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BEI6HTON A pu " Mc m e* ting of tke inha...
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LEICESTER. Mr. Henry Vincent's Second Le...
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NEWPORT.—Monmouthshire. GREAT AND GLORIO...
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All tub Mills at Chorley, near Bolton, w...
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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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Ar00609
Bei6hton A Pu " Mc M E* Ting Of Tke Inha...
BEI 6 HTON A _pu Mc m e * ting of tke _inhabitants c f _Brighton was held on Monday evening week , at tbe Towm Hall , to take inco _coEsiccra'ion the propriety of addressing a petition to the Commons' House of Parliament ia favour of a document entitled the " People * * Charter , " and to adfpt such measures as the said meethig might deem expedient . The meeting was convened by the High Constable , on a requisition being presented to him , signed by a numerous and respectable portion of the inhabitants of Brighton . In tbe absence of the High Constable , who was confined to his bouse by severe indisposition , the hair -was taken by Mr . Johk Good , Belegste for Brighton in the first Convention .
Business commenced by the Yeatry Clerk reading the requisition , _during which we believe both the Members for the Borough entered the room , and took their seats en the right of the Chairman , amidst long continued applause ; in fact the applause fer Captain Pecbell , one of the glorious thirty-nine , waa tremendous . Hardly had the cheering subsided , but tbe old ball rung again and _s gain on the entrance of Charles Brooker , Esq . ; peal after peal vibrated through the ball on tbe appearance of the Honourable Gentleman on the platform , beside the Members for tbe Borough . Silence baving is some degree been gained , the Vestry Clerk finished reading the requisition , the Chairman briefly requested the meeting to preserve order , and give , as he bad no doubt tbey would , a fair and impartial hearing to every speaker . Mr . Alleh rose to propose the following resolution : —
" That in the opinion of this meeting , the rapidly increasing tide of distress , which is involving all tbe industrioBs and commercial classes of society , ia attributable solely to the existing inequalities of a system which essentially protects particular classes at the expense of tbe rights and interests of the great body of the people . " That till all classes of men be placed on a footing of equality befcre tbe laws of the country , the evils now so universally complained of will continue to grow , and at last to threaten a national convulsion . " That , in the opinion of this meeting , nothing abort of the adoption of tbe ' People ' s Charter' can effect the desired object , and that we , therefore , adopt the petition caliecj the ' _National Petition , ' praying for tbis object "
Mr . Allen , in a long and eloquent speech , spoke to the resolution with a fervour and admiration that called down upon Mm the repeated applause of the meeting . An incident occurred , during his address , that placed the meeting in such a spirit ot delight , that for a few moments all order was at an end- Every man and woman were standing , waring hats and handkerchiefs , shouting at the top of their voices—toe very builaing seemed to tremble with tbe weight of their loud hurrahs . One man bad entered the ball from one of tbe ante rooms , followed by a few trusty and faithful friends . He mounted tbe platform—passed in front of
tbe borough members to the left of the chairman—he was recognised—it was their beloved schoolmasteryes , it was Bronterre O'Brien—be whe had passed the fiery ordeal of Whig persecution ; nearly two years since be had been in Brighton ; yet with all , be waa tbe same man ; _though there is sot tbat _tmilrsg countenance—yet tbe same feature * are there—the same andaunted spirit—the same determination of mind ; _eighteen months' persecution hat not damped the ardour of his soul—the same inspirations to free his country exist in his manly breast ; yes , with all the brutal persecutions of bis oppressors—he is the same undaunted—tbe same determined advocate and _tes _^ hei
of the millions of his persecuted and oppressed fellowsubjects . O'Brien in Brighton , is surrounded by a host of friends—men who have stood by him in tiie days of _adTeiiatj—men -who have braved and treated with contempt the contumely of the proud and haughty , tbe rich and titled , and rallied round one of the noblest of nature ' s creation ¦ such was the the enthusiasm of the meeting , as ve have said before , for the time everything was at a standstill Mr . Allen resumed his address , by appealing at once to the people to discountenance the brutal Whigs . " See" said he , " a victim of their ernel and brutal treatment—look st your brave O'Brien . Men of Brighton , look at yonr noble teacher —Whigs of Brighton , a vaunt from the withering glance of tbe man your party bave bo brutally treated ; hide
yourselves for ever from the sight of jour honest Char- j tist neighbours ; look with shame at tbe victim of tbe ! bloody despotism of your parry when in power who , I thank God , exist no longer as a party of any eonte- j _qnanee to be worth noticing . Men of Brighton , forget j not the sufferings of poor Holberry , Peddie , aad ua- j _msrens others of your friends , who have been aad some ! of whom are still confined in tbe loathsome dungeons ! of your oppressors , in whioh the despotism of the bite Whig Ministry placed them . And will you , can you support snch a party ? ( Loud cries _» f " no , no , never- ") i Ifo , never said Mr . Allen ; their day is gone for ever— | they had now a faeion who will try their best to put them down ; tut they will fail . The rising intelligence j of the people _^ rill in the end preri . i ' , and the Charter j become the l & fr of tbe land . Mr . Allen resumed his
seat amid the most tremendous applause , an i was followed by \ Mr . Collog , who , in a neat and most effective : speech , seconded tbe _resolntios ; which , after being read by the Testry Clerk , was pat tothe meeting by the Chairman , and carritd with loud _cheering . Mr . Woodward rose to propose the adoption of the _Kstianal _Petition- He _congratulated his brother . _Chaitiats on the _progress their c & _uso has made in the , town of Brighton , and the county of Sussex . It was ! nearly four years since the Charter was introduced ' . into this town ; _sisce which time Chartism and its ' advocates bad borne a terrible persecution ; still the I principles cf the Charter are all paraisonnt ; hundreds < of their best and noblest compatriots had suffered '
long and lonesome incarceration . Although barricades had been erected at previous meetings in this town— ¦ soldiers under arms—their _fellow-townmen sworn in as special constables , to bludgeon them—vile _eoast-gaardmen were _intrednced in the body of the meeting with naked cutlasses—with all these _against them , they had _trinniphbd , and seethe consequence ; so tumults , nor no rioting . Mr . W . Impressed on the meeting the fact , that whenever a new sect sprang up among the peeple , whether in politics or religion , persecution was sure to follow ; they had been persecuted—their friends had been torn from them ; _atfll ont of a flerv snd cruel _persecution . Chartism came more pure—the spirit burned stronger and more determined , and nothing Vnt tbe _siaoerity and resolution of the people is wanted to lead them to a successful conclusion . ( Cheers . ) The good seed sown by Mr . Feargus O'Connor three year * since , and the doctrines he bad promulgated among them , had not been forgotten , but on all and every
occasion they had responded to thesu , and in spite of a vile and corrupt press they wero at last recognised as a powerful party in the state , Mr . Woodward then entered info a history and defence of the Cnarter , seriatim , pointing out the differences that existed in the various boroughs , comparing the small with the large , instancing small boroughs witb a population-of two or three thousand sending as many members as a population of Uiree hundred _thousand . He then draw a picture of the state of the poorer _classes cf tlds country , and with considerable _feeing read extracts from the Times newspaper , giving au _account that at the same time her Majesty was delivered ef a _P-iise-s , three poor women were _confined in o _; e bed and two in another , at the same time , on the _saii _;? day , zi S _= veiK > B . ks Tirion workhouse . ( Great sensation waa evinced by the meeting . ) Mr . Woodward urged upon every man to sign the petition , if agreed to , and resumed hts seat amid loud continued _cheerim :.
The Vesip . t Clerk having read the _National Petition , Mr . Flowirs . in a speech of some length and spirit , seconded its adoption . The venerable and good old man spoke with an energy we have seldom witnessed . The cheering of the meeting told us that his feelings wero responded to , and on resuming his seat , the meeting gave him _cne loud and long round of applause . Mr . _BRONTERr . E O'BRIEN was called for , and on shewing _hinitc _^ f to the meeting , the cheering was tremendous . After ii had subsided , he thanked them _f-.. r the manner in whic _^ they had received him tbat evening , and said hs ought to be grateful , for the people of _Bricbton _nerer forgot _i . ; m in hia time of trouble . He had never solicited their support , yet they came for ward to
his assistance when most needed . It was gratifying tohij to see fifteen ox sixteen hundred honest faces , afli having seen nothing bnt the faces of thieves au smashers for tha last eighteen months . Mr . _O'Bxu gave an account ef his companions , which elicit * repeated outbursts of tha meetings indignation at sue abomiaable treatment He said be would undertake 1 prove that the misery of the people was the result _i acts of Parliament , and be would undertake not only 1 shew that , but that the men who made those acts < Parliament , made them fur the purpose of robbing an enslaving tbe people , z _^ n . more than that he woul undertake to show , in _opposition to any one , what thoi acts of Parliament were ; or if there were evils _existinj which were net the _result of- acta of _Parliament , the
were the result r . f the « 'ant of such aeis , which the ; would have if other acts of Parliament did not protec _tlip _^ i . He th _ought it necessary to make this remark because it had boon frequently said in the House o : Commons , tbat the _distress of the people was not _owhq to legislation . Lord John Russell bad made a state ment to that effect , and so had Sir Robert Peel ; and tin Times , the organ of the monied class , on the occasior of the great meeting in Palace Yard , to elect _delegates to tbe Convention , after abusing the Chartists , foi their folly and presumption in thinking they had an ] claim to the suffrage , said , "What , do yon mean to _siev
ns that Parliament could do anything to better your condition ? Draw np a Bill , which if carried Into a law would ameliorate your condition , and present it to tbe House of Commons , aad we will unaertake to say that , _however meanly you may think of tbat House , it will net hesitate one moment in passing that hill into a law . " That was all delusion , or to use a stronger expression , it was all _humbug . In the first place , it waa not by one Mi of Parliament that the people were brought into _tbsirpreset _^ condition , and they bad no right to expect that one act of _Pajrhaniant would bring them out of it , much less one proceeding from that House , as at present constituted . 2 _* o 3 if they were to remedy the evils
Bei6hton A Pu " Mc M E* Ting Of Tke Inha...
of the _cour-tr _? , t :: _^ y n : ust have power the hands of those who suffered from the evils , and n _^ t exclusively connmd to _tbs _cjassts , "who , eitb . tr did not _suffer or were interested in the system that cansed the evils . But , perhaps , there might be persona present who _thought that the distress _^~ as exaggerated , and that the decline of wages alluded to in the petition was not true . He knew th * t the _Doke of Wellington not Jong ago said , " The talk about distress was exaggerated , for all men willing and able to work could find a living . " Mr . O'Brien adverted to the distress tbat existed in Stockport , when there were spinners , who four weeks ago were earning only 17 a per week , while three years ago , these same men were In tbe receipt of £ 2 a week-Hundreds were walking tbe street , and could get-no
employment at all ; and he never witnessed a sight that appalled him more than the sight of thousands of gaunt half starved looking men , who were walking the streets of Stockport , almost in rags , and with every appearance of mental and bodily suffering . In tbe same town , there were power-loom weaTers earning 10 s . per week , who not many years ago were earning twice that sum . Mr . O'Brien also adverted to the distress existing in Carlisle , in Wigan , Blackburn , Burnley , Todmorden , and various other parts of Lancashire ; and even in Yorkshire , where the people were generally better off , he bad found them living at the rate of 5 s . to 6 s . a-week , and some of them were at 4 s . ( Shame . ) The men of Brighton had the g # od fortune to live in a part of tiie country where tbe
mass of the people did not depend on any particular branch of trade ; and they , therefore , had no experience of these things _> but if they had been in the districts he had been in . and witnessed the Bights he had witnessed , tbey wouid see at once how it was that the people throughout the northern districts were calling bo loudly for the People ' s Charter , and for a total change in tbe present _sjsteni of society . It mighs be said that this was the result of machinery , of the Corn Laws , and of tbe want of free trade . But ail these things he would assert , were caused by bad laws . ( Hear , hear . ) In all tbe towns he had visited , he found the wages of the hand-loom weavers to have declined in the proportion he had stated . In Huddersfield they were now getting 2 i < L _a-yard for weaving what they got 6 d . for in 1828 ;
anil in _Barnsley they were gettiug 7 s . a-piece for what they got lis . for ten years ago . The only class of handloom weavers who were earning as much as 6 s . par week were a certain number who had been many years L 3 the employ of Mr . _fieldec—b . Member of Parliament , and a man whom he respected , and whom he _believed was honestly inclined towards the people—and he had kept up the wages by 2 s . a-week higher than the wages of all around tbem since 1833 . He asserted that those men whose wages had been reduced had been robbed ot five-sixths of their earnings ; that the man who got 6 a where his father got 33 s . fer less work ( and the father got less _tluin he ought)—he asserted that that man was robbed of five-sixths of his earnings , because he continued to give the same wealth to society , while
five-sixths of the wealth he ought to receive was taken from him by a power he could not resist Then , the next question was , wbo were the robbers , and who were the receivers of stolen goods ? Now , there happened to be two honourable gentlemen then present , an-: no one felt more respect for them than he did , seeing that they _vrere not _aah-imed to show themselves to tho people , and be shonld be ashamed If he did not repeat what he said in other parts of the country , that the receivers were those who lived on fixed incomes , and for which tbey rendered _noserviceto society , and that the robbers -were those who made the laws by which they continned to receive those fixed incomes withoutgivingan exchange Now , observe , he made no charge against the p EST House of Commons . All the preceding
Houses were robbers and receivers of stolen goods , ba t he was not going to apply that to the present one , beeause , according to the laws , he could treat a dead Parliament like a dead dog , but not a living one , because if he did they would send him again ta Lancaster Castle . ( Laughter and cheers , ) It was a hurd name to give a Parliament te say that they were the receivers of stolen goods , and the man who did it _outjht to give his proofs ; and here he was to give it in respect to all past Parliaments , and excepting only the PRESENT Parliament , which was composed of honourable sad right honourable _gentlemen . ( Laughter . ) Well , then , they had accompanied him in his statements to show that the poor man had been robbed of at least five-sixths of his earnings ; and the next question was ,
who were the receivers of the stolen goods ? When a policeman heard of a robb ry , the first thing was to look after ths Btolen property , ard If he got that he was certain of getting at the thief . This was the course he should take , and then , having got at tbe property tbey would get at the honourable and right honourable gentlemen . all belonging to previous P . irliaments . Well , then , men of fixed incomes received those Incomes beeaase the law was strong enough to give it them , not for any valne which th « y gave in return to society . He would take one case at a time . By men living on fixed incomes he meant landholders , living on the dividends ; he meant also men living on rents derived from land , men living on rent-charges , no matter how they got them , during the time ihe wages of the hand-loom
weaver had declired . B _^ gin with the fundholder , going bo further back _thtn 1810 _r-r 1812 . The fundholder would receive about £ " 0 for £ 100 stock in the three per cents ., but if tha same man were to sell out now he would receive £ 90 , and in the meantime be would have received £ 90 more for usury . Here , then , after receiving £ 93 without doing anything for it , the value of their capital was increased £ 50 per cent . ; but it did not end there , for they could go into tho market and buy four tfrnes as mnch of the produce of the handloom weaver as the wine money would purchase atthe former period ; they eonld purchase-fonr times tbe amount of Manchester goods and _ihrte times that 0 ? _Birmhwham goods . ( Hear , hear . ) Here was the fundholder taking the usury gives to him by Act of Parliament , which , if Parliament was elected by the people , would be put an end to , because it _v \ _- > s _forbidden by Moses . Here was £ 90 received for usury , contrary to the law of Moses ,
and the common law of En ?! 3 nd — here was property raised from £ 69 to £ 90 , and in addition to that every pound in that capital was worth £ 3 compared to the former time ; BO that here was a three-fold robbery , every one by Act of Parliament . It _waa Parliament that contracted the debt without the nation ' s consent , and then there was the interest of the debt , which was far worse than the debt itself . Now , then , compare the different facts he had stated—the workpeople being robbed of five-sixths of their earnings , and tken the men of fixed incomes receiving more by fifty per cent beside the usury , aad every pound of tha' being three or fear times more valaablt _; . The fundholdcrs could , therefore ) command five or six days' hbour of the handloom weaver where before they could only command one ; and he who could command the _labvur of another rendered bim his slave . ( Lcud r . pj > lause . ) Now , then , tbe receivers of fixed incomes hid received what the
h _^ _nd-loom weavers had lost , and consequently they were the receivers of the stolen _go-d » . Then the nex % question was , who were the robbers ? He answervd the Parliament of England , and those who made that Parliament The reason why he used this language _wi _^ s that they ( the Chartists ) had been again and a _^ ain denounced by Members of Parliament and by a conupt press . The fact was , he never , in the course of his life , penned a sentence which went to say tbat a _farthing of the property of the rich should be taken from th m and given to the poor , though he had written hundreds of sentences to _dsstroy the powsr they had of taking it . He should be serry to use any language with a view to give any unnecessary insult to the two Hon . _Gentlemen who were there , and who were Memocr . s
of Parliament ( Applause . ) But it was one thing not to insult them , and another to Mink the truth . It _wks his oj . inicn ihat the People ' s _Cbsrter would produce _nothing but bloodshed from one end of the country to the other , unless the people pos _essing property , no I matter how thy _^ ot it , were secured in tho 1 _possesticn of it ( Hear , hear . ) The _rrpf > sl cf the taxes would not relieve the pecpls . No ; doubt , the taxes _^ ere a burden to the people , _fut ? they vrere nothir . g compared to other grievances . Mr . O'Brien then stated thr _. t he believed he was tho legally elected member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; he vrts chosen by 11 , 000 people who held up their hands ; in his favour , while the Whig had only 200 , and the Tory 120 ; bnt though no poll was demanded , the
Returning Officer declared the others elected . Mr . O'Brien _stated to the meeting the tyrannical treatment he had received when ir . prison ; he was not allowed to write f _jr the press , by order of Lord Normanby , as ho was _ttarosd tbe mojt dangerous man of the whole party , " Mr . O'Brien then gave a mimic description of the reading of the indictment by which he was tried , and the manner in which he illustrated tho reading—of " routs , " " riots , " axd " tumults , " " tending to disturb the peace of the _country , " " creating insurrections agaiEct our _Sovereign La . y the Queen , her _Crown , and _dignity , " ( _po . - . r dear dale creature ) , called forth peals of derisive _laughter . Advert : ug to the accession of the Torks to _orfica , « kc Mr . _O'B . continued , that if they attempted to suspend the habeas corpus against the _majority of the people of the country , that the people
would rise as o :: e mass aad put down the conspirators _, ( i ' _reniendous _applause . ) He was as willing as any man to obey the laws , even if they were bad , so long aa the law left him the rutins of raising public opinion to alter the laws ,- but if _tiat law ( referring to the habeas corpaj act , ) was put aa end to ; if the present Government should think it nece _^ -ary to suspend the law , and govern by military _commissions , tben he , for one , should feel himself relieved from all obligation to Parliament , sad he would not h & _aitate a moment—( Long-continued chuering . ) Mr . O'Brien concluded by exhorting every parson present to hold up their hands for tiie _petition , and not to leave the Hall till tbey had appended their names to the petition sheets , and resumed his seat amid long continued and rapturous applause .
Charles Brooker , Esq . rose , but owing to the lateness of the evening he should not deliver any address to the meeting . He had intended to have done so ; but if the sense of tbe meeting was such that be should proceed , he would do so . A short discussion ensued between the Chairman and Mr . Brooker , when Mr . B . said he fully agreed with the petition , and resumed his Beat amidst great applause . The motion for the adoption of the petiticn was then pnt to the meeting , and carried with loud cheers . > Sr . Sandy moved" That the thanks of this meeting are duo , aud are hereby given , to Captain Pechell and J . N . Wigney ,
Bei6hton A Pu " Mc M E* Ting Of Tke Inha...
Esq . . . Members for the Borough , for their attendance here this evening . " ilr . Woodward , in a few observations , seconded ths resolution . - A little Bquabbllng arose between Mr . Woodward and Mr . Wigney , _pwifag to a misunderstanding arising on a promise , which Mr . Wigney made , to Mr . Woodward , to vote for the release of Frost and his copatriots . Mr . Wigney did not deny , intolo _, the promise ; but be considered that , If he aid so , it must have been privately , and so ought to have been kept by Mr . Woodward . After the squabble bad somewhat ended _.
Mr . _O'Bbiek rose and again shoitly addressed the meeting . He complimented Captain Pechell on his vote on Sharman Crawford ' s motion , on the motion for the release of tbe political prisoners , and many other votes he bad given in Parliament . That proved to bim that be bad a mind not to be _ledfaway _, and that he bad voted conscientiously . Mr . O'Brien said both their Members were entitled to their thtnks for their attendance that evening . It was not common to see Members of Parliament at meetings like this , and therefore be did consider that thanks were due to them . The motion was put and carried unanimously .
Captain Pechell rose and said , in compliance with the invitation he had received , he bad attended that meeting . He considered it to be his duty to pay that mark of respect and attention to tbem , when he knew the many acts of kindness which tbey bad conferred npon him , and the many sacrifices many of them bad made in bis behalf . He congratulated them on the manner they had conducted'the meeting . He did not think it necessary for their honourable and talented visitor , Mr . O'Brien , to guard himself that he did not intend to cast any insult upon their representatives ; be did sot think that the Hon . Gentleman wished to
cast any insult upon them , well knowing that he had received from the hands of his friends of Brighton most efficient support , and In such service he was an humble Instrument With reference to the language he had used upon former Parliaments , & c , he knew it was language that must be applied , and wbich in many cases was strictly applicable . ( Loud cheera ) They must do himself and colleague justice in believing that they ahould certainly not submit to allow the petition Which had emanated from that assembly to be treated with disrespect in that place where they had a voice , and tbat they would mention tbe intelligence in which the petition had been argued at tbat meeting . After a few observations , the Gallant Captain resumed his seat amid loud applause .
J . N . Wigney , Esq ., M . P ., next presented himself , and said in consequence of an invitation received by bim , ha bad attended tiie meeting , and received great pleasure in bis attendance , as he bad the honour of being one of the representatives of the town ; it was always bis pleasure to attend meetings like these , and hear the sentiments of others upon all _occasions . Sontiments inch as had been there spoken wore wall worth hearing , and well worth the consideration of the public at large , —tcheeis)—and whilst he could not fully accerd with all that had fallen from the talented speaker , Mr . O'Brien , still he could not refrain from saying he had spoken many wholesome truths . Taking the statement of Mr . O'Brien aa correct , as to what be suffered in his imprisonment he should say it was a disgrace to a
free country like this . He bhould not take upon himself to judge the case ; but , taking the statement of Mr . O'Brien , he thought tbe _panishment far more than commensurate for tbe alleged offence . With regard to what had fallen from Mr . Woodward , bo would say , he had never given one pledge privately or publicly that be should be ashamed to acknowledge either on these or any other boards , and be should be ashamed to state in a private room what he could not publicly acknowledge ; he hoped , therefore , that he should stand at all events , fairly before that meeting , and that it was not to be supposed , for a _singlo moment , that be should at one time say one thing , and at another time
another thing . With his Honourable and Gallant Colleague , ha should have great pleasure , if be were to hear anything derogatory in tbe He-use of Commons , to a petition like tbe present , in showing the Houso the erroneous views they took of it The sentiments of Mr . O'Brien had given bim great p leasure They _contained many wholesome truths , and the only thing be might find a little fault with , was that be was rather too sweeping in his observations on late Houses of Parliament , ( Mr . Wigney formerly representing Brighton . ) He should be most happy to see Mr . O'Brien in the House of Commons , and if Mr . O'Brien got there , he wonld not , he thought , come out and say he had left behind him an assembly of thieves and robbers .
Tbe following resolutions were severally proposed , seconded , and carried : — Resolved— " That a Committee be appointed to obtain _signatures to the petition , and that the following persons do form snch Committee , with power to add to tbeir number , via : — " Messrs , Woodward , Allen , Flower , Allcorne , Morling , Lansaell , Giles , Colling , John Good , and John Rose . " " Tbat the expences incident to this meeting be defrayed by the High Constable , and charged in his account " "That the thanks of this meeting are due , and are hereby present-id , to Charles Brooker , and James Bronterre O'Brien , Esquires , for their attendance this
evening . " That the thanks of this meeting are due , and are hereby given , to Mr . John Good , for his able aud Impartial condnct in the chair . " The meeting lasted four hours and a half . Mr . O'Brien ' s address lasted abeut two hours . The meeting- broke up by giving three cheers for the Charter , three for O'Brien , O Connor , Frost , Williams , and Jones , and all the Incarcerated victims .
Leicester. Mr. Henry Vincent's Second Le...
_LEICESTER . Mr . Henry Vincent ' s Second Lecture in tbe New Hall , on Monday evening , tbe 16 tii inst , will belong remembered , as having resulted in bringing out the Rev . J . P . _Mursell , the eloquent successor ol tho immortal Robert Hall , in a bold and unshrinking position , as the auvocate of _Umveruiil Suffrage . Mr . Cooper was called to the chair , and gave out the " Chartist National Anthem , " which was sung by the immense company , standing and uncovered . The Chairman , iu his opening address , defended the Chartist
coalition with the Tories at Nottingham and Leicestersaid it was the greatest act of statesmanship that ever _engaged the minds of the people : they were forced to it by the _conduct of the _Whiga—it waa a step _exseedit ;! v repugnant to bim , one wnich it was long before be could make up his mind to take—and he sincerely hoped tho Whigs would never force them to the same naasuro again . If the Middle Classes would come out for the Chartists , the Chartists would come out for the Middle Classes , who , he hoped , would forget all that was _yast , as they listened to the eloquence of hiafriend , Henry Vincent ( Cheers . )
Mr . Vincent theu csme forward , and was received with loud cheering . He proceeded to recapitulate at suine length the main points of bis first address ; and then went on : —Tbo faot that the poople feel interested in _que 5 . ; on 8 of a political nature , is anything but pleas . ing to those interested in keuping things as they are . It ni : y be that our demands are listened te when the passions cf the people have been roused ; for when our rulers have seen our strength they have dreaded the monster , and have granted it something to keep it quiet : —but we have never obtained anything till matters have proceeded thus far . But I am hero to sp < ak upon the _divisions of the people , and tho _nieara of healing them . I think we may take it for _i-ruuted , that whatever our differences _aroj we have
but ore common view—all are _deeply interested in the annihilation of everything that mars the beauty of the whole political system . I have shown that tte government should represent and bo for tho good of ' . he people : ths _first thing , therefore , to be contended fur , _n the power of controlling tha government . Now , the House of Commons possesses fcuoh a vast amount of _prerogative , in spite of the great prerogative of the Cxo _^ in , tho Church , and the Aristocracy , that most of the evils uf which we complain would cease if that House were composed of upright men . Therefore , the _truo philosophic method of remedying the evils under which we labour would be , to extend among the people the po _^ _-tr of choosing the House of Commens ; at present , -we may say , tbat all the members are
returnfcd by little more that 800 , 000 electors ! What a monstrous anouialy this _^—tho idea of only 300 , 000 ekctors out of somewhere about 5 , 000 , 000 male adults being allowed to choose the representatives of the _wholu people ! ( L ( iud cheer . ' . ) It is indeed a monstrous _aaomaly , for this small body of electors can be so acted upon by the Aristocracy in _various ways , that it _cannot be fc _^ id to represent the wishes of the people . ( Hear , hear . ) The lecturer then glanced at the composition of the present House of Commons , and a * ked what woald be none ? There was a majority of ninety-one Tories , who , of course , would oppose anything of a liberal nature ; end when the question of Free Trade was brought forward , the supporters of the late government would mt ! _-M _lonj _specwu-s in its favour , and vote for it
—the Whig papers would eay with great exultation , " See the progress < -f ll ' scral _principles ! See how many more voted for Free Trade than have ever done bef jre !" —and thero would bo tho end of it ( Laughter . ) Such being the case , ( continued Mr . Vincent ) will it be wise to call into existence a mighty revolution merely for the purpose of endeavouring to obtain the repeal of a measure that can he _re-eiiaeted the next day ? Will it not be the wiser way to see if there be not some way of promoting a union between the two _classes—the middle and working—and thus placing ourselves in a position for effectually carrying the measures that are necessary ? ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Mr . Vincent then referred to tho observations made fey the Editor of the Leicester
Chronislc last week , with , respect to what he considered the one-sided view of union taken by him , and tke absence of any statement aa to what the amount of co-operation was to _bs on the part of tho _ChxrSis's in aid of Commercial Reform . With all duo respect for the Editor of the Chronicle , he would say , let those who think it practicable to obtain the Repeal of tin * Corn Laws petition b _> all means ; but ii the middle classes wished to prove the honesty of their iateauona _towards the working—if they wished to opun tha doors of _trtde freely—let them do so by _sl- . _o _^ ing they were ready to assiBt in obtaining for them their ri ghts . The Chartists admitted that trade had been _^ _tstroysd by the fetters put upon it by the _aristocracy—thsy admitte d that the
Leicester. Mr. Henry Vincent's Second Le...
working people were starving ; but they felt that all endeavours to remedy this state of things would be useless so long as the aristocracy remained in possession of their present power ; and therefore thoy wished to assail the master _spirit of monopoly that had called forth the Corn Laws . The Chartists were not opposed to free trade : anything that levelled the restrictions on it would indeed be a glorious achievement , and open the way for others ; but the aristocracy feared this , and strove to keep the people divided , in order tbat they might thus have it in their power to plunder them . The interests of the aristocracy were so wound up in these restrictions , that they would rather risk a civil war than give up one of them . ( Hear , bear . ) The aristocracy looked upon the people as tbeir
serfs , as their property ; they dreaded free trade as an encroachment upon their rights ; and therefore they opposed , aud would oppose , every approach towardu this . This being the case , he would pnt it to the Editor of the Chronicle , whether it would not be far more benevolent in the middle and upper to aid the working classes in obtaining their just rights , than to waste their strength in getting up such a mighty revolution for the mere Repeal of the Corn Laws : if they got the former , they would soon get the latter ; but it was very doubtful if , with all their efforts , they would get the latter without having first obtained the former . Mr . Vincent then again referred to the Charter plan of Universal Suffrage , and showed it wonld be more efficient than Household , because the
latter would exclude all lodgers , who were among the most intelligent class of the community . It would not be wisdom on the part of the Chartists to waste their strength in endeavouring to obtain a repeal of the Corn Laws as things now were : the attempt had been made —by Hunt at Peterloo , and by others since then—and it had failed . The working classes had taken part in the agitation for the _Reform Bill , and what bad they gained f Nothing . Past experience showed that whenever tho aristocracy were beaten on one point , they endeavoured to regain strength in another . Mr . Vinceut tben at some length showed how the aristocracy bave ever sought to keep the people in ignorance and debase their minds , because in this Ignorance tbeir great security consisted ; and instanced the state of the
rural population , who are still the least educated , and who are tiught from their childhood up to reverence mere wealth and rank , without asking whether their _possessors are good and virtuous , and deserve their respect Ho ( Mr . V . ) liked civility , but not sarvility , because he saw under it the fruits of the slavish system that enslaved and debased them . Ho was not there to flitter the working classes ; and he must tell them , tbat though there was mare intelligence among them than among the agricultural , yet they were too much caught by mere glitter and show , aad their minds too much turned towards the aristocracy by the rareo show and " good old sports" they so generously provided for the people , in order to keep up thsir " manly character "such as boxing , bull-baits , and cock and dug _HVhts
;all to debase tbe minds ot the multitude , so tbat they might change tbo sport when they pleased , and turn the dog-fight into a national one . To the working classes , he had a few words of advice to give : —they must obtain greater knowledge in every department of trade , and _th-s was to be got by increasing their intelligence and general knowledge . An intelligent man was a courageous man ; and he would not rest contented with a pig-sty while there was a palace open for him . But though they were not yet so intelligent as they might and ought to be , yet they were intelligent enough for the exercise of the franchise , and those who were not so at present , would soon acquire knowledge . Bat if the middle and working classes were all intelligent , and were divided among themselves , they would do no
good . If government saw that they were resolved on obtaining aa object , the first thing it would endeavour to do would be to sow dissensions among them : aud for this purpose woald employ , as it had done before , the press and the pulpit also , besides other means . In the Chartist Convention of 1839 , many bad man took part in the movement , and spies were paid by Government , to introduce themselves into the society of Chartists . [ Of this Mr . Vincent related an instance he himself knew of . ] If tbe government saw the anti-Corn Law League and Chartists united for the attainment of Universal Suffrage , they would fear and tremble , and would seek to destroy its effect by the means he had just spoken of . In some places—in Bath for Instancesome of the middle class had professed themselves in
favour of the principles of the Charter ; but the Tory press said nothing of it , and strove to revive the old prejudices : —this procedure , however , though it might defer for a time , would not put off the day of reckoning . Mr . Vincent then went on to speak of the misunderstandings existing between the middle and working classes , and to show their folly : —there was not a working man whe would not like to be a master to-morrow if be could , and rightly so ( hear , bear ); and if the working classes were well paid , tiie middle classes benefited thereby , for tbe people were tbeir best customers ( hear , hear)—better than the majority of the aristocracy , who , if they did give _grand orders , were often excessively indignant if the tradesman shonld presume to send his bill . ( Laughter . ) It must be plain to
all that no state could stand long , if tbo people were not comfortable , for their hatred of property was engendered by tbe existence of _distress , while their neighbours were rolling in wealth ; and they looked upon the rich among tbem as the cause of their distress ; but if they were uncomfortable , they would have no cause for this feeling of dislike to property . ( Hear , hear . ) If the working classes had been to blame in disturbing meetings called by them —( and he did not wish to palliate all their conduct)—the middle classes were also to biame for the way in which they bad been accustomed to speak of the working classes—saying they bad raiber be governed by St . James ' s than St . © ilea ' s , which waa an insult to tbe people . Now £ < t . Janus s bad been tried and found wanting , but St . Giles ' s had not ; and ,
besides , what had made St Giles ' s and placed a wall of adamant around it but tbe conduct of those In St . James ' s ? ( Hear . ) But England was not all one St . Giles ' , but had some intelligent men in whose hands the power of government would be safer than in the present bands . This language produced recrimination , and thus the breach was widened ; while tbey pursue a contrary course and mix and converse with each other , the more _thsy would find in each other to like . ( Cheers . ) He ( Mr . V . ) wished to see this state of _things come to pass—when both classes should meet each other on mutual grounds ; and though he did not venture to hope hia humble efforts had done much towards it , yet he hoped be had said nothing to widen the breach . — For what , then , were the two classes to unite f For
the obtainment of a mere childish change ? No ! rather _lfet them go on for a while endeavouring to convince each other of the justness of their respective views ; and meanwhile the wi ? h to promote the good of all should animate ub all . Mr . Vincent then referred in terms of high commendation to the Nonconformist which was edited by a gentleman formerly resident in that town [ Mr . MiallJ and wiiich ably _advocated the necessity of great changes iu our political institutions . Speaking of what we were to expect from the present Government , he _nskod what could v / e expect from Sir Robert Peel , who , at a dinner given to him at an university , said that , if ever the time came when tbe multitude _should seem likely to get the upper hand , would the aristocracy submit to it ? No ! thoy
would remember their _past glory , their castles , their ancient families , and splendour , and they would rise aud put the multitude down ! Pretty doctrine this , ( said Mr . V . ) for au advocate of passive obedience aud non-resistance , and the person who gave it waa now Prime Minister and principal adviser of the Queen ! But the people would teach such men there was virtue and greatness among them , and that they also bad something to look back upon with pride . He ( Mr . V . ) thanked Sir Robert Ptel for this uo & riuo ; for if the few had , as he said , a right to resist the will of the many , how much more right had the many to resist tbe will of the few . ( Loud cheers . ) Let the people teach Sir Robert Peel that th _> y _, too , had a memory ; and that no pretended legislation , no canting sympathy for
the distresses of the people , no tricks , nooli follies of the Whigs , dressed up afresh for 1841 , would satufy them . ( Cheera ) He did not wish to offend any one by thus touching upon the fallings off of the Whigs ; but even their friends must acknowledge that , as a party , they had sadly fallen off since the days of Charles James Fox , who was very much like a Chartist , and was for Universal Suffrage . ( Hear , hear . ) Sir Robert Peel might think , perhaps , to carry on tho Government in the see-saw way of the late administration but he hoped their supporters , though lenient to their own Government , —( laughter , )—would not be so
to the Toriea Sir Robert was a good disciple of modern Wbiggery : —there would doubtless be , on the opening of the Parliament , a good Queen ' s speech , plenty of promises , but no performance . ( Laughter . ) Middle men ( Baid Mr . V . ) let us unite to prevent thisunite , not against Sir Robert Peel , but against the system that gives him power—and let us seek to obtain its overthrow . ( Loud cheers . )—Mr . Vincent tben expressed his readiness to answer any questions , and after a few observations on the spread of liberal principles among the people , and thanking the audience for the patient hearing he had had—sat down amid loud cheering .
The Chaikman then made a few remarks , and said he hoped that in the central town of England—a town where the g > eat doctrine of Universal _Sufivage hud been advocated in the magnificent diction of Robert Hall , and had been urged by the fervid eloquence of a Mursell , and the glowing patriotism of a Miall . —the present happy occasion would not pass without soma advocate for the broad rights of man , present in that hall , rising to express his consonance with Mr . Vincent's views . He knew that the working-men were thirsting to hear the voice of an eloquent friend of liberty then in that room , and he trusted tbey would not be disappointed . The cry bare became almost general fer " Mr . Mursell , Mr . Mursell , " and the room rang with tremendous plaudits on the mention of that gentleman ' s name . After the lapse of a minute or two ,
The Rev . J . P . Mursell ascended the platform , when ho was received with loud cheering . He had not ( said the Rev . Gentleman ) come to the meeting with the intention of saying anything—he came merely as a listener . With Mr . Vincent's lectures he had been much pleased : he had never listened to more able ones in that hull ; and he had only to regret that every person of every class had not been present to listen to them . He hoped _th-y would do good , aud thought they must do good . He bad not been _converted to any new opinion by them , for he had always been an
Leicester. Mr. Henry Vincent's Second Le...
advocate of Universal Suffrage—( loud cheers)—and not all the arguments brought against it by some of the rniddie class had been able to convert him from his opinion . Some of them objected to it because of the ignorance of the working olass ; but this was no argument , because the working class were not more Ignorant than their rulers , and their i gnorance was but a reflection of what was in high places _^ - ( eheers );—had .. they beeu more virtuous , the working and middle classes would have been more so . He ( Mr . M . ) was In favour of electoral districts , and longed for the day when the great principles of the Charter should be carried into effect , ( _Loitd applause ) Referring to the allusion made to _Mri MiaU , Mr . Mursell said they bad both long entertain d the same principles , and talked over the
question in their little family circles . Mr . Miall had done great good , and bad Biade many converts to Universal Suffrage by his writings among the middle classes , wbo were before afraid of the word . . What was now wanted was . union _; and he hoped that would : be carried Into effect by the lectures of to-night and last Tuesday ; it must be . brought about by necessity . Those who composed the _Anti-Corn-Law league , when disappointed in their object , would come and unite with them ( the Chartists . ) They wished to get rid of the Corn Laws , and say to the Chartists , Unite with us for this purpose ; but when they got these laws repealed , they would not unite with the working classes in favour of Universal Suffrage . But the working class who have studied Euclid , say , the
greater involves the less , and if you will unite with us for Universal Suffrage , then we will unite with you for the repeal of the Com Laws . And he ( Mr . M . ) would say to the Chartists , Do not give up your rights , but demand the great principles of the Charter . ( Loud cheers from tbe Chartists ) The struggle now was not between mere parties , but between Aristocracy and Democracy ; tbe struggle , if he mistook not , was soon to bo made ; and let them be ready to unite in the work , to advance the great principles of the Charter . From henceforth , this arm ( laid Mr . M ., raising his right arm ) is bared in defence of Universal Suffrage . ( Tremendous cheering . ) There was next a call for Mr . Winks , who addressed
a few words to the meeting . He cordially approved of much that had been said by Mr . Vincent , and he would beg to propose a vote of thanks to him for his lectures . ( Hear , hear . ) The general tendency of his remarks had been to promote a better feeling between all parties : there were some other things be could have wished had not been said , or had been said differently ; but upon those he would not touch , for fear he might say something not so agreeable to the feelings of the assembly as what he had said . He ( Mr . W . ) was in favour of an extension of the suffrage , though he might not go quite so far as Mr . Vincent . He cordially moved the vote of thanks . The Rev . Mr . Mursell seconded it
Mr . BAIRSTOW moved as an amendment , a _reselution he had written in tbe course of the evening , embodying the previous one , to the following effect : — " Tbat this meeting , in expressing its thanks to Mr . Vincent for his able and eloquent lectures , likewise feels that the sole bond of union between the middle and working classes must be based on the right of the latter to a full , free , and righteous representation in Parliament . " Mr . W . Kempson , manufacturer , begged , before the amendment was put , to be allowed to make one remark . There was one sentiment be had heard expressed tonight , which he did not think could be correct : he therefore wished to know if he heard aright It had been said , that if the Com Laws were repealed , the working classes would be in a worse situation to obtain
an extension of the Suffrage than before . Surely , if we got that measure of Reform , and thus diminished the powor of the aristocracy , we thereby gained extended power to get fuller privileges . ( Hear , hear . ) The middle class have ever struggled for every measure of liberty hitherto obtained ; Why , then , Should the Chartists _, though they may be of opinion that tbe Repeal of the Corn L _vws is not so important as tbe Extension of the Suffrage—why should they try to repress tbat movement f Meetings had been held to promote that object , aud had been put a stop to ; yet the people had not been prevented from _endeavouring to obtain theu * object ( Hear , hear . ) Such conduct was neither just nor wise . Surely , if the Corn Laws were repealed , we should be in a better position to obtain an extension of our privileges . ( Hear , bear . )
Tbe Rev . Mr . Mursell rose to say he wished to withdraw the original resolution . He thought Mr . Kempson must have referred to a sentiment expressed by bim . He was not wanting in solicitude for the Repeal of the Com Laws ; but if he was right in his assumption , there were many gentlemen in favour of the abolition of the Corn Laws , but not in favour of nn extension of the suffrage . Those who were agaln » t the extension of the suffrage would not be converted , because they had obtained a Repeal of the Corn Laws ; and many connected with the anti-Corn Law League were directly opposed to extension of the suffrage . For instance , he knew Mr . Cobden very well , —and he did
not hesitate to say , that Mr . Cobden was for no such thing as Universal Suffrage . ( Loud cries of hear , hear , and mark that . ' ; He would say to the working classes , " Support the Repeal of the Com Laws , but never at the expence of your own rUht" ( Cheers from the Chartists . ) He regretted tbe interruptions at former meetings , alluded to by Mr . Kempson , but he hoped the pacific manner in which this meeting had been conducted might be taken as a sign that a better spirit was Raining ground : indeed , It would be a shame if at any future meeting any person were prevented from _expressing nis sentiments . The eloquent gentleman sat down amidst the most rapturous and long-continued cheering .
After a little hesitation , Mr . Winks ( who regretted much the introduction of Sir . Bairstow ' s amendment ) consented to the withdrawal of the original resolutionut the same timo stating he quite agreed with Mr . Kempson that the first and best thing would be for tho working classes to get a good bellyful , and then try their theories . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) Mr . _Makkhih seconded the amendment , which waa put by The Chairman , who , before doing so , justified his conduct in having proposed the _amendment at the meeting to address the Queen ; and stated that , with all
respect for Mr . Mursell , he was cot convinced that he should not be justified in so doing at any future meeting for the mere repeal of the Com Laws . He also said that the disturbance at that meeting was not commenced by the Chartists , but by the other party . He frankly confessed he had been more bitter in hia personalities than he should havo been , _owing to the fierce opposition he met with . The resolution was carried unanimously . Mr . Markham also disclaimed having gone to tbo Anti-Corn Law meeting on purpose to disturb its proceedings .
Mr . Vincent returned thanks for the handsome manner in which the vote of thanks had been carried , and the meeting dispersed at about _half-M . tst ten o ' clock—a collection being made at the doer to defray expences . Befo . e the meeting dispersed , the Chairman proposed three cheera for the People ' s Charter , Feargus O'Connor , Mr . Vincent , and Air . Musseil , which were given con spirito . This meeting has raised great excitement among the middle classes . Mr . Mursell is being denounced by some of them ; but he and his friend , the _Editor of tbe Nonconformist , are believed to have " nailed their colours to the mast . "
Newport.—Monmouthshire. Great And Glorio...
NEWPORT . —Monmouthshire . GREAT AND GLORIOUS VICTORY OF THE
BLISTERED HANDS OVER THE BROAD CLOTH GENTRY . On Friday , the 19 th , in pursuance of a requisition signed by upwards cf 80 persons , a public meeting of the inhabitants took place at the Police Court , for the purpose of _expressing to her Majesty their feelings of loyalty aud attachment to her royal person , and of joy atthe auspicious event of the birth of a prince . Twelve o clock was the hour named by the gentry ( no doubt thinking the greater portion ot the working classes would be then engaged at their work ) but , to their utter diacomfiture , they found that _teif-injerest was of iittle consideration when placed against the expression of public opinion , therefore at the hour appointed the Court was full . Mr . TOWNSEND proposed the ex-Mayor as Chairman , on account of his having been in power and office at the time of the event which caused the present manifestation .
Mr . Wells seconded the proposition . There was a dispute about the policy of appointing Mr . Hughes in preference to the present Mayor , and a show of hands was called for , when the meeting unanimously concurred in Mr . Townsend ' _s proposition . Tbe Chairman , in his iwial luminous manner , stated the object of the present meeting , and hoped the public _wouldstrictly confine themselves to it . Mr . Hawkins then road the address , which contained the usual quantum of adulation ana flattery with which our liege Lady the Queen has been so pestered by her loyal aud dutiful subjects . He moved that u be adopted . Mr . Ceonin , tke Secretary of the Chartist Association said , he had an addition which he intended to propose by way of amendment ( _Cheere ) Chairman—Are you an occupant of this town , and what is your name ? Cronin—I am , Sir , my name Is Wra . Cronin .
Chairman—I hope you will Btnctiy adhere to the _subject for whioh this meeting is called . Cronin—Mr . Chairman and ' fellow-working men , before I commence reading the addition that I intend proposing to tbe address , I will beg leave to offer a few remarks , and but few . ( Cheers . ) I dare say you are all well aware and fully convinced that there have been insinuations and foul calumnies set forth by our enemies—that we have been denominated physical force men , torch and dagger men , or destructives of property , and God knows how much beside . We have been designated disloyal subjects ; but they would show this day that they were as loyal and _trus as any of the gentlemen present He , for one , loved his Queen as much aa any man , and therefore they would place no obstruction in the way of the address ; they would merely add a little to it by way of amendment Mr . Cronin then proceeded to show the utter poverty and misery in whicfc the working classes wore placed throughout the land .
Newport.—Monmouthshire. Great And Glorio...
Chairman—I cannot allow you , "Sir , to _prcceorfu this style of language . * _***« Mr . dowling _, Editor of the famed _Monmouihskt Merlin , arose , and appealed to the better sense of ir ? Cronin , and tried by alternate coaxing and _thrsatani _^ to Intimidate bim . wmn Mr . Cronin—I will not be bullied or coaxed by M _* . Dowling or any other gentleman present . Mr . Dowling appealed to the meeting to protect him against Mr . Crenm ' s attacks , and said it was _nr * his intention to bully any person . _^ Mr . Cronin—I think you have done so , inasmuch si you had no business to interrupt or contradict me _whss addressing the chair , it being the business of the _Chafc man to call me t j order if necessary . _^ v Chairman—Your _observatlohs are totally forefgnt « the object of the meeting and the terms of the reauL _sition . _u" _*
Cronin—I think , Sir , you will find my remarh quite consistent with the addition which I am about n introduce . If yon look , Sir , at the manufacturing dk tricts , you will find the condition of the working n _* worse , if possible , than that of Newport Y _» will find starvation and misery In the public street * and the slave brand mark on the pale-faced au emaciated form of our fellow subjects . ( Loud cheerai Tbe Chairman interfering , Mr . Cronin _bowS submission , and proceeded to read the amendment amid frequent and vociferous cheering , ta follows — _-
We , your Majesty ' s loyal and . dutiful subjects , by to congratulate your Majesty on the jevent of ' yoa having given birth to a prince , and an heir to tbi kingdom , and also your recovery from tho same . We desire at the same time to assure your Msjeth that we do this , not In compliance with the established form , or custom—not as an homage due to your rani and station—but in obedience to those great and sacred principles which teach us to regard with feelings < affectionate sympathy every member of the hu _« a family ; for , whatever may be the distinction of _rsj > and power which necessity may permanently , or costo i and expediency temporarily require , we are all esse tially of one nature , have one common Interest , _14 Master to serve , and one God to adore .
We rejoice that your Majesty is now placed in tin responsible situation of parent to our future _monard and we humbly hope your Majesty will see the nee * _sity of ameliorating the political condition of y _<* people , as a certain means of securing their devotfa and loyalty , when it may please God to call him to _tfc throne . Believing also that it Is onr doty to endeavon to render your Majesty ' s reign happy , we ia all si * c & rity venture to point out a few means by which tb power vested in you for the good of the people may fa used for that righteous end .
We beg , therefore , to represent to your Majesty _tfe urgent necessity of appointing wise and just men j | inquire into the serious and lamentable condition of tk people of this country , who , though more _enlightens skilful , and industrious than any other people , are W in a state of dreadful poverty and misery . Webelien this state of things to be caused by exclusive _legislatici —that is . power placed in the hands of a few to tk great detriment of the many , and the people , to whi 4 snch power properly belongs . We beg your Majesty also to consider the feelings _rf the bertaved families of Mess _/ s . John Frost , & phaniah Williams , and William Jones , and also a other poiltical prisoners who are now exiled or imp * _soned , through endeavouring fearlessly and honestl y to point out a remedy for those evils ; and we mogtiji spectrally entreat yonr Majesty to grant them fret pardons , and a remission of the remainder ef their » _spectlve sentences , that they may be restored to tfadr wives and families . 1 Long and continued cheers . )
Mr . Wells , provision merchant , considering Oa addition just and reasonable , would second it ( Cheea ) Mr . Cronin—This course will be adopted in even town throughout the length and breadth of the land . Mr . Dowling—Addresses have been carried a Bath , Cheltenham , and several other places , which hi named . Mr . Townsend said , it was a delicate _snfcject to deal with . He concurred with Mr . Dowling that saj difference of opinion would seem as a want of loyalty ; but he wished to know if there was any _incanststean in stating the distress of the country to her Majesty tj the aime time as the congratulation , as it was _uselesj to appeal where there was no power , but to when there was power , and a will to use it justly . ( _Lwd cheers . )
Mr . Wm . Edwards said , he admired the laagun of the gentlemen , and especially that of Mr . Town **! , but wondered that Mr . Dowling should allow _hinnif to be carried away by the warmth of his _temperanot It was of vital importance that they should take Um present opportunity of addressing her _Majsaty for then selves ,- they never could have a better one . lit Edwards then proceeded to show the great aud t » rlble distress which prevailed , with considerable tact and ability . He said the working classes _wereuttatj destitute , the middle classes on the verge of bankruphy and that in four years tini 6 , It would bring _dowstta aristocracy . ( Loud cheers . ) He would suggest tint 1 few of the gentlemen would reconsider the adores * ud amendment , and endeavour to form a proper _lAAtm out of both , so as to gain unanimity , and carry ont tbe object of beth parties . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Mr . E _, alluded also to the paragraph in the additkm concerning Frost , Williams , and Jones , aud urged th » meeting strenuously to seek for a remission of ttwir
sentences , and concluded by wishing the Quean happiness during her life , but at its close , he hoped Monorchia ! Government would be closed for ever in England . ( Cheers . ) At this stage of the _proceedings the consteroatloB visible In the countenances of the tithe-fed _parsoM Wll ludicrous in the extreme . One of thf m left the room accompanied by a few would-be-thought over-loy » _laad weak-stomached gents . Mr . Jones then rose and said , Mr . _Chairtaaa and Gentlemen , I wish to say a few words in behalf of my fellow working men , and the course which we have this day adopted . Some may think it presumption in us _toeoreet your proceedings , or break the unanimity of tfaii
meeting ; but , gentlemen , we will . shew you that neb is not our Intention , as we wish to see _unanimity ud cordiality prevail in every public meeting . We do not intend to say anything against the original addresi U far as it goes , but wish to see those things contained ia the amendment added to it ( Cheera ) Some may say it is not our place , aa working men , to interfere In I cause where so many men of wealth are _engaged in it , but permit me to say , Mr . Chairman , that . I consite the man who would apply his wealth and influence to retard the progress of liberty , a tyrant wbora all m « s should hold in abhorrence and contempt . Irefwd every rich man in proportion to the good use be _raakei of it . Whenever a public _meeting is called to seni an address or petition to either the Houses of PamV
ment or to royaltv , as a Briton I claim the right of expressing ray opinions on the subject , it bein ? a legacy bequeathed to us by our ancestors . The Queen hsta entered into a solemn covenant with her _people , ssd by virtue of that covenant she has a heavy es . ll upon us , that is to defend the territories at homo and abroad , and to support her Government ; also , we , on tboothsf hams have got a great demand upon her . i- e tbat ito should listen to our grievances , snd do all that ii to htr power to redress them , and , therefore , _^ 3 c "> i »* let slip the present opportunity of laying before her 1
few of the heavy burdens , under which we _labom _, and I cannot possibly see how the amendment _aireadj proposed should diminish the loyalty and _conu'ratulfr _tions of the original addresi The royal _babs is called the Prince of Wales , and I have no doubt many Wei * men are proud of It , but they would be infinitely nwa bo if they found , that such an bappy event should 1 * the mean ? of her Majesty paying a little _attention lo the grievances of the people . I beg leave to support the amendment , because it contains the _opiraoss ol the great masses of the principality of Wales .
The gentlemen endeavoured by promises to-pw * i 3 on Mr . Cronin to abandon his addition , but witboat effect They held ont promises to call a meeting for ths express purpose of considering the distress of _$ _> country ; the Mayor and others promised their support and encouragement , and tried every means in . thea power to put off the amendment , but Mr . C . and b _" friends remained firm . Tho Chairman then endeavoured to put the _orlrtoij address without the amendment , when he was _informs respectfully by Mr . C . tbat if he did not pat _«* amendment , he would take the liberty of doing < ° himself . After sitting for a length of time and _looldsg _Mutterable things , the Chairman declared the _ra < # w > t dissolved .
Mr . Cronin immediately proposed three che _^ ' Frost , Williams , and Jones , also for Feargus 0 'Connof , and tbe Northern Star , nnd the Charter , which were rfr _sponded to in such an enthusiastic manner as wonld b »« gladdened the hearts of the exiles had they heard «¦
All Tub Mills At Chorley, Near Bolton, W...
All tub Mills at Chorley , near Bolton , were * a stand last week , and the workmen " tornea " * upon the master-cotton spinners attempting _» re duce their wages twelve-and-a-half por cent . Convictioh of Sir Edward Knatchboli J _» Evading a Toll . —On Sir Edward . _KnatoMg accepting office , last September , in Sir _^ - J 7 L Ministry , a new election of course took place _lorw county of Kent . A Monday was the dav appouw » for the nomination , and Sir Edward _Kaatchtw * who lived twenty miles from Barham Downs ' , _*?¦• the eleotion was to take place , left _frs nom _* _»» Saturday , in order to arrive in time on Monday , _ov / _vtJ t _* u . _* . 01 . - * A . finnJ _. _n T ' nt . _Tiiirbt HonOaTS _**
, , Baronet considered this travelling for the . _purpos « an eleotion , and on that account he refused to _^ _py the toils . For _refusiojf , at a « ate near _^^"" _S he waa summoned before the magistrates of "J" ™ _£ on Monday . The court was crowded to hear tne _> e * _r Counsel attended on both sides , and , after » P « _g investigation , the magistrates decided that _» r . ward had unlawfully claimed the _exrrnp _^ n , _^ fined him in the sum of £ 2 2 s ., _»*<* 8 _* . 6 dv co * - ; Tho Right Hob . Baronet announced h _« _feierm _^ tion to appeal from the _conviotion . J r _- ( » _^ _0 involved is of considerable importance to jru _^ of turnpike roads , and persons haviug P _^ _JrJ i , vg elections . It will tend to mulct the ' _»*»* _" _% B s electors of a county may leave their _nome * _g Saturday to attend a Monday ' s election , anu _« reat convenience to many freeholders .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 27, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_27111841/page/6/
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