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Northern Star (1837-1852), 26th February 1842, Edition 4 of 4, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      BIRMINGHAM . j TOWN HALL MEETING . A crowded and enthusiastic meeting , ealled by-refuisition , was held in the Town Hall , oa Friday , the 18 th inst , the Mayor in the chair . Previous to the opening of the Hall , the street adjoining -was throBged with groups of men of all classes , each being eager to secure a good position . The Committee Boom of the Haii ~ aa abo thronged ¦ with the requisitioniBta , awaiting the opening of the . door leading to the organ gallery . It sbeald here be mentioned that the most unfair and dastard y induct was resorted to , in ord _ to exeiu-ie the Chartists from the huttings—the respectables taking care that only some six . or eight tickets should find their -way to the C __ tUt 3 , so that there ¦ was a difficulty in procuring tickets for Messrs . Leach , Campbell , Masoa , and o _ . eis , although upwards of 300 Ind been issued .

      At eleven o ' clock , Mr . 0 "Connor arrived in town , and met several of the most active Chartists at the house of Hi . Porter , Moor-street , from whence they proceeded to the Town H _ L Shertly after eleven o ' clock , the door -which leads from the Committee Rxm to the organ gallery was © pen-d for the admission of the favoured few to the froLt seats . The doors were sboit ^ y afterwards thrown open , and the rush to the side galleries was Buch that they were fitted in a few minutes . The people flawed in like a tide to all paiia of the building , which was soou filled . Various were the surmises that were passKl from man to roan through the Tast assemblage , as t-o the polisy that would bs adopted l > y the- Cora Law Jw-p = alers , as it was understood that an arrangemen . had been entered into by them with Mr . Joseph StUT = ; e on the previous evening , and that a decliraiion inf ^ viur of the P ^ ple ' s Charter woald form a prominent feature in their proceedings .

      At . he time appointed for tha commencement of the bush , ss , the Major , accompanied by the other parties whc intend to Uke part in the proceedings , made their appearance in the centre of the organ gallery , and were loui - It tteered , tf-. cr which Tii " MaTOS ;~ r . Samuel Beale ) proceeded to read the tiqu--Ilion calling the meeting , when F <» argus O'Connor . Esq ., entered the gallery , and was received with eattu Mastic cheers oy the meeting . He then attempted to a-vanca to tae front , and was assailed by soine see—ss cf the so-cslled respectables , by the mo .-t

      inismov-B epuheta , and not content with foul words , they even threatened violence , and swore they would murder him if he persisted in his attempt to advance ; they then formed into a strong compac t bo £ y about ten dsep , the n ' .- » re effectually to preTeBt him ar any other person fevoc ^ ible to the Chartists , from getting within hearing of tfc- speakers , the consequence cf which "was , that they could not h < ar a ernste sentence by being kept so far brhind ; suffica it to say , that a mo . e ruffianly Bet of fclaciin—rds could not be found in her 21 sjesty'r dominions ; yet , those m ? n hav 9 the impudence to talk of the ' via ent physica' -fjrce Gi ~ rtist 3 . "

      Wi ;*_ tie nprsar caused by the parties in the gallery had subsided , the Mayor proceeded to address the metUdg . He said he was 3 orry that ihc use of the Hall conk : soi be obtained on an earlier day in the week ; that ^ as the first tisie lie had the honour cf presiding over s raeeting since he tnttred en the duties of his offica ; he toped the proceedings would be conducted with temperance and moderation ^ and stated his wish to conduct the business with fiirnesa and impartiality . Mr- Alderman "Westok then stood forward to prcposs the first resolution , which was to the following effect : —

      " That for a long time past the trade and commerce of Birmingham haye been most seriously depressed , and both masters and workmen nave , in consequerica , been in a Etite if unprecedented sufferings ; that those sufferings arc" either traceable to , oi grievously aggravated by the Jaws which restrict the importation of food ; -that tha — . inisterial proposal f ji tae amendment of these laws , adds iasuH to injury , by its mockery of re . it f ; that the certain prospect- of such an amendment being supported by a majority of the present House cf Commons , affords irref ragable proof of the necessity of putting an end to these , and other evils of class legislation , by Buch an extension of tie Parliamentary Franchise as shall secure to all ranks of tie people thst full , fair , and free representation , to which , on the principles of Christian justice and the British constitution they are entitled . "

      Ms . Westos said that the proposition he had read agreed with his own views more than ar-y which ha had eyer moved . Five months had elapsed from the time that the member for Tamworth had undertaken to provide a remedy for the sufferings of the people , and now he declared that they were beyocd the ' power of remedy . Hs denounced him as a qaack , and Baid -he ought to make way for those who conld bring ferwnrd a propti remedy . He agreed most eorlinliy with that p&rt of the resoiution which , declared the right of the ¦ whole people to ihe elective franchise , and said that every nun who cen _ ibuted to the tuxes , who was amenable to the laws- or iiabls to be called on to defeEd their country , had an undoubted right to be represented in the Housa of Commons , and £ tat 6 d that he woaM raiser lire niider a 2 overa _ eBt of ihe working classas taau tiat of the plundering aristocracy , and scofisd at the idea of working men being too ignorant to vote . " .

      Mr . Alderman Ti ^> Wa _ t seconded resolution in a short adiress . Mr . Thomas Attwood then addressed the meeting at some lei ^ iii oa his us ^ al topic , the Currency Question , atid endeavoured to justify his conduct for supporting that which he formerly repudiated Ha was received vtry coldly by the meeting . Mr . ARTHC& OXEIL made a long speech in favour of ihe resolution , and hoped that th- y would all be unanimous ihLt day . He rejoictd to Saa . the n .. iddle classes taking up the Suffrage qi-sticn , <; . nd concr . tntatsd the meeting on the Bumsrous signatures -which Were be _ g appended to Mr . St'rrge ' a declaration , an . l read a note at the conclusion whica informed the meetins that Mr . Joseph Bourse's document lay in the C'jjnmitt * e room for signitures .

      Tha meet ' m then set -up a universal shout for O'Connor , which was endeavoured to be drowned by the respectable ' conciliating' gentry in the or * jan . gallery ; but it was no uss ; " O'Connor , O'Connor , " resounded from all parts of the building ; and when it was dearly perceived that opposition was useless , the Mayor was instructed to pnt the question to a show of hands , when n-arly tTery band in the immense building waa hald up , w . t " i tke exception ef ths few rabid mffims in tie gallery . Mr . O C 0 X 50 S then stepped into a raised rostrum in the centre of the gallery ; an l on h -s appearance in front , was hailed by tbuadering applause , whkh was repeated several times . The gallery gents tried with all their might to hinder him from being heard , but

      it was useless ; £ j ? their miserable squeaks were drowned by the eafinsiastic cheers of the meeting , This was the grand object of the dzy ; ore p . irty being determined he should not bs he ^ rd , r . nd the other , nameiy , ths working man , being resolved bs should have a bearing . Mr . O'Connor commenced by thanking the Mayor for Mb courtesy ; and said , that if any man hid reason to feel proud oa the present occasion , he was that individual ; as it provtd beyond the possibility of doubt , that his services were appreciated by those in whose behalf he had exerted aim self so long . He had not come there to dividi them , as had been asserted by some of the party behind him . But if there was to be a union , XiS they seemed so much inclined to act with the working men , it should be one

      of principle— > hear , nearj;—for he was determined not to give one jot of his principles . He was glad to find that the people of Nottingham were proceeding in the right road , not for ths purpose of protecting the interests -Of a fraction , but to ais-it the rights of all . How dare any person stats th 3 t he wished to ca . use division , when he bad uniformly expressed bis conviction that the interes : cf the shopkeepsr was closely bound up with tha wotting man , wlio was his bast customer . From the position in which he was placed he could not be ^ r any of the speeches which were made , but he bad heard one of the spears refer to the povfci ty of the country , whilst eo mention was made of the feeavy taxis which were wrung from the nation . He hid been called a physical force Chartist

      and a firebrand , but he c-rold stand before that meeting , and ask , Where w » s the proof of those assertions ? Be hiC never flinched from bis principles , neither would he do so—( load cheers . ) He would nerir give up oae iota of his principles , and if union wa 3 to take placs , the Charter mast be the fuundatioa stone —( cheers . ; They now hid the enemy in advmce . Sir Robert Peel Lad brought forward his shaped pigtail sliding scale , and that was his plan of " Cora Law Reform . " But the Com Law Repsalers had different plans also . Mr . Christopher was in favour of one plan , " Mr . Tilliers differed from Mm , and Lord John Russt-11 differed from both . Bui the people would fling back their schemtj , and spurn their tffsrs . He wa 3 under greatsr expence by attending that meeting than any person present- Ee

      did nos thra :-t fciinstlf npon them , bn 5 as he was ttere he would boldly declare his principles . That was , the Chatter , tbe whole Caarter , and nothing k-ss —( loud cheers . ) What was the position of the people ? They were now invited to unite with the middle classes , and if a union took place it must be an honourable one . The working men should look upon themselves in their proper character , as self-respect was the only ornamsnt which could eunobls them . The Rsform Bill had failed —it had been destroyed in the details , —the excitement of the people had subsided immediately after the passing ef that measure , and all its effects vanished at the third session aftsr its enactment Therefore , if they wanted a unian , he would require that thirty working men should be seat into the House of Commons to look

      after theii interests , and take care that ju 3 tiee was done . Why did they taunt Mm with causing disunion between the middle and working classes . Where was the man who had spent more of his own money in the nresest struggle , and received net one farthing in return . He above aH men ought not to endeavour to perpetuate division , for h 3 ms interested in bringing it to a conclusioDj as H was well known ha derived solMng bui in 683 aant labour from the position he had take a up . Nevertheless he would still stani by the people ui ^ il they had'established Uniyersil Suffrage , Annual Parliaments , Vote by Ballot , So Property Qualification , Equal E . ectoral Districts , ana Payment of Membersand those were desired by every working man in the coEntryl { Load cheers . ) Tie people of Birmingham alone could not c ^ uss a union of the middle and work-

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      ing classes ; bat if they would go for the Cfearter , they might all go to bed and he would have meetings of 500 , 000 at Manchester , Qtergiw , and the other large towns , which would hurl despotism from her throne , and establish the liberty of the people in ita stead—( cheers . ) The present system had brought the working classes to snch a state of misery that they were scarce able to live ; but let Sir Kobert Peel ' s quarter-day depend on the working man's Saturday nigbt , and they would soon see the alteration . He contrasted the state of affairs in America with that existing in England . In America the Government were bankrupt whilst the tssoplehsd plenty ; but in England the Government was wallowing in wealth whilst the people were starving . He did not wish for a distribution of property , bat he wanted every man to have the equal protection of law , so that the same punishment should be dealt out to the nobleman who shot the poor man ' s hen as to the poor man who shot his deer . In the advocacy of

      the peaple ' s right * he would not be intimidated . He defied tha dungeon , the dock , or the scaffold . He sought eqnal justice for all , and thought that as Lord Cardigan was tried by his peers , is was only right that the working man should be tried by his peers also . He had not heard the resolution read which was before the meeting , and , consequently , could not mske any observations on it , but he hoped that whatever they had done , they wculd stand by principle . He lo' . ktrl for ne benefit for himself ; all he desired was ibat their liberty should fee first established , after which he wonld willingly retire ; and , when he finally departed from the scena of political strife , it might be written or . his tomb— " Here lies the body of one who worked , without pay , for the people , receiving only their gratitude as his reward . " Mr . O'Connor then retired , amidst loud cheers from all parts of the building . His speech , of which this is a mere outline , was admired by all present .

      At this stage of the proceedings , it was expected that the CbartiBt body would bring forward an amendment , but , as it waa Tmderstood that the intention was to move a petition to the Q ' . een , and , as there had bean such an outcry against the tyranny of the Chartists at their former meetings , it was thought best to allow the resolution to pass , as they had a requisition to the Mayor in course of signature for the adoption of the national Petition ; in fact , there were various opinions on the matter , some insisting on an amendment , and others against it , as they thought the principles of the Charter was fairly recognised by the parties who had got up tha meeting assenting to it in their resolution and speeches . The Mayor then put the resolution , which was carried unanimously . Mr . Schofielh moved the adoptien © f a petition fimuded on the resolution .

      Mr . Joh > - Collins seconded the motion in a brief adaress , in ¦ which , he asserted that the principles of the Charter were fully recognised in the resolution . Mr . Masos then came forward and said , Mr . Chairman and gentlemen , although he was comparatively a stranger to the people of Birmingham , b-J cuuld not refrain from offering a few remarks on that occasion . It was quite evident , a time had arrived when a great eh&oge mast take piace in the constitution of the government of thesb realms . Sir R . Peel had now proved how far he was disposed to relieve the sufferings of the working classes : his proposition , for a modification of the Cora Laws , not only indicaied his opinions on this question , but it also proved , that he ( Sir R Peel ) was

      prepared , as a leader of the aristocratic faction , to defend every other usurpation and privilege of this feudal order —( cheer ? . ) Yes , but there was a power in tlie people , when directed by intelligence , for the accomplishment * if any great measure of justice—( loud chetrs )—a power which ultimately -will co » pel them to surrender thtir unjust emoluments to the honest demands of an oppressed and suffering nation—icheer ? . ) He ( Mr . Mason ) felt a degree of pleasure at witnessing the middle classes coming forward to recognise the universal enfranchisement of the working men , as a great organic principle in the constitution ef government , whatever might have been the conduct of that class to them , the working men . He was as an individual ready to forgive , if they were honestly prepared to and the

      do the iD ^ enions suffering mechanic hardy labourer justice—full and complete justice . He contended for justiee not for any one class—no ; he would resiit the dLseiifranchisement of any class , however wealthy , equally as ae would resist the rich dispossessing the working man of the elective franchise . He contended that the land-owner , the merchant , the manufacturer , ^ nd the shopkeeper , had all an inalienable right to a legitimate protection ; but they had no risht to immolate the legitimate rights of millions to promote their private interest * ( cheere . ¦ They desired justice , and by all that was sacred in hnman nature , they would have it—despotism should be resisted wherever it existed , he would resist the tyranny of a democracy , equally with the tyranny of an aristocracy ; they heard

      much of a spirit ( f union which was to exist among them from tbst day forward ; he hoped that a great and honourable compuct -would be formed by the respectable members of society ; he hoped that day was now at hand when England—yes ween England should bthold the great Charter c f British liberty conferred upon her people ; he hoped that day wtuld be memorable to tbe heaitbroken slave , that the hard-working mechanics would have cause to bless them as great instruments in promoting their liberty ; be hoped , however , these gentlemen -would not attempt to strangle in detail , the great principle they had recognised , who would attempt to deny the qaaiifliauon of many of the working men to sit in Parliament , soms of the . brightest and most glorious spirits which have adorned the Lu . uan race ,

      sprung from the working ranks of society—( cheers . ) Bifore I retire , let me enjoin you , if these gentlemen intend again to aid us in in this struggle , to watch with caution their every step ; weigh in your winds every sentence they utter ; investigate seriously and dispassionately every sentiment and speech which falls from uieir lips^—ihear , hear . ) In conclusion , I thank you for the patient hearing you hive aft" rded me , and may this beauiifdl land soon present a people as great as h ; avea haa designed , and our own intelligence i » capable > - f inakinir it . ( Lmd cheers . ) Mr DOUGLAS moved that the petition be signed by the Caainnau , on behalf of the meeting , and be presented to the Qaeen by the borough members . Mr . Boultbee seconded the resolution , which was

      earned . j The meeting then called for \ Mr . P . H . Muntz , who addressed them briefly . He j Eaid that he had no intention * f takiDg any part in their ] p roceedings , but as be was called for he would tell them the reason why he had not joined the anti-Corn Law j Association . He wa 3 then of the same mind as formerly : he believed that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , would never repeal the Corn Lr . ws , and that I it was iiEeless to petition them . He expressed Lim- j sslf highly satisfied w ; t j the speech of Mr . O ' Connor , J although he bad found fault with him formerly . He ' moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor . j Mr . Edwaiid Browse attempted to address the I msetinz , but wsia shamefully hissed fey the Corn Law j Repealers , and not suffered to proceed . j The motion was then put and carried unanimously , i after which three cheers were given for the Charter , and ] tiie meeting separated . !

      it wiu now be seen whether Ihe parties who hnve thus admitted the right of the people to full , fair , and . free representation , will keep good faith with the j Chartist body , and go for the whole Charter witheut i sliufnt ; or t quivocation i if they do attempt any Bort of trick or subterfuge , their existence as a political party in Birmingham is at an end , for their baseness will then be bo transparent , that they can never again expect to be tolerated by the working men . Th * y have now a chance of again falling into the ranks of the people , if they are really honest ; if they prove , by their future conduct , that they are not so , they ou ^ ht to be scouted from the presence of the men they have tried to petruy .

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      SHEFFIELD . DEFEAT OF THE COKX-LAW REPEALERS AND SHAM-RADICAL HUMBOGS . TRIUMPH OF THE CHARTISTS . The news of Finality Russell ' s defeat reached here on the afternoon of Thursday , the 17 th , and that evening it was announced , per bellman , that a public meeting would be held in Paradise-square , the day following , at twelve o ' clock . The next morning , shabby looking : placards announced the meeting , bteting it was called py " The Operative ( 1 ) Corn . Law Association , " ( an As- s . eiation , by the bye , never heard of before in Sheffield ) : " to consider the best means of repealing the Corn j Laws . " The parties calling the meeting no doubt

      thought that Friday was a day so inconvenient for the working classes , that they ( the Repealers ) could h ^? e matters all their own way ; moreover , an intrigue had been carrying on for some days previous , the object of wMcb was the seducing of the Chartists , or at least the Chartist leaders , into suppoitx'g a humbug resolution for Universal" Suffrage and the Ballot They were partly successful , and yet , despite of all , the " whole hog" men triumphed ; the ptopJe showed they were trne to principle , and were not to be deluded by those who bad deceived and trampled upon tbern bfcfore . Whiggery is fallen in Sheffield , and all wio would extend to it a helping had are justly doomed to share its fall and perish with it in its rottenness .

      On Friday , Feb . 18 th , by eleven o ' clock , the people began to muster in the square , and by half-past twelve , there must have been little short of ten thousand people assembled . On the motion of Mr . Sheldos , seconded by Mr . Hoole , Edward Bbamley , Esq ., was called to the chair , and said , —Fellow-townsmen , I could have wished that some one older than myself had bees called upon to occupy the post of Chairman , but I will endeavenr , Gentlemen , to do my duty , and obtain a t > atient

      bearing for every one who may address you . The question was , bow are we to get rid of the C < m > Laws ? ( "The Suffrage—the Charter 1 **) Not by addressing our £ elveB to the r ? 3 son or -foe justice of the legislature . Hxive they any justice ?—( No . ) Not by appealing to their humanity . Have they any humanity ?—( no , no . } No , Gentlemen , we must do the work for ourselves and by c-urselvcs—( Loud cheers . ) All party distinctions must be abrogated—all class-interests must cease— " Eich for all and all for each" must be cur motto—( cheers . ) I now make way for the gentlemen who are to propose the resolutions .

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      Mr . Beale came forward to more the first resolution : — ;¦ " - ¦¦• ¦ ¦ ;¦ •¦ ; " . ;¦ . - ., - " Thatthis meeting has learned , wftb the greatest indignation , that the sufferings of the working classes , and the embarrassments of their employers in this manufacturing districts , will receive no alleviation from any measure proposed to Parliament by the present Government , but that , on the contrary , their distress is met by an insulting proposal to perpetuate the bread tax , and thereby to keep np the first necessary of life at a famine price , for the exclusive benefit of the aristocracy . " Mr . Hoole seconled the resolution , whUh was carried unanimously .

      Mr . PALPKETMAN , who was received with loud cries of " Where is Holberry ? " replied he would answer that quest : ok . Had they ever known him refuse to defend any parson who placed his case in his hands ? By the rules of the profession , he was bound to undertake the cause of prosecutor or prisoner , whoever might first apply , acting not in a personal but in a professional capacity . He had opposed Universal Suffrage on those steps ; but having seen petition after petition rejected by men not chosen by the people , and now even some of the Whigs voting against Lord John Russell ' s motion , and no less than twenty-eight of the Liberal members absent , including Mr . O Connell and Mr . Shiel , of whom he must hear some good account before he could pardon their absence , what was to be boped for ? The necessity for a change was established , aad let them all

      ur . ite to demnnd an extension of the Suffrage . Let that be united with the Ballot ; and aa to minor points , let them be passed over until tbese were carried , which would give the power of carrying all the rest Hediil not propose this resolution as a concession . They had been driven to it —( cheers . ) How ? Not by external circumstances , but internal . The argument bad been forced home by strong necessity ; and now they were willing to unite with the mass of their countrymen , in the demand for Universal Suffrage . At Manchester , a large meeting , comprising the wealthiest merchants aud manufacturers of the place , had passed a resolution , declaring their conviction that there could be no permanent ' y good and Impartial Government until the Suffrage shcu ' . d be Universal . The resolution he had to propose was as follows :

      " Having lost all confidence in the Government and the House of Commons as at present constituted , and desiring not only the repeal of bad iaws , butaguarastee for future good government , and fearing those unhappy outbreaks which must result from the continued oppression and starvation of the people ; being also convinced that no effectual remedy will bo provided until it be placed in the power of the people , this meeting is of opinion that the franchise ought to be extended t « every man twenty-one years of age , of sound mind , untainted with crime , with the security , of secret voting , and such otaer matters of detail as may be found necessary to the honest and practical working out of the principle . " ( Cheers , aud cries of " The Charter . ") Mr . Joun Sheldon secondeiVtbe resolution . Mr . Samuel Parkes came forward and moved the following amendment : —

      "That this meeting , aware that the Corn Laws and every vile law which disgraces tbo statute-book of this country , are but the natural fru ts of class legislation j hereby declare , that they will be content with nothing short of the full representation of tho people as provided for in the People ' s Charter , which , as the only remedy for national wrongs , they dtma ^ d to be adopted whole and entire , as the law of the land . " They had learned by the experience of the past , that both factious meant to keep them in slavery . Lord John Finality bad proposed a remedy for poor John Bull , a flour , sugar , and timber powder ; but it would not operate on tho diseased state of poor John , and therefore be lost his power . They bad now a Dr . Peel , who had proposed something be thought would remedy

      the distress , and that was to slide them into the grave gradually . Let them consider that both factions were determined , by united heart , head , and band , to keep the people in subjection to abominable laws . Lord John congratulated Sir Robert Peel that they were not disagreed on the Poor Law . The Tories , on the bustings , had professed to be prepared to alter it ; but he was glad Peel was not for having recourse to that cbaDge . He congratulated him also , that they were agreed on every law that tended to degrade and injure the people . They had to-day another proposed remedy . A motion was proposed respecting the monopoly of legislation . There was such monopoly;—they opposed it , and meant to abolish it—( cheers . ) They bad been told of the character of the Corn Law * , that it was

      opposed to the law of right , of nature , and of God ; but though he had not the learning of a barrister or a ! awyer , he thought there was as ni ;; oh a cursa connected with other laws as that The New Poor Law was opposed to the law of God . God said , whom be had joined let no man put asunder ; y * i , by this law , a man loving his wife , must , because of his poverty , enter a bastile , and be parted from his wife . God commanded every man to train up his children in the way they should go ; but the Poor Law Guardians said , we'll train them for you . Thee go that way man , thee that way woman , and tbee that way child . That law disgraced the character of this pr ^ fcssed ' . y Chrutian , but practically infidel laud . He would dow try to dissect tke resolution proposed by Mr . Palfreyinan . It said , " Having lost all confidence

      in the Government and the Hoase of Commons as bow constituted . " The parties who proposed Universal Suffrage and the Ballot had lost all confidence in the present Government . Why ? He did not believe they ever had much , but the Hit e they had was lost , - because they had not repealed the Corn Law . Had they done so , the gentlemen would not liave lost confidence in the Govenniieat , —their rock of confidence was gone for ever , dashed to pieces by the wave of public opinion ; and he hoped that , by the energies of t'ae people , no rock of conlidence would stand , but in the full rights of man . The resolution went on , ' Desiring the repeal not only of bad laws . " What laws did they mean ? It waa vagao . Lord J . Russell and Sir Robert Peel , and miny aristocrats , thought the Poor Law not

      bad ; many thought the Corn Law net bad , and the Game Law not bad . 'Ihouga . Gjrt bad given all beasts and birds to man for food , the aristocracy because they possessed the land , e ' . aimed also the birds and the fish . Did this resolution point out what the bad laws were ? Did it tell ali tho bad laws . [ Chairman : That would be very difficult ] No duunt it wonld , for even the Judgts who tried- 'the ' expatriated Frost , Williams , and Jones , did not understand them ; and how , then , should the people understand them ? Tee resolution went on , " and anxious to avoid the unhappy outbreaks that mu > t re&ult from the continued oppression and starvation of the people . " They perceived here that those worthy char ^ ett-ra professei ? much s > mpatv with the working classes . D-d they think so fafare

      the Corn Law received its utcisive blow for the present session , when Cobden urged on an attack on the people in Stovenson " s-square , because they exposed the duceit of the League ? No ; the parents of Whiggery and their offspring were alike . Who seLt spies , informers , agitators , to urge the people on , but the VVhigs ? Who paid secret service money to urge the people to break the laws , and then banished them to distant l ; ui-: s ? Were they anxious to avoid outbreaks ? Then kt them come forward as they ought Tue resolution continued — " Fueling convinced that there can be-no effectual remedy till the power is lodged in tee hands cf the people . "' They knew this ns Chartists , and had supported it throughcut tbe t'lroe kingdoms , and the anti-Cora Law League had opposed them . ( No , no ) They had toll

      them the Charter was n < . t thtir right ; but before they had done , they would h : ' . ve the whele hog , brifetles and all—( cheers . ) Having next read the part of the resolution relating to the Suffrage , he s * id—That they did not object to it It was tho ri ^ ht of every man . B-nckstone declared that tiixatkn , without representation , was against right and la . w . But Xh-jy would have the whole Charter , and with united voice , demawd their rights . " Together with the privilege of secret voting , and such other matters of dtt : » U as may be found necessary to tbe honest and practic-il working of t'ao principle . " What were the matters of detail ? A builder wanted his foundation firm , the cement good , and all prepared for r . perfect structure . But here was a vagueness . Why might not the gentlemen have

      added tho other points of tbo Charter ? It lift them tt liberty , if they vcfent for t ' . iis , to delude and divide the people . What were the matters of detail ? What would Universal Suffrage and Vote by Ballot do without annual Parliaments ? If tiipy got this measure , and stopped short of the rest , they migbt have septennial or triennial Parliaments ; and they might send representatives who , once theve , would laugh this . paople to scorn , as in times gone by . Let them stick to the Charter , and conttnd fur annual Parliaments , that if they bad a bad servant they might turn him-about his business , and elect a better . No property qualification was important and essential . He wou : rt pay for Members without qualification , but he would not pay for those who bad property . Take away the property qualification , and every fit man might be elected . Ho said , let them set u the man that the people cho ? e , be his property what it might . The poor man , whatover bis learnin g and powers , could not go . to ¦ Parliament

      without a property qualification . G = t rid of that , and they might send men who were qualified , and not as now , men who often had no qualification but money . It was necessary to have " paid . Members , ' for if he were well paid , be would

      Mr . Julian Har . vet said , it was not his intention to take up their time at length , after the able and excellent address of tbe last speaker—a working man of thtir own order ground to the dust by the classes above him—not clotlicd in purple and fine linen , or rolling in luxury;— still , he was " a man , for a' that . " He had advocated nobly the rights of bis order , and eut ported an amendment for the Charter , whole and

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      Release of Me , Elton . —Mr . Edmund : Elton , late midshipman of tho Cambridge , whose case has excited a good deal of attention , was on Friday morning released from the Marshalsea by order of the Lords of the Admiralty .

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      ADDBBSS PRESENTED BY THE LEICESTER CHARTIST MEETING AT ALL SAINTS OPENVIO Mflr PATRICK O'HI ^ GINS . Friend and Bboth « B . —R is yritk heartfelt satisfaction that we embrace > tbe opportunity which your visit to this place hteafford « d o » » to pregentyou with this tribute of respect and fraten « ity > ?* om ourselves and the body ' which we represent . Having been long arid ardently , engaged in the holy struggle to restore to the people of thi « country . tae possession of those inaiienabfe tightsi , ¦ which had been forcibly or fraudulently wrested from them , we & 3 ve been often led , during our warfare , to east the eye of pity and cpmmisseration upon ihe condition of our itill mare unhappy brethren in the sister Island . We beheld you in a condition of slavery the most abject ; of serflsm ., which words are incompetent to express . Without the necessaries to support life in a land flowing with milk and honey , we saw you driven by thousands from your

      father land / the homes of your birth and infancyi—dear as the vital blood to your hearis . —in search of those means of existence abroad , which your remorseless tyrants denied you at home ; whilst every endeavour on you-- part , to amend your wretched condition , was met en the part of your tyrants by military subjugation , enforced by the unanswerable arguments of the bullet arid the bayonet Aware that the real cause of the . continuance of this unutterable misery , was the political ignorance of the great mass of the people , we sent over our talented and indomitable friend , Mr . Lowery , to endeavour to . enlighten their minds , and convince them that the Chartist body in this country * sympathized with their sufferings , and wished to assist in their alleviation ; but the brutal emissaries of those who profit by your wrongs—who saw in this fratetnizition the exposure of their tyranny . and the downfall of their usurped power , were instigated to endanger the life of our friend , and forcibly expel him from your shores .

      We lament that the deluded followers of those , ^ ho to Eerve their own selfish purposes mislead you , have not yet had their eyes opened to the imposition which has been practised to deceive them . They have told you that the Chartists a e your enemies *; and the enemies of repeal . We throw back into their teotii , with indignation and contempt , the ; base falsehood . The men who are waging war at home against class legislation , can never tamely consent that their brethren in Ireland shall be cursed with a mock legislature . We know that with a miserable minority in the English House of Commons , Ireland will be no further cared

      for , this to rob it for the aggrandisement of the aristocracy of b&th countries , and tbelr hungry and unprincipled satellites ; and we also know and feel , that she can never enjoy her rights , or take her proper station among the ; kingdoms of : the ' earth , till her affairs are managed by a legislature Of their own , freely and fairly elected by her whole adult mala population . These opinions have been thundered in your ears by our matchless friend , your' on&h : Feargus O'Connor ; and they are responded to by tbe mouth and from the heart of every real Chartist in the empire .

      We rejoice in spirit , and our energies are awakened to learn that , at the last , a phalanx of patriots have arisen amongst you , encouraged and loci on by yourself ; who , thoroughly sensible of the insults and injuries inflicted upon your unhappy country , have determined to combine and persevere for their redress . You have discovered the real cause of these manifested evils , and the only efficient remedy for their removal . Already the dark clouds which have so long enshrouded the gem of the ocean- ^ -the Emerald Island , have begun , to disperse , and we here and there have a view of the lovely horizon .

      Go on , then , bravely , bpWly , fearlessly , and we doubt not , ultimately , successfully . The words of the God of justice are your encouragement , and the hearts of your friends in England are . with you . Let tu become as brethren of one family , unitad ^ in an indissoluble bond of unity for our common welfare . Let us for ever abolish tbe petty disciactioos of soil and name , and be recognised as one , by our union in pursuit of the eternal principles of truth and justice , and our untiring endeavours to obtain the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number ¦;¦ which Ought to be the end and aim of every member of society . Finally , let the Charter be our motto , and no surrender our unalterable determination . By order of the meeting :, John Markham . John Bowman .

      t . R . Smart . The following reply to the above was returned by Mr , O Hi «? gins : — Friends and Brother Chartists , —The kind , eloquent ; and friendly address with which you have honoured me , has placed nie in such a novel position that I feel at a loss for suitable terms to give expression to my gratitude and thankfulness , fot so high , so valued , and so signal a mark of your approbation . I am not so vain aste imagine , for a moment , that so humble an individual as I am , is at all deserving of the distinguished compliment which your kindness has bestowed upon me . At the same tima I must confess that it is with pride and pleasure I receive your manly and independent address , in that spirit which ! am sure you intended , aud wnich enhances its value ; not as a personal compliment , / bat as an earnest of- ' that

      spirit of amity and fraternity , which it is your wiBh , as well as the wi . « h of eve ry real lover of public liberty , to promote , foster , and cherish between the people of Great Britain 3 tid Ireland . It is the efforti which I have , from time to time , been making to disseminate amongst ray c 6 ijr . « tryrncn , those kindly feelings which you « o cordially entertain for them , that has recommended trie to your notice . I have ever looked upon it , as esstntial to the enfranchisement of the workiDg classes , of both countries ; that their interests should fee common , identical , mutiul , and clewly understood : m < l concurred in ; and I am thoroughly convincsd , thot a bond of brothcrlyaffection between the people of Gre .-it Britiin and . Ireland would accelerate the happiness and prosperity of both . But how black must the heart of that man bo , who exercises all his power , ail his eloquence , and all his influence , to sow discord , hatred , and religious bigotry between the people of both countries . , < :

      The principles of the People's Charter , or Radical Rsforin , for they are both the same , were early instilled into my mind by the writings of your immortal countryman , the late William Cobbett , M . P . for Oldham;—a man whom I have every reason to know waa one of the soundest politicians , the most sterling and incorruptible patriots that any country ever gave birth to , —a man who , as a sincere , steady , unflinching friend , a good father , and iv good husband , set an example to the world . Hud he been spared to us , Ireland would not , now , be in that state of political ignorance ; and degradation , whieh you so truly and forcibly describe , and so feelingly deplore , During his visit in Ireland , in the autumn of 1834 , he opened the eyes of the peope to the true

      causes of their sufferings , and he pointed out to thonii in a mariner , and with a sincerity , more like a father than a visitor ; the real , tbe only mode of redressinc those grievances effectually . His ' . " lecture ' s , his answers to the numerous addresses which were presented to him , and his public speechas , were all so clear , so lucid , that even those who were considered the most ignorant of the people * began for the first time to understand the value of Universal . Suffrage , Vota by Ballot * Annual Parliaments , and Equal Electoral Districts . But it pleased the great Ruler of the Universe , to take him away in a few short months after his visit to Ireland , and before he

      could bring bsfere Parliament those abuses and crying grievances , of which he took as much pains to obtain a thorough and a personal knowledge . This blow , this irreparable loss to the Radical Reformers of Great Britain , and his Irish Radical pupils , saved the tyrants of both countries ! that exposurfi which was prepared for them ; and left Ireland at the mercy of a gang of unprincipled political placsTbunttrs ; men , while they had the Repeal of the Union eternally upon their lips , "Were only using it as a means to an end , which end was the open and undisguised sale of the Counties and Boroughs to tbe opponents of Repeal , for place , pension , and emolument . ¦ '¦ ¦ ' . ' ... '

      It was while Ireland was in the market , the sale was going on , and the Repeal of the Union , in abeyance , that your Bifssionary . Mr . Lowery , visited Dublin , and tne ill-treatment which he received at the hands of some of the citizens , you very generously , and , permit me to add , very justly attribute to the . deluded emissaries of those who profit * , by bur wrongs , and who have a direct interest , a life annuity , in the continuance of those wrongs . It is now notorious , that inoat of those who led on the Cavrardiy , and I regret to siiy , brutal attack upon Mr . Lowery , have sines been provided for by the Whig Government . ; The treatment which Mr . Lowery received , and the compliments which were publicly paid to his assailants by the Lord Lieutenant , and . the threats which were

      held out against those who : should have the teaierity to advocate , or even countenance . Chartist principles iii Ireland , retarded the advancement of those principles , frightened the timid but well-meaning , and gave impunity to the unprincipled place-hunters . Any 'attempt to disseminate true political knowledge , under such circunistinces , appeared to be Utopian . A favourable opportunity « t length presented itseif ; the Cflattlats , who were kept together by a few venerable patriots , aided by their indomitable secretary , P . M . ' Brophy , embraced that opportunity , and notwithstanding the disgraceful and unlawful efforts which were made to assail and crush them , yet they have prospered—Chartism has taken root in the land—it has nearly surrounded the kingdom , and is ramincating in the Midland Counties .

      la conclusion , permit me to say , that there never waa a period when the Chartists ' were more imperatively called upon to act together , like one man , than the present time ; t ) sink for ever all niiuor differences , to increase the number of their friends , and to wciikea by all lawful and : constitutional ' : means , tho power of their enemies . Depend upon it , that the day is not distant when every sound thinking man in the empire , will be proud to caU himself a Chartist . Patrick OHiggins .

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      The population of Glasgow 1 b erroneously stated in the account of the lave census returns at 257 , 592 ; It thould have been 267 , 463 , an important error of ucarly 10 , 000 in statingthe populaUo-i of that city .

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      THE STONE MASONS Oh STRIKEj FROM THE NEW HOUSES OF fittf * KENT , *" A * P NELSOJCS MONUMENT , T . ONDON , ABD itifi W OOL " WICH DOCKYARD , v ¦ ,-. . " ¦ ' . ' To the PublicandtheTradeso / Greal Bri ! alnattdfrelgii " No man possesses natural and inherent wealth trifhln himself—he has merely a capability of labouring * of producing , —therefore if a man possess any " created wealth—any capital—and lias never made use of his capability—has never laboured—never produced , the wealth which ho holds in possession —cannot rightly belong to him . It must belong to some pewon 8 who hare created it by labour—¦ who have produced it , and ^^ been acquired by him through the existing fraudulent system of < uneaoal exchange ? . ' Capital is not self-existant "

      Bbethren , —Twenty-two weeks have passed away Since by " insults , wrongs , and contumelies" we were driven to strike against our late employers , who not only refused to redress our grievances , but gave oped countenance to the unfeeling author of our wrongs . During this long period ^ notwithstanding the many privations we have endured , and the formidable conclave ef capitalists and class-nude authority arrayed against us , we have perseveringiy devoted oar time and exertion in that direction appearing to us best calculated to destroy the cause of the insufferable , indignaut , and contemptuous treatment unto whi « h we had been subjected . To manifest that we are capable of diacriHiinating between becoming humility and debasing submission , and to enforce from those for whom existing usages of society compel us to toil , treatment more consonant with the feelhigs of refiecthig ininda , and due from one man to another . .

      To aid us in this moral contest we have received unparalleled support from the trades , and some small portion of the public , especially those located within the immediate vicinity of the scene of action , where all the circumstances of ^ the case are fully kno an , and which is not only an evidence of the justnesa of our cause , but that it is clearly , perceived its result will materially affect the interest of the working conununity , and should stimulate our brother operatives in the provinces to renewed exertions in support of a contest , the first of its nature which has ever taken place—the first strike ever entered into where , pounds , shillings ,

      aud pence has not bean the principal matter in dispute , Yet , notwithstanding all / the aid we have received , and continue to receive , and all the exertions we have made , the " ffold ' -eu ; power with which the working classes have supplied their opponents—the capitalists -r-who , however much they may appear to differ on other subjects , are perfecUy agreed to proftrate iu them every faculty of the human ediQce , that it may obsequiously minister to their sordid avarice , added to the apathy and division Of themselves , has , up to this moment , so operated against us as to prevent the consummation of our wishes . ;';'¦ :. '¦•' ¦ ¦ ¦

      It is , however , with no small degree of pleasure we iDform you that at Woolwich opposition is daily becoming less formidabie ; the "incapables , " as they fluish up their jabs , are making their exit At the Houses of Parliament , as far as our information extends , a gentKil reduction of wages has again taken place ; a circumstance in perfect keeping with their proceedings at Woolwich , preliminary to the introduction of piece work , which resulted in tlie " mutiny" reported in our last sheet There is , however , a circumstance connected with this , which did hot transpire at Woolwich- Mr . Peto , contrary to custom ( hia business In the firm betog to attantl to the country works ) has interfered . He Cannot understand how masons could bo worth morewages when strangers to the work , and during the short days in winter , than after some months' practice , and the , days and season so much improved , and " tfeniantfj , " aswe are informed , an explanation from Allen on this matter . . .

      At Plymouth , and Dartmoor ^ circumstances are much the same as when we last reported , otherwise than that the four who went thither from Aberdeen , have applied to ohr members for means to take them home , and they would leave ; this has most properly : been refused . At P .. nryn our turnouts are reduced to fifteeh-Upbn the whole , circumstances are daily tending to our ad vantage ; every day brings with it cheering omens ; and we do not hesitate to predict , from minute observations of our nutagoniata' moTements , that they are snaking preparations , if our ranks continue unbroken , to render us that justice they have nnavailingly used every imaginable stratagem and misrepresentation to withold from iiB . -- . ' . '¦ ¦ . ' :-- ' - " . - --: ' . "'¦ ' ' ' - - . ¦¦ . ¦'¦¦

      To Becure it , however , unity of purpose and of action continues inaispensible : The world ; as was manifested at the ball for our benefit on Monday evening at the Whits Conduit House , has left off single hornpipis , and dances sociably in gay quadrilles , so if we are even now , when at its threshold , to be borne on to victory , must individualism be abandoned , and sociality and union exist amongst us . Let none think that what is now ostensibly our case is not also his , because he may not be immediately affeeted by it . It is the cause of all . if any think differenUy , let them reflsct , and the philanthropy which nature has implanted in their bosom , will teach them that oppression and contumely should bs abjurbd and annihilated from whatever quarter it may spring . Lat- each individual then shake a hand with each otUer individual , each-pledging himself to the ofeer to aid by his subscriptions , influence , and exertion , the masons on to victory , and .

      "¦ The ^^ mighty multitude shall trample down The handful that oppress them . Desirou ? of destroying the neeesaity for Btrikes by re'iioving the cause fronl which they spring—namely , inequality of labour and inequality of exchanges , we solicit your consideration of the few lines at the head of this address . Tiie truths there developed are indisputable . Man possesses every •' capability of libouring— -of producing , " in connection with his fellows , every thing essential , to hiscoinfortable exi&tencei and no msin has a right to that which he does not produce , for which he does not render an equivalent to ita producers . This is a- fact admitted . by-all- ¦ who have written on tho subject , yet how different is the existing system of society , the great mass being subject to excessive toil ; tbe produce of which the few disaipate in luxuries and idlenesa , never labouring , never producing , except indeed it be misery and contention amongst their victims .

      We have ft from high authority , and the oracles of that authority are incessantly ringing it in bur ears , that ' * Ho who does not labour neither shall he eat , " conclasive evidence that those only should refuse to work , to labour , to produce , who can live without eating and drinking , aud that none other were intended to be idle . But , und ' rthe present usages of society , those who are UUe not only eat and drink , but with sordid avarice consume the very vitals of those who produce it for them . : ' * ¦ .. ¦ . ' ' , - ' ¦ * ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ' ' ' , ¦' ¦ : - . - . - ¦ . ' ... :: - ' .. The groundwork of this system and its tendency has

      been examined , and resulted -iu the erection of a science called ' political economy , and which : lays down three elements a 3 essential to the comfort and happiness of human lifd , namely— " Test there shall be labour , accumulation of labour , and exchange of labour ' s pioduce ;' , ' and be it underatoed th ; it these conditions are laid down by these economists a 3 general in their application ; no reservation of class or grade is made . It is , therefore , laid down , as an absolute condition-of " 'existence , that there shall be labour , and that that labour shall betiniversaL Contrast thia with the present system of society .. ¦ . . ¦"¦'¦ - . ¦ ' ¦ -:.: ¦ : ¦¦ ¦ - ¦ .:. ; . ; ¦ ¦/ ; .

      These economiataj in telling theproductive among the other classes of "the commuhity to accumulate , . add insult to injury ;; the evaUon of the condUion ^ -that labour shall be universal , presses them to the very earth . Under existing usage they cannot accuinuht a , not because they are idle , intemperate , or ignorant , but because the accumulations of former . generations , which should by applied to the benefit of the present as a whole , are usurptid ^^ their advanuiges enjoyed by dosses and individuals . , ; .-. '" .: On tho subject of exchanges , we think too much attention could not be givan . Tha infraction by the capitali . st of ihi- ; condition , cautribatea more than all

      other causas combined to the maintenance of that inequality of condition 80 much felt and ceplored by tha working classes . Man can have but two things to exchange—namely , labour and the produce of labour . It is , therefore , the duty of those who do labour , who do proiluce , to enforce in their exchanges mutual advan ; ages . In conahleriDg this part of the question , the idea must ba repudiated , that what the capit-ilUS * appear to giva in exchange for theot 7 orkman's iabfaur was gtunrated , either . ' ..-by his labour or his riches . He never iuhoured—he never produced . It was originally obtained . fro ; u fio labours of the wdrkma :-, and by a fraudnlent system of unequal exchanges , is even now dai : y taken from him .

      From a review of thesa circumstances , it must , ba obvious that to remove eucfi a destructive stite of thin ^ " more than the isolated endeavours of a mei-o fraction is indispenisible . " Individualised habits must be abanfieusd—the energies and means of all muit be blended each mast work for all , andall for each ; ar « l the iiifl-t-« nce of such union would soon dispel the evils resulting from the present unnatural system of society ; tbe result of every day ' s labour would add a fresh fet-mutaut to exeriion ; sound morality and domestic happiness increase , co-oparatijn instituted , and building sociaties established , ¦ ,.- ; . ¦ ..- .. ¦ " ¦ And every man in every face , Would meet a brother aad a . friend /' Again , most heartily thanking all for tbeir cxixiions in our behalf , . - -. ¦ : . ;

      We beg to subscribe ourselves , Gratefully yours , The Masons' society , - ** .. Thomas Shohii , Soc-6 , Agnes-street , Waterloo-road , Lambeth , Feb * IC , 1842 .

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      A-BRiDGiNG a Toll . —A party of " navviea , " btiag at work at one Bide of the Thames , and lodging on : tho other , hit upon ah ingenious plan f- * reducing the bridge-roll . They deputed ciio of their party to inquire of . tlie collector how much weight a man was allowed to carry , and whethsr any sort of weight was allowed . Tlie collector answered "Garry what you choose , and as much as you can . " They took him at his word , and assembling the whoie force on the bridge , they divided the party imo two Eections , and eno oarried two fihrough the gate , more to the merriment of tho lookers on , than to tha amusement or profit of the collector .

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      6 THE ; yp . ET / H :-E ^ _____ ^ . ^^^

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      entire . They were called oa to assemble to consider the decision of the House of Goramonfl on Lerd John Rassell ' a amendment . They were to proteat sgainst the Government and its measures . They all agreed in denouncing tbe eflFact of class legifihtton . It appeared they ' all agreed aa to the cause of the removing the * cause—( cheers . ) Mr . Palfreyman said their adhesion to Universal Suffrage was a concession forced from them ; By whom ? By the Chartists ^ -aoud cheers . ) Six months back , Lord John Russell appealed to the country on tlie 83- duiy ; and if the Chartists bad given their support , the duty would have been carried , land they would never have heard of Universal Suffrage or the total repeal of the Corn Law . This was because the people had refuised their support to the

      repealers ; and if the repealers had got what they 6 esired ; the people might have : gone to the d——1 for anything they cared—( cheer ? . ) He was asked to be careful as to his language . But what sort of language had the repealers used ? Did this motion receive the sanction of the anti-Corn Law party ? r—( loud cries of ' Np , no , np . " ) He was told it did not . TLm , if they * had passed this resolution , supposing it pledged the middle classes , they ' would be humbugged . Did the Independent , the organ of tha repealers , support Universal Sufirage ? Would it sup ^ port thiB humbug resolution ? Wou d the Jrh ¦ ? If . so , it was suddenly convei t id ; for it said on TneBday , that they had nothing to hope from thfc Chartists , and treated them with contempt . But they were not contemptible ,

      and would have the Charter , whole and entire , and nothing short of itr- ( Great eheering ) . He asked the sudden converts , and those not yet cenve : ted , if they could hopo to carry the Corn .. Law Repeal without the enfranchisement of tha people ? Lord John Russell ' s motion had been lost by a majorify of 123 , and there would be a greater mnjority against Mr . Viiliers ' s motion . Then , what had they to hope for , Unless they stuck to the Charter , nnd established the sovereignty of the people on the ruins of the aristocracy ? ( Cheers . ) The power that would give a total repeal of the Corn Law , -would catry the Charter entire . They were told

      the Reform Bill was but a step , ancl the Reformars would not cease till they had established Universal Suffrage . If the people lent their power to the Repealers , they would find , if they got the repeal of the Com Law , they might whistle for the Charter . Let them , wait a bit . The people bad waited , and could afford to wait—not because they did not wait cheap bread and meat , but because they wanti d iiglit above all . Let them stand by tbe Charter entire . They now occupied a , prouder position than ever , and if they waited awhile , the middle class must join them , and it would become the law of the land—( cheers ) . He seconded the amendment .

      Mr . Otley said , he should not have spoken , but that ho heard the cry , " bt ; ey , it won't do . " ( interruption ) He had served theni faithfully , lie had advocated their interests , and supported their views , whenever they had called upon him to do so . But he wished to explain the position in which he stood , and then ho would leave every .-ciindid man to judge of it . He had no connexion with any party but the working classes . He had received an ihyitatipn to meet sbme working . men , ' whom he supposed to be contcted witla the Free Trade Society . The original resolutions were not agreed to by him , but he laid them before the Chaitist Council , adviaiag that they should not adopt them unless they were satisfied with thenh Without a dissentient voice—( no , no )^ -without a dissentient vote , then , tkey were agreed to , and then he conveyed

      the resolution now proposed to the parties with whom be had confwred . After that camo a note from Mr . Harney , saying that they had changed their minds , and objected to the resolution . But he had pledged himself to the support of that resolution , and now he would give his reasons for thinking that such a course was the best . He chalfehsed any inan to show that the working classes could Work out any good for theniselves by themselves—( hear , hear , bisses , and interruption . ) Ha had never courted their praise , and he would not for fear of cenfiure refrain when it was his duty to tell them tho truth . He believed that many who made a boast about having the hog and the whole hog , even if they had it in their moutbs , would pretend scruples of eonscienca , ' aud spit it out usaiu—( disapprobation . ) They might hiss , but in twelvemonths they would be of his opinion . . ' .- . ' .

      Mr . Jones , the North Riding lecturerj who was loudly cheered , said Mr . Otieybad professed to bo in favour of the whole Charter , now if Mr .. - 'O ' tley and those who acted with him were satisfied that the etfeer points of the Chatter Were the necessary details , they wouldif they were honest men abandon the motion : ind support tho . amendment—( cheers / In yeaw gone by when theworking classes relied on aristocratic leadtrsi thby were deceived ; and the present wipyement was meroly contrived to pitch the present Chartist leaders overboard —( cheers . ) He would hbW out the hand of friendship to any niim , but if they ' would unite with him , be must have a guarantee that ho should iw % be deserted when his partner ' s object waa gained , and they could havo no socurity but tn « Charter —( hear , hear : ) They had no chance of retaining the proud position they

      now held , if they gave in one iota . What made the working classes make this concession ? They were promised Universjil Suifrage / because it was said it-was right ; but were not the other points of the Charter their ; rights ?—( checi-s . ) He believed tudt those who origninnted this meeting woulii , if they succeeded , hand them over to either faction . Let tlitin remember tlie Quikcr ' a adaae— " If thy friend deceive thee once , shame on i him ; if lie dectivo tfcee twice , shauie on thee . " They had been or . cj betrayed , and deceived ; but once bit , twice ahy , ami they revtir would be hum - bugged again . Standing out as they had done , they compelled the niiaule classes to come to Univsisal Suffrage and the Ballot . List them ivjdpt this offer , and they should get a better ; ami so on from u"ie to time , till th : y got tae Charter \ hog , bristius , uvi < i all . —\ cheer ? . ' i Let the middle classes coine forwai'd for tho whole

      measure of justice , and ho would go wuh them . Let them not giv 8 tupport to the Whig faction ,- 'till they would concede ail thbir rights . If th . y took less than the whole Ciiarter . ttitirkoiHiS were blasfeti foriiars tocomo . The people wtrc nuw prepared to comy <* ) the middle , ciassesto adopt any niaiwuro thev chcue . Havni , ' compelled them to tffct Univtr » ii ] Suffro ^ e ar . rt tho Billot , they would compel them to give tho \ vh » ia if they now abandoiiL-d their position , they would in after years re ^ rut that they had aot carrieil tbe wbolo "vhc-ii they had the opportunity . Their destiny was now ir . their own hantls , to reniain in slavery for yi-. irs , or enjoy the blessings of freedom , He Was-detei ' tnintjd , no matter what course of policy othtrs pursueii , to hiiv ' e nothing but the CtiatWr , hoping speedily it 'ffonUt be tbe l . i ~ of the laiitl— : ( che (? rs . )

      Mr . Qihh saia he too was for the Charter ; put , it wns only to bB obt'iinod by the united exoit . ona ¦ : ( ihe midille and the working classes , ; and not oy thi pivid tools of a party ( hisses and disapprobation . ) The Charter would never be estitblished by men who lived by agitation and had an inttrcbt in prolonging injustice—( groans )—by men who lived by the injustice . Sucfc men had not the same interest in obtaining justice that those 1 men bad who lived by their labour ( cheers froin the Repealers and groans froni'tbo ChnTtxstr . ) He cared not for their frowns and hissing ; lor them he had run the risk of sacrificing hia domestic comforts . He cartel for the frowns of no man . He challengtil any iuan'to show that be had ever received a favthing fcr any service he hhd Tenik ' vetV , while he bad , at the

      same time , the opportunity of following his occuijutiou ; and ho asked whu , among those to Whom ho bad alluded , could say the same ?— -Mr . GUI retired , amiast the loud and general di ^ ppr ^ batioii of the Charticts , mingled with faint applause from his new friends the Whigs and Corn-Law Repealers . Mr . Harney wished to ask a question : -Wlw did Mr . GUI . i . iK-au by " paid tools . ' ' Mr . Gill : Mr . Haruey is a paid tool of Frav ^ us O ' Cwnnor ' q ( tremenflousgroaning , hissingaud confusion . ; MK Harney said he would not now interrupt the course of the proceedings , but he challenged Mr . G'H to make good his charge at the closa of the business for which the meeting had been called ( loud cheers . ) Mr . Palfiieyman said a few words .

      The Chairman then took the sense of the meeting , and declared the amendment carried . This announcement was received with loud and repeated cheers . Full two-thirds of the meeting held up thdr hands for . the " whole hog" a ' tiiftsdufcut ' .-On the motion of Mr . Harney , secondad by Mr . Jo . nes , the thanks of the meeting were unanijnously given to the Cd . iirman far his impartial conduct . TiieCiuiKMAN . returned thanks and rctiruJ . Mr . Holyoake waa then called to the chair . Mr . Harney called on Mr . Gill to subatantiat'J hin charge , but lo and behold tbe valiant denunciator h . irt vanished , having made his exit by a back-door of the building , from the steps of wliicti the speakers hud addressed the meetiug . A Mr . M'Ketthigk stood forward to speak for Mr . Gili , but shrunk before the fearful Btorm of disapprobation with which he was assailed . ¦ ¦ : ¦'"' Mr . Hakney th ; nbriefly addressed the meeting .

      Mr . Jones moved a vote of conudence in Mr . Harney , which wis unanimously given : and three cheers having been given for Feargus O'Connor , and three for the Charter and no surrender , the meeting dissolved . " - . ; . •• .: ¦ ¦ -. : :- : .. ' ¦' - .:, . " - - ' . ' ¦ The Corn Law Rspealers awiused themselves by burying two Bundles of tagsintended for effigies of the Duke and i * eel ; had the Chartists dpne this , they would have been denounced as dagger and torch men . In the evening , a ineetiug was held in Fig Tree-lane , the room was literally crammed . andhundreas could not gain admission . . . v Mr . HotYOAKE addressed the meeting , most ably showing up t ' ae fallacy cf" union With the middle class . " .. ¦; - : " : . - '"¦ ¦ - ¦ ' ' - . - . :-- ¦ ¦ . v ' - Mr . Harney followed in a lengthy address . A Member of the association moved the adoption of the following resolution : —

      " That this meeting highly approves of thereenltof tc-day ' s meeting in Paradise-square , and return th « ir sincere tbaiiks to those friends of the cause who so nobly and unflinchingly advocated the rights of the people as embodied in the Peopled Charter . The resolution was carried unanimously , a large number of members were enrolied , and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed . .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 26, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct743/page/6/