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GREAT CONFERENCE AT '' BIRMINGHAM .
( Continued from our last . ) THURSDAY , DECEMBER 29 . —Third Da * . The Conference assembled at nine o ' clock this jaorning . Mr . Starve having resigned the chair ^ the first iusiiess was to appoint bis snecessar . Oa tie motion of Mr . 0 'Co . ysob , Mr . O'Hiegins , of Dahlia , was called to the chair . Thai $ entleinan ianng taken the chair , offered a few observations recommendatory of abstinence froaa ail irritating feeling , ana justifying tivs ' -curs * whsch . lho advocates of the Charier h * i - ^ lved upon . The next business o ! i - ¦ she sppointtneril o" a Secretary , sad on the morion ef Mr . K ) 'Cqns - > . * , Mr liOfett was appointed to the oSes .
Mr . Hossox , of Leeas , nroTed fiat a depatxtion "be appointed to - * raiton Mr- Morgtn , tbe l&ts Secretary , to request Jum , in the name of the Conference , io deliver up the minutes-of the ^ roceedings , & copy of the b . ll , and all other documents which tie Conference were entitled to possess . In accordance -with this resolution , ^ deputation was appointed and after waiting upon Mr . Morgan , Mr . Moib , of Glasgow , reported that the hits Se-¦ cretsry had expressed his --perfect willingness to hand over to the Cocitrencs tU documents to " "Which Jbey were entitled . The SECEEXiBTTead the following letter from Mr . 3 $ arg 3 B , announetng his resignation : — " Binoingbani , Dec . 29 th , 3 842 .
** Sm , —I tabs the liberty of forwardini ; to ycur -care the escloted copy <> f the miiwites of " * be Con'ferencs . " The period having-arzived in which I feel that my dnty as a ddegate called upon me to decline acting "with the msaonty of the Conference , it is obrioos that my attendance as Secretary would involve ail parties " in some degree of unnecessary pain . I thtrtfure think ~ 8 iat I sibaS . most condtce to the prcsfcrsattm of that peseefnl discussion "wfcich onght ever to cB&racteriza -great" assemblies of tia representatives of the peopie . by binding to yon this xeaigDaaoa , instead of giving any personal attendacoe to present it .
" At the same tice , I beg yon wrill convey to the gentlemen over whKn yon preside my gratitude for tbe candid forbearance exercised towards me , and an as-Eurance of Hiy miserable desire for the political and social happiness of my country . " 1 am , Sir , " Tonr obedient Servant , WiI 2-lAiI 3 IOKGA 3 S . "JTo the Clreinnan of the Meeting ofiBdegates . "
The resignation of Sir . Morgan was accepted . Mr . Sana , of Liverpool , suggested that a vote of 'thanks should be given to Mr . Morgan , for bis ser-Tices—{ H ^ ar , hear , and No , no , ) Mr . TIoBSDK , of Leeds , said he shonld oppose such & notion , as he sever conld coa ? ent to give a rote of thanks to a man who had deserted his post —( Hear , Lear ) , Mi . Ssuth did not offer any resolution on the subject , and thematter dropped . Mr . O'CoEsrB moved the adoption of tbe minntes of the previous entnu ^ s proceeding- - and after some objectioas on the part of Mr . ¦ £ . ' < B £ Krs , the motion ¦ was pnt and earned .
The ReT . Mr , Soiaet moved the adoption of the resolutions moved by Mr . Be ^ g . -, « -n the firgt day of the . sitting , wiih the exception of th ^ fourth , recog-Bizing the-bfil of the Complete -SnfiVsge Association , as a baas of discussion , and substituting the amendznentaaoTed hy X-r . Loveis , that the Charter shouid be the-hasis of disenssion . "With this alteration , the motion was adopted . Mt ^ Kkjsle proposed the appeintment of an ExecntiTfi Committee . Mi . "W : e = t seconded the motion ' . Mr . Wii&iysox opposed the motion , on theground that Ifc-would be nnadvisabie to -take out of the Conferenee a dozen Delegates , to -examine doenments "which coold as well he disposed « 1 by the Conference at large .
Mr . Sobekts moved , a 3 an aaeEdment , that the Conference iiself be the Esecnjwe Committee . Mr . Whkissox seconded the amendment , and it ¦ WS 3 pni-and agreed to . Axesolntion was then moved and adopted , that the Conference shonld go into a discassion of ihe clauses in the Charter . Tne CH ± ra 3 iA 3 read the preamble , which was as follows : — * ' An Ad-ic prvride / or ihe just JlepKat ^ nialion of the Beop- 'e of-Greoi Britain and Irtlokd , in ike Commons ' Hesss . ef P-eariiamad .
" 'Whereas , to inscre , in as ? ai as it is p-sable by human forethought and wisdom , the jast government of the people , it is necessary to subj = ci those who have the power of making ihe laws to a ¦ wholtsome and strict Te-pcnsibility to tiiose whos * < iaty it is to obey ¦ them vrhsn srade : And -whereas , this TespansibDity is best enforced ¦ throuca the instrumentality i > f a bc-d-y -K-hieh emanates directly fcom , and is itself immediately sntvjrct to tht whole peopJe , and which completely 3-epreSents their leeliugs and tbeir interests :
And whereas , as the Commons' Hosse of Parliament now txtrcises in the name and on Ibe -eapposed behalf of the people , the power of making the lawa , it on ^ iit . in order to fnlfil with wisdom and ¦ with honesty the -great duties imposed on it , to be made -the faithful and -accurate representation of the people ' s wishes , feelings , -and interests : — BZ IT THESETOaE EXACTED , That bom and after thB pasang of ibis Act , every
male inhabitant of these realms be entitled to vote for the elecfiGn of a Member of Parliament , -Enigect , how--erer , to thefelloinngconditions : — 1 Tnathe be a cinzin of these leaims . 2 . That ce i > s twenty-one years of age . . 3 . That he £ 23 act btren declared jTngyrm by a jury . 4 . That he has net been convicted of felony . . 5 . That he has . not been convicted of bribery at ¦ decticms , or of personation , or furgejy of election certiileates .
- £ . That the Seeretsay of State for the Home Department shall appoint three competent persons as commiBsionfcis , and as mmy finb-commissioners as ' saay W uecessarj for setlljn ^ tbe boundaries of each of the three hundred eltctaxal districts , and so on from time to time , -whenEVfei a n&c decenninal census of the people betaken . 7 . That the necessary expenses of the said comrais jdoners , Enb-commiEsioners , clerks , and oiha persons -employed by them in the performance of their duties , lie paid ont of tts public treasury .
KESISTRATION OFFICERS . Be it -euacted , that for the purpose of procerisj ; an accurate registration of voters—far finally adjudicating in . all cases of Ejections made against pezsons elsiaicg to be legistewd—for receiving the nomination of the Members of Pathamsnt , aad Tetuming offieeri , and declaring their election—as well as for conducting .-inn R ^ enntendisg gll parties connected with registrsAioa , nomination , and elections , according to the provisions of this Act , the following officesa be appointed :
1 Ketnrnin ;; © fieers for each eiectoral district 2 . Deputy letarnvng effieers foe each district . 3 . The parish clerts for the time being in every ¦ narju'h BE 5 XHSI 5 G OlflCEB ., A > J ) HIS DniES . 1 . Be it enacted , that at the first general election after the pasBitg of ihis Act , a returning efficer be elected for every electors ! dictrict throughont &e kingdom , and bo in Hie manner al the end of eYay three years . 2 . That at the « nd of erery ench period , the Tetnrning officerfor each ^ districi ha noniia ^ ttd in like mann er and elected at the same time as tia Member of Piriiament for the district . He shall be ^ ligible to be ie-elccted .
3 . That -racacciea occasioned by thB deatt , remcval , or resgnation , of the retnrc ; ng efficer , shall , in like manner be filled np as vacancies for Members of Parliament , for theanexpired term of the ths » years . i Thst every retaining cffieer ^ ikU appoints deputy returning c&eai for a «^ ay of election , for erey Imlio ^ place within nil district , asd in all e&tss be SotrStii *• ^ faMment rf tte d ^ fiirt ^ 5 ^ f *? t * ae Tetuming officer to * ee the same to the parochial aathnritip ^ ^ ^^ sxszr ^ ^ KysssB lle
v ^ Sf ^ that Proper bsiloting places ^ ' ^ cb . vtozt ^ recfions as may be necesaryf bV ^ TidS ' hy-eaeh pa ^ h ( or any mber ttat aay be ^ Seoi andthat the balloting hose * be made and jSSfil * scoi ® ng to the proriaons of this Act P" ™* ) 7 . TJbat he receive the lists of voters from all the ' pansha , ia his district , in which lists dau b 7 marvS or ^ ec ^ ed the names of the peaons who have beeni olgected tohy the parish . ler ^ oTany other ^ ont s ^ sssryfi StfK " Act "; and also that instead nf « , « f » JS ^?_ i
ftnowmg words should he inserted , » That h / ie JJt mdezgoiDg the sentence of ihe law / at OefcJi wl jwUed onto exercise the deohwfrfrftfH au . JjoynsscT seconded the motion-M fi ^ jtage of the proceediiyjva resoluKon w ^ ^ oposea Md earned , for Che admS ofTS V ® u , * y * JtnesB the proceedings of the Confeteni . Mr ,-Wuaiuis , of Snncerland . moved a 7 an aaandgient on the iiroposition of Mr . Pairv that tS ^^ S ^ S'l **¦? theoiy * B »^ ConstitutioiJi" shonld be snbsritnted . JtAx ; Phup , ef Sao ^ oreagh , seconded the amernJ-
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The Chairjus read the preamble which was as follows — ** Whereas , upon the true theory of the British Constitution every male person of full age is party to maMng an Act of Parliament being present thereat by his representative ; and whereas it is notorious that the laws which have long prevailed in the choice of members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament , have failed to carry ont sach theory into practice ; and whereas it 13 expedient to take effectual measures to render the theory aad practice i of the cosstitntion uniform , by securing to every i m ^ la person of full age toe Tighv % o 'vote in the j caaice of his represeiitstive in Parliament , as beinji the delegate to whose « harge is committed the dis-J possl of his property , his liberty , and feiB life , and
t 1 , ] for dus purposeto grata * the righs of Tetxrning Tepre-• sentadves to distaricts haying » n eq « al amount of I population in -evetj county , to provide that the ! elfcOCion of each -shall be a * nual , and by way of ¦ b&Rot , that anyjptrson qualified to be an elector »* y i be chosen tobearepresenUSive , and that all aem-; btrs he paid ^ f © r their services nod charges ie the i-exeeution of -their office : Be it therefore enacsod by I the Qaeen ' sTnost Excellent Majesty , by and with the . advice and-o » nsent of tbe Lords-Spiritual and Temporal aad Gommons , in this present Parliament as' sembledj and by xhe asthority « f the same , that the 1 ' provisions « of this Act ^ ball -commence and taie > effect froa . and after the end-ef the preseat Session
' of ParliKnent . ! " And 3 > e it enacted , that all laws , statutes , and n 5 ages , ahall be and the same are hereby repealed , ¦ in so far as they may be inconsistent or at variance ¦ with ths provisions of this Act . ! " And be it enacted , that -every male person , of full ; age , shall , if duly registered according to the pro-: visiocs hereafter contained , be entitled to vote in ! the -election of a member to serve in Parliament for 1 tbe tistrict in which he shall be so registered . " I A long discussion ensued on this amendment , into ' wh ? cb we ha ^ e not now time to enter . On a division , the amendment was lost by a large majority . The preamble of the Charter , therefor * , with the alterations proposed by Mr . Parry , was ' esTried .
The Conference then went into Committee on the clauses in th « Charter , and at the close of the evenii g ' s sluing , one half ol them were got throngh . Various alterations and amendments were proposed , some of which were agreed to , and others negatived . 1 $ is important to state that > he following reso-Intion , proposed by Mr . O'Con . nqb , was adopted unanimously : — " That any alterations which may be proposed to , and rpcived , by the niajurijy of this Conference , shall be submitted to the whole people , for the purpose of testing public opinion , witb respect to these alterations , with the view of submitting them to any future Conference , and called by the whole people . " The proceedings were adjourned at eight o ' clock . FRIDAY-Fochth DaT . Mr . O'HiGGixs took the chair at half-past nine o ' clock .
Tbe Secretary read the minntes of the previons afternoon ' s sitting , which were ordered to bt eonfirnittd . Mr . Kobebts said that in th « Times newsp . iper which had reached Birmingham that merning , it was insinuated that tha Conference would go off on a clam of prioriety . on tbe part of the Chartist party , met by a similar claim by the Complete Suffrage party . Now , it tras well known that Mr . Lovett had offered to withdraw his amendment , if Mr . Be ^ gs , would have consented to adopt the same course with regard to the original resolution—( hear , hear ) . But in order that the Conference might understand how the matter really stood , he won id take the liberty to read the terms of tbe invitation by which they bad been convened . Mr . Roberts then read as fallows : —
" We therefore advise that Public Meetings be called by advertisement or placard , giving not less than four clear days * notice in every town throughout the Kingdom , inTitin ? the inhabitants to elect representatives to hold a 2 Vationa ] Conference at Birmingham , on Tuesday , the 27 th of December , 18 * 2 , for th « purpose of preparing a Bill to be submitted to Parliament , for securing the just representation of the ¦ whola people ; and for determining on sach peac ful , legal , and constitutional means as may cause it to become tbe law cf these realms . "
I 3 was true , indeed , that the object of this proceeding was to cbaagt : the Dame of the Charter . Well , they were to 3 d of that before hand , bst many of them did n >» t believe it . It was plain that the Complete Suffrase party intended that the future agitation of the question should ro on under the name of the " Bill of Bights , "' and on that account be ( Mr . Roberts ) was rlad that the advocates of the Charter bad stoo 3 np so manfully for the inviolability of their principlesicheersj . Who did the proposition come from ? It casie from a body of men—a society known by the desienatiiin of Friends , "—a society whose pertinacious
adherence to forms and ceremonies , perhaps indifferent in themselveB , but which served as symbols of tbe persecution they had endured —( hear , hear ) . Were the advocates * f the Charter , then , to be blamed , if they displayed the same pertinacity in favour of their principles , as did the society of Friends in favour of their symbols ?—[ bear , hear , and cheers ) . He culled upon the supporters of the Chiller to cirry to victory the standard under which they had so Ion ? struggled—a standard ntver stained by one act of disboncnr on the p :. rt of those who had stood forward iin its defence—( cheers ) . He now begged to move the fo lowing resohitiun : —
" Thai in the opieion of thi 3 Conference , the members of the Complete Suffrage Union , who have abruptly retired from the discussion , have not exhibited fiifod Jaith , but , on the contrary , have acted in direct violation of tie terms on which they were called together . Tbe country were invited to send delegates to Birmingham , for the purpose , amongst other things , of ' Preparing a Bill to be submitted to Pajj ! iament for securing the just representation of the whole people . ' At a sacrifice almost too great for them to bear , tbe country responded to this invitation , and at a large expense of time , loil , and money , elected delegates for the purpose of so preparing the bill above-mentioned ; in the full and fervent hope i-hat their united tfforts .
while they would give ne precedence or priority to any individual section , would result in a cordial union of all classes of reformers , for the purpose of securing a just representation of the whole people in the Commons' Monse of Parliament The delegait-s met together * ad proceeded to the business for which they wereelected . On the first day of their discussion , a declaration of principles was proposed bv Mr . Beggs , oni . be part of the Compl * t « Suffrage Union , which declaration insisted , ' That the liill to be presented i > y the Council of the Complete Suffrage Union , be taken as the basis of discussion . ' The Chaitist body opposed -. his claim to priority in favour of a Bill which they had never se ^ n or beard , and wbieh had never been
reea or beard except by the members of the Complete Suffrage Unicn : they anxiously and often sought the withdrawal of the offensive and insulting distinction , but thfir r < qs ^ st was met with a determined and emphatic refusal . The Chartist body . then , rather than admi ; ihe clais : of priority and precedence required i > y the Complete Suffrage body , proposed as an amendment a declaranun * that the document called the People ' s Charter should form the basis of discHssion , ' and this amendment , after a long and temperate debate was carried by t majority o : 193 to Si . And then , for the firs : time , tfct > Conference were informed by their Chairman , Mr . Joseph S urge , that ha and the members of the Complete Suffrage Union should now retire from the Confeeance , and fiom the farther diseassion for which they had assembled
together . This conduct of Ae Complete Suffrage Uaioa appears to the Conference an unfair desertion of their duty . They btlieTf-a that if the country had before the deerion 3 been informed of the intention of the Complete Suffrage feody to retire from the discussion , unless an invidious priority were given to the bill o . er the People ' s Charter , no CharUit censdtuency would hate thought it requisite or desirable to send delegates to the discussion—a _ disenssion -which must tims necessarily have resulted in disappointment . It is therefore the opinion of this Conference that the Complete S'iffrage Union ought , in the first instance , to have avowed their intention ; and that bv no : doing so , they have evinced a want of good faith sad honest purpose .
Mr . OCosxofi seconded the motion . Mr . MOIR , of Edinbro , had not hitherto troubled the Conference much with remarks uf his own , bnt he conld not then omit the opportunity of saying that there seemed to be a disposition on the part of some persons , and those the advocates of Complete Suffrage , to get rid of the Chartists as a body of . awn whese principles were inimical to the welfare of societyifcear , hear ) . Now , surely , if this were an argument ia iavonr of such persons , it were equally bo if directed by the Chartists against them—( hear , hear ) . What WMthe object of both parties , or rather the professed ? - > T ' A corfiial union oJ tte two ? Wsb the union ivSely to be brought about by such " insurrections" as f ~ t " ' ' **) ' He caHed npon the Conference to be camnstent , aad not to stultify its own proceedings by psndenng to expediency—( cheers ) t
^* L »*? i lfi ° of Wi « ' « a raembet of the aooety Dilated to by Mr . Roberts , beggei to say , in reference towhat had fallen from that gentleman , tha . those who had caused the secession from the Conference , V » er * not members of the uociety , but those who were the Terj elements of discord—( cheers ) . He had no sympathy wfth their proceedings , or otherwise he should not baro been there—( bear , hear ) . Mr . Lotett regretted that this resolution had been introduced , because t * ef had carried a vote of thanks to Mr . Sturge , and had ' ateost reiterated the feelingB of Mi . Spencer , tkat they ¦ % ' ^ nid run in parallel lines . He regretted the introduction 0 / that resolution , too , because he thought that such words as" " dishonesty" and " want or faith , " manifested hostility to the Complete Suffrage Association—( hear , and no , no ) . . H * hoped it would not be agreed to . He admitted the pTopriety of putting forth a statement of facts , bat he deprecated the introduction of words calculated to generate hostility . The
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great principles of democracy r ecogn ! z 9 d the right of every man to set f rth thsir opiuienB honestly and boldly , as to the salvation of t £ e country and the social condition of the people . The right he claimed for himself , he conceded to others . ' ind he regretted to see high intolerant hostility mamft ated in thiB resolution . If the Conference adapted it they would keep up the intolerant spirit , which he . had hoped they were met to have prevented . He should move that the wordB " want of good faith" and " honest purpose * ' should be expunged from tbe . resolution —( hear , bear , and no , no ) .
Dr . "Wade second ed the proposition , but in doing so , be could not help expressing the indignation he felt at the manner in which tbe Conference had been treated—( hear , heaH . Bke did not believe that any real Chartist would nave come there , if he had thought that the " Bill of Rights , " as it was so termed , was to have been taken as the basis of discussion—( hear , hear ) . At the Bame tane , it would answer no useful purpose to foment disunion , and for the sake of avoiding that he should support the motion made by Mr . Lovett . In doing so , be did not think that he was at all compromising the
great principle which they bad in view . He thought that the advocates of tbe Charter weuld stand in a more honourable and excellent position if they altered the Teao ution , as suggested by Mi . Lovett , than to sanction it in its present shape . He did not wish them to sacrifice « ne iota of tbe principle of the Charter , but rather that , as j , bedy of men knowing their own rights , they were determined to abide by them—( Cheers . ) If the Complete Suffrage Associatien did not choose to unite with them , let them the' go on in their own way , and the advocates of the Charter would go on in theirs—fheaT . hear . )
Mr . Roberts here consented to expunge the words , bonest purpose , '' JIt . Colqcuoi ; n movrd that the resolution of Mr . R yberts be refi-rrt = d to a committee . Mr . Buchanan seconded the proposition . Sir . © Connor wa 3 strongly of opinion that the motives of Mr . Roberts , in bringing forward the resolution , had been misunderstood—( hear , hear . ) Mr . Lovfctt appeared to think that the advocates of the ChaTter had pledged themsu ' ves not to introduce a resolution of this kind . because thoy had proposed a vote © f thanks to Mr Sturge . No - , ha ( Mr O'Connor ) proposed that resolution , and he staged , at the time , that be would not enter into any discussion as to the itt-p which had been taken by tho Complete Suffrage
Association ; but that he would confine himself exclusively to a vote of thanks to Mr . Sturge , as their Chairman—( hear , hear . ) What had they been called together for ? To promote the adoption of th' ? Charter—( hrar , hear . ) That was his object in coining there . Supposing tiie advocates of the Charter hud failed to carry on tfcr . ir agitation ; suppose they had been left in a mino . ily , and suppose , f > r instance , upon such a dt-cisioni that they bad immediately seceded , would not the organs of the Chartists have represented such conduct as odious and tyrannical?—( hear , hear ; . Then , again , objection had bfcen taken to the resolution , on the ground that it w : \ s n slur on the society of Friends . So far from him ( Mr . O'Connor ) vitwiDgit in that light , he t » ok every word of it as a compliment to them for the manner in which they had borne their persecution — iliear , hear > . He would ask the Conference , could
they go away without expressiTig their opinions in the manner proposed by Mr . Rjbsrts ?—( sLouts of "No . Jin . "; After putting the country to aa expense of £ 2000 , to assemble delegates at Birmingham , olight they to separate without pspres .-ing their opinions on the maniier in which the Conference had been treated ? — ino , no ? . The resolution jpoku uf the cocduct of the Complete Suffrage Association , being a breach of good faith—; crieB of " It is ") . Was it nnt a breach of good faith ' —( yf 8 . yes ) . Was there ever a grosser violation of good faith ?—( no , j » o ) . Why , such conduct reminded him of a man who invited a number of guests to his fciblo , but when they had assembled he said , ' Here you ar& , bat unless yon sign a declaration you shan't eat your dinners "— ( hear , hear , and laughter ) . If there had been 300 delegates present , aiid 299 of them had voted for the Bill , he would have stuck to the , Charter—( cheers ) .
Mr . Campbell did not think that the Complete Suffrage party had sneaked out of the room , as seemed to be insinuated by some persons , for they had honestly avowed that they could not go along with the advocates of the Charter—( hear , hear ) . Mr . Williams said , that he could not allow the resolution to pass , some portion of which he most corliially suppjrted , and some poition of which he mos > t cordially dissented from , without taking this opportunity of statin ;; his sentiments . He thought that some matters bad been introduced into the resolution named not the
by Mr . R ^ b ^ rts . were strictly faot , and that some' expressions had been introduced which were o * jcctionab . e— iNo , no . ) He know thot he was addressing those who entertained decidedly different feelings and opinions . He did not think that it was strictly the fact tfcit tbe council had displayed badfai'h—( yes , yeB ) Tbe - elegatea had been called together to consider the details of a bill to be submitted to them by the council —( No , no . ) If they would read the programme , they would find his statement to be strictly the factiNo , no )
Mr . WuiTE thought they had had enough of Ions ; speechifying—( hear , hear . ) A statement ; of facts ought to « n forth to tbe world , showing the manner in which the Suffrage party had acted —( hear , hear . ) They had nailed delegates from all parts of England , Ireland , Scotland , and Walts , an < 1 then having got them together in Birmingham , because they would not submit to the dictation sought tu be practised by the Suffrage party , the latter walked out aud left the Conference—\ sbame ) He wished things to be calU-d by their proper names and be shonld vote for tha retention of the words . " bad fuith "—( cheers . )
Mr . Roberts claimed his right of rpp ' y ; but he would exercise it very britfly . He wished to set tbe meeting right with regard to a mistake into which Mr . Williams had fallen . The programme was not printed until tbe d * l 8 s ates met at Birmingham —( hear , heari . Tfsey were invited for the putpose of preparing u bill ; and uot tot&ke the bill that La < i already been prepan d —( loud cries of " hear , hear ") . It had been said that he had spokes in terms of co t « mpt of the body called Quakers for their attachment to the symbols of their opinions ; now so f-ir from wishing to convey such m eatiing , he thought adherence to them reflected the highest honour , and be urged it as a reason for a pertinacity on tfce pirt of the Chartists in adhering to their principles—ihear , hear ) . He contended that the
Complete Suffrage party hafl acted most inconsistently — ( hear , hear ) . It was just tne same as if a man , hiving invited 206 or 300 friends from a distance , either on . business or pleasure , without staging any terms for their conference , was to 'say to them that they must agree to a . certain principle before he would hold that conference ,-, whereas he must have known btfore hand that not a sian invited would agree to iticr ies of "hear , hear ") . For himself , he had attended that Conference at great personal inconvenience . He had Chartist trials to atttud to , and clients requiring his attention all over the kingdom ; and he declared that he would not have sacrificed the money of his constituents to submit to the conditions imposed by the Suffra § H party—tnear , hear ) .
The CsairmaS was decidedly opposed to any person or any body of men in that Conference seeking to cause a qaarrel between the two sections of reformers . He thought the best way to promote the object they had in view w ^ s to unite more firmly for the future , and not weaken themselves by useless bickerings about what had pasetxl . He would rather that this resolution had not been brought forward at all , and in order to show how far they were mistaken as to the feelings of the other party he would state a fact which he thought of no small importance . A discussion took place in the
Association Rooms , as to tbe admission of paupers to the electoral privilege . One member moved , and another seconded , a resolation , that no pauper should have a righi to vote , who had received paroehial relief three months prior to an ekctwn . Not a single member , save tha mover and seconder , voted for it—( hear , hear . ) This showed that the Association was firm to its principles , and he thought that whilst the Conference -were of opinion thai tke Suffrage party were mistaken in the course thoy had taken , they ought to give them credit for bonest intentions—( hear , bear . )
After a desultory conversation , the resolution was amended , by the substitution e ( bod iaslc for the terms bad faiih , and on being pat to the vote , it was carried with only two dissentients . The Conference then proceeded with tLe consideration of the remaining clauses in the Charter .
AFTERNOON SITTING . The Conference again assembled shortly after three o ' ciock , and the discussion on the clauses was resumed . This part of the business was got through at . five o ' clock . Mr . O'Cokxor moved that the Chairman do leave the chair , in order that the Conference , having been in Committee , might resume . This motion having been carried , and llr . O'Higuins having again taken the chair , Mr . Houso ^ moved" That the document which has been read before Conference , in Committee , subject to the suggested imendmsnts which have been agreed upon , be now submitted and agreed to as a whole . "
Mr . Brown , ef Lambeta , seconded the proposition . Mr . Parry said that } they had recognised in this 3 cume . it the rights of man , but they had said nothing > c > ut the rights of woman . —ilanghter ) . Gentlemen ¦ ound him - Nwere laughing , and it was quite possible , hen the rights of man were talked of in the House of ords , that they Bhould be met with the fame kind risibility as that which had been excited in the Conrence when he spoke of the rights of women . He id come to the Conference , impressed with thiB con * iction , that every aJult woman as well as every adult an , lought to possess the franchise ; bnt he should not
ien offer a motion on the subject , and for this reason , e should content himself by the simple expression of is opinion , that it was as trojast to deprive woman of : r rights as it was to deprive man of his rights uestionj ; and his only reason for not offering a resolution i the Bubject was , that it might be said he waa guilty of : oss impracticability , and that it would be assisting to : feat the efforts which were making to obtain the barter—ihear , hear ) . In order therefore that that wuld not be said , and in order that no Blur might be st upon the Conference , he declined moving a resolura , but at the same time he took that opportunity of
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sajing that in his opinion , the rights of woman ought to be as dear aud as sacred to her as the rights of man — ( hear , hear . ) Mr . O'Connor implored the Conference not to enter into the consideration of any such question . —{ hear , hear . ) Mr . Roberts observed that the Conference could not entartain the question , even if they were so disposed , because they were called to consider the rights of man and not the rights of woman—( hear , hear . ) Mr . Bucua . nan differed from Mr . Roberts . He could not call the Chatter a measure of fall justice , while it took , away tha franchise from the female part of the population—t Question . ) No delegate rising to offer any further observations on the question , the Chairman put tbe resolution moved by Mr . Hobaon , which was adopted unanimously and amidst considerable cheering .
Mr . Loveit moved , "That the People's Charter , being a bill to provide for tbe just representation of the people of Great Britain and Ireland , in the Commons ' House of Parliament , revised at a Conference of the people held at Birmingham , December , 1842 , with the suggested alterations printed in italic , be printed and circulated , previous to receiving the sanction of another Conference , to be called for that purpose . " Mr . O Connor seconded the motion , and it was agreed to . A resolution was proposed and adopted— " That Mr . dative be the publisher of the amended bill . " Mr . Cleave thanked the Conference for the honour , and said it was his intention to publish the bill , aa amended , in a double sheet of the Chartist Circular , and also another edition , suitable for the pocket —( hear , heat ) .
Mr . Hobson moved— " That Thomas SlingsbyDuncoinne , Esq . M . P ., be the gentleman to whose care the bill for securing the just representation of the whole people , now read aud adopted by this Conference , be conilded for the purpose of being introduced in a formal manner , to the House of Commons , and that Jobu Temple Leader , Esq ., be rt quested to second the motion for Jeave to bring it in . " Mr Roberts seconded tb . 9 motion . —Agreed to . Mr . Hobson said he found in the 7 th clause of the address inviting the country to convene this Conference thd following words : —V To express an opinion as to
the duty of tho people giving their countenance and support to all those who may suffer from espousing their cause . "—( hear , bear ) . That was one of tho ebjucts which they were met to consider , and he therefore begged to move— " Thai this Conference cannot separate without expressing its deepest and most sincere sympathy with the persons who ate now suffering , © r who may have suffered , from espousing the cause of the people , and advocating their ri ^ kt to a just and equal represent ittv « Government ; sad its consideration of their pre-eminent cl-iim to the sympathy , assistance , and support of the people , whom they have se well and so faithfully served . "'
Mr . RoiiEBTS seconded tho motion , and in doing so regretted the absence of members of the Complete Suffrage Association , because their presence might bo valuable in this instance . In Match next , sixty Chartists would have to tak <* their trials , and as society was constituted , there could be no doubt that these individuals would need all the assistance of their friends It was the duty of the Conference , therefore , to render them all the assistance in their power ; and he trusted that the names of John Frost and William Ellis would nevtr be absent from their memories , er that they would ever allow their efforts to cease , until under the protection of the Charter , they were restored to their native isle . —( cheeis ) .
Mr . Fussell , of Southwark , hoped that while they were in Birmingham , they would not forget that three persons had been exiled from that town , whose cases had scarcely ever bt'en beard of . At the present time , the poor unfortunate wife of Mr . Roberts—a temperance man , a member of the Church of England , ami he ( Mr . FusrbII i believed one of tbe , best members of the Chartist Association , was uow ia a starving condition —( hear , hear ) . She was desirous of exerting herself to obtain an honest livelihood , which she could do , if the country would only raise her the small sum of £ 10 to commence in business . Mr . Clauke , of Stockport , thought that the Conference ought to express an opinion on the judicial conduct of Lord Abinger during the late Special Commission— ( hear , hear , and no , no ) .
, Mr . Parry rose to order . He thought it would be a waste of time to enter into a discussion which could lead to no practical result . He was very much inclined to bring forward the unconstitutional conduct of Mr . Justice Cresswell , but for the reasons he had stated be should abstain from doing so . Mr . Haunev hoped that the names of Clayton and Hblberry , of She ( Bald , who had lived and died Chartists , would not be forgotten —( bear , hear ) . As tbe representative of tbe Chartists of that place , he could not return home , and look the widows of those true
aud brave men in the face , without doing all in bis power to alleviate their sufferings , by bringing their cases before tho notice of the Conference —( bear , bear ) . Mr . Cooper wished to announce that tha widow of William Ellis was then in the room , and that £ 3 had been collected for her—( hear , bear ) . She was now in the deepest distress , and the authorities bad threatened to place her in a bastllo —( shame ) . It had been said that she was to be taken care of by tbe father ami mother of her husband , but it was untrue , and there s emed to be a disposition to punish the uufortnnate woman still inure . by starving her—isuaine ) .
The resolution whs then put and carried unanimously , by acclamation . The Rev . Mr . Solley said that the resolution which he w : is about to propose must , under any circumstances , conio recommended to their best attention , but especially so on that occasion , seeing that they had an lrinhman in the chair— ( bear , hear ) . The resolution be wished to propose was —• " That this Conference of National Delegates hereby express in tbe strongest manner their earnest desire to promote a cordial , brotherly , and permanent good understanding between the people of this country , and our brethren in the sister kingdom of Ireland , and their determination to use their utmost endeavours to secure for tbe Irish people equal political and social rights , which they also desire to obtain for this country . '—( cheers \ .
Mr . Brown , of Saltmarsh , seconded the motion . The Chairman , before puttirjg the resolution , said that this was what be bad always t-xpected from the representatives of tbe English working classes , because he believed that the latter were anxious for the social and political amelioration of the same class in his owu country—( bear , hear ) When be first visited England , eighteen years ago , he observed that the people Were well fed , and well clad , and that there was scarcely * a poor man , or a beggar , to be oeen— ( hear , hear . ) At that : time he felt desirous that the coudition of the working classes of Ireland should present a similar appearance—( hear , hear . ) But , in fa's present visit , he found that class-legislation bad brought down tbe operatives of E : gland to a more degraded position than the working classes of Ireland were placed in —( loud cries of hear , hear ) Io every district he had travelled
throuRh . the people seemed to be crushed to the very facfe of tbe earth by this system , and be maintained that any man , priest or friar , lawyer or member of Parliament , who would oppose the efforts of the Conference to break down such a system , was the enemy of the people—( cheers . ) Tbe union of Eugland with Ireland had been brought about by men who sought to crush tbe people ; but if the peeple became thoroughly united , they would make it the dearest unioa that ever was heard of—( cheers . ! He thanked them for tbe resolution which had been proposed , and he could asBure them that , conveying aa it did , an assurance of the Chartists uf Eaglahd to co-operate in promoting a friendly union between tbe two couutries for obtaining tbe political rights of both , would bs received with that gratitude for which the character of his countrymen vras bo signally distinguished —( cheers . ) The resolution was then put and carried .
Mr . Parky said they had met for the purpose of promoting union , though at the same time they recognised tha undoubted tight o € every man to act upon hia bouest cunvictiona . In order to show that they were above anything like party or factious feelings , but that their great object led them to overlook the d . fferences that had taken place—whilst they held their opinions firaily , and whilst they considered that the body who seceded from them acted in an impolitic manner , jet , that because the Conference admitted their right to do bo , he thought they would be acting on great principles , irrespective of all party feelings , if they manifested a charitable disposition towards those who might differ from them as to the means of attaining their object . Entertaining these feelings , he begged to , move the following resolution : —
•« That aa the principles of democracy fally recognise the right of individuals or bodies of men to exl ^ ress their opinions boldly and honestly on all questions effx-ting their political and social interests , this Coa tofcu ^ 9 deems it necessary to proclaim this imnorta . right ; and at the same time to express their opinion tQat the cause of the people will be best served by a c ' . su itable and forbearing spirit towards all classes of Refornie . "s , who recognising the same great principle ef political jus . 'ice , yet feel themselves conscientiously called upon to pursue tbe attainment of those principles by d . 'flfetfeJrt means . " Mi . Vevei'S eeconded the motion .
Mr . Lowery Hiould oppose the motion , because in is opinion , it si Rifled the resolution moved by Mr . oberts , on the prt ^ us day , and which the Conference iopted—( hear , hear , ' ' He bad another objection . He mid not admit the pr . ' o *» JPle tQat expediency was jusfiable at any time when «* was a departure from right - ( cheers ) . The best way *• S ° to ¦ work was to go tbe gbt way , and not beat ab ^ wt the bush to see which 'ay the other people were go . ' ifr— ( hear , hear ) . Mr , Jones was sorry to say that among those who rofeased so much anxiety : for an" onion between tbe
iddle and working classes , there \ " * ere some who did > t wish for any union at all —( hc'V , hear } . These irties bad propbecied before coming to tie Conference lat there was no chance of such an union . *>« ng effected , id not wishing to appear aa false propiNeta , would ake no effort to secure an union at all —( heW » hear ) , he Charter bad suffered more from disunion t ton any ling else , and be thoaght that any delegate opposing lis resolution was acting in a very uncharitable spirit - { no , no ) . Mr . White moved the following amendment : —
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" That this Conference recognises the right of every man to take any course ho thinks proper , boldly and honestly , in the advocacy of tho People ' s Charter , whilst we retain to ourselves the right of pursuing In the same straightforward manner which we have hitherto pursued , and resolve never to cease from a arm , steady , and determined agitation until the People ' s Charter becomes tbe law oi the land . " Mr . Ridley seconded the amendment . Mr Lovett observed that there was a variety of opinion in tUe d-mference ^ and if they claimed a right 1 to think for themselvea ^ hft thought nothing could be so
intolerant as to deny tbJat right to others . No man bad been more persecuted for opinions' sake than he had been , but at . the same time he was one * f those who would give " credit to every man who Boneatly differed from him-Mhear , bear ) . Tbe principles of democracy gave to every individual an opportunity of exercising his opinions fully and freely , and in his opinion tbe resolution moved by Mr . Parry waa a conciliatory one and amounted to nothing more than this , that as democrats , they [ wished to do away with tbe intolerant spirit which bad produced so much mischief in their ranks—( hear , hear ) . _ _
Mr . MOIR said that no man valued more than he did the right of private judgment ; but there were times and seasons when it was not always expedient and politic , and whjen that spirit did not display the very best judgment ' The resolution moved by Mr . Parry appeared to him to be a complimentary one to tbe minority who hadlseceded from them— ( hear , hear ) . That they had a right to do so be freely admitted ; but having called the representatives of the people together , he thought they ! would have displayed much more good sense if they had allowed themselves to be guided by the decision ofj the majority—( bear , hear ) . Unles 3 this principle were to bi acteJ upon , be could not see upon what principle they were ever to be united- They bad differed very much in opinion ; but surely it never coulQ be right for the party who happened to be in the minority to kick up their heels and run out of doors—( hear , bear ) . If they wanted to estibiish a firm position , they must I act from principle , and not from expediency— ( heur , hear ) .
Mr . Clark thought that tbe resolution amounted to nothing more nor less than indirect censure upon , themselves—( hear , hear . ) He had heard Mr . White represented as everything that was Injurious to their cause , but never having had the pleasure of meeting him before , he iJtgged to thank him for the amendment be had proposed , j Mr . O'Connor was of opinion that tbe resolution amounted to a censure , because it would announce this fact , that theyjlthe inaj-jiity ) bad seen the error of their waya , in having taken an injurious path , and one contrary to the ] principles of democracy—( hear ) He remembered that in the Scottish Conference a similar
resolution was proposed , and rejected by a large majority , because it ^ vas supposed to have another meaning than the word ' s imported—( hear , hear . ) He quite agreed with the sentiment * expressed by Mr . Parry , that every man bad a right to express his opinions freely and fully , and he believed that the Chartist body had been the first and the loudest to claim that rieht for every ! man—( . hear , bear . ) Like bvs friend White , he would go straight down the road . He would not abuse anybody , and it wns because he did not think the resolution neo-saary for eastigation ; and as caatiaation was not necessary for tbe past , they did not want it as a warning for tbe future—ibear , hear . )
Mr . Bairstow should give his unqualified support to the resolution , bacause it simply asserted a truth which no human being could dispute fir a moment , — namely , the right of a man ta think for himself . Mr . COOPER ] supposed that they were assembled to promote legislation and organizitien ; instead of which it seemed they were met to listen to a number of speeches . For his own p ; trt , tbo resolution seemed to him to be a sort of lo « p-holfe out of which the Complete Suffrage party were to escape— ( hear , bear ) . Mr . Cowan , I of Liverpool , thought the resolution entirely uncalled for , aud that its introduction was designed to throwj their proceedings overboard altogether —( hear , bfar ) . 1 Mr . Parry— -I beg to say that I indignantly disclaim any such intention—( hear , hear ) .
Mr . Roberts thought he saw the temper of the Conference ; and in tbe amendment he was about to propose , he fancied he should have the support of the largest number . ] It was admitted that the resolution of Mr . Parry was tbe enunciation of . a truth ; but it was also admitted that , at this time , the resolution would be offensive to a large portion of them—ibear , hear ) . There were other causes of division , without introducing fresh ones ; and he would press upon the Conference to go back to the previous question , in order that they mightget rid of this apple of discord which
had unfortunately got among them—( hear , hear ) He attributed nothing to Mr . Parry but tbe uiOBt sincere motives ; and ho believed that no man had been more successful in his efforts in inducing members of the Complete Suffrage Association to join the Chartist ranks than that gentfemaa had been—( hear , bear ) . But , at the same time , h ! e believed that when Mr . Parry proposed hia resolution , he did not think that it would have given rise ; to so much discussion , and to so much d ff rence of opinion —( bear , hear , from Mr . Parry ) . He begged to
inlove' That neither the amendment or resolution be entertained . " 4 Delegate seconded tbe proposition . Mr Lovett said it seeuidd to him that they were manifesting a very intolerant spirit , and if Mr . Parry ' s resolution was lost , be should pursue his own cpurse for the future . j Mr . Gk-Eej * thought that if th 9 motion and amendment were minutely examined there was no difference between them , j The amendment pledged the Conference to uuifce to the utmost of their power for the
attainment of the Charter , and to carry out its principles Now . wais there a single word in the original resolution which went to cramp th ir efforts ? , He maintained that it did not . If there had been a single expression that went to cramp the independent judgment of any man in carrying out his principles , he would have opposed it as strongly as any man ; but be conceived that independence of thought , and the most indomitable adherence to the principles of tbe Charter , were as boldly and unflinchingly asserted in ttje resolution as in Mr . White ' s amendment—( hear , hear , and
no , no . ) j Mr . Parry , in reply , said be could assure the Conference that be bad not tbe slightest idea tbat n resolution enunciating a principle of this description , could have excited so much confusion , and apparently so much ill-will —( hear , hear . ) Gentlemen seemed to think tbat tbe resolution reflected on some course of conduct which bad been previously adopted , but he never intended it to bave any such r » -iidction , nor did it in his opinion , bear such a construction . Mr . O'Connor seemed to think jthat the country would put a false construction upon it . Nuw bo long us he ( Mr . Parry ) was conscious tbat tbe resolution contained nothing but what was true and ri ^ ht , be cared not one iota about the country putting a wrong construction upon
it—( cheerp and hisses . ) If the resolution were false , it would fall of its jown weakness . He would now say one or two words with respect to the reasons which had induced him ; to bring it forward . He believed he might aay that his public career had neither been a long or a remarkable one , and he believed he bad nev ^ r come into personal collision with any man advocating his own principles—( bear , bear . ) From the bottom of his heavt be regretted tbat there should bave been this difference , and disunion , and bad spirit among men who oui ; bt to have been united in one common bond of brotherhood against the common fee—( hear , hear . ) They couki not blink this fact nor could they disguise it . They were then assembled in solemn Conference on an important object , and men who had been quarrelling with each oilier and abusing each other in various parts of tbe country , were met together to agree , if possible , on one common object , and bis motive , in moving this
resolution , w . is , that they should substantially pledge themselves before ! the country , that whatever paBt differences might have occurred , they should be forgotten , and that as they had agreed on one great principle , they should go to the world as aa united Chartist body . — ( hear ) . He believed the adoption of this resolution would bave a greater moral effect upon tbe country , than anything else they could devise . It bad been remarked by one delegate that the resolution was intended to help ) forward the movement of tbe anti-Corn Liw League ' . —( bear ) . No man despised that bedy more tkan he did , aud he did and be would take ever / fitting opportunity to show tbat tbeii opinions were not ; the opinions of the people . —( cheers ) . In order , tb 6 n , to shew that be bad no wish to cast any reflection upon what bad been done before , be had no objection to accede to an alteration being nude in the resololution . —( hear ) .
Mr . Cooper and Mr . Roberts urged Mr . White to withdraw his amendment-Mr White said that if Mr . Parry waa willing , they would vote for Mr ; . Roberta's resolution . Mr . Parrt , in jreply , said he could not agree to such a course . Mr . White then intimated his intention to press his amendment . After some time spent in altering aud amending the original resolution ; , without giving any satisfaction to the objectors , j The Chairman put tbe amendment of Mr . Roberts , namely , tbat the Conference should go to tbe previous question , which was carried by a large majority . Mr . Lotett regretted the decision to which tbe Conference had come , j because it manifested tbe same intolerant spirit of which be had before complained—( no , no ) . He should consider it his duty to bate the votes recorded—( much confusion and uproar ) .
Mr . Paert suggested to Mr . O Connor whether the resolution might net be so formed as to meet the viewa of all , without sacrificing tbe principle for which be had been contending . After a considerable loss of time , Mr . O'Connor rose and mid tbat tbe " firebrand " was now geing to try to throw a little oil on : the troubled waters—( laughter ) . Toe resolution be bad drawn up was as follows : — " That , aa the principles of democracy fully recognise the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly on all qnastions affecting their political and social rights , thip Conference deems it essential t « proclaim thi&important right , and at tbe i same time to express their opinion tbat the cause of the people wilt be best served by a manly perseverance in their agitation for tbe People ' s
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Charter , while they receive with gratitude and thanks the co-operation of all partiea who sbaU , in pursuance of their own means , endeavour to ecbieve the same , and we further recommend tbat all means , not inconsistent with principle , shall be used to conciliate all classes of Reformers ''—( cheers ) . Mr . Parry said that the resolution met with bi » entire approbation , and he should bave great pleasure in seconding it—( cheers ) . The Chairman then p ' ut tbe resolution , which was carried amidst great acclamation , and with only four dissentients .
Mr . Hobson moved— " That all papers and documents belonging to this Conference shall be placed in the bands of Mr . Lovett , and that be retain possession of them until duly authorised to deliver them up . " Mr . O'Connor seconded the motion . Agreed to . It was then agreed that Mr . Lovett should prepare a copy of the minutes suitable for publication , and Mr . Hobson announced his intention to print them in & cheap form for tbe use of tbe delegates and the Cnartiat body generally . The business of the Conference having terminate ^ Mr . O'Con . vor rose and said—Sir , I rise to discharge a most important duty , and in the outset , I rejoice to think that Mr . Lovett has been a false prophet When
the seceders left us , Mr . Lovett expressed his opinion tbat it would be the forerunner of tbe existence of three parties , bat I think our subsequent position has preved that hereafter thoie will be but two—ibaar , hear ) . It has been my fortune to differ with Mr . Lovett , ( and he has broadly intimated the fact / but from this moment aJl thought and all recollection of it is banished from my mind—( cheers ) . I may often have be 6 n placed in such peculiar circumstances as to render it impossible for me to explain , because others would not explain with me . I way truly say when speaking of another or denouncing another , that I have had my full and ample share of it throughout the country . I bave only to say far the future , that so long as Mr . Lovett cootinues ( wh'ch I am sure be will ) to perform the same
duties in the sama way , so long will be find m me a supporter instead of a denouncer— - ( near and cbeers /» It frequently happens that a number af individuals may form themselves into associations , but all their actions woil be spurious unless propelled by the mind , which is the only true spring of action- Many bickerings have taken place in our ranks , and it is not unlikely that before we come to the conclusion of eux career , there will be more . But however great the delusion and howtver thick the cloud that may be thrown round us , public opinion will break through the mist , and the man will be seen according to bis real value—( hear , and cheers ) . I don't think a man the worse for being denounced—reaction takes place in bis favour , and puts htm in possession of the
fact tbat be is not infallible—( hear , hear ) . We have discovered more than one thing ; we have discovered not merely that Mr . Lovett is dearly wedded to these principles , but that he will coutinue to use his efforts to carry them into practical effect—( cheers ) . Then I ask whether any difference should exist among m « n who are labouring for the same objects ? When you talk of an union between the middle and working classes , which is so desirable , is there net another thing still more desirable ? I mean an union among the working classes themselves 1—( cries of " Hear , hear . " ) Their weakness is the anemy ' s strength ; their strength is the enemy ' s weakness—( hear , hear ) . And now , sir , if I have been the means of saying one wonl which has been personally offensive or hurtful to the feelings of Mr . Lovett , I trust that I did 89 under a misapprehension , aud that I did not do it for tbe purpose of
denunciation , but for the purpose of what I conceived to be truc- * - ( hear , bear ) . I now beg leave to tender openly to Mr . Lovett my apology to him for any pain I bave caused him , and 1 bave only to hope tbat the example set through our proceedings , will prove to those Xi ho would fetter and keep us in chains , that while we are united among ourselves it is impossible for them to succeed in their object—( hear ) . In conclusion , Sir , I beg to move that the mosfc cordial and heartfelt thanks of the Conference be given to Mr . Lovett , for the services he has rendered as secretary , and for tbe p-irt he has taken in drawing up that document which has stood public agitation for five years , and which I trust ere long will become the safeguard of tbe rights and liberties of the people of England . — ( loud cheers ) . Mr . Cooper seconded the motion .
The Cha irman put the resolution , which was carried unanimously amidst great cheering . Mr . Lovett , on rising to return thanks , was received with much applause . He said , in reply to what has been urged by Mr . O'Connor , during the twenty years that I bave been engaged in political agitation , I bare always in the first place enquired whether the tbing was right and just , and without waiting for tbe sanction of individuals or parties , I have always pursued a straightforward course towards its attainment , regard * leas of personal consequences towards myself , or whatever others might chose to say of me—( cheers . ) In pursuit of this otjeet , and in acting up tothess views , my plans have been de . ounced , my sincerity has been ' impugned , and my object has been greatly
retarded ; but it has given me some satisfaction to find that as public opinion progressed , I bave seen an approximation to tbe opinions I have always entertained—( hear , hear . ) Reference has been made by Mr . O'Connor to the National Charter Association . On that point he ha * stated that they were deficient in a plan of organization . You may remember that while suffering imprisonment in Warwick Gaol , I always concurred with him in opinion tbat it was deficient . I conceived that it was not only necessary that we should put forth a sound principle , but tbat , if possible , we should devise means to prepare tbe people to carry that principle into operation . Hence I laid down a plan of anited agitation—a plan the first object of which was to
create an united public opinion in favour of the Charter ; and I thought that while we were labouring for that object , some means might be devised for educating and instructing the people . Tbat plan was published with all its details , and then the only question was , bow it could be carried into practical effect When it was projected to the country , it was assailed from a quarter which I little expected ; but as an apology bas been made , I will say nothing more on that part of the suVjaot—( hear , bear ) . I always considered it to be far preferable to the National Charter Association , and I say so without any feelings of disrespect to the gentlemen who may have been associated witn it I believe it to be so because it combines a plan of education , not merely
the elements of reading and writing , but a plan which would tfach the people while they are agitating for their rights , how to answer those who taunted them with the reproach that they were unfit for the suffrage , because they were not sufficiently enlightened— ( hear , hear ) . I know not whether my plan will ev e * be acted on er not , bat I think I shall best answer the great object of democracy in pursuing the course which appears to me most likely to lead to a speedy and satisfactory result—ihear , hear . ) Now , in America the people bave possessed the franchise for fifty years , and in that country the great mass of the people are the sJaves of the few . I have asked the reason of this , aud I find tbat it is for want
of real knowledge on the part of the people as to what constitutes their political rights —( hear , bear . ) It is for this reason that I want to combine with our systematic plan of agitation , some means for instructing the people , so that the elective franchise may become a blessing to them and not a curse—( bear , bear , hear . ) I am not aware that I can say anything further . I hope we shall go on peacefully and successfully for the future , and so far as any exertions of mine , either personal or otherwise , can conduce to the attainment cf our common object , be assured thty shall be most cheerfully and willingly rendered . Mr . Lovett resumed his seat amidst loud and continued cheering .
Mr . O'Higgins then left the chair , and on tbe motion of Mr . Parry , seconded by Mr . O'Connor , it was takeo by Dr . Wade . Mr . Parry said a moat pleasing duty devolved on him , namely , thai of proposing the cordial thanks of the Conference to Mr . O Higgins , for the admirable manner in which he had discharged the duties of Chairman—iclieers ) . Mr . O'Higgins was the representative of a Scotch county , but morally he might be said to be the representative of the Chartists of Ireland , and be bailed his presence among them as an omen tbat the day would soon arrive when " justice to Ireland ** would find a practical echo in the breasts of every Englishman . Mr . Roberts seconded the motion . Tbe Cha irman put the proposition , which we need scarcely say was adopted amidst great cheering-Mr . O'Higoins , in a few words acknowledged the honour , and
Mr . Hobson then moved , and several memsers seconded , " That this Conferance do now dissolve . "J Which was put from the chair , and carried unanimously . At half-past nine o ' clock , tbe laborious sittings of the Conference were brought to a conclusion .
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KtERTHER TYPVXIi . —A full meeting of the Charter Association , Mr . David John in the chair , the following resolution was unanimously passed : — " That the thanks of this meeting are < 5 ue and are hereby given to Mr . Wm . Lovett , F . O'Connor , Esq :, and others , for tbe honest and manly course they took in tbe late Conference , in bringing the People ' s CharterM an amendment to the imperfect doeirment of the Sturge party . *' WALSAI . Ii . —Mr . John Mason was entei"tauied by the Walsall Chartists at dinner on Thursday B ^ nnigb ^ at the boose of Mr . D . Standley , the New ten , St .
John-street The dinner was of excellent quality . Ojpon the cloth being drawn , Mr . Mulholland was called to the chair , and in a neat and eloquent speech proposed tflff health of Mr . Mason , eulogising bis past conduct , and expressed his belief that his future life would besucb as would entitle him to the high estimation in which be is held at present . Mr . Mason rose to respond , and was met with loud cheers . He delivered o ^ e of the most eloquent speeches ever beard , occupying upwards of an beur and a half . Several patriotic songs and toasts were given , and the company broke up blgbty pleased with the proceedings of the evening and the company of their old friend .
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g THE NORTHERN STAR . ^ ^
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 7, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct632/page/6/
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