from them . Tae resol . ^ ti 0 " ss tflen carried unanimously , Mr . Philp L""ioved t 5 ie tllo wing resolution : — " That , with a : T ^ w to the most speedy enactment of the People ' s Cnai tfr > this Convention recommends the people of Great Bi ^ t 0 t'taily abstain from the use of all intoxicating di "inks ; and also to abandon the us « of tobacco and suuff . a ^ 1 nf rain as much as passible " rom the use of ail ti . " c » aea ' ° articles—that fey these meaus the revenue may i ' " ^ » fi- "ed , the people be improved by sobriety , and / -be tunfja of the Cbartist As-
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sociation , be made more ample ; and the Convention cannot refrain fr » m expressing its opinion that every man enlisting in the ariny or the police , whilst the present corrupt institution exist , becemea a slavish tool in the hands of tyrants , is a disgrace to his country , and a dishonpur to the name of man . " Mr . Philp , in an able manner , supported the resolution , aud instanced many persons who bad contributed the funds thus saved to the cause of the . Chatter ; in Ireland . The effect had been entirely to deprive the Government of the power of eiiiistint ; soldiers . Not a man could now be found to enlist in the army . He trusted they would cpnie to a unanimous vote upon this question .. ' / . ; ¦¦ ¦ '¦ ' ¦ . ' ,, . ' : ¦ .. - .. >/ - ¦ . - ' - '¦ ¦ . '¦ ¦ . ; ... Mr . Bartlett seconded the resolution ,, and instanced a recent case in which an active member of their body had injured the cause by not being a total abstainer . \
M r . O 'Connor stated that nothing would give him greater pleasuretbau to see this carried eut into practice . He acknowledged that temperance had done much good in Ireland , thbUgh at the same time this was not the true reason of their not enlisting in the army ; it was the Kinie line of conduct as they once prevk onsly adopted , they wduld not enlist until they had attained the measures they were strugsiling for . It was with them a matcer of policy . He couid not agree with the ir mixing this up with the agitation of the Charter , he thought it ¦ would embarrass their proceedings . He trusted they would form a committee to consider the subject . ' < ' . ••; ¦¦ ¦ '
Mr . BeeBleym a long and able address supported Mr . Philp ' s motion / he thought Mr . O'Connor was acting inconsistent in opposing the motion , ho had reconimended tile constituents to pledge the delegates to fee Teetotallers during the sitting of the Convention ; if it was good during , that period it was good at all other periods . Much harm had been done by their lectui era not being Teetotallers , they after their lectures had perhaps taken only u single gliiHS , but those who entered tho house with them , perhaps not having equal eonituand over themselves , got intoxicated , and thereby more barm was dune tliiin the lecturer had done good ; it would allay the prejudices of many of the females against thtni if they came homo freui their meetings entirely sober . Mr . Thoiuason supported the motion in a lengthy address . His constittKiitfi were highly in favour of it ; iS would also allay the prejudices which certain . teetotallers entertained againsl them , . '
. Mr . O'Connor moved the following amendment : — " That we tbe delegates . ' . sitting in this Convention , in order to set an exatiiple to the people at ; large , and to prove pur approval of the principle of temperance do hereby pledge ourselves to abstain from the use of . all intoxicating drinks , as well as from the use of snuff and tobacco , and this resolution we adopt in order that we set an example in our persons , which we trust the people generally will consider worthy cf adoption , and that both the recommendation and amendment to ' submitted to a committee who shall report to the Convention . "
Mr : Kobe ) ts in a long speech , seconded Mr , O'Connor's motion for a committee ; it was a question of principle , expediency , and law-he was not sure that the latter part of the resolution respecting enlisting wnild not subject them to ; i charge of sedition , seeing that according to tlie law an ignorant jury were the judges of what constituted sedition . He * however , thought for these reasons it had better be rtferred to a committee , that it iuighs be well considered . Headmired the success that attended Veetotalism , but he believed the man who took a glass of liquor , was equally as good a man as the one who do did not .
Mr . M'Pheispn thought tho motion not called for . ; its every object would be obtained by advocating Chartism . Their Ie « turer 8 were compelled to be liien of high moral habits , and if they made Chartists of them , tbey would speedily , bo sober men . With respect to the army , the advice to Chartists was unnecessary ; they would not enlist ; to those who wore not Chartists , the advice would ba entirely . useless . ; , they must first make them Chartists . If a man became a Chartist , it was a guarantee to their wives and families that they would become sober moral men . Mr . Lowrey ably supported Mr . Philp ' s motion .
Mr . Bairstow should be willing to adopi not only the principle of total al'stinence , but , if it was practicable , from all taxable articles ; but he should protest against this Coavention p . xBsingtho resolution unless every man was pledged to the principles . He had seen in Leicester the ill effects of separating themselves inti > Teetotal ChartiBt Societies distinct from the main body . If the motion had been made to reconimend sobriety instead of total abstinence , he should have had no objection to it . ; . ¦ . - . , . " " - ¦ : . ¦ ' " ' ' Mr . | Wnfla thought the motion was very premature . If the House of Commons rejected , as no doubt they would , the National Petition , it would then be a duty for them to lay down some line of conduct , teetotalism or something else , by which they might operate on the G-overnmenr .
Mr . Bidley wttB surprised at the motion being broughS forward . He admired enthusiasni , but was opposed ( o fanaticism ; he thought that it would be calculated to divido rather than to unite . Mr . White moved that the question be deferred . Dr . il'Djuall adinired the principle in the abstract , but , he thought that it would be calculated to raise a prejudice against them in parts where their principles were . not at present known . They Would be known only as Teetotalers , —as a Cbartist , the only standard to which he would bow should bo the six points of the Charter . If their object was to conciliate the Teetotal body , he believed it would fail . They were more of a religious than a political body . He believed that the part respecting enlistment would infringe upon the law . Mr . Stallwood was compelled to differ With his two colleagues , and perhspa this was well , as all their conatituents would tfien bo represented . Mr . Stallwood then ably defended the priiwriples of total , abstinence .
Mr . Campbell would never allow his conduct to be regulated by the opinions of any body of men . If they passed this resolution he should not feel bound to adopt n . ¦ ¦; ¦ .: " ¦ : . :- . . . ' ¦; ' ¦ . Mr . Harrison had two bodies whom he represented , the one teetotal tlie other net , but they v » ere both good Chartists . His own opinion was against tha motion . : Mr . Mason was willing to adopt any line of conduct which would give a high moral tone to BOciety . He was fearful that tbey weuld be laying themselves open to the charge of sedition , if they reconiniended the non enlistment proposition . The foreign policy of the
Government was such that they would immediately pounce upon any body .. of men who attempted to deprive them of the means of raising soldiers , and also they would look with an eye of suspicion upon those who , in addition to this , recommended them to refrain from exciseable articles and thus cripple their funds . It would be raising up a new standard of Chartism which would involve them in difficulties ; he likewise hoped they would not lay down any line of . conduct which they were not certain would be carried into effect . He thought it bad policy to lay down any plan which they were not certain would be very generally adopted .
Mr . Woodward was opposed to the motion . The majority of the Chartiits of Brighton were not teetotallerB , but he would not alow it to be asserted that they were not as good Ctottists as any body of men . He could state the good effect which they had produced in his neighbourhood by recommending the plan of non . « nlistruent ; but if it interfered with the law they would be wrong in recommending it . Mr . Powell thought if ihia motion was carried into effect , it would be raising up a spirit of despotism—a feeling towards which was already too prevalent in some parts of the country . Mr . Ptltetbly could not support the motion , much as he approved of the principle of sobriety . If , at a future time , it could be shewn that it would advance the cause , then he might be inclined to support the plan . - 1 ' . ¦ .-.
Mr , Bairstow moved that the consideration ^^ bo postponed sine die . Mr . M'P iUall seconded the motion . Mr . Leach stated that at the first Manchester delegate meeting : a similar plan had been ^ brought forward , and he had then been told that he "Was not a good Chartist because ho had opposed it . He bad since seen those men so drunk that they had . run their heads ngainst a lamp-post . This savoured somewhat of inconsistency . He thought that if they passed it , no good would tie effected : the Cbartist bony would still take a glass of ale if they thought at . He as an individual should not feel himself bound by it , even if they passed the resolution . A Paine and a Washington ^ and other great men , who would be immortalisea by their actions , had been none the worse men for taking a small quantity of drink .. He thought that the principles of Chartism Were of sufficient weight and foree , without mixinc them up with any other question whatever .
Mr . Doyle , in a humourous speech , oppoasd the reso-Jution . ¦¦ ' . ''¦ ¦¦ '¦ . Air . O'Connor withdrew his amendment . Mr . Philp , in an eloqaentmanner , replied . It was not for the purpose of raising up any new test for Chartism ; it was only for the purpose of giving a high moral tone to the people ; it . would cive them a wish for intellectual pursuita ; it would tench them to think ; and if recognized by such an important body as this Convention , it would greatly tend to promote its adoption . It had been said that Sir Robert Peel would
pounce upon them if they adopted this resolution . He was rather surprised to hear this from i"uen who had weathered the battle and the bret za He t bought that the Whigs had so far proved the inefficiency of imprisonment , that it would not again be adopted . Tney had by those trials SDread far and wide the prin ciples of Cbartismi and he knew that , it necessary , they w " >" M again dare all that a government could do against the '¦ ' »• Mr . Philp then stated , that seeing the names of Messrs . Leach and Bairstow attached to a paper as pledged teetotallers , ha trusted they would support the resolution . . ¦
Mr . Leach explained that his name was a forgery . Mr . Bairstow stated that his name had been sent by a teetotaller , without his consent . Mr . Bairstow ' s amendment waa then put , and seven persons voteflfdr it . ' ' Mr . White ' s motion , that the subject be adjourned until after the presentation of the Petition , received nine vote . " . The resolution was then put , and five persons votad for it , anrt sixteen against it . The subject was , according to this decision , deferred until after the presentation of the Petition .
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A deputation from the Tower Hamlets was then received . ' ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦' . , . ' ' . " ¦ ' - . : ¦¦'¦ " :. - . . - - ¦ ... ; .. ¦ ¦ ' . - . '• : ¦ ;¦; . : ¦ : Mr . Treadwell having explained tbete "rtewB to the Convention / - '' . " . , . ' ¦ . - ¦ . . ; ¦ ' ¦ ¦ -- .. ¦ " ' ' [ : '¦ :- /; ¦ . Mr . ^ O ^ Connbr moved a yote of thanks to the deputation , and that the subject be referred to the agitation committee .: : ' : ¦" ; ¦ .: ; "''' '"' : ; " ¦ -.- ' /'\ : ' -. V- ,- ;' . Mr . Powell seconded the motion . Mr . BtaUWood moved thai the Corivention recommend the formation of Chartist Registration Societies throughout England ; Ireland , Scotland , and Wales , for the purpose of placing all persons holding our opinions on the borough and county registries , with the view of returning as many Chartists as possible to the next Parliament .. . ¦ : . . ¦' " . ; ..-. -. < . ' . - . ;; ¦'¦ ¦ ; ' . '' : " .: Mr . White seconded the motion . He was In favour of either having a sure friend or an open foe ; and not a quantity of half and half men , like Messrs . Warburton , Hume , and Ce . ¦
Mr . Pitkethiy perfectly agreed with the resolution , but they had failed in carrying itf out at the last elecdon ,-. ' . and he , waa fearful they would now . . Public opinion had not progressed much daring that period . Mr . Woodward supported the motion , and showed the good effect it had produced in Brighton . Mr . O'Connor thought the present a very important motion ; they might date their present :: position from their conduct at the last election ; He agreed with Mr , Stallwood that thirty , twenty , or twelve persona in the House of Commons , and backed by the pressure from without , would dp much to gain the Charter . There was but two ways of acting upon the Government— -by moral and by physical force—they had denounced physical force , and determined to carry it
by moral means . He believed that notwithstanding the manner in which they had been denounced , that they were the true safety valve of the nation . Tbe strength of the people should always be directed against the party in power—their battle must now be directed against the party in power . He thought that naw they were in a much better position as regarded organisation than they ever had been previously . Ireland , as at present situated , would be an efficient ally to them . There was not a Repealer in Ireland who was not a Chartist ; and tbey would sooner unite with them than with the Toriea It waa the opinion of soma that it was necessary to have upwards of half the House in their favour to constitute a majdrity . If thirty CBartists were in tbat House , and banded firmly together , they could so paralyze the Government that it would be impossible for the business to be transacted . If the forty-two Repealers had remaineo firmly banded together' they would long ere now have placed that
question in a prominent position . They should always look to their locai position . Government might be considered aa a wheel within a wheel . They must look to the machinery of the corporate bodies , and they w « uld find that the Whigs -would sooner coalesce with them than with the Tories . Once get possession of this machinery , and they would tben be able to influence the jurymen and the magistrates . They woald . not then be enabled , as they had done previously , to call out the militia , and to imprison and convict you from tbe jury , box . They would then be enabled to make a general attack upon the citadel of corruption . We recognise no difference between Whigs or Tories , but between them and the Chartists . They were now bound to make their grand attack upon the Tories , as they were the party who now occupied the garrison of corruption . If they carried out this plan , instead of being compelled td attack the enemy in an undisciplinedi Btate , they would be able to attack them , well disciplined and marshalled , and then they would be certain of
success Mr . Bairstow seconded the motion ; he thought that if carried but , even by the present limited constituencies , they would fee able to return thirty or forty Cbartist members to tbe House of Comment . Mr Thomason thought With Mr O Connor , that if they intended to cainry out the object , they ought to array themselves in an organised form ; if tbey had been fully organized they would have : been enabled to place themselves in a much higher position at the last election , and yet , at the last election , he believed , they had done greater good to the cause than they would by two years of agitation . If the Convention decided upon this step , they had many honest electors who Would come forward and support them , and they would be enabled to return men of their own ranks , who would devote their talents to the cause of the peopla .
Dr . M'Dauall admired the spirit of the resolution ; but after they had formed those Electoral Committees they must le we it entirely to uheir own judgment , and not trantmel them with any recommendations as to whether they should coalesce with Whig or Tory . H he again stood for Northampton , as most probably he should , he should stand on Chartist principles alone , discarding both Whig and Tory ; and from tho manner in which their representatives had acted , and from Peel's tariff scheme , he bad no doubt he would be supported by the great majority of the Northampton tmdBsmen . The motion was eventually deferred until after the presentation of the National Petition . > Mr . O'ConnoE stated that he received a letter from Loughrea , ( the place which could no where be found in the map ) and they stated that their petition was signed by 600 persons .
Mr . Pitkethiy presented a petition from Hull with 7 , 400 signatures . He requested that the report of Hebden Bridge signatures should be corrected . It stated in the Star 3 , 400 Bignatures ; it it bad onght to have been 5 , 400 . Mr . Moir reported that he had had an interview with Mr . Denistown , M . P . for Glasgow , but could get no satisfactory answer from him as to whether he -would support the National Petition . He stated that he bad no objection to every man having a vote , but those who possessed propertyshould be entitled to more than oneVote . ;; ¦; ' . . - ' . ¦ . ; - ¦ ¦ -. . ... . - '"¦ . ¦ . ' ' ' '¦ •' .. - ¦ - A letter was received by Mr . Morgan Williams , from Wales , with an inclosure for the use of the Convention , on the condition that not one farthing should go to any one who was not a whole-hog Cbartist . Mr . Beesley moved the following resolution j—
" Thatthe Convention recommends to the country the necessity of bringing forward Chartist candidates at the next general election ; and if there is no possibility of carrying them by votes , that they be carried by a show of hands ; and that they take their seats in the House of Commons , and only be ejected from there by force . " . .. . ' ' ¦ ' - ¦ . '¦ ¦ . . - .. '¦ ¦ ' ¦ . -.:- ... ; ¦ ' /'¦ V \\ Mr . Beesley ably supported this motion . Let them take their seats in that Houae , and let them be ejected by force ; and if they thcught proper , carried to the Tower ; they would then sea whether the people would allow them to be quietly in prison . It was useless to carry their candidates by a show of hands , unless they were prepared to go farther . If they did this , they would place the Government in a very awkward position ; they weuld then see that the men were determined upon attaining their rights , and they , as leaders , would know who they could rely upon .
Mr . Ridley seconded the motion , he thought it idle to have anymore child ' s play , petitioning was a mere farce —( " No ")—a person taid . , it was nsefu , for creating public opinion , but it was a mere farce upon the part of the Government ; this would be a test whether they wete longer determined t ® be contented slaves , or whether they were detsrmined to be free ; it would show Whether the Government would longer be ailoWed to ride rough-shod over t' -. em ; he expected they would have to endure prosecution and perscution for the principles he advocated . Mr . / White entirely ¦ agreed in the spirit of the resolution , but thought it best to postpone it until after the presentation of the petition . '" . ' ¦ '
Mr . O'Connor entirely agreed with the resolution ; it was necessary tbat they should adopt this species of passive resistance , it might appear a wild scheme to some , but he had spent sixteen months in a stone cell , and be was not daunted , but would for one eatry it out even at the risk of again meeting that fate ; there was no prospect of their being ejected from that Houie , for they would never be able ^ to obtain admission , but he trusted Mr . Beesley would postpone ..-tois motion , and after the fate of the petition had been decided he should be happy to support it . Mr . Beesley then withdrew his motion . Several notices of motions were given , and the Convention adjourned .
Tuesday , April 26 . Mr . Duncan in the chair , Mr . Ltach in the vice chiiir . ¦ ¦' -, ¦ ' " . . . '' . ¦' , ; . ¦ . ¦ . ' ¦¦ ¦ : . - ¦ / Present—Messrs . Beesley , M-Pherson , Harrison , Bairstow , Thomason , Powell , Ridley , Roberts , Leach , Doyle , Pbilp , Winiams , Mason , Moir , White , Woodward , O'Connorj Campbell , Pitkethiy , and Duncan . Minutea read and confirmed . Mr . Thomason reported that he had attended a trade meeting , and they were unanimous in coming out to support tbe procession . : Mr . Bairstow reported that he bud attended a large and enthusastic meeting on Stepney-Green .
; ilr . Philp Wished to have a , niittake corrected which occurred in the report of his speeca in the Northern Spar . It appeared from the statement in tha » journal , that he asserted thai divisions existed in the Pcveriijs ; he had stated that the greatest unanimity prevailed in those villages , and that thuy -were niore united than tue older towns in the association . The reporter asserted that ue still believed the report in the Star to be Correct .. ¦ " . ¦ ¦ ' ¦ . ' .. ' '" - . '' •¦¦'¦'• ¦ ¦¦ ;¦ Mr . Ridley amrmed the same . ' Mr . O'Connor fetated that an error might easily occur . M . r . Roberta bore testimony to the general correctness andfairness of the London reporter to theStan
A deputation was heard from the locality of Stepney Green , respecting the attendance of delegates at public meetings , which gave rise to considerable discuiision . The deputation also requested the Convention , according to a suggestion throWn out by them , that they would k'vice means to procure banners for tbe ensuing procei . ' ^ ion . . ' . - ' ¦' '¦ :. . ¦' . " '"' . . ' ¦' . ' . ¦ . ' ¦ ¦' ' '¦ . - . . ' ¦' ¦ .. Tl ' thanks of the Convention was then given to tfce deputt ^ iori . Mr . \ . yhtte reported that he had attended a meeting of shoemake . " * at * ue Pitt's Head , Old Bailey , and was favourably i reived . : Mr . Wobd \ ** ' ^ reported thathe bad attended a meeting of shGemak' « B » at lae Golden Lior , and that they were unanimous in j ^ > ng tue proct * aion , and gave orders to their iyctatixty io warn a 1 their body to attend . Mr . Mason reportet ^ ' a a s m ' n 8 na 8 r froln a body of joiners
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Mr . Doyle gave a satisfactory report from a body of bricklayers they intended to form a Cbartist locality . A considerable number of sheets of petitloDB were received from various places , but we did not ascertain their correct number . A petition was presented by Mr . Stallwood , from Great Marlow , containing 400 signatures . Mr . White stated that he bad received acconnts that the people around Stourbridge -were going in masses of twenty or thirty , taking food where they ieould find it , and that they were in the greatest distress . :
Petitions were presented from Liverpool , with 32 , 000 signatures ; from Cheltenham , Woiverhamptbn , Danfermline , Staleybridge , Ch-encester , Darlington , Bingley , Wotton-under-Edge , Bury , Bradford , Newcastle-under-Lyne , Norwich , london , Harleatbn , Bury St , ; Edmonds , ^ tb , Woolwich , and various other places , from / the agriculturiata of the NoitQ and East Riding et Yorkshire , with 14 , 840 signatures ; Northampton 2 , 500 ; Kettering 2 . 066 ; Daventry 1 , 052 ; Oundle 350 ; Long Buckby 800 ; Eye 200 ; Pitsford 400 : .. ; . ' : " ; : ' , ¦'¦ ' \ : ' ¦"¦ ; : ¦ ' [ : ¦ , ¦ ' . .: ' . ' , ' ' . ¦ ¦ . ;/ ' :: •¦" ¦ : . ¦ ¦ ' .:. ; Mr ; O'Connor read n letter respecting the East and North Riding of Yorkshire , explaining the separate districts , and stating the petitions came from places where no signatnres had previously been obtained .
Mr . Mason read a letter from the Council at Coventry stating that they felt greatly dissatisfied with the statement made by Mr . Mason , that the men of Coventry Were desirous to « lect him as a delegate to the Sturge Conference . ; The letter was directed to the secretary , of tbe Convention . They were desirous for him to call upon Mr . Mason to state the names of the parties who had been desirous of electing him , as no such Bubject waa ever btought before them . Mrv Mason explained in connection with thut letter that he had been in conversation with six of the most
influential persons in Coventry : he could , if necessary , state their names ; but he would simply statethat . they considered it wonld be no violation of principle but that , by attending at that Conference they Would be enabled to effect much good . He thought there could be ni > violation of duty in so doing ; they . had elected six men in Birmingnam for a similar purpose . The reporter Would most probably state to the country this explanation . Ho had not been invited to attend the Conference by a public ' meeting or by the Council of Coventry * ¦¦ . ' - . ¦ . - ' ,. ' . .. ; . - - . :- " . ' ' . : ¦; "¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' ' ¦ ' _ ' . : ¦
Letters were read from Salford , expressing a desire that they should procure copies of the People's Charter , and furnish the members of Parliament with them , that they might not be able to plead ignorance pf what the < 3 barter really was . Also from Bradford , stating , that they had sent the petition sheets to Mr . Duncombe ; and likewise stating that the Whigs in the town had now deserted Mr . Sturge on the plea that he went te » far for them ; that the Chartists were determined upon adhering to their principles , and . " - " standing * by the Charter name arid all . Also from NeWton , enclosing £ l tor the use of the Convention ; and from Dawsbnry , enclosing £ 2 . . ' ,: . ' . . ' .:. '* -. .. :: ¦ ; . "' , ¦[' .- ' ' - ' : " ¦ " ¦ ¦ ¦ _
Letters were read from Yorkshire showing that the greatest excitement prevailed , owing to a report . thit Government intend interfering with the Convention ; from Rippondale requesting information respecting the bill-poster who had been arrested and fined for posting Chartist bills , and wishing to know whether he was the only victim ; from Nottingham , stating that they bad divided the town into twelve districts , and were procttring signatures to a reqviisition of electors calling upon ttie Members for the borough to support Mr . Doncombe r s motion , that a deputation from the working classes be heard at the bar of the House of Commons :
from Worcester , stiting that they had forwarded their petition to London ; from Ashton , statihg that the Rev Mr . Stephens ; had been grossly libelling them ' , and that they appointed a deputation to wait upon him respecting the calumnies inthe Jf anchesterand Salford Adver-User— -he avowed being the author of them , and said if they wanted their principles ridiculed , he could do it for them : he also stated in his sermon , that if the holding up of his little finger wopld obtain the Charter he would not do it : the Convention , be asserted , wasr not composed of ¦' , working men ; and that these statements of Mr , Stephens had done them great injury in the obtaining of signatuires . '
A petition was received from Mr . John Hinflca , of Shoreham . stating that owing : to : hia haviiig tafeen the chair at a Chartist meeting , which was conductea with the greatest decorum , he had been deprived of a pension , which he had well earned in facing the battle and the breeze , He had applied to the Lords of the Admiralty on this subject , but had received an answer from tbe secretary that he was not a fit person to receive a government pension . He had presented a pstition tp Parliament on the subject , but it bad been laid on the table * and no notice taken of it . He had a wife and nine children , and was entirely deprived of procuring a livelihood for them . He hoped the Convention would enter into a subscription for the purpose of procuring him the saeans of purchasing a boat , nets , &c , that he might , by this method , gain a living . .
"Mr . O'Connor moved the follbwine resolution , " That the Convention take into consideration the best means for protecting ; labour against those em pi oyers who apply it to artificial production , and for ensuring to the working classes a supply of all the necessaries of life , independent of foreign countries or mercantile specuiatton . " He did not wish to infringe upon the rule laid down with regard to the length of time allowed tospeakeis . When they thought lie was infringing on their time , he hoped they would call him to time . He thought that the motion was one of great importance , and : that afc this period it was more than ever necesaary . jhe Charter was a new system of government , It was ' neo ssary td seenre the continued approbation ¦ of the public that they should produce before them , in a tangible
shape , the benefita . to be d . erived from theadoptionol the pbirtet . The public mind was now prepared for great changes ; the Charter would be the means of giving them a power of increading the productive resources of the empire ; " and secondly , the ; Charter would give them the means of more equitably distributing that wealth . The representation of the country as at present constftued , was a mere nullity ; it Waa confined almost exclusively to the landed proprietorH . The feudal system was still practically carried into effect in the laws of the country ; he considered the land to be the raw material of England they had often been told that the land of England was not aufficient to afford the means of BubBiatence to its population ; but he could show to that Convention ; and
through them to the country , that the land of this country was sufficient to support in prosperity one hundred millions of inhabitants ; and here he could not help adverting to the Corn law Repealers ; their plan was a bad substitute for the removal of all restrictions on the land . The country had been divided into two great parties , the landholders and the newly sprung up manufacturing interest . The manufacturers in the large towns had combined , and , by the aid of money , had obtained a toleration , and now tkey were struggling for the ascendency . They united all 'their forces for the attainment of the Reform Bill , and , aided by ; the masses , they produced such a pressure from Without as enabled them to carry that measure ; but it had been useless to the great mass of the popple , and
would continue to be so unless they remb ? ed all restrictions on the cultivation of the land , let them consider the number of acres in Great Britain , and ask themselves why they should be dependant npon other countries for a supply of food ? This was the most fertile country in the world , and yet we were by . , these restrictions compelled to purchase food from fo . eign lands . In the Celestial Empire ( China ) , with its iiamense _ popttlation , they had for the last fifteen years , only six millions of acres of ground in cultivation for grain ; there the jPrihceiS of the land , the Nobles of the country were engaged in the pursuit of agriculture . They considered this occupation as one of the moat honourable to which the labour and the mind of man could be devoted . . lord Mbnteagie , the other nicht in
the . House of Lords , dilated on the old exploded doctrine of the political economists , that our popuJatioa pressed upon the means of subsistence ; never was there a Completer fallacy uttered ; it was the restrictions upon land ; it was theold'feiidsd power which landlords possessed over tenants ; it waa the pewer of < i !« - tress which they possessed , and the system of granting leases which pressed hardly on the means of subsuteiicef and not the incapability of the land to producea tufficiency of food . Lord Monteagla stated that it was the increase of our population which caused us to be dependent on other nations tot ; ia : supply of corn . Withiu the last fifteen years , our population bad in « creased two millions , yet the Bame restriction as ever was imposed upon the land . It had been the custom
When a tenant rented a firm , that he was bound by the lease only to break up two acr . s , the remainder was to be laid down in grass which he considered only to be the chief wieed of creation ; if this restriction was adequate to the production of a sufficiency of food at that periodiit waa net so at the present period ; suppose for instance that ' . America , ' : with a population of seviehteen millions , passed a law prohibiting the exportation of foreign grain they would only break up siicK a quantity Of iand for the growth of wheat as would be aufficient foi their present population , but if the population of America iiicreaied to one hundred ririlH » a 3 of the inhabitants , the demand would consequently be greater ; and if their laws prohibited the break in t ; up of ihore land , they woald bepJaced in a similar situation to ourselves . They could not interfere with the power of machinery , every man was affected by its working ; if it displaced manuiacturing labourers in the country , they immediately worked their way up to London
, and thus created a surplus population for tbe masters to fall back upon . They were pot aiming f <^ the restriction of machinery , it would be a violation < & reason and of justice if they did so . The Janrt was tbe only resource the working man had capital suffipient V > engage in profitably working upon it himself . It had been stated that they were employing their eneT " giea on the waste lands of the country ; this was not correct He considered the waste land tt * be tbo cold meat in the larder , which might iw left in reserve for a century to come . The laiadi already in cultivation would be amply sufficient for oar population , if cultivated in an improved manner ; tbey might be brought id a degree of fertility equal " » comparison to the finest linen over the undressed flax * The land was not cultivated to one-fifth of its power ef production . Laad was ttie only raw material which appeared from , their conduct not to be worthy of an improvtd cultivation , and yet this was the only raw jnaterial on which they could rely for all the necessaries ( Contmuedin our fifth page , )
Untitled Article
g . ; „____ THE NORTHERN STAR . . ,. , ¦ ' ; : ; ,- , . ; . -.., - ) ;;; - ; .: ¦ - ;^ - ;^; V / ,:, v .: ' ' : ; ; v :
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 30, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct428/page/6/
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