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    KATIOKAli CONVENT-LOW . Tuesday , May 3 . Mr . Duncan in the chair , Mr . Leach in tie vice chair . Minutes read and confirmed . Mr . M'Pherson , bronght forward the following mo-Hob : — ' " That the Convention take into consideration the best means of securing to the working cl&ssea the foJi benefit resulting from their own labour , " and supported it in an able address in which he recom mended co-operative policy . Mr . Feargus O'Connor seconded the motion . Wr . Woodward moved an amendment to the effect th * t the Convention should give no recommendation on the subject , but leaTe to the judgment of the working men to take such steps as they may deem most proper to relieve their serial condition . Mr . Bartiett seconded the amendment . Messrs . Moir , and Thomason , ably supported the motion .

    Jit . Leach w » s opposed to the motion . He thought ft -TO 3 calculated to divide and distract their attention . He thought the people were somewhat in the condition of the lion * proTider ; they would only be allowed to procure a subsistence on condition that the greater portion of it went to the lion . To some of his constituents the mention of paying sixpence a-week to a co-operative society , was almost an Insult , they could scarcely procure food . Other members then addressed the Convention . - Mr . M'Pherson replied , and the metion was then carried . Mr . Thomason moTed a resolution , " That in order to avoid the denunciations that had

    taien place , test a committee be appointed from England and from Scotland , independent of the Executive , to which all disputes should be referred . " He did not bring forward this motion to screen or to attack any paity , but simply to do away with what had been the cause of great division . These denunciations had been the cause of driving many good men from the ranks . They had made them the sport and ridicule of their enemies . If they did not take some such steps they might continue to agitate the country for twenty five years without any effect—their strength ¦ would be wasted and lost . His object was to create union and good feeling .

    Feargus O'Connor -seconded it with pleasure ; he thought it necessary , for his own protection , as well as for that of other men . He hoped they would conduct this discussion in a mild , temperate manner . He believed the motion might have originated in the wounded -feelings of Mr . Thomason ; he was the only , man who could say , with any shadow of truth , that he had ever been denounced , by himself . In connection with -the Scottish Convention , be certainly disapproved of Hr . Thomason ' s conduct , and wrote a letter to his constituents to that effect ; and he had since been told , by Mr . Thomason , that he was right in his views on that subject , and that the parties with whom he bad bees acting were endeavouring to thwart the object the Oiartists had in view . He had not been seven times iff

    Leeds , since he had been liberated from York Castle . He had expended every farthing of profit , which he -derived from bis paper , in promoting the good of the -cause . The denunciations complained of were net conr nected with the Editor or Proprietor of the Star ; but yrete resolutions carried at public meetings , and when at times they had been withheld by the Editor , he bad received letter after letter complaining of it , and demanding their insertion . During the whole time he had been connected with the agitation , be had never denounced any single individual , while the last five years of his life had been taken up in defending himself . All the vices of the Northern Star had been selected for observation ; but not one word was stated of the good it had produced . ( Hear , hear , and loud

    cheers . ) He was anxious that a tribunal should be formed to which all should be amenable ; he asked f his as much for himself as for others . For years before he was connected with the Star , he had advocated a censorship of the press , but he could not allew frimgpif to be trodden under foot . It appeared that - some parties wished Feargus O'Connor to stand with his hands bound behind , a cock-shy for every one who thoughtproper to attack him . If anything whatever appeared in any paper or from any person , reflecting npon his character , it was immediately said , what a Elap Fesrgns has got ; but if he attempted to bbj a word in reply they immediately cried out " what % shame , how wrong it was to denounce I" The Editor

    of the Northern Star , had perhaps more to endure than any other editor of a newspaper . The obloquy to which be was exposed , was almost unknown . Bis great strength arose from a knowledge of his own weakness —from knowing his friends from his enemies . Every man was liable to error of judgment ; but when he knew that he was following the straightforward path of principle he cared not for all the obloquy which might ie thrown upon him ; he would allow it all to pass as the idle wind which he regarded not The leaders of the people now present had quick ears and quick eyes , and he would defy any one of them to point out a time when he had atttmpted to denounce the character of any leader of the people , though he himself had been denounced to his heart ' s content If ever he

    heard a leader of the people denounced , he had always supported him , in fact he had been blamed for giving men too good a character . He was willing , if such a tribunal as the motion proposed was created , to bow entirely to its decision ; if he had wounded the feelings of any man , it was unintentionally ; though he had never attempted to fritter away any man ' s character ; but he found that the game conduct had not been pursued towards himself , but he was willing to waive every subject cf contention to promote union among the advocates of the cause .

    Mr . Roberts said it was with much , diffidence that he gsve T"g opinion npon this subject He agreed with Mr . Tkoiaason that these denunciations were one of the most fruitful sources cf disunion which it was possible to conceive of . All seemed to be well aware of Ihe evil , but the mum question was how to get rid of the evil . He could not agree with the motion to submit his character to the decision of any Committee ; he preferred to have the public at large for a Jury . That was a far better tribunal than any Committee that could be appointed , as that Committee mnst be of necessity

    formed from a section of the Chartist body . If a public meeting decided wrong , there was sure to be a reac tion ; but if a Committee once decided wrong , they were almost sure to abide by that decision . He had , as an individual , experienced the benefit of appealing " to the public- In Bath and Bristol himself and Vincent had been calumniated and denounced , but they had found that a public meeting was always ready to do justice to them ; and here he could not avoid paying a high tribute to the talent .- integrity , ' and manly conduct of Henry Tineent , and he could not avoid noticing that beins in conversation with a Chartist of Bath " .

    who expressed Etrocg opinions against Vincent , CBrieE . and others attending the Biininsham CotiTre ^ ce , he stated they were deserving a vote cf censure ; be ssied him if Vincent and © 'B .-ien were to bring over the whole of the Conference to the Charter , what he would then say ? He immediately replied , they would then be worthy of a . vote of confidence . S j it appeared that vctes of censure or confidence were to be passed not according to the principle contained in them , but according to the sueces 3 which attended them .- for his own part he cared netting for denunciation ; he had received fir Eore itviers cf friendship and marks of confidence since be had been denounced than at any previous period . When a man was unfitly attacked , a re-action always solicited truth ; and if a man was proved to have ac : fcd .- * Tor : e , it was well ; if not , he had a fair epportcciry of exp ^ inin ? himself . It was not ti > e fearsj dore to himself as sn individual which he found fault

    with , b'at tbe injury it had done the cause with the pnbih . He was anxiou 3 to place Chaitism on as broad a basis P-s possible . It was for this reason he opposed Mr . Philp's motion on teetotaiism ; and for the same reasrn h ? opposed the appointment cf thi 3 committee , ilr . RoVrts then induced in some pleasant raillery on an expression of Mr . Bairstow ' s in the Commonswea / th respecting eternity's last bell having tolled ere Mr . O'Connor's fame would be forgotten , " which elicited tremendous laughter . He was of opinion that no man had done more for the movement than Mr . O'Connor ; but snch wholesale adulation was calculated to turn the . head of sny man ; snd Mr . O'Connor must barcj been almost more tlian man , if he wa 3 not affected by it . He wished them to take a more extended view of peblie affairs ; to ova look the petty jealousies which disunited and divided them . He was opposed to a committee , because he thought the public a far more perfect tribunal .

    Mr . O'Brien concurred with Mr . Roberts , that a committee was not a competent tribunal for the decision of a subject lite the present He thought that in the preset * divided state of out organisation it would be impossible to shut the influence of faction out of a committee . He had drawn up a resolution which he thought would meet the case ; it was a resolution which no honest man could disapprove of ; and he trusted that the Convention wo \ sl& unanimously agree to it ; it was as fellows : — "That this Convention deem it absolutely essential to tha success of the Chartist movement , and to the fiaftty cf all wto take a prominent pait in it , that no public men connected with our cause should be

    denouneea m asy assembly of the people , or in any newspaper SDppcScd to be in the interests of the people , EEtil after the party agr . inst whom the denunciations day be levelled , has besn fully beard in his own deface in the presence of the assembly , or through the columns cf the newspaper which would denounce iim , aid fcrtLerinore this Convention records its solemn determination , collectively and individually , to treat all denunciations as calumnies and misrepresentations agsinst the parties who may be the objects of them , unless the denunciators shall have prcvionly invited or brought the denounced parties in presence of the jublic , so that a fair hearing of both sides may taie place , —the public as jurymen , —before any pubiic cecsure is iwarded . "

    He would not leave his character in tbe hands of any committee : he held it that no man ' s character should be tsken away on the cjparie statement of a tetrspaper . He was not opposed to the comments of any editor of a newspaper on his speeches , or even his impnted speeches , provided he was allowed a fair opportunity of replying , but such comments should always

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    be conditional—they should commence with an it If Mr . O'Brien , if Mr . Vincent said so , —and in the case f a well-known public man , it would be but courteous to state , that from the well-known character of the man , they should hesitate to believe until they had further evidence . If some step of this description was" not adopted , no man's private or public character would be safe . He also held the opinion that no matters gleaned in private society should be made matter of public denunciation . They had an instance of Jhe ill -effect of this in the present Convention . If the present system of denunciation was carried on it would be- impossible to maintain their existence as a party . In every town in the kingdom , they would be broken into parties and sections if one man denounced

    another . He alBo was marked out for vengeance ; and nothing " could be more easy than to invent private conversations , and publish them to the world as matters of public importance . If he committed himself as a public man he was willing to be judged by the public ; but it usually happened that the denunciations . were got up by . private coteries of individuals , posted off to the newspapers , and were spread on the wings of the press to the whole of the kingdom . ( Cries of hear , hear , hear . ) He could not avoid alluding to the reports given in a certain newspaper respecting his conduct at the Birmingham Conference . From that report" they would believe he was a regular Sturgita ; that he was one of the devils of the Conference ; that the Sturgiteparty were a regular set of knaves ; and

    that the five Bradford men were the enly honest men in the Conference . To this there was no exception all were humbugs and devils of the Conference save these five honest Bradford men . Hints were even thrown out respecting their independence ; insinuations were given respecting soup tickets . The five Bradford men , who scarce opened their mouths during the whole sitting of the Conference , were held up as the only pure and immaculate men . Now he hoped they would allow him to explain his conduct , and he could assure them that he was never in Joseph Sturge ' s house in his life ; that he never spoke to him save in the Conference on public business ; and that he never tasted his soup while he was " in Birmingham , while the five independent Bradford men lived on Sturge ' s soup during the whole

    of the time they were in Birmingham . The part that himself , and-the other Chartist delegates toek in the Conference had been unfairly represented in the Star . From the reports in that paper they would suppose that he had regularly flummoxed them ; that he bad regularly humbugged tbe Chartist body ; that he was willing to change the name and to abandon the interest of the body he had so long acted with . He could solemnly assure them thai no proposition bad ever been made for . them to change their name . No man had ever dared to bring forward such a proposition ; they did net in his presence , and ha believed , he wa 3 sure , they did not in his-absence . Not a Charisfc deputy bnt would have felt himself insulted by such a proposition . Even the middle class delegates , who were opposed to the name

    of the Charter had not dared to mention the subject of changing their name . The material which had furnished certain parties with the means of propagating this delusion was , that certain middle class delegates expressed themselves pretty stronglyagainst giving themselves the names of Chartists ; but the difference wa * only about the name . Many of the Conference deserved well . of the Chartist body . The Rev . Mr . Bptnce , though opposed himself to being called a Chartist , stated that nbtbing would grieve him more than to see the Chartists abandon their name ; it would be weak and pusillanimous . He not only said this , but ho went still further : he advised them not only to retain their name , but even their own organisation . But these

    middleclass men had many reasons for not publicly supporting the Charter ; if they did , their names might perhaps hav # shortly appeared in the Gazelle ; and thus , though they hesitated about it themselves , tbey were not opposed to others bearing the name of Chartists . And when Mr . Lovett ' s resolution was brought forward , kno % ing that the matter was one of but little consequence , and Beeing that , by styling themselves Chartists , they might injure themselves amoDg their middleclass constituencies , he thought their conduct was not so liable to blame ; but the Northern Star denounced the conduct of tbe whole of the delegates , with the exception of the five Bradford men , who lived upon Sturge ' s soup .

    The . . Chairman called Mr . O'Brien to order . To make such direct insinuations against persons not present to defend themselves , was low , mean , and contemptible . Mr .- O'Brien—If there was anything mean or contemptible , it lay with those who originated the charge , and not with himself . With regard to the motion of Mr . Lovett , he believed that , though he did not move the amendment , yet he swayed the Committee , by his advice , to reject it He cared nothing about their adopting the name . They only represented a small portion of the middle class ; whatever decision they came to was not to be taken as the decision of the middle class , but of them , as an individual body . They had agreed to tbe whole of the principles , and

    therefore , he advised them , as they had no authority to give a name to their Association , that they should call anether Conference , for the express purpose of deciding that question ; and he hid pledged himself , if living , to be there , and defend even the name of the Charter . Now , this was not the impression that had been left upon their" minds by the report they had received from a certain paper . He had nothing more to do with Sturge or his Conference than the man of the moon : he was sent ty his constituents to perform two express duties——first , to endeavour to get them , by the dint tf argument , to agree to the six points of the Charter , and , failing to do this , tJ protest against their acts being considered as the acts if the working classes , give it as our deliborate opinion that the working

    While he said this , he was not opposed to Mr- Stuxge's plan , so long as they do not oppose us ; he was for perfect toleration to all persons—be held that they had no right to interfere wit a them as a body , so long as they do not interfere with us , they have an equal right to form an association as we have . They m 2 y gain a portion ' of the middle class to the standard of Chartism with whom we might have no influence . This was what he told them at the meeting at the Town Hall , Birmingham , the Whigs had made him such a devil , that thousands would come to hear Sturge , who would never come to hear him ( O'Brien ) and others of their party j he there stated that owing to this circumstance , no man was ever so fitted to head their movement as Mr . Sturge ; this has been misrepresented , asthcuihhc

    had saiti that no man was so fit to head oar movement , and for ihis he had been styled a middle-class adulator ; O'Brien an adulator of the middle class . ' why , it came uponhim like a thunder clap—like a shower bath . For ten years bad he denounced them as a class ; and now because he had expressed his admiration of the conduct of a few men , he was called an adulator of the middle class i as well might Thomas Duncombe be called to account for the misconduct of every one tf his electors as for him to be answerable for the conduct of the whole of " the delegates to the Cocf ^ rence . He was decidedly Opposed to all denunciations unless the man came boldly forward to a public meeting for the expressed purpose , or if denounced in a paper that he should be allowed a fair rizht of reply in the same columns , not

    th > . t he should be condemned -unheard ; debarred cf the right of cit-z ; n = hip , of that right which w . is extended to the lowest criminals ; he did not blame any man for differiLg in opinion from him ; he believed that in many instances nine-tenths cf the population differed from him . "in opinion ; but if the man denouncing him possessed an organ of his own—if the statements in that organ were believed without the parties being heard in their own defence , then no man who vras opposed by that-organ , or by the parties conducting it were safe from having their characters frittered away . If private conversation was to be ms'Ae the subject of public denunciation—if the statements made in that conversation were to be perverted to any man ' s purpose— if statsmert- ; in contradiction were denied insertion , then this

    became an unbearable despotism , ¦ wA-ii .-b . it was every manVduty to put down . It mattered not to him that these denunciations were said to be fouuled on a report in the Statesman , that they were couched in honeye 4 language , that it was given as a surmise , that suspicion was set afloat , that character -was traduced , while the real author vras allowed to escape . Fur five months had this fleeting spirit of dirision been fosterer ! in evt-ry to we . It bid raised up two antagonistic parties . No sooner had he arrived at a place than one party waited upon him to say that Mr . So-and-so was not to be trusted , he had this move or the other move . Scarcely were they gone ere the o ' . htr party came , bidding him beware of other parties ; his answer had invariably bteu that he would have nothing to do with either party .

    and that if he could ao the cause any service while in that town , let them bury their difference in oblivion , and assist him in doing it He never allowed any leader to be denounced in his presence . In one p ' fce defended Vincent , in another O'Connor , and it was a curious fact that the meeting he attended at Birmingham , at O'Xeil ' s chapel , he was actually put down for defending O'Connor . He had attended there to see Mr . Vincent and Mr . Ho ' . lis , of Cheltenham , on privuts business connected with his paper , and being recognised by the people tbey compelled him to speak , and he waj actually put down because he would not allow 0 Connor to be called base . It was not from love to O'Connor that he defended him , for he had no love only for the ether sex . but from a feeling that snch denunciations were injurious . He defended Vincent , as nob' . e a little soul as ever breathed , against similar -attacks . Vinc&t had done more good among the middle classes cf Bristol than it was possible for him or any other

    man to do there ; let every man do the utmost good he could , and let him do it his own way . In the Town Hall-of Birmingham TlIso , he had defended O'Connor ; he had defended Mm from that erratic friend of O'Connell ' s , Tom Steele ; no sooner did he get up to denounce O'Connor , than he stepped him . If a crisis was to come and the same spirit to exist as at present , he trscibled for tbe consequence . The worst scenes of p ^ st times-would be re-enacted—the ma * , who had woiied hard in the cause , whewe heart Lad bled in its service , might be denounced , Li 3 reputation , Ms very existence , destroyed by these vile means . If they looked back to past ages they wou'd find that the men who looked most to the interest cf the people , were generally sacrificed for their zeal in their behalf . Socrates was compelled to drink hemlock ; and . to go to the nightst inthority , Christ himself was sacrificed by those whose interests he vr&s endeavouring to promote . The anly way to put a check to this feeling was by adopting iis motion . Let no nevrsrspei dare to denounce a m 9 n

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    until a public meeting had been called , and he had mot face to face with his accuser . Every man in that Convention was equally liable to have hiB character blasted and destroyed , unless such a step was adopted . He mentioned no newspaper in particular , but applied to all in common . Mr . O'Connor stated that as his object was unanimity , if Mr . Thomason would withdraw his motion , he would second Mr . O'Brien ' a , This being acceded to , Mr . O'Connor stated that , in seconding this resolution , he should make a few general remarks on what had fallen from Mr . O'Brien . Much had been said about the five Bradford delegates . He would appeal to Mr . Leach , and all who were present at Birmingham , that

    they were not aware , until the Friday , that Mr . O'Brien was a delegate to the Conference , They believed that , like Steele , he was only a visitor . The Conference met on a Tuesday , the letter Mr . O'Brien complained of was written on the Wednesday , aid not knowing , until Friday , that O'Brien was a delegate , the praise awarded to the Bradford delegates in no way detracted fron » the merits of Mr . O'Brien , The delegates to their meeting , in calculating span the number likely to vote upon certain questions , did not include Mr . O'Brien or Steele , believing them both to be visitors . Mr . O'Brien had attempted to saddle tbe onus of misrepresentation on the Star , although he acknowledged that the report on which the remarks were made was taken from the

    Statesman-Mr . O'Brien stated , that the question ol the abandonment of their name was not mooted . Mr . O'Brien—not of the Chartists abandoning their name . Mr . 0 Connor—Mr . O'Brien had attempted to show that the Star had misrepresented his actions at the Conference . Surely the copying of articles from Newspapers specially reporting those meetings , could not be misrepresentation . He agreed , with Mr . O'Brien , that much mischief was done by cabal and private slander ; more than ever was done by public denunciation ; these

    went forth to the world ; they were capable of being contradicted . Ne man had been denounced , in secret , more than himself , and he could not avoid Btating that , in almost every town he had visited , where O'Brien had preceded him , he was asked what he thought of O'Brien ? On his expressing , as be invariably did , a favourable opinion , they informed him that O'Brien , in all his private conversations , was in the habit of assailing and denouncing him . Mr . Moir , and Mr . Bartlett , could bear witness , that both at Glasgow , and at Southampton , h « had defended and praised Mr . O'Brien , and averred thai no man in the movement had done more for the cause .

    Mr . O'Brien hoped Mr . O'Connor wonld cease from praising him ; he only wanted him not to abuse him ; and to allow him the opportunity of stating a few facts in his paper to the public . He cared nothing for denunciation so long as the same medium was open to him to reply ; but he did complain that facts bad been manufactured against him , and he had be in denied a reply . Mr . O'Connor sincerely regretted if he had in any way misconstrued the conduct © f Mr . O'Brien , or misrepresented his views—he had no intention of doing so ; but still the fault lay with O'Brien . He had a week ' s notice that his conduct would be the subject of criticism . If he was so sensitive—and a public man had a right to be so—he had ought to have immediately stated

    that the report of bis conduct at the Conference was incorrect He ( Mr . O'C . ) had frequently taken pen in hand , iu tha dead of night , to correct similar misrepresentations . No man—however high he might stand in the movement—should think himself above the necessity of contradicting misrepresentation . If he neglected to do so the onus fell on bis own shoulders . He should deeply regret that any man was ever "driven from their tanks . Mr . O'Brien was the last man in existence whom he would attempt to injure . He had an immense respect for him as a public man ; and , notwithstanding Mr . O'Brien did not like love , he had a great affection for him as an individual , and ho pledged himself , that

    whenever Mr . O'Brien wished or thought proper to write anything for the Star , so far as it was connected with the cause , or on matters of policy , it should always have insertion . If Sir . O'Brien Intended writing a letter to the Star , he would make no reply to it , unless it contained falsehoods . He trusted that all acrimonious feeling would cease . If any time had been misspent in this little difference , let them make up for it by a complete union . He would shake hands with Mr . O'Brien , bury the past in oblivion , and then they could get on , fighting side by side , the better for the future . He was willing to give to Mr . O'Brien tbe right hand of fellowship .

    Mr . O Connor then gave his band to Mr . O'Brien , which was accepted amid much cheering . Mr . O'Brien was willing to accept of this friendship on public grounds . If Mr . O'Connor would insert his communication in the Star , he was satisfied . But he must inform him that he had not had the liberty he could have wished in the past columns of the Star . All he wished him to do was to send him back the blackguard letter , which the Editor would not insert , that he might show it to his friends , that they might ba convinced it was not a blackguard one . It certainly contained some angry expressions , but what better ccu ' . d they expect from him . He did not care much for the rough style of Hill ; it was these smooth men that he dreaded . Mr . O'Connor ' s last letter was

    very clever , was written with great tact , and was calculated to do ) im great injury . It would make persons relieve while he was on termB of private friendship with Vincent and others , he was abusing them behind their back . It was a dreadfully smooth lettvr . ( Laughter . ) Like the claws of the tiger , smooth as velvet , but the danger was still the same . All he hoped was that the Star would spare him that kindness in foture . He was bound to admit that whether , from accident , or-from whatever cause , no man had done so much as Mr . O Connor for the movement ; but though he looked upon him with admiration , he could not with love . Far from it But he would not put bis private feelings in comparison with the public good ; but he must still impress upon them the necessity for his resolution . Within these few years , 40 , 600 persons from their ranks had been driven to

    America ; three-fourths of tha members of the last Convention had also chiefly , fey denunciations , been cempelled to leave their country , and that , too , chiefly caused by their own favourite journal ; and , unless this allowed them a reply , they were burked altogether , f . > r no other journal inserted their proceedings ; or if it did . the same parties were not its readers . He should endeavour to forget the past , and in time perhaps his admiration of O'Connor as a public man might merge into that affection for him as an individual , which Mr . O Connor had so bountifully bestowed . He trusted that Mr . O'Connor would see that a full report was inserted in the Northern Star , which he should take to bo justification sufficient . We have omitted to state that at the time Mr . O'Brien wa 3 expected to attend the meeting at Birmingham , for which his name was aunounced , business compelled him to be at Bristol .

    Dr . M-Djual ) thought that they had met to perform a duty to the public and not to investigate private squabbles ; he thought it advisable to lay down a principle by which they should be guided , and that those who would not abide by it could have no claim to its protection . He should lay befoe them two resolutions embodying his opinions upon this subject . He had . seen the evils produced by dennciatiyn in the ehl Convention , and ever since the same feeling bad existed . He did not think so little of himself as to be ' meanly jealous of other individuals ; they ought to tbrow overboard at this crisis every private feeling in favour of a grand struggle for the Cnarter ; if O'Connor or O'Brien wtre eternally to be the Mi ' r . j-ct of dissention the movement would be better without them ; of their sincerity to the cause there conld be no question , but by this disunion they had ¦ injured the cause they had both at htait . He should move tbe following resolutions : —

    " Firstiy , that according to the true principles of democracy , it ; s neither just , necessary , nor safe , to nent'U ce or condemn men ; but that it is perfectly consistent with our ideas of liberty aDd justice , to criticise or condemn men's actions , recommendations , or measures . Secondly , that ths only tribunal , judge , and jury , recognised or submitted by this Convention , aru to ba found in public assemblies called without charge , voting by Universal Suffrage , and before whom the accuser and the accused shull stand fact- to face , and to boto of whom the utmost liberty of j-petch iimst be cra . 'jtei . " If they nirreed to tips resolution he should

    never fear to trust his character to a fairly called asseni- j bly of his fsllow countrymen . Mr . SUUwood seconded the amendment of Dr . j M'DoualL He was sorry to differ from Mr . O ' JBrien , whom he respected : is his political schoolmaster ; but j he had too much respect for the liberty of the press to ; agree to a resolution which in his opinion was a gag upon it . He thought public men were public property , and that they must expect to have their conduct com- ; mentcd upon . All he claimed was that they should be ; allowed the ri ^ ht of repiy . He objected to that part of , the resolution which said notice must be civen in 6 om-j

    , instance ? . If treachery wa 3 intended , a delay like this i might prove fatal . Mr . O'Brien bad stated that ne one i had attempted at the Conference to change the name of j the association , but he was sure that Mr . Spencer had moved and Mr . Vines secended a motion to that effect , j and that Mr . Vines had on his return to Reading ad- ; yised the Chartists of that place to change their name , ind join the Stnrge Association . ( Mr . O'Brien stated that it did not occur at the Conference . ) With regard : o the resolution before them , he was opposed to fetter- j ng tbe press in any way or description . If they passed j . hat resolution of Mr . O'Brien ' s tbey woul-1 bo actine in ;

    most despotic manner . He trusted Mr , O'Brien wonla j ithdraw his motion . > Mr . O'Brien said he would sooner have his hand ( it off . . j Mr . Piiilp was glad to see that the same unanimity I laracterised this debate , as on the previous question ; J i had come to the Convention that morning with the j tention of saying much more on the subject , but con- j dering the turn the debate had taken he agreed with j le resolutions of both Mr . O'Brien and Mr . M'Douall , I it thought that neither of them were sufficiently de- j jits ; he should move as a rider the following reso- j

    tion : — . " It is the conviction of this Convention that in all atters -upon which the opinions of the principals of le Chartist movement may differ , the people are the » t J » dges of right nnd wrong , and whilst every indiduV , should be at liberty calmly to express his opinion ; oy . questions of principle or policy , no one has a

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    right to assume the office of dictatior , and violently denounce those with whom he may disagree , " _ Mr . M'Pherson seconded Mr . PhUp's amendment . In his opinion , the other resolutions had too great a tehtency to trammel public opinion ; he was opposed to violent denudations , ' but if a person continued performing a succession bf actions likely to injure the cause . ^ He thought that snch conduct ought to be deaonaeed b ^ the public ; he did not see what result could ensue from these resolutions , the denunciations generally arose from private misunderstandinKs .

    Mr , Lowrey thought that neither resolution or amendment was sufficiently explicit , but that of Mr . O Brten was , in his opinion , preferable . These denunciations generally arose from little knots of individuals and not from publfc assemblies ; he had knJwn five individnals-to pa 88 votes of this description ; hei was opposed to all dfenunciations , but he feared them not ; u ¦ J ^ ~ f ? ° f enouacecl himself , but by firm conduct he had lived it down , and he believed that if a man acted openly and consistently , he never need fear the influence of any press ; he was opposed to a committee . He thonghfc the paetfc was the best jury for the trial of cases of this discri ption .:

    ^ Mr . Beealey—It appeared from the discussion that the majority of the country was quite opposed to these denunciations ; for himself as an individual , he cared not for them . It had been stated that some of their best men had been driven from the ranks owing to denunciation . He thought gthta must have been an error . He had not sought to ascend the pinnacle of fame . He was not anxious to be known out of his own district ; but be knew this , no man dared to denounce him in that district He thought that the recommendation to the country would be sufficient to put a stop to the system . They had enough open foes ; without commencing warfare wita their friends .

    Mr , White said he had heard a great deal respecting denunciation , but there were many who wished to be thought Chartists who were not so in reality . If he thought a man was a shuffling fellow ; if he thought he was going to make a bolt from their ranks , he would tell him so , if they called it denunciation . No man was more anxfour than himself that the leaders of the people should stand firmly banded together . He should agree to , Mr . O'Brien ' a resolution , believing that it -would protect them in the discharge of their duty . Mr . Bairstow stated that no person was more ready than himself to acknowledge when he was in error . He confessed that in the extract Mr . Roberts had read from a letter of his in the Commonwealthsinan , a statement that he bad opposed the resolution , pledging

    them to the name and principles of the Charter , was liable to misconstruction . The letter alluded to was written during the continuance of the debate previously to Mr . Roberts withdrawing his opposition ; but if Mr . RobertB had read another letter in the same paper , he would have seen that he had made the amende honourable , by stating that the greatest unanimity prevailed , and the resolution for the name and principles was carried unanimously . Mr . Bairstow then retaliated on Mr . Roberts for the criticisin . he had indulged in his language regarding the tolling * of the eternity belt He was opposed to the . denunciations which had taken

    place . Much of i it had arisen from private BcandaL If they denounced ! the conduct of individuals without giving them a fair hearing ; it was treating them worse than criminals . If . a man was denounced , he had a right to reply in the same channel . He thought that the . Editor of the Star ( was far from being infallible ; but the Northern Star had been a good guide to public opinion , andhad effected great good . With regard to denunciation , he had experienced his Bhare of it ; but he held it in most sovereign centempt . He never feared any Editor or any paper , so long as-be acted in a straightforward manner . He should support Dr . M'Douall's motion ,

    The debate was then adjourned tt the ensuing morning . " ¦ Mr . Morgan Williams read a letter referring to the Welsh victims , and likewise Tead a circular , which was to be addressed to the M . P . ' b respecting the return of Frost , Williams , and Jones ; the circular was adopted . , Mr . White read a circular for the release of all -political prisoners , which was likewise adopted ; and after notices of motion had' been given , the Convention adjourned until eight o ' clock on Wednesday morning .

    Wednesday , Afay 4 , The Convention met at eight o ' clock , Mr . Duncan in the chair ; Mr . Leach , Vice-Chairnian . Present—Messrs . Campbell , Lowery , Duncan , Beesley , M'Pherson , Stillwobd , Harrison , BairBtow , Leach , O'Connor , Doyle , Pitkethly , Woodward , and Ruff / Ridley . The minutes were rend and confirmed . A letter was read from the Council . of the Democratic Chapel , at Nottingham , stating that they would , to the utmost of their power , BUppovt the Convention . Letters were read from Aberdare , in Wales , containing £ L for tho use of theConvention , and £ 14 1 . 0 s . from various other places .

    Mr . Morgan Williams then commenced the resnmetl debate . He thought that it was necessary that the press should closely watch the leaders of the people ; it was the best means they had of keeping them firm to the principle ; .--, Mr . Williams then alluded to the press in America . Previously to Mr . Jefferson being elected President of America , no man had been more fonlly maligned by the press of that country ; but he outlived it all . He thought that it was impossible for the press to put down a man in tha present movement unless he first destroyed himself . Mr . . ' . Willjams ' then passed some eulogiums on the Northern Star . He believed that eternal vigilance was necessary towavda those who occupied a leading station in the movement . He thought that if they ( Jestroyed the efficacy of the only organ they possessed they would be destroying their own efficacy . | The Chairman begged that he would retract the word " only . " .

    Mr . Williams thought that some of them were too sensitive . They seemed to think that a breath could biow their characters away . He thought his charactei . would stand upon its own merits ; and if ho was disapproved of by his constituents , he would immediately resign . Mr . Harrison thought they were too sensitive upon this subject . ! They denounced the conduct of the Whigs and Tories , because they did not steer a straightforward course ; was it not proper , then , to denounce their own party when they were acting in a shuffling manner ? Mr . O'Brien bad said that these denunciations had . kept tbe middle class from joining them ,, yet at the same time heuaid they were so prejudiced they would not even listen to him ! He thought if that was the case this would have no influence upon thorn . He could not allow that a man was aa good a "Chartistas he was unless he belonged to an organisation .

    Mr . Leach thought that considerable more damage had been done to the cause by private slander than by public denunciation . Men would privately slander those whom they were too dastardly openly to meet . These public denunciations were only the index to the private slander floiting below . Ho should support Mr . O Brien ' a' motion , but he trusted that he would add the words , " private slander " Mr . Kidley believed this motion was one of great importance . It was necessary that steps should be taken to prevent private slanderers from stabbing them in the dark . Much as the word love had been bandied

    about he yivis still anxious to see them animated by a spiriG of brotherly love . He knew notthe motives by whicii sonie men were actuated , but he knew this , that justice demanded that they should throw the " shield of protection around their leaders . That they should prove to the country that they would not tolerate such dastardly conduct They had open enemies sufiicieiiti without being engaged in a warfare with their friends . He approved of the motion of Dr . M'Douail . Ho thought that the press was an officer of justice , that the pnblic was the jury , and to act between them and the press , and thai the . motion of Dr . M'Deuall would establish a court of , appeal . He had seen men whom he respected , -whom , for the persecution they had

    suffere-1 , ho almost adored ; men who had been firm and triie to the people , and when he saw denunciations in tho paper on thy . se men , he demanded that a tribunal shouid be erected before these votes of censure should be ag ; iin' passml . He saw another man who . had performed the work of an Hercules in-the cause , attempted to be stabbed in the dark—men who had given up pro- ; ptrty , ease , an < i caste in societyj to advocate tiio cause . ' oX the poor . VVould they tolerate this conduct—would } they no , t rather join heart and hand in this great cause ,, throwing a 3 ide ail party bickerings , and determine i ¦ while th < -y have breath , never to cease in iheir united ; exertions for the redemption of the poor and the needy . " . The lesson the tjraiits had given them last night was sufficient to determine them to unite in this '

    cause . . ; . . Mr . Campbell thought the resolution of Mr . O'Brien was calculated to put a gag upon the press . The press was a rtflex of public opinion , and it would not be wisy to interfere with it . He was willing that the public should be the judge of his conduct . The public voice was seldom in the wrong ; If n man was honest he need not fear the power of any editor . He would speedily , by his conduct , be enabled to overcome my denunciations which might be passed against aim . ¦ ¦ ¦ ; - ...., ¦ . ' ' .. '¦' Mr . Moir cared little for the censures of the press . it could not injure any public character for any length ) f time . He was an example of it ; he had been called ill sorts of bad Mnies , but they had no effect ; the shafts flew off his back , the same as they would off the jack of a rhinoceroa . He would auppert Dr . M'DoualTs miendment . . '" : '

    Mr . Doyle said he perfectly agreed with the motisD . e thought every body should first have the opportuty of defending theniselves . If the conduct of a an was such as to be opposed to the public good , then i editor had a right t » comment ; it was . difficult to bfine how far an editor should go . Lord Althorp had id that public men ' s actions were open to criticiari , id he agreed with him . He was equally opposed to ivate slander as to pubUc atUB 9 . Mr . Woodward said there had beeD a great deal said K > ut the liberty of tlv press . He \ r ould like to know the liberty of the press existent in . England ; no harlkt cared what the Times ,. -Chronicle ,, or other ipera said of him what we had . to look at was what lr own Chartist press said . H e thought it was right jrsons should have the bpp / jitunUy of defending lemselves , and that the p 6 opk d should hear both sides revious to delivering theur judgment . He thought rery man before he was denounced afaould have notice i&t he was going to be dsr . ounced j we had no power ,

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    no real power , to put this in execution . They could only recommend it . Much harm had been done by persons taking up opinions too hastily ; he therefore thought it was necessary they should come to some resolution on the matter . : \ i Mr * Mason thought the reso l ution was necessary to prevent great dissentions among our leaders . He had not been the victim of denunciation ; but he felt for others . Being in the presence of Mr . O'Connor , he must say he thought Mr . O'Connor had not acted right , but rather harshly , towards Mr . O'Brien ; but Mr . O'Connor had come in for his share of the denunciation . But he ( Mr ; O'Connor ) was differently situated from the

    rest of them , haying the means of going to the place from ¦ which the denunciation sprang . He could feel the weight of the denunciations from the press of the other clasaea , and thought it was the duty of our own press to defend ua upon all occasions . He thought denunciations against individuals deteripratad much from the cause . He was inclined to think the resolution of Mr . O'Brien ; unless very carefully carried out , would be worse than the evils it attempted to cure . He hoped the time had how arrived when the meaner feelings of our nature would bo set aside , and a complete feeling of union and cordiality be substituted in its stead . -. ¦ ¦' ¦ ' . - - .. '¦ ¦ ¦ ' .:. : :...-. ' V . '

    Mr . Thomason believed denunciation did a deal of mischief to our cause . He thought from the good humour that prevailed during this debate , it would be productive of great good . ¦ Mr . O'Brien felt so strongly the effect of the denunciation of the press on , persons , that if there were not two persons in this Convention to support him , he would endeavour to carry it out , but of doors . He thought everybody , should have an intimation by letter or otherwise , before they were attacked . This his resolution demancied . He did not want to Bhackie the press . Dr . M'Douall ' a resolution was vague . He thought a man ' s public acts were open to comments from writera in newspapers , but he thought the man who would publish privata conversations was a literary aasasin .

    That was plain English . He had always given an opportunity , when conducting a paper , for all parties to have a reply . He had admitted , at least , six letters from K . Carlisle , attacking himself . He believed that if the . SYar made statements relative to him . five-sixths of the Chartists would believe it to be true , because they would say that Mr . O'Connor and Mr . Hill were his friends , and would not say anything against him , which was not true . Hs thought the press was morally bound to admit a reply to a charge . Mr . O'Brien then read a lettar from Wotton-under-Edge , expressing confidence in himself , Vincent , and others . Ho had not brought this forward from any bad feelinga . He thought iS absolutely necessary when one set of persons got favoured Dy a paper , and others could not get the

    truth inserted , they were driven to speak to individuals , and this was called slander . But however he was opposed to private slander , he was delighted at . the expressions attributed in the Star to Messrs . Beesley and Mason relative to the middle . classes . Mr . O'Connor promised him yesterday that he should have the opportunity of setting himself right in his paper . With this be had agreed that all enmity should cease . He would never join in any cabal against any public man , private slander meant telling lies against any one . He thought gentlemen would perceive that he had been actuated by the best motives in bringing forward this matter . He thought the press should watch the people , and that the people should also watch ths press . . ¦¦ - . ¦¦ ¦ ¦' ; '¦"' . '¦ •• ' . ' . - "

    Mr . Duncan said Tories and Whigs did not condemn their own party , but tbe Chartist press seemed to take a delight in censuring those who advocated the same principles as themselves . Mr . O'Brien had himself attacked him while conducting the Operative . Mr . O'Brien- ^ -Bat I did not refuse you a reply . Mr . Duncan said , because he never sent one ; he was opposed to all denunciation , they would never succeed nntil they were more united . Mr . Pbilp acceded to the wish of Mr . O'Brien , that his rider should be attached to Mr . O'Brien ' a resolution .

    The resolution of Mr . O'Brien was then put and voted for by Messrs . B 9 esley , M'Pherson , Leach , Doyle , Roberts , Philp , WbAte , Woodward , O'Connor , Powell , Mason , Lowery , Thomaaon and O'Brien . Messrs . Stallwood , M'Douoll , Harrison , Bairstow , Ridley , Moir and Campbell voted for M'Douall ' s amendment ; Messrs . WHHamB and Bartlett did not vote , thinking it unnecessary . Mr . Pitkeithly was absent with leave . Mr . Duncan in the chair . . Mr . O'Connor moved , and Mr . O'Brien seconded the following resolution : — "That we respectfully invite our brother Chartists throughoud the empire to close

    their eara against all private slander levelled against the character of the people ' s friends and advocates , aDd at once to silence all such attempts to lecpgnise in such a pernicious system the destruction of union so necessary , and the frittering away of character bo essentially necessary to the success " of our conmmon cause . We a so recommend that the system of private letter writing for the purpose of creating an ill-feeling , which is generally followed by the formation of sectional parties , who invariably direct their attention to the support of individuala instead of the furtherance of the cause , be discountenanced . "

    The resolution was unanimously carried . A deputation was then received from the National Association respecting . a statement made by Mr . Hairison and reported in the Star of April tbe 23 rd . Mr . Peat as the organ of the deputation read the report from the iSYar and stated that no deputation had eve * ¦ waitsd on Mr . Duncombe , but on Mr . Duncan ; that the speech attributed in the Star to Mr . Parry was spoken with a trifling alteration by himself , and also aome other trifling errors . Mr . Harrison stated the general truth of the report cf his speech in the Star , with the exception of the error referring to Messrs . Duncan and Peat , and read from his minutes the / exact report of what took place at the meeting alluded to . The Convention then resumed its usual business . Mr . O'Brien moved and Mr . O'Connor seconded the following resolution : —

    " That we , the delegates of the working classes in Convention assembled , after having witnessed the proceedings in the Commons House of Parliament , on the motion of Mr . Duncombe ; on tbe 3 rd of May , do hereby give it as our deliberate opinion that the working people of this empire can have no hope of justice from the House of Commons , as at present constituted , and that we forthwith proceed to the appointment of aeommittee of seven persona whose duty it shall be to draw up a memorial to her Majesty ; and to consider such other measures aa may . be necesaary for the guidance of the Chartist body in the present crisis of the country , and that the said committee be prepared to submit such memorial and such measures to the Convention by nine o ' clock on Thursday morning . "

    Mr . O'Brian thought that it was absolutely necessary that they should calmly and deliberately review their position ; and that they should propose not only a measure , but a series of ineasure 3 , each growing but of the other . He thought that if , they allowed government three months , and . during the time employed themselves in procuring signatures to a memorial to her Majesty , they would be effecting a step in advance . He had also his eye to the future measures , as electing a Parliament by shew of hands , &c . No man who had a drop of English , Irish , Scotch , or Welch blood in him , but would feel indignant when he heard the manner in which their petition had been treated . When they to the of

    carried do ^ n the petition House Commons was it not monstrous that they should bo driven back by the staves ef policemen;—that they should be denied even an entrance into the lobby of that House . He waB well aware that it was not expedient fer a large body of men to attempt an entrance into that House , but he thought it an insult to their constituents that the delegates should have been treated in the manner in which they were , w ' uen their only oVject was to see their petition fairly presented . He wished these measures to be adopted , that the people might be guarded asainBt any sudden excitement , which might lead to violence . :

    Mr . O'Connor stated that many years since he had anticipated a crisis like the present . He thought that great prudence and courage was necessary to guard the movement , anil that while they guarded themselves against over-zeal on the one hand , they were equally bound , on the other hand , ta guard against over-caution , and to see that the events which might arise from circumstances ware not saddled upoii the Charter . The riots around Dudley arose from circumstances and not from the Charter . L 6 t them take care that they did not lose the vantage ground on which they at present stood . He was surprised at the manuer in which even lomeof their advocates in that house had defended

    ; heir principles . . Dr , M'Douall thought that they would now be fully iware that justice would sever ba done to the people by i House of Commons elected by the present constitu-> acy . His blood boiled within him when he thought of ; he manner in which their petition had been treated by ; he House ef Commons . . Mr . Beesley Was opposed to ever petitioning again , le thought it much better to bring the- agitation to a ipeedy close , ere thoso who now supported them shou'd lave died of starvation . He thouqiit they should now eturh to their constitaerices and calmly enquire of tbem ffhat course they should now pursue .

    Mr . Philp very ably supported the resolution for a 3 mm it tee . He could scarce trust himself to speak ilmly on the subject of the treatment they had met 'ith on the previous evening . He / trusted it would yusa them to unite the more closely for the object , they ad in view . He should redouble his exertions in the mse . He would pledge himself , from that moment , ever to lose an opportunity of spreading their views ad of abiding by the whole of their principles , and vex to oppose all atteinpta ts thwart their o » ganiition . " ; ¦ ' . " . ¦ ¦ ¦'•¦' . ¦ . ¦ ¦; . ' ¦' . - . - ; ' : " : ' Mr . Lowrey fully agreed in the ' appoinment of a Gomlittee . .. He trusted they would act calmly , and not How their zeal to outstep their prudence . He thought /• would be a degradation to them again to appeal io hat House or Commons , but still he would not say tiat he would never again petition that House .

    Mr . ; Stallwopd approved of the appointment of a > mmittee , but he did not feel the least disappointment i knowing that their petition had been reject d , nor alieye that his constituents would be disappointed -they only regarded petitioning as a sort cf constitnonal shield . They had effected -great good by tbeir rocession- ^ they had caused the greater portion of the ress of the metropolis to insert the petition , aad . comtent upon their viewe . . ' : ; ..

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    Mr . M'Pherson supported the motion . His constituents : were in favour of a national remonstrance The present had been supported by the whole of the working " men of London . The next remonstrance would be ' signed by four millions ef persons . Mr . Thomason thought that the present agitated state of the public mind rendered union and determination absolutely necessary . He was opposed to any idea of physical force . The yreseat Government only wanted a shadow of an excuse to make an attack upon them . " . ; .,: ' "• . ¦ ' . ¦ "¦ " ; . ¦ : ¦ ' " . ' ¦ ¦ ' ¦ - ' .:. " '¦ ¦¦ ;• ' ¦ .-. - " ¦ ¦ ¦¦• .

    Mr . Mason stated that their present position was far superior . to that of any other Convention which had preceded- Jfc The House of Commons had last night refused their prayers and their petitions , and had held out no hope to their starving children . If this was to remain so , they had better return again to a state of nature . He was of opinion that it would be degrading to petition the House of Commons again ; that their next step should be to petition the Queen ; and if that was of no avail they should leave the people to decide on the next step to be adopted . ' ; Mr . Leach briefly supported the appointment of a committee .

    Mr . Ridley was of opinion that each delegate should express his opinion on the subject before them . He for one repudiated the doctrines of Mr . Macaulay , and would state fearlessly that it was him and his party that were driving the people to that state which he asserted the Charter would produce . It was their doty to those who Bent them there to take auch steps aa would enable them to save themselyea and their country . He -feared the memorial to her Majesty would meet with the same fate as the petition . He hoped the committee in drawing up the memorial would have an eye to the conduct of the House on Mr . Duncombe' 8 motion . / ¦ . •¦' •" - ¦ - .: . . ¦ ¦ . ¦ . . ¦¦ ¦ •• '• . " . ' - . ¦ .. \ .-:-Mr . Bartlett thought the only thing the committee could dowas to draw up the memorial . Mr . Mac . aulay ' a speech was calculated to do them more good than harm ; it was a wild rhapsody , and a very foul calnmny . "¦ ¦ ' . ¦ -. , - ¦ :- : : ' ¦ . '¦ .. " . '¦ ' - . / :- ' ¦ : : : : : ¦ : ' :

    Mr . Campbell had heard it stated by some that they Would never petition again ; he w 6 u ! d not assert this ; he was prepared to act according to the exigency of the times . ¦ ' - . ' ¦ .. . . - . ¦" . [ : ¦ - ¦' ¦ " . ¦ : - _ ''¦ - ¦ . ' . ¦ ' .. ' Mr . Powell stated that hia feelings were similar to those of Mr . Campbell . Mr . Bairstow joined cordially with those delegates who had expressed their disgust at the treatment they had experienced ; he ccuid n < t state that he felt disappointed ' at . it ; . but at the period he was in the House of Commons-his blood boiled within his veins , and he felt bitterly indignant ; he feared the memorial would meet with the same treatment , but it was their dutyto exhaust every legal means in their attempts to gain the Charter ; he trusted that the conduct of those M . P . ' s who had opposed them would not be forgotten on the hustings . : ¦ ; - ¦ ' : ¦' • . " ¦' .. ' ; ' ..- :. ' ; ? : ' -

    Mr . . White had received letters atatmg that thousands were starving in his diatrict The men were driven to disperation , and they must be prepared to adept decisive measures ; bethought that the memorial should contain * -call to dissolve the Parliament ; he ; cordially supported the appointment of a committee . Mr . Woodward thought that they must increase their organizition .. Though it was the largest in the world , it was not yet' strong enough to obtain their object , they were in a better position than they had ever yet been . He thought they would have to present more petitions and memorials before they obtained the Charter . ' : ' ' . ' . ¦ " " . ' : ' ¦ '' . -. Mr . Harrison supported the resolution for the formation of a committee , but be trusted that the committee Would bear in mind that ether measures also must be adopted . ' Thursday . May 5 .

    Mr . Duncan . in the chair ; Mr . Leach in the vice chair . ' " . . ' . ' ' ¦ -. ' . :: . . / ¦ . ¦ -: The minutes were read and confirmed . Mr . Beesley moved that a monthly journal be established "by the Executive . Mr . Bairstow seconded the motion . Mr . Pitk « thly moved the previous question . Mr . Stall wood seconded the amendment , which was carried .. ; . ¦"• . . ; . . ' " - : ¦ . ¦'' ' . ¦ ¦ ; . - . ::::. Mr . Roberts brought forward his motion , condemnatory of Mr . Rqeback ' a language in the House of

    Commons , while supporting Mr . Duncombe ' s motion . Hd allowed that Mr . Roebuck had done much for the cause ; of liberty in his peculiar way , but he had an infirmity of temper that ought to be checked . Mr . Roebuck used the words that the National Petition was " trashy and contemptible , and that it was drawn up by a malignant cowardly demagogue , and that he could name the reptile that had drawn it up were he not too contemptible for notice . ' * Vlt was their duty to inquire who was the individual he alluded to . It was hi 3 opinion that Mr . Roebuck should be called upon to retract the language . ; ; : ;

    Mr . M . pir cordially seconded the motion . Net withstanding Mr . Roebuck ' s former good conduct , and the good speech he made in the Hpnse , his conduct In denouncing the petition , and the false language he used » had done more harm to the cause than his speech or vote liad done good . Sir Robert Peel arid other Members seemed to gloat over the charge , and no doubt it had its effect upon the decision of the Members . The charge of Mr . Roebuck was entirely false . It was the Executive of the National CharVr Association who drew up the petition . ' ¦¦ ¦ ¦ - ¦' ¦ ' After various other members had expressed their sentiments , the motion was unanimously agreed to > and a deputation , consisting of Messrs . Moir , Leach , and Pitktthly , were appointed to wait on . Mr . Roebuck ^ and call upon him to retract the expressions , with the farther instruction that be was either to name the individual he alluded to , or give a written retraction of the calumny .

    Mr . O'Connor had , we believe , from expressions he used the previous day , demanded explanations both from Mr . Roebuck and Sir Robert Peel . The committees for the return cf Frost , and hia companion , and the release of the political prisoners , had leave of absence grnnted to . wait with the memorials on the respective Secretaries cf State . Some discussion took place on the subject of a vote of thanks being given to all who voted for a hearing at the bar of theHouse ; and on the motion of-Mr . Beesley , seconded by , Mr . Bartlett , it was ultimately resolved that a / yote of thanks should be given t > Messrs . Duncomba and " Leader , the mover and seconder of the petition . . . ' ' .: ' . , : ' .: ¦ . ¦ '' ¦ . . -.-: ¦ . - .-: ¦

    A copy of a printed bill issued in Belfast , calling » . GhattistTneeting , was : theh read , and a letter congratulating the " Convention on their unanimity , and on the favourable position of the cause in Ireland . Mr . O'Brien reported from the committee appointed to draw up an address to the country , and having r 6 ad thei address , \ . . Mr . M'Pherson moved , and Mr . White seconded , " That it be discussed in separate paragraphs . " Which was carried . - ' -... . ' . ;" . Considerable discussion took place oil the second paragraph , respecting the propriety of ai ; ain pttitioning the Heuse , audit was decided that they would not abandon . the-right of petitioning ; yet they would not petition the present House of Commons . / JMbist of the members expressed their opinion of the- ' total folly ot expecting a redress of grievances from the House of Commons as at present const tuted .

    Mr Beesley was entirely opposed to again petitioning . Mr . Harrison was not so much . ' opposed to petitioning ; but he thought each person shouid take hia petition to the House in bis own hand . Some discussion took place on the fifth paragraph , regarding the appointment of lecturers to tho agricultural districts , where no localities existed ,. and whether the appointment should be vested in the hands of tho Executive , which appealed to be the prevailing opinion . The clause was then agreed to , as Was . also the 3 ixth . :

    Mr . Williams moved that the . ssventb . clause , expressing their gratification at tbe conduct of the Birmingham Conference in adopting the Six Points 6 f the Charter , and recommending the coiiacvy to send delegates to the Conference , to be held to decide on the name , be oniitted . . This gave rise to a . lengthened ' -debate . Mr . O'Brien Eiipported the clause . One of the resolutions ' passed at the Chartist delegate meetiDg in Biniiingtiam was similar in substance . .- ' .... ' ; Mr . Wiiita opposed it When they , rcc [ uested that party to postpone their motion , they would not , bnt threw every ; obstacle in their way . Were they to receive all their kicks , arid then , spaniel-Uke , applaud their conduct ?

    Mr . M'Pherson opposed it ; on the gronnd that by praising and recominending Associatibns like that of Mr . Stiirge , they would be giving encouragement to every little inot of men calling themselves Chartists to form ^ n prganjz ition for themselves , and thus destroy that unity of action so essential to success . Mr . Pitkethly was opposed to it , as also wer ^ his Constituents .. He was surprised at Mr , O'Brien—a man who had been louder in his denunciations of the middle class than : atiy man in the ; movement—now * turniug round , and eulogizing ; them . It was hia belief that they only wanted to stifi 3 the present movemeni , that they might bring on the only qiiestion they really bad at hen't—the Repeal of the Corn Laws . / Mr O'Brien explained that he did not eulogize the middle class ; he believed them as a body to be the bitterest enemies of the working classes those who attended the Conference were not now connected with the Corn J , aw party ; they were an offshoot from them ,

    and were convinced that nothing short of a full , fair , and free representation would benefit the people ; so far was he from eulogising the middle olasses > that he could no > even obtain sureties for his newspaper owing to the prejudice they entertained against . him . /¦ " ' . - ' ¦ ' ¦'¦ - ¦ . ¦ - . ""¦ : ¦¦¦ : . - . : '¦ .: ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ . - . ¦ ¦ . ¦¦ ' ¦ ¦ . ¦ ¦ . . - ¦ ¦ . •¦ - Mr . Doyte had made up his ; mind upon the subject ; the country ¦ would see hia opinion by the . manner in which be voted . ¦' , ¦ -.. '' :-: ' ¦ ¦; . .. - ; ¦ : ' / : ¦ : . . '¦; . ¦ „ ¦ ¦/ . ' . A motion was then carried ; that owing , to the press of business and the heces ' jity of the ConveEtion breaking up that , evening , tirat the spcakera be limited to three minutes each . /¦ i : ¦ - _ . ' ;¦ ' ;' . ¦ . /' ¦ ¦ ¦ . ¦¦; Mr . Lowery was STjrptised at an 7 debate on 1 iis subject ; they had decried in their address : of last week , that th 6 y bailed V / ithpleasure all movemerts baaed on the Charter ; if "they refused this clause , they would be icting in oVjposition to their previously expressed sentiments . " -. ¦ * .. ; - ' ; ' . ; ¦¦• ¦/¦ . ;; :: ¦ '' ; . - : . ' . " . ' ¦ ¦;; . :.: ¦> '¦ ¦ -r - ' ( Continued in our eldhlh page j ;

    Untitled Article

    . . . . THE NORTHERN STAR - \ ' : ' :. '' ..-:- /; C ; ; .. .: ^/ -t ; ' ^

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 14, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct430/page/7/