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    • THUNDERING MEETING AT NORWICH.
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      Thundering Meeting At Norwich.

      THUNDERING MEETING AT NORWICH .

      To The Working Classes. My Feiesbs,—I Ha...

      TO THE WORKING CLASSES . My Feiesbs , —I have just returned from Norwich , where we bad , last night , ( Wednesday ) , one of the largest , most enthusiastic , and attentive meetings I ever attended in my life ; and you will gather , not more from the speeches , than from the last resolution adopted by a conference , and unanimously adopted by the meeting , that the new Reform Association is not going to stand still .

      Mr . Hume , who was the first speaker , made a most admirable speech , and was most enthusiastically-receired . He repudiated any further connexion with the Whigs , and stated that the people and the veritable middle classes , could only achieve their ri g hts by the enfranchisement of the former . Sir Joshua . WAuresiEr made a- most admirable speech , showing the effect that the proposed Parliamentary Reform would produce , and the benefits which the working classes w ould derive from it .

      Johx HuMFfiErs Parby , formerly a candidate ^—and I hope , to be the future representative of Norwich—made a regular slasher It was full of wit , but not divested of the soundest common sense . He is , and jusfly , a most popular man with all classes at Norwich , and Norwich could not be more distinguished than b y returning such a representative . I came nest , and was most enthusiastically

      received b y all parties . I do not know what 3 dnd of a speech I made , but the meeting appeared deli ghted . Then came your incorruptible friend ) Geoiigb Thompson , who , with his usual eloquence , assured the Middle Classes that upon jthe very first appearance of a retrograde movement upon their part , he would sound the alarm ; but he stated that he had no such anticipation .

      idr . Tillett , a most prominent leader of the Middle Classes , took the chair , and discharged his duties like a man . The place , capable of holding several thousands , and the most beautiful hall in England , was crowded to suffocation . The platform is an immense place , and upon it were seven magistrates , and twenty-five town councillors ; all of whom most lustil y cheered the most democratic sentiment . In short , the meeting repaid me for my sufferings in the cause of Chartism , and for the ingratitude of some of the Land

      Members ; and in passing , I cannot forbear stating my feelings of gratitude to a deputation of the Land Members , who waited upon me . It consisted of the Treasurer , the Secretary , and a fine enthusiastic young fellow ; and their mission was to tell me that all the paid-up members had agreed to place their scrip in my hands , to do what I liked with it , and appl y ' it as I p leased . This kindness upon their part repaid me for much of the ingratitude I have experienced , but , of course , I declined their offer .

      This mcf £ > the Association is to send a deputation to Aberdeen , and it is my intention to accompany that deputation . I also beg to state , in reply to invitations from Halifax , Newcastle , and other towns , that it is my intention to visit them upon my tour , and they shall have due notice of the time . And now working men , as I am growing grey in the service , and as I see hope foreshadowed from this confederation , let me implore of vou , in the name of everything that is dear

      to you , in the name of God , of your country , and yonr families , not to allow any partial briskness of trade to lull you into apathy , which your tyrant oppressors would construe into satisfaction . I have the greatest confidence in the projectors of this movement , and few men can imagine what my joy would be at your triumph . let us then co-operatenot only cordially , but heartil y and effectivel y —with our new allies , who have at length discovered , that with us they are powerful , with out us they are powerless .

      At foot are the resolutions that were passed at the meeting . Your faithful Friend , Feakgus O'Connok .

      UEIOIIM COSFEItEXCE . St . Axdbew ' s Haix , Xokwicd , October 3 rd , 1849 . Mr . Councillor J . "W . Dowsox in the chair . Resolutions unanimously adopted . 1 st . —Moved by Mr . Councillor 3 . IT . TniErr , of I > orwicl » , Seconded by George WrurEr Birch , Esq ., of "Wretham Hall , near Thetford , Norfolk : — "That , whilst this Conference is deeply

      convinced that a great reduction of the national expenditure , and a more equitable adjustment of the "burthen of taxation , are imperatively necessary and almost universally demanded , it cannot see any reasonable hope of permanently securing those important objects , until such a measure of Electoral Reform has been obtained as shall aire the people a direct contvoul over the taxes which they are required to pay " 2 nd . —Moved by Mr . Councillor Jeremiah Colmax , of Norwich , seconded by Mi-. Councillor J . D . Smith , of Xonrich : —

      44 That this Conference most cordially approves of the principles on which the National Reform Association is based , and declares its unqualified confideiivc in its President and Council , it therefore wires ail who desire Parliamentary or Financial Reform , to give to that Association their immediate and earnest co-operation , and recommends that" the Xorwieh Reform Association shall be henceforth merged in the National Movement , and that local committees for extending its operations he formed without delay tlu-oughoiit this district of the kinsrdom .

      3 rd . —Moved by Jbnx Turxeii , Esq ., of Tvowsc , ycrfolk , Seconded by Ash IJuon , Esq ., of East Huston , Norfolk : — " " That tliis Conference strongly urges the importance of a decided effort being made to secure the return at the next Election , of Candidates favourable to the above objects , and particularly directs attention in the two divisions of the County , which ought to be energetically contested , in the confident assurance that ultimate success will crown persevering efforts on behalf of rig ht princip les . That this Conference therefore earnestly recommends all Reformers to do their utmost to encourage and extend the Freehold movement both in East and "West Norfolk , with a view to sustain a decided policy at the nest Election .

      4 th . —Moved by Thomas Bigxold , Esq . of Norwich , Seconded by Mr . Councillor Tvm . Pritt , sapported by Jonx Caisp , Esq . Beccles , and the JJev . Asphew Reed , of Xorwich : — ' * That this Conference rejoices in the nope that a hearty union between the middle and working classes has at length been attained , and strenuously enforces on all who complain of any grievances in the national aSairs , to concentrate all their energies in the constitution of such a tribunal in parliament , as shall deal out fall and impartial justice to all Classes of her Majesty ' s subjects . J . W . Dowsox , chairman .

      Ciieir Smrs. — The Xew Swedish Brig Duo,...

      CiiEir Smrs . — The Xew Swedish brig Duo , which we mentioned as having arrived here some weeks since to be fitted out at this port , sailed again on Friday last for the Cape of Good Hope . "VVe understand she laid out nearly £ 1 , 000 here , in having her wood sheathing taken off , in being recaulked all over , and rcsbeathed with the wood , and Mimtz ' s patent metal over it . She was also supplied witb a new rudder , with metal pintles and traces , anchors , chain cables , an iron winch and pumps , several sails , hawser , blocks , ship chandlery , « fcc . of British manufacture . What will the Protectionists say to this ? That a new foreign vessel of about 209 tons comes here and spends nearly £ 5 ¦ per ton ia being well fitted out , after being built

      and rigged abroad , when we have been told that foreigners can both build and equip vessels themselves for this very sum . —Plymouth Journal . The Govkkxmext axbtue nor-wriEs .- —Wehave to announce to the hop-growers the answer of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the memorials of the hop-planters and others , presented to the right ion . baronet by the deputation on . Friday last . This answer was received by Thomas Law Hodge , Esq , W . P ., at his residence , Hemsted-park , Kent , by post on . Tuesday morning . The decision of the Chancellor of the Exchequer is to the effect that the payment ofthe moiety of the 1818 duty , due in Oct ., will be insisted on at the appointed time , but that he is ' net indisposed to allow time for payment of thesecoBU half due in November . '

      Imuigkaxts ixro the TJkited States . —The number of immigrants into the United States last year was estimated , on the most accurate data that could be obtained , at about 250 , 000 . This year the number will probably reach 300 , 000 .

      /$? ^W^^..^^.^W^^ ,; : /. / / B N|J|^ /'...

      AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL .

      Tol. Xh. P. 624. Losboh, Saturday 0st08e...

      TOL . XH . P . 624 . LOSBOH , SATURDAY 0 ST 08 ER ^ 849 . ~~ ^ ^ JTSSSS r ^ i

      Parliamentary Reform. Guea1 Meetisctat X...

      PARLIAMENTARY REFORM . GUEA 1 MEETIScTaT XOItWICH . ( From the Daily News . ) \ ^ a u ? , ir oshua Walmsley , M . P ., Mr Hume M . P . Mr . G . Thompson , MP ., Mr O Connor , M . P ., J . H . Parry , Esq ., the popular though the unsuccessful candidate at the last election for the city of Norwich ) , W . A . Wilkinson , i . sq ., W . J . Hall , Esq ., and Tindal Atkinson , Esq ., entered the Hall , and were loudly cheered . Besides the gentlemen above-named , the following were also on the platform : —G . W . Birch . Esq .. Wretham

      Hall , F . E . Scott , Esq ., Cranbvook ; A . Fowler , Esq ., O . Springfield , C . E . Willett , Esq ., magistrates ; J . Colman , Esq ., Thos . Brightwcll , Esq ., C . R > Freeman , A . Dalrymple , C . Winster , W . H . Woolbright , James Colman , < hW . Dowson , R . Cooks , J . Smith , J . Bateman , J . Francis , J . 'fillet , councillors ; W . Pratt , Jas . Butcher , C . Darfcin , C . Jicks , J . Banks , aldermen ; J . W . Shelly , Esq ., Yarmouth ; T . B . Parker , Esq ., Secretary of the Yarmouth Association ; Ash Rudd , Esq ., Ruston ; S . C . Cooke , Esq ., Horstcad ; John Crisp , Esq ., Beccles ; Thomas Bignold , Esq ., Norwich ; Rev . J . T . Birch , Rev . George Gould , Her . Andrew Reed , and J . Crompton .

      J , H . Tillem , Esq ., of Norwich , was voted to the chair , and in proceeding to open the business of the meeting , he congratulated the friends of the movement on the crowded appearance of the hall . There had been no occasion to go about the city to urge the people to attend the present meeting . ( Hear . ) Hundreds had sought admission more than could be accommodated ; and it was a source of regret to the committee that there was no place large enough to contain all those who were desirous of attending . ( Cheers . ) He was happy to have on his left hand , as one of the speakers who would address them in support of the resolution , Mr . Joseph Hume , who during a period of forty years had faithfully represented the

      feelings of the people in the House of Commons , and who had on all occasions stood forward as the undaunted advocate oC popular opinion and of economy in the public expenditure , ( Loud cheers . ) Next to him also was their respected friend , Sir J . Walmsley —( cheers)—the President of the National Reform Association , one of the most honest men of the present day , and what was of almost as much importance in such a cause , a man of rough business habits and the most indomitable perseverance . He might in fact be looked upon as the George Wilson of this movement . They had also on the platform Mr . George Thompson , the

      representative of the largest borough constituency in the kingdom , who had polled more votes at the last election than any other man in the House of Commons . ( Cheers . ) They had also the ton . member for Nottingham , who had come forward spontaneously to promote the union of the middle and working classes in this great object —( cheers)—and they had besides the hon . and learned gentleman who had stood forward and fought the battle of that city at the last election , Mr . J . H . Parry , who would also address them . ( Loud cheers . ) lie would now call on the mover of the resolution .

      J . W . Dowsox , Esq . observed , that as the chairman of the Conference at which the resolutions had been agreed , it became his duty to submit them to the meeting which he would do without comment . Mr . G . ~ W . Birch having seconded the motion , the resolutions were read by the chairman . [ The resolutions will be found at the foot of Mr . O ' Connor s letter . ] Mr . Hume said , the crowded state of the hall and the unanimity and enthusiasm of all present reminded him in some degree of old times , when they were struggling for the Reform Bill in 1830 and 1831 . It was such unanimity and such enthusiasm that carried the Reform Bill of 1832 , against an unwilling parliament . ( Loud cheers . ) It was . now

      nearly forty years since he had entered public life , and during the whole of that period his whole time and energies had been devoted to the endeavour to improve the political and social C 0 n « dition of the mass of the people . ( Cheers . ) And to prove that he had not altogether failed , he might , if need were , point to many measures which others had since taken credit for carrying , but which had originated with him many years before . He said this , not as claiming any credit for himself , but for the encouragement of younger reformers , and to show that , the seed once sown , no man need despair of success . He had no fear , therefore , for the issue of the present move ment , and he hoped he should j-cfc live long enough

      to see it carried . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Hume , alluding to the Reform Bill , said that great good had been effected by that measure , hut blamed those who having the franchise secured to them had not exercised it fairly and honestly . All classes of reformers had long admitted that some change must be made ; even the Whigs admitted that ; The evil was that the people had not that power in the Houseof Commons necessary to render the popular voice paramount there . They bad no control over the purse-strings . They should remember that the people were not made for the government , but the government for the people , and it was the duty of the government to govern , not for the advantage of the few , but of the many , and

      to ensure the greatest possible amount of happiness to the greatest number . ( Hear , hear . ) Was it surprising that there should he distress in the land when the large proportion of the burden of the country was placed , not upon its property , but Oil its industry ? ( Hear , hear . ) The remedy for the evil was with themselves . It was useless to look to the government , whether it was that of Sir Robert Peel or of Lord John Russell—there was no difference between Whig and Tory , so far as the interests of the people were concerned . Mr . Hume then showed how the Parliamentary Reform Association was first originated , and said that at present only one in seven of the adult male population had a vote ; and it had been said

      that , to extend the suffrage to five times that amount as they proposed , would he unsafe . He ( Mr . Hume ) had no fear of that kind . He believed that if they extended the franchise to . all it would be found that very few men were incapable of choosing for their representatives those Avho were most likely to take care of their interests , and that where there was any difficulty those who wanted experience would be guided by those who had , and there would be , if not a better , certainly a more free and independent system of representation than the present . ( Cheers . ) If it were left to him he would allow every man a vote who had resided six months in the borough ,

      but to remove all fear of danger from the minds of timid persons who believed that such a concession would be unsafe ( and there were many such ) be adopted the limit of a year ' s residence . ( Hear , hear . ) But they might depend upon it that the broader they extended the basis of the representation , the more secure would be the government of the country , and the less danger of violent change . ( Hear , hear . ) And for this reason—that then every man would feel that he had a direct interest in upholding and protecting the national institutions , but when a large proportion of the population were excluded from the pale of the constitution , and were led to feel that thev had no interest in the

      maintenance of the existing order of things , that when periods of discontent came , and men were pinched with misfortune and suffering , there was indeed reason to fear tha t mischief might ensue . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Hume then glanced at some parliamentary boroughs , and mentioned Harwich , Thetford , Chippenham , Totness , Huntingdon , and Enaresbowmgh . These , with a total population of 28 , 000 , returned twelve members to parliament . Balance these with six other boroughs—Westminster , the Tower Hamlets , Finsbuvy , " Msrylebonc , Liverpool , and Manchester ; these , -which contained an aggregate population of 1 , 344 , 000 , also returned twelve ; so that , on the one band , jou had twelve men representing 23 , 000 persons , and , on the other , twelve men

      representing 1 , 344 , 000 . ( Cheers . ) Alluding to our extravagant expenditure , Mr . H . said , he had been told that , under the old Tory system , the army and navy had cost the country , between £ 11 , 000 , 000 and £ 12 , 000 , 000 , whereas , now the expenditure on account of those departments of the public service had risen to between £ 10 , 000 , 009 and £ 18 , 000 , 000 . At this moment , in our navy , we had no less than 150 admirals receiving pay , while only fourteen could be employed . ( Shame . ) Then we had 780 captains ; and there were promotions taking place every day , while only about eighty were employed .

      Again , m the army we have 340 generals , and only 120 regiments . ( Cheers , and criesof " Shame , it is too bad . " ) Let him , however , be distinctly understood , that while anxious to effect this change , he was still the advocate and supporter of the ancient institutions of Queen , Lords , and Commons —( hear , hear)—and he would tell them why . There were advantages which they had obtained and did obtain from the wholesome check which those institutions imposed , and which , under any other system , they mi g ht hope for in vain . Sir J . Waimsijet , who was also warmly greeted , next addressed the meeting , and after returning

      Parliamentary Reform. Guea1 Meetisctat X...

      thanks for the gratifying manner in which the representatives of the Associate nhad been received , said , the council over whom I have the pleasure and honour to preside , after much and earnest consideration , and with a full knowledge of the responsibility which devolved upon them , have determined to seek such an extension of the suffrage as shall give to every adult male occupier of a tenement , or part of a tenement for which he shall be rated , or have claimed to be rated to the relief of the poor , the right to be registered as an elector . ( Loud cheers . ) The adoption of the vote by tho ballotcheers)—the limitation of theduration of parliament to three years —( cheevs ) - ^ such a change in the electoral divisions as shall produce a mere equal

      apportionment of representatives to constituents , and the abolition of the property qualification for members of the House of Commons —( renewed and continuous cheers)—as was observed by my hon . friend , Mr . Hume , these demands are based upon and are consistent with the old Saxon law , which gave to every man who paid scot and lot a voice in the common-weal . ( Hear , hear . ) To concede them would raise the number of electors from one million to fire million , and would gather a large majority of the adult males of our population within the pale of the constitution , enable the elector to exercise his right in accordance with the dictates of his conscience—give to tho constituencies a greater control over their representatives , and remove those

      monstrous political inequalities through which a territorial oligarchy contrive to subvert tho spirit of the constitution , and to trample on the rights and liberties of the people . ( Loud cheers . ) Sir J . Walmsley entered fully into the abuses of our electoral representation , and said eighty-six members are sent to the House of Commons by a less aggregate number of electors than are contained in the Tower Hamlets , who send only two members—one of whom , however , my hon . friend Mr . Thompson , is a host in himself . ( Hear , hear . ) Sixty-nine of our boroughs are virtually beyond the power of popular influence , almost as much so as were Gatton or Old Sarum . ( Renewed cries of " shame ! " ) If we compare a large borough with

      a county , both as respects population and property , the same inequality exists . Liverpool , for instance , contains from three to four hundred thousand souls , is assessed to upwards of a million and a half to the poor ' s rate , and returns two members to parliament , whilst Buckinghamshire , with one hundred and seventy thousand of population , and assessed for half the amount of Liverpool , sends eleven members to represent her interests . ( " Shame , shame . " ) Were we to inquire into the Irish representative system we should find it still more unjust than that of either England or Scotland . ( Hear , hear . ) We are superciliously asked what good would arise out of the mensures of justice which we seek ? As well might the thief ask him whom he has robbed , what good would he derive from the restoration of his property . ( " Hear" and

      laughter . ) We hesitate not-however to answer the question . Class-legislation would cease . Taxation would be reduced and equalised . Property would be made to bear its due share of the burdens it entails . ( Cheers . ) The colonies would become self-sustaining , and the numbers of our army and navy reduced within reasonable limits . ( Cheers . ) An end would be put to bribery and corruption , and their attendant evils , in the return of members to the House of Commons . ( Hear , hear . ) The consciences of dissenters would be relieved from forced contributions for the support of doctrines which they repudiate . ( A burst of cheers from all parts of the meeting . ) Millions of our fellow-men would be emancipated from their present state of moral slavery . ( Hear , hear . ) They , too , would feel they had a stake and interest in the institutions of the

      country , and instead of discontent , disaffection , and pauperism , peace , happiness , and prosperity would pervade the empire . ( Repeated and long continued cheering . ) Sir J . Walmsley concluded a very lengthy and able speech by calling upon all parties to unite in carrying out the objects of the association , and resumed nis seat amid loud and long protracted cheering . J . H , Parri , Esq ., who was loudly welcomed , next spoke . He said he still adhered to those opinions on which he had ventured to fight the last election for Norwich , and which , though then unsuccessful , would ultimately prevail . ( Cheers . ) The great object of the meeting there that night- was conciliation . ( Cheers . ) Conciliation amongst all

      classes of reformers , to be based on tho entire destruction of the present representative system , on the ground that it was far too narrow to represent fairly the wishes and feelings of the people . ( Hear . ) The working of the borough system entirely neutralised the power of the large constituencies , and on every great question on which the feeling of the people was set , these small nominative boroughs and their representatives overwhelmed the representatives of public opinion , and were in a majority of votes ; whereas , if a fair system of representation existed , they would be a miserable minority . It must not be forgotten , that Lord J . Russell's present position was a mere accident—it had not been gained by his own political energy or political

      genius , but had been forced upon him by political circumstances and in a political exigency—( cheers)—and he retained it only by the forebearancc of the House of Commons . ( Hear , hear . ) The reforms which were necessary for the welfare of this country could be obtained under a proper system of representation without violence , and without that expensive and inconvenient agitation which all true reformers would be glad to avoid if they could . It was high time that the system of governing the country by a family compact amongst the aristocracy should cease , and that England should no longer be disgraced by denyi'g the common rights of hospitality to those whose only crime was the having periled their lives for their country ' s freedom ; nor tiie safety of the empire perilled by the stubborn denial of political rights to the masses of the people here , and bv tvrannising over our colonies until thev

      were driven into rebellion and revolution , lie could tell Lord 5 . Russell what , perhaps , he was not nw ? . ve of , that if he were to abandon public life to-morrow it would be a calamity the people of this country could endure with a considerable amout of patience . ( Cheers and laughter . ) In conclusion , he advised them all to unite heartily in this movement , as the readiest means of procuring a better system of government ; let them proceed ( as Sir It . Peel would say ) in the open path of the constitution , using no violence , no threats—not adopting the advice of Earl Fitzwilliam during the reform agitation , to refuse to pay taxes , nor of the Times , when it suggested that the members of the government should be assailed with brickbats and bludgeonsbut let them proceed orderly , peaceably , and constitutionally— ( hear , hear)—hut at the same time heartily and determinedly , and success was certain . ( Cheers . )

      Mr . O'Cox . vob congratulated the Conference in having succeeded in joining all classes in the movement for a full and fair representation of the working class . " ( Hear . ) He rejoiced that ho now saw foreshadowed a veal co-operation and union between the working and the middle classes —( cheers)—and that Norwich would not be behind in assisting Lord John with that little squeeze from without of which list session he appeared so desirous . ( Cheers and laughter . ) He was happy to say that , throughout England and Scotland , every Chartist had now fraternised with the middle classes in this movement—( cheers)—and he would be tho last man to stand in the way of such a combination for good . ( Hear , hear . ) True , he had on previous occasions opposed

      the middle-class movements—he had opposed them in free trade , and had advised the Chartists not to join in that agitation—but that was not because he was not a free trader , but because he knew that free trade in legislation was the first thing necessary before they could carry out any oilier free trade measure for the benefit of the people . He did not come there to tell them what that association , if successful , would effect f « r the working classes . No . The greatest difficulty against which he had to contend in his agitationfor the People ' s Charter was , the wild and extravagant hopes held out by boncst visionaries and enthusiasts , and by artful and designing men who lived upon their credulity . ( Cheers . ) For that reason he had always abstained from any prediction or guess at what the People ' s Charter would effect for their order beyond the fact , and it equally applied to the success of

      the present movement , namely , it would p lace representation in their own hands , and make them responsible for their own sufferings . ( Loud cheers . ) He joined this association not because it was a Financial Reform Association , for he believed if they reduce J the expenditure of the country ten millions , and the House of Commons remained constituted as it was now the people would derive no benefit . But this movement embraced four of the principles of the People ' s Charter , and if they once obtained those they would have a quadruped to go upon in their efforts to obtain the remaining points . ( "Hear" and a laugh . ) And they , might be sure that when they got the first four , the others must follow . What use would it be , for instance , to abolish the property qualification , unless they providedfor the payment of memuers ? ( Hear . ) They could not have working men in parliament to

      Parliamentary Reform. Guea1 Meetisctat X...

      deyelope the working of the Labour question , unless they paid him . Ho had taken part in every agitation for extending their liberties of the people at his own expense , and ho would follow up this movement m every large town in the kingdom , in order to put down the feudal power of the landlords . He was glad to see that tfie middle classes had at length discovered that their power consisted in tho co-operation of the working classes . The effect of that co-operation was exhibited in the present meeting . ( Cheers . ) He was glad that Sir Joshua Walmisley had not confined his strictures to English misrepresentation , but had included Ireland . Yes , there was a country showing what slavery , cajolery , and submission the

      , upon one hand , and tyranny and oppression upon the other , could produce . ( Cheers . ) There was a country with an industrious people , ah honest and sagacious people with idle land , idle labour , and idle money , industry chequed , nay prohibited by the sway of the feudal lords , and the nation represented by lickspittals in the House of Commons . ( Cheers . ) How was that house constituted , and from its constitution what had their order to expect ? Here , were admirals , captains , and lieutenants in power , all satisfied with everything . Here generals , colonels , captains , and lieutenants , out of power , there a like tribe in power , all satisfied with everything . Here bankers , merchants , stockbrokers , profitraoneers , and cotton

      lords , all trading , upon labour , while labour was unreprosentedHp | fora )»* . but : he must not omit the profession to . w % teft ? h 6 ( Mr ; O'Connor ) " anPhis learned friend Mr . Parry belonged , namely the law , —they were the worst ( renewed cheers and laughter . ) One got up to explain what the law was , the other to explain what tho law was not , while the poor and uneducated were expected to understand all about tho law . ( Cheers . ) Now he looked upon his own and his learned friend ' s confederates as the greatest nincompoops—( cheers and laughter)—the greatest tools , and the greatest stumbling-blocks in the way of progression ; and if he had his will he would deal with them as the prince did who found that their petulant quibblings had entirely destroyed the peace of his subjects . He issued an edict declaring that every lawyer who

      Ereposed a new law should do so with a rope round is neck , and if he failed that he should be suspended —( great cheering and laughter );—and the result was , says the historian , that no new law was proposed for two hundred years , and the nation remained in a perfect state of tranquillity . He had shown how the House was constituted in the gross , and he would now scctionalize it for them . Here sat Peel and his chirrupping nest of young larks ; there sat Russell and his gaping nest of young sparrows ; there sat Disraeli with his pining nest of old cuckoos . ( Tremendous cheering and laughter , ) Here sits Sir Joshua Walmsley , creating his nest of hornets ; and there sits tho veteran Joseph Hume , that will lead them on in the House

      of Commons , and show thaw enemies how tbey can sting the pismires . ( Loud cheers . ) He derived more pleasure from the fourth resolution contained in the programme of that evening , than he did from any that had as yet been proposed by the new Association , and for this reason , because it placed the reduction of taxation in tho back ground , and developed the truth that by fair representation alone could financial reform be accomplished , ( Cheers . ) Their order—that is , the working classes—were never made acquainted with the inequality of taxation ; while the middle classes who stood around him appeared to be , heretofore , ignorant of the fact that industry was the source of all wealth , and that upon the labour of the industrious their order lived

      and prospered . ( Cheers . ) Could a banker live upon his chest-full of notes or gold if he could not exchange them for the produce of the labourer ? Could the cotton lord live upon raw cotton , or even bales of manufactured goods ? No . They must exchange the poor man s labour for all articles of luxury and consumption . ( Cheers . ) Ho would explain the meaning of taxation as regarded the poor , by a minimum standard . Poor old Molly Mulligan used to do her knitting and her spinning from the 1 st of March to the 1 st of October by daylight . On the 1 st of October she worked by candle-light ; she took her farthing to her neighbour Mrs . Brady , and got her farthing candle ; between one March and one October , however , there was a tax put

      upon tallow to sustain our war establishment ; Molly know-nothing of the war , but on the 1 st of October she went as washer custom for her candle , she got-the candle and tipped the farthing across the counter , "Oh , Mrs . Mulligan , " observed Mrs . Brady , "the candle is a half-penny now . " "Wisha , what s that for ? " observed Molly . " The war , my dear , the war , there ' s a tax upon tallow now . " Wislia , bad luck to their sowls , " rejoined Molly , "do they fight by candle-light ? and wasn't the day long enough for them ? " ( ltoars of laughter . ) Now this was a tax of a hundred per cent upon poor Molly Mulligan ' s industry . Weil , but their rulers declared , and some of their friends also declared , that the present system supported by their

      enormous taxation , was based upon the ignorance of the people ; while tho fact was that it was their knowledge they dreaded , as tho ignorance of a people is the tyrants best title to power-the voice of knowledge will silence the cannons roar , ( Loud cheers . ) And one of the chief pleasures that he derived from the-present fraternization , was that the knowledge of the people would dissipate the ignorance of their former oppressors ; the middle classes who denounced them in their press , and imprisoned and transported them' as jurors . ( Loud cheers . ) But if that ignorance—of the people did really exist who were tiio aggressors ? the guilty parties ? Why the system which allowed bishops and idle luxuriant parsons to live

      luxurously upon the sweat and blood of their flocks ? ( Loud Cheers . ) Ay , those gentlemen around him might cheer , but let them bear in mind that they also wore great sufferers from their own ignorance—an ignorance which compelled them to pay over eight millions In poor rates , to keep life in willing labourers , while their shepherds were receiving ten millions in idleness . ( Cheers . ) They had imbibed their notions of the people from the press , but that press had two chronic diseases , tho reporters wore deaf and the editors were dumb . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Now he would conclude with

      an illustration of what was considered ignorance , and what was considered crime , and he would do so by the Irish interpretation of crime , given by a very sensible and industrious old woman .. For thirty years and more this old hag had been in tho habit of waiting upon the coach passengers who took tea at Casliel about one o ' clock in the morning . She knew every body and every tiling . Upon one occasion an English gentleman , who had purchased large estates in the county of Tipperary , was going down to Cashcl to take possession of them , and on his journey , in tho good old times when Irish news three weeks or a month old

      was new to tho English ear , ho heard of nothing on his way but the frightful murders that had been committed in Tipperary , When his fellow travellers started , ho said to tho old crone , " Pray , my good lady , is it true that tbey commit so many frightful murders in this county , " ' * Wisha , " she replied , " lam sure there never was a murthor committed here , but they arc the quitest boys in the world . " " Well , but I heard that there were three proctors , two parsons , and two bailiffs , recently murdered . " " Oh yes to be shure , " answered the informant , "thoy kills the like ' s of them . But how can tho craythurs help it , shure they kills many of the poor sowls that nobody ever hears of , and nobody ever calls that murther . " (

      Tremendous cheering and laughter . ) Now , as he before stated , he would not attempt even a guess at what Universal Suffrage would effect ; but , as wisdom was very often gleaned from fools , he would be satisfied with the definition of the Yorkshire peasant . The late Earl Fitzwilliam was making his busting oration , when he was interrupted by a clodpolc . " What do you know about making laws ? " observed the noble lord . "Nout , " replied the peasant , " I know nout about making shoes , either , but I know when a chap makes a pair that pinches my toes , he shall make no more for me . I kno' that all the stuff ' ee tho wurld war" made for a' the folk ' ce the wurld ; and I haint got my share of it . " ( Cheers and laughter . ) Njw , that ' s just what the Charter would do for them ; it Would give them their share of their own property—their labour .

      ( Cheers . ) And the greatest difficulty that he had had to contend against was the enthusiasm and just excitement of honest men , and the rascality and villainy of dishonest traffickers in their credulity—fellows who , for their own benefit , would urge the poor deluded people on to physical force , and then laugh at them when their leaders become dupes to their own credulity . Their enemies woald now urge them on to physical force if tbey could , as they had the musket and the bayonet to resist that power , while they dreaded the moral combat , as they had neither arms , regiment , staff , or ammunition , to meet them . ( Loud cheers . ) Neither ambition or vanity should induce him to oppose such a movement . He had been imprisoned for them , he had been vilified for them , and by them , but ho had lived down all « and now promised little Lord John , tho whistle of such a national breeze , before his toadies met again * as

      Parliamentary Reform. Guea1 Meetisctat X...

      would announce the approach of the national" Express" train . ( Loud and tremendous cheering . ) This was one of those little squeezes from without which Lord John asked for , and if he ( Mr . O'Connor ) was not mistaken between this and the next session of parliament there would bo such a number of these squeezes as would place the representative power beyond the grasp of the Greys and the Elliots , or all the aristocraticiiimiliespufc together . With regard to Mr . Hume , he believed , that had he wished it , he might have been in office long ago , had ho consented to abandon the cause of the people . ( Cheers for Mr . Hume . ) There was a . time when he was opposed to Mr . Hume and his views , believing that the people could carry all

      for themselves without the co-operation of the middle classes , and he believed he had then used expressions towards Mr . Home for which he begged now to express his deep regret , ( Hear . ) He Wjoioed at the meeting of to-day , but especially he rejoiced at the fourth resolution . He trusted that this union of the middle classes would proceed as it had begin —peaceably , quietly , and constitutionally . Let them hear no more of physical force from any quarter , but let them proceed together , the working and the middle classes , in unity and . mutual confidence , and there cou ! d be no doubt that the representation cf the country would be olaced on a right basis , and then all the other reforms would follow in rapid succession . ( Cheere . ) He had struggled long and zealously in the cause of the working classes , and

      they Knew it , and he would now tell them that , ratnerthan surrender , one point of the , charter ,, or oppose this movement of fraternization with , the middle classes , he would resign life . ( Cheers . ) Mr . O'Connor resumed his seat amid general cheers and waving of hats . Mr . G . Thompson , whilst expressing himself favourable to the fullest extension of popular rights —even to all the points of the charter—hailed the present movement with pleasure , as a-first step in which all classes could unite for the attainment of the common object . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Hume proposed , and Mr . O'Connor seconded , a vote of thanks to the chairman , -which ha \ ing been carried and duly acknowledged , the business of the meeting concluded .

      L< C < (Z U I X J It Should Show Their W...

      // Ct > t ^ L < $ t ^ p ^ s C < ( Z U I i ^/ - / &^ £ v ^^ v ^^^ y ¦ / $ ? ^ W ^^ .. ^^ . ^ W ^^^ c ^^^ X c ^^^^^ y ^ J , ; : / . / n | J |^ ' J ' ^ P j flL \?/ A Sy *^ ^ > j a , a . /^ gte flllte ^ ejg far . a . v *^ - ' ^ 2 ^ r / 2 & ^ AW ( ts £ > c ! P ^ nil £ - ^< 3 H ^ SW &

      Public Breakfast. Nonwicn, Thursday Morm...

      PUBLIC BREAKFAST . Nonwicn , Thursday Mormno . —About 200 persons sat down to a public breakfast , given by the committee to Sir J . Walmsley , and the other members of the deputation , at the Corn Exchange . After breakfast , several gentlemen who were present on the previous evening addressed the meeting .

      The Late Chaetist Contention And Assembl...

      THE LATE CHAETIST CONTENTION AND ASSEMBLY . TO THE CHARTISTS . Friends In the " Star , " of September the 1 st , appeared letters from Mr . Child , and from Messrs . Clark , Dixon , and M'Gratii , apt pealing to you to discharge the debt due to Mr , M'Gowan for printing , which debt was contracted by your representatives sitting in the . Iate Convention and Assembl y . Other letters have since appeared ; and following these remarks , you -will read letters from Messrs . Walter and Reynolds , on the same subject , It will be seen that the former gentleman has contributed ten shillings , and the latter two guineas , towards the amount due to Mr . M'Goavan .

      There can he but one opinion as to the liberality and j-ight feeling of Mr . Rekvolds , Mr . Walter , and other members of the Convention , who have contributed so generously from their own purses ; nevertheless , I object to follow their example . I object on the ground of principle . I think it unjust that upon individuals should he imposed a responsibility which belongs to the many . I sat in

      the Convention , as Delegate for Nottingham , at a considerable sacrifice of time and money , giving my services without fee or reward . My successor , Doctor M'Douall , who represented Nottingham iu the Assembl y , has been for many months past an inmate of a prison , and ho therefore has contributed his share , and more than his fair share , of sacrifice and suffering for the common good .

      I submit , that it is the duty of the constituencies , and not of their Delegates , to pay the debt duo to Mr . M'Gowan . Rather than see Mr . M'Gowan unjustly dealt by , I too would contribute from my own means ; hut I will , at least , not do so , until the men of Nottingham shall have failed to redeem their honour . For Mr . M'Gowan ' s own sako I object to the course hitherto pursued of raising money to meet his claim . 33 xpericnee satisfies me that any such general appeal will meet with no adequate response . Mr .

      M'Gowan ' s claim amounts to ( within a few shillings of ) Forty-three Pounds ; and , notwithstanding the weekly appeals for more than a month past , ho has as yet received hut Seven Pounds . If , indeed , every member of the Convention and Assembl y were able to cn : . " '' - hute as handsomely as Mr . Reynold ; ho done , there could ho no fear of obtaining V > : v sum required ; hut the reverse is notoriously the fact , as regards , at least , nine-tenths of the delegates . I am , therefore , satisfied that tho money will not bo collected by the means employed up to this time .

      I suggest that Mr . Kydd , tho general Secretary , who is at present in London , should confer with the other members of the Executive , for the purpose of drawing up a scale of contributions to bo paid by each district represented in tho Convention and Assembly—so much to ho paid by London—so much b y Manchester—b y Nottingham—b y Newcastle—by Glasgow—b y Dundee—by Aberdeen—and by all other places whoseDelcgates were members of both , or cither , of . those bodies . This might be done at once , and the necessary notification published in next week ' s " & ar . "

      In conclusion , I appeal specially to the good and true Chartists of Nottinghamshire , to prepare to pay their fair share of this debt , which , in justice to Mr . M'Gowan , and for the honour of Chartism , should he instantly discharged . G . Julian Harney . Northern Slav Office , October 4 , 1849 .

      Reynolds's Miscellany Office, 7, Welling...

      Reynolds ' s Miscellany Office , 7 , Wellington-street North , Strand , Sept . 2 G . Dear Sin , —I much regret to hear that your printing account , so long standing against the National Convention and the National Assembly , has not yet been paid . I am sure the Chartist body will not allow the fair fame of the good cause to bo in any nay tarnished by the non-liquidation of this liability Your conduct has been most admirable in the matter ; and common gratitude , as well as common justice , demand that you should no longer bo inconvenienced by this delay in settling your claim . The members of the late Convention and Assembly should exert themselves on your behalf , and set on

      foot a subscription amongst their constituents ; while those who have the means should at once take upon themselves the responsibility of ton or a dozen shillings each , whereby the amount owing would soon be raised . So far as I am concerned , I hasten to act in accordance with my devotion to the democratic cause , and my respect for the working-men of Derby , whom I had the honour to represent in the National Convention;—and I therefore enclose you a cheque for two guineas , as my contribution towards tho liquidation of your claim . I remain , dear Sir , yours obediently , George "W . M . rvMSOLDS Mr . M'Gowan .

      To Tub Enitobof The Northern Stab, Sib ,...

      TO TUB EniTOBOF THE NORTHERN STAB , Sib , — -As the printer ' s account is still wnsettied , I think it ought to be kept prominently before the eyes of the Chartist body until it is paid to the uttermost farthing ; and as I think those who allude to

      To Tub Enitobof The Northern Stab, Sib ,...

      it should show their willingness to benr ^ f portion of tho burden , I beg to state that I have this week { remitted to the Executive Council 10 s . on my own account , and 2 s . ( id . from a friend . If a few amongst the numbers that arc spread over England , Wales , and Scotland , would give os . or 10 s ., and the many give their 3 d . or Od ., the debt would soon hd liquidated , and the burden would be light for all . Hoping that what I and my friend have done , may spur others on to do likewise , I remain , Sir , Yours respectfully , Edwakd Walter . Member of tlie National Convention of A pril , 1348 , Uavad-stieet , Worcester , Oct . 2 nd , 184 'J . y ib should show their willingness to benr ^ fportion of t , ie ^ en , I beg to state that I have this week remitted to the Executive Council 10 s . on my own account , and 2 s . ( id . from a friend . If a few

      The Integrity Of Chartist Orators. 10 Th...

      THE INTEGRITY OF CHARTIST ORATORS . 10 THB EDITOK OF THE ROnTIIEHN STAR . Sib , —The notice you obliged mo by giving in the town edition of the last week ' s Star , of the circumstance which prevented me replying earlier to Mr , Cater ' s letter of the 15 th ulfc ., has exonerated me from the seeming disrespect of neglecting that gen « tleman ' s communication ; but I confess that I should have felt uneasy in remaining three weeks under tho imputation of having " slandered" my < jo-Iabourers , the Chartists , —with whom I hare always co-operated cordiall y , and whose confidence it has been a privilege to retain , —had not Mr , Cater ' s letter borne evidence of incapacity to iudae the

      Juestion he raises , winch disarms it of the power of oing serious injury . He reports me as one of the " slanderers" of his friends by an assertion which he charges me with having made : then he calls upon me for the " proof . " But while an assertion is open for proof , it is too earl y to judge it , and pro * nouneo it" slander , " for if the truth be forthcoming the assertion is a truth , and no slander at all . Mr . Cater alleges , that in my lecture , ( at the Hall of Science , on "Hired Orators , " ) I said , "that several Chartists were in tho pay of the Tories to oppose the Corn-Law League in . their meetings . " This , however , is a mistake . So far from asserting the venality of tho Chartists in this matter , my object was to defend them from this imputation , and

      I did defend them from it . I said , " If it were true that the Chartists ever took bribes , they took thent only on the side of their conscience . " If a man take a bribe to contradict his own convictions he is venal and a traitor to truth : but if be take it only to give . a more energetic expression to his . opinions ho maybe considered as tjio victim of a pernicious policy , which lays his integrity under suspicion , but he can hardly be considered criminal . " This , I said , was the case with the Chartists . They hated the Anti-Corn-Law League before they were said to bo bribed , and if they took pay , they only took it to hate it the more . " The evident good feeling with which Mr . Cater writes has not escaped my attention , and I hope he will not consider me as forgetful of it in what I am about to say . I am not aware that 3 Ir . Cater is

      sufficiently known to the Chartist public to entitle him to be considered as personating that body . Therefore I pass from him to observe , that had his complaint come from Mr . Fcargus O'Connor , from my friend " L'Ami du Peuplc , " ( The Friend of the People , ) from Mr . Thomas Clark , Samuel Kydd , Thomas Cooper , or other representative names , I should have impressed this fact upon public attention : viz ., that though I did not say that the Chartists were ever bribed , it is said that , they were , and it is said so by persons whose authority is not to be disregarded with impunity . When tl : e league newspaper was about to cease , one of its concluding numbers threatened , if I remember rightly , to substantiate its accusation of the hire of ' Chartist speech-makers , and moreover to publish who they were—who bribed them—and what they received . At that time I looked into tho Star to see this

      menace dehed , publicly and scornfully , under the joint signature of every Chartist of note , but I found no such repudiation . I say , therefore , that if the particular imputation here in discussion , has , in the opinion of Chartism ' s representatives , any power to harm them , they should at once resolve themselves into a Committee of Inquiry , —force this dead League upon the stage again , take Its evidence , and give that answer which should set this question at rest for ever . One who never slanders friend or foe , Reasoner Office , Geoboe Jacod Holvoakk . 3 , Queen ' s Head-passage , Paternoster-row ,

      October 3 rd . [ For myself , holding in contempt the persons whose " authority" Mr . Holyoakc seems to think so much of , I treat their lying imputations with scorn and defiance . If my name appeared in tho list of those denounced by tho ( load and rotten League , it was a compliment . To have been abused by such bribed- shams— " hired orators , " and bought writers-bribed by the tyrannical millocrats " ' to give a more energetic expression to their opinions " —reflected honour on the persons calumniated . — L'Ajii du Pbwlb . J

      Who Pays ? W To The Emt0u Of Tiie Xoktli...

      WHO PAYS ? W TO THE EMT 0 U OF TIIE XOKTlIEKX STAIt . Sin , —On Monday last I read two cotemporavy papers—a metropolitan and provincial one—both having leading articles expressive of sympathy with the victims of despotism confined in i ' othill fields House of Heath . I should like to know who furnishes the Editors of those papers with the pacts they so fluently dilate upon ; or , if their articles are not written more to withhold honour to whom honour is duo , than to aid in alleviating the miseries of those still remaining in the prison-house . 1 think the former .

      They tell their readers that the . relatives ! of tho prisoners advanced the means to exempt tho incarcerated from oakum picking until they were unable to do so longer through extreme poverty . Alas ! the families are too poor to render such aid ; they were left destitute when their protectors were unjustly torn from them . Mr . O'Connor alone stood by them , —and to him alone the prisoners were indebted for their exemption from labour . If the Editors know anything of the matter they know this . IjUtFkakgus O ' Connor did it ! ! There is , to them , the eye-sore . Hence tbey write , not in sympathy , but to conceal the philanthropy of a man whose virtues and liomc-spoken truths eclipse tho WE doings of the whole pressgang .

      I should not have mentioned these perversions of facts ( as they are of daily occurrence , ) had I not seen in the first edition of the Star this morning that Mr . O'Coiinornlludcd to the misrepresentations in his speech at the John-street meeting . My object is to corroborate his statement , and T say to the lying Editors— "Go ye and do likewise , " instead of inventing untruths for party purposes . Friday , September 38 th . V . ' iluam Rideh . P .-:-. —!?!! :. —Press of matter having rendered it impo ' . !••; for you to give insertion to tho remarks made in haste this morning , I embrace the opportunity o . adding a fow words ' by way oi * postscript . In looking over tho memorial adopted at the meeting , hold in the Hall of Science , I find the following words : —

      That tlic sentence passed upon Hie saiil . foseph Williams foul Ale .-amliT Sharp did not imOuric hard labour ; but , nevertheless , their relatives were required by the prison aiithoriiUs to ) wy , or . d Vail thev did so i-ay , Ue sum cf T > s . each per wek to fhe jfoverwo' of the }» ist > n I ' or their exemption from t ' . ic d .-graUir . g labour of pic ' iiircg oakum . The memorial ought to have contained facts , and facts only ; yet the first paragraph cutis with a misrepresentation , which Mr . ' O'Connor had in his speech pointed out ; and , I r . ay add , that Mr . Mathison , the chief clerk at the prison , could easily direct tho attention of her Majesty ' s advisers to the error ; ho having more than once inquired of me who paid the nionev—my reply being " Air . O'Connor . '' I don ' t know liow tho friends who drew up the memorial could fall into such error ; and more particularly so , when Jlr . O'Connor had given the meeting a refutation of the lying reports of the Press .

      As it is requested at the head of the memorial that it , or a similar one , be adopted iu every town , city , village , and hamlet in the United Kingdom , I think it rig ht to call attention to the concluding sentence of the first paragraph ; and , while I implore the country to do its duty towards those yet within the pvisou walls , I conjure tfwst \ slvft Van ? . i \» management of tho memorials to see that no handle be civen to the enemy in the shape of an untruth . Depend upon it , there are those in power who are ever ready to take advantage , even of trifles , to perpetuate tbo miseries of those under their fell domination . I must ask pardon for extending this postscript beyond the limits Iat first intended ; but , as figure ? , like " facts , are stubborn things , " I deem it no waste of time to give a statement of the sums I have paid , and for which I hold receipts signed by Mr . Mathison .

      ISIS £ s . d . £ s . «• July 28-Cnsh .. i 0 0 Mnr . 2 ( i—ditto .. 5 0 ( I Aii ; , ' . lS ~ ditto .. 0 7 fi May 1—ditto .. 5 0 0 Sept . 1—ditto .. 5 0 0 — 13—ditto .. r > 0 t ) Oct . 10—ditto .. 0 10 0 . TunclO—ditto .. 3 0 0 Nov . 4— ditto .. 4 0 0 July M—ditto .. , ; 0 0 Dec . 7—ditto .. 5 0 0 Aug . U— dit ' . o .. 5 0 0 1 S-1 D Sept . *—ditto .. 5 « <> Jan . 9—ditto .. fl 0 0 — Vth . 8-ititto .. -TOO i | 74 J 7 _ t .

      Thanks to tho Halifax friends for the £ 1 , remitted through Mr . Culpan , to exempt Mr . Jones from labour . That , and £ 2 in addition , must be paid on Saturday nex t-., or wo may have more deaths in prison from attacks or Asiatic cuomuf ?) The £ 2 must come from tho pocket of Mr . O'Connor , as a matter of course . Tho wives and families have not the power to advance the money . God knows they are suffering many privation ' s which they do not publish to the world , and from which Chartism ought to have shielded them . W . 11 . * t do not know the date when this last sum was handed in . It wns y , a . ui \> j Messrs . Clavk and M'GratV , by order oi Mr . O'Connor , 1 have repaid it . Mr . O'Connor stated in his speech that he bad P » ' « Between j 670 and 4 'SO out of his own pocket . 'Ihc above wiU show how nearly correct Ue was ,

      ¦ 5 I I *;

      ¦ 5 I *;

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 6, 1849, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_06101849/page/1/