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[ Motion . ^ t gnflbnr y Beverend T . Swan ... ... ... 1 John "Walters a gsorse Lambert ... ... ~ . ... 1 Robert Wright ... ... ... ... a Rfcona Samnd Paul ... 1 S iemrton B-verecd Willhm Stokes . - ... 1 cjuth-von P ^ arrns O'Connor dble . rtarn . Grorge White dole , rtvrn . fZ& sbrtfge T B . 3 lorcan ... a John Cbanca ... 1 Sett ? Edward Barky 1 Stoekjwrt Tboinas Clarke „ . ...... 1 Jobs . atkinscn ... „ 2 Severed H . Solly 1 Willsnj LeiEDs ... »» . 1 John Cblidi "— dbi& . rfurn . Colo : fel Thompson dble riurn . cgoitamptoa ¦ p . O . &PV- % * Q 1 j . ^ J . Ecklts ., a fo ^ b-Siidis DivW Potts ... 1 Cbiiles Arhton a gsltsca " Jsiees Henderson ... l j ^ tuPittr » oaKeia . » . I fcuflertaid Jasepb Stnrge ... dVe . rium . W P . Roberts dble . rtjtrn , Tsoeiss Thompson 1 Junes Williams ... ' . se » gjttoE-iB-AsLSdd "Wilasin Oliver . „ ... 1 WniissJ Parker ... „ 1 ^^ T . P . "Wrench 1 SSoBthonse Waller IrgHs ... l gfjicei 7 . "ffinwi 1 B'jfaert 2 dP 2 ilwie a John Miller — a John ilffiington a George Smith ... ... — — a Smell : wick " RTHiain Hictett ... ... ... .,. 1 Mzrt GHt = rt 1 ShfcSdd B'ebsrd AWx » t a Samnd Paries 1 George J- Hsrnfrj 1 RTlliain Beesley ... — ... < 2 >?« - rtnrn . Trowbridge JameJ "Watts ... ... ... ... 1 W . P . Boberts . „ j ... ... dble . rtnrn . lonbridxs Christopher Dickinson a D . T . Bswlinson . 1 Todmarden James YMden ... ... a Henry Shsphard 1 Isnuton WSEbib Bramsn a Wilfrra Harrison d&e . rfam . MOOES P . O'Hisgins dbJe . rium . L . Fitifcthlty dble . riurn . Tale of LsTen Can saunay db ' e . riurn . West Bromwieh John Powell ... ... i Gso ge Wlikes ... l ifolTEihaniptfln JohnHnmber „ I JohnWaicMT . l . "Weinesbury Benjamin Dints _ l "Sraaam Thomasan 1 "Warwick OariEB French ... l James Green 2 Henry Trench - . „ . ... a Josrph Shsphird ... ... ... l TFineheomh John Sexty ~ 1 TTalsill John Gro- ^ ... — a Andrew Aiiken a John Griffith ... a John ilasoiL ... 1 WeOingboro * "William Gent 1 J&tnfca Robinson ... 1 'Wsnmtton B . A-Diom ^ oole ... ... ... ... 1 ¦ Worcester Robert Hardy 1 Henry Stone „ 1 Charles Sharpe a John Hstriini ... ... ... „ . 1 J . D- Stevenson , „ ... ... 1 James Harding _ a J . W . Biastwell ... „ . ... o GtifithB a WoogbridgB Joseph P . Taylar ... 1 Bex H . Taylor ... a ifESbnry "Hlffiam Taylor ... ... . „ „ . a John Collins . „ „ l "JTooton-imdeT-Ecige James Bronrerre O'Brien . „ ... dV . t . rttirn . Jama Bniler dble . riurn . "Best Blbride Josiah Ennes ... ... ... John Gibbons ^ . ... a 1 WooLdals Jothna Hobson dble . rttirn . Ber . W . H 21 ... „ dUc \ rttmL . pfOEE—In the foregoing list , the Italic a Means aisai- and imt means xe&traL The other marks explain thems ^ yes . II la light that ve should state th& *» an the neutrals are not set forth . The marks -were m > t entered at the time opposite the lame of the delegates , by the Secretary , he only taking down the votes . The Totes are rightly set forth : bat mrea of those represented as absent , Tere present , lot declined to rote . From memory " » e haTe packed ont BeTen out of the fourteen ; hm are not able to recognise the other BCTea . — Ed . 5 . S . ]
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" . That the recommendation of the Committee be acceded to , pnmding they make proper regnlations to admit stTEngera , bo as to secure order . " On a motion by Messrs . SoDy ana Jloir , it iraa lesolTed , " That file first , second , and third resolutions , proposed by Mr . Begp , declaratory of the principles of the Conference , be adopted ; but that the third be altered so es to indnde the 17 th resolution passed at the last Conference . " " 1 . That this Conference , convened in con ' onnity ¦ nritti a T .-ao 3 nt 5 on passed at the first Complete Saffrage Conference , held at Birmingham , jipril 5 th— 8 th , 1812 . and hsTing forits paramount object the consideration of the necessary details of a Bill , emb . Mljins the
principles then agreed upon , -viz : The extension of the Suffra ? e to all male adults not deprived of the rights of citizenship by a rerdict of their countrymen—Tote by Ballot—Equal Electoral Districts—Abolitien of a Property Qualification for Members of Parliament Payment of Members for their serTices—and Annual Parii&mrsts j—do now declare its adoption of these principles ; pledges itself to employ snch means only for obtaining the Legislative recognition of them as are of a strictly jun , peaceful , legal , and constitutional character ; and ^ srtll forth / with proceed to fulfil the mifiBien -with "which it has been entrusted , resolved to support its Chairman in preventing the introduction of any propositions not in accordance
therewitb-* ' 2 . That as this Conference will resist the introduction of any topics not obvionsly relevant to its main design , so it also disclaims all interference "with existing urg&iozations , recognising as its paramount duty , the arriving , if possible , at a cordial agreement in rtferenee to tin object towards which peac&ful agitation may be directed . " 3- That this Conference , agreeable to resolution 17 * , passtd at ike first Conference , is prepared to receive and to coi-sidei all documents "which may be laid before it , and trlr . ch may be supposed to contain an embodiment of the necessary details for "working cut the principles already recognized . " Mr . Campbell proposed , and Mr . West seconded : — * ' That an Executive Comniittee be appointed , " ( in conformity "Kith the programme . ) Mr . Roberts moved , and Mr . "Wilkinson secended , an amendment— " That the Conference take upon itself tfce duties of the Executive Committee . " The amendment was azreed to .
On a motion by Messrs . Barron and O'Connor , it was resolved—* ' That the Conference constitute itself a Committee for the purpose of considering the document entitled the People ' s Charter . ' * On a motion by iltssra . O'Connor and Levett , it "was resolved ;— . ** That-ar . y alteration "which may be proposed to , and received by , a majority of the Conferenee , shall be snbmitted to the whole people , for the purpose of testing public opinion upon these several alterations , with the view © f submitting them to any future Conference , called by the whole people . " It was" then resolved , on a motion by Messrs . Buchanan and Clure , " That the People ' s Charter be read Section by section , and considered and agreed to clause by clause . " . The Phejlhble , and Qualifications for the Snffirage , were then read , on which the following amendments were proposed : —
1 st amesdment , by Messrs Parry and Lowery" That the word Bill be fiufeUtuted for the word Act in the title . " That the following be substituted for the fourth clause respecting felony—•* That he be not undergoing the sentence of the law at the time when called upon to exercise the electoral right " 2 nd . amendment , by Messrs- Solly and Thomason : — " That at vhe conclusion of clause 2 , respecting the claimants being twenty-one years of age , the following be substituted for the remaining clanses— -And who is not disfranchised according to the provisions of this Act . '"
3 rd . amendment , by Messrs . WiHiainB and Phiip" That the preamble from the * Peopfe's Bill of Rights' be substituted for the preamble of * The People ' s Charter , * and that the consideration of all disqualifying clauses be deferred . " 4 th . By Messrs . Solly and Helherington" Whereas it is the clear and inalienable right of every citji ^ n of a community to have a voice , personally ; or through his representative , in making the laws which he . is called upon to obey . On the votes beuig taken , Messrs . Parry and Lowery * s amendment was agreed to , and all the other amendments negatived . The Committee Appointed to wait on Mr . Morgan reported that they had seen that gentleman , and that the request of the Conference respecting the documents had bees complied with , but as some of them would tsfee some time to copy , he would rot be able to send them tQl the afternoon .
On s motion of Messrs . Loreit and O'Connor , the report was received as satisfactory . The discussion on the preamble of the People ' s Charter was then resumed , and the whole agreed to 5 also the qualification for the Suffrage in connection with Mr . Parry's amendment . The Conference then adjourned .
EVENING SITTING—Dec . 29 th , 1 S 42 . The section of the People's Charter , entitled Exectobal DisTSicxs was then read , and proposed clause after clause . Oa the 1 st clause , Mr . Smith proposed , and Mr . McCartney Bccon&ed" That there be 500 electoral districts , instead of 300 . " This was negatived . On the 6 lb clause , Mr . Parry proposed , and Mr . Coiquboun seconded"That the words ' for arranging and reporting thereon , * be added . " This was negatived , and the section agreed to without alteration . The section , entitled Registbatios Officebs "was then read , and clause after clause proposed , and agreed to without alteration .
Tt » - « ction , entitled BBTrssiSG Otpiceb a > d his Dtttles , "was then read and proposed . On the 1 st clause , Mr . Clark proposed , and Mr . Wheeler seconded—. •¦ That the words ' at the end of every gear" be substituted for tleetyean . " This was agreed to , ana" the section carried , with some verbal alterations . The section , entitled DEPETT RETCBXiJfe OFpicbb , was also agreed to , with some slight verbal alterations . The section , entitled The Recistkatioj ? CLEKK , his Duties , was read and proposed . On the Sad clause , Mr . Winn proposed , and Mt . Duffy
seconded" That one month ' s imprisonment be substituted , instead of \ he penalty of £ 0 . " Mr . O Connor proposed and Mr . Lovett Beconded That the penalty be rednced to £ L " Mr . Btesley . proposed and Mr . Chilton Beconded , " That disfranchiEemeit for one year be substituted for a penalty " On these amendments being put to the vote , Mr . O'Connor ' B , for rednrisg the penalty to £ 1 , iras agreed to and th- others uegaHved . The section was then adopted with the amendment , and Bonie few verbal alterations . The section entitled Abbasgembsts FOB Begistbatios was then read and proposed clause after clause . On Jhe 1 st clause . Mr . M'Pherson proposed and Mr . Colquhoun seconded , " That in this , as well as in the 5 ih clause of the previous section , the words poor house or union workhouse * be added . "
Mr . Koberta proposed and Mr . Fnssell seconded , " Thit the words ' poor house , union workhousa , bariseks , gaols , prisons , hospitals , ships in harbour , and other residences or dwelling houses' he added . " On the motion being put , Mr . M'Pherson ' s was aereed to . and the other PBj ? aJ « . t" > J ? . Oa the 2 nd clause , Mr . Maynard proposed and Mr . Pcasell seconded , That one month's residence be substituted for three . " This was negatived . On tie 7 : h eJanse , Mr . CoJquhoUB proposed and Mr . O'Connor seconded , " That the words shall be fibed 20 s ., and expencea , to be paid to the peraon objected to , " be added . " This wi 8 agreed to , and the section earned with some few verbal alterations . The Conference then adjourned ifa sitting .
FB 1 DAY M 0 KKIX 3 , DEC 30 th , 1842 . On a motion of Messrs . Bidley and Brown , Patrick O"Hiegfes , E ? q . was called to the chair . The laicutts of the previous meeting were then read and cotSrmed . jit Msynatd proposed and Mr . Brown seconded—•< That the Conference constitute itself a committee to coniddtT the remaining portion of the People's Chartex . " Cn which Mr . Boberts proposed , and Mr . O'Connor seconded , the following resolution , and the previous motion was withdrawn to admit of its
discussion" Thai in iheopinion of this Conference , the members of the Complete Suffrage Umen , who have abrnptly retired from the diecusgiomh&venot exhibited good faith , but , on the eontrary , have acted in direct violation of the terms on which they trere caBed together . The country were invited to send delegates to Birmingham , for the purpose , amongst other things , of * Preparing a BUI to be submitted to Parliament for securing the just representation of the whole people / At a sacrifice almost too great for them to bear , the country responded to jMs inritation , and at a large expense of time , ton , and money , elected Delegates for the pnr-
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* Moved by William iovett of . London ; seconded by Bev . H . Solly of Teovil : — •« 17—That this . Conference having adopted ench just principles « f representation , as are necessary for giving to all classes their equal share of political power ; resolve at some future peried , to call another Conference , tin whicB the whole ; pscpie m&y be fully represented , ) for the "Durpose of considering aay dt » cnments which embody the necessary SeZaMs lor tLe worMcs out of the aboTe principle * . "
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pose of so preparing the bill above-mentioned ; in thefoll and fervent hope that their united efforts , while they would give no precedence or priority to any individual section , would resnlfc in a cordial union of all classes of reformers , for the purpose of securing a just representation of the whole people in the Commons' House of Parliament The delegates met together and proceeded to the business for which they were elected . On the first day of their discussion , a declaration of principles was proposed bj Mr . Beggs , on the part of the Complete Suffrage Onion , which declaration insisted , * That the Bill to be presented by the Council of the Complete Suffrage Union , be taken as the basi 3 of disenssion . ' The large majority of the
Conference opposed this claim to priority in favour of a Bill which they had never seen or heard , and which had never been seen or heard of , except by the members of the Complete Suffrage Union : tfeey anxiously and often sought the withdrawal of the offensive and insulting distinction , but their request was met with a determined and emphatic refusal . The majorhy then , gather than admit the claim of priority and precedence required by the Complete Suffrage body , proposed as an amendment a declaration ' that the document called the People ' s Charter should form the basiS " of diseassiou . ' snd this amendment , after a Ion ? and temperate debate , was carried by a majority of 193 to 94 . And then , for the first time , the Conference were informed by their Chairman , Mr . Joseph Siurge , that ho and his friends of the Complete Suffrage Union shonld
now retire from the Conference , and fiom the further discussion for which th 6 y had assembled together . This conenct of the Complete Suffrage Union appears to the Conference to be an unfair desertion of their daty . They believe that if the country had before the elections been informed of the intention of the Complete Suffrage body to retire from the discussion , unless an invidious priority were fc -ivtsn to their bill over the People ' s Charter , no Chard-it consrituency would have thought it requisite or drsirable to send delegates to the diaenshion—a di .-cussion which must thus necessarily have resulted in disappointment . It is therefore the opinion of this Conference that the Complete Suffrage Union ought , in the first instance , to have avowed their intention ; and that by not doing bo , they have evinced a want of good faith and honest purpose . "
Mr . Lovett proposed , and Dr . Wade seconded , — " That all words of an offensive character be expnnged , and tbst the resolution be confined to a mere statement of facts . " Mr . Colquhoun proposed and Mr . Buchanan seconded — '' That in order to facilitate business we agree to refer the motion to a commutee . *' After some discussion Mr . Roberta consented to withdraw the offensive part of the resolution ; on which Mr . Lovett and Mr . Colquhoun withdrew their amendments , and the words want of honest purpose" being erased , and the words " good taste" substituted for " good faith , " the resolution was carried by a . large majority . The Conference then resolved itself into a Committee for considering the remainder of the People ' s Charter The section entitled Ahbakgement fob Nomi->' aT 1 O ? s was then read and proposed .
On the Second Clause , ( in the form of Nomination , ) Mr . Brown proposed , and Mr . Humphrey seconded , " that tb . 8 words ' being qualified to be an elector according to the provisions of this Act , ' be substituted for the last clause of it " On which , Mr . Solly proposed , and Mr . Co ^ uhonn seconded , " that the woras ' provided he be qualified to be an elector , with the exception of residence' be added . " This was subsequently withd ; awn and Mr . Brown ' s amendment agreed to . The ward " candidate" for member was substituted in the fifth clause , and the words " after that date , " substituted for the word otherwise . On the 11 th clause , Mr . Morrison proposed , and Mr . M'Cartney seconded , the following : —
" That no other qualification shall be required than the choice of electors , according to the provisions of this Act , provided that no persons , exoepting the Cabinet MiniBtets , be eligible to Berve in ths Commons House of Parliament , who are in the receipt of any emolument derivable from any place or places , held under Government , or of retired allowances arising therefrom . "' The Sectieo was then agreed to with some verbal alteration . The S = ctLsn entitled Abbasgehest fob Election was then read and agreed to with some slight alterations . In clause 4 th , the words two " or wore " parishes were added . In clause 11 tb , "tvery V > '' was snbstim ' ed for every ihree years . The Section entitled Dtjbation of Parliament was read and agreed to with a slight am end men t in clause 1 st , substituting the words shall '* be chosen for " is to be chosen . "
The Section entitled Payment of Mbmbebs was agreed to , excepting that the sum was left blank , after a resolution by Messrs . Mead and Adams , " that the members receive their pay a quarter in advance , " and an amendment by Messrs . Duffy and Murray , " that they may if required receive their salaries monthly " had been both lost The Section entitled Besigxatjoks am ) Deaths was agreed to without alt- ration . The Section ^ entiUed Pejsalties was then read and proposed . On the 2 nd clause Mr . M'D-nald proposed the insertion of the words one pound for every name omitted , " which was agreed to . Mr . Maynard then proposed " and Mr . Kidd seconded , " that for the second offence there be twelve months imprisonment" This was lost
Mr . Thomason proposed and Mt . Mason Beconded , " that for the second offence be incur the penalty of three months imprisonment and be deprived of his elective right for three years . " This was agreed to . On the 3 rd danse , Mr . O'Connor proposed and Mr . Colquhoun secor-ded , " that the penalty for the second offence be the same as in the clause amended . " This was agreed to . The 4 th clause was amended as follows , for the first offence , " three" months imprisonment , for the second offence , " three months and be deprived of his elective rights for three years . "
On the 5 th clause , Mr . Wilson proposed and Mr . Clark seconded , • that it be six months foT the sece A offence and the deprivation of rights for three years . " This was lost and the clanse amended as follows : — For the first offence " three months , " for the second offence " three months and fee « Jeprived of his elective rights for three years . " On the 7 th clause , Mr . O'Connor proposed , and Mr . Mead seconded , •• That in addition to imprionment he fee placed in the stocks for two hours . " After some discussion , Mr . O'Connor withdrew his motion , and the clause was adopted without alterat ion . The 9 lh clause was amended , the word ' cmdldate " feeing substituted for the word member . In the 1 itb clause , the words ' by the House of Com mons" were expunged . In the I 6 ib clause , the word "ihree" years was substltnted for ftie .
In the 18 th clause the same . In the 19 th clause , after tha word neglect , were added the following words , " on noncomp iance with the provisions of this act , the sum of £ 50 , or in default of payment twelve months * imprisonment . " In the 20 th clause , after the word imprisoned , at the conc l usion , were added the following words , " according to the provisions of this act " The Secretary having explained the plan of the Balloting-bex and Polling-place , on a motion by Messrs . O'Connor and Parry , the Committee was dissolved , and Patrick O Higgins , Esq . appointed as the Chairman of the Conference . Mr . Hobson proposed , and Mr . TJrown seconded , " That the bill as now amended by the Committee be adopted by this Conference , " which was carried unanimously , and by cheering acclamations . Mr . Lovett proposed , and Mr . O Connor seconded , That tht following be the title of the bill ,
THE PEOPLE S CHAB . TER : beins a bill to provide for the just representation of the peoplB of Great Britain and Ireland in the Commons ' House ef Parliament Revised at a Conference of the people , held at BirmiEgbam , Dec . 1842 . Authorised by them to be printed aad circulated , with the alterations printed in ita- 'ics . so that such may receive the consideration of the people previous to another Conference being called to adopt it " On a motion by Messrs Roberts and Mead , Mr . John Ckave was appointed the authorised publisher , who promised not only to print it in bis Chartist Circular , but to print it also in a neat pocket form .
On a motion by Messrs . Hobson and Boberts , it was resolved , " That Thomas Slingsby Buncombe , Esq ., M . P . forFinsbury , be the gentleman to whose care the bill for securing the just representation of the whole people , now read and adopted by this ConfereEce , be cou&ded for introduction in a regular formal manner , to the House of Commons ; and that John Temple Leader , Esq ., M . P ., be respectfully requested to Becond the motion when leave for its introduction is moved by Mr . Duncombe . " On a motion by Messrs . Hobson and Roberts , it was resolved , "That this Conference cannot separate without expressing itriieepest and most sincere sympathy with all persont wao ^ are now suffering ; , or who may
have suffered from espousing the cause of the people , and advocating their right to a just and equal representative government , and its consideration of their pTe eminent claim to the sympathy , assistance , and support of the people whom they have «> well and faithfally served . We therefore recommend to the people that a public subscription be got np in every district for the support cf all persons and their families , now in the prisons and jails of England , and transported'beyond the aeas for political offences ; and that a general treasurer be appointed to whom all the sums received by the distv- 'ct treasurer be transmitted , the accounts of which , together wiaa Vbe manner in which the money has been distributed , beiDgpubliBhed , " j . . .. .
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On a motion by Messrs ; Boberts and Hobson it was resolved , « That Mr . John Cleave ba appointed Treasurer for the Tiottm Fund , to be raised for peraonB suffering for political offences . " On a motion by the Bev , Mr , Solly and Mr . Brown , it was resolved , " That this Conference of National Delegates hereby express in the strongest manner their eameBt desire to promote a cordial , brotherly , and permanent good understanding between the people of this country and our brethren in the sister kingdom of Ireland , and their determination to use their utmost endeavours to secure for tne Irish people equal political and social rights with those they desire to obtain for this country . "
Mr . Parry proposed and Mr . Vevers seconded the following resolution : — «• That as the great principles of democracy fully recognisa the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly en all questions affeeiing their political and social interests , this Conference deems it necessary to proclaim this / important right , and at the sometime to express their opinion that the cause of the people will be best served by & charitable and forbaaring spirit towards all classes of Reformers , who , recogniting the same great principles of political justice , yet feet themselves conscientiously called upon to pursue the attainment of those principles by different means . " Mr . George White proposed , and Mr . Buffy Bidley seconded the following amendment : —
" That this Conference recogntssa the right of every man to hold any course he thinks proper , boldly and honestly , in the advocacy of the People ' s Charter , whilst we reserve to ourselves tbe right of proceeding in the same straight forward manner which we Lave hitherto pursued , and resolve never to cea 3 e from a firm , steady , an * determined agitation until the People ' s Charter becomes the law of this realm . ' Messrs . Roberts and Mead then proposed , as another amendment , " The previous question , " which , on being put from the chair was carried by a show of hands .
Messra Lovett aud Parry then proposed , " That the names of those who voted for and against bA §^| eo dowh . " Upon which Sir . O'Connor modifi ^ MK Parry ' s motion , in the following form , whieh ^ flpfSJSf posed , and Mr . Parry seconded . "Upon whiclf- 'SIr ; Lovett withdrew Mb motion for taking down the names , and Mr . O'Connor ' s was agreed to by a large majority : — " That as the principles of democracy fully recognize tbe right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly on all questions
affecting their political and social rights , this Conference deems it essential tb proclaim this important right , and at the same time to express their opinion that the cause of tbe people will be best served by a manly perseverance in their agitation for the People ' s Charter , while they receive with gratitude and thauks the co-operation of all parties who shall in future by their own means endeavour to achieve the same end ; and we further recommend that all means not inconsistent with principle shall be used to conciliate all classes of Reformers . ''
Mr . George White then proposed and Mr . J . West seconded , " That we now take into consideration the means of remunerating the doorkeepers and discharging all just claims brought against tbe Conference . " A subscription was then made and the sum of 13 s . Od . raised , which liquidated all the claims made upon the Conference fot the doorkeepers , stationery , fee . The Secretary announced that a parcel of tracts far distribution among the members had been received from Wm . Shannon Crawford , Esq . entitled " A Defence of the Bights of the Working Classes . " Oa a motion by Messra © Connor and Roberts , the thanks of the Conference were ordered to be conveyed to Mr . Crawford , for his present of tracts . On » motion ef Messra . Hobson and O Connor , it was
resolved" That all books , papers , and documents belonging to this Coaference ba place . 4 in the hands of Mr . Wm . Lovett , to be by : him kept until required tram him by some other body similarly constituted to the present . " On a motion by Messrs . Hobson aaX O'Connor , it was resolved " Th ;\ t Mr . Wm . Lovett who has so efficiently filled the office of Saeretary to the Conference be requested to prepare the minutes of these sittings fer tbe press , and that we suggest to htm Jo avail himseif of the aid of such persons who have been present during the deliberations , and who may be willing to Tender such aid . "
On a motion by Mr . O Connor and Mr . Cooper , it was resolved— " That tbe best thanks of this Conference be given to Mr . Wm . Lovett for his labours in drawing up tbo document called the People ' s Charter five years azo ; and also for his efficient services as Secretary ; and for his kind compliance with our request to prepare the minutes for publication . " I Tbe Chairman having declared the business of the Conference concluded , Dr . Wade was tben called to the chair , On which Mr , Parry proposed and Mr . Boberts seconded— " That the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to Mr . O'Higgins , for the gentlemanly and impartial manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of chairman to this Conference . " Oa a motion by Mr , Hobson the Conference was declared dissolved .
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% That the foregoing suggested alterations and amendments in The People ' s Charter may be the better understood , we here give the Document EMjns , with tho suggested alterations printed in Italic . It has been prepared for that purpose by the Secretary to the Conference ; and forms , indeed , a portion of the Minutes .
THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER ; BEIKG A BllJfc TO PROVIDE FOK THE JUST RBPRESKNTATION OF THE PfcOPLE OF « REAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND IN THE COMMONS HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT . Revised at a Conftrenoe of the People held at Birmingham , Dec , 1842 . Authorised by them to be Printed and Circulated , with the Alterations Printed in Italics , so that they may receive the Consideration of the People previous to another Conference being called to adopt it . A Bill to Provide for the just Representation of the People of Great Britain and Ireland , in the Commons' House of Parliament .
Whereas , to insure , in as far as it is possible by human forethought and wisdom , the just government of the people , it is necessary to subject those who have the power of making the laws to a wholesome and strict responsibility to those whose duty it is to obey them when made . And , whereas , this responsibility Is best enforced through the instrumentality of a body which emanates directly from , and is itself immediately subject to , the whole people , and which completely represents their feelings and their interests .
And , whereas , the Commons' House of Parliament now exercises . , in tbe name and on the suppose 1 behalf of the people , the power of makiiig the lawa , it ought , in order to fulfil with wisdom and with honesty the great duties imposed on it , to be made tbe faithful and accurate representation of the people ' s wishes , feelings , and interests . Be it therefore enacted , Tliat from and after tbe passing of this Act , every male inhabitant of these realms be entitled to vote for the election of a Member of Parliament ; subject ; however , to the following conditions : — 1 . That he be a native of these realms , or a foreigner who has lived in this country upwards of two years , and been naturalised . 2 . That he be twenty-one yeatB of age .
3 . That he be not proved insane when the lists of voters are revised . 4 . That he be not undergoing the sentence of the laws at the time when calltd upon to exercise the electoral rights . 5 . That his electoral rights be not suspended for bribery at electiens , or for personation , er for forgery of election certificates , according to the penalties of this Act
ELECTORAL DISTRICTS . I . Be it enacted , tbat for the purpose ef obtaining an equal representation of the people in the Commons ' Hou& 9 ot Parliament , the United Kingdom be divided into 300 electoral districts . * II . That each such district contain , as nearly as may be , an equal number of inhabitants . III . That the number of inhabitants be taken from the last census , and as soon as possible after the next ensuing decennial census shall have been taken , tbe electoral districts be made to conform thereto . 1 Y . Tbat each electoral district be named after the principal city or borough within its limits . Y . Tbat each electoral district return one representative to sit in the Commons' House of Parliament
YI . That the Secretary ef State for the Home Department shall appoint three competent persons as commissioners , and as many sub-commissioners as may be necessary for settling the boundaries of each of the 300 electoral districts , and go on from time to time , whenever a new decennial census of the people ' be taken . VII . Tbat the necessary expenees of the Bald commissioners , sub-commissioners , clerks , and other persons employed by them in the performance of their duties , be paid out of the public treasury .
REGISTRATION OFFICERS . Be it enacted , that foi the purpose of procuring an accurate registration of voters—for finally adjudicating in all cases of objections made against persons claiming to be registered—for receiving the nominations of Members of Parliament , and returning officers , and declaring their election—as well as for conducting and superintending all matters connected with registration ,
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* There are say 6 , 000 , 000 of men eligible to vote ; this number , divided by 300 , gives 20 , 000 to each member . ; , ¦ -
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If . Tha * . w . en the lisfe of voters is made out from thesa notices , und stack on the church doors and p ' aces & 3 aforesaid , any person who finds his name not inserted iu the list , and who believes he is duly qualified as a voter , shall , on presenting to the registration clar a notice in the fj . Uuwing form , have bis nine add . - to the list of voters : — J , John Jones , carpenter , residing at in the district of be ^ mj twentyove years of age , and having resided al Vie ab ^ ve place during the last three mon'hs , require to be p ' need on the list of ve'ers , as a qualified elector for the said district .
III . Tbat any person who is qualified as a voter in any electoral district , and . "ball frava rensovml to fmy other parish within Hie Slid district , on presenting to the reg . stration clerk of the parish he then resides in , bis voter's certificate as proof of this , cv tb > s wrU . au testimony of any registration clerk wko haa pTbviously registered him , he shall be entitkd to baphjped 021 the list of voters as aforesaid . IV . That if an elector of any p-rish in the district bavo any just grounds for believing that any pt son difqualified by this Act has been put upon any p ^ r ^ h register within tbe said district , he mny , nt any sea « -- > nal » ia hour , between the 1 st and the 20 th day of Murch , cause tho foilowing notices to be dolivere-1 ; one at ? ha rosidencs of the registration clerk ; ami the oihot at tbe residence Qf tbe person ot j' ctad te ; and tht registration clerk shall , in like manner , send nr-ti of the grounds 0 ' objection to all persons he may . object to , as aforesaid : —
To the Registration C ' erk . I , William Smith , elector of the pa , ish of , in the dish ict of object to A .- B . being on the register of voters , believing him to be disqualified . To the person objected to . Mr . A . B ., of , 1 , William Smith , elector of the . parish of , in the district of ¦ , object to your name beimj on the register of voters , for the following reasons : — [ here state the reasons ]—and I will support my ( Ejections by proofs before the returning officer Of the district .. Dated this day , f fc .
V . Th \ t if the person thus ohjecting neglect to atte' . d the court of thu returning officer at th « proper time to state his objections , he shall be fined ten shillings f « r every such neglect , the same to be levied on hia goods ami chattels , provided he is not prevented from attending by sickness or accident , in which case tiia medical csrtificate , or a certificate signed by ten voters certifying such fact , shall be forwarded to tbe returning officer , who shall tben determine whether tho claim to be put on the register ba allowed or not VI Tbat if the person objected to foil * to attwid the court of tbe returning officer at the proper time , to substantiate his-claim , his name shall oe erased from the register ; provided he iB not prevented by siefcru ^ s or accident , in which case a certificate shall be forwarded , and the returning cf&cer shall determine , as before directed ..
VII . That if if should be proved before the returning effioer , in his open courtof adjudication , tbat any p ^ son has frivolously or vexatiously objected to any one being placed od tbe list of voters , such person objtctirg- shall be fined twenty shillings and exptnees , the same to be levied on his goods and chattels , and paid lo the person objected to . VIII . That as early as possible after the lists are revised as aforesaid , the returning officer shall cause a copy of th 8 same to be forwarded to every registration clerk within his district .
IX . That the registration clerk of every parish shall tben correctly copy from such list the name . ag- \ and residence of every qualified elector within his parish , or parishes , into a book made for that purpose , and shall place a number opposite each name . He shall then , within days , take , or cause to be taken , to all such electors , a voter ' s certificate of the following form , the number on which shall correspond with the number in tbe aforesaid book : — No . 123 . This is lo certify that Jame $ Jones , of , is eligible to vole for one person to be returned to Parliament ( us well as&rthc teturning ojlcer ) for the distiict = CJ ££ S& ' ., for one year / roM t / ie date hereof . " ^ Jtated Registration Clerk .
X . Tbat if any pewon lose his voter "? certificate by fire , or any other accident , he shall not have a new certificate till the next registration ; but on the day of any election , if he can establish his identity , on the testimony of two witnesses , to the satisff . ctiun of the registration . clerk , as being the qualified voter described in the registration b < cok , he shall be allowed to vote . XI . That the returning officer is hereby authorised and commanded to attach any small parishes to any adjacent parish within his district , for tho pu posea of this Act , and not otherwise *; and in like manner to unite all extra parochial places to some adjacent pariah . —See Penalties .
ARRANGEMENT FOR NOMINATIONS . I . Be it enacted , that for tbe purpose of 4 > usriltng against too great a number , who might otherwise be heedlessly proposed , as well as for giving time for the electors to enquire into the merits of the persona who may be nominated for Members of Parliament , as "well as for returning officers , that all nominations be taken as hereinafter directed . II . That for all general elections of Members of Parliament a requisition of the following form , signed by at least one hundred qualified electors of tbe district , be delivered to the returning officer of the district between the first and the tenth day of May in « ach year ; and tbat such requisition constitute the nomination of such person as a candidate for the district .
We , the undersigned eleckrs ff the district of , recommend A B cf , as a fit untf proper person to represent ( he people of this district in the Commons' House of Parliament , the said A- B . being qualified to be an elector according to the provisions if Jtis Ad . Dated , Sfc , Signed . III . That the returning officer of every electoral district shall , on or before the 13 th of May in each year , cause a list of all tbe candidates thus nominated to be stuck up against all church and chap < . l doors , marketbouses , town-halls , session-houses , poor-houses and union workhataes , and such other conspicuous places within the district as he may deem necessary .
IT . Tbat whenever a vacancy is occasioned in any district , fay t 5 \ e death , resignation , or other cause , of the Member of Parliament , the returning officer of that district shall within three days after tbe receipt of his ordeTS from the Speaker of the House of Commons giva notiee thereof in all the parishes of his district in the manner described forgiving notices , and he shall at the same time request all nominations to be made as aforesaid within ten days from tbe receipt of his order , nnd shall also appoint tbe day » t election within eighteen days from the receipt of such order from tho Speaker of tbe House of Commons . V . That if from any circumstance no person has been nominated as a Candidate for the district en or before the 10 th of May , perssus may then be nominated in tbe manner described as aforesaid at any time previous to the 20 th of May , but not after that date .
VI . That at the first election , after tbe passing of thiB Act , and at the expiration of every year , the nomination of candidates for tbe returning officer be made in the same manner as for Members of Parliament , and nominations for vacancies that may occur in like manner . ' - VII . That if two or more persons are nominated aa aforesaid for Members to serve in Parliament for the district , the returning officer shall , at any time , between the 15 th and 31 st of May , ( Sundays excepted ) , appoint such times and places ( not exceeding ) as he shall think most convenient to the electors of the district for the candidates to appear before ti ; am , then and there to explain their views and solicit the suffrages of the electors .
VIII . That the returning officer see that the places above described be convenient for the purpose , snd that as many such erections be put up as may be necessary ; tbe same to be paid for by the returning officer , and charged in his accduot as hereinafter mentioned . IX . That for the purpose of keeping good order and public decorum , the returning officer either take the chair at such meetings himself , or appoint a deputy for tbat purpose . X . T&at provided only one candidate . be proposed for Member of Parliament for the district * , by the time hereinbefore mentioned , the returning officer cause notice to be given as hereinafter mentioned , that such a candidate is elected a member for the district ; and if only one candidate be proposed for the returning officer , be shall in like manner , be declared duly elected .
XI . That no other qualification shall be required than the choice of the electors according to the provision (/ this act , providing that no person , excepting the Cabinet Ministers , be' eligible to serve in the Commons House (/ Parliament-who are in the receipt of any emolument derivable from any place or places held under Government , or of retired allowances arising therefrom .
ARBANaEMENT FOR ELECTIONS . I . Be it enacted , that a general election of Members of Parliament foi the electorial districts of the United Kingdom take place on the first Monday in June in each year ; and that all vacancies by death or otherwise , shall be filled up as nearly as possible within eighteen days after they occur . II . That a general- election of returning officers for all the districts take place at the expiration of every three years o ^ the frrsfc Monday in June , and at the same time Meintjera of Parliament are to be elected ; and that all vacancies be filled up , as nearly as possible , witbin eighteen days after they occur .
HI . That every person who has been kskfercc * aa aforesaid , and who has a voter ' s certificate , shall bswe the right of voting in the district in which he has been registered , and iu that only , and cf voting for the Member of Parliament for that district , and the returning officer for the district , snd for thc&e oaly . ( Continued in w tfchfa Page )
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^_ THE NORTH BBN STAR . _ - ^__ L
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Joseph Stnrge , Esq ., in stattngJthat the time for Adjournment had now arrived , amttsneed his intention ofreEgnjig the chair . It war' ^ en ^ noved by Mr . J «* ett , seconded , by 2 ar . O'Connor , and carried by * eelanation"Thst the cordial thanks of this meeting he pre-* etd-to Mr- Stnrgej for his excellent conduct in tfce Cain . " 2 £ e meetmrthen aojouraed . raUESDAY MORRNIXG SITTING , Dec . 29 , 1 S 42 . On a aoEon by Messrs . Bidley and O'Connor , Patrick u ™? gaa , Esq , was ailed to the chair . Ontfce chair being taken , Jdr . Hobson moved , and ¦¦ H - I > 3 "ns Beconded : — "That a deputation from this Conference be ap-PMied to wait upon Mr . Wm . Morgan to require that »* n , ** * them > for t&e immediaie use of « - Cosfetace , jjj j ^ docnment 8 j ^^ jnpen , or W ? pert ? ' «*»* 5 » ma ? iaTe in Ms possession , be-««* nig to the Conf trence . - j- *~«~«' This raohaian was agreed to , and Messra . Moir , SS ^ JSS ' SdbSOa ^ appointed enSi ? WiE ? ^ ""M then read from Mr . Morgan , encltsmg » cupj tof the minutes : — Bhmlngham , Pec . 29 , 18 * 2-Ha i £ ai $ * ae ^^ fcrarding to your care Ttei ^ T ? ? ** ***** of the ^ nference . S 5 E » I O" ***** * " *» --obit ou tiS * my ^^ JKtoq , ^ involve all parties in ' Sistl ^ hwn ^ awasary pBjn . j therefore think wj ™ . *** conduce to the preservation of that | == « ui OiBCKoion which ought ever to characterise te hWntT 11 ^ ^ representatives of the people , JoonnT ^ . » Jon this resignation instead of giving iftl 1 ^ 01133 attendance to present it - w ^ jJr * Ea 51 e ^ e * I teg that von will conve y to the Cs cS r ^ J * yon P ^* = "y grafitude- for j ^^^ s forbearance exercised towards me , and an ^ "e of my unalterable desire for the political and ** al fcappnjes of my country , lam , Sir , Tear obedient servant , j Wm . i * M MoBSis . ™* Cisianan of the Reeling cf delegates , 7 " aieCDaj a « " InEfitution , Birmingham . ^* as then resolved : — Ib- ^*^*» an instruction to the deputation to ^ fcQ o ^ m _ : Mer 8 ail » ra beka 11 •* * & > Conference , "Sf ^^ **» aelfijates . h objection to the returni j ^ ae tat of the Members who Lave token ttelr * 5 e 2 ril <« admission . ^/^ Pk ' sJinicf Bighta . hmiiTv ° documents and papers which he may rw ™ J ™ ' PwseasioD belonging to tbe Conference . " j ^^^ oucn by Messrs . Arran and O ^ Connor it -was bie ^ riS * 001 ? 311 ^ ° r fl ^ e persons 1 » appointed to - ^¦ soaet ^ for admkijng the delegates . " ^ ov&T'J **** ' Sfce ^ hgto ^ FolloweB , Harrison , and fiat thV 6 * 6 ^ J * 011 * 6 ^ "wbo subsequently reported > itJ -J were desirous of admitting the public to Ssljac wJ ? ocesdiB 3 s ' * ad wiihed for the smetioB of ^^ PjaS 66 " * ta wt 3 * a 5 ™ K « l * ed , < Hi » iBGtion
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nomination , and elections , according W the provisions of this Act—the following officers be appointed : — 1 . Returning officers for each electoral district 2 . Deputy returning officers for each district . 3 . A registration clerk for every parish containing number of inhabitants , or for every twa or more parishes , if united for the purpose of this act . RETURNING OFFICER , AND HIS ] DUTIES . I . Be it enacted , that at the first general election after the passing of this Act , a returning officer ba , elected for evary electoral district throughout the kingdom , and so in like manner at tbe end of every year . j II . That , at the end of every such period , tbe returning officer for each district ba nominated in like manner , and elected at the same time , as tha Member of Parliament for the district : he shall be eligible te be re-elected . 1
III . That vacancies occasioned by the death , removal , or resignation of the returning officer , ' sb . a . 1 in lik * manner be filled up as vacancies for Members of Parliament , for the unexpired term of the three years . IV . That every retnrning officer shall appoint a deputy returning officer for the day of election , for every balloting place within bis district , and ] in all cases be responsible for tbe just fulfilment of the duties of such deputies . V . That it be the duty of the returning officer to appoint a registration clerk for every parish within his district containing number of inhabitants , or for every two 01 more parishes , if united for the purposes of this Aet ; and that in all cases be be responsible for the just fulfilment of ] tha duties of such clerks . i
VI . That he also see that proper ballotine places , and such other erections as may be j necessary , bs provided by each pariah , ( or any numbeT that way be united ) and tbat the ballot ting boxes ! be made and provided according to the provisions of this Act VII . T 6 at he receive the lists of voters from all tfie parishes in his district , io which lists shall be nia . rkf < i or specified the names of the persons who have been objected to by the registration clerks , [ or any other person . >
VIII . That between the first of April and the flTat of May ia each ye * r , he shall holrl open courts of a- jutiication at such a number of places within bis district aa he may deem necessary , of which conns ( place and time of meeting ) he shall cause due notice to be given in each parish of the district , and at the same time invite all persons who have made objections , and who have been obj cted to . And after hearing the statements that may be made by both parties , he shall finally adjudicate whether the voter ' s name be placed on tbe register or not ¦
IX . That the returning officer shall then cause to bo made out alphabetical lists of all the registered voters in all the parishes within his district j which list , signed , and attested by himself , shall be used at all elections for the district Such lists to be sold to the publio at reasonably low prices . I X . Ttiat the returning officer receive all nominations for the member of his district , as well aa'for tha returning officer of his district ; and shall give public notice of ths same according to the provisions ot this Act : he shall also receive from the Speaker of the House of Commons the orders for any new eleotion , in case of the death or resignation of the member of the district , as well as tne orders to superintend and conduct the election of any other district , in case of the death or resignation of the returning officer of such district . 1
XI That the returning officer shall also receive tbe returns from all tbe parishes within his district , on the day of election , and on the day following the election he shall proclaim the state of the ballot as directed by this act , and perform the several duties appsrtatning to bis office , aa herein made and provided . XII . That the returning officer be paid for fulfilling the duties of his office the sum of i per annum , as hereinafter mentioned . ' XUI . Tbat upou ft petition being presented to the House of Commous , by st least one bnndred qualified electors of the district , or against any returning officer of the same , complaining of corruption in the exercise of his office , or of incapacity , such complaints shall be inquired into by a committee of the House , consisting of seven Members ; and , on their report being read , the members present shall then determine ( Whether auoh returning officer be or be not guilty , or > be or be not Incapacitated . '
XIV . That , for conducting the first elections after the passing of this Act , a returning ofikor for each district be temporarily appointed by ' the { Secretary of State , to perform tbe dnties prescribed jby this Act . He shall resign bis office as soon as the new one is appointed , and be paid as hereinafter mentioned . —See Penalties . < DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICER , AND ljlS DUTIES . I . Be it enacted , tbat a deputy returning officer be appointed , by the district returning officer , to preside at each ballotting place on the day of election ; gush deputy to be subject and responsible to bis authority , as well as to tbe provisions of this Act . j II . That it be the duty of tbe deputy returning officer to provide a number of competent persons , not exceeding , to aid him in taking thu ballot , and fur performing the necessary business thereof .
III . That the deputy returning officer shall see tbat proper registration lists are provided , and tbat the ballot begins at six o ' clock ia the morning precisely , and end at six o ' clock in the afternoon of the same day . \ IV . That tbe deputy returning officer , in the presence of tbe Agents of the candidates , examine : and seal the balloting boxes previously to the commencement of tbe ballotting ; he shall , in like manner , declare the number of votes for each candidate , and shall cause a copy of the same , signed by himself , to be forwarded to the returning officer of the district , and another copy to the registration clerk ot the parish . j V . That the deputy returning officer be paid for his services aa hereinafter mentioned . —See Penalties .
THE REGISTRATION CLERK , HIS DUTIES . I . Be it enacted , that a registration clerk be appointed by the district returning tracer for ] every parish within his district containing inhabitants ; or for every two or more parishes that may be united for the purposes of this Act ; such clerk to be responsible to his authority , as well as to the provisions of this Act , i II . That for the purpose of obtaining a correct registration of all the voters in each electoral j district , tbe registration clerk of every parish , as aforesaid throughout the kingdom , pball , on or before the 1 st of February fn each year , take or cause to be taken roitwd to every dwelling-house , poor house , or union toorhtiovse , in his parish , a printed notice of the following form -.
—Mr . John J » nes , you are hereby required , within six days , from the date hereof , to Jill up this list with the names of ail male inhabitants of yur houses of 21 years of age and upwards ; stating their respective ages and the lime they have resided with you ; or , in neglect thereof , to forfeit the sum of one pound for every name omitted . 1 A . B ., Registration Clerk . Name . Addwi Age . jj ^ nl John Jones . N ^ J ^ . 21 Years . \ 3 months .
N . B . This list will be called for at tbe expiration of six days from this date . ' III . That at the expiration of six days , as aforesaid *; tha registration clerk shall collect , or cause to be collected , the aforesaid lists , and shall cause' to be made out from them an alphabetical list of all persons who _ are of the proper age and residence to qualify them as voters , according to the provisions of this Act IV . That if the registration clerk shall have any just reason to believe tbat the names , ages , or time of residenee of any person inserted in the aforesaid list are falsely entered , or not in accordance with the provisions of this Act , he shall not refuse to insert them in his list ofvsters , but he shall write the words " objected to " opposite snch names ; and so in like manner against the names of every person he may have just reason to consider ineligible according to the provisions of this Act . !
V . That on or before the 8 th ot March in each year , the registration clerk shall cause the aforesaid alphabetical list of voters to be stuck against all ' church and chapel doors , market-Bouses , town-halls , sessionhouses , poor-houses , union workhouses , and ; snch other conspicuous places as be may deem necessary , from tbe 8 th of March till the 22 nd . He shall also cause a copy of Bucb list to lie at bis office , to be perused by any person , without a fee , at all reasonable hours ; and copies of tbe said list shall be sold to tbe public at a reasonably low price . !
VI . That ou or before the 25 th of March the registration clerk shall take , or cause to be taken , a copy of the aforesaid list of voters to the returning officer ot his district , which list shall be signed b ' y himself , and be presented as a just and impartial list , according to his judgment , of all persona within { his parish who are eligible according to their claims , as welt aa of all those who have be « n objected to by himself or other persons . j VII . That the registration clerk shall attend the court of adjudication , according to the notice he shall receive from the returning officer , to revise bis list , and shall perform all the duties of bis office as herein provided . j VIII . That the registration clerk be paid for hia services iu the manner hereinafter mentioned . I
ARRANGEMENT FOR REGISTRATION . I . Be it enacted , that every householder , as well as every peraon occupying or having charge of a dwelling beuse , poorhouse , and union workhouse , who shall receive a notice from the registration clerk as aforesaid , shall cause the said notice to be correctly fi led up with the names , ages , and time of residence of every male inmate or inhabitant of his or her house , of twenty-one years of age and upwards , within six days of the'day of tho date of such notice , and shall carefully preserve the same till it is called for by the registration clyrk , or hit , proper of&eer . '
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 14, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct786/page/7/
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