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Northern Star (1837-1852), 13th May 1848, Edition 3 of 3, Page 2, MEETING OP THE UNEMPLOYED IN SPITALFIELD...

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      L T Definite Notion Tbey P Possessed « O...

      THE NORTHERN STAR . „__— May 13 , 1848 . j _~ L _, - -rr--T- _... rl l ed

      The Middle Class Movement. The Uetrofous...

      THE MIDDLE CLASS MOVEMENT . THE _UETROFOUS . _Several parish meetings in furtherance of' Reform' took place in different parts of London , thc latter end of last week . At a m eeting held in St _Mariin's-in- _the-Fields , tbe Hon . Sir _Bonverie in the chnir , resolutions in favour of a revision of taxation , the retrenchment of the public expenses , and a reform ofthe representation were adopted _. At a meeting of the Westminster Reform Association , the following resolution was passed : — ¦ That this society deeply regret that the recent course of

      Gen . Sir De Lacy Evans in the Honse of Commons has net been of a character to support the principles advocated by the society for which Gen . Evans was returned to parliament . And this society further express a hope that Gen . Evans will immediately give his aid and support to those members of parliament who , under Mr Hume and Mr Cobden , _iaie _uniied to promote certain political and financial reforms , required by the present condition of the

      _gauntry . _ , The new Suffrage Movement . _ Three hundred gentlemen assembled on Wednesday at Herbert ' s Hotel , Palace-yard , Westminster , in order to promote the great Reform Movement projected bv Mr Cobden . Mr Hume , Sir Fox , and ' other liberal members of parliament . Mr Linwood was called to the chair . Mr Lovett then explained the Object , namely , to Hnite all classes of Reformers in the attainment of Reform by peaceful and moral efforts . After lengthened addresses from Messrs Miall , Gilpin , Fletcher , Robertson , Parry , and other gentlemen , the resolution was passed , and a deputation appointed to wait on Mr Cuhden and other members of the liberal party . On tbe following day the deputation reported the result of their visit . The — —r _A

      Conference then preceeded to the consideration of the organisation of the League , and after a discussion which lasted until a late hour at night , a series of rules aad regulations was adopted , subject to the revision of a committee . The nucleus of a very large and influential council was then formed , embracing tbe Reformers of all districts of the country . On Friday and Saturday the Committee were engaged in the revision of the rules , which will be issued , in tbe shape of an address , in the course of ths week . From the statements made in the course of the Conference respecting the opinions of Reformers throughout the country , it is expected that the People ' s League will speedily become a very strong body in point of numbers . — Weekly Dispatch . Household Suffrage . —The construction we

      would put on Household Suffrage , in connexion wiih the new movement , is this , —that all persons paying rent for any part of the house , ai well as th .-: se occupying or renting an entire house should be entitled to the electoral franchise . This would include lodgers , but it would exclude mere boarders , OT persons fifing _vr _' _Uii their parents , or under tbe roof ol their employers . It might , perhaps , be ne cessary , in order to prevent confusion in making out the electoral lists , to have a clause in the bill providing that no person should be eligible to the franchise , who had not resided in the premises or

      apartments for which he claimed to vote for a period of six months . This would fall considerably short of Universal Suffrage ; but it would ensure a Erne' : ; more extended constituency tban any other scheme we have seen proposed , with the exception of tbat which proposes tbe enfranchisement of all adult persons who have attained the age of twentyone . We regard Universal Suffrage as a thing which is abstractedly right , and we look forward to its advent as not remote ; but a sudden transition from the present limited extent of the franc hise , to a universal qualification , would not be safe . —Morning Advertiser .

      Manchester , —During the week the premises in _NewaU's-building have presented a very animated spectacle . Several hundreds of letters have been received every morning within the last two or thiee days , containing replies by the parties to whom they were address ° -d ( principally the supporters of the Anti-Corn Law League , in all parts of the kingdom ) , ta the circular sent out by Mr George Wilson , on the subject of the movement for further reform in the representation . On Monday afternoon , above 1 , 400 of these answers had been received by post ; tbey are from all clases of society , including bankers , merchants , magistrates , shopkeepers , spinners , manufacturers , ministers of religion , barristers , & c .

      The letters are from the following place in Engglar , d -. —London , Leicester , _Leeds , Bradford , Derby , Bristol , Halifax , Lancaster , _R-ichdale , Liverpool , Bolton , _Knaresborough , Kendal , Wolverhampton , Euddersiield , Hull , Dewsbury , Leek , Newcastle on-Tyne , Gateshead , Sheffield , Blackburn , Carlisle , Lichfield , Oldham , Wakefield , Darlington , Noitingham _Iscrwich , Wigan , Northwich , Sunderland , Burnley , Scarborongb , Alnwick , _Macclesfield , Bury , Malton , _Congleton , Stockport , Kirby , Lonsdale , Stockton , Chester-le-Street , Durham , Cambridge , Northampton , Great Yarmouth , Frome , Pl \ mouth , Greenwich , Wotton-nnder-Edge , Leighton Buzzard , _Hanlev , Chichester , Exeter , Tunbridge Wells ,

      Aylesbury , Cheltenham , Birmingham , Bedford , Hastings , _Chippenham , High Wycombe . Saint Alban ' s , Cirencester , Leamington , Tewkesbury , Gloucester , West Bromwieh . la Scotland : Edinburgh , Glasgow , Dundee , Stirling , Paisley , Dumfries , Aberdeen , Irvine , Arbroath , Kirkaldy , Harrick , Dunfermline , Jedburgh . In Wales : From Welchpool and Newport . One gratifying circumstance connected with these replies is that they _emphatically declare the feelings of ihe earnest Reformers to be in favour of the whole of the points in the circular , viz . : — Household Suffrage , the Ballot , Electoral Districts , and Triennial Parliaments . Of the entire number received , the number of adverse answers does not

      exceed five per cent . The general objecti in in this elass of letters is that 'this is not the proper time . ' —Manchester Examiner . Rochdale . —On Thursday last , at seven o'clock , a meeting ( called by circular to the electors of the borough ) was held in the large room of the Public Hall , Baillie-street , Rochdale , for tke purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of forming an assoc ation for tbe effecting a thorough reform in

      the ' . epresentative system , and a reduction of the national expenditure . William Ckadwick , Esq ., J . P ., having been appointed chairman , resolutions vrere moved by H . Kelsau , Esq ., J P ., G . Ashworth _, Esq ., Mr J . Bright , junior , and several manufacturers and shopkeepers , in favour of Household Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Triennial Parliaments , Electoral Districts , and No Property Qualification for Members of Parliament , and carried unanimously . The room was crowded .

      Meeting Op The Unemployed In Spitalfield...

      MEETING OP THE UNEMPLOYED IN SPITALFIELDS . On Saturday , a meeting , numerously attended , of the broad silk bandloom weavers and other trades of tbe districts of Spitalfields and Bethnal Green vras held at the Woodman , _Waterloo Town . The object of the gathering upon this occasion was , ' The adoption of an address to be presented to her Majesty , thanking her for the most gracious patronage which she bas been pleased to extend to the British artisans , by her expression of a wish that the ladies attending the ensuing drawing rooms shonld appear in dresses of British manufacture ; and praying her Majesty to continue and extend her patronage to every article produced by native industry . ' Mr Horsham , an operative silk-weaver , having taken tbe chair ,

      Mr Hollis , the secretary to the unemployed Silk Weavers' Committee , said , when they knew that almost two-thirds of the working classes had been unemployed during the last six months , he hoped they would not be backward in expressing their acknowledgments te her Majesty . He would appeal to them whether such a course was not just and honourable ? If they adopted the address , he Kas sure the trades would be benefited ; but if they rejected it , an insult would be offered to her Majesty the Queen , and the ladies who had determined to wear ar ticles exclusively of British manufacture , He _. _' with great pleasure , moved the adoption of the address . Mr Sornsby seconded the motion .

      Mr Wilsok moved as an amendment , _« That this meeting memorialise her Majesty to dismiss her pregent ministers , and prays lhat she will call to her councils _thoiie persons who will make the People ' s Charter the law of the land . ' The amendment was seconded by Mr Cutter , and carried amidst much uproar , after which the mee _' . ing broke np .

      Thuopekitivsb.Rrsiofthe Metropolis And I...

      _THuOpEKiTivsB _. Rrsiofthe Metropolis and its _ricitiity _, assisted by such employers as are favourable to their _' morement _, are about to petition the House of Commons , and npon which _petition Lord Robtrt Grosve ' por will found , on the 30 : h day of May next , a notion far a eommittee of _erqniry ; and which tualiin . wa _b- ; lieTe , will be granted . But something more is required than mere committees of inquiry—-viz a remedy for the very great grievance complained of .

      The National Assembly. Saturday, Mai C. ...

      THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY . SATURDAY , Mai C . Tbe Assembly met this morning at sine o ' clock . Mr W . Dixon in the chair . „„ _-,,-The Chairman read a letter from Hull , declaring Mr George Stevens to ba the elected dele ? ate for Ilall and the Ea 9 t Riding of _Yorkshire . He further intiaated that the first _quest'Oa which demanded tbe attention of the delegates referred to the admission of the pnbiic to the galleries . He was given to understand tbat during their last sitting a large lump of lead had been thrown amongst them frora the _' giUery . Such conduct was intolerable ; and it remained therefore for them to determine what ought to be done . ... _• •„ MrPiLUKGS & id , the Chairman had been misinfermed-rhe lump of lead was only a rifle ball , which some one had thrown down in a joke or in _«»?«**«• siasm of tbe _motuent-an enthusiasm to which they all liable ( Laughter . ) _„„„„ _,

      were . .... „ , .. Mr M'Douall said , there was a principle involved . It ought to be recollected that the members ot the Assembly represented every quarter of Scotland , England , and Wales , and as such they ought not to be controlled by the people of London , or any single distriot . In Manchester it would not be so . He must therefore condemn every manifestation of feeling on the part of strangers in that Assembly . Mr Vebnon moved that the question be referred to the Business Commi _' . tee . Mr Shaw seconded the motion , which on being put was carried unanimously .

      The Chairman declared the decision of the Committee wa > in favour of the admission of stranger * , under a caution to restrain all manifestation of feeling . ( The _strangera who had been till thisexcluded , were _tht-n admitted to the gallery , which was immediately tiled . ) lie also read , at the suggestion oi the Business Committee , a lettor from Carlisle , s ' gne < _l John Gilberts n . It stated , in answer to the summons of tba Assembly to send up a delegate , that they bad not electid ene for three reasons ; tbey could not bear the necessary expeBBe—ther could not see the _y . ecessity of any such body as the Assembly at this time—and they were of opinion tbat no good would result bo long as that body was allied to physical force .

      Another letter frora Warwiok , signed H . A . Donaldson , stated , tbat they deeply regretted the disagreement between Mr O'Connor and the Assembly , and they feared that unless Mr O'Connor united witb the other Chartist leaders in furnishing them with well digested instruction ? , they could not carry out th * movement with any chance of success in that locality , and they were therefore waiting in anxious expectation of a found system cf organisation being _adapted bv the Assembly , and sanct _' oned by Mr

      O'Connor , by which they could be guided with safety and advantage . Under existing circumstances they could not send a defegate to sit in an Assembly whieh Mr O'CoDnor had declared to be illegal—and they farther stated , that they had not _safficient information to enable them to _judie of the advantage to be gained from an Assembly sitting in London at the present time , and suggested the propriety of publishing a prospectus , showing the nature of the _business , and also stating the funds they required and wha _v-18 the treasurer to the Assembly .

      £ 10 . 000 Fund . Mr Wheeler then read tha report of the Committee appointed to consider the best means of raising tha sum of £ 10 , 000 for tbe purposes of the Charter . It proposed that this should be done by voluntary subscription according to tbe ability of each locality , as very great difficulty would inevitably be experienced , if any definite sum were to be levied upon _particular district * . He stated that the Committee bad prepared an address to be printed on the fly leaf of each subscription book , and likewise a circular addressed to the local committee of each district . The address and circular were then read , and Mr _nuNRT moved their adoption . Mr Stevess & ug 2 e 8 ted that tha woHs , * for the government will resist ua to the death , 'should be left ont or modified .

      When these words had been altered to ' will resist us to the last , ' the report was received , and the address and circular were handed over to the Business Committee , to be printed and sent off .

      _Organisation Committee . Mr Ernest Jones stated , that this Committee were not vet prepared with tbeir report , and that their deliberations muBt occupy the _wholo of this afternoon . Public Policy of the Chartists . Dr M'Douall then rose to _bring forward tbe following motion : — ' Thst all public _meetins-a , held for tbe purpose of tffectiDg changes short of the People ' s Charter , be attended by the Chartist body , not for the purpose of obstruction , or of moving factious amendments , bat to demonstrate calmly , rationally , and poinr « d _! y , the superiority of the People ' s Charter over all other proposed reforms , and , in case of attack , to defend our principles bj reason ' and ar

      gument . ' He brought forward this motion with the view of having the public policy ofthe Chartist body , in the present circumstances , considered by the Assembly . That policy weuld be very much guided by the policy pursued by the middle classes towards the Chartists . The policy ofthe ether party was no doubt to get the movement into their own hands , in order to defeat those who had long _struggled f .-r the Charter , and were now likely to gain it . But , whatever might be their object , he was sure that their policy would bs in vain . He wa 9 , however , strongly of opinion tbat thay ought to take no means to obstruct their meetings , for , looking at his past experience , be was sure that such a course , when pursued baforp , had done tho Chartists much damage . Whilo he was in Manchester , he had been _amongst the most zealous and active in the obstructive principle , but he always felt in his conscience that he was

      doing _wrong , and the people themselves thought th _* y were doing wrong in so acticg . Their cause conld bi batter advanced _byargumett . Their opponents might ba convinced , and the people would be _i hus satisfied of the truth for which they were contending . For instance , there was a party cosing out just new for Triennial Parliaments , Vote by Ballot , and Household Suffrage . Why should tho Chartists obstruct them , so _long as their object and their views could be better expressed by argument ? It was thus that they mit-ht hope to _convince the people that _Household Suffrage was nothing else tban a property qualification , and wonld neverconfer ' . he benefit upon them which they were led to expect . It was thus that they could show the _viciousnes 3 of its working br the statistics of Liverpool . For , let Househeld Suffrage ba the law of the land te-morrow , there would be 16 , 000 cellarmen in Liverpool tbat would be _admitted to the exercise . sf the franchise .

      Pretty independence ! And tbere would be 20 , 000 respectable artisan ? , and 15 , 000 shopkeepers and clerks , and snch like , swamped by this Household _Suffrage , and overridden by these votes of the 16 , 000 _cellarmea . ( Hear , hear . ) While , therefore , they did not obstruct those who advocated Household Suffrage—a suffrage which would not enfranchise them ( the Chartists ) , or give them any more power than they had now—it was Btill left to them to move an amendment at their meeting !* , which would test tbe opinion of tbe public , and submit the question to the meeting . In saying tbis , he did not sanction

      factious amendments , for obstruction's sake . There were special meetings for a special pur ; -o _? 8 , which might have no bearing on the subject . But there were publio meetings to which the publio were in . vited far their opinion and their sanction ; in thera , certainly , there was a challenge to those who differed , and the Chartists were _bonnd , in duty to themselves and their country , and their cause , to move amendments in favour ofthe People ' s Charter . The Chartists , in acting thus , had _nothing to fear . Their intellects were sharpened , and could compete with the middle classes , and tbe latter woald , undoubtedly , be _competed to advance in their political opinions .

      Mr Henry ia seconding the motion , Eaid . he did ss because an obstructive policy was _adveise to the Chartists . Their endeavour ought to be to gain over shopkeepers , and these of that class , _labruring to convince them that tbe interests of the working men were their own , in wbnse welfare it wonld be found they chiefly fl' _-uriuaed . _AbDia all , thea , he commended a conciliatory poMcy . Mr Casvib supported Dr M'Dauall ' s motion , for the reason that it served to fore-warn tbe other party of the intention ol tha Chartists to oppose them on

      Household Suffrage , and to prevent them beingtaken by surprise . They thus knew what was the opinion of the working classes . That party professed to feel an interest in the welfare of the working classes . Why , he asked , did they not go along with them ? Why did they r , ot advocate their views and wishes ? The shopkeepers , too , would by this motion be convinced that the Chartists had no intentions against their property or their lives ; and delivered from tbat preposterons notion , they might by and by come to consider , and to adopt what it was the Chartists wanted .

      Mr Vernon asked what " Dr _M'Doaall meant by obstructive poiioy ? His motion was indefinite , and if carried , the Chartists would be left to consider whether they weuld act in one meeting or in an < _tfeer , and there would be a lack of organisation . This was the business ofthe Organisation Committee , and he wonld rather see the whole referred to that Committee . Dr _M'DauAii explained that by obstructive poiioy he meant interfering with any and every meeting whatsoever .

      Mr Adams in rising to propose an amendment , said , the time was gone past for an obstructive policy . It was time for them now to ba in _earnest , if they were to make an effort to get their ri _ghts . ( Hear , hear . ) They had hitherto been standing upon trifiss _, obstructing men who were as 3 _* moere in their wishes for the welfare of the working classes as they themselves . The time waa gone past for cavilling about names asd little differences- _Thenmendment which ha had to propose would , he thought , point cut the policy which thej ought to pursue . A Household Suffrage party had come into the field . Some of these were on rne verge of adopting the doctrine of Universal Suffrage , tor they had lately found out the very in-

      The National Assembly. Saturday, Mai C. ...

      _««Pdefinite notion tbey possessed of what Household Suffrage was . They were oal ' ed on to define it , and thev could not . and were ' _obligtd to retire to eonsider what it was they were _adrpoating . ( Laughter , ; Now , the Universal Suffrage views had appeared in the _Mobniso _Advuriiber newspaper . For bis part he cared not for names , whether it were called Household Suffrage or Universal Suffrage , if so be that he obtained the substance , lie moved therefore , as an amendment , that a deputation be appointed to wait en these new League parties , in order to determine what were their views and intentions . _thisamendrnent _^ -u . 1 ..... d . » , , u _»^

      Mr CANDELETin seconding , agreed that the obstructive course of poiioy , i' ever Again taken up , was likely to bring great _disgrace _^ on the Cbartist body . Ab for Household Suffrage , Hit were made the law of this country to-morrow , so far from _benefiting the country , it would _enfr-nahute the lowest and wo « t scamps in London . Men had only to turn th _* ir eyes to such a quarter aaSt Giles's and Tork-street , to see that some of the lowest characters in tbe metropolis were householders . ( This reference excited disapprobation in the gallery , which elicited a rebuke from the chairman ) His reference to St Giles ' s waa merely to show that Household Suffrage involved the worst part of Universal Suffrage , and wanted nearly all its advantages . By tkis amendment tben , be wished to say , that if the other party agreed with them in the principle , they ought to amalgamate their forces . He oared not wbat waa their name ; he wished for measures , not men " , and

      thought that if this were more the esse , they weuld avoid many of their mistakes . Mr Ernest Jone 9 thought Dr _M'Douall ' s motien waa useless , and Mr Adams ' s , though better , was unnecessary ; and in _diBCua _^ inf ; tbem they were talking uprn shadows , as much as when they spoke the other day about Confederations and Associations . Tbe committee that would Bit that day would be for the presentation of the memorial , and ho begged lo move , ' That the chairman state the number of memorials received from the country , _afed refer tbem to the _debate council of the nation . ' He was clearly of opinion if public meetings were called by the working classes , tbat the Chartists ought to move an amendment for the Charter , because the working classes wou'd be wrongto sanction anything short of it . On the other hand , if the el- _cfcors called a

      meeting for themselvea . it would then be wrong to interfere . Dr M'Dduall ' s motion , therefore , wbich could lay down no rule , which must leave it to be judged of by the circumstances , was useless . But Mr _Addm . a ' 4 amendment was , that they should go and find out what was the intention of another party . Now what could be the object of this to them ? They ought to stand alone—they ought to let _otbero come and wait upon them . _ ( Applause . ) The party that makes the first move is the weaker of the two , and the other takes tbe first rank . This Assembly , by tbe position which it has assumed , was in the first rank ; why then would they abandon it ? The people were _starving , and loeked to tbem to do something ; either then they ought to break up or go to business at once , as _ they ought . He , therefore , nmed tho consideration of tbe memorials .

      Mr Shaw ( To er Hamlets , ) in seconding this motion , thought the movements which were being made by others were intended only to wile the people away from theCharter . It was a repetition ofthe Anti-Corn Law _Leagii 9 policy and did thej _uver expect that most wily political e ? oaomist _, Joseph Hume , to come out for Universal Suffrage ? Mr S . Ktdd begged to tell Mr Jones , that the Cbartist movement was not a mere shadow , but in the present state of affairs the original question was the most important whieh they could discuss . Aa for what fell from him about the people starving , he was sorry that it was the _ca-ie , but be did not s _< _-e that they could relievo them to-morrow , or « ven next vear . In order to have a movement they must

      build np a movement , which in its onward progress would certainly carry them to their desired end . Dr M'Douall's motion directly bore upon the proper conduct of this movement . There could be no two opinions amongst them as to the desirabltne ? _s of organising a vast movement among the people , in favour of the Charter , and to that tbey ought to give much of their closest attention . With Mr Candelet he agreed , that they ought to look for measures , not men . It mattered not to him whether or not they were called O'Connor Chartists , or wbat Mr O'Connor might have said ; the movement was strong in itself ; they clung to the Charter _because thev had adopted its principles . ( Hear . ) It was iu this that their strength lay .

      Mr _Councillor Brook thought Hr M Douall was not sufficiently understood . Any obstructive poiioy would lead ta bad feelin ? , and impede tbeir progress forward . But , by argument , the Chartists could show that they were right , and the others wrong * , and that any measure short of tbe Charter would tot reach the end . He was , for that reason , opposed to Mr Adams's amendment . What had t ey to do with the opinion of any others ? They had themselves a cau _* e t > stand by , and it mattered not , therefore , what was the opinion of Joseph Hume , or anybody else . He begged to move- —* That , while this Assembly hears with satisfaction of tbe attention paid by the middle classes to the extension of the suffrage , yet , believing that the Charter is right and just , it cannot agitate for anything less than that document . Mr _Bassbt seconded the motion .

      Mr T . Jones said , past experience taught him tbat the movements springing up were intended to defeat the Chartists . What but this was the object of tbe Corn-Law League _asitation for Free Trade ? In 1842 , the Joseph Sturge dodge was tried , wben that party oame out for Complete Suffrage ; but they were obliged to retire ft ' _-m the field , fie thought , therefore , the Chartists had to goard against _being diverted from the direct pith or induced to accept half-and-half measures , instead of the People ' s Charter . Let them stick to that , and hold on , determined to conquer or die .

      Mr IIabley was surprised to see men—intelligent _mon—discussing a question with which they had nothing to do . Their Scotch friends did not wish to abandon the Charter ; tbey were prepared to contend for every point , without cringing . But , mind , they state to the country wbat was to be their policy towards other parties , before knowing , firs ? , what tbese parties mean to do . Ought not their _decision , on policy , be postponed till the necessary information was obtained ? In say in ; thiB he was speaking in

      accordance with his instructions , which were , that he Bhould inquire , as far as possible , into wbat was the present position of tho Charter among all parties . But ono pointed out particular men nnd parties , and , having said he suspected thera , he argued , by no very logical sequence , that , _therefore , they ought to oppose them . Now bis opinion of certain parties was no reason why a certain line of policy was to be adopted ; but he supported Mr Adams's amendment , in order that they might have information sufficient to enable tbem to form an opinion .

      Mr M'GRATn admitted the great importance of this question . Ho opposed Mr Jones ' s motion because it affected a separate question altogether ,- but it was _necessary that they should come to a decision on the policy which the Reformers of thia _country were to pursue towards certain parties . The country looked to thia Assembly . As for the opposition they had given to the Corn Law League , in whioh he took part , he had nothing to regret . But wbi e Baying this , he did not mean to have the Charier introduced on all occasions . There were questions short of the Charter that he would support- In a _meeting for a Repeal of the Union , he wnuld support _Rapea ! and ad _voeato it ; or in a meeting for tho Separation of Church and State , they were not to refuse every aid to such a _question . He , therefore , would vote for Dr M'Dmall ' s motion .

      After a few observations from Messrs Wheeler and Stevens , Mr Ernest Jonea withdrew his amendment . Mr Councillor _Brigqs suggested that , in case , of a meeting of delegates from different parties to consider the questions they were agreed upen , that two delegates from tha Chartists ought to be eent , entrusting fully the Charter to tbeir advocacy . The Chairman said he could not give a silent vote on tbis important question . Truth ought on every occasion to be advocated and never compromised . Mr Adams ' s motion was not _Knjuat , but as

      yet premature . Thore were many parties—but none of them organised . Parties are now advocating a Five pound Suffrage , other * , a Municipal Suffrage , others , a Household Suffrage , the Ballot , and Electoral Districts . None of them , however , were yet an organised party . Dr M Diuall ' s motion , _however , sanctioned a- policy which waa worthy of Englishmen contending for English rights , and he would support it . Dr M'Douall in replying , took the opportunity to clear Mr Adams of every ' misrepresentation , as though his intentions were to abandon the Charter he was sure no one would stand more obstinately by it .

      Mr _Adaks who had frequently complained of the misrepresentation of his motives , now expressed himself satisfied and withdrew his amendment . Aa Mr Brook had agreed to incorporate his motion with Dr M'Douall ' s , tbe original motion thus modi _, fied , alone remained . It was , therefore , put to tbe Assembly , and carried ' unanimouBly in these terms : — ' That this Assembly hears with a degree of satisfaction of the attention now paid by the middle classes to the question of the suffrage , yet , believing the

      principles in the _People's Charter to be right and just , cannot , on the ground of principle , agitate for a less measure , and therefore recommends , tbat all public meetings held for the purpose of effecting changes short of the People ' s Charter , bs attended by the Chartist b _« dy , not for the purpose of obstruction or cf moving factious amendments , but to demonstrate calmly , rationally , and pointedly the superiority ofthe People ' s Charter , over all other proposed reforms , and _. in ease of attack to defend our principles by reason and argument . '

      On the motion of Dr M'Douall , the _Assembly adjourned at one o ' clock till the usual hour on Monday morning . MONDAY . Mat 8 . The Assembly met this mornitag at nine o ' clock Mr Dixou in the chair . Mr J . Placb took his seat for Blaokburn , and Mr R . _Marsdbs for _PreBton .

      The National Assembly. Saturday, Mai C. ...

      Messrs Placb and Marsden then reported the state of public opinion in their distriot . The latter stated that at Newcastle trade was never uo depressed , that the shipping interest at Sunderland was never worse , tbe wages , which were at ons time £ 5 a voyage , ) having been reduced to £ 2 15 s . That the Chartists were not so lively as they were in 1839 ; but this was moro tha case wbere extraordinary excitement had existed at that time ; , for examp le , at Blackburn and Birmingham , The © vents , however , of the French revolution did arouse tbem somewhat , and when they had raised their heads they were told to _goto sleep again , till the 10 th ADril . when tbe whole nation was to carry theCharter _^ 3 _»™ j _^ Bg _^ 8 _^!

      into a law . The great magician who had laid them in 1839 laid thera again on the 10 ; h of April . The state of the country in his district , notwithstanding this , was suoh that the miseries of Ireland would Boon be theira , and the fact , ofa million and a half dying in Bix months in tbat country would , in less than four years , be realised in England . The Agitation Committee reported , that meetings , numerously attended , bad taken place , yesterday , on Blackheatb , Kennington Common , Bishop Bonner ' s Field ? , and St PancraB Fields ; and many applica tions had been received for meetings throughout London .

      Mr Adams said , iu the spirit of the motion made by Dr MDaualland adopted on Saturday , ho had now to meve tbat an _addiess be issued by this As sembly , calling upon thoae parties moving for an Extension of tbe Suffrage to come ont at once , and decisively , upon _theprinciplesof the People ' s Charter , on the ground of their self-evident justice , and the _assurance tbat nothing less than their complete enactment will ever satisfy tbe people and set an agitation _atarice and for ever at rest . Mr _Cummikos seconded the motion . Mr S . Kydd saw no great occasion for any such motion . An address has already been ordered , dedaring their adhesion to the Charter , and the whole Charter , from which lho * e parties might learn tbeir opinion .

      " Messrs Haslet and Vernok thought that they had played quite enough at addresses _, * they ought to take up a decided course for their own movements and pursue it , leaving other _Reformeis to attend to themselves . Mr Adaus replied . The motion having been put was carried , and Messrs Candelet , Vernon , Harley , M'Douall , and M'Rea were appointed as a Committee to draw it up .

      National Petition . _MrCuMMiNeo moved , ' lhat thiB assembly do take such steps , immediately , as will procure the _expressiin of opinion from the House of Commons upon tbe National Petition . Without this that Petition was lost—without this he did not Bee that the As nembly could go forward with a memorial to the Queen , tbat she would be pleased to dismiss her present Ministers . An expression of opinion by that house was necessary before any other step could be taken .

      __ Mr CniLD seconded the motion , as according with his own views and thoso of his constituents , and the views of every reasonable man . They ought to take every possible step to calm down the state of excitement whioh now existed , and to prevent the evils which at present threatened the world . The Chartists desired the happiness , contentment , and prosperity of their country , and this , in hia opinion , was a likely means to effect the object . Mr IIsnry said , they had been petitioning for the last ten years , but never a single petition or motion had been made against them in the house . This was not the case with the _Anti-Corn Law League . Tbe _CiiAisiuN remind * d him that one petition had been presented against them , but it waB got up by the Duke of Wellington , Col . Sibthorpe _, and some others . ( Laughter . )

      Mr Pilling advised them to petition again , bat to petition by families , each family lending up tbeir own petition , II thia course were adopted he oould assure them of 5 . 000 petitions from Ashton alone . Let the restriction be , that these petitions be _siened by none under eighteen yearB of age ; it would thereby & ea man ' s petition , signed with name , residence , and trade , and all such fictitious names as bad been found before would ba effectually kept out . Mr J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) , assured the Assembly that another National Petition could not be got up , that _thousands of bis constituents were resolved never to sign another petition . Mr Basset moved as an amentment , — 'That a _deputation be appointed to wait on Mr O'Connor , and to request him to bring in a bill embodying the principles ofthe Char ; er . ' Mr M'Lran seconded tbe amendment .

      Mr Cochbanb moved , — ' That meetings be held in town and country , in order that petitions signed by tho chairman , ba got up in favour of the Charter , and _si _.-nt to the care of the sitting members , for presentation in tho House of Commons . ' He bogged to _remind the Assembly , that the petition already presented , had been represented as signed by 500 , 750 , 000 , but tbat number in the report of the Ilouse ot Commons had been reduced ti something less than two millions . It was stated moreover that many of the names put to it were fictitious . He advised therefore the course pointed out in the motion , as likely to bring the Charter prominently before the country nnd the public press . Mr Peacock seosnded the motion .

      Mr _EIaroreaves did not believe the report made upon the petition , by the committee of the House of Commons . Ho believed it was signed by the number state 1 at first . But at all even's after the treatment with which it had met , he was sure the people would net sign another . Mr Councillor Bnoos knew the district he came from too well to sanction any such motion . They would not sign any more petitions . Men might deoieve themselveB as tbey chose , they might believe and say it , that if any member of this Assembly were taken into custody by tbe government , the country would rise as one man to bis rescue . But he knew there was no such feeling in the West Riding . Mr Ebnebt Jones rose to _owtar . He wished every man wonld speak only ot his own district . lie ( Mr Jones ) knew Halifax , and he knew that if he or any other member were committed by the government , that tbe men of Halifax would rise to a man .

      Mr Brook said , Mr Jones denied the truth of what he asserted ; but he could assure him and all those who indulged in sueh an expectation they were greatly mistaken . But language suoh as that had the _effect of doing the Charter great damage . As for petitioning , he waa against it . He was decidedly against another National Petition ; bnt if the principle were adopted of holdiag _mesting _? , and sending up petitions signed by the chairman on behalf of the Keatinjf , he had hopes of auoces _' . Mr S . Kydd would not say they ought not to petition , for he thought they ought ti retain all the rights they had got and _endeavour to acquire more , But why not go forward with a memorial to the Queen ? Did not every _seDtlerasn present come up to London charged with a memorial ? So far then that question was setll * d . But why wait for an

      _expression of opinion from the House of Commons ? Had not the Russell Cabinet done more against constitutional freedom , than the lone parliament of Chart's the Second ; then why not seek their dismissal ? The House of Commons had already passed the ' Gagging Bill * —as bad as any law of Louis XIV—had expressed no sympathy with the people ' s distress , bad insulted Mr O'Connor—was not that a sufficient expression of the r opinion ? Ho had a auspioion tbere was something in tho wind , when Sir 0 . Grey said tbe petition would receive" a fair _discussios . But as for names—fictitious names—he himself dropped into a f > hop the other day in Euston-square , where a memorial of loyalty waa lying for signature , and he there read'Snubface / _'Flatnnse , ' and' Coal . ' Perhaps these would not be considered as damaging that document .

      Mr _Vers-on had been informed that Mr O'Connor had pledged himself to brine ferward hia motion on the Charter after Easier . If bo , the question would receive the definite attention of the Ilouse of Commons . He strongly urged tho Assembly , however , against vacillating and taking different courses . He advised them to pursue a direct path to their object , and to do _somethin- * definite . So long aa they discussed such a question , the moyemeat would die out of itself , acd that _wsa . the wish of the House of Com . mons . As for the memorial te the Queen , be wa " convinoed the Queen would mt attend to it . How . ever , as it would b 3 better to present it , he urged tbem to do so quickly , and go through with it , for he had moral raeaus to propose , which , if used , would induce tbe Queen and ber ministers to give them every measure which they wished . As for petitioning , he advised that every man , who signed , should come up to London , and carry it up to the House of Commons In a bod v .

      Mr M'Grath had always been in favour of testing the opinion of the House of Commons . This was necessary before presenting the memorial to the Queen . On that account he supported Mr Basset ' s motion , as Mr O'Connor ' s bringing on the queation would most effectually test the opinion of all parties —tho _partieB in favour of an extension of the Suffrage , as well as others . He knew that that motion would fail . He knew that the memorial would fail . But the course he advised , would _ahow what the House ot Commons was mado of , who were their w ' _u K _l- 0 not _- _, r _C _^^^ _^ mouon that could be discussed afterwards . As _sunnort n ! Mr O'Connor and Mr Wakley , the o _^ ffiffH very advisable , _M gu ' Dr MT ) ouall agreed witb Mr Basset ' s amendment . Great advantage was likely to _aecrua from it ; andnone more thaa _this _. _'that it mwhih « l _^

      „ wnen tneir old and tried friend , Mr Duncombe would be in the house , to whom , he waa mm Mr O'Connor would concede the honour of _brinSi b n th t ho us ? 7 s ° S _" _^ _- _^ ter _greftSpnrt was * averse o ni t ng _^ 2 ? ' _^?* _' , laughters ofthat house agan * J ° * and

      The National Assembly. Saturday, Mai C. ...

      _''""'"Mr Basset ' s motion having been put , was " oarrled unanimously . . Mr Cochrane renewed hia amendment _aga ' n a 8 a substantive motion ; and after considerable discussion , mostly a repetition of _Bentiments already expressed , nearly all the members being of opinion thit the peeple would not sign any petition , it waa rejected by the majority of those present , on ' y two hands being held up in favour of it . _3 _±± - ° ° ti ° * -- _™ ° -

      Confidence in Mr O'Connor . Mr J . _SuAw ( Tower Hamlets ) said , that in his locality , after discussing the squabbling which had taken place in the Assembly , his constituents had passed & resolution whieh they wished him to com municate to the Assembly , tbat they had always had , and continued to have , the utmost confidence in Mr O'Connor . Mr M'Grath said , tbat at a large and enthusiastic meeting held at the South London Hall , before any addresses were delivered , a resolution was passed , expressive of tbeir regret that any differences had arisen between Mr O'Connor and tbe Assembly , and of their unabated and entire confidence in that gentleman .

      Mr Adams asked what was the use of telling them that resolution *) of confidence bad been passed by public meetings in Mr O'Connor ? He denied that there were any differences between Mr O'Connor and the Assembly , and if tbis courso was persisted in , he should rake up the meetings at which votes of no confidence had been passed . New Organisation . Dr M'Douall then reported from the committee appointed tn draw up a _planof organisation for the country , of which the following is an outline : —

      That the name bo the National Charter Association of Great Britain and Ireland ; that to facilitate tbe _dfcssmlnatlon of sound political _knowledge the country be divided Into districts , localities , ward * , and sections , Bach district to be divided Into localities , each locality Into wards , _feaeh _wwfl lata section * . Each w & rd to consist of ono hundred men , each section of tea members . That all persons acquiescing id the _oVjects , and bsing enrolled on tbe books of _tbe'XifsocIatloa , should be members . That a General Executive be elected by the AeBembly for " the current yea ' ' , consisting of _fiva members , and that tea commissioners be alio elected by the Assembly for tha same period . Any vaoancy in thc Execntlre to be filled by the highest on the voting list of the commissioners . District and local officers to bs

      appointed by tbe localities . General and _Baancial secretaries to be appointed by tbe Executive out of their own body . The treasurer to be appointed by tbe Assembly , for the current year , and Instructed to sign no draft unless signed by three of the Executive . Bach member ol the Executive to bave £ 2 a week , and when travel Hog , aecend-class fare , and 2 a . 6 d . a day . The commissioners to be paid at the _aame rate , bat only when employed , and to be under tbe control ef tbe Executive , who are to have the power to superintend the movement daring the adjournment of tbe Assembly , and to call the latter together whenever they see fit te do ao ; tbey are also to publish a monthly report of tbeir _proceedinja , end of the state of the movement , together with a monthly balance _sheot . Tbe commissioner ! to carry Into practical operation tbe instructions of tbe committee . The local _ofBcsr * to keep a register of the names ,

      aad to _fuTBiah a -weekly list of lnember 0 , and a financial and descriptive report of the _atato of the localities to the district secretary . The district offioera to keep an active superintendence over tho localities , and to furnish weekly a report to the Executive , stating the number of members , as alee the state of trade , tbe general feeling » t the people , and tbe movements of all public bodies . All loeal sffleers to famish a certificate of their election , together with their respective residences , soon as elected , to the Exeoattve , and to use tbeir beat endeavours te carry out tbe _instractions of the Executive . District and local meetings to be held aa often as possible , —ia districts at least once a month , aa 4 in le oilltles ones a week . The fund to be _called a liberty fund of £ 18 , 000 , to be raised by voluntary subscriptions ; the local and district funds to b ; raised and controlled by tbo districts and localities . A metropolitan _tffice to be taken forthwith by the Executive .

      Dr M'Douall said the report spohe for itself , and be would therefore leave it in tbe bands of tbe Assembly . On the motion that the report be received , Mr M Giuth objected tbat the great purpose in view was to obtain tho apeedy enactment of the People ' s Charter , which was left ont of the plan , snd the diffusion of political knowledge aubatitnted , he would move that that be declared to be tbe object ol tbe Association . Dr M'Douall agreed to this suggestion , and the motion ws . % unanimously passed . Mr Ktdd moved the next resolution , * That the country be divided into districts , wards , and sections ; each section to consist of ten persons , and each ward of one hundred .

      Mr Councillor Brook was afraid the proposal was not practicable ; it would _cauee them in the country to meet at public houses , which was very objectionable . Mr Whbelbb said the plan would prevent a great deal of expense in calling meetings , besides infusing a degree of unanimity in the movement which was unattainable by any other means . In fact , it nag a return to the good old plan of 1839 , ef having class leaders , which he was very sorry that they had ever denarted from . With re 8 peot to the proposed division , Dr M'Douall eaid , the committee proposed the existing division of _Iscalifcies to be adhered to as far as possible . The motion was after a short _discusion , unanimously agreed to .

      The next point wa ? the qualification for membership , which waa proposed to be _scquiesence in the objects ' f the _association , and enrolmealin its bosks . Dr M'Douall said it had been proposed that each member should sign his own name and address , but they had found that would not work . A regular payment had also been proposed , but rejected , because they wore going to _raiuo a Liberty Fund of £ 10 , 000 . Mr M Giiath said , they were about to form , what he hoped would be a large and powerful association , with officers to manage its affairs . They ought therefore to provide for the expenses of these officers . The Liberty Fund he looked upon as an Emergency Fund , and if tbe association was to be effective for its purposes they should not make a continuous draw upon it for expenses . He therfore moved : — ' That each member pay one penny per week , one halt to to be placed at the disposal of the Executive Committee . '

      Mr Vernon agreed that the Chartists should contribute to the expenses of the officers they appointed to conduct their business , and if they were not pre * pared to pay one halfpenny per week for tbat purpose , they could ' not expect men of education and judgment to take that position , and devote ten or twelve _hsurs daily to the business . Mr Wheeler said they had already found by experience that the levy of on _« penny & week did not work well . As they had looal funds to raise for local expenses , they ought not to make sueh frequent cal s upon the members . Tbe subject had been carefully considered by the committee , and they were decidedly of opinion that tbe Liberty Fund was all they should ask from the country .

      Mr Jonks said , he would only add that it was contrary to the principles of the People ' s Charter to introduce a property qualification . Tbere was many a poor man who was not able to pay , but whose heart was warm in the cause , and who would be excluded by the proposition of Mr M Grath . Mr J . Skaw ( Tower Hamlets ) rose to bring forward as an amendment the resolution which bad been _agreed t ) by the men ofthe east of London . Tbey were sick of tbe present mode of collecting funds , and the men of _Limchousa especially were of opinion that if a _subsciption of la . per annum was substituted for the present payment , it would at once bring in a larger amount of funds , and produce a large accession of members . He therefore moved aa an amendment -. — ' That each member shall pay U , pe * year . '

      Mr Shabps _seconded the amendment , which was supported by Mr Henrt , who said he found from experience in his own locality , that suoh a provision was absolutely necessary . Mr _Insolt . supported the organisation as proposed by ths committee . In his district , thousands had been driven from the support of the Chartist b- dy , because , in consequence of a strike , they were unable to pay their weekly subscriptions . They ceased to attend the meetings , they were unable to purchase the Star , add consequently become ignorant of what was going on in the _movement . This would not have taken place if they had not been driven away by the weekly subscription , and when they got into work again , they would have supported the movement .

      Mr Adams saw no necessity fer raising two central funds . If the oountry responded , as be believed it would , to tbe call for £ 10 , 000 , that would be amply sufficient for all their purposes , because a lar _» e portion of it might be used roproduofively , for instancethey talk of deluging the country with tracts . Well , then let the localities purchase tbese tracts for sale or gratuitous distribution , and thus they would at once spread the principles and furnish a continuous supply of funds , ( Hear , hear . ) Dr _M'Douau . objected to the urging one shilling per annum , because with the present distress of the country it would bring down their numbers and weaken the movement .

      Mr Child suggested , as an addition to Mr Shaw ' s motion , in whioh he concurred as far $ » it went , that in the localities members might bo admitted on payment of one penny a week , which should be transmitted to the Executive when it amounted to one shilling ; they would thus seoure the support of many _i-o . sons whose oircumstances prevented them from paying the oae shilling ab once . Mr Raskin concurred in tho view taken by Mr

      Child . Mr Abbs , Mr Shirron , Mr Mathews , aad Mr T . Jones supported the view of Mr Ernest Jones , that there should be no property _qualilicatisn for _membership . Mr _SrsvaNsoN said , thia waa a ticklish question . ( A laugh . ) It might seem all veay well for them to talk of no property _qualification ,, but ihey had &

      The National Assembly. Saturday, Mai C. ...

      great deal of expense to incur in calling public meefefi ingg and other modes of agitation , and he could seiet plenty of men who would come and take up theiiii rooms and talk loudly , but when ashed for _moneys were defaulters . Now he did not like tbe idea oW ; going about to shopkeepers or others , and asking _^ for money to pay just debts ; and he thought it butt ; right and proper that those who were membersshould ' contribute to the expenses of tbe movement . i „ Mr Basset supported the plan ofthe oommittee _, ; because he found in his own . district thai if theyy levied one penny a week , it would not meet the ex-:-penses thus necessarily incurred . He thought itt best to leave the sum to bs raised entirely to eachi locality . _& _£$£ _& JlS _^ eSBZ

      Mr Councillor Brigqs hoped they would not be ledl astray by tbe misapplication of words , No Pro » . perty Qualification was one thing and taxation was i another . ( Hear , hear . ) If they had the government of the country in their hands to morrow , they r would of course wet on the principle of no Property r Qualification to sit in the House of Commons , but ; did they believe they could carry on the government ; without taxation ? ( Hear , and laughter . ) Well , this I was in fact taxation . It was fhe means of raising ; _tfce'fonds to defray the cost ofthe agitation . ( Hear , , hear . ) The Assembly then adjourned at one o ' clock . On the re-assembling of the Assembly in the afternoon . Mr _Ebkbst Jones gave notice of the following motion , whieh was received with great applause . POLICT .

      Re _8 olved . _~ 1 . Tbat we support ro political _mevo * ment that does not openly and fully embrace the People ' s Cbartrr . 2 . That , whenever a publio _mteting is called on the question of the Suffrage , md resolutions short ef tht People ' s Charter are moved , it be the duty of the friends of democracy to test tbe feeling of inch meeting ob tbe _qnestlon of the Charter , bnt tbat whenever anyparty of Reformers call metttngi of thtir _mmkrt only , lush would be an unwarrantable act of interference . S , Tbat it is the duty of the unenfranchised , and of all friends of the people , to pay no taxes , on the princlple that' _Taxation , _uithout representation , is tyranny , and ought to ba resisted . ' 4 That It Is the duty of the people to pay no poor rates , on tbo ground that class legislation bas oreated pauperism , aud that the class legislators mast , therefore , bear ihe burden they have Inflicted .

      5 . Tbat it is the duty of the people to pay no tithes , _Inairaach as the State church Is an institution upheld , partly , by robbery from the poor , and hostile to tbe spirit of Christianity . 6 . Tbat ne Cbartist rent a bouse of any but a Cbartist landlord , wbo haa _enrelled his name In the local Chartist Register , and complies witb the above _recommendation _. 1 , That no Cbartist deal with a tradesman wbo is not also a Cbartist , bavin ? enrolled his same in the local Chartist Register , and exhibiting in bis window all looal Cbartist notices , _provided always stscb be not illegal . 8 . That it is the doty ofthe people to abstain aa much at possible fromjthe consumption of all exclseable articles .

      9 , That , inasmuob as the _expenditure of the eonntry exceeds the revenue , and tbe National _Sxohequer is on the _-re ? ge of bankruptcy , all those who have money ia the 8 aTiUg » ' and Other Banks , are urgently _recemmended forthwith to convert their paper securities iato gold . 18 . That , inasmuch as the right of pnbiic meeting is inherent in the British constitution , and as , in times like these , an active watch shonld be kept over the pro . needing * of government , the people are summoned to hold public meetings in every locality , tbe same to be adjourned from day to day , or otherwise , according to cir . _cumstances _, but with the shortest possible intervals and as ' in the multitude of oouncil ' ori there it _sofetp , _'itlt further recommended tbat great aggregate meetings of districts be hela , thus enabling the inhabitants ef distant localities to commune with each other on their _frlevances .

      11 That , inasmuch as we live in turbulent _tlmae _, as a Europeau war li imminent , as Great Britain has already been invited to take part in the same , as we are _liUely , in thatca * e , to be exposed to descents from ene . roles possessed of powerful fleets , and as tbe government themselves appear to expcot internal _commotioa , it is necessary that every nun should be prepared to protect hii life and property ; the more so aa the force at the disposal of government is , as proved hy cbe military and police _estiroatos , wholly inadtqmU to the _reprtttion of any move ' ment ; it is , therefore , recommended , that erery mat supply himself with arms in the exercise of his _coastitutlonal right , and for the maintenance of peace , law , end order , The discussion en the _qualification , of members was resumed , and Messrs Coohrane , Peacock , M'Lean , and M'Crae , having shortly spoken , Mr Child consented to withdraw his addition to Mr Shaw's motion .

      Mr M'Gbath shortly replied , and the question was thea put , when the original proposition of the com ' mittee was carried by an overwhelming majority . Three voted for Mr Shaw ' s motion ior one shilling per year , and seven for one penny per week , one half to eo to the Executive . Mr Basset then moved , ' That an Executive of five be elected by the Assembly for the ensuing year ;' which was _teconded by Mr Vinson . Mr Harlet said , as this was a most important matter , he hoped they would be cautious as to how they proceeded with it . lie trusted they would not agree to the number , and then elect them half an hour after . It would be better te have a large number of nominations , and give their respective constituencies the power of determining who Bhould be the new Executive .

      Mr M' Grath said , th at if the Assembly elected the Executive , it would not have the support of the Chartist body . In the old Association this was one of tbe most difficult and painful questions they had to deal with . Tbe eld _Association he supposed waa now defunct—( hear , hear )—and in forming a new one he was anxious to press upon them the _neeeaeity of taking the opinion of the whole Association , aa to who thev should appoint as the Executive . ( Hear , hear . ) With tint view ha proposed ' That the _Assemb y should nominate the members of the new _Eieoutive , and that they should be elected by the members of the various localities . ' Mr Child seconded this amendment . Dr M'Douall said , that though the committee proposed that the Assembly should fix the number of the _Eieoutire . that did not also prescribe the mode of electing them . That would be a question for after consideration .

      Mr Adams said , it was evident they must haye an Executive to _bsgin with . It was equally evident tbat they ought to allow the people to elect their _' _own officers . He , _therefore , proposed an amendment , to the offset that the Executive to be appointed by tha Assembly _shoHid be merely a provisional one , and tbat as soon as tbe Association numbered 10 , 000 members , they should proceed with tha election of the Executive . For hia own part , he thought that if they adopted hi * resolution before the Assembly separated , they would have mora than that number of members Mr M Grath withdrew his amendment , as that of Mr Adams met hie views by leaving the election to the peopl « . But he wished Mr Adams would

      substitute tor 10 , 000 members , a specific time when the election should be proceeded witb , as , otherwise , any patties appointed by the Assembly might keep in office for the whole year , on pretence that they had not got a sufficient number of members , Mr Hablbt said , that he supported the motion of Mr Adams because he believed that if they adopted _it—suchwas the spirit in the country , and the rapidity with wbioh the people were organising themselves—that not only 10 , 000 , but 100 000 members , would have joined before that Assembly would have c ' osed their business . Mr Carves moved , as an amendment , 'Thatthe Executive consist of twenty-five , instead of five , . anel that a cettain _nnmber be provincial members of the Executive , * lie believed tbat would tend greatly to promote the efficiency of the Executive . Mr Rankin Baid , the object of Mr Carver was provided for by the _proposed commissioners .

      « o one _aeoonded the amendment , whicb , therefore _, feu to the ground . MrWHBBi , proposed , * That the Executive ap . pointed by the Assembly should be entitled a Provisional Executive , who should make arrangements _, within six weeks from the date of tbeir election , for the election , by the people , of the permanent _Exeouam _^ d me n t ! _WityreWhJs m 0 ii ° t * _*™« _<*«" ' _*

      _' V _tb _«^ NY t 1 < r _- 8 aid ' they 8 hou , d _ta cau _*» 0 _" 8 in what oil a - V 118 ma J tter * U wa 8 oa _™ e ' -l that the old _Atsociahon was defunct . They would hnwevnr P _^ _^ that the _euppowddefunir _p _^ _rould aX ! T _h t 0 WJ on the m _^ er . ( Hear , and w « rVd ! J _ft , !! ? Mt aware _themselves they Z ? _. ead _/ u he _- felt that Bix weekB was too long to postpone the appointment of the Executive . A fortnight was quite _long enough , and there were plenty of thera to elect an Executive , as well as sufficient preparation of mind and machinery , to enable them io

      uo so . ( dear , hear . ) If they delayed it six weeks , thsy would probably find the people in the country would make a very different Association from what that Assembly contemplated . As to a new association , he did not understand them—talk aB they would , it would be formed of the old materials , ( Hear . ) Mr _WnsSLBBsaid , tho time proposed by the Committee appeared to them tbe very earliest at which anything like a fair and proper election could tako plaoe . They might be very well prepared in Manchester , but it was not g ) all over the country , and they ought to give time to all parties . Mr Donovan said he would move 'That tbe election should hi finally closed on Whit Mondav .

      Mr J . 2 » haw ( Tower Hamlets ) seconded the motion . It would avoid all tbe confusion and eroiteraent of a double election ; aud , in the meantime , He objected to the statement that the old Executive were out of office . They w « re appointed to hold oSce until their successors were appointed . Mr Eiinbsi _Jonss urged , upon the- Assembly the _neef-wity tor , _immediately appoi _3 « ia & _ataU events , a

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 13, 1848, page 2, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_13051848/page/2/