On this page
- Departments (1)
-
Text (7)
-
TO TIIE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS. • ¦ - - - . J_»n.
-
Mt Dexb FRi*an)s,-A3if providence was «•...
-
/W% 4^*t^ <^^^ ^% /i*<££
-
AND NATIONAL TRADES' JQUEML.
-
VOL. X. NO. 440- LONDON, SATURDAY, *PRIL...
-
EASTER WEEK IN MANCHESTER. For many year...
-
% w v 1
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
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.
To Tiie Imperial Chartists. • ¦ - - - . J_»N.
TO TIIE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS . ¦ - - - . J _» n .
Mt Dexb Fri*An)S,-A3if Providence Was «•...
Mt Dexb FRi * _an ) s ,-A 3 if providence was _«•¦« mined to favour onr land project , upon my am ™ in London I learned that the title of our nrst purchase was good and unexcep tionable in every respect , _SrhapsyonmUpere _. iveno _^ iu _^ prese nt _mTber of tho a , r _« tan you day evening , and that all ma-.- * T i , _lira i „_ Af _SS _^ t _^ lette r fren _ime _tl-is week _, tation of
Se I cannot resist the temp teKng you Swe , t hedircctors , confidenUyanticipate having * Sot for one hundred members during the _WMteunfide holidays . On the 8 th of Maywereceivepossesiion 0 fourfiKtpurehasethese , werethecondit ions ; thenwe * o work and , without delay , arrangements will be made for the reception of tho successful candidates . Ton will see that onr first colony consists of English , Irish , Scotch , andFrenchmen , and , from the number of _jgricnltural labourers tbat have drawn prizes , I don 't think a more judicious selection could have been made , even if fitness had constituted the qualification . 1 think vou are entitled to the opinion of every good
man upon this your noble , your national undertaking , and therefore , as I believe there are none in whom yon hare more confidence , or for whom yon have a greater _Jrcsyect , than for Mr . O _^ Iliggins , I here present von with a paragraph from a letter received from him this morning ( Thursday ) . In mj opinion , tout land plan deserves the unqualified support of every honest man . It appears to me to be not only practicable but inimitable . Tbe little holdings , _erhonses and lands , aie , as I understand it , to be bona fide estates , and if . so nothing can surpass the plan . Tha house and laud held in perpetuity at a small rent for the benefit of the Utile community , -still going on _increasing into a large fund to buy more land . Once yon get the first _colonv settledyousan accomplish anything .
I think fiat opinion will be very satisfactory to the members of the Land Society as members , and , now I shall furnish them with an extract of a political character wMcd . will also have its legitimate weight . _Jhspeaking ofthe mode of electing the Executive , Mr . O'lliggins says , I am glad to see , after all tbe battles on the subject , that the Chartists are _beginning to see the propriety of the Convention electing the Executive committee . 1 _fonglit hard for tins in the Convention at _Manchester . In fact , 1 drew np the clause in committee , and my friend , Mr . Stallwood , censured me severely for having done so .
If time permitted this week , I owe a compliment io the City Chartists , which I would have assuredly paid them , for ihe justice that they have done to mr foresight , and the manliness with which they confess their former error and adopt my censured policy . In 18441 was the delegate of that body , and Im d a severe vote o f censure passed npon me by them for having "voted for the election of the Executive by the Convention . But mark how a little reflection will persuade honest men of their follies . On Saturday last the Northern Star informed me that those very Chartists who unanimously censured me in 1844
unanimously adopted the same policy in 1 S 46 . For the present , I can only express my thanks for the conversion ; they hare been the loudest in denouncing man worshippers and their last magnanimous step convince ; mc that they never will become tools , as it _iseven better and less criminal to worship a good man than to be the slavish tool of a cunning man . I trust that nil Chartist bodies will act with thesame heroic magnanimity , and I begto assure my friends , that the balm of their conversion more than heels the poke with which the surrenderer of any angle ovinion is threatened .
I now beg to call yonr attention to the question of the Irish Coercion Bill ; of the certainty of war with America ; of the shaken state of English parties , and the consequent necessity of a better _understanding among the Chartist body . I would implore of you-you , the "veritable working men—the fustian jaekets , blistered hands , and unshorn chins , to aires : every attempt at dissension in the outset ; to nip the hope of eTery _crotcactmenger ; to blast the ambition of those who would achieve power to destrov as , by making Chartism more respectable .
I cannot openly deal with them while they remain within their narrow shells . I cannot prevent their slime spreading a little , bnt when they presume they have strength enough to come forth fiom their shells , then we shall know how to deal with them . Men who are systematically captious , constitutionally irritable , and naturally authoritative , are not likely to be satisfied with the plodding action of their consistent fellows . JSbveltf is their cry ; better management is their object ; better men—ef which they are the verv best—is their only aim .
I cannot conclude without tendering my wannest thanks to tho people of Manchester and of Oldham , and ihe delegates from several parte of England , for _ilieir kind reception during the Easter-week , nor shall I hastily forget THE EASTER-WEEK AT MANCHESTER , the perusal of which I hope will give satisfaction to the working classes generally . Ton will see by the form in which the subscription list is published , that _Xo . 1 section is closed , and section "No . 2 is now opened . The two names which stand at the head of that section paid np their full shares while the
ballot was proceeding . And now I beg that it may be distinctly understood that there is no possible reason why section If o . 2 may not progress as speedily ud as successfully as No . 1 . Indeed , it does not at all follow that section No . 2 may not get in advance of No . 1 ; it all depends upon the contributions . Here follows a list of the successful candidates , which is not as complete as it ought to be . I gave it to the Secretary at Manchester , with _Bixty names , for the two acre lot ; twenty-six names for the four acre lot ; and twelve names for the three acre lot . . Now , as IS , 19 , and 20 , of the two acre lot may hare
a very good chance of three refusing the present location , they would like to see their names , so , perhaps , with 14 and 1-5 of the four acre lot , and with 6 and 7 of the three acre lot . The omission is not mine , however ; I gave the list to the Secretary complete , with the understanding that I was to receive them as complete for publication , but I have . only -received the following . 1 am , my dear friends , Your faithful friend and servant , FSABGBS O'COXXOB . SERE _H'UOWS IHE LIST OF THE _rUSTlAX _LANDLORDS : —
FOUR ACRES . Mr . _Dav-d Watson , Edinburgh . Mr . Thomas Smith , Greenford . Mr . Thomas Bond , Devizes . Mrs . Barbara Vaughan , Sunderland . . Mr . Alfred Hague Crowther , Ashton . Mr . Thomas Merrick , Worcester . "Mr . Martin Griffiths , do . ilr . Thomas Smith , _Wiigan . "Mr . James Taylor , Manchester . Mr . Joseph Mills , Ashton . Mr . James Greenwood , Hebden Bridge . Mr . James Cole , Lambeth and Bradford Mr . Joseph Oponshaw , Manchester .
THREE ACRES . Mr . Jonas Oddy , Bradford , Mr . Isaac Jowett , do . Mr . James Short , Bilston . Mr . Benjamin Knott , Halifax . Mr . George Richardson , Westminster
TWO ACRES . Mr . _Thilip Ford , _Wotton-under-Edge . Mr . Richard Evcson , Stockport . Mr . William Ruan , Northampton . Mr . Henry Smith , Keighley . Mr . John Neil , Heywood . Mr . William Mitchell , Tower Hamlets . Mr . William Mansfield , Bradford { Wilts ]
Mr . George Hearoii , Leeds . Mr . John Firth , Bradford . Mr . Ral ph Kerfco _^ Rouen . Mr . John Wallwark , Ashton . Mr . John Lambourne _, Reading . Mr . Charles Brown , Halifax . Mr . George _liaaisboltoni , Ashton . Mr . Michael _Fitzsinion , Manchester Mr . John Westmoreland , London . Mr . William House , _Persliore .
/W% 4^*T^ <^^^ ^% /I*<££
/ _W % 4 _^* t _^ _<^^^ _^ _% / i _*< _££
And National Trades' Jqueml.
AND NATIONAL TRADES' JQUEML .
Vol. X. No. 440- London, Saturday, *Pril...
VOL . X . NO . 440- LONDON , SATURDAY , * PRIL 18 , 1846 . _««* _fw _^ _ST _; 1 ' - _y _» ve ShilHns * ami Sixpence per _Quni'ler
Easter Week In Manchester. For Many Year...
EASTER WEEK IN MANCHESTER . For many years the professors of political economy hare waged deadly war against the amusements of the working classes . There is scarcely a single poor privilege that has not been destroyed , a siDgle little right that has not been invaded . There has been a long straggle between hypocritical saints and good christians for the appropriation . io their own purposes of the few remaining hours that can be stolen from toil . The economists cry work , the saints cry work and pray , while good christians cry work , pray , and play in proper season . It is very difficult to abstain from the error of falling into extremes , aud it is the . more refreshing when we find an oppressed
class like the labourers of England resolved upon going on progressively , without touching npon the shoals of hypocrisy uponltlie one hand and immorality upon the other . It is no easy task to induce an enslaved race to devote almost the only holiday that THE LAW HAS LEFT THEM to the advancement of principles which promire them better days instead of devoting it to dissipation or idle enjoyment . ' JS the scoffer wants materials for exhibiting the working _classes in an inferior point of _riew , he goes to Manchester and the surrounding manufacturing districts , and there , without enquiring into the causes , he finds what ha thinks justifies Mm in branding the working classes , not as willing slaves , but as irreclaimable infidels ,
savages and barbarians . He never reflects that the gin palace , the brothel , and the gaming house are the recruiting offices ofthe _governmont , the church , and the capitalists . He never considers that in order to seduce the neglected , the thoughtless , and tho unprotected from those dens of misery , disappoint ment and ruin , that it is necessary to furnish to them objects at the same time of virtuous excitement and hope . Ws have always contended that under the present system there is no inducement to the slave shut out of the market of competition to become thrifty , no reward offered for meritorious distinction , no premium for prudent economy , but that on the other hand there is strong inducement , temptation and invitation to lead a loose , reckless and immoral life .
Firstly , it REPLENISHES OUR EXCHEQUER . Secondly , IT MAKES MEN SLAVES and fits them tor the iron rule of tyranny . We have laboured hard and not unsuccessfully to open a safe port for all who are prepared to abandon . their haunts of dissipation and practices of vice , and the many weather-beaten niarinors of all ages who hare ilocked to our harbour ef promise for safety and comfort proves that we have not laboured in vainproves that in the system-nude vicious there yet remains a spark of-virtue , that , if properly fanned ,
may be kindled into a flame of generous thought and moral action—in short as we have often said , men are born with propensities that may be nourished into virtues or thwarted into vices according to the training , and while the depravity and necessities of the grudging , the grasping and the speculating have cone far to thwart all feelings into vice , it has been onr study to nourish them into virtues . With so much preface and using our editorial licence to consider Good Friday . as a portion ofthe Easter holiday * , we shall now chronicle the proceedings of the RECLAIMED , and we commence at the foundation .
GOOD FRIDAY . This mill holiday , usually and naturally devoted by the slaves to some little country excursion , was tbis year celebrated by _layii-g _the foundati > . _n-itoue of a People ' s Hall ; and , although some who owe their all to the working classes , who have courted them in their strength and pledged vows of e . ernal fidelity to their cause , use their poor endeavour to frustrate tbeir noble purpose , yet did this unexpected unprovoked opposition but add nerrt to their resolution .
THB PKOCE 3 SI 02 _T was to have started at ten »' clock , but by the order of a sanctimonious hypocrite , who laps up infants' sweat , and revels luxuriously on human suffering , backed by the kind offices of a professing friend , the proceedings wer * postponed till after service—till after pious flocks had joined with PAID _PARSOXS in praying that God might preserve the fruits of the earth to THEIR KINDLY USE , so that in due time THET may enjoy them . However , thanks to the indomitable _courage of the working e ' as _. es , the petty tyranny of the open foe and the thoughtlessness , we will give it no worse distinction , of the professing friend , waa foiled . The people met in thousands , yea in TEXS Of THOUSANDS , and proceeded in
LARGER SDMBER 3 , with better hearts , and more firm resolution than ire hare seen exhibited within the last five years in Manchester . If we were inclined to exaggerate we are subjected to too much criticism to hopa to use it successfully , and , therefore , as all who saw , as wall as those who joined , will havo the power of judging for themselves we need make no boast of our display to them , while to those who did not witness the glorious exhibition of DEAD CHARTISM , but who know something of Manchester , we need onlv observe , tbat from _tht Carpenters' Hall , along the straight line of streets , as far as the eye could reach to the Oxford-road , _wai om astounding dense mass of working men . At half-past one Mr . O'Connor arrived at Carpenters' Hall , and on
stepping into an open camase-and-four was loudly cheered by the multitude . The procession then started , tbe bands _playing merry tunes , and by the time it arrived at Great _Ancoat-street _, the widest street in Manchester , equal in width to four wide streets , the entire length was filled with one dense mass , which continued to increase by an acces ion of tributary streams until it reached Heyrod-street , Ancoats , where the foundation-stone was to be laid : there a platform was erected iu an enclosure to which the committee and speakers were admitted , and outside the proper machinery was erected for laying the foundation-stone . Mr . Wheeler , the president of the Building Society , took the chair by virtue of his oflice , and , after reading _thsplacardannouncingtheproccedingB _,
he _introduced Mr . O'Connor to address the assemblage previously to laying the _foundation-slc-iie . This gentleman , who was received with thunders of applause , accompanied with ' -Down with the Irish Coercion Bill , " after commenting upon the indispensable necessity of the people having Balis of thoir own to meet in as the only means of organising aud exhibiting their moral power aud growth of knowledge , observed upon the fact , that wherever ihe people had buildings of their own there the cause of Chartism wag sure to progress , and instanced the state of Manchester as proof , while upou the othtr hand , it had been often higfate , and the fate of others , to visit towns in tbe hope of procuring a place of meeting , aud yet being consigned to
_diiappointment . He observed , that In passing over the bloodstained ground of Peterloo that day every mau must have been struck with the unholy trinity of buildings that presented thenuelvcs to the survivors of 1819 . There they saw , bound up together , as if emblematical of the present system , a CHURCH , a THEATRE , and a SLAUGHTER-HOUSE ( alludingto theFree TradeHall ) . He would recommend a subject to the consideration of the respective performers—to tbe players , " Willlani Tell ;" . " to the preachers , " Whoso sheddcth man ' s blood by man alio shall his blood be shed ; "and to the capitalists , " Labour is the source of all wealth , and is the only legitimate source of _jioirer . " ( Great cheering . ) He then turned to the Irish Coercion Bill , and made his
hearers , especially his own countrymen ( thousands of whom were present ) , jump again at his recital of Irish wrongs , ami his hearty denunciation ofthe " base , bloody , and brutal bill . " He _stigmatistd every man who with _, held his _signature from the national petition as a voluntary _jtarticipator in every act of oppression that was perpetrated under the monster—the UNCONSTITUTIONAL DEVIL—and after a _speech of considerable length he retued , amid rtiter & _fcjd cheers , when ths meeting was addressed by _WiLiiAM ' Dixos _. who said , my friends _. _I'll shew you the indispensable necessity of buildings such as that we are this day assembled to lay the _foundation-ntone of . We are told that we have grievances , as Englishmen we have a right to discuss them—a very fine theory , but let them see how it was in practice . When we had
grievances , and great grievances , in 1842 , we did meet to discuss them , and tlie numbers of the distressed was so large that we were obliged to meet in the open air . Well , wc were ii ' _, t long ilwre wfcai an official , ( Mr . Hulton ) sou of one of the Peterloo _butehcrs , came up with liis military stall' and told us to disperse , we argued with hint , and told him thai Englishmen had a right to meet and discuss their grievances . Yes , said he , I admit that your object is lawful , but your numbers make your act illegal , ( Oh , oh , and laughter . ) What are we to do , we said . Go aud meet in a house , ho _replied . We have no house . _M ell , Unu , he continued , I'll _gl-e you ten minutes to _disiw-ie , and : f y . / U don ' t disperse I must order thc military to fire . ( Groans aud hisses . ) Now , continued Mr . l _¦* _- ., u .... had iia . I t . Ur own Hall to meet in wc might navy sit thc _tyism at defiance . ( Cheers )
Easter Week In Manchester. For Many Year...
When Mr . Dixon had concluded , and the necessary arrangements were made , Mr . O'Connor proceeded to lay the foundation stone , the centre of which was hollowed out and which was deposited , in a bottle , portraits of Mr . Duncombe , Mr . Roberts , and Mr . O'Connor ; a document signed by the trustees and directors of the Hall , and several other mementos of Chartism and its growth . The hollow waa covered with a flag bedded in cement , aud when the operation was performed the assembled thousands made the air ring again with proud acclamation of their own power if THEY WERE ONLY UNITED , and the meeting peacefully and cheerfull y separated . We should have observed that , besides Mr . O'Connor ' s carriage , there were several very handsome open carriages in the procession , each bearing its fair proportion ot Chartist company . At fire , the evening festivity commenced with
A TEA PARTY _, in the Carpenters' Hall , while the ceremony of drinking ten lasted for two hours and a half , the company being so numerous that four different sets where obliged to be accommodated . At _Baven o ' clock , Mr . Roberts and Mr . O'Connor entered the hall , accompanied by the committee , and were loudly cheered in their progress to the platform . This large gathering in the evening conferred another honour upon dead Chartism , as it was the largest thing of the kind that has been seen in Manchester for many years . Nothing could surpass the arrangements made by the stewards . When the ceremony of tea drinking was over ,
Messrs . Clark , M'Grath , Roberts , and O'Conner , sererally addressed the audience upon the most interesting topics ofthe day , and as a proof that the girls of England are now beginning to take a lively interest in the cause of Chartism , we feel pleasure in noticing the fact that although the speaking was to ba succeeded by a ball , yet there was none of tbat impatience which used formerly to be manifested by the fair portion of the audience at all exhibited , but , on the contrary , the ladies listened with attention , applauded with enthusiasm , and bided THEIR TIME without impatience . When the speaking was concluded A BALL
opened , and we could only wish that some of those who arrogate manner , decorum , and even fashion , to themselves , had witnessed tbis creditable display of _working class enjoyment . After tbe parties had marched round the hall for some time , we were cheered with a merry country dance ; after which a son of Mr . "Whitaker , a youth about eleven years of age , danced a hornpipe , to the great amusement of the company . Then enme the first let of quadrilles , and after that Mr . _Whitaker's son , and a daughter about two years younger , danced the Polka in admirable style , which was rewarded with hearty plaudits and no small amount of more substantial satisfaction liberally bestowed upon the children . We then took our leave and are informed tr at the proceedings were continued most creditably till an early hour in the morning , when tbe parties mournfully substituted the slaves' attire for their gay ball dresses , and returned to the work of BLOOD COINING FOR MAMMON .
In justice to the Manchester Examiner we here insert its comparatively fair report of the proceedings of the dayfair as compared with the beastly Guardian .
( From the Manchester Emmmer . ] Ths People ' s Hall . —The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of , a new building , to be denominated The People ' s Hall , " was performed yesterday afternoon by Mr , F . O'Connor . The hall is to be erected in Heyrodstreet , Ancoats , aad the funds have been raised in shares amongst the Chartists , for whose accommodation the structure is intended . The day was one of rejoicing and festivity amongst the Chartists . A large number of people walked in precession to the site ; and the carriage of Mr . Feargus O'Connor , drawn by four horses , formed a prominent feature in the midst of theassemblage . The fact ofthe . day being a general holiday , and the weather heing remarkably fine , would account for the presence of a great multitude of persons , who were animated by no
other feeling than tbat of curiosity . The stone-laying took place about two o ' clock . "We are informed that the Rev . Mr . ScholeSeld is one of the principal shareholders , and a director in the undertaking , and that he wns expected to be present , but that for _someunexplained reason he absented himself . Placards were on Thursday posted on the walls of the town , in which the reverend gentleman distinctly stated that he had never intimated his intention of being present at the proceedings , and that hii name had been used not only without his sanction , but in direct opposition to his wishes . In the evening a teaparty , in celebration of the event , took place in the Car . penters' Hall , Garrett Road . The admission to this _festire party was—to the platform ls . 6 d . and to the body oftheroomone shilling . The number of persons who
attended was go large that three different sets had to sit down to tea . Mr . Abbott presided . About seven o ' clock Mr . Feargns O'Connor arrived , and took hi 9 seal on the platform . After tea , persons were admitted into the room on the payment of ( Sd . each . The assemblage , which consisted of persons of both sexes , was addressed by the Chairman , Mr . Clark , Mr . M'Grath , Mr . Roberts , solicitor , and Mr . Feargus O'Connor , Mr , Roberts only said a few words . Mr . O'Connor , however , delivered an address of considerable length , nis principal topic was the land scheme , on the importance of which he dilated at large . It bad been predicted , he said , that the plan would be a failure ; but some persons had _admitted that in about ten years subscriptions to the extent of £ 5000 might be got together . What , however , was the fact ?
The plan had only been before the public ten months , and there was now in the bank a sum of between £ 7 , 000 and £ 8 , 000 . Mr . O'Connor announced that en Monday next there was to be a ballot for the members who were to be located on the estate which he had just purchased near London . In the course of his speech he remarked that n new election was almost certain to take place very shortly , and he expressed a hope that men would be returned to Parliament who would really represent th <> feeliugs and opinions ofthe people . The departure from _office of Sir R . Peel would , he said , produce a gap much too large for little Lord John Russell to fill , even though his rotundity were eked out by the addition of Mr . Cobden . The speaking closed at nine , after which the company amused themselves by dancing .
The beastly Guardian , ever true to its beastly avocation of under-valuing the exertions ofthe working classes , has so justly entitled itself to the enviable distinction of
GREAT LIAR OF THE PRESS , ( thus having acquired nationally what tbe Leeds Mercury could but achiere sectionaUy ) that we should have abstained from comment upon its latest fabrication had we not another object in view—the object of telling the working classes that the Manchester Examiner is in every possible way superior to the Mamhetler Guardian . The original matter is not to be compared , the selections are made with more , taste , the arrangement is more judicious , and tbe tone , though not at all coming up to our mark , is divested of that foolish acrimony that has ever characterised the writings ofthe
GREAT LIAR OF THE PRESS . One circumstance is worth _nolioe . After the proceedings were all over , and when the dancing was far advanced , two reporters actually came upon the platform and asked for a description of the day's proceedings . One had the insolence to appeal to ui and asked what numbers might have been in the procession ? We answered " thirty , or , perhaps , from thirty to ' _& ity . " " You mean thousands . " " No , thirty to fifty men , women , and children ; I give you what will suit the Manchester Guardian . " Now , it is a fact , that tliose ecribblers had learned that thc thing was of such magnitude that it could notbe passed over without notice , and they accordingly sent their feathered tribe in search of rumour . We really think that the Manchester Chartists might make the _Examiwr serviceable to their cause by merely reporting their ' _proceedings ; a step that would compel " THE GREAT LIAR OF THE PRESS" to waddlo a little faster .
SUNDAY . On Sunday morning , at half-past ten o ' clock , Mr . O'Connor arrived at Oldham to address the working classes in their own Hall , and , as he observed , he had the most moral , the most religious , the most orderly , useful , respectful , and largest congregation of any parson that wag then _punching atOldham . Ue addressed his audience for 4 hours and 20 minutes _in-a speech upon various subjects interesting to the working classes at the present time , which gave unbounded satisfaction and was only interrupted by frequent bursts of applause . Ue spoke ot thepresent election , ofthe tactics and prwpects of parties , of the duties of the working classes , of the state of Ireland and the bounden duty of the English Chartists to petition against , and iu every way resist the passing of , the Coercion Act . After the Chairman had read the article from tlie Star entitled Ireland , he read the petition anion }; thunders of applause , and _subsequently he read the trial of Darby Houseless amid expressions ofthe most thrillim _;
horror . We must confess that thc clear , chaste , nnd emphatic manner in which thc Chairman read _thosiseveral articles would do honour to men in the higher ranks of life . In speaking of tlie approaching election for Oldhnm , Mr . O'Connor observed that he would not dictate to men capable of judging for themselves , the manner in which they should use a sacred trust . Ikwould _aierely base thc pretensions of their chosen candidates upon their own proper merits , and say , you have shewn wisdom to prefer a townsman to a stranger . You have shewn prudence in svlecting one , who upon _»*' qutstions oflocal taxation will be guided by local requirements and properly influenced by local vigilant popular controul _, in preference to a stranger who cares not whether you grope your way through the mud in tiie darkness of night to your miserable hovels , while taxes wrung from you , _liyht others over the fair way to their prince ly mansions . You have shewn prudence in ndnpting ' the townsman , who , after his sessional labour * , w ' 11 re-
Easter Week In Manchester. For Many Year...
turn to his constituents and receive their smites as a reward for virtue , or their frowns as a punishment for lice , in preference t _» the stranger who becomes but a unit merged'bi' the large class of oppressors , and , relying for distinctioniipon the approval of men equally corrupt , equally influewed ; ' and equally indifferent as himself . You bare shewn wisdom in selectinga man who may preside over . your conncils , enlighten you with his _knowhjage ; defend you by his eloquence , and protect you by his influence . ' If you have a member , have something typical of yonr order , and prophetic of your ultimate triumph ; if yon have a member have one who will not be ashamed to write his name James Hnlliday , M . P ., for Oldham and Millwright—( thunders of applause)—rather than one who writes minister or _barriater-at-law after bis name .
; Upon the whole , those who heard Mr . O'Connor ' s speech on Sunday last have unhesitatingly declared . that instead of tiring and growiBg 0 ldhe jg mending and becoming new . It would be impossible to describe the effect that his diversified lecture had upon his audience an < l which was rewarded by a subscription 0 f £ 1 6 b . for the widow Seery— £ 2 5 s . was the sum collected and the other shilling was kindly given by thc committee to the person who drove Mr . O'Connor to pay the turnpikes , which ; however , he has added to the fund , being resolved to be able to say that the Chartists never even paid toll for him .
MANCHESTER . At half-part two , Mr . O'Connor arrived at Manchester and attended B . members * meeting ofthe Chartist body at Carpenters' Kail , when several matters that will bo made known _through the proper channel were anxiously and ably discui _j . _'fd with , the best possible temper and without the _slightest feeling of irritation . The question as to ' the mode of electing the Executive occupied a considerable time—the meeting was numerous , and a great majority of the speakers spoke decidedly in favour of the Executive being elected by the Convention .
Mr . James Linen recited numerous instances of fraud and roguery that were practised a » Bilston , North Lancashire , and elsewhere , uuder the old system of election , and concluded by saying , if you want to take the movement out of Chartist hands , you cannot do it moro effectually than by encouraging the old system of voting in the localities . At half-past threo o ' clock , the discussion was still proceeding , when the directors of the Land Society and the delegates from Lancashire were summoned to attend the delegate meeting . Here , also , several questions of momentous importance , connected with thc land movement , were discussed in the most calm and friendly manner ; the propriety of establishing ja tract society in
Lancashire for the purpose of diffusing useful agricultural knowledge seemed to meet with general approbation , and was unanimously adopted by the delegates . The question of applying the expense fund to the _establishnient ofa bank of loan was also discussed at considerable length , and was adjourned to another day —the majority considering that the first fruits were due to the first occupants , and that tha sum was much too trifling to embark in so extensive a speculation . Mr . O'Connor taking upon himself the censure that was deserved for placing the expense fund ( of which lie is the treasurer ) to the accountof _thejland fund receiving interest , instead of retaining it in his own possession without paying any interest .
CHARTIST EXECUTIVE AND LAND DIRECTORS . The questiou of separating these two offices was introduced by Mr . Donavan and seconded by Mr . Leach . Mr . Donavan urged as a reason for the separation of Land and Charter , that it was impossible for one body te perform the doublo duties . He said , ns proof , they had the admission of the officers themselves—that the Council had written to tire Executive to London to come and agi . tate the Charter , and the answer they received was that they were too much occupied with the land subject . They then subsequently wrote and asked them to come and agitate the land question , and they replied that they were too much engaged with the political question , so that the delegates would observe that they had no security for the proper performance of either duty as long as the ortices were incorporated , and proposed tbat in future tiiey should be separated .
Mr . Leach seconded tbe proposal , and said that the land project had now become so great a giant , and was likely to become still greater , that to insure justice being dona to it , it would require the undivided attention ofthe directors . That the two bodies could not prosper together ; that as long as the offiees where united , there was no security for the funds of the associatiou , for if there was a political struggle to-morrow , and if the directors in theircapacity of an Executive should take part in that political struggle , the government would have a double interest in strangling both associations together , which they could do by throwing our directory , not as directors , but as the Chartist Executive , into gaol , and every man knew how anxious government always win to pounce upon the funds of an association . He thought for himself that the two bodies and the two movements would each gain much by a separation while there was no danger of any damage , and for these reasons he would support the motion of Mr . Donavan ,
Mr . O'Connor said , in rising to speak upon this apparently harmless motion , I cannot avoid attaching to it that paramount importance which in the end will be visible to every man . We have discussed important questions at our several delegate meetings , in our several conferences , and in our several conventions , but not one separately or all unitedly , at all approaching the present motion in immediate consequence and ulterior results , ( hear , hear . ) I greatly admire the apparently unimportant tone in which it has been introduced , but still I cannot divest myself ofthe belief that sufficient previous consideration has not been given to the subject . Not , Mr . Chairman , that I would be prevented from replying to the motion if the delegates here assembled had been previously instructed upon the subject , yet , I deem it my
duty to ask them individually , if thoy have received any such instructions from their respective constituents . The question being put , and being answered with one exception , that they had received no such instruction , Mr . O'Connor said , nevertliele -s I shall proceed , and if my brother directors feel as I do , tbey will be animated with a double interest—that of individual feeling and corporate duty . The individu il feeling that they would rather be released from a portion of their labours , and the corporate duty which teaches them not to shrink from any amount of troublo or responsibility that the double oflice may impose upon them . Now , I shall first apply myself to Mr . Donavan ' _s observations , and I think I shall be able to strengthen the claim that he would weaken . Ho says tbat application was made to the
Executive to come and agitate thc political principle , and the answer was that they were too much occupied with the land question ; again , that they were applied to , tc come and agitate the land question , and th » answer was that they were too much occupied with the political question . Now , let us see how _cirt-amatsnees stood at those various times . They were applied to to agitate the political question _, while they were ordered by the samo parties to remain in London to procure the enrolment ofthe rules of the Land Society , tliey were then applied to , to come and agitate tbe land question , when it wns known to the world that their duties were required in London ou behalf ot Frost , William ? , and Jones —( hear , hear)—und well they discharged them . From the termination of that discussion
they have been engaged m perfecting the necessary preliminary _arragements for holding a Chartist Conference , and for taking the first ballot for the first section of the Land Society . Now , I wUl not for a moment _presum-.-that these unseasonable applications were intended to embarrass , while the various compliances were _impos . sible . I shall now reply to the observations of Mr . Leach . " He says that the two bodies cannot continue united with advantage to either , I tell him that they cannot be _separated without certain death to both . ( Hear , hear . ) I tell him that thc ligaments that bind them are like the living links that unite the Siamese Twinsif you cut them in the hope of making either stronger you inevitably destroy both ; but when the proposition is made it natiirallv compels tliose who have tilled the
double office to refer to thc discharge of their duty in their double capacity . Well , then , let us tuke that view . In 1812 Chartism became paralysed , it remained so till 1815 , when the warm breath of the laud breathed _nctilife into its nostrils , and gave it new strength and vigour . In 1843 the Executive , now also the directors , were appointed to office , to take the command of a movement that was shattered by local dissension , disturbed by secret letter writing , and poisoned by itinerating lecturers , who looked to their wages and not to our principles . ( Hear , hear . ) The Executive has trampled upon this trinity of evils , ithas destroyed contention , _smotherou treachery , and strangled deceit , without creating n single feud itself , lt did this while the movement was comparativel y dead ; it did this without wages ; it did this without the support of many who now marvel at the extraordinary strength we have given to the cause , and would now hazard a relapse into those jealous , dangerous
times , which must lie a consequence of having an agitating body who would be obliged to depend upon the mere system of perambulating lecturing and enthusiastic speeches as a means of -livelihood . ( Hear , hear . ) If you want to killChartism appoint officers you cannot pay . Mr . Leach lias admitted that the oldest , the best , the _sUunchestmcuuK'rs of the Chartist Associatiou arc now members in the Lund Society . Think you that tliose men will object as members of the Land Society to pay their lair share for the support _wf the political society . Or upon the contrary , must you not be convinced that the very step proposed is tha very one of all others to hold you , and me , and all of us up to scorn , derision , and _contempt . Perhaps you were not aware that the first handle made of ' such a fatal proceeding would be the exultation by thc enemy that after all it was found thatCHARTISM WAS NOT _iiAXIMSM—Oiear , hear ) , —while for myself I defy jou to scpava ' . e them . " Mr . Leach has told you that government , in tho event of a political agitation ,
Easter Week In Manchester. For Many Year...
mar our might Land project by seizing upon our funds this iB too ridiculous toadmit of comment , he might just as well suppose that if they prosecuted the League th « y could tako their funds . The directors have nothing to do with the funds , their persons do not represent the funds , and if they were all sentenced to be huug to-morrow it would not have the slightest effect npon the funds all that you would have to do would be to appoint new ' directors , while at thc same time , I thank Mr . Leach for doing tlie Executive the justice lo believe tbat when the struggle does come the directors will be in the front of the battle . ( Hear , hear . ) Gentlemen , much as I love the infant , I love the heir better ; _mwsh as I hope from the land , I hope moro from the Charter , and for myself I tell you unhesitatingly , that if I am called upon tomake
my election between the guardianship of the infant and the guardianship of the eldest ehild , 1 will leave the infant to its fate , and throw my protection around its eldest brother . ( Cheers . ) Bat , gentlemen , I believe that both I and my brother directors can do ample justice to tlie whole Chartist family , and when wc find ourselves unequal to that task we will be the first to apply for aid . Of course you will tolerate the expression of warm feelings upon this subject , and for this simple reason , because if jour present officers were consenting parties to this dangerous experiment they would he justly taunted with ignorance of th « _se results whicli must be tbe inevitable consequence of two bodies whom circumstances let them waleh and guard as tbey will , would naturally bring into collision . Thc Exrcutive _liave done their duty tho
country has not , and when tho country is prepared to act with the same vigour as their directing body , then we shall be able to shew them ourselves where we are weak , and to carry out your political views and social objvets with more satisfaction io you and more credit te ourselves , I would much rather see the election of au Executive entail also the appointment of the directorsthat is , that the election should be for an Exocutive _, and that the lesser honour should merge in the greater dignity , In conclusion , gentlemen , I beg of you to bear in mind that you imposed the office upon us when the plea for saddling us with the double burthen was the lingering state of Chartism , and now the cause assigned for severing them is , that we have raised Chartism to that preeminence requiring an exclusive management of its own . ( Cheers . )
Mr . Lkach , with the consent of Mr . Donavan , then moved for leave to withdraw tlie motion , in order to afford time for the delegates to receive ihe instructions of their several constituencies upon thosu ject and it betii " past six o ' clouk , and as Mr . O'Connor had to be in the Hall at seven , he moved tha * leave be granted to him to eat hiB dinner . ( _Laujihto . )
MEETING IN TIIE CARPENTERS' HALL . Before tho delegates separated , the public began to assemble in the Hall , and by scvon o clock , wben Mr . O'Connor arrived , tlie sanctified edilice presented an awfully-astounding appearance . Mr . Abbott , the secretary of the Miles Platton Association , who jumped out of the gallery of the Hall of Science when Mr . O'Connor was attacked there by the League , presided , as on Friday evening at tlie teaparty , and upon both occasions gave unmixed
satisfaction by his very praiseworthy conduct as chairman . Mr . Clark was first announced , and gave a most lucid , and indeed an eloquent , sketch of tiie progress of _Cliartisin since it was coupled with the land movement _. He illustrated the capabilities of ihe soil from many proofs that he had seen himself , and went extensively into tbe probable results ofthe experiment _, lie showed familiarly and feelingly the striking difference between a factory ot _. erative slaving for another , and an agricultural labourer working for himself . When he had concluded
Mr . _O'Co . n . vor was announced , and was received with three stunning cheers , and one cheer more . lie said that they saw before them that ni ght the proudest man that ever stood upon a public platform —they saw a peaceful general addressing his peaceful soldiers upon thc eve of a . peaceful struggle , in which no blood would be shed ; but a struggle that would result in the _prolongation of life , in the insurance of peace and the permanency of comfort . ( Loud cheers . ) Ob , how long he himself had struggled to bring the English miml even to hear a proposition for England ' s regeneration ; when he came _ami-ngst them they had heard of wheat , of bread , of bliss , of house , of home , of comfort , but no one told them that the land of their own soil alone c ? uld produce these
several blessings . ( Cheers . ) But he was straying . His mind was so full of anticipation that he had forgotten to announce the order of his discourse . lie would address them upon four topics—firstly , Ireland —the Irish and ihe bloody Coercion Bill . Secondly , Chartism as it was , Chartism as it is , { and ~ Chartism as it would bo . Thirdly , the prospects of his _n'roereus family—thc land members —( tremendous cheering)—and fourthly , tbe unnatural war , the free-trade war , now being waged by the masters of Lancashire against tliose engaged in the building trade , and he would then deal a heavy blow at the factious , dissatisfied and discontented , who would destroy confidence by affecting to doubt his integrity . ( Cheers . ) Yea , he would murder them with honesty . He would produce the Star o last Saturday with his account of
the land-fund as the deputy treasurer , and the bank book of the treasurer —( great cheering)—and when compared , every item would be found to correspond in date and amount as stated in the several accounts of the Star , This was the way to live down prejudice . This was thc way to inspire confidence . This was the way to strangle disaffection , and to annihilate slander . lie then appealed to the audience on behalf of Ireland ; he explained the provisions of tho Coercion Bill , the miseries that he had witnessed and heard of under the clearance system . He showed that uncertainty of tenure was the natural parent of suspicion , idleness , and crime , which were not characteristics of the Irish people , but were consequences of oppression and misrule . IIc _^ related several anecdotes of scenes and trials that he himself had
witnessed , and wound up a touching tale of woe by an exeiting appeal to his audience to arrest licensed murder by signing a petition against the Irish
LANDLORDS TYRANNY PRESERVATION BILL . After which , Mr . _Clakk read the petition to the House of Commons , which was followed by a unanimous cheer , and subsequently the trial of Darby Houseless , which was followed by as unanimous a yell of execration . Mr . O'Connor , then proceeded—I see faces , hundreds effaces here , that remind me of ruy . country . ( Loud cheers from the Irish . ) They have sought my life , but I forgive them ; the conductors of their _servile _prcsa have denounced me , but I pity the hirelings and laugh their littleness to scorn . I have stood up for my country ' s rights , while the creatures don ' t know what _tfce term means ; and while I have been
copiously assailed , and while I had good reason to feel sore and irritated , none will dare to say that a sentence or word derogatory to my country , my countrymen ' s _rights , or their religion , has ever escaped my lips , or flowed from my pen . ( Cheers , and Never . ) No , never ; but upon thc contrary , I have ever told the English people that if I could prevent it they should never have their rights a single day before Irishmen had their ' s . ( Cheers . ) Are my countrymen yet prepared to hoar tho truth ; are they yet in a state of mind to believe that £ 12 S _. 0 C 0 expended in six years might have been applied to regeneration . ( Loud cheers , and That ' s it . ) Do they know tbat the Irish patriotic staff have divided amongst them that amount within that ' period ? And do they know
that if I had had that sum at my disposal that 1 would by this time have located a million of Irishmen upon their own hind usurped by the Saxons , and that that would bo a better petitioning body , with the unbi ' iindcil freeman ' s musket in their hand than seven millions of slaves with one hundred and twenty thousand tokens of their folly in their juggler ' s pockets . ( Tremendous cheering . ) There may be some here as woll as myself who heard Mr . O'Connell at White Conduit House , declare that if he hail a petition from FIVE HUNDRED 1 BIOUSAND FIGHTING MEN , humbly stating their grievances , that their prayer for their redress might be very short . ( Loud cheer 3 , and cries of I did , I did . ) This was the first introduction of physical force in England , which has cost me and others so much pain ,
persecution and trouble to resist . ( Cheers . ) Much ot my time has been spent in eradicating the evil teaching of others , whilo they have actually used obedience to thoir foolish instructions as argumentsngainst the _pi-iiiciplos wc contend for , bnt in spite of all , chartism , to which I will now refer , has lived in defiance of their treacherous folly , in defiance of open opposition , in defiance of covert malignity . Sec what Chartism was when the law was strained against it , when it was struggling against a combination of elements that were _irreconcilcable except for its overthrow , see what it now is , when it defies persecution , and boldly affirms through me that it alone is big enough , anil powerful enough , to stop the next hole that faction makes in the constitution . ( Cheers , ) We know th . it there arc many hard hearted souls who would select the weakness of
individuals m a great national movement as matter sufficient to damn a great cause ; but we also know , ( which charms us most , ) that their censure of individual weakness is but proof of their own individual jealousy . ( Loud ehoers . ) My friends , who will point me out a single individual who has assailed even me in tho hope of correcting any fault or error that I may have committed , examine them in classes or individually , whether the Birmingham stasis , the mournful Cobbetites _, tho London w ' niir hunters , or the trallicking pedlars , and you will find that iho
Easter Week In Manchester. For Many Year...
object of one and ail has been to step into my shoes , - ( Loud cheers . ) -Aye , but if they were there , tbey would find that they required more ease than the Pilgrim who boiled his peas . —( Loud cheers . )—They wouldn't fit them ; they haven ' t amongst them juagment , temper , energy , resignation , or constitution to hold the office tor a wcek .- ( Cheer _3 . ) - _aome would ask w | ierc „ t l , e strength of Chartism \ uartv ? wI ls "~ whereis the * t' _*< -ngt « ot any other Son « n ' . uJr' ? : ' e j you ° ' - Friday , when tons of with the _! _A ° / Ch « t _« bi p «« Jtedyour _street ho Tea _, tS - P ° _wible - ' _* _? Were you at _pSwlmV _wn _' t 0 , lJu »< - ° mbe ,- ( Tremendoug chcering -where members of Parliament were paralysed-and confounded by Chartist Suence ? Were you at the . meeting to aid and comfort the Poles m the glorious struggle against tlie triple tyranny ot Russia , Austria and Prussia . ( Loud cheers . ) Have you not heard of 8 , 000 , 000 signatures '
being procured in ten days for the restoration of being procured in ten days for the restoration of three- _Chartists . ( Renewed applause . ) While all other parties unitedly cannot fabricate half a million , signatures within the session . Is this not an answer * to those who would ask for an illustration of _Chartfefc strength ? and , although properly belonging to _ther next head of my discourse , I may here introduce to * your notice a new feature of Chartism , and to this branch of mv subject 1 will implore your most un _> divided attention . Some years ago , I will take the obsolete period antecedent io the Reform Bill , political parties were merely distinguished by I heir political names , and were rallied under their mere nominal banners : if Toryism required an exhibition ; the banner of Toryism was raised : so wifcrt Whiggery _, so with Radicalism , but , thanks tothe > tt'ilcllil ] 2 Ot the _nennlt > Hint _iiTocIoi ; W < , _rw-. _trm . _nf Irnnur .
ledge which almost imperceptibly produces incipient ; effects , compels the several political sections to put tha soeial objects of their order upon their several banners . The Tories , whose principle is ever negative assumed resistance to democratic progress as their social emblem . The _Whij-s , alter a . long season of tinkering , were obliged to emblazon Free Trade as their social emblem ; and Chartism not _lading in tlie _iashiimable course into whieh it had driven its rivals , mounted thc Land as the only means of rewarding individual industry as its social motto . ( Loud and continued cheering . ) As long as we were unable to give a distinct illustration of the social meaning ot Chartism we wero scoffed at as impraeticables _. contending fora thing that wasm . t intended to realise any object : but now that we have _unwnteil
an . understandable meaning ' to tli « world no _liiaii longer seeks the definition of the piacticaltobemade use of Chartism . ( Loud cheers . ) We have not only tofot the world that it does not mean resistance to progression—that it does not mean free trade ; that it does not merely mean HIGH WAGES , CHEAP BREAD AND PLENTY TO DO , but that 16 means high wages , cheap land , good remuneration for labour with comparativel y LITTLE TO DO . ( Loud cheers . ) It means to buy land in the cheapest market , ami to sell your produce , after _whuleKOice consumption , in the dearest market . ( Cheers . ) Free trade means national _grandeur through _i-laas distinction anil national civilizationwhich the new
, economis tells us means a _eon-equent increase of pauperism , chartism means national grandeur inaniftss in a nation of happy individuals . Now , my friends . I shall proceed to my third head—the Land ; but first I will ask your _Sei-retarv , Mr . Murray to hold your Treasurer ' s Banker ' s " Book in his band while Mr . Clark reads over ihe items _fmn the Stor , stated to be placed to his credit and all remaining without a fraction being drawn . { Wlfn thi ceremony was completed umid repeated cheers , Mr . O'Connor observed , ) "Uut that ' s mv ncei . nnt i . rlv to the end of Karcli , since then I have re . eivi _' _, 1 . £ 120 u , and here it is ; " ( exhibiting an awful ii . ll of unsigned Post-Ofhce Orders anil Bankeis' Cheques ) which
Mr . Murray handing to a reporter , observed , "Urn ? , you see they are all _rk-ht , no forgeries , vou mav tot them up it you like . " ( Cheer * . ) Now , said Mr . O'C , you have cheered me for a simp le act of duty ; no ho csty whatever connected with it ; I don ' t want you to applaud a mere act of duty , although I am sorry to say thatyou have good reason to be astonished with it , for the cauBe of every popular failure has been the dishonest use made ofthe people ' s funds ( Cheers , and it ' s truo . ) But I haven't done yet—that ' s your _, side , tho cheering side of the picture—now look here , here ' s my side , the gloomy side , the profitable side of Chartism . Uere are £ 228 worth of Post-Offiee orders , dated January , February , and "March , and
for which I cannot get cash ; they are neither payable to Mr . Roberts , to Mr . _iWhcelerjnorto me ; some are payable at Manchester _Post-Ofh ' ce some at Leeds , and at every Post-Office , without exception , in London ; and then , nobody knows to whom they are payable . And mind , this amount represents a portion ofwhatlhavepaid to the Treasurer ' s account , to keep your ' accounts clear : besides this , theie _haa been nearly £ 50 irregularly paid into Banks , which . I cannot get . ( Cries of shame . ) Well , I have done with disagreeables , I h _* we treated of my monster , and now lturn to the most lovely infant that nature ever produced—I mean my rosy-faced Land child . ( Loud cheers . ) What shall I say of those who havs
confided in me to give them the benefit of a science of which they were purposely held in ienorance , while every tongue is full of its importance , in one shape or other . Ten years ago , five years ago , three years ago , who heard of the Land , except for the political patronage that it furnished , the commercial speculation which it encouraged ? Who among you knew that it , and it alone , produced his hat , his shoes , his coat , his shirt , his breakfast , his dinner , his supper and his bed ? ( Cheers . ) Who amongst you knew , that whilst the jeweller may starve amii ' st his treasured wealth , the Land alone furnishes not only the means of living , but the means of increasing the value of his baubles , by an exchange of your
surplus ? Who amongst you knew , that by the application of individual labour to th » Land , that every man was not only in possession ofa well-fltockod larder , but of a bank upon which he could draw the means of exchanging for those necessaries of life that his own labour was not adequate , or was not applied to furnish . ( Loud cheers . ) Here I am , after leas than ten months engaged in an obstinate battle , victor over prejudices , conqueror of slander , and commander of , with _"jmy brother directors , a sum of over Seven Thousand Pounds , above all expences _. ( Loud cheers . ) And in speaking of expences let mo remind you , that the mountebanks and jugglers who furnish you with the fascinating prospectuses ofa
life without toil , and riches without exertion , invariably wind up the society ' s affairs by furnishing you with a bill of liabilities above receipts , advertising te diffuse a knowledge of the scheme having swallowed up the paid up capital . Here then is a society embracing the nation withm Ub fostering , wide , and tender arms , that has _notcostifemembers ONE SIXPENCE in advertising . ( Loud and continued cheering . ) Can you longer marvel then at the opposition , nay , at the hatred of the press—that fourth estate of the realm hates the non-advertising community as tailors hate tho _breechesless , as shoemakers despise the shoeless , as publicans despise the sober . ( Cheers , and roars of laughter . ) Monday , Mr . O'Connor continued , will
indeed be a proud day for England , when tho working classes are receiving the reward ef their generous confidence , He then explained the princip le of Education which he meant to propose as an auxiliary to the Land plan , and after many pleasing illustrations of tho capability ofthe soil , he referred to the extensive manner , the complete and crowning manner , ia which the trades could carry out the principles ol restriction , by applying their funds to the purchase of Land , which would pay them 4 per cent , with good security , instead of 2 _Jpor cent , upon bad security ; and at tbe same time make labour more valuable in the artificial mm km , by rcmovim : the surplus hands from the free labour market . _( Chi ' _i-r _*) lie i . ext
turned to the oonifideratioii _t'f the strike imw _gi-iu ; on in Lancashire by the building trades . 11 e A \ w i d that he had fully anticipated what the rouJi of free trade would be , if not accompanied by tv perfect equalization of power _, lie assured the trades who are out that they had received but a foretaste of free trade clemency , and that if lie could , at all apart from tho famishing state of Ireland , bring his mind to a distinct acceptance of the principles of free trade , it would be only from a conviction that it would create such an organization of the whole of the labouring classes , as would enforce front tyranny a fair representation of labour . ( Loud _olieci-s . ) Aye , if we had free trade to-morrow
the poor , the virtuous , the brave hand-loom weavers , would no longer be compelled to struggle alone for their rights , but labour , simultaneously oppressed , would simultaneously rise , and simultaneously crush the serpent ' s head . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Even in distress , I cannot flatter . I cannot extend my undivided sympathy to men who have provoked their own suffering hy their own subserviency , or their own indifference to their order . ( Cheers . ) They : have joined the National Trades' Association nowy it is true ; but when did they join it ? Not whom they were strung , and when they could have nurtured its force for ths day of battle , but when they became weak , and required _tiss ' staiice from their more . oonliding fellow labourers . ( Loud cheers . ) Had thoy not read the meeting of the London _papor-aUinevs that took place on Thursday night , where it was shown that the masters , in anticipation of _PoelTs . taviff ,
and of the reduction of the price of provisions , had taken Is . Od . from every 3 s . Oil . of the meu ' s . wages ? ( Ones of " Shamo . " ) Mr . O'Connor : _Sinmc , indeed , shame upon the one who unresisted plunders _,, or upon the many who umesistedly _parmit him ! Shame , eternal shame upon the unoonfUing millions , but no shamo upon the _confidinir tyrants . ( Great cheering . ) See the situation of ' _these contractors . Peel s tariil' will alter the price of timber , and many other articles used in building and finishing h . uses . A master builder has a contract to buijtl a house for £ 1 , 000 . Peel ' s tariff will allow htm to build it for £ lo 0 less , leaving him tho _pronthe-originallv calculated upon . The men legiti'jialclv say , " Wc have a share to a slico of this godsend . " * ¦• No , " sav tho masters , "it is much too little for us adventurous speculators ; we'll have it all , and more if we _et-uld get it . ( Cheers . ) _Wyll , tho same holds good in tho case ofa man w no is building a house upon speculation ; but wlm do the masters say ? ' -Work moro 1 ( Concluded in the Eig hth Page . )
% W V 1
% w v 1
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), April 18, 1846, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_18041846/page/1/
-