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NATIONAL CONVENTION .
Friday , April 22 . Mr . Duncan in the chair , Mr . Leach , rice chairman . Mr . Campbell , Secretary , called the soil , -when Messrs . Beesley , M'Pherson , Stallwood , Harrison , Bairstow . Bartlett , Powell , Thomason , Ridley , Leach , Doyle , Morgan Williams , Mason , Moir , Woodward , O'Oanor , Campbell , and Dancan -were present The minutes "were 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 the largest assemblies ever known in that dutrict , and gave a most cheering account of the state of feeling in the agricultural districts . Mr . Ridley reported from two meetings he had attended . 3 Ir . Morgan Williams reported his reception at a meeting , called for the purpose of forming a committee in aid of Frost , Williams , and Jenes , which passed off in an excellent manner .
Mr . Doyle reported that he attended a meeting , where Mr . Sidney Smith lectured , but finding that Mr . Smith would not discuss the question , he and- the friends with him retired and left Mr . Smith lecturing to seven persons . Mr . Mason reported from the Trades' Delegates ' Meeting , that they were well received , and that a resolution , pledging themselves to assist in carrying the Charter and iain in the National procession , was unanimonsly adopted . Messrs . M-Doaall , M'Pherson , Sfc 3 llwood , and Wood"Vard , also reported on the same subject . Mr . Powell reported from a meeting he had attended .
A quantity of P-st ' tion Sheets were then handed in . Mr . CanJDbfrl ! reported from the English Executive . They had been in existence now about twelve months . At tha period they came into office there was bnt seventy or eighty towns in the Association , now they had about three hundred and fifty towns in the Association . In the London District , sc that pe : iod , they had seventeen or eighteen localities in London , now they bad about forty . In the Northampton district , at that period , they had not one , now they had seven or eight . In Birmingham they hid an increase , hs btsUe ^ ed , in numbers , but not in associations ; they had not con tributtd much to the support of the Executive . In Leicertar they bad at that period only about one hundred members , now they had upwards of twelve
nundred . In Nottingham they had a large increase of nuaibers , and they gave good support to the Executive . Id the Darby district they had only two localities , now they had twelve ; they did not pay so well . In the Potteries they got en well , gave good support to tie Exvcutive , and were animated by an excellent spirit . In Cheshire , -until lately , within this four or five months , they had scarcely any localities ; since Mr . Doyle ' s exertions they were progressing well , but had not been in EXxst&Dcs long wmgh to ai * &rd znuch support to the Executive . In Lancashire they had then twenty associations , now they had between forty and fifty in -existence , and their numbers were rapidly progressing ; tak ^ n as a whole they paid well to the Executive . In Torkshire , at that tixne , there was only twelve or fifteen localities , now tbere were not less than one inn > : rrd . Some of the districts , as Huddersfleld , Hebden Br idge , and other places , were the . best paying parts in the kingdom , with the exception or London , which
iad paid e § aally welL In . Northumberland , Durham , CumbL-rtand , and Westmoreland , fee could not say much progress had been made . In Devonshire and in Cornwall , until these last few months Chartism was almost unknown ; tbere had been five or six fresh' localities established , bu ; being new localities they could not yet expect from these places much support . In Brighton they had a good association which paid welL In Norfolk . Cambridge , and Suffolk , one year since , only " one locality was in existence , now they had eight or ten Of Monmouthshire he could say but litUe . In Wales the Association was extending itself ; within a short priiod thsre had boen / our or aye . localities opened . Of London he could speak very favourably ; within this period they had contributed between £ 60 or £ 70 , This district , and that of Yorkshire , had nobly fulnJled its duly , ' . he other districts had not done their duty in regard to the contribution of funds ; in some places they had not even paid for their curds .
Dr . M'DjusH should , more especially for the information of the Scottish delegates , give them a sketch of their present organ zition with rr ^ ard to the Executive . It was exclusively formed by the working men . A delegate meeting was called at Manchester , lisny of the delegates now present "were then in prison , as he himself wa 3 at that period . When he first read the ylsXL . he thought it was too extensive to be carried out by the "working classes ; but he was happy to Elate that it succeeded f . ir beyond his most sanguine expectations . They had not been in office twelve months , and they had heard from Mr . Campbell the extensive progress they had made . Where they were at first met with great opposition , now they were received with oven arms . Mr . Bairstow could corroborate that
the opposition he ( Mr . Biirstowj had met with in Derbyshire , was not of the most pleasant description . Drad ca-j , brick-bats , &c , were plentifully showered upon nim—even fire arms were brought into requisition to intimidate him ; bat througb all he had persevered ; and when he iDr . M'D juall ) last visited Derbyshire , he had splendid meetings ; and , instead of the people fighting against the ChaTtists , they -would new fight for them . He was not for granting any great Extension of power to the Executive , but « rJy such an extension as would contribute to their utility in carrying out the organization . He di 4 not think that the Executive should have the power of appointing lecturers to those places already organized , and capable of supporting them , but only to those districts where
Chartism at present was dormant . In the Counties of Devon and Corn wall fee Chairman and Mr . Powell could bear witness te the gre 3 t wish expressed for lecturers , and also to the great good which they would produce ; in Wales also it ~ wb 3 of great and paramount importance that lecturers should be appointed . H $ tras entirely for local government—he did not wish to feave any power over Uiob © places which could appoint their own lecturers . He should oppose any proposition of that description . The Executive had never interfered in any local business—they had looted only to the general business of the Association . He thought the present organisation would carry out every object they tad in view ; but he thonght that the plan of paying a regular sum for each fifty members would be superior
to tie present method : it would ensure a regular supply of funds , and would be less expence to the localities than even now . They bad mei with a few pecuniary difficulties , but they had no reason to complain : they bad been better supported than even could be expected considering the destitution which prevailed . From the metropolis they had met with great pecuniary support ; and though some members might complain of . tfaeir meeting in pot-bouses , it , yet if they looked at the manner in which they bad supported the Executive , and the manner in which they bad supported this Convention , toey would see that they could afford to look 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 iut-i aetion he had no deubt they would have an hundred localities .
He could give the same good account of Yorkshire and Lancashire . Prom the density cf the population ' in th : s district ; from the sufferings the hand-loom ¦ w eavers had en . iured ; and from the moral tone of the people , these districts Were almost unanimously in favour of the Charter . Taking the position of the Ex-cutive as a "Whole they stood in a good position—they wtre not above £ 5 in debt , including everything ; and by issuing a circular they could raise immediately £ 30 . which * as owing fur cards . With regard to his colleagues the greatest unanimity prevailed . He believed this was one cause why they 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 wotjd have re-acted to their disadvantage in the public mind . He was proud that he had such-txcellent collsa ^ ufes .
Tie Chairman then read a note from Air . Mason , stating , that in BilstDn , where there were only 100 members , there are now 1000 ; that an Association had bsen raised at Dariaston , and at other places ; and that at Birmingham and at Wolverhampion , their numbers had greatly increased . Mr . Campbell explained that be was very happy to be corrected witti respect to tht progrt £ S in Utafford-Ehire . Mr Leach tiscnght that it ¦ wonld be proper , in order to arrive at thtir tree position to look to the condition of the body previous to the establishment of an Executive . At the first D- legate meeting held at Manchester , finding that the Chartiit body was completely broken up , as far as crganiZiUon was concerned , he moved that they laid down a plan for the guidance of the Chartist body . Dr . Taylor opposed this on the ground that it might prejudice the trnl of Mr . Frost , and he Withdrew his ¦ motion . A = soon as that tiial was
concluded he wrote a letter in the JNo . lhcni Star , pressing this subject on the attention of the CcaitLjts . Tcis was responded to , and seventeen towns sent delegates to a conference at Manchester At this meeting , a plan of organ zition was agreed upon , nearly similar to the pre-Sfcnt . This plan met with much opposition . Many who bad previously been in the Chartist ranks objected to the plan , on the gTonad of legality and cla moured loudly for them to alter it , and then they would join and assist them . They called another delegats meeting at great expence , to remove this squabble of legality . They invited those to attend who had objected to it , but they never attended ; neither when they bad altered the plan did they join them . The plan then adopted was their present plan , and it had worked so well , that now they had between 3 and 400
towns in the Association , and 600 meetings were beld on the same night every week , to discuss the principles of Chartism . In some parts of the eountrythe plau had not been properly worked out , and the funds consequently not raised . -He had received letters from all parts of the kingdom , stating tbeli approval of the conduct of the Executive . On that morning he had received a letter frem the females of Oidham , containing a vote of thanks and £ 1 for the Convention , in addition to their full quota . Thsit position was far superior to that of the first Con-Tentian . That body was two or three years in advance of the intejHgence of the country .: there was certainly a "rest amount of aatbuiUfem exhibited , but it had no foundation , and burst like a bubble in the day of trial Their ergaaisation was now of a different castj 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 transaction which , could jeopardise their cause . During this period they iad defeated the Whigs , the Tories , and the Complete Suffrage scheme . This he attributed to having a head to direct the movement , not to contrenl , but siHiply to direct public opinion . Had it not been for this , each town wonld have bad & nostrum of its own , * nd they would have been split into sectioni Now , even if the Executive went astray , the eauBe 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
nothing ; if they bad not exercised an affirmative , they had exercised a negative power , and if they were properly supplied with funds , they would shortly be in possession of an affirmative power . In Manchester the present plan had worked well . Manchester , though supposed to be Radical , was the true seat of Whiggery . In that town the anti-Com Law League bad spent £ 50 , 000 in one year , their chief object being to break up the Chartist organisation , and get the people to follow unreflectingly in their wake fer cheap bread , but with their poor penny per week they bad bo organised the town ; that at every public meeting where they could get at them , they defeated their schemes by a majority of forty to one . This party issued for about six weeks running , forty or fifty thousand tracts weekly , the Chartists only issued one tract which completely broke the neck of all the others . In Lancashire , Derby , Cheshire , Birmingham , and other districts , they had regular lecturers in their employ ; in Yorkshire they
had three lecturers employed , besides supporting their local expences and the Executive , or more property speaking the . orsanisation , 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 defray all expences , to employ thirty talented lecturers , and to carry on successfully the present agitation . He thought that the present Convention had no power to alter either the plan or the spirit of the orgauizition , He trusted they would carefully peruse it , and i f defectWe in any point , take measures more fully to carry it out . He had derived much pleasure from being a member of the Executive body ; it bad procured him much personal friendship , and ce had received from the public a character that be should scarce dare to givebimsrif , that of being an honest man . He would say for his colleagues that they had earned a character which would be transmitted with applause to posterity .
Mr . Philp gave his support to the present organization . He believed that , notwithstanding all its djfficulties , it had worked well He was one of the delegates who assisted at its formation in Manchester , ; . t a period when their ranks were so broken that they c ^ uld earce collect any force at any given point . They tnew not what measures to adopt , or to what subject they should next direct their attention . To remedy this state of disunion , they had laid down the present plan , and they could now carry out any given object better than any Association in the kingdom . . Messrs . Lsacb , Campbeil , and M'Doull had been more active members of the Executive than himself or Mr . Williams .
By the original plan he did not consider that they were all required to be permanei . tly employed ; but whenever any important business was to be brought forward , he always attended their sittinga . He Cad been lecturing through a large dittriet of the kingdom , and he had Been the good effects of the system ; and he trusted they wonld make no alteration in it . If they were continually altering or amending it every year , it would give a sort of unfixedness to their agitation , which it ¦ was "very nndesirtable to produce . Ho bad not beard any sufficient 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 , bnt did not even pay regularly for their card ? . Tbis kept them short of fund * . It was of great importance that the counties of Cornwall and Davon should be well agitated . He had promised to attend there , and endeavour to assist in doing this ; but when prepared to start , he found that it was impossible for want of fundB ; and he was reluctactiy compelled to disappoint the men of those districts . He thoneht it would be the duty of this Convention to urge upon the people the necessity of well-suuporting the Executive , and of supplying them with " funds to employ lecturers in the unagitited connties .
Mr . Morgan Williams said he sbonld make bnt 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 which the Executive bad transacted their business gave great satisfaction to bis constituent . " .. He trusted they would devise some m « ans 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 must state that they had ever been unanimous , and ttuit when absent he never had occasion to disapprove of their measures . Mr . O'Connor moved , and Mr . Moir seconded , that the report of the Executive be referred to the Committee appointed for that purpose . Carried .
Mr . Doyle movea a resolution calling upon them to request their constituents tn send the Northern Star and ether e ' emocratic journals to Ireland . Thif , if carried into general operation , wonld greatly bentfit the cause in Ireland . It would shew to the Irish people the manner in which they had been calumniated and abased , and that their principles were calculated to do more good for them than even those promulgated by men whom they had so long looked up to as leaders . He had great pleasure in informing them that while in Ireland he had attended six meetings . At Belfast he addressed a large Repeal meeting . They pledged him to keep to the Repeal question , and not to broach the Charter ; but somehow he was compelled to bring in the
Charter , and on being called to order , promised better behaviour for the fnture ; but before the close of the meeting he believed he made , a considerable impression . Hb was sure that if properly supplied -wlti political knowledge in the shape cf tracts , &c , they would no longer pin their faith to the Bleeve of any political leader , but would act and think for themselves . He hoped that in the address they were about to issue they would recommend the sending of Stars , ic to that part of Ireland : most of those at present sent -were sent to Dublin . The part he alluded to was the North of Ireland . They had requested him to act as delegate to the Convention for them , but as the law did net allow it , he comld act only as their friend .
2 Ir . O Cennor would gladly second the resolution , if the words Northern Slar was left out . He thought it ¦ wonld be better worded if they said democratic papers , without nominating one in pait'eular . Mr . Stallwood seconded ilr . Doyle ' s motion ; he approved of it as at present worded . Mr . O'Connor stated that , from his peculiar position , he could not have seconded ilr . Doyle ' s motion consistently with his principles . Daring the whole course of his agitation he had never , at any meeting , even once m * ntioned tbe Northern Star . He defied
contradiction on that point ; and he wonld take that opportunity of replying to a few observations which , during their sitting , had been made respecting the Northern Star . The votes of censure in it had been alluded to as though they had been concocted by the Editor , or some party connected with the paper , instead of which they -well knew that they were inserted 1 y order of the people . He well knew th : it tbe Northern Star was ^ fatehfcd by both friend and foe , and that there "was a strong desire , on the part of aonife parties , to put down tbe " Slar . " It had beon stated , that his reporters were hired tools , while tbe reporters of other papers were public spirited indiviiinils . He could positively assert that be never wrote a line to Wheeler in Mb life , that he never wrote a line to White , or any one of bis
correspondents ; he had been particularly careful on tbis point , that be might be enabled to rebnt any snch charge ; they had been entirely free and unshackled from any restraint ; they bad been appointed to the office , not from any acquaintance with him , but at the desire of the body of people where they were labouring . The Editor of tbe paper be had known many years , and had never written a line to him to influence his conduct , during the four years the paper had been in existence . He defied them to point out a single line ¦ where he had denounced any man , or to prove that he had ever attempted to fritter away any man ' s character . Great latitude must always bu allowed
to a paol-c newspaper , but this Bhould never be extended beyond the bounds of propriety . He was glad to think thai ? the paper h : id been of some service to tbe cause . Mr . Stallwood could bear him out in stating ihat several persons . Irishmen , in Hammersmith , had shewn him letters stating the great service it had done to the cause , and that it had caused the formation of stveral Associations in that country . He had , by application to individuals and by public recommendations , endeavoured to send newspapers , tracts , 4 c ., to Ireland , and he was happy that parcels of Stars of several cwt » . each , had b < . en sent to parties who were too puor to purchase them .
Morgan Williams stated that he be-Heved great advantages would accrue to Ireland from sending a large sapply of Stars , &c , it would also be found to act very beneficiallj in Wales . From Merthyr Tydvil , where a considerable number of Stars were taken in , they sent them through tht agricultural districts . If one was sent into a paiish in generally went the tour of the whole place , and in many instances he had known that it produced a great amount of good . He trusted they would do all that lay in their power not only to send them to ir&jand , but likewise to Wales—all would be glad to receive them , and by the truths thus inculcated the good seed would be sewn , and the lecturers would only have to follow and reap the harvest . Mr . Moir stated that for some length if time he had appreciated its advantages , and sent those which he ceuld procure to Ireland .
Sir . Beesley said that for some length of time he had taken six Stars weekly , and that wiih what he collected from others , he usually sent twelve to I reland , besides Circulars , tracts , &c Mr . White had taken a great interest in that subject , and had been enabled to send hundreds of Stars to Ireland , With regard to the agents of the Northern Star being the paid tools of Eeargus O'Connor , as one of those agents , he conld assert , that he was in the same position for doing his duty fearlessly as before he accepted that effioe ; his actions were equally free as
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before . It was well known that when be was employed in Yorkshire , he weald never be controlled in his opinions or bis actions by bis employer , and he Bhould act now in a similar manner . So far as O'Connor supported the cause he should support him , whtther 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 to 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 benefit ted , 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 , he recollected being asked by thirty or forty in the Court yard what would become of tha cause ? he asserted that the Northern Star would keep them together . It had 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 so long as the Northern Star did its duty , so long should it have hU hearty support .
Mr . Harrison was of opinion that thts motion had been in a great measure anticipated . He had sent off several packets of Stars , weighing \ cwt each , to Ireland ; but if it came as a recommendation from the Convention , it would have more weight . Mr . Campbell said there was another little publication , the English Chartist Circular , which would tffect great good if well circulated . He thought that instead of sending packages of old Stars to Ireland they should sell them for watte pnper . 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 . He advised them to send their new papers 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 tbe sea side ; and as his occupation led him from door to door , be was often asked bow the ChaTtists get on ? Tliey bad read a good deal about them in a paper called the Northern Star . This opened a door for iurther conversation on the subject , and information was thus elicited . They formed excellent forerunners , breaking up the ground , and clearing the prejudices tut of a lecturer ' s path , and thereby effecting much good . * ..- '* .. Mr . M'Pherson—In his district the Northern Star had been much blamed by several parties ; but as these had since turned ont mere Whigs their olject was plain , and therefore their vrords were not attended to . The Star
as an organ of the society could not be dispensed with : it was an index to the general stete of Chartism throughout the kingdom . For general information , tracts and other publications were more adapted . Tracts were excellent auxiliaries in places where Chartism waa unknown—they containe-i information which it was impossible for tbe Star to give . Mr . Morgan Williams stated that they had translated the tract " What ' s a Chartist V 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 acknowledged . They bad since seat 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 Post-office authorites . He thought that a monthly register had ought to be insetted in the Star , of their reception .
Mr . Doyle explained that his motion allnded to all democratic papers , the Circular included , but he thought the Northern Star dest-rvtd the pre-eminence ; it was the only paper which defended their interests while in prison j under persecution and prosecution it had never deserted them . His motion did not allude so much to back Stars as to the current numbers of the day . He was well aware that Irishmen liked to see frehh , in preference to stale news . 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
had been instructed to make to him ; the purport Of the letter was , that be had not taken his seat in the Convention , owing to bis 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 Secretary at Newcastle , Mr . Sinclair , upon the subject , stating that his circumstances would not allow him to devote more than a week or ten days to the 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 be had been authorized to send him . The letter stated that the deputation had not an opportunity , owing to the shortness of the time , to communicate with Mr . Sbarman Crawford , but from the statement he made to them on the last occasion , he had not the least doubt b » t he would postpone his motion until after the petition had been presented , and that he would also vote for the petition , the on ' . y clause to which he objected was that respecting the Repeal of the Union . Mr . J . Leach observed that Mr . Shaman Crawford had two sets of opinions , one for bis constituents at Kochdale , and another fer the lobby of the House of
Commons . Mr . Lowery brought up , on behalf of the Committee , the address to the Chartists of the Kingdom , ordered to be written on the preceding day . The address haviDg been raid , ¦ Mr . Bairstow suggested some trifling alterations and the Committee retired for that purpose . On being brought up in its amended form , it was unanimously agreed to . Tbe 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 . Messre . O'Connor , Bairstow , and many other members objected to any business being transacted with closed doors .
Dr . M'Douall explained that it vai business cennected with the Finance Committee , but that the object woud be answered if the merubera would stay in the room for a short time after the adjournment . The following resolution being received from Birstal , Mr . O'Connor moved , and Mr . White seconded , that it be inserted in the miutes : — " That this meeting having maturely considered the proceedings of the Birmingham Canference 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 deelare that we have no confidence in any set of men that would canse disunion among our rants ; and that we will abide by our Charter In name and substance , and have confidence 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 out Charter over board , even though they should affirm the truth and justice of its principles ; and further , that we have confidence in the present Convention , and will carry out its recommendation by all means in our power . "
The roll was tfeun called , and the Convention sittings adjourned until Monday morning , at nine o ' clock . During the sitting Mr . O'Connor read the debate in tbe House of Commons on Mr . Crawford ' s motion , and likewise the editor ' s remarks , but it elicited no
dis-. Saturday , April 23 . The committees were buBily engaged on this day in making arrangements respecting the theatre , and in forwarding the presentation of the petition .
Monday , April 25 . Mr . DaEcan was called to the chair , and Mr . Leach to She vice-chair . The Secretary called the roll , 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 . Meir reported that he had received letters from Glasgow , instructing him to wait on their M . P . ' s . He had -written to them , and they had requested his attendance at half-past eleven o ' clock that merning . Mr . Bairstow reported a good account of a meeting he and Mr . Stallwood had , attended at Twickenham .
Mr . Harrison reported he hail preached a sermon in the Shepherdiss Fields , on Sunday morning About sixteen hundred persons were present . They obtained 1 , 000 signatures to the petition , sold 5 * . worth of tracts , and collected 9 s- towards the demonstration . They had a similar meeting in the afternoon , at the same place , but not quite so well attended as that in the forenoon . He also attended a large meeting in the evening , at the Albion Coffee House , and many members were enrolled . A discussion then took place respecting the theatre not proving an advantageous speculation . Mr . O'Connor suggested a plan for their adoption , Mr . Lowery moved that the members of the Convention write to their constituents for information upon the truck system , and its bearing upon the interests of the -working classes . * .... ¦*
Mr . O'Connor seconded the motion , and Btated it as his opinion that no man was scarcely aware of the evils inflicted by the system , and he thought it was their duty to render the committee all theevidesce which lay in their power . Mr . Leach read a document , showing the scandalous manner in which tbe truck masters overcharged their werkmen for goods purchased from them . The resolution was then carried unanimously . Mr . Philp moved the following resolution : — " That , with a view to the most speedy enactment of the People ' s Charter , this Convent ion recommends the people of Great Britain to totally abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks ; and also to abandon the use of tobacco and snuff , and refrain as much as possible from the use of all exciseable articles—that by these means the revenue may be affected , the people be improved by sobriety , and the funds of the Chartist 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 army or the police , whilst the present corrupt institution - exiat , beceinea a slavish tool in the bands of tyrants , is a disgrace ' to his country , and a dishonour to the name of man . " Mr . Philp ; in arc able manner , supported the resolution , aud instanced m&ny persons who had contributed the funds- thus saved to the canse of the 'Charter ii Ireland . The effect had been entirely to deprive the Government of the power , of enlisting soldiers . Not a man could now be found to enlist in- the army . He trusted they would come to a unanimous vote upon this question . ' ¦ ' ¦^ - "¦ V v - ' . : / - ' " \ - r ' - ~ -
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 . Mr . O : Connor stated that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see this carried , eut into practice . ¦ - - ¦' ¦ ¦ He ¦ acknowledged that temperance had done much good in Ireland , though at the same time this waa not the true reason of their not enlisting in the army ; it was the same line of conduct as they once previously adopted , they would not enlist until they had attained the measures they were struggling For . It was with them a matter of policy . He could not agree with their mixing this up with the agitation of the Charter , bethought it would embarrass their proceedings . He trusted they would form a committee to consider the subject . ¦ . ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ '¦ ¦ . ' / •¦¦ . ' ¦ ' ¦ . '¦¦ . - ¦ ' . ' ¦ ' :: ... . . ¦ . ¦ ¦ ' . . . ' . ¦ .. . - , .
Mr . Beesley in a long and able address supported Mr . Philp ' s motion , he thought Mr . O'Connor was acting inconsistent in opposing the motion , lio had recommended the constituents to pledge the delegates to be Teetotallers during the sitting of the Cpnvention j if it was good , during that period it , was good at all other periods . Much harm had been done by their lecturers not being Teetotallers , they after their lectures had perhaps taken only a single glass , but those who entered the house : with them , perhaps not . having equal command over themselves , got intoxicated , and thereby more harm was done than the lecturer had done good ; it would allay the prejudices of many of the females against them if they came home frem their meetings entirely sober . :: Mr . Thomason supported the motion in a lengthy address . His constituents were highly in favour of it ; it would also allay the prejudices which certain teetotallers entertained against them .
Mr . O'Connor moved the following amendment . — "That we tlie delegates sitting in this Convention , in order to set an example to the people at large , and to prove our 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 of adoption , and that both the recommendation and amendment be submitted to a committee who shall report to the Convention . "
Mr . Roberts ' in a Ipng 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 wtuld not subject them to a charge of sedition , seeing that according to the law an ignorant jury were the judges of what constituted sedition ; He , however ^ thought for these reasons it had bettur be referred to a committee , that it might be well considered . He admired the success that attended t ^ etotalisrn , but be believed the man who took a glass of liquor , was equally as good a man as the one who do did not .
Mr . M'Phersonthoughtthe motion not called for ; its every object would be obtaSned by advocating Chartism . Thtir lecturers were compelled to be men of high moral habits , and if they made Chartists uf them , they would speedily be sober men . With respect to the army , the advice to Chartists was unnecessary ; they would not enlist ; to those wb ^ were not Chartists , the advice would be 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 be < come sober moral men . Mr . Lowrey ably supported Mr . Philp ' s motion .
Mr . Bairstow should be willing to adopt not only the principle of total abstinence , but , if it was practicable , from all taxable articles ; but he should protest against this Convention passingthe resolution unless every man was pledged to the principles . He had seen ii , Leicester the ill effects of separating themselves into Teetotal Chartist Societies diBSinct from the main body . If the motion had been made to recommend sobriety instead of total abstinence , he should have hud no objection to it ¦ . .. . ; . ¦ - ¦ ¦ . ¦ \ ¦¦" ¦ ¦" ¦ ¦ ¦ . . ' ' . ¦ ¦ ¦ ' . " Mr . White 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 , teetotalisra or something else , by which they might operate on the Government .
Mr . Ridley was surprised at the motion being broughi forward . He admireti enthusiasm , but was opposed i-o fanaticism ; he thought that it would be calculated to divide rather than to unite . Mr . White moved that the question be deferred . Dr . M'PouaU admired the principle in the abstract , bat 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 , —aa a Chartist , the only standard to which he would bow should be the " * ix points of the Charter . If their object was to conciliate the Teetotal body , he believed it would fail . Tney were more of a religious than a political body . He believed that the part respecting enlistment would infringe upon the few . Mr . Stallwood was compelled to differ with his two colleagues , and perhaps this was well , as all their constituents would then be represented . Mr . Stallwood then ably defended the principles of total abstinence .
Mr . Campbell would never allow his conduct to be regulated by the opinions of any body ( f men . If they passed this resolution he should not feel bound to adopt it ¦¦ - . ¦ ¦'¦ ¦ . 7 : ¦ ¦ . - ; . - . ¦ " ' . ¦ Mr . Harrison had two bodieB whom he represented , the one teetotal the other not , but they were both good Chartists . His ewn opinion was against the motion . Mr . Mason was willing to adopt any line of conduct which would give a high moral tone to society . He was fearful that they would . belaying ; -. themselves open to the charge of sedition , if they recommended 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 » new standard cf 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 tffect He thought it bad policy to lay down any plan which they were not certain would be very generally adopted .
Mr ., Woodwatd was opposed to the motion . The majority of the Charti&ts of Brighton were net teetotallerp , but he would not a'low it to be asserted that they were not as good Chartists as any body of men . He could state the good effect which they had produced in his neighbourhood by . recommending the plan cf non-ehlisttnent ; . but if it interfered with the law they would be wrong in reconnnending it . Mr . Powell , thought if this motion was carried into effect , it would be raising up a spirit of despotism—a feeling towards which was already too prevalentiii some parts of the country . Mr . Pitkfcthiy 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 .
Mr . Bairstow moved that thp consideration be postponed sine die . Mr . M 'D . 'uali seconded the motion . Mr . Leachstated 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 be had opposed it . He bad since seen those men so drunk that they had run their heads against a lamp-post . This savoured somewhat of inconsistency . He thought that if they passed it , no good would be effected : the Chartist bony would still take a glass of ale if they thought lit . He as an individual should not feel ' ¦ himself bound by it , even if they passed the resolution . A Paine arid a Washington , and other great men , wha would be immortalised 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 mixing them up with any other quention whatever .
Mr . Djyle , in a humourous speech , oppossd the resolution . ' _ ' . ; . Mr . O'Connor withdrew his amendment . Mr . Philp , in an eloquent manner , replied . It was not for the purpose or * raising Up any new test for Chartism ; it was only for the purpose of giving a high moral tone to the people ; it would give them a wish for intellectual pursuits ; it would teach them to think ; and if recugnizsd by such an important body as this Convention , it would greatly tend to promote its adop tion . It had been said that Sir Robert Peel would
pounce upon them if they adopted this resolution . He was ratheir surprised to hear this from men who had weathered the battle arid the breez ? . He thought that the Whigs had so far proved the inefficiency of imprisonment , that it Would not again be adopted . They haa by those trials spread far and wide the principles of Chartism , and he knew that , if necessary , they would again dare all that a government could do against them : Mr . Philp then stated , that seeing the names of Messrs . Leach nnd Bairstow attached to a paper aa pledged teetotallers , he trusted they would support the reaor lution . ¦' .- . ¦ ^ : ¦ : ¦ ' ; ¦ ¦ - ¦ ¦¦ . ¦ . ' '" : - " . "• . ¦ ¦
Mr . Leach explained that his name was a forgery . Mr . Bairstow stated that his name had teen aent by a teetotaller , without his consent . ; Mr . Bairstow ' s amendment was then put , and seven persona voted for it . V 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 voted for it , and 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 Towir Hamlets was then re * celled . . . ' ¦• ¦ ' : ¦' . ' v . - . ••>¦'•¦• ¦ 7 , ' . 77 7 ; . .. ¦' ' : Mr . Treadweli having explained their views to the ¦ Conyentipn ,.: ; . 77 :: . ¦* ; ¦ .. ; .. - . - { .. ¦ - . .- . ' 7 .- - -V , ' \ - - , •' . ' . ; -r Mr . O'Connor moved a vote of thanks to the deputation , and that the subject be referred to the agitation committee . ; .. , ¦ ¦ " . - "" . ' ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ¦ ¦ : ";¦ . ¦*¦ ¦ ' . ¦ : ; ¦ " ¦ ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' ¦ i Mr . Powell seconded the motlbn . Mr . Stallwood moved that the Conyentldn 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 raturning as many Chartists as possible to the next Parliament - ¦ .: ¦ . ' : ¦"¦ "¦¦ ¦ . ¦¦ ¦ ¦ " 7 " 7 ¦ : - ' y . 7 ¦ ¦' ¦ 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 . Warburtoni Hume , and C ? .
Mr . Pitkethly perfectly agreed with the resolution , but they had failed in carrying it out at the last election , and he was fearful they wpnld how . Public opinion had not progressed much during 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 persons in theHou 8 eof Commons , and backed by the pressure from , without , would do 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 , ' ¦' .. The strength of the people abouM always be directed against the party in power—their battle ihusi now be directed against the party in power . He thought that new they were in a much bttter position as regarded organisation than they ever had been previously . Ireland , as at present situated , weuld be an efficient ally to them . There was not a Repealer in Ireland who was not a-Chartist ; and they would sooner unite with them than with the Tories . It was the opinion of some that it was necessary to have upwards of half the House in their favour to constitute a majority . If thirty Chartists were in that 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 remained ^ flrmly 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 as a wheel within a wheel . They must look to the machinery of the corporate bodies , and they would find that the Whigs -would sooner coalesce with them than with the Tories . Once get possession of this machinery , and they would then be : able to influence the jurymen and the magistrates . They would not then be enabled , as they had done previously , to call out the militia . h , nd to imprison and convict you from tbe jurybox . 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 attick upon the Tories , as they were the party who now occupied the garrison of corruption . If they carried out this plan , instead of being compelted to attack the enemy in an undisciplined stale , they would be able to attack them , well disciplined and marshalled , and then they would be certain of
eucces ? . Mr . Biirstow seconded the motion ; he thought that if carried but , even by the present limited constituencies , they would fee able to return thirty or forty Chartist memeers to the House of Commens . Mr . Thomason thought with Mr . O'Connor , that if they intended to carry out the object , they ought to array themselves in an . organised form ; if they 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 twoyeara 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 talenta to the cause of tke people .
Dr . MD ^ uall admired the spirit ; of the resolution ; but after they bad formed these Electoral Committees they must leive it entirely to their own judgment , and ' not trammel them with any recommendations as to whether they should coalesce with Whig or Tory . If be again * tood for Northampton , as most probably he should , he should staud : pn Chartist principles alone , discarding both Whig and Tory ; and from the manner iu which their representatives had acted , and from Peel ' s tariff scheme , he had no dcubt he would be supported by the great majority of the Northampton tradesmen . ; The motion was eventually deferred until after the presentation of the National Petition , Mr . O'Connor 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 ( i 00 persons .
Mr Pitkethly presented a petition from Hull with 7 , 400 signatures . He requested that the report of Hebdeh Bridge signatures should be corrected . It stated in the Slar 3 > 400 signatures ; it it had onght to have been 5 , 400 . Mr . MoLc 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 had no objection to every man having a vote , but-those who possessed property should be entitled to more than one vote . A letter was received by Mr . Morgan Williams , from Wales , with an inclosure for tbe use of the Convention , on the condition that not one farthing should go to any one who waB not a whole ; hog Chartist . Mr- Beesley moved the following resolution : —
" Thatthe Convention tecpnimenQs . to the country the necessity of bringing forward Chartist candidates at the next general electiori ; 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 . " Mr . Beesley ably supported this motion . Let them take their seats in that House / and let them be ejected by force ; and if they theuijht proper , carried to the Tower ; they wouldthen see ' whether the people would allow them to be quietly in prison . It was : useless to carry " their candidates by a stow cf hands , -unless they were prepared to go farther . If they did this , they would place the Government in a very awkward posU tion ; 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 any more child ' s play , petitioning was a mere farce —(" No ")—a person eaid no , it was useful for creating public opinion , but it was a mere farce upon the part of the Government ; this would be a test whether they were longer determined t * be contented slaves , or whether they were determined to be free ; it would show whether the Government would longer be allowed to ride rough-shod over t ' Aem ; he expected they would have to endure prosecution and persciition 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 that 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 he Was not daunted , but would for one earry it out oven at the risk of again meeting that fate ; there was no prospect of their being ejected from that House , for . they would nesver be able to obtain admission , but he trusted Mr . Beesley would postpone his motion , and atttr the f ate 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 . Leach in the Vice chair . Presents-Messrs . Beealey , M'Pherson , Harrison , Bairstow , Thomason , Powell , Ridley , Roberts , Leach , Doyle , Philp , Williams , Mason , Moir , White , Woodward , O'Connor , Campbell , Pitkethly , and Duucan . Minutes read and confirmed . Mr . Thomason reported that he had attended a trade meeting , and they were unanimous in coming out to support the procession . Mr . Bairstow reported that he badattendeda large and enthusastic meeting en Stepney-Green .
Mr .-Pb . Jlp wished to have a mistake corrected which occurred in the report of his speech in the Northern Spar , It appeared from the statement in that Journal ; that be asserted that divisions existed in the Deverills ; he had s ? ated that the greatest unanimity prevaijed in those villages , and that they were more united than the older towns in the association . The reporter asserted thathe Still believed the report in the Star to be correct . Mr . Ridley affirmed the same . Mr . O"Connbr fctated that an error might easily occur . Mr . Roberts bore testimony to the general correctness aud fairness of the Londonreporter to : the Star .
A deputation was heard from the locality of Stepney Green , respecting the attendance of detegateB at public meetings , which gave rise to considerable disciission . The deputation also requested the Convention , according to a suggestion thrown out by them , that they would take means to procure banners for the ensuing pror cession . '¦ ¦ ¦ > ¦' .. -. ; ¦;¦'¦ 7 / ; : ' v . ¦ ;¦ • . ; . ¦ . ¦ ¦;¦"" , . . 7- The thanks of the Convention was then given to the deputation . ' ;; .: . •';¦ . ;;•' - ¦¦ ¦¦; ' -: ' : ¦"¦ ¦/ . '¦ '¦' ¦ . " . ¦ " : ' . ; Mr . White reportedthat h& had ^ attended ameetingof shoemakers at the Fitfa Head , Old Bailey , and was favourably received . 7 7 Mr . Woodward repoited thathe had attended a meeting of 8 heemaker 8 , at the Golden Lion , and that they were unanimous in joining the proce'slon , and gave orders to their Secretary to warn a 1 their body to attend . ¦ ¦ ' 7 ' : \ : \ . . . " . ' . :- ' \ '¦ ¦' , ¦; ¦'' . ' 7 . ' . ;¦ ' ¦ ¦ : - ' Mr . Mason reported inas ' milar nannar from a body of joiners
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Mri Doyle gave a satisfactory report from a body of bricklayers they intended to form a CharHat locality . A considerable number of sheets of petitions Were received from various places , but we did not ascertain their correct niimben - . ¦ : \ :- ' - " A petition was presented by Mr . Stallwood , froia "Great Marlow , containing 400 Bigiiatnres . 7 Mr . Wnite stated that he had received accounts that the people around Stbarbridgewere going in masses of twenty or thirty , taking food where they could find it and that they were in the greatest dietress . ; '
Petitions were presented from Liverpool , with 32 , 000 signatures ; frorn Cheltenhani . Wolverhampton , Duhferraline , Staleybridge , Cirencester , parlington , Bingley , Wottbn-under ^ Edge , Bury , Bradford , Kewcastle-under-Lyne , Norwich , London , Harleston , Bury St . Edmonds , Bath , Woolwich , and various other places , from the agriculturists of the North and East Ridingof Yorkshire , with 14 , 840 signatures { Northampton 2 500 ; Kettering 2 , 066 ; Davcntry 1 , 052 ; Oundle 350 ; Long Buckby 800 ; Eye 200 ; Pitsford 400 . 7 ' - . ¦ . . . 7 . . ¦ ¦ "' ¦ ¦ ; '¦¦¦ ¦ - ; -7 ; . . . ; - ; . 7 ' ¦;¦;¦/¦ ..- ' ; /¦ ¦/ . / , . 7 . ; ¦ Mr . O'Connor read a letter respecting the East and North Riding of Yorkshire , explaining the separate districts , and stating the petitions came from places where no signatnrea bad 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 elect 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 bad been desirous of electing him , as no such subject was ever brought before them . Mir . Mason explained in connection with that letter that he had been in conversation with six of the most
influential persons in Coventry : he could , if necessary , state their uames ; but he would simply state that they considered it would 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 no 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 . He had not been invited to attend the Conference by a public meeting or by the Council of Coventry . . ' . - . .. \ . \ ¦ ¦;' : ¦ ¦ ..-. ¦ -.: v ; -.. ¦ 7-- . ' ¦ . 7 . -
Letters were read from Salford i 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 of What the Charter really was . Also from Bradford , stating , that they had sent the petition sheets to Mr . Due com be ; and likewise stating that the Whigs in the town had now deserted Mr . Sturge on the plea thathe went teo far for them ; that the Chartists were determined upon adhering to their principles , and Standing by the Charter name and all . Also from Newton , enclosing £ l for the use of the Convention ; arid from Ddwsbnry , enclO 8 ini ? i £ 2 . ^ : . ' ¦• - ¦
Letters were read from Yorkshire showing that the greatest exciternent prevailed , owing to a report that Government intend interfering with the Convention ; from Rippohdale requesting information respecting the bill-poatftt who had been arrested and fined forpOBting Chartist bills , and wishing to know whether he was the only victim ; from Nottingham , stating that they had divided the town into twelve districts , and were procuring signatures to a requisition of electors calling upon the Members for the borough to support Mir . Duncombe ' s motion , that a deputation from the working classes be heard at the bar of the House of Cornnions ;
from Worcester , stiting that they had forwarded their petition to London ; from Ashton , stating that the Rev . Mrl Stcphen 8 had been grossly libelling them , and that they appointed a deputation to wait upon him respecting the calumnies in the Slanchester and Salford Advertiser—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 would obtain the Charter he would not do it : the Convention , heasserted , was not composed cf working men ; and that these statements . of . Mr . Stephens had . dOue them great ibjury in the obtaining of signatures . ' . " .
A petition was ( received from Mr . John Hinr ' cg , of Shoreham . stating that owing to his having taken the chair at a Chartist meeting , which was conducted with tbe greatest decorunt , he [ had been deprived of a pension , which he had well earned in facing the batUe and tue breeze . He had applied to the lords of the Admiralty on this subject , but had received an answer from the secretary that he was not a fit person to receive a government pension . He had presented a petition to Parliament on the subj ect , but it had been laid on the table , and no notice taken of it . ~ B . e bad 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 means of purchasing a boat , nets , &c , that he might , by this method , gain a living .
Mr . O'Connor moved the following resolution , "That the Convention take into consideration the best means forprotecting labour against those employers who apply it to artificial productien , and for ensuring to the working classes a supply of all the necessaries of life / independent of foreign countries or mercantile speculation . " He did not wish to infringe upon the rule laid down with regard to the length of time allowed to speakers . When they thought he was infringing on their time , he hoped they WGuld call him to time . He thought that the motion was one of great importance , and that at this period it was more than ever necessary . Ihe Charter was a new syitfem of government It waa nectssary t © secure fche cbntinaed approbation of the public that they should produce before them , in a tangibla
shape , the benefits ; to be derived from the adoption of the Charter . The public mind was noiy prepared for great changes ; the Charter would be the means of giving them a power of increading the productive resources of the empire y and secondly , the Charter would give them the means of more tquitably distributing that wealth . The representation of the country , aaat present constitued , was a mere nullity ; ' it was confined almost exclusively to the landed proprietors . The feudal system was still practically carried into effect Jn the laws of the country ; he considered the land to be the raw material of England ; they had often been told that the land e ' f England was not sufficient to afford the means of subsistence 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 presperity on © hundred millions of inhabitants ; and here he could not help adverting to the Corn Law Repealers ; theit plan was a bad substitute for the removal of all restrictions on the land . The country had been divided into two great parties , the landholdeBS and the newly sprung up maHufacturing interest . The manufacturers in the large towns had combined , and , by the aid of money , ' had obtained a toleration , and now they 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 aa enabled them to carry that measure ; but it had bsen useless to the great mass of the people , and
would continue , to be so unless they removed 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 upon other countries for a supply tffood ? This was the most fertile country in the world , and yet we were by these restrictions compelled to purchase food from foreign lands . In the Celestial Empire ( China ) , with its immense population , they had for the last fifteen years , onl y six milliona of acres of ground in cultivation , for grain ; there the Princes of the land , the Nobles of the country were engaged in the pursuit of agriculture . They considered this occupation as one of the most honourable to which the labour and the mind of man ccuVd be devoted . Lord Monteagle , the other ni « ht in
the House of Lords , dilated on the old exploded doctrine , of the political economists , that our population pressed upon the means of subsistence ; never was there a cornpleter fallacy uttered ; it was the restrictions upon land ; it was the old feudal power "Which landlords possessed over tenants ; it was the power of distress which they possessed , and the system of granting leases which pressed hardly on the means of subsistence , and not the incapability of the land to produce a sufficiency of food . Lord Monteagla stated that it was the increase of -our ' .-population " ' which caused us to be dependent on other nations for a supply of corn . Withiu the last fifteen years , our population bad it creased two millions , yet the same restriction as ever was imposed upon the land . It had been the custom .
when a tenant rented a firm , that b / e was bound by the lease only to break up two acr s , the remaindei was to be laid down in grass which he considered only to be the chief weed of creation ; if this restriction waa adequate to the production of a iufficiency of food at that period , it was not so at the present period ; suppose for instance that America , With a population of seventeen nnllions , passed a law prohibiting the txportation of foreign grain they would only break up such a quantity of land for the growth of wheat as would be sufficient Iji their present population , but if the population of America increased to one hundred millions of the inhabitants , the demand would consequently be greater ; and if their laws prohibited the breaking up of more land , they would be placed in a similar situa « tion to ourselves . They could not interfere with the power of machinery , every man was affected by its working ; if it displaced manufacturing labourersiin the country , they immediately worked their way up to
London , and thus created a surplus population for " the masters to fall back upon . They were not aiming for the restriction of machinery , it would be a violation of reason and of justice , if they did so . The land was the only resource the working man had capital sufficient to engage in profitably working upon it himself . It had been stated that they / were employing their energiea on the iroste lands of the country ; this wa » not correct He considered the waste land " ta be th « cold meat in the larder , which might be left iu . reserve 1 for a century to come . Tne lands already in cultivation would be amply sufficient for our population , if cultivated in an improved manner ; they might be brenght to a degree of fertility equal ia comparison to the finest linen over the undressed flax . The land was not cultivated to one-fifth of its power ef production . Land was the only raw material which appeared from their conduct not to be worthy of an in > proved . cultivation , and yet this was the only raw material on which they could rely for all tbe necessaries ( Continued in our fifth paged
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6 - ¦ " THE NORTHEEK STAR , .. . ¦"'" . / . " . . ¦'¦' ¦ ¦;¦ . v .. j . . ' - . : ';/ .. ; : ' ; . ; , ;;^" ^^ ;; : ; - : t ' ,: ^ - : : .: :: ^
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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-ncseproduct596/page/6/
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