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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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-ras backw&rd In imputing dishonesty where he had not tbe evidence to justify toe charge . After a few more -bservaiion- on this head , Mr . Roebuck said the income tax was &n unequal one . and that he would propose a motion to the House ( he had it now on the books ) , and we should aee whether the House of Commons is what it ought to be . a real representation of the people—whether In reality the proposal , aa it will be earned out , will be a fair and equal taxation of the people- Now , if a man had £ 100 a year from funded ei landed property , he would be taxed atx >» t three per cent ., that is , supposing him ir > have £ 150 a year or more . If a man get that £ 100 by the labour of his hands , in trade or art , or by a prokwion . he was by the present bill to be taxed also at the same rate . He objected to that , and the reason was this , if he wasted to ensure £ 100 to his
cMldren at bis death , he should be obliged to go inio the market and pay a son of money for it , and that cMldren at his death , he should be obliged to go inio the market and pay a son of money for it , and that sum of money wouid be the difference of the value of his £ 100 a year which he gained by his profession and that which a man gained from so much land . He , working bard in his profession , had to provide for his famiiy in after life ; bat it was not so with the man who had land , as that would be in existence after his death . Therefore the difference was clear—it was the sum of money which would be required to buy an annuity of £ 100 a-yt-ar . That he proposed to the Hous » of Commons ; bat it was supposed to be intricate and r . ifficult to determine what , in such a case , was the value of a man ' s life ; though he did not thick so . But taking it at that mts , he would attempt to set thiB gr « -at end by other m&ins , by t ^ xim ; prt f--ssional men and men in trade at one half at what land was taxed at .
He -would propose vbat t * the House to-morrow or Friday . Thty were to watch well the division , to see who voted for it an who voted against it ; and then we shall It-arc the prr-ponderanes of the landed proprietors over ev ^ ry other party The speaker ntxt referred to toe inquisitorial naturtot Sir Robert -bill ; which he prcp std to runlets 5 by proposing that every mun should make a fair rtturn of what hia income was upon his solemn animation , a scheme that would open te much better tuan the present ubnox ' . uus mode of levying the tax . He spoke for Borne time un this point ; he could not see why a man should wuh to be thought richer than he r < ally was . We want to borrow . £ 100 of our banker ; \ i he knew the circumstances i f ihe case he would not lend it He ought to know them Really and in truth
be & uid not get at the bott > m oJ tbe fear which is txpres&fcd by mai . y people , except by attributing it to their vanity . He believed it to be one of tae greatest mis-ries of Btt ~ . tushiiien tfeaxevery man ib attempting to make him ~ elf appear a grvatcr man than he really istcbeers . ) There is Mr . Si > -andso , he is very rich , he k ** : p 3 his carriage , he sives his dinuers , and the ivport £ f-t : 8 abroad that he is worth £ 3 000 a-year Butitisf > und out , by-anri-bje , that ho is really tbus kind and benevolent having no more than £ 1 , 500 per annum . The harm , they say , there was in this , was that tbe man who lives on bis e&tate , or income , did not feel it—it was the poor trader . " Then he asked tb > - trader why he wished to be thought richer than he ¦ was ? iHtre some one cried out , ' a false capital , that
is it . ' Lauxfever , whieh lasted for some time ) Mr . Rtbuck next spi ; ke in regard to the course he had pursued ; he feaid hi had to repr- stnt a variety of opinions and interests ; he could n- t suit a if .- Ha was an arbiter among them . There were the rich , he had to represent taeni ; and also the professional men , and the traders , ana the hard working men—he did tne best for all . He next Riid his consti uents -vecre to judge him"" calmly—to hear and furbear , and not to be deceived by what may be said of him in the rtpurcs cf the proceedings in the House of Commons , for they Kive no possible insight into w . iu . t was ~ oing on there . The repoiters were not 11 bsame If his constituents thougLt him to be wrong thev -would teli him bo . aud ahk him to come and
explain . iCbtter ? . ) He had now in reality arrived at the end of the charges made against him : —first , he had hten absent from ' -he Bouse ; ntxt he hart voted for Sir Robert -Peel on tbe matter which he haO explained Tee speaker spoke in reference to some maters of no very grtat importance ; and afterwards remarked that he dare say there were some present wbo went very far ; Ultra were itrbzpa , some Ubartists preat-nt—( Loud criei if " " 5 \ s . yes . " from all par's of the room ) He found among them a great deal uf intolerance ; he did not ajjrte with tb . Mn in all things ; was he therefore to be condemned as their enemy ? He would then ask them , as well as other ? , not to allow their own notions of
their own worth , virtue , or intelligence , so to blind their minds to their own imperfections as to allow them to condemn others wholr-sAle . D = pena upon it , none of us are perfect ; and it nii ^ ht be that the opinion to which we were the most wedded , wus the most erroneous . ^ Therefore , he would ask all , not to give up their opinions , but to bold them with canaour and forbearacos ; and that they would practice Them towards him , it they belitred him to be fairly up to tee light he had , —aoine what he told them at tbe commencement he would do . swerving not for partial or personal interests ntir frpm passion—( Cheers ) After making a few more observations , he concluded a very conciliatory and judlc : uus spefcb amid lou . 1 applause .
Trie * Chairman a .-ked if there was any person desirous of " putting any question to Mr . Roebuck . ( Here a few notes were handed to Mr . Roebuck , who again came forward and answered tht-m evidently much to the satisfaction i-f tbe nuthers and the meeting ) il r . Keenb . proprietor of the Both Journal who had rtbnked -Mr . Roebuck for having given bis vote to Sir B ibert Peel , was called for . After much hesitation he e ^ ine forward ; but his opposing remarks were not liked fey the meeting . He said he should never shrink fr-m expressing his honest convictions ; but be was always ready to change his opinions when proved to be erroneous . He moved a vote of confidence in Mr . Roebuck .
Mr . H- Vincent was called for by many in the meeting . He came forward and was loudly cheered . flt felt pleased that bo humb ' . e an individual as himself had been called upon to perform c pleating duty on Mich an occasion as that He made some excellent observations , in , the course of -which he said be should support 3 ,-jhn Arthur Roebuck as long as he advocated the rights of tbe people , but no longer . He hoped Mr . Roebuck would vota for the extension of the suffrage , and thoBe necessary adjuncts which were advocated by the most rational portion of tbe Ckaitists . He considered Mr . R- to be a man of talent and of strict integrity , in whom c-onfHence could be saMy placed . He seconded most cordially Mr . K-ene ' s motlen .
Mr Eldridoe . amid noise and confusion , rebuked Mr . Koebuck for having voted with tbe Tories . The meeiing was impatient with him , in consequence of the incoherent manner in which he spoke . He thought the income tax would strengthen the bands of the people ' s enemies . Mr : Archied spoke in landation of Mr . Roebuck ' s conduct . The Chaibhah said a few words in reply to Mr . Eldridae . Mr . Q EDWABD 3 made a hnm-ursome speech
shewing the change that had come over the spirit of the farmer ' s . He was accustomed to visit Deviz ~ s corn market ; when thtre some tim « eince , the farmers spoke iu the highest terms of Sir Rjbert Peel , aa being their greatest friend But bidcs Sir Robert had brought forward bi 3 income t ix bill and bJs propnsil for the alteration of the tariff , they denounced him in unmeasured terms ; thsy wished the son of a b at the devil iL-iud laughter , in which Mr . Roebuck and all on the platform heartily joined . > The resolution was put and carried unanimously . Mr . ROEBUCK returned tbanis .
Thanks were then given to the Chairman and the Mayor , who had granted the U 3 e of the Hall ; and after three cheers for R ^ buck , the meeting separated . The Chartista thought proper before the commence meat of this meeting , to present the following resolution come to by their society to Mr . Roebuck : — " We , ihe Ciariisu of Bath , approve of the conduct of John Arthur Roebuck in voting for Sir Robert Reel's income tax , as a measu-e of direet taxation , and promise him our support so lens : as he aavocatss the right * and interests of the working classes . " Tae following is the copy of a letter sent to Mr . Roebuck and Lord Duncan , the members for Bath : — " Gloucester Road Buildinzs , Lower " Sw&nB ^ ick , Bath .
"Sir , —The Council of the Bath National Charter A ?* oc ' . * tion have deputed mi to request you , by letter , to support the prayer of the National Petition , which is to be presented to the House of Commons on Monday next ; and likewise , to request you to vote for the ' proposition that Ci-Ttain members of tbe Natitional ConTtntion now sitting in London , be heard 6 t the Bar of the House on btha ' . f of the said pet tion . " By complying vfith this request , yen ¦ will ensure the thanks and support < f , The Chartists of Bath . " Signed on their behalf , " G . M . Bartlett . " In reply . Lord Duncan says the subject shaSl receive bis b&st attention ; but aa his letter is marked private , ' it Is . withheld at present There is no doubt as to Mr . Roebuck ' s vote . Maist nous verrons .
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HOUSE OF LORDS . —Fiiday , April 29 . Several Bills received the royal aseent , including the Corn Importation Bill , which is nov > one of the " atatutea of the realm . "
Monday , May 2 . Lord Denman intimated- iia intention of withdrawing the Baptists ' , Affirmation ; . ' Bill , and introducing a bill of a more comprehensive nature , which would include all Christians having a conscientious objection to the taking of an oath . Lord Brougham called the attention of their Lordships to toe working of the Act for the Trial of Controverted Elections of Members of the House , of Commons , and the system of bribery and corruption disclosed in-the evidence before election committees . After condemning
the present system , tha Noble and Learned Lord entered at some dttiil into a plan which bad been suggested by the Duke of Wellington for the trial ef controvtrted elections , by which a tribunal was proposed to be created , composed of seven members of the House of Commons ; an < 4 five of the House of-Lords , to be presided over by onu of the Judges of the land , not having a seat in eitner House ef Parliament . He concluded with a . motion , that a message be sent to the ConjiMons , asking -tbeiu to communicate copies of the evidence taken before the Sad bury , Ipswich , and Great Murlow Election Committve 8 .
After some conversation as to whether tbe Commons would not consider such a messatte an int < . rference with their privih g ^ s , the m < . tion was withdrawn .
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HOUSE OF COMMONS , Friday , April 29 . The House went into Committee on the Income Tax Bill ; and sthfrfiiieD was proposed . On . fc . , > Ir . S . Crawford proposed the omission of the words in the schedule which impose a tax on industrial income . When the amendment was about to be put , Mr . Roebuck interposed , as its proposition would place & difficulty in tae way of an . amendment which he had to propose , namely , that ¦ ' for and in respect of the annual profits or gains from any profession , trade , or vocation , tbt-re shall be levied annually , for every twenty shillings , threepence halfpenny . " Thedifficulty
being , through a suggestion of Sir Robert Peers , obviated , by which Mr . Roebuck ' s amendment obtained precedence , th « Honourable and Learned Member argued in favour of bis proposition , on the ground that it w ; as unt qual . thprefore . U' just , to lay the same amount of tax on industrinl mcume-as on landed propirty . He quutfd from A'lun Sinirh certain propositions , defining the '" incidents 6 f it tax ';' ¦ ' and , coutemling that his amfcndmnnt was an approximation to justice , he threw on Sir Hubert Pad . an the most powerful wan of the day , the sole odium of the injustice , stiould the auitmdmnit b « rc-jecO-d .
The Chakcellor of the Exchequer could not ,: seeing that all taxes were ntce-iHarily tqual , agree to Mr . Roebuck s prop lsition Mr . \ V a RDvtgAtdiv . R the amendment as a proposition for uiityatiiig the juatice of the income tax , did not think that the argument of the universal inequality of aM taxation was a fitting or reasonahie rtply to 1 * case which ought to meet with the indiiigcnt conaideratipu of the H . ii 8 » . Mr . isTUAUT Wortley , while aiiiiiitting that Mr . Roebuck b < iU ar « utrt with great forcn in favour of his proposition , denied t / at the rent-roll of a landed proprietor was to b > - tiken as his actual income . Property in land provml often a more precarious source of income thaa that derived from cohiuiMrce ; and therefore to agree to the amendment would not be an " approximation to fustics "
Mr . Haw es supported the amendment by illustrations of a praci'cai character , Huch as similar amounts of money invested in lumis und trade , tha land yielding ten and the trade twelvo per c ^ nt . To tax these two kinds of income equally ] the income from trade should contribute a smaller amount in the pound than the income from land . Mr . Bokthwick opposed the amendment , on the grcund jtbat instead cf ttetityivg , it would commit injustice .
Mr . Laboucheke having Riven the amendment the btst considtrat on in bis power , could not support it . Its Vbry proposition , supported as it was by popular favour out of doors , was a proof of the injudicious choice of the time for the imposition of an income tax at all . If it wbTe ntcessary to impose such a tax , it Bhould be U ! iivcr » al in its application , for to admit exceptions now would afford dangerous precedents . Were the amendment carried ¦ , the clerk in a public office , with a small salary , would be taxed , while the thriving merchant would be exempted .
Sir R . H . 1 NGLI 3 renewed bis former proposition , of taking , £ J 50 as ih * staning poiiit of taxation , the tax to be levivd on all above that amount , so that an income of £ 200 would only be taxed on £ 50 . It would bo a very greut relifef to number- miiving in a respectable sphere , and maintaining a : genteel appearance on small incomes , and would materially diminish th « unpopuiarity of the tux . But he threw this out as a sug ^ eotion , and oid not propose it as a substantive motion . Mr . Vernon Smith argued that the tax was necessarily unjust , seeini ? that it was proposed to levy the same amouut from vnriable as from permanent incomes
Sir Robert Peel contended that the same inequality applied tu the ast-essed taxes , and to taxes on conBumption . while the income tax ha < i this advantage , that the wealthy man could not withdraw himself from it , as he could from other taxes , by removing abroad . The Government proposed an income tax in connection with mcuHUres which would recuce the cost of living , and benefit all ' classes of the community ; and thisinceme tax , thus proposed , was . to be levied on farmers occupying at the will of their landlords , and whose incomes , depending on the vificisaitudes of the seasons , were more precarious than those of the surgeon or the commercial man . If the wealthy physician , the thriving lawyer , or the prosperous banker , were to
be taxed at a lower rate than clergymen , whose inclines , though pernmnent , were also variable , » r the clerk in a public office , the naval or military man , or the ) widow wit ' i a small jointure , then a great injustice would be committed . If we weTe to have an income tax at all , ( and he would hot now discuss its necessity , ) it must be laid equally on all descriptions of income War bad a tendency to increase the yama of landed property , and to inttrfere with the profits of commerce ; and if an exception were now made , on the suore of justice , in the imposition of an income tax , it mast be permitted in time of war , when it would work stiil greater injustice than now . He adhered to the Q ivernment measure ; undeterred by any fear of xespimsibility .
Lord HowiCK considered that theanjumen s of Sir Robert Peel went to fahew that the income tax was radically rk-f « etive . He remained of the ftiime opinion which the Rifiht Hun . Baronet had formerly so well expressed , that it was not w < rth while to levy so VcXitious an impost for the small amount which was proposed ; to be raised by it ; find tbe time for its imposition was also peculiarly unfortunate , commit-ring t ! ie intense competition whiuh pr < jvai [ e < in every trade and profession . He supported thearne dment Mr , Edward Buller opposed the amsnJment , on the ground thut it would increase the intquality and injuaiice of un incomBtax . Mr . Wallace declared his intention of voting for Mr . Ro ^ huek's amendment , and afterwards for that of Mr . S . Cra «« fi ) rd . Mr . James could understand that the members of
tbe late Ministry wished the income tnx to go to the country with all its inequality and iniquity , in order that ir might aid them in regaining office ; but having no such freling , he would sapport the amendnitiut . Mr . Leader waa sure that , though the majority might be against tiie supporters of the aiiieu < linent , the weight of argument was with them . The country , London included , was in an extraordinary state of distress , bankruptcies in every street ; and this was the time chosen for &uch a tax by a Or ) verniutnt which was to do such bonders for the community .
Lord John Russell pointed out some of the inequalities which would result from the adoption of the amendment . Persons having a life interest would have to pay 7 d . in the pwund , out of a small income , while tbe rich bankar or merchant would only pay threepence-halfpenny . It would be no justification of such an injustice , to say that they belonged to different classes , and were placed in different echtdules . In opposing the auienduK nt , therefore , ho was not actuated by any w-ifh to render the tax more unpopular . Mr . Mitchell considered the income tax to be a just one , and being a » xi < us to remove ail imperfection from it , he would support the amendment . Mr . Roebuck replied . On a division , th ' . 're were 258 against his amendment , ami 112 in favour of it . Mr . ti . Crawford then proposed his amendment , tbe effect if which would extinguish schedule D . His aDieudiueiit was mpported by
Mr . Hume , who called on Sir Robert Peel to review the whole system of our taxation . On a division , the amendment was lost by 259 to 60 . Schedule D was then agreed to . On Schedule E , Sir Charles Napier called the attention of tbe commiltee to the condition of military and naval officers under tbe rank of general arid flag officers , subsisting solely on their pay , and whose incomes would be seriously affected by the tax . He moved that they Bhould be exempted altogether . Ciptain Carnegie put it to Sir Charles Napier not to prcBB bis amendment . On this tax depended the maintenance of the army and navy , and though the tax wuuld fall heavily on the incomes of officers , they should not ; ba put in the unenviable position of setjKiiig txemptipn ftorn the burdens of the state . ;
After some observations from Lord Worsley , Captain Pechell . and Captain Plumridge , Sir Robert Peel did not think it would be just to txempt this class of her Majesty ' s subjects , whatever might be their claims on general respect . On a division , the amendment was rejected by 205 to 32 . t . _ . _' ScheduJeE was tben agreed to ; and tbe House resumed , the Chairman reporting progress , and obtaining leave t * Bit on Monday next , Riehard Gibbons , who bad been committed by the Great Marlow Election Committee , was brought to
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the bar , reprimanded by tbe Speaker , and then discharged . > : ¦ . ¦ - ; " - ¦ ¦ . - ¦ . ¦ ¦ ¦ : . ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ - ¦ ¦ . . ¦ ; -, ¦ :-. Oa the motion of Sir ROBERT PekL , that the reprimand of the Speaker be entered on the journals of the House . ¦ - . V-. ' -- . - . ¦ -- ' ' ¦/ / - - . - ¦ ¦ : ' . . ' - . ¦ : ¦" . , Mr . T . DrjTNCOMBB commented on the aeyerity of the terms of the , reprimand , and declared bis belief that Gibbons had not committed perjury . Sir Robert Peel vindicated the Speaker , as having fitly and properly discharged the duty laid upon hlm . / . v V ' - . ; - : ¦ . ; ¦ ' :.. . v : ¦ /¦ \ - . - r ' :: " After some observations from different Members , the motion was agreed to . The Other orders of the day were then disposed of .
Saturday , April 30 . The House met at two o ' clock , to consider a motion made on Friday night by Mr . Thesiger , with a view to the discharge of Mr . Mabson . This witness bad been committed by the House on the report of the South .-anipton Election Committee , for riot producing certain documents required of him , by a warrant for his attendance ( in the nature of subpoena ) which had been issued in the preceding session ; and the question now . was , whether with the termination of the session the obligation of the process terminated likewise . Mr ; TbesiKer contended that the force of the Warrant had wholly oeased , and that therefore the witness could not . awfully be detained fer not haying obeyed it . In tbis opinion he was seconded by Mr . C . W . Wynn ; and the Sjlicitor-General concurred , to the extent of considering the legality of tbe warrant to be at all events too qaestionaple to allow the further imprisonment of the witness .
Sir GEORGE Grey , without admitting the warrant to be illegal , was content that under tbe circumstances the witness should be discharged ; but as the question was one affecting bIso the process under which other witnesses were attending upon other committees , he notified bis intention of moving for a Select Committee to inquiry into the general question of legality . In that view Sir T . Wilde coincided , declaring in favour of the witness's diecharse , who , he thought , could not properly be detained pending the inquiry . A good deal of time was consumed , and the Honse without dividing , directed the discharge of the witness .
Monday , May 2 . On entering the House this evening the first object that attracted attention was the : Chartist leviathan petition , * rhich was lying in a heap- ^ rudis indiffestaque moles—at the foot of the table . It appeared that the parties to whom the task bad been entrusted had not taken an accurate measurement of the lower door leading into the House of Commons , which was too nar > row for the admission of this mons papyri . A difficulty arose , therefore , as to the means , of getting it into the House , for its bulk was . too great to admit of its being introduced ( as a whole ) through the ordinary portals leading to this branch of the senate . The doors of the Hou = e were not wide enough for it . It was consequently necessary to unroll it , and to carry it piecemeal into the body of the House , where it was piled into a vast heap , spreading over a great part of tbe floor , and rising high above the level of the table . The petition and its bearers excited the greatest interest .
THK CHARTER . Mr . T . Duncombe rose and said—Sir , the importance of this petition , an importance derived not only from the matter which it contains , but from the great num . hers who have signed it , would , I am quite satisfied , be sufficient to induce the House to relax those ruies which have been laid down with regard to the presentation of petitions , and would grant rue its indulgence ; but , as I have given notiee of a motion for to-morrow , that this petition snaH be taken , into the serious consideration of the Houae , and that those who have signed it shall be heard by lneir counsel and agents at the bar of the House in support of the allegations it contains , I shall not ask theHouse to grant me this indulgence , 'butshall keep myself within those limits which the House has
presented with regard to the presentation of petitions ; and therefore' I beg to offer to tho acceptance of this House a petition signed by 3 , 315 , 752 of the industrious classes ef the country . The petition proceeds from those upon whose toil and industry , upon whose affection , and upon whose attachment , I may say , every law , the Government of this country , and not only the Government but the whole property and commerce of this country depends , and they now most respect'ully come before you to state the manifold grievances under which they suffer . These grievances they state , and I need not go over them , because I intend to ask the Clerk of the House to read what those principal grievances are , which they have endured for a long time , and which they attribute to class legislation , and to tho
misrepresentation of their interests in this Houss . They state that for a conaiderablo length of time their interests have been grossly neglected , and that no interests beyond yourewn . haveeterbeen considered of within these walls . Sir , they are ready to prove the allegations of t ' oeir petition at the bar of your Honourable House . They pray to be heard there , for within the limits of a petition they cannot feet forth a tithe of the grievances of which they complain ; but if you will grant them a hearing , they state that they shall be able to set forth such a tale of the unmerited sufferings endured by the working classes in England and in Ireland , as can be scarcely credited . Their wants are most urgent , and they attribute all their grievances to class legislation . The petition is signed by 3 , 315 , 752 of the industrious
classes of the country . I would wish to analyse the signatures attached to it , but I will content myself with stating the names only of those cities , hamlets , and towns , in which more than 10 , 000 signatures have been attached . Tbe following is the statement attached to the petition : —Manchester , 99 , 680 ; Newcastle and districts , 82 , 000 ; Glasgow and Lanarkshire , 78 , 062 ; Halifat , 36 , 400 ; Nottinghamshire , 40 , 000 ; Leeds , 41 , 060 ; Birmingham , 43 , 000 ; Norwich 21 560 ; Bolton , 18 . 500 ; LeicestBr , 18 , 000 ; Roehdale , 19 , 000 ; Loughborough and districts , 10 , 000 ; Salford , 19 600 ; East Riding . Yorkshire , agricultural districts , 14 , 840 , Worcester , 19 , 000 ; Merthyr Tydvil and districts , 3 . 900 ; Aberdeen , 17 , 600 ; Keighly , 11 . 000 ; Brighton , 12 . 700 ; Bristol , 13 , 800 ; Huddersfleki , 23 , 180 ; SheffieM ,
27 , 200 ; Scotland , Wes . t Midland districts , 18 , 000 ; Dunfermline , 16 , 000 ; Cheltenham , 10 400 ; Liverpool , 23 , 000 ; Stalybridfje and districts , 10 . 000 ; Stockport , 14 , 000 ; Maeolesfleld and suburbs , 10 , 000 ; North Lancashire , 52 , 000 ; Oldham , 15 , 000 ; Ashton , 14 , 200 ; Bradford and district , Yorkshire , 45 , 100 ; Burnley and districti 14 , 000 ; Preston and district , 24 . 000 ; Wigan , 10 , 000 ; London and subnrbs , 200 , 000 ; from 371 other towns , villages , &c 2 , 134 , 897—total , 3 . 315 > 52 . I believe that every one of these signatures are bona fide signatures . The petitioners suggest that the proper remedy for their grievances would be that they should
have a voice in the election of representatives to this House . They complain that they are totally and entirely unrepresented ; and if they are permitted to be heard , they et'ite that they shall be able to adduce satisfactory arguments to prove that the document , usually called the People ' s Charter , oaght to be passed into a law . That document prays for Universal Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliaments , no Property Qualification , Payment of Members , and Equal Electoral Districts . Tnis petition is signed by 3 , 315 , 752 of the industrious classes ; and I now press it on the attention of this Hon . House , Sir , I move that the petition be read by the Clerk at the table .
The Speaker—PJease to bring it up—( a lau ^ h from the Ministerial benches . The petition was then read by tbe Clerk at the table . Mr . T . Duncombe then moved that the petition be printed with the votes , for the purpose of bringing the subject of it under the consideration of the House . Agreed to . The noise of members rapidly retiring from the House after tbe Chartist demonstration was at an end rendered it impossible for some time to collect what was going on in the House
Tho House then went into committee on tho Income Tax Bill . The schedules having been all voted on Friday night , the committee now proceeded with the remainder of tho bill , which formed the great business ? f the entire evening . Commencing with clause 3 , the committee proceeded regularly , clause by clause , occasional conversations arising on the machinery of the bill , &c . No division , however * took place until the 87 th clause , When Mr . Hume proposed an amendment , exempting dividends from the tax until July , instead of commencing with April . This was lost by 159 to 84 . ; Mr . Baring brought forward an amendment , to exempt the foreign fundholdet , holding British stock , but not residing in Britain , or any portion of the Bv tish dominions .
Tnia was resisted by the Chancellor of ths Exchequer , but Mr . LabouchsTe pressed tij e subject on the consideration of Sir Robert P « el , on the ground that a regard for National faith should lead the gweminent togriintthet-Ximptujn , Sir Robert Peel , however , Could not sðeforce vf tke arguments employed . Foreigners holding shares in railways , fcc-., were aubjscted to the tax , and why should the funds held by foreigners not resident in this country be exempted ? That they were exempted under the former act arose probably from political considerations , and not from a conviction that it was unjust to subject them , equally with others , io such a tax laid oh British income . After some conversation the committee divided , when there
appeared—For tbe amendment ....... 40 Against it 203 Majority ,. 163 Adjourned at a quarter to two o ' clock .
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Dangerous State of Lewes Gaol . —During the lasi few inopihsthe vagrants have increased to a great extent in Brighton , and the magistrates have almost , invariably made it a rule to commit them to the House of Correction at Lewes to hard labour . The governor ot' the gaol haa frequently / represented to the bench , that from tne crowded state of the prison he is unable- to carry out the Eeotence of hard labour , and is obliged to put four and five in ea ; : h ceil . On Saturday the subject was again mentoned to the bench , and it was feared that a dreadful disease wouid break out in tho prispu , as the scarlet fever was ragiug to an alarming extent in Lewus . T 1 j 0 roaKiBtrates have Biucti endeavoured , to fttt . rid of the vagrants by driyiug them out of the Iowa .
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RiistEFi—Messrs . Hastie , Oswald , and Johnston , Members of Parliampnt , have remitted to the Protost of Paisley £ 1 , 009 5 s . 4 U ., which they received from jsjentlemen in Calcutta , Madras , and Bombay , in aid pf the fond for the relief of the distressed operatives of Paisley ; : Shockino Murdee—A revolting murder has been committed at a place called Coed e Vedvr , which is the name « iven to &few ooWa ^ es in the parish of Din « e 8 tow about two miles and a half from Ea ^ Iand , on the road to Monmonth . Tno victim wasachildoneyearand ten months old , named El'ZiHu « hes , whodied faj thehand «) of itaown mother , committed by drowninfir it in a pan of water , and thea -cutting open the abdomen . The unhappy
woman , who is thirty-nine years of age , and has been married about three ^ years , is ii saae . A few days , before the committal of the dreadful deed she appeared low spirited and dfjected ; but not sufficientl y so as to cause any alarm to her husband and neighbours . Oa the day of the murder , her husband returned home to dinnw rather before his nsual time , and told his wife th ^ t as he was in a hnrry he would not wait for his dinner to be cooked but would have bread and cheese . He dandled his child on his knees during the time , and on going -back to his work , the little creature followed him to the door . The mother told . her husband to pick her tip and kiss herwhich
. he did , and it must have bem soon a * ter his departure that the unhappy creature destroyed it . She immediately , pasted to a neighbour , a quarter of a mile from the house , and narrated the particulars of her crime , and was soon afterwards apprehended at Penrose . Since her apprehension , up to the time of her being conveyed to the county jail on Monday evening , she was exceedinui y violent and outrageous , but did not make the least ¦ allu . sion to : her child ,. An inquest has been helo over the body , and a verdict of "Wilful Murder" r ^ 'nrnedagainst Maria Hughes . The wretcht d woman waa forthwith conveyed to Monmouth Gael .
Hunger and Theft . —On Saturday six men were had up aV the New Bailey , Manchester , for stealing bread , but they were in such a wretohed condition , that the Magistrate found it necessary to admonish and discharge them . One of them named O'Leary said he had = eaten one meal of potatoes oa Sunday , and had been fasting Monday , Tuesday , and Wednes <' Ay .. On Wednesday his child asked him for something to eat ; and having nothing to give him , he went to Mrs . Tege ' s shop , and said to her , "Mistress , be . so kind as to givo me a loaf of bread . " "No / said phe , "L Will gvie you a pi ce . " He said a piece waa of no use to him and his hunjjry child , sqhe took a loaf . The police ofiBcer met him at the doorjaad seized him . He refused to go with the officer , and , in trying to get away , he ( O'Leary ) tell over a woman , and broke his arm .
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From the London Gazette of Friday , April 29 . " BANKKUP 1 S . George Seatb , Biackfriars-road , victualler , to surrender , May 6 , June 10 , at half-past one o ' clock , at the Bankrupts' C < urt . Solicitor , Mr . ilichael , Kati tiohsquare ^ Official Assignee , Mr . Whitmore ,, Basinghallstreet . Francis James Osbaideston , St . Alban ' s ; dealer in horses . May 6 , at e ; even o'clock , June 10 , at oue ^ at the Binkrupta' Gcurt . Solicitors , Messrs . Weymouth and Gretn , CateatOri-street . Qfficial Assignee , Mr . Belcher . James- Pearcy . Sc John's streat , St . Sepu . chre , leather-3 eller . May 6 , at one o ' clock , June 10 , at twelve , at the Bankrupts' Court . Solicitors , Mwsre T . and 3 . Naylpi . Great Newport-strett . Official Assignee , Mr . Pennell .
Edward Co () per , High-street , St . Giles ' s , and Piccadilly , stationer , May 13 , at twelve o'clock , June 10 , at eleven , at the Bankrupts' Court . Solicitor , Mr . Jones , Siselane ; Official Assignee , Mr . Johnson , Boalnghull-Btreet . . William Henry Wells , Goldaworthy-place . Rotherhithe , " builder , May 14 , at half-past twelve o ' clock . June 10 . at eleven , at tiie Bankrupts' Court . Solicitor , Mr . Sleei Pvirish-strtet , Southwaik . Official Aasigr nee , Air . Edw . irds , Freflerick ' a-place , Oid Jewry . John Jo ; ie 8 , iiungavelach , GJafuorgansnire , maltster , May 18 , June 10 , a . % eleven ' .- -o'clock ; , at the Busti Inn , S ^ anuea . Solicitors , Messrs . Holme , Loftus , and Young , New lun and Mr . Cuthbertson , N . ath .
Williaru Henry Smith , Manchester , hop-merchant , May Si , June 10 , at eleven o'clock , at tie Star and Garter Inn , Worcester . Solicitors , Mr . Bsdford , Gray's Inn-square ; and Messrs . Bedford and Pidcock , Worcester ¦ James and Tuomaa Turner , Kirkburton , Yorkshire , clothiers , May 14 , June 10 , at ten o'clock , at the Pack Horse Inn , HuUderafield . Soiicitors , Messrs . Battye , Fisher , and Sudlow , Cnancery-lanB ; and Messrs . Stephecson , Floyd , and Booth , Holmtirthy neat Hudviersfleld . . . ; / William and H « nry Kynnersley , Tattenhill , Staffordshire , milleis , May 3 , June 10 , at twelve o ' clock , at the KJyal Hotel , Derby . Solicitors , Messrs . Adlington , Gregory , Faulkner , and Follett , Btidford-row j and Mr . Moss , Derby .
James Bannister and Dinah Simpson , Liverpool , shipwrights , May 11 , June 19 , at one o'clock , at the Clarendon-rooms , Liverpool . Solicitor . Mr . Dean , Eisex-street , Strand ; and Mr . Peacock , LiverpoeL Lancelot Bsok , Bristol , broker , May 13 , at one o'clock , June 10 , at two , at the Commercial-rooms , Bristol , solicitors , Messis . Chrke and Medcalf , Lincoln' 8-inn-field *; and Mr . Smitn , Bristol . Wiliiam Johnson , Birmingham , ironmonger , May 10 , June 7 , at the Waterloo-rooms , Birmingham . SolicitorH , Mr . Wilkinson , Liucoln ' B-inn-flelds ; and Mr . Tarleton , Birmingham . - Edward Jenkins , Leominster , tailor , May 20 , June 10 , at twelve o ' cluck , at the Waterloo Hotel , L ^ ominster . Salicitors , Drlr . S . nitQ . Southamptjn-buildings , Chancery-lane ; and Mr . Hammond , Leoiuinater .
PARTNERSHIPS DTSSOLVED . S . Lloyd and S . Kirk , Sheffield , general iron-founders . W . Scawin , jun ., and R . Dresser , York , chemists . G . Taylor and Co ., Liverpool , cart-owners . C . C . Wat kinson and Co , Huddersfleld , YorKshire , thread-manufacturers ; E , and J . Jones , Liverpool , joiners . Randlea andRobinson , Liverpool , timber-merchants ; as fur as regards J . Robinson .
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From the Gazette of Tuesday , May 3 . BANKRUPTS * Joseph Pidcock and Thomas Barton , corn-factors , Nottingham , to surrender May 1 « , and J ^ une 14 , at eleven , at the G-or . ce the Fourth Inn . Nottingham . Solicitors , MessrB . Johnson , Son , and Weatherall , lnher-Temple , London ; and Mr . Bowley , Nottingham . John Cree , draper , Devohport , Alay 14 , and June 14 , at eleven , at Townshend s London Inn , Dcvonporf . Solio tors , Smith , Sonthampton-buildinga , Chaucerylane , ^ London ; Gilbard , DtfVonport . Robert Elliott , wine-merchant Liverpoel , May 18 , ami June 14 , attwelye , at the Clarendon-rooms , Liverpoo ! . Dimmock , Sza-lane , Bucklersbui-y , London ; Fairclougb , LiVrtrpool . .
William Autill , nmbrella stick m . annfacturer , Bourn-Gloueestershire , May £ > , June 14 , at two , at tbe George lriv , SSroud , Gloucestershire . Solicitors , B ^ ylis , Devonshire-sqiiare , London ; Winterbotham and Thomas , Tewke » bury . Frauds- James Osbaldeston , dealer in horses , St . A 1 ban ' s j May 6 , at eleven , and June 10 , at one , at tne Court of Bankruptcy . Belcher , Official assignee ; Solicitors , Messrs . Weymouth and Rigby , Chancerylane . ' ¦ George HibWt , jun ., pawnbroker , Caesterneld , May 9 and June 14 , at one , at the Rutland Arms , Bake Well .. Soiicitors , Messrs . Spence and Bullivant , Alfred-place , Bedford-row ; Lucua and Cutts . Chest « rfield . Dadshon Blake , mohair manufacturer , Norwich , May 17 ami June 14 , at eleven , at the Royal Hotel , Norwich . Solicitors , Mr . ' Dnrrant , Norwich ; Messrs . Woad and Blake , Faleon-street , Alderfigate-itfett .
James Bradsuaw and George Williams , woollendrapera , Aiaryiebone-street , Piccadilly , May 12 , at eleven . and June 14 , at twelve / at the Court of Bankruptcy . Pcnncll , official assignee ; Solicitors , Messrs . Lawiance , and Blenkarne , Bucklersburyi William Crosby , Benjamin Vallentine , and Benjamin White , hardwaremen , Luauenhall-street , Civy , Mny 10 , atone , and June 14 . at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy . -Gntham , official . assignee , Baainghall-street ; Solicitor ,. Mr Spyer , Broad-street-buildings . E . Uvard Godda-d , draper , Holbeach , Lipcolnshire , Muy 12 , at t > en ; and June 14 , at twelve , at the Peacock Inn , Beaton . Solicitors , / Massre . Bartrum and Son , BiBho ^ sga'e-strefct , London ; and Messrs . Johnson , Stui ton an < i Key , Holbeach . Elizabeth Hazard , grocer , Swansea , May 18 , and June 11 , at two . at the Commercial-rooms , BristoL So . ieitors , Messrs . White and Eyre , Beuford-row , London ; and Mr . Shurt , Bristol .
Thomas Johnson , stationer , Liverpool , May 18 . and June 13 , atoos , at the Ciarendoh-rooms , South Johnstreet , Liverpool . Solicitor , Mr . Thompson , Liverpool ; and Messrs . Cuvelje , Skilbeck and HaU , Stuthaniptou-feuilAings , Chancery-lane . Rickard : Sutton , wheelwright , Warringtonj Lancashire , May 12 , and June 14 , at two , at the C / arendonreoms . Livtrpool . Solicitors , Messrs . Adlington , Gregory ,- Faulkner , and Follett , Bedford-row , London ; and Mr . Asbton , or Messrs . Nicholson and Sons . Warrington . ¦¦' , - ¦ - ¦ :- ¦ ¦ - , . - . ¦ . . .,. . ¦ ' . ' . •¦ ' ¦ . -. ¦ . ¦ . "¦¦ - - / . - Robert Marsh , provision-dealer , B ' phelland , Lancashire , jMay 12 , and June 14 , at one , at the Clarendonroouis / Liverpool . Solicitor , Mr . Johnson , St Helen ' s ; and Measrs . Adiington , Gregory , Faulkner , and Follett , Beflfortl-rpw , London .
William Wallis and John Wallis , corn-merchants , Wriigby , Lincoinsfaire , May II and June 14 , at twelve , at ^ tae City Arms Inn , Lincola .-:-Solicitors , Messrs . Lofty and Patter , King-atreet , Cheapside ; anil Mr . Moody , Wragby . Joha Moore , merchant , Goleraan-street , City of London , May 13 , and Jjne 14 , at eleren , at thV Court of Bankruptcy . Mr . Grooms , Abchurch-lane , " Lotnbardfatreet ,. cfiiuial assignee ; and Messrs . Bartrum and Co ., Bisaopsgatt- ^ treet .
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SiTiiha Up ajtd Down . —In a recent conversation between two gef nemen , on ihe subject of sitting up at night , with tie sick , one of tb > m remarked that lie could not" stand sitting up / ' to wliich the other very gravely replied , that he did uot mind * Bitting up , if he could lie down . " Taking a Soda Powdeil—An individual vrbo had never seen the process of mixing a soda powder performed , was ordered by his physician to drink soda "water , A box of powders was accordingly obtained from the druggist , and the acid dissolved in one tumbler and the soda in another , as per
direction . With sundry contortions of the face , the acid was turned off , and then the soda poured into his stomach after it . The acid and alkali meeting ia that confined region , and finding it too small for their lively operations , boiled over as a matter of course . The poor fellow thought it was certainly his day of doom when he felt the pother withm him , and found the foam spouting from his mouth aed nose , like bieam from a safety valve . The next -lime-he took a s-jda powder , he was like the Irishman when he caught . » second snake— " He let it alone , "—Baltimore Visitor .
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NATION / 41 ! . CONVENTION . Friday , April 29 . Mr . Duncan in the chair , Mr . Leach Tice chair . Secretary read over the names , and Messrs . Phllp , Lowery , Stall wood , Harrison , Williams , Bartlett , Molr , White , M ' Pherson , Beeslt-y , Woodward , O'Connor , Duncan , Doyle , O'Brien , Campbell , Pitkethly , Ridley , and Roberta were present The minutes were then read and confirmed . Mr . Balreto w reported from the committee for procuring the release of the political prisoners , that in an interview they had with Mr . Duncombe , be had suggested the propriety of waiting on tbe Membero of Parliament for those places where the parties bad been arrested , and that they intended adopting the suggestion .
Mr . Pitkethly reported that he bad waited on Mr . Duncombe respecting the deputation of the working classes being beard at tbe bar of the House of Commons , and that he wished a deputation te wait on him tbe ensuing day at 12 o ' clock , to put him in information if the state of tbe country , that he might give the more urgent reasans for the depution being heard . He had likewise waited on Mr . Mnntz . who was rather crotchety at first , but agreed to support Mr . Dancombe's motion . Mr . C < awford also without hesitation agreed
to snpport it . They had got a lithographic circular which they intended sending to the various M . P ' s wbe miaht be likely to support it He had also waited on Mi . Williams , member for Coventry , who suggested that they sbould embody their vfawa on the release of the political prisoners , in a petition , and that it should be signed by the whole of the Convention , and then procure a deputation of as many members of Parliament as possible to assist them in waiting on the Government authorities . He should himself be very happy to make one .
Mr . O'Bnen moved , and Mr . Pitkethly seconded , that a committee of two persons be appointed to draw up an address for the above ol ject . Carried , and MessrB . Lowery and Baii'stQW were app « nted . Mr . O'Connor reported that , in company with Mr . Moir , he attended a crowded meeting at Dockhead . whicb was chitfiy comp ^ s ^ d of Irishmen . The subject was the Repeal of the Union and the Charter ; and the general feeling among the assembly was that it would be impossible to get a / Repeal of the Union , unlessibey first obtained the Charter . Mr . O Connor then paid a bi « b commitment to Mr . Moir , for tlie able address he delivered at that meeting . Mr . Bairst-w gave in a report of an excellent meeting he had attended , in company with Mebsrs . Stallwood , Campbell , and Mason , at Kensington . Mr . Woedward reported from a meeting he had attended at the Kjs 8 . T rij ; Faliy .
Mr . Bdirstow read a printed address from Leicester , showing the progress of their principles . Mr . Campbell read a public notice , issued by the authorities of Burn ' ey , stating that parties had been wandering about the streets , demanding bread , and that if it was continued , they would subject themselves to the penaUviea of the aw . Mr . Campbell also read a printed copy of a bill , issued by the inhabitants in rt-piy , showing that it was impossible for men quietly to starve , and desiring the authorities to state some means by which the unemployed population might procure a subsistence .
A letter was read from Greenock stating tbeir confidence in tbe Convention and advising that simultaneous meetings should be held ali ever the country , when the fate of the petition should be decided , and that the Convex tion should advise the country as to what othT steps should be tiken to obtain that redress , which , in the evt-nt of tbe rejection of the National Petition , the House wonid bave denied tbem . The letter also stated their determination to stand by the Cbarttr entire , Dame and all , but , at the same time , they hailed with pleasure tbe acknowledgment of their principles being tbe only ones adapted to tbe salvation of tbe nation by the Con f erence at Birmingham , and would earnestly arivise the party to join the eldest organised body—the National Charter association . It was also tbeir opinion , that , if tbe petition was rejected , a remonstrance should be got op , nmnerouaJy signed .
Mr . Morgan Williams read letters from Halifax giving a cheering account of their progress . From Birmingham , stating that the operative cordwainers had joined them in a body . From Abergavenny , Newtown , and other places in Wales , containing an account of signatures , and hkewue money for tho use of the Convention . Not one of the signatures had been rt-ceived without first txplainiig the otj ^ ct of the petition ; also a letter from Gatehouse , in Gallowayshire , stating that tbe farmers in that district had signed the petition and likewise their servants . Extracts from various other letters were read , all giving a cheering account of the progress of the movement , and detailing the distressed condition of the population in their several districts . Petition Sheets were received from the following places : — Signatures . Signatures
Birmingham ... 19 , 0 t 0 Anerpavenny ... G 13 Hackney ... 2 S 3 Shrewsbury ... 2 , 800 Wa ' . ea ... 2 , 000 Exeter ... 3 0 B 0 Tnysyngharad , Halifax GuO near . New- Cantertury ... 1 400 bridge 2 nd Stafford ... 2 , 200 petition ... 800 Keigkley ... 800 Glasgow ... 1 , 600 Dunfermline ... 2 000 Chuney ... 1200 Cuencestvr ... 1 , 400 Burnley ... 2 , 600 Croydon 1 . 800 Hammersmith .. 1 , 600 Potteries 2 600 Abergavenny ... 800 Chatham 1 , 400
Aluvriek ... 800 Leigh 400 D = wsbory ... 2 , 400 Horbury 1 . 400 Derby ... 1 , 800 Pei . zmce 1 , 000 New Galloway . 200 Newport , Isle of Bank Foot , Wight ... 502 Perthshire ... 400 Hatfield 200 Aablurton ... 1 , 200 Ayr 1 , 200 Barnslty ... 6 , 800 Chelsea 600 Potteries ... 2 , 000 Leeds 41 200 Oswald Briste .. 600 Koighley ... 11 , 000 Wolverhampton 3 , 000 Bermondsey ... 5 . 000 Kircudbright .. 000 Lambeth 6 . 600 Newton Steward 8 oo Limehouse ... 3 , 200 Oldham ... 6 , 800
The subject of the deputation to the bar of the House of Commons was then taken into consideration . Mr . Beesley moved , and Mr . O'Brien seconded that the deputation consist cf the whole Convention . — Carried . Several motions and amendments were then proposed relative to the number of persons to be speakers on behalf of the deputation , and the manner in which they were to be chosen ; but they were all ultimately withdrawn , with the fxception of Mr . Piiilp ' s ;—that the speakers should consist of one delegate from each district , and that where a district Bent more than one member , the choice should be decided by Ballot ; and an amendment moved by Mr . Lowery , tkat the Convention bhould ballot for the individuals in lists of five , and that they should epeak according to the rotation decided by the ballot .
Mr . Lowery ' s motion was carried , and the ballot decided in tbe following manner;—Messrs Duncan , Leach , O'Connor , Lowery , O'Brien , Bairstow , M'Douall , Philp , Mason , Moir , Beesley , M'Pherson , Harrison , Doyle , Williams , Stallwood , White , Ridley , Woodward , and Thomason ; the ballot was not farther pros-cuted . A letter ^ ras read from Leeds , stating that tbeir petition had received 41 , 009 signatures , and that many more would be procured . Mr . Stallwood moved , and Mr . M'Pherson seconded that tbe Convention adjourn until the following morning at nine o ' clock , it would be advisable to meet on Saturday , on account ot tbe pressure of business . The motion waa not carried on account of its involvinc an extra txpence , but the members were requested to be punctual in their attendance at the committeeroom on the following morning .
After tbe transaction of other minor business , the Convention adjourned until Monday morning at nine o'cluck . Saturday , April 30 . Every member was at his post fully occupied in makiug preparations for the ensuing Monday . Upwards of 200 , 000 signatures were - received from various districts , and the Petition Committee mu : bt by a superficial observer have been taken for a quantity of journeymen paperhangers , bo immersed were they in reams of paper and paiis of paste . Tbe petition will iudbtd be a gigaiitic monumental record of the grievances of a nation : it will also be an incontrovertible refutation of the charge of violence and physical-force so oftin brought against the Chartist body , tor the fact
of upwards of three millions of human beings petitioning " for that which they are entitled to aa a right , proclaims aloud to every unprejudiced mind that these men must have a deep respect for the laws of their country , that they must be actuated by a high-toned feeling of morality , and must likewise possess in a high degree the virtue ( query ) ef patience , or they would indeed have become the violent men they are taunted with being . Compared with the present the last National Petition shrinks into insignificance , and the committee bave intelligence that thousands of sheets have not yet arrived . In fact , the greater portion of to-morrow , Sunday , will have to be work of for
devoted to this great and holy arranging presentation this mighty though silent and inanimate declaration of a nation ' s will . The agitation committee ¦ was also on this day busily engaged in making preparations for the grand procession of Monday , and from the energy with whicli this committee and the London Provisional Committee have displayed in their arrangements , there is every reason to believe that it will be a demonstration worthy even of the causa it ia . intended to support . Daring this and the precoeding day , an artist of first rate ability haa been actively engaged in making preparations fer the splendid engraving of tha Convention , 4 c .., which in due time will be presented to the readers of the Northern Star , the likenesses of
those members v ? h& have sat to the artist are pronounced by ju'iges to be excellent . Tbe various other committees are actively employed . Indeed this is a busy day with tbe whole of the Metropolitan Cbattiats ; all looking forward with pleasure to the proceedings of Monday .
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MR . ROEBUCK AND HIS CONSTITUENTS . ( From our own Correspondent . J On Wednesday , April 27 th , a public meeting was convened in the large Banquet Room of the Guildhall , Bath , for tiie erpresa purpose of hearing an explan > - tion from Mr . Roebuck , Member fer the city , in regard to his conduct in votiru ; with the Tones for Sir Robert Peel ' s income tax . Many of the middle classes felt much annoyed at such conduct ; and on bearing . that inch waa the ease , Mr . Roebuck resolTtd at once upon calling the present meeting , for the purpose just alluded ta The Editor of the Bath Journal rebuked tbe Hon Member on account of this obnoxious rote , and hence much disapprobation was felt regarding it .
Mr Roebuck's address , which was issued in the early part , of the week , to the electors and non-electors , entreated them to suspend their judgment on his conduct till they had heard a fair explanation from him . Hence the meeting "was looked forward to with much interest by all parties . He was to commence at one o ' clock in the day , and Iou 2 before that time the Epacious room began rapidly to fill , and when the speaking commenced the ro ^ m wits so densely threnged that numbers were jjlad to get avay from the excessive beat . Mr . Roebuck was rectived with great applause . . -
> lr . Wm . Hc . nt , the Iat 9 Mayor , was unanimously appointed to ttie cfiee- of Cliairman . He opened the business in a short speech , by way of txpiaiaing the objret for which the meeting was called . They were convened at the invitation of one of tbeir respected mcrsbSTS , tfho sns desirous of explai :: ine to them his reasons for taking the course he had done in the pi esec > session of Porliamfent . The invitation , to say ihe lean ef it , was highly honourable , and iilustr-t ve of bi « political integrity . ( Cheers . ) He ( vhe Chairman )
• w a-- persaaded that they would receive him in that spirit cf candour , and with that respectful attention "Wiiicb was always due to a member < f Parliament fruw his constituent ? . At the same time , no feeling of re > pect ought to lead them to forget that Mr . Hot-buck tm holding a responsible office . Afu-r making a f = w more remarks on this head , the Chairman said Mr , Ri-ebnck should b « allowed first to make bis explanation uninterrupted ; after that , any gentleman woulo be rt liberty to submit any question to aim , or advance anj arguments to the meeting , ( cheers . )
-nr . Roebvck now came forward and was again received with enthusiastic cheers . He said be had taken en the present occasion a somewhat remarkable course , ¦ which -was almost novel among ns ; bet it was one "Wtich he thought might not be bad as an example . In tb * oiscb&rge of a great public duty , is h ^ pp ^ ns of necessity , that many parties from misapprehension and mis-instrnci on , do not always uedtrstand what has be ^ a done in their name ; and therefore he t » bo acts for the p :-ople ought , on every occasion , for bis own sake as well as for the sake of those for whom be is acritg , to explain to them distunt y what he ban done in their name . It might be that he had done ^ rmni ; arj'i if so , fce c-juld do himsilf no injury , if " really honest , by ititing openly what he had dune , discossine with
it c ^ lmiy aEo f iirly ¦ parties , and theu taiiru tlm e ; w light which had been ufiorded kim by * ucb discussion , act according to the best of his judgu . eut , leaving the ultimate decision with those from -whom he had derived iis power— , ' cheers . ) That was tha course he sbould ta * ke on that occ 3 s on . The objections that hec bteu made to him had come entirely trum his brst frit-ads , ia a spirit so kind , so absolutely arrVciionattha : he hoped s . il weuld beiieve him when lie siid that tbfie "was noiirg in Ms mind but kindness and gra'itude ior those -who had told Lim what they had . He eame tbtre in the spirit of enquiry and perfect ca idour ; and teas aboat to address hisiseif to all partit-s , and io ask Jhem whethrr the lina of conduct he had pursued , deTiated from that lin ? of intei ? i » y which should be of all who the
the ^ rea : attrioute represented people ? and ntxt -wietiier—if having acted accordtg to ku lisbt , he had acted in consonance with the lerhEcs and intertiU cf his constituents ?—ikear , he ; r . i The obj-ction tsian against bis conduct were twofold ; one aruse from personal cwisderstion , and ¦ wfrch he would firs : aUnie to and disiniss 3 ; the other , as is waa a public matter , he would dwell upon more at large . The drsi obj-etion wss thr . i in the pursuit of his profession he had i ^ cn abstnt from the House of Commons . It -sras tree tfci ; he had been absent , but they ssonld regard this orgtctioD as applying privitcly to himself When they elected him , it was well known to every man who gave hi 3 vote tnat hs waa seeking to gain for himsf if an honourable eomprtence by an honourable
profes-Bion . : Cri _ 3 of " Trae , true , " and cheers . ) In the perfect kuowledge cf this , and kaowin ^ the incidents of that prtfsssioa , iacd witliont wticb bo ma : ; could carry it on , / certain necessary absences from L ^ sdon upon the asi zes cf the country , t ^ r-y ( tie electors ) hau cho&en him ^ s one of -their Tt prtsc ^ tativta . The Honourable Member next proceeded to point out the great importance of having in the legislature men yf all sorts of profession . , of whicb one , he ssi 1 , was of mort iiiiponaace to the legislature tiian he wao was to carry the law in-o tffiCt as a lawyer . As a me .-iiber i f that profession , they iud elected him , and he han pursued the couteb which ev- ^ ry one of that distinguished profession had pursued when el ^ cied to sit in Parliament . "Nevfei since the Parliament had sa = tuis
session had there been a nizht , wnen be was in London , thai he load not a : i&sdeU it , and had seh'uui left it befuremidnight , ( Criesof " Dnnouibt ' a motion , " " no , no ; " " while this -was going on , Mr . R . rtspped from the floor or form on which b 9 stood to the table . "); He proceeded next to remark that the psrson 3 -who had Written to Vm in reference to his conduct -were those j to "whom-he if& 3 under tha deepest obligation . ( Cries " ofgivetfee kttera , give tbe names . ") And he did \ not in the least exaggerate when he said that they are i the persons for -whom , in this world , he had almost the \ greatest regard . He dismissed this matter bj saying j that they ( the ekctors ) knsw -what they were about ;
"when they elected him ; that they bad got the consequences , and ma ? t put up with them . ( Cheers , and laughter . ) The Honourable and Learned G-nSltniin next applied himself to -w ' oat he called tha more im- ; portact part of the business—a justification of his ' conduct in the House of Commons during the present j session . He had bees ene -who allowed , and very proi « rly ' allowed Sir Robert Petl time to consider and mature his j plans . But he did not entertain the useless hope ; that with tbe present House of Commons , they should have a liberal Administration . He had , therefore , said to himself , it is now his duty to make the beat of the bad , and to get all the good be con d , out of . the present cirenmstsnees . for the people —( slight cheering . ; The Prime Minister had said . "I am come newly
into my seat ; I desire time to look around me , and I hops that time ¦ will be granted , so that I may have tim ^ ' . to do tba best in my power . " He ( Mr . R . ; siid that ' was a j T ost demand , and that he would be no pariy to the curtailing him of that whicli he asked for— ¦¦ a mely . time to perfect his measures . In so acting , Le ( ttJ speaker ) had giTen effence ; but if the people cs . lmly Consid-. Ted and Ldrly estimated -what -was the position of Sir Robert P <* e ] , they would net blame him ( Mr . RoebacS ,. He thought it to be his duty to give tti Prime ilinister a clear stage , though he had no favour for ninisi- ' J—daughter and cheers . ) To the first proposition cf the Right Hon . Baronet ( his alteration of the Corn Laws ) he fead giTen his most ardent , vehement opposition . In bo doing , be supposed he had given
no ofikne-e to bis constituents—daughter . ) They desired free trade in the firtt great necessary of life ; and he sincerely believed that he represented not merely the majority of those who voted for him at the isit election , but the majority of these of the noa-fcl-.-ctore of tlut city , "wtien he Btepped . somewhat onward ia the Hiuiwh of liberality , and demanded a perfect free trade in cons— ¦ : cheers . ) He didn't think he had givers offence in that . He came cext to tha finsjicU uiea ^ ure ^ of Sir Robert Tcsl They wera to consider the circumstances in whicli he was placed , and then to ask themselves the question whether the ci .-n- ~ . ut ; be had pursued waa not honest , wise , an 1 jn = t ? Tp-ro was a dfc 2 dency in ttw revenue amounting to four millions admitted by all parties . Sir Riiert said it must
be paid , and it was assented toby the be ^ ch oppo .- ^ ite . He ( Mr . R . } ohjscied ta that , and said it 0 L-gat t j bs s&rei—hear , and cheers );—but so useless wso his proposition , so thoroughly unsupported on bo ' . ii sidts of tee house that be wis totally ur ^ . -jla to g ^ ,: mure than that patitnt soit of a bearing - » h- " cii it was sametimts , or slmost always , his fate to gtt in that Hviite , and for winch lie wes much obliged to it . It "wo-j-d hive been useless in his QiTidir . 5 the H-Dse , as he shculi cot bave been supported by more than a tkz-n persons . The Hoc . Gentleman said he was dtsirous of speaking of the late a-ministration in tLe kind- st way ; bi . - objret was to win r ' riends , to conciliate - ^ -miTS , and to d » a-c-ay with miseor . c-ptior . He pointed out the inadequacy of the measures of Lord Joan Rns ~ = U to
mate no for the densiency in the revenue . They were obliged to p-y tie debt , ani Sir Robe t prop-s = d ta do two thines ; first , he would tax pro ^ rr ^ snd iccome ,. and so relieve ths commercial ir fer- - su of * = ha country He accepted that proposition— , ch-:-rs niiEgled withhi * si- > S . ) He objected to extravagant expenditure ; but thongh he did , he was not lUt ^ ned to ; therefore , he did the second bsst thing—and advised to pay it tbe least cost to the ptop' . e , which was to pay the moaev directly and not by loan , fer that w ^ 3 the worst of all possible modes of relief : it was like a man who , seeingbankrnptcy at the end of the year , went on borrowing at last
all the twelvemonth : bankruptcy must come tenfold mora Gisastron- bj being thus pnt off . Very well , we were agreed that it should be paid 2 * ow , Sir Robert Peel proposed to pay it in two waysby 2 tax on fixed property , and by a tax on income . He ( Mr . R ) agreed to that proposition , upon this condition : fixed property was cf more valne than fluctuating property ; regulate your tax with regard to this drcu-Bstaace , and it will then be an honest , a just , and a straigbtf orward ¦ proceeding— ( . chesrs . j He would give his hnmbie meed of praise to the Rigi-t Hon . Ghentlejnan , as having done it boldly and hc-n&st 3 \ -. His Mends behind him did not at all . relish it—ilspiihter . j
The speaker wert on to justify the line of p-Oicy pursned by Sir Robert Peel , and said he felt tte iLSuence of the age ; time , with all its eoncurrtEt cirea-ii ^ tines ? , yr&s pressing upon his mind . He wl 3 Te ? iK nubVe ; and the responsibility pressirg on him , a clfc-. r-cii ; btid , sagacious man . he saw that he was really dci :: g the best for his own party and for ev-rvfcodj else—cnes of " Is be bonfest ?") He ( the speak-1 } cc-ulil r ^ t ^ " m- into men ' s minds . AH he could do was to t- ke things as they come , and to judge of individual a . t , — -cL ^ rs . > It toi foi One aioae to dive ioto the human Lsait , He
Untitled Article
fi THE NORTHERN STAR .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 7, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct889/page/6/
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