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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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Xorisiocal Ex-. ciuive . bit himse / f , he * &s in / roar of * be Assamblj electire a permanent Execut e ; f ° r ^ e contended that if the y were competent tekct a temporary body of men who might- feaTe * fees the greatest dificulties , they ^ ere equally Ijjjpetent to elect a permanent committee * or the jjfety awl prfgteEg of the movement ; it was requisite pat the body should hare this character , because the jountry would mither hare the same confidence in ism , cor obey iheir inslraciions with tha same real IS if they were a permanent body . At the same time is ExecmiTe ghoa'd be subject fc- > the approval nr [ ejection of the pe pie , and that should be required within fix weeks . Mr Joces concluded by proposing s metion to that effect . Mr Basset seconded the motion , becanss fee balmTed thi y * ere in & much better position to elect an Eiecatire than their ernstituents ccJld be . For
instance , neeaw daily the cofidaet of the Scottish delegates , some of whoa he could wish to be included ffitbia a new Executive . His constituents had net tie same opportcnities , and therefore he considered the Assembly ehoald elect , subject to the approval ot jie people . _ Mr Councillor Beook highly approved of this C onree . They weald itflict great injury upon the caase , if they separated without appointing an Exe-Stive . He mast also express his dslicht at the nnau ioioD ! feelin ? which now seemed ta animate the pholep f the _ Assembly that day on behalf of the great caase in which they were engaged . He was fer the Charter to-rr . orrow , if they cou'd get it ; and he believed tint ii they hadsnch men ss Messrs Jones , Kvdd , ji'Grath , and others , at their head , who would unite j ! l the f eciroas of their body , it would create such an ag itatiop in t ^ cauntry , as would speedily achieve theirohjfct . „ „ , „ ., _ _ _ West
Mr S . Ktdd , Mr , Mr M'Leas , and other ( Jr iegstes baring spoken on the qnestiou , Mr D osovas demanded that the voteB should be recorfled , as he was not prepared to cede the rights of his c 9 fistituents . Mr M'GRATafearedthatif they electedsn Executive tuerei aad tben sent them to the country for confirmation , it «< m'd b . a « &e appearance of dictation . At the s * me time it was enient that fhey mast hare -n Executive to condect the business until theirsucces « OTSwere appointed by the people . He denied that the AssemUy hid the power to elect the Executive ; ne would , therefore , mo-re' That an Executive of five be elected bj the National Charter Association for the scsoing ye&r , such nomination and election to t&ke place wi ' . hin the next six weeks ; and that , in the meantime , a Provisional Executive should be elected . to hold rSee and cosdnct the iffiirs uctil tfee perjjisoeot Execntivewas elected . ( Hear , hear , )
Mr IIksst seconded this resolution , which wse pjpporied by Mr J . Shaw . ofBarnsley . Mr Dosovak withdrew hi 3 motion in f&YOHr of that proposed by MrM'Grath , which fully met his Mr Shafps said , he supported the motion of Dr M'Douail , because his coastitue&ts were in favour of the Assembly appointing the Executive . They were cost arsious on tbe subject , inasmuch as they did jiot wish that any of the directors of the Land Company should be on tits Executive . Thej considered tkedireitire had quite enough to do in managing their business . without attempting to guide the Chartist movement : and they , therefore , had erery reliance that any Executive elected by that Assembly would fiirly represent the public feeling of the country . . ...
The ' CjuiRKiK supported Mr M Graft ' s resolution He knew as mush of the feelings of the people in the country on this subjecJ as any man in that Assembly 8 Cd he " CPttld state that whether that Assembly po- « ie 5 S € d Bore knowledge , 23 to tbe capabilities of narfie « fitforthedotie 3 ofthe Executive than any other body , or not , they felt that they had a right to el-ct their own Executive , and that was a right they ' wnn"d not forego on any account whatever . Df M DcCAtL replied , and on the question being put there voted fa * Mr M'Gratk ' s molioa , 2 S : for the motion of Dr M'Donsld , that the Atssmbk elect , subject to 'hs confirmation of the public , 17—majority II , for Mr M'Grath ' smotion . Mr Vebkos said , that he had been requested by Olirer Byrne , Esq . s good Chartist , aada Repea ' , to hand in a B-vereiga , as his voluntary contribution to the £ 10 000 liberty fund . ( Cheers . ) Two Ehillines were thrown down by some person in the
Mr ' Coanciilor Baoos . moved that they Bhonld proceed to the election ef ths Executive immediately , SBd that it be ballot . Mr IIesrt considered it would be much better to postpone the election till to-morrow , in order to give time for due consideration ef so important a quesuon . . , Mr adam ^ s&ia , they ought to go to the election at once , in nrder to prevent any chance of canvassing during tie night , and keep the election free from corruption . . jfr Srsrexrox concurred m this resolution . Mr VbhsW wished to know whether the meinbra efibe Executive at present ddpaid , bnt who were at present p dd by the National Land Company for their Eervics * . were prepared to g ' fe the whole of their sf-rWc ? s to the Chartist Association , if they ware eli-cted ?
The Caii&iux said , that wa ^ no question at presett ; ! es them first decide whether they would imraerHatsiy proceed with the election . It was carried by a large majority that the election be tsken forthwith . Mr M'Gsats , in reply to Mr \ 'ernen said , distmctly . that be could not give the whole of his time and services to the Cnartist Association- He trusted however , that the game qaestion would be put dis ticctly to every individual who might be proposed as s member of the Eseiatire . The following sen » : enien -sere then proposed 38 members of the Executive : —MesSIS Ernest Jones ,
VtrDcn . Wheeler , Adams , DnnovaD , Kydd . Lesch M'Crae , P- O'Cnonor , Dr M DouaN , Rankm , Wfst , Liehtcwler . Th =- question whet her these gentlemen noiaiD 3 'eo \ who were present , would , if elected , give the whole of their time to the duties of their office , was then put to each respsctivdr , and answered in the affirmative . Mr Ernest Jones , however , explain 2 d that he was editor of the Labourer , and also one of the edit ors of tee STAR . He Oeueved that by ratamingthose ponunnsheccald beef ranch serviretothe movement ; but if he found his position at the Stab at all mcorop-. tibie with the 6 isc ^ a- ""' h « dn ^ ips as a memb ° r of the Executive , keshoa'd not hesitate < oreiiin it .
_ . .. Mci-n . "iurpeand Briges were sppoiafced tellers , and tke fu ) I « wipg five gentlemen were deelared to ne elected :- Mr M Crae S 3 votes , Mr Ernest Jone 3 31 , Mr Kydd 29 . M » - Leach 29 . Dr M'Douall 27 . iheAgsemWy then anjonrned . TUESDAY , Mat 9 . Th = Aswmb ' v met this morning at nine o ' clock , Mr Dixon in the chair . , Th m \ s Kichaeds . tof-k his seat for the county of Durham , and EnwiBa Mitchell for Rochdale . _ Councillor bsiGQS moved tbat an order be giren for 1000 c-ipies ef a pamphlet' On fae ComtlMlUPn
, of Swiety as deoigned by God ; ' author , Damei Bishop , for the purposes of distribution . He « id . two caures had as yet impeded the progress ef the C 3 CS 9 rf tbe Charter—the one vaa jpnoracce , the other prejudice . He proposed removing tbe one by the dissemination of sound knowledge , and the o'her would soon of itself g ive way . Inde . d sn Etrongly did ha think tka present work required , so St for the purpose , that he wou ' . d , in case the Assem blv refused to take it up , himself pnrchsse 1 , 00 a copies , and tska thesi down with him to Sheffield . Mr T . Jokss seconded the motion .
Mr Cochrase and several otter members said tbey had not yet read the book , and were not prepared to Tr-t" upon it . Mr Versos and Mr M'GRim stated teat the bock bad bien stereotyped , and the author had been sd eood as te place the plates at the use of the Assembly , so that tbe cost of tbe book to them would fce "o " more tji" > n the naper and labour . Mr Sea * ( Tower Hamlets ) moved that the question t . ere'trred to the Business Committee , and Ih&t ttey report to morrow . . Mr Mar-den did not thick it right to expend the funds iu this way , and therefore he meved that the question be di . « m : s ? ed . The motion and amendment haviDf been severally second , d and tut to the vote , it was declared that Mr Shaw ' s amendment was carried , and the question was accordingly referred to the Business Com
xnittes . FCBLIC AGITiTIOK . Mr Versos said ne hati been looking for some maniftstatl-n of the power of the Organisation Lom inittee , but had failed to prrceive any whatever , lie did notcomplsin of them , bat he desired to see Eome-. bins d-se to keep up the agitation , which mnst decidedly fail and die without gome organisation 5 r ;
, Mr Cjbveb , as a country delegate , vras g London n ^ nib ^ rs bad opene d their lips en subject , lie had been h London , idle arid weary of walkicg up and down the i-treets , while he might have bnen nwt usefully , ard wntf . d have been most f l * d ! y , emp loy eil fpr the purfO 5 e of agitatior . lie felt sorry that so little effort was being E * de to ronse L >> odnn * to cosvince tbe people here of the earnest intmst fe ! t in ike Charter by tbe peopla of the provine ?? . Mr Shaw { Tower Hamlets ) said they wera igt-0-rar . tlil ! now cf Mr Gsryer ' s * ieh to serve in 3 giiation . Ti , ey bad met with rebuffs on feveral occ 3-skns . when thty applied to members to attend Jo mettinsa . J . li ; Carver woald have no reason htnerfnrth to " ina ^ e the siree cmplalnt . lie men d now , Tcataa « ptedily as ' possible , a meeting be held in Staitbfield J 02 ik ^ t . ' " They had no funds , oretherwi « e be should wian to c-agage halls , as did . Mr Hume aSi Mr Cebden .
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Mr VEEnes seconded tbe motion . Mr Child suggested that Mr Shaw withdraw tfa motion . He , &s one of the committee cpmpla-ned o , must confess that they hadnotdone their duty ; they had n-. it met for oon « alting sbout business , and is that they had baen wrane . ( Laughter . ) The subject then dropped .
C 3 BBEFFOJTDEK-CE . Dr M'Dotjall , from tbe Business Committee , reported t-bac several communications ef a local and personal character bad been received which the committee did not think oneht {» be read , Mr EnwARD Mitchell Baid he knew the allusion ; it was t > him- ; he had coma late , members might ask why . and then for what . The country inhis district K 3 B in s 8 'ale of great d 5 sf > rgan ; sati ( in . Lancashire was fn a diTidcd Btate ; the proceedings of the last ^• eek in this AssemHy bad occasioned very mnoh dirieion . On Good Friday he had been elected almrst unanimously that he might comelop to London ; but when the mornine papers came down with their report of this Assembly's proceedings , they occasioned rast division . Ha was not a whit alienate J from the Charter , which he had adopted twenty-eight years
ago , from old father Hunt , aBd which he now readily held by along with such men as Mr O'Connor . He then stated tbat he had bepn charged with a letter and a resolution by a meeting held on Sunday night , t 9 he publicly read at tbe Assembly , and communicated to the press . It the Aesembly refused to hear it , he had no option , he would give it to the Northers Star Mr Mitchell then referred to a meeting held in Rochdale , when a motion for Triennial Par'ianunt » , Ballot , Honsehold Suffrage , and Equal Electoral District * , had heen trade by the brother of John Bright , M . P ., and stated that on being aiked by a pereon in the meeting how , if a working man was elected to Parliament , his family could be supported ? Mr Bright at once admitted that he must be paid . Such was the progress of the Charter .
Tbe follewiBg is the letter referred to by Mr Mitchell :-A resolution pjssefl nnanimonfly at n crowded meet . I 05 in tlio ChaT-t | Bt . ro < -in , Yorkshire street , on Sunday . M * ? tfc , William Blake \ r > tbo C&sir , Moved by Mr Thomas LWesey , and fecoodtd by Mr Thomas Mel . bourne : — ' That we , tke Cbattis s of Roc ^ clale , have ob . served with feelings of Bhame ard Jndfgnstion . the unjmt attacks that havo teen made against ilr F . O'Con . DOT , J £ P ., for NottinRbam , by parties in the National Asfemtly , as we think ihe p> COfiduet of Mr 0 'CoDHOr sngbt to eslUt sronnd him the Chartists of this en > pire , and shield his fane agaiDSt the malignant attecVs of a few mercenary politlciass find aipiring patriot * , who findiDp ia comparuoa » tith him thtir SWn BlSfrable inferiority { nstesd of Jmproviiiff Unit talents ana
eleTating ih' -mselTes to hit level , rcEort to the bS 60 enpeflitnt of attenipting to tradoca bira , sndredoeetis character to a I ' . Tel vith that of their own . YFe call upon Mr O'Coaeor to go on and purge tbe cisse frosa the idle and prcfl'gate Bpcuters who heve ever fceeo a irawhack to It ; as Tfparo conri ' nred < batif c * nRt : t helroufht ( OB snccessfal iisue , whilst men are found , who . being deleeatf < 3 by the pcopls to Teprestnt the riehti of lsbonr , tacrifice oar glorious principles to the baas means of obtain i ng a livelihood from the psneeof the poorett peo . pie . Ih conclatton we pledge oureelvcg to support Mr O'Connor , at lon < as he ta » l ! set as he hitherto has done , bat should he stany time des ; rt those principles ke h « s sacrificed 83 mnoh to advfince , we shall not b « found wamin * ' in rsmoving from him bis pr . sent prond position , but untQ he shall be found to have done this , we comtder it the baswtlaeriticniB to desert him '
Mr Richards , in his report , stated that the cause of democracy was ga'Dinjf daily in his district ; that whereas , two or three week- ? ago their association numbered only thirteen , it vras now attended by 200 paying members . Organisation Committee . Dr M'Douall gaid , the next point of the committee's report was , that ten commissioners be prorision 3 l'y elected . Their duties would be deternvn ° d afterwards , but he might say now that their object was to carry into eff ct the will of the Executive . There were , therefore , two points for the assembly to decide od , were they to have commissioners , and how many . Mr Bassbt thought ten not eaough ; there ought to be one for every district .
MrEssEST J- > NES 6 < iid , the number tni ? bt be increased as occasion r « quired . Their duties were to carry the organisation of tha conntrv completely into effect nr , der the control of the Executive . Mr Carver sa'd , he would be Tery happy to snppott the election of conmiBsioriera if they were to have control over tbe Executive . For . as yet , the power of tbe Executive was uncontrolled , and an enomchmentonthe true principlfs nfdemocracy . MrVernoa said everv man would hvre control over them , fant bl 3 experience of association * -sigh !; him tbnt a . private member interfering with the authorities won'd not be heard with moch syapathy .
Mr Erxest Joses said , such a power was impossible , it would be erecting two Jfinjs in Brentford . Thecotocafssi'raersTrara to set hnv ? and where the Executive shonld think pioper . They COUld not be onder and above the control of the ExPCUtive at tbe same time . Ema ' oyed when th" executive pleased , or notemployed at all , if they pleased ; the commissioners could not ba entrusted with any controlling power , as not belsg free agenfa . After a few observations from Mr Child , Mr Plbasdt and others ,
Mr S . Ktdd said , the Assemb ' y were representatives , that was democracy . The representatives elected the Exeeutivp ; for what pnrpoFe but to carry their will into effect ? Th *> fc was clearly stil ' democracy . The appointment of commissioners w ? s opposed to democracy : bnt when ^ they appointed sn Executive t ^ ey ought to rerollect that their ^ value depended upon their practical pnwer- But if thoy appointed commissioners to control the Executive it wss no longer as Executive . If < hey were aBpou . ted to ccnsnlt frr the * EsfCUtive , what was feft to tbe Executive of power . There was a jealousy cf power , there was always somethin j unpopular about the Ministerial Bench —( lauehter )—but he adrairrd the ssn- ? tirene = s of the p » npleon this point . If anangel were to come down from heaven and all men to b » w to him as the fsviour Of men , there would arise the famespn ? itive jealousy . He hoped * W . they would elect commi ? eK'nera with power snfficient lomake them rateable ansiliariea to tb < s EsePUtive .
Mr M'Graih saw a creit deal of pond lifce ' y tc arise fr ^ m ihe appointment of commissioners ; they would effect the organisation ot tha country ; thev were to be elected provisionally ; and when they had done their duty , it woald ba tor the district to elect a permanent commiss ' * oner . Mr Cochkase to srsi'lify the ^ question moved , ' That we have p-oviBi » naI commissioners . ' Mr M'Grath seconded this . The motion was carried unanimously . MrEfWESI Joses roeved , ' That ^ the inembers of the Assembly beappointedcomraUfiionerg . ' Mr Pilllks objected to electing himself , ani therefore moved , ' Tdat escb district joining thi * movement should e ' ec its crmmissioner . ' _ _ _
Mr Adams , in secondin ? this , thocgbt Mr Ernest Jones ' ^ proportion an e ' t very strongly of the .. id b 3 roughmoncerin £ r . (^ ngnfer ) This was tint tie time to elect commissioners , bat to know thedutie " they had to psrform . He would not Fnbmit to dp ekctf d till he kcew what he w ^ b to do . ( LauEhtpr . ) SomBl !> iDg must h e paid ab'nt pay . Was tbe w * rk to be ccn vsnt or occasional ? For either be must He athispraploymentornot . He could not be oceastoral'y emp'oypd . He must either be paid by the Chsnt'Cs or work for himself . Dr M-DouiLL said , tint both Mr Jores and air Pillirg wew ritht . Tbe Country must be oreaniseri That taiist be done by provisional comroissron ^ rs , under Mr Jones ' s motion . When tbe country had been organised , each district , according to Mr Pillirg , would elect its own commksu'ner . crmefded that
Mr Verso * tboas ' nt it could not be thst Assemb ' y should be under the control and power of the Ereeutire . He proposed ' That this A « sem bly elect ten cDmraissioners to act provisionally , and that e * ch 6 htrict i ) 3 called on to elect Us own comraiwiOTer- ' Mr Cahveb seconded th ' Mr Jones explained tbat the membfra of this AfsembJy , after the adjournment would roo-t . ffiewntly organise the country ; and they could act as havirg a control over the Executive , in their collective capact ? . which IDisbt be resumed at any moment . Mr Kvdd did not fcno * ho « - l ^ ne Mr J-mes meant to sit . lie learned to view the Assembly a * an Annual Parliament Pe . rhapB Halifax expected tbero to carry the Chafer before rteir > £ . It was not 50 with his constituents , for he had that morning had a poiite hint that tbe A « sen > b y do their busings as quickly is possible . Organue ihe cauntry and
20-joutd « A Member proposed ' That twenty be elected as commieaioners . ' . . Mr Rafkis explained that the _ Or ? ani « atifin Comroivtse had no objection to insert twenty for ten . The different amendments were t > ec withdrawn , acd the original sugeestii n of the committee , altered to twenty , was unanimously voted . Mr Ebneei Jones . —Is there any objection { bat the members of ibe AsEeml . ly he appointed ? Mr E . MiTcaBix thought this was 8 very cool way of throwing off their responsibility as rep'esf-ntatiT'e . They consented to sit k down into commissioners , at a time when the country was lo-kirg to tliem to do sr . meihin ? . lie did not TOnder at tho state of divigjcn in tee country . ( -No no . )
. MroVcHJura m 6 , ihslwt speaker was the only person who bad ever said the members did not ti . jfiy the confidencp of the c « nntry , and did not deserve it , Mr Mitchell had just seen a letter , ca ^ ng upon a merab * r to resign . ( " Order , o ; der ) Dr M Douall . —I have received no £ Kch comtnum-Ca ° r BKiGG 3 .-My conrfitoect * are in £ 0 dividedIn state th ? t 1 expect to be recalled daily . ( Order , order , ' and cieerf ' er . ) , ,, It wag then Mltled that the A . « mbly ^ oujd ballo for twentv persons , memhets of the A ^ mbly to act ueommi ' ssioneiB . BDdthey proceeded to the ballot . , DrM'Doaalland Mr Ernest Jones were appoiuteo tellers .
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Mr Councillor Brook applied for , and Meewed leave of , absence for a week . Mr Councillor Briggs also reoeived leave of abseace until Friday , and the votes having b ; en duly taken , the following were declared to be duly elected commissioners — Mam Vernon . J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) , AdamB , Wheeler , Brook . Rankin , Pilling :, Sterensoa , Sharpe , Cochrane , Peacock , Shaw ( Barnsley ) . Harley . Basset , Cumming , Child , Djnovan , Shirron , Henry , Lightowler , and West . The Assembly then adjourned at a quarter to two 0 clonk until three . On re as 8 embling at that hour , some routine business was disposed of . The Dames "f the parties elected as commissioners were formally announced to the meeting , and it was resolved , ' That any vacancy that might occur in the Provisional Executive , should bs filled up by the commissioner highesfon ihe listofvotec .
Mr M'Grath said , they had no doubt an idea of the appointment of permanent commissioners , and should provide accordingly . They ought a ' so to define their powers atid duties . Mr Vbrnoh said , he had moved that the commissioners shonld be placed in the same position 33 the Provisional Executive , namely—that they should be eahject to the approval of tbe districts within tho next six weeks . Mr M-Grath eaid , that motion was not definite enough for h > ra . lie would therefore move ' That each organised district should , oa the day of electing the permanent Executive , elect a permanent commissioner als " .
Mr Verson seconded tbe motion , because it expressed his ideas more clearly than his own . Mr W > st considered that the time was corns when they should give their commissioners their instructions , and therefore tbat tbe Assembly should determine its future policy , 'lhey had now eleeted their commissioners and they should know what their duties were . MrM'CiRTnr said , that the commisaionera were to ba instructed by the Executive . There were many tbiDW which it might be proper to instruct tbe com missioned about , which it might be extremely icipru-( J 6 flt for them to disenss there . Mr T . Cl&rk wished to know , whether that la ^ t statement was a minute of tbe Assembly , or moie ' y an individual opinion ? [ Several voic : s , ' Only an fndividnal opinion , ' ]
Mr Wheeler opposed Mr M'Grath's motion . The Only idea Of the Organisation Committee was that they were to be assistants to the Executive , sftd in case ef a vac ncy to fill it np . If they appi inted permanent commissioners , he feared it wou'd be feundthat they had two coordinate powers , which miebt clash with each other . Mr M DoualiissM , the motion was in tha teeth of their proceedings that morning . They had resolved upon appointing twenty commissioners . That was a fixed numbfr—but by Mr M'Grath ' s motion , tbe number was unlimited and might extend to five handrfd . Mr Pilukg said his understanding of the matter was , that the election of these twenty commissioners was merely tor the next six weeks , and thstat the end of thac period each district should elect its own
commissioner . . Mr Ernest Jokes said , it was most desirable that the commissioners should not be appointed by their own districts , because thrj would thereby be kept cloar of all Iscal squabbles and party feeling . They would hare to examine , mediate , atd report on tbe state of the various distrJets . according to the instructions of tha Executive , and tbey ought therefore to be independent of all local ir-fiuences . Mr Verso . v , as the mover of the resolution agreed to in the rooming , wished to state that he meant bv the election cf the commissioners , to appoint a staff of officers to carry out tbe orders of the Executive , apart ! r-irrt all local nffieers whatever .
Mr T . Clabk said that Mr Jones had argued that they were io be so thoroughly democratic , their local self-government was to be carried out to tba fullest extent . ( ' Hear' from Mr Jones . ) Well , then , if that was to be so , every district 8 hon ! d elect its own commissioner , if that officer were to have any power over it . He thought , therefore , that every district should appoint its own officers . Mr EasEst Jokes said , Mr Clarke seemed to totally misunderstarjd the nature of the duties of a commissioner . He' was not to be constantly resident is one district , bnt to travel frem place to place as circamst 3 nces might require his presence . The idea of a resident commisnoner therefore was a ridi-. 'uloas one . A very desultory and lengthened discussion followed , in which Mrssrs Wheeler , Stevenson , Kydd , Carver , Basket , Mitchell , Pilling , Richards , Henry Pehardv . Adams , and Matthews , took part .
Mr Whkbleb moved a 9 an amendment to tbe motion cf Mr M'Gratb , — ' That the districts should elect twenty cod missioned , ' tbat WOllId be in accordance with the decision come to in ihe morning , and with the views of those who first proposed thp appointment of these officers . Mr Hablet seconded the amendment , which was supported by Mr Cocbrane , who said , he understood the object of apDointing the commissioners was tbla , they should agitate the country ; as to there betas resident officers , there was no necessity for tbat , seeing they had the l"cal officers and secretaries , to c = > n '' nct the local nffairp .
Mr Mitchell said , if the Assembly pr Executive appointed travelling commiesioFier ? , they would be looked upon in the same light as the Poor Law Commi-sioners . He thought , therefore , that they ought ta divide the country into twenty divisions , and give escfe division tbe pe-wer to select its own commissioner , that would be tbe only way to maintain confidence , and a erond understanding between these officers and the district . Mr Adams thought they might reconcile the different views entertained on tbis subject ; that tbe country sbould be divided into twenty large districts ; tbat each district should elect a commissioner , bu » . that the commissioner elected hy such district , should never be sent to his own district by the Executive , inrrder to keep him free from any bias arising from local influence .
Mr M ' Gbath said , be did not attach any importance whatever to the number of these officers . All he did contend for , was that that body should preserve its d' micratic ebmeter . and secure to the people the pnwerof electing their own cflmmissionerg , at the game time that the permanent Executive was gppointed . He believed tbat Mr Wheeler ' s motion wou d effect his object , andtheiefore withdrew his m >' iop . Mr Wheeler ' s motion was then carried with three
diffentieDts-Mr M Grath then moved , — ' That in the event of a vacancy in the Executive Committee , tbat body shall with the least possible delay , complete the necessary arrangement to enable tbe association to fill OD sucb vacancy . He was opposed to the application ot the principle to the permanent Executive , which they adopted witti reference to the provisional committee , tamely—that < he commissioners who were highest on the " list » honld fill up the vacancy . Mr Rakkin fueeeBted . that to taafc should bs added that the Cninni ! 8 ? iODer 8 highest on the list , should provisional !* occupy the place , uniil a proper elec-M ' " M'Grath screed io this addition , and the mo-Hen was uranitnously adopted . It was a f ( t resolved , — ' That the appointment of lecal and district secretaries fshould be left to tne localities' . ... . , and
The next resolution way ,- ' That the gereral financial secretary should ^ be elected bythetxecucive from their own body . ' Mr COCHBAKB th ought that the appointment of such an important officer Bbould be vested in the As-Se D' M'DoniLi , said , the AFsemMy had better vote itsei ) the Executive altogether . By all former assooiationp ibe election of secretary iad been JeJt to tfle E mTSd satf , he did not see why they should have any secretary at all . Let the Executive be theirownsreretar . es . ( Laughter . ) The motion was adooted It wr ? resolved tbat tbe treasurer , for one year , be appoint by the Assembly , and instructed to honr-ur no draff , imleBS previously signed by three ^^ S ^ S wsed thatMrO'Copnorbethe trea . 9 Urer , S was seconded by aboal baifadezen deippatps Rimriltaneoufly . , . .
* Mr T . Clauk hoped they muw » wr ' ment . mil they had an opportunity of ^ consul ine with Mr O'Connor as to whether he would accept the office . A treasurer ought to be upon the , spot . anditvMsdo . bt ' ul whether Mr O Connor s other avocations would permit him to bold the office . Dr y , 'D' . i'Aix raid , he should propose Mr John Sewell as treasurer . His propti fcy and long connexion with the Chartist body well entitled him to tbe honour , and he feared that Mr O'Connor coold not accept the office consistent with two other dutus . Mr Wheeleb considered it wf u ! d be better to postpone any decision until tbey had an opportunity ot consulting both gentlemen . .. .. unmerciful
Mr Sn . vENsn . v thcnKht it was most m tbe ^ rief . ^ s of Mr O'Connor to heap more work upon the thoulders of tbat gentleman , when they fcr-ew that Je had already more work by three times than ought to be thrown upon aoy one pent / eroaD . Mr J . Shaw ( Tower II » m ] eU ) Baid . thst lot > W at thefnorranunprefsureof business upon Mr ( J l / iwnor , it would be better not to appoint that pentleman , hut while be was not at nil opposed to Mr Sewell , there waa ope pentlcmau who resided in London , and who would be easib QCceBBlble , He meant Mr W » Mpy , the mtiabtr for Finfbury . ( Biavo . ) Mr M'Carthy stcoEdcd the motion . MrT . Clai . k said ti . at if they were to pmcee'i to the vote at all . be would support Mr Sewell- Mr WnKley tos as muih ovefburd ) ned with buBiness as most men . He was coroner , editor of Ihe LiKCtT , » n « memVer of Parlinmet't ; the dut c 3 of which he perforrrftrt with fo mnrri advantnpe to the 1 'UbllC , and
he wnuld be aB diflicu . t ta come at as Mr O Connor , Here a person in the gallery , who persisted in putting a question to the chairman , was orderefc out of the galUry , but on bis promise to be quiet , was suifered to remain .
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After a short discussion , tho AeBembly proceed , d to tha vote , and Mr J Sewell waa declared duly eleoted to tho office of treasurer for the year . The Assembly tnen adjourned at five o ' e ' eefc till nine o ' clock on Wednesday .
WEDNESDAY , Mat 10 . Mr W . Dixon in the chair . Mr Shaw moved the rescinding of so much of the minutes of yesterday's proceeding as ref ' enrn to filling up of vacancies in the Executive from tlm Commissioners highest on the poll , in order that the Executive night bi at liberty to choose those men tuo-t efficient for the purpoae . Mr Beniol seconded the motion . Mr Adams did not know , as they said in Scotland , 'from what airta the wind blaws , '—( laughter )—bin perhaps it was because Mr Shaw found himself the Sixth down the list . ( Laughter . ) He considered this attempt to give up such absolute power to the Executive , waa an attempt to tnrn democracy upside down . Mr Shaw explained , and a votehaving been taken his motion was lost .
S' me conversation then arose , relative to certain instances of b ? . d management \» Hh vegafd to meetings acd tho general agitation in favour of the Charter .
Address to all Classes . Mr S . Ktdd rose to move the adoption of an ' Address from the . National Assembly to ali clnsseao ' Great Britain and Ireland . ' The address which he was about to read , would be preliminary to a series o ( one or two others on the great question of labour . Tbere could be little doubt that they ought to make themselves clear and perfectly understood to the people , that they held such opinions as would bs generally acceptable to all classes of tbe community Such was the more necessary on account of certain misrepresentations Bpread by distinguished orators and writero , and the columns of newspapers , that what they ( the Chattims ) wished amounted to clnss
privilege * and interests . For if they wished nothing but class interest , he , for one , would not continue to aid them , > uch privileges were not worth contending for . Yet such a misrepresentation had been tnatlO Of flB a < JdreS 8 drawn DP by him by 3 paper lately started and called' This Voice of the People . ' Tbe editor of that paper had stated , it ffas ' rneant to deceive tbe people , but in an after number he had acknowledged that it was founded on true Prinoir > lea . and correctly appealed to authorities . He ( Mr Ky ( id ) 8 tatfu tbi ? i tbat the confidence of the Assembly in the Address he was about to read , mi ' sru not be Shaken . ( Mr Kydd then read the addresswhich elicited the applause of the Assembly )
Address of the Members of the national Assembly to Men Of all Classes in Great Britain and Ireland . Conflicting Interests have narrowed men ' s sympathies , piven colourings to facts , and taught many of those whose natnral feelings would prompt them to acts and deeds of justiceand humanity to look on theirfellow men with dintrust and hatred—fad and melancholy fact , and to which English society , as now constituted , carries within itself a mournful ( estinfony , reflected by ttie crowds ofunwilling idlers that throng our Btreets-tbe unfortunate criminais who fill ou ; gaols—the fearful increase in the bills of mortality—th so silimt monitors which reflect the life and death of a people-the rapid decrease of the character of citizenship—the brfaking up of family ties that
bind society together—the comparative wnnt of elevated and manly / eelin ? among workmen—tho scrupulous love ot power manifested by the capitalists—the enveloping and ruinous bankruptcies of the middle classes—the constant and pregnant fenrof the aristocracy , shadotved forth by idle displays of military and coercive power—the despcration and narrow policy of the government , asmani . fe ? ted in Alien Laws , ( Jagging Bills , and Coercive Actsareomensnot to be mistaken by the thinker of the present age , and while we have tho conventional name of peace , we have in the heart of society the reality of war , and ibis too in a eountry that claims to be the leader of Europi un Civilisation , and ranks high as the chosen child of industrial progress , and thofrieiid of utilitarian science .
Must such a stato of distrust and misery cont'nuc Reason and humanit y rerolt at the idea of proloi . ged sufferinp , arid yet , at this hour , the terrible and incompre hensible combat continues , it strengthens with its og-es and m'Hions of deaths pay tribute at its call . We caanot Bay to tbe fertile wombs of our mothers , sistera , and vrivc , —be barren , and give not bivth to man ; we cannothave produce from the land tint we do not possess ; we omnot stifle the gnawinea of hunger ; children will cry for bread and mothers say to fathers , provide food for your little ones . Again we nsk , is this intestine and destructive war to continue , that is alike ruinous to the true interests of all and more to be feared than pestileneeor disease ? Forbid such conclusion , God and man . Justice reasons for a chapge—right demands an annihilation of wrongs 0 the injured—and an insulted and forbearing people pant for a redress of grievances .
Mistaken views of individual Interests may bias lhe peic < ption and prejudice the judgment ; hut jet security of life and property , the increase of virtue , morality , and happiness , must be true desires , and the real interest of all men , and must , from their very nature of progress , be consonant with true prosperity and roal national creatness , and without the practical embodiment of which virtues , the multiplication of mechanical power , the extent of territorial duma'n , the increase of national wealth , the power of armies and navies , are but gtitterinp deceptions , that mislead the univary , havintr the ponsp of grandeur wit ) out the germs of uorth , and tlie name of greatness without the affeetions of a people . The age of feudalism ruled and tro'erned in the dnrk ness of its ignorance , and in its day yielded uppart of its DOl'Vr tO the necessities of t > e times . After a lonjr and protracted struggle between thehuryliGrand middle cl > SB xtension of
feudalism conceded an . the suflrace as Set forth in the Reform Bilf ; and of late years we have had great commercial and fiscal changes ; but none of thrse changes liare materially improvtd the condition of the people . On the contrary—eft ct » of the organic and circumstantial causes of internal antagonism — deaths have increased in their biting keenness . A change is inevitable , and we invite'the ( food and virtuous meu of all classes to reflect on the present state of lhe people . We demand an enfr inchisement of the ma ' e ndult population of Great Britain , as set forth in the People ' s Char , ter . in the hope ? that , on a basis so broad and c > mpri--hensive , tlie intelligence of a people renowned inlitera ture and science , will reflect its influence in theinstitu tions and government of the land in which they live , and restore peace , virtue , and treasure to the homes of all her citizens , and conserve the narred principles of right and justice within the breasts of her rulers .
God save the people . ' National Assembly , May 10 th , is-18 . Me said , be did not desire that thiB address should be printed and circulated , bu * ; that , being adopted by the Assembly , it might get into tbo column * of tho newspapers , and so reach the attention of a'I classes of the community . Papers he intended should follow upon the increased value of land , decrease of wages , increase of taxation , the incloswe of land , and , generally , on thp condition of the pc > p ' . e of this country . He hold that this Asscm * ly anH the Chartists eugilfc to be Conservative and Radien ); Radical , in going to therost of the evils of lhft people ; and Conservative of all tt at is gnodin humanity . The progress which was being made , was called by some revolution—it might be better known
as evolution . The progress from leudaliam waa fir-t from barbarism to paeudo . civilisatinn . and fronpseudo civilisation to civilisation—properly ko calif d —involving all thh best intereais of humanity . Ikknew the people of this country—he knew the peasantry of this country ; than whom there vrere none more conservative of property ; and bo long as the mothera of England were the nurses of the risinc generation , fo long was there a security for thfl interests of humanity and of property . ( Hear , ripQf * 1 Mr West wag gratified that the present question had been taken Dp in ibe AfBEmblv , Nothing at present occupied an equal amtuntof attention as this question of Labour , am » np tbe people . The Assembly , in taking it , only flho « fd their
competency to legislate on subjects like tbip . Hfi hoped that the next address weu'd net be confinfd so much io abstract principlpf . but would discuss tbe evils and humbug otthe different sy > terns—such n = free trade . Why , what was statr-d the other nigbt in the House of Commons , by Lord Georse Bentinck , in reference to his own trade , the 6 ilk Wtny . j Dg ? Tha * , Jufine the firat three months of this year , as much as £ 400 , 000 worth of silk had been impoi'ffd into Lindon . at a time when the Spitslfi'lds weaver 3 were starving ! This was the pecu'inr effect of free trade . It supported those who were ricb—CheopFriPd the goods for thtm—depressed tbe state of the labourer , who was called upon , notwithstanding , to meet an increasing taxation , and to pay the mo 4 of that . He seconded the notion .
Mr Donovan thought they were now about to retrieve their position . This wns a question which they oueht to have taken up lorg before , and they rai ^ hf , thereby , have prevented all the divisions and dissatisfaction which appear at present to exist in the cwuntry . Mr Carver thought this reminded him of what occurred ir . ihereforaied Parliament . John Fieldcd , M . P . for Oldham , brougkton the ques-tion of Labsur bef < rethat Parliament- Be said , the condition ot the working man n > w was , that he bad to do threttimes as much labour forthe same amount of wages as he was wrn * to do . The taxe , too , were i-icreaeed—the more to depwss the ability of the working man . How was this to b » tejaedied ? The hon . member referred to the desires otthe
gentleman , the menber fcr Tarn worth , that property might bt ? protected , and said , this was what he and tbe working men required They wished to have their property protected . Eight' en yeaw , however , iad passed since tbat time , and tho evils complained of had still to be remedied . Mr Henry denied that the Assembly had been misusing their time ; they had been labourine totrt ' net tbeoreankationoftheoauntry . wi'bout which nothing could be done ; nnd , in compa-ison , everything ei ^ e wa « but secondary . He however wuld support the motion . ¦ Mr CniLX ) and Mr ^ bds oupportcd tne motion .
Mr Vebnon Baid , it had been insinuated l > y Mr Donovan , thnfc fho Amenably waarctunv ' nJ to reason . Every ison could spenk best of his own state of mind ; it Mr Dcnovsn and hi' reason had been two separate idi ntiiies ; he deDied for bitriMjlr « n / participation with him . lie considered tlat the subjects which had occupied their attention were thoso which they had bu > n sent to do , not to discuss abstract , principlee . The hop .-s of thf country n d keen rawed , it was Fai ey wou'd be disappointed if tbey continued to discuss whether ir-e trado was right or not . Ho , for rne , believed tree trade wa 3 perfectly ris'it—aa rkht a < - the Charter was-and that »; eit ! icr ffOuI ( 1 80 Ccee /> jyjtiout the other . Free trade had already failed in
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consf q < ie » ce of the Charter not having been made the law of tbe lat > d \ The Cuaihmas held that the discussion of such a question at ( iis moment , prepared tbe public mindprepared the Assembly for tha attainment of their rights— -and prepared them to act in a way proper to the cirquraatancea of tha nation , after they had got their rights . Tbe great question was the Labour question-it was being discussed at lhe Chartist meetings , and it they would take ndvantaj-e of surrounding circuraptanceB , they rouBt prepare to speak out on it to the perfectcomprehension of the country . Mr Kybd in reply , said it was An old idea , which had been adopted lately by Gu 2 ot , that mornl . gociai , and roiitica ] reform , all sprang from man and
returned upon man . The one was not antagonistic to the other . A politician had eaid that political reform waa the means , and moral reform the end . Political reform was a step in progress towards social reform , and social reform ? w that which conducted ta moral reform . Virtue being the end of man ' s life , he great object which humanity had to Beek was to be obtained tlrough political and social improvement . The address was unanimously voted . Mr Child handed in I 63 . from the Somorg ToWH Chartists , a ** a donation towards the Lihprfcy Fund , The Chairman here intimated that he had received letter signed by the secretary of his locality , and eomainiofj a resolution calling upon htm to resign . tie , therefore , now tendered his resignation .
After some conversation , during which it was said that a small district meeting had called upon a member to resign , against the wishes of his constituents it was moved ' That the Business Ccmmhtte be instructed to write to ; the parties , and that the Chairman's resignation as a delegate be not received , in tho meantime . '—Agreed to .
The Country and the Charter . Dr M'Douali . said , out of tha mass of correspondence which had been received , the Committee bad detemriBeil oa reading ono letter , as a ' epecimen of the te 3 t . It was the following ; : — To the Chairman of the National Assembly . We , the committee appointed bv tbe public , and ihe Associated Trades' delegates , of Glasgow , to conduct the CliartiSt ilgltation in thl " 8 dl ' 8 triCt Of the country , after a considerate cxuiuination of the present aspect of guv movement , and a cairn deliberation od tbe position ofuH partieB connected with its guidance , come to ? hie conclusion —that perfect unanimity ( no matter what petty differences exist ; must be tbe watchword of our leaders . Our chances of success imperatively demand it . And we would impressively desire to direct the attention of our representatives , and the people ' s friend , Jlr O'Conuer , to that opinion . We trust-earnestly trust— that our herein expressed desire for unanimity will be accepted by both parties , in the same unalloyed sincerity and good will , with whic-h we presume to offer it .
Wo have 8 right to deal with our representatives ; and tvo seriously urge them to use every effort In tbe Kational Assembly , on the least show or shadow of disunion , to arrest its progress at the instant , so thnt one firm ant united course ofaction . be the order of the day , by all parties honestly disposed to aid our movement for the Charter . With Mr O'Connor we have no right to deal ob with a servant ; he is not responsible to us ; butto him we appeal as a Chartist—as one who has been a chief instrument in moving the multitudes of this country , thertiby possessing great influence for good . And we crave of him , thatattliismoracnt , so far ashiseonseience will permit , he will sink ^ differences of opinionithat may wist between htm , and any members of the ABsembly ; tliathe will . forthe sake of Chartism , and the poor perishing people of ths miserably oppressed eountry , even veil his own feelings , and try to restrain his temper , fr < ttted by hasty though we trusH honest men , who deem it their duty to differ with hi n , on his policy .
Our motives are strictly honest and sincere , We dread with trembling hearts , that any disunion or appearance of it , should in the least affect tbe auspicious position of our movement . Our hearts are in this entreaty to both parties ; and our hopes are that it mar be of some avail in allayins any bitterness , any ill-feelings , or any opposition arising from any differences that exist . The 1 yes of our country are directed to ( he rcprescntatives of the pe » ple , and ourbopts were centered there ; but with sad regret ws are constrained to feel them changing . To promote theCharter , was and is their duty ; butinstead , we hear of idle tirades of denunciationsimilar to what has ruined our party in times past . And in place of a memorial agitation , we see their timeroluablo and important time — frittered away in petty
debates , on matters comparatively unitnporluut at tbe present stage of our movement . Business is neglected ; arid while tlie . V are careless , the ngitation in the country w » i \ e 9 . Of sixteen propositions to b 8 discussed , what have we ? Why , the memorialto our Sovereign made the last , hnd apparently the least , while their duty was to make it > lieir fret , tlieir greatest , and their leading work . Therefore , we implore the delegates of tho people , to pursue that open , clearsighted , and determined cour ? o , which their constituencies expected of thtm . Let them remove any necessity for fu'ure agitations for our great object—the Charter . And let them prevent the possibility of a Still unenfranchised people , blaming : them iv th thefailure of a glorious movement in 1848 . Let them , therefore , be up and doing , while the day is .
We perfectly well know , that even a limited number of men cannot think alike on all matters . All that we desire to see in our party , is a spirit of charity and jasticepredominant—that they will ' agree to differ . ' And that all denunciation Bhall be cast away from enr movement for ^ ver . Prudence , caution , and patriotism , point with anxiety to 1839 , nnd I 84 2 ; those periods cf Chartist history stand up like beacons in the sea of agitation . Let our pilots at this moment , then , be warned and guided by them . Sink all aeiimony , all foolish ideas of superiority , all Unmanly strife fur popularity and leadership . Be Chartists , strictly and truly Chartists ; and lot selfishness and ambition be , at this portentous time , Subservient to perfect honesty and unanimity .
Our reason for thus writing is , that we concoive it dangerous to make any differences betwf en the A « semMy and Mr O'Connor a puhlic debateable question throughout the country . The ten ieney of such a course would be , to split our now ' almost Irresistible party into minor bodies , holding different vlewS on minor points , therobv weakening ourpowers of action , andgivingtho interested enemies of the people a dangerous , if not a ruinous , advantage , in the present struggle for our liberty . Such then , are our entreaties ; such are our desires ; and in tke full faith they nill be attended to ; in the complete trust that all parties will ure their best efforts to prorr . ote our views , we hope that all danger will bo avoided , and our triumph soon secured . In name of Committee , William Doohertt , chairman , Democratic Hall , Irongate , Qlas'oir . May 8 th , 1648 .
Dr M Uowll felt assured that none had come io thBt Assembly but who were prepared to svvifice their prejudices nod their differences . Seme lia-i already sacrificed their property ; they were now prepared to sacrifice their lives—why not their prejudices and diff . renege . The > Committee had determined toraove a resolution , which he would submit to them without cmraent . It was—That this Assembly distinctly declares , that , as a body , it has not entertained any question affecting the character of Mr O'Connor , or that of any otl ' . ei gentleman . On principle it has constantly discountenanced , and does now repudiate , all personalities . The Assembly have strictly adhf red to the principles of tha P . opie's Charter , which positively affirm , thot all power springs from the people , and that their will expressed through thuir representatives shall be law ,
Considering tho Assembly a full and fair representation of the Chartist body , we , after due deliberation , and the free expression of opinion from all quarttrg , decided on summoninE as many delegates as possible to give the ut . most weigtlif to a deliberative body , having for its duties the organisation , of the country , tbe election of an Executive , and the direction of the movement to a speedy and fortunate termination . That we unatdmouMy decided on a conciliatory policy with all parties . That in so far we have anticipated the instructions of the various constituencies , and th » t we again repeat our earnpst deiiro for perfect unanimity , and a rlrm and decided course of action , based on a practical observance of the principles oi the Charter , and the avoidance ou our part of all sources or dissent of cause of disunion . Mr Child seconded it . Carried anan'mously .
Mr Do : \ ovAN moved , ' That it be printed and circu-Idfid through ( he country . ' Carried ananimout )? . Mr Leach moved , 'That an address he drawn up , founded on the resolution , and printed . ' Carried utjiinimnuslv . Mr M'Gratii moved , 'That this address be drawn up by the Executive . ' Carried unanimously , Organisation . Dr M'Douali then said , the appointment of trustees was 'he next point ; in on ' er . Mr Child moved , ' That we have three trustees . ' Mr Shaw seconded this , which , after a litt'e consideration , was carried . Mr J . Shaw , ( London , ) Mr Child , and Mr Milne were 1 hen ppuiuted to be the trustees of the Chartist body . It wfs unanimously vatcd that tha Natranil Land and L'jbaur Bank be the bank of the Chanist bidy .
Id was unanimously vottd , that each district an loc'i'ity have control over the district and locai fund . On the motion thaf . ( hs sataviea of the Exooutiva 1 e £ 2 per week , with 2 i . 6 i . a day , and Beeondclasa fare when travelling , Mr Adams moved , tl at it be £ 2 . 10 :. per week . He considered this quite necessary in London , and hp v / m not . one who should wish to see any rnao in difficulties . He wnulrf like to add a pecuniary inducement also to the effioient diaoha' -ge of tho duties oFany office . Ilospoliein this fpm his own experiencp , alivsrs working best and most spirited when he wa « best fed . ( Laughter ) Mr Mackintosh Rernnied the resolution , because if they expected the Executive to devote the whole of tfapjr time to theri'itiesof their offics . the salavy propo ed by Mr Adams waa quite email enough to maintain them .
Mr Child opposed the motion . There were many men in Londm who were as respectable snd as edu " wit . fd &s th « iiarties who were appointed to tbo ° e offices , who did not reodve one pound a wc ? Ic « nl who > et supported themselves and families , and paid siihsc-iptioaa to the cause out of that sum . lie -aid , thnt they ou « jht to ba as careful of tho money taken from such people aa thay would of their own . As to the stainnent * r . at a man could nnfc livo rpgpcoinbly in London on £ 2 11 week , he cou ! d understand that statement . It might ha true aa respected the Scottish delegates , who lived in coffee-houses , but if th ^ y were permanently located in London they would nixl oBt how tolivo upon £ 2 a week . He said tl'v'y omht to us bonetu in ihe matiai-empntof tho puMic nviney , and if th <> y were not honest they eughtto go to the devil . ( Laughter . )
Mr Ver . non took the same view of the question ' but at lhe came time he thpupht thatiha si-rvai . ta of the AsBOciatioi should participate in its prosperity ,
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and the result of their own etfyrts , ant ) , therefore * they OUg bt to be m « . re largely remunerated , if , in future , the income of tbe Amsoetatkn was increased through ( heir exertions . Mr Stbvkkson also supported the plan of tbe com * rantee . Be understood from people who had lived in London that , with the exception of rent acd a&h , a m » n could live as chranly in London as in any country town ; and looking at the rote 0 / wpgrs nof paid to working rnerj , bo waH of opinion that £ 2 a week was quite enough , and he was sure that , at present , they could not afford to nay more , and that any roan » ho was a patriot , would manage to live in London upon tbat amount , Mr T . Clark observed , the question wae argned a « if the tnttnliersof the Executive were always to be in London , whereas they would be frequently absenft from their families .
Mr Carver said , retrenchment was tbe order of the day , and it would be much better for them to lay downa Bjoall amount to begin with rather than to Bs an extravagant sum , and then have to travel back again . Mr Basset had lived both in the country and ia London , and therefore had some experience in tha mattvr , and he was satisfied tha' £ 2 a week was quite little enough fora priv . ste individual . A&& family roan , he could state that his necessary outlay exceedtd tbat sum . lie was anxious that the Exe . cutive of the Association should be placed in a lespectable position , and looking at the fact that they Wduld have almost every night to attend publca meetings and iectures in different parts of London .
even , if thty were constantly resident in ir , and as it was impossible , as he knew frem experietce , that this could be done without expanse , he waa of opinion that £ 2 was too small a salary . Mr J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) had ever been » n advocate for paying a man according to his services , but at tbe same time he was satipfied that £ 2 a ¦ W 8 ek was as much as the Association could afiord , and would be approved of by the members ; as to tha expenses of attending meetings , which fcad b * en alluded to by Mr Basset , he hoped the metrepoli . tan localities would take that into consideration , and prevent those expens « s , as they easily could do , from fa'ling as a burden upon the members of tha MmUlvei ( Hear , hear . )
After some further discpssion tbo avaefcdftKssfc and motion were put to the rote , acd the proposition of the committee was carried by a large majority . Mr Ernest Junks said , the next point was the salary to be paid to the Commission * rs . The conmittee prepPBed that it Should Le at the Eame rate as the Executive , namely , £ 2 a week , when they were employed . Mr T . Cure suggested tbat tbey also have their fare paid ., when travelling , and the 2 s . 6 d . a day allowance for expenses .
Mr EliNEar Jokbs agreed to this addition , and after a short conversation the motion was agreed to . Mr Ernest Jokes then stated that tke next question was the duties of officers ; and first f f tbe Executive . The cotrmittee proposed to define their defies as follows : —To superintend tbe movement ; and direct its pewer ; to publish frequent reports of their proceedings , and of tbe state ot the movement ; to issue tracts and addresses when necessary als >) to issue monthly financial statements , and to convene an assembly Oi the people ' s representatives in caae of emergency , Mr T . Cuek moved : — ' That this definition of tho Executive be adopted , ' and the motion « as imme diately carried . Mr EiiNEsi Jones then said , the next resolution was as to the duties of CommigsionfIB , wjiich the committee proposed to be : —To cany ietc , practical operation the instructions of the Executive , and to be under tbe control of that body .
Mr T . Claek eaid ha had no objection to move the adoption Oi that resolutiov . Much bad been said oa former occasions as to the mjeterlous and secret powers of these ConimissioneiB , bet , as he had observed yesterday , it seemed to him they wt re merely tbe o ! d lecturers under a new name . As far as he understood the cature of tbe duties they would have to perform thej were the-e—they would have to attend public meeting ? , and deliver lectures . The 0 I 6 lecturers did tbat . When differences arose in any district , tbey wenld have fo roedia'e between
contending parties , and endeavour toieconcile themthe old lecturers did that ; Tfcey would have to report to the Executive as to the state of the movement in the district to waich tbey were sent—the old lecturers did so . They would be under the control of ibe Executive generally , —acd so were the old lecturers . He therefore did not see any diffi rence bsiween the new commissioners and the old lecturers , and he considered tbat there was ro necessity for the tone in which fhese newly-appointed officers had been Bpokep . of .
Mr Child seconded the motion , and hoped that the commissioners , when they went out to lectuie , wou'd confine themselves to plain eommon senae ; give themselves no airs and it' they had any enrca&Uc powers , would leave them at home carefully locked up . Mr T . Clabk asked if he wai to make that addition to hia motion , because , if Mr Child tequested if , te Wa 8 ready to flO BO ? ( Laughter , and hear , hear . ) This question led to a somewhat sharp crosa firing on the part of several delegates , in tne course ct wh ch A 5 r Rankin and Mr Vernon complained of Mr Clark ' s satirical manner ; and Mr Clark eaid , that as every man bad , and could not help bavin ? , hia own rai'nuer , he thought tbey ehould agree to amutual toleration ill that respect .
Dr M Douall said the question before them was no laughing matter , but a tsoiemn one It was tha nature of the » lut " ea to be performed by ( -fiicers who WfiUld BflVa to act with and for the people , at a time when tens of thousac ' s of ihem wereplunyed in tbo deepest destitution , and tbe country was on the brink of a revolution ; he , therefore , deprecated all liberty upon such a question , and thought they should discuss it with the utmost calmness and deliberation . Mr Basset , as one of the commissioners , did not understand tbat le waa expected to be a lecturer . I £ 60 , he would not have accepted tbe position ; he merely supposed that he was to be the confidential correspondent for his district , and to act in such oases as mi ^ ht be entrusted to him by the Executive .
Mr West said , thrao frequent oiscts-iions proved how vague and indefinite an idea prevailed in ihe Assembly a 9 to the real duties and powers of tlk 86 i-fficers , nnd also the necessity for a more accurate aad explicit definition of them . ( Hear , heav . ) It tbey were to possess the confidence of the people , they must know what their duties were , lie , for one , thought they would have something more to do than merely to make speeches—they must organise tha country . ( Hear , hear . ) They would have to come into communication witb theleaderaof other parties , and lay down the policy , conciliatory or otherwise ,
which would have to ba pursued towards these parti . s ( Eear , hear . ) It was an important office , and therefore its duties ought to be clearly defined . Mr Ernest Jone 9 said tbat the duties of the commissioners would not be simply confiRed to mere lecturing They would in reality be the confidential staff of the Executive , who would have to aos uader ( he instruotiooa of the Executive according as tbe cir numataEces arose , and it was . therefore , impossible for the Assembly to specify to the letter what their duties would be , or to lay down any specific cade of instruction . ( Hear , hear . )
Mr Donovan said , that it waa very true they could not lay down all that Hikht occur in one month or two months hence . but at the same time when ha went back to Manchester , and was asked by hia constituents what tbe dutits of these cammissioners were , and was only abla to reolyi that they were to oboy tho instructions of tho Executive , he could assure them that the council of Manchester would not take ttint view of the buninea ; ' , nor would they b-i content unl » s 3 they bad tbe instructions of the Executive communicated to them , and the control of tbe commissioner . Another practical difficulty which he
"aw was tbjs . the commissioners were not to bo permanently etrphyfd but only when the Executive required thcit- services . Now a man might be called on for a few days , who by the custom of hiatradvin manufacturing districts could not leave without three weeks or ft month ' s notice , ana if ho did so would be plac-d in the bands of the police , ( llenr , hear . ) Mr RANius-said , that many ot the delegates appeared to talk as it' they were going to make preparati-ns for a protracted agitation , and _ a * if they wished t-i drag from the Business C > rnmittee sorua exp ' miationa which he , as one Of that committee , would not consent should ba dragged from binii
M < - West rose with s me warmth to demand , that if the Business Committee had any views which bad not been stated , that they sbould be laid bsfi / re tha Assembly . Mr ( J < cBRMiE thought the discussion waa a very useless one , and quite agreed in the views of tLO Committfe . as far as they bad been stated . ^ Mr Carver said he wanted an explanation as to what was meant by dragging out from the Committee matter which they were determined not to explain ? ,, . , Mr Whkklbr , as oae nf tho Committee oaid , that tbey had no eeeret policy or plan 3 whatever to explain , and as to the objection of Mr Dtiaivan , if a eoramissionerwascalleduponto give his services , who was placed in tbe situation supposed by Mr n . mnvau , all that would be necessary , when the Executive found thnt ho could not leave his work , would bfl to apply immediately to tho next neatest
commissioner . , . . Stver ? l oth'ir members of the Committee denied that there was npythirtp secret in thoir plans , and oiii ,- ! that Mr Rankin had been misunderstood ; end affer n few words from the Chairman , the Assembly adjourned at OEe o ' clock , in pursuance of tha Rtarriimr orders , without any decision being come to ou tho subjsc' .
AFTERNOON SITTING . Mr Ctul ? banded in a sovereign , as the OOntribll * tion otu t ' ttndt , t > tkocMito . Ths CnAinMiv s-iid he bad received a Utter from some iiidivK / i ah , which be looked upon as nothing but a ( lomiri ; 1 » : inault to the Amicably .
Untitled Article
jVUY la . imp . IP H EN OR THE RN STAR , 3 _
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 13, 1848, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1470/page/3/
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