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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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DINNER TO PETER BUSSEY , ESQ . On Monday night last , the inhabitants of Bradford , gave a . dinner t » Mr . Pster Bnssey , at the Odd Jellows' HalK The . re * pect in which the inhabitaats of that town hold this fearless advocate of the people ' s rights may be judged of ? hen we state that « p wards of 300 persons tit down to dinner with him , the price of die ticket being 2 s . each . Besides these , there ¦ were very many who could not be aeeoounodated , and , perhaps , we shall not be far mistaken , if we mj that had there been provision and room for 500 persons that nnmber would hare betsn
present to pay their rwpects to " the man whom they celigni to honour . " The dinner was provided by Mr . Thomas Bakes , landlord of the Odd Fellows ' Hall , and was serred up With great taste and order . Every one seemed satisfied with the treat ; and all aeemed disposed to praise the landlord far his " substantial meal . " The nom was very tastily decorated On one side of the platform was a beautiful green silk flag with gilt letters , baring the following inscripoon : — "The Bradford Northern Union . Free ¦ we will lire , or free we will die . " Under the platform was
inscribed—• with your green banners rearing , Go grasp every sword to the hilt ; On our side is virtue and Erin , On theirs is the parson and guilt . " ' Around the walls of tie Hall were placed the portraits of Feargus and Arthur O'Connor , Hunt , Cobl > ett , Moie « irerth ^ JarTeUAtrwood , BronterrcO'Brien Stephen * , Oastler , Thomas Paine , and other * . The excellent band from Queen ' s Head was in attendance , and enlivened the business by the most lively airs . About half-past seven o ' clockMr .
, Peter Bu * s ? y , ia company with Mr . O'Connor , ntered the room , a * d were received with the moat enthusiastic cheering , and clapping of hands . Ail fceing ' ready , Mr . Clarkson , solicitor , said grace , in Tery impressive terms , after which the company began their carving operations in good earnest Shortly after they commenced dinner . Mr . Pitkethiev , of Hudderxfield , and Mr . Crabtre ' e , of Barnsl « V > entered ihe room , and were loodly cheered . When the cloth was withdrawn , the speakers ascended the platform .
Mr . O CoKRoa having been unanimously appointed to ihechairj-ii commencing the business of the evening , he returned them his sincere thanks for the honour they had conferred upon him , in electing ton to the situation which he now h * ld . To bo called upon to act as chairman of a meeting of this description was more flattering to him than if he was called upon to preside over the united force of beth the Whig and Tory party of this country . ( Chews . ) Dming the proceedings mi tiis meeting , toere were p * rhaps some gentlemen present from distant parts , who , he had no doubt , had something flattering and ink-resting to communicate . ( Hear , iear . j And how they were conre there to nay lumour to a man who was in every way deserving Jf it . ( Loud cheer * . ) The first toast in the ! i # t required but little comment from him . It was—*• The People , the oaly legitimate source of Power " It
was always the custom whether at a Whig or J ory dinner to commence business by this toast / but by the people the Whigs meant all those who were eafraBcinscd in their interest , and the Tories ail those who wer * enfranchised in their interest , But by the word people he meant that whicb ¦ was expressed la the concluding part of tbe toast , viz .: — * The legitimate source of all power . ' ( Cheers . ) And he hoped the day had gpnt by ¦ when the name of th « people would be bandied about from one mouth to the other of the factions , bat when they should rise in their might declanDgthe time had arrived when they should be free , la the course of the evening it would be his duty to gire them the history of his toor through Scotland , and he trusted the circumstances he had to communicate would add vigour and strength to the Radical body . Without further comment he should now propose " The health of the people , the legitimate source of all power . " Drunk upstanding wiih
au toe Honours , rhe g k * singers then sung * Come bounteous Mary . " The Cbai&xax then rose and said that while the song of joy and the note of triumph bad ceased to aound and to echo in the Whig and Tory halls , aa was wont to be before in times like the present , tbe people whose cause was most virtuous were now the moat triumphant , and when that nete had ceased they were there assembled to commemorate the coming victory . ( Hear , hear . ) When passed there bv a season like the present ? When passed there by " a Seeesa that the Whigs and the Tories did not meet either to commemorate their triumphs , or to express thevr auucpstions of victory ; and though faey were in that situation , in which tney caold not constitute a
body sufficiency powerful to make the laws , thev were determined to bid defiance t » both factions . ( Cneas . ) There they were standing around tLe ckanipicn of Bradford , the only constitutional reyseseatature of their feeling * and wishes . ( Cheers . ) There they were , after having beaten the Whirs assembled to do honour to a man of whom the base tnjtckEng ; bratal and bloody Whigs had dared within tfcesefew days to give the genealogy but not the true one . ( Cneers . ) Ho doubt they were readers , bat Tet too ignorant too decipher the real meaning oi langBaps . He had seen their walla placarded by a rue decunciation of their friend BuMey bv the Whig * . ( Here Mr . Hamey of London , entered the room and was received with the most
enthusiastic cbeenng . ) Ko doubt they had seen that vile placard which he held had been i *» ned by the Whigs , but for which there was no father , although it came from the office of the Bradford Observer , yet-a * he supposed all the leading articles at that office were manufactured by steam , bo was that article aiso —{ cheers)—because , althoughit emanated from , a party or person professedlv nnkaown to the editor of that paper , y « t was he either ashamed or airaid to give up the author . ( Hear , hear ) He ( the editor of the Observer , ) said he did not know Ttl 7 K ^ into ** " offic e » ui tk" reminded him ( Mr . O Connor ) of the man who broke into a house , and who , on . being asked for his defence before a magistrate , said he -did not know how he came there
. ' ( Cheers , and laughter . ) It w » uld not be S * 1 ° ^ £ ° ??? P ? moch of their time in proposing the health of Mr . Bussey ; at the same it woaldbe I derekction of duty on hi * part , if he did not bear his feumole testimony to the good services Mr . Bnssey had rendered to the Radical cause . ( Cheers ) ¦ During the present time , when some factious individuals were denouncing leadership , he there proclaimed Bussey a fit proper , and efficient leader for Bradford and its surrounding districts . ( Cheers ) Nothing would so highly delight their enemies as to allow themselves to remain an untutored bodv , -without organization or system ; but , in recurring to the past , where was the man ia his humble sphere that had done more for the cause than Peter Bussey ?
and the very Bradford Observer who pr inted that placard , the most absurd , the most ungrammatical « nd nonsensical thing that ever was brought from the press—excepting always my Lord John Russell ' s proclamations against torch-light meetings—knew it well to be the fact . ( Cheers . ) It was a source of peat discomfort to the Whi » and Tories—for when iegare a blow-to the Whigs he gave two to the Tone *—it was a matter of great discomfort to them that that man should be elevated in the estimation of his townsmen without rrote , or the recognition ef iaose m usurped authority —( hear , hear )—but ihe day had arrived when the people had now within tteir own hands the means of conferring honour and dignity , and place ui > on the snoDort ^ r * nf their nw ^
eaa *> . ( Cneers . ) P » ter Bowey had sot only been < nstingmihed by the writenfcf that placard , but . by * r " ^ Peraoaa of the arch-traitor of the present cay . ( Uieers . ) So powerful was he in their cause , that . erea O'Connell himself had designated him « one of ^ Radical leaders who was not entitled to hold a position in thiscountry . Daniel-only spokn mi the morning of those of wiom he had been -dreaming during the nig&t- { hear , hear , hear)—and tie ghost of Bussey had haunted his brain during night , or he would not We spoken of him at his Precursor » dety , ^^ TO no ^^ &fc ^ ( Lheers . ) Look orer the past conduct of Buskt , O *« ffj ?** ^ l wt therein hi had SS Bussey had stood bolEy forward . ana « w aZ"JLI ehe
mc ^ ed , t ^ r yas - foundexer ^ himseffmore and more . ( Loud cheers . ) They W now tried ^ on SSJw ^ ! 2 ? i ? ? fi * nctof *« P ^ em franchise ^^¦ P *?! 111111 ^* ^^ wa ole and dignified pootwn ; aad he would answer for Bu * ey that , as g anger thickened , hi « courage would increase ^ ( Cheew . ) It was now- high time theyshouklhaVe tonce , aad knowledge in oppontion to ifwranj * ( CheerB . ) ^ It must te a satiBfection to Seirgu « £ * £ ?* 2 f 5 f J ^ know ^ ^^ *>» ** " *» type of ta * Bradford- Oburvcr > ho would , nof be aBIe to proeuTB such ft meeting as tins to do honour to the Whig repre * ntadvd of Bradford . ( Chsea . ) Ther , he was , / ut fiioid , their fioend , and the friend of Universal Suffiraje < da »»); for U he pos » e # sed aD ^ J ! S " > ttte * *** dia taeteriitici that could diBtogtndi inaa frombrtite , of an honest man from a knave—nnlftu Umseaal Sufirage was his nLfhtdreain and ha day-Aootht- ^ aileas he was ttieiT
^ f ^ ra ^ ^ wpon the principle of Universal ?* & * £ * ^> old not hare been there to-nifht , to do hnn th « littlei hnmu in hi * power . ( Cneers . ) 5 ^ £ S ? H hoo&it ' «* ^ believ ^ he hai more judgment and more of that information which war necessary to give ( access to their cause and to fcnngrt to a happy termination , than both ef the l ^^^ ^^ OTnihtitogethei . ( Loudcheers . ) Tlu * meeting was m ord « to send him properly labelledI to ttatpl . ee wnere he was to d ^ uSS ? he needed it not t « nd it was for them to recall him ! £ 2 Ir , 51 ** 4 °% *• « B « Weat derelkrion of anty . ( Uneers . ) He now formed one of those 49 ¦ who , though their numbers might appear insL ? - nifieant and trifling , would yet hold , in the pagebf awtoTT , a distmgmshed place ; and those who came *« er town , would live to see the name of "Buisev " inscribed on thatpage as a man who dared obev the iegmmate call aad demand of the people . ( Loud
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cheers . ) At they wens deubfless anxious te hear thetr friend , and as he was anxious to hear At * friend , he should now without furthur pifface propose to them ^ Health and loag-Kfe to Peter Bowey , the c © ostitu » ional representative of Bradford . " He prop osed this health not only forthe manner in which he hoped Mr . Bntsey would discharge his dndes as a member of the Convention , but also because they now had an earnest that he would diyebarge those duties witb faithfulness and courage . ( Lend cheers . ) He a ^ ain gave * Bussey , the member of the National Convention , " where the duties of the people were to be discussed , and where tbe right ? of the people should be established . ( Loud and long continued cheering . ) The toast was then drunk with , all the kononra , the room ringing with the deafening cheers -and clapping of hands .
Mr . Busset then rose and was received with the most rapturous and enthusiastic cheering . He said if any man had cause to feel proud of the position he eccnpied to-night , that man was himself . ( Cheers . ) When he saw so many of these _ amongst whom he lived doing him this honour , it more than made amends for all the attacks of both Whig and Tory ; and it gave him again that confidence in the people wjthout which those who acted with them could nut continue to do so . ( Hear , hear . ) Yes , thongh the paper to which the Chairman had referred , the Bradford Observer , would not find a father to the child he had brought forth , they were aware as to the claj » s from whence it had sprung , and in the eyes of that class it appeared to be a m « ut Seinous crime that the indiridnal before them had
Wea brocght up to labour . ( Hear , hear , ) That appeared in the eyes of the Bradford Observer to be one of the greatest crime *; but it was that in which he ( Mr . Bussey ) would always glory . ( Loudcheer * . ) Ye * , the man who had been brought up to labour coald svmpatbise with the labourer ; he understood the poflBon of the labourer ; he knew the privations of tbe labourer , and he felt with tha labourer in the midst of his sufferiagg ; and thongh the Whigs and Tories who had been brought up at college might kndw a little in theory , it was the labourer , and those who moved amongst them , that knew the practice of tie thing . ( Cheers . ) It was true be boasied not of Xis attainments in Latin , Greek , or Hebrew ; but he did boast of his attainments in
common sense , in the exercise of which the people of tbi * country might be beneh ' tted . ( Cheers . ; And perhrps greit numbers before him might have boa . > u-d equally with taose gentlemen of a superior education than they have received if it had not bem fur-the grinding system of tyranny , which had bound them and their children to the ' earth , and rubbed them of that -which ought to have been devoted to the education of the poor of that town and of other places . ( HVar , Hear , hear . ) And were they to be taunted with their poverty—they who farnwhed palaces for Her Majesty , who clothed the Qa-en , who supplied ; 11 tbewanu of the Aristocracy of this country , and who bore the burden of the entire kingdom on thrir shoulders ? Were they to be taunted with their
uorerty ? JVore it not for the skill and industry of tbe working classes whom were they to look to " for bustenance ' : Yes , where else ? for theugh they h ^ l hiils of . gold and vallie * of silver , they cotiid not clothe themselves o . r make a single blade of grass to grow . ( Cheer * . ) It waii from this "ignorant , swinish herd , " -asrthey were termed , that all intelligence sprung . ( Cheers- ) There was one thinp in reference to the placard that had been mentioned , that gave him great pleasure ; for ha found that , in it , his nam was coupled with that of another who * till did him greater honour , —the father of liberty in North America—Thomas Paine—who led them on by hi * bold and energetic writings , as their worthy chairman was leading on the people of this country to liberty death
or . ( Deafening and tremendous cheers . ) But h < - would come to the question which more immediately concerned them , for the Whigs were dyiu " . ( Cne * of - They are . " ) They could not hold power long as aiaction , for they were dying , and especially in the town of Bradford . ( Cheer * . ) The fUiicids had become formidable to them—and why ? Because th * y had determined to set up businew on th * ir own account . ( Cheers . ) He would tell the Whi g * that had it not been for that class © f men which the vfllanotu scribe had ^ designated , in his handbLK "the shoele ** , shirtless , penuyWs rabble , " never would die Whig members have bees returned for Bradford . ( Cheer * , and cries of u never , never . " ) They , the working classes , had returned those mm
asm part their representatives , and they had turned roend upon them and spurned them from their presence with contempt . ( Hear , bear . ) They woulci , however , teach them a lesson they would not soon forget . ( Cheers . ) They thought proper , a few weefc » ago , when they murtereda few of their frieuCs , to the . number of about 240 b y giving away their tickets—thev on that occasion thought proper to denounce those very men who had stroked , night and day , to return them to Parliament . ( Shame , Ehame . ) And had they not put up with insolence and abuse long enough " ? Had they not pat up with vain , empty , and false promises long enough ? It was indeed hi g h time they should begin to transact business on their own acconnt . ( Cheers . ) What did they want with men in the House of Commons
, who were proficients in language ? ( Nothing . ) They wanted men who would attend to their duties , and who understood the condition of the people , men wlio were "delrrmined by night and b y day to do every thing" in their power to improve the condition of the people , men wfco would contend far the people being equally represented and equally protected —( hear , hearK-and that the people might be placed on an equality , in every political respect , with the nobleman at court . ( Cheers . ) This was what the people wanted . ( Cheers , and u Aye . " ) Well might-Lord Barley once exclaim tb . it Eiigland never could be ruined "b ut by a Parliament ; and England vras at present almost ruined by her Parliament —( he _ ar , hear >—for there never was a kingdom
un , deT a worse government than the present Whig government , for they were totally incapable ' of ' governing a country for any good purpose . ( Loud cheers . ) They held the government not for the good they wished to do , but merely that 1 ij « y ' Bnght cling to place and power so long a * they bad an existence ; and it was his opinion that the people would have "to handle them roughly before they could choke . them off . ( Cheers . ) The sijnation in which he was placed in connection with that Parliament was one which would require every energy of body and aind » e be brought into requisition , and wai abso © ne of extreme danger , providedJiie Whigs had the courage of dogs . But whatever that situa tion might be , he stood there to tell them that he
would do the utmwt in his power te serve them in a true a . pd faithfiil manner . ( Load cheers . ) He was not inclined to recapitulate a whole host of things which he would pledge himself to endeavour to do foT them ; suffice it to say , that he pledged himself , so far as human aneririe . could be extended to secure for the people Universal Suffrage . And he thought that if he should be so fortunate as to assist in obtaining that for them , they would not find fault nith him . ( Hear , hew and cheers . ) After all , then , they occupied a position with reference to the governing power * of thi * country—he was glad to say a proud and pre-eminent position , such as the working men of England never occupied before ; and it was not only for him to be tnw to
them , but al * e for them to be true to themselvesin rder to secure that for which they were contending . It must be by their united exertions , their unity of sentiment and action , sot only on a public occasion like the present , but on every day and ererj hour of the week . There was no time to loose , for if they betrayed the least weakness , the Government would pounce . upon those who stood in the front , and they would become victims to their eupiiieness . ( Hear , hear . ) Then let them stand like men and declare they were equally men with their rulers , and that they were determined to be equal with them polit icalry , or form no part of that bodr oT wEcuttey formed a part . ( Cheers . ) Their friend * thrtepresentatives of the ten-pounders oTBradford ,
dwienated the whole body of tbe Radical * as dagger and torch men .- if those gentry would just turn their attention to Canada , they would find that there their emissaries were spreading fire and torches in every direction , and doing every thing that the most diabolical fiiands let loose from Hell could do . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Yet they would designate his friend O'Connor , and them , and others , as dagger and torch men ! ! They showed the example , and why did they find fault if they endeavoured to ape their superiors ? It was natural for a man in low circumstance * to endeavour to climb up to that situation which he saw his neighbour occupy ; and after the Whigs had set this fire and torch example in the colonies , ertirminating our brethren from Vie face of
the earth ; it was natural for the people to follow their example ; and if the people were to follow their example whit would they say t Why that they were the " swinish multitude . But the Queen had put all their lights out , and there was no fear of setting otfr towns on fire with torches . ( Hear . ) He had now associated with them for a number of years , and there was one question which from time to time he had never failsd to agitate amongst them , and they knew him weTL ( Hear , hear , and " we do . " ) He tl ;** ,, to-their own knowledge of him during the v ° I *** ° * h ^ moved amongst them , whether they could place that confidence in him which it was necessary they should be able to place in the man whom they had chosen to represent them in the National Convention ? ( Cheers , and we can . " ) He trustea
that during that time he had given them every ^ satisfaction ; and if he had secured their approbation in time past , he assured them that no exertion should be wanting on his part to secure it for the future . ( Cheers . ) There were many gentlemen ready to address them , and he wonld therefore conclude . On looking orer the history of this country ^ he other day , he found that during the time of the immortal Alfred , the kingdom , at that rime , was rent asunder by various disturbances . And how did they think they settled them ? by placing weapons of defence in every man ' s hand ;—( cheers)—and by teaching him how to use them . He thus secured the happiness of that kingdom , and made it more , prosperous than ever it had been before . Now he recommended toaterery man before him should be
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in prisgeanon of a musket , which was a necessary article , - that ought to farm part of the forfeiture of every man ' s house . Awl every man onghtt © kaow well the use of it that he may use it effectually when the time arrives that requires him toputit intooperatien . ( Cheers . ) They knew not bow soon they mi ^ ht have to use them ; bat at all events he would advise them to have them . ( Hear , hear . ) When tbe legislature , er rather the master * of the legislature , came out recommending a wholesale . gy * tera of child murder , was it not time for them to be provided with
something that would guarantee the safety of their infant children ? Was there a mother in that Hall who could think of this without calling en her husband to buy a gun , and when villains like these entered their houses to blow their brains out ? ( Tremendous cheering . ) In conclusion he would onl y remark that he had the utmost confidence in their exertions ; and he trusted they had equal confidence in his determination to perform those services which they expected from him . ( Tremendous and long continued cheering . )
Mr . Wm . Thormtom was then calkd upon to respond to The people , " which he responded to in a most eloquent and animated speech , which drew from the audience the most enthusiastic plaudits . The rapidity with which he spoke wan such as to defy all efforts at reporting . After his address was finished , Thb Chairman gave "Universal Suffrage , the only safeguard against all oppression , " which he prefaced with a short but excellent and spirit-stirring address , which was loudly responded to oy the company . The toant was theu drunk with three times three , foll 9 wed by much clapping of hands . Mr . J . CiuBTnEE . of Barusley , was called upon to speak to this toast . He said it was only an hour er two ago that he thought of having an opportunity
of meeting tbe good people of Bradford , for it was Hot until five o ' clock , that evening that he first thooght of being present to witness the honour they had met to confer upon their friend Mr . Bnssey , and therefore he hoped they would not expect he would make a speech . It had been once observed , that without tuo Suffrage , their property could not be protected ; but the working classes were told they had no need of the Suffrage as they no had property to protect ! They bad ixdr-ed none , save that which was in the strength ef their arms ; and from tLat property , erery description of property arose , and , therefore , theirs was the only property of r » ial value , and ought to be the first in the world to have the legislative protection . ( Cheers . ) Ij they would
not endeavour to obtain such laws w would procure the protection of their only property , they cuuld not wonder at seeingmansions .-pringing up at the corners of every field they passed , and the Aristocracy feeding upon their labour more than ever . ( Hear , heat . ) The cries of "torch and dagger , " which were intended to arrest their progress in the good cau « e , would not succeed if they only were determined to march fearlewly onward . ( Cheers . ) They must march on either with th « dagger and torch or without them . If they could sutceed without baring recourse to these means , it would be much better for them and those who had to live after them . He wonld relate to them a circumstance which occurred on the morning after the torch-light meeting was to
iiave been held at WakehVid . As he was going on the coach to Barusley , a person haviug the appearance of a gentleman , began to talk about tint meeting the night before , and asked whether the soldiers had not been brought from Leeds ? He was assurwl by some one that they had . He then asked whether the meeting had been held , to which he was answered " No . " He expressed his regret at this circumstance , inasmuch as he had hope 4 thai thase Radical agitators , O'Connor , and Stephens , and Crabtree , aad other * , would have been there , and would have been shot , as they were no better worth . He ( Mr . Crabtree ) hearing this conversation as they pais . d through the town , said to the gentleman , after the coach had got upon the highway , M Well .
air , 1 am no fighter ; but I am one of those men whom von have just now been wishing had been shot . Now , Sir , " « dd he , putting his hand into his breast-pocket , in which he had nothing but a pencil , u if you are so fond of having other people shot , perhaps you have no objection to try the game yourself ; and we will iust stop the coach and no into this . field , and see who is the best shot . " The gentleman declined the offer , and , itxj kiag much embarras .- » ed f had not another word to .-ay . The story was heard with much interest , and , at its conclu * ion , Mr . Crabtree was enthusiastically cheered . He then resumed the subject of his address , and continued for some time very animatedly to speak to the toast to which he was called upon to respond . He concluded amid the cheers of the
audience . The glee singers then sung , "Awak * Eolian Lyre , " after which The Chairman r » se and said , the next toast he was about to give them was one which would not bear a moment ke . puaf , for it was one which was emblematic of the people ' s power , and of the weakness of the \\ hi g * . Alter some very feeling and im » prewive remark s he gave " The Rev . J . R . Stephens , the prosecuted victim of Whig tyranny . " Drunk with tremendous and deafening applause . The following toast * and glew were then given and sang : — Toast—The Ladies . Glee—As the moments roll . Toast—The Martyr * and Exile * , in the cause of fr eedom . The Band—Swiss Hymn .
Toast—The great Northern Union , and may it secure the objects for which it was established . Glee—Fill tbe nhining goblet . Toast—Tb « Chairman . May he live long in the hearts of the poople . Toa * t-r-fiicbard Oastler , Esq ., the King of the Factory Children . Giee—The enraged Schoolmaster . Conclusion—Home , sweet Home . " The Ladies" was responded to in an enthumastic speech by Mr . G . J , Hamey , of London , who wa * warmly applauded . " The great Northern Union was responded to by Mr . William Rider , who said that the tyranny and injustice inflicted upon the people of
tms country by the two insignificant factions , the W nigs and the Tories , had rendered it necessary for the people to unite , for the purpose of terminating the abominable system of plunder practised upon us , and for the establishment of « uch a form of government as would cenduce to the benefit of everr grade of society . He then shewed the benefit already derived from the establishment of the Northern Union , bo A with respect to the spread of political knowledge , aad the destruction of factions and party influence . He then explained the principles ot the Union , and the certainty of the overthrow of that despotism which has no long been the cur * e of our native land . He further said that he thought it necessary for the Union to refute the
calumnies of the * base , bloody , and brutal" Whigs , who had designated them as a band of individuals intent only on oloodsbed and . plunder ; but the fact was , that they had united to prevent their opponents from enforcing their murderous enactment * , and from robbing the industrious poor , ) in order that they may revel in luxury and vice . He said he recommended every man to arm , for the purpose of selfdefence , but not to use their arms until every legal and moral means had been used to obtain their rights . He should regret to see his country converted into a battle-field—he would not shed the blood of the veriest tyrant in existence , bnt rather labour to destroy the work of their hands . Oar tyrants have
had sufnafnt warning-,- sad if they do not reform themselves , the people will W compelled to reform them with a vengeance . ( Load cheers . ) " Richard Oastler" wm responded to by Mr . Pitkethley in an excellent speedy in which he paid * well-merited compliment tor that great man . Several other interesting addresses were given which our space forbids us further to notice at present . The chairman gave an interesting account of his tour through Scotland , and concluded by an animated appeal to the company to continue to exert themselves for the attainment of Universal Suffrages Several votes of thanks were then passed , after which the company separated about one o ' clock , evidently much delighted with what they had heard .
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————^ MEETING ON THE CORN LAWS AT LEEDS . On Tuesday last , a meeting was convened at the Conrt House , by the Mayor , in pursuance of a requisition for the purpose of petitioning parliament for a repeal of the Corn Laws . At a little after ] 2 o ' clock the Mayor , in company with Edward Baines , Esq ., M . P ., Messrs . E . and F . Baines , Alderman Goodman , and others , entered the Court House amidst enthusiastic cheers , mingled with hisses and groans . The Mayor , on taking theehair laid— "Gentlemen—A requisition has been presented to me very numerously and respectably signed , to request I would call a meeting of the inhabitants of this boroagb , to consider the propriety of petitioning parliament for a repeal of the Com Laws . To this requisition I felt it my duty immediately to comply . That I did with great cheerfulness , because it is a
measure in the opinion of many a one else that calls for the serious exertion of every class of people . The Cora Laws are in themselves of the greatest possible importance to this manufacturing country ; of great importance to every class of people ; to the great agriculturists it is an object of importance to them , inasmuch as their interests will be ntlacted ; and for every grade of merchant , manufacturer , arrizan and operative , I think the Corn Laws are with them a first , and the paramount object for their consideration . ( Cheers . ) ItL < notforme , uorwould it be becoming in me to do much more than simplv to introduce the subject to you . A great mass of information has already come before the public . To * question of the Corn Laws has become matter of consideration with many clever men who have long turned their attention to the subject . A great deal has been said on both sides of the question fur the continuance of the lawa as they now exist against
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the laws for the repeal or abolition , or something the modification of these laws . It is not for me now to gire a private opinion ; the question is fairly before jpou . fairly before the people ; and with , the information you have had I trust you have acquired a knowledge of the state of the Corn Laws and their operation , and their effects , and their result upon ihe manufacturing and operative classes , I do awrare Won , gentlemen j that whatever y on may think and feel on this subject , that it has been the wish and desire , £ nd no other motive than that of bflnefitting the people that have induced parties of coming forward to aign this requisition and jriv e their attention to the subject . ( Cbeers . ) Havingsaid this much I should think it unbecoming
forme now to detain you . I merely stand to bring the question fairly before you for yow deliberate calm consideration : and I do beg yon will nutier every person to be heard with calmness , and with patience ( cheers ) ^ that you may hear opinions if opinions are elicited , and that the movers or seconders of any resolutions that may be framed , that they shall have yoor courteous attention , for it is only by giving this attention and by turning your minds to the subject that yon can come at a true knowledge of the resulja of these laws ; Budlmny perhaps veBture a private opinion—( laughter )—as to the result of what ! presume may be this ineetiug , that it may end with some petition ; and I trust that this petition when represented to Parliament , the of Lords and
Houses Commons , and the people , supported as this petition will be , but more particularly by the strength of the people , yon will have to grapple with the subject , and with the great landlords whose interests it is to maintain these Corn Laws . ( Cheers . ) Let me tell you that if you don't fairly give yonr minds to the * ubject , and unite as it were one and all t > accomplish the object , forit is one in which your own welfare in a great measure depends . I will not now go into the details or result of the operation of these Corn Laws to the manufacturing and ' labouring people of thiscountry l bud you are all aware that it is desirable you should go to the best and cheapest market for bread or food . —cheers;—aud if you bring here corn , if you bring your bread here atn cheaper rate than you can grow it ; don ' t you individually go to the best market to layout . ,
Here a lend cry was set up for an adjottrnment of the meeting to the Cloth Hall Yard ; the Mayor attempted to continue hi 3 address when much confusion arose . " Gentlemen , " aaid he—cries of " adjourn , adjourn" for several minutes mingled with cheerx , hisses , groans , aud clapping of hands . At last the people being wenry of the noise , Mr . EuwAitu Bainls succeeded in obtaining a hearing , and said that as he was informed that there were hundreds and thousands outside of this building who were anxious to be admitted ( much confusion with cries of " Queen Groaner ' ) and who cannot be accommodated , 1 therefore , move that this meeting do adjourn to the Cloth Hall Yard . ( Tremendous cheers . ) The adjournment then took place , and the meeting in the Yard of the Cloth Hall must have consisted oi severalthoDsands of persons .
The M a you then resumed his address . He said , Gentlemen , I am , in some respect , sorry that you have been obliged to adjourn from a more comfortable place than that where you now stand , but it was evident enough that the Court-House was not sufficiently , largo to accommodate the number who are here interested in this great question . As to myself , I willingly submit to the change ; but I only fear that being unaccustomed to speak in the npen air , and in a place like this , you wont distinctly hear me . However , I shall endeavour to throw my voice to the farthest walls of the yard so as to maku myself heard . The movers and the seconders of the resolutions that will be proposed lor your adoption , will , I trust , co a little more into details than I
think I onght to do , tor it i * not my province to do it . 11 is merely my duty to bring the question before yen , and without a repetition of tho little I said iu the Court-House , I shuti proceed in a very summnry way to the question . Bud , I may be permitted to observe , there are several gentlemen here who were not present in the Court-Honse , and I will repeat again that I think the Corn Laws as they now stand , are not only of very great importance , bud thoy deserve your very serious aud careful attention . There has been , as most of you are aware , a mass of informatum brought before the public on the subject , and you as intelligent men cannot have passed the last three months without ( A pause . ) I wish the price of com was much lower , but I will not dwell upon it . I will not appeal at all to your
feelings or passion * , but only to your good sense , only to your knowledge , and to your iufonnnti-ou . —( laughter ;) and when you apply to your particular situations that knowledge that you potsew , I trust yen will think , with a many others , that some alteration or gome modification or some , some—a repeal of them * Corn Laws is necessary for y » dr prosperity and for your comfort and for your happiness . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) ! I may say again , that the jrreat interest that will be attacked by the Corn Lawswill be the agriculrural interest ; and it is with that body and with that power that you will have to show your judgment and to prove your knowledge , and to convince that portion of society , to convince them that yonr interests reouire to be * a « much
protected aa theirs do . It is for every class of people , the agriculturalist , tke merchant , i the manufacturer , the artizan and the humble but deserving operative . It is a law that more particularly falls upon them . They have by their labour to purchase bread . Y ou are all , I trust , eater * of bread . ( " Aye , when we can get it ;) and I hope you will have it good in quantity and cheap in quality . ( Laughter . ) Bud there are times when we cannot have it cheap while the existence of these Cora Law . " , while they have \ p ' exist . We have all to submit to the dispensations of providence . We cannot control the seasons , p ud we shall be put in a situation iu the event of a fail ' ing harvest to have corn at a moderate price , that you can have a full quantum of provisions to enable
you to get through the labour you must necessarily do . GenUeineu , themerchantand the manufacturer is placed iu a different situation also by the Corn Laws we are now assembled to petition forthe repeal of , or the amelioration of . ( Hear . ) By refusing to take the corn from these conntries wh ? re it'is grown cheap , and countries that could supply this article at a cheap rate , by refusing to take that cum at a cheap rate , they have been put to the necessity of refusing to take our manufactured goods , and we have been obliged to seek distant markets as a substitute for the markets of Europe . These markets are lost to us . We have had a substitute in the markets of the United States , and we have had South America and India ; and had it not been for these sources of
commerce of trade , we should have been all of us in a much worse and humble situation than we are now placed in . ( Roars of laughter . ) And we are desirous our position should be altered . But while the law exists , it is the duty of every individual to ameliorate the law that does not work well , to better the state of society generally , and it is the object of nineteuths of the people of England sheuKl be put in a better nituatioa than they are now than they are by the repeal of the Corn Laws . The Chairman continued to address the meeting in this ridiculous manner , for about half an hour longer , much to the annoyauce of the Whigs and the amusement of the Radicals . In one part of his . speech he said that nothing but a repeal of the Corn Laws would better the condition of the people , when a loud cry was set
up for Universal Suffrage , Towards the conclusion the Chairman said , " It is in your hands , and the affair is altogether in your hands . It is the knowledge , and the information , and the perseverance of the people that must grapple and that must carry an amelioration of those laws that now press you and many others ; and unless you are not firml y and unanimously exercising your j udgment and yam skill and your knowledge * very little change for the good of . the people can be effected in these laws . I read the requisition before to you , and I allude toit now . I will read you the requisition as it now stands . It is addressed to me . I don't often * presume much , nor thmo any personal vanity as to the situation I hold but it it addressed to me as—as " The Worshipful the Mayer . " ( Roars of laughter . ) He then read the requisition , after which
Mr . Alderman Goodman stepped forward to move the first resolution . After regretting that the resolution had not fallen is to more able hands , he spoke of the importance of the subject , particularly to the manufacturing and the working part of the community . If we- wire a commercial and not an agricultural country , it was surely our interest to encourage the commercial prosperity of this great nation . This country had greatly risen in the scale of nation * by her manufactures , but without a repeal of the Corn Laws it would be impossible that the present scale of wages could be maintained , and the reiralt might be that the wages of British workmen would be reduced to the level of wages on the continent , and what then would become of the
working classes ? The corn question was one involving serious interests , but it was his opinion that the agricultural interest would not be so much affected by it aa at first sight might appear inevitable . He had no doubt that by a judicious alteration in the Corn Laws , the people would get bread at a much cheaper rate ; and this would enable the merchants of this country to keep up a full mnd more perfect competition with the merchants of other countries . Any exchange that took plac « between the agricultural and the commercial classes came under a mere matter of exchange ; but it was the capital of the country that found employment far
labour , and earned it to other countries , thereby briutnng wealth to this country . It was an established fact that our machine makers were going in great numbers to the continent , and the capital of the continent was also going elsewhere . That morning he had been told that worsted spinners were erecting large mills in France , They were perfectly aware from accounts that were received from time to time of many individuals bavin ? establishments ou the continent , and capital would therefore find its way to other countries . From Bradford , large quantities of wool , untouched as to labonr , were bwng exported to Belgium ; aad iu a short time it would be found
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£ S-i ^ Tv ^ ! " * & ** » tI 7 without a repeal of the Com . Law * , wonld notbe able to obtain remqnerafaon lor their labonr . He would IE ^ thathe always askedforuhat he hoped to oUain ; and whether ^ it shoul d be a fixed scaled duty ? or a total repeal , be would net Bay ; he ^ would noi ! touch ' Z u ^ n that gnbject .-Hewa . s ' u ™ thatitwLimpS sibleTor the labouter , who could not earn more than eight or nine shJluigs per week to livewtthZ thing like comfort , considering the present price of com . With regard to our foreigj trade hew £ satisfied we were loosing many of our moat impor . tant manufactures , and he hoped , therefore , they wonjd apt let thw question rest , but wonld petition Parliament for nuch a change as might appear to be conducive to the great commercial iuterests ef this country . He concludedlay adverting \ o tho importance of freedom ef national intercourse . Mr . Obadiah Willans seconded the motum .
Mr . Feabgus O'Connor then stepped forward ninid loud and enthusiastic cheering , and cries of "Now for the bloody W nigs . " " He ll tackle " era . " " Well done Feargus . " " All was astonishment for a few momenti ) , ana every one seemed to manifest die greatest anxiety as to the remit of what Mr . O'Connor wonld say . Silence being obtained he said that prior to patting that resolution he wished to make a few observations . He then said Mr . Chairman and working men of Leeds , I agree with what has fallen from the proposer of this first resolution , and more especially when that" gentleman teld you that the best way to acquire knowledge was by intercommunication with the labouring Classen , and by trusting to that knowledge . YLoud cheers .
His worship , the Mayor , told you in theConrt-House , that for a redress of your grievances you must depend upon your own strength ; —( hear , hear)—from thw platform he told you that you must depend npon your knowledge , and upon your judgment , and te that knowledge , and to that judgment , I new appeal . ( Hear . hear , hear . ) But , Gentlemen , I would wish that this intercommunication between the employer and the employed were less like angels ' visits , so "few and far between . " ( Loud cheers . ) It is because I have respect for your knowledge that I am going to appeal to your judgment , aftdtothat solel y : and the amendment which I shall prepese to thin first resolution , in order to test your aelf-esteem and self-respect , will show
that 1 am an advocate for a more extensive repeal of the Corn Laws than even that resolution would go to grant you , for I am for a total repeal of the Corn Laws . ( Lond cheers . ) But the question with me is whether er no the Corn Laws should be repealed for you ( pointing to the people in the yard , ) or for vou ( pointing jto the gentlemen on the platform . ) ( Immense cheering , laughing , and clapping of hands . ) If they are repealed by n class , that repeal would be directed to the a ¦> vantages of a party . ( No , no , and yes . ) Whereas , if the Corn Laws are repealed by all , that repeal will b « directed to the advantage of all ; and , Gentlemen , though I have heard much , both at this meeting and at previous meetings , with reference to the object now to be
acqmrea , I caunot . forget , when proposing the question to Parliament last year , Mr . Clay , an hmjest and upright gentleman , and a manufacturer , let the cat out ot the bag . by telling the House that they required the repeal of the Corn Laws , that they might have cheaper food , and thereby cheaper wagas , in order that they might compete with the cheap-bread foreigner abroud . ( Loud cheers . ) Then in Manchester they have tried this queHtion ; iu Birmingham and in Glasgow they have tried this question , and in each and every one of these towns they have utterly failed . ( No , no , and yes , yes . ) Gentlemen , we will try this meeting . The proposer of the resolution says there should be a free interchange of produce between all people of all
nations . I agree wjth him , gentlemen ; but I dont hear a word in that resolution of the unjust taxation of the country , which makes it impossible for thin country to compete with other countries . ( Loud cheers and cries of '" question , " and "It is the question . " . " U ' r the only question . " ) Mr . O'Connor . Wheis it that dares to cry '' question ? " This is . the question—the whole question . ( Tremendous cheers . ) The question , working men , in , whether or not you are to be entrusted with the safe keeping ef that which yeur masters tell yon you ought to possess . ( Cheers . ) I agree with yeur marten that you ought to have a repeal of the Corn Laws , but if yon are entitled to the repeal of these laws , you are entitled also to the good that will arise
from that measure —( tremendous cheering ) -r-and if they are for a repeal of the corn laws , I sen no reason why they should object to my proposition which will at once effect the total repeal ofthe com laws . ( Cheers . ) Bnt , gentlemen , mind this . We are told that the agricultural inrercxt ia to be attacked and that it is to be vitally attacked . Well and good , so it ought , because it i * an unjust monopoly . Itis supposed to be a branch of national faith ; and until ypuwttle the question of national faith all at once , viz . the money-mongers , the Jews , andtheeapitalists , yon will do us good . ( Question . ) These gentlemen about me cry oat" question" a * if I was merely to holloa out " corn laws , corn laws , corn laws . Why that of itself would be sufficient to rouse your apprehension , and if I was to have heard nothing more , and' if I had not more minuetlv
considered the subject than many who are now called upon to decide the question , 1 should think the cry of " abolition of the corn laws—abolition ofthe corn laws" was a « good an argument as I yet have heard . ( Chrers , and laughter . ) Gentlemen , it ia quite true that bread would b # cheaper . I admit it ; but * ' cheap" and " dear * ' are relative terms ; and Genuemen when we are now told that you cannot compete with the foreigner , there ia not a word said about general improvement in America , in France , and in Belgium and Holland . Why , do you not suppose an ad valorem duty would be imposed upon your goods , and that France in her growing strength , and America in her new republic wonld prevent us from underselling them in their own markets .
( Cheers . ) One man says give more wages , and do not allow the manufacturers to have cheap com in order that they may have cheap labour , and by their competitive system oblige us to compete with the labouring serfs of the continent . Why , what sort of men must those be who do not consider themselveH as possessing that knowledge and judgment which has been so emphatically appealed to , an a proper and safe repository for the guardian-ship of their own interests . One swallow does not make a summer , neither will one meeting obtain a repeal of the Corn Laws . Let those gentlemen join in the amendment if they respect your judgment . If you have that knowledge which they attribute to yon , you are entitled to the nomination of those who are
to govern the country . (* Question , question . " ) I shall be governed by some discretion . If w « had been in the Court House , and y on had been ia good shelter , I would have gone into the question at large , and would have shown that the agricultural and commercial interests mnst go hand in hand . ( Loud cheers . ) When I look from Home ofthe stupendous factories of the present day , and , see an uncultivated soil that wonld gits to the agriculturist and the operative more' healthful labour , ' and abundance of wages , I am not satisfied to try an emigrating tour until we firet spend that labour in the cultivation of that soil with which God hag gifted ' us . So soon as I see that soil cultivated , and , from my own knowledge of agriculture , I asaett ,
without fear of contradiction , that a fair application of labour to all the land of this country wpuld make you a great exporting nation—so soon as I see all the soil cultivated ,, and should there then not be a sufficiency , then I would consent to try emigration . ( Loud cheers . ) BuTit so happens that we are always looking abroad , but never look at pur own feet . ( Hear , near . ) I lhall now" move my amendment . It is exceedygk mod < f » te , and then I nhall leave you , ¦ ( Gttes of * rOo off . " } Gentlemen , when J on are holding up ypur hands here , if any man as been told to come here who is afraid to hold up his hand for the amendment , and who yet possesses that knowledge which has' been attributed to him , let'him turn his back and hold up the back of hit hand . He did not believe there were any such there —( hear , hear , hearand loud
, cheers)—for there was not a working * man in the kingdom who would say "lam not a fit and proper person to discharge the duty of a common elector , " and every man who holds up his hand against my amendment gays that . ( Load cheers . ) Now , if you intend that this meeting should be dn effective meeting , take the power which this amendment will give to you into your own hands . But after a six months dalliance during the whole of the Christmas gambols and the recess festivities , this is the first meeting upon the eve of the new meeting of Parliament j when you in thousands are called upon to vote that you are not sufficiently capable bf judging for yourselves . I move this amendment : it is for yon to decide upon it . And if 1 stood alone .
having so frequently , delivered my sentiments on thw and other important questions , I should hold myself ara coward and a dastard , if I hesitated or was afraid of meeting those who differ in opinion from in . e . ( Tremendous cheering . ) I do the Mayor but justice when I say that I never heard a meeting opened in a more gentlemanly manner , but I am not one of those who , for a single momen t will give up a great principle . ( Cheers . ) Those gentlemen well know that if this question was to have been tried b y persons of inferior talent , wealth , or station , I would have gone before the working classes to do it , and therefore I have not shrunk from coming before them to doit . ( Cheers . ) I now propose my
amendment without keeping yon longer in the eold ; and I hereby declare that the effect of that amendment will be that the man who does not hold up his hand for it is afraid to say that he is deserving of a voice in the representation of his country . ' Mr . O'Connor then read his amendment as follows . — "That we consider all restrictions upon the importation of foreign grain as unjust ^ n principle and injurious in its effects { nevertheless we are of opinion that no salutary alteration can be made in the present system , until th ' ose , for whose benefit the change is contemplated , shall have a voice in the choice of those representatives to whom shall be entrusted the power of preventing the recurrence of so great aa evil as the
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present Corn . Law , " -- ( Load and crotaiQed cheering . ) Mr . George Vfuni ^ then stepped forward / and said that as a working man of Leeds , be begged l « ate to second the amendment moved by Mr . 0 'CoaW Mr . Smiles , the Editor of the Leeds Tiinesiksa . stepped , forward and said he wished to move aa amendment upon Mr . O'Connor ' s amendment . ( Much laughter ; and cries of " You ' can ' t mend aa amendment . " ) . After the confusion sabrided ; tMf gentleman said—I came here to plead for the working mail ; I am net a capitalist , and shall let them P themselves . But I deny that the interest r the working man is separate from that of the capitalist . I affirm it , without contradiction , that the interest of the ' working man is the interest of th » wnuwiiK
, ana tne repeal of the Corn Laws will improve the interest of the working men . Tha ini of e £ * work i ° 6 man and the capitalist is eijuianfmnn ?* ^ ° ^ - OVc * JrTmo * $ m and monstrous ; I appeal to yeur semes . ( Cheer * AmerictT * * ^ " P «» duce facts to youJl lit tbMhei « wJ ^]? 8 "an . is better remunerated » n ?« A " ' * P Cora " cheaper ; **«* is one ^ SSSStffiWfS which regulate the price If wakes aiSuBJBS regulate the price oFfood , a » 1 & 5 i \ SiS £ e £ dent . ( Hear , heaiy nnd " astonishing r ») At SX we have not an ^ eotfet for oui > manufacture ^ and wages are low . . Abolish the Corn Laws , aiTlef « shake hauds with the whole world , and the condition ofthe manufacturer will be improved ,, capital is secured , and the labourer is improved . A ^ wivm
u increased , and the capitalist has a demandfor his goods abroad , he will give you higher wages at home . I assert tHat the condition of the working man is thereby improved . ( A cry of Aye , if they give ns good wages ; thou ' rt reet , lad . ' ) I wflL with Mr . O'Connor , support any motion for th » extension of the franchise . ( Hear , h « ar . ) You are all intelligent men ; bnt this is not the time to urge the question , ( Cheers and groans . ) Th © question is , are we to , have a little loaf or a big one . ihis was the question for the people ; and it wu now their duty to support the middle classes in getting the Corn Laws totally abolished . I move aa amendment to the effect that Mr . O'Connor ' s amendment shalllie over till we have decided npon . the other business of the day . ( Roars of laughter , mmgled-with poans . ) . Mr . Wm . Whitehead had great pleasure ia seconding the amendment proposed by his friend Mr . Smiles , for he did not see what the question of the Suffrage had to do with the question of the Corn
v Mr . Joshua Bower then , took off his hat , and , bowing to the meeting , was hailed with peals of laugnt « r , and cries of ' Go it JoBsy . " He said , I certainly agree with Mr , O'Connor in ene thine . ( Laughter , and a little confusion . ) Now you w 5 l hear me fairly—shaking his head . ( Continued laughter . ) If any man chooses to make a remark I will answer it . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . O'Connor is like me —( hear , hear , cheer » Vand much laughter)—fora total repeal o £ the Corn Laws . I agreed with him the moment he expressed it . I am tnld that ia the petition it is f » r a total repeal of the Corn Laws . I am informed of this . If it is not no I would not speak a word in the meeting . The other observation ot Mr . O'Connor I agree with , but not tn . d * v .
( Cheers and groans . ) I * ay what Mr . O'Connor mentioned is all perfectly right . I go as far as he does tor reform . I am a reformer of an older standing than he is . I go for the Ballot —( laughter)—and for the extension of the franchise —( a voice , " Jossy , you ' ve pat the cart before the horse ")—and I go for the shortening of Parliaments , and for no Propert y Qualification . I willtake him as far as he likes , without he wants to take me to physical force , and I'll not go with him there . ( Immense laughter and cheers . ) Gentlemen , if thisbad been a question bnngiag forth the reformation of our constitution , MivO Connor would have had aright to mingle tho Suffrage with it ; but this is a repeal question . It isi different to all the rest . If any of my friends about ine had said this is ' a meeting for the Ballot , I would have been the first man to have said No ;" let us _ have-th » Suffrage before the Ballot . Hmmensa iet usnave-in * Mirage before the Ballot . ( Immense
cheering . ) But tuis is a question of Corn Laws , and that alone ; and if we do not stick true te each other about this , it'll never get carried in either your days or the days of youf . children . ( Cheers and Lughter . ) I will tell you another thing . We shall have a . battle to fight with- several , and I hope we shall fight it through , to show that the landing interest is jetting the best interest . ( Much laughter . ) Mr . Shayman , I condemn long speeches on such cold day * as these —( laughter )—bnt I am as hearty a reformer as any man in this place . ( Continued laughter nnd clapping of hands . ) Mr . Thomas JPu » t , with the Parliammtarv Mirror in bis hand , tbea a * 4 re « $ M * l the chairman , and said they need not * e afraid of the book ; for ne was not going to read proch . But there might be one ge ^ OemajfcpTesMM ; » little alarmed when b * knew the patare ot ^ cmter $% : { & **** «« J He understood Mr . O'Connor distinctly to say that he was opposed to the Corn Laws , and in favour of their abolition . ¦ T
^ Mr . O CoNNOKr-Yes , with the Suffrage . ( Oh , oh , and loud cheers . ) Mr . Plikt—I want to know whether there is any denial of it ? ( Much confusion . ) We will know it . Mr . O Connor was atone , time a Member of Parliament ; why he was not so now perhaps the people of Cork know exceedingly wefl . ( Tremendous imsing and groaning , iri : which all the Whigs joined . ) Here was a speech pf Mr . O'Connor ' s on the Cora Laws , —Mr . Piint holding up the Mirror . ( Tremendous confusion , and cries of " question , " * 'bu « nesK , " " read , read . " ) The cenfusion lasted for five or ten minutes . Mr , Plint—You heard l / Li * 0 Connor , and way wiUyouwot hew me ? ( Crie * 01 "Go on , " " read , read , " and " ao , no , " "book away ., ) _ . ^ S P" T amanc ? mes before
-T ^^ . you , pro fessing to be the advocate of the working classes , it is tit you know what opinion ! be has formerly held , and how consistent he now is with himself . If he a I e !^ ° " w ofd * oo this subject , what will he not aoi ? ^ ( Tremendous confusion , and groaning , and The Mator intorpogfid to obtain order , but almost without effect . He bejfged of them to hear ajpart of Mr . O'ConnorVspeech read . ( Loud criea of " no , no , " " no P 4 BT 8 , let 8 haye itaia , al kali- ' from every part of the meeting . ) The Mayor—I think you will be better satisfied if you will hear it ; and it is only just that you should hear a part of it ( Tremendous cries of " no , no , " " noparts , " *| the whole , " ** the whole . " ) Mr . Plint—I will read the whole if wish it
^ you . ( ureat confusion . ) ,. £ , £ " NT tnen Proceeded » o read the « pe « ch of Mr , O'Connor as delivetted in the House of Commons , in 1834 , on the Corn Laws , which wa « listened to with thejneat profound attention , except the occafflonal burst * of approbation , Which it drew trorn the meeting , and . which were sometimes most enthusiastic . ^ Never was a party More completely beatwuwith their own weapons thsiwere theWbin by the reading of this speech , which produced an e » ectenUrely opposite to what they intended . When M * . Plint had got id about the middle of it . bein *
much outortemper , he said * Here u a man who « l f ¦ «* M « y *? * h * propositienbefore thismeetihr thut there should te vntaxed intercourse in all e £ ^ a ngerwi yet tWs man tell * you in Parliamenti that ! f the Corn Laws " - [ Here Mr . Plint was in ? terruoted by lqud cries «* read , read ; " " question , question ; " *' no garbling ; " " none of your d-d comment&readit through , " < &c , aai wi . obliged r « £ a $ ^ BSa « iS ^! gws moved for Universal Suffrage then ? ( Loud cries bf read on you fool , " ask ; b » qnestioas , " " read
Mr . O'Connor . I moved for Universal Sufl&age shortly after . ( Cheers . ) .-. ¦ ... " » Mr . Punt coiltinued teadtog the speedh :: and when ne read the conclusion tb * cheering was , deateninjf , and the cries of "true , true , " Ubravo , " imd " well done , O'Connor , * tum tarough the yard , and rent the air . He then said that in ttecouwe of this debate in the House of Commons , and as they had heard it m Mr . O'Connor ' s own words , he then refused to mix up with the question sfiay extraneous matter . ( Cries of "Question , question , " and " W » have nothing to do with a man ' s consistency 'here . " ) . - ¦ . . * . - . - . ¦ . ¦ ;¦ . - . . ¦ .... ; ¦ - .: ¦ .
Mr . Punt : What ! what kibe criterion by which you are to ; judge of & man bnt by Ms past actions ? 'What confidence can yon have in a maiiiwho has one opinion in the past , and another in the present tune ? { Cries of " Ha ' s of the same opinion now , " and " He ' s right , he ' * right , " and mach confusion . ) Mr . Plint continued attempting a reply to Mr . O'Connor ' s speech , and was hooted and hissed at almost every sentence .. When he had finished , ' Mr . O ' CpNNOB . again , stepped forward and was received with enthusiastic cheers , mingled with , a few groans . He said he had only one word to say and that was , that Mr . Plint had verv fairly asked him whother or not the question whicb he agitated could be as easily carried as the Corn Laws ? He asserted > th » t at the time they , carried the geform
uiu , tney coma not nave repealed the Corn Laws—( lopd cheers , and " thej could ' nt ")—and although they could not now repeal the Corn Laws , —thomrh they , could not now make an ajsault upon any one interest of the country , he , had Ae honour to inform those ^ entlemen that , if they were determinedly united , nnd if be lived , with tbe blessing of God , they would have Universal SuJ&age . ( Immens © cheering . / r ^ ¦¦ The Xhairman then put Mr . O'Connor's amdndmeat , for which neatl y every hand in the meeting was nektup ; The original motion was then put , but the meeting not understanding it , many ? upp * o « ajg it was for a new trial « the amendment , as that had been loudl y called for , hundreds held up their hands for the original motion who bad held up their hands for tho amendment , and , notwithstanding the ( Continued m our tevt » thl > age . )
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 19, 1839, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1041/page/6/
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