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TO " ^HE IMPERIAL CSaBTISTS.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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My i > ba » Fxiexds , —I have something to say to you tills week on a great many subjects , and conse quently I can say but little on each . Firstly , I shall say a word of my last seven days ' campaign . - During last week Imadeabove SIXTY POTJNDS for my party , by my own" exertions ; I got in Eobscripboni nearly £ 3 for the wounded ; enlisted forty-ax paying recruits ; and got seven wounds in my body , limV 3 , and head . That is all Ihavetosav about last week , except to fender my very best thanks to those brave fellows who assembled at the Hall of Science on Wednesday night , determined to defend me at the risk of life itself ; Englishmen , Irishmen , and Scotchmen , without distinction , were of the army of defence . I shall say
no more of the proceedings of Tuesday night , as I have made a solemn vow to pursue the inquiry to the death , and- expose the rascally assassins . I am ever more ready to correct an error than to do an injury . I find that in the present instance I have wronged Mr . Warren . He was not one of the procurers of my assassination ; but beingformeriy an active member of the asseciationfrom wkeneethefunds came for similar purposes on other occasions , he therefore came in for his share of suspicion . The fact is , that Mr . Warren , sot longer willing to be a tool of Mr . Edward Watkins , was deposed , the Association broke np , changed its name , and conferred leadership upon the said Mr . Watkins , who is now the redoubtable leader of the National Operative Association .
This innocent youth ( W&tkins ) wished to have an apology from me ; and in an attempt to excuse himself , confirmed the fact that he had paid for the printing of the tying extracts from the Manchester Times . I am willing and ready to do justice to Warren ; and I wiil treat Master Edward Watkins to justice at other h&TiflF . I now pass over to Monday last ; and , men of the North , believe me , when I tell you that yon have never yet seen Chartism in its £ lory . I never saw Chartism till Monday last , at Wolverhampton and Bilston . Of course , the reporter for the district will attempt a description of that day ' s proceedings ; but I defy him to give it . Bear in mind that VUliere , the parliamentary mouth-piece of . the League is member for Wolveihampfcon , and you would expect that so noisy a community would have some snbiia sudpotI there . Bat no , sot a bit of it .
Ko mac could guess within ten thousand or twenty thousand of the numbers assembled at Wolverhamp > -. Jon , and no pen can describe the enthasiasm . Seven hundred glorious women from Bilston and the Ticinity marched in front of the Bilston procession that came to Wolverhampton . The first thing they said when the cheering ceased was , " Do you want us in Manchester ? ' The procession literally filled the town , and Whigs and Tories looked completely flabbergasted . Well , Mogg , a fine fellow , a townsman , who has fought our battles well , was in the chair . The Derby resolution was passed unanimously , and then I took a show of hands for ov& Chvrtkr and for Stnrge ' s Charter ; for orss every hand save one was held up ; for Siurge ' s one , aud that one the hand of the reporter of the Staffordshire Examiner , Whig journal . 1 spoke at some length , but it was impossible that ane-half eonld hear . Mr . Mason was elected
unanimously as delegate . The usual cheers were given , and we formed into procession for Bilstou about three , and sneh a gathering 1 nerer beheld . O , cotton slaves ! would to God you had seen what yet remains of English manners ,- ^ customs , and dress . There was innocence , simplicity , courage , and mirth , dressed in English long woollen smock frocks . The miners , the finest fellows in the world . As 1 told them , 1 had been for seven years marching to the slow march of Chartism , but theirs was the double quick lime . Bilston contains 20 , 000 inhabitants ; bat there was more than double that Amount from all parts within fourteen miles . The band never once stopped for the three miles , nor had the enthusiasm at all abated whea in the dark . I proposed the following resolution : — Resolved , * That sgitition except for the People ' s -Charter , whole and entire , is a humbug and should be resisted by tbe working classes . "
This was juit the thing for the brave and honest miners , and every hand was held up for it amid roars -of thundering appl ause . I next to * k a show of bands for our Charter , and for the '' complete' humbug , when every hand was held up for ours , and not one for humbug . I then declared my intention to see their resolution carried out , and asked every man who would go with me to Birmingham , ten miles , in the event of a demonstration in favour of Siurge's cew move , to hold up their hanus , and the forest wa 3 again uplifted , and the very air made to ring with peals of applause .
Now , then , brave men of Birmingham , you who have so bravely resisted internal treachery and treason from those -who spent your money and sold you for a rotten corporation , be no longer afraid of the old women , the infidel Christians , the old rump , and new traitors . I will take one hundred thousand men to aid you against the resurrection of old Whiggery , and march back with them after the peaceful victory . These moral-force ruffians have . got my Irish blood up . Men of the MiriMnrfa , the humbugs hold a conference at Birmingham ; learn the day , and , sons of toil , do you also elect delegates from every town and Tillage , and I wIQ meet you in conference at Birmingham on the self-same day . My friends , I am coining toby" gold oat of my own sweat and blood for mj party . We will beat them all , and all their money , if we only stick together .
I never had such a week as last week in my life . Good Friday ought to be a great day for Lancashire . I shall be in Manchester on that day . I forgot to mention that Stiran , an excellent man , was chairman at Bilston , and that Mason was nnanimonslj elected delegate , and that I passed through one street in Bilston , in which 500 paying Chartist members live ! Long life to the dear , good , and brave fellows , I call those smock-frock fellows , O'Connor ' s oum . Ever your devoted servant , Fxasgus O'Cossok .
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SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE . GBEAT AND TRIUMPHANT DEMONSTRATION IN HONOUR OF MR . FEARGUS O'COXlfOB . The largest ccneonrse of people ever beheld in this part of the country assembled at WolverhamptoE , on Moaday last , to do honour to the People's Champion , Peargus O'Connor , Esq . The spirit and enthusiasm displayed on the occaaon surpasses anything of the sort ever witnessed in England .
The town 3 of Bilston , Wolverhampton , Walsall , Wednesbury , Darlaston , WiUenhall , aDd the whole of the surrounding villages , were posted with large bills , giving notice that a procession would take place on Monday last , in honour of Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., and stating the time and manner in which the various processions should proceed to the Railway Station , at Wolverhampton . As early as five o'clock in the morning , the Chartist band were at their post in Bilston , and in a short while after , the people were to be seen bustling trough the town in ail directions to wards the place ofstarticg . _ ™ ' _ ' _ Bilston
The arrangements entered into by the Committee were most excellent , and at ten o c * ock * n immense concourse of the brave flannel smocked colliers , with 500 females , accompanied with numerous splendid flags and banners , and an excellent band of music , marched off in high glee to Wolverhampton . _ , The brave lads of Walsall , Darlaston , Wednesbnrj , &c , were also up and Btirring ; in fact , it was truly astonishing to behold the immense concourse whieb . pouted into the Wolverhampttm road from all pans ofiae co \ mt 3 , 3 kfibToiQg an undeniable proof of the present attachment of the people towards Mr . O'Counor .
The placards announced twelve o ' clock as the time ih « ilr . O'Connor was expected to arrive , and in accordance with that arrangement the various processions were requested to meet st Horsley Fields , near Wolverhampton , at ten o ' clock , and at that t : methe immeuse nrocession from Bilston , which w&s joined by tbose ' of oiher towns on their march , armed , and were met by an immense multitude from Wolverhampton , Dudley , Kidderminster , and ether towns in that quarier , vrhen a sudden bunt of cheering , like a volley of cannon , issued from each bodj accompanied with waving of hats and handkerchiefs . The numerous cavalcade then proceeded towards'WoiTeriiamj . ton , and for upwaio . 3 of two miles iae read was cempktely blocked up by one dense mass of human beings . The numerous flags , banners , and devices had a most beautiful
appearance . On arriving in Wolverhamjiou , a long , lcu <* , and triumphant rhout was raised , and repeated at e ^ ery street end , which was warmly responded to by the mhabitiiLts from their windows . The multitude was increased enormously at Wolverhamptun , and could no longer be kept in anything iike order . The streets were completely blocked up , and from Wolverhampton to t ' ae railway siation va distance of two miles , the road was completel y blocked up , the nnly order observable at the time being tkeflag 3 and banners which es tended from the Station to Wolverhamptoa ; the rest was cue solid mass of human beings .
The multitude awaited the arrival of Mr . O Connor in anxious expectation , and at quarter ^ o twelve , a carnage aud four , conducted by two postillions in splendid livery , arrived st the Station , in which was seated Messrs . Mogg , Stiran , Cock , of Dudley , and Mr . Peplow , of Stafford . The walls surrounding the station were crowded with thousands of anxious spectators , and every inch of ground which commanded a view of the
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railway was occupied , and the head clerk very civilly admitted-Messrs . White , Porter , Stiran , Cook , Hogg , and others , in order to conduct Mr . O'Connor to the carriage . - All were now anxiously engaged in looking out for the train , and in a while a loud cheer announced the approach of one , but on its arrival , it was ascertained that Mr . O'Coimor w&s not amongst the passengers ; this was toe result of a mistake on the part of the committee , who had given notice that her would arrive at twelve ; whereas Mr . O'Connor had Stated to the deputation which waited on him that he would arrive at half-past two . However , the delay was borne with the most perfect good humour , especially as it afforded those who had come from a great aistance , an opportunity of refreshing themselves ; after which they again took up their station .
The weather , which was rather humid at twelve o ' clock , now began to brighten , and all were again on the tiptoe of expectation . At the time appointed the train came rattling up , and upon Mr . O'Connor ' s recognition , an enthusiastic cheer announced the fact , which was answered by an exulting plaudit along the whole line . Mr . O'Conner was then escorted to his carriage , and the railway gates being thrown open , another long , loud , and enthusiastic burst of applause greeted the presence of the
people ' s advocate . Mr . O'Connor took off bis hat , -and bowed repeatedly in acknowledgment of the enthusiastic manner in which he was received by the brave and athletic inhabitants of this important mining and colliery district . The Chartist ladies of Bilston were amongst the foremost in testifying their esteem by-waving iheir wands , wbich were 8 uTm . oun . t 6 d with green cards , bearing the following inscription : — " Remember Frost , Williams , and Jones . "
Mr . Francis Langstop , who was selected as Herald and who wore a beautiful scarf of scarlet and green , then gave the word , " Move on , " and the immense multitude set off in the following order : — Herald on horseback , Supported by two flag bearers . Motto—Peace , Law , and Order . Large Green Banner . Motto—Welcome the Defender of the People ' s Rights , O'Connor the Brave . Large Flag . Motto—What is Life without Liberty . Brass Band . Large Green Banner . followed by a large concourse of Irishmen . Motto—Universal Suffrage aud Repeal of the Union . Reverss—Green Banners flying—Civil and Religious
Liberty , large Banner . Motto—Female Chartist Association , Bilston , With a beautiful likeness of Feargus O'Connor Esq Members of the Female Chartist Association , ten abreast . Splendid Silk Banner . Motto—National Charter Association . Council of Bilston and Wolverhampton National Charter Association . Members of the Association , ten abreast . Splendid American Republican Flag . Members of the Association , ten abreast . Splendid Green Banner . Motto—Civil and Religious Liberty—the whole
Charter , and nothing less . . Open Carriage and four beautiful Bays , In which was seated FEARGUS O'CONNOR , Esq ., Members of the Wolverhampton Association , four abreast . ¦ Splendid Pink and White Banner . Motto—The Judgment of Heaven is Labour and Food—the Judgment of Kings is Toil and Starvation . Band . Members of the Wolverhampton Association , four abreast . Splendid Flag . Motto—We know our Rights and will defend them . Large Green Banner . Motto—The whole Charter and no Surrender .
Members of the Wolverhampton Association , four abreast .
Band . Large Silk Flag . Motto—The People ' s Charter and no Surrender . Council of the Walsall Association . Members of the Walsall Association , ten abreast-Large banner . Motto—The sacred watchword , Liberty . I . Band . Splendid large banner . Motto—Welcome brave O'Connor , the defender of the people ' s rights . Council of the Dudley Association . Members of the Dudley Association ten abreast .
Splendid banner . Motto—Behold the Conquering Hero comeB . Large flag . - Motto—More pigs and less parsons . Band . Beautiful banner . Motto—Chartists , now or never ; now and for ever ; onward an i we conquor , backward and we fall ; the People ' s Charter , and no surrender . Council of the Darlastoa Association . Members of the Darlaston Association ten abreast . Green banner . Motto—Poor toiling slaves , hard is your fate , Yon ' re eaten up by church and state . Large banner . Motto—We do uiito others as we Wish them to do
unto us . Together with hundreds of flags , banners , and devices , too numerous to mention , the whole having an animating aud beautiful appearance . The main difficulty now was to obey the marshals , for although they called out " Move on , " it was found that the crush would not admit of locomotion , hnndreds being pushed up to the knees in the deep mud at the road sides , and the railway omnibusses completely wedged up , so that they were obliged to keep close to Mr . O'Connor ' s carriage during the whole of the route to Wolverhampton .
The procession , or more properly speaking , the mass then got into motion , and the enthusiasm , rushing , aud tumbling that took place baffles description . The procession at length arrived at Wolverhampton , and through the narrowness of some of the streets , great fears were entertained that some serious accident would take place . Several were upset and tumbled over by dozeas , but generally regained their position in perfect good humour . The whole body then proceeded to an open piece of ground near the ntw church . Mr . Mogg was unanimously called to the chair .
Mr . PiPLOW , of Stafford , moved the first resolution , and made an excellent speech . Mr . Geoegb White , of Birmingham , seconded the resolution . Fbasgcs O'Connor , Esq . then presented himself , and was received with the most enthusiastic and long-continued cheering , waving of hats , and other demonstrations of approbaiion . He addressed the meeting in- a strain of fervid eloquence ; in the course ef which he completely showed up the fallacy of all the projects brought forward for remedying the grievances which existed . He explained the fallacy of Sturge ' s complete suffrage ; at she same time giving Mr . Stnrge credit as a well-intentioned
man , and called upon all present who were determined to have " the \? hoie Charter and nothing less" to hold up both hands . An immense number of blistered hands were immediately displayed , £ ucceeded by tremendous clapping aud cheering . He then called on those who were in favour of Mr . Sturge ' s complete suffrage to hold up theirs , when two were observed behind Mr . O'Connor , which proved to be those of the reporter to the Staffordshire Examiner , who was heartily laughed at by the meeting , and cleverly lampooned by Mr- O'Connor , who created loud bursts of laughter by his
witticism . - He said that he received six cuts on his boay , which represented the points of the Charter , ana the bump of No Surrender on his forehead ( pointing to a bruise on that part , which was covered with a plaster ) . He then entered into various topics connected with the People ' s Charter , and after declaring that he would stand by its principles , should all others desert it , he concluded his address amidst a simultaneous outburst of enthusiastic cheering several time 3 repeated . Mr . O'Connor declared that he never received a more cordial reception in his life . 1 he resolution was then put aud earned
uuani-Mr . John Mason was unanimously elected for the Convention , thanks were voted to the Chairman , and the usual cheers were given . The procession again formed ana proceeded towards Bilston , and the scene was , if possible , more animating than in the forenoon . As it passed tbrough ' the streets it was joined by thousands , and although the streets were crowded , another immense body were observed on another road , accompanied
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with flags , banners , and music , and formed a junction wiih the rest at the entrance to the Bilsto n road . As they moved along the youngsters gave the usual signal for the men engaged in the various mines , the workmen of which , on coming to the surface , cheerfully fell into the procession , which augmented rapidly as it approached Bilston . As it entered the town , the scene wa » beyond description . The windows , doors , causeways , and every available eminence was crowded with hundreds of the fair sex who testified their admiration of O'Connor , in the most enthusiastic manner , " God bless yon Feargus— -long life to you , " &o ., and several Irishmen forced their way to the carriage side to shake hands with their countryman ,
Feargus , as they termed him . As the dense mass entered the middle of the town , the cheering was tremendous , and hundreds of the hardy miners were upset in the rush behind the-carriage , in the midst of which the Female Chartists of Bilston gallantly held their places behind their flag , although they had been walking in an almost insupportable pressure for nine hours . The procession moved through the main streets of the town , and such was the feeling displayed , that Mr . O'Gonnor declared he never witnessed the like in his life . They at last arrived at the place of meeting , and with great diffiulty the speakers got to the hustings . Mr . J . Siibam was unanimously called to the chair .
Mr . O'Connor spoke in bis usual style of eloquence and animation , amid the loud and long continued cheers of the mass , which almost continuously resounded . He would propose a resolution , which should be known as " The Bilsten Resolution , " which was as follows : — " ResolTed—That every agitation , except an agitation for the Charter , is a humbug , aud ought to be resisted by the people . " Carried , with loud applause . Mrs . Brown and another lady then placed a splendid ribbon around Mr . O'Connor ' s neck , on behalf of the Female Chartists of Bilston , and an address , which was to have been presented by Mrs . Langston , from the same body , had to be deferred , on acoount of the lateness of the hoar . Thanks were then voted to the Chairman .
Three cheers were given for the Charter , three for Feargu 3 O'Connor , asd three for Frost , Williams , and Jones , and the meeting slowly dispersed . Mr . O'Connor then retired to the Head Ina for refreshment , amidst the hearty cheers of the inhabitants . He never can forget the glorious display which he witnessed in South Staffordshire /
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union with them for . a , repeal of the Com Laura . I hope fcajb . jp > n -win gjye Mr . Palvey ft fail hearing , and ¦* ^ H «« " * » " wUI leave my case in your hands till lie has epaken-Mr . FAWBY—Mr . Moderator and men of Hull , I wish ib was in my power to convey my . voice to the extremity of this building . The aentimenta I come forward to defend are expressed in the placard—( cheers . ) Our meetings are recognised by the constitution of our *"""»**?' * U » e most powerful despot cannot deprive u « of that right ; and the only enemy we have in dUcusriona like this is owselves . I also come forward not to appeal to your passions ; I edme aot forward to defend the despot in his fancied right of class legislation—( cheers ); but I come forward to defend the rights of
the people against monopoly . Gentlemen , I come forward as the enemy of the Corn Laws , and I consider that their repeal is of more ( We eonld sot hear the remainder of the sentence for the confusion . ) ' Q-entiemen , it is probable what I state as troths , I shall be able to prove them to be so . Mr . Jones told you he did not come forward to defend the Cora Lawe ; we only differ about the best method of their repeal . Mr . J . told you the Corn Laws are the offspring of class legislation . I grant it—( cheers . ) Mr . J . refers you to part times , bnfc yon must bear in mind he has dwelt on probabilities with regard to the Charter . But the queation of the Corn taws is not a question of political rights , but of life and death , of justice against monopoly , and they are more important than any abstract principles .
Mr . J . wishes every man to be a frea man , so do ItcheetB . )• ftentlemen , let me not be misunderstood ; no man wishes for the Charter more than I do : I do not maintain an opinion ,-vyhich I »> m afraid of express-Ing in public , but still I insist there are points in the Charter which are debate&ble . Mr . J . told you be advocated the People's Charter as a means to an end ; he also told you that tho making of the laws was in the hands of a class , and that they are interested parties . I am willing to grant all this— ( cheers . ) Mr . J . has tlod you the landed proprietors have robbed you of six millions of acres of common laud , and it is of ten said we are to look to the land ; but we Sad the aristocrats have endeavoured to bring that land they took from the people into a hotbed state of cultivation :
here is also the cry of the New Poor Law as the offspring of class legislation ; but I am not here as the advocate of the aristocrat , or of the 'Poor Law either . 1 have a family ; I have an interest in their welfare ; but none in class legislation . The aristocrat came forward and said food should be dear ; the aristocrat also made the Poor Law ; I wish for every man to have plenty of employment ; and he that Will not Work N » hen he has a chance , I would send him to a bastile—( cheers . ) Mr . J . has told you , you cannot expect any benefit from any change in the law , till you are all free men . If you remove & national : evil , you confer a positive good upon the people—( hear , hear . ) Mr . J . cannot imagine a state of society previous to the Corn Laws . Mr . J . must know that the People ' s Charter
is now in the history of the world- —( ud , no . ) If you cry do twenty timea I shall repeat it . Why did I mention this ? In order that you might be charitable to all who differ from you in opinion , and that you might be liberal tome . The Reform Bill was an instalment of the people righto—( cries of "We were deceived . " ! You deceived yourselves—( disapprobation , which lasted for some time . ) Mr . J . calls it a delusion . He told you the Irish people expected to be happy , after the passing of the bill for Catholic Emancipation . And well they might be , when it placed them on an equality in the law with people ' s of other religion ? . I am glad he has mentioned Ireland , as he has spoken against machinery , for it is nearly free from it ; they are an agricultural people , and , consequently , b ; Mr . Jose ' s line of
argument , Ireland ought to be a perfect paradise . In Ireland they have a surplus population of nearly three millions . I wish for a clear stage and no favour , and so find a market for our industry . Mr . J . says it is the People ' s Charter only which can secure you from being robbed . It has been dec Med iu Parliament they could not direct the poor , man ' s wages . In 1836 , we had more employment than we flud now . Mr . J . has said , if you repeal the Corn Laws the manufacturers would introduce machinery to supply manual labour . Gentlemen , let me call your attention to the following incontrovertible fact During the last ten ; years the manufacturing population have increased thirty per
cent , while in the rural districts , there ia a decrease of two and a-half per cent . Look at the increase in the population of Leeds during the last twenty years . Gentlemen , I here state , and defy Mr . Jones to prove the contrary , that machluery has brought more into employment than ever it threw out ; and I defy turn to giv * w& the nama « f a , vnsa -who can do so . . ( Hooting , yelling , &co—and I state , there is no machine that ever threw five hundred men out of employment . Where are the men who get the iron , make the bricks , bring them to the place , manufacture the machinery , and build the other necessary conveniences . ( Hear . ) I thank you for having so attentively listened to me .
Mr . Jones in again coming forward was received with much cheering , aod a little hissing , which continued for some time . When order had been restored , he said , Gentlemen , I am only allowed a quarter of an hour to reply to what Mr . Falyey has said in half an hour . Mr . Falvey has admitted that the Cora Laws are the natural offspring of class legislation ; but says th « ir repeal / under an ; circumstances , would be a benefit to tbe working classes . Why , the fact is , gentlemen , the existence of them proves a necessity for change . Mr . F . said I could not imagine a state of society , which existed before the Corn Laws ; if they exist at alii can imagine a time when they were not . Mr . F . concluded that as the aristocrats have had the exclusive right of legislation in the past , they must continue in their
power . Mr . F . states the Cora Law is more important than any abstract principles . I tell Mr . F . he is destroying bis own argument , for he has admitted they are the result of class legislation . The fact is , gentlemen , 8 » long as class legislation exists , bo long will -the Upas tree of corruption spread its pernicious fangs over liberty , and retard the march of freedom . Mr . F . seems to think machinery is not so bad as it is reprinted , and calls upon me to give him the name of the mau , who says a single machme has thrown out 500 men . I tell you candidly I copied the report from a pamphlet published by the journeymen , and let me ask any working man here , if he would tell the name of his master , when be was exposing his trickery ? If clasB legislation did not exist , these men would not fear to give their
names . Mr . F . Bays we have a surplus population . I believe it to be a base , and unprincipled falsehood , for the wealth at present produced by labour every year , is valued at eight hundred and twenty millions of pounds ; let us aee ho" this is divided ? about eight millions are expended in poor rates ; twelve millions in the church ; eighty millions for local and national taxation ; one hnndred and twenty millions in rental for land and dwellings four hundred and fifty millions are received by the profit-mongering scheme , to the shape of banker , jobber , Jew , lawyer , and all the vermin who live by buying labour cheap and selling it dear . Yes , working men , this is the cause of your poverty ; as labourer's wages are only one hundred and fifty millions . Hove much bettier would your case be if you received the part bow received by the banker , Jew , fco ? Gentlemen , with regard to population , Sheriff Allison says that Great Britain and Ireland will maintain one hundred and twenty millions of
inhabitants in comfort , and this allows for mountains , < fc& , to be deducted . / Gentlemen , we are told that the mechanical power of Great Britain , at present , ia equal Jfco six hundred millions of hands ; how can the land , I say , with theBemeans , have a ^ surplus population , when , according to the last census , there were only twentyseven millions of inhabitants . / . ( Cheers . ) ¦¦¦ Still , Gentlemen , I do believe , a surpluspopulation is in existence . I believe that man who is useful to society is not one of the surplus population , '; but every man , whoever he may be , who lives not for the good of society , is burplus . Working men , you are the producers of all wealth . Suppose you were swept , out of existence } suppose that yeu were destroyed as a class ; r--the middle class men would have to beg , or become men having blistered hands and unshorn chins . Again , suppose all other el&SBes Bweptout of existence , how many « f you would be starved oat of existence by learning to eat their luxuries . ( Cheering . ) ; / <
Mr . Falvey , in again coming forward , was received with cheers and hisses , and said— Gentlemen , you know full well that it is impossible to kt yoti hear without this noise subsides . I repeat my call and shall continue it unless Mr . J . ceases to make his attacks upon machinery . You will , most of you , remember a time when there were no machinery- ^ the envied time when there was no machines —( hissing , bocting , and yelling ,- and cries by the League party of "Stop the meeting , " when Mr . Jones interfered and wished it to proceed . ) I must certainly / gWo up speaking unless you are prepared to heat me . I again tell Mr . Jones why he did not give me the names of the parties was , because he ceuld not—( disapprobation ) . Gentlemen , I am proud of machinery , and I have worked in a mill .
I would rather workin a mill than in the field of the husbandman ; and I would rather see my chUd work in a mill than driven into a union ; workhouse . I said the Charter was a new thing in the history of the world ; he has told younothing of its ag « . 1 knew he could not . I told him It never was a law in any age , bo , gentlemen , you have a right to be charitable . I believe Mr . J . said I could not point out a time ; that the aristocrats had always been the makers of the laws , and that we ( the Corn Law repealers ) could not get it *«> m them . I toll Mr . Jones that we can get the Cora Laws repealed . We have wrnng great measure * from the aristocratic law makers , without the franchise Xv , wrench them from their bauds . . If yon destroy the cauEe , they will cease—( cries of " WillthottdeStroytor' ) Gentlemen , if . I bad the power I would dcsJaej it at
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once . I . Relieve , gentlemen , the Corn Laws wonld have been repealed era now , but for the interference of the timid Whig ' , Remember , without , the People's Charter , we abolished slavery , while America , with the franchise , has that dark stigma upon her character . Mr . F . next quoted a few statistics from M'Gregor , Hnme , and Villiers , to the effect that if the Cora Laws were repealed , they did set know why a matt might not live as cheap in England ss any where else . Mr . J , raja I said there was a surplus population . If T did B » J so , I mean it to be conditional I agree these is a conditional surplus population . But I believe neither Mr . Jones , nor Sheriff Alltoon—( cries of " N « r M'Gregor either . " ) . Gentlemen , permit ae to state , that ia the year 183 $ , there were paid more in wages' by twenty millions than was last year , which has stopped thehome market —( hear)—not with over production , but with under consumption . ( Hear , hear . )
Mr . JoNiswas met , with deafening cheers : wfecn these had subsided , he said , Mr . Falvey has told you that he is very sentimental ; he would rather see his child work in a factory , than see it go into- » workhouse . If this is Mr . F . ' s hmaanitiy , I have mere respect for hi * child than he has himself . I should wish my child to' receive a good education till it was fib . for labour—( cheers ) —and this coald be done by the destruction of class legislation . How sympathetic are- the manufacturers now I they ha \« th » ha \ £ -naked wife aod child pinioned down to slavery , while the husband is wandering through the street * . Is this right ojt wrong ? If it ia right , let us live in this happy state without mutmM ing rif Jt 1 st wroa «» let n » r » ise wltti one voice , and insist upon the destruction cf class legislation .. Now
for Mr . Falvey ' s great saeasures ; he fMr . F . ) calls the Reform Bill an improvement , as it enfranchised the middle classes . Bufotehe calls this an instalment of rights ^ he must first prove they have a greater claim to the franchise . Mr . Falvey says you must assist the middle class to get a Repeal of the Corn Laws—( cries of "No , never . " ) I say , let the middle class join you to obtain the People ' s Charter , and then I will give them credit for honesty ; but so long aa they keep aloof , I shall consider myself justified in declaring them designing , and unjust . Mr . F . has told you the People ' s Charter is new in the history of the world ; but , gentlemen , this is not the question of debate—( cheers aud a few hisses . ) I tell Mr . F . that the age of the ' People ' s Charter is not the subject of the present 4 isr
cusaion . He says the changes of Government ^ have been gradual . Have they been gradual since the passing of the Reform Bill ? God knows they have been gradual enough for the merchant , landowner , Jew , and jobber , as they have wrung millions during that time from the labour &f the people—( question . ) Mr . Falvey has told yeu that we suppressed slavery while the Americans retain it I toll Mr . F . I differ from him , when he says we have abolished elayery —( Mr . F . interfered , and said , " black slavery . " ) Mr . F . has said enough , and has corrected hims 9 lf . I am not one of those M' . F . represented me . I siy the people of
England produce more than is sufficient for them all , if Uiere was an equal distribution of that wealth Suppose the labourers to be the largest class in society , which they are , will they only receive one hundred and fifty millions out of the eight hundred and twenty millions they produce , while the profit-monger , fee . Ieceives four hundred and fifty million . Now , Mr . P ., don't you think they would be much better off with the profit-mongers' present share ? He must net identify the interest of the labourer With the capitalist . 'Tis their wish to mate the poor poorer than they are . Taey only wish to Repeal the Corn Laws to enable them to rob you still further —( cheers . )
Mr . Faxvey—Gentlemen , a third time I call on Mr . Jones to give me a reason why machinery robs the people ; and the Corn Laws being repealed : would not confer a positive good npon the people . In 1835 ; the people were not represented , but they had cheap food . Again I call on Mr . Jones to Bhow why the removal of a positive evil would not be a positive good . I thank him for the kindness towards my child , but the working man cannot educate his child for the iniquitous Cora Laws ; they take away one third of the labour of the working man . Mr . Jones thinks little of the Reform Bill , &c . Dsea the Dissenter feel no independence in mind by making the Catholic equal to him in the eye of the law ? Am I to be told the Catholic felt no inward satisfaction when he obtained
emancipation , that he could enjoy the first juat right , without the finger of scorn being pointed at him ; but , for ^ my pWnpart , I think , with . Sallust , that" liberty with danger is preferable to slavery without it" I want to give freedom to the belly as well aa the mind . I court tbe awifitaiice of the middle classes ; and he who dares to xsUseHhiwroice against them mistakes the truth . Do you think tbe working classes can achieve their Charter wtttout aid ~ , Cries of " Yes , yes , and no , no . " ) I say any man who comes forward ,: and calls the middle class villains is an enemy to the working man . I consider the worth of the ; middle class . Can you suffer the loss of the middle class ? ( Cries of "we can . " ) There is no use you stopping me . I shall repeat the same tbiog ; their interest is inseparable from yours . Mr . Jones says you must not identify the labour with capital . They are father and son . That man who makes capital by his labour , makes labour with his capital , by building machinery , and so confers
a good upon the nation . Mr . Jones has told you the maufacturer and profit monger make a great deal out of your labour ; but I tell you that the manufacturer receives a very little from each of his labourers . Most of the manufacturers have risen from the ranks of the people within thirty years ; and Sir Robert Peel's father was a spinner . ( Cries of was " Lord J . Russell ' s " . ?) It is said the manufacturers have become rich , but I know many who have become begga / s by endeavouring to give employment to the people . ( At this stage of the proceedings , the confusion was so great that at times it was impossible to bear a word distinctly . ) Gentlemen , I naye anawered every point Mr . Jones made in bis last speech , and again I call upon him to prove what I stated before—( hear , hear . ) Mr . Jones has not referred to the national debt , and I wish to know whether'the land does grow enough for the people . They dare not put it to : the test—( Cheers , and hisses . )
Mr . Jones was again received with great cheering , and said gentlemen , I will in the first place give my authority of the wealth wrung from the people by the profit-mongers , which has never been overturned , it is from Mr . Campbell ' s examination of the Corn and Provision Laws , but we are not bound to take the ipsi dixit of any maii . I api . surprs ^ d Mr . F . should have referred to the subject of roiigipus differences ^ - ( laughter . ) Gentlemen , I am not one of those who would deprive any man of hisreligious liberty , and I amnnt one of those who would appeal tb the religious views cf any party under any circumstances . I tell you that the world is my couutry , and to dp good is my religion —( bravo lad . ) Mr . F . asks me to prove the injurious effects i f machinary . I will endeavour to do so . In 1797 itnere were
manufactured twenty-three millions of pounds weight of cotton , • and ^^ in l $ io , thei enormoussuni : ' tf / four hundred and sixl ; y ; millions of pounds . In 1797 ' , the wages cf the bandloom weaver per week , were 26 s . 8 d ., while by Mr . F . ' s boasted blessings , they were reduced tofis . 6 d . in 1840— ¦( cri es of " bravO i that's gone into him , ") this , according to 'Mr . F . 's calculation , is bettering the condition of the people I do not wish to misconstrue him , but I do contend that machinery has done great injury to the people . . Mr . F . says that man who dares to raise his voice against the middle class mistakes the truth although they have wealth and power ;; I will neither bow to thelt power , ixor court their wealth ; but there is no man more willing to forgive and forget than myself , and to shake hands over the grave of our
differences . Mr . Falyey has told you labour and capital are fattier and son . ( Cries of "So they are . " ) Labour begat capital , and capital begat labour ; thus a father begets a son , and then the son begets the father . ( Laughtor and cheers . ) Allow me t ® draw your attention to the following important statement made by Mr . Falvey ; he says , many have risen from the ranks of the people during the last thirty years , and become master manufacturers . Will Mr . Falvey tell us that a prosperous trade has taken place-under the influence of the CorVi Laws ? and it is his wish t » repeal them , for he admita a prosperous trade has taken place under their influence . If the Corn Laws faave made the sbbpocrats and millowners rich , I think the best plan for them , would be to continue the same course in existence . ( Cheera ) I am a sworn enemy to monopoly of every
kind , still I cannot reconcile the conttadictlona made by Mr . Falvey , when he says , men have risen in the last thirty years , and many have been entirely ruined . Gentlemen , let me ask you if it is possible that a man could rise during prosperous trade and fall by the same cauae . ( Cheers and hisses ) Gentlemen , I'll tell you tbe reason why some of the . merchants aad- manufacturers have risen , while others have fallen , is owing to success , or not , in speculatipn . The man who has been the most fortunate in his calculations , has been the most successful , and made the most profits . Gentlemen , another contradiction- 6 ! Mr . Falvey is , where he asks jou , if the land dees grtfw enough for tee people ? No , says he . He admits that it will grow enough by the custom of hot bed cultivation he spoke of in bis first speech . - ¦ ¦ . ' - . ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ' : " - .- : : .: ' : : ,: V-. \ -: ; . ' :-- ' .. v . ' - ¦ . ¦ . '; ' '¦ ' ¦'' . y :::. ' "'
Mr . Falvjev was met with cheers , and said after three repeated challenges I hav » brought him out at last . He informed you his authority was Mr . Campbell , and I don't know that his evidence is so notorious—( hisses , groans , and yellF . ) At this time Mr . F . seemed to be very much displeased with a person hissing him , and said , ¦ ••• Why , you blackguard what are you hissing at ! yotfre some Tory ^ a Chartist would not behave himself so *—( laughter . ) 1 tell you I challenge the authority Mr . Jones gives me . I will now give you the sd&cdtty of a Chartist , ¦ wbicb . u part of a report b « tPKeeu
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~ jSiy ^ . ^ -T ^ r . him and myself ; it is theaulhority of Mr . Welt . He statoa we manufactured 259 , 412 , 709 lbs in 1840 , so that you Bee when these gentlemen talk about miilioos , they cannot have studied Cocker's arithmetic . Gentlemen , I find from " Porter ' s progress cf the Nation , " in 1763 , the population , of this couutry was little more than sis millions , while in 1841 there is twenty seven millioni of inhabitants in the united kingdom , so that you see we now have a necessity f > r a repeal of the Corn Liw » as you are brought to tbe condition at which humanity shadderp , Mr . Jones says let tbe middle class join us / or the Charter , and we will then give them credit i * v honesty . I can point to the Corn Law Repealers , And tbey are the advocates of the Suffrage . I ha've no sympathy , with tbe Whigs , and they never can be again in power as Whigs . Look at Joseph Sturge , Sharman Crawford , and Colonel Thompson and you will find them the stoute-t advocates of an extension of the suffrage . I stated ia my last address that labour and capital were father and son , and Mr . Jone \ by his ingenuity , seemed to turn it to a good purpose . ( Question , question . ) Gentlemen , I should sot have . viade this statement , but he said they ( labour and capita *) were not identical . ( Complete confusion . ) Mr . Jones ' - saya the manufacturer ^ has raised himself from tueraiifca of the working dosses under tbe operation of tbe vCom Laws ; bat this is no reason why the people sbonla ' not have cheap feod . We have driven tbe foreigners fro ui oar shores , and they are now
determined to manufacture for themselves . The time is come to remove this monopoly , and again \ call npoa Mr . Jones to shew why th . sir repeal wonld not be a benefit to the working man . He ( Mr . Jones ) directed year attention to 1797 ; I wifl go a little father back into the bistoty . of our countiJS ^ In the » reign of Edward III ., ia Bransome ' s History of Colchester , and a worlr by Erasmus , of Holland ' , wrote in top same reign , we find our ancestors had & » ehAirs , or other necessary articles of furniture , aud were obliged * o ~ ajt upon boxes and stools ; and that they * werv so filthy in their habits , they aept among the excrements of . dags and . cats , and that tho nastiness of tl » people was the cause pt the frequent plagues whicft rataged the Country . So much for the times when * we Had nor niachineiy . :.,- . - v ; ; ,-.. '¦¦" . ¦ : ; . . '¦ . •; ' . ' . . ' ; '" . - . " ¦ : ; : ¦ •;/ . ' : . ''¦; .
Mr , JkMJES wms received with deafe&ing . '« heers , and said—Qtsntleraai , this i » my last time t ^ laiight , so I hope yea will all pay the greatest ^ attentiott . Mr . P . stated , la tba latter pai \« f htaa ^^ jsomettdog varr ttnfevwJBRsSlis ^ crot * ^ eea ^ E'mFpgrfofrbut I will bring Something forward to prove that tho-labourer was better * off tben than now , for his labour wa » protected by ^ law . By the 23 rd of Edwardi III ., we find th * wages of the agricultural labourer was 4 d . per day ; a woman for m * kiag hay , id- ; mowing aa acre of grass , 6 d . ; and thrasbtng » qaarter of wheat 4 d . At the same time a pair of shoes cost 4 d . ; so yoa see the labouring man could buy a pair of sboei thea by the price of one day ' s labour ; , but
howloDg wiJJ it take him now ? I believe tbe average price at present is 9 a . per pair ; so the hand-loom weaver has nearly a fortnight to work for a pair now : If we further compare the past and present , we shall find the same difference existing in other things at that remote time : a stall-fed ox coat 4 s ; a fat sheep , uashorn , Is . 8 d . ; a fat pig , two years old , 3 s . 4 d . ; a fat goose , 2 ^ d . ; a gallon of ale , Id . ; ancV ia quarter off ; wheat , 3 s . 4 cJ . Which of these times thinkyou tha best gentlemen ? The reason why toe people were better Off was , because their labour was protected by fci * . Gentlemen , a repeal ef the Corn Laws , under existing circumstances , would not destroy : the monopoly ; and I call upon him ( Mr . F . ) to prove , that by
shifting a monopoly you destroy it . A repeal would only place the monopoly ¦ -pn the shoulders of the millocrats and manufacturers . The power to plunder yba would only exchange hands between the aristocrat and millocrat I am one of those who are for being oppressed by neither party jthey are one as bad as the other—( cheers ) . My opponent ha « told you competition makea a demand fir labour , and competition has ; reduced wages . I ask him how he can tell us tl ^ at ? Gentlemen , I am one of those who are for having their wages reduced by neither . I want the power which natdra awards me t 3 have a voice in making the laws by which . I am governed . I tell you , gentlemen , you nut t never expect a repeal of the Corn Laws till the People ' s
Charter becomes the law of the land ; and I tell him that the people of this country will soon find it to be their only hope ; he has admitted that class legislation ia the father of the Corn Laws , and I say ft is the CAUse of all our apnowB . Mr . F , wishes you to join the class of . aristocrats , landowners , bankers , Jews , jobbers , and middle men , who hava hitherto proved themselves to be nothing but a race of blood sucking vampires —( cheers , and hisses , which continued sometime . ) Mr . FalveV on eoming forward vjas met with the most deafening . yells ' , hisses , and groans , it was ever our lot '' . tohear . -After it had somewhat subsided , Mr . F . said , Mr . Moderator and Gentlemen , Mr . Jones hat read to you . a few extracts from an Act of Parliament ,
mine were from the history ofColchestar , somuch . for the two authorities , and in such like cases who is to decide ? In the year 1835 wheat was on an average 39 s . 4 d . per quartar ; we * ere in full employment and in good circumstances , and why ? because we could get £ 100 worth of food , for the same value in manufacturer * . We had not the Charter then—( cries of we had the Corn Laws . ) At present a great portion of our population is out of employment ; there is no immediate remedy , . and . I tell you the people wantfaod—( cheers , and cries of the Chatter . ) I am not come here to talk about tbe ^ Charter , I tell youl flont come hereto place repeal against the Chaitsr , I come to endeavour to prove that a repeal would benefit us all , under any
circumstances —( cheers and hisses . ) The reasons are these , they want food and have no employment . I appeal to past experience in proof of my arguaient ; if you go to Manchester , Stockport , or Leeds , you will find hundreds of families starving . My friend has informed yba that by transferring a monopoly , you dont destroy it—( cries of it would . ) This was not the opinion of Henry Hunt , and I think yon will give him credit for honesty . On the first day he entered Parliament , he made a motion for the total repeal of the Corn Laws . Mr . Jones wonders how competition and the -Corn ; Laws reduce wages . I told you competition made a demand for labour . In 1835 , w , e had cheap corn , and why we
have not at present , is through these laws , and hinders the middle classes of speculating with their wealth . My worthy opponent conclu led his remarks by calling them a race of blood-aiskings vampires , we need not wonder they are afraid of yon ; is this the way in which you expect their union —( hisses . ) I again say by giving US cheap food it would increase our employment , and give you the toast of George Thompson , " a 3 you Stiuggle for the Charter , may you have a cheap loaf by the way . " I willnow leave my case in your hands , and conclude by reading the following quotation ; [ through the interruption , we could not hear a word of it , ] and Mr . P . was asked by some one in the crowd , why he did not work ? we think he concluded with invectives upon the poor fellow instead of his quotation .
Mr . Richaedson , on calling for a shew of hands , stated Mr . Falvey ' s would be an amendment on Mr . Jones ' s resolution , and therefore he would put the amendment first , ( there was n » amendment in the case , ) and mentioning the name of Mr . Jones three times , and speaking Mr . Faivey ' s nearly in a whisper , completely deceived the people , and nearly all the vast multitude held up their hands , and then against , he said , nearly half held up their hands for it . He then said , I do declare Mr- Falvey ' s amendment to be carried by a decided miijority , which made the people completely outrageous , seeing they had been deceived , and we can give the names if desired of some of the Chartist counsel , votVngftgainst their desire . ¦
The moderator not being called on to decide , and Mr . Rtcbardson , through the quietness of Mr . Grassby , would not allow it to be put to the meeting again ,, although they stopped for half an hour to see ther result . ¦¦ '
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Glasgow . —A meeting of the directors of the Lanarkshire ChartUtA 88 O 0 iatipn , was held on Monday evening in the hall , College Open , Mr ; Kyle itt the chair . Tho business was entirely local . : KitMAKNOCK . —The League were soundly beaten here on the 8 th instant , when , instead of simply passing anti-Porn Law resolutions , a whole hog Chartist amendment was proposed and heartily adopted . Lochib— -The National Petition Was unanimously adopted at a large public meeting on Monday in last week . The € Jt > rn Law Repealers and Complete Suffrage men had their " porridge '' pretty warm from
the various speakers , amid tbe hearty cheers of the meeting . ¦ : ' . ¦¦ ¦ ; ; .- ' ; 'y . ' - . ¦; - ' o ' .- ¦ . ;¦;¦ ' -: \ ¦ ' :. ¦ ' '¦ ¦ . ' ¦' ATuiOAr—A i a large public meeting held on the 12 th instant , a manly and well-timed , but perfeo&Iy well-tempered , address to the middle classes was agreed to , based on resolutions , to the effect that the middle classes would be gladly received inta the Chartist Association on a level with alL its other membersj But refusing to entertain any terms of union except the People ^ Charter conetitcte the basis , and that it be done in connection with all the other Associations in the district .
SiCESBY . —Chartism , is making rapid progress here ; twenty new members / were enrolled last week . At the meeting on Sunday , three shillings were collected for the Manchester victims . : : \; DAfiLiNGTON . —Mr . Charles Connor iectased here on . Thursday week ; a large number of new members wera ejurolled . .. ¦ . •; . - ¦ ¦' . ; ¦ ¦ .: ^ ,:. }'¦¦ ¦ :. ' . [/ ' /¦] . ' ; ' , . / " : ' : ¦ ; ¦ NkwcASTLE . — -At the meeting on Monday evening ^ thanks were voted to Mr . Ferrand , M . P ., for th » able manper ia which he has exposed the many
villanies of tho oppressors of the lnduatrious classes of these realms , and to John Fi « lden , Esq ., M . P ., for supporting Mr . Ferrand in the same . Upwards of 70 , 000 signatures have beea obtained ta tho National Petition . All persojs having petiiionsbeets are respectfully requested to hand then in to > Mr . James Sinclair , No . 3 , Pipowell Gate , aad any person desirous of procuring signatures to the National Petition may be furnished with sheets through the Bame channel . ; - : " -. " ¦'¦" ¦ . "
South SHiKLD 8 . ~ 0 n Tuesday evenina last , Mr . George Binus addressed an assembly of upwarda of 2 , 000 in the , Market Place . ¦ ; Sooth CHtmcH .- ^ Mr . John Powltohu will lecture in Mr . Tarnbull ' e large Room , on Monday eteainj : » Mawh ^ Bt . ^ half-past Beyea o'dook . ' * ¦
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HULOLs DISCUSSION ON THE CORN LAWS . On Thursday evening , a discussion took place in the Shambles , between Mr . Jones , and Mr . T . Falvey . Mr . Jones undertook to prove that a repeal of the Corn Laws would not benefit the working classes , unless they ( the working classes ) were in possession of political power . Mr . Falvey undertook to prove that a repeal of the Corn Laws would benefit the working classes , under any circumstances . Mr . Richardson was called to the chair , on the part of Mr . Falvey , and Mr . Grasby on the part of Mr . Jones . Mr . Scholey was also appointed referee . After tbe chairmen , had each briefly addressed the meeting , exhorting them to give both parties an impartial hearing ,
Mr . Jo > Es came forward and said , working men of Hull , in coming forward to give my opinion upon the important question which is at present engaging our attention , I ball you that I do not aUnd here as an advocate of monopoly in any shape . I do not stand here as the advocate of tbe bread tax , but as the advocate of universal justice , and I must conscientiously say , that in my opinion a repeal of the Corn Laws will not benefit tbe working classes under existing circumstances —( hear , hear , hear , and cheers . ) I know full well that the Com Laws are the . natural offspring of class legislation—( tremendous cheering and clapping of hands . ) And so long as the people are unrepresented , bo long may we expect the working man to be a slave—( cheew . ) Gentlemen , my worthy
opponent has placed himself in a strange predicament , by the wording of his proposition , as he undertakes to prove that a repeal of the Corn Laws will benefit the working classes , under any circumstances—( cheers and hisses . ) But , gentlemen , j come not here to quirk * nd qaibble about his proposition , although the law of discussion allows me , but if possible to arrive at the truth —( cheers)—and to make the best 1 can of my proposition- I give Mr . Falvey credit for sincerity , and I do not wish you to be led away with a delusion—( cheers . ) I know , gentlemen , that the promise of a big loot , and a cheap loaf , is a great temptation to the working man . I know that the feelings of the people have been appealed to on former occasions , and what has been the result ? disappointment Gentlemen , it will be my
business to prove that the promises made by the Repealers caa sever be fulfilled until the People ' s Charter becomes the law t , f the land—( cheers . )—There is lo man more desirous than I am of obtaining a big loaf , and a cheap one too ; hence it is why I have so long advocated the People ' s Charter—( tremendous cheering . ) Gentlemen , I am sot here to appeal to your passions , but to your sound judgments ; let us carefully examine the question before us —( hear , hear . ) I need not toll you that that class which has hitherto exercised that benefit , bare enjoyed it without conferring any good to the people . Class legislation is the cause of all our woes ; it was class legislation which , enacted the iniquitous Corn Laws , the infernal Police Bill ; and entailed upon us the thing called National Debt , "which wrings from your hard earnings fifty-tnree millions every year . Class legislation has given you shooting parsons and blouted bishops . It was class legislation which robbed you of six millions
of acres of common land—class legislation gave you the New Poor Law , which despises all tbe dictates of human reason . ( Cheers , and cries of " question . ") Gentlemen—I am upon tbe question . It was class legislation which robbed the working man of his just rights , and placed Slippery Bob at the head of affairs . And I tell you candidly , and sincerely , that until the great monster is strangled we shall still be in poverty and woe . Class legislation has made you slaves ; and if the Corn Laws were repealed to-morrow , cannot c ass legislation make another equally as bad , if not worse ? ( Hear , bear . ) I tell yuu , Gentlemen , that when the people of unhappy Ireland were in agitation for Catholic emancipation , they wtre led to believe that it would redress all their wrongB , and make them a free and happy people ; but alaa t all their g . and hopes have fled ; for class legislation still exists , and they continue to be insulted in their feelings . ( Cheers . ) When the people of England were in agitation for the Reform Bill , they were led to believe it would better their condition .
That bill is passed , and has been in operation about ten years , and what better are we now . iCries of " None , " ) Tbe necessity for the Charter is now acknowledged . My friends , be careful —( hear , hear . ) Remember that class legislation still exists—the thing which monopolises all tbe advantage enjoyed in this life . Gentlemen , 7 do conscientiously believe , that the condition of the people of this country can ever lie improved , so long as the cause of their suffering existsr—ihear , hear . ) The Charter will destroy monopoly at once and for ever—( cheers . ) There is one maxim of the Corn Law League ¦ which I wiBh you to hear ; it is this— "That it is injustice for one class in society to be protected for tho injury of all other classes ; " and I agree with them in this : why , then , not give that
protection which , the landlord has to the working man ?—tcheers . ) . Gentlemen , the furniture upon which I stand is protected by the law ; and I tell you every article around you is protected by the law ; and if I wilfully injure any part of it , they will prosecute me as a ftlon . I ttJl you that the law protects this place , while labour is intuited , and man is allowed to be thrown ont of employment by the introduction of machinery . I will read to you a word or two , published by the journeymen calico printers in November last . Let tbe following fact suffice , having occurred within tbe last Bix month ; . A machine was invented at the print works in Manchester , giving five colours to each piece ; end performing the same work as was performed fey no less than five hundred hands in
October last ; so that in six montks , no less than five hundred men are thrown out of employment by thiB machine . Yes , the fact is they will still be able to oppress you if the Corn Laws are repealed till the cause of your distress is removed— ( inten upturn . ) By repeal wo should destroy the strong hold of tbe aristocrat , and only be opening a way for the manufacturer and merchant to oppress U 3 farther by entering into the citadel of ccnu ^ tion—they are equally as bad . It would be only a change of masters —( that ' s it , )—well then there is not a broken rash to choose between them-Which is the most benevolent t If I am to be a slave , I care not who is to be my master . I am one of those
who want te be no man ' s slave— ( cheers . ) I tell you , gentlemen , if these parties are desirous of destroying the power ( f the aristocrat , they must assist us in making the People ' s Chaiter the law cl the land , which will send all the aristocrats , with the Duke of Buckingham and Sir R . Peel into the midst of their own treachery ; and hinder all other classes of robbing you at all—( cheers ) . But the repealers dont want tbu » . Wfey do they not want this ? I'll tell you why . Simply because they know full well that the same power which would enable you to destroy the aristocrat , would enable you to get justice for yourselves—( intenuption aud ctita of "true . " ) Tis for their own interest thej « o « it your
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AND LEEDS GENERAL ADYEETI 8 EE .
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YOL . Y . ffO . 227 . SATURDAY , MARCH . 19 , 1842 . ftW * > ££ ^ r , ^^ r "
To " ^He Imperial Csabtists.
TO " ^ HE IMPERIAL CSaBTISTS .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 19, 1842, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct422/page/1/
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