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    April 12, }***> _ THE JvORTHERN STAR ......

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    Expenses of Pkosecutioss.—Oh .Monday the...

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    NATIONAL CONVENTION. Saturday, r ~"^''" ...

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

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    Taunton. Tub Nempsettmurdrr.-John Wills ...

    gat . Other articles of her dress were also feUnu jnrhe s ame disordered state . - On the bod y . jfcwig esam ii ; ed by Mr . 'Smg /' a ' - surgeiinV ' unmiAaklBa ^ lci spoearances presented themselves that tbe deceased Dould not have destroyed herself in the oond . , This op inion was confirmed by . Mr . Savage , the eminent s ^ -geon of the county-hospital , . Wh 0 , at considerable length and amenabili ty , explained the grounds lot his coming to the jcohclusion that she had not commi tted the act herself , but that she-had been forcibly detained in . ihe wafer . . There were marks helow her elbows as if she had been piuchedi .. being kept down . There were bruises on tlie chest and arms . Death had' resulted from . suffocation and drowning . ' A fast amount of other circumstantial evidence was adduced . The jury returned a verdict of _ GuiUy , and the learned jud ge pass-d sentence of death upon the prisoner . The con wet appeared hot in the least affected at his awful doom .

    Tbk . Mchseb of a GAHEKEEPEB .-JoLn Starling , aged 29 ^ mes Cadn . an , 32 , and William BrowS were inteted for feloniousl y shooting and murderl mg William Napthen , head gamekeeper to William Zerton , Esq ., ofE levendJa flail . - KtaJfiT The jury acquitted the prisoners . There wal some alight mantfestation of applause , hut it » £ diatelv suppressed . ; mme

    LIVERPOOL . HorsE-nniAsisG .-Robert Jackson , TTiUiam Mayor , Thomas ffeadley , and Thomas GoulbouriT were indicted for breaking and entering the dwell fiSfffift ? ' ' at Simmonswood , i , ear S ^ ? ' It appeared that on tbe SIS ? esda y . tbe 4 th of March last , at half-past 7 o clock , several of tbe workmen were at a pancake supper , at . the farmer ' s house , and assembled in the . kitchen . Suddenly four men , masked and armed with pistols and blude ' eons ,

    entered the kitchen , ordered . those who were there to keep silence and turn their faces to the wall . Two of the men then went through the kitchen into tbe house part , one remaining on watch at the door , While ' the fourth , aceostlag a wan named Seddon , demanded his money . Seddon gave him sixpence , but the manrr-who was identified as Jackson—said this ^ would not do , and proceeding to search his pockets took 2 i . from them . The man who was at the door called out to Jackson , "Whv do you let him watch ? why don ' t you shoot ?" " upon which Jackson fired , and shot tbe man in bis cheei and

    month , wounding him severel y . Michael Larkin , another of Tyren ' s men , was also robbed and knocked violently on the head with a blmigeon . This witness identified Mayor , the man ou watch at the door , and swore to his wearing the disguise of a pair oi black whiskers . Goulbourae was also identified by another of the men , at whom he had presented a double-barrelled pistol and succeeded in knocking down and stunning . Two witnesses also deposed to the prisoner ITeadley-r-one' Of whom swore to having seen him loading his master ' s gun , which was not to be found on the followingmorning . The dress ofthe prisoners , was also sworn to be similar to what was subsequently found in their houses . —The jury convicted all the prisoners . A previous conviction having been proved against Mayor His Lordship sentenced him to transportation for life , and the other three prisoners for fifteen years . -.-- ¦ - -. ¦ -.:

    CHESTER . The Biekesheao Riots . —John Brown , Matthew Griffin , and John Fehan surrendered to their hail , and , with Peter Fitzsimon , William Hagerty , and Edward Smith ( the latter three having been in custody ) , were Indicted for a misdemeanour . —Tbe jury Acquitted the defendant Brown , and found all the others ' Guilty , hut recommended tbem to meicy . — The Judge : On what ground ? Foreman : ( after some hesitation ) : It seems to be the general wish of the jury . —His lordship , in passing sentence , said he thought it right to say that the conduct of the police Oil the occasion' of the first disturbance was ,

    in-his opinion , not only injudicious but unjustifiable by reason of taking too peremptory and too active measures to remove tbe people from the front of the Town Hall . He was not surprised at this exciting the anger of tbe crowd , stuT care must be taken that courts of justice did not under any circumstances justify a riot , and it was fortunate the parties injured recovered , or tbe defendants would unquestionably have been tried for murder . His lordship then sentenced Hagerty , Smith , and . Fitzsinion to nine months ' imprisonment , and Fehan and Griffin to ono year , without hard labour . — Brown was Acquitted on tbe other indictments .

    GLOUCESTER . Chaboe of Morder . —Priscella Yemm , a woman fat advanced in pregnancy , wa ? indicted for attempting to murder an infant named Charlotte Wellington , aged five years , by wilfully negleeting to administer to it proper clothing and nourishment . Another CCIUU in the indictment charged the intent to be to injure the child ; and there were other counts , charging the prisoner with common assaults . —It appeared that a man named Wellington , who lived at East Sean , lost his wife in the course of last year , and that soon afterwards he employed a woman named Uewellin to take rare of bis ottage and children . She remained with him six weeks , and was then superseded by the prisoner , who brought two

    illegitimate children with her , and who , too , since lived with Wellington as his wife . When tbe prisoner came the deceased was a fat and healthy child , " bnt in a week or so afterwards she began to fall away and ultimately became very , weak and emaciated . -To account for this change several of Wellington ' s neighbours were called , who deposed that Yenari constantly neglected the child ,. anir withheld from her sufficient food , though . she fed her own children well , and . tbatshe frequently beat and kicked her in such a manner as to leave large bruises on her person ^ One witness also deposed that ; she had heard the prisoner say , when beating the child , "I should like to see thee

    dead ; I do hate thee . " At lengsh the neighbours interfered , and the child was taken to the union workhouse , and was then found to be ia a very emaciated state and covered with filth and vermin . On being weighed it was found she weighed oily 32 ib „ hut iu the course ; of a month or six . weeks , during which sbe was supplied with proper food , she increased in weight Clbs . The surgeons of . the union deposed that the emaciated slate ofthe child was owing to want of proper food , and that she had no constitutional tendency to consumption or scrofula . — The jury fonnd the prisoner Guilty of an assault only and she wa ? sentenced to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for nine calendar months . '

    John Wellington , the father of the child , was then arraigned upon a similar indictment , with the exception ofthe counts charging the attempt to murder . — The jury acquitted ' the prisoner . ' " " i Chabgs OF MoROEni — Daniel Munday was charged with tho murder of hia wife at Wottonunder-edge . In this ease a peculiar feature showed itself in the fact of two . coroners' inquests having been held on the body ; and twe verdicts given as to the cause of death . In tbe first ease a verdict of "Hied by the visitation of Hod" was returned ; and in the second , a verdict of " Wilful murder

    against Daniel Monday . "—A number of witnesses , neighbours and acquaintances of the deceased , were first called to prove that the prisoner had been in the habit of ill-using the deceased for years past . Tlie unfortunate woman , it appears , was . of delicate health , and unfit to he tbe wife of a labouring man , subject to tbe hardships and privations of an agri--cultural labourer . —The jnry found the prisoner Not -Guilty of murder or manslaughter , but guilty of a common assault , and the Judge said he could not receive such a verdict , whereupon tbe prisoner was acquitted . .

    -AssiciT as » Hobbert . —Edward Gibbons and F . Prosser were indicted for assaulting James Cheslin "Wheeler , at the hanilct of Longford , on the evening of tbe 11 th of January last , and robbing him of a gold watch . —Sir . Wheeler , tbe prosecutor , is a nurseryman , carrying on fcusiness in Gloucetter , and he was in the habit of leaving Gloucester about saren o ' clock in the . erening , to return io his residence at Longford , " about aniile and a half distant . The prisoner Gibbons keeps a beer-shop on the road to Tviugshoini , wherethe robbery was committed , and on theevening in question he was seen by nnumber of witnesses in cbmpauv with the other prisoner ,

    at different points between Kingsholm and Gloucester , sometimes before and sometimes behind 3 ) r . Wheeler . The attack upon Mr . Wheeler was made hy one man seizing him by the neck from behind , and the other advancing in front and rushing in to step bismouth ., ' , ' The man :. who ' came in" front was distinctly s worn by Mr . Wheeler to be the prisoner Gibbons , and the following morning he gave such a description of . Mm aa led to his apprehension . There was a bright moonlight , and - one witness swore she could see to pick up > pm .-rrThe jury returned a verdict of Guilty against both prisoners . —TLey were sentenced to be transported for life .

    April 12, }***> _ The Jvorthern Star ......

    April 12 , }***> _ THE JvORTHERN STAR ... f

    Expenses Of Pkosecutioss.—Oh .Monday The...

    Expenses of Pkosecutioss . —Oh . Monday the government bill , as amended in committee and on ra-e / musttment , 4 o * aiaend tbe law relating to the expenses of prosecutions , and to mate further provision for the apprehension and trial of offenders in certain cases , was printed . There are ; now twenty-one-clauses in the intended act , which is caly to extend to England and Wales . Several new clauses We been' added , one of ' which -isto give parries east * in eases of common assault as in cases of felony . ! It is providedthat clerks of , the peace may be paid by salaries instead of fees ., ' ,

    ions Perverts . — We hear that tbe elder brother of the B shop of Oxford was received into the Church of Home a few days ' sinee ,. and thai Archdeacon Maunin " , the brother-in-law of the bishop , '' professed , " and was admitted into the . Romish communion ; at the Jesuits' Church in Farm-street , on Sunday last ; and on the same day , and at the same place , ' was admitted . Mr . James . It . Hope , § C—Standard .- At Leeds , last week , five Oler » ymen of St . Saviour ' s and two of tho clergy connected with other places of worship , •« _ well as t welve or fourteen laymen , were received into the Roman Catholic Church .

    National Convention. Saturday, R ~"^''" ...

    NATIONAL CONVENTION . Saturday , ~ " ^''" [ For the conclusion . o ' f Friday ' s sitting , and part ofSaturda / s , see the eighth page . ] ( Continued from the ^ or of last week . ) The following * clause was next proposed : — - ' The NaUondlDebi . " This debt hav ing been contracted by a class government for . class purposes , cannot Le considered as legally contracted ^ the people . -, ' . " It is , moreover , absuru' that future generations ' should be mort gaged to eternity for the follies or misfortunes of their ancestors , and the debt be thus repaid several times over

    - ' The national debt ought , therefore , to be liquidated , by the money now annually paid as interest , being forthwith applied as repayment of tbe capital until such repayment in completed . " Mr . E Joxks , on the suggestion of Mr . O'Connor , explained the latter portion of the clause . ¦ Mr . 0 'Co . vxoBsaid , the whole ofthe property of the kingdom would not pay off the National . Debt . The people never contracted it . ' It was contracted by the aristocracy . Cobbett and other great men were in favour of its being spunged out .

    Mr . Reynolds said , that they would be open to a = harge of spoliation if they so dealt- with it . ! Besides , it would bring ruin upon thousands of poor families , and families of motieiate income . If the same man , or his descendants , who originally lent the government £ 10 , 000 in the time of William the Third , still held the scrip , it would not be so unjust , but tbe scrip bad become matter of barter , and the man who now held it might have bought it at a fair market price the day before . Governments , ' both Whig and Tory , had interfered with the debt . . In thirty-two years the interest would pay off ibe whole debt . Mr . O'Coxxon said , Mr . Reynolds proposed that they should pay tbe same " amount of taxes for thirty-two years as they sow did .. Was not thitt absurd ? it was legislating for their children and grandchildren , and would be no benefit to themselves or constituents . .

    Mr . Manxle said , the subject was surrounded by difficulties . Mr . Reynolds ' s plan was of no avail to the present generation ; to spunge out the debt would , be equally difficult—it would create a rebellion in the country , and erery man thus injured , would become a conspirator against the government . If they could ascertain the precise incomes of those deriving a portion of ' their means from the National Debt , they might deal with the subject without inflicting much , injustice . A deduction from an income , of £ 5 , 000 would not be felt so much as a deduction from £ 500 ; by lowering the interest and other means which could be adopted , they might lighten the loss to its present holders . Messrs . Hc . vmbaMi and . BEZER : supported tho clause . , , .. '• ' r . . ' - ' .

    . Mr . ErjFFr showed that many were receiving interest upon £ 20 , 000 who only 'lent" £ 10 , 000 ; and they had thus been paid several times . It was the duty of all to labour ., If some men would not do so , but lived without , they must hot complain if tbat income was reduced for the benefit of the State . -., ' ' . . . , i , " ... .= > . '¦ - ¦• • Mr . "Wheelee moved : — 'J ' That the latter portion of the clause be omitted . " There were many plans for liquidating the debt . He believed they had not adopted the best . They would be better ! abie to deal with that subject at a , future time . He was aware that it had been paid , in the shape of in * terest , five times over , since its establishment , in the reign of William the Third . Mr . Savage seconded the amendment , .

    Mr . O'Coxnob supported the amendment ., He was in favour of mixing up as few questions as possible with the Charter . A People ' s Parliament would be better able to deal with that clause . They would injure the cause by attempting to . do too many things at once . During his whole , political life , he had ever acted honest and consistent to the interest of the people . ¦ ..-Mr . Gray said , if the . ; democracy of Lancashire could decide tbe question , they , would be for expunging the debt ; but , as a matter of principle , he should vote lor the clause .

    Mr . Robinson was in favour of the . clause , and opposed to all that would appear to be spoliation . : : Mr . Mantle denied that tbe people of Lancashire were in favour of expunging the debt . . . Mr . Jones showed . that they were not mixing up any other questions with Chartism , but were creating a mind in favour of . social reforms . They were giving to the world a specimen that they were not the representatives of mere brute force , but tbat they had mind and intelligence-sufficient to more than compete with the assembly of St . Stephens . - - ¦ -.- • Messrs . Thompson smd Hiasr were in faroor of the clause ,: Their conttituents were expr ' e ' ss in tbeir instructions upon that subject . Mr . Watson said , he considered the debt altogether an unjust one , but the-clause appeared to him a good method of gradually ' removing it .

    Mr . Graham was u favour of justice being done . He believed the spunge would be an unjust system . Mr . Jokes again addressed the Convention , showing tbat , by tbe after clauses , the taxation by which the interest of the debt would" have to be paid , would fall on the rich .-Jlr . O ' Cokkor also explained ; It would not be the rich who would have to pay the taxes , bnt the poor , as no capital could be raised without labour . -Mr . Makile said , as they were determined to legislate for tbe future , he did not think they went far enough in that clause . They did not go to that lenath in carrying out this principle , which they had done in others . As far as himself and the rest of the Chartist body were concerned ; the legislation ihey were adopting was entirely useless . He should vote for the clause , believing it to be better than nothing ; " . o ' ¦ ¦ ¦ - :. ' ..-:-.-.-. ¦ ..-. •

    Mr . Retnoub defended the clause , and showed that it did concern the-present generation . - Wasii nothing to tell the world that , at -tbirtv-two years after the date of the first Chartist Parliament ; the debt would be abolished f - The question of how the money or taxes should be raised to pay it off was a different subject . There were many methods by which itcould be done ; there were two hundred millions of acres of good land in our colonies lying useless , w'hich coald ' be made available for that ; purpose ; there were also many' other' sources of revenue applicable to that purpose . : ¦'•'¦' Messrs . - j Padi ., Felkis , and Bbsfow supported the clause . •" ¦ " ' Mr . Wheewk , on the suggestion of 3 Ir . O'Connor , withdrew his amendment . '

    The clause was then carried , Mr . JIantie giving notice that he should - move an addition'to the clause en the report being brought up . . The following clause was then proposed : — The Army . ' ' " Standing armies are contrary to the principles ofthe British constitution , and dangerous to the liberties of the people . At thesaine time , the Convention acknowledges the expediency of a standing force being maintained , until suitable changes in our colonies and at home shall have rendered its continnance no longer requisite . " Mr . Bezer moved the following amendment : — " Standing armies are . contrary to the principles

    of democracy , and dengerous to the liberties of the people , and as it ia the right of every individual to bear arms so it is bis duty to know how to use tbem ; . iind , as every citizen ought to receive a benefit at the hands of the State , so be ought to be liable to defend it ; and , as liberty is not safe , where an unarmed and undisciplined , peop le stand in presence of an armed and disciplined force , it is therefore requisite that every male ; of sound mind and body , over fifteen years of age , be trained in the use of arms , such being a part of school education , and that all the following clauses should be omitted . " . Mr . Babkeb seconded the amendment . J ! ' 0 CossoB supported the amendment ..

    r . Mr . Joses , at considerable length , defended the details ofthe clause .. ' ., ' ' ,.. ' -. , Mr . O'Cbxxon showed that they did not need a staadiiig arinv for the defence ofthe colonies , and that it wonld ' be an engineof tyranny towards tbem to keep up a military system for that purpose . Mr . BEZER said tbe colonies would speedily become independent if our troops were withdrawn . No longer having colonies we should not need to defend them : During the week they had made landhational propertyseparated the church ; from

    , the State ,. given education to aU , and effected numerous greaichanges , and now , after all these good things , they ' . were making rules to regulate the marshalling . bf physical force . . [ - Mr . KEixjoiais wished to . know whether , jf they had a Chartist parliament to-morrow , could they , oh the same day ; abolish the standing army ? if tbeydid so they would throw themselves into the hands of their enemies . TThey bad 150 , 000 soldtes who , if . disbanded by them , would he _ sejzed upon hy their " opponents ' , ... \ "' .. "'

    Mr . O'Cox ' xoR showed the evils which the army bad done to republicanism in France . ' ' . . Mr . ' Masti . k ' believing'that . this was a measure which would produce good at the present time he should vote for . it .. ' ' , ^ .. •• Mr . Barker suggested that Mr . Bczer should emr body in his amendment the gradual reduction of the army . ' ..-. . . . , ' . " ,. .. ' , The usual hour of adjournment having . arrived , the Convention adjourned . . Leave of absence was given to Mr . Savage , for the afternoon . ' ' . ' . ' .,- ¦ „ . . ¦ Afternoon Sitting . Mr \ Bdfi t moved , and Mr . Anxon seconded" That a committee be appointed to get up a public supper oa Wednesday evening the 9 th , at which the whole of the delegates should , if . possible , be present " ' : : " i' ! : J ! L : ¦

    ..- . v : _;; , „_«; . _ Tbe motion was agreed to , and Messrs . Shaw , nunniball , anaBnn > were , appointed ,- . The discussion on the clause . relative to the army was then resumed . -

    National Convention. Saturday, R ~"^''" ...

    ni l ™ T ^ P ° t 0 tn e nmendment v : Bezer . who said he wished to abolish the array . BntHheth » awWier 8 noW-inr , eXisience ,, and-, they must , deal with ihe thatef ial before , ttieni : - He wished to know if they haa' a ' constitution iii'this country , and , if so , whether a stanuJi 5 g ';! arniy ' was consistent with that constitution ? "' - . " j Messrs . Josks and R ^ ykoiis spoke on this' subject .. : ; ; . : ' ¦; . ¦; ' :, • •' : '•• " v ••¦ ' / : ¦¦• The commencemen t of the clause was then altered from " princi ples of the British constitution " to " principles of democracy , " and . the clause wad carried , Mr . ; Bozer ' s amendment receiving two . votes . , . ..... ' - ^ . " :, (; '¦; . . ' : ;;] The following clauses were then carried ' with one dissentient : —

    "Until such change , the following enactments are necessary for the comfort of the soldiers , and the safety of the citizen . " "Xo enlistment to be binding , unless renewed before a jhagistratej within three days ; by the party enlisting . " "Thatevery soldier shall be entitled to a free discbarge at tbe end of four years" was carried , instead of the following : — "The duration of service to be limited to four years . " ' On the ensuing clause being moved , Mr . Mantle moved , and Mr . Wheklbb seconded , " That the clause should end at the word ' discipline'in the third line . " The latter portion was an argument and not a doctrine or principle , which was contrary to their usual system .

    The amendment ' received five votes . ' The-isolation of troops in'barracks . estranges them from the citizen , renders them unfit for the duties of domestic" life , demoralises them , and is unnecessary for discipline , 'as proved by such discipline not being impaired , when troops are quartered on the inhabitants , as is frequently tbe case , both in peace and war . " The following clauses -were passed ^ after some trifling discussion , with two dissentients : — "Troops , quartered on the inhabitants of their own country , to be paid for as other lodgers , and

    that none be compelled to receive them . " . "Promotion to take place from the ranks , by military gradation , and none , to bo promoted before , at least ; ono year ' s service in the , ranks . " And tbe following , after some objections on the part of Mr . - Mantle , which were replied to . by Messrs . Thompson and Huxx : —•¦ '¦ ¦'¦ ¦" ' „ "Promotion by purchase to be abolished . " " The use of the lash to be abolished . " ; " Courts martial to consist , in all cases of officers and privates in like proportion . " The following was nnanimously carried : —

    • TheNavy . - .: '¦' *' To be regulated by analogous laws . " " Die Militia . , 'AsitistherigbtTof-every individual to bear arms so It is his ; duty to know how to use them ; and as every citizen ought to receive a benefit at the bands of the State , so he ought , to be . iiable to defend it ; and , ' as liberty' is not safe , where ah unarmed and undisci p lined people stand in presence of an armed and disciplined ; caste , it , is therefore requisite that every male , of sound mind and body , over fifteen years of age , ; be . trained in the use of arms , such being a j > art of school education . " '' Mr . Maxile objected to this clause . It was too compulsory . ' ' 'Many persons- of the Peace and Quaker persuasions were opposed . to-the use of arms . . ;?? . ; . . . " . ' ¦ -....,- -.,... - ..

    Mr . Thootsos supported the clause , but suggested that a corJM of firemen should be established , in which' those ' should enrol themselves who had conscientious scruplesagainstthe useof armsi Messrs . - Gray and ? Rotev ; supported the clause . There was nothing in the clause which compelled a man to fight ; it only required that they should be instructed in the use of arms . ' Mr . Host said there had bcen ' a strong feeling against the -niititia , in consequence of the precedents in their ' -conduct ,- and the method oftheir being drawn .-If they gradually abolished the troops of the line , it / would be necessary that they should have an organised militia . He had a " plan , to propound to them in reference to this subject .

    ' Mr . Maktle thought it was idle to say that they did not force men to fight ,-when they , made it compulsory on them to he trained in the use of arms . He moved—* , ' That the . concluding words ofthe clause should be left but , and the following ' substituted : ' —' Should be afforded an ' opportunity for military training . '" ' ' : ' ¦ The amendment was adopted by the Executive . Mr . T . Hoxr moved the following amendment , which was seconded by Mr . Grat : — "As it is the right of every , individual to bear arms , so he should

    know how to use them ; and , as every citizen ought to receive a . benefit at the hands of the state / so ho ought to be prepared to defend it . The use of arms to be taught to boys at public schools—therefore , a defensive force , to be organised of resident inhabitants of . this country ; . the members of the force to be paid at a fair remuneration for time ; at least , a proportionate amount of the'line to , be reduced . " Tbe motion of the Executive , amended by Mr . Mantle was " carried ^ receiving- eleven votes ,: the original eight . votes , and that :. of Mr . Hunt three

    votes

    ' .,, •; < Poor Law . " " It . is the duty of every man to work—and , therefore , he has a right to the means of work ; and those unable to work , ' through infirmity or age , have a right to support at the hands' of the State . "' ' - ¦ -- ,: . ;• " . > ¦ On the aboro being proposed , - . Mr . Hcst moved the following " amendment , seconded by Mr . 'Mantle : — - ! ' , "That so long as artificial laws obstruct the right to the land ,-the State is bound to secure the opportunity , of obtaining subsistence by labour ; that the , want of such security is an omission in our industrial code , which occasions much of the confusion and misery in , the midst of our intelligent , powerful ; and rich country . ; - ¦' - ¦

    " That the existing Poor Law is notan auxiliary law , but a repressive law , purposely . framed to repel the necessitous from seeking its aid or support in times of difficulty ; that it acts most oppressively on the industrious classes ; and that it dees not protect the ratepayer ; failing in all its legitimate objects . ¦ ' — - > " That . tlje people should , demand a total repeal of the existing Poor Law , and the substitution of provisions suitable to attain the required objects ;" - Mr . Rbvkolos . showed that the amendment , though lengthy ,, expressed nothing which , was not contained . in " the original clause .. Many of the statements in Mr . Hunt ' s preamble wcreliable to objection .-,.-: ; . , Mr . Jokes made similar objections to the

    amendment . : • , ¦¦ Mr . Ghat moved , and Mr .. Iturw ; seconded , the following as a rider : — " It . ia . the . duty , of every man to work—and , therefore , he has a right to tbe means of work ; and those unable to , work , through infirmity or . age , have a , right to support at the hands of the State , and proper provisions suitable to attain tlie . required objects . " . . After some / discussion , the . original clause vas carried by a large majority ^ "All : able-bodied persons , unable to support themselves , to be supplied withremunerativo work ; and , where possible , to bo located on the land . " " . Where the State cannot find work for ., the unemployed , it is bound to support them until labour is provided . " ¦ : ' ' The unemployed to be supported by the . State , not by tbe parisb—and the cost to be defrayed out of . the national revenue . "

    " . The aged and infirm to be supported in thenown homes , or in the bouses of their relatives , by a weekly allowance , or in special buildings , erected by government , at the option of thevecipient . " The fourclauses , as above , were carried without opposition ; and concluded the Programme , with the exception of ; tbe Preamble , which , was next discussed { . * .---.. * j . Mr . Kobixson mo ' vedthe adoption of the Preamble of the Programme ( which will'be found-at the conclusion of our report ) . . Mr . Yates seconded the motion , which ; was unanimously adopted . . . , .: , ' , ' Mr . Ropfv , moved , and Mr . Barker seconded , the following , which was carried unanimously :-4 . " That Addresses , each embodying one of tlie above reforms , , be circulated , together , with an exposition of the Charter , and its necessity , for enabling such reform to . be . cibtained . " , " . ¦ ¦ ¦ < " > '" . ' : The Convention then adjourned . ... ' , '¦ - . - ¦

    MONDAY . The Conventionresumed its sitting at ten o'clock . The Roll having been read , and . the minutes confirmed , aslight discussion took place on the'subject of all the Chartist victims of 1813 bcin ^ iiiTUpd to the supper got up by the Convention . The question of funds being raised , Mr . Reynohls ' gave £ 1 towards that object .:- : ; -., ¦ '" -,., ^ » v . The Convention then wont into the subject ot tue notices of motion . : - ' ¦ ¦ ' . • Mr . Rohinson moved ,, and Mr . Holyoakk

    seconded , tbe .. iollowingresolution : it was highly essential and eminently practical :- " That a tommitee be appointed , with power'to add to > their numbers ,- to wait on Mr . Slaney ,, M . P ., ; ai . d to aid tbe enactment of : a law of partnership , which shall meet the existing wants of the Association . ^ -.-. Messrs . HoJyoakei Felkin ,. Thornton Hunt , Ru 87 Benfold , Wheeler , Watson , HunnibaB , Yates , nnfl Paul , spoke in favour" of the motion , which was unanimously adopted . ¦ - •• - ' . ¦ ¦ > . ¦ .- ; "j Messrs . Huuniball , Holyoake ,. Ruffy , Hunt , and Harney , were then appointed , with power to aqu to their number . - . ¦ * >' ¦ , ¦ ' "• ¦ ¦ ' -

    ...-Mr . Fi » LEH ; moved , the . following resolution . r" That , in the opinion of this Convention , the . sentence passed upon the political prisoners and exiles by the British ' government was extremely seTereinasmuch as if was unjust ; . it deems it , tnereiore . incumbent uporf itself to appeal in "the name or justice to ' the generoua . portioh of the , members oi the House Commons ^ to use their Influence for , the ' ; ' -, ' i ¦ - - T - \ . y . ; - - " .-: ¦ .: ¦ - ¦¦¦ . I-:- !• '' - ¦ . ' - -

    National Convention. Saturday, R ~"^''" ...

    " ,. ur pp 8 e , of . prtjcurioff a free and honourable release "nm a » regtriotlonffpr all n ^ l \ prisoners and : « . 'j . iesf ~ « - ««» u » r ^> . ^ i ^* ft a . — o « a ^ , >^ . .. ..,. , ^? nded ^ . Mr ;^ , oM os . ; ' ;; ..-, - - """" ^ pn „ H « . ; T 0 AKK move * u 'tfie followirij ? " amendment , '¦ S A , V , r -

    , , . ., ..: « Tif *» S > ° t ed ,.-Mr . ' Hihsi seconded : — A ' i i tl ) e Committee consist of the Executive and the delegates to the Cohventien resident in the metropolis , ' with power to add to their number . " tarried unanimousl y . .. - . « Ti \ iVlA i - inoved tlie following resolution : — hbvI . ' , . Convention , regarding , the ri ^ lit of j isyiwn in . this country , as . sacred , recommends to tnc country the duty of protesting ,-isainst ' anv gonf e ?^ sion on 'the position of those " of our con tinenta l brethren , whose patriotism has en-Jhi . l ? 'll " 1 the necessity-of taking refuge in . 8 , country . " , ne thought that notwithstanding the sentiments said to be entertained by Her Majesty s government , thev should sire exbressionto

    weir , opinion upon the subjuct . His rcsolotion gave no expression of opinion Vpon-the sentiments ° l \ . ,, u ee 3 » hut merely insisted on-the common rl S » ts ° f humanity ami hospitality . ' u m S 0 N seconded the resolution . Mr . Thompson supported the motion , ii , * i VA 0 K ' approved bf tho motion , but thonirht they should be very guarded in their conduct with regard to this siibiect . Rumours' were afloat - calculated to alarm . the public mind . ¦ ,. . Mr . Uoitoakb said , the . Jess they interfered with : uie auft & tiDn ' . tho more politic it would be in them . Mr . Ruffv supported the resolution . u BE ' ^ as in its favour , but regretted that it had been introduced . It . was fighting a shadow ; and the very fact of the Convention having debated upon it would cause an alarmed government to look with- a still more jealous eye upon the refugees .. ., .,... ; . ...

    . Mr . . RCTsoins seeing themanner in . which ; the 7 Ws arid other journals treated these men , it was advisable that their continental Brethren-should hear the voice of British democracy upon this subject . If the persons alluded to had entertained aristocratic views , no fault would haVe been found with their . conduct . Princely plotters were allowed to carry on , their schemes , ajnd were even countenanced . He denied that there was a deeprooted animosity in the breasts of ( Frenchmen against the English on account of the warfare between , the two-nations . They should encourage the visits ' of their brethren , , and thus create unanimity in the minds of . the Democracy of Europe . -. The motion . wasjthen carried unanimously .

    Mr . IluNSiBAU , moved the following resolution , which was seconded by Mr . Graham : — " That the National Currency should ; h ' e based-on . real wealth , or the hona fide credit of the State , and not upon variable and uncertain amount of scavee metals , because a currwicy depeiidingon such a basis k wholly inadequate to perform , the . function of equitably representing and . - distributing the- ive .-ilth of the country , . thereby . rendering all . commodities liable to perpetual ' fluctuation , in prices ; as those metals happen to be more or less plentiful , increasing , to an enormous extent , tho evils inherent in : usury , and iu the banking and funding system ,-fostering a vicious trade in money , ' and a ruinous ; practice of commercial gambling and speculation . " Mr ; Hun . iiiball , at . considerable length , developed his views Upon this question , showing the evils of a restricted metal currency ,-and the ruin and bankruptcy it occasioned-whenever a panic took place . Peel ' s Bill had been the ruin of thousands of families . ¦ ] .-, ¦

    "Mr . . WiiKKtRB moved thefollowing amendment , which w : is seconded by Mr . Holvoakb . Tho question was an important one , but-they - had . not time to debate it with that deliberation which it required . " Tbat . in the opinion of this Convention , a change in the Currency Laws 18 absolutely necessary to the welfare ofthe producers of this country ; and we recommend that the Executive Committee , by addresses , tracts , . itc , direct ¦ the ( attention of tho country to this subject . " ' Messrs . Thompson and Pavl supported the amendment , -j : ..- - ¦ ' . - ; , - - . .: ¦ ¦ ' . i .-.-:-- -,- - Mr . GnAYsaid , there was but one opinion , as to the importance , of the question , and also as to its complication . Ho thought that the Executive should direct the attention of the public mind to this ques . tion . . ' , .-. > ¦• '

    Mr . JtoniKsox thought they should debate this subjeet minutely . If they wore afraid of handling this subjectthey were not capable of attending to the duties they had to perforin . Mr . Savaoe supported the resolution . Mr . Mantle had read all the theories upon this subject , and had ono of his' own , but ho thought that the present was . ' not the fitting time . From the course of their prior Legislation , be thought it a matter of doubt whether they would , in that advanced period , 'have any need of money . ' . Mr . Hum had given the subject much consideration , and he believed the working man' would never be emancipated until- money should be' abolished , which could only be done by adopting communistic

    principles ; : ; . ;; :. -f :. .- ..-. :.- : ¦ -: Mr . Reynolus was of opinion that , even in the advanced-stage of . society which they contemplated money would be' necessary ; 'bv money he meant a medium of exchange . Under " a communistic principle it would be needed as a . medium of-exchange with other nations . Tlie . speaker then showed , by . the working of . the system ,: th ' at'it was not money which was such a great evil , . but-the state" of Society , which operated | upon its distribution . ; In the coramuniiies in America they used money sis a means of barter . The only great question to consider was which wis th ' eliest mediuihof barter-rr paper or metals . Papery without doubt , was jbe best medium . It lwd bten prejudiced , in the opinion of many , by the fate of the Msignats m France '

    which had been produced by treachery . Hence'it was that Sir R .. Peel ' s Currency' -Sill was - so easily passed . 1 Ho should vote for the motion . - ' ¦ ' ' ;; ¦ vMr . > E . Jours said ; the majority of the speakers , it was apparent , had different views oh this subject . The particular monetary ! system of a nation depended upon . its Social relations .. They might ' express an opinion ' as to the superiority of a paper of er a metal currency without mis-representing the vie ^ s of tiieir constituents . The system of usury and interest was a greater evil than even the particular form of the currency or medium of exchange . He then disputed the basis of some of Mr . O'Brien ' s propositions , lie should ; vote for : Mr . Wheeler ' s amendment . ¦ ¦;'¦ .-v ' - ' - ;' - : ¦• . ¦¦¦ ¦¦ ¦ < ' -.- ¦ . ¦ -- ,

    Tbe time having arrived , tbe ^ Convention adjourned . ' " : ¦ " . ; .. ' . . ..: ' ¦ . Afternoon ' Sitting . ¦ ' ' ' ' Itoll called ; - - : '•" After some discussion on the subject of correspondence , the adjourned debate was resumed . Mr . Bvnnibahi , in reply , expressed an opinion ; that if they , were not in a capacity to legislate upon the subject they should at once say so , and not evade the question . Without ah improved state ofthe currency the other measures'they had carried would prove ineffective . :: ¦ : ¦ •; : .,-.

    Tbe motion and amendment were then put , the former receiving nine vote ' s ' , and the lattorfourteen . Mr . . O'Cosson proposed that tHe punisbmeht of death should be erased from the statute ; book . ' Nothing could be more horrible than the present system of banging . . In-: Milan , and other places on the . Continent , it was'abnlished ... In too many instances , especially in Ireland , men were hung , for merely party political purposes . It havingbeen decided that the motion was not in order , relative' to the rime , it was withdrawn , ¦ -. '; : . ' . . ¦ ' ¦ ' . ' . " Mr ; E . Jonbs ; moved the- ; following : — "That

    this Convention- address a ' memorial -to her Majesty , signed by : the : delegates , for the recall of Frost , Williams , and Jones . " : ' ' , - •; ; ¦' . ¦ . : >• ¦ . ' ' ; Mr ; O'Cosson . seconded :. the . motion ; ; He felt strongly on that subject . " He had paid £ i ; O 00 out of his own pocket , before one penny was subscribed by the people , to defend these . Trien } -Mr . . O'Connor then eulogised the character of Mr . " -Frost . " " . He . felt respect for tliose : me ' ii who dared to risk their , lives in contending for liberty , . -.::. ; . ' '' ' - ' ; 'Mr . ~; WiiEEi . BB : objectedito : ; thev line of policy adopted by Mr . Jones .:-They ; had ' already legislated upon this subject . - ¦ : >¦ . ; :-: ..: ; . . ; , ; T - ,: ; , ; ¦ ,

    * Mr . Mastle thought'they would prejudice the case of Mrl Frost by this Convention memorialising tho Queen ,. . They were . not recognised as a legal body . The people weie : the best source for a petitioner memorial-to emanate from ; . •;¦ . - : ¦ :-. ; J > : Mr . Paui . said , he'was : undecjded' in : his . opinion as' to the-best * policy * to ibe / pursued ; ' He -was in favour Of some activeisteps being adopted ; - ¦ ' "' Mr . Watsox said , there was a strong feeling in his district upon . 'this subject , 'and- be should " feel bound to vote for the motion . .: ¦ ;¦ .: < J - Mr . Holyoake showed , that in his opinion : they would only injure the cause of these men by taking suchastep . . : -: :- • • ..-T ... ; i , ' 3 Mr ; ; JoNKs ; -in a long and eloquent address , enforcsd Ins views . - / m - ¦ .- > -.. -. ¦ - - . j- -.. , U ¦ ' '> The motion was carried with five dissentients / and Messrs . ' Jones ; Watson , and > IIolyoake , ' were appointed a committee to carry the resolution into effettJ . " - ^ ' - ^ :. . ; : >;)• • . ' - , ' " ¦ : ; . : ¦ ; : .- A : ' ' "

    Mr . JpxEs " moved , and Mr ; Finlisk ' seconded , ' that a similar membriiil be " got ' up for William Sherrard Ellis , arid ' that'its getting up be referred to the above committee .. '; :, ' ¦ ' , '' ¦'" ' ; ;•; ' c . Air . GBAY ' moved , and Mr . Hunt seconded , the following resolution :- ^« . « That ' the ' niembersof : this Convention use their utmost influence withj their COnstit uehlB , ^ to imm ediately financial ! y ,, suppoi-t , all Refugees whoha ^ ejfound an ' asylumin ' ' this jo ' oiihtry from de ' spotic / indpriestly . persecution . s and prosecutions fcomiioreign ' gb ' vernaients . " \ All monies

    National Convention. Saturday, R ~"^''" ...

    collected in accordance with the foroEONl ? rnHOln tion to he forwarded to the Executive Committee | Mr , Wukrlbr . as an individual , was willing to use , e , very exertion m ; favour qiutese men , " . mtha ' Convonft ' on to oome to a vote upon the subject was in } J s . opiniori 3 Ke > ayito ; irijure . themi ' ' Mr . O'Connor hadjono as much as nnv m » n for tbe-Befugeesi but he feared they would injure those meri aha the Chartist cause , by tho Convention ' voting on the subject . :, i ' - ; ; i ! ; ' ' J Mr ; RBYNoibs strongly supported the motion . —Mn ! RuFPr v said ,, the-democrats i had a ri ght to throw : asidCexpediency , and . to firmly declare their npipions . in faypur of / . theso men . ' . Mr ' ., ' TiioMi'sos ' said , " tub' cause of democracy abroad waa the cause of democracy at homo , and they bad aright to recommend them to the support of theconntrv .-:

    Mr ; SHAir said , thcy . ouglit ; to do their utmost to support these bravo , men . lie . knew his constituent * would stiil continue to support them , whether they passed the resolution or not . He should vote for the motion . : Messrs . Barker and Mantle showed that they would bo equally well supported , whether they passed the resolution or not . Mr . Bust disputed the assertions that equal funds would bo raised , whether the Convention carried the resolution or not . : Mr . Yates said , his constituents had raised , since he had been in town , £ 7 for this purpose , lie was in favour ; of the motion . , Mr . Hcnniball said , they had recognised the great princi ple of brotherhood , and were now bound to carry it out .

    Mr . Finlbn said , it was their duty to pass this resolution , as the delegates representing tho wealth of . tho land .. were .. ' conspiring against these men . The representatives ofthe poor should stand firmly by . their , sidel ., " . / . ' . '" , , Paul supported the motion , and sta ' ed that they intended to lake-active steps in collecting funds in Glasgow . -. " . Mr .: Dbncanson said , he should prove a recreant to the great principles of - humanity , if ho did not give his voice in favour of tlie " principle of their common brotherhood , ' arid ; by every means in his power , aid iii assisting all who had suffered for the principles , of'democracy . ; The motion was carried unanimously . ; , Mr . jDAr-jiwBu . moyed a long resolution relative tothp . n , eglect of news agents , irt supplying democratic publications , arid recommending that agents should he appointed in the localities to effect tho better snveiul of derhocratieiiteraturo .

    , Mr . Prisglb ' stated ,, that in ; Edinburgh they had tried tbe principle , and found it to act well , and he thought it applicable . to tho whole country , and that great good would be the result . Messrs . Thompson " and Graham supported tho motion .- : ¦ ¦ ' ; ¦ ¦ Mr-. ' i Fei-sis : moved an amendment . of a similar character , in which tho idea . was carried out to a still greater extent . " : .. ' " ¦' , ' . ' , "Mr . Bkzbr . seconded'the amendment . 'In ' Nottingham , finding an indisposition on the part ofthe news ' agents to supplyvdemocyatie / papers , they took the matter in their own hands , and last year they cleared £ 20 profit , which was given to democratic purposes . .. ; .. " . ' - , ' Mr . Savaoe thought it might inflict a great injury orVmaijy true-hearted Chartist news agents . : Mr . Bbnfolu thought that tho object would-be to aid all Chartist news , agents . - , '' . . . .

    . ; Mr . SHAjV'thought tbey should pause before they interfered , with , , the , , nqws ., ageiits .:. Many among them were the best Chartists iii the movement . ; , Mr . ' WiiisBtEn ' said , it should bo left to the localities . If the men of any particular district could not'obtain democratic publications ,, that district could remedy'the . matter without the Convention interfering ; ' Many oftheir victims bad been saved from . destitution by being supported as news agents . ' : ! ' y . " ' v Messrs , Ruffy , Mantle , ¦ Jones ; Hunniball , and Hunt , ' opposed ; tlie ^ l'OBOlution and amendment . - ¦¦;• Messrs . . Jonbs . moved ,- ; and Ruvhy seconded" That they pass to the order of tho day . " . Mr . Fblkin withdrew . his . amendment . ; Mr . Jones s motion for ' the order of the day received'fourteen , and the motion ei ght votes . " ' The Contention then adjowrnedi ¦ ' - ^¦ ¦ ¦ ii . 'i TUESDAY ; ' .

    Roll called , minutes" read and confirmed . Mr . Shaw brought forward the following motion , which had been moved by Mr . O'Connor oh the pre ; vious day ,. but Mr . Shaw , as chairman , not being in a position to . more it , the motion was m . ide by Mr . Watson : — " That in the opinion of this Convention , that . part of tho criminal code iiraiciing death punishment on-our fellow-cre ' atnres ; is a disgrace to a civilised community , and ought to be erased from the Statute Book , ! ' ' Mr . ' WATSox said , capital punishments instead of checking crime ,, promoted it . . Tho circumstances by , ' wbicli criminal ' s were placed in that position tt-ero often caused by the crimes of society against them . ' :

    Mr . Gray , seconded the resolution . The question had beeaweU discuaaed in Lancashire , and a gonoral feeling " prevailed ' against' it . Humanity protested loudly against its . longer existence . Mr . 'Mantle said he could not subscribe to the doctrine that death punishments were never to be justified , but the cases he alluded , . to were exception ?)! ones . . . , ' : Mr . Paul expressed ' similar views ; and was . of opinion th ; it mucK might be said on both sides of the question .

    - Mr . E . Josks denied that capital punishments could be' justified under any circumstances . It especially , behoved . them as a Democratic party to speak firmly on this question . They would create sympathy with , tlio greatest . political offenders by punishing them ' , with death , iiiid would be unable thereby to extirpate the evil they wished- 'to guard agiiinat . ' On eveiygrouhd of morality and cxpodiency-rovon . political expediency—they coultl iiot be justified . - ,,.., , ; / Mr . UoBiNSOif stated [ that death punishments could not be considered otherwise than as an outrage upon humanity '/¦"' '' '¦ " : Mr . Thompson said he should vote for the motion , though- his mind was not fully made , up on tho question .:. , ; > .,- -. .,-: ., ? , . . "' Mi' . llvi-Fr beJiered that , n ' mlerany circumstances , it wit ' s liet ' ' possible to justify' legal' murders . They wbuld reflect credit on themselves by passing themotion . ¦' ' ' ¦¦ '•¦ : ¦¦ ¦¦¦ ' : ' ,... " ,- ¦ : '¦

    ' ; Mr . Uunnibali . . should' vote for tho ,. motion , though he . believed ; that ; peculiar circumstances might . exist under wnioh to take life might even bo a " vii ; tue . ' '' . ' ' ' ' ' /¦ ' ; ' : : Mr . Finlen considered that in future times murderers would be treated as madmen , and confined in a similar manner . ¦ - .. • ' ¦ , Mr . CAPBWELL ; thpught they ought to come to a quiline . l reiolutioriupon " the subject . . ' , Mr , WiiiELKB beliei-ed there were cases in ' which the punishment of death could be justified ; but they w ' outdobmemoreimderthehead ' of the

    military , than the criminal code , to which the reBOlution ' in ferred . ; ,,.. ... . , .. , ; , ; . .-. . , , ¦ , . ' .-Mr . . Habnex ' -rcgrettetl that the subject was i p ' troduceu . - ' as it compelled' ^ ome of the delegates to express opinions adverse to the resolution , who would otherwise Have bceiv silent ; Public safety was tlie extreme law . ; He-alluded to . the case of Captain 'Johnsoni and said , that . it , would , have becn . au act of mercy jfitho crew bad . , thrown him . overboard ,. instead of lettirig ' him commit wholesale murders . There were crownb ' u beails in Europe who might bo compared to Captain Johnson .

    ' : Mr . T . Hunt in an ablo manner still fnrther illustrated , the , views of Mr . Harney ,, . and dwelt on the atrocity ofthe King , of JTaplos , and his immediate ancestors . . He should vote for the resolution , as it only referred to the criminal code : /; Mr ; Bezer disputed the-necessity-of putting ' even such a tyrant as . ; tbat- described hy Mr . Hunt—or Captain Johnson—todeath ;; perpetual confinement would answer , . the same ' end . One " murder could never justify , another . " ; ' . Hunt ' said ; individlials might-escape or be forcibly liberated . ¦ > ' '

    ' ¦ Mr . SHA ' w 8 howed that the resolution applied only to . the criminal , code , i . n ; wbicb .: pqict of view ho ably supported the , motion , it , would le productive of great , gpor j to tlie ¦ Chiirtist nibvement if they passed ' the '' resolution ^ unanimously . " ; ' ' - ' ; '' : Mrl Dbs ' cAN 9 bx ( who--had ' written ' an able ; pamphlet'upcn the subject ) statedthat , he hadnot fully made up his mind oh tho political portion' of the question ., ( Where . they could get parties to reason wi tVue ' would ! r . eas 6 h wuh ' theni , but th ' ey could hot reason with a tiger ' or- ' a' lion . , He should support tfie ° ' ^ soluti 6 h iiiU ts q'h ' alifieii Hense . ' - •'; ' >; . . ; iMessrs ;; Fblk ' in- ' and ; Savage supported siniilaf views . 7 :. > Ai ' v : t * . - . i ! i m > , j ¦ : ::. ¦ :. .- , . >¦! . : ' ¦ . ' ., . - ? . ! "¦'¦ . . Mr . ^^ npu , ; Said ,. .. cap , it ^ l ' : p . unishmqnts were opposed ; to . ' ren aon ^ nd ^ humanity , iindli ' e believed that tliey ' couVA'hW % V }? ^ ! , ; : The resolution ' wiscdyfie'dunanimoiislyi" ,

    Several sums of money ; were : handedsin for the use of . the Convention ! . ¦; :. * . ' .:. ' : < : ..-, ¦ ¦ : ; : , Xeayo . of absence , . wiis . granted , to Mr . Iteynplds . " Mr . Robinson moved , ' and - ^ r . Gray seconded , the following resolution : — "That a ' s ' many personal contentions h ' avd taken - place in our Democratic papers ; id ' theigreat-injury of the . ' ' popular movement , b ' ftittherefore . resoJvedj . thatthisiConyentiou recommends , to the proprietors of- » U , suck-papers nottopwViut " 5 ahyV 6 Uch ' .. quarrels . to tike place for the future " . " " " ' ' ;• " ¦''; . ; ' .,. . ;¦ -it being considered' that the views-expressed by the Delegates would be sufficient without a resolution on . fhe subject , ' the motion was negatived by a .-largo , majority ; ; ¦> ; r ;¦••'; . . ¦ .- ¦ ' ¦ v . xi ' -jii ¦ ' . •• ¦ ' ' Mr 7 HABNEY . niOTeo thefpllowingresplution as an additidnt othe pr ogranime : — ,.: "' . ' . " ' : ; ¦• . . - ¦ ,,,, . ; , ., ) ;— xhePress , '""" * ' -

    " That absolute freedom of thought ' ahd expressioh . beih ' g " one of the primary and most sacred of the rights of- mahjall res ' fric tiorts ^ . fiscal ' Or- otberwise-onprinUhg and publishing , are . iinjust and ini-

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    quitous , this Convention , therefore , declares its decided hostil ity to theinf :, mous Taxes oniSled ge and recommends the total abolition of "The ^ ty bn P aper ; .: . - / .. ¦ -, " The duty on Advertisements ; " The Penny Stamp Tax on Kewspapers ; * 'And the import duty on Forei gn Books and publications . " It bail been suppesed by some that the Chartists were entirely antagonistic to all minor measures . This

    was an error . Thef would willingly support any measures which would not prove injurious to their own movement . Freedom of thought ' and opinion wore almost useless unless they hadalso freedom to express aud to print that thought .. As long as they had a monopolist , press thev would bo labouring under great . disadvantages in all their struggles fur Democracy . Sound policy as wollas principle should prompt them to support the resolution . Mr . H . uney entered , at great lengtb , into arguments in favourof his motion .

    Mr . Yates seconded the mttion . They said tbe people were too ignorant to be entrusted with the Charter , ami yet they refused tbem t « c means of educating tlieiasehc * . Messrs . Robinson , Watson , an 4 Gray spoke upon , the subject . ¦ Mr . T . Host entered into Argumentative details in favour of the motion , wliich was unanimously carried . Mr . AuxoTr , on behalf of the Organisation Committee , brought up the report of that body . On the mniion of Messrs . Savaoe aud Csvewkix , the report was resolved and ordered to be discussed clause by clause . The < Junventioivth . cn adjourned . Afternoon Sittfag .

    The following motion of Mr . Skzgu having precedence , was proceeded with ;— " That those portions of Mr . O'Connor ' s letters to the woHsiHg classes , relative to foreipnevs , as published in tho Northern Star , of March 29 th , and ; April 5 th , are , in tl eopinion of this Convention , not only uncalled for , but unjust in . princi ple ^ , anti-democratic in sentiment , and calculated to retard the progress of universal brotherhood . " He read the extracts alluded to , and characterised the language used a » being untrue and unjust . There could be no doubt of the falseness of the assertions made , and there

    would be no need to notice them , where it not that some persons looked up to Mr . O'Connor as a loader and a representative of the Democratic inind of this country . .. Mr . Duxcanson said , though a personal friend of Mr . O'Connor , bo could not refrain from seconding themotion . Their was'a want of care , a precipitancy in the language of > lr . O'Connor , which often placed himself and others in a false position , and'injured the cause of democracy . He denied that the hatred existed towards Britain in the minds of foreisners which Mr . O'Connor stated .

    He dealt with the democracy and not with tho aristocracy of other lauds . Mr , Gray was sorry to see the motion brought before them ; it was a recurrence to the system of personal bickerings which they : \ ll deplored . Individuals mi » ht differ with Ml ' . O'Connor , but it was not a proper . . . subject of debute for the Convention . They would < reate harm instead of good by tho discussion . They should leave it in the hands of the ' ^ Refugee s , who , by the letter in tlie . Times , proved they were well able to deal with it . ' Ho moved " That the resolution should bo considered that day six months . " Mr . Cafkwell seconded the amendment . It was an antagonistic one , and would produce injury to the c .-iusu .

    Mr . Ho tt , in an energetic manner , moved tho following addition to the . motion : — " And that th © delegates of this Convention give their ¦ unqualified disapprobation of the ungenerous sentiments promulgated in . the said letters . " The rider was adopted by tbe mover of the original resolution . Messrs . Paul , Robinson , Watson , nnd Graham , were in favourof tlio motion ; 'they did not think it a purely personal matter . . Mr . T . Hunt wished to know if it was a vote of censure upon ' a newspaper , or upon tbe writer in a

    newspaper ? If it was , he was opposed to it ; if it was a vote of censure ou an individual , it was equally objectionable ; ' Mr . Holyoake thought the resolution very objectionable . They bad already , by the resolutions they had previously passed , given the most dignified rebuke possible to the sentiments complained of . Messrs . ' Sukm . and Finlkn supported themotion . Mr . Mantle ' alluded io the services of Mr . O'Connor in the-democratic movement , and characterised the letters ns displaying want of reflection , and not want of lore to the democratic cause :

    Mr . Wheeler denied that Mr . O'Connor had ever attacked tlie Refugees . He bad been their strongest advocate . ' The language employed hy some of the speakers at their meetings might have induced Mr . O ' Connor to express his sentiments ' 'in an unguarded manner , in his . mxiety to save them from any supposed outbreak . Ho regretted the language used in those letters as much as any ^ man . But Mr . O'Connor had in London some thousands ol admirers who took in . the ' Northern Star , though they took lio part iii the present organised movement . These ' men would look upon the resolution as a personal , attack on Mr . O ' Connor , and they would thus create further bickerings and ill will . Mr . JJewpld corroborated the statements of Mr . Wheelor , relative to the feeling entertained towards Mr . O'Connor . He thought that they would be doing great barm by passing the resolution ' . "

    " 'Mr . Harney said , he was not actuated bj any personal motives , butcould hot avoid expressing his . opinion in favour of the resolution . Mr . O'Connor , instead of giving a sanction to the idea of a revolution to be created here by- foreigners should have instantly rebutted it . He read a Jotter from the German Society of Tailors' to the Convention , rebutting the idea that they intended any vidlenco at tbe ensuing ' opening of the Exhibition , and finding fault with the conduct of Mr . O Connor . ¦"•' ¦ ' The amendment of Mr . Gray was then put , and received four votes .

    Before tho resolution was put , Mr . Josks moved thefollowing amendment : — " That this Convention disbelieves the allegations contained in the'Times of the 26 th nit .,. and . the Northern Star of the 29 th ult ., and tho 5 tb inst ., ' -relative to it conspiracy on the part , of our continental brethren , now in this country , aiid repudiates the expressions in tho above-named papers , calculated to vivify the old feelings of international distrust and hostility , which are the strength of tyrants , and the weakness of tho people . " He wished to withdraw them from what might be considered a personal discussion . Mr . O ' Connor had fulfilled an important part in one phase of ibo agitation ; aba though he believed that the letters were injurious , yot ho could not agree with tho resolution . Mr , Holyoakk seconded tho resolution .

    Nearly tlie whole of the delegates reiterated tho sentiments previously expressed . ' Mr . Jones ' s amendment received nine votes . A discussion then took place relative to a point of order , on which Mr ' . ' Grassbv strong l y expressed himself . The original resolution of Mr . -Bkzer was then put , and received twelve votes . It was consequently carried . ' The address from the German , tailors was then ordered to be inserted in the niinutes . The memorials for Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis , were then read by the . committee , and ordered to be engrossed' prepia ' rutory to their being signed . ' ' , ''' . ' The . 'discussion ! then commenced on the plan of ' organisation . Thefollowing clauses were adopted : —

    Objects : "The object of those persona . who signify their adhesion to the principles . and plans set lorlliin this document , is ' to institute ' constitutional agitation on behalf of the People ' s Charter ; '"' . ' " ' " The persons thus uniting their opinions and their energies , denominate themselves collectively tlio Kat'ioual Charter'Association'" . ! The Convention ' then adjourned .

    . WEDNESDAY . Roll called . Minutes confirmed . The first business Drought forward-was the Programme . The Programme having , been road , was taken clause by clause , and verbally-amended . ( The Programme , as amended , will be found at the end Ofthe report . ) ' ¦ " ¦ "•"¦ . ' •' ' ' ! : . ' t ... The amended Programme wns then adopted . Mr . E . Jones moved ; and Mr . Finlen seconded , tlie following resolution :- " That * copy of the Prcnimme be forwarded to -tho Press , and if refiisW ' gratuitous insertion , be Miser led -as an advertisement in one of the daily ; pauers . ;' . ¦ : long-discussion took plaee onthis motion , which was carried with five ; dissentients , ' ¦' - ' s ' -The discussion blithe ; Pli » n ' of Organisation was then resumed , - mid the following clauses adopted , after considerable debate : — ' ' ' - > " ' ' ! ' ' . ';" . ' . " ' ., " . ' . ;' , " , " . -Principle ' s . !' ' ! . . ' '

    " Theprinciplestobeproniulgatodhy the , Associatibifare-those , contained in the document known as the PeopleV Charter ,, and which may bo thus summed , up ; . —p Universal' Suffrage . 2 . Vote by Ballot . . 3 , Annual , Parliaments . 4 . Equal Electoral Dw tviow . 5 . So * "Property Quauficalion . G . Paid RopresenJatiy . es . ' ;; ' ¦ '; ' ... ¦ .- ,... Merobership . " This . Association consists of all individuals who take out cards of membership and subscribe to the funds of the society . " , "Acard of membership is given for one year upon the payment of twopence each ihombbr , and to ; contribute one ; penny per week towards the general ' funds ofthe 'Association ^ the half of which shall bq ' seht to the Executive on the first Monday ineacVmohfh . "'' ' ' ¦ ' " ••'•• •¦ u members , of tho Association are entitled to votes ; "' ' , : ' - ' } i " " !'• • . - •'

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), April 12, 1851, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_12041851/page/7/