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Northern Star (1837-1852), 27th December 1845, Edition 4 of 4, Page unpag, CHARTIST CONVENTION

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    • ¦ flUBRAH-! TOR THE CHARTER !
    • CHARTIST CONVENTION
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      ¦ Flubrah-! Tor The Charter !

      ¦ _flUBRAH- ! TOR THE CHARTER !

      « Onward, We Conquer—Backward ,*And We F...

      « Onward , we conquer—backward , * and we fall . " TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS _, jit _Belovjbd Fbiends , —This is _Chriatauuj-day , _l . utno hohday _& rnie . _Bowerer , the work that I have to perform is of so cheering a nature , that I consider it is a valuable Christmas-box—more valuable than anything you could have conferred upon _uje . It is the work of praising you to yourselves . In _^ e outset , I wish yon not many happy returns of such a day as many of you will spend , but I wish yon

      _jaany such happy _Chnstmases as I hope and trust are in store for you ; and now to my subject . Have vou thoug ht of the point where oppression and _granny stopped Chartism in 1842 ? Have you _tiiong ht ofthe many who have since deserted us , and who , palliate their own treachery , have never _cea"sed their endeavour to sow confusion in our _jjjjks ? Have you thought of the intermediate nr « 5 perity—more prosperity than within the same * m e was ever known in Britain ? Have you thought _« f tout own apathy , caused by a roaring trade and ihe laws' intimidation ? And have you , when

      reflecting upon those things , ever thought that Chartism was dead ! And when you learned that its bitterest foes , the Whigs , had returned to office , did -tout sp iri ts shrink within you at the notion that it _^ _ras a visitation , a malison , a curse upon your heads , a triumph tomark your littleness ? And have vou read and heard of the magical manner in which Chartism , with all those odds and false appearances ? ca . inst it , has risen from its slumber , and once more knocked the presumptuous monster in the head ? Oh _mighty people ! who , but one short fortnight since , would have imagined that the slumbering masses could have been more easily summoned to action than wakeful and ever-grasping Toryism , than watchful and ever-ready "ffhi ggism ? Did you

      not imag ine that the machinery , so long unused , had become rusty _. ahd would require some time to put it into working order ? Who would have ever thou ° ht , who could have ever thought , that in eight and forty hours after write were issued to thirty of the m ost important Chartist towns , that the response -would have been a delegate from each , testifying the resolution of their constituents to march onwarda 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 it is so 3 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 and forty hours .

      My friends , deny it who can , if we were represented by the press as factions and sections of all denominations are , this '' great fact" would , of itself , be sufficient to proclaim our superiority . _Seethe meetings which ' lave taken place within the last fortnight of the people's party , and not a single notice by the uress , except a passing insolent comment , such as that of the _ifimenester Guardian upon the Rochdale meeting , stating that it was but thinly attended . Will not those present give the scribbler the lie ? Will not the faet , that £ 2 or £ 3 was collected by voluntary _snhseription after the meeting , give the

      scribbler the lie ? while it will prove that the meeting was not only numerous but satisfied . You 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 upon the object most dear to it . Look to the fact that the Times newspaper has made it one of its flies to fish for sectional popularity ; and look to the -f act , that the Times 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 LINE OF THE PROCEEDINGS !! And why 1 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 wonld have shown the question , to the world , not iu the party gath in _Vthich the Times wonld present it for party purposes , but to show it in its true and veritable Chartist colours , as a people ' s question , not as the stalking horse of faction . Again , look tp the miserably meagre report of the Guardian i again , look to the fact of

      thirtyfive delegates meeting at Manchester , and not noticed hy one single scribbler ! Look to the meetings we have had within the last ten days . Look fo the Land Conference sitting for a week , composed of the very wisest of the working-class order , and not a line , acomment , except a flying dash by the ASS whese _je-ilonsy 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 our policy down the very throat

      Olfaction . How , then , is this to be accomplished ? By those means , which Air . Suncombe tells us shonld sow absorb our undivided consideration—THE REPRESENTATION OF OUR PRINCIPLES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS . Duncombe has done more for Chartism in the House , th an in ten years Chartism could have done for itself out ofthe House . When wegct there they must represent us , and , therefore , it is indispensable that we make a struggle to accomplish that object . I shall be the better able to forward it , because , my resolution not 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 you had taken the advice that 1 gave you iu September , 1833 , when I pointed out the mode of doing that which you 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 are nearly equal—we must get up a vigorous , a . bold , a determined agitation ; committees should at once be appointed for this pur pose . Exclusive bkaung should be resorted to , and no means at your disposal shonld he left untried to secure a single seat . This is the way to ensure representation ; this is the way

      to ensurerespect . 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 ieel called upon to expound the most important part of oar policy , as embodied in our resolutions . We first resolve that the Chartists shall remain a distinct and separate body—we secondly resolve , that neither the League , the Whigs , nor Daniel O'Connell shall have the gratifying opportunity of charging ua with having starved the - poor . We are not prepared to give to tree trade the double reward arising from increased speculation and public sympathy , based upon WHAT IT WOHLL _HAJE DONE HAD

      NOT THE RASCALLY CHARTISTS OBSTRUCTED IT . But , nevertheless , our policy does not go the length of allowing the League to use the opportunity offemine , and our tenderness to _advance the PRINCIPLES OF FREE TRADE ; we but tolerate the act , UNDER EXISTING CIRCUM STANCES ; hut we do not thereby recognize the efficacy of the measure as a means of bettering your condition until , in the words of theresolution , power conferred upon the whole people shall make the change a national , instead of a class benefit .

      Now , my friends , the way that I would construe that pdicy in letter , in spirit , and in honour , is this . We leave free trade wholly oat of the question . The _people themselves say that they ought not to live under the apprehension of heing starved , While there is a -prospect of getting food from _anywhere . Their representatives say the same . Then the question arises as to how that policy can be cartied out without giving a triump h to the principle . 1 think the sixth resolution provides against such a contingency ; but as those that bear upon this branch bf the subject should be taken as a whole , I will sketch the general policy from their spirit .

      Firstly , we affirm that food may be required , and , ihC Tefo *< , asiar as procuring food goes , we _should " £ » e not only no obstruction , but we should give every ¦ _assistance in our power to provide an immediate _Remedy , before famine , starvation , and . _WWlt « ° nie 3 ampine upon ns _, _yfhat I recommend then is just _* hat I reeommendedin 1840 . That in every town a wnuaittee of observation be appointed , and that that _committer attend every meeting called fov the pur-

      « Onward, We Conquer—Backward ,*And We F...

      pose of providing against scarcity , and tiliat 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 ' , as 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 poliey ; but if , upon the other hand , any wild theorist , who should not be able to properly estimate the toleration that , 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 .

      Now , the eifect of this course will be , to keep tho League in the strai ght 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 of 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 over us .

      My friends , —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 _deswted us when wc had ' nt the means of paying for their patriotic enthusiasm . It took two days to discuss six resolutions , and each and all , after a calm and earnest examination , were passed _. not only unanimousl y , 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 _Eeighley , and , _upsn settling accounts with the delegates , I found that he only mentioned his travelling expences , which 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 , axd 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 forthe restoration of Fro 3 t , 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 tho hustings—that If you wish to sea a dozen Chartist lecturers keeping our ground and battling our foes—if you wish to see a body of men 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 th » future . I am determined that poverty shall not stand in the way ofthe

      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 have had the advantage of my poor ability , aud by next Saturday I hope , for your honour , to be able to announce , not only the discharge of the debt , but a surplus to carry on the war . I'fvel confident in your honour ; but if I lose the money , it will not deter me from pursuing the same course when TOUR principles are again endangered from the assaults of prepared faction . Farewell , my friends , and , again I say , think what a revival the heaven-bom principle has had . . - i

      Ever your faithful friend and unpurchasable servant , FSARGUS O'CoSHOH . 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 that the proceeds be instantly transmitted to mc , in order to enable the Executive to see what strength they can enlirt as expounders of the Chartist faith . F . O'C .

      And National Tmbms' Jouen1t,

      AND NATIONAL TMBMS' JOUEN 1 T ,

      J_L___ X- «Q- 424. Londontsatok^Idicembe...

      J _ l ___ X- « _Q- 424 . _LONDOnTsaTOK _^ IdICEMBER 27 , 1845 . _ . '_' J ___ j __«^^ _•;„_ * " ilffv— : ; : -. ! : 1 _1 ... -. _¦¦¦* . ; ! :

      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 , 1815 . The delegates assembled in the Carpenters' Hall , Manchester . Mr . Wild , of Mottram , in the absence of the president , was called to the chair . Credentials were received from : — Mr . G . W . vFheeler , Reading and Norwich . — Robert Wild , Mottram , Staleybridge , and Hyde . — John Shaw , London . Messrs . Donovan and Nuttall , Manchester . — Canning , Wigan . — Marsden , Preston . — Elias Hitchen , Hebden Bridge .

      — Mooney , Todmorden . — Jones , Leeds . — Sweet , Nottingham . — John _Beala , Birmingham . — Richard Pilling , Ashton-uhder-Lyne . — Mitchell , Rochdale . — Pickvance , Bolton . — John Lawson , Halifax , Lower Warley , Sowerbv — W . Bell , Heywood . — Briggs , Sheffield . — Yardley , Oldham . — Almond , Blackburn . — Tattersall , Burnley . — Webb , Stockport . — J . WestMacclesfield .

      , It was then resolved that 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 .

      _AFTEUSOON _SIIT 1 NG . Mr . M'Grath in the chair . Credentials were received from : — Mr . J . Emmett , Keighley . — Michael Seagraves , Barnsley . — Wilkinson , Derby . — John Moss , Hanloy and Shelton . — Cole , Bradford . Mr . O'Connor read the following letter from Mr . Duncombe , which was received with acclamation : — Mr Dear _Fbabgus—I have just received yours . 1

      collect from it the policy you propose to pursue , and highly approve of the plan that you suggest . Let the factions fight and knock 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 constant changes of 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 _u-s is to look after our own , and to see that our _peopx _^ are not bamboozled . As to the proposed demonstration at _Kersal Moor , I think it premature . Demonstrations may be resorted to as a great auxiliary to the _popular causa , but then their efficacy and importance should not be wasted on slight occasions , as , like petitions , they might lose their effect . I

      think you had better _up-husband the popular strength for times that would more require its exhibition ; and as to your 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 jir _codxtbvme . v , and , however tho apostacy of false leaders may have unjustly earned for thein the character of fickleness , I defy any one to point me out one sing le instance of the English people _abandoning their principles , or flinching from the most dangerovs position , until fear , or the Treasury sharpshooters , had frightened off , or shot off , their leaders . _Ti' _-j fact is that the people are always too forward for their leaders , and until our time their noble zeal and truly English courage have been made political barter of . Once let the people know and believe that their leaders are true , honest , sincere , brae and

      The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...

      prudent , and then you need have no fear of Winching or wavering . I think the virtuous stand and manly struggle made by the Chartists in the 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 principles . I had no doubt , as I think I proves ! b y testing tlieir principles in the presence of those-leaders who sought to rob them of their triumphs Iff depriving them of their leaders i Yon say that yovs are cautious to move without the consent of fee leader who struggled for the people while hi prison and visited them in their dungeons . The very confidence that

      the people honour nse with makes me more cautious , as I am awa _***? of the impossibility of retrieving one false step . I most hi ghly approve of the policy of keeping the _Citsrtist party distinet and separate from- all otlicrs , _watcMng events and profit ' ing b y change . I hold it to bean impossibility much longer to govern _tlse growing _geaius of this country , by the very best choice or _selection to be made from the old political parties . I say , therefore , let not the Chartist party—of wh _» h I have the proud boast of being a member—disband , or retreat , * or join an y other party whatever , while I think their immediate policy should he to oshanst all available means to insure as large a representation of their own _pi-in _*

      ciples as possible in the next Parliament . This , in my mind , should absorb all other _conmderation- _* just now . llighly approving of the representation of the working classes by their own delegates , I shall now condude 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 tlieir principles , that I , if I stood alone , should advocate"them in ray place in Parliament , because 1 believe them just , and 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 . _DWfCOMDE .

      P . S . —At any time that my presence or council will be of sen-ice to the working classes , I shall bo 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 , & c ., T . S . D . The reading of this letter was received with several rounds of cheers . Mr . O'Connor then read the following resolutions aa embodying the line of policy laid down by the Executive of the National Charter Association : — That the Chartist party remains a distinct and separate body , not agitating for any measure short of the People ' s Cliarter , whole and entire .

      Thnt the Chartist party shall be prepared with a national petition , embodying our principles , to be _presented to the House of Commons , by Thos . S . Duncombe , Esq ., after a general election shall _luyo constituted a new representation . That in the event ofa general election taking place , it wiU 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 _Inthn event of no Chartist candidate being in the field , in such case , preference sliaU 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 Chartist party in a false position , if they continued their op . position to a repeal of the Corn Laws , that , nevertheless , having no faith whatever in the efficacy of that measure , as a means of bettering the condition of the working classes , that we abstaiu from taking any part calculated to make our approval of the principles of free trade , without _political power being conferred upon the whole pooplc to make the change a national , instead of a cluss l < euefit . That , in order to carry out ths spirit ofthe 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 shall tender our strength only to those whose measures are best calculated to advance the principles of the People ' s Charter . .

      That in the event of public meetings being called to test public opinion , it will be the . bounder , duty of the Chartist party to move their principles , as an amendment , to any proposition calculated to lead to the notion that Chartism has been merged in any 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 . _Ue had submitted them to the public at Manchester—to the men who had keptthe spark of liberty alive , and whicli this convention would raise into a

      flame throughout all the land . The resolutions had likewise been submitted to the men of Rochdale , Bacup , Hebden Bridge , and Todmorden—mensecond to none in tlie movement . These places had all given in their adhesion to the resolutions , which were also quite in 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 i . 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 a new Douse . Mr . Wild would agree to petition a new Hoii 3 C , but was decidedly opposed to petitioning the presentone . 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 give up this legal right while they had money to purchase a single sheet of paper .

      Mr . O'Connor : Petitioning was the only method oy which they could make their principles generally known , He found , while he was on tho continent , that their principles wero utterly unknown , and that the Chartists were considered to be the Lazaroni ol 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 exertion- * were made , we should have a petition with five millions of signatures . Ireland and Scotland would both be with us on the next occasion .

      Mr . Doyle : What but petitioning had crushed that infamous measure , the Masters' and Servants' Bill ? Discussions in the House of Commons were reported , but let them hold 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 principle *; were duly reported , as tliey would b j 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 tiie statement of Mr . Wheeler . He believed that if something of this sort was not adopted tlie 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 of the means of currying out any measure which _thay might have devised for the welfare ofthe Chartist cause .

      Mr . Donovan s constituents were in favour cf local petitions . Mr . Bell was in favour of the motion . Mr . Nuttall waa in favour of pet itioning the present House , to show that we were alivo . Mr . O'Connor : A national petition was the great gun ; the local petitions were the li ght artillery that should follow it . Mr , Marsden and Mr , Mooney supr dried tbe motion .

      The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...

      _'tfMr , Tattersall would support the resolution , if it _Wpld include getting iip petitions for the release of _tir'sj'fexiles . 'M _ft-srs . Yardleyand Hitchins took the same view . . The resolution was carried unanimously . _; Besolution 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 , andvif a man had two hours' spare time a day , there » little doubt but thoy would devote it to the causeof liberty . . , Mr . Nuttall ' : Wha _* t course should they adopt if no such candidate canie _forward ?

      Mr . West—if no such candidate was to be found , thsil , ofc 6 _m- » Hwa 8 tbe « Hlty of the Chartist body to put up a _cimSidate of tbrir own , to give expression to their own _Drinsiples . V _^ Mr . Donovan w & wed to _kriw what thoy should do with such men _aisMilner Gfibson , the member for Manchester , who I * opposed to Ihe Ten Hours' Bill , though he has voted for the Charter , and is a _Cern Law repealer . _iMr . O'Connor—Mr .. Vuncombv is a Cbr » Law repealer , and yet we al _^ s support him , aa he is a Chartist . If they will support the Charter they should receive our _support

      - ; Mr . Tattersall—How _ars we to get Chartist candidates ? At the last eleeJion I wa _* nominated , biff tbo > Mayor _vreuld not ler- me / speak without pro : # Mii » j _* j |« lny _;^ . ; Mr . O'Connor explained thfflaw , and slowed that the mayor acted _illegally . Mr . Nuttall thought , with his * colleague , that Mr . _Gibson was not worthy of tlieir support . Mr . Doyle—In all eases prefer » man who-will go for the Charter . Mr , Mitchell _supported the _resolution , and slated , that Sharman Crawford would _gofoslhe whole . Messrs . Webb , Jonas , and Einraett supported the resolution , wliich was carried _unseimously .

      Mr . O'Connor _intvodu-sed the _fourth resolution , Sn a speeeh of great force and eloquence . The resolution was thun moved by Mr . Shaw . His constituents were determined to oppose the League with reason and discussion , whenever they could get a chance ; but i ( f was well known they were afraid to give them _the-opportiinity in > London . Mr . Seagrave seconded _tlie-jesolution , and' stated , that if it was not adopted , itt would place as in an awful position relative to Irela / ad , if , by opposing the repeal of the Corn Laws , we- supported the high Tories , and gave the Orange _faution the dominating

      power . Mr . West supported tho motion , as they musfcpav attention to the signs of the times . Mr . Wild was in tbe habit of _mirsing with different political parties , and was confident that we showld fall into an error if wc opposed the League . If the measure was defeated in Parliament , all the blame would be laid on the Chartists . If we remained neuter , we should becarrying out our old and correct policy . No Chartist , however simple , could misconstrue the policy laid down in the resolution . Wc only agree not to oppose the League , owing tothe deficiency of tho harvest .

      Mr . Donovan was opposed to allowing the public to believe that the Chartists were in any way acting in concert , or giving way to the Anti-Corn Law League . 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 hi $ 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 was in favour of opening the ports . Mr . Tattersall thought we should make many enemies if we opposed the Leagne at present . lie 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 . . Mr . 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 hy so doing . When the proper timo oamo ; -ho , for . one , should not be backward in assisting to give them a good drubbing . Mr . Emmett : The opinion of the 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 againsta repeal ofthe Corn Laws would be thrown away ; the people were led away by the prospect of famine . Mr . Clark : The future fortune of the cause depends upon the decision of this conference . He thought we could not attend meetings of tlie 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 meetin"S of our own .

      Mr . Wilkinson said liis constituents were in favour of the resolution . Mr . Moss : Th » people in Hanley were _opposod to any ' opposition to the _League . Mr . O'ConnOi' : There was a time for policy , a time for expedience , but there was also a time for 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 _lovds , 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 views , 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 which might _bj the death of thousands ; the people would soon see and repent of tlieir errors if they depended on the promises of the League .

      . Mr . T . M . Wheeler believed that it was in the power of the Chartist party to stop a repeal of the Com Laws , but in the preseut crisis he should be sorry to share such a responsibility . Ho was confident that in . London , Stockport , and many other 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 , and the Chartists would be the party upou whom the brunt of the warfare would fall . He should , therefore , strongly support the resolution . Mr . Bell : He should do ai he ever had done , give his views plainly , at any _meetLa upon the question of the Corn Laws , and that would be taken for opposition .

      Mr . Canning agreed with Mr . Bell ' s views , he thought we should recommend the people to keep away from their meetings . Mr . Donovan : If a repeal of the Corn Laws , in Yorkshire and Lancashire , were placed _auainst 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 . Ho should vote for the resolution , as it did not debar them , under circumstances , from opposing tha League . He thought it best not to attend their _meetings . If 100 , 000 Chartists were at a . meeting , and only 300 Corn Law repealers , and the 300 held up their bands , and the Chartists did not , the _whoJe meeting would be taken for Corn Law repealers . Let _tkmi pass another substantive resolution , _s'atkgthat Chartists should not attend their "neeting _* . Mr . Webb agreed with Mr . Dosovan .

      Mr . M'Grath was proud to see the unanimity that prevailed . With respect to th * threatened scarcity he thought the opening of the poris a matter ol absolute necessity , lie would si _^ n a petition to that effect to-morrow . He wonld to God that tho Corn Laws were erased from th & statute book ; their repeal would prove the truth , of Chartist predictions , lie thought it unwise to attend any of the Anti-Corn Law meetings . 'flic resolution was then carried unanimously . Mr . O'Connor then read the fifth resolution , and showed that it would , give confidence to the Chartist party . Mr , Or . Wheeler moved the resolution , and said they must fellow out the course laid down , or they would be _forgetful of the name and principles of the Charter , and the press would ring with the tidings that _Chavtpjm , was dend ; in fact , it already asserted so , and it -was necessary that it should be speedily _contradicted .

      Mr . Ivlooney seconded tlio resolution . Mr . Marsden thought that a clear line o ' f policy should be laid Jown . The League intended holding nwistermeetings during the course of ihe spring ; at those meetings they would propose tlie Corn Laws _» a a remedy for national grievances ; what course should the Chartists then adopt ? Mr , O'Connor : If they put the repeal of the Corn

      The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...

      Laws forth a » the onl y panacea for public wrongs , then he would mount the platform to show them that the Chai'Jer was a superior measure . Mr . Donovan was in favour of the resolution . If it was not carried it would allow other parties to ride rough-shod over them . The motion was withdrawn for the presenf . ¦ Miv _* Webb _isoved , and Mr . West seconded , tho sixth-resolution , which was carried unanimously , and the convention then adjourned .

      _retsnxr _JlOBSIXO . A letter was read from John Frost , which was received with great attention ; fresh slips were ordered to be printed for the erening ' s meeting . Mr . O'Connor then _vesvmed the discussion- on the resolution which was _^ withdrawn the previous evening , and stated tbat If anything « ould _induee him to remain firm to that resolution , it -was the spirit wliich he iiad seen evinced , especially by the _females , at a large meeting at llocluble . We Must _toletflU the League owing to the fainii _* , but never-desert our principles . Mr . Donovan _stfpngly supported the resolution ; principles with the Chartist pa ? t ) y ' when fairly tested , were stronger thnn e _? en hunger . He _should propose the resolution with the _oniiosiDn of the words " political principles . " ' Mr . Tattersall wished to know' whetbw it was meant to apply to an agitation lbs * the Ten Hours ' ¦

      Bill . "" Mr . O'Connor : _Dsci _& dly hot ; the Ten Hours ' Bill was one of the legs ol * Chartism *; . it stood in the same relation as the Poor Law Amesdment Act , , or the restoration of Frost , _if'ilJiariis , and Jones , and it was not likely they would * ' be _placed in * opposition to Chartism . Messrs . Clark and Doyle cx'fffessed _simsiar- opinions . Mr . Wild ; The resolution- was open to- _miseon-• . . truction . Meetings were ofSen called to- consider _thedistress of the country ; if the Corn La _ws-wcre proposed as- a > panacea , they wou ! d- be found to- place the _Cliai'tei * in _opposition to _thafcor any ainHlar measure . He didi not consider that would be aay . violation of the resolutions previously-passed .

      Mr . _O- 'GoiHior did not think _ftfte resolution-could be improved ' he should _commenVopon and _explain it and the other resolutions in the _* iYor ( ne « i Stow , and the delegates * would do the same in their districts . There waa a great difference between not opposing the opening oS the ports , and the- admission of the general principles of free trade . Mr . Doyle : In his opinion they ha * b no business to attend lectures or other private meetings of the League , , and in tbat respect their proceedings had hitherto been faulty ; but if public meetings were called that was quite a different thing-Mr . _Tatteisall proposed a similar resolution , which was afterwards withdrawn .

      Mr . M'Grath expressed his opinion _oa _> the impolicy of attending private League meetings . Mr . West denied the imoolicy of attending League meetings in past times , if the Chartists- were placed on an equality with Leaguers in the eye of the law , it would be wrong to force our opinions upon them ; but wliile the working men were slaves , it . was the only wise policy to be adopted , lie wouldnever let them suppose tbat he was a contented slave . Mr . O'Connor was happy to hoar what fell- from Mr . West . If ticketed meetings were takemadvantage of by the League , he , for one , at the risk of his life , would attend them . If they attempted to-thrust their opinions _upo * the pubiie as the expression of public opinion , it was the duty of the people to oppose them . He confessed to no error ; he deemed

      the course pursued to be perfectly light ; it was the very reason he opposed the resolution of Mr . Parry at Birmingham , in the Sturge conference . He had not abated one iota of his hatred to the damnable system pursued by the League capitalists of this country .. Air . 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 wliolo London press to admit that no meetings could be called , for any object , at which the Chartists' prin eiple was not triumphant . Mr . Jones wished io 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 1 was convinced at the time that I w » a acting wrong ; but if I had not done so 1 should have been denounced as a- traitor . At _Leeds I went , not to oppose or break np the meeting , but ta discuss the question ; and when I _attempted to speak 1 was draggeu oil' 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 _^ unghiils that we have achieved in

      Manchester _ouf 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 . Mr . 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 ; chey had done so ; they had made them shift their l ne of policy , until they made the labour question the one great question of tlie 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 dono wrong ; obstruction and antagonism was the life ' s blood ot Chartism ; they wore 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 ot the Corn Laws , but thoy could not see that they would be productive of benefit to them . Ho never knew a man in a mechanical employ who thought to benefit by them , unless accompanied by other measures . 11 they attended lectures by the League , _andthey thought proper to answer questions , 'twas well ; if not . it wits 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 p ast 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 , a :. u . 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 Clnt > --tist body particularly to pursue the line of _policy lakl down in them . " Carried unanimously .

      Mr . Nuttall moved and Mr . O'Connor seconded she following resolution - . — " That wc recommend to tlie 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 similns- means should be taken relative to petitions for the Shartcr . Mi * . O'Connor showed the inutility of _ptiiitioifiiig the present Parliament for the Charter , and _stated the disinclination of _Hv . Duncombe to _havcthc people insulted by presenting one to the present House . Mr . Shaw strongly recommended local and

      individual petitions for the above object , and stateu that the metropolis was acting with great spirit ia this matter . Mr . West was strongly iu favour of petitioning Parliament ; He once stood almost alon « on that subject . He trusted they woul I bring not only those subjects , but all their grievances , before the country by means of petitioning Parliament . Get _raun in the habit of working in the habit ot petitioning , and they would as readily think of purchasing a sheet ol paper for a , petition on Saturday night as think ot purchasing their tea or tobacco . Ml . Wild proposed an amendment' , embodyirig Mr . 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 . lloylc , a victim of thestrike in 1842 , calling attention to the case of the victims transported b y Abijiger at the Liverpool special commission . Mr . Yardley spoke strongly upon the case of these men , and detailed tlie 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 tho case oi these men .

      Mr . Tattersall suggested an amendment in Mr . _Suttall ' s mot \ on , that it should include all political prisoners . Mr . _Westii wanted a general principle laid down

      The Extraordinary Meeting Of Chartist De...

      that the people _shOuM always petition Parliament 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 it was 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 . lie wished for all their grievances to be included , and that it should be an instruction to the address committee to embody thein .

      - 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 tho case of Frost , Williams , and Jones bo broughtpromiiiently 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 four o'clock , and the arrangements of the public meeting were also referred to them . The meeting then adjourned . AFIEBSOO . V 8 ITI _1 SO . The address committee stated they were not prepared to report , and were allowed until eight o ' clock in the _evesing .

      Mr . Shaw _mortd , and Mr . Yardley seconded , "That it fe an instruction to the committee to recommend the * getting np oi ' a Central Exiles' Restoration Conjaiittce . " Mr . Yardley advised the keeping of tlie _petitions and memorials _itfstinctwie from another . Mr . O'Connor express _**!» similar _opin-iM _) _.-Mr . Shaw cxphuned that in London they had always got up _septate _pefciioiis-, although _Shey were all adopted at the _isnue _meeffing _*? . Mr . Mooney : In _Todmorchn they took advantage ; of the presence of ihe Messrs ' . Whcsler to get up petitions for Frost , Williams , Jbnes , aad Ellis ; arnol he was sure that the c _^ ect _vwmkl'not be speedily lost in Todmorden and Ilc _& leii'Brid _; _i- _* 0 _' The _rccommendati-Hi' was " then- _usflnimously carried , A letter was read 3 som- Mr / 'Henry' BiAs * , of London .

      Mr , West impressed _ujfon - the m . wting-the neces sity of _h-tvi _**^* ; Chartis t candidates at' - the _elisuin-j ' elections . Ms thought if they had no * candidate * who would represent _tliera , they should propuse ' _working-iium , aud , if carried } they should endeavour ; to take _thw-r scats in the House of Commons . They j would , probably , be arrested ; , but they must be prepared' for that . They _shcohLalso endeavour to ihave an- audieiwe with her Majesty if they-were again arrested ; . i 4 would force their _opinians on the public , lie should move the following resolution : —

      ' That at the- next general efcctiou the Chartist body be- prepared- with Ch & _rtUb cui-.-dida . tca to propound and support onr principles _apon- the hustings . " Mr . O'Connor _sseonded the resolution , but disagreed _, with the viows expressed by * Mr . VVe 3 t . A man could _legitimately take his seat in the House ; . he could-also JegitiMtwtely murder a i _«» _' \ , and thei « , he would be legitimately hung for it ; Mr . _O'Coniiior then showed the various fommkt to be gone i through before a nun-could take _hiasa-vfc in-the liouser of

      Comraonsi-Mr . Donovan feared ihe plan could _wtiLo carried out . Ho had seen , it _ivwlat the last _elation . If Mr-Leach was-put up at Manchester , if _fia had not the money to pay- tW the liuetiugs he woukl lie speedily handed over to the police . A man who-, -like Air . U'Connor , could-defy tha power of the local authorities ,, might perhaps- haw a chance of _aHcees _* . . Mr . _PiCkVIllloe thought tlio spirit of _tuo-ratsolutiou had been previously adoptsdi . Mr . Briggs stated-, that _in-Slieffield they . -had carried their candidate by . _show-of hands , and -no money was demanded .

      Mi-. O'Connor stated that expenses _coukl-uot be legally demanded- until th * election was-uver . lie _hiuTiniwiy times- been a candidate _withouthaving topay th . * _j expensesv Mr . Mitchell thought it canld bo easily effected by the districts entering into- a subscriptiou-ibr the purpose . They had nobly done it- at- the lost-county election at Wakefield . They needed only union and concentration . Mr .. West _agreed * to- insert tlie words " wherever prudent" in his resolution . Mr . Seagrave was Ln favour of tho resolution _^ At Wigan ,. at the last election ,, thev . elected Mr . Dixon by a large majority . The : esoJatiou was _thencarrisd-unaninious _>*; _-v-Mi _* . NuttalL thought that sonic explanation , was necessary regarding ihe _poaishn . of tho Executive , whether they intended to resign ,, as some parsons supposed , owing to their position ; as- director ofthe Land Society .

      Mr . O'Connor stated , that _tUc-GJiartist . Executive became directors of tlie Land Sooiety because ot . the confidence reposed in them . If oven tlie duties of the Executive became too- onerous , for them- to -perform , he could safely say tliat as-honourably men , they would resign . Ucgivrding the funds , he- might say . with * Mrs . das * , "First eatoh " y-oiu'hiu : e ,. thea cook it . " They were able , he believed , to- _eoniiuct , by a little extra exertion , botii the _socia-l anil , political features _^ of the movement , and he trusted that this convention would not separate until , they hadgiveu a decided opinion upon the conduct . _oiTthe Executive . Mr . Yardley stated , that his _eomftitiin'ii _;** liiglil >* approved of the conduct of . the _Executive ; ; u . *; wished that other town ? had supported tiie- _Exc- _'u tivo as Oldham had done . He shou . d _mo-ve „ " ¦ * ili : u . fc WC have the fullest _confidence in thu Executive , mid return them our thanks tor tlieir past services-. " ' Mr . Mitchell seconded the

      resolution-Mr . Doyle stated , positively and solemnly , that the Exbontivehad no intention of resigning -, they would never be guilty of such dastardly conduct a * to- desert the cause in tiic hour of need . Mr . iS _' iittall was perfectly satisfied with *!' _- _«• 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 _slsiilings pur week , and it was not likely they should _rasign 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 pu « m * . Mr . Mooney thought _ihat tho _appearance cf the delegates at this convention , on the _^ summons of the Executive , wasaprouf of their confidence , _suSiiicnfc tot _awy _veasouahle per » _t >» .

      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 the Land Society ; but at present they aeted like bail masters * iliey employed aorvauts , and did not pay _tlicin _, _awi therefore ought to be thankful for _tlieir gvatuitoua- exertions . Mr . Donovan : Surprise was expressed that the dii'uctoi ' s should be supposed to be about _waning ; he knew not how it got about , but he positively huard the names of a now Executive ubu'it to be appointed . The Executive were not the _ser'ants of the Chartist body ; tliey had ordered a lo ¦ ¦ _* - > from another boily for their support , and it was- suppors that this convention would elett a new Exe ' _.- _'dtive .

      Mr . O'Connor - Mr . Donovan- had _ope-ns . l a new view of the question- ; , would he be kind «« ough to naiftc who the \ uiw _ExftMU ' _w-i _w-iw-s * K * , U-v were move fit , he knew- the present body would , _shcii have no objection to resigu . Mr . Donovan :. As the couventiou _seenaed unanimous ou the p . _ohit , _hetlu 5 _» _s ; _lit it would W . ill-timnl to individualize the subject ,, and thus create _bickeringa-;> _ad paper war ; Mr , West _:-. As we do- not pay the Executive , we have no claim upon _theis * services . 'A'iie coiunici made _wiili , them was _uvU and void , and their servicedwere _therefore gratuitous . Mr . Pilling _wished to-know : il fund * accumulated for the Executive ,, in what manner _wvi-u they to be disbursed ? . Mr .. Q ? Connor ( stated that it . wouUli be the duty of the Executive _to-oiuploy . lecturers ,, nail otherwis !> _expc-ial the _isoncy . collected , in . furtherance of _Oh-- _* _-u- _* _-t

      purposes . Mr .. Scale ,, the- delegate- fuQ & _i _Bivmmyjiam _, moved the following resolution ,, in _act'ox-hiiiee with instructions remvedftoiu . bis _constituents : •—"That we _reouuiuwud . w t \ xa _variouscoustittteucie ? , 1 'Gpi'OsGntoJ . in this conventu-Ai , the r _^ opriety of defraying tho expeuses- of the uole _^ atvs , as we deem ' it to be highly _discreditable on _t _' _to part of the Chartist body _^ to allow ourworthy treasurer , Mr . _ITeargus . O'Connor , io pay , frciai his _own _. _-wvlvate _re-v sources ., demands _wlilcli , in _voinmon _jutiice , ouga _*** . to be defrayed by ourselves . " Mr-. Shaw , seconded the-resolution .. The _nicivof London scouted the idea of Mr . _O'Connor pa _^ _ipg then-delegatus . ; thoy thought he _hiuli suffered . sum .-ciontly ah'cady . Messrs . Emmett , _Wobber , and _afchcr _tldsgates , supported the motion , which was cniTlt'd _llUilhl-Miiiislv .

      Mr . Donovan moved that tho _loosed _dsnwnstration on _Kcrsall-inoor , _on'New Ye-av ' k . D . iy , _wchan _^ i _.-K to _Stcphcuson-square , Manchester , but * , to _ensiiro-Success , _tllCl'O must be agitation in the surrouadin _*** villages . % - Mr . O'Connor seconded theresolution , but wished its consideration to be deferred until after _Uiccveiv . ing meeting , which was agreed to . it was . then re solved— " That the bust thanks of this _coaventiou bo given to those constituencies who had . so ncblv

      responded to tho call of the _Exceutivij , V Thai tilt ) thanks of this convention be given _toPliilip _M'Qr _.- i Ii , ( or his conduct in the chair , and nko to Mr . Sweet for his services as viee-ehairmau . _* ' _Niia _^ _tiines _' iiiiie cheers were then given for _tVn- Charter , . iw _uunconiuo , foi' O'Connor , & e ., ar . _J Ihe convention broke up , after a short sitting , _ . __{ one that will be remarkable in the annals of Chartism for the p romptitude of its decisions , tha energy ot its _dttlevmniations , and the spirit and _frieviushi p _^ vhich _CllimictCl'iseil its proceedings . ci- the _AcUvsss of tho Convention seo page 4 . ]

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  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 27, 1845, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns4_27121845/page/1/