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Northern Star (1837-1852), 6th May 1848, Edition 2 of 3, Page 6, Ma t Da.1—Tub Gagging Acr—Thb ' TazrutA-...

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    • IrdtUtfc. ItofitllfO-
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      The Middle Class Movement. Birmingham. —...

      Tt & ns , said that he bad a ways been ra i eHing things by their r . ght iwses . wfl « fettnat th ° J- Xre ? r esenSso f the people ( as Oro moM . then the reprw ^ f c _ _ we te JS _ T £ S mned tJiTgovernmene for taring thieves , np cona . « having been fright" ^ W 5 n ? « H ? SWch Va-d ) he bad " ^ A ^ £ J > and f , « a . Thereafter the STJnSSSrent 00 to show thepolicyand « p » ___ J of the people not being too ultra on either the fSlor tbeotker . He had no objection , be sa . d , ^ Universal Suffrage . himself ; he saw no ' Objection vbaterer to it , providing they could get the Ballot with it ; without it there would be all sorts of bribery and interference . Sow ( continued the hon . gentleman , ) can you , as the people , get the Quarter without tbe conssnt of people in otherlplacts ? ion ^

      all remember seeing in the papers aa account of a Beating of members of parliament to take into con-Rderation certain reforms for which there was just Swanagiotion in the country . At that meeting aUthc bearings of tbe question were discussed , and after a lone and reasonable discussion it was thought better to take no steps whatever m the matter until * ffer Mr O'Connor ' s motion . Tbey did not wish the IKSbJictQ Sift that they were divided on it ; but the & ct was , that of those who were preset at the meeting to which he was referring four-Qfths would iave voted against Universal Suffrage . -now he put it to them whether they were prepared , by pera-sting in their demand for the suffrage , to give up the support of tbe one hundred members of parliament who weald , tinder the circumstance « , go with them ? Household with

      { Hear ) A very extended Suffrage , the Ballot , Tiisnnial Parliaments , and El ctoral Districts , would give them such power that nothing would prevent their getting Universal Suffrage if they required it . H * deprecated tbe spirit that eeemed to actuate some Chartists who degired all or cone ; it itemed to him ( he said ) like the man who wouldn ' t go to the top of a church until he could jump ap it . For his part he was as extreme a radical as anybody , and always h & d been ; but be should Eke to know what that party ever got of them . selves , but , when they were joined together as tfcey did in the political union , they made a great demoaitntion , and , if they did not get all , they got a great < 2 eal . At the present time the distress in the country was becoming unbearable . He admitted tas . t

      ihe suffrage , per n , would not mend tho condition or tbe people , but it would give them the power of enforcing theadoptioa of such measures as wonld make shea happy . ( Hear , hear . ) His counsel , therefore , was for the middle and working classes to unite together in one solemn bond of niiion , and they would obtain a large proportion of that whieh they were seeking to obtain . ( Hear , hear . ) In bis opinion , those entertaining extreme opinions were bound to Hake a slight sacrifice in order to obtain Household Suffrage ; then it weu'd ba impossible for any govern-Eient to withhold a more extended reform , if the people required it . For his own part , he bad always relitd on the mass of the peeple in his elections , and eo he had told the House of Commons .

      Mr Schdlsfiei , d , M . P ., who was received with enthusiastie cheering , rose to address the meeting . Ho remarked , they knew the esteat of his views upon fee soffrage qusstion ; tbey knew that he sincere ]) aud deliberated advocated the principle involved in the term Universal Suffrage ; and to that prieeiple ha now as strongly adhered as he had ever done , and more si . He had , however , signed the declaration in favour of the movement for Household Suffrage that he miebt join in that movement , which , he believed would stir England from end to end .

      Mr G . R . Dawsos , M-A ., said the wishes oi the workise classes are well known ; the Charier defines them simnly and clearlr . The question is , aro the middle classes prepared to go that length ? I think they are not . What is to be done ? Are the two dashes to be regarded as cmtractinj parties , who must each mike concessions , er are the working classes to ir . sist upon the whele demand ? Can yon pet tbe Charter if the middle classes da not join ? Will they join ? If not , what will you do ? Will you re c use a part bscame you cannot get the whole ? lo those workinc men who , though Chartists , are willing to join the household movement , I would say — - Be not deterred by so doing by what may be said . Moral courage is never more seen than in doing tight when it may be called wrong . ' Many Chartists feel tbat ther cannot demand lese than tbe Charter .

      So be it ; bat let others who feel they can , without ino insistency , join a household movement , at once dos . ( Immensecbeering . ) Mr Joseph Stuhge next addressed tbe meeting . He expressed his delight at feeing so large and so harmonious a meeting , and his _ hopefulness that if they could only obtain their object they would not quarrel about the name by which it was called . It ¦ was he knsw their duty to advocate f quality of political rights , but be did implore them , if they could not agree upon all points , not to disagree upen details . H * trusted tbey would lcok up ^ n thoae who did not so the whfle way as agreeing w ' . t ' a them , and joining in going a certain distance , as far as they COtfd now see their way . But he thought his friend HrDiwgsnwasrathertonsanguine about the matter , aad be ( Mr Spurge ) should prefer going for the great principle . ( Cheers . )

      Mr J . Masjs , a Chartist , said tbat his friends , seme of them who had spoken , had been more candid than he had expscted , and ha expressed his desire to know what household suffrage meant . He did nottbink that the Chartists were fanatics . He had been a Chartist for years , but no fanatic . He pas fflie , too , who never called other persons by hard names ; and be thought they should not look back Opon tbe errors of the Chartists , or it might rake up Other unp'easant reminiscen ces . He would ? ay to time wh . 9 ware for obtaining household suffrage , ' G « en . and get as much ss you can , ' and let the universal suffragists assist them where they could . But he called npon them as men of principlo to recollect , teat when that bill for erantiag household suffrage vent into the houses of parliament , there would be amendment upon amesdment , until the promoters of tbe bill would find that tbe one pas = ed was not the

      eae they wished for . ( Hear . ) They ( the complete scfiVase party ) had declared their principles ; they CdUQtCOTupkiu of the exertions of those who did Sot go qoite so far , but he wauld rather say let them get as much as they conld . That declaration had been signed by men of both parties , both working men and middle class men , which showed there was S mutual desire to co-operate . Mr Mason then went en to remind tbe meeting that in a co-operation of the middle and workio ; clas-es there was much to be forgiven and forgotten ; and urged tbat they should ratfeer nnitedly take their st & nd on tbe prinsipl e of universal suffrage than on the accommodating expedient household suffrage , » , t tke same time reminding the meeting ef tbe fact , tbat the men of Birmingham were now being led by men wh . 5 would cause tlrm to work out their object by peaceable and legitimate means , and no other .

      Mr O'Neill suggested that it would be better to ssk distinctly what was the nature of this household suffra £ e , ' to which reference had been made that day . Mr Muntz M . P ., replied that , at present , there had beennothiag definitive settled by the new Liberal party in reference to the extension of tbe suffrage , Ba had { he said ) before told them tbat there were a CETtnin UURlbSV Of liberal members who had agreed to endeavour to obtain an ' Extension of tho Suff rage , Vote by Ballot , Triennial Parliaments , and Electoral Districts . '

      Mr Hill , a ChartV , considered the question put by Mr O'Neill in reft rence to the fall meaning of the words , ' household suffrage' as very proper , more especially as they should rightly understand the question before the meeting of Wednesday , prior to which he contended the parties who called the meeting ought to define precisely what improvements they were going for . The meeting broke up witkouS tneadoplioa of any resolution whatever . Radical Meeting . is Makchesteb . —A numerous and enthusiastic meeting was held on Monday night in the Corn Exchange , Manchester , in favour of Parliamentary raform and a reduction ef taxation . Between 2 , 000 and 3 . 000 people were present ; and

      the chair was taken by Mr John Brooks , late member of the Anti-corn Law L ? ague council , and the unsuccessful candidate at the late election f <» r the representation of Bilton . He declared himsdf favourable to nnive-sal Suffrage , and , indeed , to the whole six points of tbe Charter ; but he was willing to go for Bomethin ? less , because he wanted to rally round this movement all the strength he could get out of doors , and then he would do battle with the parliament ranch mora effectually . He was firmly convinced that the same amount of perseverance and determination that abnlished the Corn Laws would obtain Parliamentary Reform . There was , he said , no town in England in point of intelligence more fit lo have Universal SaSrage than Manchester . The working classes of this city possessed a great deal of good

      common sense , for which they were indebted chiefly to mechanics' and such like institutions . Id many towns h'inseh'ild suffrage would do very wdi , but in ianre tawns like Manchester , Univer .-al Suffrage would do much bstrer . ( Cheers . ) But , thorough Chartist as he was , he was willing , for the present , to gosimp ' y for those reformssought by Messrs Cobden , ilumei and others . The other principal speakers warf Messrs J . C . Dyer . A . Prettice , A . Ileywood , and Henry Vincent ; and resolutions were passed declaring that the present House of Couimon ? , by ita rerent decision on taxation and expenditure , hss forfeited the confidence of the people ; that tranquillity cinnof exist until the industrious clas-esare relieved from their oppressive burdens , and properly is made ta contribute its jutf proportion of the taxes ; and that in crder to counteract the ruinous effect of

      pauperise and crime conseqieit upon tne extravagance and imbecility of aristocratic government ? , a further measure of reform , consisting of a wide Extension of the Fiance , Equal Electoral Districts , Vote by Ballot , Shorter Duration of Parliament , and No Proprfy Q-ialiScatk-n for Members , is imperatively d manded to mtet the exigencies of the times . — Mines .

      The Middle Class Movement. Birmingham. —...

      THE NATIONAL PETITION AND MR O'CONNOR . BXTSACt FSOH COLOHIL TH 9 Sir 30 K ' s SETTER TO HIS mrrp MATTflNAT . PETTTTfltt AND MR

      COS 6 TITDENTB . Oa Thursday , the 13 th , the principal incidents were connected with tbe Special Report on the Petition for ' Universal Suffrage , & c . ' The Committee on Public Petitions stated themselves to have discovered , that the number of signatures was only one million nine hundred and seventv-five thousand four hundred and ninety . fiix . Thit od num erous and consecutive sheets the signatures are in one aud the same handwriting . Tbat the names of distinguished individuals occur in it , who cmnot be supposed to have concured in its prayer . That there were names obviouslv altogether fictitious . And that there were words and p hrases written in form of signatures , whioh decency prevents from being reported .

      All this looks as if there bad been a good deal of neilect somewhere ; for everybody knew tbat facts of this nature would damage a petition , and therefore somebody should have looked to hindering it . The best advice tbat can be given to the petitioBQtg , is . tbat it should not happen another time . Meanwhile the allegations must be reduced to their real value . It was stated in the house , that the name of the Duke of Wellington appeared written sixteen or seventeen times ; which is tantamount to observing ,

      tbat in one petition with a hundred thousand names , or in one out of a hundred petitions with a thousand namea , which is vastly more than the average number to a petition , the name of the Duke of Wellington was found to be inserted once b y way of Joke . The same may be said of the fictitious signatures and tbe indecent . It is plain that no single instance of this kind would be held to vitiate a petition with five hundred or a thousand names ; though it might be made a handle of against thn member who presented it , I have seen indications of a like facetious

      spirit m petitions put into rsy hands ; but should have thought my self an egregious ass if I nad allowed tbese tares of an enemy's sowing to ictarfere with the honest object of the body of petitioners , la the present case , the charge of personal carelessness is only formal ; for by the shewing of the cemmit'ee it would have taken the member for Nottingba . ii three weeks , working twelve hours & day , and resting on Sundays , to examine the names himself . Nothing can be plainer than , that tha things complained of were in tbg siaia tbe work of enemies and not of friends . It is folly to go before tbo millions with nonsense on such a subject . For example , it has been stated , tbat in one part of tbe petition was found written , ' We could not get paid for any more ; ' and

      there were innocents who lifted up their hands in amaze at tbe depravity of the unrepresented classes . The most serious part of the charge , is that of sheeta of names being written in one band , It Is a thing that has often been heard of before ; and it would be desirable to knsw how many sheets , and whether the names thus suspiciously added , made one in a thousand , or one in ten thousand of the whole . I siy * suspiciously / because where men of limited habits of writing are concerned , the proaf of fraudulent intention is not absolute . Nothing might more easily happen than that the inmates of a given faotoiy or neighbourhood , should invite the best writer among them to write their names as the readiest way . Soldiers in signing their regimental accounts ,

      have a tendency to fhe saae kind of thing , which it requires positive exertion to prevent . The petitioners , or some of them acknowledged that the thing was done , bnt not in fraud . At the same time there is ne denying tbat it most sot happen again . It was charged , that among the signatures are those of women . There is no legal objection to women signing ; nor any objection at all , except that if not noticed it may affect the estimate of the relative strength of the petitioners . In the actual case , the charge ends ia the notable discovery , that every twelfth name was a woman's . Violent attempts were made to fasten a charge on the Member for Nottingham , for having described his petition assigned by five millions , when it turned out to be signed by enly tw » millions . Now every

      man in his heart knows , tbat this in the main is only cant ; though it is undeniable that accuracy of statement is always desirable , and that a man risks giving an advantage to his enemies by not attending to it . Principals make their statements upon the i nformation of subordinates , and npon tbe information of subordinates there is little to be said , but that it is almost always wrong . There is scarcely a public meeting on an apita'ing subject , where tbe numbers are not doubled by the reports on one side , and halved by the other ; and if a member of parliament were to be taken to task , for having stated the numbersof a meeting he never counted , according to the estimate in his own party ' s journals , he would be in something likethe position of the member for Nottingham os this part of the case .

      All this was followed by a scene , of which the public journals may be referred to for the facts , and tbe tendency Of which may be considered as being 8 ignal y to increase the influence and numbers of those who may be in a dangerous state of discontent . Bom in s society which does not recegniaethe duello , and only fights at the command of the civil magistrate , it can be no desire cf mine to meddle unnecessarily with such subjects . But , familiar as I must inevitably have been with every existing opinion , I see no objection to saying , that under no code on earth would the conduct of the member for Nottingham be considered as anything but the nrost eminently proper , and that nothing would have justified him ib carrying bis resentment beyond the opportunity for condonation .

      On the whole , the attack upon the petition is what is technically termed ' a msre ' s nest ; ' the fallacy lying , in collecting the deaf nuts out of a shipload , and parading them as if they came out of a gallon . After every conceivable deduction , it is clearly the petition of a million and three quarters of earnest men ; and nobsdy will be the better for the way in which it has been treated .

      I am , sir , your obedient servant , T . Perbohbt Thomfsos B ; aekheath , London , April 19 .

      National Petition And Mr The London Kepa...

      « «¦ <¦ m a n May 6 , 1848 . THE NORTHERN STAR . ¦ :,.,, ———6 , .. ,, .,-m , » . m » mi ymw-nsHMm " ^ t " > ' - * ' ™"" T ^ . ¦¦ s = ^ ==- 'H WtggSggg =-- — -- — I I 1

      »———Conciliation! John O'Connell's Impud...

      »———CONCILIATION ! JOHN O'CONNELL'S IMPUDENCE . At a meeting of the Davis Club , Dean-street , Soho , on Monday week , Mr O'Mahoney , the chairman , stated that Mr John O'Connell having made a statement in the House of Commons tbat there were not 2 . 000 Irishmen present at the late demonstration on Kennington Common , he ( the chairman ) had been instructed to write to Mr O'Connell to know from what autbority he had the information . He had dene so , and he had received the following very respectful answer : — Corn Exchange Booms , 20 th April , 1848 . Sib , —I am directed by Mr John O'Connell to eay , in answer to your letter of the 17 th iuet ., tha ' , without meanine you any personal discourtesy , he utterly refuses to acknowledge your claims to demand explanation of him with regard to what he said in the House of Commons of the good sense , right feeling , and true patriotism of hie and your fellow countrymen in London ,

      I h & ve the honour to he , sir , Tour obedient servant , Jons Qoioisr . To Mr T . ( yMatoney , 12 , Cleveland-street , Fitzroy square . ( The reading of this letter waa received with a tor rent of biases and groans . )

      Beware Of Spies! Recently A Public Meeti...

      BEWARE OF SPIES ! Recently a public meeting was holdenin the Royal Subscription Rooms , Exeter , when Mr Wilkinson delivered an account of his stewardship in the Convention , and was elected to sit in the National Assembly . One of the Exeter Chartists writea as follows : — * The next morning one of our bills ( which was left on the table of the place of meeting ) , was brought to the major of the city . On the back of the bill the following words had been written : —* Our rights or murder , ' 'Death rather than submit , ' * Bloody Qitfen and Ministers , ' 'Down with the Queen . '

      The editor of the Exeteb and Plymouth GizsTiE , having inserted the above , and charged the Chartists with writing them , Mr Wilkinson applied to tbe mayor , who h 'ard tha case . The further hearing was postponed . I have little doubt but we will be able to find out the party who has written these sentiments , and he is one of the moat violent opponeats Chartism has in this city . I hope we maysuecetd , as it will be a means of convincing many of the treachery need , and , no doubt , show tbe people how we are maligned .

      Louis Blakc.—My First Eight Of Louis B'A...

      Louis Blakc . —My first eight of Louis B ' anc was at thePalsce of the Luxembourg . 'Voila la petite !' faid a Frenchman near me , as heentered fie is , inded , a . little man , _ with a great distingue—a pigmy of price—a dwarf in body , buta giant in mind . He stands hardly four feet in height . Dis air , ( oa , is extremely youthful , wifhhis smooth , fair , hairh es face , and his neat , slim , little figure . Although he approaches the manhood of forty , he might easily be mistaken for a boy of eighteen . Although he Las a stern strength about him , it might be supposed from his first appearance that he was weak and effeminate . He entered , however , as one of the Provisional Go . vernment of the Republic of France , to deliver ad

      drtsses to assemblies of working men and masters , coil cted together by him , in his function of President of the Commission for the Government of tbe Workmen , to consult and decide on a idan for the organisation of industry . Uo sp-ke , and tbe working-men were melted t «> tears , and even the masters were moved . His tones were soft and sbowtry , or earnest snd energetic . With bis liit ' e figure buttoned up tight ia a blue coat with gilt buttons , there he stood , mounted up , evidently awakeninp , convincing , deciding , with modulated voice and expressive action . There he stood , though so email , not the least of the great men who now rule over the destinies of the France . of the Third Revolution . — Twit ' s Magazine '

      The London Kepaalebs .. It Is Rumoured T...

      THE LONDON KEPaALEBS .. It is rumoured that infermatlone have been sworn to against some of tbe leaders of tbe Confederates in this metropolis . I should not mention ^ hit upon mere hearsay , bat that ills generally spoken of with confidence , at all avents it will have to be seen wbether . or notthoy will be proceeded with . The Old Irelanders seem somewhat emboldened by the letter of the ' leader' to the Earl of Clarendon ; but with ail their boasting , they do not show forth , well knowing : that they have not tfce good sense , right feeling , and true patriotism of the great majority of their fellow countrymen with them . There will scarcely be a district in London , but will , in a short time , hare its Confederate club . For the conduct of the * leader ' of late blowing hot and cold with tbe lame brea b , has filled the expatriated sons of Erin bera with disgust . For Courage , Forgiveness , s . nd Fraternity must be the watchword . == THE LONDON EEPBALERS -

      The / allowing' extract on the Rights of Labour is from the United Ibisusun of Saturday last . Repealers and Chartists , read and think on it—and fraternise . ' The great Irish aider apd abettor of these English plunderers was one Daniel O'Connell , throughout his life the upholder ot middle class rule in all Its phases ) , crimes , husterfet , and hypocrisies , and on all occasions the mortal enemy of ths Irish working man , tiller and artificer . His was tho principal agency by which trades unions and combination of workmen were broken in Ireland , and labour left naked and unarmed to the mercy of capital . He upheld landlordism , and held down the working farmer to the utmost of his power . '

      BRAVO John Mitchei ,, Be honest and fear aot . CtJBBAH CoHFEDEBATE CtUB . — . The UgUSi ffflellly meeting of this club , was held on Sunday evening list , at the Green Han , Berwick-street . Mr John Ringrose was called te the cbair . Among tho company present we observed Mr John Savage of Uarvlebone , who paid great attention to the proceedings of the evening . Several articles were read from tha Nation aad United Ibishmav , which were loudly agplauded , as was also tho article , the Death of Uberty , from the Northern Stab . Tbe Chairman oa opening the business of tbe meeting , read the correspondence of Lord Palmerstoa and the Bake ef Sotomojor , upon which he ably commented , and said ho trusted that tbe hint given to Lord Palmerstoa regarding Ireland , would not be lost on that gentleman . —Mr T . Reynolds , in a well directed and able

      speech , moved the following resolution : — ' That , while we , aa Britisb subject ., possessing- tha rights to di » CUB 9 the merits and constquences to society from the effects of bad laws , or the mal-administratlon of good ones , shall not at any of our meetings , make use of licentious and Inflammatory language in debate ; and we farther declare , that to repair and build up the political insti tutlons of our country , shall be the motto of this socloty , and tbe attainment of these objects shall be sought for only through the msdiura of our Queen , Lords , and Commons . ' The speaker went on to say that nothing was to be gained by using Inflammatory language , for the cause which they hod all at heart could not in the least be benefited by any of its leaders in London becoming subject to tho Sagging Bill . Already the landlord of the house had received notice ,

      that if violent languags was had resort to , that he would be compelled to close the roem against them , he knew it was far from his wish to do so . Ho most cordially moved the resolution amidst loud cheers . — Mr Patriek Healey , in seconding the resolution , said that the position of Irishmen in this metropolis was widely different from that of their bre thren In Ireland ; they ought to bo careful ia what they said as tbe innocent would be made toswffir for tho guilty , they would find If such conduct was persisted in , that their countryman would be discharged from their employment . Ha thought it was the bennden duty of his COUUtrymeD , in this metropolis , to prevent tjich a state of things takin ? place , it was with these feelings that ho seconded the resolution . —Mr Arthur Walker Hyde ( of Castle Hyde , Cork ) , In supporting tho resolution read the speech of

      Mr FeargUB O Cjnnor , of the 22 nd ult , in the House of Commons , against the Whig Illustrated Treason Aefc , from tha Nobtheen Stab , and said he fer one fully agreed with the policy of tbat gentleman . He believed he waa perfectly right , having got tbe middle classes oa the hip not to let go the grip . He ( Mr Hydo ) bad alwaje supported a union of the oppressed of both England and his native land , and for so doing he had been driven from the ranks of the former agitation by tn « despots of Conciliation Hall ; and , although the mWdle classes had deceived the working classes at the time of the Reform Bill , he thought their assistance at the present time was highly valuable , and all differences ought to be buried In oblivion . He for one believed that the Gagging Act was already a dead letter , but , at the same time , they ought to be careful not to give the Algerlnes an opportunity to fasten their talons npon them ; he could take the former speeches of the Whigs , when seeking power , and read passages from them more fall of todltlon than any he or they could make ; the Infernal Act could be Invaded by

      reading passages from Otway , Shakespeare , end other authors , which would have as great an effect ao any speech he could make ; there must be union , for by union , tho government would be compelled to recede , to male w . y fori etttr men . Mr Hyde ti o 1 ce iciuded by reading several extracts from Michelot ' s History of the French Revolution , regarding tbe position of the working classes of England , and sat down Amidst loud applause . —Mr E . Glass , on supporting the resolution , called most emphatically upon all present to support the De « fence Fund for the Irish patriots . He denounced the cx-offitios of the Catholio Irish Attorney-General ; that policy bad not been had resort to since the * Bottle Conspiracy . ' There must ba a union of the peopla , for not only was Irish , but Eaglieh liberty in danger ; one false step might place the rights and liberties of the people in jeopardy . He agreed with t he last speaker , that though they were ready to join with the middle classes , tbey must not rest satisfied until Ireland had parliamentary Independence , aud England the Caarter . ( Cheers . )

      Mr M'Cabthv said , that he for one was determined to puHua the same course as ho had hitherto done ; tho Gagging Bill had no terrors for him . Mr M'Carthy was vroceeding to addrssa the meeting in this strain when he was called to order by the chairman . The resolution was carried nem . con . The following resolution was then moved and seconded — « That for the better security of the landlord of this house , aad also for the legal existence of this club , uo stranger or member shall be allowed to address the meeting without first having permission of the chairman for the time being . The resolution was carried nem . con . Several persons having paid to the Confederation and the Dc-fenco Fund , the meeting then adjourned to Sun . day evening next .

      THB BoittST John Lawless Club . —A crowded meeting of this club was held on Monday evening , at the Working Man ' s Temperance Hall , Carteret-street , West , minster . Mr T . R . Reading waa unanimously called to the chair , who opened the business of the meeting by reading the speech of Mr F . O'Connor against the Gag . glng Bill in the HoufO of Commons , on the 22 ad ult ., and also an article from the Nobtbebn Stae , called , A Roland for an Oliver , ' which was received with deafening cheers . The chairman then proceeded to explain the present position of Ireland , and strongly recommended union amongst Irishmen , and passed an high eulogy on the determination of Mr O'Connor , which was loudly cheered—MrMjles M'Sweeney then read several extracts from the Irish journals , and addressed the meeting at great length upon observing peace , law , and order at

      tbe present critical period , and that Irishmen ought to bury their petty differencts In oblivion , and unite for the regeneration of their native land . —Mr Daniel Walford addressed the mealing nt groat length upon the ru ' n entailed not only on Ireland , but England , by the Act of Union , and said , that it ought to be looked at and argued by Bngllshm en as a labour question . The English manufacturers had availed themselves of tbat aot to reduce the wages of the English artisan . If Irishmen were engaged at home Englishmen would have morefiul . plojment and be betttr paid for it . Mr Walford then proceeded to read several extracts from a Chartist clrcular , showing the state of Ireland before and after the Union ; and that , instead of a drain , as at present , from tbat country of ; £ 22 , 400 , 000 , that a resumption of her parliament would en aura to that soa . girt kingdoai an n *

      p : nditureof £ 22 000 , 000 ; and tbat tbe only drain on her msonrcrs would be the net absentees' rents , namely , £ 1 , 500 , 000 , so long as tbe receivers prefer paying 5 i . in pound rather than one in their own country , which produces to them tbeir wealth , —a preference which it is probable every year of the rising protptil ' . y of Irel & ud will rapidly diminish , until that disgrace be totally removed . Mr W . was , during his speech , loudly cheered . —Mr R . Hussey ( Curran Club , ) on being introduced by the chairman , was received with deafening cheers . Ha said he could not do bfetter than to read tbe speech of Mr W . S . O ' Brien , at Limerick , which was then read , and lonaly cheered , Iu referring to tho Gagging Act , he said , that the last plank of tfce constitution had been turned up and nailed on the edge , and had betn made a jumping board forSir G . Grey . Lord John Russpll the most contemptible minister that ever existed , would find him .

      self in the wrong box , by attempting to stifle the opinion of the starving oppressed people of Ireland . Was it to bo borne ?—was Ireland to He quiet under this bill ?— was sh ^ to be committed to the ravages of another famine fwere Irish mothers to eat tbe fl -sh of their children » He said a thousand times no ! Waa Ireland to remain a fee farm for the relatives of tho Whig place-hunters ?—would ti > e government be allowed to create a bloody re . volution in bis native land f—were Inland ' s haders to be crUBbtd fej the ex-officios of a Catholic Attorney-Generan If they wire determined that these things should not continue , let them rally for Ireland and agitato In a voice not to be mistaken by tho imbecile Whigs . ( Loud cheers . ) Several other persons having addressed the meeting , and others having paid their subscriptions . A vote of thanks was passed to tho chairman , and tho meeting was adjourned to Wednesday , the 10 th lost .

      The Davis Clou . —Lnr

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      IrdtUtfc . ItofitllfO-

      Ma T Da.1—Tub Gagging Acr—Thb ' Tazruta-...

      Ma t Da . 1—Tub Gagging Acr—Thb ' TazrutA-cuKe?—C babiism—Tub Wbatheb amd tbe Coops . Dublin , May 1 st , 1618 . May-moralng , bright and sunny , once more shines on ou r anfortunote land , » nd finds her , not onlystUl ' a camp of slaves , ' but more trampled , insulted , and gag < ed' than ever . May-morning comes agoin , with its fl , wers aud vernal and blushing beauty , but under the clewing beams of tbat warm vernal sub , thousands of Irishmen and Irishwomen Uo down despairingly to die . Ma y-day usually found tha peasantry of Ireland merry and good- humoured . This May -morning breaks upon a famished , dying people , and an insulted , degraded , aad miserable land .

      When will this end 1 Must we never have anything cheering to say to Ireland ? Will Irishmen still be slaves and drones ! Will coercion and 'Gagging ' enactments still crush Irish snergy , nnd bind Irish arms like those of malefaetsrs on tbe scaffold ! Oh , Ireland 1 Ireland ! dost thou still slumber ? Irishmen , do you say tbat you are content to lick the band of your tyrants for ever ! or do you not rather Bffear that another May morning shall never dawn on Ireland in fetters ? The'Gagging * Aot ie the law of the land . People now must not even speak of what burns within them . Irishmen must not only hang their hands by their sides , but tbey must even watch the wagging of their tongues , and in scrip ture language , « £ eep . a gate of prudenoo

      , before their lips- ' Tbe scotched snake may wriggle ; the wounded tlgar may howl forth his sense ei pain an € injury ; the wretched Irishmen , alono , must writhe , and pine , and die , without even the privilege of accusing his tormentors , or invoking theve & gesnee of God or men on those who have made faim an outeaot and a slave in his own green , and beautiful , and fertile land . Oh I Ireland . ' Ireland . ' what a fate is thine . Men of Erin , will you , can you , submit to these uew , and b itter , nnd blasting indignities ? It oannotbe . There is one , at all events , who swears th « t the Saxon shall not bind his tongue , that gjvcS and pen & l enactments shall never control his pen . We bdieve him . John Hitchel is the man I mean . Had we a dozen of Irishmen like tbat

      bold Ulster Presbyterian , the new Gagging Law would bo only a subject for ridicule—a mere scarecrow in Ireland . There are little news in Ireland at present . It must be confessed that there is a temporary lull to that glorious whirlwind of agitation , wbichawepttheland evmone short week ago . This cannot be denied . But the elr . cumstance is easily accounted for . The grand tnovo . ment making by tho Repeal Association & n d tha Catho . lie elergy for a final appeal to the Queen , In Ireland ' s r- 'gard , contrl & atea greatly to this temporary cessation . The pending trials of the Repeal Conspirators , too , have considerable share In the matter ; aud with pain be it spoken , the'leaders' of the new agitation , as well as the demagogues of the Old SflllOOl , fleeffl SOmcVfhat panic-stricken at the new fetters of Sir George Grej ' a manufacture . Bat till will pass . Iraland , though seemingly disposed to doze a moment , has no notion of falling asleep again . She will ' wike up' in a week or two . Oh , no 1 a nation will be redeemed , and an independent people shall remember 1818 .

      As the Northeen Stab extracts so much from tk » Irish papers of late , it is unnecessary for me to detail mere ' news . ' But I will say that we are on the eve of something great and grand , or terrible and sorrowful , in Ireland . Thousands think thtre will not be any necessity for patting our newly manufactured pikes into re . ouisltion at all , for ( say thty ) the day is not far distant when England must become embroiled iu foreign con test , and then she will be glad to fling Ireland off her trident , nnd let the Irish govern their own land or pitch her to Hell or Connaught ! This is my opinion too , There is nothing very particularly stirring In Ireland . The pike-making still thrives in town and country ; and though thpy are prosecuting young men all over the island for rifle shooting , still the ' practice' is continued , aud the best back-woodsmon of them all—even old ' Hawk-eve * himself—need cot aneer at the skill of thousands ef our yoang Irish riflsmen . Still the preparations for ' murder' on the part of government have not been allowed to slacken . The Castle

      is a regular fortress . Cannon Is mounted and manned day and night , whilst in almost every apartment of the immense pile , a sentinel is constantly on the ' watch . ' ' Oh MUchel , agrali , ' tis you are tho bey for setting tbe fun going in tbe neighbourhood of Clarendon ' s snuggery . ' We have now about 13 , 000 soldiers—red , blue , and green , as they are—in Dublin . The streets swarm with them . On all sUes you hear spoken the Cockney slang , or North of England j argon , or the' boanle broad Scotch , ' as you saunter along the streets of Dublin , There arc very few Irish soldiers in any of the regiments at present in town , with the exception of the 75 th , 48 th , and 31 st . The rest aro foreigners . The dragoon and cavalry corps mostly English , whilst there are three highland infantry regiments , the others a mixture of English and Scotch , These do aot 'fraternise ' with the peeple . It would be unfair to represent them as doing so , but there has been no blckerln ? or riot between the pikes-men and red-coats worth speaking of .

      Chartism i » on * tho move' in Dublin . Why do not the great leaders of this principle , try to extend their influence In this country ? Though I do not regard Mr O'Higglns ' a late-snggestions for a Csnvention in Dublin , us practicable or useful , still I know Chartism would find thousands of suppnners and adherents , were it explained to the people . Mr O'Connor , whe fights so bravely in tbe ' battle-line' of Saxnn . land , should bestir himself in the cause of hit native Erin . Some Irishmen do not deserve well of Mr O'Connor , but the delinquencies of some of Ireland ' s sons should not be revenged on tbat unfortunate land . Chartists ! awake for Ireland .

      The National Convention Proclaimed.—Dubl...

      The National Convention Proclaimed . —Dublin , May 1 . —The Lord' Lieutenant , in a proclamation cautions the citizens against a' National convention or council , or a councilof three hundred , or National Guard . * The city of Limerick has also been proclaimed . It comes under the Crime and Outrage Act , from and after F iday nest . The county has been long nadir proclamation . Riots i . v Limerick . — -A meeting of the Confederates took place here in honour of Smith O'Brien , Meagher , and Mitchel , Dr Daniel Grifiin was moved to the chair , when the meeting was suddenly interrupted by a volley of stones from the Old Irelanders , which smashed tbe windows and door , outside of which several thousands had assembled , parading an tfflgy oi Mr Mitchel . This they proceeded to burn in a bonfire outside tbe door , through which the smoke made its way into the building . Those

      inside manfully stood their ground at the risk of sharing the fate of the captive Arabs suffocated in the caves of Dahra ; but at length fearing to be smoked out , aud hearing the entreaties of a reverend gentleman from an upper atosy , who called out 'shame on you , men , 'ia vain to the crowd below , the imprisoned Confederates fired some blank shots from the interior of ( he building , which quickly sent those outside scampering ; Smith O'Brien then went among the crowd , with a view of pacification , when be received a severe contusion from a stone beneath tbe left eye , and was , in consequence , obliged to go home . The police now made their appearance , when peace was restored outside , and those within proceeded to pive the usual toasts , Messrs Meagher aud Mitchel being the principal speakers on the occasion . By ten o ' clock the military were called out , no further collision took place , and the meeting separated before eleven o'clock .

      THE INDICTMENT . In the Queen's Bench , on the sitting of the court , Mr Mitchel appeared at tho side bar , and shortly after Mr Smith O'Brien entered , looking very ill . He had a black eye , and his lips were swollen from some severe contusion . The bar was astonished at the disfigured appearance of the ex-member for Limerich , and it was not until the e , r-o $ c ! o discussion had terminated , tbat the Limerick riot became known , and the cauae of the ilhusago which Mr O'Brien had received . Subjoined is a summary of the proceedings :

      Sir Oolman O'Logblen renewed his application for the appearance of Mr Mitchel by attorney , and dwelt at some length on a case in 10 East , ia support of hla application . He alluded to an affidavit filed by the crows , which stated that Mr Mitohel after the finding of the original bills , had attended a meeting In Abbey-street , at which Chartist delegates were present , and whore Mr Mitchel was reported to hare epokon language as selitioas as tSat upon nhich tbe informations were found . Sir Colmsn argued that Mr Mitchel might be prosecuted for that speech , butit was no reason to deprive him of tbe accustomed pririlege of appearing by attorney in cases of misdemeanor . Tbe Attornoy-General strongly resisted the application , and justified the affidavit ao supplj lug powerful rQasonB why the favour of tbe court should not be extended to Mr Mitchel , for

      the application was not one of strict right . The court after a brief consultation , decided that Mr Mitchel runs ; appear in person . The four-day rule having expire " Mr Mitohel has . p leaded a second time ; In abatement , mutely , tbe pendency of proceedings under thh orig inal information > , which must be regularly quashed before he could go to trial on the ex officio , Tlure cat ' bo no doubt that the entry of the nolle prosequi quashed the informations ; but then the second plea being upon tho record just as the first , erroiv can be aligned , and tbe conviction will have to undergo an argument before tho twelve judgesperhaps baforo tho House of Lords , This will carrj Mr Mitchel over thelong > acation , even though he should be found guilty in the after sittings ; and thns he ohtains a far longer day than the Attorn . y-General woull be disposed to afford . Will Mr Monahau file another

      ex officio ? Mr Mitchel ' s motion being settled , the Attorney-General ordered Mr S . O'Brien to be called He immedUtvly stood np and stated t j the court his williiignens to go to trial without delay . Conscious of no oflence , he had no / tars for the result , and would not interpooo an , dilatory pleading ,. Ho aeked the Aitorncy-Geueral to fix the day , and servo immediate notice of trial . The At torney-General , however , would taktune to censtder . It is not lmprobable that , in eoneequence of the strange turn political events have takenthe rcBignotion of his seat in parliament b y Mr O'Urien , and his withdrawal , together with tbat of Mr Meaghtr . from public life , that tho proceedings may bo abandoned apaiHBt bo'h . Mr Mitchel , having expressed his re » 0 ! ution to persevere in tbe old course , and stand up through all rinks tor insurrection , can expecJ no such favour from the crown .

      The National Assembly. Menday Morning, A...

      THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY . Menday morning , at nine o ' clock , being appointed forthecemmencemeat of the sittings o » this bedy , before that hour a considerable number of neraons had assembled at the doors of the Scientific InBtitution , John-street , Tottenham-court-road , where the delegates were to meet . A neff arrangement , however , was made upon this occasion . The admittance , instead of being unrestricted and gratuitous , was confined to the gallery , for which , one penny waa charged ; the body of the hall was reservedfor the delegates , and such parties aa might be admitted by tickets granted to them . It was half-past ten o ' clock before any of the delegates made their appearance . Mr T . Clark moved that Mr W . Dixon take the chair pro Urn . until the credentials ef the various delegates were read , and the meeting duly constituted . | , i r rfifnLy | AHfii JNAJ . 1 UJMAU AOOmiuui .

      The motion was agreed to , and Mr Shirron was appointed secretary pro tern , dtlegates , John Shaw , Tower Hamlete ; W . Dixon , Norwich ; fV \ Vernon , West London ; Thomas Clark , Shof ' field ; John Orossley , Stalybridge ; Councillor Thos . Briggs , Sheffield ; John Mathews , Bury ; Alexander Sharp , Tower Hamlets ; Matthew Stevenson , Bolton ; E . Candelet , Hyde ; Dr MDouall and T . O'Malley , Nottingham ; J . Basset , South London ; — Firts , Lynn ; James Pebardy , Northampton : R . Cochrane , Paisley ; John M'Crae , Dandee ; John Peacook , Greenock ; S . Bartlett , Bristol ; T . M . Wheeler , South London ; John Shaw . Barnsley ; Henry Mitohel , Rachd & le ; John Arkell , Swindon ; William Brook and Joseph Barker , Leeds ; Samuel Kydd , Oldham ; James Adams and Andrew Ilatley ,

      Glasgow . Mr T . Clark announced that he had received a letter from Mr Mitchel , of Dublin , stating that though he had been elected for Rochdale , he did not think he should be able to attend tbe meetings ef ths National Assembly . Mr Dixon was then unanimously appointed the Chairman of the Assembly , and Mr Shirron the secretary . Mr M'Crae , of Dundee , waa elected deputy chairman . The Chairman said they were met for tbe purpose of considering the affairs of a great nation and a suffering people . He hoped that the business would be conducted with a calmness and moderation whioh would show that they were in earnest in the great task they had undertaken , and that they would abstain in tke course of their proceedings from al ) that could endanger the great objeeta they had in view . ( Hear , hear . ) Notwithstanding the sneers that might be made at the proceedings of the late

      Convention , it was evident that they had produced a great effect apon tbe public mind . The very columns of the morning papers lint conta ned these sneers contained proofs that the agitation for electoral reform was spreading over the country , and amongtt classes who did not formerly take an active interest in that question- ( Hear . ) Since that Convention last met , many of its members who were returnsd to that Assembly had had an opportunity of going among tbeir constituencies , and of learning tbeir opinions upon many questions , which prepared them to transact business Better than they were beftre . He trusted tbat full advantage would be taken of all these cir-CUHHtance ? , and that in their future deliberations and decisions tbey would justify the choico of the people , and advance the popular cau- ^ e . The first business would be to decide the name of that bodywhether it should be called the' National Assembly , ' or be designated a ' Convention , 'as all their previous meetings bad been .

      Mr Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) said , he bad been elected as a member of the National Assembly , and he thought it would be ridiculous if , to please any individual whatever , they changed that title . Dr M'DodalIi proposed that the title of ths body be the National Assembly of Delegates , principally representing the working classes of England , Wales , and Scotland . Mr T . Clabk seconded the motion , which was carried .

      Dr M'Douall said , it was also necessary , in his opinion , that tbey should state the manner in which the delegates were elected , in order to keep out of the meshes of the law . He would therefore move , that to the former resolution it be added , that the delegates were elected at public meetings duly convened for that purpose , and by a show of hands of the persons tbere present . Mr Whbeleb did not see the necessity for that addition . The manner in which they were elected waa already well known both to the government and the public .

      The Chairman considered the resolution waa net needed . He knew little of what was and what was not legal ; but of this he felt certain , that if the government meant to take hold of them , it would not take the whole Assembly , but would pounce upon a few of them , and see what weeding would do . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr T . Clark said a declaration of the manner in which they were elected could do no harm . Motion carried . Objects of the Assembly . The Chaiumak presented aprogrammu as prepared by a committee , as follows : — 'To discuss and consider the grievances of the people , and to present memorials to the Queen , praying her to dismiss her ministers , and appoint such as will make the Charter a Cabinet measure , and to adopt such measures aa shall ensure so desirable a result . '

      The standing orders , similar to those that guided the late Convention , were adopted . Doorkeepers and Messengers . Messrs Abbott and Fvzzon were appointed doorkeepers . Mr Cooper waa appointed messenger . Admission of Strangers . It was resolved , that peisons should be admitted to the b : > dy of the hall on presenting a member ' s ticket , and to the gallery on payment of one penny . Messrs Commisg and Raskin handed in their ere-( tontials ai delegates from Edinburgh , and Mr Swi » - tos M'Lkan for the western division of Scotland . Mr Wheeler said it was necessary that it should be at once decided how many delegates this Assembly should consist of . Mr H . Child handed in his credentials as one of the representatives of West London .

      Mr M'Grath was permitted to take his seat for llanley until arrival of his credentials . Messrs Dokoyan and Lbach received the same permission with regard to Lancashire . Mr Wheelbr rose to call the attention of the Asgatnbly to an important question , namely , what number of members should constitute the Assembly . There were rumours abroad that it was only to consist of forty-nine delegates , and tbey should therefore fix as soon as possible what was . to be the actual number . Mr Ahams moved that all delegates fairly chosen at pub'ic meetings convened ^ for that purpose , should b 3 entitled to a seat in that Assembly , Mr Rankin seconded the motion .

      Mr E . Jones moved as an amendment : — ' That all delegates duly elected to the National Assembly bo summoned forthwith to take their seats in tbat body , as the Assembly have decided on their session consisting of the numbers originally announced . ' Mr Jones said it waa absolutely necessary to issue a definite "' summons , ' since letters bad arrived from many delegates , stating they would not come uo as long as the numbers to sit remained doubtful . That morning ' s debate would set the seal on their position , and therefore it was not enough to fay they were entitled to sit , bnt that it was imperative they should come to perform the duties they had undertaken . Mr S- Kydd moved , as a second amendment , that a committee of seven be appointed to inquire into the legality of the National Assembly , and to report to that meeting as soon as possible . There had been

      much discussion as to whether it was legal for more than forty-nine delegates to meet . He . like many other delegates , was quite ignorant of the law in this respect . It had been said that they should take a bald stand , but whatever stand they took be thought it was above all things requisite tbat they ahould clearly understand , if possible , what the law was . For his own part he had no objection to break the law if there was popular power at his back suffi . ciently strong-to sanction his doing so ; but bef re thej talked of trampling on the taw they should , at all events , first endeavour to underhand what it was , and if they were then prepared to violate it , let it be with their eyes epeB . Mr Mathews seconded the motion .

      Mr Shaw , ( Barnsley , ) eaid he was no lawyer , bnt ie cohered tbat their Assembl y was perfV ctly le ^ al because they were not the representatives of legal bodies , but of public meetings openly called tof ethor tor the purpose , and , therefore , there might be 500 members instead of 100 . Mr CoonsANB : relieved the government had no intention of interferim ? with that meeting in the calm ducussion of the grievances of the people , and tbe exercise of their undoubted right to memorialise her Vlajcsty .

      Mr Cimuiw gave his decided opposition to the oppointnieut oi a committee . It was not their business to settle what the law was . Let them leave that to other partie 3 . All hecould say was , that the Anti-Corn Law Leaeue had held larger delegate him tings , nnd had not been interfered with ; and the Stnrge Convention , in Birmingham , some years ago , was composed of nearly 500 members . ( Hear . ) He had no wish to come into collision with the uoverCment ; but he trusted none of them were such dolts as to havo come to that meeting without being prepared to do their duty , by laying before the country and tho government ihe diatress under which the people laboured ; the cause of that distress and also the danger to the government itself if it did not provide a speedy and an effectual remedy .

      Mr V . Clabs . supported Mr K ydd ' motion . He had bo objection to take his own share of the responsibility el' atteadiug that meeting ; but when they

      The National Assembly. Menday Morning, A...

      talked of summoning those delegates who bad beea elected , but bad not oome to London , it was fair they should accompany that summons with an accurate atatement Ot the law affecting tbat Assembly . Twenty men , who might with that knowledge obey tbeir summens , would be more to be relied on than fifty who might leave their homes in doubt . Dr M'Douall was surprised that the question of legality was raised . It was tbo duty of these who had called them together to aecattam whetherii waa leeal or illegal . Joseph Sturge ' s Birmmgha / a Contalked of summoning those delegates who bad beea fleeted , but had not OOmO to London , it Was fair th «»

      ferenee consisted of five hundred members , and no one had thought of asking waa illegal er illegal . He said they were delegates from public meetings , with defied objects in . view , ene of whioh waa m & . morialising tbe Queen to dismiss her ministers , and this was the principle allowed even by Sir George Grey ' s Bill ; and hence be waa of opinion they were a legal body . They did not represent organised bodies , but simply the working classes- Perhaps the word ' summons' was too strong . He thought if tbey were ' informed' it weuld be sufficient : and he did not believe they would be interfered with .

      Mr Shirron rose to support the amendment of Mr Jones . What dependence could they place on ihe word of a man who told them one day the Assembly was legal , and the next tbat it was illegal ? Mr Vernoh said , he could understand how delegates had waited to see if the Assembly would sit or not . Head quarters wavered , and hence the hesitation . As to law , judges differed , and government could twist them to auit their purpose * . It WW their duty to meet and discuss questienn , and place them before ths government in such a manner M should be unanswerable . Mr Cochbam said , in allusion to tho last speaker , relative to the head quarters , the late Convention had unanimously resolved that the Assembly shoow beheld . „ , . . „ Mr Vjrkok said he did not allude t » the late Convention , but to the letters of Mr O'Connor in the Northern Star .

      Mr Kvdd , with the sanction of the seconder and the Assembly , withdrew his amendment . Mr Leach would move— That the word ' summons * should be omitted , and that the persons electing them skftll send them , er not , as they think proper- ' Mr E . Jonbs thought MrLeach ' e amendment would admit of two explanations—viz ,, ' You may come if you like , or stay away—we don't particularly want you I' Now , that was a side-winded blow at our numbers , and would sanction the waverers , and lose for us the confidence of the country , Mr Rankin said he had been a member ef large assemblies , and it had not been asked if they were legal .

      Mr Harlry said , they were aot here to learn laws but to act on the principle of common sense , lie thought it amply eafBeient to request the delegates now absent to attend , He knew the question had been said to be raised by the most popular man in the movemeat ; but he thought this figure would apply to times gone by , not the present . Mr Shaw ( London ) thought they had had child ' s play enough , and hence he hoped Mr Jones would persist in retaining the word ' summons , ' Mr A . Sharp would support Mr Jones ' a ame & dment in its erijinal form . Mr Bartlett said , seme places , 'in consequence of certain things that had taken place , had declined to send delegates .

      Mr Adams said , be looked on this Convention as head quarters , and Mr Dixon as the head of this Assembly . Without the people there would be neither movement n » r power . He had heard nothing to cause him to change his mind—henee , he should press bis original motion . He wished the people to floderstand that tbey bad m & t in acoord ' anea with the original requisition . The question was then put , and Mr Jones ' s amendment was carried by a considerable majority . Mr M'Cartht having presented a credential an » nonncing his eleciion . by the Irish Democratic Confederation , and other inhabitants of Cripplegate , Mr T . Clark objected to receive such a credential , and moved : —* That it be returned , in order that it might be amended ; and also tkat Mr M'Carthy should be required to produce evidence that the met ting was a public ere , duly convened '

      This led to another lengthened and somewhat warm debate , which terminated by the adoption of Mr Clark ' s motion . The Assembly thea adjourned at one o ' clock .

      AFTERNOON SITTING . Mr Dixok resumed the chair at bar-past two o'clock . Mr Abkell gave in his certificate as delegate for Swindon . Financial Committee , Dr M'Douall proposed that Messrs T . M . Wheeler , Cochrane , and Leach , be such committee , Mr Stevenson seconded the motion , which WS & carried unanimously . Agitating Committee , Messrs Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) , Bassett , and Child r were appointed . General Business Committee , Dr M'Douall , Ernest Jones , Philip M'Grath , Thomas Clark , James'iShirron , aad Jamas Adams , were appointed .

      Ihe Confederates and Chartists , Captain O'Brien said , he was from the Confederates in response to their kind invitation . Therewere not many Chartist * amongst their body , bnfc nevertheless they wished them all success . Hewisbed to state that his own lawyer had stated that it would not be prudent for him teba a representative of an Irish constituency in this assembly . The best way th ^ y ( the Confederates ) could help Chartists , and th & Chartists the Confederates , was by each agitating to the utmost for their common objects , and that

      would prevent the government from taking such ; steps as they seemed inclined to do ; further than this they could eoI . gr > . Some of Ireland ' s best sons were in the hands of the government , and that goremment appeared determined to try every step to pat down liberty and destroy the patriota of Ireland . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Whkeler moved a vote of thanks to Captair O'Brien for bis attendance , and through him , to the Irish peoole . Dr M'Douall seconded tho motion . The vote was put and carried unanimously amidst

      laud cheers . Captain O'Brien responded . Report of the Proceedings of the Atsew & ly . The Chairman said , the next moat important bu » siness for the Assembly to take up . was how they could secure a full and correct report of . their proceedings , w hatever had been said of a ludicrous or violent character in the late Convention , had been caught up and sent to the public , while all the reasonable and argumentative speeches were omitted or so condensed aa to lose their real importance Mr CAMPBELrrmoved that the Assembly should enter into arrangements with the proprietors of some ol the morning papers , to secure a full aad correct report of the proceedings . Mr Shaw ( of Barnsley ) seconded tho motion .

      Mr s . Kidp , after complimenting the press -for havmg upon the whole treated them no worse than it did other bodies who happened to be unpopular for tbe time being , proposed that a committeeihonld be appointed to take the necessary steps toseourethe otyRPt in riew , and fr > report to the AdndiMt , Dr M'Douall thought that the matter should be left to the general committee . Mr Adams was altogether opposed to dealing with this question by a committee . Let them make c 3 sement 8 with a daily paper if they possLWy # Soteral other delegates having spoken on the subject , the motion was withdrawn . The amendment for remitting the subject to a committee was unanimously adopted , and the General Business Committee was instructed to attend to the ousmeeg .

      Mr Charles M'Cartht handed in his credentials , upon which Mr Clark asked had Mr M'Carthy s copy of the placard convening the meeting » Mr M'CARTar said the bill , a large written poster , had be' n torn . Mr Clark did not think this sufficient , and could not consent to have his vote—the vote of a very K . body—neutraUscd by the vote of a person elected by a small body , such as he took it was that by which Mr M'Carthy was eleotcd . He would theretore move That the election of Mr M'Carthy be declared null and void . ' Mr Adami seconded the motion , and said he . bought any number of persons wishing a member wind not mind the expense of placards ; be had m uii u n u 6 late Cot > Tention that representation should be based on population , and he thought it not right that an assembly of two hundred and fiftv persons , should have the ri ^ ht of neutralising the " voice ot half a million . ( Hear . )

      Mr Raskin thought auffk-iont notice bad not been given of tbe meeting at which Mr M'Carthy was elected . Mr Cochrane thought Mr M'Carthy would see the policy of withdrawing ; should they reject Mr M'Carthy it could not be tahen as a feeling against Ireland or the Confedsrates , after the reception they hid that morning given to Captain O'Brien , bnt a carrying out of the democratic cause . Alter a few words from Mr M'Cartht , who said the body who ind elected him had waited for their ti-sburyfriendf , but as they bad not come forward the City had gone on by themselves , and he asserted that other places had held elections , without notice by printed placards .

      Mr E . Jonej said tbe instructions issued had not said the' bills' should ba printed , nor where tiey r »!? »«! n 0 stfl ( 1 ; lle ho ! d tn ( ' r (! t ' l > ,, e fiat tlw election ot Mr M O irthy was in conformity with the resoluti ons issued , provided the notice was given five days preyious to tho election , aud this would be a frivolous technicality to adhere to . He contended , if this assembly were wise , it would taka all the assistance that was honourably offered to it , thev had

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 6, 1848, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_06051848/page/6/