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Northern Star (1837-1852), 14th January 1843, Edition 2 of 5, Page 7, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      Monon - ment . Jjuabury . Beveread T . Swan ... . „ ... 1 John " Walters . « .- .. a 0 eor ^ e lambert ... 1 Bobert Wright ... ... ... ... 1 gtrtofl Samuel Paul — . . » . 1 Siewarton Reverend W 21 l 2 m Stoies ... ... l gjaSh a-pon , Fcarecs O'Connor obit , rlxm . George White dofe . dBr » . gfcraibr idge T H . Horssn ... 1 John Chance „ . ... } ScSby Edward Bnrlsy ... „ 1 gjDckport Tbom&s Clarke 1 John Atkinson ... ... 1 SBriine Reverend H . Solly 1 William Leaslie ... ... l John Chads ™ — db ! e . num . Goloi-el Thompson dbk rturn . jpnihsBiptao T . Cooper- Esq . „ . ... l J . jfc . J- Eciltsi a gouih- Siiirlfis Brrifi Potts — ... ... ... i Charles Albion ... -a Ssltcofiis Jiises Henderson 1 J ~ hn Patterson Reid i gunder bnd Joseph Stage ... dVe . rturn . - ^ P . Roberts dblc rturn . ibomzB Thompson 1 James Wifflsms nai ajitoc-iB-Astfidd TTillisin Oliver 1 TTiHisni Paiker .. 1 Ehstfora I . P . Wrench 1 Sicmfehonse ¦ ffaiter iBgSs , a SaUoro -y . ¦ WsrreE — 1 Br . fcert M Farisne a John Mifler a J « bn Millington ... ... a George Ssith — — a Smetbwiek

      -RTIIia . m Hsciett 1 3 daii GQteit 1 ShfeSiSd Richard Abbott a Samuel Paries ... 1 George J- Hamej 1 TTilliani Bessley ... ... ... dble . rturn . TroTtbiidge James Wctl 3 1 W . P- Roberts ... '¦ dble . rtnrn . IctnbndEe Christopher Dickinson a D . T . Bs-srliuson . l Todmorden Jama Fielfien ... a Henry Sbephard ... ... ... l Tana ton Wffliam Braman ... a William Harrison d&'e . rturn . lokross P . CHIggnis „ ... Obit- rturn . L . Rtiediky ... able , rturn . Tale of Leven Con Mumy dble . rtism * "West Bromwidi ] John Powell ... ... ... .,. i Gso-ge Wilkes 1 "JFiilTcE&smpton John Humber 1 JohnWUlecx ... 1 "WedEestoy Bsnpmn Dints ... ... « . i William Thomason ... ... ... i Vsnlck Charles Preneh ... y . i James Green 1 Henry French ... a Joseph Shephard ... 1 THnehcomb John Stilly ... ... ... ... ... 1 Wrisafl John Crow ... ... ... ... ... a Andrew . Aitken a John Griffith ... 2 John Mason . 1 "WellingDoro " William Gent 1 James Robinson .. ... i Harrington B . A . Dromgoole- 1 "Worcester - Bobert Hardy ... „ l Henry Stone ... 1 Charles Shsrpe a John Hawkins ... . „ 1 J . 33 . SteTEBscm 1 James Harding ... ... ... ... a J . W . Bl&ekwell a Gn ££ a „ . „ M a "WooSbn&ge Joseph F . Taylor 1 Her . H . Taylor . „ ... . „ ... a - 'Westibnry Wfflism Taylor ... „ a : - John ColliDB ... M l WootoD-nnder-Edge Jsnies Bronrerre CTBriEn db > e . rittrn , James Butler ... dblc rturn "ffestEflhride Joiiah EaiDBS John fiiblxms ... a l "Wooaaie Jo ^ ma Hobson „ dllc . Hum . BCT . W . H 1 D ... . „ ... ... dMe . rtvrx .

      [ Son—' in tiie foregoing fist , £ be Italic a Beans obsad ; ana s « i means neutral . The other marts erplam toemselTes . It is right tliat ire should stale that aB the neutrals are not set forth . Tbe marts -were not entered at the time opposite the 3 ame « r the delegate ^ hy the Sscretary , he only toKng doim fht Tctes . The Totes are rightly set loria : bat Beyen of those represented as absent , "Were present , hot declined to "rote . From memory vehaTe picked out seren ont of the fonrteen ; hat are not able to recognise fbs other seren . — EJJ . 5 . & 3

      Untitled Article

      " That the recommendation of the Committee be acceded to , providing they make proper teguSstioiiB to admit atrsngers , so as to secure order . " 'On a motion by Messrs . Solly and Molr , it waa resolTed , "Thattfceifrst , second , and third retolntions . proposed fcy Mr . Be ^ gs , declaratory of the prfnciplts of the Conference , be adopted ; bnt that the third be altered so as to include the 17 th resolution passed at . the last Conference . " * ' 1 . That this Conference , con-vened in con ' crmity "with a r . soiation passed ai the first Complete Suffrage Conference , beld at BinninsJjam , April 5 ib—8 th , 1842 and ha-Ting forits paramount object the consideration of the Bfcces » ary details of a Bill , embodying the prlnciplBa then agreed upon , Tiz : The extension of the Suffrage to all male adults not deprived of the rights of citjzsaship by a verdict of their countrymen— "Vote by Ballot—Eoaal ElectorLil Districts—Aboiilien of a "

      Property Qualification for Sltmoers of Parliament—Payment of Members for their serfiocB—and Annual Parliaments ;—do now declare its adoption of these principles ; pledges itself to employ snch means only for obtaining the Legislative recognition of them as are of . a strictly just , peaceful , legal , and constitutional character ; ana will forth-with proceed to fulfil tile mission -with 'which it has been entrusted , resolved to snp ' port its Chairman in preventing the introduction of any propositions not in accordance therewith . ' 2 . That as this Confertncs 'will resist the introduction of any topics not obviously relevant to its main design , so it also disclaims all interference with existing vrgar ^ zanens , recognising as its jaramount dnty , the arriving , if possible , at a cordial agreement in reference to the olject towards which peaceful agitation may be directed .

      * " 3 . That this Conference , agreeable to resolution 17 * , passed at tke first Conference , is prepared to receive and to coi-siaer all documents -which may be laid before itj and ¦ wh ich may be supposed to contain an tmbofiiment of the necessary details for -working oui the principles ain-sdy recogniz-. d . " Mr . Campbell proposed , and Mr . West seconded : — ** That an Executive Committee be appointed , " ( in conformity with the programme . ) Jlr . -Roberts moved , and Mr . Wilkinson seconded , an amendment— " That the Conference take upon itself the duties of the Executive Committee . " The amendment was agreed to . On a motion by Messrs . Barren and O'Connor , it was reEolved— " That the Conference constitute itstlf a CommiKte for the purpose of considering the document entitled the People ' s Charter . " On a motion by Messra . O'Connor and L 9 vett , it was TesoVpftfl t—

      " That ai y alteration which may be proposed to , and received by , a majority of the Conference , shall be submitted to die whole people , for the purpose of testing pubKc opinion npon those seversl alterations , with the view of submitting them to any future Conference , called by fee -whole people . " It was then resolved , on a motion by Messrs . Bnchanaa and Clare , " That the Peoples Cbaner be read section by section , and considered and agreed to clause by clause . " The Peeamblb , and Qualifications for the Snffrage , were then read , on which the following amendments were proposed : — lit amendment , by Messrs Parry and Lowery—N " That the word Bill be substituted for the word Act in thb titlB . *

      That the following be substituted foi the fonrth clause Kfpeeting felony" That be be not undergoing the sentence of the law at the time when called upon to exercise the electoral righf ' 2 nd . amendment , by Messra , Solly and Thomaaon : — *• That at the conclusion of clause 2 , respecting the claimtnta being twenty-one years of age , the following be sabitituted for the remaining danses^— 'And who is not dislranehised according to the provisioPB of this Act . '" 3 rd . amendment , by Messrs . Williams and Phttp" That the preamble from the ' Peoples Bill of Rights' be substituted for the preamble of ' The People ' s Charter , ' and that the consideration of all diaquaiif jiBg clauses be deferred . " 4 th . Bv Messrs . Solly and

      Hetheriuetoc—•• Whereas it is the clear and inalienable ri ght of every cit z ^ n of a community to have a voice , personally , or through his representative , in making the isyra which he is called upon to obey . " On the votes being taken , Messrs . Parry and Lowery ' s amendment -was agreed to , and all the other amendments negatived . The Committee appointed to wait on Mr , Morgan reported that they had seen that gentleman , and that the request of the Conference respecting the documents had been complied with , but as some of them -would t » ke some tame to copy , he would i'ot be able to send them till the afternoon . On a motion of Messrs . Lovett and O'Connor , the report was received as satisfactory .

      The discussion on the preamble of the People ' B Charter was then resumed , and the whole agreed to ,- also the qualification for the Suffrage in connection with Mr . Parry ' s amendment . Tise Conference then adjourned .

      EVENING SITTING—Dec . 29 th , 1 S 42 . The section of the People ' s Charter , entitled Electouai . DlsiaiCXS was then read , and proposed dense after clause .-ajifi&t- ' , On the 1 st f i Tn ff ^ j *^ Smith proposed , and Mr . M'Cartney seconded- — - ' "Tnat there be 500 electoral districts , instead of 300 . " This WES negatived . On the 6 th clause , Mr . Parry proposed , and Mr . Colquhoun seconded" That the words for arranging and reporting thereon , ' be added . " This was negatived , ard the section agreed to without alteration . The section , entitled BeGiSTRATiOM Officers was then read , and clause after clause proposed , and agreed to without alteration .

      The section , entitled JtRTrmsiXG Officeb isd his DriiES . was then read and proposed . On the 1 st clause , Mr . Clark proposed , and Mr . Wheeler seconded" ISiat the words at the end of every year' be sub-Btitnted for three years . " This was agreed to , and the section carried , "with some verbal alterations . The fceclion , entitled Deftjtt Retebxing Of-FJCEb , was also agreed to , with some slight verbal alterations . The section , entitled The Registbatiob Clebk , his Duties , -was read and proposed . On the Sad clause , Mr . Winn proposed , and Mr . Doffs

      seconded" That-one month ' s imprisonment be substituted , instead of £ he penalty of £ b . " Mr . O Connor proposed and Mr . Lovett seconded . " That the penalty be reduced to £ 1 . " Mr . Beealey proposed and Mr . Chilton seconded , " That disfranchisement for one year be substituted for a penalty " On these amendments being put to the vote , Mr . O'Connor ' s , for reducing the penalty to £ l , was agreed to and ta- others Tjegaiived . The section was -then adopted with the amendment , and some "ftw verbal alterations . The Berfion entitled Arbasgehekts pob Registration was then read and proposed clause after clause . Oa * he 1 st clause , Mr . MPherson proposed and Mr . Cpjqaboun seconded , '" -That in thiB , as well as in the 5 th clause of the previous section , the words * poor house" or -union workhouse' be added . "

      Mr . Roberts proposed and Mr . Fnssell seconded , " That the wsrds ' poor house , union workhousa , barracks , gaols , prisons , hospitals , ships in harbour , and other residences or dwelling house * ' be added . " On the motion being put Mr . M'Pherson ' s was aereed to . and the other nega ^ '" ^ . Oa the 2 nd clause , Mr . Maynard proposed and Mr . Fussell seconded , ' That one month ' s residence be substituted for three . '' This was negatived . On xha 7 th clause , Mi . Co'gubouB proposed and Mr O'Connor seconded , " That the words * shall be fii » ed 20 a , and exptnees , to be paid to the pesm objected to / be added . " - _\ This was agreed to , and the section canied with some few verbal alteratioEB . The Conference then adjourned its sitting .

      FEIDAT MORNING , DEC . 30 th , 1842 . On a motion of Messrs . Ridley and Brown , Patrick O'Higg&s , Esq . -was called to the chair . The misntts of the pievioas meeting were then reaa and eouSnned . Mr . Msynard proposed and Mr . Brown seconded—** That the Conference constitute itself a committee to considfi , the remaining portion of the People ' s Charter . " On which Mr . Boberts proposed , and 3 * r . O'Connor seconded , the following resolution , a nd the previous motion was withdrawn to admit of its

      discussiona Thai in the opinion of this Conference , the members of ihe Complete SuSrage XJni » o , who have ab-Tnptly retired from the discussion , have not exhibited good faxih , but , on the contrary , have acted in direct violation of the terms on whieh they were eaDed together . The country ifere invited to send delegates to Birmingham , for the purpose ; amonjfBt other things , of ' Preparing a Bill to be submitted to Parliament for securing the ^ ust representation of the whole people . * At a sacrifice almost too great for them to bear , the country responded to this invitation , and at a large expense of time , toil , and money , elected Delegates for the pux-

      Untitled Article

      * Moved by William Lovett of London j « econded by Eev . H . Solly of Yeovil : — « 17 That this Conference having adopted snch just principles of representation , as are necessary for giving toallxlasses their £ Qual share of political power ; xeBolve at some future peried , to call another Conference , lin which the whole people may be fully represented , ) for the ourpese cf considering any documents which embody the . necessary detaHs for the working oat af the . above priiicjp ] ee . "

      Untitled Article

      pose of so preparing the bill above-mentioned ; in the full and fervent hope that their united efforts , while they would give no precedence or priority to any individnal section , would result in a cordial union of all classes of reformers , for the purpose of securing a just representation of the whole people in the Commons' House of Parliament The delegates met together and proceeded to tho business for which they were elected . Oa the first day of their discussion , a declaration of principles -was proposed by Mr . Beggs ; on the part of the Complete Suffrage Union , which declaration insisted , * That the Bill to be presented by the Council of the Complete Suffrage Union , be taken as the basis of discussion . ' Ths large majority of the

      Conference opposed this claim to priority in favour of a Bill which they had never seen or heard , and which had never been seen or heard of , except by the members of the Complete Suffrage Union : they anxiously and often sought the withdrawal of the offensive and insulting distinction , but their request was met with a determined and emphatic refusal . The majority then , rather than admit the claim of priority and precedence required by the Complete Suffrage body , proposed as an amendment a declaration 'that the document called the People ' s Charter should form the basis of discussiou , ' and this amendment , after along and temperate debate , was carried by a majority ot 193 to 94 . And then , for the first time , the Conference were informed by their Chairman , Mr . Joseph Srarge , that he and his friends of the Complete Scffraee Union should

      now retire from the Conference , and fi om the further discussion for which they had assembled to gether . Tiiis conduct of the Complete Suffrage Union appears to the Conference to- be an unfair desertion of their duly . They believe that if the cc-untry had before the elections been informed of the intention of the Complete Suffrage body to retire from the discussion , unless an invidious priority were given to their bill over the People's Charter , no Chartist constituency would have thought it requisite or desirable to send delegates to the discussion—a discussion which must thus necessarily have resulted in disappointment . It is therefore the opinion of this Conference that the Complete Snffrage Union ongbt , in the first instance , to have avowed their intention ; and that by not doing so , they have evinced a want of good faith and honest purpose . "

      Mr . Lovett proposed , and Dr . Wade seconded , — " That all words cf an cm-naive character be expunged , and that the resolution be confined to a mere statement of facts . " Mr . Colquhoun proposed and Mr . Buchanan seconded — " That in order to facilitate business we agree to refer the motion to a committee . " After some dkcu&sion Mr- Roberts consented to withdraw the offensive part of the res < lution ; on which Mr . LuveU and Mr . Colquhoun withdrew their amendments , and the words want of * ' honeBt purpose" being erased , and the words " good taste" substituted for " gooil faith , " the resolution was carried by a large majority . The Conference then resolved itself into a Committee for considering the remainder of the People ' s Charter The section entitled Arrangement for Nout-. nations was then read and proposed .

      On the Second Clause , ( in the form of Nomination , } Mr . Brown proposed , and ~ Mr . Humphrey seconded , " that the words being qualified to be an elector according to the provisions of this Act , ' be substituted for the last clause of it " On which , Mr . Solly proponed , and Mr . Co quhoun seconded , " that the words * provided he be qualified to be an elector , -with the exception of residence' be added . " This was subsequently withd . awn . and Mr . Brown ' s amendment agreed to . The word " candidate '' for member was substituted in the fifth clause , and the words " after that date , " substituted for the word otherwise . On the 11 th clause , Mr . Morrison proposed , and Mr . M'Cartney seconded , the following : —

      " That no other qualification shall be required than the choice of electors , according to the provisions of this Act . provided that no persons , excepting the Cabinet Ministers , be eligible to serve in the Commons House of Parsiiment , who are in the receipt of any emolument derivable from any place or places , held under Government , or of retired allowances arising therefrom . " The Sectieu was then agreed to with some verbal alteration . The S _ -ctkn entitled Ab . b . a . sgemest fob . Election was then read and agreed to with Borne slight alterations . In clause 4 th , the words two " or more " parishes - were added . In clauss 11 th , "every near , '' was Bubsfru ' ed for every three yeara . The Section entitled DubaTjos of Parliahent was read and agreed to with a slight amendment in clause 1 st , substituting the words " shall " be chosen for " is to be chosen . "

      The Section entitled Pathent of Mehbkbs was agreed to , excepting that the sum was left blank , after a resolution by Messrs . Mead and Adams , " that the members receive tEfcir pay a quarter in advance , " and an amendment by Messrs . Duffy and Murray , " that they may if required receive their salaries monthly " had been both lost . The Section entitled Resigxatioss ak » Deaths was agreed to without alteration . The Section _ entitled Penalties was then read and proposed . On the 2 nd clause Mr . M'Donald proposed the insertion of the words " « , ne pound for every name omitted , " which was agreed to . Mt Maynard then proposed and Mr . Kidd seconded , " that for the second offence there be twelve months imprisonment . " This was lost .

      Mr . Thomason proposed and Mr . Mason seconded , " that for the second offeree he incur the penalty of three months imprisonment and be deprived of hie elective right for three years . " This was agreed to . Qn the 3 rd clause , Mi . O'Connor proposed and Mr . Colquhoun seconded , " that the penalty for the second offence be the Bame as in the clause aaiended . " This was agreed to . The 4 th clause -was amended as follows , for the first offence , " three" months imprisonment , for the second offence , " thiee months and be deprived of hia elective rights tor three years . "

      On the 5 th clause , Mr . Wilson proposed and Mr . Clark seconded , " that it be six months for the seco d offence and the deprivation of rights for three years . " This was lost and the clause amended as follows : — For the first offence three monthB , " for the Becond offence " three months and be « prived of his elective rights for three years . " On the 7 th clause , Mr . O'Connor proposed , and Mr . Mead seconded , •* That in addition to imprionment he be placed in the stocks for two honra . " After some discussion , Mr- O'Connor withdrew his motion , and the clatfse v ? as adopted without alteration . The 9 th clause was amended , the word " candidate " being substituted for the word member . In the lith clause , the words "by the House of Commons" were expunged .

      In tbe 16 th clause , the word "three" years was substituted for five . In tbe 18 th clause the same . In tbe 19 th clause , after the word neglect , were added the following -words , " on noncomp iance -with the provisions of this act , the sum of £ 50 , or in dtf mlt of payment twelve months' imprisonment " In tbe 20 th clause , after the word imprisoned , at the conclusion , were added the following words , " according to the provisions of this act . " The Secretary having explained the plan of tbe Balloting-box aod Poll ing-place , on a motion by Messrs . O'Connor and Parry , the Committee was dissolved , aod Patrick O Biggins , Esq . appointed as the Chairman of the Conference . Mr . Hobson proposed , and Mr . Brown seconded , " That the bill as now amended by the Committee be adopted by this Conference , " which was carried unanimously , and by cheering acclamations . Mr . Lovett proposed , and Mr . O Connor seconded , That the following be the title of the bill , * ' THE PEOPLE S CHARTER : being a bill to provide for the just representation of the people of Great Britain and Ireland in the Commons ' Honse ef Parliament . Revised at a Conference of the people , held at Birmirgbam , Dec 1842 . Authorised by them to be printed and circulated , with the alterations printed ia italics , so that such may r eceive the consideration of the people previous to another Conference being called to adopt it " On a motion by Messrs Koberts and Mead , Mr . John Cltaye was appointed the authorised publisher , who promised not only to print it in his Chartist Circular , but to print it also in a neat pocket form .

      On a motion by Messrs . Hobson and Roberts , it was resolved , " That Thomas Slingsby Doncombe , Esq ., M . P ., forFinsbury , be tbe gentleman to whose care the bill for securing the just representation of the whole people , now read aud adopted by this Conference , be confided for introduction in a regular formal manner , to the Housa of Commons ; and that John Temple Leader , Esq ., MJP ., be respectfully requested to second the motion when leave for its introduction is moved by Mr . Duncombe . " On & motion by Messrs . Hubson and Roberts , it was resolved , "That this Conference cannot separate without expressing its dessert and moat sincere sympathy with all persona -who are now suffering , or who may

      have suffered from espousing the cause of the people , and advocating their right to a just and equal representative government , and its consideration of their pre < eminent claim to the sympathy , assistance , and support of the people whom they have so well and faithfully served . We derefore recommend to the people that a publicsubscription be got up in every district for the support of all persons and their families , now in the prisons and jails of England , and transported beyond the seas for political offences ; and that a general treasurer be appointed to whom all the sums received by the district treasurer be transmitted , theaccountsof which , together with the manner in which the money has been distributed , being published . ** ^

      Untitled Article

      On a motion by Messrs . Roberts aud Hobaon it was resolved , " That Mr . ; John Cleave be appointed Trersurer for the Tictlm J ? und , to be raised for persons suffering for political offences . " On a motion by the Rev . Mr . Solly and Mr . Brown , it was resolved , " That this Conference of National Delegates hereby express . In the strongest manner their earnest desire to promote a cordial , brotherly , and permanent good understanding between the people of this country and our brethren in the sister kingdom of Ireland , and their determination to use their utmost endeavours to secure for the Irish people equal political and social rights with those they desire to obtain for this country . "

      Mr . Parry proposed and Mr . Vevers seconded the following resolution : — •« That as the great princ ' ples of democracy fully recognisa the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly en all questions aff * ciing their political and social interests , this Conference deems it necessary to proclaim this important right , and at the some time to express their opinion that the cause of the people wiJl be best served by a charitable and forbearini ; spirit towards all classes of Raformers , who , recognising the same groat principles of political justice , yet feel themselves conscientiously called upon to pursue the attainment of those principles by different means . " Mr . George White proposed , and Mr . Riiffy Ridley seconded the following amendment : —

      " That this Conference recogn z 3 S the right of every man to hold any course he thinks proper , boldly and honestly , in the advocacy of the People ' s Charter , whilst we reserve to ourselvtia tbe right of proceeding in the same straight forward manner which we Lave hitherto pursued , and resolve never to cease from a firm , steady , and determined citation Uutil tha People ' e Cliavter becomes the law cf this realm . ' Mtssrs . Roberts and Mead then proposed , as another amendment , " The previous question , " which , on being put from the chair was carried by a show of hands .

      Messrs . Lovett and Parry then proposed , " That tbe names of those who voted for and against be taken down . " Upon which Mr . O'Connor modified Mr . Parry ' s motion , in the following form , which he proposed , and Mr . Parry seconded . "Upon which Mr . Lovett withdrew his motion for taking down the names , and Mr . O'Connor ' a was agreed to by a large majority : — " That as the principles of democracy fully recogniza the right of individuals or bodies of men to express their opinions boldly and honestly on all questions

      affecting their political and social rights , thta Conference deems it essential to proclaim this important right , and at the same time to express their opinion that the cause of the people will be best eer ? ed by a manly perseverance in their agitation for the People ' s Charter , while they receive with gratitude and thanks the co-operation of all parties who shall in future fey their own means endeavour to achieve the same end ; and we further recommend that ail means not inconsistent with principle , shall be uBed to conciliate all classes of Reformers . "

      Mr . George White then proposed and Mr . J . West seconded , " That we now take into consideration the means of remunerating the doorkeepers and discharging all just claims brought against the Conference . " A subscription was then made and the sum of 13 i . 64 . raised , which liquidated all the claims made npon the Conference for the doorkeepers , stationery , dec . The Secretary announced that a parcel of tracts fer distribution among the members had been received from Wm . Sharman Crawford , Esq . entitled " A Defence of the Rights of the Working Classes . " On a motion by Messrs . 9 Connor and Roberts , the thanks of the Conference were ordered to be conveyed to Mr . Crawford , for his present of tracts . On a motion ef Messrs . Hobson and O'Connor , it was

      resolved" That all books , papers , and documents belonging to this Conference be placed in the bands of Mr . Wm . Lovett , to be by him kept until required from him by some other body similarly constituted to tbe present . " On a motion by Messra . Hobson an . ) O'Connor , it was resolved " That Mr . Wm . Lovett who has so t-ffljiently filled the office of Secretary to the Conference be requested to prepare the miuutes of these sittings fer the press , and that we suggest to him to avail himself

      of the aid of snch persons wfeo bave beon present during the deliberations , end who may be willing to render such aid . " ' ; On a motion by Mr . O'Connor and Mr . Cooper , it was resolved— " That the beat thanks of this Conference be given to Mr . Wm . Lovett for his labours in drawing up tbe document called the People ' s Charter five years a < o ; and also for hia efficient services as Secretary ; and for his kind compliance with our request to prepare the minutes for publication . "

      The Chairman having declared the business of the Conference concluded , Dr . Wade was then called to the chair , On which Mr . Parry proposed and "Mr . Roberts seconded— " That the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to Mr . O'Higgins , for the gentlemanly and impartial manner in which he has fulfilled tbe duties cf chairman to this Conference . " Oa & motion by Mr . Hobson the- Conference was declared dissolved .

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      % * That the foregoing suggested alterations and amendments in The People ' s Charter may be the better understood , we here give the Document emtjrb , with the suggested alterations printed in Italic . It has been prepared for that purpose by the Secretary to the Conference ; and forms , indeed , a portion of the Minutes .

      THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER ; BEIKG A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE JUST REPRESENTATION OF THE TiiOPLE OF CHEAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND IN THE COMMONS HOUSE OP PARLIAMENT . Revised at a Conference of the People held at Birmingham , Dec , 1842 . Authorised by them to be Printed and Circulated , with the Alterations Printed in Italics , no that they may receive the Consideration of the People previous to another Conference being called to adopt it . A Bill to Provide for the just Representation of the People of Great Britain and Ireland , in the Commons' House of Parliament .

      Whereas , to Insure , in as far as it is possible by human forethought and wisdom , the just government of tbe people , it is necessary to subject those who have tbe power of making the laws to a wholesome and strict responsibility to those whose duty it is to obey them when made . And , whereas , this responsibility 1 b best enforced through the instrumentality of a body which emanates directly from , and is itself immediately subject to , the whole people , and which completely represents their feelings and their interests .

      And , whereas , the Commons' House of Parliament now exerciseB , in tbe same and on the suppose 1 behalf of tbe people , the power of making tbe laws , it ought , in order to fu lfil with wisdom and with honesty tbe great duties imposed on It , to be made the faithful and accurate representation of the people ' s Wishes , feelings , and interests . Be it therefore enacted , That from and after the passing of this Act , every male inhabitant of these realms be entitled to vote for the election of a Member of Parliament ; subject ; however , to the following conditions : — 1 . That he be a native of these realms , or a foreigner who has lived in this country upwards of two years , and been naturalised . 2 . That he be twenty-one years of age .

      3 . That he be not proved insane when the lists of voters are revised . 4 . That he be not undergoing Ike sentence of the laws at the time when called upon to etcercise the electoral rights . 5 . That his electoral rights be not suspended for bribery at electiens , or for persenation , er for forgery of election certificates , according to tho penalties of this Act

      ELECTORAL DISTRICTS . I . Be it enacted , that for the purpose of obtaining an equal representation of the people in the Commons ' House of Parliament , the United Kingdom be divided into 300 electoral districts . * II . That each snch district coqtafa , as newly as may be , an equal number of inhabitants . III . That the number of 1 inhabitants be taken from the last census , and as soon as possible after the nest ensuing decennial census Bhall have been taken , the electoral districts be made to conform thereto , IV . That each electoral district be named after the principal city or borough within its limits . Y . That each electoral district return one representative to sit in tbe Commons' House of Parliament .

      VI . That tbe Secretary ef State for the Home Department shall appoint three competent persons as commissioners , and as many sub-commissionere as may be necessary for settling the boundaries of each of the 300 electoral districts , and so on from time to time , whenever a new decennial census of the people be taken . ' VII . That the necessary expences of the said : commissioners , sub-commisaloners , clerks , and other persons employed by them in the performance of their duties , be paid oat of the public treasury .

      REGISTRATION OFFICERS . Be it enacted , that for the purpose of procuring an accurate registration of voters—for finally adjudicating in all cases of objections Bade against persens claiming to be registered—for receiving the nominations of Members of Parliament , and returning officers , and declaring their election—as well as for conducting and superintending all matters connected with registration , * There ate say 6 , 000 . 060 of men eligible to vote ; this number , divided by 300 , gives 20 , 000 to each member .

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      nomination , and elections , according to the provisions of this Act—the following officers be appoint d : — 1 . Returning officers for each electoral district 2 . Deputy returning officers for each district . 3 . A registration clerk for every ) parish containing number of inhabitants , or ] for every two or more parishes , if unitad for the purpose of this act .

      RETURNING OFFICER , AND HIS DUTIES . I . Be it enacted , that at the first general election after the passing of this Act , a returning offiser be etscted for every electoral dtstriet throughout the kingdom , and so in like manner ai the end of every year . j II . Tbat , at the end of every such period , the returning officer for each district be nominated In like manner , and elected at the same time , as the Member of Parliament for tbe district : he shall bo eligible to be re-elected . ] III . That vacancies occasioned by the death , removal , or resignation of the returning effiijer , sha I in likmanner be filled up as vacancies for ! Members of Parliament , for the unexpired term of t 6 e three years .

      IV . Tbat every returning officer ! shall appoint a deputy returning officsr fot the day of ' ^ election , for ever > balloting place within his district , and in ail cases bo responsible for the just fulfilment of jthe duties of such deputies . ) V . That it be the duty of the returning officer to appoint a registration clerk for every pariah within bis district containing number of inhabitants , or for every two or more parishes , if unitad for the purposes of this Act ; and that in all cases he be responsible for the just fulfilment of tka duties of such clerks . - VI . That he also see that properi balloting piao *•» , . aud sucLl other erections as may be necessary , bo provided by each parish , ( or any number that Hiay be united ) and that the ballotting boxes be made aud provided according to the provisions of this Act .

      VII . Tbat he receive the lists of voters from al ! the parishes in his district , in which 1 is ta shall be murk . A or specified the names of tbe persons who bave been objected to by the registration clerks , or any other persan . Vill . That between the first of April and the first of May in each year , he shall hoi 1 open ] courts of a jathcation at such a number of places within bis district as be may deem necessary , of which couns ( place and time of meeting ) he Bhall cause due notice to be given in each parish of the district , and at the same time invite all persons who have made objections , asd who bave been obj cted to . And after hearing the statements that may be made by both parties , he shall finally adjudicate whether ihe voter ' s name be placed on the regiater or not . :

      IX . That the returning officer shall { then cause to be made out alphabetical lists of all the ! registered voters in all the parishes within his district ; which list , signed and attested by himself , Bhall be used at all elections for the district . Such lists to be sold to the public at reasonably low prices . 1 X . That the returning i * fficer receive all nominations for the member of bis district , as well as for the returning officer of his district ; and shall give public notice of the same according to the prov sions of this Act : be shall also receive from the Speaker of the House of Commons tbe orders for any new election , in case of the di ath or resignation of the member of the district , as well as the orders to [ superintend and conduct the election of any other district , in case of the death or resignation of the returning o&cer ot auch district . i

      XI That the returning officer shall also receive tbe returns from all tbe parishes within his district , on the day of election , and on the day following the election he shall proclaim the state of the ballot as directed by this act , and perform the several duties appsrtaining to his office , as herein made and provided . | XII . That the returning efficer be paid for fulfilling the duties of bis office the sum of * per annum , as hereinafter mentioned . j XIII . Tbat upon a petition being presented to the House of Commons , by at least one hundred qualified electors of ihe district , or against any returning tmcer of the same , complaining of corruption in the exercise of his office , or of incapacity , such complaints shall be inquired into by a committee of the House , consisting of seven Members ; and , on their report being read , tha members present shall then determine whether such returning efficer be or be not guilty , or be or be not incapacitated .

      XIV . Tbat , for conducting the first elections after the passing of this Act , a returning ofiker fur each district be temporarily appointed by the Secretary of State , to perform tbe duties prescribed by this AcL He shall resign his office as soon as the new one ia appointed , and be paid as hereinafter mentioned . —See Penalties . \ DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICER , AND HIS DUTIES . I . Be it enacted , that a deputy returning efficer be appointed , by the district returning officer , to preside at each ballotting place on the day of election ; such deputy to be subject and responsible to -his authority , as well as to tbe provisions of this Act . II . Tbat it be the duty of the deputy ' . returning office * to provide a number of competent persons , not exceeding , to aid him in taking the ballot , and fur performing the necessary bnaineBB thereof .

      III . That the deputy returning officer shall see that proper registration lists are provided , and that tbe ballot begins at six o'clock in tbe morning precisely , and end at six o ' clock in the afternoon of the same day . i IV . That tbe deputy returning officer , ia the presence of the Agents of the candidates , examine and seal the balloting boxes previously to the commencement of the ballotting ; he aha 11 , in like manner , declare the number of votes for each candidate , and shall cause a cpj of the same , r ' gned by himself , to be forwarded to the returning officer of the district , and another copy to the registration oleik of the parish . . ¦ V . That the deputy returning officer be paid for tys services as hereinafter mentioned . —See \ Penalties .

      THE REGISTRATION CLERK , HIS DUTIES . I . Be it enacted , tbat a registration clerk be appointed by the district returning officer for every parish within bis district containing inhabitants ; or for every two or more parishes that may be united for the purposes of this Act ; such clerk to be responsible to his authority , as well as to the provisions of this Act 1 II . That for the purpose of obtaining ! a correct registration of all tbe voters in each electoral district , the registration clerk of every parish , as aforesaid throughoat the kingdom , shall , on or bt-fore the 1 st of February In each year , take or cause to be taken ! round to every dwelling-bouse , poor house , or union workhouse , in his parish , a printed notice of tbe following form : —

      Mr . John Jtnes , you are hereby required , within six days , from the date hereof , to Jill up this list with the names of all male \ inhabitanls of t / tur house , of 21 years of age and upwards ; stating their respective ages and . the lime they have resided with you ; or , in neglect thereof , to forfeit the sum of one pound for every name omitted . : A . B ., Registration Clerk . Name . Address . A e . . *™« ^ John Jones , jr ^ t ^ p fa " . 21 Years . 3 monthe . N . B . This list will be called for at the expiration of fcix days from this date , i III . That at the expiration of six days , as aforesaid , the registration clerk shall collect , or cause to be collected , the aforesaid lists , and shall cause to be made out from them an alphabetical list of all persons who are of the proper age and residence to qualify them as voters , according to the provisions of this Act . IV . That if the registration clerk shall bave any just reaaou to believa that the names , ages , or time of residence of any person inserted in the aforesaid list are falsely entered , or not in accordance with the provisions of this Act , he shall not refuse to insert them in his list of voters , but he shall write the words V objected to "

      opposite such names ; and so in like manner against the names of every person he may have just reason to consider ineligible according to the provisions of this Act j V . That an or before the 8 th of March ; in each year , the registration clerk shall cause the aforesaid alphabetical liat of voters to be stuck against all church and chapel doors , market-houses , town-balls , sessionhouses , poor-houses , union workhouses , and such other conspicuous places as he may deem necessary , from the 8 th ef March till the 22 nd . He . shall also cause a copy of such list to He at his office , to be perused by any person , without a fee , at all reasonable ; hours ; and copies of tbe said list shall be sold to the public at a reasonably low price . j

      VI . That ou or before tbe 25 th of March the registration clerk shall take , or cause to be taken , a copy of the aforesaid list of voters to tbe returning officer of his district , which list ahall be signed by himself , and be presented aa a just and impartial ) list , accordlug to bis judgment , of all persons withiii hia parish who ate eligible according to their claims , as well as of all those who have bean objected to by himself or other persons . j VII . That tbe registration clerk sballj attend the court ot adjudication , according to the notice he shall receive from the returning officer , to revise his list , and shall perform all the duties of his office as herein provided . \ VIII . That the registration clerk be paid for bis services in the manner hereinafter mentioned .

      ARRANGEMENT FOB REGISTRATION . I . Be it enacted , tbat every householder , as well as every person occupying or havintr charge of a dwelling heuse , poorhouse , and union workhouse , who shall receive a notice from the registration clerk as aforesaid , shall cause the said notice to be correctly filed » up with the names , ages , and time of residence of every jinalij inmate or inhabitant of his or her house , of : w . » nty-ofle years of age and upwards , within six days of tfco day ot the r ' ate of snch notice , and shall caeefally preserve the same tiii ifcis called for t >} the registration jclerk , or his proper officer , !

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      IF . Tha * w en the list of voters is made out from these notices , ua . 1 stuck on ths church doore and peaces as aforesaid , any prrson who finds bis name not inserted in the list , and who believe ? he is duly qualified as a votc-r , eball . on presenting to the registration cler a notice it ' -l \ r uAlo'xiig form , Lave his came addts to the list of voiera : — / , John Jones , carpenter , residing at in the district of hemp hmilpone years of aye , and having resided at the above place during Ific last three mori'hs , require to be p'accd on the list of voters , as a qualified elector for the said district .

      III . That ~ ny person who is qualified as-a voter in any elector *! dis t rict , aud » hall have re-moved to any other parish within the said district , on pr seDtipg to the regstrntior . clerk of the parish he then re 8 td 98 in , hia voter's ce ? tifisate aa proof of this , or th * writ . ' . an testimony of any registration clerk wko b % a previously registered liirn , he sh&'l be entitkd to beplacsd on the list of voters as aforesaid . IV . That if an electov of any p-. rish in the liistricfc have any just grounds for belkvicg tna , any pprson disqualified by this AeC bus baeu put auon any parJihi register within the said district , be may , nt ar . y seasonable hour , between tbe 1 st and the 20-. h day of Mwfh , cause the following notices to be d < .-lvvere » ; one at the residence of tho r < u , 'istr 2 tfon clerk ; and the otLer at the residence of the person objt-etmi te >; and f he rociBtnition c )* rk sball , in like manner , B ( nd r iina of the grounds of objection to all persons he may cJ ject to , as aforesaii ? : ^ - " To the Registration C ' erk . I , William Smith , elector of the parish of . in the district of object'to A . B teiuy on the register of voters , believing him to be disqualified . To the person objected to . Mr . A . B ., of , I , William Smith , elector of the parish of , in the district of , object to your name bring on the register of voters , for the following reasons : — [ here state the reasons]—and I will support v > p objections by pi oofs be / ore the returning officer of the district . Dattdthis day , See .

      V . Th tt if the person thus objecting r . eglect to attend the court of tho returning offietr at tbe proper tima to state his objections , he shall be flueij ten shulingB fer every such .. neglect , tbe same to be levied on hia goods and chattels , provided he ia not prevented from attending by sickness or accident , in which case hi * medical esrtinoa ^ e , or a certificate signed by ten voters certifying such fact , shall be for warden to the returning officer , who shnll then determine whether the claim to be put en the register ba allowed or not Vf That if the person o ' -jected to f . iile to attend the court of the returning officer at the proper time , to substantiate his cl&iru , his name shall be erasttl from the register ; provided he la not prevented by Bickness or accident , In which case a certificate ctmll ) e forwarded , and the returning officer shall determine , as bfcfore directed .

      VII . That if . lt should be proved bafore tbe returning i-ffijer , in his open euurt . of adjudication , that any person has frivolously or vexatioualy objected to any one being placed on the list of voters , such person objecting shall be fined twenty shillings and expences , the same to be levied on his goods and chattels , and paid to the person ohjec ! ed to . VUL That aa early as possible after the Hats ara revised as aforesaid , the returning officer shall cause a copy of the same to . be forwarded to every registration clerk within bis district .

      IX That the registration clerk of every pariah shall then correctly copy from auch list the name , age , and residence of every qualified eleotor within his parish or parishes , into a book made for that purpose , and shall place a number opposite each name . Ho shall then within days , take , or cause to be taken , to all such electors , a voter ' s certificate of the following form , the number on which shall correspond with ths number in tfee afprtsald book : — Ifo . 123 . This is to eertify that Jamet Jones of , is eHsHbie to vJe for cms person to be relumed to Purliumenl ( us well as for the ttlumivg officer' ) for the district of , for one year from tlte date hereof . Bated Registration Clerk .

      X . That if any person lose his voter ' s certificate by fire , or any other accident , be shall not bavs a aev certificate till the next registration ; but on the day of any eloctlon , if he can establish his identity , on tbe testimony of two witnesses , to tho satisfaction of the registration clerk , as being the qualified voter described in tbe registration b ^ ok , be ahail be allowed to v >» te . XI . That the returning ofiear ia hereby authorised and commanded to attach any small parishes to any adjacent parish within bis district , for the pir poses of this Act , and not otherwise ; and in like muaner to unite all extra parochial places to some adjacent parish . —See Penalties .

      ARRANGEMENT FOR NOMINATIONS . I . Be it enacted , that for the purpose of guarding against too great & number , who might otherwise be heedlessly proposed , as well as for giving ; time for the electors to enquire into the merits of tbe pereops who may be nominated for Members of Parliament , as well as for returning officers , tbat all nominations be taken as hereinafter directed . II . That for all general elections of Members of Parliament a requisition of the following form , signed by at least one hundred qualified electors of the district , be delivered to tbe returning officer of the district between tbe first and the tenth day of May in each year and that such requisition constitute the nomination of such person as a candidate for the district .

      . We , the undersigned elcc' ^ rs the district o / , recommend A . B . of , as a fit and proper person to represent the people of this district in tlte Commons' House of Parliament . the said J . B . being qualified to be an elector according to the provisions ifchis Act . Bated , dfC ., Signed . III . That the returning officer of every electoral district Bhall , on or before tbe 13 th of May in each year , cause a list of all the candidates thus nominated to bo stuck up against all church and chapel doors , market * houses , town-halls , session-houses , poor-houses and union workhouses , and such other conspicuous places within tbe district as he may deem necessary .

      IV . Tbat whenever a vacancy is occasioned in any district , by the death , resignation , or . other cause , of tha Member of Parliament , the returning officer of that district shall within three days after the receipt of his orders from the Speaker of the House of Commons giv » notiee thereof in all the parishes of his district in the manner described for giving notices , and he shall at tha same time request all nominations to be made as aforesaid within ten days from tbe receipt of his order , . and shall also appoint the day ef election within eighteen days froai tbe receipt of such order from the Speaker of the House of Commons . V . That if from any circumstance no person has been nominated os a Candidate for the district vn or before the 10 th of May , perssns may then be nominated in the manner described as aforesaid at anv time previous to the 20 th of Mny , fcut not after that date .

      VI . That at the first election , after the passing of this Act , and at the expiration of every year , tbe nomination of candidates for the returning officer be made in the same manner as for Members of Parliament , and nominations for vacancies that may occur in like manner . VII . That if two or more persons are nominated as aforesaid for Members to serve in Parliament for tbe district , the returning officer shall , at any time , between the IStb and 31 st of May , ( Sundays exceptedt , appoint eoch times and places ( not exceeding } as he shall think most convenient to tbe electors of tho district for the eaniidatea to appear before thsm , then and there to explain their views and solicit the suffrages of the electors .

      VIII . That the returning officer see tbat tbe places above described be convenient for the purpose , and tbat as many such erections be put up as m : ; y ba necessary j the samo to b « paid for by the returning officer , aud charged in bis account aa hereinafter mentioned . IX . That for the purpose of keeping good order and public decorum , the returning officer either take tbe chair at such meetings himself , or appoint a deputy for tbat purposa X . Tbat provided only one candidate be proposed fur Member of Parliament for tbe district by the time hereinbefore mentioned , the returning officer cause notice to be given as hereinafter mentioned , that Bueh a candidate is elected a member fot the district ; and if only one candidate be proposed for the returning cfBoer , he ahall in . like manner , be declared duly elected .

      XI . That oo other qualification shall be required than the choice of the electors according to the pro vision of this act , providing . thai no person , excepting the Cabinet Ministers , be eligible to serve in ihe Common House r / Parliament who are in the receipt of any emolument derivable from any place or places held under Government , or of retired allowances arising therefrom .

      ARRANGEMENT FOR ELECTIONS . I . Be it enacted , that a general election of Members of Parliament for the electoral districts of tbe United Kingdom take place oa the first Monday in June in each year ; and tbat all vacancies by death or otherwise , ahall ba filled up as nearly as possible within eighteen days after they occur . II . That a general election of returning omcera for all the districts take place at the expiration of every tktee yoaig on the first Monday in June , and at thesame time Members of Parliament are to be elected ; and that all vacancies be filled up . as nearly aa possible , ¦ witliin eighteen days after they occur .

      III . That every person 'wiio has been registered as aforesai'i , and who has a voter ' s certificate , shall have tlio right of voting In the district in which ho has been registered , and in that only , « asd of voting for the McBibet of Parliament for that district , and the returauig yfiicar fw the district , and fot those only . ( Continued in mr eighth Page . )

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      Josep h Sturge , -Esq ., in stating that the time for aSjoannaent hsd now arrived , announced his intention rfreagnirg the chair . It was then moved by Mrl * mtt , seconded by Ht . O Connor , and carried by Jedsma

      &m—"That ihe © cordial thanks of this meeting be pre"ptea to iir . Stnrge , for his excellent conduct in the tiaii . " Tie meeting then sojoamed . THTJBSDAY 3 IOBRK 3 XG SITTING , DEC 29 , 1842 . On s motion by Messrs . Bidley and O'Connor , Patrick " ^ SS ^ Eso ^ was salted to the chair . Onthe chair being taken , Ut Hobson moved , and «*• iteviBseconded :- — "That a deputation from this Conferenw ba ap-Pantrfto wail upon Mr . "Wm . Morgan to require that * b wai deliver up to them , for the immediate use of «« Comereuce , all the documents , books , papers , or « her property , that he may have in hia possession , be"rawng to the Conference . "

      rw ? ^ f ° llltijB -sras agreed to , and Messrs . Moir , SSuSS TlSSei > ** ° bs 0 D ^ P * ° mted ^ S ^ SSSSSl ? * - « " •«¦¦* Enninghaai , Bee 29 , 1842 . ttfScW ?* the , Kberty <* forwarding - to your care " 2 JJ 2 S ^ ofthemmutes of the Conference . frJ ^^ « Pon me to decline acting with ShlTlS ^ £ raneeemry pain . I therefore think «« _ V «» a mast conduce to the preservation of that £ 2 " fcwnsatm ** & * ought ever to ehaxacterue fefe ^ r Z 6 s f mlih £ a ofKpresentaiives of the people , J « tS , , ^ «* iPttSDB instead of ^ ving sraflBntf 313 * ^ ^ ttat you will crave y to the E £ ^ Tt vhom ? ° * P ^ de , my « ratitade for ^ MOHi forbearance eerdsed towards me , and an Sf ° f my unalterable desire for the political and ao ° a happiness of my country .

      lam , Sir , Tour obedient servant , - WttLlXH 3 I 0 ESAS . *^ Chairman of the Meeting cf Delegates , -sitttiaii ics Institution , Birnunghsm ! « * as then resolved : — jjjjj * ; & be an instruction to the depnteHon to « iSoJb Si" M 8 Igan > 0 B i * bzlf oI t * Conference , *|^ «* edeaBals of the delegates . ui £ * objection to the returns , ^^ e list of the Members who have taken their 36 Sia 8 or admission . ^^ P ^ Bfll of Bights , Win m otter ^ oenmentB and papers which he may ^^ J > os « e ^ oo belonging to tie Conference ,-, ^® J £ » J »» by M esm . Arran and O'Connor it -was i » k 6 ! 1 S ^ C ? niftee ^^ e persons be appointed to ^ J ^ rge of the pi ^ of meeting , znd to make " ^^ onentalor admitting the delegates . " VnlS *' ^* * ' * b&o * , * t > nB » t * , Harrison , and *»* ftpr- ^ U ' ? ? ' * h 0 * nbseoaently reported ^' -EssiLr desmnu <* admitting tbe public to ^! Sr » wL * rOCeed 3 ESi ! l > aad "'risfcei for the asnetien of ^^ J ^ m " On wtidlit " inai «» lTea > onaJncfian

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      THE NORTHERN STAB . __ 7

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 14, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct464/page/7/