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A U from reading the petitionwhen .-esen...
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.-.t /it ¦ jaca commti-. Mr Child object...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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A U From Reading The Petitionwhen .-Esen...
THE NORTH BRN ^ Aft . ^ ^ MrtU ^ lM ^ _ 4 -. ^— SZ ^~ 7 i xTl i I — ^—
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.-. t / it ¦ jaca commti-. Mr Child objected to me reu . ng ot sjoa ideations . , t mean to read it , tS & SS ^^" ^ **** * Eioney had been lately spent ra _ vario « sP * m _ land ^"''"" P ^ MSttPy VnM ** ** sssttu ^ o ; rsKw ™ "„„ d to every 1 beral principle , bnt * no now « w Sd tba ' unkss they moved in the » n . e dirteuoo asthatAsicml . lv , they would soon be the most « ni = erahle and we » k country in the world . OflMrEBSBrt JoSM bringing forward the next part of the orgauisation-the duties Ot local
officers , . v . Mr West said , before geingt * that question , ne thought they should more exp : icit ! y define tho onties of commissioners : h * would , therefore , move .-« TbAtitbB thodatY Of tueoomm-srioners to a « istthe Executive in carrying into practical tff « t th- . tew planef organisation , also to collect "tatistiwl ¦ information upon the condition of the labonnng and middie classes , the number of individual in different branches of trade and labour , out of emp loyment ,, also the operative eansps that have produced such want of employment ; increase of pauperism and potT rates ; also to concentrate public opinion on the various nwe questions of policy that may spring into existence from different classes of Reformers . _ Several delegates opposed the motion , as bein ? out of order , the Assembly having already decided the question . . , , . , Mr T . Jokes seconded the m otion as absolutely necessary , in order to give the commissioaers proper instructions as to what they bad to do .
Mr Erxbt Josss objected , that the collection of the information referred to by Mr West would be attended with great expense , and require , immediately , the whole of their time . The Assembly had not the funds to d > this ; and he must say , without " - uy impu"Aticn upon the patriotism ot Mr » CJt , that those who were so exceedingly anxions for minute instructions did not show any great zsal for the duties of tbe oSce . What the commissioners were expected to do , was to obey the instructions of the Exscstive , and to do their best to promote the Chartist cause , according as circumstances mtefct arise . Thej- Tonld , in fact , be lieutenants of the Executive charged with carrying out the instructions which thev might receive from time to time . Messrs He . vet and Mr Child opposed Mr West s action . . . . Mr DOKOVAS really did not see why any doubt should rest upon this matter , and what difficulty there woald ba in fixing the duties of the ci-mmis
Several members protested against the whole discussion as beina irregular . Mr West said , that to obviate the objection * to his motion , he would add , that ' it be part of the duties mertioaed in his motion . The discussion upon the question was centincert for some time further , but no new point was elijited . Mr West replied . Hs did not expect that tbe commissioners were to be immediately paid , or put on duty ; but he did say , that they ought to take steps ,
immediately on their return to their different d \* triots . to collect such information as he had pointed ODt . They CSUld do SO in the manu f acturing district ? , and he could only say , that one of the most powerful associations ever known in this countrythe Anti- T o-n-I aw League—had materially aided its popularity and power by the collection and diffusion of such information . The motion was then put , and declared to be lost . The duties of local and district officers were , after a discussion in whirh many of the delegates took part , agreed to be 3 s follows : —
' To keep an account of the names of members m their respective localities ; to furnish a weekly re gister of the increase or decrease of members ; and to forward a financial account of tVe localities to the Executive . ' The duties of district officers were agreed to be : — ' To keep an . active superintendence over the localities , and to furnish a weekly report , to the Executive , stating the number of members in each locality , the total in each district—likewise , tbfi state of trade , the general fee-li ps of the people , a ^ d the movements of all public bodies . 'All local and district officers to furnish a certifi cation of their election to tho Executive , together with their respective residences , as soon as possible ; that they use their beat endeavours to carry out the insfynetions of the latter body . ' The Victim Fund , Defence , Registration , and Election Committees , are confirmed as at pre'ent eonsfcUuleaV
It was also resolved , * That an offiae m the metropolis be immediately taken . ' Mr Shabpe moved , ' That the plan of organisation be adooted as a whole , prin ' ed , and circulated through the country forthwith . ' Mr Wheelss seconded the resolution , which was carried by a large majority . Standing Army . Mr Raxkix moved , ' That this Assembly is of opinion , that a standing army is contrary to the principles of the British Constitution , and inimical to the liberty of the subject ; we therefore recommend to the country the necessity of larie public
meetings in favour of a gradual abolition of the army , by allowing the men to retire npon giving timely notice ; also , in favour of the abolition of ¦ flogging ; an equalisation of pay ; raising officers from the ranks ; and a better provision for veterans —ioe provision to be in proportion to their services , and to ba given either in tno ^ ey or land . ' Ha sa'd , it was not his intention to waste the time of the Assembly by any remarks upon tbe motion , because he beliered there was not a delegate present who was rot a 3 well acquainted with the system by which the ¦ R-ifoh army was recruited and enslaved , as vie was fainself .
Mr Hstrt britfly seconded the motion ; The private soldier had all the fighting and the danger , while the officer ba 3 all the pay and the honour ; and the position of a private soldi-r in the British army was one of the most miserable and degraded that could be conceived . Whatever might be his talents or abilities , he could never rhe in the army . The posi'Uns of power and emolument there were all reserved for the scions of aristocracy . Besides this , he contended thet the people of this country should b 3 armed , and bs trained ta the defence of their . ives and properties , and thus supersede the necessity for a standing army ,
Mr Ktdd supported the motion because he believed with Mr Rinkin . that it was oppo-ed to th * principles of the British constitution , and had ever been the great strength of tyranny . The tenure by which the old feudal barons held their lands was , that they should raise a certain number of armed men for the defence of the country ; but tbey now held these lands , and threw upon the taxes raised from 'hepeoide , tbe burden of supporting the army—while , in addition to the lands they formerly possessed , there had been no less than 2 . 600 enclosure bills pass = d . by which six millions of acres of common lands , which used to be the property of the people , had been taken from them , and the whole tendency of the government of tha feudal aristocracy had been to oppress the middle and working classes , and it was time for them to unit ? to oppose this system .
Mr West was glad the motion nad been brought forssar , and , after a few observations upon the fintueial burdens and injurious political tendf ncies of a large standing army , concluded by giving it his cordial support . Messrs Pilling , Child , MCarthy , Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) , Basset , Dixon , aad other delegates , supported the motion , not because they wished to me any c'ap-trap to secure the sympathies * f the soldiers , hut in order to show tbat the Chartists were desirous that all their fellow subjects shon'd enjoy the rights of citizens ; and the brutality of flogging . as well as the system by which ( he poor man was wecluded from rising in the army was strongly condemned . The motion was carried unanimously , and after a short discussion ,
On the motion of Mr Henry , it was resolved , — * That an address , explanatory of the enslaved and degraded position of the British army thoutd be i « - sued , as an antidote to the inducements offeied by the recruiting sergeant .
Deputation to Mr 0 Connor . Mr Adaus , on behalf of the deputation to Mr . O'Connor , reported that they had teen appointed to wait upon that gentleman to ask when he would bring forward a bill in the House of Commons , f nnded upon the People ' s Charter . Mr O'Conner hadt-tated that Mr Hume hadgiven notice of his intention on tho 21 st of May , to bring forward a motion for Universal Suffrage , based upon a year ' s residence , Vote by Ballot . Trknniil Parliaments , and Equal Electoral Dktricti . ( Hear , hear . ) This being the < a * p , Mr O'Connor was of opinion that he should n t bring fur ward any motion until that was dee'ded , but aft r that , he should be ready to bring forward su-h a motion as would embody the whole of the principle s Ofthe People's Charter . It was necessary for him t <> give fonrtsen davs' nolieaof his intention tl di so , whichhe would take theeaWiest jpportuniti of doing ;
and it was also his wish that the people m the v = to towns throughout the c ountry should bo prepared to gllDDOrt him bv means of petition , whwh wou ^ d materially str . nsthen him !•> bringing fort ) l td ID * motion . ( Jlrar , hear . ) H * propped that , the towns in Scotland , for instance , should take up a particular portion of the t-eople ' s grievances , and also meet the objections that had been made to the Peo =, Charter , especially that whi ch was based upon the want of education , and to show tba . if tne people were not properly educated , it was because tbo large Church revenues which were left tor the purpose o * > ducation , had been wrested from the re"p ' e , and ought to ba restored to tbe-n . ( Hear , hear ) It each town thus consecutively took up different partsof tht people's grievances , and forwarded theai to iheirown members , these petitions would form a history ot their grievances ; and though members werepreclnded
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from reading the petition , when p .-esenting them , he could avail himself of his privilege of moving that tbey bs read by the clerk at the table , andthus the question would be forced upon the atteation of the home in a most powerful manner . They bad been talking much of a conciliatory policy , but this waa whatmitht be termed a perplexing policy . ( Hear and laughter . ) This report was received with loud applause , ana , oh the motion of Mr Ranxik , seconded by Mr M'Lkax , was received . Several coticesef motion were then given hy various delegates . ., J ;„„ n , a .. » f ; t . ;„ n whpn n-Pcontina them , he
Mr Uakgrbaves moved . ' That the Assembly re commend to the country the total abstinence trom all intoxicating drinks , as a means of crippling tha jovsroment in its finances . ' m This motion gave rise to an animated debate , m which Messrs Stevenson , Majhkws . Cakver , Shaw ( Tower H . unlels ) , and Adams , took part , the general opiai-m being that while such amotion , if adopted , would not be generally acted upon , it would have no effect whatever in crippling the government , because , if it failed ta raise the revenue in ene way , it bad ample means in its po wer to do so by others . The debate was net concluded when the hour for adjournment arrived , aud it was accordingly adjourned until Thursday .
TIIURSDAY , Mat II . The Assembly met at nine o ' clock , Mr Dixon in tbe chair . Standing Army . Mr M'Grath rose to move to rescind so much of the minutes of yesterday ' s business as referred to the resolution passed nbiut the standing army . He had not the advantate of being present at the discussion of this resolution ; but he was obliged to suppose that the Assembly had not adopted it without csnsideration . F-r himself , he had the opportunity of knowing the opinion i . f the working classes , and he knew that they wtre opposed entirely to the principle of a standing army . The first use which they were
inclined to make of the Charter , as the law of the land , would be to di * bmd tha standing army and to replace it by i National Guard ; but what didthe resolution adopted by the Assembly mean ? why , one part conindicted another . The 6 rst portion declared for the abolition of the standing army . But having declared for the abolition of the army , the Assembly then declared frr a modification of it . Heeould tell them tbe peop le would never ba induced to seek and to ge lor a modifiBation of a bad system . In one part of the resolution they carried the abolition of the army , but in another they went to make tho army more attractive , that men might be induced still further to come forward and join it . Mr Donovan secon ded the motion .
Dr M'DiuALLbad heard no reasons why a portion of the r . ' solution should be rescinded , because in it the Assembly had passed certain recommendations about tbe army as it was . Mr H . Gb » tb said , if he had tho Charter he would abolish the standing army ; and be agreed tbat there oujbt to be no standing army In England itself . But when tbey looked to the colonies and to the commerce of ths CBuntry , he felt that they must have a standing army of one fclnd or another to protect these Colonies andlhatCOinmelcei Thenm portion of tbe resolution recommended the abolition of the standing army in Eaglan ^ , and tbe second portion recommended certain modification * of the array as itnow was . After eome further discuislon the motion was put to the vote and rejected ia favour of the recolution of yesterday , by a majority nf twenty againBt sbybUi TeeMalism—Adjourned Debate .
Mr Abbs said . he had been a teetotaller of thlrteenyears although he beld tbe principle * , fee Mt that instead of beinf bat there to discuss such a question , their business was to go forward as speedily as poisible with the orgasiiation ofthe country , MrVeasoN was anxious that they should come to the practical questions that affect the Cbarlfr ; although they negatived this motion , no one could suppose thty aporoved of men abusing themfelvra . Ultimately , the votohavingbetn taken , tbeamendWnl , that no such question be entertained , was declared carrie-1 with two dissentients , Dr il'DorMix stated , the correspondence was exceedingly ebeering . The organisation of the country was preceding very rapidly ; thit in the Newcastle district th-y exp-cted ta enrol 80 , 000 members in two or three weeks , and in Cornwall the Chartists were vi-ry strong . Tne letters expressed a strong wish that they should go at once tufh the memorial .
AfcmorwiJ to thc'Queen . Mr Ebnest Jokes moved , —• Tbat Jrtffledinle Sttps bfl taken ts present the memorial to tbe Qjeen in person The sooner they knew who was the ruler of this couo . try . whtther tbepi'op ' e or tbe Sovereign , or merely a faction , the better . There was no law compelling them to transmitU through the Home Secretary , After the treatment which tha National Petition met with from that tr sso'iahle minister , he would have nothing to do withhim SirGeorgeGrry had been guilty of treason to the people , to Ms Sovereign , aud to the country ; in bringing in the G ageing Bill , an-1 treating their petitien In ihe way he had done .
Dr M-Dodali thought nothing could be added to what na 4 fallen from Mr Jones . But he did assert in the name of thf women , of the Assembly , o / the cnuntry , and of hi * profession , that it was a cruelty to the Q ien in hurrying her away to Osborne , which the poorest man would not Buff r to ba exercised towards bis wife . And this was done bfcause the Chartists would hurt a noasn . ' He repudiated this , and seconded the Bon ' on , Tfc < - mo'foT ) was carried unanimously . Air Adahs moved , — ' That th ^ Estcudve be inatruc . ed to write imintdiattly to the Lord Chamberlain , to inquire when her Jf « j «« ty trill receive the deputation entrusted Wi < b the mem : rial Jir Cbim > stcendedthls . The motion was carried unanimously . Metremlitan Demonstration .
Mr Le . icb moved , ' That a metropolitan open-iir tneetinu fee held , for the purpose of adopting the National Memorial ' Mr Vebsok said , that one meeting would sot give the seasc of the metropolis . They must have at leatt fourmsetiojre—? asr , west , north , and south . Mr Ebnest Jones was most amicus tbat they should have cue ( treat aad magnificens demenBtrMion of the men of London , in order that those who assembled on K ^ nnineton Common might show themselves again in as large , or still larger numbers , and prove their drvotfon tothec » use , end answering the disparaging remarks ot the prr « B . He was decidedly opposed to four sectional meetings . It oujht to be one great and imposing assomblsgp , * nd he would suggest that they ought to resolve upon that , sndlvarete a committee the duty of making the accessary arrangements . Mr Leach said , that met bis views—and he would , therefore , a > ove his motion with that addition .
Mr Whseleb wished to know if a procession was to accompsny the presentation of tbo memorial , because , if so , tbat would be tbe demonstratioa . Mr Vf est said , they had already passed a resolution to write to tbe Lord Chamberlain , requesting te know when a deputation could bo received . Now he did not understand that there was to be any procession to accompany that deputation , and be for one would not be ma-lea fool of again by voting for a proeession which after all would not take place . MrM'CB » E said , the view ofthe Business Committee w » s th" folloftinc : — . They understood that not more than fonr persons couUprestnt a memorial , and , therefore , did n t propose that any larger number should present it . But tbe memorial bad not been adopted by any aggregate meeting in the metropolis and they considered that btfore tha delegates went back to the country thej shnu d bavs an opportunity of judging for themselves the state of public ( ellotrin London .
Mr Filling said , they had been told ia Lancashire that tbe London people were quite up to the mark , and he bein ^ now in Londan wished very much to judge with his own eyes t-s to the troth of that statement . Mr Cauver was of opinion that they curjht to have one large meeting , aed that shortly , for tbey would many of them have to return home soon . ( He « r , hear . ) There cfrta-nly was a feeling ia the country , that tho men of London were not animated by the enthusiasm and de termination which it had bten represented by some parties they were . He wis * e , therefore , to see tor himself , and if they were so en-Busiastic , that he might havethe pleisar * of caking back tbe views to tbocruntry .
Mr J . Shat ( Tower Hamlets ) was of opinion that the city of London had never yet been fairly tested on the qa-aiion . snd he , for one , wa * most desirous that they ihouM have a meeting in the centre of tbe city . He would therefore propose that tbey should ask the Lord Mayor lor tha use of the Guildhall —( oh , and laughter ) — it might sound ridiculous , but previous Lord Mayors had accedvd to ri quests for the use of that hall though they did not agree with the party who asked for it . It' theLord Mayor refused , they could then with more propriety hold a meeting in Smithfisld Market . Mr Sbirboh moved , — ' Tbat they should first decide how tie memorial should be presented . ' Ifr Wbeileb seconded this . MrMiESDEK said , the prople ought to have a public demonstration and a procession through the streets of London , in order to show the gentry that they were « Ut-rmined to pain their rights .
Mr Vebnon said they should bring this question to an issue . H ) was satebicg very carefull y the decision of tho AJsen-. biy oa ttis p .. int . It was the policy of tbe gov rnment to w .-ar them out with delaj , but this policy mas be put an eud to- ( cheers ) -they ought to fix a d-y for fairiy ir . w n * the q lestion at issue , aQa he said that th p ople of Eaglann should go in a body , and present tutrir memorials themselves , ( Hear , hear ) Mr Eenibt Jones considered tho discussion of thi < question was quite prmatare . They wtre not at pre . sent in a ponuon to decide whether they should have a procession or not . Individually , ho was reseived if he ever again tor > k part in any procw » l ( . n , that it would he eae from which he wonld ntt draw back . He implored the Assembly to aiO iit no measures they would not h & able to carry through , but whin adoptoi , they would stand by it . It had been auid that tha men of London were sunk in apathy ; they might , therefore , hold tbe mos ms , and it nould then be time to think of a proceaslos . Mr KfDD said thai In the present state of pablic feel . Ins aai the relations of tho government to Vheptopie re .
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membericg the lOih of April , thortBOiution of that Assembly to have another procession , would he tantatnoont to a declaration of war . Their last procession rvsv avowedly one of peace . They issued an Dxprtss in * etructlm that the people were to come unarmed , arfl took every means in their power to impress the public with tho fact that they intended to havu recourse to no other than peaceable and constitutional moans , yet the press and the government took the matter up as one which was intruded to be a physical force revolt , and had taken precautions against such a revolt of which th'' . ' now boasted as s proof that the institutions of this coun-TrT . . .... memberizg the lOih ot April , tnortBOiution ol tnat « . ' -
try were firmly rooted In the great niies of tbo peop le . He therefore aald , that before again resolving upon holding a procession , they should see their way clearly , aod eatisfy themselves that they would be really backed by tho people , and also that such a demonstration had a reasonable chance of effecting tho object for which It was intended . For his own part , it ever too . peopla 5 " the mass resolved to hold a procession he should not shrink from taking , aa an individual , his place iu it , and he bade tbe govcrement and the upper classes to bew-. re , for the people would not consent to be tnmpl . dupon ,
Mr M'Iktobh said , if the people of London were-prepared , the people of the country were quite prepared to march cr set in any way that that Assembly might resolve upon ; as to what had beea said by Mr Kydd about tbe peaceable Injunctions of tho late Convention , they never would have had those valiant men , the special " , come out in such numbers , it they had expected the people would be armed , but as It was , they had get a cheap reputation far courage , ( Hear , hear . ) Dr M Ddoall deprecated the discussion of this ques tion , to order that the government might not have any reason for interfering with them , until they were pre pared for such interference . With respect to the real question before them , they must have public meetings , because they all knew tbat there had bten divisions both iu and out of that Assembly , and they needed public meetings , to know to what extent , or whether at all , that division bad weakened tbem , and what waa tbe real strength at their command .
MrM'CABTBT considered that having meetings would not prevent them trom having a procession also . Mr A 0 AM 4 moved as an amendment : — 'That large public meetings of the people ba convened -S the gCrcffil great divisions of tbe metropolis , to test them as to their willingness to have a procession on the occasion "of tho presentation of tho National Memorial . 'That these meetings be held on several successive nights , and that tbe members of this Aisembly attend these meetings , and from the attendant circumstances he able to decide as to the propriety of holding a procession on that oc cafion , He would oppose tho risk of another precession until he saw tb / y were fit for it . Ii would be a most foolish , dangerous , and rash proceeding for them to hove another proceBsion , until they had ascertained the readiness of the people to carry out the object for Which alone such a procession eould be instituted . The motion having been seconded ,
Mr Child said , they were sent there to decide what was to be done , and not to ask the people that question . Tbe people looked to them as their elected represents tivee , to lay down what were the best means to adopt f ^ . r obtaining the People ' s Charter . It was of no use for them t « ask tho people of London such questions at public meetings . The people of London were prepared to t % lW any means in their power tor that purpose which were not likely to be fatal to the cause , and to bring them into premature and unnecessary collision with the government . ( Hear , hear . )
In the discussion which followed this amendment , Messrs Hargreavcs , Stevenson . Mitchell , ArkeU , Ernest Jones , Thomas Jones , Donovan , on * other delegates took part , and Mr Leacd hi . ving replied , the origin A motion for a large metropolitan demonstration , was car . rio $ , and a committee of seven delegates appointed to make the necessary arrangements—Messrs M'Grath , Shaw , Vernon Basset , Wheeler , Child , and M'Cartby , The Assembly then adjourned till salf-past two o'clock , f . From our Third Edition last week . )
FRIDAY MORNING , May 5 . The delegates met this morning at the usual hour . . Reports of the Proceedings , Mr Shaw ( Tower Hamlets ) complained of a mis . statement which had been made in the reports ofthe proceedings of the Assembly , which hud appeared in the Morning Adverii 8 BR . He had been made to say that Mr O'Connor had done a great deal of injury to the cause . Now he had never made use of any words of tbat sort , although he most certainly thought so , and it was a very strange thing that tbe report should have anticipated him in his opinion . Mr Shaw ( Barnsley ) taid that he had received a letter from his constituents in Barnsley complai . iinB of the reports wh ch had appeared in the Northern Star , and requesting that a copy of it might be S ' . n ? to that paper for publication .
Mr Ernest Jones said , that in order to show thtgood feeling in favour of the movement , he had been informed that the lit'le locality of Alexandria , in Scotland , had sent a Poat-oflioeorderfor ^ d towards the expenses ; and ho had handed in £ 10 from Halifax . Adjourned Debate on raising a Fund . Mr Bassett suggested thata newspaper should be established to ba tho property of the Chartist Association , and he thought that for this purpose the sum named would not be sufficient , Mr M'Grato withdrew his pyopositttm titt sues time as the Assembly should have decided upon tbe line of policy to be adopted for obtaining the People ' s Charter .
Mr Ernest Jones thought that the peop ' e of this country had auch perfect confidence in the Assembly that there wonld be no difficulty in obtaining the sum named , if they proceeded with energy , and ' struck the iron while it was hot . ' An address had been agreed upon , inviting the people to assist the movement by their subscriptions . Let them first pet the money , and then they should be able to organise the movement . He begged therefore to move that the question ot finance should bo the first
question discussed m the Assembly , Tbe objects for which the money waa required would be of greater service in obtaining the money than the mera organisation ofthe plan of obtaining those objects . He should therefore move , 'Tnat in pursuance of the order of tbe programme , we proceed to the means of enabling the AoSf-mbly to give renewed vigour to the movement , and tbat a committee , in conjunction with the finance committee , be empowered to propound a plan for raising the nece .-sary funds . ' Mr Cauvfr seconded the motion .
Mr T . CtARR thought tbat the motion of Mr Jones waa as untimely as that proposed for a similar purpose by Mr M'G : ath , and which had been withdrawn . He agreed with Mr Churchill in the opinion that tbe Assembly ought to be prepared with some definite plan of action- II 3 had proposed one set of measures , ar , d he certainly thought that those gentlemen who had opposed those plans ought to bring forward some plans , and he 'looked forward with some considerable anxiety to tho production of that mode of proceeding .
Mr Kydo was very anxious that they should come to a conclusion as soon as possible on one of the points in the trjgramme , viz , the policy to ba adopted with respect to other liberal movements , which came short of the points contained in the Charter . He was prepared to submit a distinct resolution upun thesubject . With respect to tho Executive , he believed that tbe course of policy pursued by that body was deserving of the nrst Bkcere thanks . They had effected a considerable amount of good . By whose exertidns was it that tbey had been enabled to make a stand upon the buslines during the last
election ? Was it not the Executive ? Was it not that body which called together the Convention , and provided the necessary funds ? He did not believe that there was a single individual who would entertain the slightest doubt of the integrity and honesty ot the members of the Executive . He should therefore move the following resolution : —• ' Tnat we re commend the people to agitate for no measure short of the People ' s Charter , but at the same time recommend the people to offer no obstruction to other associations , having for their object tie extension of the franchise . '
In answer to a question put by Mr Harley , Mr E . Jokbs said , that pursuant to the programme which Ihe Assembly had adopted , it wai now the duty of the Assembly to take into consideration the means of enabling tbe Assembl y to give renewed vigour to the movemant , and the raotion which he had brought forward wss founded uron that point in tbe programme . Mr lUni , xt , who stated that he did not wish to shine as a public speaker , but to not as a man of bufiness , supported the motion of Mr Jonea . Some time must necessarily elapse before tho appeal for fhe funds could be brought into practical bea ring . It weuld be at least a week before they should be able to go to the workshop to collect the money , and by that time the address containing the line of policy to be pursued would he issued . Mr Wheeler suggested that the word ' finance ' should be omitted from the resolution .
Mr Ertxjssr Jonea had no objection to make the alteration ; Mr Ktdd said , that as he did not wish to impede the progress of the business , and should therefore withdraw for the present bis motion on the subject of otherassooiati n 8 for obtaining an extension of the franchise . In answer to a question put by Mr ADAMS , Mr Jones said , that he thought tbat the Bum to be raised could be better decided in committee than bj the whole Assembly . Mr Adams said , that in his opinion the Assembly were fully a * able to decide upon tho requisite sum
as any committee . Unless some largo sum was raised , there could be no confidence in the proceedines of the Assf mbly . It was necessary to convince the government of the sincerity of the people by applying a teit of this kind to tbem . It was hi < opinion that it the people were not prepared to sacrifice IJd each , they were not pre-. ared to bare their bourns to the bayonets of the setdiers . ( Hear , hoar . ) Great fault had been found by some gentlemen with the conduct ofthe Executive ; ho did not b-lieve thai they were m the least degree to Warae ! . the tact was t £ A had D ^ , tha meana <» f taking the steps which they y , M haye wished , If , UoweTer , the
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sum of £ 5 . 00 © should be placed at tbeir disposal , they would be able to carry on their operations with vigour . Every pound of the Chartist money which was spent in tbe agitation of tbe cause , would cost the government £ 50 at least . ( Hear , hear . ) They had cos * the government £ 20 , 000 for their Jato exhibition on Kennington Common , hut he did n ^ t believe that it had cost the Chartist body £ 100 . If tbe sum of £ 5 , 000 were to be raised , they would soon be able to bring the gftvernment and the aristocrue y of the country to their senses ( Cheere . ) r . um ot . -egQ 09 tWH be placed at their disposal , . - ¦ . ' . nn \„ i' „ nTTV nn their onerati « ns with
Mr M'Grath said , tbat he had withdrawn hi * motion on the subject , because he thought that the suggestion of Mr Churchill waa a reasonable one , viz ., the necessity of laying down some line of policy before the appeal was made to the country for the money . He had left the room upon some private busit ess , and upon his return was very much surprised to find the subject again brought forward , and the Assembly now discussing the ques-tion . He did not agree in the opinion that it was advisable to leave the committee to decide upon the amount which was necessary to be raised , because upon bringing up tbe report , the whole qug tion would be again brought underdiacuaaioni He proposed therefore to go into
consideration , at once , of the necessary sum to be raised , and should again submit his proposition . They were fully competent to go into tbe consideration ot the sum necessary to be raised . He iehmild therefore move , * That an earnest appeal be mado to the peop le ol the United Kingdom , to commence the creation of a fund of £ 5 , 000 , to be called ' Tbe Liberty Fund , ' which shall be at the disposal of the Assembly , for the furtherance of the cause of tbe People ' s Charter . ' IJe regretted that any attack should have been madeujon the Executive . It had been said that ihe Executive had done nothing ; the reason they done little , was because the people did not enable'hem to do anything for the movement . Mr Churchill , I said no such thing .
Mr M'Gbath certainly understood him to say SO . He also understood the hon . delegate to esy that tbe Executive ought toaccount for every halfpenny that they had received from the people . The Executive had accounted for every farthing of the money , they had received but little of it for the support of the cause . Id was the National Land Company which had for a long time supported tho Chartist I 410 V 6-mpRt . The small amount of money which had been received , had been expended in tbe employment of the most talented lecturers they had in the promulgation of the principles of the Charter . Was not that , a satisfactory account of the expenditure ofthe
money ? It had also been said that the Chartist body were tired ofthe Executive , and that their day of doom had approached , lie would only say that if theirday of doomhad approached , it had come without dishonour to them . ( Hear , hear . } It it was said that tbey had lost the conGcUioeof the people , be for one entertained a vague not ' un that they had a little of it left , and he fully believed that so long aa honour , integrity , and devotion to the great and glorious movement , should be respected , tbey would continue to ra'ritsome of that respect and consideration which the working portion of the people , he waa persuaded , still entertained for the Executive .
Mr E . Jones pmr osod to consolidate his motion with thstof Mr M'Grath . wir M'Grath had ne objection to accede to that nropoaitiOBi and should therefore add to his motion , after the words' People ' s Charter , ' the words ' and that a committee be appointed consisting of the Financial Committee , » nd four other members of the Assembly who shall be empowered to propound a plan for raisin ? the aa d fund . ' Mr Cmmmii denied that he had made use of any terms affecting the character of the Executive . Some objections had been taken to him on the
ground that he was a new Chartist ; ' he had been something else before he was a Chartist , and no doubt he should be something else after he had become a Chartist . Although he waa a new Chartist , he might bo quite aa pleasant , thoushnet so heavy , perhaps , as some other of the delegates . The question now to bo decided was , whe : her they should or should not call upon the people to subscribe without tftllina them what the money was wanted for ? He should therefore move as an amendment : ¦— 'Tbat this Assembly do take up at once the subject of the organisation and policy ofthe Chartist body . '
Mr Clare seconded the amendment . He thsught it absolutely necessary tbat tbe people of England should be told what the money was required for , and what they meant to do with it , before they asked for it . There ought to be no mystification about their proceeding * , no vague , or indefinite generalities ; but that a straightforward and comprehensive line of policy ought to be marked out to be pursued by the body . When such a course was marked out , it Was his firm belief that the people of this country would
support it . He quite agreed with tho opinion so well expressed by Mr Adams , that the man who would not subscribe towards the funds , would not bare bin bosom to the military . ( Hear , hear . ) The proposal to raise the sum named in tha motion would be the best test that could be applied to tbe aincrity of tho neople . Mr M'Grath now asked for £ 5 , 000 , and Mr Churchill said , le . us wait and see what we are to do with the money first , and be most cordially coincided in the opinion of Mr Churchill .
Mr Bassett thought that the address just issued by the Assembly would give a sufficient idea ofthe policy to be pursued , he should therefore support tbe original motion . Mr Adoen supported the amendment of Mr Churchill . Mr Councillor Bhook thought that it was necessary to have the funds raised as soon as possible , and should give his support to the original motion , on the ground tbat tbe services of lecturers were most imperatively required , and the money was wanted to nay those persons . Mr Ernest Jones said , that if it was understood tbat the funds wsre to . be applicable to tbe payment of If curers , be should pe-aiot in keeping his motion distinct from that of Mr M'Grath .
Mr M'Grath said , that it w > s his opinion that the money sbeulfi be placed is the hands ofthe Assembly , to enable them to give renewed vigour to the move ment . When they had obtained the money , they could easily lay down the modeof policy for the em ploymentof :-uch funds . Mr Siiirrot and Mr Abbi supported the original moiion . Mr Cochrane thought that the address , containing the courne of policy to be adopted , should be issued at tho same time with the appeal for the money . Mr Pebardy thought it necessary to define tbe policy of the Assembly previous to asking the people for the money .
Mr R . Pilling said , tbat he had been connected with the m 'Vement for a nucber of years , He was connected with it in tbe days oflVterloo . he be lieved tbat it would be some time before the Charter was made the law ofthe land . Tbe Convention had met , and broken up , and the National Assembly had now met , and unless tbey adopted some definite line of policy , which the people of England saw a « well as themaeives , v as likely to prove successful , they would say ' Tbe Convention has been gammon , and the Assembly humbug . ' ( Hear . ) They would not collect the money unless they saw some
plan laid down for obtaining the Charter . In the year 1842 , he was tho sole cau » e of the ' turn out ' in Lancashire , the originator of tho whole proceeding , and that rganiaation did not cost him £ 1 . I ' , then , an individual , so humble as him ^ l' , could , with tho outlay of a sinyle pound , br ng about such a state of confusion in Lancashire , Cheshire , and Derbyshire , what niinht net bs dore if the people of this country would but unite , ^ n *! rase a large sum to carry on the contest ? ( Heir , hear . ) If was his firm opinion that they would n ver obtain the Charter until they showed thepise ' ves , by their union and energy , prepared to take it .
MrAnKELt moved us an amendment , 'That tbe £ 5 , 000 named in the resolution should form part of a fund of £ 60 000 to be rais d by tie people . ' Mr Stkvenson seconded the motion . Mr Council ot Bt . iaaa ( Sheffie d ) thought that it was necuisary to decide what sum should be rai « ed in order tb » t tbey should at once set about raising it in tbe various districts . Mr Vkrno . v proposed to increase the enm of £ 5 000 ' o £ 10 000 Mr M'tfRATH bad no oljection to the alteration . Tbe Cumhiun waa autut to take the votes upon the mart < r , ivIk-h Mr Lynch moved the oraissionof the words ' National Asst-raViy , ' and proposed * Tbat the funds should be placed at the dis [ 0-al of thelExecutive . '
Mr M'Grath said , it wou'd be the duty of tbe Assembly to devise tbe means of employing the money , and laying down the mode in which itahould bo disponed of , and in such a view of the case , it would be , in the long run , at the disposal cf the Assembly . The original motion was then carried by a large m ^ j trity . Mr Vernon suggested that , in the appointment of tbe members of the committee , reference should be had to those delegates who repreaented large and populous districts of the connt-y . Mr Ernest Jonbs moved , ' That Messrs Leach , Wheeler Cochrane Councillor Briggs , Adams M Grath , and Pebard y , should be tho members forming the jommiuee . '
Mr Cbbrohim , then moved , 'That Hbaan in slruetiontothe cmmittee that , instead of calling tor any specific sum , it would be better to call upon the people to snbwnba at least one halfpenny per wetk , eo as to enable the Assembly to keen uo a £ 10 000 or 4 , 20 . 000 wou'd be sufficient to gain tbe Charttr . and it was therefore , most foolish to fix upon any precise 8 um for that purpose . tien whei CU 98 i ° ntook plaue upon the mo Mr Ernest Jonks moved , ' That the Assemblv t £ pXl 00 U 8 idc ' atibn of thentxt ^ ius besn
'a i : ! ZTrlT 6 ecoadedwas carrLed by T + ;? hI ° ^ ° ^ L a resolu « ° a to the effect That the country should be divided into districts waiorabtau , and that the committee ia laying
.-.T /It ¦ Jaca Commti-. Mr Child Object...
down these division ? , should keep in view the localities which at present exist , as well as those places in which no organised bodiei have yet been formed . ' Mr T . CtADK considered that it would be much better , in entering upon the discussion of the new organisation , that they should have a complete plan before them ; and , tbere'orr-, if there was no other organisation to be proposed as a whole , it would be better to take up the present laws of the Association . A short discussion arose on the proposition , that fc ^ te Assembly should resolve itself into committee in order to discuss the question , which was ultimately agreed to ; and Mr E . Jones having again moved his resolution , which was seconded by Mr Jones , ot Liverpool . down these divisions , should keep in view the lo- calit . ies which at present exist , as well as those
Mr M'Grath said , that it would be much better , as had been suggested by Mr Clark , that they should have a defined pjan before tbem . He did not contend that the old organisation was perfect ; but , if they took it as the basis of tbeir discussion , the / might , with certain amendments , mould it so as to suit the object in view . Mr Adams seconded the motion . There was less fault to be found with the old organisation iteeif than with the people , for not supporting it . It was , however , not so perfect bnt that it might be improved , and he therefore supported the resolution that they should take it as the basis of their dig . eussion , Mr T . Clark then moved , That tbe name ofthe association be the National Charter Association , and tbat its objects be , the attainment of the People ' s Charter by peaceable and legal means . '
Mr Ernest Jones objected to the latter part of the resolution on a point of order . He would re mind the Assembly that it had resolved the question of peace or war should not be discussed . Mr T Clark separated the motion into two , and moved the first part , with reference lo the name cnl y . which was seconded by Mr Wheeler , upon which Mr E . Jones withdrew his motion , in order that Mr T . Clark ' s might first be discussed , Mr Cumuing objected to the motion , on the ground that if it was adopted , it would be said they were going on the old plan . This would not give satisfaction to the country . They meant only to wait tor a limited time for tbe Charter , and did not like the idea ef the old lecturing association , bul that they should have such an organisation as would bear down on the government at once , and urge on the movement vigorously .
Mr Rankih considered it would have been much better to have taken up the motion of Mr E Jones , because every locality was best fitted to manage its own nffiira . He would therefore move that each locality form a Chartist Association , which shall have the entire management of its on a affairs . Mr Harlbt seconded the amendment , and supported this view of the question , fn Scotland be knew the general opinion wasio favour of that course . If the ? were to adopt Mr T . Clark ' s resolution , it would give r ' se to the opinion , that they were eoinn
to create another organisation fur a protracted agitation , and to have lecturers going through the country again . This he objected to , it would be better simply to form an Emergency Committee , to leave the localities to manage tbeir own affairs , and not to make a piece of machinery which had kept down the movement . The feeling in tbe country was , that they would not keep up a system of hirelingiam ; they were not inclined to go on agitating for a life-time , and he balieved they would bring the matter to a more speedy determination , by leaving the money in their own hands .
Mr Child wished to know whether Mr HarJej and the Scotch delegates wished for a repeal between Scotland and England ? Mr Adams replied , that when Mr Child moved for that repeal he would answer the question . Mr Child rejoined , that when they wanted to redress the wrongs of their common country they ought to make common cause , and the man who did not do eo was a common enemy , that was his opinion , and he boldly stated it , MrT . Joisas agreed with Mr Child , there had been no association for some time , but , { bad as it was , it would be much worse if they adopted Mr Harley ' s
view of the question . Mere local associations weuld lead to a complete disorganisation . They must recollect that they had to contend with a government whoaa powers were centralised , therefore , if they ment to meet it effectually they must do 60 by centralising also , and they would become the laughing stock of the country if they did not . A national association through the land waa necessary in order that whenever the name of Chartism was heard it shOllH be respected ; hut jf they said that Liverpool Nottingham , Birmingham , acd Glasgow were each to become local associations the movement would speedily be destroyed altogether .
Mr UiBosBAvss said , his constituents told him when he came there they were not desireus of again commercing a protracted agitation , and did not mean 'o wnitfor the Charter for years but months , and if it was not granted in that time some of them were prepared to make any sacrifice to gain it . At the sime time he was in favour of a Grand National Association . Local Associations were very good in their place , bnt then there must be a directing head to guide that local power into the proper channels . Mr Mathews said that the eovemment was a
centralised government . If it had net been SO it would have been overturned long ago . He wanted , therefore , that they should have a centralisea association also . Mr M ' Lane could not understand why his Scotch friends made a proposition for local unions . He bad some knowledge of that country and he wasdeoidt d ' y in favour of a National Association . Ha knew tbat to divide their numbers was not the way to increase their strength . The question bad been discussed in the locality he represented , and from the
deci s ion upoa that occasion be was convinced thata National Association Would be mora in accordance with tho feelings of the people of Scotland generally . Mr Cowuino said he did not meau to sub divide or disorganise the country , on the contrary , he meant that their organisation should be united aa a federal body . All these local unions should be so many tributary streams . Such an association , with a sum paid at once , according to the address they had agreed to , would be much more powerful than the old p ' an—suppnrled br half-pence aud pence .
Mr Vernon rose for the puipose of requesting his Scotch Uiendato withdraw their amendment . They ou & ht to be as unanimous as possible , and it must be evident to tbem that to divide the movement into these localised bedies must weaken them . ( Cheers . ) Mr Adams hoped Mr Child ' s assertion would not be believed , when he said that he who wasnot in favour of a National Association was % common enemy . Could not men be friends to their country who differed from Mr Child ? On the contrary , he said that the men who could not suppose tbat others might conscientiously differ from them in opinion was a common enemy . He could show that the National Association had never yet been taken up either by
the people of Scotland or England ; but the real objection to the National Association was , that it took away the control of the funds from the parties who contributed them , and if they could show him bow a National Association could be maintained in conjunction with a full control over the funds , he would give it his support . With respect to the name be would leave out the word National , and simply call it the Coartist Association of Great Britain and Ireland . The time was came when they should forget nil nationalities and look on each other as citizens of the world , and forget at tha same time all the s-cifeless feuds and divisions which these nationalities had led to .
ih < 3 Assembly then adjourned at one o ' clock
AFTERNOON SITTING . Mr Raskih withdrew his amendment , and Mr Adams moved that national distinctions were inimical to the principles of universal brotherhood , and that tbe Association to be formed should be denominated tbe Democratic Confederation of Great Britain and Ireland for obtaining the immediate enactment if the Perple ' s Charter , and that it be so constructed as to give the utmost control over the funds to the representatives of tho localities , consistent with the general centralisation of manage ment . Mr Shirron seconded the amendment .
Mr Ktdd was altogether opposed to the changing of tbe name . It was ono which had grown hallowed by the very persecution tbey had endured ; and if they were te change it to morrow , they would still ba known by the name of Chartists . He thought with the Scotch judge , when a man named Thomp son , alias Brown , alias Smith , was brought before him for trial , that' the whole family of tho aliases was a bad one . ' He should like tohear some stronger reason for the change than any that had yet been ad duoed . Their principles would ba the same , and tieir name should continue what it was . He had no . bjectien to their making what improvement they could in the organisation , but he decidedly objected to a change of name .
Mr IIenrt said , though he was in favour of the Tn ? ment ' ' , ntend t 0 change the name of Chartist , which was dear to them . Tie / had fought under It for yearn , and gloried in it , All that they intended to change was the term ' Nationa ' , ' in order that every man favourable . to the Chaner . roigbt fight under one banner ; by callingit the ' Democratic Confederation' they would give every man who held the same principles an opportunity of aiding the m-ivement . They were sent there to take some decided and vigorous measures . He had left men at home whsse hearths were cold—who ; e pouches were bare ; snl they should , therefore , take such steps as would give peace asd plenty to their homes , and make their cottages what they should be . Mr Donovan expressed his astonishment at such discussions being raised , especially when he found thut there was no objection to tbe original name , They wore ther * as Chartists , and Chartists let them
remain . Mr Cochrane supported the amendment . They oropose . d no change of principle , bat merely taform a new Ddmecratio Confederation , because the other one had not been productive oC «» unioa they had anticipated , *
.-.T /It ¦ Jaca Commti-. Mr Child Object...
| Mr we * said , that if their Scotch friends tbougug ; I it ritiht to change their name , he could assure tbebe tint the English Chartists would not change thih « name It was under that banner fhey had fougfcgE and under it they would continue to fight , Theybfba done much harm by changing names already . UiUii der Hunt and Cobbett they were Radicals , and whehe in order to show that they had a decided policy , ththt : embodied their views in the document called tbtbi Charter , O'Connell mck-namud them Chartiatsatss They did not mslte it themselves , bus they took k jj when applied to them , and it was now becoming resesi Mr Wevt said , that if their Scotch friends though it riuht to change their name , he could assure tbebi
pected after strunglin * through obloquy , and thihi popular designation of a great party . One curieuau thinjwflg . that as fasi 33 they changed their narairai other parties sought to ingratiate themselves witijtl the people by assuming them . When they were Rati dicals tbe Whigs were Liberals ; when ( hey becaromi Chartists the Whigs styled themselves Radicals ja : thus showing , when they threw off their old gawr raents the rVhigs took them up . For h « 8 own parfrrl he meant to fight nnder tbe old name , and he consHfderedit was derogatory to thedignity of thatAssem-nbly to entertain such a question .
Mr Guild said , he was not aware that the Char-rlists had ever disgraced themselves , and therefore heie did not see any reason for changing tbe name . Iflf they looked into history they would find that manyiy of the most honoured names now , were originallyly nicknames . John Wesley was called a Methodiat , t , by the young students of Oxford , a . % a nickname . ! . Those who thought with him had taken it uo , andd retain « d it , as a designation of honour . ( Cheers . ) . ) As tbe name ol the Charter had not disgraced taenia they would shiw that they would not disgrace it .
Mr Ernkst Jones said , they bad issued an addresass headed ' the Charter and no Surrender , ' and adoptedd as their motto , ' Measures not men . ' That wasjpro- ) - gressive , but now they were going to retrograde andd fight not for measures but for mere names . Hee wished to take no steps wbhh would not help thee movement , but at tbe same time he thought iffheyy adopted the motion thaMbougb their Scotch frisndss might not mean it , they would in future be called i Coafederates instead of Chartists . It would be said 1
that just at tbe moment of launching their ship ) they had changed the rudder , altered the sails and i changed about . There were some Bfty men in the i H » use of Comrnrttia who eaid that thef mat forr the principles of the People ' s Charter but who said 1 they were not ChartUts . He would retain the old 1 name because be for one expected to see tbe Charter made the law of the land within a jear . The way to do that was to make a good organisation , to pre-. sent their memorial to the Queen , aud then to take > such other steps as circumstance might suggest .
Dr M'Dooall could not consent to give up thei name of Chartist because it , would appear like i shrinking from the agitation . He had eor . e through i all the former agitations and endured persecution i and imprisonment undfi- the name , and fie hoped \ their Scotch friends would leave the word there , be- cause it had always been tbe word inscribed on their banner , and he tor one would rather die than give it no . Mr Churchill eaid , he would like to know the diff .-rence between the two names , and if there was no difference what was the use of changing it ? They had been before the country for ten years under that same and were well-knowu by that title . Let them , therefore
, keep to the name of Chartist unless they intended to change the whole policy and principle . Let them keep to it , and glory in the name of the Charter , as the men had gloried in suffering for it . Mr Adams said , he did not propose to change their whole policy , but to change a portion of the policyand as Bhat was tbe case , he did not see why they should not chante thename also . Dr M'Douall had said he had suffered for the Charter , but it was not thename of the Charter , but the principles of the Charter , for which he had suffered . By his resolution , however , they weuld keep by both the name and the principles , but . in order to obviate objections , he would consent to make a slight alteration in his resolution .
Mr T . Clark said , that if tbey were all unanimous , he would sfwo it his determined Deposition , lie was not aware that the name had stepped any one fromjoiniag them , and no one good reason could be shown for altering it . If they had disgraced themselves , he might be inclined to change it , but a < their course had been an honourable course , a dig ' nined course , he hoped some one reason , of a definite character , would be given for tbe proposed alteration . As to the proposal for universal brotherbond , he did not see that the name of the Charter Association was in the slightest degree opposed to universal brotherhood .
Mr M'Grath paid , that if they had been an unbapticed party , he would not have had the slightest objection to the name , but aa they had a name , as they had Fought and triumphed under that name , be entirely objected to any alteration . Mr T . Clark proposed that It ahould ba called the National Charter Association . Mr Adams neiv proposed that it should be called the Chartist Confederation . He wished to have some simple single reason in support of that change , as yet he had heard no ' . hing to justify it . Mr Adams said , he would give one strong reason and that was , tbat as long as they called themselves the Chartist Association , it would be called O'Connor s Association . ( Great sensation . )
Mr Harley said , that was an honest statemsnt . They had heard much of the dignified course of the Associatisn . Itmnst be a very dignib ' td Association J sorely , that had only 5 , 000 members on its bcoks ( Cries of ' False , ' ' No , no . ' and confusion , amidst which several members rose ti contradict the statement ) They had tried in Scotland , in vain , to get up a national movement , but had failed , from the bra lief that it was under tbe control of a certain individual , who had done all the damage he ceuld to the movement-Mr H \ R < jRBAVEa protested against these covert attacks . Mr Harlot said , he meant Mr O'Connor in these statements . Mr O'Connor had promissed that he would be there to meet them , and he only hoped that he would como hei-e to hear said to his face what some of the members of the Assembly bad to say to him . ( ' Shame , ' ' order , ' and coKfus on . ;
Mr Ervest Jones said , Mr O'Connor's character was not the question before the Assembly , The Chairman stated , that if Mr O'Connor was there , he could not speak until he presented his credent ! -lis to the Assembly . Mr Harlev replied , that Mr M Grath had promissed be would be there , and he bad a * good a right to attack MrO'Cmnoras Lord John Russell or Sir George Grey , with respect to his public character . Mr M'Grath protested against the calumniflUS attacks on Mr O'Connor in his absence as altogether unjustifiable .
Mr Harlev repeated his attack upon Mr O'Connor , and upon the association : for his own part , he b lieved that seme of the man who had been in tea old association , bod disgraced themselves , and therefore he wanted the name chante d , to show th- y were going on a different tack . He meant tbe whole line of policy to be changed ; instead of lecturing and public meetings , and keeping men going about to make speeches , he wished tbem to change the name a little , in order to show tbat alteration in policy , but . at the same time , he did not wish any alteration in the principle of the movement .
Mr Ranhn expressed a similar opinion ; the Scotch people had no desire to change the name , but , H bad baon said by many people , tbat they had not joined the movement because Mr O'Connor was its leader , and a barrier to tbe power of the democratic party throughout the country . He was there to speak his mind about Mr O'Connor as freely as any other man , and if he came into that Assembly , if no other member preferred a charge against him , he was ready to do it . Mr Kyod said , he was astonished to hear people talk about the Charter , as if it was to become part of the British constitution next week , and at the same lime sneer at the number of c ; emb * rs in tbe Chartiit Association , there might be few men enrolled in Scotland , but he knew that country from Aberdeen to the Tweed , and he knew England from the Tweed to London , and it was not so much the number of names in books that he relied on as the
organisation ot sympathy , which bound together the masses who were in favour ofthe Charter . ( Cheers . ) Mr Wjsst said ho was the representative of one hundred thousand roen-irf men , not woikcd . aud children . He and they were prmid of the name of Chartiat , and they would never give ic up . tie was glad , at last , tbat under the presmre that had been applied to them , the Scotch delegates had let the secret out ofthe bag , and showed that tbe reason they wished for another Association was , because they did not want to have Mr O'Connor any longer leader
as a . But he would tell them that the people of this c mntry were not ungrateful . Tbey could not , and would not , torget the many services he bad rendered them , and the sacrifices be had made ; and although he might now differ from some of them , even if he was sorry they could not forget his many services . He could afford to say that better than any man in that assembly , for be had differed with Mr O'Connor more than any man there , and especially apon the Free-trade question . But , because he did _ so , was he therefore to blind himself to hii eminent ^ dev t on to the cau ? e , or convert a difference of opinion into a cause ot personal enmity .
Mr M'Grath said , the reason now adduced was , that the people wou . d not join what waa called the O Connor Association . Why , he never knew tbat the old Associaton was O'Connor ' s Association . It would not be difficult to show that the difference between Association and Confederation was merely the tfitterence between Tweedledum and Tweedledee . U they meant to make a dechratiutf that they would no longer have Mr O'Connor for a leader , let them fairly tost the question , and propose a resolution to that effect . But he agreed with Mr West , that the working men of Scotland , and of England were not ungrateful ; asd he believed that it Mr O'Connor was to hold a meeting in the Tewn Hall of Ginsjy >* they would give such a proof that his aerticts we etui appreciated by them , as would convince , evea those who decried him in that Assembly tb at thef ware mistaken in *( , o . v ~ - „ .. _ i . __ .. . „ . . \
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 13, 1848, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_13051848/page/4/
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