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Co &ta5*rg sa& £orr*ftponfcenig
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WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
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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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Untitled Ad
WAKEFIELD ADJOURNED SESSIONS . TVTOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN , that the IN SPRING GENERAL QUARTER SESSIONS of the PEACE , for the West Riding of the County of York , will be hcld-by Adjournment in . the Committee Room , at the House ot Correction , at Wakefield , on Wednesday , the Ninth day of June next , at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon , for the purpose of iuspectinftthe Riding Prison , ( cite said Houie of Correction , ) and for examining the Accounts . of the Keeper of the said House of Correction , making Inquiry into the conduct of the Officers and Servants belonging the same ; and also into the behaviour of the Prisoners , and their Earnings . And Notice is also Hereby Given , that at the same time and place , the Resolution ot the Visiting Justices of the House of Correction , passed at a Meeting held there on the 2 < Ui day of April last , oath © subject of the future Rates on the Boroughs of Leeds , Doncaster , and Pontefract , towards enlarging , altering , or repairing the present House of Correction , or building'a New Gaol or House of Correction , will be taken iuto consideration , and such orders made thereon as the Justices there assembled may think fit . C . H . ELSLEY , Clerk of the Peace . Clerk of the Peace ' s Office , Waktfield , May 21 st , 1841 .
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THE ILLTJMINATOR . NEW CHAKTiSl' PERIODICAL . rriHE MIDLAND COUNTIES' ILLUMINAX TOR , Price Three ^ halfpence , is Published every Saturday . Morning , by Mr . Cooper , of Leicester , and may be had of Mr . Cleave , Shoelaue , London ; of Messrs . Seal , Wiadley , and Markham , ( Leicester , ) Sweof , ( Nottingham , ) Skevington and Eveleigh , ( Lougliboroughjj Neal , ( Derby , ) Vickers , ( Belper , ) Limb , ( Chesterfield ) G . Robinson , ( Hinckley , ) and all Booksellers in the Kingdom , by application to Mr . Cleav * , London , or to the Publisher , Leicester . "The Illuminator'We hesitate not to pronounce infinitely superior in style , matter , and composition , to most , if not any , of the high-priced periodicals , written by and for educated mm . "—Northern Star . " We lately reaeived a small weekly ChartiFt publication from Leicester , entitled the Illuminator . We are pleased to find it is a well conducted and talented paper , containing much npefnl matter , and many interesting extracts from the best social and political writers . In the number before us ( No . 11 , ) is inserted an article on the 'Wicked Law of Primogeniture . ' It contains sentiment of the right sort , and speaks well f or " the intelligence and good sense of the writer . ' —New Moral World . No . 16 , ( published Saturday , May 20 , ) contains " DeliberateSuicide of tha Whigs , '; " necessity of adhering to old-fashioned argument" ; " Lives of the Commonwealthsmen : John Pym concluded" ; Letters of Col . Thompson , Mr . Bairstow , Mr . Smart , &c , &c . ; " Thinkers Note Book , " &c . Copie 3 of Nos . 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , . 7 . -8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , and 15 , may be had on application .
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FROST AND THE CONVENTION OF 1839 . Now Publishing , Price One Halfpenny , rnHE ENGLISH CHARTIST CIRCULAR , No . JL 18 , containing a DECLARATION of RIGHTS ( in Thirty-nino Articles ) " of the People of tho United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland , according to the Anoient Laws and Customs of tho Realm of England . " The above valuable document , the monument of our ancestral rights , was presented by its author , Julias L . Sshroder , Esq ., to the Council of the General Convention , on Friday , the 9 th of August , 1839 , to be by them approved and executed to the utmost of their ability , in furthering the great cause of national and rational freedom , and rescuing both from the accumulating wrongs of oligarchical , aristocratical , and monarchical tyranny . It is now reprinted from a corrected copy snpplied by ths Author for the" English Chartist Cibcular . " At a Meeting of the Members of the General Convention , held the 9 th of September , 1839 , John Frost , Esq . in the Chair , the " Tliirty-nine Articles" were unanimously adopted , with ' . an earnest call upon every constituency in the kingdom to reprint and circulate this important document among the people . This recommendation was signed by all the members of the Convention ( twenty in number ) who happened to be in London at the time . The Circular also contains a great variety of interesting Articles on Law Making and Law Breaking , Private Property , Corn Laws , America , National Debt , &c . &c . London : Cleave , ( Proprietor and Publisher J Shoe-lane , Fleet-street ; and all Newsmen and Booksellers .
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'T ^ y the House . folding d oore were * thrown open , and tie brave Fustian Jackets , " ^« th 9 exp ™^ * tiie P ^ P ' 8 wiil" t « & * *** jdrf the Hoase ; hiring done -which , they fjL fl . fae Petition w « with soiae difficulty rolled ^! a » floor of the House , and in front of the ** f o pposite tbe seat whert Mr . T . Duhcohbb fSrf & * o pportunity of presenting this iremen-^ wifion to the " House , " and of moving oa its ^ " ^ taT Of the * debate" we shall say nothing . J * Ljj given all fee important part of it from ' Vgjflon papers , and merely advise our readers
« 0 issue was , that Mr . Dca-ccuuir ' s kohox fob jO ^ iSK OP THB IHCABCKBATKD TICmB WAS * \ j Br iss CiSH 5 G TOIB OF THI SPBAKBB I « jQ the Government dare to keep them in prison « £ this !! We shall Bee . Do the "bloodies " = g £ the people will not remember that at the 25 , 88 ? Theywfflsee ! jggr the division , the fustian-jacketed bearers of -& . I 1 B 20 B and their friends adjourned to the Boll w . where the desth knell of faction -was sounded
Z » aost pleasing and enthusiastic Chartist V gg- ; yrhen renewed evidences were afforded Ydgjasp determioatian of the people to renew . ^^ ble all exertion , till the several objects of jT-pgjjOn SHALL BE ALL ACCOMPLISHED . Olif tierebe , oo this earthly sphere , 1 booa , •» offering , beavan holda dear ; < & the l «* t libation liberty draws mb tb * bevts that Weed and burst in her cause . ' "
tfrji is sow the universal language of the people fry are " of one lip "; they will achieve freedom , -frin the attempt .
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&ADXCAL EUBGT . g 2 £ S OF TKS ' " WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE . Hears joqt Totes I Don'i- i ^ B ^| e yourselves j ^ aj oee J Step s are being taken by some of m 0 brethren in the neighbourhood of DewBbury h to * forward a Candidate of real Radical p frsp ks—not a mere scion of the Aristocracy . fjgj purpose . to hare a meeting of Radical gators from the different parts of the Riding , fc the purpose of firing on a fit and proper
gn . There are more than 300 real gJfie » ls in the West Riding who hare rotes , prf these can carry their man—akt jus fry choose ! Let them fix on one ; let them b determined to carry him ! Let them be pcgaKd to split -with either of the factions who « jll split with them ; and they will be taken by { tefcud by either one or the other , for neither can pzrj their man without them ! Reserve your ygte , then ! Be prepared to act as is here indicted , and you seat a y ^ n . Radicax for the West Kfitf !
Co &Ta5*Rg Sa& £Orr*Ftponfcenig
Co &ta 5 * rg sa& £ orr * ftponfcenig
IQBT-OFFICE 0 BBSR& . —All persons sending money to this Office "by Post-office Order , axe especially requested to make tbeir orders payable to Kr . John Ardill , as , by a recent alteration Is tbe Post-offire arrangements , any neglect of this would - cause ns a great amount of trouble and amaoyance . l beg to assure Mr . O'Connor's friends that he receives more letters than he can possibly anttrer . We trust this announcement tcili be sufficient for those whose letters remain uncnsteered .
Ms . Cheistopheb Dotlb , of Manchester , has forvarded us a communication respecting a piece e / petty tyranny towards him and others employed at a mill in Pollard-street , Holt Town , The circumstances are briefly these : —On Easter Tuesday , the female weavers in the mill just zamed performed a kind of play , called "lifting , ' ' tchich , though a rather ridiculous custom , has been a common practice for the last nine yea : * . The young master end the overlookers' manager looked on , and iy their non-interference countenanced ike play , and about 140 of the hands stopped work in the afternoon , in consequence of the confusion and disorder produced by the morning ' s sport . On the Saturday following , the
young master fined every two loom weaver Is . 6 < £ , and every four loom weaver 3 * ., for being off from their work . Our correspondent complained of this unlooked-for and unjust exaction , and told his employer he was stopping double the sum he could earn on that afternoon , and that he did tut earn more than § s . a week on the average . Mr . Doyle thus continues his narrative : — He msveered me very sharply , that he would not return me the fine imposed upon me . I said to ion , ' / consider it a piece of barefaced , unblushing robbery , to lake Is . ( kL off my small wages ' ( uhkh , by the bye , were but 3 s . 6 d . for that vxck ); and I told him if he would not pay me vithcui further trouble , I would certainly apply to a quarter where I thought he would be compelled to pay me . I then left him , and on
Monday morning I applied again , and asked the young gentleman if he would grant me leave of absence for about three hours . ' What for V ' / * ant to go to Brown-street' ' What to do there V ' To take out a summons' iFor whom ? ' iFor fou , Sir . ' He then said , 'Do you mean to say you ought not io be fined ? w Certainly not , ' said I , ' in the present case . ' Mr . Editor , to make ay story short , he gave me my tcages , and a fortsight ' s notice to leaves' Our correspondent tendt us this instance oj' millocralic injustice to Asut his fellou-trorknu n they have little to expect from the mUIocracy , whether Whig or Tory , < &i to tell them that such conduct will continue to be the case until the people hare a free voice * s ihe selection r , f those ir ' io are to make the icirj , by which labour as well as capital should be fairly protected .
otsiBT ( Potteries ) . —A balance-sheet of Dr . H'Douall ' s lectures has been serif to vs , from xkizh it appears thai the receipts were £ 11 9 s . M . —the expenditure . £ 7 18 " . id . —leaving a lalmce in hand of £ 3 lQs . lid . 'Pseedom- * — Declined . «*• 0 S 8 OB 5 E , Nr ^ EATON . —We have not room at present for his " reverie . " b-W . HiE 5 £ T . —Letters intended for Mr . Harney "re to be addressed to the care of Mr . William Motelcy Siott , hair-dresser , Toxn-end , Dewsbury Yorkshire .
™ O * £ i > T £ . —The following persons desire to have fieir names appended to ihe Total Abstinence Pledge : —Edward Preston Mead , Chartist Missionary ; John Longmaid , tailor , Truro ; Wm Grossman , Truro ; John Endcan , jun ., agent for the Northern Star , Truro ;—from all exdseable articles of luxury—wishing all the members of ihe National Charier Association would follow ' his example . ' > EE 5 O 5 . —His answer to the enigma is-ingenious , totf incorrect- the answer is a word usually thought to be sinwnymous with the one he hus a Copied ,
aA 5 u * ( Fotthues ) . — We have been requested to * kie that on the occasion of the Ret . Mr . Sle-Went' late visit to the Poite-us , the receipts vtre—ly subscription , £ 2 17 s . lOd . ; bycoV . ec totn after sermon , £ 10 lis . % a \; by tea party lotd lecture , £ 5 lis . Id ., making a total of * 19 7 $ . i | d . ; thai the expenditure u-as £ 8 9 s . ' ¦ id . ; £ 3 0 s . 7 d . finclusive of order and postage J v < u remitted to Mr . Oastler , leaving a balance for the Working Men's Hall of £ . 1 16 « . 7 | d . aJii that any person desirous of inspecting the « ccob ? . /» . J 7 icj / do so hy appiiing at the Temperj ® "e Coffee House , Miles Bank , Skelton . ^ "Wobth . — We cannot insert the communication . * fn ^ us . ole not
'f ? ^ ' ^ EO 1 ^ 1 S cannot vif he be registered . lrs ri " f *' - ' z Chabikb , - "' a Song , will not suit us . H ? 1 XDEPE 5 DE . VT METHODISTS , AND CHARTISM . — nt have received a Utter , signed "Nicholas ffity , President of the Independent Methodist "aach , Bo'tcm-le-Moors . " contradicting a statee * nt in our last publication , thus headed : ** d Hating thai , so far from the Chartist peti-* £ i'e . being carried by a large majority , no * jf ? n petition was put to the vole in the meeiinq . "e conceive that there is probably some quU . ble s . Mr . Rigby does say that such a petition jj £ » aot _ produced at the meeting in answer to Or ^ i ' Corn La petition ; but that it was not . Jto ~ U > the vote , " which mav onlv mean that he .
> 4 ™ f Uiairnun , refused to entertain it . t , i > ~ J he r Wt of ihe meeting on the loth is ** & ? t / ° in ** rt ° * n «* . ^* . f ° « , Glasgow . — His letter shall be . j &iniy , Qjjrf al l T at £ Kt opportunity , delirered *> &e proper party .
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John Wilkhtsox , Salisbury , complains that fie terote to the Petition Convention , last Tuesday , May ISth , requesting a draft of the heading of the National Petition . He addressed his letter to . Dr . MDxmaU , 55 , Old Bailey ; he enclosed 1 * . to help the Fund * of the Convattma , and is mwhswrprited at not receiving any answer . Joseph M'Domald , Nkwet . —We xeiU publish kit tetter next week . "The Crisis" shall appear . Psxeb Rigbt . — We cannot insert his communication If tee knew his address , thai we could write him _ prwaUlg , v > e couldgive him a satisfactory reason . J . i . —No .
As Elbctob . of Gldhajc—After the declaration of O Connor in this day ' s Star . We send his letter to O Connor before publishing it . MiWiLDB , Hcix . —His papers were delayed beyond the proper time of sending , because I happened , unfortunately , to misplace his order , instead of handing it to the proper clerk . There teas not any other reason for iL—W . Hill . Mes . Fbosi . —Mr . J . Guest , of Birmingham , trill recetve any sums of money for Mrs . Frost . W . EL Owes , Stockport . —We have not received any confirmation of his list of Councillors from the Krecutwe . W . R , Biui > FOBD .- ^ Jto "lines dedicated to Fearaus O'Connor" are declined . " Lnrss ^ o Ttba * ts" will not suit our columns . u A RsaDEB from thb Fibst , " at Belpast , is heartily thanked , —We have an eye on the rascals , and will , some of these fine mornings , put a paw mi them .
" A Tbxbsd" at Dundee , is thanked for his pious care . —We hare taken the subject of his remarks into our most serious consideration ; we are quite aware of ihe responsibility of our position ; and we are deliberately of opinion that the matters of whUhhecomplains , as a desecration of the Sabbath , are among ihe most effective of the modes of worshipingGodandobeying the ten Commandments . We only wish that we had entugh of influence over the multitude" to make the practice universal . u ^ " Daw-Gbesh , is not liable to mnyfine ; but he renders his papers liable to be charged treble postage , ^ d Himself liable to -pay it . He hat n « legal rigtiito write any thing » n them but the name andaddress ihe party to whom they are sent % ~
: £ ^ i& * i 9 i * ^ - ¦**•>* * V ^ « W . Uma" JETsent us a long leMf which it is .-impossible to decipher ; but which as far as we can make out , seems to be an earnest exhortation to avoidance of intoxicating stimulants . Qabkiel Shaw Haugrkates , Maschesteb ., dates that a packed meeting was ttid in the Town Hall , ox Tuesday , the 18 tt ixstaat , at which he attended , as well as many others . Tht room was crammed prior to Ihe time mentioned ; and when he expressed his dissatisfaction at the absence of all fair play , and at the ffross , insulting , asid partial condnct of ihe Chairman , who acted ihe part of a decided partisan , he was assailed by both kicks and blows ; and , moreover , a great many of his assailants were of the moral force respectables . Several of ihe party yelled out , " Throte him out of the window" "Throw Mm
down stairs , " $ c < f-c .,- and , JinaUy , one of the respectables ( some warehouse fop , he supposed J seized hold of him , and , after some struggling , gave him in charge io a policeman . However , he immediately gave the respectable in charge als * . On descending the staircase , they wen met by a person in authority belottgixg to ihe police , Who made inquiries into the matter : being told , he wished our correspondent te go up again , and be quiet . He refvstd i » agree to any ' such condition , unless quietly permitted to deliver ¦ his opinions unmolested , and without being struck or abused for so doing by a set offdiows who dan not meet open free discussion like men , but who act the part of cowardly , hypocritical wretches ; such as he is determined , at all risks , fearlessly io oppose , until ihe people ' s rights are wrested from their irohffrasp .
Yobk Chabtists—Their address next week . Mr . Pitkethlt . —We have received his balancesheet ; bnt withhold his particulars till next week . " Illegal Distress" in our next . A Loteb of JcsncF . —Thanks , far his tronble in sending the rascally Whig paper . S . N ., Ashbcrton . —The cards of membership for the National Charter Association , may be had from the secretary , Mr . John Campbell , 18 , Addely-street , Manchester . Thb lixes kstiiled—The " Northern Star , " are declined .
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Bassale .- —Yes , and at the same price ; if any inither charge is made it is in France , -which may be one halfpenny per c » py postage . G . Kxell , Portaea , is entitled to the plate with his paper . The charge of one nhHiing is not made here . Me . Haerop , Chester , must send his orders to A . Heywood , by whom he is supplied . A . Haxtgn . —One -was sent W . H . James , Post Office order , will do as well as paying to tbe Bint The 0 > e Pound for Mrs . Frost , neticed in onr last , from " Wolrerhampton , Bilrton , West Brom-¦ wich and Walsall , " was from Wednesbnry , and they -ranted the aboTe places to follow -their example . Chables Holland , Newport , Isle op Wight , is entitled to the plate , Send to Mr . Yiolet for
it He -would recenre it from Mr . CleaTe . J . Aitken , Bottlogne . —The plates due are at Mr . Join Cl « Te ' s . T . W . Hi , Gloccestebshibe , send Post-stamps-J . Endeabse , Tit'BO . —The parcel was sent to Mr . John CleaTe , to be forwarded as desired . A Bpecimen of Emmett was sent by post A . Bbo-wn , Let en Mills . —The portrait was sent Wm . M / LaBEN , The parcel -waited & fe-w days for some of the works he ordered . They haTe been sent , togethei , "mth the i lite * , to A . Heywood , Manchester , to be forwarded in the Glasgow parcel . John Stein , Alloa . —Fifteen were sent last week Newspapers to the United States are charged t-wopence , bat they cannot be sent if more than seTen days old .
FOB MBS . FEOST . £ , S . d . From the Chartist Association , Helper ... 0 10 0 .. the Chartists of York 7 4 « . D . Hartley , Leeds 0 2 0 „ Knaresborough 0 2 3 .. an out-and-out Chartist , Leeds ... 0 0 6 .. John Hall 0 0 6 _ Hnnslet ... 0 11 0 _ SBorehaiu . ' Sussex , pei F . Hards ... 0 3 0 _ G . Wilcock , Whitby 0 10 „ a fevr Friends at De wsbury and Hanging Heaton Common Side ... 0 13 0 „ a few Chartists at Stratford ... . ... 0 2 6 .. a Friend at Upper Wortley , per ' H . S . 0 2 6 _ a few Friends to Chartism at
Newcastle , Staffordshire 0 9 0 _ Coventry , per D . Bnekery 0 13 6 _ 2 > ariingtcn , per N . Bragg ... ... 1 4 11 _ Stoieslej , per W . Hebden 0 7 0 _ the Femaie Chaitists , Campsie , near Glasgow 0 6 9 „ the Male , do ., do 10 5 _ a "fe-w Friends at Mill Brook , Staley Wood , per P . Deegan ... ... 0 8 6 _ MiddlesbTG 10 0 _ the Chartists of Bsrmon&sty ... .,, 070 _ York , per Mr . Palleyn , 0 2 6 _ Merthyr TydTil , per D . Davis ... 100 FOB THE "WTTES AJVD FAMILIES OF THE INCABCEBATEH
CHABTISTS . From the Chartist Association , Belper ... 0 10 0 „ London—proceeds of a raffl j for a barometer ... 12 s 10 _ Great Horton , per Baracloueh ... 0 9 0 _ New Mills , Glencesteribire , " T . W . H . 0 0 li „ Salisbury , Wilts , per J . Wilkinson ... 0 1 0 POWTTCJiL PRISONERS' AND CHASTER CONTENTION
FUND . From Daniel Brindlpy l 0 _ John Turner ... 1 0 „ aFriend . 0 6 0 2 6 _ the Chartists of Brighton 0 10 0 _ Stonrbridge , per J . Chance ... ... 0 8 0 _ a Friend to the Cause , Leeds ... ... 0 0 3 „ T . "H-, Horsforth 0 0 6 _ E . Pybus and two friends * 0 10 „ Clift 9 n , near Halifax , by three friends offreedom 8 16 „ LiTersedge and Heckmondwike ... e 8 1 „ three" persons at Shaftesbury , per J . Williams ... 0 16 _ DaMon , near Carlisle 0 * _ a few friends at Ne-wport , Salop ... 0 5 0 _ Mr . Btverley , 0 10 _ a few friends at Walsall , per Mr .
Crow ,.. 0 3 0 „ a Hunslet friend 0 16 „ Oldbsm Charter Association 0 10 0 .. Coventry , per D . Buckery 0 6 6 _ Stokesley , per W . Hebden 0 5 0 . » Brcmsgrote 0 10 0 ^ Chesterfield , per W . Martin 0 2 6 „ the females of Chesterfield , per Wsl-- singham Martin 0 5 6 „ York isecond sub . ) 0 7 3 „ Cardiff , Wales 0 10 0 FOB JiBS . CLATTON . From Middiesbro' 0 3 0 FOB JtH . UOET . From York , per W . Cordeax 0 16 „ Mertiyr Tydvi ] , per D . Davis ... 0 5 0
FBOK A FEW TEETOTALLERS AT MENSTBY . For Mrs . O'Brien ... 2 6 ^ Mr ? . C ' ayton ... 2 6 ^ lire . Peddie ... 2 6 „ ' 3 Irg . Frost 2 6 „ Chartist"Victim Fund 2 6 0 12 6
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GREAT MEETING AT THE TOWN-HALL , BI ^ MIJiQaAM . DEFEAT OF THE WHIGS AND GLORIOUS TRIUMPH OF THE CHARTISTS . The town of Birmingham has been in a state of fererish excitement for the last week . Small knots of WhigB and Corn Law repealers , were to be seen running through the streets in all directions , beating op for recruits . The workshops and factories were canvassed , and intimidation , cajolery , and all the arts of cunning were had recourse to in order to prop np tbe falling Whigs , and induce the working men to sign the petitions got np at the hole-and-corner meetings . They at length muBtered courage , and came to the determination of calling a town's meeting . A requisition was got np requesting the Mayor to call
a meeting at the town-bill , and on Saturday lar ^ e bills were posted containing a long list of requisitionists , and giving notice that a meeting would bo held at tbe town-hall , on the following Monday , at eleven o ' clock , to take into consideration the propriety of petitioning Parliament for a revision of the Corn LawB , and Custom Laws . The placard was signed by tbe Mayor . In the meantime the Chartists were not idle . At half-past ten , the . doors were thrown oDen . — The rash was tremendous , all parties hastening to secure the best position . The immense hall , which is calculated to hold ten thousand people , was soon crammed , amongst whom was a large sprinkling of the fair sex , who seemed to take a livoly interest in tbe matter .
Mr . Mu . ttz then took the chair and was cheered by the meeting . The Chartist Btaff then appeared , and fell in , " rank and file , " on the left of the Chairman , and were loudly cheered . At eleven o ' clock , the Mayob stood up and stated that as the time for commencing the business had arrived , he should recommend them to give every Ears on who addressed them a fair and impartial earing . He hoped they woo Id assist him in keeping order , and afterwards decide as they thought proper . He then introduced Mr . Aid . Weston . Mr . Weston proceeded to address the meeting in the usual anti-Corn Law style . He read a string
of statistics , shewing as well aa he knew how the immense benefits that would arise from the proposition of the Ministry , descanted on the great bleapingB of cheap bread and cheap Bugat , and conclude * with a few fine flourishes about-his love for the . peopl ' i .-Tle then proposed a Btring of resolutions approving the Min&terial plan , and also a petition founded on th ? lame , aadsatMtorn amidst a mixture of groans and cheers . Sir . Geoece Edmonds seconded tbe resolution , and with a significant nod of his head towards the Chartist speakers , informed the Chairman that he should reserve what he had to say until a future stage of the proceedings .
Mr . Geobce White then presented himself , and was received with loud and repeated cheers from the immense assembly . He said that he held in his hand an amendment to the proposition brought before them by Mr . Alderman Weston , and he hoped that all parties would give a fair and impartial hearing Co each speaker , as that was the only way to elicit truth , and come to a just conclusion . The question now before them had been loDg agitated , and he felt highly pleased that the Chartists had at last got an opportunity of meeting their opponents face to face . ( Loud cheers . ) He was happy to find that the same steps which were taken by the anti-Corn Law party at Manchester had not been followed up at Birmingham . He considered that meeting as a
full and fair representation of the town , as all parties had freo access ; and whatever decision they came to that day would and ought to go forth to the country as the solemn decision of the men of Birmingham on this important question . ( Hear , hear . ) He had listened with great attention to the statements of Mr . Weston , but he should not follow his example—namely , going to all parts of the world in search of arguments . He should content himself by stating facts which were known to them all , and which no man could controvert . The Chartists had been called Tories for the part they took in the Corn Law question , and the only reason that could be given was , that they would not be Whigs . Some people seemed to have
strange notions , and to fancy that any man , not being a Whig , must , as a matter of course , be a Tory . But he had a bit of a secret to tell the gentlemen on his right . ( Laughter . ) There was a party in this couutry called Chartists , who were an overwhelming majority of the nation , and they would prove it to them before they left that hall . ( Loud aud repeated cheers . ) What , after all , -wasthe proposition brought forward by Mr . Weston or her Majesty ' s Ministers J What benefit would it confer on the working classes ! None whatever . Were they to be told , that after years of unparalleled suffering , the present measure wa 3 the oniy one intended for their relief ! Away with such mockery ! Were the toiling , starving , and oppressed working men of
Great Britain to be told that the present paltry humbug was all that they were to receive from their tender -Hearted rulers ? Down withsnehimpostors ! But what was the real amonnt of benefit which the measure would confer , even taking all that had been advanced by Mr . Weston to be true , and he could not expect to be placed in a better position than that . It appeared that the duty on sugir wms Io fee made less by Is . 6 d . on every cwt . than it was at present . Let them calculate how much that would reduce the poor man ' s pound or half a pound ; it would not make half a farthing Ies 3 . He congratulated the gentlemen on his right on their happy selection of a subject on which to make their appearance before the public . It was a very sweet one . ( Loud laughter . ) But they would find to their
sorrow , that neither sweet smiles , or sweet words would again entrap the working men . He would ask the meeting whether they were willing to be cajoled by men who had already deceived them , and again put them in a position where they could sell their rights for a lick of sugar ? ( No . ) No , it would not do to tell that tale now a days I The working men were too enlightened , and the promises of a mouthful of bread or a spoonful of sugar would not satisfy them . They were determined to have full and complete justice and nothing less . He wished the meeting to look at the consistency of the men who made the present proposition , that they wished foi an augmentation ol ' the revenue—what earthly difference did it make to them whether they paid taxes
out ot their right or their left pocket , so long as they were compelled to pay the same amount , for it was well known that the whole would be wrung from the labour and sweat of the working classes . Mr . Weston had also complained of the enormous duties which were levied on imported articles , and the small amount levied in America . He would tell them the cause of it . The Americans had not to pay fifty millions of taxes annually , to keep horses of Whig and Tory bloodsuckers . ( Loud cheers . ) On the contrary , the whole expences of their Government were not so much as was paid to the Bench of Judges in this country . ( Shame . ) The Chartists , then , were the only class of politicians who proposed a real and permanent remedy . Tncy
were also told by Mr . Weston , that if the master manufacturers were better off , they wouldfpay higher wages to their men . He doubted it , for were they not building palaces for themselves on the outskirts of every large town ?—and it was his belief that if they had mansions equal to that of the Duke of Bucckxigh , they would uot then be satisfied . It had been often stated by thoso parties , that the value of land had increased enormously of late years . Why , then , was not the condition of th « agricultural labourer bettered ? Instead of that being the case , they found that they were getting worse , and he had no reason to think that the manufacturers were any better than their neighbours . The fact wa 3 , that if laboarers wero scarce , they
would receive high wages , but when they were plentiful , the masters kept them at starvation point , no matter how large thtir profits . They were told that the measurenowproposed'would increase trade . Well , suppose that it did ? The manufacturers would increase machinery to such an extent as to overstock the globe—and if they even had a trade to the moon , and all the planets—allowing that they were populated , and that , they could reach them , the workip . g men would soon be a 3 bauly off as ever . Bat be saw no reason why Englishmen ought not to live without being slaves for every other nation , aud be everlastingly immured in factories . He saw no reason why poor little children should be dragged from their beds on a frosty morning , and converted
into cripples , in order to make a fortune for other people . He would tell them that there was no hope of bettering their condition until their labour was protected , and that their only chauce of an effectual remedy was in the establishment of the People ' s Charter . He conjured them to stand up in the digany of manhood , and declare to the world thai they iroold be free . ( Loud cheers . ) They had seen that Mr . Edmonds had reserved himself , in order to make use of his powers of cajolery . He warned them to be on their guard ; the welfare of themselves , their families , and their country depended on their decision that day . He considered that he had fully refuted everything advanced by Mr . Weston ; he should therefore leave the matter to their judgment , and propose the following
amendment : — " . Resolved—That the present measure of relief proposed by the Whigs , is an insult to the toilworn andjEuffering millions of this country ; and proves that they have no desire to do justice to the people . They have also proved , by eight years of heariless proii £ acy and misrule , that their most solemn promises are not to be regarded , and that they are unworthy of tbe people ' s confidence , That although the Corn Laws are unjust and oppressive , yet the present House of Commons being inimical to the people ' s rights , will not repeal the same , except through an agitation borderiug on Revolution . " He then Bat down amid loud cheering .
Mr . Bjs . vjami . v Hill seconded the amendment As Mr . Edmonds had reserved himself , they had resolved to keep seme t-f their great guns reserved also . He hoped that the discussion might be fairly
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conducted , and that each party would receive a p atient hearing . , ( He was immediately interrupted by-a gentleman named Smith . ) Mr . Hill proceeded . He was very sorry that Mr . Smith left his brains at home , and could conduot himself no better . ( Some confusion here took place , and after an explanation from Mr . Smith , Mr . Hill resumed . ) He supported the amendment because he considered the Whig proposal to be an outrageous insult to the unfortunate beings who were compelled to toil for four or ftveBhillings per week , to offer them such a paltry and contemptible measure , which , if it was ever carried , would not , according io the representation of its warmest advocates , do any more than reduce a pound of sugar from 7 d . to 6 hd . The working
men could net afford to lose their time in agitating for the repeal of the Corn Laws , and were determined to get rid of her Majesty's brutal ministers . Would the working men be the tools to prop up the most wicked Government thai ever existed in this country ! ( No , no , and load cheers . ) He knew they would not . Mr . Muntz , the member for Birmingham , had declared , in his place in Parliament , "that a . repeal of the Corn Laws could not be effected without reducing wages , and that it meant that , or it meant nothing ; " yet the same man sends a letter to the inhabitants of Birmingham , advising them to support the present measure . Where was
the consistency of such conduct ! The people of this ill-used country were already in deep trouble , and it was the intention of the Corn Law repealers to make them still worse and bring them to a level with their suffering brethren in Ireland . They were told to agitate for the present measure . He would do no such thing , for he knew that the same amount of agitation that carried the Reform Bill would also carry a Republic if they thought proper . Why not sgitate for the Charter , and then they could settle all other questions ? For these reasons he would second the amendment . Mr . Hill retired and was loudly and deservedly cheered .
Robert Kellie Douglas then made his appearance in front , and was treated to a hearty round of hisses , mingled with a few weak cheers . He endeavoured to get up a smile , but could not manage it ; he saw that his day was gone by . He however commencedtoteUmuoh the same story as the worthy Alderman who preceded him . He said that Mr . WbjteJad told them that the value of land had incareafti . That wm just what he wanted to impress oi * ti » fl&jnind 8 . He then endeavoured to exonerate hiaaijrfrom the charge of wishing to assist the Wbtiw : he < W , 1 arftd that he would have nothin ? to Wbijar ; he declared that he would have nothing to
do will them . ( Tbe meeting did not relish this , and commenced shouting" It won ' t do , " * ' We don ' t be * lieve you , " &c . ) He hoped they would give him a hearing ; he had been all his life a reformer , and thought they should allow him to be heard . ( " We have heard you too often . " ) Mr . Douglas then produced a small map with a zig-zag line drawn through the middle , in order to show the meeting the rise and fall in the price of corn , and got laughed and hooted at for his pains . He then produced Tail's Magazine , in order , as he stated , to read an account of the Manchester massacre . The meeting grew uproarious , hooting and yelling with all their might , so that not a singlo word was heard about the evil
doings of the Tories . Mr . Douglas then new into a violent rage . He bellowed and foamed uffirst-rate style , and finding that fail , he begged most pitifully . The Chairman and Chartist speakers exerted themselves to procure him a hearing , and ultimately succeeded . He then proceeded to tell the meeting that the men who stood with him were the most honourable men that could be found , aud gave them to understand that he did not approve of tbe leaders whom the people had thought proper to choose . He then delivered a Jong tirade against the Tories , and concluded by stating that the question was not whether they would nave the Whiga , but whether they would r upport the Tories . He retired amidst terrific yells and groans , and looked mortified beyond measure .
Mr . John Collixs then stood forward , and was received with loud cheers . He said that he had listened to the concluding remarks of Mr . Douglas , and could not see what they meant , unless to prop tbe Whigs . When Mr . Douglas took so muoh pains to abuse the Tories for their misdeeds , he could draw no other inference except that it was meant to make the Whigs appear better . Mr . Douglas had read them a long story about the misdeeds of the Tories , and the Manchester Massacre ; but he said not a word about tho Irish Coercion Bill or the Bull Ring . ( Loud cheers . ) Those gentlemen would have them to think that corn grow like blackberries , and required neither capital nor labour—that it had only to be picked up . He had a document drawn up by
one of their own friends , from which it appeared that the warehousing , freight , and dues of various descriptions , which was laid upon corn leaving foreign ports , amounted to 18 s . 3 d . per quarter . Add to this the 8 s . fixed duty proposed by the Whigs , and he should like to know how much better they would be off , or what benefit they would receive from the measure . ( Loud cries of "Hear , hear /') Mr . Douglas bad stated something about the amount which the Corn Tax placed in tbe pockets of the landowners . If he were to be robbed , it mattered not to Wm by which party the robbery was effected ,-for if the Corn Laws were repealed , he saw no likelihood of its bettering the condition of bia class . He would shew tbe meeting that the proposed measure was not intended
te do them any good , for the resolutions < -f the gentlemen on his rigkt , admitted that it was intended to increase the revenue . But they were told that the present measure was to act as a wedge . Why ? The Reform Bill was held up to them merely as a wedge . And what good had they received from it . How canio it to pass that the present measure was proposed by the Whig Ministry ? Had they only just found out thattheir previous policy was erroneous ? If so , it proved that they were not capable of governing . ( Loud cheers . ) But they were in a minority , and consequently threw out the present bait , and if he was fully satisfied that they were now sincere , he must confess that he liked not a sick bed repentance , for they often found that those ¦ who made the largest promises in that situation , seldom
fulfilled them when the danger was removed , —( laughter ) ;—but giving them all credit for sincerity , the present measure was not calculated to benefit the working classes . Mr . Collins then proceeded to read fro .-n a list of the returns of the duty charged on the importation of foreign grain , aud showed to' the meeting that for the last few years the average duty was less than eight shillings ; if , then , the duty was fixed at eight shillings , it was quite clear that it would increase the revenue , and that they would have to pay more than before ; they were told by a previous speaker that if this measure was not passed , England would becomes desert He remembered a motto that used to be on one of the Political Union ' s flags , " England free oradesert /' and he hoped his fellow-countrymen would be content with nothing less than freedom . He knew not what to think of the
consistency of some men , for some of the persons who were the supporters of the present measure were a short time back opposed not only to the present plan , which was « nly a revision , but to a total repeal of the Corn Laws . He had a paper * in his band called the Birmingham Journal , in which the repeal of the Com Laws was scoffed at as an imposition , and which positively stated that their repeal neither then ( at the time it was written ) ner at any future time could be productive of the least benefit . He then read various extracts from the Journal , which shewed up the conduct of Mr . Douglas in a most unfavourable light , and proved his present conduct to fee grossly inconsistent . Whilst Mr . Coliins was reading the extracts , Mr . Douglas happened to put his handkerchief to his face ,
when there was a tremendous burst of laughter , and shout * of ( " Don't cry , Douglas . " ) Mr . Collins continued . He would wish to remind the Editor of ibat paper , that the views he held of the Com Laws were tho same that he had promulgated . The Editor of the Jour nal had instructed the people to view the question as they then did , but the consistency of the people was not like that of some parties , it lasted longer than two or three weeks . ( Loud laughter . ) Mr . Collins declared that he had not changed . He had been often blamed , and sometimes praised , but although he liked the approbation of bis fellow men , he liked that of his conscience better . The parties who endeavoured to get up the present agitation , wanted'to be enabled to compete with foreigners , and
how were they to do so if they did not cheapen men ' s labour ? His opinion was , that nothing would better tbeir condition but an alteration in the present House of Commons . He would therefore conclude by supporting the amendment . He retired amid loud cheers . Mr . T . C . Salt then made his appearance ; he looked much defeated when he found no cheer , no token of approbation . He conimenced-by stating that he had a bad cold , but was nevertheless determined to state his views . It was not sufficient for the parties on his left to defend their views , but they attacked others personally . ( Great confusion and groans , accompanied with shouts of " No deserters , we ' ve had enough of you . " " Give us the Charter , " &c . ) He acknowledged tbe principles of the Charter ; he would go to the
question like an honest man . ( Ob , oh , and contusion . ) Ho did not deal in high promises , like some people , and tell them they should have the Charter on a certain date . ( The hisses and yells teat followed are indescribable . ) Let Chartists be Chartists . ( So we will . ) But if they could forward the Charter through the medium of the Corn Laws , why not do so ? ( Tremendous groans and hksee . ) He would give them the Charter if he could , but they were divided amongst themselves . ( We are not . ) Who were the persons that had created tbe present division ? It waa those who talked of shouldering their muskets and fighting . — ( Groans and hisses . ) They might treat him With what hostility they thought proper . He did not care for their
hooting and gioaning . He had always advocated the rights of the poor . ( Shouts of" You have not , " and hisses . ) If they would assist in the present agitation , they would be enabled to drag society to pieces , and then , as Cobbettsaid , the national debt would be their best friend . ( Tremendous greans , accompanied with cries of " We don't want to drag society to pieces , " " We want justice , " and " You are not fit for a Chartist . " ) They said lie was not fit to be a Chartist ; the Chartists had turned people against them by theii conduct ( The meeting here grew uproarious , and all the efforts of the Chairman , assisted by the Chartist speakers , could not procure Mr . Salt a heating . He retired in a rage . ; ' .
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Mr . A . HTUUR O'Nexl then abood forward , and wa loudly cheered . He said he came there to give a warning voice to the people , lest by any means they should give another lease to tyranny . He . east , back in the teeth of their enemies the base insinuations which had been made concerning the Chartists . They had aot come there to prove whether Chartism was dead or Hot ; bnt that meeting abundantly proved that they were neither dead nor asleep . ( Loud cheering . ) The ; were now better Informed than ever , and would not pin their taith to any man ' s sleeve , but were determided to abide by principle . ( Hear , hear . ) They had been taunted with acting with the Tories ; but be could prove that the Tories were acting with them , for some of them bad signed their requisition . The
Chartlats were determined mot to take a paltry acknowledgment—they were determined to have all ( Loud cheers . ) Had they any confidence in the present offer of the Whig Ministry ? ( No . no . ) What was their conduct a fortnight ago with regard to the Irish franchise 1 After proposing five pounds , they raised it to eight pounds . ( Hear . ) As an Irishman he lifted up bii voice against snch baseness . Were there any Irishmen present ( " Yes , yes . " ) Then he called on them , in the name of their country , to scoot such deceivers : their cry eliould be , " Perish the Wbigs <" They have betrajed us . Seven or eight years had rolled over their beads : they had starved in patience , and continued to hope that the end of each year would bring them relief . They had hoped that something mfgbt induce the Whigs to lighten their burdens ; but , ? ain hope l they never intended to do anything for them . They had heard several opinions with regard to the Wbigs ; some said , " Try them again . " If the
present measure was agreed to , and Ministers firmly fixed in their office , and pursued the same course tUey bad hitherto done , the gentlemen on his right would say the same as they then did at tbe expiration of the next seven years . There was no trusting them ; for if they took off a tax , what guarantee bad they that they would net put it on the next week , as they had don * with the Malt Tax ( Hear , hear . ) Do as they would , they would still pot thett unhallowed hands in tbe people a pockets . ( Hear , ) Nothing but tbe Charter conld enre tbeir numerous wrongs—but lawyers and expediency mongers could not look so high—they appealed to the commonest feeling of man , namely , his belly . He implored the meeting not to sell their country for a mess of pottage . If they supported this motion they would put the Wbigs in power—let them stand up in the dignity of manhood and boldly demand the whole of their rights . He concluded by supporting the amendment aud Bat down amid loud cheers .
The Rev . T . M'DONNELL , then appeared close to the Chairman , and , in an agitated tremulous tone commenced his address . He said he should not make use of high sounding phrases . He had no doubt they would support those whom they knew to be their best friends , aud who had been so long before them . ( Laughter . ) He knew that be not only stood in their presence , but also in the presence of his God , and therefore would not tell a lie . ( Renewed laughter , ) Why did the gentleman on bis left laugh ? Was it because he expressed his belief in God . ( Hisses . ) He looked upon tbe present proposal as calculated to do good He would toll them a story that had bees related by Mr . O'ConnelL ( Loud groans , and shouts of " We want to bear nothing ahout him . " ) He hoped they would give him as fair a hearing as they had given to the gentlemen on bis left . ( " We have beard enough of you .
The Chairman and Chartist speakers exerted tbemshelves to procure him a hearing , after which he proceeded . Tbe parties on his left appeared to be all young men . He saw that some had black and some had brown hair . ( Mr . White then pulled off his bat and stated that tbe Wbigs had made his hair grey in prison . Mr . M'Donnell replied , " Oh ; that is only a mark of precocious talent" ) He then stated that the Wbigs were like an old bat in a broken window , although it kept out the cold , yet it kept out the light also , but the Tories would do neither . He then entered into along defence of his own conduct , and that of his friends , during which time he was treated to a plentiful supply of groans and hisses byway of chorus . Heat length retired amidst the hooting and execrations of the meeting .
Mr . Wh . Dean Taylor then stood up , and was loudly and repeatedly cheered . He said , that be understood that meeting to be called for the purpose ot considering the question of tbe Corn Laws . But the last speaker had dwelt nearly the whole of the time on topics unconnected with the object for which the meeting was called . His spoeeh was merely a defence of himself and friends . Tbe speakers on the other side had entirely departed from the question . He , however , would not do so . He would prove by facts and arguments that the view taken by their opponents was totally at variance with facts . He came not there to defend the Corn'Laws ; be believed them to be unjust and oppressive , but althomgh he thought so , he maintained that the present House of Commons would not
remove them without a convulsion . With a repeal of the Corn Laws the parties on bis right had mixed up the sugar and timber duties , and as bad already been shewn , the amount of the proposed reduction could not benefit the working man ; and the Corn Laws befafK repealed , without at the same time passing other remedial measures , would inevitably bring unmixed ruin on the agriculturist . He then directed their attention to the subject of machinery . Foreign countries were manufacturiug for themselves , and machinery was being exported from this country on a large scale , which enabled them not only to compete with this couutry , but actually to undersell them . He then read a list of tbe amount of machinery which bad been exported from this country to various foreign
ports for the last ten years , from which i £ ~ &ppeared that the exportation of machinery to other parts had increased enormously . Mr . Taylor then continued—Now , looking at these statements , he wanted to know how they could expect those countries to pull down their mills , and cease to manufacture ? He would adduce an argument that would show the meeting that Corn Laws were not the sole cause of dear bread ; for in 1863 the people paid 10 d . for a loaf , and in 1812 they paid 20 d . ; and in those years the Coin Laws -ware not in existence . He , therefore , asked them whether the proposed reduction would procure them the benefit they sought ? Even allowing that the present measure would give them bread at balf its present price , still the masters had the power of grinding down the
wages of the working man . What object had the advocates of the measure in view , if it was not the reduction of wages , for unless they did that , they would be no more able to compete with foreigners than they were at present ; and , if their wages were to be reduced , what possible benefit could they derive from the measure ? The working elasses of this country bad been worked like slaves , and fed like bogs ; they bad been working for the whole world , instead ef themselves . Their machinery hod done them no good ; but , on the contrary , produced unheard of misery amongst the great mass of the people . There were other evils in existence besides the Corn Laws ; there were Poor Laws—( bear , bear , and cheers)—Police Laws , and a host of other bad laws , which had brought the labourers
of this country to a state of unparalleled slavery and degradation . They were told that public opinion was capable of carrying the proposed measure . He admitted it ; but if public opinion was marshalled , the same amount would carry the Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) Tbe Whiga knew that public opinion was against them , and for that reason they crept into holes and corners . There was no principle in their present proposition , and he hoped that now the men of Birmingham were assembled in their thousands , they would shew to the world that they were determined to be free . For the reasons he had stated , he should support Mr . White ' s amendment -, and he tb . « n retired amidst the most enthusiastic applause .
Mr . Goddard then addressed the meeting in a very weak voice . He said that he was one of the little guns on his side of tbe question ; something had been said concerning the little guns on the other side , but he thought they were all big ones . He then proceeded to pass some remarks on tbe American trade , which wero of no importance . Mr . Empson replied to Mr . Goddard's remarks , and read some statistics which shewed up the fallacies of the Corn Law repealers . Mr . George Edmonds , who took notes during the whole , of the proceedings , and who was to have been the lion of the day ( at least he seemed to think soj , then stood forward to give a final reply to the Chartist arguments . He pulled out his gold-framed eye-glass ,
and looked as big as possible ; and after a few " herns , * commenced his speech . He reminded the meeting of the great services which he bad rendered to the people . He bad been the first to call a meeting in Birmingham for Reform , and he had never deviated from it Who was it that created the present division amongst them ? Feargus O'Connor had done so , when he first came among them ; but be had stood up against his wild measures . ( The yells , groanB , and hisses that followed this declaration were really astounding : the valiant George luokod terrified , and he beseeched in a meat pitiful manner that he might be heard ; but tbe remainder of his address could only be caught in detached portions by those who stood near him in the organ gallery . ) He had been before them for twenty years ,
and no man bad suffered more than him in the people ' s causa ( Groansand hisses ) He then read so me statements from the Advertiser , in order to shew up the Tories , but it would not do . He then commenced an attack on tbe Chartist speakers , said that they were all young menand strangers . He could not think wbat could induce the men of Birmingham to place tbeir confidence in such men , and to desert tbeir bast friends . ( Load laughter , ) He asked Mr . Collins wbat sort of a government he wanted ? If they turned out the W higs they were sure to have the Tories , and in the present state of society , they could not get a Chartist Government .
( Hisses and groans . ) He was as much opposed to the Wbigs as they were . Let no man think that be wished to support them—( . bah , bah , )—because they wanted to get what they called the Charter , were tbey to forego the present benefit ? ( Renewed uproar . ) Would they be silent whilst he addressed them ? ( No , no . ) He then flew into a rage , and commenced a long tirade of abuse against Mr . Collins and tbe other Chartist speakers , amidst uproar and confusion . The Mayor interfered , and he w&s allowed to proceed under a promise of only speaking s few minutes . He tben proceeded : Could they get the Charter from the Wbigs ? No I Could they get it from the Tories ? No !
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When the people were united they could got anything by moral means ; but he . would oppose a physical force party . ( Renewed hisses . ) He then attacked Feargus O'Connor for proposing a day on which the Chaitet should become law . Mr . White interposed , and told him it was cowardly and base to attack a man who was in prison , and could not have an opportunity of defending himself . , Mr . Edmonds endeavoured to gain a hearing , but it was no use , the meeting would not bear him . He looked the picture of despair , frothing and foaming like a man beaide himself . He at length tamed round and said he would take bis leave of them , and hand them over to his friends on the left He tben sat down and was hissed most cordially by the immense assembly , which was estimated , at that time , to be twelve thousand , the hall and the gall « ries being entoned fnlL
The Chairman then arose , and stated that it now became bis duty to take tb > e sense of the meeting on tbe resolution which had been proposed , and as he was rather hoarse , he would ' request the movers of both resolutions to read them to tbe meeting , that they might clearly understand wbat tbey were voting tor . .-, : ¦ The Rev . T . M'Doniell then read a string of propositions approving of the measure contemplated by her Majesty ' s Ministers , and read a petition embodying the same . Mr . George White read his amendment , after which
The Mayob stood up and stated that , in order to come to a just decision , be hoped they would hold up both hands . He should put the resolutions in the following manner : —When . he pat the amendment he would Bay—Mr . White ' s amendment ; and when he put the original resolution he should say— Mr . Weston * * resolution . Did they understand him ? ( Yes , yes . V Tbe most profound silence was kept , and tbe Mayor called on all those who approved of Mr . White ' s amendment to hold up their hands ; an immense forest , comprising at least nine-tenths of the meeting , held up their bands , ami gave a cheer that fairly shook the building . Tbe Chairman then put it to the contrary , when a very small portion of "Milk White" hands were held up .
The Chairman then declared tfee amendment of My . White to be carried with a considerable majority . This announcement was received by loud and enthusiastic cheers and waving of handkerchiefs from the ladies who crowded the side galleries . The ministerial gentry then requested tbe Mayor to put the question again , to which he consented , and oa the second show of hands being taken it seemed larger in favour of the Chartists than befere . The Mayor then said that he hod no hesitation in declaring the amendment carried by a very considerable majority . Tbe announcement gave rise to deafening and enthusiastic cheers . . The gentlemen on the right of the chair loeked on each other with dismay ,- and shook their heads in solemn silence .
Mr . Douglas then stepped forward , and declared to the meeting , that he acknowledged they had been fairly beaten . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Arthur ONeil then moved the fellowing resolution , which had originally formed a part of Mr . White ' s amendment , but was reserved aa a second , by the desire of the Chartists who were . in tbe gallery . Resolved— " That the same amount of public opinion calculated to Repeal the Com Laws , wonld secure for the people the whole ot tbeir rights ; this meeting is , therefore , determined not to rest satisfied until the Charter , tbe whole Charter , and nothing less , become tbe law of this realm , and the incarcerated and exiled ChartUts be restored to their homes . " The resolution was received with loud cheers . Mr . Collins seconded the resolution .
The parties on the right of the chair insisted that it had no reference to the present meeting , and requested the Mayor not to put it . The Maior hoped the Chartists would not insist , as there was some doubt about it The Chartists , feeling that they had already achieved a full and complete victory ,, and that no person conld deny that their principles had been acknowledged to the fullest extent , and also on account of the impartial manner in which the Mayor had put the resolutions , consented not to press it - A vote of thanks was then given to the Mayor for his impartial conduct , to which be replied that be would always endeavour to act impartially , and give all parties fair play ; he at the same time informed them that be did not approve of the decision they had come to that day .
Mr . White tben proposed three cheers for the Charter , which were given in the first style ; three fox Feargus O'Connor , which was also heartily responded to ; and three , for the incarcerated Chartists . Three terrific groans were then given for tue Whigs , after which the numerous assembly departed . No less thun twenty thousand people attended from the commencement to the conclusion .
West Riding Of Yorkshire
WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 29, 1841, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct708/page/5/
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