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Northern Star (1837-1852), 3rd October 1846, Edition 3 of 3, Page 5, PEASANTRY SUOT DEAD BY THE MILITARY. Unh...

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  • Departments (2)
    • FAMINE RIOTS IN IRELAND.
    • THE CHARTER AND NO SURRENDER.
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      Accounts To July 21st Have Eome To Hand ...

      tyranny of { he agents of the detestable Lomi Philippe : —

      GRAND DEMOCRATIC _DEUOSSTATIOXS IN PARIS . In France , government seem determined not to allow anybody to have banquets , to give toasts , or to speak _publicly tbeir sentiments , except M . Guizot , and his creatures . They may meet together , and the police themselves go abont and invite the citizens to come and hear the eloquent speeches of Guizot and Co . Here they proclaim that France was _nsver more happy and prosperous than at the present moment—that entire liberty exists , _ttal _jjolitical factions nnd corruption are things forgotten . But the moment the political reformers , or tbe communists , wish to bave their banquets , to give their toasts , to make known their grievances , and to show that Trance is really neither free nor happy—thatgovernment

      only maintains itself by corruption ; that moment the prefets issue proclamations , the soldiers are called out , the whole police is on foot , and the citizens who do not believe in Louis Philippe , and M . Guizot , are not allowed to dine together . At Mans , departmeutdc la Sarthe , five hundred political reformers intended to havehada public dinner , on the 20 ih of September , but the moment the prefect was informed of their intention , he issued a proclamation forbidding the banquet , and declaring that if they persisted he would employ la force orraee—brute force . Soldiers were marched into Mans , guns arrived , and the town * had the appearance of being besieged bj some terrible enemy . And for what was aU this fuss , for the purpose of preventing five hundred reformers from peaceably dining together . Strange liberty this I

      However , government had it not all their own way , for when La . Reforms heard ofthe strange doings of Jf . le Prefel de la Sartiie , it proclaimed that banquets should take place on the 20 th of September , in all the twelve _arrondisjements of Paris—and the reformers have kept thei !* word in spite of Ihe government . About sixty banquets took place in Paris , on the 20 th , at which more than three thousand citizens , of all ranks and classes assisted . The greatest order reigned during the _proceedings ,

      and the speeches and toasts -were enthusiastically cheered . We subjoin several of tbe toasts given in the different arrondissements : — 1 . Sletorai reform . _ . Political probity-3 . The sovereignty ofthe people . 4 . The resurrection of Poland . 5 . The nnion ofall Democrats , S . The destruction of the Bastiles . 7 . The deliverance of Italy and Spain . S . Universal freedom .

      9 . Education ofthe people . 10 . The Revolution of 1830 . 11 . The liberty of the press , etc . At the banquet of working men the following toasts wsre given and most enthusiastically receired . Tbey show ns that our brethren on the other side of the channel are not behind as . 1 . To equality , the noble aim towards which we march ; the noble aim of all our wishes—to equality , -which shows in every man a brother ; learns ns to love him , and teaches ns that all have a rig ht to the bounties which nature has given ns . 2 . The fraternity of nations , and the nnion of all the democrats of the earth . 3 . The extinction of all superstitions .

      i . Political equality the moans , social equality the end . At several places the police entered the rooms after the banquet had been concluded , and commanded the assemblages to disperse . The reformers obeyed , having previously accomplished the purpose of their re-unions . In no case , as _regards Paris , did the police succeed in ¦ breaking- np the assemblages until the banquets were ¦ ever , and the good work done .

      In the first arrondissement , ths president of the Se--formers made application to the proprietors of three Hotels for the use of their saloons , but in each case was told that the proprietors regretted to be compelled to close their doors , but they were forced to this by the police , who had that very morning warned them against granting their saleons to the Reformers , threatening them with vengeance if they disobeyed this tyrannical mandate . Notwithstanding these repulses the banquet was held , in this , as well as in the other

      arrondisse-. Sines the above was written we have learned that the Reformer * of Dole hare been subjected to similar treatment to that which the Reformers of Manns were subjected to . They had assembled to hold a large banquet when they were interrupted by the armed force . Tbey accordingly dispersed , bnt immediately _re-assem . hied in different groups , and held a number of small "banquets , which passed off with the greatest enthusiasm . The proceedings were similar to those described above .

      We are glad that the French Democrats have taught their government sueh a lesson . They have shown that the spirit which animated their fathers is not dead , and we are convinced that in spite of all Bastilles and all Marshal _Bugeauds to command them , thej will rise once more and assert and maintain their rights , —the rights of man . —In the _JReformistes and Communists is the strength of France and the hope for a better future , they will free her from corruption , they will regenerate her ; let them , therefore , unite ; let all the Democrats ia France unite , and they will form a party great and strong enough to conquer .

      We fully and entirely agree with the sentiments given at the banquets in Paris , and we recognise every Frenchman , wbo straggles for political and social liberty as onr brother . We , therefore , would advise the Reformists , and especially the editors of Z * Reform , to lay aside their prejudices against England—the Communists have already done socot to cry out against '' perfidious Albion , ' when they believe the English government has insulted France , but always to make a distinction between the people -and ihe government , and to look also npon those Englishmen , who in their country straggle for poli * tkal and social freedom , as their friends and brothers . Let the governments of the two countries

      -quarrel abont an obscure island in the Pacific Ocean , oc about the marriage of a Spanish princess , we -will -not espouse their quarrels ; our principles are the same , we want to extinguish national hatred , we want _Ihe fraternity of nations . Let the friends of freedom in both countries bear always in their minds , and follow the glorious words pronounced by the leader of ihe English Chartists , Mr . Feargus O'Connor , at Ihe banquet ofthe Fraternal Democrats : —• "lhave never sought to limit the struggle for liberty U country , creed or colour , for I have invariably declared that I cared not where the country , what the colour , or which the creed of the patriot was—that if he loved liberty and struggled for it , I would call him orother , and take him by the hand . "

      The progress of the Spanish Marriage question will ie found reported in our 7 th page . It will be seen that In spite of the " protests" delivered by ihe Marquis of Normanby and Mr . Bulwer , to the French and Spanish governments , the Duke de Montpensier left Paris fbr Spain on Monday last , and that every preparation was being made at Madrid for the double ¦ wedding , whieh is to take place on the 10 th instant . Rumours of insurrections in Spain , commenced or -about to commence , continue to obtain publicity in the French metropolis , but as yet tbe threatened explosion has not taken place . We are glad of this , _Tiecause if Spaniards must shed their blood for

      _progress , we would at least not have them bleed in such a _quarrelasthe present . Both the views ofthe French and the fears of the English government as regards Montpensier being seated on the throne of Spain will ire proved to be futile . Should the marriage take _jilace , and should that event be turned to the acconnt Louis-Philippe desire *) , he will find the establishment -of French domination in Spain not attainable , either by force or fraud . The Spaniards are quite capable - « f protecting themselves , when once their national prej udices are roused . An army , French or English ,

      -might over-rua the country for a moment , but certain disgrace and destruction would be tbe issue of _Any attempt to imitate the example so foolishly set by "Napoleon . We de not yet despair of Spain . _Palatox and "The Maid ot _Sara-^ ossa , " lived too recently for ns to doubt the national prowess of the [ Spanish race , would to heaven that that prowess was more wisely directed than in siding with this or that prince or princess ; _4 > r knocking down one set of tyrants only to allow another , and as file a set , to fill their places .

      The " scarcity" is beginning to be severely felt in France , but in Flanders the state of things is truly awful . Misery equal to the worst now raging iu Ireland is desolating a large portion of the Belgian kingdom . Anarcbial mendicity floods the land before wbich the " proprietors" flee as from a deluge . The most appalling wretchedness everywhere prevails , and tbe "beggars" formed into bands with chiefs at their head levy contributions , and grant or -refuse protection" to residents and travellers . In this frightful state of things Leopold is taking his pleasure in Germany and the Tyrol , and the Belgian Parliament in imitation of a certain house of bad repute nearer home , is separated for the "sporting season ;"

      Accounts To July 21st Have Eome To Hand ...

      In imitation of England the Americans aro seizing upon California , and the Dutch are extending their conquests in the East Indies . In the Circassian fastnesses of freedom moro worthy struggles —worthy at least on one side—claim the attention of Europe . The Russians report more victories over the glorious Circassians , but for two or three reasons—including this all-sufficient one , that the Russian Gazettes always lie most infamously —there is no difficulty in seeing that tho gallant mountaineers have been again inflicting a deserved chastisement upon their barbarous invaders . Success to the Circassian heroes , may tbe Muscovite hordes still fall beneath their conquering steel !

      Famine Riots In Ireland.

      FAMINE RIOTS IN IRELAND .

      Peasantry Suot Dead By The Military. Unh...

      PEASANTRY SUOT DEAD BY THE MILITARY . Unhappily the patience of the unfortunate Irish is at length exhausted . Wehave now before us tbat most appalling spectacle of national agony—a people driven to desperation by the pangs of hunger , and braving a violent deitb rather than endure the bitter torments of a more lingering dissolution ! After sustaining the direst woes of starvation with a most noble fortitude , after pining in their hovels under an accumulation of all human miseries , penury , inanition , neglect , and despair ; and after bearing these extreme sufferings with a meekness and a tranquillity beyond all praise , the labourers of Ireland bave been tasked to the uttermost limits of endurance , and have now risen against their more affluent neighbours . Towards the conclusion of last week a _slight glimmer of the approaching

      insurrection was observable in the vicinity of Crookhaven , where avast concourse of ihe emaciated peasantry assembled together in the village of Golan , to proclaim tbat their wretchedness was no longer endurable . The sullen anguish depicted on every one of those melancholy faces is described by an eye-witness to have attested sufficiently the extremity of their distress . "A more appalling spectacle could not be witnessed , " writes one correspondent . Want and despair were the pervading characteristics of the multitude . That dark promise of violence and insubordination bas been fulfilled . Atthe very commencement of this week , namely , on Monday morning , tlie

      peasantry at Dungarvan assumed such a threatening aspect , and congregated together in suoh dangerous numbers , that the military were called out—several shots were fired upon the crowd—many of the starring rioters were wounded , and on Tuesday two of them died from tbeir mutilation ! By the context of this miserable intelligence from Waterford , we are informed that brickbats and other missiles were hurled at the dragoons ; and that notwithstanding the recent discharge of musketry , a dwelling-house at Cappa was assailed , and that knots of the insurgents were scattered over the country intervening between tbat locality and Cork .

      What is this insurrection but the struggle for selfpreservation ? What is it bnt the outgushing of the domestic affections—of that awful and enduring love which is stronger than death ? The peasant bas experienced the pangs of inanition himself , yet he has valour enough to continue peaceable and uncomplaining . His household is one nest of misery and destitution—bis _potatoe-field is a waste of corruption , poisoning the very atmosphere he inhaleshis swine are sold to satisfy immediate cravingshis future is all poverty—his present existence is one of intense desolation ;—still he submits witb an admirable fortitude , and remaing silent and impassive while his very heart-strings are breaking with grief . When , however , he sees his children and his wife grown haggard with the duration of their penury , and finds no probability of allaying tbeir sufferings

      by remaining inactive and "biding hia time , " his mind is impervious to reason , his heart is hardened against justice , and his arm is nerved by the potency of despair . Factors are hoarding up wheat any barley in their cellars , with the diabolical hope of extorting ' ¦ famine prices" in the market—farmers and cattle dealers have their stalls filled with oxen —pigs and poultry are not unplentifully furnished—a resolute heart and a strong hand are alone necessary to feed tha starving creatures at home , and the peasantry rnsh out together into the streets and byeways to seize by violence what they cannot in any other manner obtain . While endeavouring to save themselves and those endeared to tbem by nature and association they are repulsed by the soldierj _\ and shot like malefactors . One of the wounded has since died from the effects _| of the injuries he received in the unhappy affray .

      _fureatenfj _Risixo HEAR Cork . —The Cork Examiner of Thursday evening has the following : — " Information reached the authorities this morning that a large multitude of people were collecting at Carrignavar , as a centre , for the purpose of proceeding to Cork , to pillage the stores and shops _containing provisions . Tbe chief magistrate immediately took due precaution to prevent their approach . " Food _^ Riots i * r Sligo . —A letter from Sligo , of Tuesday ' s date , wbich appears in the Evening Freeman , says : — " The quiet of our town has at last been broken , and starvation is beginning to make itself manifest by outbreaks . Yesterday evening the bread contracted for the poorhouse was taken possession of by a mob , and , after being divided , was immediately consumed . A large box of bread , belonging to Mr . Martin , was attacked this morning , and the mob , not finding it sufficient , compelled the bakers of the town to supply them with food .

      The Charter And No Surrender.

      THE CHARTER AND NO SURRENDER .

      Great Metropolitan Meeting For The Adopt...

      GREAT METROPOLITAN MEETING FOR THE _ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL PETITION . On Monday evening , Sep . 23 th , a public meeting for the purpose of adopting the National Petition , praying the enactment of the People ' s Charter was held at the far-famed Crown and Anchor Tavern , Strand , and such was the public anxiety to be present on the occasion , that the " Great llall" of that Tavern was filled to overflowing long before the time announced for opening the meeting , and so densely was the mass wedged together that it was with the greatest difficulty the committee made their way to the platform . On the motion of Mr . Clarke , Mr . Dennis Dwane was called to the chair ,

      The Chairman said it was with feelings of pride and gratitude that he responded to the call made upon him , to fill that high post of honour , the cbair , at a great meeting like the present ; great not only from the numbers present , but from the intelligence , respectability , and influence sf those present , as well as forthe holy _objector which they had assembled , the sacred " rights of man . " ( Loud cheers . ) Itwas a disgrace to England to see so many of her sons pining in want and misery whilst the indolent nonproductive lew revelled in luxuries . ( Loud cheers . ) When he saw a meeting like this , he was too proud to say in the words of the late Lord Grey , "I will stand by my order" —( loud cheers)—and the working man who would not stand by his fellow working

      man for the obtainment of liis just political and social " [ rights was a knave indeed . . ( Hear , hear . ) lie , as an Irishman , should feel himself degraded if be did not assist his English brother democrats in their manly struggle of " right against might . " ( Cheers . ) We don't call on tbe people to go to the physical battle field , no , our field is the field of argument , and our weapon reason , edged with common sense , backed by politicaljustice , 'tis thus we would gain the political and agrarian "Rights of Man . " ( Great cheering . ) This chair , in days of yore , was occupied by the Burdett's , Hobhouse ' s , and men of that class , some of thera have now gone to the realms of immortality to give an account of tbeir stewardship to a higher power , whilst others are reaping the reward of their perfidy from the per-1 fiduous patronage of a Whig government . ( Hear ,

      here . ) But this meeting was held to vindicate the glorious principles of liberty , formerly professed by those apostates — ( loud cheers ) — thanks , eternal thanks , to the great Chartist body for the proud position they now hold . ( Immense applause . ) He was proud to find tbat Rome had at last obtained , a liberal and sensible Pope ( Pius tho 9 tb ) who had dispensed with the Hse ot the army and was about to grant a constitution to the Italian States . ( Hear , bear- ) He too , had hope lor his unfortunate conntry , and he was sincerely of opinion that nothing short of tje " _six points" of the People ' s Charter ought ev _^ r to satisfy the people . ( Loud cheers . ) At tbis moment , Mr . Feargus O ' Connor entered the meeting and was greeted with the most hearty plaudits of welcome which continued until he had reached the platform . . fair hear

      The Chairman said , he would entreat a - _ing for any and every one who might present themselves , and he would now call on the Secretary to read letters from several of the gentlemen who had beeninvitcd , they were as follows : — Birmingham 9 th Month 22 , 1846 . Esteemed Friend , —I am obliged by thine of the 13 th ult ., with an invitation to attend a meeting ot the Crown and Anchor , Strand , on the evening ofthe 28 th instant . Though lam not likely to be in town at that time , my conviction that the claims of the people to an equality of political rights are founded upon immutable justice remain as strong as ever , as weU as my confidence in their _ultimate triumph , if none but Christian and peaceable means are resorted to for their attainment . Sincerely dtsiring that your meeting on the 28 tb instant may essentially promote that great object . I am very sincerely and respeotfdllJ , JosEra Sturge , Tewtree near Liverpool .

      , Sir , j It would have afforded me much sincere satisfaction to have given my testimony , at the public meeting , to he held on the 2 Sth current , at the Crown and Anchor Tavern , to the sacred and righteous cause . ' of complete national suffrage ; but my other engagements will not admit of my being present with y _» u on the occasion . "Yours truly , _( UWBBNCE _HBIWOJUH .

      Great Metropolitan Meeting For The Adopt...

      Hotel du Nord , Boulogne , Sept . 24 , 1846 . Colonel Thompson is under the most decided conviction that the elective franchise will end by being extended to the whole community , upon the ground that it will be discovered to be just , and consequently prudent , and he is unhioved in his belief , that the document wliich hae got the name of the People ' s Charter , as it is the latest , so it is probably the best and completest exposition of the requisites for the existence of popular freedom . But he has doubts whether the circumstance of this document having been made an instrument by the enemies of all popular rights , for resistance to the progress of common sense and justice In the matter of Free Trade , has not thrown so much of public odium about the name as to make it impolitic , and , in fact , a playing into thc hands

      of the enemy , to insist on advancing under that particular name and banner . Tlie case would have been tlie reverse , if the supporters of the ChartorgeneraHy could haveclaimed a share in the victory just obtained . But the condition of human life is , that men and parties must take thc consequence of their steps . lie trusts that nothing in this will be construed into coldness to the ' popular cause . lie is certainly in favour of everybody ' s taking the prime minister ' s advice to " register , " and does net see the smallest reason for concluding that , because a bad road has been taken one day , a better will not he taken another . If the meeting at the Crown and Anchor , oh the 28 th of September , ends in the collection of funds for the purpose of registration , ho will be glad to be set down for a donation of Five Pounds .

      Centre Yale , T _« dmorden , Sept . 27 , 1810 . Sir , —I am obliged by the invitation to attend the meeting at the Crown and Anchor to-morrow evening , but the prescut state of my health requires that I should avoid excitement and crowded public meetings . Thc petition however shall have my support . I am , Sir , yours truly , Johs _Fieiden , Brighton , Sept . 24 , 181 C . Dear Sir , —Your kind invitation has been forwardffd to me at Brighton , where I am staying for the benefit of

      my health , having heen suffering very severely for some time past from indisposition , and which I regret to say , will prevent me having the honour of attending the meeting at the Crown and Anchor ou Monday next , I have also to thank you for a copy of the resolutions intended to he submitted to the meeting , I need uot tell you , that I fully concur in the sentiments they express , aud wishing you every success , in your meritorious endeavours to emancipate aud protectlabour . I have , the honour , to remain , yours very faithfully , Thos . S . _Doncojibe .

      Mr . Phili p _SI'Gbath then rose amidst great applause to move the first _resolution ss follows : — 1 st . Resolved , That it is the solemn conviction of this meeting that the elective franchise is the natural inherit _, ance of man without distinction of class or pecuniary circumstances , and consequently that no man or corporation of men can be justified for one _mtinent in preventing its exercise by the people . This meeting likewise considers the exclusion of six-sevenths of the male adult population _fram the rights and immunities of citizenship to be an enormous grievance ; and , therefore , that every lsgal agency should be immediately put into operation by the friends of freedom to effect such au organic change in tbe constitution of the Commons House of Parliament as shall guarantee to every male inhabitant of this empire of mature age aud sane miud a voice in the composition of that body .

      He said , Mr . Chairman , ladies and gentlemen—it is often the custom of public speakers on presenting themselves to their audiences , to declare the high degree of pleasure which they experience , while at the same time their appearance and manner indicate anytiiing but that blissful state of feeling for which they claim credit . I can , however , sir , say to this magnificent assemblage in the unsophisticated language of truth , that never in the whole course of my experience , have I felt so proud or so nappy as at the present moment . ( Cheers . ) The honour of submitting the first resolution to your consideration has devolved upon me . I would that I had the necessary qualifications to do justice to the stupendous theme ' inrolred in it . I am sure tbat your indulgence will allow the anxious will to do a duty , to compensate

      for any impotency in its performance . The resolution pledges you to a recognition ofthe principle that political justice is due to the millions ; that freedom is nature ' s great Charterto tbe human race . ( Cheers . ) The reso * lution decries the political extinction of six-sevenths of the men of Britain as an enormous grievance , and proclaims that their investment with the immunities of citizenship is an act , of which right and justice demand the immediate performance . ( Cheers . ) Itis a monstrous anomaly to see the great majority of the men of England , crouching in servility at the foot of a faction _. contemptible in everything hut bigotry , intolerance , and injustice . ( Cheers . ) The resolutionclaims the right to vote , as the right of man , and asserts the principle thatage , integrity , and sanity , are the only qualifications ess « ntipl to its

      proper exercise . The system which we seek to reform throws these qualifications to the wind , as wild and visionary , and sets forth the payment of a ten pound rental , as the grand criterion of electoral fitness , ( llear . ) In-ill , gentlemen , suppose a case , the reality of which may be found everywhere , which will forcibly exhibit the corruption of the present injustice-dispensing system . Let us imagine an honest , sober , and industrious man occupying a house for which he pays a rental ot £ 10 . minus a few shillings or pence , he likewise pays out ofhis hardearned wages , directly or indirectly , money to meet the exigencies of the state . ( H « ar . ) Inthe neighbourhood resides some infamous pimp , or brothel keeper , whose rent amounts to £ 10 . Now behold the morality and justice ofthe system , which elevates the wretch to the

      eminence of freedom , while it stamps the honest man with the stigma of serfdom . ( Cheers . ) Take another case into your consideration , you have read some months since ofthe infamous Parson Whetherall , who was convicted of the horrid crimes of adul tery ana incest . He was wealthy and influential ; the penalty inflicted by the Court was a fins of £ 3 , 000 -hereagaiu I impugn the justice of the pre sent order tf things . This moHSter pays the fine , he leaves the Court odious and repulsive with the blackness of crime , and is permitted to exercise every right and privilege of freedom , while millions of intelligent , virtuous , and industrious men , are doomed to clank the chains of political annihilation . ( Cheers . ) Thus does the Whig finality system enrobe vice with the habiliments of freedom , while it covers virtue , if poor , with the rags

      of political degradation . ( Cheers . ) It is a most monstrous spectacle to see millions of intelligent human beings submitting to the arrogant dictum of a few thousand ! ( Cheers . ) I know not which to express most surprise at , whether at the glaring injustice , the palpable tyranny of the domineering few ; or at tbe _uuanuesa of mind , the servility of soul , the . prostration of the godlike attribute of reason shown by * the many who remain criminally passive while they are beiBg lacerated and goaded by the lash of merciless misrule ? Let us hope , for the honour of human nature , for the _trcdlt of the national character , that themindsof the people will soon cease to he deluded into a toleration of such a corrupt and tyrannous order of things . ( Loud cheers . ) The Charter has the broad basis ot truth for its support , hence

      our hopes of _sticcess . Jfone daredeny the justice of universal suffrage in these days . Formerly our Tory foei used to tell us that we had no right to the franchise , because providence ordained that a privilged class should rule , and a helot class should submit ; tbis insult is no longer uttered , this blaspheming doctrine ia no longer preached . We have exorcised thatghost of an argument , it has fled for ever from the intellectual blaze of the 19 ht century . ( Great cheering . ) The resolution urges thepropriety of using every legal agency to accomplish our righteous object . To those agencies subsequent resolutions will refer . On this topic I would merely say that the people hold their political destiny in their own hands ; they can equally gratify their desires whether they be for freedom or slavery . ( Hear . ) Union is the

      great element of success which wehuvehitherto desiderated , let that want be supplied and our victory is sure . I tell you that you do not do your duty by merely attending meetings like the present , you must act each for himBelf and all for each , if you would achieve your country freedom . ( Cheers . ) Let the good and the patriotic fraternise and discomfiture is impossible . I appeal to jou to-night to commence the good work . If there he in this room men who think themselves living under free and glorious institutions , who fancy themselves in the enjoyment of all tbe blessings wliich they are entitled to ; who deem politics the province of the fe » v alone ; to such I appeal not ; to do so would I fear be a waste of time . But on the _othsr hand if there are before me men who are conscious of their political and social abasement , if there are here mon who can appreciate the advantages of liberty , men whose proud souls scorn subserviency to the will of a fellow ereature to , such

      I say rally at once to the standard ef your country ' s right 3 . ( Loud cheers . ) That man who looks abroad on our social horison and sees the torrent of poverty rolling over the land , overwhelming millions in its destructive course , and then turns to the political world and hears the chains of slavery clanking on the limbs of millions of hia fellow creatures , and wbonotwithstanaing remains inactive and unconcerned , is in my opinion a traitor to the laws of nature and of God . ( Cheers . ) Let the watchword of the patriot be unite , agitate , persevere , and let them prove to the world that the homage that they offer at liberty ' s shrine is not the mere cold expression of the lips , but the sterling devotion of thc heart . ( Cheers . ) Show the nation ' s foes that your patriotism is not the evanescent thing which they would wish it to be : let them know tbat there is flesh , blood , bone and muscle in it , and then may we hope soon to see the branches of the tree of liberty waving over a bold brave and happy people . ( Immense applause . )

      Julian Hakn . t seconded the resolution , and said , Brother and Sister Chartists : —Nearly fifty years ago Charles James _l ? o _ advocating the principles , if not the precise details , we meet this night , in support of , observed " None will dispute that man has a right to be well governed , and , therefore , it was impossible for a peop le to be satisfied with a governmentfrom the constituent parts of which they were excluded . " Of course Fox said this when in opposition , and as a matter of course , when he he got into power he , like a trvie Whig , forgot his opposition principles . ( llear , _horir . ) Men may change , but p rinciples never ; and those , principles which -ox abandoned , and those rights winch the Whigs of ' 32 defrauded us of , we meet this nl _^ lit to vindicate , and demand as our birthright . ( _Cheers . ) Observe , in claiming our

      Great Metropolitan Meeting For The Adopt...

      own rights we do not _question or proscribe the rights of others . We are not moved by the thirst of conquest , ye are not inspired by the lust of revenge ; we do not propose to deal by the privileged orders they have dealt by us . When they established their usurpation they robbed ug of our rights , and b y force and cunning combined reduced US to slavery . But we will return them good for evil , tbe establishment of our rights shall be the confirmation of theirs . To the privileged classes we say your ri ghts and no moro—our rights aud no less . " ( Great applause . ) This resolution declares that the _Elective Franchise is the natural inheritance of man , that is , wu say that men have all equal rights at birththat they have not , or do not _exereiae those rights through life is the crime ofsom . _anii the fault of others . Let tliose who deny this equality of rights show , if they can , that

      Ihe infant of the aristocrat , and the infant of the labourer , when born into this world bear distinctive marks imprinted b y nature ' s hand , showing that the one is destined for soverei gnty and the other for slavery . If they cannot show this , then , I say , our opponents are bound to admit the natural equality of mankind . True this law of nature has been for ages violated , " out no matter , no length of time can sanctify a wrong , ( Applause . ) What was robbery and usurpation in the days of the bastard Norman or the tyrant Stuart U equall y robbery and usurpation now . ( Great applause . ) The sacred ri ghts of man , whether wrested from our Saxon sires at the bloody overthrow at Hastings , or a s oond time filched from our fathers by the scoundrelly aristocracy in the Wars of the Roses , or the last shred of them dospoilod from us by the infamous Whig

      -o ptcimal Act , still are sacred , still aro our rights , which we must demand and reconquer . ( Greatcheering . ) Hut even granting the abstract right , our opponents take their stand on the ground of expediency . It is inexpedient , say they , aiid would bo mischievous to the state and to themselves , to confer political franchises upon millions of men who are without property or education . Why are the people without property , and how is it they are uneducated ? Simply because they have been at the mercy of the privileged orders , whose interest it was to plunder them ofthe fruits of their industry , and keep them in ignorance , lest they should learn the causes of their slavery and the remedy for their wrongs . ( Applause . ) For want ofthe law ' s protection , the people have been kept poor and untaught , and now this is made the pretext for withholding from them their just share in the

      government ot the country ; yet so long as they are denied that share , so long as " Laws grind the poor , and rich men rule the laws , " so long must the people remain poor and uneducated _. Thus tyranny creates the pretexts for continuing the disqualification , and the continuance of thut _disqualification conserves the tyranny . ( Cheers . ) But I deny that the people are absolutely without property or intelligence . They have a sacred property in their labour , the foundation of all accumulated and accumulating property in society . The mansions , the shipping , the factories , the milieu , the fields of grain , the plethora of _manufactured productions of every kind , the very capital of the capitalists would be all non-existent but for labour , yet this labour , this veritable property , is the prey of every

      profitmonger , rent-sucker and tux-eater in the state . ( Great Applause . ) As regards education , I might ask , does wealth confer sense , or do those whose education is supposed tobegunranteed | by the possession of property or the payment ot a certain amount , of rent and taxes , elect such representatives as by their acts prove their right to the arrogant title of " tlie collective wisdom" ofthe country ? But I say that the people are at this time proving their fitness for tbe franchise on the ground of intelligence , by showing themselves ripe for political , social and moral reforms . ( Hear , hear . ) Who stands in the way of the repeal of the law of primogeniture—the reform of the established Church—the abolition of naval and military dogging—the emancipation of the infant victims of factory labour—the repeal of the new Poor Law—the reform ofour criminal code—the abolition of death punishments

      —the reform of our colonial administration—who stands in the way of these reforms ! Not the people . ( Cheers . ) They are ripe and ready for these and other changes which would make England really "happy England , ' " _morrie England , " thehomaof the great and the free . ( Greatapplause . - Let but tlie young blood of democracy be infused into our political system , and England will attain a majestic greatness such aa mankind hath never yet imagined . ( Cheers . ) And it shall be so . ( Cheers . ) England shall be free and happy " Though slavery ' s cloud o ' er her morning hath hung , The full noon of freedom shall shine on her yet . " ( Enthusiastic _cheering . ) I am glad to hear that Colonel Thompson will give us his aid , although I think his reproof of the Chartists for their conduct in relation to tlie Free Trade agitation is quite uncalled-for . ( Hear ,

      hear . ) The Chartists were right , and Colonel Thompson was wrong—( Hear , hear)—and future events will show the wisdom of thc course pursued by tlie Chartists . Even now the predictions of the Chartists are being realised . Look at Keighley where the tyrannical Free Trade capitalists are doing their utmost , by the oppression of their unhappy combere and weavers , to prove Free Trade "a mockery , a delusion , and a snare . " ( Applause . ) Already the Free Traders are outbidden for popular support by the Protectionists who are now bidding ihe abolition ofthe Excise duties on all home productions , and the reduction of duty on tea and tobacco to one shilling a pound . This is not all , a grand scheme is in the course of concoction for the repeal of the new Poor Law under the superintendence ofthe new member for St . Alban ' _s , who has almost declared himself a Chartist . When , in addition to these movements , we observe thei operations of thc Poor Man ' s Guardian Society , and the extension ol

      the Allotment system , we may assume that the aristocracy begin to understand that the people arc eulightened , and that unless helped will speedily begin to help themselves . ( Cheers . ) Success , say I , to these parties . Let them aid the poor , let them annihilate the accursed Poor Law , let them ameliorate the condition of the people as much as they please , but let tlie people , always remembering that the amendment of a bad system is a very different affair to the removal of wrong by the substitution of right , insist upon justice . ( Hear , hear . ) Let the people seek justice , not charity ; let them demand right , not patronage ; the power ta protect themselves instead of craving the help of classes who have brought them to slavery and misery . ( _Cheurs . ) In short , lot the people demand the justice set forth in this resolutionthe right of every male inhabitant of the British empire , of mature age and sane mind , to a voice in the election of the law-makers of the land . ( Great cheering . )

      The resolution was then put from the chair , aud unanimously adopted , amidst loud applause . Mr . Ernest Jonis rose to move the next resolution , and was loodly cheered on coming forward . The resolution was as follows : — 2 nd . —Itesolved , That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the bill entitled the People's Charter , is an embodiment of the principles of equal representation with details for securing their efficient operation , And , believing that the enactment of the said Charter would be followed by measures which would ensure peace , prosperity , and contentment among all classes of the community , this meeting therefore agrees to the presentation of a _National petition , praying Furliament to render the document _aforesaid a statute of this realm .

      Tho speaker , after alluding to the moral power of so magnificent a meeting , and its affect upon the public and government , continued : In the resolution which I rise to propose , you are called upon to vindicate a cause that has no parallel in thc history of nations , since it embodies a spirit of pure justice and liberty , such as has never yet been evolved out of the strife of hostile classes . 1 say , you are called upon to vindicate , though the resolution says , to petition . But when millions petition thousands , it is something like a command . The mandate may be disregarded for a time , but , if given in the voice of trath and justice , it will ring at last upon the echoes of history , as the living law of an emancipated realm . ( Cheers . ) And so it will be with tlie Charter . What has it not resisted

      ?—What has it not undergone !—What has it nut survived ?—And what is the supernatural spell of immortality , that has brought it Hving and mighty down to this very hour—into this very room ?—What raised it up from under the hoof _» of charging cavalry , bruisedbut unbroken ?—What drew it from among the buyonets of an army , bleeding , —but strong of heart ?—What saved it from the truncheons of the police , stricken—but not crushed?—What vindicated it from the tongue of calumny , and the falsehood of the secret spy ?—And , worst of all , what rescued it from the courts of law , those graves of reputations , and pitfalls for liberty ?—What , but the justice of tlie glorious cause 1 ( Continued eheers . ) Justice—the soul of success ! Justice—the immortaliser of action ! Justice—the ul .

      tinintc conqueror of tyrants ! ( Loua applause . ) And what is it that has again so suddenly called forth this fiery action—this solemn thought—this steady resolve ? Oppression—that foBteror of _resistance . Tyranny—ths nurse of freedom , Monopoly—timt father of _reyolulutions . True , many in this assembly may not have felt the lash of power , or the goad of want as keenly as the poor mechanic in the factory-town , ov the pauper labourer on the wealthy farm . But is there a man here , who has not himself experienced , or seen ou others , the withering effects of cIubs _government 1 ( Hear , hear . ) Who has never been thwarted in au honest careur by the hand of monopoly . ( Hear !) In this metropolis of splendour , head-seat of government and court , and church , under the immediate eye of all whose duty it is to elevate and bless a people , are there no sons of poverty , who have gone without a meal this day , while the shops have been piled with provisions ' and the tables of the rich groaning with food ? Is there not a man in this city who knows not where to lay his

      head to-night , while beds of lightest down m sumptuous ohainbers are waiting to receive the man whose wealth he has contributed to create ? Yes ! misery glides in myriad shapes beneath the walls of thc palaco _, the cathedral , and tho parliament house ! It will rally , to a man , round any honest cause , that offers its redress and justico , and those here , who may be better off , if they aro Christians , it' thay are men , in anything more than name , will join them with an equal heart , to rescue tlieir brethren from this gulph of wretchedness . ( Cheers . ) This misery should not be in a country like ours , when there is wealth enough for all . When evory pauper in England might have a sufficiency of food , shelter and raiment , And what is the cause thathe has not i—class government , —unequal representation ! Royalty is prosperous , in all its pensioned , fast-increasing branches , because there are plenty to . represent its interests , and vote its annual thousands for its palaces , and hounds and horses . The church is prosperous : the Bishops in the house of Lords take good care of that , —and of the ton

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      millions per annum tho church receives from you , — Aristocracy and millocracy are prosperous , because they are represented in thegovernment , —because they can pass acts of Parliament for the most trivial individual interests : turning railroads that come too near a _mansitm—enabling wealthy men to build upon Common lands , orouvering the gambling transactions of coronetted swindlers , But you are unrepresented . You have no spokesman at the Royal Council Board ; you have no spokesman in that house , whose noble members are supposed to suck hereditary wisdom with their nurse ' s milk : —and what in that other Louas , winch , in this age lor building upon Common lands , is one of the only Commons you can ever build upon ! ( Laughter . ) Then if there are none to watch over yonr interests , how can your interests prosper ? ( Hear , hear . ) No wonder the _workiiur classes are

      sunk in su _« h a gulph of wretchedness . Non-representation of those cUsses _, then , is tlie cause , why there are so many empty stomachs , shelterless heads and aching heai'tB . To this evil the Charter _suggusts the remedy . The resolution before you insists that the paramount object , to be secured , is equal representation . The very words involve a law of nature . There is no edict of God , no fiery tongue , that made proclamation through the world , saying , one part of mankind should be enslaved by the other . The right of having a voice in the creation of the government hs supports is thc first Charter of every man . And what title has tyranny to show for its _god-likepossessiohs ? Its possessions of the strength , the wealth , the hope , thejoy , the intellect , the very souls , of toiling millions ? Craft _establishes that which force supports . Tyranny found man asleep , and ' shamed him

      before he woke . But centuries have eaten into the iron of those rotton fetters ; givo but a blow , one hearty English blow , aud they will crumble to jour hands . Theresolution further tells us , that the Bill for the People ' s Charter Contains the details for working out its _cnactmerei . So it does , and I believe those details , to be some of the best that human wisdom , long deliberation and experience could produce . Yet they are but faint shadows of the means , to which they point . You arethe means ! The details aro your hearts and brains ; your arms and tongues;—your energy and action;—your resolution and your thought . These your country claims iu the came of freedom . These positively claim who would scorn the graves of fathers , willingly leaving thsm but misery as their legacy . These are claimed by every unemaiicipated people on the earth , since Englif liinen arrogate the

      proud title of deliverers of nations , yet hare not been able to liberate themselves ! This resolution tells you , in _coalcusion , that the enactment of the Charter would be followed by peaee , prosperity and contentment among all classes of the community . And when did you know of good measures , that had not such a tendency ? And does not the Charter embody such measures ? It returns stolen property to the rightful owner , for it gives back his vote to the disenfranchised , of whicli he had been robbed by the monopolist . It preserves the honesty of man , and saves the _weakhtarted from temptation by the ballot . It says men , and not money , bags , shall b » the representatives of mon , —the soul and not the purse shall he measured as their standard ; it enables the poor as R'ell as the rich to sit in that honse , wher * the interests of the poorest should stand proudly by the side of

      the most wealthy . It merges local influence in universal right , —it ends the enslavement of man by man , a state , which even Whig governments have recognised as unjust in principle , when applied to the black slave , while their incomprehensive minds eould , or would not , see , that the same rule held good with the white . ( Loud cheers . ) Where is the man , who can advance a single argument against any one of the propositions ? The old , stale raven song of ignorance and want of education is worn out , even to its last echo . We want no Wlii (» educational measures . Freedom is the be 3 t educator ol _thesoui , —the ennobler of thu heart—theexpandev ofthe intellect . A slave can never be fully educated , but the electric thought flashes across the mind of the freeman , like an inspiration from heaven . If they want to begin he education ofa people , the first step is to make them

      free ! ( Continued cheering . ) What they will not do for you , yon must do for yourselves . And you can do so . For all power is your own , if you would but waken lo the knowledge . You build tbe church j you raise the palace ; you erect the prison and the fortress ; you make the artillery , the bayonet and the sword ; you form thc army ; the man the navy ; you dig the mine ; you plough the field ; from your despised ranks how often have you gone forth the kings of mind : philosophers , poets , painters , sculptors , musicians , generals and statesmen ; before your very breath dynasties have perished ; you are the creators and destroyers of kings ; the founders and annihilators of empires , atthe bidding and for the benefit of others ! and all the while you have been abject slaves , unconscious ofthe mighty thingsthat you achieved . But now , now that you know your own

      power , now that the anatomy of class-faction is bared before your eyes , will you bow any longer to the rod held by the paralysed hand of antiquated fallacy , or the gold grasping members of modern monopol y ! Or will you not far rather support the leaders you yourselves have chosen ? ( Yes aud cheers . ) Will you not far rather carry out the resolutions of a Convention you yourselves elected to couusel for you ? ( Yes !) You assembled therein vain , if you do not . If you do not , in vain will tlie great pulse of the Chartist have beat on so bravely against the manacles of thraldom . You will have roiled and endured in vain , and in vain will jour martyr , Frost _, have hoped on through the weary days ofhis long exile . The thought that upheld his strength " of , " Oh ! they are a gallant race at home ! They will never give up in their struggle with the oppresor ! but they will call me back in the hour of triumphl "—tbat thought will die upon his broken heart , and lonely and hoplessly will he sink into an outcast ' s grave . —But no ! I see the unsullied banner aloft ! Thank hea * en ! the army of the

      Charter is in the field again !—( eheers )—and behold the glorious sight of universal union strengthening its energy . Have you heard the cry of Devon and the West , as it joins hands with Lancashire and the North ? It is . "The Charter and the Land !"—Have you heard the cry of Herts and Norfolk , of the East and South , making common cause with Yorkshire and the Midland ? " It is : " The Charter and the Land !"—while industrious Scotland sees no barrier in tlie old , king-dividing Tweed , wlien called upon to the rally of : " The Charter and the Land ! " ( Prolonged cheering . ) Now , then , let misrule do its utmost . Now , then , let Lord John Russell place himself before the advancing tide of the people . Let him cry , " Stay ! " and see if it will stop a single wave . ( Loud eheers . ) Let him promise , and see if they will trust ; let him threaten . ind see if they will fear f— for they have beheld the finger of progress fast advancing on the dial of time , and it is near that mighty hour , _tbiH tolls the death _pe-nl of old fallacies , and rings in the new era of freedom and the Charter ! Mr . Jones resumed his seat amid loud and continued cheering .

      Mr . Samuel Kidd seconded the resolution , and said , Mr . Chairman , ladies and fellow working men , lhave this evening listened to speeches , clear in expression , correct in diction , consecutive in arrangement and powerful in argument . We have had a recapitulation of the objections of all parties to Chartism , the objections have been fairly stated , and strange as it may seem , yet not tbe less true , the identical reasons stated by the objectors to our movement aro synonymous with those that impress me with the truth , policy , and soundness ofthe principle of Chartism . Itis an admitted truth that every political theory implies a moral principle , now the theory of Chartism implies tho morality of intelligence . It is the very converse of brute force , and men who contend for the establishment of peace on earth and moral power , must prove the error of this argument ,

      give up their opposition to us , or declare thatthe representative intelligence is not understood by them , or that they have resolved to act in opposition to right . ( Applause . ) In a state in which the minority govern the majority , the government must alone exist by physical or moral power separately , or , as in this country , conjointly , for if the Executive government acted in concordance with the will of tho governed , the enfranchisement ofall would not only not be objected to , but conceded , for two reasons , first , the security of the governed , second , the easy facilitating ofall governmental arrangements . ( Hear , hear . ) This , however , is not the case , the government , is , in essence and action , a _government of brute and money power , the bunker effecting what the soldier cannot restrain . I am a Chartist , because the principles of the Charter are opposed to this brute and

      money influence , while it saves me the _gioss absurdity of declaring how a nation shall or shall not exercise its physical power , conscious that there is no existence without physical power , aud that a nation ' s will is the best security for the exercise of its ener gies , and that a people will just use these energies as their judgment directs , ( Applause , ) " But jou have no property . " Men who use _theobjt-c tion aforesaid call themselves political economists . Now I do know that tho fathers of their school state that every man who labours , produces as much real wenltii as maintains himself nnd two or thr . se others , an d with the knowledge of such a fact , I am surprised that they can use such an objection . If their teachers spea k truthfully , I claim the franchise for the labourer on the ground of property qualification , and if property

      qualification constituted the right for representation _, then would the working classes and tbe working classes alone be entitled to it . "You have no capital . " I answer we have , and grant mo your attention , and 1 will prove where our capital is . If an employer pay ms fifty pounds per annum for the exercise of my mental and p hysical power , ho hires the uso of my capital , and he pays me interest for one thousand pounds at fire per cent . He cannot , ho does not , buy my property ; he merely rents it on the very principle that I may rent from him a house . AVhon I pay rental for a house , I buy Uie uso of that house on certain conditions , und when I leave the house ) , tho property still remains . Tho truth of my position is proved by tlie application of machinery , for , if my employer desires to dispense with

      my labour and use mechanical invention instead thereof , _liemiistsinlniioncyorthe representative of wenlU ) , to buy the machine required ; _nowiKOOO on property at five per cent , paying rates nnd taxes entitles the possessor to a vote , and if that capital bo suflicieiit as a " capital " qualification , why refuse a vote to the possessor of capital injthe shape of labour , value one thousand pounds sterling . ( Leud cheers . ) I could prove thero are many shopkeepers who are electors , who never possesed £ 1060 , and whose incomes do not average £ , 00 a year each , and whose only recommendations to the powers that be arc apparently getting regularly drunk , und being wellknown by the sitting magistrates . ( Laughter . ) Answer these arguments , you writers for the press , meet them fairly . And mentally we will moet you , sword to sword , and hilt to hilt , conscious that error aloue

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      needs artifical support , and that truth can stand h y _u-i-e-li . ( Great applause . ) Colonel Thompson declares we have injured our ' movement b y our opposition to the-Anti-Corn law league , I believe he thinks so , and I nevu r blame a man for thinking indifferently from me but roa . 'Iy' we must not take it for granted , because the gallant colonel says so . It is true , Mr . Chairman , that we did oppose the anti-corn law league . Wc told our _iellow-vorltinjf men that the evils of society were both organic and circumstantial , that we required the removal of political » _nd social monopoly , we said to tlmm , the price of IaW- _ls the chief cos . - evcry manufactured commodity , and whether corn ' or cloth is can only be nominally low priced b y being cheaply produced . ( Hear . ) We told them that no fiscal or commercial change would _bebeneficJalito them short of complete change of t >< n u . _risliiiffpolitic-riand social arrangements

      The Anti-Corn-Law League _tofu" them cheap food . ind high wages would follow their measure , and how have ¦ heir anticipations bean realized _? ( Hear , hear . ) We havo short hours , sbvrt wages , bread _rising in price , children crying with _haiiger , Ireland'in a state of mendicity , Lord George _Bs-n _& _nek and tht Times - . 'rambling and disputing about _whether or ho 3 , 0 _'i 0 ; 000 of quarters of Irish wlieat should lie returned , wheat that was drained out of Ireland— "Bought ck » ap to hu sold dear , " not to feed the _Eoglvrib labourer , but to fill tho aristocratic glutton . The rt _* e * t > eal ofthe Corn Laws has not . sntisfiud the English _wertting classes ' . Thomas _Slingsby Dui-combB was rignt , when he said in the House of Commons , that the working classes looked oir the agitation of lire Lt-ngue as " a pull devil pnll bilker " question ; the baiter has now _become the devil , and I

      assure Colonel Thompson that tho * people have no difficulty in discriminating between tiis vague and foolish assumptions of the league , and _thj correct prognostications of tho English Chartists . { Cheers . ) Thei * ar * unpleasant _assocsations connected 1 with jour name change your title and ihe middle classes may join you * Well , this is a reques-S I cannot _condsscend tu honour * 1 think it isa sorry _compliment to pay tlis middle classes for thoir intelligence tc suppose that they would not know , our principles by another name , and if so , why change the name from Charter to any other % It shall not he changed , and I _cannot suppose our middle class neighbour * to be so stupid or so _prejudiscd us to _reqpire it . ( Loud cheers . ) "Oh , you area combination of revolutionary rebels , what could working men do iu the Housu of Commons ? " These are serious

      and grave words , but _there is truth in the first part of the indictment . I plead guilty to it . Wo are rebels—When w * looked abroad and saw our country rich in all the greatness of capital , and thelaboarer starving amidst what he had produced , when we saw a _prison-workhouse instead of protection for helpless youth and hoary age , when we saw crime increase , prisons instead of school-houses , hangmen instead of schoolmasters , then did we say the law of nature is thwarted—then did we rebel—then did we resolve to » revolutionize—then did we resolve to rectify , —( great cheering . ) The history of _England told of one rebel , of _Russvll , the only good one of the Bedford family—( eheers . ) lord John Uussell is a- rebel to honour , to truth , to nature , and justice . We are rebels to falsehood , injustice , wrong , and error . M' _-r . Kydd here _entered into the question of working men . sitting in the House of Commons , also the services working men had rendered to that house . He cited Uenjamiu Franklin , a printer ;

      and w illiam Cobbett , a gardener ; as apt illustrationsand continued . After all , where is it they get the knowledge they do possess 1 If Shey wish to know the condition of ihe handloom weavers , how do they proceed ? First , they appoint a commission , then * the commission / ocs into the district where the iuformntion can be acquired _. Now , 1 ash , whether is the commissioner who gathers the knowledge , or the commoner who does not possess the knowledge , the wiser of the- two ?—wiiy the commissioner , to be sure . And whethcris the commissioner who desires to _possess the _knewledge , or the weaver who gives htm the knowledge , the wiser of _thethree ?—the weaver , of course . ILoud eheers . ) Tell me , now , you very clever cavillers about -working men ' s acquirements , which of _iheee three are beat able to legislate on handloom weaTing $ The Charter-wisely implies _, thfc _enae-ment of no special law , but is the key to all improvement—it is the re-ilex of the people's intelligence on all questions , therefore tlo I second the _resolution . ( Great applause , !

      Mr . O'Connor on rising was received with several rounds of cheers and waving of hats ; when the applause had subsided , he said , Sir , all who can remember tbo meetings of September , 1853 , and wh » now witness this gathering of 1 S 10 , must eome to the conclusion that our cause anil principles have progressed , and that my labour has not been in vain . ( Cheers . ) I must now call your attention to the purpose-for which we are _asssembled , and state my reason for assenting to another National Petition , to which , as well as others , I had been opposed . My reason then is , because my leader , in whose discretion , wisdom ,, and talent , I bave the most unbounded confidence , has seen the prudence of changing his opinion . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Dancorabe , the only man in the House of Commons who ean be considered the

      representative of Chartistprinciples _. liasseentaatthis is the proper season for testing the courage of Chartism and the principles of the House . With this view I most cordblly agree , but then we mnst be upon our guard , lest the necessity of faction may once more convert us into an army of recruits for faction ' s purposes . ( Cheers . ) Already the tocsin has beeu sounded , and the next move to which the expedieney oi party will summon us will be , _theory oi ' reli » ieus freedom _, o be fought under the bannerol separation of Church and State . ( Cheers . ) I repudiate all coalitions , which have for tlieir object the _strengthening of faction ' s hands , and which have-ever had for their result the postponement of the people ' s cause . ( Cheers . ) Moveover the realisation of the principle for whicli wa contend , can alone lead to the fulfilment of the

      sectional premises of moderately professing friends . I am not prepared to waste the national strength in a . struggle for a mere speculative change ;• I am not prepared to engage in any political war , but the war of all and for all—forthe People ' s Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) t Mr . Ilarney bas told you truly , tliat Charles James Fox and others , over seventy years ago , seduced the people of his day into tbe deceptive cry of popular rig hts , but when he bad achieved his owa object , ha molted the principles of Chartism down tothedisqua"ification oi government contractors holding a seat in Parliament , so that the ppople ' s reform stopped at bis own door . ( Cheers . ) Such bas ener been the deceptive course of _Whigpory from the major device of the revolution of 1 C 88 down to the minor trick of Free Trade in 18-16 . Emancipation , Reform ,

      and Free Trade , have been the great measures of Whiggery during that interval ; but the emancipation of influential Catholics , but tended to tighten the bonds nf the unrepresented , while by a lew accommodating details the oppressors so nicely divided oppression between parsons and landlords , that the oppressed were divided in tlieir hate , while the oppressors were uniteel in their power . ( Loud cheers . ) The reformers denounced taxation without representation as a tyranny that should be resisted , while their measure has se complicated taxation and representation , that the one is irresistible however mysterious or unjust , while the other is difficult of acquirement , and wrested in its free use when achieved—( cheers)—while Free Trado , the bait in the Russell Edinburgh trap , has come without tliose

      prudent and timely concessions which most recommended it , so that if the Reform Bill was the Russell purge , Free Trade is the Itussell stringent that has corked the bowels of the poor and closed the purse _strings of thc rich . ( Cheers . ) My friends , politics , like clothes , have got their fashion , and tbe garments of Whiggery have been so turned and altered to suit existing tastes , that it woultl be tlifticiiltto find one sound spot whereto a new principle may bo tacked . However , mayhap , some ingonious Moses and Son may discover a sound spot in tho collar ot the Whig coat , to stitch some new drapery to cover the corrupted body and recreant limbs of "Whig » e _* ry , and thus masqueraded in the shape of religions freedom for another _succe-sful delusion . But , 1 tell them , that neither mask nor domino drapery

      or outward guise can longer conceal the inward devil from Emancipated Reformed Free Trade scrutiny . ( Loud cheers . ) Thus , I _h-ive traced the consumptive course of Whigsery irom its physical elevation in 1 GSS to its moral decay in 1 S-11 > . ( Loud cheers . ) You may then ask me if 1 would refuse to accept rprogressive eforni , my answer is No , 1 will be thankful for the merest _rmidvcuni of gwd , while I caution you against placing _tnast in the promises of men seeking power to be used for themselves . Believe me that there is a groat difference between the thing contended for- and the thing achieved—theoneis painted to the- fervid imagination in all the romantic charms _tiwt eloquence cau dress it , while the other possesses the sad reality to which the cunning of faction can turn it . ( l . & ud

      cheers ) . I am now cautioning you agaiust any union with parties having religious freedom as their rallying cry . We have had religious referms he-lore . The reformers all sought the Lord , and were regardless whether they extracted him from the af » frighted imagination ofthe yielding convert , nr whether they consumed obstinae ' y in thi ! bones ofthe unbending heretic by the faggot . \ Great _entering ) . Harry , Luther , Calvin , Craiuner , John Fomx , Wolsey , and even Cromwell , were all religious mfornicrs _, and all , oi" course , sought the Lord , cither in the terror of the frown , the b ») ra of _consi-jence _, or tha protruding bowels of the obstinate . Well , then , is it for such another reform that we an lo contend ? llave we not always iound tbat the .- oppressed sects pray humbly for toleration , beg irtMoifully for

      equality , contend stoutly for _aseeneUaiav , aiul use thoir supremacy to perpetuate the _iafci-iiirity of all oilier sects , proclaiming their own as the true religion ? and denouncing as heretical , all-opposing doctrines . ( Loud cheers . ) Mayhaiv , you havo not seen two hungry packs of hounds fed " at one mess trough : I have , and 1 could alw . _- . ys controul and manage tho gorged , but the hungr . y would dovouv me . Tho state church , theu , is the gorged pack , and dissent is the hungry pack , and ' _eake heed , I say , how you change your battle fn « u tho gorged and blown parson to thc _well-wineh'U and active dissenter m lull training : and ready for liis round . 1 object to this systemoi ' one down and the other como on , I have been a victim to it before , for it has cost me many a sound thrashing at school . ( Loud cheers aud laughter . )

      _^ October 3 , 1846 . _v _ THE _ N ORTHERN STAR . *

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 3, 1846, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_03101846/page/5/