Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 9th May 1846, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, QUEEN'S BENCH, Dcbiix, April 29m. THE QU...

Page 1
Page 1
1 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (2)
    • > TO TBE SOMERS TOW5 CHARTISTS '
    • &n)wial f grliamrot
  • Text (13)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      ≫ To Tbe Somers Tow5 Chartists '

      > TO TBE SOMERS TOW 5 CHARTISTS '

      "Union Is Skenglh." Mr Dkab Fbiesbs,— Fo...

      "Union is Skenglh . " Mr Dkab Fbiesbs , — For some weeks past I hare observed a disposition upon jour part to force me into an unprofitable controversy- I hare always abstained from fruitless conbowrsiesiritli men irliom I respect , and parties upon whose co-operatien we must mainly rely for th » success of our great national project . Tou have lately evinced a disposition to scan my acts and words rather nicely , attaching to them , in some cases , a meaning which thej do not justly convey , and now yon go further , and without inquiry yen send me the following resolution , condemnatory of the heading to a report of a

      meeting recently held in your district . All who have read thereportofthatmeetingmust be struck with the impartial manner in which your censure is published in the Northern Star . An importance is given to it which is not usually given to meetings of the same character , whilethefrequent repetition of " cheers , " and "hear , hear , " evidently intended to mark thrusts at my policy , are very conspicuous . To this course I can have ne possible objection as it has been niy unvariable rale to open the columns of the Star to denunciation as well as to praise , of myself . I have never , in any one instance , altered or interfered with the manuscript of the London reporter ; but lam not prepared to bear a censure that is unmerited . Here I give the resolutions in question just as I received them : —

      That we , the Somen Town Locality , recommend to the Executive to . call the Convention on die earliest possible day at LEEDS , bang of opinion that no event has , a * jet , transpired to induce the Executive to depart from the Kales of tie Association . " We also express out disapprobation of the heading to the report ( inserted in the Star ) of the election of the delegate forMarjlebone . Let me now offer a word or two by way of explamv tion . The heading had not at all struck me until I received the above , and theo , I candidly confess that I did think you had sufficient cause to require some exp lanation but that you were not justified in passing

      the last resolution without having asked for some explanation . I am just as particular upon those points as you are , and being conscious that I could not have made an alteration in a manuscript that I . had not seen , and being convinced that the editor would not doso , I instantly sent for the reporter , and asked him how it happened , that when the feeling of the meeting was evidently in favour of holding the Convention at Leeds , he had given the proceedings such a beading as would naturally lead to the conclusion , that the alteration was made at my office tor the express purpose of assuming an improper dictation . He

      replied , that the heading that he had written was "The Ensuing National Chartist Convention . " Being determined to sift the matter to the bottom I sent for the manuscript , the heading of which was in his own writing , and precisely as it appeared in the Northern Star of last week . I then pointed out to him that it bore strong evidence of a desire to make me appear despotic Wheelerand Doyle came in , while the reporter was there , and it appeared from their shewing that the reporter had told Hornby , and had complained to them , that the alteration in the heading was made at the Scar office .

      Now , my friends , I think Ihave most fully andmost satisfactorily explained the matter of your last resolution . And now for a word upon the first , There is not the slightest necessity for censuring me or the Executive upon the question as to where the Convention shall be held , because we are just as great sticklers for obeying the popular voice as you are . One preliminary step must be taken before the Convention is held , namely , the delegates must be

      elected , and without fighting or squabbling about moonshine , what can be more easy or simple than , when the delegates are elected , or being elected , to take the opinion of their constituents in open meeting as to whether the Convention should be held at Leeds or in London , and I assure yon , that both places are equally the same to me , I merely give the preference to that which would be most likely to confer the greatest advantage upon our cause .

      I think there is one point that you appear to nave lost sight of altogether ; it is this , that if the extraordinary Convention should be rendered unnecessary the annual Convention , as a matter of course , wilj be held at Leeds , while I am sure you will agree with me that , in case of an extraordinary Convention being necessary , the metropolis is the fit and proper place to hold it . The most that the Executive can be charged with in this matter is the temporary postponement of the annual Convention , or , if necessary , merging it into one of greater importance . Every man of common sense would have censured the Executive for putting the country to the expence of two

      Conventions , and every one would justly censure them for not calling an extraordinary convention , if circumstances rendered the step necessary . I think a little consideration will convince yon that yon have not thought maturely upon the subject , while it strikes me as strange that the London delegates above all others should be such sticklers for Leeds . I have no reason to include your locality , I believe ; but the impression upon my mind is , that the merest country villages subscribe their quota of the expence of conventions more punctually than the London districts . Then as to convenience , -which appears to be a question mooted by some , who will say that

      London is not more central than Leeds for a national convention , and who will say that it is not a more appropriate place ? 1 think our strength will be more profitably used in selecting fitter objects for censure ; as , believe me , that nothing so much tends to weaken us as those little petty squabbles among ourselves , and all about moonshine in the end . I am of opinion that the Executive has evinced a wise discretion in waiting the result of the measures now bafore parliament ] before holding even the annual Convention . If the extroardinary Convention should be rendered unnecessary , and I feel assured that you and the whole country will ere Ions be of the same

      opinion , . it certainly appears strange to me that there should be such great haste desired , and such great anxiety evinced , about holding one Convention , when another may be , and in the opinion of the Executive will be , rendered indispensable . It has ever been ray greatest desire io give you all the satisfaction in my power . I may truly say that all the years of my manhoed , 'have been devoted to forwarding measures for your advancement , while I regret being compelled to state that a very nasty and a- ^ very mean feeling has been attempted to be created in London of late . Indeed I was thoroughly

      disgusted to find these bickerings introduced on Monday night at a festive party in honour of Mr . Cooper ' s liberation . There was no such manifesta . iioh towards myself , for I never was more kindly -treated or more cheeringly received in my life ; but -the feeling was there , and expressed there , though it fell cold upon the audience , and it is a feeling which all who desire to serve the popular cause should abstain from indulging in , especially upon such occasions , when all should be harmony and brotherhood . Nor can I believe that individuals really wishing veil to the cause of Chartism would select iudividual character for vituperative attack .

      In conclusion , my friends , I beg leave to state that upon all occasions I shall be mest happy to receive your complaints , and to give you the required explanation , and I shall always bow to your censure when it is merited ; while my own pride , my own conscience , and my position , tell me that I should not tamely submit to the unprovoked and unmanly attacks that you have recently made upon me . Atthe same time I cannot withhold my thanks from Mr . Thomas Henna , of Union-street , for the very sensible and respectful letter that he has written to me upon the subject of your resolutions ; and trusting that my explanation of your second resolution will induce you to retract your expression of disapproba tion , and hoping that our future progress may bo marked by a stronger union and less of bickering ,

      I remain , as ever , Tour faithful friend and servant , pEAuarrs O'Cosson .

      The Toweb.—On Monday Next, The Places Of...

      The Toweb . —On Monday next , the places of the t )! d Tower constables and watchmen will be supplied and licLr Junctions superseded by a detachment of the metropolitan police , drafted from the H division , and consisting of thirteen men and aserjeant , who will have charge of ordnance stores , the gates , and - he interior of the fortress .

      And' National..F^M^Jm^E^X:^ :M :R~

      AND' NATIONAL .. f ^ m ^ Jm ^ E ^ X : ^ : m : r ~

      Vol. X. No. 443- London, Saturday, Imkpa...

      VOL . X . NO . 443- LONDON , SATURDAY , IMKpa ^ fi ^ - jSi ^ mSSiQ * yli - : ' - - ^ - - ; ¦¦ ^ i ;^ : ; .. Five SldlHugw and Sixpence per Quarter ;

      To The Three Chartist Boys Of Manchester...

      TO THE THREE CHARTIST BOYS OF MANCHESTER . UUTTALL , HKOJf , AND HAEGREAYES . Mr-Dub Childish , Owing to the virtuous and indomitable struggle of the trades against their tyrant m asters , and to the fact of the Northern Star being the only paper in Europe that dares boldly to advocate the rights of labour , its columns are so full this week with important matter upon that subject / that I have-not space at present for more than the expression of

      my unbounded thanks to you for the spirited and effective manner in which you three Davids met and defeated the three Goliahs . You may be sure that it is very cheering and consolatory to me to find those who could not speak plain when I commenced an agitation which has lasted now nearly eleven years without cessation , stepping-, forward to advocate and defend the principles that I have laboured hard to teach them . Yon have done your work nobly and deserve the thanks of all for your triumph over jugglers who sought to delude you .

      I rejoice that the men of Manchester did , not attend ; the meeting , but that they allowed the battle to be fought by their children . I understand that the man who boasted of having received Tory gold had the insolence to mimic the Irish brogue of Daniel Donovan—it would be well for him if he could imitate his virtues , rival him in eloquence , or vie with him in honesty . - Yon will recollect that the

      leader of the Goliaths held me np to scorn and denunciation during the short life of his Manx Rag , and you will recollect that one of his principal charges against me at the time he hoped the League wc-ull hire him was , that I was the paid tool of the 1 sd ' lords . Well , is it not some consolation to find tha the ribaldry of disappointed hirelings will be one day answered out of their own mouth , and don't you think you may now ask the virtuous schoolmaster ,

      WHO IS NOW THE PAID TOOL OF THE LANDLORDS ? You will see with pleasure that the men of Sheffield have treated the Protection perambulators precisely in the same way as you treated them at Manchester . Was I not justified , then , in relying upon the Manchester garrison to defend the principles of Chartism against all who vainly hoped to take it by storm or surprise . What danger can there be to a cause when three youths , not one of them twenty years of age , are able to defend it against the gold of the wealthy , the treachery of the truculent , and the sophistry of the eloquent . Again thanking you for your glorious triumph , Iremain , Tour very faithful and affectionate friend , Feakous O'CoiraoB .

      To The Chartist Body. Bsotbsb Chartists,...

      TO THE CHARTIST BODY . Bsotbsb Chartists , Feeling that the time is at hand in which it behoves every honest Chartist to be up and stirring , 1 venture to solicit the honour of being returned as one of your delegates to the National Convention about to assemble . In this Convention I trace the hope of better times , the guarantee of strength , unity , and liberty , and the germ of a popular parliament . I perceive in it a rallying point for universal Chartism , —a cod f of men who will look the class-parliament of the oligarch in the face , and say— " We are for the peo pie , you are but for yourselves!—We are for thirty millions , you are but for one !—Give way I "

      It is because I wish to see a government that governs for the general good , instead of individual interest , —a House of Commons that shall represent a people instead of a party , —a church that shall be something more than a portion for the younger sons of titled houses , —in fine , a liberal democracy instead of a tyrannical oligarchy , and it is because I believe the people ' s charter alone calculated to ensure these results , that I am desirous of becoming one of your

      delegates , and thus giving one more example io those classes , with whom early associations have connected me , of how unworthy one of their own order thinks them of the privileges they enjoy , and of the powers they arrogate ; feeling , as I do , that , as an honest man , I cannot support " a system by which the poor are robbed of their labour for the benefit of the rich , and slaves are still further insulted by being told that they are free .

      It is my earnest hope , that many may follow my example , and that such examples may be frequent , and carry weight with those who are still our enemies , and their own no less , —and that I shall often be ablo to hail from the heart of your ranks signs of sympathy and brotherhood , or else contusion in the camp of our opponents . After what I hare already said , I need hardly add , that I am an unconditional advocate of all the points

      of the Charter . It is on the above grounds that I solicit the honour of becoming one of your Delegates , and with these feelings that I subscribe myself , Brother Chartists , The uncompromising enemy of a Class-legislation an effeminate Despotism and a corrupt Church But ever your sincere friend and servant , Ee . vesx Joxes . Mount Vernon , Hampstead , 5 th May , 1846 .

      Queen's Bench, Dcbiix, April 29m. The Qu...

      QUEEN'S BENCH , Dcbiix , April 29 m . THE QUEEN V . O ' HIGGINS . Counsel for the Crown moved for a Special Jury in this case . Motion granted .

      To The Irish Resident In Great Britain. ...

      TO THE IRISH RESIDENT IN GREAT BRITAIN . Fellow Countrymen , I am sure you cannot but admire the bold spirit with which the Irish Members oppose the progress of the Coercion Bill in the House of Commons , and I know that you cannot but feel grateful , deeply grateful , to your English brethren , your true and steadfast friend * , the unconquerable and uncompromising Chartists , for the manly opposition they are giving to that useless measure .

      My friends , let me now ask you , did you ever hear of any opposition haying been given to the Coercion Act of 1835 , that is to say , the Melbourne Act ? An Act which was just as bad . as tyrannical , and as unconstitutional as that now before the House of Commons . No , my friends , jou did not hear a word of opposition to that act , except from that consistent Irish patriot and best of landlords , the Honourable Member for Rochdale—Mr . W . S . Crawford . His was the only voice raised against it ; and so debased , so prostrate and degraded was the Irish mind , at that period , that the Electors of Dundalk actually called upon and forced Mr . Crawford to resign , because of his opposition to that arbitrary Act , the Whig Coercion Act ol 1835 .

      Read , I beg of you , read carefully the subjoined letter and petition . Depend upon it they will open your eyes to the manner hi which you and I , and all , were sold to the Melbourne Administration , " ( the only Ministry that ever did justice to Ireland !) " for places for Irish rampant Repeal Patriots . You will , I hope , one and nil , soon agree in the proposition which J , and other true friends to your welfare and happiness , made to you long ago ; which was , that your only hope for Ireland is in a cordial , sincere , and hearty co-operation with the noble minded , generous , > nd forgiving Chartists of Eng-

      To The Irish Resident In Great Britain. ...

      land , who will teach you how to achieve the enian cipation of your own order . Paku-ck O'Hicoim . Dublin , May 4 th , 1816 .

      T O The Right Hon . Sir Robert Peel; Bar...

      T O THE RIGHT HON . SIR ROBERT PEEL ; BARONET . ¦; Sib , —You are reportedto have said in your speech on the debate on the Irish Coercion Acti that you did not think a change in government induced the Irish members to object in 1846 to what they agreed to in 1835 . Now , Sir , with the greatest respect for your judg ment , I differ from you altogether upon this point ; and although I am not only most decidedly opposed to the Bill now befor e your honourable house , but morally certain that penal laws will never accomplish the peace of Ireland , yet I am equally certain that the opposition of the leaders of the repeal members , * a they call themselves , is entirely owing to the change in the government , and to nothing else . The

      present government will not give them and their followers the places in Ireland , as the government , of 1835 did . In 1835 any of the Irish who petitioned against the Coercion Act were denounced as enemies to their country , and in the pay of the Tories ; but there was a good excuse for this , as they were promised placet , which they afterwards got . And my poor duped , deluded , and betrayed countrymen actually forced the hon . member for Rochdale , Mr . Crawford , to resign the representation of Dundalk , because of his opposition to the Coercion Act of 1835 . And it was broadly and publicly stated by those Irish patriots who voted for the Bill , that the opposition to it was calculated to turn out the liberal ministry , the Melbourne administration , and . bring in the truculent Tories .

      Sir , if you but give places , or promise places , the Irish patriotic members , the great leading agitators , they will do as the hon . member for Montrose said he would do in his correspondence with Lord Castle- ; reagh , vote that black . was white , and white was black , to keep in his party . The Coercion Act of 1835 was hurried through the Houseof Commons by the votes of the repeal members with such indecent haste that there was not time to get up petitions against it . The only Irishman that petitioned against it was the individual who now has the honour of addressing you . His petition was sent to Lord Radnor for presentation to the House of Lords , but it was too late , as the Bill was such a favourite with both houses , that it received the third reading in the upper house in two nights .

      The petition ( of which I send you a copy , and which as well as the letter I hope you will have read in your honorable house , in the hearing of the Repea Members ) , was , in the first instance the petition of the National Trades Political Union , was adopted at a public meeting of that body , and signed by the Chairman , Mr . John O'Brien , and the Secretary Mr . T . M . Ray , on behalf of 10 , 072 members , and who undertook to forward it to Lord Radnor far presentation that night , the ISth of August , 1835 . But who , instead of so forwarding it , cut their names off the bottom of it , and retained it , when they recollected , as they alleged , that the bill was supported in the Commons by the Repeal Members . Having been thus thwarted and left to petition alone , . ! forwarded one to Lord Radnor myself .

      This great Repeal Confederation was not content with repudiating the petition against the Coercion Act , but would have fulminated a vote of censure upon me , in the following terms , had I not resigned . . " That Mr . O'Higgins on Tuesday the 18 th instant , by an insidious and mischievous proceeding , involved the Trades Union in an act calculated to embroil that body with the present liberal government , and Mr . O'Connell deemed it necessary to annul that proceed , ing , and ,. incidental thereto , to censure the conduct of Mr . O'Higgins . " Now , what was the insidious and mischievous proceeding here complained of ? Having prevailed on the meeting to adopt a petition against the Coercion Bill which was brought in by the liberal government and supported by Mr . O'Connell .

      With these facts before me , am I not justified in believing that such of the Irish Members as did not vote against the Coercion Act of 1835 , are influenced more in 1856 by an opposition to the Government , than to the present bill ? In conclusion I must respectfully submit , that Coercion , no matter how stringent , will never tranquillize Ireland . Mr . Crawford ' s Landlord and Tenant bill , if passed into a law , will do more for the peace and tranquillity of Ireland in six months , than alj the Coercion Acts that human ingenuity can invent . I know my countrymen well , and also know what they want . I have the honor to be your obedient humble servant , Patrick O'Hiooiss . To the B i ght Hon . ibe Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled .

      The petition of certain inhabitants of the City of Dublin , being members of the National Trade * ' Political Union , anil in number 10 , 072 . HUHBLT SUEWETH , That your patitioners have heard that a bill has been intreduced into the House of Commons , and sent up to your Bight Honourable House , under the title of " a bill for the better prevention and more speedy punishment of offences endangering the public pence in Irelaud ' "that this bill has passed so rapidly through the House of Commons , as to deny your petitioners the full opportunity of remonstrance against it ; and tl at your petitioners thereforf pray your lordships not to pass th « said bill , and for the following reasons : —

      1 st . Because though this bill is called a bill for the "letUrprtvmtioh" as well as the " more speedy punish went" of offunces , its enactments are all confined to the harsh task of punishment . 2 nd . Because this bill creates no new offence , but provides new unusual and unconstitutional modes of visiting offences already punishable by laws of great severity ; because laws of great and extraordinary severity have lately been in operation ; and it must necessarily be , either that Ireland is tranquil , and affords no justification for harsh laws '; " or that hnrsh laws are not the proper means of securing the jmblic peace .

      3 rd . Because this biU , in the summary proceedings which it authorises , in the temporary and dependent character of the judges whom it appoints , in the monstrous principle which it introduces of examining accused parties on oatl ; violates the most important guarantees of fair trial secured by the constitution to tbe king ' s subjects . 4 th . Because your petitioners , in common with a great number of their countrymen having petitioned Parliament for a Repeal of the Legislative Union , as the only adequate remedy for their grievances ; while it was determined sot even to discas * tbe prayer of their petitions , it was admitted that grievances did exist , and it was promised that those grievances should be

      considered with a view to their immediate redress . The cry . iug grievance of Ireland , that which by its enormity swallows up all others is , that the landlords of Ireland are aUowedso to possess and to use their lands as to cause the great majority of the people of Ireland to live in a state of destitution and miser } -, which is the oppi ' obium of civil government and the scandal of the Christian world ; and so as frequently to cause the actual death of multitudes by hunger . It is now more thuu five years since a Committee of the Honourable House of Commons , of which the present right hon . the Chancellor of the Exchequer was chairman , reported in theso words . —" The situation of the ejected tenantry , or of those who are obliged to give up their small holdings in order to promote the consolidation of farms , is necessarily most deplorable . It would be impossible for

      language to convey an idea of the state of distress to which the ejected tenantry hare been reduced , or of the disease , misery , and even vice , which they have propasated in the towns wherein they have settled ; so that not onlj they who have been ejected , have been rendered wiserable , but tbey have carried with tliein and prciiagatud that misery . They have increased the stork of labour ; they have rendered the habitat ions of those who received them more crowded ; they have given occasion to the dissemination of disease ; they have been obliged to resort to theft and all manner of vice and iniquity to procure subsistence ; but what is perhaps most painful oi all—A VAET NUMBER OF THEM HAVE FEKlSIifcD Of want . This grievance is not yet redressed . This work of extermination still goes ou , and whatever may hav « been the specious grounds on which the bill aforesaid

      T O The Right Hon . Sir Robert Peel; Bar...

      may have been presented to your Honourable House , . your petitioners fear that its real object and tendency tire to aid in the destruction of the ejected tenantry bv compelling them to die quietly . ,, 5 tb . Because if tbe people of Ireland are to be submitted , to , the same government as the people of England , they { ought . to have the protection of tha same laws , whereas this bill does not extend to England , though it is notorious that more extensive and systematic violence has recently prevailed in Enghndthan in Ireland . Violence originating in the base attempt to approximate the condition of the people of England to that under which the people of Ireland have long been compelled to groan , and , therefore , tha passing of this bill would seem to the people , of Ireland like a new declaration , that so long as they shall be submitted to the government of the English Parhament , it is determined that they shall have worse laws , and ba kept in a worse condition than their English fellow-subjects . ' ,, ' .

      On these grounds your petitioners humbly , but most earnestly , pray your lordships to reject the bill aforesaid . ' And your petitioner ! will ever pray .

      &N)Wial F Grliamrot

      & n ) wial f grliamrot

      House Of Lords—Friday, Mir 1..! The Rail...

      HOUSE OF LORDS—Friday , Mir 1 . . ! The Railways Dissolutions Bill passed through comniittee after some discussion , in which the Earl of Dalhou 8 ie , JEarlGrey , Lord Monteagle , Lord Brougham and other noble lords took part . Several other bills were . ' forwarded a stage , and the house adjourned .

      HOUSE OF COMMONS-Fridat , Mai 1 , MR . SMITH O'BRIEN . Mr . E . B . Roche communicated to the House a letter written to him by Mr . Smith : O'Brien , in which that hon . member complained of having been misrepresented by bis friends . He did not , he said , complain of being denied an opportunity of addressing the house , but he had been taken unawares by the motion made by the chairman of the committee of selection , who , besides , had not read the letters on which the case was grounded in extenso , but only portions of them . Mr . ; O'Brien concluded his letter by saying , he should make no further appeal to the house , and that he was most , anxious the house should be informed "that he was no party to any motion for his discharge , " The reading of this letter was followed by a burst of laughter , Mr . O'CoN'sm postponed to Monday his motion relative to the discharge from custody of Mr . Smith O'Brien .

      IRISH COERCION BILL . The adjourned debate on the first reading of the Protection of Life , Ireland Bill , and Mr . O'Connell ' amendment thereto , was resumed by Mr . P . Somers , who opposed the motion . ' ¦ ¦ Mr . Maukicb O'Gonneij , followed on the same Side . ¦ :. . .: ¦; ¦ ¦ ' Mr . CoiQimouN supported the Bill , though he considered it insufficient for its object . Mi * . T . O'Brikn , in giving his opposition to the bill , contended that it would create universal discontent , and would make life still morn insecure than it was at present in Ireland . It would not reach in the smallest degree the source from which the crimes now complained of originated ; The source of those crimes was the strife which had so long existed between the landlord and the tenants of

      the country ,-and which led the first party to acts ol oppression , and the latter to acts of retaliation . When one party , by clearing their estates , forced the people either to take refuge in the bogs and the churchyards , or to perish and die in the highways and ditches , could it be surprising'that the other retaliated by threatening letters , by violence , and by murder ? If you coerced the people for committing such crimes , ought they not also to coerce their superiors , whose conduct gave rise to such crimes ? Until some chock was given to the exterminating violence of the landlords , there could be no peace , and without peace there could be no prosperity in Ireland . He concluded by declaring that , if this bill should unfortunately pass , you would have in lesa than twelve months , fifteen instead of five Irish counties in a state of intolerable disturbance .

      Mr . Bellow , Mr Sharman Crawford , Mr . E . B . Roche , Captain Layard , and Colonel liawdon spoke against the bill , and the Attorney-General , Mr . R . VV . Collett , and Captain Fitzmaurice in support oi the first reading . Mr . H . Gbattav , after an impassioned denunciation of the agrarian murders by which Ireland had been recently disgraced , proceeded to condemn with even still greater warmth the oppressive and unconstitutional provisions of this Curfew Bill , winch was intended to repress , but would unquestionably aggravate them . '

      LordG . Bentinck denied in the most explicit and positive terms the charge that had been made in that house , and by a Cabinet Minister ( Lord Lincoln ) out of the house , on the hustings , against the protection party , that they had been guilty of making a foul compact with the Repealers . Lord G . Bentinck pledged himself that the only communication between him and Mr . Smith O'Brien was a letter written by the hitter and which the Noble Lord publicly answered in the House ; immediately after he had consulted with bis friends . Thus what Lord Lincoln bad designated on the hustings " the fact of a compact , " was a fact without the least foundation . Lord 6 . Bentinck ' s explanation was received with loud cheers . The House at length divided—For the first reading ... ... 274 Against it ... ... ... ... ' ¦> ¦ 135 Majority for . the first reading : 149

      Sir R . Peel announced , that he would move the second reading on Monday , the 28 th inst ., and that he would go on with the Corn BiU on Monday next .. He proposed to take th * discussion on the Sugar Duties as soon as possible , and to proceed with the Customs' BiU with as little delay as practicable . The adjourned debate on the Polling Places Bill was resumed , and after a few observations , was again post , poned to Monday . The other orders of the day were disposed of , and the House adjourned at Two o ' clock to Monday .

      HOUSE OF LORDS—Moshat , Mat 4 . The house met at five o ' clock . The Bishop of Exeter gave notice that on Friday next he would move that certain tiviestions relative to the effect of the Religious Opinions Relief Bill should be submitted to the learned judges . In reply to a question put by Lord Staslst , _ The Lord Chancellor stated that it was his intention to consider the case of societies supported by voluntary contributions in reference to the Charitable Trusts Bill , and that , upon moving the second reading he would make known the result . Lord Baouenui laid on tbe table a string of twenty-three resolutions respecting railway and private Bill legislation , which were ordered to he printed .

      On the motion of Lord Camfbelx , the Death by Accidents Compensation Bill was reported . - : The Railway Deposits Bill passed through committee ; and the report of the Railway < Companies . Dissolution Bill wis received . HOUSE OF COMMONS . —Moxdat , V & t ' i . The Speaker took the chair at the usual hour . MR . SMITH O'BRIEN . Mr . O'Coxnell gave notice that it was not his intention to make the motion of which ae had gutsn notice for the discharge of Mr . Smith : O'Brien . He had received aperemptory requesttramMr . O'Bsien , which compelled him to withdraw ii .

      VISCOUNT HARMNGE ANJ > LORD GOUGI 1 . The house having resolved itaslf into a committee of . the whole house to takeipjjo . consideration her Majesty ' s message , Sir It . Peel , after recapitulating tb . a services of Viscount HarJlngcand Lord , Bough , mored that the annual sum of £ 3 , 000 be gsan ' ted to Lord Ilardiiigc and the two next succeeding heirs malo of his body ; and the annual sum of £ i , 000 to JLord'Gough and his two next succeeding heirs male—with the proviso that in caso the EasS India Conraany slioulu make suitable provision for the two Nobleaud Galla » t Lords during their lives , the annuities granted by Parliament should commence with their respective heirs .

      Lord F . EcBriTON , Mr . Roebuck , Sir C . Napiku , arid other meiubers urged upon the governmeut the propriety of viwardiuKSomo pecuHhu .-y reward to Sir 11 . Smith , Sir C . " Napier , the famil y of General Nott , General Pollock , and others , which led to a protracted . discussion ..: Lord John Russell and Sir Robert Peel resisted the claims niiule on behalf of these parties on the . ground that it was an intcrfevence . ivjth the prerogative of the Crown , and so for this , time the people u re indebted to "the Crown " for keeping the-hands of these " conquerors" out ol their pockets and not to their representatives . " The motion as proposed by Sir R . Peel was ultimately agreed to .

      CORN IMPORTATION BILL . On the motion for the Speaker to leave the chair , for the purnose of going into eomniiUoe on the Com Importation Bill , Lord G . Bestixck moved , as an amendment , that the Speaker should leave the chair to go into the

      House Of Lords—Friday, Mir 1..! The Rail...

      said committee that day six months . The noble lord said that a new character had been civen to this measure sinee it was last before the house , because the Prime Minister had avowed a new conversion , and had a few nights ago confessed that what he had before Easter considered anpolitic , be now felt convinced was unjust . The house , therefore , and the country , were entitled to demand the reasons for this new change of opinion . Having eastthercspohsibility of whatever stagnation to trade the diseussionson this Bill occasioned upon those who unnecessarily brought it forward ; and having denounced the double dealing and trickery of the whole proceedings by which it was sought to be carried , he proceeded to show thefallacies by which its supporters endeavoured to blind the farmers . Jib quoted returns of the price

      ot grain during several periods of large foreign importations , to show that it was a delusion to pretend that the entry of 1 , 500 , 000 . quarters of foreign wheat in our markets would enhance the price of homegrown corn . In this year of alleged famine and stagnation , 116 , 000 quarters ' of grain were sold in the 288 markets of England in excess over the carresponding ' i period of the , previous year ; and this grain was of our own growth . So long , therefore , as this-measure waa postponed , the fanners of England enjoyed a monopoly and thepricc was maintained , whilst at the same time the people of England had 116 , 000 quarters more than during the vear gone by . Then the' present was called a year of famine ; but he found that wheat was only 21 per cent ., and oats Hi per cent , above , whilst every

      other gram was below , the price of last year—a year when the prices ranged lower than for the ten preceding years . The noble lord turned successively to Prussia , to France , to America , to see if the promises , of the Minister , that these countries were about to follow our example , wore likely to be realised , lie found no such thing . Prussia , instead of being shaken , was drawing closer her restrictions with foreign countries . France was , indeed , ready and willing to avail herself of our relaxations , but sho gave not the slightest symptom of - reciprocity ; No indications oi adopting our free trade policies were perceptible in the United Slates . The noble lord examined the state of Ireland to see if anything had occurred since the last discussion on the Billto

      , convince any one tbat the Protection laws were unjust . He found the price of potatoea rather falling than rising ; he discovered importations noing out of Cork ; he learnt , from the highest authftrities , that in Westport , in Castlebar , in Clonmel , in Cavan , and in various other localities , the supply of potatoes was sufficient , and oats were abundant , and that not the slightest excitement on the score of famine was felt , lie concluded by saying it was vain for the Minister to pretend that anything had occurred in Ireland since the last discussion on this Bill to make him again change his opinions , and denounce that Protection to be now " un j ust " which before was only " impolitic , "

      Sir R . Pkel admitted that the scarcity in Ireland was not universal , aud that gentlemen writing from certain parts of that country might justly assert that no rise of price had taken place ; a ; ill ho maintained that disease growing out of the scarcity didexist , and that the scarcity of food was almost uxparnlei ed . The right hon . baronet charged Lord G . Bsntiiick with having aided in continuing this delusion of famine , because his lordship consented to the suspension of the corn duties in Ireland for three months . The noble lord said that though lie believed the importation of foreign corn duty free into Ireland would be ho remedy for the distress , if it existed as alleged , still he would consent to a temporary suspension of the corn duties for Ireland , should the Irish members wish it . He would then agree to an extraordinary

      measure , for which he believed there was no necessity and what would that be but countenancing a delusion ? Sir R . Peel emphatically denied that there had been any exaggeration respecting the famine , and ho adopted and deliberately reptated the expression that the restriction on the importation of foreign food , which he lately thought impolitic , he now believed to be unjust , lie admitted that his change of opinions disentitled him to the confidence of the noble lord ; but having undergone a change of opinion he was bound to confess it . The right hon . baronet proceeded to say that because he did not believe free trad » in corn would render us dependent on foreigners , btjcaimo ho did not believe that wages rai-ed with the price of food , and because he did not believe the continuance of Protection necessary for agricultural prosperity or advantageous to commercial developemeut , therefore bethought the natural presumption in favour of unrestricted importation

      should prevail . He believed in the importance of a territorial aristocracy , but he doubted the'justice of the landed aristocracy insisting on the continuance of the protective laws . Had the aristocracy of France not insisted on the maintenance of their privileges the revolution would not have been brought about . With respect to foreign countries , the Premier stated that Sicily had relaxed her commercial system , and that though neither France , Prussia , nor America had given indication of adopting our policy , there could be no doubt they would when once we passed this Bill . But if they did not , and if we bought the brandies and the silks of France , and the corn and timber of Prussia ; and if we even paid for our purchases in gold we would be all the better . for it , and lose nothing . The right hon . baronet coneluded , by reiterating his . advice that this country should take for its motto—Advance , and do not recede from the course of the commercial policy you have adopted .

      Mr . G . Bankes supported the amendment-. He could perceive no reason for . the change that had passed over the right hon , baronet . He could jie ' reeive no new lights in his novel doctrine . He had heard the smuc arguments as now fell from the lips-of the First Lord of the Treasury come from the other side of the house , and he had heard them answered , and answered triumphantly , by the right hon . baronet himself ( Hear hear . ) Lord George Bentinck , in speaking to a question put to him by Mr . Smith O'BrienT-a question seeking to know how far the noble lordtand the party acting with him , looking up to him ; as-they did , as their leader , as a man of talent , would support tho hon . member for Limerick in a temporary , suspension of the law for the importation of corn . into Ireland , replied with . his accustamed good talent ,

      with a degree of caction , whichrmiglit , hojsbould have thought , have saved him from the attempted sareasm of the right hon . baroaet—had stated that he could see no beaefit that wouid result ftoaa such an experiment , aad that he coul £ not lend himself to the delusion th . it any such benent could ba reasonably expected fmn it ; ' yet , in . order thafche might not be accused ef invoterat «; 6 bstiuacy , o ^ of indiffer ence to the aljeged state of Iseland , purging himself froai any noftian that he waikagreeing taor yielding any boon , ha ^ deelared , tte $ j f the government would propose thai measure , sadi . t & e Irish inambcr-, as the rejiresentajivea of that . . < iwintry , '; . ' wsiuld _ ' distinctly Istate thaitihcy coiisidusad ' that iliat measure woulu ' be beneficial to Irelaii'i ,. he-. woidd at once consent to the experiment . ( El ' sw hear . ) Now , ho ( Mr .

      , Bankes } saw no ground : for the ts ^ nts which had fallen , from the prime- minister on that subject ; he saw no-reason to blame his noble friend for that answer ; but if tho go «« riiment did think that that measure would b ^ iw- the benefit ttf Ireland ;' why did they not concede- il ?; ( Cheers . ) . And if they saw no benefit likely to-rcsujt from it , why had they , night , alter night , difectedagainstthem the language which j they had used , uniting to- thara that by . the length ; of the debates , they- were delaying relief is Ireland ? -Cheers . ) Where were the cheers of the Treasury benches now ?; ( "Hear , hersr , "ahdaVuigh . ) Such language : ,, such speeches , had been by no means unfrcquent at the commencement of th ^ se debates , but they had grown " small by degrees ,, and beautifully less ; " and those wer

      goverameub now used . If , there & re , nothing else had been pained by the proposal of the hon . member tar'Lhncrick , they were at least obliged to him for this—that that line , of argument was stopped . Nothing was now said about de-laying relief to Ireland , That bad received its answer , and . they might cheer the reply as long as they pleased . ( Hear , hear . ) When ho Iwird the right hon . hjiroiiot speak upon tho subject of the bullion brought into this country , he was surprised , indeed * to find that , he treated it as a matter of no importance at what price tliev bought it—what quantity of commodities tlitiv gave for it . ( Hear , hear . ) Other opportunities would occur of addressing tho house upon that subject , because another important stage of the Bill had * o be u ' assed before ii could receive even tho final

      sanction of that house ; but he agreed with his nook ' friend in ' thinking that this was a just s « : d proper occasion to raise a discussion , applicable to tho new position which the prime minister had taken when he declared this to be no longer a question of policy , but a question of national justice . ( Hear , hear . ) The hon . member concluded by saying that tho cha . nj » o of opinion in the ministry was ' caused by fear of i he-League , and that could only lead to still greater con . cessions to popular agitation . ¦ Oftliishuwassatisfie * , that whilst there existed in the sister kingdom a similar confederacy , which yet had its success to gain , ihe course of policy which the vifeht honourable baionet was pursuing . was n direct encouragement- to them never to cease their exertions till they could boast a similar triumidi .

      Lord J . Russkw . defended Sir E . Peel , aiid the policy he had adopted . As to the cry there was no sufiicient reasons adduced for a change of opinions , Lord John said , I think we have heard , i ^ the course

      Of These Aiscussions ,->Rgimie3fe^Niqwi-...

      of these aiscussions ,- > rgimie 3 fe ^ niQWi- * P ; 8 howy « i « thesekws have pJM ^ iiiS ^&^^^ SS distress , wnen food 1 ias * fe 6 n * uearM creased , and crinio / iaff ^ c " reasec ,-TO 1 fc 6 p >^* - 'tO the 3 careity mh ^ mS ^^ rMmS ^ Sim s ances I know of \ mt ( ffil ^ mtiti # & 3 et ® l ^ the coums which the ' - n ^^^^ i )^ i | BfHiii ' Sangrado , he uarg- tnr -I dm ^ injS ^^ SI &^ dWtiSlv * ' tont to f ^ rnonm mmmmmemb fatally ¦ . bleeding aud hot 1 ^ r 1 » r ¥ frled ; 4 twtfe your patients are you ^ g ^ rJ ^^^ tKe ^ tfieMiilueli is sudden or ot long « io «^ ¦

      ., rv . "" " ^^ S ^^ n' ^ -aangnworepiiea |•— It is quite true fftno singleci \ se'has theWbeeii' & euro ; but I have written & Mbbk —{ " Hear , aiear "' and laughter)—in which 'I have proved that ' the ' only * cure is by bleeding and hot whter ; ana it is iiiipos- * aible for me to adopt ahy btlieHi-eatment ;'' ( "Hear , hear , " and laughter . ) With reference to the effece which concession might have on popular agitation , his lordship spoke as follows : —The hon . gentleman ; also spoke of an association , commonly known by the name of the League ; and of another association across the Channel , the object of which is a re / tcnl of the Legislative Union between the two csuutriesl Now I big the hon . gentleman ' , ' and the noble' lord , and those with whom they act , as they dislike yielding , to these associations , as- they dislike a course ot *

      policy which has been in agitation in our market places and in our _ streets for years , as they think and wish that measures of improvement should comefroid Parliament , and be sent unmasked to the people , rather than that they should be the consequence of popular agitation , I-beg them well to weigh and consider the experienceof late j ears . ( Hear / hear . ) ..- Foemany years we contended for Parliamentary lttsform , and in the course of that struggle , I ventured to say in this house , that if you would not let it flow ' like av river it would rush like a torrent . I was laighed at then—it was called arid considered a ridiculous prediction—but when popular feeling liad riaen to a height which could no loii ^ ' sr be resisted , then it wa * discovered that it would ; have been wiser to have made concessions before ; and astothe many questio n * tvhick will arise

      after ihe'kttlevient of this question of thc ^ Corn Laws , I do hope that tiehon . - genUeman ' ana others will consider well whether there may lioibe taeamra which ii would be wise for rarliament to etiacf before they are dictated by popular agitation . ( Hear , hear ) . Of this I feel sure that if we do not , which . I trust is our destiny , if we are to give a great example to the nations of the world—if we are to teach tha nations of the world how to live—wo of the House of Commons ought to think seriously which of our institutions , which of our lava , oh founded iri reason * in truth , and-in ' justice . - ( Hear , hear . ) The hon . gentleman makes complaint against the riuht hon . harotiet for calling these Ja ' wn unjust . Why , " they are restrictive , and if restrictions not authorised , and not justified by tho general . " -a ' cty and lveilare of

      thepeople , they cannot be called otherwise than uigust ,, and if there are ' other laws which equally bear-the stamp of injustice , do not wait till agitation , till mooter meetings tell you wfvjsto do . ( Hear , bear . ) Be wise Itforthand . Take an example from whisthiw happened , as to the Catholic Relief Bill , the Reform Bill , and the ' Corn-Law . Maintain only what is founded in reason and justice . Standby those institutions which are good , and abandon tliosa which are not ivorthu of your sujjport . ( Cheers . J In this way I feci coiiviiici d that you will be netting a great example , and that in the sight of the world it will be said , "this great nation is a wise and understanding people . " ( Chters . ) Mr . D'Jskakli said , the noble lord who has just addressed vs , hws , as well as , ' flie- rj ^ -i . E ho nourable . gentleman , ' assumed the case to be this—whether we

      are prepared to oppose that which is for the interest of the community . ( Hear , hear . ) ' 1 , for one , win not prepared to opyoso any measures that are lor tlie interest of the people . ± > ut thiif ' w ,. I ooust-nd , tho void quegiion bulbre us—( liuiir )— . that is ' the qutstiun that has originated iu thvse ' debutes , I did i > ot , however , rise to argue this question on the present occasion . I should be sorry , however , " if ever an occasion offered to shrink from an unequivocal expres-6 ion of mv opinion upon it , and I do not wish to ? evade difficulties in the present . instance- ; but this is evidently not the moment when it would be borne , that any man should rise and enter upon , thisquestioh . It is only these cool assertions which we hear from either side of the green table that have made me rise at . all .. ( Cheers . ) I cannot pretend to

      advance this , at the same time , as any excuse for not attempting to answer the speech of the . right hon . gentleman .. This is not the first time that we have heard that speech , though it may be in different localities , and from master hands , ( f 1 . Hear , " ¦¦ and laughter . ) It has sounded in Stockport—it has echoed in Durham —( Hear , hew)—I suspect it hasbeen heard within the walls of our classic theatre—( Hear ,, hear , hear )—and as the second-rate housesare in the habit of borrowing from the . superior theatrical establishments 1 suppose that the inferior company had adopted a popular performer . ( Laughter and cheers . ) , And , especially , when I heard that picturesque line described which has traversed the kingdom , and the agricultural provinces that lie tothe eastward of it , I think—as I rhave sometimes

      heard of rival lines of railway nomyaulea , I mlghUIiato said that this is the line of ; Cobden , ( Much * laughter . ) . When the right hon ., gentleman , with . the power of mimetic rhetoric says , " we proposethat whichis for the advantage oMhe people , " then I say that that is the very questicrtat issue —( Hear * , hear)—and lam ready to meet it without any evasion ; . and if the measures of th » government have not a tendency to occasion great displacement of labour—of that kind of labour which is of the most , permanent character —( Hear , hear)—if they have not , by tbat displacement , a'tendency also to occasion great social suffering , andj . ultimately , greafc political . disasters ; then I say ,. that their measures are good measures , and I am -aoi prepared to oppose theni . ( Hear , hear . ) Now , . that , I contend , iathe real question —( Cheers)—ar 4 , tliat question ,, with , the indulgence , of the house , and at the proper >) time , I am . prepared to meet —( Hear , hear)—and , if I do

      not meet it now , I hope that- bo man will lor > a mo * merit suppose that 1 admit the justice of the serie * of . assumptions of which tha right hon . gentleman has to-night availed himselfi . ( Cheers . ) The'hon . member then attacked the- Premier for * having talked of territorial aristocracy as if it ha & peculiar privileges , whereas in tenths it was open to , all who > Iliad yrealth to purchase -laed ; and reasserted the ( impossibility of carrying , on the system of-fighting : [ hostile Tariffs with fraeimnorts unless by . tke sacriiSce of our domestic labour and a treduction , of prices , J Mr . Borthwick inovedi the adjournment of the ¦ debate ; and the houso . was cleared for , a division , ! but some misunderstanding having taXen , place in ' consequence of tho-speaker net hearing the hon , member's motion , no- division took place , and all objections having been waived , Lord . G . Bentinck withdrew his nmendtitbrd , and the house went into committee on the Bill . th

      On the first clause ,. Lard G . BnsTi ^ s moved at , the chairman ueport progress , and ,: the committee divided thereupon :: r ~ For reporting progress .. ,.,. „ . 85 Against it ., „„ , » . *> . .... „ .,,. „ ....... 1 S 1 Majority .,, * ,. .....,.,. „^ .. 96 Mr . P . BBiHHtzz immediately made another motion to the same- w & ict , and the committee again divided : — ^ - ¦ Forreporbiaeprogress ..... ^ .. . . .,,,..... 5 & Againsfcifc ... _ ,....,............. 105 '; ! Mojin & y ..... ; . „ ,. „ ., * Hi ' . ' . t Mr . P . VHJ . . B . Vi » ved iinothw : r » wn- - ndi »« i ! t > that the Chairman leswi tha chair ,

      After a . show discussion ,. 3 ii ; R . 'Peel saitfc . he saw no use hi . containing the contest ; but w bepui s - tlemen opposite who had notices of ni ' otiu ' r-ts . ibr Uiia ( Tuesday ) , evening would ^ give way , and ; allow the commiwee on theI'Cbrn Kill to proceed . Mr . BowsuiG and Mr . . Ewinr instantly gave way and Mr . Packe withdrew-his amendment It waa ' ultimately anwiged that the epnjmittec da the Com Bill should reaceedon Tuesday , ; on Thurs-t day Lord G . Benthicuto . bring on his motion ' relative to Canada ; on Friday . the report of the Corn Bill to be brought up ; aud .-li & iou Monday next , tha third reading of the Com ^ ill shall be moved .. The Chairman Ua . n reported progress . Tho Poor Law J & moval Bill was read > . ' second time , ; Tbe other or'deas . were disposed of , and ; the house adjourned at a q-aatier-past on » o ' clock .

      HOUSE $$ LORDS-JPue & dat , Mat 5 . The Earl cirftujax moved an . addcess to her Majesty , in answgij- to herniost . grRcious message respecting the confrfla'ijiu of some pecuniary marks ofber ; royal favour © £ , Viscount JEJardingejand Lord Cough , The noblo JiKd recapitulated tlie services of the two gallant nohj ' vuien , and . mentioned the amusiii" anecdote , tliat ^ when Loxd Cough ' s / son was asked what title his . father would take , his renlv was , " My father nMalwaya ^ n ' oallca / ' OW Gough / - and " I do not think he would like to go , to his grave " under any other name . "" The address moved was a simple echo of the Queen ' s message . The Marquis . of Lansdo-vksb seconded the motion , thinking tliat , independent of the reward Viscount Hardingc and Lord Cough were entitled to for their military services , it was right that parliament should enable persons who had been raised to the peerage to I support their dignities .

      , Alter speeches from the Duke of Cambridge , Lord Brougham , Lord Glcholy , and Earl Fitzwilliaiu , the address was agreed to . The last speaker wanted to saddle tho country with the pension not only for tho first or second generation , but for the third and fourth , in fact , as long ' nstho mala branches of tho family existed . Thepocvago was hereditary , ' and tho mcar . s for supporting it should not bo grudged by the nation . Lord Caukw moved for tho correspondence that took place with the Irish Government relative to the appointment of the Castas R otulorum ot the county of Wcxibvd on the death of the Marquis ol Liy , and complained that- tho Lord-Lieutenant ot tlie county I Ccntimud lc \ the Eight Page . ]

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 9, 1846, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_09051846/page/1/