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LAXCAST £ B . CONGRATULATORY MEETING ON THE LIBERATION OF JAMES BRONTERRE O'BRIEN , ESQ ., FROM TYRANNIC WHIG IMPRISONMENT IN LANCASTER CASTLE . t As Friday last m the termination of Mi . Bronterre O * Bnea ' d eighteen month ' s incarceration , the friends of 4 be c&ople is Lancaster , and the admirers of &
pa-« ' Who dares be honest in the worst of times ** znoived upon giving a public demonstration of the grataful feelings they entertain towards him for the uobio services wbith be has rendered to the cause of bsmzmty and freedom , ai well as to testify to him how deeply their hearts sympathise with him in the saferlags and wrongs which he has endured . Mr . Pilling * splendid room wis engaged for tie occasion , in which , previously to the more important business of the day bein-: gene into , about a hundred of both sexes ef the indu s trious classes partook of tea , dec . At halfpast seven o ' clock , Mr . O'Brien entered the room , accompanied by a number cf friends , who , with hands willing to labour fcr their livelihood , haTe hearts determined upon having these rights which the commands of God , £ 3 well as the dictates of reason , Alike declare ought never to have been wrested from their possession . On Mr . O'Brian ' s stepping upon the platform he was greeted with loud clapping of hands , -which lasted for a considerable time .
Mr . J . T . Lu . vd , of Lancaster , being unanimously ealle-1 to the chair , briefly opened the proceedings . He Kid they had on that eTening met to congratulate % gentleman , who was second to none in the cause of tumanity , upon his liberation from a long and infamous imprisoamsBt He hoped that those present , to whatever party in polities they migkt belong , would pay attention to what might be aid—that they would reflect upon what they heard ; and not be disposed to receiTe any thiag which might appear extraordinary dangerous and Trras j upon the mere ipse digit of those Who were enemies to the rights of the people . Mr . Jahes Mavtsos rose to move the first resolution ; ha eaid he perfectly aeqnie # eed in the sentiments embodied in it Mr . Johx Paskijssos seconded the resolution , which was carried amidst the mott enthusiastic accla-T < - » f > n « j and eiapping of h « "ri » -
f That , in the opinien of this meeting , the practice of persecuting men for thfcir political principles is not only iaconsisteni with justice , bnt a manifestation of the worst species of tyranny ; we , therefore , hail with delight the liberation of Mr . Bronterre O'Brien , from a cruel asd unjust imprisonment of eighteen months , for advocating tho rights of the poor and unrepresented part cl tha people of this country . " J . B . O'Bbiex , E ? q ., then came forward , when the tfoppTing tt 3 s long aad loudly resumed . He said , my good friends of Lancaster , I am extremely sorry that cpon this occasion I feel so physically weak as to be suable t » d » you and mysslf ths . 5 justice which your kindness to me entitles from me at your hands . I return yon my mest sincere thanka for the honour you
have paid to me ; aad it delights me to behold the sympathy which , through me , you have shown for the public cause . Your preseace here to night fully convinsca ma that political knowledge has penetrated the WoriiBg fixjMPa eren Gf Lancaster : and that the threats for you to absent yourselves have been thrswn away by your employers . ( Applause . ) It is a true gratification to ras to eee so great a body of honest men and woaen ready , in spite of them , to do this great act of public justice . I am not vain enough to suppose that it is Eierely to do me all possible honour that you are here to-nigb > I cannot think so vainly of myself , and I will not thfav 50 meanly cf you . I feel that you are present to-night to tell the Government that instead of having your support of their recent recreant conduct , they have
your urqEalified undisguised , detestation of their oppres- j Bive ureceedings . ( Cheers . ) Many of you may be j ignorant of the real circumstances why myself and others have undergone imprisonment during the last two years . ] I will tell you what mine was for , and it will then j be fcr you to say if you ever heard of so i atrocious a piece of injustice before . I was incarcerated I eighteen months on the felon's side of Lancaster Castle ; having been accused of hating made a good j speech . i Cries of Skame and laughter . ) In the body j of the indictment were set forth sundry charges against me . But it was for nothing mere than appearing ! before an assemblagB of ej countrymen aJ Manchester i by tsriiottcs , precisely in the same manner as I appear j before yeu on the preesnt occasion : so that if-they ¦
were conspirators then , you are conspirators now ; and . S I were a conspirator then , so am I now ; for I am j here again , as you see , in precisely the same capacity as , I was fesn : as that meeting , in its character , was j literally and identically the same as your own . The : sentiments which I K > ia 1 ' deliver to-night , are exactly J thoBe which I delivered then : for nene shall escape from me ft "" eveninsj which are not in strict accordance ( wita those for which I was imprisoned . ( Cheers . ) \ From the framing ef that indictment many have been ! teag ^ it to talis-re that I ¦«* - « tried for something like ! a Cito-street plot—for aoaiething done in the dark—for j some secret diabolical act , trhere the magistrates could not come to take cognisance of it Aye , and if the : Government of the country , asd the " magistrates of
Lancishirt could again lay hold of me to-morrow , upon j the same fabricatri preiext of haviBg mads a ; speech ' in Lancaster tending i j rouse you , its loyal inhabitants , ! to routs , riois , tumulis , insurrection , and rebellion j yiintf Q 19 pes « e of uur Sovereiga Lady the Queen , as the big-headed lawyer said ( such being some of the I "words in the indictment-, they would most gladly do j bo . Neither do I tioubt that they would have anyi difficulty in flawing twelve of tfce ahopocracy ready ; to find me guilty upon the testimony , of a poor ! reporter j who , edod the trial confessed to me , that be ; was only learning " reporting . ( Laughter . ) - >* aw it is a i Tery curious thing that it never occurred to this big- ¦ headed lawyer , who has £ 20 » 0 a year for prosecuting j the t > 5 oole , that I have addressed upwards of two '
Bullions of my coantrymea , at meetings consisting of ; from 50 to 101 , 063 , without either rout , riot , tumult , insurrection , or rebellion against the peace of our Sovereign Lady the Qaeen being produced amongst them , j and without the least tendency to any such a thing likely to be produced . To judge of a man ' s acts ought - to be from the tendency "s-hich arises from them . ( Hear , hear , bear . ! If no breach of tiie peace did take place ; if every meeting ¦ was as quiet and peaceable as any that ever was held within four walls ; if those present sanctioned every sentiment which I uttered ; if I appeared there only at their own request ; is it not Hiunstrons that a crown la ^ ryer , living on the taxes vnung from the people-without their consent , should make me a consrirator up * n the evidence of a silly WMg reporter
b * lonrii : g to a siily Whig newspaper ? That this feller * , ¦ wh - -was a notorious Whig hack , should'have been allowed to have given evidence against me : that of six thousand persons ready to feave come forward to depose to what I uttered should go for nothing—that this contemprible fellow should point oat a conspirator against the Queen , her crown and dignity , in direct opposition to that -which actually took place ? If this is the reward for fighting the battles of your eights and liberties for so many months , is it to be won Jerfcu at by your ene ^ : i £ 3 that yon should feel for those who , on that acccu ^ r , have been imprisoned for so msxy months . ( Ch :-: rs . Let me tell you the character cf my speeches , even according to the evidence of this Whig reporter , rattier thin reply to them to-night . The doctrine which I laid dova -stls
Tint every man bas as goad a right ss every othei can to the prot * ction cf the state in which be lives , si- ] of -rhich he forms a part . Tiia : ivery insmber cf a community called upon to psT Z 2 X . ZS to " £ state , beeches ri ^ htfiUy en titled to his ttkr ^ : of eq ^ ial pritcctioa fro m that state , TLit every man , callid npon to obey £ Iii 7 , has a rich : : o have a voics in r-. skirg that latr . " TLat every man , t-L ; - paid taxes to support a Go .-rmniEst . " £ b-: uld iure a sbire in fonning that A ' oove alllas . ' , if any cis-3 cf ~ : a c-vjhi to be excluded frem pr . 7 'Arr-: s , it c ^? hi f- * . »• : be the class more useful thai all the r = s- ( Ttiszr . iit clapping of bands ' .
Snch etc the coctriues Trticb I advocatsd at Manchester and s ^ ich are the i stints "Bhich I contend for here for not only is the c ^ ass -A the people the most useful but ten times the mo-t EGineroiis . Then vrhy shoni . that c * ! " ^ i the useful ^ nd rumcrous . in all countries : b prsTeated ., tj the iile and few , from forming a portio : of thi Goven ^ ie-it whica they labour to support , an 1 of tsisting in frtniiirj thi i ^ r . sre of the laws bj Traic they are to be governed ? . Load clapping of hands Who i 3 it , I ask , "who builds the bridges , cuts tb cansls , laya the raii-srsys , forms the roads , rate the houses , plants the garden , rears the flower , sow th » se&a , reaps tie add , m ^ os tke oavy , recruits ti army , and fights the battles of our country , but th people—the pocr aVused , despised , degraded peopl ]
Tel , for advodtiBg their rights , the knave of a W 1 reporter swore tbst I was advocating routs , tio tumults , insurrection end rebcliica , against the pec of our sovcri-n : lady the Queen , tier Crown and digni bn .: nothirc cf tie kind wss likely to occur , a lEore fh <^ it is now . There is ore MAng -which t something extremely contemptible abc-ut it It is t prsies : tf which the Government availed themselvi in ib-i : prosivjtias of me . " It w-s said that i speeches were seditious and violent—that 1 advised t people to arm ; but I was no party concerned in sb bdvLc , if any such was ever given to them by othe Eat as to arming—the scoundrel who ^ ave evider
a ^ izst me , forget te tell the jury that , for twe ye ; previous , the country had become- familiar with t notion of arming ; for Oastler , Stephens , and O'Conni had stated that to arm was the people's © cmstitutici right—that the time had come , - » rhen they iroald callsd upon to protect life and property ; bui they nei advised ^ iem to arm to desk-op 1 \ £ j and property , Tb merely saia " "We are menaced by tyranny ; it is rig ] therefore , that every Tn « T < in England should turn self defence ; the law of England entitles him to ha Kims foe thai purpose ; u £ for fad purpose the h of England eom polled him to have them , when t CocstUa ^ oB v&a xawb store pun than tt i * do
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Junes Bronterre O'Briea never did advise the people to urn . I was much more anxious to fill their minds with political knowledge ; bat I did sot tell them not to arm . In such matters I was but a silent spectator of what was advised by other M thjir leadm . That charge should have been brought against Lord John RusselL For when he found that he was pecked at by the millions—when be found the Housejff Commons met with most indignant feelings by a bridge of the people's petitions—when he found that the people would not be put down by proclamations—( for proclamations are not law )—be commence * a system of persecution , he commenced a system of spying , and sending persons into their hoasea in search of arms , which wa * certain to make them desperate ; he also
called upon the Lard Lieutenants of the counties to issue their rescripts , and call upon certain of tie inhabitants to arm to defend life and property ; and he would find them with arms . Mind , if Lord John Russell had then advised them to arm ; every man has a right to arm—for so man has more right to do so -than another , I hope that there is not a man nor a woman in this room , who will not be ready to sacrifice Ufa and limb before any class of men in this country shall have the exclusive right of arming . I knew that it was every maa * B right to have arms to defend life and property , and I knew that that was the law when I taw Lort John Russell making these invitation * to those certain classes to arm ; "i « ving no such invitation to another class more useful asd numerous—telling them
that he would find them with arms for that purpose , although they had the least likelihood to get them . When I found out this' dodge , ' as they aay in Lancaster Castle—( laughter )—I worked a dodge another way . I issued my rescript to the principal inhabitants , but there was this difference between us—he meant his to the drones , I meant mine to the bees . ( Applause and laughter . ) The Atterney-Qeneral did not tell the Jury that the Government there had advised the people to arm . Bat still , if , I say , they have a right to arm , a man must keep his arms at home , unless when opposed to tyrants should he ever be threatened to be invaded by them : for it is the doty then of every man to carry his musket out of his house when called upon , to drive his enemies out of the
country . That is what I call sound constitutional doctrine —( a voica in the crowd , so do I ) -, —and here am I , after an eighteen months' Imprisonment , for its advocacy , ready to advocate the same doctrine again . ( Loud clapping of hands . ) " But , O I" cries the Whig spy , " Mr . O'Brien ' s language was sufficient to alarm her Majesty's peaceable subjects . ( The tone of voice in which ' peaceable" was pronounced produced roars of laughter . ) Nothing of the kind ; I made them all as merry as sky-Jarks . " Oh ; but you did alarm tome persons , " they say . No doubt of it at all—every rojus in the country . ( Continued laughter . ) If a farmer goes out with his gun loaded with powder and shot to drive away the rooks stealing his crop , is the farmer to whom the field belongs to drive away those rooks , or
they are to drive away him—( universal laughter )?—and ana if he knows how to do the former withont alarming them , he is a great deal wiser man than I am . ( Renewed laughter . ) Well , then , if I did alarm any portion of her Majesty's subjects , it was the worst portion of them—that portion of them which should have been long transported beyond the seas for the term of their natural lives . ( Hear , and cheers . ) Alarm such of her Mcjesty ' s subjects , indeed ! Have not I as much right to alarm them , as they to make acts of Parliament to alarm you and me . I mentioned this to the prosecutor , Mr . Dund 3 S , tnd the judge , at Newcastle , and the counsel ; bnt as they did not succeed there , they sent me over to Liverpool , and from thence to Lancaster Castle , although no cue ever went
away from any of my speeches alarmed ; although no breach of the peace ever ocourred at them , or followed any of them—they went away under the impression that they had heard right principles , entitled to weight from every thinking man in the community . But Mr . Dundas , said I , if I did alarm a few rogues , had I not as much right to make a speech to alarm them , as you have to make one to alarm me , for 1 never mi so alarmed in all my life as I was by your opening speeches . Never was an article in the Times , against the WTiig Government , when in DowEing-street , the Whig Lord Chancellor , the ten Whig judges , or the three Whig ambassadors , without alarming them , — ( laughter , )—and still more would they have been alarmed if they knew that they wero to have been
taken np and prosecuted on a charge of wrongfully pocket ting tha public money . Is it not monstrous then , that such mtn should have the power of making criminals of others , when they themselves should have been placed in the dock . It is tho same ease now ; there is no difference between Whig and Tory . They have made a law proclaiming trial by jury , and that no man shall be tried but by a jury of his peers ; and yet , by the law , keeping a working roan from beirg a juror . They had no right to make such a law ; I was aot tried by a jury of ay peers ; but by a jury of that class , the tools of that odious and despised administration , the members of which , during the last nine years , have cast int « priBon more of their fellowcreatures than any other . I was tried by twelve rich
men ; not by those who toil , " neither do they toil , neither do they Bpin , " yet they make others for them , " gather into barns . " ( Applause . ) Now , myfriends of Lancaster , to long as the people have bo voice in making the laws , and no sharo in administering the laws . So long as they have no power over ttie magistrates who deal ont those U «> , they never , nevar , never will , as a class , be possessed of any property . la this country , England , Ireland , and Scotland , according , to the census just taken , there are twenty-seven millions of People . Out of these , there are full twenty millions ¦«? bose property , -when gathered together , after all their debts bad been taken from it , would nst leava beyond as much as would pay for a lawyer ' s wig . Now , if out of these twenty-seven millions , twenty millions make
all the property , the devil's in it if they have not been most egregiously humbugged by some one . ^ Cheers and laughter . ) Now , no one will be a beggar , if he can help it ; no one will work for another if he can help it ; no one will grow poor if he can help it The government says the people have not sufficient knowledge to be entrusted with political power . The Scriptures say , " The people die because of their want of knowledge . " How does the British Government offer to teach the people ? By a process of crooked ways . I wanted to make them equr . l to their rulers themselves by straightforward means . My place , therefore , was iu the House of C-cmraons , amongst the " Honourable Gentlemen , " and not in Lancaster Castle among thieves . ( Lead ckpging of hands . ) I have referred to Acts of Parlument
en political economy to see what the landed interest derire from the land . Were I to offer to enter into details now , I should keep you four times twenty-four hours . BHt if y » u will jast go back for eighty years you will find that rents were not then one-fourth of what they are now . At present tho amount is sixty millions . Tou will find , in like manner , that the amount cf funded property has increased fourfold daring the last forty years . The taxes in the eighty years have been quadrupled ; -whilst in the same period the funded debt has been seven tiiius increased . The funded property increasing is only through the increase of the produce of your labour—bo also with regard to rents ; for each ia the abstraction of what should be your fundB ; so with labour , your taxes increase , fer the Government will then have more palaces for themselves , and more soldiers to put you down , if , after listening to their spies sent out to entrap you , you are
unicrtunately led into outrages , such * s at Bristol and Nottingham , and into other " riots , tumults , insurrections , rebellions , " and so forth . ( Applause . ) Then spin , the more wealthy tke rich , so many more gamekeepers and Unters do they keep to administer solely to their oirn gratifications and sport- There are eight thousand keepers , eaca computed to have two tenters , to secure that game to tLe aristocracy , which was formerly any body ' s property , and food for any body . God Almighty had given it as such . But the aristocracy made a law , sayirg that no one should kill it but themselves ; and they gave the ugly name of " poacher " to any poor fellow for merely doing that -which they did : if under that epithet a poor fellow was bronght up , although in other respects he rectived the best character that man ever got , as sure is God made Moses , the magistrates -srcuM transport him . ( Load app " . aus = and laughter . ; Thsn , &gain , there was the
pre-! VinLive service to ke ^ p the poor man from tasting a i foreign luxury . The local rates have increased four j times "what they used to be—whilst less goes to the ¦ relief of the pocr , the rest goes to retain persons shut , cp in workhouses , while , vrith all Mb exertions , the | labouring man is daily becoming poorer . The land' lord jives nothing as a quid pro quo . He does not give . jou your malt : the EOldiers ue not called out by him to defend you , but oftener to shoot you . ( Hear . ) ; As tba Ian 1 is limited in extent , tho landlord can | irakc it "what rent Le likes ; he can giTe it out ia allotkl' 3 , taking from the little farmers , whom he t ' - 'js ' drives out of the country , to censoliiate several Email .- ones into one large one , and suia !! formers are thus ! seat into the towns to compete wi' . U vour ) abcur :: v
ziicutacturers , and this increases the landlords gross rental , for , as the consequence- of his sending ihe small fanners , and their servants into the iou-iis , in the lexering of toages , ke makes manufactures cheaper ; and thus he gets out of that cheapened produce of your labour , au increase to his income , by obtaining ihe same quantity of goods for much less money , or a much greater quantity / or the same money , than he did forty pears ago . This is tho case with muslins and calicos , silks , and cottons . If the farmer , the tenant , gives them the same rent , the Liuol'j / d ' 8 interne , by the depreciation in the price cf manufactured articles , will be is creased ten-fold . It ! s the same with other articles in Birmingham , Sheffield , and other places ; so that not only is the income cf the landlords , but also that of the fundlords increased—as taxes have likewise increased ; the more yon , the
producers , have to pay , constquenUy the poorer you must become . The fundholder has scuio advantage over the landlord , not only as to his income increasing , but also as to the value of that income . In 1 S 12 , if an individual held stock in the Three per Cents , he eould only get £ 60 for it ; but if he sold out the same stock now , be eould get £ 90 for it , so that he could get as much money and a half for it But not only that , that money is increased twofold . Why ? because your labour has become cheaper , so that he can buy more of it for less money . This is property increased in one way , whilst Government increases it in another . These are tie things which I want to show the comntry . I cannot enter Into them n « w : I am only stating to you things into which , at some more fevosrabto time I hope I shall have an oppor
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tunity of entering fully Into , all the ininutis . ( Hear . ) A * machinery his fecmsM , tift ? GW > lHment , by granting Acts of Parliament , has * Increased canals , railwadg , mtnea , and * so forth , without the people having the slightest property benefit in them . Would that have been , had . they had a share in making the laws ? No . ' not for a moment . As the landlords h * ve tke power of making J « wi , ihe statute ; lair u the law of usurpation ,, They have also . made the produce of the land smaller . Out of a farm of 500 acres , there is not so much produced as then used to be out of one of fifty , which everybody knows . Large farraen employ as f « w hands as possible : and will throw their land Into pasture for beeves , oxen , sheep , and so forth . But if the 500 acre farm
Was divided into smaller ones , more would necessa rily be produced than bow , u more hands would be employed ia their cultivation ; consequently there would be a greater demand for your labour ; and then you will have better opportunities of making more favourable terms for yourselves with your employers . If a thousand persons out of Manchester , Bolton ' , or Blackburn were on farms , they would be increasing food . But this chance for them has been knocked-on the head by the monopolist , and this great evil is increased by the money-monger . Speak of these tWfcgs to the great fanner , it i » nothing to . him ; through-It , he supports bis farm , tor he sids in tha great deadly competition in the towns ; and thus will tho evil continue increasing till you are completely ground down ,
which never could have taken place , if a portion of you had been upon the land . It is the interest of every man who has money to keep down him who has none ; and this will go on , bo long as the people have no share in the administration , producing riots , tumults , disturbances , insurrections , and rebellions , until the poor man is as rotten as Mark Anthony . ( Hear . ) If 2 » t men out of employment go into a town , where 200 men are employed belonging to that town , wages always become lower , for they who have entered the town must consent to take under wages , before they who have money in their pockets will engage them . Every man who owns money has a deep-rooted interest in cheapening labour , consequently in cheapening whatever labour can produce , and why
do you stand in this predicament ? It is because you have no power in making the laws , that jou have no property . What a damning piece of impudence then it is for the scoundrel money-mongers to say " you shall have no voice , in the legislation , because you have no property . " That beats Bannagan , as Bannagan beats the devil . ( Cheers and laughter . ) The right of the people to vote is admitted , but then ibe Government says they have not intelligence enough to be entrusted with that power . Why , from the oppression of the laws you are left little enough to obtain food to eat , much Ices to have any , wherewith to educate your children . \ Applause . ) But then if you become possessed of a certain amomnt of property , however uneducated ycu are , you can vote . I deny tho right of
property to qualify a man to vote . The most iguorant man amongst you has intelligence enough to vote at an election . The risbb of property does not give it—a man knows his friend from his foe—he knows when he goes up to the poll for whom he intended to vote , and whether the name of Jem Thompson or Tom Styles is the most fit for the ballot-box , fur without any political knowledge be knows that one man is wiser than another man . If your wife or child be ill , without having studied matertu medico-, or pharmacopoeia , you find out a good doctor from a quack . In this tewn , though a stranger , I coulu soon find cut the good lawyer from the bad one , and the good master from the bad one . I couUl soon get in a list of the pinch-paupers , who would shave a mouse
asleep and a cat awake , a cow-headed hog or a dovil . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Some of you could furnish me with the list You know who are the clever men . Now you think me clever among the Chartists ; but I am not so : but supposing I am , then you know many things which I don't know ; yet if opposed to pinch pauper—a Poor-Law scoundrel , you would choose me instead of him—Bofc for my sake , but your own . You would be great fools if you did not . As want of knowledge does not prevent you from finding out a good doctor , the not knowing how to draw out Acts of Parliament would not prevent you from selecting a clever man as your representative . The moment you elect me for Lancaster , if you should do so , I will stand by you , and would go up to the House and face those
half hypocritical Bcoundrels who reject a Ten Hours " Factory Bill , and in the next breath tell you to go to Cnurcb aud believe all that the parson says . ( Laughter . ) Tnen again look at those setting up to instruct the country , Brougham , Birkbeck , and Knight . The doctor talks about the increase of the capital of the country . He says , " the more the stock in the country , the more the capital "—the more means he should have mid to increase the despots of the country . He tells the people , too , in a letter , when there is a greater demand for labour than can be supplied , tor them to go out of the labour , and turn capitalists . ' recommends men , vrho have not a penny to buy a red herrini ; with , to turn capitalists < ! ( Great laoghtsr ) Another dissemination of intelligence is the Penny Magaaine , and what
does that consist of ? How high is the ball of St . Paul's in London , aud how much higher is the dome of St . Peters at Rome—what ' s the extent of tho parish of Laguana in Jamaica—what ' bthe distance from the base to the top of the Andes—what was the differecc ^ between a camel and a dromedary : how the first bad got two humps on its back , and the latter but one ? It stated how spiders had been lately discovered making diving bells in the sea in fine weather—how the kangaroo hopped on its hind legs , and in time of danger took its young iato its paunch—how a caterpillar before changing had eighteen legs , but that when it became a butterfly it had only ten ; but with all the cleverness of writers they cannot discover what becomes of the other six . Now , is it not enough to make a quaker
kick his mather , or a parson swear like a trooper at such trumpery trash . ( Rears of laughter , ) And , UiU too , called educating the people . ( Hear . ) Why Chartism has only made a partial way in enlightening the people in true political knowledge , has been through want of union in the leaders . [ After having gone thus far at full length , necessity forces a generalisation . ] Mr . O'Brifen , in proceeding , stated that he could have been elected at Newcastle by 11 , 000 against either of the present members if he had the necessary qualification : that either of them just as much represented the men of Newcastle as he did the Great Mogul . It was not till the reign of Henry VI . that any property quallfication was introduced ; aBd there wns never any going to the poll , unless the show of hands was so nearly
balanced that a preponderating majority could not be determined on . and tken they went to the poll ; that was to coont heads . As to Mr . Ord ( said Mr . O'Brien ) , although not a bad hearted maa , was amply different in the head . In the House he was called the silent member ; and , as Sir Robert Peel bad said of the late Chancellor , if he attempted t » look for brains , or ideaa for a speech , he would find himself fishing in a bottomless sea of deficiency . There was one most important point upon which Mr . O'Brien uiost anxiously dwelt , considering it the very life-breath of Chartism . He -wanted four hundred of the best men in the country to bd elected as the representatives : then for them to incut in some central place , such as Manchester , being vested with full plenipotentiary powers to act on
behalf of their body . They shall proceed with petitions to the House of Commons as times should call forth . If five hundred thousand of the people trould then stand by them , they could speak out a good old-fashioned constitutional language to the different members . If it were thought not necessary for so many to go , the project vrould be given up , and the business be transacted by a petitioning body . He wa 3 of opinion that all other labour ought to be given up to look after so great a national regeneration , li the Chartists followed this will-o' -the-wisp and that will-o ' -the-wisp —if their leaders were not indissolubly united , whatever exertions were made , or plans laid down , they would never succeed . Mr . O'Brien then described his imprisonment , as he sat upon a three-legged stool , made
of part of a gallows , and his cell was the one ia which convicted murderers used to be placed . He then asserted it was class legislation that was the country ' s bane . He was able to prove that under a just system of laws , such es the peopie would make fur themselves , every man could get the comforts of life by fair and moderate labour . He complained of monopolies , especially of railroads , -which would be a tax of ten per cent , upon the country . Since the proprietors were protected by Act of Parliament , only certain persons were benefited by them . If they pay the Companies ten per cent ., they could have paid tho Government , and then all classes -would have been benentted . He begged of no cue to go . away under the impression that he vrished to say or even to
insinuate that they had a right to take away a man's property , even by law . ( Hear , hear . ) He advocated no Agvarianism . If he had the assisting in making laws as to ptop « ity th .: richest man in the country sfcsulJ remain in uudis ' . urbed possession of his wealth : bat m scon as his breath was out o ihis body , then all his estates , wiiethbr land , funds , or bank stock , should be brought into the market to be sold . His heirs Bhould i , et for the property -what in the market ; it would bring ; but it ithe property itself should go to government By his plan every man in the community would be comfortable—no trich he vrould shew men how to gtt brer . d by honest means , without grinding their fellow-meu down . He was willing to protest that they who have all the wealth , he cared not how disiguated whether as money in the funds , bank stock , or whatever it might be called , ( though there was no suck things in ancient times , for the Pope would have
excoruiiiunicat-fd the possessors for usury ) should keep it ; but he should not be allowed to add any more to it At present , a person having £ ie , 0 »« stock in Threadneedle-street , receives it back again every twenty years . The national debt was one hundred and forty years old . The first lenders got five per cent , upon their loan : and they to whom they sold It also gets five per cent bringing back tfce originial sum every twenty yt ars ; so that what was borrowed one hundred aud forty years ago has been paid seven times over ! and this too by a government borrowing money without tha consent of the people . It was not until Henry Tlllths time that there were no laws against usury ; so it appeared that if one Parliament made a law , it was not inviolable but that another might alter it In conclusion , with glowing animation Mr . O'Brien said , " Although for wishing that a ruffian Parliament mighi turn to the ways of humanity , tha laws of God , and the oause of common sense , I have been sent to Lancaster Castle . No Government , however , abaU pit ma down , doc
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make me bend the knee at the shrine of Mammon . t Qroet tymte m » 7 propeste * *»* *»** traitors be sent -to corrupt , but virtue and courage protect themselves . ( Loud cheers . ) My kind friend * of Lancaster , for I hope you will allow me to call yon bo , your aot ef this night sweep ' s away from lnyinind tho verdict of the Jury , and obliterate * Jut ayer , from my heart the sorrow it occasioned—deep-seated Joy'ii now beating there instead ; . for you hive proved to me tfiiV liberty is imp&rlabable ; aud that each surrounding day she . is more loudly called upon ^ until at last she will come , rejoicingly , to overshadow our land with her snow-white wiagg . " i / ter thanking tha . company , Mr . O'Brien sat down amidst deafening cheers aa , & , clapping of bands . Mr John Habuisoj ! moved the » ecooded the resolution— ¦' . ¦ ¦ ¦ - ' ¦ ¦ " ,- ¦ ¦ : ¦ . ¦ ' . ¦• ¦ : . ¦
" It is too opinion ol thte meeting tjmt the misery , destitution , poverty ) and slavery endured by , the inuus-. trioua . millions of this country is caused by claes legislation ; and the only effectual means of removing these evils from auiongat us , is , by making the principles contained in the People's Charter the law of the land ;' and that the thanks of this meeting are due , and hereby given'to Peargus O'Connor , Esq ., the dungeon-pwof patriot , and all the other brave men who hava suffered Imprisonment for advocating the the cause of the poor oppreaaod ; and we pledge ouraelvea to . ( give them ill the assistance in our power until the principles of universal liberty be firmly established as the laws of the British natUm . " Mr . Wm . Fothebgill seconded it , and it was carried by acolainmation .
Mr . Beaglet , delegate from Accrington , then spoke very effectively . He condemned the Tories to perdition , and said that he would rather go to the bottomless pit , to rake up one of the vilest of its imps , to send into Parliament , sooner than vote for a Tory . No corrupt Government should ever put him down , for he would stand up the advocate of liberty , universal liberty , to his last hour . He then ranged over the points of the Charter , with the principles of which the readers of the Charter are by this time so familiar , that it in not necessary to follow the worthy delegate . He was loudly cheered at tha conclusion , as well as frequently during hia very excellent speech .
Mr . O'BnrEN then arose , and most feelingly exhorted the Chartists not to be entrapped into overt acts , such as had taken place at Nottingham and Bristol , through the infernal machinations of Government spies , who were sent out under the guise of friends , to lead the people into outrage , so that a pretext might be given for butchering them , whilst gagging bills , and other measures , were passed to enslave them . Thanks being given to Mr . Lund , for bis able conduct in the chair , the meeting broke np . The room throughout the proceedings was crowded almost to suffocation .
Although long confinement has evidently much debilitated Mr . O'Brien , the friends of the noble uucompromialng patriot will be glad to bear that his spirits are as good as ever ; bis courage is unsubdued ; his mind seemingly , if possible , more active ; and his determination to battle even unto death , until the People ' s Quarter becomes the law of the land , indomitable . Oh ! it is a . glorious sight thus to behold the Heavencalled leaders of the people with renewed energies and resolution . Sir Robert has succeeded Lord John . But let him turn away with indifference at tho presentation of the people ' s petition for the Charter , and his downfall from that moment is doomed ; and he and his party shall stink in the nostrils of men . From thence Tories aud Toryism are banished the Kingdom for ever , whilst their very names shall become a bye-word and scorn amongst men .
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GRAND CHAETIST DEMONSTRATIONS . O'CONNOR AT MANCHESTER . In the last week ' s Star we reported at great length the interesting proceedings of tho Chartists of Birmingham in doin « honour to tho man of the people ' s choice—Feargus O'Connor . This week we nave a repetition of his triumphaut progress , if pos-Bible on a greatly extended scale at Manchester ; in fact , the oldest man living remembers not a scene even in that important town equal to what was presented on Monday last . In proceeding to narrate the occurrences of the day we must begin at the beginning , and not omit due honour to even a country village , occupying , as it did on that day , the post of pioneer to one of the most glorious demonstrations ever held ; and proceeding thus , we first notice the
PUBLIC BREAKFAST AT ECCLES . Mr . O'Connor was met at Eccles at ten o ' clock in th& morning , at which place he arrived by railway-train , by hundreds or the brave lads of that village . The bridge at the railway station was crowded to excess , and no sooner was the wellknown form of the noble patriot recognised , than a shout which rent the air was raised ; the cheering was continued throughout his entire routo to the Haro aud Houada Inn , in the most enthusiastic manner , and it was indeed a sight calculated to inspire tho coldest heart , when O'Connor , surrounded by a host of the recently liberated patriots , was hailed as the head of all . An excellent band of music was in attendance which struck up the air , " Sue the conquering hero conies , " and the whole mass formed into procession , accompanied by the banners aad mucio .
The breakfast was provided by Mr . Catterall , the worthy host of the Hare and Hounds , upon whom it reflected not only credit but absolute honour . It was a most substantial repast , and was served up in a style , which few even of the first-rate houses eould excel , and all without the slightest confusion . The uumberof tickets sold amounted to nearly two hundred aud the discussion of the good things occupied the party nearly two hours . During this time , tho band paraded the village , and a commodious hustings having been erected , thousands were assembled to hear O'Connor ' s address . It had rained heavily during the night , but the day was beautifully fine and the scene exhilarating .
Mr . O'Brien arrived at half-past eleven o'clock by the train from Pre-ston ; the appearance of the " schoolmaster" oiace more " abroad , " called forth renewed plaudits . Wo were sorry to observe that he was in a very delicate state of health , and had a care-worn appearanco ; his spirit , however , is unbroken , and his scholars are threatened with the terrors of his tongue , if they do not progress rapidly in their education . The fault will be none of his , if they do not know how to agitate for their rights . At twelve o ' clock , Mr . O'Connor and the other patriots , accompanied the Eccles Chartists to the hustings , and Mr . Wm . Norris was unanimously called to the chair .
The Chairman said ho would not detain them from the pleasure of hearing the addresses of those patriots ¦ who were about to speak , further than to congratulate them upon the glorious rise and progress of the principles of Chartism in Eccles , and ou th « numbers then assembled in honour of the brave O'Couuor and his worthy compatriots . Mr . George Lindsay said he was happy to have the opportunity of meeting so goodly an assembly as he saw before him on the present occasion , when they were met to do honour to those who had sacrificed their liberty ia defence of their principles—principles which he hoped all present were determined to assist in carrying out ( Hear , hear , hear . ) He regretted his inability to do justice to the merits of
those brave , those noble patriots , by whom he was surrounded ; but though he was at a loss for words to express hia feelings , he would yield to no man in zeal and determination in the promotion of that cause in which they were engaged , and in the success of which they all felt so warm an interest . ( Cheers . ) He hoped that all would seo the propriety of uniting heart and hand in encouraging those who had suffered persecution and prosecution for the sake of the cause ; and that they would come forward and lend a willing hand in obtaining tha Charter . iCheers . ) They would then havo no cause for further agitation—the way would bo paved for good government , and equal justice to each and to all . An address had been prepared to present to tha patriots , the adoption of which he had great pleasure in moving , aud which ho read , as follows : —
Most Nov . le and undaunted Patriots , —We , the Chartists o i Eccles , and surrounding districts , meet you ou tho present important occasion with hearts full of gratitude and esteem for having the moral courage to brave storms and persecutions of Whig tyranny , with that spirit of fortitude , zeal , and determination , which becomes you &s honest and disinterested philanthropists . It is not oar intention of pointing out the many proofs of your sincerity and attachment in ndvocatipg the cause of suffering humanity , which is apparent to
every lover of his species , and which would take volumes to do justice to your worth . Suffice It to say , that you have nobly and manfully defended our rights , and for so doing , have suffered Whig vengeance and persecution unparalleled in the hutory of this our oppressed country . While your bodies were entembed in the loathsome and silent dungeon , your spirits soared aloft tocemmune with those of former ages , in order to restore peace and comfort to the industrious peasait , and wrest from our tyrants' grasp those rights and privileges which God gave to man in the beginning , as a punishment for his disobedience .
i es ! noble patriots , you have sacrificed everything dear to your physical enjoyments in the search afUr comforta to the human family ; but , thank God 1 you areuovr amongst us once more , to cueer us on in the g'Wd work of human redemption . We , therefore , heartily congratulate you va your return to breathe the fresh air of heaven ; hoping yon will live to enjoy many happy days under the Charter tree of liberty , and sincerely thanking you for your past service * , having full confidence in your future course , we are determined , at all hsaards , to give jw out un-
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divided support In all your constitutional endeavours , until the whole Caarter , and nothing teas than the Charter , crowns as with success . We remain , Noble Patriot * , Yours , in the cause of freedom , In bthalf of the National Charter Association / ( Signed ) Gbobqb Lihdsat , , , , ; . . < :. ¦ Sub-Secretary . The address was beantifally written on an embossed sheet of piper , and was neatly edged with green ribbon antfc deceroted with the portraits of O'Cennor and O'Brien . ¦¦'''¦ " :,:. ' > ¦ ¦ :: ; :- ^ -: '¦¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦• ' ¦ - . ¦ Mr . David Moebison , in a few words , seconded the address , which wo * pat * js * fee Chairman , and carried unanimouslViamidst tremendous cheering * .... ThejChairmau said tb * t Feargus O ' . Connor , the cele brated advocate of the people's rights and popular liberty , weuld next address ; tbe meeting .
• Mr . O'CONNOB , in ' eoming forward , ¦ was received with / enthnsi » tio cheerWg . On Its subsiding , be . said , Mr . Chairman and brother Chartists of Eccles , I think I now stand in a better position than does Sir Robert Peel , title Prime Minister of England . ( Hear . ) He is only a quaok called In by a faction to cure their disorders ? but I stand here with my diploma —[ exhibiting the Eccles address , ]—and called in by the men of Ecoles to cure their disorders . ( Laughter . ) Now , without saying one word about the sacrifices which I have made , as stated in the address , which I deny ; but if I had , the expressions in this document is my best reward . ( Hear . ) Wiien I came amongst you at flrjt , I found very few adults advocating the principles of the Charter , but that you were split into sections and
factions ; but what did I find this morning?—not only the congregation of men grown grey in the good causa , but a youth , a mere sirippling , addressing yon upon the principles of democracy . ( Hear . ) I listened to a portion of his observations with some interest ; and to one thing I beg to differ , which was , that when the Charter became the law of the land , that we should have neither standing army , sor police . Now , when the Charter is passed , every man will become a sort of national soldier , and the sons of placemen and statesmen would receive promotion acacoordiog to their merits—( hear ) , —and that policemen would be the first to promote tho peace of their country instead of breaking it ( Hear , hear . ) It is one of the tactics of a good general , before he storms a
garrison , to get possession of the outposts ; and really , if Manchester was backward in the good oause , which , thank God , is not the case , why , 1 should certainly take it from the Eoclts side , and fall back upon some of the other villages near thereabouts . ( Cheering . ) In those villages fortunately fur us the enemy bos not got so valuable a footing evea with the aid of their splendid houses . There are plenty of huta ; and may be they will pass into one of those huts , and from thence into the workhouse yet ( laughter snd hear . ) But they begin to smell a rat They have no objections to the Charter . ( Hear . ) Ou no , " they say , "we have no objection to the Charter , not we , indeed , provided we can derive more benefit from the working classes , than by means of the Charter . " ( Hear , bear , and That ' *
true . ) The working classes have now been robbed by both the Whig and Tory factions ; and the working people now come forward and say , " ail that wq want is , to let all c'ass < 6 live honestly and at peace . " ( Much cheering ) We do not want war—we do not desire bloodshed—we do not threaten violence . All that we want fa Universal Suffrage . ( Hear , hear . ) Yet , those whose rights we wish to share , would , after all , have recourse to physical forca rather than yield up any of their monopoly . They have thrown you upon your own resources ; and I suppose tho workhouse is the next thing . ( Hear . ) They have picked the bones and then they say that the Chartists may come in and pick them—just a day after the fair . ( Laughter . ) ftod bas left us sufficient for our wants , if all of you had what
belongs to you , I mean common justice and honesty ; and in advocating which , there are not many who h * ve suffered more than myself . ( No , no . ) But we must all be bref . I have got to speak again to day : 1 have also to address the people of Manchester , Leeds , and Sheffield ; and therefore I'd better save my breath to cool my porridge with there . ( Laughter . ) Besides , there are others who 'wish to say something to you , in respect to the address . As for myself , the assembly I see before me , will , if I have been at all short , propel rue to greater exertions . I advise you to look to the corn and the chaff , and to get rid of the chaff as soon as maybe . You all know about slippery Bobby . Well ; now , we would not take the Russell purge , and I am sure you will never swallow tho Peel elixir , ^ Cheers and laughter . ) When 1 was in the House cf Commons the other day , I thought I never saw such a set—regular
nincompoops—considerably worse than those , who sat in the House when I was a member . ( Hear . ) Peel knows very well that although he may bully the Whigs ; that it ia of no use bullying as . We are not made of that ortof stuff It is a remarkable fact , and to the credit of the Chartiita be it spoken , that out of nearly » U 0 persons incarcerated by the VVhigs for advocating the People ' s Charter , we have not had a single traitor . Will not this convince them of the righteousness of our cause . But we see plenty of traitors both amongst the Tory and Whig factions— ( keari—yes , Wakiey , the Coroner , has turned traitor . We Chartists do not intend to commit suicide , so that we shall not want the services of Mr . Wakley for an inquest ; but both the Whig and Tory factions may commit self destruction and therefore may rcquira Wakley , the Coroner . ( Applause and hear . ) We have turned out the Whigs , and the Tories have succeeded them until we have an
opportunity of turning them ont also . ( Hear . ) Our struggle is the cause of the suffering millions—it is the cause of right against might ; it is the cause of the blistered bauds , the fustian jackets , aud the unshorn chins . ( Cheers . ) You have only to be determined—to ba united—and toe Charter is ours . What man dare do for your cause , I dare ; I cannot say more ; and wherever you go , I will go with you . ( Hear , hear . ) That I suppose is all you want , and I will go for whatever you want . We want the Charter for every male of sound mind , at the age of 21 . This is what we want , and we will not give way one single inch . United , together we stand—divided we fall . ( Cheers . )
My brother Chartists , there are other individuals named in the address , aad therefore I must retiro and make room for them . So my friends , Ijmust conclude ; but before doing so I must again congratulate you that we have defeated the Whigs , and we have now got our feet npon them . ( Hear , and hurrah . ) We have provided their cofiius and laid them decently in ; at any rate they cannot now get Into our pockets . ( Hear and laughter . ) But mind what I say ; the Chartists will also put down the Tories . We will then put them under tho Whigs , and if the weight of the Whigs won't keep even the d—1 down , why then I am no judge . ( Much laughter , which was succeeded by reiterated hurrahs , amidst which > Ir . O'Conner retired .
Mr . BEN bow was received with loud cheers . He thanked them cordially for the proof of their affection conveyed in tho address which had been just read , and hoped ever to m-rit their confidence . In the course of a few brief but excellent observations , Mr . Benbow contrasted the condition of the mass or the people with that of their oppressors , and ably exposad the iniquity of class legislation , to the existence of which the evil was mainly to be ascribed . The rich oppressor enjoyed everything in abundance , while the poor oppressed , who toiled and produced everything , were clothed with rags , and were on the very verge of starvation . But the day was not far distant when Englishmen would be free . They had already been taught how they were -to obtain their liberties , and , with God ' s blessing on the means , they would not long be deprived of their enjoj-Hient ( Chetrs . ) If tha working classes weie no % happy it was their own faults ; they alone were to blame if they became indifferent to / their own rights
and liberties . He should be ashamed of them if they did not work out their own political redemption . ( Cheer 3 . ) The time was not distant when they must have a national holiday ; but it must be general , hot partial . It must not be alone a holiday at Manchester and Eccles , but throughout the whole land , from the centre evtn to the circumference . Their honour as well as their happiness was involved in the issue , and he called on them to make their voices heard . He a ; ked them if they were prepared to go with him , to heip him by the sacrifice of one day to gain the Charter of universal liberty . If they were determined , so was he , but he would not work with a traitor ; they must have none of them . If they were willing to help him in this , he called upon them to hold up their hands . ( A forest of " blisters" was at once elevated . ) He thanked them for that ; he sincerely and hwartily thanked them not only for the address which they had presented to him , but for their determination to be free . Mr . Benbow retired amidst loud cheer *
The . Rev . Mr . Jackson , of Manchester , was next announced , and was received with great chsering . He said that along with the preceding speakers he thanked them cordially and sincerely for the address in which his nama was associated . He agreed with his friend Benbow in the propriety of a general national holiday , and hoped they would nevtr cease their agitation till tho Charter becanis the law cf the land . The greatestenemies-against which they had to contend were the ministers of the Gospel ;—( hear , hear , )—and to bring them to , fee advised them to stop the supplies , and they would soon either be driven from their pulpits , or be led to join the ranks of the people . ( Hear , hear . ) He called upon them to uuite as one man . He had come out to advocate the Charter , and he iras prepared , if necessary , to lay down bis life in the cause . The speaker retired amidst great cheering . Mr . John Barker cordially thanked them for including his name In the list of patriots . .
ilr . Whebleb , the aged veteran of Manchester returned thanki on behalf of his aon-ln-iaw John Llvesey , who , though present ww so very modest that he dare not show hia face . ( Load cbeen and laughter . ) Mr . David Morrison , after a few brief remarks proposed the following resolution : — . ' "That this meeting is of opinion thai justice Trill never be done to ifafa country until the whole people be faithfully represented in the Common * ' Honse of Parliament ; and that we pledge ounefot never to cease agitating in the glorious work we have begun nntU ^ our exertions hare been crowned with . access , by the Charter , the * bole Charter , ml « dlhing less than the ChorUr becoming the taw of the laodr Mr . Sheabbr Kconded tfce re » olnt ! on , and said , that had there been more time be bad intended to
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have administered a little wholesome advice to theh > dear friends , the middle classes , particularly gome of the publicans , who reyiledths Chartists , and applied to them all kinds < rf opprnrtrlnmt wplthHt * , ¦ m « y ^ ^ ^ lt [ I ^ thieves and firebrands . If , however , they woold come forward and meet , him , hewouldendestoni to con . vince . them , by fab argument ; i that the Chartists were 1 n the right . ( Hear and cheers . ) He congratulated them on their noble position , and hoped they were determined to join liand in hand , and stand Bide by Bide « ntil they obtained the Charter . ( Cheers . )
Sir . O'BarBR , who had only arrived a short time before , here came forward * evidently labouring onder declining bealUtu He was received , with tretoendeoa cheers , and addressed the assembly in very few words expressive of bis pleasure at meeting them ; first , be cause ittra * a proof that he was not a prisoner ; a * condi becamse b& saw they-were , glad % a seebim / and thirdly , because he » aw % J > efoj ?«> bim so many hapny faces—a sight to which he had long feeenaatranjer | 1 within the dungeon walla there were few happy fetes to be aeeft . He rejoiced in ' . t&e . bjpporfnriiCy whicli »« afforded to him or returafag . ftufbka for the excellent address ' which had beea presented , and congratulated them on - ' the ,, ' noble position ; t&ey had in so abort time attained , and which lie had no doubt they would improve . He retired amidst cheers .
, Mr . Wm . Gdthrie prqpesed that the thanks of the meeting be given to the joint friends ' pf Manchester and Salford , for the assistance they had given , and the attention they had paid to the interests of the Ecoles Chartists , since they had formed their Association . The resolution -was seconded by Mr . Shearer , and unanimously carried . Three times three hearty cheers were then given for Frost , Williams , and Jones , and , after a few observa tions from Mr . Bond , ot Chester , tbanks were proposed to the Chairman , and the meeting broke up .
Mr . O'Connor , Mr . O'Brien , Mr . Benbow , and the Rev . Mr . Jackson , then entered an open carriage , which had been , prepared for them by the Manchester friends and the procession having been tormed , it proceeded ' beaded by the Eccles band of music , towards Mar ^ Chester . The Eccles men had provided several banners which were carried in the procession , the men walking four abreast , and extending a considerable length . The curiosity of all classes on the road was very great , and the patriots were everywhere received with the greatest courtesy . Amongst the mottos on the Eccles flags we noticed the following : —
" More pigs and less parsons . " " The People ' s , Charter ; it is built npon justice , and against which the gates of hell and the world shall never prevail . " " Universal Suffrage , Annual Parliaments , and Effuitable Adjustment ;" Aad en the obverse side" Repeal of the New Poor Law Bill . * ' Down , down with class legislation , Wherever it reigns it ' s a curse to the nation . " " For a nation to be free , it ia sufficient that she wills it !" " Middle classes ! moke common cause with the indus trious millions , and give freedom to your country . '' " Equal rights and equal laws for all classes . " " The memory of Eaimett , and those who have died foi the cause . " " Frost , Williams , and Jones must be free . "
According to the arrangements of the Demonstration Committee , the Manchester procession formed in Steven * son ' B-square , where the different trades contributed their numbers towards the immense throng which moved by a route laid down by the marshals and under whoae direction they were led throHgh the crowded streets . About two o ' cleck , the procession met the one from Ecclea at the Crescent , Salford . The scene was here almost without parallel in the history of Man-Chester , both for denseness and enthusiasm . The demonstrators , on catching a glimpse of either Mr . O'Connor or Mr . O'Brien , wormed their way to the carriage as fast as they could ; and greeted the patriot * with warm and fervid congratulations . Nor where the fair ones behind the sterner sex in their anxiety to tendet
their tribute of partiality , and respect , and confidence in the wearer of the suit of fustian , and his equally consistent compatriot O'Brien . The presentation of several young Fearguses to the devoted leader , by their enttra . siastic parents was no less amusing than interesting and the congratulatory part of the business was cool siderably heightened by the oft repeated and cordial cheering which sprung fr » m different parts of the Man-Chester procession . The processions having united , they proceeded on their prescribed route towards Manchester ; and in its progress , was like a saowbalL which gathered by its motion , until the numbers were
tons absolutely incalculable , and its length may be imagined when we state that it occupied twenty-five minutes in passing a certain point , a great number of vehicles bringing up the rear . It was indeed a noble flight to behold ; and worthy of such a cause . Eyea the balconies , turrets , windows , and house-tops were all crowded with persons anxious to Batisfy themselves of the bona-fide existence of the patriots , after so long a period of incareeration in gleomy dungeons ; and as the tributary applauses reached the ears of those gentlemen in the carriage , Mr . O'C * nnor , in his usual courteous manner , acknowledged the compliment very frequently , with
" A spirit yet unquelled and high , That claims and keeps ascendency . " The procession moved along Salford , over Yictorifr bridge , by the Exchange , up Market-street , through Piccadilly , London-road , up Travis-street , down An < cotes-lane , and Lever-street , into Stevensons-equara . Of the number of those amongst the flags and emblems borne by the " blistered hands , " were the following : — Emblem of unity—A bundle of sticks . -. *¦ Three national flags—The harp , rose , and thistle . A green silk banner of the calico printers , bearing the motto , "Union is strength ;" Reverse : — " United we stand : divided we fall . " Another gTeen silk flig : — Motto , — "Labour is the source of all wealth . " Beneath which was painted , ¦
The rose , shamrock , and thistle . Reverse side : —" Liberty and equality Large green silk banner , bearing the bricklayer ' i coat of arms . Bricklayers four-a-breast Another large and splendid banner representing a man falling from a scaffolding of a building , ova which was written " The accidental burial society . " The Chorlton-upon-Medlock Band . White flag— "May they who make the chains of slavery ever want employment , ' surmounted by a cap of liberty . Men four-a-breast Splendid green silk velvet banner , white border , "Fustian cutters , " large gold letters . Motto— " Improvement association ; United we conquer , divided we fall . A stage was erected npon a cart to bear this banner .
Large green siJk flag" For a nation to te free it is auSdeDt that sbe wills it " Splendid highly-executed painting , representing thl three Welsh Patriots in full length , bearing their names in gold letters . Reverse , the Six Points of the Charter . Large scarlet flag of the Royal Arms of England . A blue banner of the operative dyers of Salford » 4 Manchester , and their coats of anus . Beautiful green silk flag , geld letters , —National Charter Association . This was succeeded by an elegant flag from Glossop » bearing the following inscription : — '' The Charter , the bulwark of English liberty . " On the reverse : — " Freedom ' 3 battle once begun , Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son , Though baffled ofc , is ever won . "
Blue silk banner , carried in a cart , " Prosperity to the productive classes , the fotmdatfa of a nation ' s greatness . " Ancient Foresters' band . Banner— " Frost , Williams , and Jones . " Reverse— "Universal Suffrage , Annual Parliimente and Vote by Billot " Men—four a '^ ieast Droylsden bond . Green Bilk banner , bearing the Six Points of the Charter upon it A large white banner— " Welcome to the patriots ; ffl » J they see the sons of Industry prosperous and free- " On the reverse— " Universal Suffrage and the otfcer points of the Charter . " A variety of . small banners . Manchester concert band . A young Feargus on horseback , carrying a small bi <
with the namts o : Feargus O'Connor , Frost , anil other patriots . Large flag , comicemorating tho deeds at Puteiloo-A splendid oiTpainting of Feargus O'Connor ,,-with Henry Hunt pointing front " clouds , and giving him the folle-K-iDg charge— < " Welcome , Feargus ! thou hast been found faitflwi now lead my people on to victory . " Reverse— " National Charter Association . " Large banner . Motto— " Universal Suffrage and no surrender . " Reverse— " We have set our livts upon the cast ; »* we will stand tbe hazard of the die . " Large green flig . . Motto— " The husbandman that laboureth shall be «* partaker of the fruits ; and he that will not work neither shall he eat Tha Charter and no surrender . " ta Reverse— " Down with every faction that is opposed w
the rights end liberties of the people . " Here followed a variety of small flags and bann ** bearing appropriate inscriptions . " Flog— "More pigs and lees parsons . " Large highly finished oil painting of Bronterre O'Bri * with his name in letters of gold , wpre * ^ sitting in bis library , with "The Poor SB *! Guardian" in his hand . On the reverse " ^^ ciing to this transitory life only through m 1 rl of country and my thirst fer justice . The J » £ eager the monster to terminate m l ea ! tt 0 t ^ bolow , the stronger do I feel the nec « ssity of w ^ np every hour that remains to me with action * " ^ ful to mj follow creatorej . " ( QmKnue ' d in our tevmth pooe <)
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 2, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct723/page/6/
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