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    a ,,May, 13,,1848. , _ ^_ ¦¦^H.E __^g|yr...

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

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

    Proviiiosal Executive . For himself i he was in favour of the _Aswmbly electing a permanent _Execafive ; for he contended that if they were competent to elect a temporary bsdv of men who might havs to face the greatest difficulties , they were equally competent to elect a permanent committee forthe Safety and progmi of the movement ; it was re quint © that the body should have this character , because the country would neither have the same confidence in them , nor obey their instructions with the _sameieal as if they were a permanent body . At the same time tiie Executive should be subject fc- > the approval or rejection of the pe-pie , and that should be required within six weeks . Mr Jones concluded by proposing & _metion to that effect .

    . . Mr Basset seconded the motion , because ke be-KeTed they were in a much better position to elect sn Executive than their _censtituents could be . _ For instance , he saw daily the conduct of ths Scottish delegates , tome of whom he could wish to be included within a new Executive . His constituents had net the _sarte opportunities , and therefore he considered the Assembly should elect , subject to the approval of the people . Mr Councillor Beook highly approved of this course . They _WGnld _icflict great injury upon the

    cause , if they separated without appointing an Exentive . He must also express his delight at the unanimous feeliDg which now seemed te animate the whole pf the __ Assembly that day on behalf of the great esuse in which they were engaged . He was far the Charter to-sorrow , if they cou'd get It ; and he believed tbat if they _badsuch men as Messrs Jones , Kydd , M'Grath , and _oihers _, __ at their head , who would unite all the sections ot their bod y , it would create snch an agitation in the country , a 3 would speedily achieve their object . „ „ , „ ..

    Mr S . Ktdd , Mr West , Mr _M'Leait , and other delegates having Epoken on the question , Mr _Doxovas demanded that the votes should be recorded , as he was not prepared to cede the rights of his csBStituents . Mr _M'GBATHfearedthatif they elected an Executive there , and then sent them to the country for confirmation , it would have the appearance of dictation . At the same time it was evident that they must have sn Executive to _condact the busk ess until their successors were appointed by the people . He denied that the AssemUy had the power to elect the Executive : he would , therefore , move _« That an Executive of five be elected by the National Charter Association for the ensuing year , sueh nomination and election to take plac 3 within the next six weeks ; and that , in the meantime a Provisional Executive should be elected , tO hold _r-fice and cosduct the affairs until the permanent Executive was elected . ( Hear , hear . )

    Mr _Hesrt seconded _thig resolution , which was supported by Mr J . Shaw , of Barnsley . Mr Dokovan withdrew his motion in favour of that proposed by Mr M'Grath , which fully met his

    Views . Mr Shaepe Baid , he supported the motion of Dr M'Douall , because his _coastitnents were in favour ot the _Assembly appointing the Executive . They were cost anxious on the subject , inasmuch as they did not wish that any ofthe directors of the Land Company should ba on the Executive . They considered the directors had quite enough to do in managing their business , without attempting to guide the Chartist movement ; and they , therefore , had every reliance that any Executive elected by that Assembly would _fihly represent ths public feeling of the country- . . .

    The _Chaiemak supported Mr M Grath ' s resolution He knew as much of the feelings of the people in the country on this subject as any man in that Assembly , snd he _csuld state that whether that Assembly _possessed more knowledge , as to tfce capabilities of partie 3 lit for the duties of th 9 Executive than any other body , or not , they felt that they had a risht to elect their own Executive , and that was a right they wou'd not forego on any account whatever . Dr _M'DouAti replied , and on the question being put , there voted fo ** Mr M'Grath ' s motion , 2 S ; for the motion of Dr M'Donald , that the Assemblv elect , subject to tha confirmation of the public , 17—majority 11 , for Mr M'Grath's motion .

    Mr Versos said , that he had been requested by Oliver Byrne , Esq . a good Chartist , and a Repea ' er , to hand in a _sovereign , as his voluntary _coutribution to the £ 10 000 liberty fund . ( Cheere . ) Two shillings were thrown down by some person in the gallery . Mr Councillor Brook , moved that they should proceed to the election ef the Executive immediately , and that it be ballot . Mr _Hexex considered it would be much better to postpone the election till to-morrow , in order to give time for due _consideration of so important a question . Mr _AdaH _3 said , ihey ought ta go lo ihe election at once , in order to prevent any chance of canvassing during tbe night , and keep the election free from corruption . Mr _Stkvessos concurred in this _resolation .

    Mr _Vbbso . v wished to know whether the _membars ofthe Executive at present unpaid , but who were at present p lid by the National Land Company for their services , were prepared to gbe _ the whole of tbeir _services to the Chartist Association , if they were elected ? The _Chaibmax said , that was not the question at present ; let them first _decide whether they would immediately proceed with the election . Itwas carried by a large majority that the election be taken forthwith . Mr M'Gkath , in reply to Mr Verasn said , distinctly , that he could not give the whole of his time and services to the Chartist Association . He trusted however , that the same question would be put distinctly to eTery individual wha might be proposed as & member of the Executive .

    The following centlemen wera then proposed as raembersof the Extcutive : —Messrs Ernest Jones , Vernon , Wheeler , Adams , Donovan , Kydd , Leach , M'Crae , F . O ' Connor , Dr M Douai " , Rankin , West , Lightowler . Th ? question whether these gentlemen _norainafed , who were present , would , if elecfed . give the whole of their time to the duties of their office , was then put to each respectively , and answered in the affirmative . Mr Ernest Jones , however , explained that he was editor of the Labourer , and also one of the editors of the Stab . He believed that by retaining those _px-itiens he could bs cf much service to the movement ; but if he found his position at the Star at all _incompatible with the disckar . _? e of hU duties as a member of the Executive , is _ihoa'd not hesitate lo _resitt it .

    _Messrs _Sharpe and Briggs were appointed tellers _, and the following five gentlemen wera deelared to be elected :-Mr M'Crae 32 votes , Mr Ernest Jone 3 31 , Mr Kydd 29 , Mr Leach 29 . Dr _AI'Douall 27 . The Assemblv then adjourned .

    TUESDAY , Ma ? 9 . Tha Assembly met this morning at nine o ' clock , Hr Dixon in the chair . Te'jhas Richards , took his seat for the county of Durham _, and _Edwabs Mitcseix for Rochdale . Councillor liaises moved tbat an order be given for 1 , 000 copies of a pamphlet' Oa the Constifution of Society as _deigned by God ; ' author , Daniel Bishop , for the purposes of distributioa . He said , t * socau * _-e 3 _hsdasjet impeded the progress ef the causa cf tbe Charter—the one was ignorance , the other prejudice . He proposed removing the ene by the dissemination of sound knowledge , and the o _* . h ? r would soon cf itself give way . _Indeed eo strongly did he think the present work required , so fit for the purpose , that he would , in case the Assem bjy refased to take it tip , himself purchase 1 , 000 copies , and take thera dowH with him to _Sheffield . Mr T . Joses seconded the motion .

    Mr Cochrane and several other _members said they had not yet read the book , and were not prepared to vote upon it . Mr Versos and Mr _M'Gratii stated tbat the book had b _^ en _stereotyped , and the author bad been S 3 good as ta place the plates at the use of the Assembly , so tbat the cost of tbe book to them would be no more th _^ n the paper and labour . Mr Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) moved that the question De referred to the _Basiaess Committee , acd that tiey report to morrow . Mr _Mabsdex did not think it risht to expend the funds in this way , and therefere he moved that the question be _diimissed . The motionaud amendment having been severally _Fecondf d and put to the vote , it was declared that Mr Shaw ' s _amendment was carried , and _ the que _< - tion was accordingly referred to the Business Comaittee .

    JPCBLIC A _6 ITATI 0 K . Mr VEE .-ra .-r said ha had been looking fer some _manife statu n ofthe power of the Organisation Committee , bat had failed to perceive any whatsoever . He did not complain of them , but be _des ' ited to sec something d » _se to keep up the agitation , which must decidedly fail and die without some or-anisation and effort . The Chsibiias . — It bas fallen into the hands of the Provisional Council . Mr Ea ? _set , as one of tbe Committee , said they had not felt themselves at liberty ti incur the _ex-ense of _ca- 'h ' ng meetings , bnt they had done _everything to suppiy speakers fer _meetings that had been _called .

    Mr Carter , as a cenntry delegate , was glad the London members bad opened their lips on the subject . . lie hsd been In Lcadon , idle and weary of walking up and down the _streets , while he might have been most usefol _' y , and wonld have been most gl * dly , employed for the _purpose of agitation . He telt sorry that so little effort was being msde to rouse London , to cov . vir . ee the people here ofthe earnest interest felt in the Charter by tbe people of the province ? . Mr Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) Eaid tbey were _igr : _cranttiil now of Mr Carver ' s wish to serve in agitation . Tbey had met with rebuffs on _teteral occasion * _, when they applied to members to attend to meetings . Mr Carver would have no reason henceforth to make the sane emphiat . He move d now , ? That as speedily _Es _' _possible , a meeting be held in Smithfield Market . ' ' They had no fund ? , or etherwise he _sbonld wish to engage halls , as did Mr Hume and Mr C _obdcc .

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

    Mr _Vsbhoh seconded the motion . Mr Child suggested that Mr Shaw withdraw _h's motion . He , es one of the committee complained of , must confess that they _hadnotdone their duty ; they had not met for consulting about business , aud ia tbat they had been wrong . ( Laughter . ) The subject then dropped .

    COEBIBPOSDEKCE . Dr M'Douall , from the Business Committee , reported that several communications of a local and personal character bad been received which the committee did not think ought to be read . Mr Edward _Mitchxli , said he knew the allusion ; itwas to him '; he had come late , members might ask why . and then for what . The country _inhis district was in a state of great disorganisation . Lancashire was fn a divided state ; the _proceedings ef the last week in this Assembly had occasioned very much division . On Geod Friday he had been elected almott unanimously tbat he might come-up to London ; but when the mornine papers came down with their report of this Assembly ' s proceedings , they occasioned ¦ rasfc division . He was not a whit alienate ! from the Charter , which he had adopted twentv-eight years

    ago , from old father Hunt , and which he now readily held by along with such men as Mr O'Connor . He then stated tbat he had been charged with a letter and a resolution by & meeting held on Sunday night , te ba publicly read at the Assembly , and communicated to the press . If the Assembly refused to hear ifc , he bad no option , he would give it to the Northers Star- Mr _Niitchell then referred io a meeting held in Rochdale , when a motion for Triennial Parliaments ' , Ballot , Household Suffrage , and Equal Electoral Districts , had heen made by the brother of John Bright , M . P ., and stated tbat on beine asked by a person in tbe meeting how , if a working man was elected to Parliament , his family could be supported ? Mr Bri ght at once , _admitted that he must be paid . Such was the progress of the Charter .

    The following is the letter referred to by Mr Mitchell : — * ' ; ' " iSi A resolution p _* _ssed unanimously at a crowded meeting in the _Cbartigt-rocm _, Yorkshire street , on Sunday , May 7 th , William Blake in the chair , Moved by Mr Tbomss _Lireiey , and _ceconded by Ifr Thomas Mel . bourne : — ' That we , the Cbartis ' B of Rochdale , have ob . served with feelings of shime aDd indignation , the _nnju » t attacks that nave _tetnmntje _againttMrF , O'Connor . MP ., for Nottingham , by parties In tbe National Assembly , e » we think the past conduct of Mr O'Connor enght to _enlitt around him tbe Chartists of tbis empire , and shield bis fame against the malignant attacks ofa few mercenary _poIitlciaaB snd aspiring patriots , who finding in companFon with him their ewa miserable Inferiority , instead of imiroving their talents and

    elevating thtmselves to bis level , resort to the base _eipedunt of attempting to traduce him , end reduce his character to a level with that of their own . We call upon Mr O'Connor to go on and pnrgs the cause from the idle and profligate epou ' ers who have ever teen a _drawback to it ; ss we are convinced that _itcanf . ot te 1 rough t to a _snccefsfal i » sun , whilst men are found , who . being delegated by the people to represent the riehts of labour , sacrifice our glorious principles to tha base means of obtain _' n _^ a livelihood from the pence of the poorelt people . Ih _conclatlon we pledge ourselves to eopport Mr O'Connor , as lot : ; at he fihsll act as he hitherto has done , bnt should he at any time desert those principles Ve his _sacrificed _sa mnoh to advance , we shall not bs found WantiHr * in removing from bim his pr < sent proud position , but nntil lie shall be found to haTe done this , we consider _itthebas-istiacrntitu ' _e to desert him . '

    Mr Richards , in his report , stated that the cause of democracy was ga i ning daily in his district ; that whereas , two or three week _* ago their association _numbered only thirteen , ic was now attended by 200 paying members . Organisation Committee Dr M'Douall said , the next point of the committee ' s Teport was , thit ten commissioners be provisionally elected . Tbeir duties would be determined afterwards , but he mieht say now that their object was to carry _iito _eff-ct the will of the Executive . There were , therefore , two points for the _assembly to decide on , were they to have commissioners , and how many . Mr Basset thought ten not enough ; there ought to be one for every district . _'M'Eesest _JiNEssiid , the nnmber might be increased as occasion required . Tbeir duties were to carry the organisation of thj eonntry completely into _effaot under the control of the Executive .

    Mr _Carter said , be would be very happy to support the election nf _commissioners if they were to have control over the Executive . For . as yet , the power ofthe Executive was uncontrolled , and an encroachment on the true principles of democracy . Mr Vernon said every man would have control over them , but his experience of _associations taipht hira that a private member _interfering with the authorities wonld not be heard with much sympathy . Mr _Ehsest Jokes said , such a power was impossible , it would be _erecting two "ring _^ s in Brentford . The _comniiRRionera were to set hov and where the Executive should think proper . Tbey could not be under and above the control ofthe Executive at tbe same time . Employed when th _«; executive pleased , or _notemployed at all , if tbey pleased ; the commissioners _cauldnotbe entrusted with any _controlling power , as not being free agents . After a few _observations from Mr Child , Mr Pi baedt and others .

    Mr S . Ktdd siid , the Assemb y were representatives , that was democracy . The representatives elected the _Executive ; for what purpose hut tc , carry their wiU into effect ? That was clearly still democmcy . The appointment of ' commissioners wss opposed to democracy : but wben _' they appointed an Executive they ooght to recollect that their valne depended upon their practical power . But if they appointed commissioners to control the Executive it was no longer aa Executive . If they were _appointed to consult for the Executive , wbat was left to the Executive of power . Thtre was a jealousy cf power , there was always _somethinz unpopular abont the Ministerial Bench—( lao _% hter )—bnt he admired ths _sen'itiveness ofthe p ° opleon this point . If an angel were to come _down from heaven and all men to _biw to him as the saviour of men , there would arise the fame sensitive jealousy . Fie hoped that , they _irould elect commraoner ? with power sufficient to make them valuable auxiliaries tc » the Executive .

    Mr _M'GRiTH saw a _grett deal of good likely to arise from the appointment of commissioners ; they wonld effect the _orsanisatirm ot the country ; they were to be elected _provisionally ; an d when they had done their duty , it woald be ter the _iistrict to elect & permanent _commisp'oner . Mr Cochrasb to _si-Rj lify the _ question moved , That we have _provisional commissioners . ' Mr M'Grath seconded this . The motion was carried unanimously . MrERSEST _Joxes moved , 'That- the members of the Assembly be appointed commissioners . ' Mr Pilling objected to _elec'ing himself , and therefore moved , ' 'That eich district joining thU movement should e ' * its _crnimissioner . *

    Mr Adams , in seconding tbis , thonght Mr Ernest Jones ' s _proposition sire ' t very strongly of the old _boroughmongerine . ( Laughter . ) This was not the time to elect commissioners , bat to know thedutie « they bad to perform . He would not submit to be elected till he knew what he was to do . ( Lacehter ., ) _Sometbing mnst be said sb . _int n _* iy . Was the work to be con' _-ant or occasional ? For either he roust be at his employment or not . He could not be occasional ' y employed . lie mii » t either be paid by the Chatt ' s ' _s or work for himself . Dr M'Douall said , that both Mr Jones and Mr Piilir g wera rLht . The country must be _organised . That must be done by provisional commissioners , _nndsr Mr Jones's motion . When tbe country had been organised , each district , _according to Mr Pilling , would elect its own _coramifsinner .

    Mr _Vernos _thought it conld not be _cuicrded that thst Afisemb _' y should be under the control and power of tbe Executive . Ko proposed 'That thi 3 Assembly elect ten _cnmmijsinners W act provisionally , and that each _di'tricc bi called on to elect its own commissioner . ' Mr Carver . _seconded this . Mr JfiNEs explainrd tbat the member . ? of this Assembly , after the adjournment , would mo « t i fficiently _organise the coaBtrv ; acd they could act as havirg a control over the Executive , in their collective capae't' . which might be resumed at _ar . v momen . Mr Ktdd did not kno * - how long Mr Jones meant to sit . He learned to view tbe Assembly as an ! Annual Parliament Perhaps Halifax _expected tbem to carry the Charter before rising . Is was not so with his _cr-. nstitnents , for he had that _mornins had a polite hint that the Assemb ' y do their business as quickly is possible . _Organise ihe cauntry and

    adjourn . A Member proposed * That twenty be elected as _commissioners . ' Mr Ramus explained tbat the _Organisation Committee had no objection to insert twenty for ten . The different amendments were then withdrawn , azd the original suggestion of the committee , altered to twenty , was unanimously voted . Mr _Eb . _vest Joses . —Is tbere any objection that the _nembers of the _Aseemlly be appointed ? Mr E . Mitchell thought this was a very ccol way of throwing off their responsibility _asrep-esenta tires . Th _^ y consented to sirk down into commissioners , at a time when the eonntry was looking to tbem to do something . lie did not wonder at the Blate of division in tbe eountry . ( 'No , no . ')

    _MrCccnuAKB said , the last speaker was the only person who had ever said the members did noterjoy tbe confidence of the ccuntry , acd did not deserve it . Mr Mitchell bad just seen a letter , _calling upon a rcembfr to resign . (' Order , order '; Dr _M'Docall . —I have received no tech communication . Mr Brigge . —Mj _constituent are in so divided a state that 1 expect to be recalled daily . ( 'Order , order , ' and _riisprrler . ) It vcas then settled that tbe Assembly should ballot for twenty persons , members of tbe Assembly , to act as _comroiFsioEetB , and they proceeded to the ballot , DrM'Doua _) land Mr Erne = t Jones _weio appointed tellers .

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

    Mr Councillor Brook applied for , and received leave of , absence for a week . Mr Councillor _Briggs also received leave of absence until Friday , andthe votes having been duly taken , the following were declared to be duly eleoted commissioners ;—Messrs Vernon . J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) , Adams , Wheeler , Brook , Rankin . Pilling , Stevensoo , Sharpe , Cochrane , Peacock , Shaw ( Barnsley ) , Harley . Basset , Cumming , Child , Djnovan , Shirron , Henry , Lightowler , and West . The Assembly then adjourned at a quarter to two o ' clock until three . On re-assembling at that hour , Bome routine business was disposed of . The names nf the _parties elected as commissioners were formally announced to the meeting , and it was resolved , 'That _sny vacancy that might eccur in the Provisional Executive , Bhould be filled up by the commissioner highest on the list of votes .

    Mr M'Grath said , they had no doubt an idea of tbe appointment of peimanent commissioners , and shonld provide accordingly . They ought a ' so _fcodefine their powers and duties . Mr Vernon said , he had moved that the commissioners should be placed in the same position as the Provisional Executive , namely—tbat they should be subject to the approval of the districts within the next six week 9 . Mr _M'Graih said , that motion was not definite enough for him . He would therefore move ' That each organised district should , oh the day of electing the permanent Executive , elect a permanent commissioner also .

    Mr Vbrson seconded the motion , because it expressed his ideas more clearly than hia own . Mr West considered that the time was come when they should give their commissioners their instructions , and therefore that the Assembly should determine its future policy . 'Ihey had now elected tbeir commissioners and they should know what their duties WPre . Mr M'Cartht said , that the commissioners were to be instructed by the Executive . Tbere were many _tbinas which it might be proper to instruct tbe commissioners about , which it might be extremely imprudent for them to discuss there . Mr T . Clark wished to know , whether that last statement was a minute of the Assembly , or meiely an individual opinion ? [ Several 7 oic ? B , ' Only an individual opinion , ' ]

    Mr . _WuEELEB opposed Mr M'Grath ' s motion . The only idea of tbe Organisation Committee was tbat tbey were to be assistants to tbe Executive , and in case of a vac ncy to fill it up . If tbey app : _inted permanent _commissioners , he feared it wou'd be found tbat they had two co-ordinate powers , which might cla _? h with each other . Mr M'Douall ssid , the motion was in the teeth of tbeir proceedings that morning . They had resolved upon appointing twenty commissioners . That was a fixed number—but by Mr M'Grath ' s motion , tbo number was unlimited and might extend to five hundred . Mr Pilling said his understanding of the matter was , that the election of these twenty commissioners was merely tor the next sis weeks , and that at the end of th » e period each district should elect its own commissioner .

    Mr Ernest Jones said , it wss most desirable that the commissioners should not be appointed by their own districts , because they would thereby be kept Clear Of all _Jscal squabbles and party feeling . They would have to examine , mediate , and report on the state of the various districts , according to the instructions of the Executive , and they ought therefore to be _independent of all local influences . Mr Vernon , as the mover of the resolution agreed to in the morning , wished to state tbat he meant by the election of the commissioners , to appoint a staff of officers to carry out the orders of tbe Executive , apart from all local officers whatever .

    Mr T . Clark said that Mr Jones had argued tbat tbey were to be so thoroughly democratic , their local _self-gove-nment was to be carried out to the fullest extent . ( ' Hear' from Mr Jones . ) Well , then , if that was to be so , every district should elect its own commissioner , if that officer were to have any power over it . He thought , therefore , that every district sheuld appoint its own officers . Mr Ernest Jones said , Mr Clarke seemed to totally misunderstard the nature of the duties of a commissioner . He' was not to be constantly resident i ' r one district , but to travel frem place ti place as circumstances might require his presence . The idea of a resident commissioner therefore was a ridi-¦ _ulous one . A vety desultory and _lengthened discussion fol . lowed , in which _Mrsars Wheeler , Stevenson , Kydd , Carver , Bas » et , Mitchell , Pilling , Richards , Henry Pehardy . Adams , and Matthews , took _psrt .

    MrWniEun moved as an amendment to the motion of Mr M'Grath , — ' Tbat the districts should elect twenty _coDmissioners _. ' tbat would be in accordance with the decision come to in the morning , and with tbe views of those who first proposed tbo appointment of _tluBe officers , Mr Earlkt seconded the amendment , which was supported by Mr Cochrane , who said , he understood the object of appointine the commissioners was this , they should agitate the country ; as to _^ there being resident _t-fficer * _. there was no necessity for __ that , seeing tbey had the _local officers and secretaries , to cenduct tbe local affaire .

    Mr Mitchell said , if the Assembly or Executive appointed travelling commissioners , fhey would be linked upon in the same light as the Poor Law Com . mi 8 ionerB . He thought , therefore , that they ought to divide the country into twenty divisions , * _ind give each division tbe pewer to _sileet its own commissioner , that would be the only way to maintain confidence , and a g ood understanding between theEe officers and the district . Mr Adams tbou « ht tbey . might reooncile the dif . ferent views entertained on tbis subject ; that the country should hedividrd into twenty large districts ; tbat each district should elect a commissioner , bnt that the commissioner elected by snch district , should never be gent to his own district by the Executive , in order to keep him free from any bias arising frem local influence .

    Mr M'Grath said , he did not attach any importance whatever to the number of these officers . All he did contend for , was that tba * body should _preserve its democratic character , and secure tothe people the power of electing their own commissioners , at tbe same timo tbat the permanent Executive was appointed . He believed tbat Mr Wheeler's motion wou'd effect his object , and therefore withdrew his _tn-itiop . Mr Wheeler's motion was then carried with three dissentients . Mr M Grath then moved , — ' That in the everjt of a vacancy in the Executive Committee , that bod y shall with the least possible delay , complete the necessary _arrangements to enable the association to fill up such vaca _^ y . He was opposed to the application of the principle to the permanent Executive , which tbey adopted with reference to the provisional committee , namelv—that tbe commissioners who were highest on the list ibould fill up lhe vacancy .

    Mr Rankin suggested , that to that should be added that the commissioners highest on the list , should provisional !* occupy tbe place , until a proper election is made . Mr M'Grath _aereed to this addition , and . the motien was unanimously adopted . It was a _' so resolved , — * That the appointment of local and district secretaries should be left to the Ircalities . ' The next resolution was , — ' That the gereral and financial secretary should be elected by the Executive from their own body , ' Mr Cochrane thought that the appointment of such an important officer should be vested in the Assembly . Dr M'Douall said , the Assembly bad better vote itseil tbe Executive altogether . By all former _asso-Giationn the election of _sccretfcry lad been left to the

    Executive . Mr Child _sa'd , he did not see why they should have any secretary at all . Let the Executive be tbeir own secretaries . ( Laughter . ) The motion was adopted It was resolved tbat tbe treasurer , for one year , be appointed by the Assembly , and instructed to honour no draft , unless previously signed by three of the Executive . _, tl , Mr Sharps proposed that Mr 0 Connor be the treasurer , which was seconded by about half a desen delegates _simultaneously . Mr T . Clark hoped they would delay tho _flpp'iintment r . _n'il they had an opportunity of consulting with Mr O'Connor as to whether he weuld accept the office . A treasurer ought to be upon the spot , and it was donbtfnl whether Mr O'Connor ' s other avocations would permit him to bold the office .

    Dr M'Docall said , he should propose Mr John Sewell as treasurer . Ilis property " and long connexion with the Chartist body well entitled him to the honour , and he feared that Mr O'Connor conld not accept the office consistent with t _« o other duties . Mr Wheeler _considered it m u ' . d be better tqpostpone any decision until they had an opportunity of _consulting both gentlereen . . Mr Stevenson thought it was most unmerciful in the friends of Mr O'Connor to heap more work upen the shoulders of tbat gentleman , when tbey knew that le had already more work by three times than ought tote thrown upon any one g entleman . Mr J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) said , thst looking at _thetnormousprefsureof business upon Mr O'Connor , it would be better not to appoint that gentleman , but while he was Dot at all _opposedto Mr _Jewell , there was rne _gentlerr . an who resided in London , and who would be easily _accessible . He meant Mr WakJey , tic member for Finsbury . ( Bravo . ) Mr M'Carthy seconded the motion .

    MrT . Clark eaid that if tbev were to proceed to the vote at all _. he would support _' Mr Sewell _, Mr Wakley was as muek _overburdi _ned with business as most men . ne was coroner , editor of the Lancet , and _memter of Parliament ; the dut : e 3 of wbich he perforrxed with eo much advantage to the public , and he would be as difficult © come at as Mr O'Connor . Here a person in the gallery , who persisted in putting a question to tbe chairman , T ? as _ordereS out ofibegaJh ry , buton his promise to be quiet , wasfiu : _> fered to remain .

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

    After a short _diacusiion , the Assembly pioceedid to the vote , and Mr J . Sewell waB declared duly elected to tbe office of treasurer for the year . The ' Assembly then adjourned at five o ' clock till nine o clock on Wednesday .

    WEDNESDAY , May 10 . Mr W . Dixon in the chair . Mr SnAw moved the rescinding of so much ofthe minutes of yesterday ' s proceeding as referred to fill _, ing up of vacancies in the _Executive frora ihu Commissioners _biahest on tbe poll , in order that the _Executive might b 3 at liberty to choose those meii mo _» t efficient for the purpose . Mr Bhntol seconded the motion . Mr Adams did not know , as they Baid in Scotland , ' from what airth the wind blaws , '—( lanehter )—but perhaps ' it was because Mr Shaw found himself tbe sixth down the list . ( Laughter ) He considered this attempt to give up such absolute power to the Executive , was an attempt to turn democracy upside down . Mr Shaw explained , and a volehaving been taken his motion was lost .

    Some converaation then arose , relative to certain instances of bad management with regard to _meetinaa and tho general agitation in favour of the Charter .

    Address to all Classes , Mr S . _Ktod rose to move tho adoption of an ' Address from the National Assembly to all classes o < Great Britain and Ireland . ' The address which be was about to read , would ba preliminary to a series of one or two others on the great question of labour . There could be little deubt tbat they ought to make themselves clear and perfectly understood to the people , that they held such opinions as would be generally acceptable to all classes of tbe community . Such was the more necessary on account of certain _misrepresentations spread by distinguished orators and writer * and the columns ') of newspapers , that what they ( tbe Chartists ) wished amounted to class

    _priVrilegei and interests . For if they wished nothing but class interest , he , for one . would not continue to aid them , - _^ ch privileges were not wor th _contendiit _3 for . Yet such a misrepresentation had been made of an _addresB drawn ud by him by a paper lately started and called' The Voice or the People . ' Tbe editor _o'that paper had stated , it _wasjneant to deceive the people , but in an after number be had acknowledged that it was founded on true principles , and correctly appealed to authorities . He ( Mr Kydd ) stated this , thatthe confidence of the Assembly in the Address he was about to read , _migh * . not be shaken . ( Mr Kydd then read the _addresswhich elicited the applause oftho Assembly . ) _Address of the Members of the . National Assembly to Men

    of all Classes tn Great Britain and Ireland . Conflicting interests have narrowed men's sympathies , given folourings to facts , and taught many of those whose natnral feelings would prompt them to acts and deeds of justice and humanity to look on their fellow men with ( listrust and hatred—sad and melancholy fact , and to ivhich English society , as now constituted , carries within itself a mournful testimony , reflected by the crowds ot unwilling idlers that throng our _streets-the unfortunate crinrnals who fill our gaols—the fearful increase in the bills of mortality-th se silent monitors which reflect the life and death of apeople-ttie rapid decrease of the character of citizenship—thc brfoking up of family ties that

    bind society _together—thu comparative want of elevated and manly feeling- among workmen—the scrupulous love ot power manifested by the capitalists—the enveloping and _ruiDous bankruptciefl of the xniddlc classes — the con . _sta _^ t and _pregnant fear of thearistooracy , shadowed forth bjidle displays of military and coercive power—the des . pcration and narrow policy of the government , asmani . fepted in Alien Latvs _, _ Gagginjr Bills , and Coercive Actsare omens not to be mistaken bythe thinker ofthe present age , and while we have the conventional name of peace , we have in the heart of society the reality of war , and thia too in a country that claims to be the leader of Enropran civilisation , and ranks high as the chosen child of industrial progress , and the friend of utilitarian science .

    Must such a state of distrust and misery continue * Rea « on and humanity revolt at the idea of prolonged suffering , and yet , nt this hour , the terrible andincompre . _henslble combat continues , it strengthens with itB ages and m illions of deaths pay tribute at its call . We caanot say to the fertile wombs of our mothers , sisters , nnd wive , —he barren , and give not birth to man ; we cannot have produce from the land that we do not possess ; wc cannot stifle the _gnawincK of hunger ; children will cry for bread and mothers say to fathers , provide food for your little ones . Again we nsk , is this intestine and destructive war to continue , that is alike ruinous to the true interests of all and more to bo feared than _pestilenceor disease ! For . bid such conclusion , God and man , __ Justice reasons for a change—right demands nn annihilation of wrongs o the injured—and an insulted and forbearing people pant for a redress of cricvances .

    Mistaken views of individual interests may bias the perc'ptton and prejudice the judgment ; but yet security of life and property , the increase of virtue , morality , and happiness , must be true desires , and the real interest of all men , and must , from their very nature of progress , be consonant with true prosperity and real national greatness , and _withiut the practical embodiment of which virtues , the multiplication of mechanical power _, the _extent of territorial _doma- ' n , the increase of national wealth , the power of armies and navies , are but glittering deceptions , that mislead the unwary , havine the por _» p of grandeur _wltliout the germs of worth , nnd the name of greatness without tho affections of a people .

    The age of feudalism ruled and _governed in the dark ness of its _ignorance , and in its dayyieJded uppart of its power to the necessities of tie times . After a long and protracted struggle between the _buvgherand middle class feudalism conceded nn < _xtension of the suffrage as set forth in the Reform Bill ; and of late years we have had great commercial and fiscal changes -, butnono of these changes have materially improved the condition of tho people . On the contrary—eff . cts of the organic and circumstantial causes cf internal antagonism — deaths have increased in tlieir biting keenness . A change is

    inevitable , and tre invite _' the good and virtuous men of all classes to reflect on the _present _stato of the people , We demand an enfr ; nchisemetit of the _rna _' e adult popula . tion of Great Britain , as set forth in the People ' s Char _, ter , in the hopes that , on a basis so broa'l and crmprehensive , the intelligence of a people renowned in litoature nnd science , will _reflect its influence in the institu . tions and government of the land in which they live , and restore peace , virtue , and _treasure to the homes of all' her citizens , and conserve the sacred principles of righ t and _justics within the breasts of her rulors .

    God save ihe people ! National Assembly , May 10 th , 18-18 . "Tic said , he did not desire that this addresB _slionhi be printed and circulated , bun thit , being adopted by the Assembly , it might get into tbe columns ofthe newspapers , and so reach tho attention of all classes of the community . _Papers he _intended sbould follow upon the increased value of land , decrease of wages , increase of taxiition . the _inclostire of land , and , generally , en the condition of the people of this country . He held that this _Assembly anei the Chartists _ruj-ht to be Conservative and Radical ; Radical , in going to thc root of the evil * of tho pcoplo ; and Conservative of all tiat is good in humanity . Tbe progress which was being made , was called by some revolution—it might be better known

    as evolution . The progress from feudalism was fi _^ t from barbarism to pseudo-civilisation , and frnm pseudo civilisation to oivilisaticn—properly ao called —involving all the best interests of humanity . lie knew the people of this country—he know tbe peasantry of this country ; than whom there were none more _conservative of property ; and so long as tbe mothers of England were the nurses of the rising generation , fo long was thero a security for tho interests of humanity and of property . < IIear , hear . ) Mr West was gratified that the present question had been taken up in the Assembly . Nothing at present occupied on equal amruntof attrntion . as thia question of Labour , among the people . The Assembly , in taking it , only _gfiotved tlieir

    competency to _legislate on subjects like this . He hoped that tbe nest _addre-ses _weu'd nt t be confined so much fo abstraot principles , but would discuss tbe evils and humbug of the different _systems—sucb as free trade . Why , -what was stated the other night in tbo House of Commonj . by Lord Georee Bentinck , in reference to his own trade , the silk _weaving ? Tba' , durinc the first three months of tbis yen' -, as much as £ -100 , 000 worth of silk bad been imported into _London , at a time when the _Spitalfilds weavers were starving ! This was the _pecu'iar effect of free trade . It supported those who were rich—cheapened the goods for the rn—depressed the state of tho labourer , who was called upon , notwithstanding , to meet an increasing taxation , and to pay tbe most of that . He seconded the notion .

    _MrDoMVAN thought they were now about to retrieve their position . Tbis was a question which they ought to have taken up long before , and tbey might , thereby , havo prevented all the divisions and dissatisfaction which appear at present to exist in the ceuntry . Mr CiiBVKR thought tbis reminded hira of what occurred in thereformed Parliament . John Fielden , M , P . for Oldham , brougkton tbe question of _Labsur befiretbat Parliament . Ue said , the condition of the working man now waB , that he had to do three

    times as much labour forthe same amount of wages as he was _writf to do . Tbo _taxc , too , were i _-icreased—the more to _drprtbs the ability of the working man . How was this to be remedied ? The lion , member referred to tbe desires of the gentleman , the men ben- fer Tamwortb , that property might bo protected , and said , this was what he anil the working men requited . Tbey wished to have their property protected . _Eightu-n years , however , bad passed _sinco that time , and the evils complained of hnd still to be remedied .

    Mr Hekhy _e ' ented that the Assembly had been misusing their time ; they had been labouring to ( fleet Lhe organisation of tbecountry . _wi'hout which notbiug could be done ; and , in _compa-ison , everything else was but secondary . He however would support the motion . Mr Child and Mr Abbs supported the motion . Mr Vernon said , it had been insinuated by Mr Donovan , thatthe Assembly was _returning to reason . Every man could speak best of bis own state of mind ; il Mr Donovan _axui hi * reason had been two

    separate _idmli'ies ; be denied for himself any participation with bim . He considered tbat the subjects wbich bad occupied tbeir attention were those which they had been sent to do , not to discuss abstract principles , Thei hopes ofthe country hid beon raised , it was eaid , and disappointed , and he must say they would be disappointed if they continued to discuss whether free trade was right or not . He , for one , believed free trade was perfectly right— -as r _' _uht n _» the Charter waB—nnd that neither would succeed without the other . Free trade had already failed in

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

    consequence oftho Charter not havfog beon made the law of the land . The Chairman held that the discussion of such a question at this raiment , prepared tbe public mindprepared tbe Assembly for the attainment of their rights—and prepared them to act in a way proper to the _circurastances . of thy nation , after they hnd got their rights . The great question was the Labour question—it was being discussed at the Chartist meetings , and if tbey would take _advantare of surrounding circumstances , they must prepare to speak

    out on It tothe perfect comprehension of the _' eountry . Mr Kybd in reply , said it was an old idea , which had been adopted lately by Gu zot , that moral _. _soeial , and | _olitical reform , all sprang from man and returned upon man . The one was not antagonistic to tbe other . A politician bad said tbat political reform was the means , and moral reform the end . Political reform was a step iu progreas towards social reform , and social reform was that which conducted to moral reform . Virtue being the end of man ' s life , the great object which humanity had to seek was to be obtained tLrough political and social

    improvement . The address was unanimously voted . Mr Child handed in 10 s . from tbe Somers Town Chartists , as a donation towards the Liberty Fund . The Chairman here intimated that he bad received JetterMgned by the secretary of his locality , and containing a resolution calling upon him to resign _, fie , therefore , now tendered his resignation . After aome conversation , during which it was said that a Email district meeting had called upon a member to resign , against the _wishes of his constituents it was moved * That the Business Committee be instructed to write to the parties , and tbat the Chairman ' s resignation as a delegate be not received , in the meantime . '—Agreed to .

    The Country and the Charter . Dr M'Dooali , Baid , out of the mass of correspondence which had been received , the Committee had determined on reading one letter , as a specimen of the rest . It was the following : — To the Chairmanofthe National Assembly . We , the committee appointed by the public , and the Associated Trades' delegates , of Glasgow , to conduct the Chartist agitation in this distriet of the country , after a considerate examination of the present aspect of our movement , and a calm deliberation on the position of all parties connected with its guidance , come to this conclu . sion —tbat perfect unanimity ( no matter what petty differences exist _; must ho tho watchword of our leaders . _Ourchances of success imperatively demand it . And we would Impressively desire to direct the attention of our representatives , and thepsople ' _s friend , Mr O'Connor , to that _opinion . We trust-earnestly trust—that our herein expressed desire for unanimity will be accepted by both parties , in the Bame unalloyed sincerity and good will , with which we presume to offer it .

    We have a right to deal with our representatives ; and we seriously urge them to * _se every effort in the National Assembly , on the least show or shadow of disunion , to arrest its progress at the instant , so that one firm and united course of action , be tbe order of thc day , by all parties honestly disposed to aid onr movement for the Charter . With' Ur O'Connor we have no right to _ieo . as with a servant ; he is not responsible to us ; but to him we appeal as a Chartist—as one who has been a chief instrument in moving the multitudes of this country , thereby possessing great influence for good . And wo crave of him , that at this moment , so far as his conscience will permit , he will Bink _aHJdifferences of opinionjthat may exist between him , and any members of the Assembly ; that he will _. forthe sake of Chartism , and the poor ptrishing peopio of tlrs miserably oppressed country , even veil his own feelings , ond try to restrain his temper , fretted by hasty __ though we trust honest men , who deem it their duty to differ with hin , on his policy .

    Our motives are strictly honest and sincere . We dread with trembling hearts , that any disunion or appearance of it , should in the least affect tbe auspicious position of our movement . Our hearts are in this entreaty to both parlies ; and our hopes are that it may be ofsome avail in _allajinu any _bitterness , any ill-feelings , or any opposition _arising from any differences that exist . The ( yes of our country are directed to the representatives of the people , and our hopes were centered there ; but with sad regtet we are constrained to feel them changing . To promote theCharter , was and is their duty ; but instead , we bear of idle tirades of denunciationsimilar to what has ruined our party in times past . And in place of a memorial agitation , we see their timevaluable and important time — frittered away in petty

    debates , on matters comparatively unimportant atthe present stage of our movement . Business is _neglected ; and while they are careless , the agitation in the eountry wanes , Of sixteen propositions to be discussed , what have we ! Why , the memorial to our Sovereign made the last , and apparently the least , while their duty was to make it their first , their greatest , and their leading work . Therefore , we implore the delegates of the people , to pursue that open , clearsighted , and determined course , which tlieir constituencies expected of them . Let ihem remove any necessity for future agitations for our great object—the Charter . And let them prevent the possibility of a still unenfranchised people , blaming them with thefailureofa glorious movement in 1848 . Let them , therefore , be up and doing , while the day is .

    We _perfectly well know , that even a limited number of men cannot think alike on all matters . All that we desire to see in our party , is a spirit of charity and jus ticepredominant—that they will ' agree to differ . ' And that all denunciation shall be cast away from our movement for ever . Prudence , cauUon , and patriotism , point with anxiety to 18 o 9 , and 1842 ; those periods of Chartist history stand up Uhe beacons in the sea of agitation . Let our pilots at this moment , then , be warned and guided by them . Sink all acrimony , all foolish ideas of superiority , all unmanly strife for popularity and leadership . Be Chartist * , strictly and truly Chartists ; and let selfishness and ambition be , at this portentous time , subservient to perfect honesty and unanimity .

    Our reason for thus writing is , that we _conci ive it _dangerous to make any _differtnees between the Assembly and Mr O'Connor a public debateable question through _, out the country . The _tendency of such a course would be , to split our now ' almost Irresistible party into minor bodies , holding different views on minor points , thereby iveafeenin ; .- ourpowcrs of action , and giving the interested enemies ofthe people a dangerous , if not _aiuinous _. ' advantaee , in _thepresent struggle forour liberty . Such then , aro our entreaties ; such are our desires ; and in the full faith they will be attended to ; in the complete trust that all parties will uie their best _efferts to pron-. ote our views , we hope lhat nil danger will be avoided , and our triumph soon secured . In name of Committee , William _Doqhebtv , chairman , Democratic Hall , Irongate , _Glasgow . May 8 th , 1848 .

    De M Uouall felt assured that none had come to that Assembly but who were prepared to sk rifiee tlieir prejudices and their differences . Some had already sacrificed their property ; they were now prepared to sacrifice their lives—why not tbeir prejudices and diff : rences > . Tbe _Committee had determined to move a resolution , which he would submit lo them without Cimment . It was—That this Assembly distinctly declares , that , as a bod y , it has not entertained any question affecting the character of Mr O'Connor , or that of any other gentleman . On principle it has constantl y discountenanced , and does now repudiate , all personalities .

    The Assembly have strictly adhered to the principles of the People ' s Charter , wliich pesitively affirm , that all power springs from the people , and that their will expressed through tlieir representatives shall be law . Considering Uio Assembly a full and fair representation of the ChartiBt body , wo , after due deliberation , andthe free expression of opinion from all quarters , decided on _summoninir as many delegates as possible , to give the utmost weighttoa deliberative body , having for its duties the organisation ofthe country , the election of an Executive , and the direction of the movement to a speedy and fortunate termination . That we unanimously decided on a conciliatory policy with all parties . That in so far we have anticipated the instructions of the various constituencies , and _thpt we again repeat our earnest _deniro for perfect unanimity , and a firm and decided course of action , based on a prac tical observance of the principles of the Charter , and _tl-c avoidance on our part of all sources or dissent Of _CilllSP of disunion , Mr Child seconded it . Carried unanimously .

    Mr Donovan moved , 'That it be printed and circulated through lhe country . ' Carried unanimously . Mr Leach , moved , ' That an address be drawn up founded on the resolution , and panted . ' Carried unanimously . Mr _M'GnATH moved , ' That this address ba drawn up by the Executive . ' Carried unanimously .

    Organisation . Dr M'Douall then said , the appointment of trustees was the next point in ore ' er . Mr CniLD moved , _« T hat wo have threo trustees . ' _ Siiaw seconded this , which , after a litt _' e consideration , was cartied . Mr J . Sh & w . ( London . ) Mr Child , and Mr Milne were then ppointedto be the trustees of the Chartist body . It wss unanimously voted that th" ? Natioml Land and _Labour Bank be the bank of the Chartist body . It was unanimously voted , tbat each dis ' riot and loca'ity have control orer the district ; and local fund . On the motion that tha salaries of the Executive I e £ 2 per week , with 2 _j . 6 J . a day , and second class fare when travelling _.

    Mr Adams moved , fclat it be £ 2 . 10 ' . per week . He considered this qnite necessary in _Londsn , and he was not one who should wish to see any man ir difficulties . He would like to add a pecuniary inducement also to the efficient _discharge of the duties of any office , lie spoke in this from his own experiencc , always working best and most spirited when he was best ftd . ( Laughter ) Mr Mackintosh _secou'ied tho resolution , because if they expected tbe Executive to devote tbe whole of their time to the duties of tbeii-office , the salary proposed by Mr Adams was quite small _enough to maintain thpm . "

    Mr CniLD opposed the motion . Thero were many men in London who were as _respeotable and as educated as the parties who wero appointed to those _oihees _, who did not reotivc one pound a week , ani who yet supported themselves and families , and paid subscriptions to the cause out of that sura . He _s-aid _, that they _onght to baas careful of the money taken from such people as they would of their _ewn . Aa to the _ _stalr-mc . rifc that a man could not live respectabl y in London on £ 2 a week , he could understand that statement , it might be true as respected the Scottish delegates , who lived in coffee-bouses , but if tbey were permanently _located in London they would find out how to live upon £ 2 a week . lie said , they ought to ba honest in the mara : ement of tho public money , and if they were not honest tbey oughtto go to the devil . ( Laughter . ) Mr Vernon took tbe same view of the question ' but at tbe same time he thought thatthe servants ofthe Association should _particulate in itB prosperity ,

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

    and the result of their own efforts , and , therefore , they ought to be mere largely remunerated , if , in future , the income of ( be _Assoeiatiin was increased through their eiertionB . Mr Stetrkson also supported _tnejjlan of the committee , He understood from people who had lived in London that , with the exception of rent and _cjials , a man could live as cheaply in London as in any country town ; and looking at tho rate of wages now paid to working men , be was of opinion that £ 2 a week was quite _enough , and bi ? was sure that , at present , they could not afford to pay mere , and that any man who was a patriot , would manage to live in London upon tbat amount . Mr T . Clark observed , the question was argued as if the members of tbe Executive were always to he iu London , whereas they would be frequently absen 6 from tbeir families .

    Mr Carver said , retrenchment was the order of the day , and it weuld be much better for tbem to lay downa Bmall amount to begin with rather tban to fix an extravagant sum , and then bave to travel back again . Mr Basskt had lived both in the country and in London , and therefore had some experience in ihe matter , and he was satisfied tha' £ 2 a week was quite little enough for a private individual . A a a family man , he could state that hia ' necessary outlay exceeded tbat sum . lie was anxious thatthe Erecutive of the Association should be placed in a / espectab . ' e _positien _, and looking at the fact tbat they would have almost every night to attend public meetings and lectures in different parts of London , even , if they were constantly resident in it , and aa it waB impossible , as he knew fr 3 m experier . ee , that tbis could be done without expense , he was of opinion that £ 2 was teo small a salary .

    Mr J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) had ever been an advocate for paying a man according to his services , but at tbe fame tine be was satisfied that £ 2 a , week was as much as the Association could _sfiord , and would be approved of by the members ; as \ o the expenses of attending meetings , which had been alluded to by Mr Basset , he hoped the metrepolitan localities would take thafc into consideration , and _prevent those _expenses , ao they easily could do , from falling as a burden upon the members of tae Executive . ( Hear , hear . ) After some further discussion tho amendment and motion were put to the vote , and the proposition ofthe committee was carried by a large majority . Mr _Ebnbsi Jokes said , the next point _wass the salary to be paid to the Commissioners . Tbe c << _samittee prepreed tbat it sbould te at the same vaU as the Executive , namely , £ 2 a week , when they were employed _.

    Mr T . Clabk suggested tbat tbey also bave Ihrir fare paid ,. when travelling , and tbe 2 s , 6 d . a day allowance for expenses . Mr Ehnest _Jonbs agreed to this addition , and after _aahort conversation the motion was agreed lo . Mr Ebse * t Josxs thpn stated thatthe next question waB the duties of officers ; and firBt cf tbe Executive . The committee proposed to define their duties aa follows : — -To superintend the movement ; and direct its _ptvrer ; to publish frrquent _rcporti of their proceedings , and of tie state ot the _moverr _. ' ent ; to issue tracts and addresses wb 6 H necessary a ! _s > to issue monthly financial statements , snd ti convene an assembly of the people ' s representatives in case of emergency . Mr T . Cl / anKmoved — _'Thnt this definition ofthe Executive be adopted , ' and tne _. motion _naa imme « diately carried .

    Mr _Edr-est Jones then said , tbe next resolution was as to tbe duties of Commissioners , which the committee proposed to be : —To carry into practical operation the instruction !) of tbe Executive , and to be under fhe control of that body . Mr T . Clark said he bad no objection to move the adoption ot tbat resolution . Mueh > bad been said oa former occasions as to the mysterious and secret _pewerB of these _Consmissioneis , bit , as he _hadtbserved yesterday , it seemed to him tbey wire merely tbe old lecturers under a new name . Ab far _as he understood the nature of tbe duties they would bave to perform they were _tbc-e— they would have to :-1 .

    tend public meeting ? , and deliver lectures . The _Mlecturers did that . When differences arose in any district , they _wi-nld bave to mediate between contending parties , and endeavour to leconcile themthe old lecturers did that . They would have to report to the Executive as to the state of the movement in the district to wnich they were sent—the old lecturers did so . They would be under the control of the Executive _generally , _~ . and so were the old lecturers . He therefore did not see any difft rence between the new commissioners' and the old lecturers , and be considered that thero was no necessity for the tone in which these newly-appointed officers bud been _epoket' of .

    Mr CniLD seconded the motion , and hoped tbat the commissioners , when tbey went out te lecture , wou'd confine _Ihemeelves to plain common sense ; give themselves no airs ; and if they had any _sarcastic . power * , would leave them at home carei ' uiiy locked up . Mr T . Clark asked if he _wai to make that addition to his motion , because , if Mr Child requested if , he was ready to do so ? ( Laughter , auu bear hear . ) This question led ioa somewhat- sharp coss firing on the part of several delegates , in tne _course ot which MrRanfcinand Mr Vernon complained of Mr Clark's satirical manoer ; and Mr Clark said , that as every man had , and could not help havin _/ , hia own munuer , he thought they should agree to _aisutual toleration ih tbat respect .

    Dr M Douall said the question before them was no laugh ins : matter , but a solemn one . It was the nature of thprfrt _' _es to be performed by officers who would havo to act with and for tbe people , at a time when tens of _tbousaors of them were plunged in the deepest _destituiisn , and t'au country was on the brit . k of a revolution ; he , therefore , deprecated all liberty upon such a question , and thought they should discuss it with the utmost calmness and deliberation , Mr Basset , as one of the commissioners , did not understand tbat be was expected to be a lecturer . If so , he would not have accepted the position ; he merely supposed that he wns to be the confidential correspondent for his district , and to set in such cases as _mi-ht be entrusted to him by the Eva * cut ive .

    Mr West said , thrse frequent _discussions proved how vague and indefinite an idea prevailed in lhe Assembly aato the real duties and powers of _cli-. se _'ifficers , and also the _neceaeity for a more accurate aad explicit definition of tbem . ( Hear , hear . ) It they were to possess the confidence of tbe people , tbey must know what their duties were , lie , for one , thought they would have something more to do than merely to make speeches—they must _organiso the country . ( Hear , hear . ) They would bave to come into communication with the leaders of other partias , and lay down the policy , conciliatory or otherwise ,

    which would have to be pursued towards tbe 3 e _partes ( Hear , hear . ) It was an important office , and therefore its duties ought te be clearly defined . Mr Ernest Jokes said that the duties of the cm * _aiissioners would not be simply confined to mere lecturing . They would in reality be the confidential staff of the Executive , who would have to _aos uader the instructions of . the Executive according as the cir cum & _tances arose , and it was . therefore , impossible for tbe Assembly to _specify to the letter what their < _iuties would be , or to lay down any specific code of instruction . ( Hear , hear . I

    Mr Donovan said , that it was very true they could not lay down all that _mteht recur in one month or two months hence , but at the same time when he went back to Manchester , and was asked by his constituents what the _dutUs of these commissioners were , and was only able to reidy _. tbat they were to obey the instructions of the Executive , he could assure them that the council of Manchester would not take that view ofthe business , nor would they b _; content unlos 3 they had the instructions of the Executive communicated to them , and the control of the commissioner . Another practical difficulty which he

    _» aw was tbis . tho commissioners were not to be permanently errpleyi d but only when the Executive required thtir services . Now a man might ba called on for a fewdays , who by the custom of his trk'h in manufacturing districts could not leave without three weeks or a month ' s notice , and if he did so would be placed in the hands ofthe police . ( _llenr , hear . ) Mr Rankin said , that many ot the delegates appeared to talk as if they were going to _rcalie _preparations for a protracted agitation , and a * if they wished to drag from tbo _Business C > intflitfcee some exp _' _anations which he , as one of thatleommitlee , would uot consent should be dragged from him .

    Mr West rose with s me warmth to demand , thafc if the Business Committee hnd any views which had not been stated , that tbey should be laid btfore thO Assembly . Mr _Cicurank thought the discussion wns a very useless one , and quite agreed in tiie views of tl O Committee , as far as they had been stated . Mr Carver said , he wanted an explanation as to what was meant by dragging out from tho Committee matters which they were determined not to explain ? .,, ., ., . Mr Wheeler , as one nf th « Committee said , that they had no secret policy or p lans whatever to explain , and as to the objection of Mr _Donovan , it a commissioner was called upon to give his services , who was placed in the situation supposed by Mr Donovan , all tba ' , would be recessary , when the Executive four . d that be could not leave his work , would be to app ly immediately to the next nearest

    commissioner . . Several other members of the Committee denied that there was ap . ythinr secret in their plana , and said that Mr Rankin had been misunderstood ; and after a few words from the Chairman , the Assembly adjourned at oae o ' clock , in pursuance of the _standing orders , without any decisisn being come to on the subject . _, AFTERNOON SITTING . Mr Cniu > handed in a sovereign , as the contribution ofa fritnd to lhe cause-The _Chapman siid he bad received a ' _etter from some indivirii aU , which he looked upon aa nothing but a _downriih " . insult to ihe AMjimbly .

    A ,,May, 13,,1848. , _ ^_ ¦¦^H.E __^G|Yr...

    a ,, May , 13 ,, 1848 . , _ _^_ _¦¦^ H _. E ___^ g | _yr H EBN .-ETAR . 3

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 13, 1848, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_13051848/page/3/