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TRIUMPHAL ENTRY
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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OF FEARGUS O'CONNOR , ESQ . INTO BIRMINGHAM . GtOSlOUS DEMONSTRATION ! Honday last m indeed a great and glorious day for « $ -working classes . The men and -women of Birmingvjd , md the surrounding districts , hare oa Out d& 7 jtruek sath a blovr at tyranny as it -will never recover . fQ ^ e trorfcing classes hare now proved , beyond doubt , tbai the ; an not only competent to Tote , bat that when gu * do their own work , the / are capable of Ujjna ^ iDg and condnrting Ute mort stupendous aflairs ; jjr never ma there , a greater display of numbers and ^ ithasifism than was exhibited on this eeeasion , and jjerer -was sach a huge man as those who blocked up the streets of Birmingham on Monday better marshalled & more orderly conducted .
To give a proper description of the burning zaal and jydeni enthusiasm of the people , would require a mister hand . Let the most ardent lovers of the Charter , a the greatest admirers of Mr . O'Connor , imagine ^ b&t a procession for such an important town ought to be , and the ; may rest assured that bad they been present fcijej would have felt abundantly satisfied . It really w&s a glorious display ; one that will confer everlasting bonsni on the men and -women of Birmingham , and the surrounding district ; one that -will hare an electrifjing effect on eYery town , Tillage , and hamlet In the Suited Kingdom . Ibe Eat has now gone forth , and the assembled thousands at Birmingham have decided the question . ChaETISM is sow OKXIPOTEKI . Where now are the paltry trucklers who affected to sneer at the working classes ? Where are they ?! But to the subject
The towns surrounding Birmingham hid been busily preparing throughout last week to &how their love and admiration of the people's champion ; and , such was jfceir eagerness to be present at the demonstration , that aD tt *"""* of vehicles were hired to bring the females and children on Sunday evening , whilst the men determined to prove their sincerity by walking in procession . The men of WolTezhamptoa walked te-renteen sriles - in fKwesiSon . Bilston , Wednesfeury , Bromsgrove ' , RsddiVek , Kidderminster , Dariaston , Walsail , fcc , conirhrabed largely to swell and enlarge the mass of human beings that thronged to Hockley HilL
The Twrnhig looked rather hazy , and appeared ineliaed to rain , but fortunately it cleared up , and at nine o ' clock the bustle of preparation commenced Flags , banners , poles , and all the paraphernalia of processions were to be seen emerging from th « Tarious inns , and wending their way to the Chartist-room in Freeman-street , -where the members of the Association had determined to muster prerious to proceeding to Hockley Hill ; and in a short time , not only Freeman-street , but the streets adjoining were ' completely blocked up with open carriages , flag bearers , musicians , ice-, s-smling the arrival of the Triumphal Car , as the signal for moving . About half-past ten , an immense
number of men and women arrived in procession from "WolverhaiEpton . Bilston , Darlaston , and Wednestrcrj , with numerous splendid Sags and banners , aad " accompanied by an excellent band , in military uniform , immediately after which the Triumphal Car arrived , when the marshals took their places in front , and led the way to Hoekley HilL At this time the street ) had the appearance of a river , for the liring tide was to be seen moving from all quarters of the town in the same direction ; open carriages , gigs , waggons , and carts , containing their living loads , were entering the town , from the Tarious roads , the occupants beirg decorated with green end white rosettes , the tenm at this time presenting a lively and animating
ssese . On arriving at Hockley Hill , the Marshals , with fifty usistsnts , who had been app » inted by tha Demonstracon Committee , proceeded to arrange the procession according to the order laid iown in the placards , but w dense was the multitude , all crowding to the point at which Mr . O'Connsr was expected to arrive , that it was found impossible to form them until their eager desire to see Mr . O'Connor was gratified . At length a bumming sound of " Here be comes ! here he comes ' . " was heard en all tides , wben a close carriage drore rapidly up to the Ta . irMPH . iX Cab ., and Mr . O'Connor was handed into it . The scene at this stage of the
proceedings cannot be described by words . A burst of enthn-Eistic cheering iaued from all parts of the dense mass . Apia and again . the thunder of the soTereign people rang the death kaeil of tyranny and proclaimed their aff = > ction for their friend and champion . When the cheering had subsided , those who had been the most obstinate against faUinj' into their places , were now the foremost in Uking them . With great difficulty , an opening was eSrctcd in the dense mass , and the Triumphal Car passed through amidBt the most cordial greetings of the people , wa-ring of handkerchiefs from every window , led every possible expression of approbation and joy . The procession then moved oa in the following order : —
Mr . Corbett and Mr . Rouse , the two ^ TftmhtLin , adorned with splendid scarfs , and mounted on beautiful bay horses . L » rg « white banner : Motto— " Welcome O"Connor , the friend of the Charter . " Females four abreast , bearing wands , to which printed green cards were attached , bearing the following inscription : — " Remember Frost , Williams , and Jones . " Brass Band . Brom ^ rove , Eedditch , Darlaston , and Woiverhampton females four abreast Banner , Bromsgrove and Red&iteh : Motto— " O'Connor for ever . Universal Suffrage , and No Surrender . " TRIUMPHAL CAB , in which was seated FEABGUS O'CONNOR , ESQ ., town by six beautiful grey horses , with three postilions in splendid livery . The Car was the same as that uaed at York , and was mouited on a very high platform covered with green bsiss and ornamented with a fringe , which added yerj smch to its splendid appearance . Splendid Gr * en Silk Banner , frgitymng a well executed copy of the device on tho cards of the National Charter Associstion : Motto— " Birmingham Cbirter Association of Great Britain . " . Dslegates bearing banners . Members of the National Charter Association four abreast-Large White Banner : Motto— " What is life without liberty ?" THE EXECrxiTE of the National Charter Association , consisting of Dr . ? . 24 . MTXttall , Mr . R K . PkiJp , Mr . J . Campbell , and Mr . J . Leach , in a beautiful carriage . Members of the National Charter Association fcur abreast Brass Band . Large Tricoloured Banner : Motto— " May thehjvira-headed monster , tymujy , bow down before the majesty of a united people . " Ths Council of the National Charter Association in Two open carriages . Members of the National Charter Association four abreast . Frost , William * , and Jones Restoration Committee . Large white banner—Motto : " We meet to secure the return of Frost , Williams , acci Jjzca . " Members four abreast Spleadlil banner of the Carpenters , with a beautifully executed device . Men four abreast Beautiful whits banner sunuonnte-i by a Czp of Li ' sart } . Motto : " Welcome O Connor , tte chau-yian of the People's rights . " Men four abreast Lw ? e green banner : Motto : — " Hep ? zl of the Vniozu "Universal Suffrage . ' Re-rase : — " Green banners fifing . Civil and Religious liberty . " Bond in military ncifons . JTa ? : — « Bilston Charter Association . TT < s know our rights and will defend then Taxation sad poverty . " Bilston Chartists , four abreast Blue flag— "We do unto others as vre -would ± ey should do unto us . " Members fo-crabreist . Large banner : Motto : — " The sacred watchword-Liberty . " Members four abresst Banna-with Motto— " ?« , < - * , orJ- — , Law and Union . " *^* £ — " ^^ TerhaaipicENational Charter Association . " WolverhiKDtor . tcsr . er—Motto— " The r . gbti of industry , liberty , security , prosperity . " Men fear a ' To ^ st . A beiutifn ! Zzz of the Pairtir ' s Srelcty . F ; s * . Bittcc National Charter AsscciV . ios , failed by on immerse ooily of sulwatt Colliers . Kidderminster Nat : ~ 1 Chute ? Assertion . FIsc . Staffordshire- ? j ' ieries F ; 3 g" Universal Suffrage . " From this part of the procesticn , as far hick as the eye could reach , it was impassible to form aayihiag like orcer . thestreetsbeia § b '« ke-1 completely , the Chartists from the countrj ketpb . g with their fiags in the centre , as ; wej a n ^ j ^^ TJ . 6 ^ jio ^ ing dip aad banners , with mi innumerable host of all sizss and cylourt , were to be seen fi-ating triumphantly over the heads of the OBEiless thausands . , Walsall banner—Eclto— " Tictory increases by concord . " j A beautiful figure of Britain ; ia . Stourbridge National Charter Asaoclation" The Charter and nothing Iz&s . " i " The liberty of the People . " j A lopg hne of open Carriages , containing females elegantly decorated . j Warwick Cfcartiits . Beautiful silk baaaei—Motto— ¦• The rights of womea—icstnieUcn , affection , protection . " Beautiful pink banner-Motto— «« The rights of genius—freedom , fame , fortune . "
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The Nobtherk Stab , carried in a splendid frame . Union Jack . Large green banner-Motto— " Liberty is the birthright of man . " " "Union is strength /* Large white banner-Motto— " Addition of comfort , subtraction , of Bishops , division ef wealth , the rule of the three kingdoms . " Tricolourtd flagsurmounted by a cap of liberty ; Motto— " For a nation to be free -tis euffident that she will it " Green flag—Motto— " Union is strength , and industry the wealth of a nation . " " Hail , O'Connor the people ' s friend . " Bromsgrove— " Universal Suffrage and no surrender . " A beautiful American Sag , surmounted by a cap of liberty , with an innumerable host of small ones , with all TT >« mpy of devices , which had been got up by private individuals . The scene was now awfully grand , and in the midst of flags and handkerchiefs waving from the windows , and the enthusiastic applause of thel&diea who crowded the balconies and house tops , to whom Mr . O'Connor bowed gracefully in acknowledgment of their applause , the two marshals took their station , and gars the word " move on . " The procession then passed along Great
Hampton-street , up Snow-hill , along Bull-street , down High-street , and into the Bull-ring , where by general consent , and actuated by ths recollection of former times , they came to a halt , and blocked it completely up . The scene w&s truly awful at this part of the proceedings ; a pause of solemn silence look place , and although the immense Bull-ring was incapable of holding another person ; yet the streets for a mile behind were blocked up in the same manner . Off went the hats of all , and three of the most astounding and triumphant cheers were given , and three times repeated . It was a glorious scene . Mr . O'Connor again bowed in acknowledgment of the unpurch&sed honours thus heaped upon him . The order was a ^ ain given to " move on , " and the marshal * led the way down Eigbeth , on Kea-street , Bradford-street , Bromsgrove-street , and Pershorestreet , . up Worcester- street , where the great joy of the people was again exhibited by Borne thundering cheer ! . The procession then moved along
New-street , on Paradise-street , do * n Suffolk-street , and up Exeter-row , to HOLLOWAY HEAD , where a large hustings was erected for the occasion . An immense concourse of people were on the ground previous to the arrival of the procession . The hustings were placed at the bottom of a hill , and commanded a full view of the surrounding scenery . As each body arrived they took their rtation in an orderly and regular manner , erecting their fligs and banners in the midst of the friends who had acoompan ' el them . The Triumphal Car , the great object of the people's solicitude , waa eagerir looked tor , and at length appeared on the summit of the hill , when a spontaneous burst of cheering issued from the countless thousands assembled , and wsi continued until its arrival at the hustings , at which time , such was the rush , that the huttings began to give way , which created such alarm , that Mr . O'Connor was requested to remain in the Triumphal Car a short distance from it in order to draw off a part of the pressure . The business of the moetin ? tken commenced .
Mr . Mow , of Wolverhampton moved that Mr George White took the chair . The proposition was seconded by a number of voices , and carried by acclamation . Mr . George White then took his place en the hustings amid loud cheers , and addressed the meeting in the following terms—Men and Women of Birmingham , I consider myself highly honoured by this additional mark of your approbation , and consider the present moment the proudest of my life . We haTe this day exhibited such a power as will convey joy and gladness to the heart of millions of cur oppressed and starving fellow-countrymen , which will fill them with hope and confidence , and make them feel that better days and happier times are at hand , and that the long and- direful reign of Whig and Toxy tyranny draws rapidly to a close . The men and women of Birmingham had that day performed their duty , » nd the surrounding towns had shown by their numerous
attendj ancethat day thai the lamp of liberty burned bright 1 and clear in their bosoms . The working classes had j that day proved that they -were capable * l conducting j their own business , by the orderly and peaceable manj ser in which the stupendous procession was arranged . < They had met that day in the majesty of their power to j declare their unaltered love of freedom , and to shew to I the world that they were determined to have the Chari ter , the whole Charter , aad nothing less . They had ' also met to do honour to a man who had proved himself ; the staunch and faithful friend of the people , one who ' had made immense sacrifices in their cause , and who
! had proved himself worthy of all the hononrs that ' could be heaped upon him by a grateful but oppressed i people . ( Loud cheers . ) As there were so many to i address them , and as he knew that they would all feel ! anxious to bear their champion ( loud cheers ) , he } would conclude by requesting them to preserve strict . order and listen attentively to the various delegates ' and friends wbo vrould address them . He then called [ upon Mr . R . K Philp , of Bath , te move the first resola' tion . Mr . Philp wa « received with loud and repeated i cheers . j Mr . R . K . Philp said he felt great honour in being entrusted to propose a most important resolution to m j large an assembly . He felt an indescribable pleasure 1 to Bee such a glorious demonstration in favour of de-, mocracy as had that day been made in Birmingham , ' and he . stood before them as one from the Chartists of
Bath , to show that the same glorious principles were j prevailing there . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Philp proceeded to | make some excellent remarks on the position of the f Chartist < ause , and in honour of Mr . O'Connor , and | congratulatory of his release . He stated , however , that : he desired that day to be a listener . 5 Mr . Philp eoncluded by proposing the following : resolution : — Resolved— " That , in the opinion of this meeting , ! the right of self-government is inalienable and insefrom all at not
j parable man , attempts legislation i recognizing this grand and fundamental principle ' ha Ting proved insufficient to protpct the mass of manfcind from the innate selfishness of the ruling few ; ' that the lamentable ana unprecedented distress which | hot * exists amongst the industrious portion of the people , and the hopes which the Reform Bill excited j having proved delusive , and , as the proceedings of the : House of . Commons subsequent to the passing of that I Bill , have evinced in the . ' enactment of the Irish i Coercion , the Tiew Poor Law , and Police Law
; —in its refusal to economise the expenditure of the ; country—in its often disregard of the sufferings ; and misery of the nation—its entire incapability j and unfitnessto legislate for this country ; and , as the . oxperience of years , and the history of all nations have fully established , that irresponsible power invariably : leads its possessors to use it f ; r their own aggrandiZi-| rnent ; and being deeply impressed with the truth and justice of our principles , - we ajain solemnly declare cur ^ unalterable love of freedom , and pledge ourselves to our country , that vre will never ceasa in our struggle j far liberty , until the People ' s Charter b « established j as the law of this realm . " i Mr . " Henbt Candy ., of Wolverhampton , seconded f the resolution . He hoped that that day would be the 1
signal for union and co-operation amongst thosa -who j honestiy sought the establishment of the Charter . | iHeir , hear . ) That as they had battled with and overj thrown the opposition of both WLigs and Tories , i they should be firmly resolved to unite still closer in | the . bond of frieudsiiip and union . If the Government , by -which they were plundered slc ! oppressed , ; wished to kco-w tLe feelings of the people , let them i send 2 B ambassador to view the glorious spectacle then before him , and they would be abundantly conTiuced that their machinations against the liberties of the people were of no avail . The working raen cf England j defied the factions , and were JeUnuined to be free ( Loud chetra . The prinripks cf Chartism were
fostided in justice and humanity , and they could appeal to heaven as a -witness of the purity of their motives . The-people had assembled that day in the majesty of their power to do honour to one of nature ' s nobles , axd Queen Victoria herself , wi'h all her riches and splendour , could not command ruch a display ef unbcught gratitude as was that c : » y shown to Feargus O'Connor . ( Load cheers . ) It vras true they could not give him titles or wealth ; but he had that which wealth could not purchase—the love and approbation ot an oppressed people . As there were many other speakers to follow bim he wouH conclude by seconding the resolution . Mr . Candy retired amidst loud cheers .
TheCHAiBMAN then put the resolution , which was carried unanimously . Hr . -Masos came forward , amidst loud cheering . He said—Mr . Chairman and Englishmen , if the proud and imperious governors of this Tart empire contemplated , in the plenitnda of their power , that they could crush this glorious movement for the freedom of our eoun $ a 7 , let them behold to-day our myriad majesty —our numb as , though immense ; yet let them behold the order , decorum , and enthusiasm of thia glorious assembly , and the haughtiest despot who revels in splendour wrung from the bleeding , toiling millions , must feel the impotence of a Government that would thus enslave and plunder us . ( Great cfceering . ) The objects of ibis demonstration have been—first , to do honour to a great and virtuous man , and , in the second place , to express to the country the opinions entertained by
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the great mass of the population la this town and district on the causes of public distress , and the means of establishing the liberty , prosperity , and happiness of the British commonwealth . ( Loud cheers . ) Our Charter is the panacea of all our wrongs—our Charter has justice for its basis , liberty for its superstructure , and universal happiness for its glorious object . ( Hear , hear . ) Why do the aristocrats of England , who hold their titles , their honours , and their legislative authority , in virtue of a Charter , revile and persecute us for struggling to achieve a Charter still more glorlous ^—to exal * &n « l free the millions T ( Loud cheers . ) But they were the Magna Chartists . ( Cheers . ) Tbey say wa intend to deprive them of their property . Now , I ask yea , assembled patriots ar > d just men , do you desire to
interfere with the private property of the nobility ? ( Cries of No , no , no . ) Do you desire to interfere with the property of the industrieus tradesman ? ( Cries of No , no . ) But I wantta ask yon , above all , and over all , while you will hold their property inviolable , will you tolerate either class , as both combined to violate the sacred and irrefragable rights of labour ? ( Cheers , and cries of No , no , no . ) Labour , the source of all the property they possess ; labour , which clo'hes them with splendour and surrounds them with magnificence ; labour , which erects their gorgeous habitations , which cultivates the soil , and gathers the golden harvests ; labour , which creates the riches of commerce , and carries it to the remotest parts of the earth , f « r the exchange of the riches of other countries ; labour , which
constitutes the subject of title itself , and for which no title would exist but for the property labour has created —( great cheering);—the parchment title is but the shadow reflected from the substance created by labour . ( Cheers ) The subject of the resolution I have the honour to propose , congratulatory of the release and appearance of Mr . O'Connor again amongst you—( great cheering )—Mr . O'Connor , who has this day been borne in triumph through this large city amid the applause of hundreds of thousands—a scene which must have thrilled to his inmost soul ; and if a mortal could ever feel inspired with the glory of real greatness , Mr . O'Connor may this day say , " 1 have suffered for the cause of the toil-worn and heart-broken poor , this day more than repays me ; I have won the unpurchasable gratitude of those whom I have struggled to free , who have proved worthy of more than 1 can sacrifice , and for
whose freedom I am proud to offer my life as a ransom , and seal it with my blood . " ( Loud and tremendous cheers , and hear , bear . ) He is now free ; may he prove as honest to the cause of liberty as he has hitherto done ; the honour we confer ia conditional , we are now too intelligent to prostrate our judgments to the greatness of a man ; it is his services to our cause which constitute his greatness—honour and gratitude are all we can confer , and he who merits it shall achieve it ( Great cheering . ) Let the Government of England reflect en their policy to us as a party , and the powerful position we have assumed ; the greatest of tyrants may be the weakest of mortals . The history of nations in political contests , presents to us the fatality of governors , and , ah . ' tyrants remember when your folly or cruelty urge you to persecute brave and exalted men , remember the language of the poet—
-The victor -vanquished , the conqueror o'erthrown , The arbiter of other ' s fate—the suppliant for his own . —( Cheers . ) The resolution entrusted to me I have much pleasure in proposing . In conclusion , may all who are yet suffering for our cause , whether it is in the dungeon or expatriation , soon be amongst us again , and may we soon all enjoy the freedom we are struggling to achieve . Mr . Mason then concluded amid great cheering by proposing the following : — " That we hall with feelings of pleasure and delight the reappearance amongst us of Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., the unflinching and indomitable champion of the people's rights ; and cannot find words to express our
disgust at the tyrannical and unjust treatment which he has so manfully borne . We admire his honesty , perseverance , and couvage ; and receive him from his dungeon with gratitude , for his noble exertions in the people ' s e&uae , and sincerely hope that be may soon be rewarded for bis labour by seeing the principles for which be is contending carried into full effect ; and having received him amongst us onct ) more , we pledge ourselves to go on demanding the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones to their native country , and the release of all political offenders from those dungeons in which the Reforming—bat dastardly and treacherous—Whigs have cast them . "
Mr . Moses Simpson , of Staffordshire Potteries , seconded the resolution , and was loudly cheered . He said he felt great pleasure in having an opportunity of testifying his admiration of tha upright and noble conduct of the people ' s friend , Feargus O'Connor . ( Loud cheers . ) He was rejoiced to see the glorious display the men of Birmingham and its neighbourhood bad that day made , and hoped that now the heart of England was aroused , that other parts would follow up their glorious example . He had long been a witness of the conduct of their noble friend , O'Connor , and hod always found him struggling on the right side ; and on that account he would most cordially second the resolution . After a few other appropriate remarks , he said he should not trespass further on their time , as so many others had to address them . Mr . Simpson retired amid loud cheers . The CHairman then pat the resolution , which was carried unanimously , amid tremendous cheers .
The Chairman then announced that Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., would address the meeting . This announcement was received with a demonstration of feeling that baffles description , and was continued for several minutes . When Hr . O'Connor presented himself he was received with several rounds of cheers , and waving of hats and clapping of n&nds . He said , Mr . Chairman and countless thousands and tens of thousands , Englishmen , Irishmen , and Scotchmen . Now is not my voiea pretty good for an invalid ? ( Cheers and laughter . ) The Horning Herald says that it was scandalous to hear a prisoner liberated from ill-health addressing the unwushed with stentorian lungs , immediately upon his release . ( Groans . ) Well , but I will tell you a story about that . Biily Pitt was not particular in his dress , but Beau Brummell , who was the leader of fashion of the day , thought of nothing but dress . Pitt generally wore short breeches
and dirty top boots ; upon one occasion he asked Brummell why he never went to the House of Commons , and Brummell replied that it was such a dirty house that it was the ruin of clothes . ( Laughter . ) However , he promised to go , and having gone and heard Mr . Pitt , that leaven-bom minister , -when next they mtt , oskea him what he thought of his ( Pitt's ) speech ? 'Pou my booI , Mr . Pitt , you ' re a most astonishing roan ; but bow the devil you can speak from such boots is what astonishes me . ( Loud roars of laughter . ) Now it was of my limbs and weakness in my knees that I complained , and therefore that I can speak from such knees is the thing that should astonish my grandmother . ( Shouts of laughter . ) Working men , it is now more than three years since I -witnessed the finality of humbug on yonder spot— icheers , —and to-day -we witaess the commencement of reality in this sacred spot . Attwood then told us what he would do if he could
get 2 , 060 , 000 hands raised round him , but , like all others of his class who undertake to pilot your bark , he didn't wait for the cargo that he -wanted , he freighted the -vessel with Mayors and Town Clerks , and titled placemen , and then he said te the poor , now sink or swim as best you can . ( Loud cheers . ) No m ^ n doubts Attwood ' s humanity , but vre don't want humanity , vre want justice . ( Cheers . ) Atttvocd would rather see yeu all happy than see you miserable ; but then , even that happiness must be of his own selection and his own gift ; and the gift he had in store viva not justice but 'flimsies . " ( Laughter . ) Aye one pound notes to stick over a mortal wound 10 heal a running sore . ( Loud cheers . ) BinningUam was with U 3 tiil the Brummagfenis got their ticket for soup , and then Uuntz , and that
cunning Scotchman , Robert Kerry Douglas , left us . ( Cheera and " bait . " ) Aye , Salt kf : us also , and in speakine of him , I have this moment had a letter in which I am informed that Salt says I am the impediment in th 8 way of the people ' s cause . ( Laugbwr . ) Well there is an Act of Parliament for removing nuisances—( cheeis and laugnter)—aid if 1 am one here , I am upon wheels ; acd -why doesn ' t Tom Salt come down with the rump of tha defu&ct union and carry nie awsy ? ( Great cheering and laughter . ) These nasty fellows who collected money froia yen to travel about the country with samples of muskets—( loud cheers)—asked you in 1838 , if you -weald be icd by an Irishman ? ( Groans . ) Well , wben the Yankee Doodle Republican Lyndburst called the Irish aliens in language and in blood , ths wrath of your Birmingham patriots was roused , but they dared to tell you that because I w&s an alien that I was not a fit leader . ( Groans . ) But -when did you ever Bee one alien in language and In blood , come single-handed
as I did , and dissolve that union in person , which for years had been a real nuisance —( loud cheers and " troe" ) —and the great impediment in the way of our cause Where are they now ? Again , they said that , If the Duke and the Baronet were in office , I dare not hold a meeting on Naw Hall Hill ; bow foolish to measure mj csrn by their own bushel . The Duke and the Baronet are now in ofiice , and here am I to tell them , through the press , that 1 defy them to stop me and the cause of , Chartism —( indescribable cheers );— -bat where are the fugitives ? it is they who would not continue in the teeth cf a " strong Government" to join in a defined and democratic agitation . ( Cheers , and " aye , that ' s it" ) What would they have given for such 8 Birmingham foil of people as I saw to-day ! ( Sbonta of laughter and cheers . ) Never did the oldest man witness such a procession —( cheen and " never , " )—and pII to see an alien prisoner —( cheers );—and how beautiful , otierlj , and peaceably , bnfc , I am sorry to say , cot lawfully conducted ,- no , not lawfully , because
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Qxthaln / itocratie MavQr , Jf « Rte- ( great laughter )—and hia new associates have discovered that it Is unlawful to block up the " Ball Ring- ( Immense cheering . ) Well , what did you do , as If by common consent , to prove that union jgives a power greater than the lawfl best marshalled oppression ? You had me drawn to the battle-fleM , to the centre of the " Ball Ring , " under a Tory government , and there you halted and siade the welkin ring , not leaving room for little Jack Russell , the bear of the Bull Ring , even to stand on the hallowed but forbidden spot ( Long continued cheering , followed by waTing of hats . ) Now does that , or does It not , in the very teeth of the police , and In open day , and under Tory rule , prove that what we bore in 1839 , we wonld not stand in 1841 ?—( renewed cheering , )—and we were none of us afraid . tCheers . ) Believe me , I never deceive you , that to carry the Charter we must be brave ; fasting and praying won't do it , —( cheers , )—and upon Birmingham I call to repair
the Injury that Birmingham traitors have done to bur cause . ( Cheers , and we * will . ) ' Yes , you must ; for had they not deceived as , no experiment beyond tbo law would have been tried , the dungeons would not have been filled ; but if the law ahouKl be again stretched , for although I have no objection to sixteen months in 5 stone coffin , yet I don't want to have the dose repeated , —; laughtei , )—a little no-w and then maybe well enough , but a continuous popping from light to darkness , from tree air to the dungeon gloom is so joke . ( Hear , bear , and lond cbeers . ; Yon , then , mast resolv * that yon -will not Rgiiin allow those who lawfully , honourably , and constitutionally advocate your cause , to be kidnapped , and , after the mockery of a trial , to be Immured . ( Cheera , and " We will . " ) Faith , I must have more than that You cannot all meet by day ; you ore then engaged in making money for the oppressor ; but all of yon who pledge yourselves to meet , and who think that all the blistered hands
throughout the kingdom should meet , by torchlight , as the proclamation has expired , If the law is again stretched against your leaders , hold up your right hand . ( Here a forest ef blistered hands was held up , which was followed by several rounds of clapping of hands , and cheers . ) Now , then , be assured that I shall neither commit one illegal act myself , nor yet allow yon to commit one ; and then we shall see whether or not the old oppressors are , as tbey have oftentimes declared , ready to concede their rights to the people when they know how to demand them , and gave promise by their conduct that they could use them . ( Cheers . ) The promise which I require from you , and which tbey dread , is that yon are resolved to have them . ( Cheers . ) Dont you fill any part of your heads with Whig stuff and
Tory staff . ( Cheers . ) Believe me , that the question is land npon one side , tbe proprietors of which will hold so as to preserve a monopoly of legislation for their order , —( hear , and cheers , j—and steam and fictitious money , on tbe other side , -which the owners of that property will keep to themselves , taking advantage of the laws made with consent of the two combinations of unionists , for the purpose , the one of dividing all the proceeds of taxation among their idle families , while the other compound for enactments to screw out of you what the court , the church , the professions , and all sorts of peculators leave after helping themselves . ( Cheers . ) Just think of your present condition ; one set of hungry hounds lick up the whole year's mess ia half tbe yew , —( cheers and lauahter , )—and then they
ask for an experiment to fill the trough again , and the Tories say , oh no ! we must now have our turn ; and now , instead of the £ 2 , 400 , 000 originally required , they want £ 2 , 500 , 000 to be quite safe . ( Hear , hear , and long continued cheering . ) So that by no possibility an idle pauper should want a day ' s meal . ( Cheera ) Ycry well , then , in this state of the country tbe Parliament meets for the first time ; and when general distress is adm'tted , and while expectation is on the very tiptoe , when we were expecting some nostrum from tbe quacks / or immediate use—when we were to have seen what we should see , what do we find ? Why , slippery Bobby says , " I'll tell you nothing ; for although it is true I have been called in , I have not been fee'd yet . " ( Cheers . ; So , they go to work , and the
"heaven born Minister" commences his statesmanlike career by asking for tiyhly or ninety thousand pounds , to tcarm the House of Common . ( Groans , and " Shame . ") Well , that's Tory retrenchment , and be concludes , or rather one of his apprentices , Sir Thomas Freemantle , concludes , with making provision for kitchen gardens for the Queen , so that none of the royal geese shall lack an abundant stuffing of sage and onions . ( Tremendous shouts of laughter and cheers . ) Alas 1 alas I my Friends , in that laugh I recognize much of your grievances and much more of your oppressors' strength . ( Hear , bear . ) It is not because I may have dressed np a fact in ludicrous terms that you are to forget its consequences . ( Hear , hear . ) If you were trained to what I wish you to do , I would make those heartless men
laugh at the wrong side of their mouths , who would thus dare to insult a nation ' s honesty and tamper with a people ' s patience . ( Cheers . ) However , it has had its beneficial effect ; forty-two men have in consequence voted against giving any supplies to such a faction npon such terms . ( Loud cheeis . ) Aye , that is something ; it is long since it was tried , it is the principle I admire , although a great many of the fortytwo would have given the whole amount and as much moro to the Whigs , if they asked for it , with no better pretensions . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Now that we are becoming omnipotent and irresistible , Sill the smugglers in politics will oppose as . Nothing will be left undone to destroy our union , which is our strength ; but how my heart bounded with joy to-day
to recognize the Irish brogue upon the tongue of many a man in the procession . ( Cheers . ) But I am told that the Irish of Birmingham have received a veto from headquarters against joining the Chartists . ( Laughter . ) Nay , more , against allowing the Chartists to join them —( renewed laughter )—for a Repeal of the Union . New who ever heard anything like that in the annals of justice-hunting ? That one set of working men are not to receive countenance and support from another set ; but I tell you what , we will heap coals of fire on their heads , for we will carry a Repeal of the Union without them . ( Enthusiastic cheering . ) Aye , without them ; if the measure is good , it shall be flow and nottcAo shall . ( Loud cheering . ) A new Bay will soon beam upon the Irish Repealers , which will enlighten their
understanding , much better than " my dear Ray . " ( Cheers ) Won't ltt us help them 1 Why , I help myself , as I am a sincere , on ardent , a devoted Repealer . ( Cheera ) And if they don't choose to draw with us , in God ' s name they must take their ltmberiug waggon away , because as an Irishman , I am determined to elevate my country from a state of provincial degradation to national independence . ( Loud cheers . ) Whenever we are prepared and ready , the fortune hunters tell us that the time is not ccaie , and if we were waiters upon them it never would come . ( Cheers . ) We were ready in 1 S 39 , but for treason , and when our advocate , Attwood , rose to advocate our cause , what did he do ? Why turned to the one pound notes . ( Cheers . ) He never said a word of the Charter , except that he did not agree with our
means of agitating for it , —( hear , hear )—and then up gets little Jack , counsel for tbe crown , and he very cunningly shows that the very principle which Attwood uses over a million uaniea to enforce , U one to which the Chartists are opposed . ( Loud cheera ) Now was this , or was it not , using us most unfairly to splice his own broken crotchet ? ( Cheers and aye . ) Aye to be sure it was , and so it ever will be , bo long as you laugh at fraud aad insolence , and pasd by desertion without exposure . ( Cheers . ) But as you are- going to have a rising of the Political Union again—( No , no . ) No not if I know it . ( Loud cheers . ) Again I ask f <; r the accounts . I have been asking for them for years . I want to see how they lived , and how much wine the teetotallers drank . ( Laughter . )
Did not I tell them in 1838 that they were humbugs ? ( You did . ) Aye , and I told them that they were marshalled under the Whig banners , but they denied it ; but what would they not deny ? ( Cheers . ) But stop awhile , you don't know yet why the Irish are not to join us ; let me tell you . Be it known to you , then , that it is because faome foolish bigot , advertised in an old woman's paper , called the Tablet , for a cook , and the advertisement stated that no Irish Catholic need apply . ( Laughter . ) You may well laugh , and Mr . O'Connell uses this as a reason why the English people are opposed to the Irish Catholics . ( Shame , shame . ) But suppose I was to tell all here to holdup their hands who have been dismissed from service or prosecuted because they are Chartists . How numerous would be
the blisters . ( Cheera , and " True , " ) Well , then , comnulea , is it not high time that this blighting digsantion , this Masting difference , this odious truffle in prejudiceand disunion should cease ? ( Criesof "It Is . ' ) It is , and it shall ; for , so long as Englishmen are pulling one . way , and Irishmen are taught to pull another way , so long will the common enemy , no matter under what name , pull our very life ' s blood out ( Cheers . ) Talking of requiring the Charter ; why , not a working man in all England requires it bo much as I do . I require it for a few days * rest ; aye , one day's rest , and one night ' s sleep ( load cheers ); tor , on my soul , I never get one except in prison . ( Cheers . ) Just
bear me for one word . I moat solemnly declare , and most religiously swear , that I would not in any other service ia this woild perform the duty which I have performed , for the last eight years and a half , for tat thousand a y « ar , ' ( Load toeera . ) No , on my oath and conscience I would not ; and no other man could do it , and live . ( Cheers , and "True . " ) Well , then , I am not like others ; preparing you for my own auction , and to make merchandise of yon . ( " No , " and cheers ) No ; for after all , here I stand to awear before high Heaven ( hat , aa I never have done so , so I never daring Ufe will , bay yon , sell you , or take from you a fxaetionfor anyaerrkelcan render joa , neitherwill I atandonyoatill wears all moored ia the fame harbour of freedom , with
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out Charter floating from the mast-head , and then yon may shift for yourselves . ( Boud and long-continued cheering and clapping of hands . ) - I have been delighted to hear from Mr . Philp and Mr . Mason , and , above all , from that fellow with tile white flannel jacket , Candy . ( Loud laughter and cheers . ) Aye , aye , those are my men . I have been delighted to hear their account of the state of our causa You have heard from them many troths ; let them sink deep into your mind ,-and let neither Wbiggery , Toryism , or nothingness , that U , ChartUt Churchiam —( loud cheers , and no , nothing)—in any way tarn your minds a hair ' s-breadth from the one point . ( Cheers , and no . ) Jost think of a set of preaching working men , praying for the Charter ia the nineteenth century , and saddling us with a Chartist
church , while we are trying to throw the etate jockey from our backs . ( Cheers . ) Why , this would be enough to frighten overy honest man from the Chartist ranks ; but I am told that thejtitbes ere failing . Bat Candy , that honest man , that hard-fisted fellow , who would like to pray , but not on an empty belly—( cheers and laughter ) , —has nobly prayed to-day that this should be a meeting—a physician to heal wounds ( cheers)—I aay , here I am , ready to forgive and be forgiven . ( Cheers ) But I am not ready to go half way , or any way , or any fraction of the way , to meet any party by a surrender or compromise of a particle of your principles . ( Cheers and " right" ) Aye , to be sure , I ' m right . ( Laughter . ) I should have nothing else to do but to give up a bit to this party , and a bit to that
party , and a bit to the other party , until the mere shadow of myself remained . ( Cheers . ) One party says give up your minor difference and join us ; another party says give up your minor difference and join us . ( Hear , hear . ) Now hear me , do they mean we will join you as at present politically disposed ? No , tbey mean no such thing ; what they mean is , go through the Whig purgatory , and when purified , come forth and join ua ; it is not difference they wish us to give np , bnt principle . They may call the abandonment of principle by the mild name of sinking influence , but for me it will not da ( Clieers . ) You have come out this day In a manner that makes my position dangerous from the strength you give , and the respect yon pay me ; and it is a very bad time , with this great town teeming forth
its countless thousands , to ask me to sink minor differences . ( Cheers . ) What ! can I consent to see one faction living upon taxes wrung from you , with the perfect concurrence of the other faction , In order that they may make profit of your helpless state , and compel yon to work like slaves , and for less than slave ' s fare ? ( Hear , hear . ) If poverty was the will of God , or if it equally affected all , I would say , well and good ; but while you complain of taxation and want conseqnent npon over-production , are others debarred of a single luxury ? ( Cheers , and no . ) Not When I see the soldier refused his pay , the placeman wanting his dinner , and the Queen tasting skilly , ( cheers and laughter ) , and Prince Albert sent to the Union Workhouse , if the Queen cannot support him .
( Cheers and laughter . ) Then , when I see these things mode general , I will tell you to pray and fast ( Laughter . ) But I see the aristocratic board bending under every luxury that the world can produca , -while you are told to look to Poland , Russia , Dantzic or the Porte for your breakfast , dinner , and rapper . ( Cheera ) Now if only one class can be fed at home , that class should be those who produce at home , — ( cheers )—so they aak you to emigrate . ( Aye and groans . ) Well I am a great friend to emigration . ( Sensation in the meeting . ) Tea , a great friend , but I would not send you far , and I would not have brought one of my brave countrymen here in quest of other means of prolonging existence . My destination for you should be to some of the lands in Warwickshire—( loud laugbhr
and cheers )—at n fair rent , and in convenient lots , — ( hear , hear , and that ' s it)—and for the steam-made over population of every other large town , their destination should be to the land of their country . ( Cheers . ) And then the Irish would cheerfully return to the green land of their birth , while the draw from the artificial to the natural field of industry , would render the artificial state less irksome , and would make the masters more dependent upon tbe reduced population for work , having established a full , a fair , and an unerring standard for the price of labour , by the exercise of man's skill , strength , and industry , npon the inheritance which God intended for each at his birth . ( Land cheera . ) None but idlers were intended to be destitute , and those who dont work , neither should tbey eat . ( Cheers . )
Believe me , then , that by the land at home , and by that only , can we overcome the unrighteous and gormandizing influence ot steam power , over which man has now no controul , neither do the steam lords wish to give us that controul , as your comfort is not their object . ( Cheers . ) Their object is to make you dependent by Act of Parliament upon any system which will give them the meanB cf gambling in cheap labour . ( Cheers , j Of course you know what taxes are . It is not the exact amount required which Is laid on even of a direct tax ; no , that being for the law maker , a little reserve beyond what is required ia provided for , as it constitutes the idle pauper ' s fund . ( Cheers . ) Bat let us for a moment enquire into the nature , amount , and effect of on indirect tax or duty . I think I must
illustrate this for you by a story . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Well , then , before the last great European war broke out , a countrywoman of mine , an old lady that in Ireland we call a Collaugh —( laughter )—that is , she used to sit in the chimney corner , and from the 1 st of October to tbe 1 st of March she used to have a halfpenny candle to do a bit of knitting by , but between March and October , a duty was put on tallow , to carry on the butchery , and when the old lady went on the following 1 st of OctoJSsr for her halfpenny candle , aa usual , whea she got her candle she handed a halfpenny across tho counter ; whereupon the huckster said , " Ogb , Mrs . Mulligan , tbe candle is a penny . H ow , Ma'am , a penny Mrs . Brady . " ' * Ooh wisha , what ' a the maininij of that my dear ? " " O'the war
you know , Mrs . Mulligan—the war my dear . " " Ogh yea wisha , then bad luck to their sowls , and wasn't tbe day light long enough for them , without fighting by candlelight ? ( The rich Irish brogue and inimitable manner in which Mr . O'Connor represented the characters , while telling the anecdote , produced a burst of the most convulsive laughter , which was followed by repeated cheers , ) Well , now , continued Mr . O'Connor , that we hava had one joke let us have the moral . ( Hear , hear . ) As it was with tallow and candles , so would it be with wheat and bread . ( Hear , hear . ) The Legislature may , to a certain extent , fix tbe duty at which , and the circumstances under which , the raw material , wheat , shall be imported ; bnt whea Mis . Mulligan goes to Mrs . Brady for the loaf , what guide is the
Act of Parliament regulating duty upon wheat , in tbe purchase of the lonf ? ( Loud cheers . ) Well , Mis . Mulligan ' s share of the duty on her halfpenny candle was about a small fraction of a farthing , but Mrs . Brady ' s share was almost the whole farthing . ( Loud cheers , and cries of its true . ) Such would be your case as to bread . Why the corn dealer , the miller , the flour factor , the huxter , and the baker , all have a profit that no act of Parliament can interfere with . ( Cheers . ) What then ia the remedy ? Why to let all who choose to give a fair rent for a sufficiency of land , Dfccome their own producers , and their own consumers , cud then monopoly will cease . ( Loud cheers . ) But then you are ever-populated , and others say emigrate . 1 havo tuld you that I was for
emigration , aad I havo told you of the sort cf emigration I am fov , but I am also for emigration to foreign countries , but I wish to be judicious in my selection of emigrants , because I admit we are everpopulated , but it id with drones andidlers , —( cheers )—and , therefore , would I most gladly see the first transport , with a cargo of parsons and a crew of bishops , with Philpotts for a pilot , bidding farewell and for ever to the land vrhich they had infested like vermin . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Aye , let them go to South Australia . No , no , not to South Australia either ; we all have friends thereto -whom we wish peace , prosperity , and happiness , and the holy evangelical emigrants would very speedily kick up a ahindy , create confusion , and strife , and ill-will among men , the thing by which they thrive . ( Loud
cheers . ) Mr . Sydney Smith has been most valiant in mouthing about the Corn Laws , but for fifteen days I have been making proclamation for bim in every meeting , and the return always made was , -what the sheriffs term " nan est invtnius ; " he ia not to be found . ( Cheers . ) But 1 am going to put him in the " Hue and Cry . " ( Loud laughter and cheer *) The mfserable wretches say that we won't hear bis argument ; why , we never can have it . ( Cheers . ) They abuse us in their hole and comer papers , written by fellows without a shirt , —( laughter . )—but we never can bring them to the scratch . ( Cheers . ) Where are they now ? Mr . Philp told you that the press was our greatest enemy—it is so . ( Hear , hear . ) And seethe trouble which its villany putayou to , and the expense to which it puta me . ( Hear hear . ) But rever mind , I'll beat
that also , ( hear , and cheers ) , although it is too bad that I should be put to the txpence of being the National Gazette . ( Laughter and cheers . ) I wonder hew many my grand-mother and the rest of the twaddlers willgive ua for this meeting—this Birmingham fall o ! people . ( Cheers . ) Not many , because they know what this meeting will fcive them . ( Cheers . ) Mr . O'Connor then entered into a plain and satisfactory explanation of the effect which steam-power , fictitious money , and over-producti » n had upon the several classes of society and especially upon every trade and every shopkeeper , whose mainstay was the affluence of the working classes as consumers . He showed that while a night's rain induced tbe corn factor , the miller , the floor-factor , and the baker , each to put a profit upon the raw material , by raising iu price , that ten days » f sunshine
bad no efleet inTrtscindins the resolution as to the rise . ( This waa met wita load cheers . ) He also entered most clearly into the question * f landl and labour .
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and then went on to aa 3 W tbt > xetaoniag by which fa 'Was led to beMerein the Tast advance which Chartism . bad made since 1639 . He then paid a high compliment to Messrs . S . Crawford , Duncombe , and the littl * bond round which vre should rally . He Implored all to support the Executive , join the only Chartist Associa tion which was in existence , and tow before heaven , that what we were promised by the Reform Bill , w » would now have . ( Lond and long oontlnned cheeriugj Mr . O'Connor concluded by informing tbe meeting that he would make a tour of all England , Ireland , Scotland and Wales , and then stop the Charter who ooold . He paid his own countrymen many well deterred enlogiums , and after a speech which gave general satisfaction , and elicited more applause than we have era witnessed , he sat down in the midst of waving ef haw , and clapping of hands , which lasted tor sererai minutes .
The Chairman then called npon Dr . MTJouaU to propose the next resolution . Dr . M'Dquall rote amidst loud and enthnsiastie cheering . He had met ths men of Birmingham is former times , " in rough and in smooth times , amidst danger and difflenlty j bat fie neTer experienced more real pleasure than he did injneetia * them once moriB , not only to advocate tho ^ e great principles for which , O'Connor and many others had suffered , but likewise to . proclalm tothe people of Ireland that we sympathise with them—that we feel for their wrongs , and that we are determined to emancipate that long-suffering and oppressed people from the shackles of religion * aad political oppression . ( Loud cheers . ) If we think of her seven centuries of misery—If we look to the existing distress , and tothe splendid resources of a country which might become , in a few
years , if justice was done to her , the moat productive among the nations . If we turn our attention te her starving people and her luxuriant plains—to ier palaces and her towns—to her natural riches and to her artificial poverty , we moat feel confident that powerful and enduring causes are at work to perpetuate the slavery of her people , and convert the blessings of a God into curses , as fatal in their operation as they are enduring In their mlschiet ( Cheers . ) We find a State Church existing In Ireland , not for the sake of preaching the Gospel , but for the purpose of plundering the poor ; not to advocate justice for the widow , the stranger , and tbe fatherless , bat solely for the purpose of robbing where It should enrich—of persecuting where it shoald" proteet—and of sowing the bitterness of sorrow where it should convey comfort , peace , and independence . ( Lond cheers . ) Let us remember the
massacre of Kathcormac . Did the representative of the meek and lowly disciple of Christianity exhibit much sacredness of character , or practise the benevolence of the first founders of his religion , when he ssued from ihe altar which he desecrated not to sootho the distress of the widow , not to give bread to the hungry , or protection to the weak ; bat to steal the sheaves of corn from the fields of her whose protector was gone , and whose stay and support was an only bat a manly son—he who had sown the grain and gathered it in for her support and her comfort ? ( Cheers . ) Did the parson practica peace and charity when he went with armed men to rob the weak and the widowed ? ( No , no . ) Did he recommend himself to yoa when , not contented with theft , he became guilty of
murder ? ( Loud cries of no , no , no . ) Aye , my friends , Tint church is one of Ireland ' s curses . ( Loud cheers . ) The parson was not satisfied with tho tithe ; he was not content witii the grain itself . He went further , and dyed the beloved food of the earth in the heart ' s blood of the widow's son , and then placed the dripping and bloody offering on th « altar of his Maker , there to be an eternal stain npon the character of the state church , and a damning witness against her . ( Loud and repeated cheers . ) Away with such cpariout Christianity . Perish such an infidel church , and let religions liberty be proclaimed from the Cove of Cork to the Giant ' s' Causeway . ( Great cheering . ) Let us imagine the results of carrying oat the People ' s Charter in reference to Ireland ,, for , unless tho Irish people
have political power in their own hands , it would matter not whether the members of their Parliament were elected by absentees or residents . Unless the people have the power , it is a matter of no consequence to them -whether one kind of aristocracy or another have the elective power . ( Hear , hear . ) Repeal , unaccompanied with the Suffrage , wonld only change in a slight ( legrea Ireland's masters . ( Hear , hear . ) Repeal and Universal Suffrage mast be the watchwords in Ireland . If , then , the political or religious shackles of Ireland were broken and buried , her people would return to their native shorestocultlvateherfertile plains , to raise up their social ( standard of comfort and of wages , and would not increase competition amongst the English workmen . ( Loud cries of yes y How many thousands of Irishmen are forced over the channel by
the hard hand of tyranny and oppression , and because they cannot starve they must work for lower wages than you . ( True . ) Justice to Ireland means higher wages , less competition , and more comforts in England . ( Hear , hear . ) Justice to Ireland means no rags in their country , no starvation , wages in accordance with their important labour , and consequently , when Ireland ' s rags perish , your manufacturing Industry will flourish . ( Cheers . ) If Ireland's rags were six times less , your production must be as much more . ( True . ) In short , Ireland would be the Poland of the Union , and her grain exchanged for your goods would ensure a BaA and enduring home market , comfort to each country , and religious and political independence to both . ( Load cheering . ) He concluded by proposing the following resolution : —
" That we deeply sympathise with our suffering asd oppressed fellow-countrymen in Ireland , and throw back with disdain the vile insinuation that the English people ore opposed to tbo liberties of that long-oppressed country , and as our principles , as Chartists , le ? d us to seek self-government , we are , therefore , determined to join our Irish brethren to procure a Repeal of the Legislative Union between Great Britain and Ireland , and will give all the assistance in our power to its accomplishment . ' * Mr . John Campbell , secretary to the Executive of the National Charter Association , seconded the resolution . He said that as regards a repeal of the legislative union , he would not give two straws to see a House of Commons sitting in Dublin bawd on a property qualification , because such a house would make laws to protect property and deteriorate the valuo of labour .
Have we not a House of Commons , aye , and a House of Lords , with a Queen to boot ; now if the Irish people imr ^ ine that such a crew of legislators aad governors would be of any benefit to them , he only wished they had them , root and branch to-morrow ; the fact is , we have them in this country , and yet there is distress , miseiy , and poverty widely spread through the whole country . Let Irishmen , Englishmen , Scotchmen , and Welchmen recollect that the oppressor of the poor man is the same in every country , and it matters not by whom the producer i « unjustly robbed ; the enemies of the working men are of the same class in England as Ireland , and vice versa . Let then the motto of the Chartists be to assist Irishmen to obtain a domestic legislation based en the great principle of Universal Suffrage . He concluded amidst the most deafening cheers .
Mr . Donaldson , of Warwick , supported the resolution . He said that , as an Irishman , he was happy in having it in his power to testify the f act , that the English people were decidedly in f avour of the rights and liberties of the Irish nation ; and he hoped it would go forth on the wings of the press to his dear friends in Ireland , who wonld be rejoiced to find that the people of England were determined not to stand quietly by and witness the wrongs and oppressions to which they were subjected , but wished to holdout to them the hand of fellowship and friendship . After a few more excellent remarks , he concluded by eupporting the resolution ; and retired amidst loud ch' ers .
The Chairman put the resolution to the meeting , which was also unanimously agreed to . Mr . Chance , of Stourbridge , proposed the next resolution , and was received with loud rheeriug . He said thai :, after the many excellent addresses which they had heard , he should not trespass long on their time , particularly as the resolution which he bad to propose spoke for itself . Many plans had been proposed for the purpose of organising the people , out they had all failed . Bat , from the effects produced by the plas adopted by the National Charter Association—from Us justics and straightforwardness—he felt convinced that it unb-adied all that was required to draw the people into ono strong
bondot union for the purpose of opposing tyranny , and ultimately achieving the emancipation of their country . He would , therefore , most cordially piopose the following resolution : — " That , in the opinion of this meeting , the People ' s Charter will become the law of the land as soon as the people are united for its attainment ; it is , therefore , the duty of every person desiring to advance the Chartist cause immediatel y £ 0 join the National Charter Association , which is tho best adapted to embody the people in a powerful organisation , and has already received vho sanction of nearly 200 important towns . ' " ' Mr . Chance was loudly cheered on retiring .
Mr . Coabltow , of Xidderminster , seconded the resolution . He said he felt well pleased at the proceedings of that day . The working classes had conducted themselves in such an orderly manner as did them infinite credit ; the principles of the Charter were dear to hi- , heart , as he believed that only through ita establishment could the peopleaspect to live comfortably and happy , ho therefore begged leave to second tha resolution , and after a few other excellent observations retired amidst great applause . The Chairman then put the resolution which was unanimously agreed to . On the proposition of Mr " Masriftif WalvtrhamDton . seconded by Mr . Walter
Thorne , three cheers were given for tbo chairman * to which he replied in an appropriate manner ; three times throe tuthusiastic cheerg were given for O'Connor and the Charter ; three for Frost , Williams , and Jones anil the incarcerated Chartists , and three for J . Bronterre O'Brien , after which it was announced ibat the delegates present would meet at the New Inn , Bromsgrove street . The immense multitude then separated highly delighted with the proceedings of the day , aud well the ; might , for a more soul-stirring or animated scene was never wir , ite !> sed . Birmingham has nobly performed ita di » J . ( Concluded m our Eighth pom . )
Triumphal Entry
TRIUMPHAL ENTRY
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AND LEEDS GENERAL ADVERTISER .
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YOL . IT . ISO . 202 . SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 25 , 1841 . PW ? E . ™ ° " = f ««™»« .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 25, 1841, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct863/page/1/
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