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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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" That the recommendation of the Committee "be acceded to , proYiding they make proper regulations to admit strangers , so " as to secure order . " On s motion by Messrs . Solly and Moir , it was resolTed , " ! Ehat the first , second , and third resolutions , proposed by 24 r . B ^ gs , declaratory of the principles of ttse Conference , be adopted ; bnt that the third be altered so as to include ttie 27 th resolution passed at the last Conference . " " 2 . That this Conference , conyened in conformity -with s resolution passed ai tie first Complete Suffrage Conference , held at Birmingham , April 5 th—8 th , 1842 , and having for its paramount object the consideration of the necessary details of a Bill , embodying the
principles then agreed -upon , tiz , : The extension of the Snffraptoallmale adults not deprived of the rights of citizenship by a verdict of their countrymen—Vote by Ballot—Equal ElecVoiid districts—Abolitien of a Property Qualification for Members of Parliament—Payment of Members for their services—and AnnuaTP-ariiamf nts;—do notr declare Its adoption of these principles ; pledges itself to employ snii means only for obtaining the Legislative recognition of them as are of a strictly just , peaeefnl , legal , and constitutional character ; and vril ] forilnria proceed to fulfil the mission -with -which it has been entrusted , resolved to support its Chairman in preventing the introduction of any propositions not in accordance therewith .
" S . That as this Conference will resist the introduction of any topics sot obviously relevant to its main design , so it also fliwiaTmn all interference with « xi » ti"g organisations , recognising as its paramount duty , the arriving , if possible , at a cordial agreement in reference to the ol-ject , towards which peaceful agitation may be directed . " 3 . That this Conference , agreeable to resolution 17 * , passed at tie first Conference , is prepared to receive and to consider all documents which may be laid before it , and which may be supposed to contain an embodiment ol the necessary details for working out the principles already recognized . " Mr . Campbell proposed , and Mr . West Becond « d : — " That an Executive Committee be appointed , " ( in conformity with the programma )
Mr . Roberts moved , and Mr . Wilkinson seconded , an amendment— "That the Conference take upon itself the duties of the Executive Committee . " The amendment was agreed to . On a motion by Messrs . Barron and O'Connor , it was resolved— " That the Conference constitute itself a Committee for the purpose of considering the document entitled the People ' s Charter . *" On a motion by HesErs . O'Connor and Levett , it was resolved : — " That any alteration which may be proposed to , and received by , a majority of the Conference , shall be submitted to the whole people , for the purpose of testing public opinion upon those several alterations , with the view of submitting them to any future Conference , called by the whole people . "
It was then resolved , on a motion oy Messrs . Buchanan and Clure , That the People * Charter be read section by section , and considered and agreed to clause by clause . *' The Preamble , and Qualifications for the Suffrage , were then read , on which the following amendments were proposed : — 1 st amendment , Jby Messrs Parry and Lowery" That the word Bill be substituted for the word Act in the title . " That the following be substituted for the fourth clause respecting felony—•• That he be not undergoing the sentence of the law at the time when called upon to exercise the electoral right .- ' 2 nd . amendment , by Messrs . Solly and Thomason : —
" That at the conclusion of clause 2 , respecting the claimants being twenty-one years of age , the following be substituted for the remaining clauses— 'And who is not disfranchised accorciag to the provMoPB of this Act '" 3 rd . amen&nsnt , by Messrs . WDIiams and PhUp" That the preamble from the ¦ People ' s Bill of Rights' be substituted for the preamble of * The People 's Charter , ' and that the consideration of all disqualifying clauses be -deferred . " 4 th . By Messrs . Solly and Hetherington—?• Whereas it is the clear and inalienable right of every citz ^ n of a community to feave a voice , personally , or through his representative , in making the laws which he is called npon to obey . " On the voles being taken , Messrs . Parry and Lowery's amendment was agreed to , and all the other amendments negatived .
The Committee appointed to wait on Mr . Morgan reported that they had seen that gentleman , and that the request of the Conference respecting the documents had been complied with , but as some of them would take some time to copy , he would rot be able to Bend them till the afternoon . On a motion of Messrs . iovett and O'Connor , the report was received as satisfactory . Toe discussion on the preamble of the People ' s Charter was then resumed , and the whole agreed to ; also the qualification for the Suffrage in connection with Mr . Parry's amendment The Conference then adjourned .
22 YENING SITTING—DEC . 29 TB , 1842 . The section of the People's Charter , entitled ELECTOiui Districts was then read , and proposed clanse after damse . On the 2 st clause , Mr . Smith proposed , and Mr . M'Cartney seconded"That there be 5 D 0 electoral districts , instead of 300 . " This was negatived . On the 6 ch clause , Mr . Parry proposed , and Mr . Coiquhoun seconded" That the words ' for arranging and reporting thereon , * be added . " This was Degatired , and the section agreed to without alteration . The section , entitled Registration Ofpicebs was then read , and clause after clause proposed , and agreed to without alteration .
The section , entitled Ketdb . si > g Offices a * "d his DniES , was then read and proposed-On the 2 st clanse , Mr . Clark proposed , and Mr . Wheeler seconded" That the words * at the end of every year * be substituted for thretytars . " ThiB was agreed to , and the section carried , with some -verbal alterations . The section , entitled Bepcti Betbrkik g Offices , was also agreed to , with some slight-verbal alterations . The section , entitled THE REGiSTBiTiOH Clekk ., HIS DUTIES , was read and proposed . On the 2 nd clause , Mr . Winn proposed , and Mi . Dngy seconded—11 That onB month ' s imprisonment be substituted , instead of the penalty of £ 0 . " Mr . O'Connor proposed and Mr . lovett seconded . " That the penalty be reduced to £ 1 . "
Mr . Beesley proposed and Mr . Chilton seconded , "That disfranchisemeni for one year be substituted for a penalty . " On these amendments being put to the Tote , Mr . O'Connor ' s , for reducing the penalty to £ 1 , was agreed to and the others negatived . The section was then adopted with the amendment , and some few -verbal alterations . The section entitisd Abraxgembsts fob Begistratiok was then read and proposed clause after clause . On Ihe 1 st clause , Mr . M'Pherson proposed and Mr . Colqnhoun seconded , " That in this , as well as in the 5 th clause of the previous section , the words ^ poor house or union workhouse * ^> e added . " Mr . Boberts proposed and Mr . Fnssell seconded , " That the wards * poor bouse , union workhouse , barracks , gaols , prisons , hospitals , ships in harbour , and other residences or ^ weHiss houses * be added . "
On the motion being pnt , Mx . M'Pherson's was aereed to . and the other pegatn *?^ . On the 2 nd clause , Mr . Maynard proposed and Mr . Fnssell seconded , " That one month ' s residence be substituted for three . " This was negatived . On the 7 th clause , Mr . Coiquhoun proposed and Mr . O'Connor seconded , " That the words ' shall be fined 20 s ., and erpences , to be paid to the person objected to / be added . " This was agreed to , and the section carried with some few verbal alterations . The Conference then adjourned its sitting . FRIDAY MORNING , DEC . 30 th , 1842 . r On a motion of Messrs . Ridley and Brown , Patrick © "Biggins , Esq . was called to the chair . The minutes of the previous meeting were then read and confirmed . Mr . Maynard proposed and Mr . Brown
seconded" Thatthe Conference constitute itself a committee to consider the . remaining portion of the Paoplete Charter . " On which Mr . Boberts proposed , and Mr . O'Connor seconded , the following resolution , and the preTioos motion was withdrawn to admit of its discussion—** That in the opinion * T this Conference , the members of the Complete Suffrage Union , who have abrnpdy retired from the diseossion . have not exhibited good faith , but , on the contrary , have acted in direct -nolation of the terms on which tney -were called together . The country vrere invited to send delegates to Birmingham , for the purpose , amongst other things , of Preparing a Bill to be submitted to Parliament for securing the ^ urt representation of the whole people . ' At » sacrifice almost too great for them to bear , the country responded to this invitation , and at a large expense of time , toil and money , elected Delegates for the pur-
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pose of so preparing the bill above-mentioned ; in thefnll and fervent hope that their united effurts , while they : would give no precedence or priority to any individual section , would result in a cordial union of all classes of reformers , for the purpose of seouring & just representation of ; the whole people in the Commons' House of Parliament . The delegates met together and proceeded to the business for which they were elected . On the first day " of their discussion , a declaration of principles was proposed by Mr . Beggs , on the part iof the Complete Suffrage Onion , which declaration insisted , ' That the Bill to be presented by the Council of the Complete Suffrage Union , be taken as the basis of discussion . ' The large majority of the
Conference opposed this claim to priority in favour of » Bill . whioh they had never seen or heard , and which had never been seen or heard of , except by the members of the Complete Suffrage Union j tfeey anxiously and often Bought the withdrawal of the offensive and insulting distinction , but their request was met with a determined and emphatic refusal . The majority then , rather than admit the claim of priority and precedence required by the Complete Suffrage body , proposed as an amendment a declaration * that the document called the People ' s Charter should form the basis of discussion , ' and this amendment , aftera long and temperate debate , was carried by a majority of 193 to 94 . And then , for the first time , the Conference were informed by their Chairman , Mr . Joseph Sturge , that he and his friends of the Complete Suffrage Union shou ] d
now retire from the Conference , and from the further discussion for which they had assembled together . Thi 3 conduct of the Complete Suffrage Union appears to the Conference to be an unfair desertion of their duty . They believe that if the country had before the elections been informed of the intention of the Complete Suffrage body to retire from the discussion , unless an invidious priority were given to their bill over the People ' s Charier , no Chartist constituency would have thought it reqoisito or desirable to send delegates to the discussion—a discussion which must thus necessarily have resulted in disappointment . It is therefore the opinion of this Conference that the Complete Suffrage Union ought , in the first instance , to have avowed their intention ; and that by not doiDg so , they have evinced a want of good faith and honest purpose . "
Mr . Lorett proposed , and Dr . Wade seconded , — " That all words of an offensive character be expunged , and that the resolution be confined to a mere statsment of facts . " Mr . Coiquhoun proposed and Mr . Buchanan seconded —" That in order to facilitate business we agree to refer the motion to a committee . *' After some discussion Mr . Robarts consented to withdraw the offensive part of the resolution ; on which Mr . lvovett and Mr . Co ) qnboun withdrew their amendmuits , and the words want of ' » honest purpose" being erased , and the words " good taste" substituted for " good faith , " the resolution was carried by a large majority . The Conference then resolved itself Into » Committee for considering the remainder of the Peopled Charter The section entitled Arrangement for Nojii-T < aT 1 ONS was then read and proposed .
On the Second Clause , ( in the form of Nomination , ) Mr . Brown proposed , and Mr . Humphrey seconded , " that the words * being qualified to bean elector according to the provisions of this Act , ' be substituted for the last clause of it " On which , Mr . Solly proponed , and Mr . Coiquhoun seconded , " that the words ' provided he be qualified to be an elector , with the exception of residence' be added . " This was subsequently withd . awn and Mr . Brown ' s amendment agreed to . The word " candidate" for member was substituted in the fifth clause , and the words " after that date , " substituted for the word otherwise . On the 11 th clause , Mr . Morrison proposed , and Mr . M'Cartney seconded , the following : —
" That no other qualification shall be required than the choice of electors , according to the provisions of this Act . provided that no persons , excepting the Cabinet Ministers , be eligible to serve in the Commons House of Parliament , who are in the receipt of any emolument derivable from any place or places , held under Government , or of retired allowances arising therefrom . *' The Section was then agreed to with some verbal alteration . The Sectian entitled ARRANGEMENT FOR EXECTiON was then read and agreed to with some alight alterations . In clanse 4 tb , the words two " or more " parishes were added . In clause 11 th , " every year , '' was substituted for every three years . The Section entitled Duration of Parliament was read and agreed to with a slight amendment in clause 1 st , substituting the words ' shall '* be chosen for " is to be chosen . "
The Section entitled Payment of Members was agreed to , excepting that the sum was left blank , after a resolution by Messrs , Mead and Adams , " that the members receive their pay a quarter in advance , " and an amendment by Messrs . Daffy and Murray , " that they may if required receive their salaries monthly " bad been both lust . The Section entitled Resignations and Deaths was agreed to without alteration . The Sectionentitled Penalties was then read and proposed . On the 2 nd clause Mr . M'Donald proposed the insertion of the words " cneponnd for every name omitted , " which was agreed to . Mr . Maynard then pioposed and Mr . Kidd seconded , * ' that for the second offence there be twelve months imprisonment . " This was lost .
Mr . Thomason proposed and Mr . Mason seconded , " that for the second offence he incur the penalty of three months imprisonment and be deprived of his elective right for three years . " This was agreed to . On the 3 rd clause , Mr . O'Connor proposed and Mr . Coiquhoun seconded , " that the penalty for the second offence be the same as in the clause amended . " This was agreed to . The 4 th clause was amended as follows , for the first offence , " three" months imprisonment , for the second offence , " three months and be deprived of his elective rights for three years . "
On the 5 th clause , Mr . Wilson proposed and Mr . Clark seconded , " that it be six months for the sece d offence and the deprivation of rights forthree years . " This was lost and the clause amended as follows : —For the first offence " three months , " for the second offence " three months and be deprived of his elective rights for three years . " On the 7 th clause , Mr . O'Connor proposed , and Mr . Mead seconded , " That in addition to imprionment he he placed in the stocks for two hours . " After some discussion , Mr . O'Connor withdrew his motion , and the clause was adopted without alteration . The 9 lh clause was amended , the word " candidate " being substituted for the word member . In the 11 th clause , the words " by the House of Com - jnons" were expanged .
In the 16 th clause , the word "three" years was substituted Iot five . In the 18 tb clause the same . In the 19 th clause , after the word neglect , were added the following words , on noncompliance with the provisions of this act , the sum of £ 50 , or in default of payment tvrelve months * imprisonment " In the ^ Oth clause , after the word imprisoned , at the conclusion , were added the following words , " according to the provisions of this act . " The Secretary having explained the plan of the Balloting-box and Polling-place , on a motion by Messrs . O ' Connor and Parry , the Committee was dissolved , and Patrick O'Higgins , Esq . appointed as the Chairman of the Conference . - Mr . Hobsbn proposed , and Mr . Brown seconded , " That the bill as now amended by the Committee be adopted by this Conference , " which was carried unanimously , and by cheering acclamations .
Mr . Lovett proposed , and Mr . O Connor seconded , That the following be the title of the bill ,
" THE PEOPLES CHARTER : beinf s bill to provide for the just representation of the people of Great Britain and Ireland in the Commons ' House ef Parliament . Revised at a Conference of the people , held at Birmingham , Dec . 1842 . Authorised by them to be printed and circulated , with the alterations printed in italics , so that Buch may receive the consideration of the people previous to another Conference being called to adopt it " On a motion by Messrs . Boberts and Mead , Mr . John Cleave was appointed the , authorised publisher , who promised not only to pi-int it in his Chartist Circular , bnt to print it also in a neat pocket form .
On a motion by Messrs . Hobson and Roberts , it was resolved , " That Thomas Slingsby Duncombe , Esq ., M . P . for Finsbury , be the gentleman to whose care the bill for securing the just representation of the whole people , sow tread and adoptedby this Conference , be confided for introduction In a regular formal manner , to the House of Commons ; and that John Temple Leader , Esq ., M . P-, be respectfully requested to second the motion when leavefor its introduction is moved by Mr . Buncombe . ** ¦ On a motion by Messrs . Hobson and Roberts , it was resolved , "That this Conference cannot separate without expressing its deepest and most sincere sympathy with all persons who are now suffering , or who may
have Buffered from espousing the cause of the Tjeople , and advocating their right to a just and equal representative government , and its consideration of tneirpre » eminent claim to the sympathy , tssistance , and rapport of the people whom they have so well * nd faithfully served . We then-fore recommend to the people that a public subscription be got up in eTery district for the support of all persons and their families , now in the prisons and jails of England , and transported beyond the seas for political offences ; and that a general treasurer be appointed to wnoui all the sums received by the district treasurer be transmitted , the acconnts of which , together with the manner in which the money has been distributed , being published . "
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——— - w r ¦ ' - ¦ **" ' " — ¦ On n- motion by Messrs . Roberts aud Hobson it was resolvet . , " That Mr . John Cieave be appointedTraasurer for the Tictlm Fund , to be raised fi » persons suffering i ' or political offences . " On a motion by the Rev . Mr . Solly and Mr . Brown , it was resolved . . " That this Conference of National Delegates hereby- express In the strongest manner their earnest desire to promote a cordial ; brolherly , 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 tba Irish people equal political and social rights with those they desire to obtain for this country . "
Mr . Parry proposed and Mr , Fevers seconded the following resolution : — " That as the great principles at democracy fully recognise the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their ' opinions boldly and honestly en all questions affaciing their political and social interests , this Conference deems it necessary to proclaim this important right , and at the some time to express their opinion that the cause of the people will be best served by a charitable and forbearing spirit towards all classes of Reformers , who , recognizing the same great principles of political justice , yet feel themselves conscientiously called \ upon to pursue the attainment of those principles by different means . " Mr . Gaorge White proposed , and Mr . Ruffy Ridley seconded the following amendment :
" That this Conference recognizes the right of every man to hold any course he thinks proper , boldly and honestly , in the advocacy of the ^ People ' s Charter , whi'st we reserve to ourselves tbe right of proceeding in the same straight forward manner which we have hitherto pursued , and resolve never to cease from a firm , steady , and determined agitation until the People ' s Charter becomes the law of this realm . " Messrs . Roberts and Mead then proposed , as another amendment , " The previous question . " whiista , on being put from tbe chair was carried by a show of hands .
Messrs . Lovett and Parry then proposed , " That the names of those who voted for and aguinst be taken down . " Upon which Mr . O'Connor modified Mr . Parry ' s motion , in the following form , which he proposed , and Mr . Parry seconded . Upon which Mr . Lovett withdrew his motion for taking down tbe names , and Mr . O'Connor ' s was agreed to by a large majority : — " That as tbe principles of democracy fully recngn ' z *} the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly on all questions
affecting their political and Bocial Tights , this Conference deems it essential to proclaim this important right , and at the same time to express their opinion that the cause of the people win be best served by a manly perseverance in their agitation for the People ' s Charter , while tbey receive with gratitude and thanks the co-operation of all parties who shall in future by their own means endeavour to achisve the same end ; and we further recommend that all 1 means not inconsistent with principle snail be used to conciliate all classes of Reformers . '
Mr . George White then proposed and Mr . J . West seconded , " That we now take into consideration tbe means of remunerating tbe doorkeepers and discharging all just claims brought against the Conference . " A subscription was then made and the sum of 133 . 6 d . raised , which liquidated all the claims made upon the Conference for the doorkeepers , stationery , < fca The Secretary announced that a parcel of tracts far distribution among the members ; bad been received from Wm . Sharman Crawford , Esq . entitled " A Defence of the Rights of the Working Classes . " On a motion by Mesara O'Connor aud Roberts , the thanks of tbe Conference were ordered to be conveyed to Mr . Crawford , for bis present of tracts . On a motion ef Messrs . Hobson and O'Connor , it was
resolved" That all books , papers , and documents belonging to this Conference be placed in tbe hands of Mr . Wm . Lovett , to be by him kept until required freni him by some other body similarly constituted to ths present . " On a motion by Messrs . Hobson ani O'Connor , it was resoived "That Mr . Win . Lovett wno has so efficiently filled the ofBco of Seeretary to ' the Conference be requested to prepare the minutes of these sittings for the press , and that we suggest to him to avail himself of the aid of such persons who have been present during tbe deliberations , and who may be willing to render such aid . "
On a motion by Mr . O Connor and Mr , Cooper , it was resolved— " That tbe best thanks of this Conference be given to Mr . Wra . Lovett for his labours in drawing up the document called the People ' s Charter five years ago ; and also for his efficient serviced as Secretary j and for his kind compliance with our request to prepare the minutes for publication . " The Chairman having declared tbe business of tbe Conference concluded , Dr . Wade was then called to the cbair . On which Mr . Parry proposed aud Mr . Roberts seconded— " That the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to Mr . O'Higgins , for tbe gentlemanly and impartial manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of chairman to this Conference . ' * On a motion by Mr . Hobson the Conference was declared dissolved .
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* » * That the foregoing suggested alterations and amendments in The People ' s Charter may bo the better understood , wo hero givo the Document entiee , with the suggested alterations printed in Italic . Jt has been prepared for- that purpose by the Secretary to the Conference ; and forms , indeed , a portion of the Minutes .
THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER ; BEIMG A BILL TO PROVIDE FOB THE JUST REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE OF 6 REAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND IN THE COMMONS HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT . Revised at a Conference of the People held at Birmingham , Dec , 1842 . Authorised by them to be Printed and Circulated , with the Alterations Printed in Italics eo that they may receive tke Consideration of . the People previous to another Conference being called to adopt it . A Bill to Provide for the just Representation of the People of Great Britain and Irelurid , in the Commons' House of Parliament .
Whereas , to insure , in as far as it is possible by human forethought and wisdom , the jurt government of tho people , it in necessary to subject those who have the power of making the lavs to a wholesome and strict responsibility to those whose duty it is to obey them when made . And , whereas , this responsibility Ja best enforced through the instrumentality of a body which emanates directly from , and iB itself immediately subject to , the whole people , and which completely representa their feelings and tbeir interests . of Parliament
And , whereas , the Commons' House now exercises , in the name and on the suppose 1 behalf of the people , the power of making the laws , it ought , in order to fulfil with wisdom and with honesty the great duties imposed on it , to be made tbe faithful and accurate representation ^! the people's wishes , feelings , and interests . ^ Be it therefore enacted , That from and after tbe passing of this Act , every male inhabitant of these realms be entitled to vote for the election of a Member of Parliament ; subject ; however , to the following conditions : — 1 . That he be a native of these realms , or a foreigner who baa lived in this country upwards of two years , and been naturalised . 1 2 . That be be twenty-one years of age .
3 . That be be nut proved insane when the lists of voters are revised . 4 . That he be not undergoing tke sentence of the laws at the time when called upon to exercise the electoral rights . 5 . That his electoral rights be not suspended for bribery at electiens , or for pereenation , er for forgery of election certificates , according to the penalties of this Act
ELECTORAL DISTRICTS . I . Be it enacted , that for tbe purpose of obtaining an equal representation of the people in the Commons ' House of Parliament , the United Kingdom be divided into 300 electoral districts . * II . That each such district contain , as nearly as may be , an equal number of inhabitants . III . That the number of inhabitants be taken from the last census , aud a * Boon as possible after the next ensuing decennial census shall have been taken , the electoral districts be made to conform thereto . IV . That each electoral district be named after tbe principal city or borough within its limits . T . That each electoral district return one representative to sit in the Commons' Honse of Parliament
VI . That the Secretary ef State for the Home Department shall appoint three competent persons as comnrissioners , and as many sub-commissioners as may be necessary for settling the boundaries of each of tb-e 300 electoral districts , and so on from time to time , T / henevar a new decennial census of the people be taken . VII . That the necessary expences of tbe said commissioners , sub-commissioners , clerks , and other persons employed by them in tbe performance Of their duties , be paid out of the public treasury .
REGISTRATION OFFICERS . Be it enacted , that for the purpose of procuring an accurate registration of voters—for finally adjudicating in all cases of objections made against persons claiming to be registered—for receiving the nominations of Members of Parliament , and returning officers , and declaring their election—as well as for conducting and superintending all matters connected with registration ,
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t . nomination , and elections , according to tbe provisions of this Act—the following officers be appointed } : — 1 . Returning officers for each electoral district 2 . Deputy returning officers for each district I 3 A registration clerk for every parish containing number of inhabitants , or for every two or more parishes , if united for tbe purpose of this } act . RETURNING OFFICER , AND HIS DUTIES . I . Ha it enacted , that at the first general election after the passing of this Act , a retarnJDg oflfoer be elected for every electoral district throughout the kingdom , and so ia like manner at the end of every year . \ II . That , at the end of every such period , the returning officer for each district be nominated in like manner , and elected at tbe same time , as the Member of Parliament for the district ' he shall be eligible to be re-elected . !
. 111 . That vacancies oecaeroned by the death , removal , or resignation of the returning officer , sha . I in like manner be filled up as vacancies for Members of Parliament , for tbe unexpired term of tbe three yeara IV . That every returning officer shall appoint a deputy returning officar for the day of election , for . every balloting plaee within his district , and in all cases be responsible for the just fulfilment of the duties of such deputies . , V . That it be the duty of the returning officer to appoint a registration clerk for every pariah within bis district containing number of inhabitants , or for every two or more parishes , if united Tor the purposes of this Act ; and thai , in ail cases he be responsible for the just fulfilment of th . s duties of such clerks . i
VI . That be also see that proper balloting places , and such other erections as may be necessary , be provided by each pariah , ( or any number that' nay be united ) and that the ba )! otting boxes be made and provided according to the provisions of this Act i _ VII . Tbat he receive the lists of voters from all the parishes in bis district , in which lists shall ba maikad or specified tbe names of the persons who have bean objected to by the registration clerks , or any { other person . 1
Vill . That between tbe first of April and the first of May in each year , he shall hoW open courts of adjudication at such a number of places within bis district as he may deem necessary , of which cotms ( place and time of meeting ) be shall cause due notice to bejgiven in each parish of the district , and at the same , time invite all persons who have made objections , aed who have been objected to . And after hearing the statements that may be xn » de by both parties , he ; shall fiiioJl v adjudicate whether the voter's name be placed on the register or not ;
IX That the returning officer shall then cause ; to be made out alphabetical lists of all the registered voters in all the parishes within his district ; whteh list , signed and attested by himself , shall be used at all elections for the district Such lists to be sold to the public at reasonably low prices . j X ; That the returning officer receive all nominations for tho member of his district , as well as for the returning officer of his district ; and shall give public notice of the same according to the prov sions of this Act : be shall also receive from the Speaker of tbe House of Commons the orders for any new election , in case of the d ^ ath or resignation of the member of the district , as well as the orders to superintend and conduct the election of any other district , in case of the death or resignation of the returning officer of such district . i '
XI . That the returning officer shall also receive the returns from all the parishes within bis district , on tho day of election , and on the day following the election he shall proclaim the state of the ballot as directed by this act , and perform the several duties appertaining to his offioe , as herein made and provided . j XII . That the returning officer be paid for fulfilling the duties of his office the sum of per aauum , as hereinafter mentioned . ; XIII . That upon a petition being presented to the House of Commons , by at least one hundred qualified electors of the district , or against any returning i-fiker of the same , complaining of corruption in tt'e exercise of his office , or of incapacity , such complaints shall be inquired into by a committee of the House , consisting of seven Members ; and , on their report being ! Tead , the membt-i-. i present nhali then determine whether such
returning officer be or bo not guilty , or bo 01 bo not incapacitated . XIV . That , for conducting the first elections after the passing of this Act , a returning offices for each district be temporarily appointed by the Secretary of State , to perform tbe duties prescribed by this Act . He shall resign his office as soon as the new one is appointed , aud be paid aa hereinafter mentioned . —See Penalties . DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICES . , AND HIS DUTIES . I lid it enacted , that a deputy returning officer be appointed , by the district returning officer , to preside at each ballotting place on the day of election ; such deputy to be subject and responsible to his authority , as well as to the pro-visions of this Act . j
II . That it be the duty of the deputy returning [ officer to provide a number of competent persons , not exceeding , to aid him in taking the ballot , aud for performing the necessary business thereof . III . That the deputy returning officer shall see that proper registration lists are provided , and that the ballot begins at six o ' clock in the morning precisely , and end at six o ' clock in the afternoon of the same day . IV . That tbe deputy returning officer , in the presence of tbe Agents of tbe candidates , examine and seal the balloting boxes previously to the commencement of the ballotting ; be snail , in like manner , declare the number of votes for each candidate , and shall cause a copy 0 / the same , signed by himself , to bo forwarded to the returning officer of the district , and another copy to the registration clerk of tbe parish . i V . That the deputy returning officer be paid for his services as hereinafter mentioned—See Penalties :
THE REGISTRATION CLERK , HIS DUTIES . I . Be it enacted , that a registration cierk be appointed by the district returning officer for every perish within his district containing inhabitants ; or for every two or more parishes that may be united for tbe purposes of this Act ; such clerk to be responsible to his authority , as well as to the provisions of this Act . ! II . That for the purpose of obtaining a correct ; registration of all the voters in each electoral district , the registration clerk of every parish , as aforesaid throughout the kingdom , shall , on or before tbe 1 st of February in each year , take or cause to be taken round to every dwelling-house , poor-house , or union workhouse , in his parish , a printed notice of the following form : — Mr . John J » nes ^ you are hereby required , within six days , from the date hereof , to jUl up this list with the names of all male inhabitants of yur house , of 21 years of age and upwards ; stating their respective ages and the time they have resided tcith you ; or , in neglect thereof , to forfeit the sum of one pound for every [ name omitted . j A . B ., Registration Clerk .
-. ... . Time of Name . Address . Age . Besidence . John Jones . NJ ^ Jj { SL 21 Year * 3 months . N . B . This list will be called for at the expiration of six days from this date . ) III . That at tbe expiration of six days , as aforesaid , the registration clerk shall collect , or cause to be collected , the aforesaid lists , and shall cause to be made out from them an alphabetical list of all persons who are of the proper age and residence to qualify them as voters , according to the provisions of this Act . j IV . That if tbe registration clerk shall have any just reason to believe that the names , ages , or time of residence of any person inserted in the aforesaid list are falsely entered , or not in accordance with the provisions of this Act , be shall not refuse to insert them in his list of veters , but he shall write the words " objected to " opposite such names ; and so in like manner against the names of every person he may have just reason to consider ineligible according to the provisions of this Act . i
V . Thai on or before the 8 th of March in each : year , tbe registration clerk shall cause tbe aforesaid alphabetical list of voters to be stuck against all church and cbapel doors , market-bouses ,. town-halls , sessionbouses , poor-houses , union workhouses , and such ( other conspicuous places as be may deem necessary , from the 8 th ef March till tbe 22 nd . He shall also cause a copy of such list to lie at bis office , to be perused by any person , without a fee , at all reasonable hours ; and copies of the said list shall be sold to the public at a reasonably tow price . VI . That on or before tbe 25 th of March the registration clerk shall take , or cause to be taken , a copy of the aforesaid list of voters to the returning officer of his district , which list shall be signed by himself , and be presented as a just aud impartial list , according to his judgment , of all persona wifcain bis parish who axe eligible according to their claims , aa well es of all those who have be « n objected to by himself
or other persons . > VII . That tbo registration clerk shall attend tbe court of adjudication , according to tbe notice be shall receive from tbe returning officer , to revise bis list , and shall perform all the duties of his office aa herein provided . j VIII . That the registration clerk be paid for bis services in the manner hereinafter mentioned . :
ARRANGEMENT FOR REGISTRATION . I . Be it enacted , that every householder , as well as every person occupying or fcaving charge of a dwelling heuse , poorhouse , arid union icorkfiouss , v . ' ho shall receive a notice from the registration clerk as aforesaid ] shall cause the said notice to be correctly filed up with tbe names , ages , and time of residence of every male inmate or inhabitant of bis or her house , ofivnnty-one years of age and upwards , vritbin six days of thedayiofthe oate of such notice , and Bh&ll carefully preserve tbe same till it is called for by ihe registration clerk , ! or his proper officer .
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IL That when the list of voters is made , out from these notices , and stuck on the church doors and places as aforesaid , any person who finds bis name not inserted in the list , and who believes be is duly qualified as a voter , shall , on presenting to the registration clerk a notice in the following form , have bis name added to the list of voters : — J , John Jones , carpenter , residing at in the district of being twenty ' one years of age , and having resided at the above place during the last three months , require to be p l aced on the list of voters , as a qualified elector for the said district .
III . That any person who is qualified as a voter in any electoral district , and shall have removed to any other parish within the said district , on presenting to tbe registration cierk of the parish he then resides in , his voter ' s certificate as proof of this , or the written testimony of any registration elerk wko has previously registered him , be shall be entitled to be placed on the list of votersaa-aforesaidi IV . Tbat if an elector of any parish in the district have any just grounds for believing tbat any person disqualified by Shis Act has bses put upon any parish register within the said district , he may , at any seasonable hour , between the 1 st and tbe 20 th day of March , cause the following notices to be delivered ; one at the resilience of tbe Tegistration clerk ; and the other at the residence of fee person objected t »; and the registration clerk 8 br . it , in like manner , send notice of the grounds of objection to all persons he may object to , &b aforesaid : — To the- Registration Clerk . I , William Smith , elector of the pariah of . in the district of object to A . B being on the register of voters , believing him to be disqualified . To theiperson objected to . 3 fr . A . B ., of , I , William Smith , elector of the parish of , in tke district of , abject to your name being on the register of voters-, for the following reasons : — [ here state the reasons}—and I will support my objections by proofs-before the returning oficer of Ike district . ' Dated this day , &o .
V . Th it if the person thus objecting neglect to attend the court of tbe returning officer at the proper time to state bis objections , he shall be fined ten shillings fer every such ueglect , tke same to be levied on hi » goods aud chattels , provided he is not prevented from attending by sickness or accident , in which case biomedical csrtiflcate , or a certificate signed by ten voterscertifying such fact , shall be forwarded to the returning officer , who shall then determine whether the claim tobe put on tbe register ba allowed or not . VI Toat if the person objected to fails to attend the court of the returning officer at tbe proper time , tosubstantiate his claim , his name shall be erased from the register ; provided he is not prevented by sickness or accident , in which case a certificate shall be forwarded , and the returning officer shall determine , as before directed .
VII . That if it should be proved before the returning ; tniier , in his open eourt of adjudication , that any person has frivolously or vexatiously objected to any one being placed 00 tbe list of voters , such person objecting shall be fined twenty shillings ., and erpences , the same to be levied on his goods and chattels , and paid to the person objected to . VIII . Tbat as early as possible after the lists are revised as aforesaid , the returning efficer shall cause a copy of the same to be forwarded to every registration clerk within bis district .
IX . That the registration clerk of every parish shall then correctly copy from such list tbe name , age , and residence of every qualified elector within his parish or parishes , into a cook made for that purpose , and shall place a number opposite each n tme . He shall then , within days , take , or cause to be taken , to all such electors , a voter ' s certificate of the following form , tbe number on which shall correspond with the number in the aforesaid b ; ok : — No . 123 . ; This is to certify that James Jones , of , is eligible to vote for one person to be relumed 10 Parliament ( as well us for the telarning officer ) for the district of , for one year from the date hereof . Dated Registration Clerk .
X . Tbat if any person lose his voter ' s certificate by fire , or any other accident , he shall not have a" new certificate till the next registration ; but on the day of any election , if he can establish bis identity , on the testimony of two ' witnesses , to the satisfaction of the registration clerk , as being the qualified voter described in the registration book , he shall be allowed to v » te . XT . Tbat the returning officer is hereby authorised and commanded to attach any small parishes to any adjacent parish within bis district , for the purpose * of this Act , and not otherwise ; and in like manner to unite all extra parochial places to some adjacent parish * —See PenaUie& .
ARRANGEMENT FOR NOMINATIONS . I . Be it enacted , tbat for the purpose of guarding against too great a number , who might otherwise be heedlessly proposed , as well as for giving time for the electors to enquire into the merits of the persons who may be nominated for Members of Parliament , as well as for returning officers , that all nominations be taken as hereinafter directed . II . That for all general elections of Members of Parliament a requisition of the following form , signed by at least one hundred qualified electors of tbe district , be delivered to the returning officer of the district between the firxt and the tenth day of May in each year ; and tbat such requisition constitute tbe nomination of such person as & candidate for tho district .
We , the undersigned electors of the district of '• , recommend A . B . cf , as a fit and proper person to represent the people of this district in the Commons ' . House of Parliament , the said A . B- being qualified to be an elector according to the provisions of this Ad . Dated , fyc ., Signed . III . That the returning efficer of every electoral district shall , on or before the 131 h of May in each year * cause a list of all the candidates thus nominated to be stuck up agaiimt all church and chapd doors , markethouses , town-halls , session-houses , poor-houses and union workhouses , and such other conspicuous places within tbe district as be may deem necessary .
IV . That whenever a vacancy is occasioned in any district , by the death , resignation , or other cause , of the Member of Parliament , the returning officer of tnat district Bhall within three days after tbe receipt of bis orders from the Speaker of the House of Commons giva notiee thereof in all the parishes of his district in the manner described for giving notices , and be shall at the same time request all nominations to be made as aforesaid witbin ten days from the receipt of bis order , and shall also appoint the day of election within eighteen days from tbe receipt of such order from the Speaker of the House of Commons . V- That if from any circumstance no person has been nominated as a Candidate for the district en or bufore the 10 th of May ,. persensmay then be nominated in the manner described as aforesaid at any time ' previous to the 20 th of May , but not after that date .
VI . That at the first election , after tbe passing of this Act , and at tbe expiration of every year , the nomination of candidates for the returning officer be made in the same manner as for Members of Parliament , and nominations for vacancies that may occur in like manner . VII . Tbat if two or more persons are nominated aa aforesaid for Members to serva in Parliament for the district , the returning officer shall , at any time , between the 15 th and 31 st of May , ( Sundays excepted ) , appoint such times and places ( not exceeding } as be shall think most convenient to the electors of the district for the candidates to appear before them , then and there to explain their views and solicit the suffrages of the electors .
VIII . That tba returning officer see that Jbhe places above described be convenient for the purpose , and that as many such erections be put up as may be necessary ; the same to ba paid for by tbe returning efficer , aud charged in his account as hereinafter mentioned . IX . That for tbe purpose of keeping good order and public decorum , the returning officer either take the chair at such meetings himself , or appoint a deputy for that purpose . X . That provided only one candidate be proposed for Member of Parliament for tbe district by the time hereinbefore mentioned , the returning officer cause notice to bo given as hereinafter mentioned , that such a candidate is elected a member for the district ; and if only one candidate be proposed for the returning officer , be shall in like manner , be declared duly elected .
XI . Tbat bo other qualification Bhall be required than the choice of the electoral according to the provision q / this act , providing that no person , excepting the Cabinet Ministers , be eligible to serve in the Common House of Parliament who are in the receipt of any emolument derivable from anyplace w placet-held under Government , or of retired allowances arising ihertfrom .
ARRANGEMENT FOR ELECTIONS . L Be it enacted , that a general election of Members of Parliament foi the electoral districts of the United Kingdom take place on the first Monday in June in each year ; and tbat all vacancies by death or otherwise , shall be filled up as nearly as possible witbin eighteen days after they occur . II . That a general election of returning officers for all tbe districts take place at the expiration of every three years on the first Monday in Jane , and at thesame time Members . of Parliament are to be elected ; and that all vacancies be filled up , as nearly as posri- * ble , within eighteen , days after they occur .
III . That every person who has been registered as aforesaid , and who has a -voter ' s certificate , Bhall have the right of voting in tbe district in which he has b < ± en rtcisteied , and in th& £ only , and of voting for the Member of Parliament for that district , and the returning officer for the district , and for those only . ( Continued in wr eighth Page . )
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• Moved by "William Lovett of London ; seconded by E = v . H . SoBy of Teovfl : — m 1 «» 17 TbatthSs Conference having adopted sucn jnst i principles ef representation , as are necessary for giving to oil classes their equal share of political power ; resolve at some fnture peried , to call another Conference , ( in ¦ whida the whole people may be tuBy represented , ) for tbe purpose of considering any documents whieb . embody the Decenary details for the workicg out of the above principles . "
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Joseph Stxagt , Esq ., in Btating that the time for *)«™ Dent had bo-w arrived , announced bis intention " "J ^ fr * the chair . It was then moved by Mr , f " * Kcsmotd ly Mr . © -Connor , and carried by aoKMajjoj , " ^ at tts cordial thanks of this meeting be- pre-¦™« to 2 i x . Sturge , for his excellent condnct in tfce the ffifte&jg then adjourned . 3 BlrfcSDAy MOBRNING SITTING , 3 tec 29 , 1842 . to a motion by Messrs . Kidley and O'Connor , Patrick vapi ^ Eiq , was sailed to the chair . a ^ stSdS ^** ' ** Bote £ m moTEd ' " *
3 ** i a deputation from this Conference be apg ^ 3 A > wait npon Sir . Wm . Morgan to require that IL ^ w ^ ^ ^^ ae immediate use of ¦ t ftemS £ ?\ £ ^ dorame * ta . book * . Papers , or cS . ^ f ^ ^ reed to - »* Messn - Moir - ££ P ^ 7 £ rxs ** , * na ^ 6 baon VErB appointed £ 2 ^ 22222 ? ' - ar . MoTg Birmingham , Dec . 29 , 18 i 2 . is& £ pfr- ^ ' 2 zz ¦ ¦ S ? S « f ^^ . ^ oulimYolve all parries in * HlStJl lmDEOesai 7 P * * - I therefore think jatdjT :, ^ craan « to C » preservation of that SfSttSSS ? ' ODsht " ^ «* a *« teri « ^ SrrS %£ - ^ taJiTes of tte P ^ - > ° » 5 ? a « S / S » S" ^ S ^ Sod instead of giving At thfSfa attendance to present it 'MEffie feme , ! beg that you wffl conve y to the ^ acfii f T 1 L ^ Jou P **^ my gratitude for ^ 3 ^ " -orOEaranee oerciBed towards me , and an 4 , ^ = 01 my unalterable desire for the political and ^¦* OFpmea of my « 0 Entry . 2 am , Sr , Tour obedient servant ,
*» B * O *^ Wn-LiAM UOBCAH . jk ** nBan of the Meeting cf Delegates , - ~ = Htaicr Institution , Birmingham , " ^ ttenresolved :-agj ^ -k ie an instruction to the depntaHon to ^** k * mfc-I" * nsaDj ^ 1 * haM rf ih 6 Conference , 5 j % SSP *> <* thedelegatw . ^ ^ f ^ to the return ! j ^^ " * «« of the Jtembera who have foVn their ^ 5 ^ t f admission . - ^^ Ple ' sBfflof Bights . " *«» a hW ? a 6 axm & ** and papers which he may 0 a a iSf ? ! bd aaSOg to tie Conference . " fts-arab ij Messrs . Arran and O'Connor it -was
¦ JTt tis ; ^ CGI ? mittee of five persons be appointed to te , a J ~~?^ ¦? «* P k = e of meeting , and to make ^ SCUisa 3 fcr adailtting tb delegates . " ^ 3 , - a ^ ^ P ^^^ olloweM , Harrison , and % ibV » apr ' olnted > ¦ wbo subsequently reported l ^ tte T 6 ° eswms of admitting the pnblic to bQ z * n ^ ^? ' * ' ""isaed fcr the sanction «! ^ JSi j ^ T - ° = which it was resolved , on a motion
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* There are Bay 6 , 000 . 000 of men eligible to vote ; this number , ( iivided by 300 , gives 20 , 000 to each member .
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. THE NORTHERN STAB . j 7
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 14, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct633/page/7/
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