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BRIGHTON . A public meeting of the inhabitants of Brighton was held on Monday craning week , at tbe Town HaU , to tike into consideration the propriety of addressing a petition to the Common * ' Home of Ftaiiameat in favoar of a document entitled-the " People * Charter , " , and to adopt such measure * as the said meeting might ^ I flHii frrr ^* il » nfc . The meeting was convened by the High Constable , on » requisition being presented to him , « g ™* by * mmeroos and respectable portion of the inhabitants of Brighton- In the absence of the High Constable , who -was confined to hit house by severe indisposition , the chair was taken by Mr . Johk Good , Delegate for Brighton in the fint Conventien .
Business oommenoed by the Vestry Clerk leading the requisition , daring which we beliere both ' the Members for ths Borough entered the- rofnn , it *^ t "" V t ^ rtr * Mit » ea die right of the Chairman , amidst long continued applause ; in fact the applause for Captain Pechell , one of the glorious thirty-nine , ins tremendoss . Hardly had the chewing subsided , bet the old hall rang again and again on the «* traBce . of Charles Brooker , Esq . ; peal after peal vibrated through the hall on the appearance of the Honourable Gentleman -on the- platform , beside the Members for the Borough . Silence haying in some degree been gained , the . Vestry Clerk finished reading the requisition , the Chairman briefly requested the meeting to preserve order , and give , as be bad no doubt they would , a fair and impartial hearing to every speaker . Mr . Allek rose to propose the following resotetion : —
" That in the opinion of this meeting , the rapidly increasing tide of distress , which is involving all the industrious and commercial classes of society , is attribntable solely to the existing iaeqniliti ** of a Mjttem which ewenttaUy protects particular classes at the expense of the rights and interests of the great body of the people . " That till all classes of men be placed on a footing of equality before the laws of the country , the evils now so universally complained of will continue to grow , and at last to threaten a national convul-Jdoa . " That , in the opinion of this meeting , nothing short of the adoption of the ' People ' s Charter' can effect the desired object , aad that we , therefore , adopt the petition call * d | the ' National Petition , ' praying for this object "
Mr . AXLES , in a long and eloquent speech , spoke to the resolution with a fervour and admiration that exiled down upon him the repeated applause of the meeting . An incident ocenrred , during hisaddrftss , that placed the meeting in such a spirit of delight , that for a few moments all order was at an end . Every man and woman were standing , waving hats and handkerchiefs , shouting at the top of their voice *—the very building seemed to tremble with the weight of their loud hurrahs . One man bad entered the hall from one of the ante rooms , followed by a few trusty and faithful friend * . He mounted the platform—passed hi front of the borough members to the left of the chairman—he was recognised—it was their beloved schoolmasteryes , it was Bronterre O'Brien . —he who had passed the fiery ordeal of Whig persecution ; nearly two years
since he had been in Brighton ; yet with all , he was the same man ; though there is not that smiling conntenanoe—yet the same features are there—the same undaunted spirit—the same determination of mind ; eighteen months * persecution has not damped the ardour of his soul—the same inspirations to free his country exist in his manJy breast ; yes , with all the brutal persecuiioaa ? f his oppressors—he is the same nndannted—the same determined advocate and teacher of the millions of hi * persecuted and oppressed fellowsubjeets . O'Brien in Brighton , is surrounded by a host of friends—men who have stood by him in the days of adversity—men who have braved and treated with contempt the contumely of the proud and haaghty , the rich and titled , and rallied round one oif the noblest of nature's creation ¦ such was the the enthusiasm of the
meeting , as we have said before , for the time everything was at a standstill . Mr . Allen resumed his address , by appealing at once to the people to discountenance the brutal Whigs . " See" said be , " a victim of their cruel and brotal treatment—look at your brave O'Brien . Hen of Brighton , look at your noble teacher —Whigs of Brighton , avaant from the withering glance of the man your party have so brutally treated ; hide yourselves for ever from the sight of your honest Chartist neighbours ; look with shame at the victim of the bloody despotism of your party when in power who , frh » nV God , exist no longer as a party of any consequence to be worth noticing . Men of Brighton , forget
not the Bufferings of poor Holberry , Peddte , and numerous others of your friends , who have been and some of whom are still confined in the loathsome dungeons of your oppressors , in which the despotism of the late Whig Ministry placed them . And will you , ean you support such a party ? ( Loud cries of " no , no , never , "j No , never said Mr . Allen ; their day is gone for everthey h < " < now a faction -who -will try their best to put them down ; bat they will faiL The rising intelligence of the people will in the end prevail , asd the Charter become the law of the land . Mr . Allen resumed his seat amid the most tremendous applause , and was followed fcy
Mr . Gollisg , who , in a neat and most effective speech , seconded the resolution ; which , after being read by the Vestry Clerk , to ? put . to the meeting by the Chairman , and carried with loud cheering . Mr . Woodward rose to propose the adoption of the National Petition . He congratulated his brother Chartists on the progress their cause has made in the town of Brighton , and the county of Sussex It was nearly four years since the Charter was introduced into this town ; since -which time Chartism and its advocates had borne a terrible persecution ; still the principles of the Charter are all paramount ; hundreds of their best and noblest compatriots had suffered long and lonesome incarceration . Although barricades bad been erected at previous meetings in this
townsoldiers under »™«—their fellow-tow-nmen sworn in as special constables , to bludgeon them—vile coastguardmen were introduced in the body of the meeting with naked cstLisses—with all these against them , they had triumphed , and seethe consequence ; no tumults , nor no rioting . Mr . W . impressed on the meeting the fact , that whenever a new sect sprang op among the pe » ple , whether in politics or religion , persecution was sure to follow ; they had been persecuted—their friends bad been torn from thtm ; still cut of a &ery and cruel peikecntion , Chartism came more pure—the spirit boned stronger and more determined , and nothing but the sincerity and resolution of the people is wanted to lead them to a successful conclusion , tCheers . ) The good seed sown by Mr . Feargus O'Connor three years since , and the doctrines he bad promulgated among them , had not been forgotten , but on all and every occasion they had responded to them , and in spite of
a vile and corrupt press they were at Jast . recognised as a powerful party in the state . Mr . Woodward then entered into 3 history and defence of the Charter , seriatim , pointing out the differences that existed in the various boroughs , comparing the siiall wkh the large , instancing small boroughs with a population of two or three thousand sending as many members as a population of three hundred thousand . He then drew a picture of the state of the poorer classes of this country , and with considerable feeling read extracts from the Times ne-srepaper , giiixg an account that at the same time her Majesty wag delivered &f & Prince , three poor women were confined in one bed and two in another , at the same time , on the same day , at Sevenoais TJnion workhouse . lGreat sensation was evinced by the meeting ) Mr . Woodward urged upon erery man to sign the petition , if agreed to , and resumed his seat amid loud continued cheering .
The Vestry Clsrk having read the > aiional Petition , Mr . Flowers , in a speech of some lnngth and spirit , seconded its adoption . The venerable and good old man Bpoke with an energy we have seldom witnessed . The cheering of the meeting told ua that his feelings were responded to . and on resuming his seat , the meeting gave him one load and long round of applause . Mr . Bro . ^ terbe OVBbies was called for , and on shewing himself to the meeting , the cheering was tremendous . After it had subsided , he thanfced them for the manner in which liiey had received him ttt&t evening , and said he oajjnt t *> be grateful , forthe people of Bright ton never forgot him in his time of trouble . He had never soli cited their support , yet they came forward tc
his assistance when most needed . It was gratifying to him to see fifteen or sixteen hundred honest faces , aftei having seen n 'thing but the faces of thieves and smashers for the last eighteen months . Mr . O'Brier gave an account ef his companions , which elicited repeated outbursts of tiw meetings indignation at suet abominable treatment . He said he would undertake tc prove that the misery of the people was the result ol acts of Parliament , and he would undertake not only tc shew that , but that the men who made those acts oi Parliament , made them for ihs purpose of robbing and enslaving the peopte , and more than that he would undertake to show , in opposition to any one , what those acts of Parliament were ; or if there were evils existing , which wen not the result of acts of Parliament , the ;
were the result of the want oF such , acts , -which thej would hare if other acts of Parliament did not proteel them . He thought it necessary- to make this remark , because it had been frequeotty said'in the House ol Commons , that the distress- of the people was not owinf to legislation . Lord John Rassell had made a state ment to thategeet , and so had Sir Bobert Peel ; and th « Times , the organ of the monied class , on the oceasior of the great meeting in Palace Yard , to elect delegate to the Convention , after abusing the Chartists , foi their folly and presumption in thinking they had an ; claim to the suffrage , said , " What , do yon . mean to shew
us that Parliament could do anything to better your eon < dition ? Draw up a Bill , which if carried into a la * would ameliorate your condition , and present it to the House of Commons , and we will undertake to say that , however nifc&aly yon may think of that Hc « k , ft ¦ wil ] not hesitate one moment ia passing that bill into a law . ' That was all delusion , or to use a stronger expression , itwaaaUbnmbog . in the first place , it was not b ) one act of Parliament that the people were brought imc tb ^ r-yres ent condition , and they had no right to expeel that one aet of Parliament would bring them out of it , omen , less Ot » e p eoediag iron that House , as ai pre-¦ eateonititubsdr No ! if they were to remedy the evib
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of the country , they must have power in the hands of those who suffered from the evils , and net exclusively confined to the classes , who , either did not suffer or were interested in the system that caused the evils . Bat , perhaps , there might be persons present who thought that the distress was exaggerated , and that the decline of wage * alluded to in the petition was not true . He knew that the Duke of Wellington not long ago said , " The talk abortt distress was exaggerated , for alt men willing and able to work oould find a living . " Mr . O'Brien aiverted to the dirtrew that existed in Stockport , when there were spinners , -who lour weeks ago were earning only 17 sv per week , while three yean ago , these same men were in the receipt of £ 5 a week . Hundreds were walking the street , and could get no
employment at all ; and he sever witnessed a sight that appalled him more than the sight of thousands of gaunt half-starved looking men , who were walking the streets of Stockport , almost in rags , and wi $ b tmrj appeatasee- ot mental mad bodily suffering . - In . tbe same town , there w-&re power-loom weavers earning 10 s . per week , who not many years ago were earning twice tkatsum . Mi . O'Brien also adverted to the distress existing in Carlisle , in Wigan , Blackburn , Burnley , Todmorden , and various other parts of Lancashire ; and even in Yorkshire , where the people were generally better off , be had found teem living at the rate of 5 s . to 6 s . a-week , and some of them were at 4 s . ( Shame . ) The men of Brighton had the geod fortune to live in a part of the country where the
mass of the people did not depend on any particular branch of trade ; and they , therefore , had no experience of these things ; but if they had been in the districts he had been in , and witnessed the sights he had witnessed , they would see at once how it was that the people throughout tbe northern districts were calling so londly for the People ' s Charter , and for a total change in the present system of society . It might be said that this was the result of machinery , of the Corn Laws , and of the want of free trade . But all these things he would assert , were caused by bad laws . ( Hear , hear . ) In all the towns he had visited , be found the wages of the hand-loem wearers to have declined in tbe proportion be had stated . In Huddersfield they were now getting 2 Ad . a-yard for weaving what they got 5 d . for in 1828 ;
and in Barnsley they were getting 7 s . a-piece for what they got lie . for ten years ago . The only class of handloom weavers who were earning as much as 6 s . per week were a certain number who had been many years La the employ of Mr . Fielden—a Member of Parliament , and a man whom he respected , and whom he believed was honestly inclined towards the people—and he had kept up the wages by 2 s . a-week higher than the wages of all around them since 18 SS . He asserted that those men whose wages had been reduced bad been robbed of five-sixths of their earnings ; that the man Who got 6 * . where his father got 9 Ss- far less -work ( and the father got less than he ought )—he asserted that that man was robbed of five-sixths of his earnings , because be continued to give the same wealth to society , while
fire-sixths of the wealth he ought to receive was taken from him by a power he could not resist Then , the next question was , who were the robbers , and who were the receivers of stolen goods ? Now , there happened to be two honourable gentlemen then present , and lo one felt more respect for them than he did , seeing that they were cot ashamed to show themselves to the people , and he should be ashamed if he did not repeat what be said in other parts of the country , that the receivers were those who lived on fixed income . ' and for which they rendered no service to society , and th& ; : ue robbers were those who made the la wb by which they continued to receive those fixed incomes without giving aa exchange . Now , observe , be made no charge against the PRESENT House of Commons . All the preceding
Houses were robbers and receivers of stolen goods , but he was not going to apply that to the present one , because , according to the laws , he could treat a dead Parliament like a dead dog , but not a living one , because if he did they would send him again to Lancaster Castle . ( Laughter and cheers , ) It was a hard name to give a Parliament to say that they were the receivers of stolen goods , and the man who did it ought to give his proofs ; and here he was to give it in respect to all past Parliaments , and excepting only the PRESENT Parliament , which was composed of honourable and right honourable gentlemen . ( Laughter . ) Well , then , they had accompanied him in his statements to show that tbe poor man had been robbed of at least five-sixths of his earnings ; and the next qnestion was ,
who were the receivers of the stolen goods ? When a pollcemanheard of a robbery , the first thing was to look after the stolen property , ard if be got that be was certain of getting at the thief . This was the course he should take , and then , having got at tbe property they would get at the honourable and right honourable ffentte-Ttten , all belonging to previous Parliament * . Well , then , men of fixed Incomes received those incomes because the law was strong enough to give it them , not for sny value which they gave in return to society . He would take one case at a time . By men living on fixed incomes he meant fundholders , living on the dividends ; he meant also men living on rents derived from land , men living on rent-charges , no matter how they got them , during the time the wages of the hand-loom
-wearer had declined . B » gin with the fundholder , going no ftu ther back than J 810 or 1812 . The fundholder would receive about £ 60 for £ 100 stock in the three per cents , but if the same man were to sell out now he would receive £ 90 . and in the meantime he would have received £ 90 more for usury . Here , then , after receiving £ 98 without doing anything for it , the value of their capital was increased £ 50 per cent- ; but it did sot end there , for they could go into the market and bay fear times as much of the produce of the handloom weaver as tbesatne money would purchase at the former period ; they could purchase four times the amount of Manchester geods and three times that of Birmingham goods . ( Hear , hear . ) Here was the fundholder taking the usury given to him by Act of Parliament , which , if Parliament was elected by the people , would be put an end to , because it was forbidden by Motes . Here was £ 90 received for usury , contrary to the law of Moses ,
and the common law of England—here was property raised from £ « 6 to £ 90 , and in addition to that every pound in that capital was worth £ 3 compared to the former time ; so that here wa » a three-fold robbery , every one by Act of Parliament It was Parliament that contracted the debt without tbe nation ' s consent , and then there was the interest of the debt , which was far worse than the debt itself . Now , then , compare the different facts he had stated—tbe workpeople being robbed of five-sixths of their earnings , and tben the men of fixed incomes receiving more by fifty per cent beside the usury , and every pound of that being three or feur times more valuable , Tbe fundholders could , therefore , command five or six days' labour of the handloom weaver where before they could only command ane ; and he who could command the labour of another rendered him his slate . ( Loud applause . ) Now , then , the reeeirers of fixed incomes had received what tbe
hand-loom weavers had lo » t , and consequently they were tbe receivers of the stolen goads . Then the next question was , who were the robbers ? He answered the Parliament of England , and those who made that Parliament The reason why he used this language was that they ( the Chartists ) had been again and again denounced by Members of Parliament and by a corrupt press . The fact was , he never , in the course of his life , penned a sentence which went to Bay that a farthing of the property of the rich should be taken from them and given to the poor , though he had written hundreds of . sentences to d « stroy vhe power they had of taking it . He should be serry to use any language with a -view to give any unnecessary Insult to the two Hon . Gentlemen who were there , and who were Members
of Parliament ( Applause . ) But it was one thing not to insult them , and another to blink the truth . It was his opinion that the People ' s Charter would produce nothing bat bloodshed from one end of the country to the other , unless the people pos easing property , no matter how lh y . got it , were secured in tbe possession of it ( Hear , hear . ) The repeal of the taxes would not relieve the people . No doubt , the taxes were a burden to the people , but they were nothing compared to other grievances . Mr . O'Brien then stated that he believed he was the legally elected member for Newcastle-npon-Tyne ; he ¦ was chosen by 11 , 000 people who held up their hands in his favour , while the Whig had only 200 , and the Tory 120 : but though no poll was demanded , the
Returning Omcer declared the others elected . Mr . O'Brien stated to the meeting the tyrannical treatment he had recsiTed when in prison ; he was not allowed to write for the press , by order of lord iformanby , as he was termed the " most dangerous man of the whole party . " Mr . O'Brien then gave a mimic description of the reading of the indictment by which he was tried , and the manner in which he illustrated the reading—of " routs , " " riots , " and ' tumults , " ' tending to disturb the prace of the country , " "creating insurrections a ? ainst our Sovereign La y the Queen , her Crown , and dignity , " ( po-ir dear little creature ) , called forth pekls of de : isive laughter . AdvertitiR to the accession of the Torirs to office , * c Mr . OB . continued , that if they attempted to suspend the habeas corpus against the majority of the people of the country , that the people
would rise as one n ; ± ss and put down the conspirators . ( Tremendous applatue . ) He was as willing as aay man to obey the laws , even if they were bad , so long as the law left him the means of raising public opinion to alter the laws ; but if tkat Ia ^ r ( referring to the ha beas corpus act , ) was pat an end to ; if the present Government shoold think ii necessary to suspend the law , and govern by military commissions , then ha , for one , should feel himself relieved from all obligation to Parliament , " and he would not hesitate a n-. OJient—( Long-continued cheering . ) Mr . O'Brien concluded by exhorting every person present to hold up their hands for the petition , and not to leave the Hall till they had appended their names to the petition sheets , and resumed bis seat amid long continued ard rapturous applause .
Cbables Brook ee , Esq . rose , but owing to the lateness of the evening he should not deliver any address to the meeting . He had intended to have done so ; but if the sense of the meeting was such that be should proceed , he would do so . A short disesssion enmed between the Chairman and Mr . Brooker , when Mr . B . said he fully agreed with tbe petition , and resumed his seai amidst great applause . Ttw motion for the adoption of the petition was then put to the meeting , and carried with loud cheers , Mr . Sandy moved" That the thanks of this meeting are . , and are hereby given , to Captain Pechell and J . >" . Wigney ,
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Esq ., Members for the Borough , for their attendance here this evening . " , tit . Woodwaed , in s > few observations , seconded the resolution . ' A little squabbling arose between Mr . Woodward and Mr . Wlgney , owing to a mUanaeriUmding arising on a promise , which Mr . Wfgney made to Mr . Woodward , to vote for the . release of * Frost and hia copatriots . Mr . WifeNBY did not deny , in toto , the promise ; bat he considered that , if he did so , it most have been PaivvrEiv , and so ought to have been kept by Mr . Woodward . After the squabble had somewhat ended .
Mr . CBbien rose and again shortly addressed the meeting , fie complimented Captain Pechell on his vote on Shaman Crawford ' s motion , on the motion , for the release of the political prisoners , and many other rotes he had given in Parliament . That proved to him that be bad a mind not to be ledfaway , and that he bad -voted « oB * ctentioaaly . Mr . O'Brien said both their Members were entitled to their thanks for their attendance that evening . It ' . was not common to see Members of Parliament at meetings like this , sad therefore he did consider that thanks were due to them . The motion was put and carried unanimously .
Captain Pechell rose and said , In compliance with the invitation he had received , be bad attended that meeting . He considered it to be his duty to pay that mark of respect and attention to them , when he knew the many acts of Unrtnnm which they had conferred upon him , aad the many sacrifioes many of them had made in his behalf ; He cengratulated them on the manner they had conducted the meeting . He did not think it necessary for their honourable and talented visitor , Mr . O'Brien , to guard himself that he did not intend to cast any insult upon their representatives ; he did not think that the Hon . Gentleman wished to east any insult upon them , well knowing'that he had neelved from the hands of his friends of Brighton most efficient support , and in such service he was an hnmble
instrument . With reference to the language he bad used upon former Parliaments , * c , he knew it was language that must be applied , and which in many oases was strictly applicable . ( Loud cheers . ) They must do himself and colleague justice in believing that they should certainly not submit to allow the petition which bad emanated from that assembly to be treated with disrespect in that plaoe where they had a voice , and that they would mention the intelligence in which the petition had been argued at that meeting , After a few observations , the Gallant Captain resumed , his seat ' amid loud applause . .. J . N . Wiqney , Esq ., M . P ., next presented himself , and said in consequence of an invitation received by him , be bad attended the meeting , and received great
pleasure in his attendance , as he bad the honour of being one of the representatives of the town ; it was always his pleasure to attend meetings like these , and hear the sentiments of others upon aU oecaiions . Sentiments such as had been there spoken were well worth hearing , and well worth the consideration of the public at large , —( cheers )—and whilst he could not fully accerd with all that had fallen from the talented speaker , Mr . O'Brien , dill he could not refrain from toying he had spoken many wholesome truths . Taking the statement of Mr . O'Brien as correct , as to what he suffered in his imprisonment he should say it was a disgrace to a free country like this . He should not take upon himself to judge the case ; but , taking tbe statement of Mr . O'Brien , he thought the punishment far more than commensurate for the alleged offence . With regard to what had falleu from Mr . Woodward , he would say , he had never given one pledge privately or publicly that he should be ashamed to acknowledge either on
these or any other boards , and be should be ashamed to state In a private room what he could not publicly acknowledge ; he hoped , therefore , that he should stand at all events , fairly before that meeting , and that it was not to be supposed , for a singlo moment , that he should at one time say one thing , and at another time another thing . With his Honourable and Gallant Colleague , he should have great pleasure , if he were to hear anything derogatory in the House of Commons , to a petition like the present , in showing the House the erroneous views they took of it . The sentiments of Mr . O'Brien bad given him great pleasure . They contained many wholesome truths , and the only thing he might find a little fault with , was that he was rather too sweeping in his observatiens on late Houses of Parliament , ( Mr . Wigney formerly representing Brighton . ) He should be moat happy to see Mr . O'Brien in the House of Commons , and if Mr . O'Brien got there , he would not , he thought , come out and say he had left behind him an assembly of thieves and robbers .
The following resolutions were severally proposed , seconded , and carried ;—Resolved— " That a Committee be appointed to obtain signatures to the petition , and that the following persons do form sach Committee , with power to add to their number , vis .: — " Messrs . Woodward , Allen , Flower , AUcorne , Morling , Lansaell , Giles , Colling , John Good , and John Rose . " " That the expences incident to this meeting be defrayed by tbe High Constable , and charged In his account " "That tbe thanks of this meeting axe due , and are hereby presented , to Charles Brooker , and James Bronterre O'Brien , Esquires , for their attendance this evening . " " That the thanks of this meeting are due , and are hereby given , to Mr . John Good , for his able and impartial conduct in the chair . "
The meeting lasted fonr hours and a half . Mr . O'Brien ' s address lasted about two hours . The meeting broke up by giving three cheers for the Charter , three for O'Brien , O'Connor , Frost , Williams , and Jones , and all the incarcerated victims .
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LEICESTER . Mr . Henry Vincent ' s Second Lecture in the New Hall , on Monday evening , the 16 th inst , will belong remembered , as having resulted in bringing out the Rev . J . P . Mursell , the eloquent successor of the immortal Robert Hall , in a bold and unshrinking position , as the advocate of Universal Suffrage . Mr . Cooper was called to the chair , and gave out the " Chartist National Anthem , " which was sung by the immense company , standing and uncovered . Tbe Chairman , in his opening address , defended the Chartist
coalition with the Tories at Nottingham and Leicester—{¦ aid it was tbe greatest act of statesmanship that ever engaged tbe min d * of the people ; th » y were forced to it by the conduct of the Whigs— it was a step exseedingly repugnant to him , one which it was long before he could make up his mind to take—and he sincerely hoped the Whigs would never force them to the same measure again . If tbe Middle Classes would come out for the Chartists , the Chartists would come out for tbe Middle Classes , who , he hoped , would forget all that was past , as they listened to the eloquence of his friend , Henry Vincent iCheers . )
Mr . VINCENT then came forward , and was received with loud cheering . He proceeded to recapitulate at some length the main points of his first address ; and then weut on : —Tbe fact that tbe people feel interested in questions of a political nature , is anything but pleasing to those interested in keeping things as they are . It may be that our demands are listened te when the passions of tbe people have been roused ; for when our rulers have neon our strength they have dreaded the monster , and have granted it something to keep it quiet : —but we have never obtained anything till matters have proceeded thus far . But I am here to speak upon the divisions of the people , aud the means of healing them . I think we may take it for granted , that whatever our differences are , we have
but one common view—all are deeply interested in the annihilation of everything that mars the beauty of tbe whole political system , I have shown that the government should represent and be for the good of the people : the first thing , therefore , to be contended for , is the power of controlling the government Now , the House ef Commons possesses such a vast amount of prerogative , in spite of the great prerogative of the Crown , tbe Church , and the Aristocracy , that most of the evils of which we complain would cease if that House were composed of upright men . Therefore , the tru 9 philosophic method of remedying the evils under which -we labour would be , to extend among the people the powtt of choosing the House of Commons ; a& present , we may say , that » 11 the members ore
returned by little more that 300 , 000 electors I What a monstrous anomaly this-rthe idea of only 300 , 600 electors out of somewhere about 5 , 000 , 000 mole adults bbing allowed to choose the representatives of the whole people . ' ( Loud choers . ) It is indeed a monstrous anomaly , for this small body of electors can be so ncted upon by the Aristocracy in various ways , that it cannot be said u > represent the wishes of the people . ( Hear , hear . ) The lecturer then glanced at the composition of the present House of Commons , and askod what would be done ? There was a majority of ninety-one Tories , who , of course , would oppose anything ef a liberal nature ; and when the question of Free Trade was brought forward , the supporters of the late government would make long speeches in its favour , and vote for it
—the Whig papers would bay with great exultation , 1 ' See the progress of liberal principles ! See how many more voted for Free Trade than have ever done before !" —and there would be the end of it iLaughter . ) Such being tbe case , ( continued Mr . Vincent ) will it be wise to call into existence a mighty revolution merely for the purpose of endeavouring to obtain the repeal of a measure that can be re-enacted the next day ? Will it not be the wiser way to see if there be not some way of promoting a union between the two classes—the middle and working—and thus placing ourselves in & position f jr effectually carrying the measures that are necessary ? ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Mr . Vincent then referred to the observations made by the Editor of the Leicester
ChroiUtle last week , with respect to what he considered the one-sided view of union taken by him , and the absence of any statement as to what the amount of co-operation was to be on the port of the Chartists in aid of Commercial Reform . With all due respect for the Editor of tbe Chronicle , he would Bay , let those who think it practicable to obtain the Repeal of the Corn Laws petition b > - all means ; but if the middle classes wished to prove the honesty of their intentions towards the working—if they wished to optn tbe doors of trade freely—let them do so by showing they were ready to assist in obtaining for them their right * . The Chutists admitted that trade bad been de * Uojed by Uia fetters put upon it by tbe aristocracy—they admitted that the
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working people were starving ; but they felt that all endeavours to remedy this state of things - would be useless so long as the aristocracy remained in possession of their present power ; and therefore they wished to assail the master spirit of monopoly that had called forth the Corn Laws . The Chartist * were not opposed to free trade : anything that levelled the restrictions on it would indeed be a glorious achievement , and optn the way for others ; but the aristocracy feared this , and strove . to keep the people divided , in order that they might thus have it in their power to plunder them . The Intonate of the aristocracy were so wound up in these restrictions , that they would rather risk a civil war than give np one of them . ( Hear , hear . ) The aristocracy looked upon the people as their
« erf « , as their property ; they dreaded free trade as an encroachment upon their rights ; and therefore they oppVofced , arid would oppose , every approach towards this . This being the ease , he would pot it to ~ the Editor of the Chronicle , whether it would not be far mo » bene * volent in the middle and upper to aid the working classes in obtaining tbeir just right * , than to waste' their strength in getting up such a mighty revolution for the mere Repeal of the Com Laws : if they got the former , they would soon get the latter ; but it was very doubtful if , with all their efforts , they would get the latter without having first obtained the former . Mr . Vincent then again referred to the Charter plan of Universal Suflrage , and showed it would be more efficient than Household , because tbe
latter would exclude all lodgers , who were among the most intelligent clan of the community . It would not be wisdom on the part-of tbe Chartists to waste thefr strength in endeavouring to obtain a repeal of the Corn Laws as things now wejs : the attempt had been made —by Hunt at Peterloo , and by others since then—and it hod failed . The working classes had taken part in the agitation for . the Reform Bill , and what had they gained ? Nothing . Put experience showed that whenever the aristocracy were beaten on one point , they endeavoured to regain strength In another . Mr-Vincent then at some length showed boW tbe aristocracy have ever sought to keep the people in ignorance and debase their minds , because in this ignorance their great security consisted ; and instanced the state of the
rural population , who are still the least educated , and who are taught from < their childhood up to reverence mere wealth and rank , without asking whether their possessors are good and virtuous , and deserve their respect He ( Mr . V . ) liked civility , but riot servility , because be saw under it the fruits of the slavish system that enslaved and debased them . He was not there to flatter the working classes ; and he must ; ten them , that though there was mere Intelligence among them than among the agricultural , yet they were too much caught by mere glitter and show , and their mindg too much turned towards the aristocracy by the raree show and " good old sports" they so generously provided for the people , in order to keep up' their " manly character "* - Bueh aa boxing , bull-baits , and cock aad dog
npbts;all to debase the minds of the multitude , so that they might change the sport when they pleased , and turn the dog-fight into a national one . To the working classes , he had a few words of advice to give : —they must obtain greater knowledge in every department of trade , and this was to be got by increasing their intelligence and general knowledge . An intelligent man was a courageous man' ; and he would not rest contented with a pig-sty while there was a palace open for him . But though they were not yet so intelligent as thvy might and ought to be , yet , they were intelligent enough for the exercise of the franchise , and those who were not so at present , would soon acquire knowledge . But if the middie and working classes were all intelligent , and were divided among themselves , they would do no
good . If government saw that they were resolved on obtaining an object , the first thing it would endeavour to do would be to sow dissensions among them : and for this purpose would employ , as it had done before , tbe press and the pulpit also , besides other means . In the Chartist Convention of 1839 , many bad men took part in the movement , and spies wete paid by Government , to introduce themselves into the society of Chartists . [ Of this Mr . Vinoentrelated an instance he himself knew of ] If the government saw the anti-Corn Law League and Chartist * united for the attainment of Universal Suffrage , they would fear and tremble , and would seek to destroy its effect by tbe meant he had just spoken of . In some places—in Bath for instancesome of tbe middle class had professed themselves in
favour of the principles of the Charter ; but tbe Tory press said nothing of it , and strove to revive the old prejudices : —this procedure , however , though it might defer for a time , would not put off the day of reckoning . Mr . Tinosnt then went on to speak of the misunderstandings existing between the middle and working classes , and to show their folly : —there was not a working roan wh « would not like to be a master to-morrow If he could , and rightly so ( bear , hear ); and if the working classes were well paid , the middle classes benefited thereby , for tbe people were their best customers ( bear , hear)—better than the majority of the aristocracy , who , if they did give grand orders , were often excessively indignant if tbe tradesman should presume to send his bilL ( Laughter . ) It must be plain to
all that no state could stand long , if the people were not comfortable , for tbeir hatred of property was engendered by the existence of distress , while their neighbours were rolling in wealth ; and they looked upon the rich among them as the cause of their distress ; but if they were uncomfortable , they would have no cause for this feeling of dislike to property . ( Hear , hear . ) If the working classes had been to blame in disturbing meetings called by them—( and he did not wish to palliate all their conduct )—the middie classes were also to blame for the way In which they had been accustomed to speak of the working classes—saying they had rather be governed by St . James ' s than Bt Giles ' s , which was an insult to the people . Now St James ' s had been tried and found wanting , but St . Giles ' s had not ; and ,
besides , what had made St . Giles's and placed a wall of adamant around it but the conduct of those in St James ' s ? ( Hear . ) But England was not all one St Giles ' , but had some intelligent men in whose hands the power of government would be safer than in the present hands . This language produced recrimination , and thus the breach was widened ; while they pursue a contrary course and mix and converse with each other , the more they would find ia each other to like . ( Cheers . He ( Mr . V . ) wished to see this state of things come to pass—when both classes should meet each other on mutual grounds ; and though he did not venture to hope his humble efforts had done much towards it , yet he hoped be bad said nothing to widen the breach . — For what , then , were the two classes to unite ! For
the obtainment of a mere childish change ? No 1 rather let them go on for a while endeavouring to convince each other of the justness of their respective views ; and meanwhile the wish to promote the good of all should animate us all . Mr . Tincent then referred in terms of high commendation to the Nonconformist which was edited by a gentleman formerly resident in that town [ Mr . Miall , ] and which ably advocated the necessity of great changes in our political institutions . Speaking of what we were to expect from the present Government , he asked what could we expect from Sir Robert Peel , who , at a dinner given to him at an unh&rsity , said that , if ever the time came when the multitude should seem likely to get the upper hand , would the aristocracy submit to it ? No ! they
would remember their paul glory , their castles , their ancient families , and splendour , and they would rise and put tbe multitude down 1 Pretty doctrine this , ( said Mr . V . ) for au advocate of passive obedience and non-resistance , and the person who gave it was now Prime Minister and principal adviser of the Queen I But the people would teach such men there was virtue and greatness among them , and that they also had something to look back upon with pride . He ( Mr . V . ) thanked Sir Robert Peel for this doctrine ; for if the few had , as he said , a right to resist the will of the many , how much more right had the many to resist the will of the few ? ( Loud cheers . ) Let the people teach Sir Robert Peel that they , too , had a memory ; and tnat no pretended legislation , no canting sympathy for
the distresses of the people , no tricks , no old follies of the Whigs , dressed up afreab . for 1841 , would satisfy them . ( Cheers . ) He did not wish to offend any oue by thus touching upon the fallings off of the Whigs ; but even their friends must acknowledge that , as a party , they had sadly fallen off since tbe days of Charles James Fox , who was very much like a Chartist , and was for Universal Suffrage . ( Hear , hear . ) Sir Robert Peel might think , perhaps , to carry on the Government in the see-aaw way of the late administration ; but he hoped their supporters , though lenient to their own Government , —( laughter , )—would nut be so
to the Tories . Sir Robert was a good disciple of modern Whiggery : —there would doubtless be , on the opening of the Parliament , a good Queen ' s speech , plenty of promises , but no performance . ( Laughter . ) Midule men ( said Mr . V . ) let us unite to prevent thisunite , not agaipst Sir Bobert Peel , but againSt the system that gives him power—and let us seek to obtain its overthrow . ( Loud cheers . )—Mr . Vincent then expressed his readiness to answer any questions , aud after a few observations on the spread of liberal principles among the people , and thanking the audience fer the patient hearing he had had—sat down amid loud cheering .
The Chaibhan then made a few remarks , and said he hoped that in the central town of England—a town where the gieat doctrine of Universal Suflrage had been advocated is the magnificent diction of Robert Hall , and had been urged by the fervid eloquence of a Mursell , and the glowing patriotism of a Miall , —the present happy occasion would not pass without some advocate for the broad rights of man , present in that hail , rising to express his consonanco with Mr . Vincent ' s views . He knew that the working-men were thirsting to bear the voice of an eloquent friend of liberty then In that room , and he trusted they would not be disappointed . The cry here became almost general fer "Mr . Marsell , Mr . Mursell , " and the room rang with tremendous plaudits on the mention of that gentleman ' s name . After the lapse of a minute or two ,
The Rev . J . P . Murselc ascended the platform , When he was received with loud cheering . He had not ( said the Rev . Geutleman ) come to the meeting with the intention of saying anything—he came merely as a listener . With Mr . Vincent ' s lectures he bad been much pleased : he had never listened to more able one * in that ball ; and he hod only to regret that every person of every class had hot been present to listen to them . He hoped . th « y . would do good , and thought they must do good . He hod not been converted to any new opinion by them , for he had always been an
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advocate « f Fnlversal Suffrage —( loud cheers )^ -and not alt the arguments brought against it by some of the middle class had been , able to convert him'from bis opinion , gome of them objected to it because of the ignorance of the working class ; but this , was no argument , because the wdifchu ? das * were not morelgnbrant than their rulers , and their Ignorance was but a reflection of what ? was in high places—( cheers ) ;—had they been more virtuous , the working and middle classes wourd have been more *) . He ( Mr . M . ) was infavonr of electoral distrfcta , and longed for the day When the great principles of the Charter should be carried Into effiwt ( Loud applause . ) Referring to tbe allastoa made to Mr . Miall , Mr . Mursell said they had both long entertain * d the same principles ; aad talked over the
qnestion in their little family drclei . ' Mr . Miall had done great good , and had ' made many converts to UhlterBal Suffrage by Wi writings among the middle classes ; who were before afraW Of the word . What was now Wanted Was union ; and he hoped that woald be carried into effect by the lectures of to-D ! ghfc » ntf last Tuesday It roust be brought about by necessity . Those who composed the Anti-Corn-Law league , when disappointed in their object , wouldeome and unite with them ( the Chartists . ) They wished to get rid of the Com Laws , and say to the Chartists , Unite with us for this purpose r but when they got these laws repealed , they would not unite with the working classes in favour of Universal Soffrage .
But the working cJms who have studied Euclid , say , the greater Involves the less , and if you will unite with us for Universal Suffrage , then we will unite wKh you for the repeal of the Corn laws , ' 'And he' ( Mr . Af . ) would say to the Chartists , Do not give up your r ights , but demand th « great principles of the Charter . ( Loud cheers from the Chartists . ) The struggfenbw was not between mere parties , but between' Aristocracy and Democracy ; the struggle , if he mistook not , was soon to be made : and . let them b » ready to nnite in the work , to advance the : great ¦ principles of the Charter . From henceforth , this arm ( said Mr . M ^ raising his right arm ) is bared in defence of Universal Suffrage . ( Tremendous cheering . )
There was next a call for Mr . Winks , who addressed a few words to the meeting . He cordially approved of much that had been said by Mr . Vincent , and he would beg to propose a vote of tftanto to him for bis lectures ( Hear , hear . ) The general tendency of his remarks bad been to promote a better feeling between all parties : there were some other things he could have wished had not been said , or had been said differently ; but upon those he would not touch , for fear he might say something not so agreeable to the feelings of the assembly as what'he had said . He ( Mr . W . ) was in favour of an extension of the suffrage , though be might not go quite so far as Mr . Vincent . Be cordially moved tbe vote of thanks . The Rev . Mr . Mdrskll seconded it Mr . Baikstow moved aa an amendment , a res » lution he had written in the course of the evening , embodying the previous one , to the following effect : —
" Tbat this meeting , in expressing its thanks to Mr . Vincent for his able and eloquent lectures , likewise feels that the sole bond of union between the middle and working classes must be based on tbe right of tbe latter to a full , free , and righteous representation in Parliament . " Mr . W . Kempson , manufacturer , begged , before the amendment was put , to be allowed to make one remark . There was one sentiment he had heard expressed tonight , which he did not think could be correct : he therefore wished to know if he heard aright . It had been said , that if the Corn Laws were repealed , tbe working classes would be in a worse situation to obtain ' an extension of the Suffrage than before . Surely , if we
got that measure of Reform , aud thus diminished the power of the aristocracy , we thereby gained extended power to get fuller privileges . ( Hear , hear . ) The middle class have ever struggled for every measure of liberty hitherto obtained ; why , then , should the Chartists , though they may be of opinion that the Repeal of the Corn Laws is not bo important aa tbe Extension of the Suffrage—why should they try to repress that movement 7 Meetings had been held to promote that object , and had been put a stop to ; yet the people had not been prevented from endeavouring to obtain their ebject ( Hear , hear . ) Such conduct was neither just nor wise . Surely , if the Com Laws were repealed , we should be in a better position to obtain aa extension of our privileges . ( Hear , hear . )
Tbe Rev . Mr . Mursell rose to toy he- wished to withdraw the original resolution . He thought Mr . Kempson must have referred to a sentiment expressed by him . He was not wanting in solicitude for the Repeal of the Corn Laws ; but if he was right in his assumption , there were many gentlemen la favour of tbe abolition of the Cora Laws , but not In favour of an extension of the suffrage . Those who were against the extension of the suffrage would not be converted , because they had obtained a Repeal of the Cera Laws ; and many connected with the anti-Com Law League were directly opposed to extension of the suffrage . For instance , he knew Mr . Cobden very well , —and he did
not hesitate to say , that Mr . Cobden was for no such thing m Universal Suffrage . ( Loud cries of hear , hear , and mark tbat 1 > He would say to the working classes , " Support the Repeal ot the Corn Laws , bnt never at the expence of your own right . " ( Cheers from the Chartists . ) He regretted the interruptions at former meetings , alluded to by Mr . Kempson , but be hoped the pacific manner in which this meeting had been conducted might be taken as a sign that a better spirit was gaining ground : indeed , it would be a shame if at any future meeting an ; person were prevented from expressing his sentiments . The eloquent gentleman sat down amidst the moat rapturous and ; long-continued cheering .
After a little hesitation , Mr . WINKS ( who regretted much the introduction of Mr . Balretow'a amendment ) consented to the withdrawal of the original resolutionat the same time stating he quite agreed with Mr . Keropson tbat the first and best thing would be for the working classes to get a good bellyful , and then try their theories . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) Mr . Markham seconded tbe amendment , which was put by The Chairman , who , before deing so , justified hh conduct in having proposed the amendment at the meeting to address the Queen ; and stated that , with all
respect for Mr . Mursell , he was not convinced tbat he should not be justified in so doing at any future meeting for the mtre repeal of the Corn Laws . He also said that the disturbance at that meeting was not commenced by the Chartists , but by the other party . He frankly confessed he had been more bitter in his personalities than he should have been , owing to the fierce opposition he met with . The resolution was carried unanimously . Mr . Markham also disclaimed having gone to tha Anti-Corn Law meeting on purpose to disturb its proceedings .
Mr . Vincent returned thanks for the handsome manner in which the vote of thanks had been carried , and the meeting dispersed at about half-past ten o ' clock—a collection being made at the door to defray expences . Before the meeting dispersed , the Chairman proposed three cheers for the People ' s Charter , Feargus O'Connor , Mr . Vincent , and Mr . Mussell , which were gives con spiriio . This meeting has raised great excitement among the middle classes . Mr . Mursell is being denounced by some of them ; but he and his friend , the Editor of the Nonconformist , are believed to have " nailed their colours to tbe mast . "
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Chairman—I cannot allow you , Sir , tonr « iLiL thte style of language . F ^« t » Mr . DowUKG , Editor of the famed Momium Merlin , arose , and appealed to the better sense of v Cronln , and tried by alternate coaxing and thresw * to intimidate him . —~» "" wea ^ Mr . Cbonin—I will not be bullied or coaxed b » * . DowUng or any other gentlemaopresent ' . ** Mr . Dowling appealed to the meeting to prow him against Mr . Cronln' « attacks , and said It warS his intention to bully any person . ** Mr . Ckorih—I tUnk you bate done so , fauumtuh you had no business to interrupt or contradict meiS ? addressing the chair , it being tfce business of the CW man to call me ta QrderJf jieoessary . ^ Chairman—Your observations are totally foreI * . L the object of the meetin ^ and the terms of the rS ? sitioa . ^
Cbonin—I thin * , Shr , yon will find mv reim * . quite consistent with the addition which lam abott ? Introduce . If youlook , 8 ir , at the manuraeturing a tricta , you will find the condition of the working ^ worse , if possible * than that of Newport , v will find starvation and misery in the public | C and the slave brand mark on the pale-facedj emaciated form of our fellow subjects . ( Load che * The Chairman toterferiag , Mr . Cronim bo 2 submission , and proceeded to read the amendm *? amid frequent and vociferous cheering , as follows ^ We , yen * Majesty ' s loyal and dutiful subjects k , to congratulate yonr Majesty on the event of j 2
having given birth , to a prince , and an heir to ( 2 kingdom , and ateo your recovery from the same . We desire at the same time t » assure your MiW , that we do this , not in compliance with the estabSS form , or custom—riot as an homage due to yourW &nd station—but In obedience to thosa great and «* m principles which teach us to regard with feelWj affectionate sympathy every member of the ogl ? family ; for , ' whatever may be the distinction of ^ J and power which neoeaajty may permanently , or caZ , and' expediency temporarily require , we are all ^ jT tially of one nature , have one common interest ?? Master to serve , and one God to adore . .
We rejoice that your Majesty ia sow placed uW responsible situation of parent to our future monsA and we humbly hope your Majesty will seethe aa * sity of ameliorating the political condition of j » people , as a certain means of securing their devefa and loyalty , when it may please God to call him to h throne . Believing also that it Is our duty to ende ** to render your Majesty ' s reign happy , we iaaU «> cerity venture to point out a few means by which M power vested in yon for the good of the people mat i , used for that righteous end .
We beg , therefore , to represent to your Majesty fi » urgent necessity of appointing wise . and just mesh inquire into the serious and lamentable condition of & people of this country , who , though more enlightew , skilful , and industrious than any other people , artnt in a state of dreadful poverty an * misery . We bejjm this state of things to be caused by exclusive legislate —that is , power placed in the hands of a few to ft . great detriment of the many , and the people , to vta , such power property belongs . -
We beg your Majesty also to consider the feelinnot the bereaved families of Messrs . John Frost , % . phaniah Williams , and William Jones , and also ifl other political prisoners who are now exiled or ionj . soned , through endeavouring fearlessly and hooettlj to point out a remedy for those evils ; and we nuatn spectfully entreat your Majesty to grant them fa pardons , and a remission of the remainder ef theb » speetjve sentences , tbat tbeg ^ may . be restored to tkfr wives and families . ' ( Long and continued cheers . ) Mr . Wells , provision merchant , considering tha addition just and reasonable , would second it ( Chen ) Mr . Cronin—This course will be adopted in erot towa throughout the length and breadth of the land Mr . Dowling—Addresses have been carried ia Bath , Cheltenham , and several other places , which b named . ¦
Mr . TOWNSEND said , It was a delicate sutyeet to deal with . He concurred with Mr . Dowling Uutuj difference of opinion would seem as a want of loyait ? but he wished to know if there wu any inconsista « in stating the distress of the eoantry to her Majesty u the same time as the congratulation , as it was nsOm to appeal where there was no power , but to when there was power , and a will to use it justly . ( Land chetrs . ) : ¦ ' ^ Mr . Wm . Edwards said , he admired the lanni » of the gentlemen , and especially that of Mr . To warn ! but wondered that Mr . Bowling should allow hjiuf to be carried away by the warmth of his tempenUHst It was of vital importance that they should taJkstlM present opportunity of addressing her Majesty for then , selves ; they never could have a better one . te Edwards then proceeded to show the great and
terrible distress Which prevailed , with considerable tut and ability . He said the working classes wereuttofj destitute , the middle classes on the verge of bankrapttr , and that in four years time , it would bring down the aristocracy . ( Loud cheers . ) He would suggest tint » few of the gentlemen would reconsider , the addnistad amendment , and endeavour to form a proper a ^ dnai out of both , so as to gain unanimity , aud cany Mt&s object of beth parties . ( Hear , hear , andeoeoi ) Mr . E . alluded also to the paragraph in the addition concerning Frost , Williams , and Jones , and urged the meeting strenuously to seek for a remission of their sentences , and concluded by wishing the QuMnfesppl * ness during her life , but at its close , he hoped Hanarchial Government would be closed for ever in England . ( Cheers . )
At this stage of the proceedings the cozutemtko visible in the countenances of the tithe-fed parsou ill ludicrous in the extreme . One of them left the mob accompanied by a few would-be-thought over-loytlud weak-stomached gents . Mr . Jones then rose and said , Mr . Chairman and fitstlemen , I wish to say a few words in behalf of my fellow working men , and the course which we have this day adopted . Some may think it presumption in us to correct your proceedings , or break the unanimity of this meeting ; but , gentlemen , we will shew you Uutnca is not oar intention , as we wish to see unanimity ssd cordiality prevail in every public meeting . We do not intend to say anything against the original address if
far as it goes , but wish to see those things contained ia the amendment added to it ( Cheers . ) Some may say it is not our place , as working men , to interfere ins cause where so many mm of wealth are engaged in it , but permit me to say , Mr . Chairman , that I consida the man who would apply his wealth and influence to retard the progress of liberty , a tyrant whom all nes should hold in abhorrence and contempt I regard every rich man in proportion to the good use he mikes of it . Whenever a public meeting is called to send an address or petition to either the Houses of Fuiisr ment or to royalty , as a Briton I claim the right of expressing my opinions on the ( subject , it being a legacy bequeathed to us by our ancestors . The Queen lutb entered into s solemn covenant with her people , » d by virtue of that covenant she has a heavy eall op «»
us , that is to defend the territories at home and abroad , and to support her Government ; also , we , on the otto hand have got a great demand upon her , i e that M should listen to our grievances , and do all that is in her power to redress them , and , therefore , we cimoS let slip the present opportunity of laying before ber a few of the heavy burdens , under which we labour . and I cannot possibly see how the amendment already proposed should diminish the loyalty and congratula tions of the original address . The royal babe is e&Uea the Prince of Wales , and I have no doubt many Welshmen are proud of it , but they would be infinitely son so if they found , that such an happy event should bo the weans of her Majesty paying a Jittie » ttt ! ltio ° ' ? tbe grievances of the people . I beg leave to snppon the amendment , because it contains tbe op inions a tbe great masses of the principality of Wales ¦ ¦ ¦ HJ
. „ ™ - — ^^ ~ - ^ w w *^ w ^ v q ^ K « A ** 1 P ^» HI" ^ J ir&M * ^^* ¦ » ^¦• W "" Mm The gentlemen endeavoured by promises to 1 > J *^~ on Mr . Croniu to abandon his addition , bot withon effect . They held out promises to call a meeting for t » express purpose of considering the distress of JM country ; the Mayor and others promised theirsuppon and encouragement , and tried every means in ttMtf power to put off the amendment , but Mr . C- and < " friends remained firm . The Chairman then endeavoured to put the origin * address without the amendment , when he was info ™)™ resptctfully by Mr . C . that if he did not pot & » amendment , he would take the liberty ot doing so himself . After sitting for a length of time and looking n * utterable things , the Chairman declared tbe raw ® dissolved .
Mr . Cronin immediately proposed three coeen «* Frost , Williams , and Jones , also for Feargus O'CoaJWr and the Northern Star , and the Charter , which wew » sponded to in such an enthusiastic manner as * ™ J ] f gladdened the hearts of the exiles had tbeyhewd *
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All the Mills at Chorley , near Bolton , were » a stand last week , and the workmen " turned ow upon the master-cotton-spinnera attempting w - duce their wages twelve-and-a-half per cent . Conviction of Sib Edward Kw atchboll rot Evading a Tsll . —On Sir Edward KuataMg accepting office , last September , in Sir K- / f ! L Ministry , a new election of course took P' » ce '" iS county of Kent . A Monday waa the day * WS . for the nomination , and Sir Edward Knawowj . who Jived twenty miles from Barham Down ? , * " * * the election was to take place , left hia n « m * 3
avoid travelling on Sunday . The Ri « ht Honour *" Baronet considered thia travelling for the V * P"Z an election , and on that account he refused to Pf the lolls . For refusing at a gate near CiW « J he was summoned before the magistrates of » *^ on Monday . The court waa crowded to hear * »^ Counsel attended on both Bides , and , * l iJ j £ vA . investigation , the magistrates decided «*• . * „ -, £ ¦ ward had unlawfully claimed the exemp iioB j *» ¦ ¦ . fined him in the sum of £ 2 2 s ., and 8 s . «»• 3 L . Tn « Right Hon . Barouet announced his d 8 te Sa turn to appeal from the conviction . ^ ^ ea
of turnpike roads , and persons having ""^ "Sthe elections . It will tend t © mulct the f ^^' jrj ^ a » electors of a county may leave their homw , Saturday to attend a Monday ' s election , aw * sreat convenience to aaany freeholders .
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¦¦¦ NEWPORT . —Monmouthshire . GREAT AND GLORIOUS VICTORY OE THE BLISTERED HANDS OVER THE BROAD CLOTH GENTRY . On Friday , the 10 th , in pursuance of a requisition signed by upwards of 80 persons , a public meeting of the inhabitants took place at the Police Court , fur the purpose of expressing to her Majesty their feelings of loyalty and attachment to her royal person , and of joy at the auspicious event of the birth of a prince . Twelve o ' clock was the hour named by the gentry ( no doubt thinking the greater portion of the working classes would be then engaged at their work ) but , to their utter discomfiture , they found that self-interest 'was cf little consideration when placed against the expression of public opinion , therefore at the hour appointed the Court was fulL
Mr . Townsend proposed the ex-Mayor as Chairman , on account of his having been in power and office at the time of the event which caused the present manifestation . - Mr . Wells seconded the proposition . There was a dispute about tbe policy of appointing Mr . Hughes in preference to the present Mayor , and a show of hands was called for , when the meeting unanimously concurred in Mr . To-wnsend ' B proposition . The Chairman , in his usual luminous manner , stated the object of the present meeting , and hoped the public would strictly confine themselves to it . Mr . Hawkins then read the address , which contained the usual quantum of adulation and flattery with which our liege Lady the Queen has been so pestered by her loyal and dutiful subjects . He moved that it be adopted .
Mr . Ceonin , the Secretary of the Cbtttirt Asgo « elation said , he bad an addition which be intended to propose by way of amendment . ( Cheers . ) Chairman—Are you an oocupantof this town , and what is your name ? Cronin—I am , Sir , my name ia Wm . Cronin . Chaibhan—I hope you willv strictly adhere to the subject for which this meeting is called . - Cronin—Mr . Chairman and fellow-working men , before I commence reading the addition that I intend proposing to the address , I will beg leave to offer a few remarks , and but few . ( Cheers . ) I dare « ay you are aU well aware and fully convinced that there have
been insinuations and foul calumnies set forth by our enemiea—that we have been denominated physical force men , torch and dagger men , or dtftiucUves of property , and God knows bow much beside . We have been designated disloyal subjects ;' but they would show this day that they were as loyal « md true as any of . tb * gentlemen present . He , for one , loved his Queen aa much as any man , and therefore they would place no obstruction In the way Of the address ; they-would merely add a little to it by way c * amendment . Mr . Cronin then prooeeded to show the utter poverty and misery in which the working classes '' re placed throuehout the land .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 27, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct406/page/6/
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