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Northern Star (1837-1852), 27th December 1845, Edition 3 of 4, Page 1, " iT of lward, we conquer—backward, and ...

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    • H U#BAH \ FOR THE CHARTER !
    • CHARTIST CONVENTION.
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      H U#Bah \ For The Charter !

      H U _# BAH \ FOR THE CHARTER !

      " It Of Lward, We Conquer—Backward, And ...

      " iT _of _lward , we conquer—backward , and we fall . " T 0 THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS . ¦ _tf Beloved Fhiesds , —This is Christmas-day , bnt no holiday forme . However , tlie work that I h ave to perform is of so cheering a nature , that I _-onsider it is a valuable Christmas-bos—more _valuble _fban any thing you could have conferred npon le . Itisthe work of praising you to yourselves . In the outset , I wish you not many happy returns of « . ph a dav as many of you will spend , but I wish , you su 1- ; , . _ _ - _»____•____ . t •_ .. _ _-, .

      _. _jjny such happy Christmases as I hope and trust _aje ia store for you ; and now to my subject . Have ¦ con thoug ht of the point where oppression and _^ _janny stopped Chartism in 1842 ? Have you _foug ht of the many who have since deserted ns , aid who , to palliate their own treachery , have never _^ _jed their endeavour to sow confusion in our janks ? Have you thought of the intermediate -ni « sperity—more prosperity than within the same t _' nie ffa 3 ever _kuown M Britain ? Have you thought _$ f your own apathy , caused by a roaring trade and ( he laws' intimidation ? And have you , when reflecti * _. « P on those things , ever thought that Char-And when that its

      .- _^ 5 dead ? you learned bitterest foes , the Whigs , had returned to office , did nrsp irits shrink within yon at the notion that it _^ as a visitation , a malison , a curse upon your _jjgads _, a triump h to mark your littleness ? And have vou read and heard of the magical manner in which Chartism , with all those odds and false appearances a gainst it , has risen from its slumber , and once more knocked tiie pre sumptuous monster in the head ? Oh , mighty people ! who , but one short fortnight _anee , wouid have imagined that the slumbering masses _oram nave been mote easily _aummened to action than wakeful and ever-grasping Toryism , than watchful and ever-ready Wbiggism ? Bid you not _imasine that the machinery , so long _ramsed ,

      had become rusty , and would reauire some , time to put it into working order ? Who would have ever thou < _ t , who could have ever thought , that in eight and fort v hours after writs were issued to thirty of fie most important Chartist towns , that the response would have been a delegate from each , testifying the resolution of their constituents to march onwards to victory ? Who , I ask , would have supposed that ; in the depth of winter , in the midst of apparent apathy , such an event could have occurred ? And yet Hisso ! And I confess , candidly , that the magnitude of the fact astounds me . It is , indeed , a " GREAT FACT , " that , while organised faction' cannot be brought together in ten days , a disorganised multitude can meet in eight ahd forty hours .

      My friends , deny it who can , if we were represented hv the press as factions and sections of all denominations are , this " great fact" would , of itself , be sufficient to proclaim our superiority . See the meetings which have taken place within the last fortnight of the people ' s party , and not a single notice by the press , except a passing insolent comment , such as that of the Minchester Guardian upon the Rochdale meeting , stating that it was but thinly attended . Will not those present give tbe scribbler the lie ? Will not the feet , ' that £ 2 or £ 3 was collected by voluntary subscription after the meeting , give the scribbler the lie ? while it will prove that the meeting was not only numerous but satisfied . Yoa know what it is to collect that amount of money . Again ,

      look at the spinners' dinner , another great fact . The fact that nearly the whole body had assembled together in its might , to proclaim its undying resolution npon the object most dear to it . Look to the fact tbat the Times newspaper has made it one of its flies to fish for sectional popularity ; and look to the fact , that the - Sines newspaper had a special reporter there from London , and a deputy from Manchester ; and look to the greater fact / that the Times NEVER PUBLISHED ONE LIKE OF THE PROCEEDINGS !! And why ? Because to have omitted reporting my speech that time would have been to have performed Hamlet , leaving Hamlet out ; and to have reported my speech would have shown the question to the world , not in the party garb in whieh

      the Times would present it for party purposes , but to Bhow it in its true and veritable Chartist colours , as a people ' s question , not as the stalking horse of faction . Again , look to the miserably meagre report of the Guardian ; again , look to the fact of thirtyfive delegates meeting at Manchester , and not noticed by one angle scribbler ! Look to " the _meetings we have had within the last ten days . Look to the Land Conference sitting for a week , composed of the very wisest of the working-class order , and not a line , _acemment , except a flying dash by the ASS whose jealousy is choking him , whose disappointment is driving him still , and still , more mad . Now look at all those facts , and then ask yourselves if it is not a fact that we must force , that we must thrust , that we must drive onr policy down the very throat

      ef faction . How , then , is this to be accomplished ? By those means , which Mr . _Juncombe tells us should now absorb our undivided consideration—THE REPRESENTATION OF OUR PRINCIPLES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS . Duncombe has done more for Chartism in the House , than in ten years Chartism could have done for iteelf out ofthe House . When weget there they must represent us , and , therefore , ii is indispensable that we make a struggle to accomplish that object . I shall be the better able to forward it , because , my resolution nob to creep in until I open the front door , through which lean walk in majestically , will strengthen my hands for the general service . Oh , that yon had taken the advice that I gave you in September , 1838 , when I pointed ont the mode of doin g that which yoa are now beginning

      to think of . AN ELECTION IS NOW AT HAND , and while the League is openly corrupting , with its money , we must fearlessly coerce with , our power . In every district where we possess the balance of power — that is , where the votes of the two factions arc nearly equal—we mast get up a vigorous , a bold , a determined agitation ; committees should at once be appointed for this purpose . Exclusive bealixg should be resorted to , and no means at your disposal should be left untried to secure a single seat . This is the way to ensure representation ; this is the way to ensure respect .

      Again , my friends , you must look to the old means of securing the publication of your principles by all and by every means , and it is for that purpose that I feel called npon to expound the most important part of our policy , as embodied in our resolutions . We first resolve that the Chartists shall remain a distinct and separate body—we secondly resolve , that —either the League , the Whigs , nor Daniel O'Connell shall haTe the gratifying opportuinty of charging ns with having starved the poor . We are not prepared to give to free trade the doable reward arising from increased speculation and publie sympathy , based npon WHAT IT WOULD HAYE DONE HAD SOT THE RASCALLY CHARTISTS

      OBSTRUCTED IT . But , nevertheless , our policy does Sot go the length of allowing the League to use the opportunity of famine , and our tenderness to advanse the PRINCIPLES OF FREE TRADE ; we but tolerate the act , UNDER EXISTING CIRCUM . STANCES ; but we do not thereby recognize the efficacy of the measure as a means of bettering your condition nntil , in the words of tiieresolution , power conferred upon the whole people shall make the change a national , instead of aclass benefit .

      Now my friends , the way that I would construe Hat pdicy in letter , in spirit , and in honour , is this . We leave free trade wholly out of the question . The people themselves say that they ought not to live under the apprehension of being starred , ¦* hile there is a prospect of getting food from _anywhere . Their representatives say the _Bame . Then _tte question arises as to how that policy can be car-• _tted ont without giving a triump h to the principle . 1 think the sixth resolution provides against sueh a contingency ; but as those that bear npon this branch cf the subject should be taken as a whole , I w-J _sfceteh the general policy from their spirit .

      F - % , we affirm that food may oere * iwred , an d » _^ erefo » , asfar as procuring food goes , we sho u » d _£ _* enot only no obstruction , but we should give every _Assistance _^ om _power to provide an immediate *•*¦ " _* _& before famine , starvation , and want come Jumping upon ns . What I recommend then is just whatl recommendedin 1840 . That in every town a _^ mittee of observation be appointed , and that that committee attend every meeting called for the pur-

      " It Of Lward, We Conquer—Backward, And ...

      pose of providing against scarcity , and that every Chartist in the district attend as an army of observation—that in the event of the necessity of providing against famine , and the opening . of the ports , a > the speediest and only means constituting the object of the meeting , that the Chartist body , under their committee , not only give no opposition , but having decided upon the necessity , that they boldly carry out the policy ; but if , upon the other hand , any wild theorist , who should not be able to properly estimate the tolerationthat , UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES , we accord to the League , should venture upon that toleration to propound the principles of free trade as a panacea for all your grievances , or as a political principle at all , that then in such case the committee move the Charter as an amendment . _ f * **» -

      Now , the effect of this course will be , to keep the League in the straight jacket that famine has imposed upon it ; while it will keep our party together ; and this policy will always insure the ready attendance of good officers , and a powerful army of observation ; whereas , if we continued that opposition , which , under other circumstances , was not only justifiable , but politic , we should disgust a number ef our staunchest friends , and give—not the League , but the frightful apprehension of famine , which would be put down to free trade strength—a . triumph _oyerus .

      Myfriends , —I have now clearly and unmistakably propounded our policy at considerable length , and in conclusion I have only to observe , that it would have gladdened the heart to see the spirit and unanimity that was manifest throughout the whole proceedings of the Convention ; very different from the times when rascals spoke for hire , and _desirted us when we had ' nt the means of paying for their patriotic enthusiasm . It took two days to discuss six resolutions , ahd each and all , after a calm and earnest examination ,

      were passed , not only unanimously , but cordially . Let me tell an anecdote ; one deserving to be recorded , not more for the honour it evinces than for the name it applies to . A fine , respectable , manly-looking fellow , of the name of EMMETT , was delegated from Keighley , and , upsn settling accounts with the delegates , I found that he only mentioned his travelling expences , wliich he said had been paid by his constituents . " But , " said I , " the wages—the 6 s . a day . " " Oh , sir , " said he , " I won't take that ,

      AS I WAS OUT OF WORK , and I COULD'NT BE BETTER EMPLOYED , aud I am sure that my own constituents will see to me honourably , without imposing any more burden upon you . " Now , my friends , I have only to say , that if you approve of the work done—that if you approve of agitating the whole country for the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and to enable us t * let the dying Parliament see that they shall meet the spirit of our patriots once more upon th * hustings—that if you wish to see a dozen Chartist lecturers keeping _« ur ground and battling our foes—if you wish to see a body ofmen prepared to take their places upon the hustings at the next general election , you will

      subscribe your mite to pay for the past , and inspire me with confidence in tha future . I am determined that poverty shall not stand in the way af the advantage that may be taken of emergency , but , to confess the truth , though I am willing and able to lend , I am not able to give . You h fve had the advantage of my poor ability , and by next Saturday I hope , for your honour , to be able to announce , not only the discharge ofthe debt , but a surplus to carry onthe war . I feel confident in your honour ; but if I lose the money , it will not deter me from pursuing the same course when YOUR principles are again endangered from the assaults of prepared faction . Farewell , my friends , and , again I say , think what a revival the heaven-born principle has had . j

      Ever your faithful friend and unpurchasable servant , Fbaegus _O'Cohkoh . P . S . I have earnestly to request that this letter be read wherever the Chartists gather , and that a collection be made immediately after to carry on the Chartist war , and thatthe proceeds be instantly transmitted to me , in order to enable the Executive to see what strength they can enlict as expounders of the Chartist faith . P . O'C .

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      Chartist Convention.

      CHARTIST CONVENTION .

      The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...

      The extraordinary meeting of Chartist delegates , called together to consider the present "crisis , " and adopt necessary measures thereon , commenced on Monday last , December 22 nd , 1845 . The delegates assembled in the Carpenters' Hal ) , Manchester . Mr . Wild , of Mottram , in the absence of the president , was called to the chair . Credentials were received from : — Mr . G . W . Wheeler , Reading and Norwich . — Robert Wild , Mottram , Staleybridge , aad Hy . ! e . — John Shaw , London . Messrs . Donovan and Nuttall , Manchester , — Canning , Wigan . — Marsden , Preston .

      — Elias Hitchen , Hebden Bridge . — Mooney , Todmorden . — Jones , Leeds . — Sweet , Nottingham . — John _lleale , Birmingham . — Richard Pilling , Ashton-under-Lyne . — Mitchell , Rochdale . — Pickvance , Bolton . — John Lawson , Halifax , Lower Warley , Sowerby — W . Bell , Heywood . — Briggs , Sheffield . — Yardley , Oldham . — Almond , Blackburn . — Tattersall , Burnley . — Webb , Stockport . — J . We 3 tMacclesfield .

      , Itwas then resolved thai the conference should assemble at nine o clock in the morning _^ adjourn at twelve , meet again at half-past one o ' clock , and finally adjourn athalf-past five . The conference then adjourned .

      . _iFIERNOOH srrnsG . Mr . M'Grath in the chair . Credentials were received from : — Mr . J . Emmett , Keighley . — Michael Seagraves , Barnsley . — Wilkinson , Derby . — John Moss , Hanley and Shelton . — Cole , Bradford . _,. Mr . O'Connor read the following letter from Mr . Duncombe , which was received with acclamation : — Mr Bear Feabgus—I have just received yours . I collect from it the policy yon propose to pursue , and highlyapprove ofthe p lan that you suggest . Letthe factions fight and knoek their heads together , while

      the people stand aloof . As you say , "their day is fast approaching . " You know I am , and always have been , for constantchangesof Ministers . Every change gives strength to the popular cause , —each succeeding Minister outbidding his predecessor for popular favour by concessions to the popular will . Their inconsistency we have nothing to do with ; all that concerns us is tolook after our own , and to see that our people are not bamboozled . As to the proposed demonstrationatKersalMoor , I think it premature . Demonstrations may be resorted to as a great

      auxiliary to the popular cause , but then their efiicacy and importance should not be wasted on slight occasions , as like petitions , they might lose their effect . I thinkyouhad betterup-husband the popular strength for times that would more require its exhibition ; and as to yonr reason for holding the meeting , I do not coincide with your notion , that the people require it to inspire each other with confidence . I think I know in- _codxirymex , and , however the apostacy of false leaders may have unjustly earned for them the character of fickleness , I defy any one to point me

      ont one single instance of the English people abandoning their principles , or flinching from the most dangerous position , until fear , or the Treasury sharpshooters , had frightened off , or shot off , their leaders . Th _* 5 fact is that the people are always too forward for their leaders , and nntil our time their noble real and truly Eng lish courage have been made political barter of . Once let the people know and believe that their leaders are trde , honest , sincere , brave and

      The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...

      prudent , and then you need have no fear of flinching or wavering . I think the virtuous stand and manly struggle made by the Chartists inthe depth of winter , at Birmingham , and again at the Crown and Anchor , should have banished all doubts from your mind as to the honour and reverence in which the noble fellows hold their princi ples . I had no doubt , as I think I proved b y testing their principles in the presence of those leaders who sought to rob them of their triumphs by depri _v ing them of their leaders ; You say that you are cautious to move without the consent of the leader who struggled for the people while in prison and visited them ' in their dungeons . ' The very confidence that

      the people honour . me with makes me more cautious , as I am aware of the impossibility of retrieving one false step . I most highly approve of the policy of keeping the Chartist party distinct and separate from all others , watching events and profiting by change . I hold it to be an impossibility much longer to govern the growing genius of this country , by tbe very best choice or selection to be made from the old political parties . I say , therefore , let . not the Chartist party—of which I have the proud boast of being a member—disband , ; or retreat , or join any other party whatever , while I think their immediate

      policy should be to exhaust all available means to insure as large a representation of their own principles as possible in the next Parliament . This , in my mind , should absorb all other considerations just now . Highly approving of the representation of the working classes by their own delegates , I shall now conclude b y charging you with the tender of my respects and services to those delegates , and assure them , that if every man in England deserted their principles , that I , if I stood alone , should advocate them in my place in Parliament , because I believe them just , aud beeause I feel assured that nothing short of them would be considered as a sufficient concession

      to the popular will and national requirements . Yours , very faithfully , T . S . DuNcoMnE . P . S . —At any time that my presenceor council will be of service to the working classes , I shall be happy to assist them with either or both , while I do not think they stand in need of either just now , added to which , a two-fold domestic affliction precludes me from taking any further part at present . Yours , < fcc , T . S . D . The reading of this letter was received with several roands of cheers . Mr . O'Connor then read the following resolutions as embodying the line of policy laid down by the Executive of the National Charter Association : — That the Chartist party remains a distinct and seperate body , not agitating for any measure short of the Paople ' s Charter , whole and entire .

      That the Chartist party shall be prepared with a national petition , embodying our principles , to be presented to the House of Commons , by Thos . S . Buncombe , Esq ., after a general election shall hare _constituted a new representation . That in the event ofa general election taking place , it will be the duty of the Chartist electors , and non-electors , to render their most strenuous exertions in favour of candidates who have pledged themselves to support the People ' s Charter in the House of Commons , and in _Jim event of no Chartist candidate heing in the field , in such case , preference shall be given to those who will pledge themselves to vote for a Ten Hours'Bill , a repeal of the Poor Law Amendment Act , and the restoration of Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis .

      That while the present scarcity would place the Char _, _tlst parly in a false position , if they continued their opposition to a repeal of the Corn Laws , that , nevertheless , having no faith whatever inthe efficacy of tbat measure , as a means of bettering the condition of the working classes , that we abstain from taking any part calculated to make onr approval of the principles of free trade , without p _> litical power being conferred upon the whole people to make the change a national , instead of a class benefit , , " " . . .. That , in order to carry out the spirit of the fourth resolution , we recommend the . Chartist party to abstain from taking any part in free trade meetings that are held for the purpose of repealing the Corn Laws ; and that , as a party , we _snaU tender our strength only to those whose measures are best calculated to advance the principles Of the People ' s Charter .

      Tbat in the event of public meetings being called to test public opinion , it will be the bounden duty of the Chartist part y to move their principles , as an amendment , to any proposition calculated to lead to tho notion that Chartism has been merged iuany less measure . Mr . O'Connor said , he expected this quick response , on the part of the country , to their request for this convention ; a convention representing fully the state of feeling of the whole Chartist body , and he had no doubt but they would agree to the resolutions he had read . He had submitted them to the public at Manchester—to the men who had kept the spark of liberty alive , and which this convention would raise into a

      flame throughout allthe land . The resolutions had likewise been submitted to the men of Rochdale , Bacup , Hebden Bridge , and Todmorden—men second to none in the movement . These places had all given in their adhesion to the resolutions , which were also quite iu accordance with the views of Mr . Duncombe . ( Applause . ) Mr . Canning then moved , that each speaker be allowed five minutes , and that the resolutions be discussed seriatim . Carried . Mr . Briggs moved the adoption of the first resolution , seconded by J . West ; Messrs . Donovan , Clark , G . W . Wheeler , and Mr . Sweet supported it . The second resolution was proposed by Mr . Sweet , and seconded by Mr . Clark .

      Mr . Wild wished to know whether Mr . Duncombe would present another petition to Parliament ? Mr . O'Connor : Yes ; to anew House . Mr . Wild would agree to petition a new House , hut was decidedly opposed to petitioning the present one . Mr . J . West : Petitioning was the most invaluable of all British privileges . They should petition every day until they had obtained their long withheld rights ; so long as they had grievances to redress , SO long would they have plenty of materials for their petitions . They should never givo up this legal right while tliey had money to purchase a single sheet of paper .

      Mr . O'Connor : Petitioning was the only method by whicli they could make their principles generally known . He found , while he was on the continent , that their principles were utterly unknown , and that the Chartists were considered to be the Lazaroni of the country , the idle and dissipated , until the national petition , signed by three-and-a-half millions of persons , dispelled this illusion , and made known the true nature of Chartism . The venal press of the country would not notice their _proceedings , but if they had a national petition it would be carried on the wings of the press to all parts of the world . He was confident that , if proper exertions were made , we should havea petition with five millionsof signatures . Ireland and Scotland would both be with us on the

      next occasion . m Mr . Doyle : What but petitioning had crushed tbat infamous measure , the Masters' and Servants' Bill ? Discussions in the House of Commons were reported , but let them hoid 10 , 000 meetings , and the press would not notice their proceedings - , let them , therefore , petition both locally and nationally . Mr . Clark supported the resolution . He had been in the West of England ; people there had become Corn Law Repealers from reading the reported speeches of Cobden and Bright . If Chartist principles were duly reported , as they would bc in a debate in the House , they would be equally able to make converts .

      Mr . T . M . Wheeler : A national petition , backed by a national delegation and a public demonstration , would effect more good , by the notoriety it gave their proceedings , than any other measures they could devise ; he believed that they could get up a better demonstration now than they had ever done before . Mr . Shaw corroborated the statement of Mr . Wheeler . He believed that if something of this sort was not adopted the men of London would not support the Executive . In their opinion it was high time something decisive should be done . Mr . O'Connor : It was their own fault that something was not done before ; their apathy deprived the Executive ofthe means of carrying out any measure which _thay might have devised for the welfare ofthe Chartist cause . Mr . Donovan ' s _constitueats were in favour cf local petitions . Mr . Bell was in favour of the motion .

      Mr . Nuttall was in favour of petitioning the present House , to show that we were alivo . ' Mr . O'Connor : A national petition was the great gun ; the local petitions were the light artillery that should follow it . Mr . Marsden and Mr , Mooney supported the motion .

      The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...

      _; Mr . Tattersall would support the resolution , if it would include getting up _petitions for the release of the eriles . * t Messrs . Yardley and _Hitchins took the same view , lhe resolution was carried unanimously . Resolution third was moved by Mr . Yardley , and seconded by Mr . Mitchell , who stated , that the men of Rochdale were decidedly in favour of this resolution . Mr . O'Connor : A Ten Hours' Bill is a limb of Chartism , and if a man had two hours' spare time a day , there is little doubt but thoy would devote it to the cause of liberty .. Mr . Nuttall : What coarse should they adopt if no such candidate came forward ?

      Mr . West—If no such candidate was to be found , th _« n , ofcourse , it was the duty of the Chartist body to put up a candidate of their own , to give expression to tueir own principles . Mr . Donovan wished to knowwhat thev should do with such men as Milner Gibson , the member for Manchester , who is opposed to the Ten Hours' Bill , though he has voted lor the Charter , and is a Corn Law repealer . Mr . O'Connor—Mr . Duncombe is a Corn Law repealer , and yet we always support him . as he is a

      Chartist . If they will support the Charter they should receive our support . Mr . Tattersall—How are we to get Chartist _candidates ? At ; the last election I was nominated , but the Mayor would not let me speak without pro ducing m _yiqualification ahd paying £ 35 . Mf ; OJ * £ . _onn . or explained the law , aud showed that the mayor acted illegally . Mr . Nuttall thought , with his colleague , that Mr . Gibson wasnot worthy of their support . Mr . Doyle ~ In all cases prefer a man who will go for the Charter .-

      Mr . Mitchell supported the resolution , and stated , that Sharman Crawford would go for the whole . Messrs . Webb , Jones , and Emmett supported the resolution , wliich was carried unanimously . Mr . O'Connfjl * introduced the fourth resolution , In a speeeh of great force and eloquence . The _resolution was then moved , by Jlr . Shaw . His _constituents were determined to oppose the League with reason and discussion , whenever thoy could get a ciance , * but it was well known they were afraid to give them the opportunity in London . Mr . Seagra * jc seconded the resolution , and stated , that if it was not adopted , it would place us in an awful position ! relative to Ireland , if , by opposing the repeal of the Corn Laws , we supported the high Tories , and ga > e the Orange faction the dominating power . j

      Mr . West supported the motion , as they must pay attention to _tl | e signs of the times . Mr . Wild _wap in the habit of mixing with different political parties , and was confident that we should fall into an errir if we opposed the League . If the measure was _defeated in Parliament , all the blame would be laid ion the Chartists . If we remained neuter , we should be carrying out our old and correct policy . -No Cfcartist , however Bimple , could misconstrue the policy laid down in the resolution . We only agree not to oppose the League , owing to the deficiency of the harvest . Mr . Donovaa . was opposed to allowing the public to believe thatthe Chartists were in any __ way acting in concert , or . giving way to the Anti-Corn Law League . . y

      Mr . Bell thought that , if this resolution was not properly explained to the Chartist party , it would be calculated to lead them astray , as he had opposed the _League , and would again , upon all fitting opportunities . Mr . Pilling was convinced that the majority of the people in his district were in favour of opening the ports , it would be folly to oppose them ; but it was a duty to show them that that measure would not be productive of the benefits predicted . Mr . Beale was confident that the feeling in Birmingham waB in favour of opening the ports . Mr . Tattersall thought we should make many enemies if we opposed the League at present . He thought the proper policy was to stand aloof . Mr . Mitchell thought the resolution did not debar any man from going to their platforms and declaring his views , provided he did not move an amendment . Mr . Pickvance supported similar . views .

      Air . West thought it would not at all compromise their principles , while famine was threatening the land , not to oppose the League . He , for one , w _« uld not risk an honest fame by so doing . When the proper time came , he , for one , should hot be backward in assisting to give them a good drubbing . __ Mr ; Emmett : The opinion of tbe working classes in his town was greatly changed . Many who were bitterly opposed to the League , and many had votes , would now vote for a League candidate , if a Chartist was not in the field . Mr . Nuttall thought that the adoption of the first resolution had entirely settled the question . The rise in the price of bread had materially altered the question . Mr . Doyle thought that with starvation staring them in the face , all eloquence to persuade the people agaihsta repeal ofthe Corn Laws would be thrown away ; the people were led away by the prospect of

      tamine . Mr . Clark : The future fortune of the cause depends upon the decision of . this conference . He thought we could not attend meetings ofthe League unless we opposed them ; indeed all attempts to show the futility of their measures was considered by the League to be an opposition . He was of opinion that we ought to entirely abstain from attending their meetings , and call meetings of our own . Mr . Wilkinson said his constituents were in favour of the resolution . Mr . Moss : Ths people in Hanley were opposed to any opposition to the League . Mr . O'Connor : There was a time for policy , a time for expedience , but there was also a time fer

      existence—he should be sorry to have the death of any man laid at his door . This convention had a power , by acting with the Duke of Wellington and the Tory lords , to stop a repeal of the Corn Laws . If the aristocracy thought they should have the support of the Chartist party they would speedily use the bayonet and the bludgeon to enforce their viows , and then the League _would be looked upon as the guardians and saviours of the poor . Nature and hunger , even in Chartists , was stronger than principle . He was not the man to adhere to a policy wliich might be the death of thousands ; the people would soon see and repent of their errors if they depended on the

      promises of the League . Mr . T . M . Wheeler believed that it was in tbe power of the Chartist party to stop __ a repeal of the Corn Laws , but in the present crisis he should be sorry to share such a responsibility . He was confident that in London , Stockport , and many ether places , they could triumphantly defeat the Anti-Corn Law League , but if starvation should afflict the masses , he knew that it would be more than human nature could bear , and that riots and rebellion would be the consequence , nnd the Chartists would be the party _upou whom the brunt of the warfare would fall . Hie should , therefore , strongly support the resolution .

      Mr . Bell : He should do as he ever had done , give his views plainly , at any mectiwg upon the question of the Corn Laws , and that would bo taken for opposition . Mr . Canning agreed with Mr . Bell ' s views , he thoug ht we should recommend the people to keep away from their meetings . Mr . Donovan : If a repeal of the Com Laws , in Yorkshire and Lancashire , were p laced against the Charter , he feared it would be carried ; but if they combined the Ten Hours' Bill with the Charter , they

      could , in all places , defeat the League . He should vote for the resolution , as it did not debar them , under circumstances from opposing the League . He thought it best ' not to attend their meetings . II 100 , 000 Chartists were at a meeting , and only 300 Corn Law repealers , and the 300 held up their hands , and the Chartists did not , the whole meeting would be taken for Corn Law repealers . Let them pass another substantive resolution , _siting that Chartists should not attend their meetings . Mr . Webb agreed with Mr . Donovan .

      Mr . M'Grath was proud to see the unanimit y that prevailed . With respect to the threatened scarcity he thought the opening of the ports a matter ol absolute necessity . He would sign a petition to that effect to-morrow . He would to God that the Corn Laws were erased from the statute book ; their repeal would prove the truth of Chartist predictions . He thought it unwise to attend any of the Anti-Corn Law meetings . The resolution was then carried unanimousl y . Mr . O'Connor then read tbe fifth resolution , and showed that it would give confidence to the Chartist party . Mr , G . Wheeler moved the resolution , and said they must fellow out the course laid down , or they would be forgetful of the name and principles ef the Charter , and the press would ring with the tidings that Chartism was dead ; in fact , it already asserted bo , and it was necessary that it should be _speedity contradicted .

      Mr . Mooney seconded the resolution . Mr . Marsden thought that a clear line of policy should be laid down . The League intended holding monster meetings during the course of ihe spring ; at those meetings they would propose the Corn Laws as a remedy for national grievances ; what course should the Chartists then adopt ? Mr . O'Connor : If they put the repeal of the Corn

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      Laws forth as the only panacea for public wrongs , then he would mount the platform to show them that the Charter was a superior measure . 'Mr . Donovan was in favour of the resolution . II it was not carried it would allow other parties to ride rough-shod over them . The motion was withdrawn for the present . Mr ; Webb moved , and Mr . West seconded , the sixth resolution , which was carried unanimously , and the convention then adjourned .

      _TUESnAVMOHNIXG . A letter was read from John Frost , which was received with great attention ; fresh slips were ordered to be printed for thc evening ' s meeting . Mr . O'Connor then resumed the discussion on the resolution which was withdrawn the previous evening , and stated that if anything could induce him to remain firm to that resolution , it was the spirit which ho had s « en evinced , especially by the females , at a large meeting at Rochdale . We must tolerate the League owing to the famine , but never desert our princi ples . Mr . Donovan strongly supported the resolution , _* principles with the Chartist party , when fairly tested , were stronger than even hunger . He should propose the resolution with the omission of the words " political principles . " Mr . Tattersall wished to know whether it was meant to apply to an . agitation for the Ten Hours ' Bill .

      Mr . O'Connor : _Decidedly not ; the Ten Hours ' Bill was one of the legs of Chartism ; it stood in the _siime relation as the Poor Law Amendment Act , or the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and it was not likely they would be placed in opposition to Chartism . Messrs . Clark and Doyle expressed similar opinions . Mr . Wild : The resolution was open to misconstruction . Meetings were often called to consider the distress ofthe country ; if the Corn Laws were proposed as a panacea , they would be found to place tllft _Gliattei' il \ _uMtoSVlvoia to that or any similar measure . He did nut consider that would be any violation of the resolutions previously passed . Mr . O'Connor did not think the resolution could

      be improved ; he should comment upon and explain it and the other resolutions in the Northern Star , and the delegates wonld do the same in their districts . There was a great difference between not opposing the opening of the ports , and the admission of the general principles of free trade . Mr . Doyle : In his opinion they had no business to attend lectures or other private meetings of the League , and in that respect their proceedings had hitherto been faulty ; but if public meetings were called that was quite a different thing . Mr . _Tattensall proposed a similar resolution , which was afterwards withdrawn . Mr . M'Grath expressed his opinion on the impolicy of attending private League meetings .

      Mr . West denied the _imoolicy of attending League meetings in past times . It ' the _Chartists were placed -onan equality with Leaguers . _inthereyo of the law , it would be wrong to force bur opinions upon them : but while the working men were slaves , it was the only wise policy to be adopted . He would never let them suppose that he was a contented slave . Mr . O'Connor was happy to hoar what fell from Mr . West . If ticketed meetings were taken advantage of by the League , he , for one , at the risk of Ins lite , would attend them . If they attempted to thrust their opinions upon the public as the expression of public opinion , it was the duty of the people to oppose them . lie confessed to no error ; he deemed the course pursued to be perfectly right ; it was the very reason he opposed the resolution of Mr . Parry at Birmingham , in tbe Sturge conference . He had not

      abated one iota ol his hatred to the damnable system pursued by the League capitalists of this country . Mr . T . Wheeler thought the _policy they had hitherto adopted was one highly conducive to the good of Chartism ; it spread their principles far and wide on the wings of the press , it caused the whole London press to admit that no meetings could be called , for any object , at which the Chartists' prin ciple was not triumphant . Mr . Jones wished to know whether Mr . Doyle considered that he was acting with despotism when , in past times , he had attended the various League ticketed meetings ? Mr . Doyle : I have attended as many private meetings as any man , but I was convinced at the time that I was acting wrong ; but if I had not dono . so 1 should have been denounced as a traitor . At Leeds

      I went , not to oppose or break up the meeting , but to discuss the question ; and when I attempted to speak I was dragged off by the police . But it" it is the will of the people I am ready to go again . Mr . Nuttall : It has been by meeting the Leaguers on their own dunghills that we have achieved in Manchester our proud position . We have stuck to principle and prospered . Mr . Donovan : As the Leaguers had called lecture meetings public meetings , the Chartists would have stultified themselves if they had not attended , and proposed their principles as an amendment . Mr . Bell : The League would follow their old policy ; they would call their meetings "lectures , " and afterwards convert them into public meetings ; it would then be our duty to oppose them _. Mi * . Moss expressed similar views .

      Mr . Yardley : They had come to the resolution in Oldham to act according to the resolutions laid down by the convention , until the League made an inroad upon them . Mr . West ; They must ever adopt their old line of proceedings ; they must drive the League forward ; they had done so ; they had made them shift their line of policy , until they made the labour question the one great question ofthe day . If any one of the resolutions implied that our former poliey had been wrong , he would move that it be rescinded . Mr . O'Connor : Chartism had never done wrong ; obstruction and antagonism was the life ' s blood of Chartism ; they were opposed to every party in the state , and had stood up nobly in defiance of them . If ever tho times demanded it , he should be proud to recur to the old obstructive policy .

      Mr . Marsden : Working men were not opposed to a repeal of the Corn Laws , but thoy could not see that they would be productive of benefit to them . He never knew a man in a mechanical employ who thought to benefit by them , unless accompanied by other measures , If they attended lectures by the League , and they thought proper to answer questions , 'twas well ; if not , it was not wise to compel them . The resolution was then carried unanimously . Credentials were received from Mr . Bairstow , of Leicester .

      Mr . Wild moved , and Mr . Bairstow seconded , that the following resolution be an instruction to the address committee : — " That we fully approve of the past policy of the Chartist body ; their opposition to the League being justified by circumstances , the cause of that opposition having originated with the Corn Law League . " After a long discussion , in which all the delegates took part , the resolution was carried unanimously . Mr . Doyle moved , and Mr . Webb seconded , the following resolution : — " That Messrs . West , Donovan , Wild , Bairstow , Briggs , M'Grath , Sweet , Yardley ,

      aud Tattersall , be _appointed as a committee to draw up an address to the country , embodying the spirit of the foregoing resolutions , and calling upon the Chartist body particularly to pursue the line of policy laid down in them . " Carried unanimously . Mr . Nuttall moved and Mr . O'Connor seconded the following resolution * . — " That we reeommend to the country the necessity of getting up local and individual petitions in favour of the release of Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis , immediately , and also petitions in favour of the Ten Hours' Bill .

      Mr . Bairstow was of opinion that similar means should be taken relative to petitions for the Charter . Mr . O'Connor showed the inutility of pctitioningthe present Parliament for the Charter , and stated the disinclination of Mr . Duncombe to have the people insulted by presenting one to the present House , Mr , Shaw strongly recommended local and individual petitions for the above object , and stated that the metropolis was acting with great spirit in this matter . Mr . West was strongly in favour of petitioning Parliament , * He once stood almost alone on that

      subject . He trusted they would bring not only those subjects , but all their grievances , before the country by means of petitioning Parliament . Get men in the habit of working in the habit of petitioning , and they would as readily think of purchasing a sheet of paper for a petition on Saturday night as think of purchasing their tea or tobacco . Mr . Wild proposed an amendment , embodying Mv . West ' s views , but it was ultimately withdrawn . Mr . Pilling agreed with the original resolution . He thought it best to have definite objects to lay be « fore Parliament .

      Mr . Wheeler read a letter from Mr . Hoyle , a victim of the strike in 1842 , calling attention to the case of the victims transported by Abinger at the Liverpool special commission . Mr . Yardley spoke strongly upon the case of these men , and detailed the case of a young man , named _Knowles , brother-in-law to Mr . West , whom it was well known was innocently transported , and trusted the convention would consider the case of these men . Mr . Tattersall suggested an amendment in Mr . NuttalPs motion , that it should include all political prisoners , Mr . West wanted a general principle laid down ,

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      that the people should always petition for the redress of any grievance under which they might be labouring . .- _,....,.. _- ¦ -: _^ The letter from Mr . Frost was again read , many delegates being absent when itwas previously read , and a considerable manifestation of feeling took place . "' ¦ - .. Mr . Bairstow could not consent to the vital spirit of Chartism , as represented in this convention , appearing before the House of Commons for other measures to the exclusion of the People ' s Charter . He wished for all their grievances to be included , and that it should be an instruction to the address committee to embody them . Mr . Marsden : if he must beg , he should like to be placed in a position to awe the Parliament , and not to be kicked by them . Let them make the struggle a national one . Let the case of Frost , Williams , and Jones be brought prominently forward , and a national struggle take place for _. their release . The resolution was then carried with Mr .

      Bairstow ' s suggestion . _^ The address committee was ordered to report at a four o ' clock , and the arrangements of the public meeting were also referred to them . The meeting ' then adjourned .

      AFTERNOON SITTING . The address committee stated they were not prepared to report , and were allowed until eight o ' clock in the evening . Mr . Shaw moved , and Mr . Yardley seconded , "That it be an instruction to the committee to recommend the getting lip of a Central Exiles' Restoration Committee . " Mr . Yardley advised the keeping ofthe petitions and memorials distinct one from another . Mr . O'Connor expressed a similar opinion . Mr . Shaw explained that in London they had always got up separate petitions , although they were all adopted at the same meetings .

      Mr . Mooney : In Todmorden they took advantage of the presence of the Messrs . AVheeler to get up petitions for Frost , Williams , Jones , and EUis , and he was sure that the effect would not be speedily lost in Todmordcn and Hebden Bridge . The recommendation was then unanimously carried . A letter was read from Mr . Henry Ross , of London . Mr . "West impressed upon the meeting the necessity of having Chartist candidates at the ensuing elections . He thought if they had no candidates who would represent them , they should propose working-men , and , if carried , they should endeavour to take their seats in the House of Commons . They

      would , probably , be arrested ; but they must be prepared for that . They should also endeavour to have an audience with her Majesty if they were again aiTGStGd . it would force their opinions on the public . He should move the following resolution : — "That at the next general election the Chartist body be prepared with Chartist candidates to propound and support our principles npon _thehustings . " Mr . O'Connor seconded the resolution , but disagreed with the views expressed by Mr . West . A man could legitimatel y take his seat in thc House ; ne could also legitimately murder a man , and then he would be legitimately hung for it . Mr . O'Connnn _+ l ___ n _ . _ i __ . _ . _ _. _ l 4-t . _ . J . _ . !_ . X-. 1— ____ . __ . __ . nui Hiw _oiuitgu various luriuuiti

      - mc w ue guuu through before a man could take _hisseat in the House of Commons . Mr . Donovan feared the plan could not be carried out . He had seen it fail at the last election . If Mr . Leach was put up at Manchester , if he had not the money to pay fov the hustings he would be speedily handed over to the police . A man who , like Mr . O'Connor , could defy the power of the local authorities , might perhaps have a chance of success . t Mr . Pickvance thought the spirit of the resolution had been previously adopted . "" ' ' _^ _H . <~ - - _'" . *¦'' - ; ' " - Mr . Briggs stated , that in Sheffield they had carried tlieir candidate by show of hands , and no money was demanded . .

      Mr . O'Connor stated that expenses could not be legally demanded until the election was over . He bad many times been a candidate without having to pay the expenses . Mr . Mitchell thought it could be easily effected by the districts entering into a subscription for the purpose . They had nobly done it at the last county election at Wakefield , They needed only union and concentration . Mr . West agreed to insert the words " wherever prudent" in his resolution . Mr . Seagrave was in favour of the resolution . At Wigan , at the last election , they elected Mr . Dixon by a large majority . _Tlieieaolution was then carried unanimously .

      Mr . Nuttall thought that some explanation was necessary regarding the position of the Executive , whether they intended to resign , as some persons supposed , owing to their position as director of the Land Society . Mr . O'Connor stated , that the Chartist Executive became directors of the Land Society because of the confidence reposed in them . If ever the duties of the Executive became too onerous for them to perform , he could safely say that , as honourable men , they would resign . Regarding the funds , he might say , with Mrs . Gins * , "First catch your hare , then eook it . " They were able , he believed , to conduot , by a little extra exertion , both the social and political features of the movement , and he trusted that this

      convention would not separate until they had given a decided opinion upon the conduct ofthe Executive . ' Mr . Yardley stated , that his constituents highly approved of the conduct of the Executive , and wished that other towns had supported the Executive as Oldham had done . He should move , " That we have the fullest confidence in the Executive , and return them our thanks for their past services . " Mr . Mitchell seconded the resolution . Mr . Doyle stated , positively and solemnly , that fhe Executive had no intention of resigning ; they would never be guilty of such dastardly conduct as to desert the cause in tho hour of need . Mr . Nuttall was perfectly satisfied with the explanation of Mr . O'Connor , but wished other parties

      aiso to bo satisfied . Mr . Clark could not imagine how such an opinion could have been entertained , they never thought of resigning when they only received a few shillings per week , and it was not likel y they should resign now that they were otherwise provided for . Mr . Moss stated that his constituents highly approved of the conduct of the Executive , and had ever supported them to the utmost of their power . Mr . Mooney thought that the appearance of the delegates at this convention , on the summons of the Executive , was aproof of their confidence , sufficient for any reasonable person . Mr . West : If the Chartist organization was perfect , as it ought to be , he thought they ought to be a body distinct from the directors of theLand Society ; but at present they acted like bad masters , they employed servants , and did not pay them , and there * fore ought to be thankful for their gratuitous

      exertions . Mr . Donovan : Surprise was expressed that the directors should be supposed to be about resigning ; he knew not how it got about , but he positively heard the names of a new Executive about to be appointed . The Executive were not the servants of the Chartist body ; they had ordered a levy from another body for their support , and it was support that this convention would elect a new Executive . Mr . O'Connor : Mr . Donovan had opened a new

      view ofthe question ; would he be kind enough to name who the new Executive were ? If they were more fit , ho knew the present body would then have no objection to resign . Mr . Donovan : As the convention seemed unanimous on the point , bethought it would bc ill-timed to individualize the subject , and thus create bickerings and paper war . Mr . West : As we do not pay the Executive , we have no claim upon their services . The contract made with them wasnuM and void , and their services were therefore gratuitous .

      Mi * . Pilling wished to know if funds accumulated for the Executive , in what manner were they to be disbursed 1 Mr . O'Connor stated that it would be the duty of the Executive to employ lecturers , and otherwise expend the money collected in furtherance of Chartist

      purposes . Mr . Bealo , the delegate from _Birmingham , moved the following resolution , in accordance with instructions received from his constituents : ¦ — "That we recommend to the various constituencies , represented in this convention , the propriety of defraying the expenses of the delegates , as we deem it to be highly discreditable on the part of the Chartist body , to allow our worthy treasurer , Mr , Feargus O'Connor , to pay , from his own private resources , demands which , in common justice , ought

      to be defrayed by ourselves . " Mr . Shaw seconded the resolution . The men of London scouted the idea of Mr . O'Connor paying their delegates ; they thought ho had suffered sufficiently ahfeady . Messrs . Emmett , Webber , and other delegates , supported the motion , which was carried _unanji uiaualy . Mr . Donovan moved that the proposed demonstration on _Kersall-moor , on _, New Year ' s Day , bechanced to Stephenson-square , Manchester , but , to ensure success , there mUBtbo agitation in the surrounding villages . .

      Mr . O Connor seconded the resolution , but wished its consideration to be deferred until after the evening meeting , which was agreed to , it was then resolved— rhat the best thanks of this convention be given to those constituencies who had so nobly responded to the call of the Executive . "— " That the thanks of this convention be given to Philip M'Grath , for his conduct in the chair , and also to Mr . Sweet tor his services as vice-chairman . " _Ninefrmeslnine cheers were then given for the Charter , for bun combe , for O'Connor , < kc , and the convention broke up , after a short sitting , but one that will be remarkable in the annals of Chartism for the promptitude of its decisions , the energy oiits d eterminations . SSI and friendsMp which chara _««* its i * or the Address of the Convention b »< s page 4 , 1

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  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 27, 1845, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_27121845/page/1/