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May 13, 1848. ^ f HI NORTHERN STAR, 3
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Mr Babsbt's Motion Having Been Put, Was ...
Provisional Executive . For himself , he was in feTQW 0 ? the Assembly electir-R a permanent Executive : for he contended that if they were competent toehct & temporary b » dy of men who might have to face the greatest difficulties , they were equally competent to elect a permanent committee forthe lafeiy and prrgress of the movement ; it was re quisite that the boav should have this character , because the country would mitber have the same confidence ia them , nor obey their instructions with the same zeal as if thev were a permanent body . At the same time the Executive should be subject ti the approval or rejection of the pe pie , and that should be required Within six weeks . Mr Jones concluded by proposing a motion to that effect .
Mr Basset seconded the motion , because fee believed th ? y were in a much batter position to elect an Executive than their constituents coald be . For instarc * , hesaw daily the conduct ofthe Scottish delegates , eorne of whoa he could wish to be included within a new Executive . His constituents had not the sarxe opportunities , and therefore he considered the Assembly should elect , subject to the approval of Jhs people . Mr Councillor Brook highly approved cf this course . They wosld irflict great injury upon the
cause , if they separated without appointing an Exentive . He must also express his delight at the unanimous feeling which now seemed to animate the whole of tbe Assembly that day on behalf of the great cause in which they were engased . He was for the Charter to-Eorrow , if they eou'd set It ; and he believed tbat if they hadsuohmen as Messrs Jones , Kydd , M'Grath , and others , at tbeir head , who would unite ail the f ectiOSS ot their body , it would create such an agitation in the csuutry , as would speedily achieve their object . „ .. _ . .
Mr S . Ktdd , Mr "West , Mr M'Leas , and other delegates having spoken on the question , If r Dokovas demanded that the votes should be recorded , ss he was not prepared to cede the rights of his constituents . Mr M ' GsATHfeared that if they elected an Executive there , and then sent them to the country for confirmation , it * ron d have the appearance of dictation . At tbe ssme time it was evident that they must have an Executive to conduct the business until their successors were appointed by the people . He denied that the Assembly had the power to elect the Executive ; he wonld , therefore , move' That an Executive of five be elected by the National Charter Association for the ensuing year , sueh nomination and election to take place wii ' hin the next six weeks ; and that , in tbe meantime a Provisional Executive should be elected , to hold fffice and conduct the sfftirs until the permanent Executive was elected . ( Hear , hear . )
Mr Heskt seconded this resolution , which was supported by Mr J . Shaw , of Barnsley . Mr D 050 VAK withdrew his motion in favoar of that proposed by Mr M'Grath , which fully met his tiews . Mr Sbaepe said , he supported the motion of Dr U'Douall , because his constituents were in favour of the Assembly appointing the Executive . They were cost arsinus on the subject , inasmuch as they did not wish that any of the directors of the Land Campany should be on the Executive . They considered the directors had quite enough to do iu managing
their business , without attempting to guide the Chartist movement ; and they , therefore , had every reliance that any Executive elected by that Assembly would fairly represent the public reeling of the conntry . The CnAnuf Air supported Mr M Grath ' s resolution . Tie knew as much of the feelings of the people in the tonntrv oa this subject ss any man in that Assembly , and hi cold state that whether that Assembly possessed sore knowledge , as to the capabilities of parties fit for the duties of the Executive than any other body , cr not , they felt that they had a risht to el ct their own Executive , and that was a right they won'd not forego on any account whatever .
DrM'DouAix replied , and on the question being put there voted for Mr M'Grath ' s motion , 23 ; for the motion of Dr M'Donald , that the Assemblv elect , subject to 'h « confirmation of the public , 17—majority 11 , for Mr M ' Grath ' s motion . Mr Versos said , that he had been requested by Oliver Byrne , Esq . a good CharfcUt . and a Repea ' er , to hand in a s . veraign . as his volantary contribution to the £ 10 . 000 liberty fund . ( Cheers . ) Two shillings were thrown down by some person in the gallery . Mr Councillor Brook moved that they should proceed to the election ef the Executive immediately , and that it be ballot . Mr Hexrt considered it would be much better io postpone the election till to-morrow , in order to give time for due consideration cf bo important a question .
Mr Adam * said , they ought to go to the election at 00 . ee . in order to p revent any cnanca of canvassing during the night , and keep the election free from corruption . Mr Stevenson concurred in this resolution . Mr Vkrsos wished to know whether tbe members © f the Esesutive at present unpaid , but who were at present p iid by the National Land Company for their services , were prepared to give the whole of their serviefs to the Chartist Association , if they were elected ? The CrjAifcUAX said , that was not the question at present ; let them first decide whether they would immediately proceed with the election . It was carried by a large majority that the election be taken forthwith . __ ....
Mr M'Geath , in reply to Mr Yernsn said , distinctly , that he could not give the whole of his time and services to the Chartist Association . He trusted however , that the same question would be pnt distinctly to every individual whs might be proposed as a member of the Executive . The following cent . ' emen were then proposed as meteors of the Executive : —Messrs Ernest Jones , Vernon , Wheeler , Adams , Donovan , Kydd . Leach , M Crae , F O'Connor , Dr M Douall , Rankin , West , Lightowler . The question whet her these gentlemen wouldif elected
nominated , who were present , , , give the whole of their time to the duties of their office , was then put to each respectivelv , and answered in the affirmative . Mr Ernes / . Jones , however , explsinsd that he was editor of the Labourer , and also one of the editors of tbe Stab . He believed that by retaining those portions he could be ef much serviretothe movement ; but If he found his position at the Stab at all iacomp 'tibia with the dise J ?&* -mnf hi * duties as a member ofthe Executive , is shouldnot hesitate to resign it .
, Mes--r * : < hirpe and Briggs were appointed tellers , and the foil iwiog five gentlemen were declared to be elected : — Mr MCrae 32 votes , Mr Ernest Jones 31 , Mr Kydd 29 , Mr Leach 29 Dr M'Dou & U 21 , The Assembly then adjourned .
TUESDAY , Mat 9 . Th * Assembl y met this morning at nine o ' clock , Ifr Dixon in the chair . Te' -mai RjcH » Ens . took his seat for the county of Durham , and Edwarb Mitchell for Rochdale . Councillor Briggs moved that an order be given for 1 , 000 copies of a pamphlet' Oa tbe Constitution of Society as designed by God ; ' author , Danje ! Bishop , for the purposes of distribution . He said , two causes had as yet impeded the progress ef the causa cf the Charter—the one was ignorance , the other prejudice . He proposed removing the one by the dissemination of sound knowledge , and the o'her would soon of itself give way . Indetd so 6 trcnglj did he think the present work required , s- > fit for the purpose , that he would , in case the Assem bly refused to take it up , himself purchase 1 , 000 copies , and take thera dowe with him to Sheffield . Mr T . Jones seconded the motion .
Mr CocnBASE and several other members said Ifcey hid not ye ; read the book , and were not prepared to vr > t ° upon it . Mr Versos and Mr M'Grath stated that the book had been stereotyped , and tbe author had been so good ss to place the plates at the use of the Assembly , so that the cost of the book to them would be n ^ more thm the paper and labour . Mr Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) moved that the question oe referred to the Business Committee , and that teey report to morrow . Mr Marsdek did not think it right to expend the funds in this way , and therefore he meved that the question be dismissed . The motionand amendment having been severally second' d and nut to the vote , it was declared that Mr ' Shaw ' s amendment was carried , and tbe question waa accordingly referred to the Business Com mittee .
pcbuc lomnas . Mr Versos said ne had been looking fer some manift station of tbe power of the Organisation Committee , bat had failed to perceive any whatsoever . He did not complain of them , but he desired to see something d' < se to keep up the agitation , which must decidedly fail and die without some organisation and effort . The Chsikmas . —If has fallen into the hands of the Provisional Council . Mr Ba-set , as one of the Committee , said they had not tele themse : ves at liberty t > inenr the exrense ef ca-liog meetings , but they had done everything tn gnpp ' . y speakers far meetings that bad been called . " ...
Mr Carver , as a country delegate , was clad the London members had opened tbeir lips on the subject . He had been in London , idle and weary ol Walking up and down tha ureets , while be feight have been most usefully , ar . d would have been most glidiy . ' employed fsr the purpose of agitation . He felt sorry that so little effort was beine n vie to rouse London " to cop . vince the people here of the earnest ir , t < r < st felt , in the Charter by the people of the
provinces . Mr Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) said they were ir / i-. oracttillnowof Mr Carver ' s wish to serve in agitation . T : ; ey had met with rebuffs en several occa-Eion ;> . when they apf . lied to mpmbers to attend to meetings Mr Career would have do reason hencr-Jorthw make tbe sar / eempkint . Ilemovrd now , « That , as speedily as ' posiible , a meeting be held in ScitLfieid " barker . ' ' They bad no funds , or otherwise he should wish to engage halls , as did . Mr ilume afilMrCobd ^ .
Mr Babsbt's Motion Having Been Put, Was ...
Mr Vzmbs seconded tea metion . Mr Child suggested that Mr Shaw withdraw bJa motion . He , as one ef the committee complained of must confess that they hadnotdone their duty ; they had nit met for consulting about business , and ia that they had been wrnn ? . ( Laughter . ) The subject then dropped . CORRESPONDENCE . Dr M'Douall , from tho Business Committee , reported that several communications of a local and personal character bad been received which the committee did not think oueht ta he read .
Mr Edward Mitchell said he knew the allusion ; it was t : > hitDf ; he had come late , members might ask why _ and then for what . The country iuhis district was in a s'ate of great disorganisation . Lancashire wasfna divided state ; the proceedings ol the last week in this Assembly had occasioned very much division . On Geod Friday he had been elected almest unanimously ihat he might come / up to London ; but when the morning papers came down with their report of this Assembly ' s proceedings , they occasioned vast division . He was not a whit alienate J from the Charter , which he had adopted twenty-eight years ago , from old father Hunt , and which he now readily held by along with such men as Mr
O'Connor . He then stated that he had been charged with a letter and a resolution by a meeting held on Sunday nieht , to be publicly read at the Assembly , and communicated to tbe press . If the Assembly refused to hear it , he had no option , he would EWfiit to the Northers Star Mr Mitchell then referred to a meeting held in Rochdale , when a motion for Triennial Parliaments , Ballot . Household Suffrage , and Equal EJec ' oral District ? , had been made by the brother of John Brieht , M . P ., and stated that on beine asked by a per ? on in the meeting how , if a working man was elected to Parliament , his family could be supported ? Mr Bright at once admitted that he must be paid . Such was the progress of the Charter .
The following is the letter referred to by Mr
Mitchell : — A resolution passed unanimously at a crowded meetioj : in the Chartist . rorm , Yorkshire street , on Sunday , Hay 7 th , William'Blttke in the chair , Hovefl by Mr Thomas Livegey , and fecondid by Mr Thomas Mel . bourne : — ' That we , the Chartii ' s of Rochdale , have oh . served vctth feelings of shame and indignation , the unjust attack * that have been made against Mr F . O'Connor , M . P ., for Nottingham , by parties In tbe National Assembly , as we think the p » st conduct of Mr O'Connor ongbtto eRliU arouod him the Chartists of this empire , and shield hie fame against tbe malignant attacks of a few mercenary politicians and aspirin ; patriots , who finding in companion with him their own misfrable inferiority , instead of improving their talents and elevating themselves to bis level , resort to the bests expedient
of attempting to traduce him , and reduce hu character to a level with that of their own . We call upon Mr O'Coneor to go on and pnrge the ciuse from the idle and profTgate spc-u ' ers who have ever been a drawback to it ; 86 we are convinced that it canxol fee Vroojsht to a snccessfal iisne , whilst men are found , who . being defeated by the people to reprearnt the riehts of labour , sacrifice oar glorious principles to tha base means of obtaining a livelihood from the pence of the poorest people , In conclafion we pledee ourselves to fupport Mr O'Connor , as low as he shall get as he hitherto has done , but should he . at any tisaa des » rt thosa principles ^ 6 crs sacrificed go mnch to advance , wa shall not bs found wanting in removing from him bis present proud position , but until he shell be found to have done this , n-ecooMda ? itth * DMHtlaBratitu-B to dciert him . '
Mr Richards , in big report , stated that the cause of democracy was gaining daily in his district : that , whereas , two or three weeks ago their association numbered only thirteen , it was now attended by 200 paying members .
Organisation Committee . Dr M'Doualz . said , the next point of the committee's report was , thit ten commissioners bo provisionally elected . Their duties would be determined afterwarda . but he mieht eay now that their object was to carry into eff-ct the will of ' the Executive . There were , therefore , two points for the assembly to decide on , were they to have commissioners , and how many . Mr Basset thought ten not enough ; thare ought to ba nne for every district . MrEfisEST JiNBsssid . the number miebt be
increased as occasion required . Their duties were to carry the organisation of thj conntry rampletely into effect under the control of the Executive . Mr Carver said , he would be very happy to support the election of commissioners if they were to haye control over the Executive . For . as yet , the power ofthe Executive was uncontrolled , and an encroachment on the true principk s of democracy . Mr Vernon said every man would have coitrnl over them , but his experience of associations taught him that a private member Interfering with the authorities would not be heard with much sympathy .
Mr Ebsest Jo . ves said , such a power was impossible , it would be erecting ; two kinjs in Brentford . The commtssionertt were to set how and where the Executive shonld think proper . They could not be ender and above the control of the Executive at tbe same time . Erap ' oyed when th ^ executive pleased , or notemploypd at all , if they pleased ; the commissioners could cot be entrusted with any controlling power , as not being free agents . After a few observations from Mr Child , Mr PiBARDV and others . Mr S . Ktdo slid , the Assemb ' y were representatives , that was democracy . The representatives elected tbe Executive ; for what purpose but tn carry their will into effect ? Th » t was clearly still
democracy . Tbe appointment of commissioners was opposed to democracy ; but wben [ they appointed an Executive tbey onohtto rerollect that their value depended npno their practical power . Bat if they appointed commissioners to con'rol the Executive it was no longer aa Executive . If they were appointed to consult frr the Executive , what was left to the Executive of power . Thrre was a jealousy ef power , there was always something unpopular about tbe Ministerial Bench —( laughter )—but he admired the sen-itiveness of the ppople on this point . If an angel were to come down from heaven and all men to bow to him as the saviour of men , there would arise the samesensitivejealousy . He hoped ^^ they sould elect commissioners with power sufficient to make them vatnable auxiliaries to tba Executive .
Mr M'Grath saw a greit deal of good likely to arise from the appointment of commissioners ; they would effect the organisation ot the country ; they were to be elected provisionally ; and when lhey bad done their duty , it would be tor the district to elect a permanent commiss ' oner . Mr Cochbakk to sriudify the question moved , ' That we have provisional commissioners . ' Mr M'Grath seconded this . The motion was carrisd unanimously . Mr Ersest Joses meved , ' That the members of the Assembly be appointed comraiwoners . ' Mr Pilliss objected to elee ine himself , and therfefera moved , 'That each district joining tbif movement should eW its commissioner . *
Mr Adams , in seconding this , thought Mr Ernest Jones ' s proposition sn e t very strongly of the old boroughmongerine . ( Laughter . ) This was not the time to elect commissioners , bat to know thedntie ? they bad to perform . He would not submit to be elected till he knew what he was to do . ( Laughter . ) Something must be said abmtpay . Was the work to be con ^ anfc cr occasional ? For either be must be at his employment or not . He could not be occasional ' y employed . lie must either be paid by the Cfltrt ' s'S or work for himself . Dr M'Douall said , that both Mr Jones and Mr Pillirg were rkht . The country must be organised . That must be done by provisional commissioners , under Mr Jones ' s motion . When the country had been organised , each district , according to Mr Pilling , would elect ita own coramifsinner .
Mr Vernon thought it could not be conceded that that Assembly should be under the control and power of the Executive . He proposed 'That this Assem bly elect ten cimraissioners to act provisionally , and that each district hi called on to elect its own
. Mr Carvek seconded this . Mr Jones explained that the members of this As-Eembly , after tbe adjournment , would mo < t < ffici * ntly organise the coastry ; and they conld act as having a control OTer . the Executive , in their collective capacitr . which miabt be resumed at any momen \ Mr Ktdd did not know how innc Mr Jones meant to sit . He learned to view tbe Assembly as an Annual Parliament Perhaps Halifax exrected tbem to carry tbe Charter before rising . 1 c was not eo with his constituents , for he had that mnrntns ; had a polite hint that the A « semb ' y do their basin" * s as quickly us possible . Organue ihe country and adjourn . A Member proposed ' That twenty be elected as commissioners . '
Mr RaFKIK explained that the Organisation Committee had no objection to insert twenty for ten . The different amendments were tben withdrawn , ar . d the original suggestion of the committee , altered to twentr , wa * unanimously voted . Mr Ep . kest Jones . —Is there any objection that the rr . embeisof the Assemblv . be appointed ? Mr E . Mitchell thought this was a very cool way of throwing off their responsibility asrep'esfntatms . Thi-y consented to sit k down into commissioners , at a time when the conntry was locking to tbem to do something ; . He did not wonder at tbe state of division in the country . ( "No , no . ') MrCrcnRAN-E eaid , tho last speaker was the only person who had ever said the membra did iioterjoy the confidence of the cruntry , and did not deserve it . Mr Mitchell had just seen a letter , calling upon a membrriorfs ' gn . ( ' Order , otder . ' j Dr M Djuall . —I have received no such
communication . Mr Beiggs . —My constituent * are in so divided a state thst 1 expect to be recalled daily . ( 'Order , orritr / PDd disorder , ) It was then seithd that the Assembly should ballot for twenty person ? , members of the Asst-mbly , to act as commissioners , and they proceeded to tbo ballot . Dr M'Douall and Mr Ernest Jones were appointed tellers .
Mr Babsbt's Motion Having Been Put, Was ...
Mr Councillor Brook applied for . and received leava of , absence tor a week . Mr Councillor Bnggs also received leave of absence until Friday , and the votes having been duly taken , the following were declared to be duly elected commissioners : — Messrs Vernon , J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) , Adams , Wheeler , Brook ; Rankin , Pilling , Stevenson , Sharpe , Cochrane , Peacock , Shaw ( Barnsley ) , Barley . Basset , Camming , Child , Djnovan , Shirron , Henry , Lightowler , and West . The Assembly then adjourned at a quarter to two o ' clock until three . On re-assembling at that hour , soma routine business was disposed of . The namea of tho parties elected as commissioners were formally announced to the meeting , and it was resolved , 'That any vacancy that might occur in tbe Provisional Executive , should be filled up by the commissioner highest on the list of votes .
Mr M'Grath ssid , they had no doubt an idea of the appointment of permanent commissioners , and should provide accordingly . They ought a ! so to define tbeir powers and duties . Mr Vbrhoh said , he had moved that the commissioners should be placed in the same position as the Provisional Executive , namely—that they should be subject to the approval of the districts within the next six weeks . Mr M'Grath : said , that motion was not definite ecoueh for -him . He would therefore move ' That each orpaniged district should , on the day of electing the permanent Executive , elect a permanent commissioner also . Mr Vernon seconded tbe motion , because it expressed bis ideas wore clearly than his own .
Mr West eongidored that tho time was come when they should give their commissioners their instructions , and therefore that tbe Assembly should determine its future policy . 1 hey bad now elected tbeir commissioners and they should know what their duties wpre . Mr M'Cartht said , that tbe commissionera were to be instructed by the Executive . There were many things which it might be proper tn instruct the commissioners about , which it might be extremely imprude"t for them to discuss there .
Mr T . Clark wished to know , whether that last statement was a minute of the Assembly , or meiely an individual opinion ? [ Several voic ? 8 , ' Only an individual opinion . ' ] Mr Wheeles opposed Mr M'Grath ' s motion . The only idea of the Organisation Committee was that they were to be assistants to the Executive , and in case of a vac ncy to fill it up . If they appointed permanent commissioners , he feared it would be feund that they had two co-ordinate powers , which misrht clash with each other .
Mr MDotjall said , the mdtton waa in tho teeth of their proceedings that morning . They had resolved upon appointing twenty commissioners . That was a fixed number—but by Mr M'Grath'a motion , tbe number waa unlimited and might extend to five hundred . MrPiLLiKo said his understanding of the matter was , that the election of these twenty commissioners was merely for the next six weeks , and that at the end of tine period each district should elect its own commissioner . Mr Ernest Jokes said , it was most desirable that the commissioners should not bo appointed by tbeir own districts , because they would thereby be kept clear of all lecal squabbles and party feeling . They would have to examine , mediate , and report on tbe state of the various distrists , according to the instructions of the Executive , and fbey ought therefore to be independent of all lecal irfiuences .
Mr Verkon , as the mover of the resolution agreed to in the momin ? , wished to state that he meant bv the election of the commissioners , to appoint a staff of officers to carry out the orders of the Executive , apart f rom all local offieera whatever . Mr T . Clabk said that Mr Jones had argued that they were to be so thoroughly democratic , their local self-soveinment was to be carried out to the fullest r-xtent . (* Uear' from Mr Jones . ) Well , then , if that was to be so , every district should elect its own commissioner , if that officer were to have any power over it . He thought , therefore , that every district should appoint its own officers . Mr Ebnest Jones said , Mr Clarke seemed to totally misunderstand the nature ofthe duties of a commissioner . He' was not to bo constantly resident is one district , but to travel from place t ) place as circumstances might require his presence . The idea of a resident commissioner therefore was a ridi-- ¦ nlous one . .
A very desultory and lengthened discussion followed , in which Mrsts Wheeler , Stevenson , Kydd , Carver , Bas'et , Mitchell , Pilling . Richards , Henry Pebardy , Adams , and Matthews , took part . Mr Whueler moved as an amendment to the motion cf Mr M'Grath , — ' That the districts should elect twenty coirmi ^ sioners . ' ehat would be in accordance with the decision come to in the morning , and with the views of those who first proposed thp appointment of these officers . Mr Harlut seconded the amendment , which was supported by Mr Cochrane , who said , he understood the object of appointing the commissioners was this , they should agitate tbe country ; as to ^ there being resident officers , there was no necessity for that , seeing they had tbe heal officers and secretaries , to osndnct the local affairs .
Mr Mitchell said , if the Assembly or Executive appointed travelling commissioner ? , they would be linked upon in the same light as the Poor Law Com . mi-sioners . He thought , therefore , that they ought to divide tbe country into twenty divisions , and give each division tbe power to stlest its owp cemmissioner , that would be the only way to maintain confidence , and a enod understanding between theee officers and the district . Mr Adams thought they might reconcile tho different views entertained on this subject ; that the country should bedivided into twenty large districts ; that each district should elect a commissioner , but . that the commissioner / elected by such district , should never be sent to bis own district by the Executive , in < rder to keep him free from any bias arising from local influence .
Mr M'Grath said , he did not attach any importance whatever to the number of these officers . All he did contend for , was that that body should preserve its dunocratic character , and secure to the people the power of electing their own commissioners , at the same time that the permanent Executive was appointed . He believed that Mr Wheeler's motion WOU'd fffect his object , and therefore withdrew his mitinp . Mr Wheeler ' s motion was then carried with three dissentients . Mr M Grath then moved , —* That in tha event of
a vacancy in ihe Executive Committee , that body shall with the least possible delay , completethe ne . ce « sary arrangements to enable the association to fill up such vacarcy . He was opposed to the application of the principle to the permanent Executive , which tbev adopted witn reference to the provisional committee , namely—that ihe commissioners who were highest on the list should fill up the vacancy . Mr Rakkik suggested , that to that should be added that the commissioners highest on the list , should provisionally occupy the place , until a proper election is made .
M' M'Grath agreed to this addition , and the motion was unanimously adopted . It was a ' so resolved , — ' That the appointment of local and district secretaries should be left to the localities ' The next resolution was , — ' That the gereral and financial secretary chould be elected by the Executive from tbeir own body . ' Mr Cochrane thought that the appointment of such an important officer should be vested in the Assembly .
Dr M'DorjAU Bald , the Assembly had better vote itseli the Executive altogether . By nil former assooiationn the election of secretary Lad been left to the Executive . , ,, . ,, Mr Child sa'd , he did not see why they should have any secretary at all . Let "the Executive be their own gpcretarics . ( Laughter . ) The motion was adopted . It was resolved that the treasurer , for one year , be appointed by the Assembly , and instructed to honour no draft , unless previously signed by three of the Executive . . _ ....
Mr Sharps proposed that Mr O'Connor be the treasurer , which was seconded by about half a dtzen delegates simultaneously . Mr T Clark hoped they would delay the appointment vn'i ' they had an opportunity ot consulting with Mr O'Connor as to whether he would accept the office . A trmurer ought to be upon the spot , and it was doubtful whether Mr O'Connor ' s other avnra'ions would permit him to hold the office . Dr M'Douall said , he shculd propose Mr John Sewell as treasurer . His property ' and long connexion with the Chartist body well entitled him to tbe honour , and he feared that Mr O'Connor could not accept ihe rffico eonwtenfc with two othfl * dutKS . Mr Wheeler considered it wruld be better to postpone any decision until tbey had an opportunity of con-nltine both gentlercen .
Mr Stevenson thought it was most unmerciful in tbe friends ot Mr O'Connor to heap more work upon the shoulders of that gentleman , when tbey knew that be had already more work by three times than ought to be thrown upon at > y one gentleman . Mr J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) said , tbatlookir ? at thetnormou * prefsureof business upon Mr O'Connor , it would be better not to Appoint that penileman , but while be was not at all opposed to Mr Sewell , there was one gentleman who resided in London , and who would be , easily accessible . He meant Mr Waklcy , tbe ratmbtr for Finsbury . ( Bravo . ) Mr M'Carthy seconded the motion !
MrT Clark said that if they wore to proceed to the vote at all , he would eupportMr Sewell Mr Wakley was as much overburdtned with business as most men . lie was coroner , editor of the Lahcet , and mpmler of Parliamer .. t ; the duties of which he perforned with eo much advantepe to the public , and he would be as difficu t te come at as Mr O'Conn 0 r i Here a person in the gallery , who persisted in putting a question to the chairman , was ordered out of tbe gailt ry , but on his promise to be quiet , was suffered to remain .
Mr Babsbt's Motion Having Been Put, Was ...
After a short discussion , the Assembly proceeded *? V ? vote > and Mr J Sewell was declared duly elected to the office of treasurer for the year , _ the Assembly then adjourned at five o'e ' eck till nme o ' clock on Wednesday .
WEDNESDAY , Mav 10 . Mr W . Dixoa in tho chair . Mr Shaw moved tbe rescinding of so much ofthe minutes of yesterday's proceeding as referred to filling up of vacancies in tbe Executive from tht Commissioners highest on the poll , in order that tbe Executive might be at liberty to choose those men mo * t efficient for the purpose . Mr BiwioL seconded tho motion . Mr-APAMS did not know , as they said in Scotland , 'from what airth the wind blaws , '—( laughter )—but perhaps it was because Mr Shaw found himself the sixth down the list . ( Laughter ) He considered this attempt to give up such absolute pnwer to the Executive , w aa an attempt to turn democracy upside down , r Mr Shaw explained , and a vote having been taken his motion was lost .
Some conversation then arose , relative to certain instances of bad management with regard to meetings and the general agitation in favour of tbe Charter .
Address to all Classes . Mr S . Ktdd rose to move the adoption of an ' Address frc m the National Assembly to all classes o ' Graat Britain and Ireland . ' The address which he was about to read , would be preliminary to a series ol one or two others on the great question of labour . There could be little doubt that thev ought to make themselves clear and perfectly understood to the people , that they held euch opinion * us would be generally acceptable to all classes ol the community . Such was the more necessary on account of certain misrepresentations spread by distinguished orators and writer ? , and the columns of newspapers , that what they ( the Chartists ) wished amounted to class
privileges and interests . For if they wished nothing but class interest , he , for one , would not continue to aid them , > uch privileges were not worth contendin ?; for . Yet such a misrepresentation had been made of an address drawn vn by hira by a paper lately started and called' Thb Voice of the People . ' The editor o f that paper had stated , it wauneantto deceive the people , but in an after number he had acknowiedged that it waa rounded on true principles , and correctly appealed to authorities . He ( Mr Kydd ) stated thisi that the confidence of tbe Assembly in the Address he was about to read , miehi . not be shaken . ( Mr Kydd then read the addre & swhich elicited the applause ofthe Assembly ) Address of the Members of the National AttennUv to Men
of all Classes m Great , Britain m $ Ireland . Conflicting interests have narrowed men ' o sympathies , given colourings to facts , and taught many of those whose natural feelings would prompt them to acts and deeds of justice and humanity to look on their fellow men with distrust and hatred—sad awl melancholy fact , and to which English society , as now constituted , carries within itself a mournful testimony , reflected by the crowds otunwil . ling idlers that throng our streets—the unfortunate criminals who fill our gaols—the fearful increase in the bills of mortality—th se silent monitors which reflect the life and death of a people -the rapid decrease of the character of citizenship—the breaking up of family ties that bind society together—the comparative want of elevated and manly feeling among workmen—tho scrupulous love ot power manifested by the capitalists—the enveloping
and ruinous bankruptcies of the middle clauses-the conslant and pregnant fear of the aristocracy , shadowed forth by idle displays of military and coercive power— the desperation and narrow policy of the government , asnianifeted in Alien laws , Gngginc Bills , and Coercive Actsare omens not to be mistaken by the thinker ofthe present age , and while wc have the conventional name of peace , wehave in the heart of society the reality of war , and this too in a eoautry that claims to be the leadtr of X 2 urop < an civilisation , and ranks high as the chosen child of industrial progress and the friend of utilitarian science . Must such a state of distrust and misery continue « Reason and humanity revolt at the idea of prolonged sufferinR , and yet , at this hour , the terrible and
incomprehensible combat continues , it strengthens with its ages and m- 'llions of deaths pay tribute at its call . We cannot say to the fertile wombs of our mothers ^ isters , « nd wive , —be barren , and give not birth toman ; we cannothave produce from the land that we do not possess ; we cannot stifle the gnawinirc of hunger ; children will cry for bread and mothers say to fathers . ^ provide food fur your little ones . Again we nsS , is this intestine and destructive war to continue , that is alike ruinous to tho true interests ol all and more to ba feared than pestileneeor disease ? Forbid such conclusion , God and man . Justice reasons for a change—right demands an annihilation of wroncs o the injured—and an insulted and forbearing people pant for a redress of grievances .
Mistaken views of individual interests may bias the peicf ption and prejudice the judgment ; but yet security of liie and property , the increase of virtue , morality , and happiness , must be true desires , and the real interest of all men , and must , from their very nature of progress , be consonant with true prosperity and real n »¦ tional preatness , and without the practical embodiment of which virtues , the multiplication of mechanical power , the extent of territorial doma ' n , the increase of national wealth , the power of armies and navies , are but glitterinp deceptions , that mislead the unwary , havinir tho porsp of grandeur without the germs of worth , and the name of greatness without the affections of a people . Tho age of feudalism ruled and uo \ erned in the dark ness of its ignorance , and in its day yielded up part of its power to the necessities of tie times . After a long and protracted struggle between theburgherand middle cl-ss ¦
feudalism conceded an xtension of the suflVace as set forth iu the Reform Bill and of late years we have had great commercial and fiscal changes ; hut none of thpse changes have materially improved the condition of the people . On the contrary—effi ct » of the organic and circumstantial causes of internal antagonism — deaths have Increased in their biting keenness . A change is hi . evitable , and we invite ' the good and virtuous men of all classes to reflect on the present state of the people . We demand an enfnnchisemeiit of the ma ' o adult population of Great Britain , as set forth in the People ' s Charter . in the hopes that , on a basis so broad and e mprehensive , the intelligence of a people renowned in litera . tuva and science , will reflect its influence in theinstitu tions and government of the laud in which they live , and restore peace , virtue , and treasure to tbe homes of all her citizens , and conserve the sacred principles of right and justice within the breasts of her rulers .
God save the people ! National Assembly , May 10 th , 1 S 48 . He said , he did not desire that this address should be printed and circulated , but . that , bein * adopted by the Assembly , it might get into the columns ofthe newspapers , and so reach the attention of a >! clashes of the community . Papers he intended should follow upon the increased value of land , decrease of wages , increase of taxation , the in closure nf land , and , generally , on the condition of the peipleof this country . He held that this Assem * Iy and the Chartists cugbt to be Conservative and Radical ; Radical , in going to the root of tho evils of tho people ; and Conservative of nil flat is good w humanity . The progress which was being made , was called by some revolution—it might be better known
as evolution . The progress trom feudalism was fir-t from barbarism to pseudo-civilisation , and frotv pseudo civilisation to ciyiIisation ~ properly so called —involving all the best intereels of humanity . lie knew the people of this country—he knew the peasantry of this country ; than whom there were none more conservative of property ; and so long as the mothers of England were the nurses of the rising generation , eo long was there a security for the interests of humanity and of property . ( Hear , bear . ) Mr West was gratified that the present question had been taken up in the Assembly . Nothing at present occupied an equal amount of attention- as this question of Labour , among the people . The Assembly , in taking it , only showed their
competency to legislate on subjects like this . He boned that tbe rest addre-ses wou'd not be confined so much to abstract principle * , but would discus * the evils and humbug ot the different sy ^ ems—such as free trade . Why , what was stated the other night in the House of Commons , by Lord George Bentinck , in reference to his own trade , the silk Wraving ? That , durine the first three months of this year , asnauch as £ 400 , 000 worth of silk had been im ported into London , at a time when tho Spitalfi Ids weavers were starving ! This was the pecu'iar effect of free trade . It supported those who were rich—cheapened the goods for thi ' m—depressed tbe state of the labourer , who was called upon , notwith standing , to meet an increasing taxation , and to pay the mo ? t of that . He seconded the a otion .
flfr Donovan thought they were now about to retrieve their position . This was a question which they ought to have taken up long before , and they miuhr , thereby , have prevented all thedivi . sions and dissatisfaction which appear at present to exist in the country . Mr Carver thought this reminded him of whit occurred in thoreformed Parliament . John Fielden , M . P , for Oldham , brought on tbe question of Labour before that Parliament- Ue said , the condition of the working man now wag , that ho had to do three
times as mnch labour for the same amount of wages as he was wen . to do . The taxe * , too , were i .-creased—the more to depress the ability of the working man . How was this to ba remedied ? The hon . member referred to the desiies of tbe get ; tieman , the men . ber fer Tarn worth , that property might be protected , and said , tbia was what he and tbo working men requited _ Tbey wished to have tbeir property protected . Eight en years , however , bad passed since that time , _ and tho evils complained of had still to bpremetlif d .
Mr Henkt denied that tho Assembly had been misusing tbeir time ; they had been labouring totfjwet the organisation of the country , wi'hout which nothing could be done ; and , in corapa--ison , everything else wa « but secondary . He however would support the motion . Mr Child and Mr Anns supported the motion . Mr YnrtNeN said , it had been insinuated l > y Mr Donovan , that Ihe Assembly wasre ' urn'nij to reason . Every man could speak best of his o « n state of mind ; if Mr Dmovan and Iih reason bad been two
separate ic * nriiies ; lie denied for himself any parti oipation with him . He considered that the subjects which bad occupied their attention wer * those which they had b * en sent to do , not to discuss abstract principles . Tho hopes ef the country hid been raised , if was said , ar . d disappointed , and ho must say they wou'd be disappointed if tbey continued to discBsV whether lr * o trade was right or not . llo , for < mr , believed free trade was perfectly right—as ruht a ^ tbo Charter was—and ( hat nMther would succeed without the other . Free trade had already failed in
Mr Babsbt's Motion Having Been Put, Was ...
consequence ofthe Charter not having been made the law ofthe land . The Chaiuman held that the discussion of such a question at this moment , prepared tiie public mindprepared the Assembly for the attainment of their rights—and prepared them to act in a way proper to the circumstances of the nation , after they had got their rights . The great question was the Labour queation-it was being discussed at the Chartist meetings , and it they would take advantayo of surrounding circumstances , they must prepare to speak out on it to the perfect comprehension ofthe country .
Mr Kybd in reply , said it was an old Idea , which had been adopted lately by Gti zot , that mdfal . social , and { optical reform , all sprang from man and returned upon man . The one was not antagonistic to the other . A politician had said that political reform was the means , and ^ moral reform the end . Political reform was a step in progress towards social reform , and social reform was that which conducted to moral reform . Virtue being the end of man ' s life , the great object which humanity bad to seek was to be obtained through political and social improvement .
The address was unanimously voted . Mr Child handed in 10 a . from tbe Somers Towa Chartists , as a donation towards the Liberty Fund . The Chaidmam here intimated that be had received letter signed by the secretary of his locality , and sontaiaing a resolution calling upon him to resign , lie , therefore , now tendered his resignation . After some conversation , during which it was said that a small district meeting had called upon a member to resign , against the wishes of his constituents it was moved ' That tho Business Committee be instructed to write to the parties , and that tbe Chairman ' s resignation as a delegate bo not received , in the meantime . '—rAgreed to .
The Country and the Charter . Dr M'Dooalt , said , out of the mass of correspondence which had been received , the Committee had determined on reading one letter , as a specimen of the rest . It was the following : — 7 b the Chairman ofthe National AsscmUy . We , the committee appointed by the public , and the Associated Trades' delegates , of Glasgow , to conduct the Chartist agitation In this district of the country , after a considerate examination of the present aspect of our movement , and a calm deliberation on the position of all parties connected with its guidance , come to 'hisconclusiou —that perfect unanimity ( no matter what petty differences exist ; must be the watchword of our leaders . Our chances of success imperatively demand it . And we wouftl Impressively desire to direct the attention of our representatives , and thopsople's friend , Mr O'Conner , to that opinion . We trust-earnestly trust—that our herein ejcpres & eddesire for unanimity will be accepted by both parties , in the same unalloyed sincerity and good nill , with which we presume to offer it .
We have a right to deal with our representatives ; and we seriously urge them to use every effort in the National Assembly , on the least show or shadow of disunion , to arrest its progress at the instant , so that one firm and unitedcourseofaction . be the order of the day , by all parties honeftly disposed to aid our movement for the Charter . With ; Mr O'Connor we have no right to deal aa with a servant ; he is not responsible to us ; but to him we appeal as a Chartist—as one who has been a chief instrument In moving the multitudes of this country , thereby possessing great influence for good . And we crave of him , that at this moment , so far as his conscience will permit , he will sink aU ; differcncesofopinionithatmay exist between him , and any members of the Assembly ; thathe will , forthe sake of Chartism , and the poor perishing people of tli ' s miserably oppressed country , even veil Iiis own feelings , and try to restrain his temper , fretted by hasty though we frus \ honest men , who deem it their duty to differ with hi n , on his policy /'
Our motives are strictly honest and sincere . W « dresd with trembling hearts , that any disunion or appearance of it , should in the least affect the auspicious position of our movement . Our hearts are in this entreaty to both p arties ; and our hopes are that it majr be of some avail in allayinc any bitterness , any ill-feelings , or any opposition arising from any differences that exist . Thef-yes of our country are directed to the representatives < if the pe' -ple , and our hopes were centered there hut with sad regiet we are constrained to feel them changing . To promote the Charter , was and is their duty ; but instead , wc hear of idle tirades of denunciationsimilar to what has ruined our party in times past . And in place of a memorial agitation , we see their time valuable and important time — frittered away in petty
debates , on matters comparatively unimportant at the present stage of our movemtrt . Business is neglected ; and while the } are careless , the agitation in the country wanes . Of sixteen propositions to be discussed , what have we ? Why , the memorial to our Sovereign made the ljist , and apparently the least , while their duty was to make it their first , their grtatest , and their leading work . Therefore , we imple-re tbe delegates ef the people , to pursue that open , clearsighted , and determined course , which their constituencies expected of them . Let them remove any necessity for fu : ure agitations for our great object—the Charter . And let them prevent the possibility of a still unenfranchised people , blaming them iv'th the failure of a glorious movement in 1 S 48 . L & t them , therefore , be up and doing , while tbe day is .
We perfectly well know , that even a limited number of men cannot think alike on all matters . All that we desire to see in our party , is a spirit of charitv and justice predominant—that they will ' agree to differ . ' \ nd that all denunciation shall be cast away from our movement for ever . Prudence , caution , and patriotism , point with anxiety to 1839 , and 1842 ; those periods of Chartist history stand up like beacons in the sea of agitation . Let our pilots at this moment , then , bo warned and guided by them . Sink all acrimony , all foolish ideas of superiority , all unmanly strife for popularity and leadership . Be Chartist ! , strictly and truly Chartists ; and let selfish , ness and ambition be , at this portentous time , subservient to perfect honesty and unanimity .
Our reason for thus writing is , that we conceive it dangerous to make any differences between the Assembly and Mr O'Connor a public debateable question through out the country . The tendency of snch a course would be , to split our now ^ almost irresistible party into minor bodies , holding different views on minor points , thereby weakenim . ' our powers of action , and giving the interested enemies of the people a dangerous , if not a vuinous / advantace , in thepresent struggleforour liberty . Such then , are our entreaties ; such are our desires and in the full faith they nil ) be attended to ; in the complete trust that all parties will utc their best efforts to promote our views , we hope that all danger win be avoided , aud our triumph soon secured . In name of Committee , William DoonEBTv , chairman . Democratic Hall , Irungate , Glascoiv . May 8 th , 1848 . 6 *
Dr M Ltor / Ai . L felt assured that none had come to that Assembly but who were prepared to s < u rifice their prejudices and their differences . Some ha : l already sacrificed their properly ; they were now prepared to sacrifice their lives—why not tbeir prejudices and diff . 'fences . The C-mmittre had determined to move a resolution , which be would submit io them without crnment . It was—That this Assombly distinctly declares , that , as a body it has not entertained any question affecting the character ot Mr O'Connor , or that of any other gentleman . On principle it has conEtantly diseounteaancGd and
, does now repudiate , all personalities , The Assembly have strictly adhered to the princi ples of the Pi oplo ' s Charter , which positively affirm , that all power springs from tho people , and that their will expressed through their representatives shall be law . Considering the Assembly a full and fair representation of the Chartist body , we , after doe deliberation , and the free expression of opinion from all quarters , decided on summoning as many delegates as possible , to give the ut . most weightlto a deliberative body , having for its duties the organisation ofthe country , the election of an Executive and the direction of the movement to a speedy and fortunate termination .
That we unanimously decided on a conciliatory policy with all parties . That in so far wo have anticipated the instructions of the various constituencies , and th » t we again repeat our earnest detire for perfect unanimity and a firm and decided course of action , based on a practical observance of the principles ot the Charter , and tho avoidance on our part of all sources or dissent of cause of disunion . Mr Child seconded it . Carried unanimously . Mr Donovan moved , 'That it be printed and circulated through the country . ' Carried unanimously . Mr Leach moved , ' That an address be drawn up , founded on tho resolution , aud panted , ' Carried unanimously . Mr M'Grath moved , ' That this address be drawn up by the Executive . ' Carried unanimously .
Organisation , Dr M'Douall then said , the appointment of trustees was the next point , in order . Mr CniLD moved , ' That we have three trustees . ' _ Mr Shaw seconded this , which , after a Htfe consideration , was parried . Mr J . Siuw , ( London , ) Mr Child , and Mr Milne were then jppointed to be the trustees of the Chartist body . It wss unanimously voted that the National Land and Labour Bank be the bank of tl ^ Chartist bidy . It was unanimously voted , that each disiricfc and locality have control over the district and local fund . On the motion that the salaries of the Executive > e £ 2 per week , with 2 i . 6 d . a day , and second-class fare when travelling ,
Mr Adams movpd , tjrat It be £ 2 . IO . t . per week . He considered this quite necessary in London , and he was not one who should wish to see any man in difficulties . He would like to add a pecuniary ind'icementalso to the efficient discharge of the duties of any office . He spoke in this from his own experience , always working best and most spirited when he was best fed . ( Lauahter ) Mr Mackintosh seeonrled the resolution , becau'e if they expected the Executive to devote the whole of their time to the duties of their office , tbe oalarv propo-ed by Mr Adams was quito small enou gh ' to maintain them . B "
Mr CniLn opposed the motion . There were many men in Lopdcn-nho were as respectable and as edu cated as tbo parties who were appointed , to tho < e olhees . wbodulnot receive one pourd a Wck . « n-l who > et supported themselves ami families , and paid subcriptions to the cause out of that aura , lie . aid . that they ought to be as careful of the money taken trora such people as they would of their awn . As to the Btatrment rhat a man could not lite respectably 'n London on £ 2 a week , he could understand that sla'enient . It mi g ht he true ns respected Hhe Scottish delegates , mho lived in coffee-homoi ) . but if thry were permanentl y located in London they would find out how to live upon £ 2 a week . He said they outht to be hmiestin thcniar a / ernt'nt of tbe public money , and if they were not honest they ought to go to the devil . ( Laughter . )
Mr Veuson took the same view of the question ' but at the same time he theught that the strvants of the Association should participate in its prosperity ,
Mr Babsbt's Motion Having Been Put, Was ...
and the result of tbeir own efforts , and , therefore , they ought to be m « re largely remunerated , if , ia future , tbe income of the Associaticn was increased through i heir exertions . Mr Sisvkkson also supported the plan orthecoramittee . He understood from people who had lived in London that , with the exception of rent and c ? als , a man could live as cheaply in London as in any country town ; and looking at tho rate of wagos now paid to working men , he was of opinion that Sl 2 a week was quite enough , and he was sure that , at present , they could not afford to pay more , and that any man who waa a patriot , would manage to live in . London upon that amount . Mr T . Clark observed , the question was argued as if the members of the Executive were always to be in London , whereas they would be frequently absent from their families .
Mr Carvbb said , retrenchment was the order of the day , and it would be much better for them to lay down a small amount to begin with ritaer than to fix an extravagant sum , and then have to travel back again . Mr Basset had lived both in the country and in London , and therefore had some experience in the matter , and he was satisfied tha ; £ 2 a week was quite little enough for a private individual . Ah a family man , he could state that his necessary outlay exceeded that sum . He was anxious that the Executive of the Association should be placed in a respectable position , and looking at the lact that they would have almost every night to attend public meetings and lectures in different parts of London , even , if thty were constantly resident in it , and as it was impossible , as be knew frsm experience , that this could be done without expense , he waa of opinion ihat £ 2 waj teo small a salary .
Mr J . Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) had ever been an advocate for paying a man according to his services , but at the same time he was satisfied that £ 2 a week was as mnch as the Association could afiord , and would be approved of by the membera ; as to the expenses of attending meetings , which had bten alluded to by Mr Basset , he hoped the metropolitan localities would take that into consideration , and prevent those expenses , as tbey easily could do , from falling as a burden upon the members of the Executive . ( Hear , hear . ) After some further discussion the amendment and motion were put to the vote , and the proposition ofthe committee was carried by a large majority . Mr Ebnbbt Jokes said , the next point waa tha salary to be paid to the Commissioners . The com * mittee proposed that it should beat the fame rato as the Executive , namely , £ 2 a week , when they wera employed .
Mr T . Clabk suggested that they also have th 3 « fare paidjwhen travelling , and the 2 s . 6 d . a day allowance for expenses . Mr Ebnest Jones agreed to this addition , and after a short conversation the motion was agreed to . Mr Ebnest Jonbb then stated that the next question was tbe duties of officers ; and first ef the Executive . The committee proposed to define , their duties as follows : —To superintend the movement ; and direct its power ' , to publish frequent reports of their proceedings , and of tbe state ol the movement ; to issue tracts and addresses when necessary also to issue monthly financial statements , and ta convene an assembly of the people's representatives in case of emergency . Mr T . Clark moved : — « That this definition ofthe Executive be adopted , ' and the motion was imme « diately carried .
Mr Ernest Jones then aaid , the next resolution was as f , o the duties of Commissioners , which the committee proposed to bo : —To carry into practical operation the instructions of the Executive , and to be under tbe control of that body . Mr T . Clark taid he had no objection to move the adoption ot that resolution . Much had been said on former occasions as to the mysterious and secret powers of these Commissioners , bet , as he had observed yesterday , it seemed to him they were merely the old lecturers under a new name . As far aa he understood the nature of the duties they would hava to perform they were thc-e—they would have to attend public meetings , and deliver lectures . The oli
lecturers did that . When differences arose in any district , they w * nld have to mediate between contending parties , and endeavour to reconcile themthe old lecturers did that ; They would have to re « port to the Executive as to the state cf the movement in the district to wuich tbey were sent—the old lec turers did so . They would be under the control of the Executive generally , —and so were the old lecturers , lie therefore did not see any difftrence between tho new commissionera and . the old lecturers , and he considered that there was no necessity for the tone in which rhese newly-appointed officers had been spoken of .
Mr Child seconded the motion , and hoped that the commissioners , when they went out to lecture , wou'd couhne themfitlves to plain eommon sense ; give themselves no airs ; and if they had ary sarcastic powerF , would leave them at home carefully locked up . _ Mr T . Clabk asked if he wa' to make that addition to his motion , because , if Mr Child requested it , ho was ready to do bo ? ( Laughter , and hear , hear . ) This question led toa somewhat sharp cross firing on the part of several delegates , in tne course ot which Mr Rankin and Mr Vernon complained ciMr Clark's satirical manner ; and Mr Clark said , that 83 every man had , and could not help havinr , his own manner , he thought tbey should agree to a mutual toleration iii tbat respect .
Dr M Douall said the question before them 7 ? as nolaughim ; matter , but a solemn one . It was tho nature of the dufes to be performed by officers who would have to net with and for tbe people , at a tima when tena of thousands of them were plunged in the deepest destitutien , and tho country waa on tbe brink of a revolution ; he , therefore , deprecated all liberty upon such a question , and thought they should discuss it with tbe utmost calmness and deliberation . Mr Basset , as one of the commissioners , did not understand that be was expected to be a lecturer . If so , he would not have accepted the position ; he merely supposed that he was to be the confidential correspondent for his district , and to act in such cases as mi ^ ht be entrusted to him by the Executive .
Mr West said , these frequent discus-ions proved how vague and indefinite an idea prevailed in the Assembly as to tho real duties and powers of tit ! so ' fficers , and also the necessity for a more accurate aud explicit definition of them . ( Hear , hear , ) It tbey were to possess the confidence of the people , they must know what their duties were . He , for one , thought they would have something more to do than merely to make speeches—they must organise the country . ( Hear , hear . l They would have to come into communication with the leaders of other parties , and lay down the policy , conciliatory or otherwise ,
which ' would have to be pursued towards these partus ( Hear , hear . ) It waa an important effioe , and therefore ita duties ought to be clearly defined . Mr Erhest Jones said that the duties of the commissioners would not be simply confined to mere lecturing . They would in reality be the confidential staff of the Executive , who would have to aet under the instructions of the Executive according as the cir onmstances arose , and it was . tberefore , impossible for tbe Assembly to specify to the letter whet their duties would be , or to lay down any specific code of instruction . ( Hear , bear . ]
Mr Donovan said , that it was very true they could not lay down all that misht occur in one month er two months hence . but at the same time when he went back to Manchester , and was asked by his constituents what the duties of these commissioners were , and was only able to reply , that they were to obey the instructions of the Executive , he could assure them that the council of Manchester would not take that view of the business , nor would they on content unless they had the instructions of the Executive communicated to tbem , and tho control of the commissioner . Another practical difficulty which he
» aw was this . th «> commissioners were not , to ba permanently employed but only when the Executive required their services . Now a man might , be called on for a few days , who by the custom of his trado in manufacturing districts could not leave without three weeks or a month's notice , and if he did so would be placed in the hands ofthe police . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr Rankin said , tbat many ot the delegates appeared to talk as if they were going to make preparations for a protracted agitation , and as if they wished fri drag from tbe Business Cimmittee some explanations which he , as one of that ~ committee , would not consent should bs dragged from him .
Me West rose with s me warmth to demand , that if tne Business Committee had any views which had not been stated , that they should bo laid bsfore tho Assembly . Mr CocunANE thought the discussion was a very useless one , and quite agreed in t ' ie views of tlO Committee , as far ai tiiey had been stated . Mr Cauyer said he wanted an explanation as to what was meant by dragging out from tho Lornmittee matters which they were determined not to explain ? „ , , .. ., . Mr vViiKErEn . as one ofthe Committee said , that they had no secret policy or plans whatever to explain , and as to the objection of Mr Donovan , it a commissioner was called upon to giro his services , who was placed in tbe situation supposed by Mr Donovan , all that would be necessary , when the Executive found that he could not leave his work , would be to apply immediately to the next nearest
commissioner . , . , Several other members of the Committee denied that there was anything secret in their plans , and said tbat Mr Rankin bad been misunderstood ; and at ' ier a few words from the Chairman , the Assembly ndi'iurned nt oae o ' clock , in puivuance of th ® standing orders , without any decision being come to on the subject .
AFTERNOON SITTING . Mr Child handed in a sovereign , as the contribution of a fdfnd tt » tlie can ? e . The Chaiuma ;! siiid- he had received a letter from some individ tali , which he looked upon aa nothing but adownritb / . insult to the Assembly .
May 13, 1848. ^ F Hi Northern Star, 3
May 13 , 1848 . ^ f HI NORTHERN STAR , 3
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 13, 1848, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_13051848/page/3/
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