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GREAT CHARTIST MEETING AT THE «¦¦ ' XROWN ^ . NB ANCHOR .
' ( Gpntirlyed from oar IdaJ ' " ¦ [ Wehite recefTWrnaS y letters complaining , and raj jastly , of the eaitaihaeot of this report in oar last number . The ftoU-lay * not-with us ,. Wt wrta the reporter j as the remaining part of the rejxfftj wbieh we giro below , did not reach us till Friday , when the papers , in which it was most needed ; were » U printed . We are as much sorry for , aadasmnch annoyed at the circomsfcafwe , as any of oar readers csabe . —Eds ] r Mr . BrKPT Bidlbt , delegate , moved— "That it ia the opinion of this meeting that the exertions of Thomas Duncombe , Esq ., and all other membe » who may aid him in moving the release of all political prisoners , are deserving of oar best thanks now , and
oar cordial rapport at the next election . " iCaeersJHe felt lunch pleasure in moving that resolution . All men 'boasted of the prosperity of the country , yet Jtrat & few enjoyed , or possessed the luxuries , while they deprived their fellow-men of the common necessaries ^ life , and allowed them to starve . ( Hear , hear . ) There was , however , one man who was ever the poor man ' s friend , and was ever found advocating bis cause—he alluded to Mr . Buncombe . ( Cheers . ) He , however , was satisfied that it was almost a farce to petition the House when the Government hod so tyrannised over the people whom they bludgeoned , and , he might add , murdered . lHe&r , hear . ) After the people carried those men into power , he would ask what return did they make the people for having borne them upon their
shoulders into cfiiee ? They jave them the Poer Law BUI , which separated the aged couples—which tore the father from the child , and the sister from the brother . ( Hear , hear . ) They dare not pounce npon the societies in the Metropolis , as they did on those in the provinces , ' because the King of Hanover was at the head of the ' blood-stained Orange faction . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) - Ko , while they were afraid to trust one man in the ; metropolis , they arrested six poor harmless and de- fenceless Dorchester labourers . ( Hear , hear . ) The next instance of their cowardice and th 6 ir treachery , ' wa « John Jrost . ( Loud cheers . ) He was prosecuted because he had the spirit to tell the little Whig Finality ; Lord John Russell , that he was -an Englishman—that ' he clsimod the rights of an Eaa-ishman , and that- he j would support those rights . ( Hear , hear . i As a re-i ward be "sras torn from the bosom of his wife , and from j the caresses of his beloved daughters and sons . ( Hear , j
beat . ) But the Wliigs were not contented with those j sacrifices , they sought and found another victim in I Feargus O'Conaor , the noble cased Hob of York Castle . ( Immense cheering . ) They imagined that by taking thu , brave leader c-f the Char ' asts , thr . ; taey woald break j their spirits and scatter their forces . Bat the meet- ; ing of that night proved that they reckoned "without I Hair hest- ( Hear , tear . ) Their list of victims was j Dot C ' -jBiOeled uEtil tbf- ^ adOed the nam e of Bro nterre O'Brien- Cheers . ) That distinguished patriot , whuse writings have infused an undyir . g si-irit amongst the working cJasses . iHear , hear . ) They persecuted "him ' ¦ wiiii ihe uunoit rigour , and even denied him the risht " cf comninnieatin ; wiih Ihs friends by letttr . ihcir , be ^ r . ! He should caii their attenti on to but one victim
more wjio was slaughtered by the Whigs . He meant poor Clayton , -whose life ^ as l ost in the Whig prison . ( Sensation of pity and sarrsw . ) He was gone , but his spirit still hovered o ^ er them , and the cause , crying oat " hart , hark , to liberty . " And shall net his voice be obeyed ? iLouu cries of ' yes , yts . ") Yes , they would go onward or die in the ciiise . \ , Cheers . ) Mr . SE . STi ^ gtos , daicgate , seconded the resolution . The cheers having subsided wiih . which he was greeted , be thanked the meeting ' for ihe marked . testimony of thtir approbation , which was a full . and -satisfactory reward for his having stood true to their cause . < , Htai , hear . ) Although he was early in the field , he had as yet escaped the fangs of the law , and had not had the Jionour of b = ing imprisoned . On the 12 th of August he
was at his post , when upwards of 120 special constables were swora in to appiehend him . Still they did not succeed , which so plagued them , that one of them excUimed , " D—n him , he says nothing for which we can take him . " i . A laugh , i The chief magistrate and ¦ constable of bis place consulted on the possibility of their having aa opportunity to seize him , vrhen they prudently came to the determination of not doing so . ( Hear , hear . ) The Very magistrate who was so anxious to pounce upon him was so terrified by the vast concourse of people that presented itself , thzt instead of returning over the bridge , the way by which he came , he rode back through the river—( laughter ) ;—and when , in the after part of the day , ha met him ( Mr . SktYingtotr he ( the magistrate ! actually pnt his hand to his ha :. { Increased lau ^ httir ... ? Jr . Skevington hsvinr given a very amusing detail of theprocerdlngs of the 12 th of August in his district , proceeded to say
that the National Petition contained one mi'lion and a quarter of signatures , which would be presented oh the following day by Mr . Duncembe , in behalf of the persecuted and imprisoned victims of "SVhig ^ sry and their bell-hounds . ( Hear , hear , i He hsd received letters from Jurtinghnm , asking his advice respecting Sir John Cam Hobhouse and 34 r . Larpent , or , as they call him , " > Ir . Sarpent . " ( A laugh . ) His advice was , that before they voted for either of them , that they shenld tike part payment from them of their promisee in the immediate release of the Chartiflt prisoners in England . ( Hcai , heuM That then they should obtain the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones to their families . He -sras satisfied that the m « s of Leicester would do all in their power to break the neckB of their enemies ttroagbout the land . ( Hear , hear . ) His advice to the people was , " Be at it ; be at it ; be always at it . " ( loud cheers . )
Jir . Mastis , the delegate , who so manfully opposed O'Connell , next appeared , ami' ! cheers , to supp-.-rt the resolution . He was aware cf the great difficulty of their undertaking , and of the great prejudices against which they had te contend—prejudices created against them by the tile factions for their own aggrandisement . ( Hear , hear . ) It was necessary to prepart the minds of the people to meet and resist the efforts that were making to harrass , to oppress , and to plunder , them . ( Hear , hear . ) Ab soon as those prejudices were" removed , as soon as they were enabled to convince the ignorant of their real views and objects , then they conld , by union , make such an effort as no tyrant power eonld resist them . ( Hear , hear . ) They should look with caution on every man , even on him who came forward
as a friend , for they had more reason to fear an hypoeritieal Chartist than an avowed and open Tory . ( Hear , he&r . ) Their cause "was one of peace , and as such should succeed unless it was betrayed by false friends . The Reform Bill , which was to have done so mnch for the people , was carried without t-ffecting a single particle of good f jt the people ; that Bill never woviM have been carried if the aristocracy had Jiot the numbers at their side . ( Hear , hear . ) Without the aid of the millions , the Whigs never could , have succeeded in thrusting the Tories out of power .- ( Hear , hear . ) If they were able to force the Tories from power , they could do in turn the same with the Whigs . \ H % ar , hear . i Tea , they will do so , for thty find that the Whigs have only exercised their , power for the purpose cf destroying them . \ Hear , hear . )
Seven millions of able-bodied men , through whose exactions the capitalists luxuriate in wealth and every iniul ^ ence , shall not starve , shall not perish , and allow the lazy and unproductive classes to consume the produce of their industry . ( Hear , hear . ) ' . Much bad been said about the repeal of the Corn Laws— -that was the question which was raised by ihe manufacturers for their own benefit , but it was one in which the ¦ working t-: itt . * M >* had not the slightest interest . 'Hear , htar . ) In fact , anything t > m » . came from that . Houss could nut be favourable to the working classes . . ( Hear , bfiir . i The cry was notfeing but a felonious cum promise between tie Whigs and the middle class aristocracy , and an endeavour on their part to swindle the people out of their rights . ( Hear . ) The working classes should therefore be united to' defeat that
conspiracy , and for the purpose of carrying the Charter as the law of the land , ( Hear , ) By no oth ^ r means coaid the working and enslaved population assert their rights or obtain their just claims . ( Hear . ) They were entitled to the suffrage , and so long as one of their class waa deprived of that right , so long should they eontic ae the struggle for liberty . ( Heat ) They had knowledge , they had power , and could not be resisted ; let the fastions—Whig aad Tory , do the worst , they wouiu be ultimately compelled to bow down their necks before th ~ power and the majority of th * people . ( Hear . ! What patriotism was there in the repeal of the Corn La ~ s , when that measure only contemplated pnttins th . ^ e millions in the pockets of the mi dVJe classes , ana who trere saving nine millions in rates ? ( Hear . ) And
all this , while they refused the able bodied labourer cut door , and only offered him so mnch in-dj-r relief as reduced him to starvation point- ( Hear . ) Tfce very felons in the gaols were" better provided for than tb ' e inmates of the workhouses . It was even said that the silent system , the most cmel punishment that coa ! d be inflicted , was about being introduced into the workhouses . If such was the case , shall not every m ^ n in England raise Ms voice against sueh an act of despotism ? ( Cries of Yes . ) Yes , the working classes held in their hands the balance of power , and wou ' . tl use it in getting rid of the accursed law which thus subjected the poor to be treated worse than felons , and rendered poverty a crime . ( Hear , bear . ) last-sad of prating about the repeal of the Corn Laws , let them repeal the New Povi Law BilL ( Hear , hear . ) Instead of prating about stogar" dnties , let them give the men more employment and better wages . ( Hear , hear . } Insisad of prating about such things they should visit
and relieve the starring population of Spitamilds , and reduce the boura of factory labour . ( Hear , hear . ) Thus they would add to the cemfort—to the independence of the working classes , and secure the peace and prosperity of the country . ( Hear , hear . ) Instead of establishing workhouses , they should give employment to the population on the-soil ; and instead of banishing and transporting their best mechanics , and their best agriculturalists , to New Zealand and ; Australia , ' they should colonise their home waste IanJ « with them , of which waste lands there were in Great Britain sufficient acres to suitain « ix millions of people . . ( Hear , hear . j It was strange that of -late , and within a very short period , iord John Rawrtl ascertained thst in Loadcn , iirerpool , Bristol , and difcrent other parts of England , thousands of the inhabitants were living in wretched hovels , cellars under ground , and other places of ^• Tetchednessj while many of them had not five Bhil-I&gr a week each to pay their lodgings with and sup-
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port themselvea , ( Hear , hear . ) It was strange that be had-rot-aacerUiBed that fact before . -Bat it was only at that moment fo und useful f or the purposes of ftgltaQon . fHe * r ,-heM . ) -TlHrt ftickpf trade ; agitation , would not dor wbiai i * ouM . "be proyefl by the ' next election . ( Hear , he& . V «« i-Chakijsto ' *« re * esorfed to agitate peaceably -and ^ € Thilj > . T ? oHhampto » " < ia * ¦ p ledged to dp its Oatf . fH « ar , has * . ) «< i was Leeds . ( Hear , hear , tear V' Afid h « wa * certaitf tttat Stroni would teach Lbrd Jofeh ¦ Finality such a Iw » on as * he would never forget ( Hear , bear !) Mr . ' M&rttn entered into a very able statistical derail of the gradual'decrease of wages « in «» 1815 , called np < m the ChftrtlaW to
support Mr . Dancoinbe and their friends at ^ ttee ^ ebming elections , and concluded irith'i most p > ew 6 rfnl * nd impassioned appeal in behalf of the expatriated and imprisoned ChartMs , amidst file most deafening cheers . A young £ entieDBan named Parrt , here attempted to interrupt th ? . proceedings , by lecturing the Chartists upon their mode of agitation , \ tf advocating the ^ cause of Whiggery . He at length exhaustedtfie pattenes of his auditors , aad . was with difficulty restrained from indulging in his rambling ' addresi' He wAs at length induced to sit down , but not without exelaiming " that there was no fair play for him , " which created much merriment and laughter amongst the Chartists .
Dr . M . 'I > ocaL , in r « ply to this champion of the repeal of the Corn Laws avowed his willingness to meet him or any other of the league , when or where they pleased . ( Cheers . ) Sir . Sakky said that a pote had been just placed in his hands , which stated that Sir Robert Petl had given notice that that night he would , move a vote of a want of confidence in her Majesty ' s ministers , on next Thursday , the 28 th . ( Loud cheers . ) The result of which was the withdrawal of Lord John Russell ' s New Poor Law Amendment Act . ( Renewed cheering . ) Mr . jEJfKiJfS replied briefly to Mr . Parry , the Corn-Law ieagner . The resolution was carried amidst loud cheers . Mr . Walt , moved tha third resolution ;—
" That it is the opinion of this meeting that the present House of Commons , being altogether comprised of representatives of land and capital , does not possess the confidence of the labouring population , who are thereby excluded from the exercise of the Buffrage , and are demed any protection for their labour . This meeting is further ef opinion that th 9 Tights of labour will n ^ ver be properly established or protected , the life and liberty of the workmen secure or permanent , nor happiness , independence , cr freedom , be the lot of the millions , until Universal Suffrage ia proclaimed a law , and the whole Charter form part of the statute aets of this empire . " ( Loud cheers . ) He agreed , in every principle , which that resolution contained . They were going the whole
hog . lHear , hear . ) Every one who snpported that resolution held up his band as a pledge of his determinition to have the C&arter enacted as the law of the land . It Tras not by desultory movements , but it was by such combined action as the assembly of that night evinced that they could succeed in obtaining the prayer of the laisltonswhv > signed ttie National Petition . ( Htar heir . ) That meeting ought to add 14 000 signatures to the National Petition It was their duty to accompany the petition on to-morrow , and to see it carried into ' House . Thus they tonld know the men who oppoerd it . and cheer the Members who supported it . ( Hear , hear ) They had a great dnty to discharge when they advocated the cause of suffering humanity . They should , on the next day , by a moral display , convince their enemies that the prayers of a million of working men could not be treated with oontempt . ( Hear , hear . )
If the middle classes had but common honesty , they could protect their feliow-men , and turn the scale in their favour ; bat as they had not , the werkin ? classes would fight their . own battles , and exercising that power which they possessed , Nottinghamwe the whole country , as it would be better for them to have open foes than pretended friends to contend against . They would not blink the question . The man who was not with them was against them . < Cheers i Upon that principle , the working classes , instead of submitting to be robbed , will assume the power which wiil enable tbem to pr 6 tect themselves . ( Hear , hear . ) That meeting , which was got np by working men , proved what they could do . By following up the victory they gained that night—by union and increasing efforts in the cause , they will be enabled ; to oast both Tories and Whigs , and make England what she ought to be , the land of " the brave and tbe free . " 'Cheers . )
Mr . Morgan Williams , delegate from Merthyr , seconded the resolution . He appeared before thut meeting not merely to be seen , bnt in order to advocate those ) principles for which be always struggled , and to secure for the working classes of the kingdom their just and inalienable rights . ( Hear , bear . ) This they vreze bound to do , as the men who ou ^ hi to discharge Lbtwse duties either neglected or abandoned them—in fici , he defied them to point out on a single speech made—one single exertion made—or one advice given by the members in Parliament , in favour of the working
cl&ases . All the speeches he heard that night were full of eloquence , and full of useful matter , and he trusted they would go forth to every corner of the land . ( Hear , hear . / It wn » proved that night , that tath man had wiihin himself a power of obtaining a voice in the election of representatives ; and he trusted that power they would exercise . . ( Hear , bear . ) His heart was gladdened at the sight he beheld that night . He would return to his native country , carrying to it the glad intelligence that the men of London were up and doing , ind he tvi&htd them success , in all their patriotic endeavours , from the bottom of his heart . ( Cheers . )
Mr . CtLLEJi , delegate of ' Glasgow , supported the resolution . It was gratifying to him to witness such a meeting , not only was the great room , in which they were assembled , filled , but even the lobbies , the arenas , and that portion of the street in the front of the Crown and Anchor . ( Hear , hear . ) He came that moment from another meeting , which was held to greet Henry Hetherington on his release . He ( Mr . Cullen ) was not the advocate of party . He despised the brand of party . ( Hear , hear . ) He advocated the principles of Universal Suffrage—principles by which he alone would stand . ( Hear , hear . ) He would attend to the grwat principles of liberty and leave others to discuss minor differences . He would do his duty and endeavour to conciliate to the cause all he could . ( Hear , hear . ) Every man
should come forward and pledge himself to act a certain part in the achievement of the great causa , and hold out the right band of fellowship to all willing to assist them . ( Hear , hear . ) " Chartism was abused by the bar —by the- pulpit , and by thesynod , and still the leaders I the Chartists , and tb « men themselves should demand Universal Suffrage , equal laws and justice for all . ( Cheers . ) It was not for themstlves tbat they were conttnding , but they were contending for the just rights of their fellow men . They made no distinction . Catholic , Protestant , Quaker , and Socialist ; all should have their help . ( Hear , hear . ) The Government imagined tnat by laying hands upon the best of the leaders ef the Chartists , tbat the latter would sink iDto apathy . They supposed wrong . ( Hear , bear . ) For instead of sinking them into apathy—instead of lessening their energy , it roused them and filled them with new courage and fresh vigour . ( Hear . ) He wished that the middle classes
would aid Vha working classes in putting down despotism . ( Hear . ) It was strange they did not , as they must be aware that it was opposed to their best interests , to the Buccess of trade in general , and to their future welfare . ( Hear , hear . ) The Chartists would , however , do their dnty ; they would be no longer misled by the nickname of Reform . They would be satisfied-with no hollow promises , but would go on manfully until they emancipated their brethren then in prison , and until tbey restored Frost-, Williams , and Jones . ( Cheers . ) A crisis had arrived , of which they should avail themselves , when they should carry upon their shoulders men of their own choice—men upon whom they could depend , and return them to Parliament ( Hear , hear . ) That would prove their determination to fight the battle of liberty , and would be a death-blow to their enemies . Hear , hear . ) Mr . Cullen sat down amidst enthusiastic cheers .
Mr . Morga . n" , delegate from Bristol , also snpported the resolution . He was the representative of a city wbieh was determined to have the whole hog , bristles and alL ( Hear , and langht « r . ) The advocates of tyranny —the advocates of the repeal ef the Com Laws , who were "anxious to sow dissension amongst them , and would have it believed that there were divisions in their body , that great meeting of 4 , » 0 » of Chartist wording men , which he beheld that night , gave a damning lie to the assertion . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Nottingham had made the Whigs stagger , and had given them sonio idea of Chartist influence and of Chartist power . ( Hear , hear . ) Dr . M'Douall would , he trusted , give them , at the next election , another proof of the same
power and of the some influence . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Mr . Morgan here most facetiously described the result of his interviews with the different Members of Parliament , the anxiety of those Members for their seats , and to know how the Chartist pulse beat His accouBt of the several answers he received convulsed the meeting with laughter . He then took an able view of the prospects of the Chartists , proved the masked treachery which the present Whig agitation for the repeal of the Corn Laws , and for the reduction * n the duties of sugar and timber , caused . If said he , the Whigs were sincere in serving tho working man and enabling him to live cheap , they should reduce the duties on the following articles which produce the revenue annexed to them , viz .:
—1 Sugar and Molasses . £ 4 827 , 018 2 Tea ... 3 , 958 , 800 S Tobacco 3 , 495 , 686 4 Ru _ j , Brandy , < kc 2 , 615 , 443 5 Wine - 1 , 849 , 709 6 Timber 1 , 603 , 194 7 Corn .. . 1 , 098 , 779 8 Coffee ... ' 779 , 114 9 CottonWool . . .. 416 , 257 10 Silk manufacturers 247 , 382 11 Butter 213 077 12 Cnrranta 189 , 291 13 Tallow 182 , 0 » 0 14 Seeds — 135 , 525 15 Sheep s Wool 139 , 770 16 Raisins 134 . 589 17 Cheese ... 105 , 218
17 Articles producing £ 21 , 700 , 630 If the people sent into Parliament rascals who imposed such taxes , they deserved to suffer all the evils of despotism and merited cot the name of men but of cowards
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and willing slaves . ( He& ) PAf $ u % moff l&i&rt speech in fa vonrof liberty , Mr . Morgan retired amidst loud cheers . — _ i Ur . JOHit . (^ UEivj wM reeeited witb . kmdarnltanthroeds' ebe&to . He , said , Brotiw C&artktst ! -sad Ladies , we hsrw oar enemies before ia- '; iwb knpw thair strength * nd wealso . kn « wthat wejtaliflasily conquer them . ( Hear . ) The only danger la liberty audits cMae can arise from AUnuuoo .. ( Hear . ) . Thpslightest tendency to fends amongst tbe > working © lassos must be Instantly and I trust will be for ever pat down , as bringing certain and inevitable ' destruction to the great , the ndble , and the virtuous cause in which , alt af ? engaged . ( Hear ) * We must forget ^ and" forgive our mtttu ^ l ' faults , fat It is our dnty to conciliate all and to Induce all to
join Us . Everyman should freely speak out bis thoughts and declare what he thinks most likely to forward the cause . ( Hear . ) Freedom of thought and action is that to which * very' man is entitled—it is more precious than gold—it is my right—it- is your - tight , and it is a right which every man should hold dearer than life , fos upon it depends the public good , and the very essence of liberty itself—that precious jewel for which we are at this moment struggling . ( Cheers . ) . Rely upon it , that anch a courae will not damage the next general election , but will do more for a good and -perfect organization than could be otherwise devised . ( Hear , hear . ) The grand object of the Convention , who called this meeting , is the liberation of all political prisoners , now in durance
vile . This great meeting , if it sets to work properly , will be more than enough to achieve that and their other objects . ( Hear , hear . ) I am satisfied that the results of the forthcoming elections mainly , nay , entirely depend upon the Chartists , and tbat it is with them to decide who shall represent the country . Their cry should be V Universal Suffrage , " and the release of all political prisoners . ( Cheers . ) I again repeat that any , the -slightest dfvision , will damage the cause of the prisoners . Hence every man should endeavour his best to preserve unanimity . ( Hear , hear . ) Every man should also exert himself in his own locality—should collect friends , and should do all in his power to . relieve and release tl > e prisoners . in our prisons in England , and to restore Frost , . Williams , ami Jones to their " happy homes and altars free . " ( Cheers . ) Every head of a family should Inquire how the baiter , how tho butcher ,
how the grocer , intended in vute , and should deal with the man who pleased him i-cst . ( Loud cries of " hear , hear . " } I declare to Goil . tb ' at I look upon ' the man who would not do so as the greatest enemy the cause could have . ( Hear , hear , bear . ) They alone who have tasted the bitterness of a gaol , aa I havo , can form an opinion of tha sufferings of its inmates . ( Hear , hear . ) Wo should not look to strangws for help , but should remember that God helps those who help themselves . ( Hear , hear . ) We should nevtr cease our exertions until we obtain oqnal laws , and equal privileges for all , and never ceasa oar struggle until we tt-cure the Charter . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) In all our struggles we should declare that we would be content with nothing but the Charter , the whole Charter , and nothing lt ? a than the Charter . ( Loud cheers . )
Mr . BaRMBY , . delegate for Ipswich , followed Mr . Cleave , in a speech of great power and' ability , which he concluded amidst iiutntuse applause . The resolution "was then put and carried . t Mr . Mainen moved " That the best tbauks of this meeting are due and givvn to the delegates of the Petition-Convention for their upright and persovering conduct , and unremitting attention in obtaining the release of political victims , and in forwarding thf cause of tho people , en that the Charter may speedily become the law of the land , " Mr . Parker seconded the resolution , and supported it in a very animated and eloquent address
Mr . Cleave , previously to the putting of the above resolution , called the attention of the Delegates present to the " model prison" now erecting in Copenhagen fields , and for which Parliament has voted such large sums . He trusttd that before they left London , that they would not fail to pay a visit to the " Whig Hell , " 1 ctended alike for the country as for Londoners , in- order that they might describe it to their constituents on their return to the provinces—s ' 6 thut public feeling might be aroused on so important a subject . ( Hear , hear . ) '
Thanks were voted to the Chairman , when the great masses of human beings separated and retired peaceably to their homes , after giving three cheera for Frost , Williams , and Jones ; three cheers for Feargus O'Connor and all other political prisoners ; th-ee cheers for the Convention ; three cheers for the National Petition and tbe Charter ; and three cheers for the Northern Star * Thus terminated the proceedings * f as glorious a day &s ever shone uium Chartism .
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GLORIOUS TRIUMPH OF CHARTISM OVER THE CORN LAW REPEALERS AT TILLICOULTRY . The middle-class portion of society in Tilllcoullry are no way distinguished for extraordinary intelligence or political activity . They have exercised their political franchise upon the principle of holding the working population in contempt , and begetting the good-will of the aristocracy in , ' ^ ving their vot *; s to tbe nominees of the landed aris . ocracy . If they could have continued to secure their pro ! l : s by a continued redaction of the wages of tlibir W ( , rkiiibU . gladly would they have slumbered away their days , satiBtted with this Inglorious distinction . But fatal experience has changed the spirit of their dreams : their fast receding profits convince them that tbey are upon the verge of a gulph , and how to save themselves they know not In this sinking condition , the only tub their limited vision can discover floating upon the surface being Corn Law repeal and free trade .
Tite C . iartists of Tillicoultry , who make up ninetenths of iu popul ; iL : ou , : iru Vbry much distinguished for their iicutum- ** of thinking , and penetration into national affairs . Thi J know that so long as the aristocracy hold the absolute controul of the land , and from this enjoy the rirht to make laws taxing all the resources of industry , that neither thu merchants , manufacturers , nor wo king population , can have protection or security to thfcir property : past experience has convinced them that the working population are the victims of this system—that its winkings have destroyed and nearly dried up the source from which their prosperity springs ; and this corruption , in its working , having now reached the middle class , will speedily operate in convincing them that their only safety will be in joining the Chartists , for national regeneration is hopeless through any other means .
We now proceed to detail how tbe battles have been fougu ; aliu tLe Victory secured . The bead-quarters of the corn-crakiB in this district of the country being Stirling , the clique there drew up a petition , dispatehr . it through all the manufacturing districts , praying for a total jvpual , l-. ut in none of these places did the crok-<; rs attempt a public meeting . Accordingly , upon the evening of the 21 st , that intrepid and indoniiUble advocate of the Charter , Mr . Abram Duncan appeared in Alloa , in a meeting of 2 , 000 of its inhabitants , discussed tho subject of Corn Law repeal , pointed out tbe danger , of working men reposing any confidence' in middie-clsas men us leaders , until they give full proof of thfcir entire conversion to Chartist principles . The result w , that none of the corn-croakeregave one chirp , and the iiiettiBg passed a unanimous votu of confidence in their present leaders , and the resolution to countenance no counter-agitation until the Cuarter become the law of the land .
The Chartists of Alva convened a meeting upon Monday the 24 th , the whole inhabitants of the town attended the meeting , the same result followed . The Chartists of Tillicoultry convened their meeting on Tuesday the 25 th , for to take into consideration the conductof the manufacturers in securing signaturts to the petition . We wish the country distinctly to know that the manufacturers iu all the villages here about , as well as the shopkeepers , Lave hawked ahout these petitions , and by using every low , mean , dirty artifice , have induced a few lickspittles to attach their signatures to them , but we must say thus much for the poor fellows , that after signing tht ; petition they are ashamed of it and deny it in public When it was announced upon Tuesday the 25 th , that Mr . Duncan was to deliver a lecture in the open air , deep was the
consternation of the crokers in Tiilicoultry j they were seen flitting to and fro like ghosts ; the result of their deliberation , being that the head clerk of one of the establisunients was seen to leave the town in a gig for Dunferinline , to bring up a sort of non-descript , for be avows himself to be a Corn Law repealer , Free-trader , Malthusian , Chartist and Republican , ( his name is Thomas Morrison ; for tha purpose of opposing Mr . Duncan . The repealers now breathed a little more freely , ' and as they peered into each others' faces the passing exclamation bein ^ ' I wonder if he'll be in time to stop the mouth of that fellow . " At the hour of mteting there would be about 700 people on the ground . Mr . John RosERrso . N being called to the chair , read the excellent address issued by the People ' s Convention , and by tbe time it was concluded , the meeting increased to about 1 , 900 .
Resolutions similar to those adopted in Alloa and Alva having been moved and seconded , The Chairman called upon Mr . Abram Duncan to address the meeting . : ¦ Mr . Dukcan then catne forward , and said , that every Chartist now hearing him would give a hearty response to the address now read . For bis part , he felt proud of the men that represented hiin in London . Ia that document they had given ample proof of their capacity to legislate for tbe people ; they had investi gated into the cause of our wrongs ; and pointed out the chicanery , hypocrisy , and fraud of those that misrepresented and cruelly oppressed the British people . Our duty , at the present time , being to meet daily , in large masses and publicly declare our utter and complete want of confidence in the British Parliament ; our united andnmanimous confidence in our own convention , with our resolution to obey them in everything that will advance the popular movement for the Charter .
At this stage of the proceedings , Mr . Morrison made his appearance , accompanied by Alexander Halley , late member of the Convention . Their friends attempted , when they entered the meeting , to raise a cheer ;~ but it proved an entire failure , dying away like the growl of a toothless mastiff . Mr . Duncan then resumed , pointing out the propriety of the Chartists acting unanimously and decidedly in breaking up Whiggery in all its forms . Their duty was to expose the hypocrisy and humbug of Corn Law
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W * Bal ) jthek a&t st £ } ^ ul ^ be to bring forward their candidate at the hustings . TheyL bad . giyen him this honourable and distinguished position ; arid with their assistance he wofald ? gbrejihear * thm . 'hxmrt f drdbhiog at the nomination . The Chartist shdut whioh would follvw , ' would tell the heartless , . fattion-that tha love , affectiun , and confldencejof the pebplewere gone ; that they bad nothing now before them ; but a desperate utinggle / with , the popular Voice , ; demanding freedom and justice—a country paralysed in hat-resources , and merging fast into disorder in her flnanolal arrangements . He would now give TOy < that Messrs . Morrison and Halley . might tell : their ; osrn tale , wh * sent for them , what they wanted , and what they had to propose to this meeting . ' ¦ - ' ¦> - ;¦ ' : ' . ' ,- . .. -., - ?¦• ; . . - ' ,-. - ; - . :
Mr . MobRISOJJ , in s very : circumlocutory manner , informed them that he could not tell who sent for him ; what he had to say to them : was , that they ought t » join Corn Law repeal r and ithat he wished to discuss Chartism andCorn Law repeal with Mr . Duncan ; that he had no amendment to propose to their resolutions . These being put by the Chairman , , were unanimously carried . -. ¦ ~ ' > ¦ ¦ ¦ •)¦ ' . : ¦ ¦• • : ¦'¦ ; - ¦ . .: ¦' " ' . . Mr . Duncan then desired him to state his question which he wished discussed . : Mr . Morrison stated that he wished to discuss , first , That Corn Law repeal would benefit the people ; seeond , That the joining of this movement would neither impede nor retard the Chartist movement . . . -
Mr . Duncan declined to discuss the first proposition , upon the ground that it was tantamount to betraying the Chartist cause altogether . The second proposition he would discuss , if the : Chartists of Tillicoultry requested him to do so , with Mr . Morrison or any other opponent of the Charter . in the country . Two - hours was spent in making the necessary arrangements in the open air , and it was the unanimous opinion that Morrison and Halley " a conduct carried an appearance of desire rather to mystify the public mind upon the subject than to give instruction , and the meeting treated them accordingly . Afteravote of thanks to theChairman , this closed the business of Tuesday evening . :
Upon Wednesday and Thursday , the news flew like wildfire over tbe district , and . tha discussion was fixed for Thursday evening at seven o ' clock . Every village and havolot were , seen pouting in their quota of those that felt interested in the- pending discussion . Some fears were entertained that Mr . Duncan's voice would prevent him taking up the discussion in the . open air , as bis voice . bad become quite , 'hoarse from the many large out-d-or meetings he had lately addressed , and from the appointments he has yet waiting upon him to fulliL The committee never thought of asking for any house , as nono were large enough in the place to contain one-third of those who would attend . At the hour
of meeting there could , not be less than 2500 people npon the ground ,. nnd shortly after the commencement of the business the best judges calculated there were upwards of 3000 . The articles to regulate the discussion being read , Mr . Duncan proposed for his Chairman , Mr . John Robertson , of Tillicoultry , a Chartist , who will be neither fluttered nor overawed . Mr . Morrison proposed Mr . Alexander Shaw Baker . It was agreed the discussion should last four hours , fifteen minutes being specified for the opening , and ten for all succeeding speeches . Mr . Morrison commenced by observing that although the subject of the debate did
not require it , he -would go fully into the evils of the Corn Laws . He pointed them out as a monopoly exclusively for the benefit ef the landed interest—that in the working of thia monopoly , trade had in many Cises been crippled—our exports had been stunted in their' growth—population increasing pressed' upon the labourmarket—wages full—tbe monopoly increased the price of the provision ; hence tho misery of the working population . He called upon them all to unite with the middle classes for the repeal of these laws , and then plenty would flow into our ports , and the board of every working man in the laud would groan with abundance . . . ¦ ; ¦ ¦ ¦ .
Mr . Duncan now roae to address the meeting . He said honesty was an essential characteristic of a public political party . Consistency was a requisite to command respect . The Chartuts hitherto had occupied this proud position . Honesty Was the essential element of their public charucter—their principles were based upon political justice ^ -they declared enfranehisament to all , and tbby had consistently persevbredin using every weans likely to secure their object . Could this be said of the Coyu Law repealers . . They desired the Chartists to sacrifice principle , and giva up their hitherto
untarnished consistency , sink into the . quugmire of class-distinctions , aud waste all thoir energies in fighting the battles of one class of monopolists against another . He cal ] ed upon them to review their past struggle ; and were they prepared to sacrifice . the fruits of that struggle , and lay it at tbe footstool of middle-class deception ? No ! He trusted the time had come when they would piace their confidence in those who had given proof of devotion to their cause by conversion to the principles of Chartism , that carried with itself the evidence of sincerity and disinterestedness . ¦
Mr . Morrison complained that Mr . Duncan had taken up none of hia arguments , but from what had fallen front Mr . Duncan , he'was inclined to think that he had no intention ef -defending the present Corn Laws . He rejoiced in this conversion , as the removal of a powerful opponent was sometimes as good as the accession of a friend . He would now go on with his argument , shewing the evils of tha Corn Laws . He pointed out that in the years 18 . 34 , 1835 , and 1836 , provisions were at a very low and reduced rate in this country , while at the same time wages were then very Uigh . He predicted that the same result would follow were a repeal of the Corn Laws to take pluce at the presi nt time .
Mr . Duncan said that Mr . Morrison's calculations were rather premature . He had announced to tbe meeting that Mr . Duncan was now a convert to his views : in this he would find himself mistaken . He knew his opponent ' s design was to drag him away into irrelevant matter ; hut he was not to be diverted from the question before them , which was , whether the joining Corn . Law repeal w « ulrt injure the Chartist movement ? He affirmed that it would . The Chartists who joined Corn Law repeal might understand tbe principles of tbe Charter ; but either be was ignorant or careless how to'carry them to a triumphant issue , who would join in any counter movement for any mere administrative Reform . Chartism niust triumph in
public opinion before it can be recognised in the House of Commons . Every political slave was a missionary in this cause ; and he ought to labour to moke it triumphant in the workshop , the coal-mine , and the highways and byeways He knew that the spirit was spreading like a flame every way , and we were called upon to assert its predominance ever every pseudo scheme of national improvement . This was our task , and it required energy , union , and determination , to make it triumph , neither to be deceived nor led astray by any class movements , for it bad now grown up to that importance tbat it conld try its strength with them all , and had prostrated all with whom it has been called upon to encounter .
Mr . Morrison again complained that Mr . Duncan bad failed to produce one argument in support of his assertion , that Corn Law Kepeai would injure Chartism . He asked , would the big loaf which cheered thu poor man's board unfit him to contend for his political rights ? Would food for his famishing children divert bis attention from national improvement ? He contended , on tbt ; contrary , that food in the cottage could not by possibility detract from his patriotism . Other results would follow . The manufacturing class were all but unanimous for the Repeal of the Corn Laws ; and were tbe woiking class to accompany them in this movement , they would give a convincing proof to the middle class of their intelligence and practical wisdom , which would go far to carry a conviction into their minda that they were well qualified to exercise the franchise ; then would peace , concord , and harmony reign between them , and happiness would be the general character of our country .
Mr . Duncan must compliment Mr . Morrison upon having a poetic imagination ; but his millenlum of happiness to tbe human race was like many which had gone befpre it , and embraced a mere evaporation of oily words , which consisted in keeping the promise to the ear and breaking it to the hope . Corn Law Repeal , under the present circumstances , weuld be found of this character . But who , after all , created the Corn Bill—confirmed it—aud perpetuated it ? Was it the working population ? No . Tbey have no power of legislation in the House ef Commons . When tbat House undergoes an election , Working men are not consulted , except at the nomination , and that is one of the fictions of our glorious Constitution / which ia the envy of all thieves and liars . The aristocratic class are
haughty and arrogant from their long established exclusive privileges . The middle classes , since they were enfranchised by working men , have , to the aristocracy , beau mean and servile ; to these upon whose industry tbey live , they have been cold , haughty , and tyrannical . He would boldly charge the manufacturing class with hypocrisy in the case of Corn Law Repeal . They made a loud clamour against the monopoly of the Corn Laws . They say that its working is injurious to their tradethat it has dried up their profits—perilled their capital , and thrown a darkening cloud over their future prospects . These are heavy charges against the Corii Bill , and if true , what are we to think of the honesty and consistency of that party , who defends the monopoly from which this minor one epriucs . The Chartista
would . long ere this time have carried the fire of reform into the augean stable ; but who protected it—let my opponent , thu advocate of middle class wisdom , declare —baveithey not done everything in their power to destroy the Chartist movement . Their vile hireling prints , from the Morning Chronicle down to the Stirling Observer , that puddle-pool , Where brainless wits play off their harmless jukes upon Chartism—have they not thrown their shield of protection over this House at the expence of their character ? And the ; now wish tbe Cbartists to sacrifice their character at the same shrine . In this there is deep design . Merge the
organisation for the Charter into Corn Law Repeal , and we would become again the despicable , serfs of the very faction who' are expiring from the severe and terrible conflict tbey have sustained with Chartism . Having unmasked the hollow-heartedness of Whiggery—laid bare its low artlficesH-proved it to be a persecuting and bitter exterminating enemy to popular liberty , and the just rights of the working millions , would not the future historian designate ihe Chartism of the 19 th-century aa a pjwer which arcse thut bade fair to cope with , unmask , undermine , and overthrow Parliamentary tyranny ; and when it bad secured its first step of triumph , abandoned its glorious
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position , and went forth , knlght-errant-like , to resche juid save the fell monster who had exerted its utmost strength to imprison and exterminate it , and , even in ito death-throet , to spit its serpent slime ttpon lit Yet this 1 » the task Corn Lair repealers" seek us- to pwfbfm , an * wbkh my consistent opponent ^ is hoc * this fcigW to plead the cause of , before the sharp and clearheaded men ef Tillicoultry . ., c" - -Mr . Mpbbison declared that he had abandoned the hope of inducing Mr . Duncaw to discus * the question df Corn Law repeal . Mr . Duncan , in this case , might Indeed plead a-short memory , but Mr . Duncan is ^ very apt t » iorget questions that - were difficult for him to answer , He would now pat again to him the question , and' they themselves would judge whether it w 3 w the want of ability or will—Nowr in the years which' he -had commented' upon , wBen provisions were low , employment plenty , and wages high , would not tha same result again take : place were the Corn Bill repealed r Yes ; my friends , I am a sinoere
advocate of the Charter , though I differ with 'my opponent in the test' means to secure It All improvements ever got in this country have been got by piecemeal , and the Charter will be secured in the same manner . Let us , then , advocate ^ every good and wise measure . Let us join with- ail- those who are for improving our institutions and remodelling our-laws . Will tbe abolishing of an evil prevent tbe obtaining of a good ? He looked upon the Corn L ; vws as a positive evil . He would hail their repeal as a positive good . The good and the wise were uniting every where for this otjeet . Upon Monday evening five thousand in Dunfermlino had come to a unanimous vote ; and be anticipated the same decision at the close of this speech . It required the whole exertions of the chairman to repress the highly restrainad feelings of the meeting during its delivery . He told them that their vote of the cIobq of the discussion , would be the record of their judgments upon its merits .
Mr : Duncan said , that his opponent had taunted him with not answering this celebrated question—the solution of which is calculated to set our national affairs right , open the eyes of the blinded Chartists to perceive the wisdom of middle-class political economy and Whig new-light He might answer it by stating that it resulted in the coincidence of a succession of abundant harvests and an excess in the harvest of rag money . The abundant harvest served its own purpose . The excess of the rag-money harvest had its reaction in 1838 , under which the nation has reeled like a drunken man ever since . He , however , was not required to answer such a question , in discussing the proposition . He would now ask Mr . Morrison was be satisfied ? He would now proceed to point out
another duty to the Chartists connected with this very proposition . They Had to unite the good and the wise of every class ; ' sufficient for us that they acknowledge the principles of tbe Charter to bejust , and would agree in acting-with' the great body iu carrying out every ineasnre to make them triumphant as the peer , squire , manufacturer , peasant , or . weaver . Our object being justice to the oppressed from bad government , we seek the nnion of all for a common object He , the advocate of Chartism , stood forward to advocate the political rights of the ditcher , the ploughman , the sower , and the reaper , aa well as the spinner , the weaver , tha shoemaker , and the tailor . If class legislation has divided us into all these conflicting interests , and the various monopolies have led us to believe we have all separate interests—it is the sublime mission of Chartism to erect a common vantage ground , upofl which the oppressed of all these various interests
can stand , and to perceive that a Parliament irresponsible to tbe people is the source from whence all our national evils have sprung . The Corn Law repealers are one of those cfa ' sses struggling to be freed from that very monopoly of power they are so anxious to protect . So 1-nig as we occupy this fortress , all the oppressed will flow into it as into a citadel , where justice and equity is the watchword . One false step on the part of the Chartist )* at the present tinie , would sink the hopes of those who are rushing to oar standard , and tbe very strength which this party aTe so vary envious of at present to secure to their aid , would be loss to Chartism , and despised by them—neglected and trampled upon ; when we would perform our task , we would be thrown aside as so much lumber . His advice to them , then , would be , to stand fast amidst all tf-mptations . By this course they would command the respect of those who are opposed to them , and soon they would gain their reward .
Mr . Morrison would at once frankly admit Mr . Duncan was no way bound by the proposition under discussion , to answer his question ; , but he had been asked whut would become of . all those labourers who live at present by cultivating the soil , and who would be thrown oat of employment by the' repeal of the Corn Bill ? They would find abundant labour in ¦ our factories , from tho increase of our export trade . He avowed himself an out-arid-out Malthusfan . It had been called a theory ; but in fact it was a principle . Give us free trade , and although the population was doubled we would all be comfortable and happy . He had no fear of an excess of population with free trade , until 'the whole world was densely populated . — But' what was the fact at the present time?—capital was invested in sixth rate land . They were
now cultivating the moors , when it may be more profitably invested in manufactories . This was his political economy . Invest capital where it Will procure the highest return of profit ; and by thia means we will raise , our country in prosperity , and confer happiness upon the people . These were great and important truths of political economy : he took great pleasure ia Uufolding them before the people of Tillicoultry ; and he thought it would not be the lost thne he would have the pleasure of addressing them upon such subjects . If they were not prepared to adopt them , and act upon them now , he felt confident the time would soon arrive whtju they would , and be sorry at their past ignorance ; and they would make up , by their future activity in their active co-operation with the middle class , for their past neglect of these truths .
Mr . Duncan said they had heard a lecture upon political economy ; but it might be characterised as a heartless exhibition of unprincipled selfishness . His opponent belonged to that school of political economy whose leading idea was , make the rich more rich ; crib , cabin , and confine the mass of society in dungeon mines and over-heated factories . This school ridicules the idea of cultivating laud that will not pay , or , in other words , if ye cau draw a per cent more from the cultivating of cotton than from waste lands , neglect the latter and attend to the former . The comfort of the people is nothing ; the per cantage is everything . Had his opponent been compelled to breathe the pestilential air of the factory , he would have spared his small wit in attempting to ridicule the cultivation of the moors ,
and his fulsome praise upon heated atmospheres and greasy wool . He would ask , were not those branches of trade that dealt largest in exportation the poorest paid ; and as that exportation had increased remuneration had decreased ? 890 , 000 hand-loom weavers gave the lie to the prophecy of the Corn Law repealer . Wonld 2 d . off the stone of 'riieal make his board groan with all the other articles that are required for the comfort and happiness of man—with the same sum off the stone of flour moke the artizans of cutlery in Birmingham feel as if they had passed into a land of milk and honey ; yet this ia the full extent of comfort that Corn Law repeal promises . The whole is a selfish scheme to increase their own profits , and the hypocrisy is to talk , of the poor man ' s ioaf . The middle class have given no proof that they are capable to lead or guide the people in national politics—they cannot take caTe even of their
own peliticil rights . Need he tell them when a real £ 10 suffrage -was mooted in the House of Commons for the counties which would have been an increase of Parliamentary power to tbe manufacturers , they paid uo attention to the subject—a penny off a shawl or a farthing off a yard of cotton cloth is their morning dream and mid-day vision . Where are the Clurtibts , then , who would abandon their present leaders to follow men whose political philosophy is comprehended in the drivelling ravings which have been addressed to them this evening . The electoral body of this country number about a million ; would any one pretend to say that a fifth part of these have signed for Corn Law repeal ? The Chartists then have substantially the whole power of public opinion ; the factions are in a state of maddening desperation ; who shall enjoy the plunder ? The recriminations in aud out of Parliament have laid bare tha whole trick of an aristocratic au < i
middle class system of bad government The factious axe iles troy ing each other . The Corn Law repealers stand up and say to each of the factions , you are destroying each oth « r . The people are enjoying the spectacle , expecting -when rogues fall-out they wilfr come to their own ; give us a part of the plunder , and in return we will gull the Chartists ; split and divide them , and we may yet live many years upon the fruits of our fraud , until their returning sense again unites them . Mr . Moriuson—His epponent had charged the Corn Law party with gross inconsistency in that while they ascribed all our commercial depression to the monopoly in corn , and the restrictian upon trade ; they had spent much money and great labour to destroy the
Chartist party , who would have reformed the source from whence these miuor evils spring . He had also been taunted with the low , mean , and contemptible tricks of the Anti-Corn Law party in this district , in the way they had got up their petitions , the unmanly means they had resorted to , to secure a few signatures . He was not here to defend such conduct . His opponent had also taunted him that Glasgow , Edinburgh , and all the large towns in Scotland bad resorted to the same low tricks . He regretted such conduct on their part , but he could speak , distinctly for the town which he himself belonged to , ( Dunfermline . ) but still he thought something might be said in defence of , tbe manufacturing class in this respect . It was the Reform . Bill that had done the evil-, it had protected ihe landed interest
Wherever the manufactuxtg had power they had returned Corn Law repealers / and the number would be increased at the next election . They had been told ' that as exports had increased , wages had fallen , he could not deny it , but was that any proof that their decrease would add to their comfort ? The handloom weavers , and the Birmingham artisans , that his oppo-. nente had alluded to . so feelingly , had no other relief but having their export trade increased , and he would ask how was that export trade to be Increased but by the abolition of all monopolies ? They have excesses of the production of food in other lands ; we have the excess of the productions of manufactories in ours . . Allow theae to be freely exchanged , and it appeared clear to him that profit would increase , demand increase :
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consequently wages would rise , and provision . » , „ He would ask , could . the joining jadi aS 3 retard the Charterr No ; he loved fhe ( Xariti ^ i ¦ would be standing Tby it , when some < bt hrltoiSl advocate * would no where bettoqn&H Hewa . t prudence , for every cautious aad , «*> ibm ^ ? removing evila pressing heavy ; npon u »!» t the »^ 5 time ; a contrary conduct wonMvlase n » the test ^ r ^ those whose assistance -could not be disoenssa ^!? , securing the Charter . TT " ^ T * * Mrl Duncan said he also was for prnden * . tot eveiry . wife and caution * measure ; ^ -jiTiS beiny the judge himself of these moral qualm ^ uT jmm
nun * * raw w « j « ugub w uu exerOIBed , M » M ^ ibon * . throughout the whole of this discussio n ' 01 ' never attempted to P'oveany one of his posltiaai tS disprove any of those statements which h « i * made illustrative of the feet—that were the ( JhMSL !? join any other agitation got up by the middle eUsg w , would damage their owa position ; and pl « , y ii * ' T ? hands of their Wtterest foes . = He would askww ^ tated most for the abolition of the com inSL ! f " when Its removal could have been . efiective forBo ^ The manufacturing artisans did so for twentv v Where were , then , the middle class ? Why octS *" like mean spaniel slaves ,: to secure a smile ftiJi » landed aristocracy rand , during the same period V ? laging the wages of the working men , that they mi w ape the tinselled gewgaws of an effeminate aristoen !~
rour years age , wnen me conviction , arose in the mi j of > the millions that the manifold national erua were called upon to contend with sprung from tha tn \ of representation of the people , and they mve (!«?* efratiottsin England and Scotland of their oonvL ^ ° ' of this fact , such as this or no other conntr » h « recorded in their annals , how did the middle elaL ^ U in their factories ? They used all their aathori tT * S overawe and break down the lofty devotion 1 of tt people to the principles of political justice and mil sal liberty ; and when they failed to curb w » Z n their stern integrity to these principles , tbey o pen *! battery of abuse and . misrepresentation from their wj ' ling journals , upon the people , calculated to drin ^
more pBiegmauc peopie inw > open rebellien . m this , artifice failed , they resorted to the spy system Jm spared . neither bribery not gold to break up ' th people ' s organisation for the Charter ; and wheath ^ hellisb : machinations partially succeeded in leadinl many of' our zealous friend ' s inte the pit which tw had dug foi them , they walked into the Jury-bo , and consigned them to the axe of the bloody erl cutioner , transportation to the penal coloniM . to the tread-mills and loathsome dungeo os ^ f free , happy , and merry England , and for what ? pOT demanding what" every one of God ' s creatures is en ! titled to eujoy—freedom and protection to tlie fnau of their lawful -industry . These cool , cold-hearted , W bloodthirsty men , who spoke the sentiments of the middle class ' from the jury-boxes of the Engliso inqui . sitioiis , now say to their immolated Victims , corns forth , and fight the aristocracy for our exchisiTe * d .
Vantage . Those that can forgive these great national ¦ wr ongs without repentance , have no conceptions of moral duty . . , lt would only be . encouraging them in their past criminal course . We cannot recognise them as being actuated by the spirit of humanity / nnnl » e hear . the wail of the orphan , whose father they batb sent to Port Arthur , and until they hear the moan of the widow whom their bloody decision has imfle sd by consigning her natural protector to the prisons and madhouses of England . Manufacturers have no other course , left them for national safety but to join the Charter Associations , act along with the people , and then the national will will be embodied in the national law ; class interest will be extinguished then freedom and happiness will spring forth like the morning , and become matured in their strength . He ndwleft th » cau » of Cbartism with perfect confidence that they would do it justice in the vote of this" eveninr . ^
Mr . Morrison said , according to the rules of the debate , it Belonged ' ' to him to clese this discujsion His _ opponent bad charged him' -with having failed to prove anyone of his positions he wonld leave that to thu judgment of those he was now addressing . He had also been charged as . having failed to ; disprove apv of those statements which Mr . ^ uncan had brought forward against those who ' had opposed the Charter . He admitted them all to be too true , and was sorry for what had taken place in England .- ' -But he did ^ not confine himself to Charter agitation . He was a republican ; he was for the repeal of the Corn Laws , becanaa it would do good to our trade—ho was for the separation of Church and State , because it would introduce the principle of free trade into religion—he also was for the Charter , arid thought the peoplo bod sufficient intelligence to " exercise the franchise—he was for a Republic , becausu hereditary , mpnarchy was , in his estimation quite irrational . He had no more to add than to leave the decision with themselves . -
The sight at this time was one truly grand . Tillicoultry is situated at the foot of the Oenill hutf , at the mouth of one of those glens whose waters drire the machinery of its woollen factories . The mom was shining over the romantic scone , In all her splendourupwards of 3 , 000 people , consfstfng of men and women , had stood in the- open air for five hours , closely compacted together . Among these , we observed the leading manufacturers of all the surrounding towns , the most of them remaining to the last Both of the disputants agreed that there should be no expression of feeling during the discussion , as they were afraid their voieei might fail them , addressing' go large a ' meeting till midnight in the open air . It was evident from the glistening eyes , and their suppressed feelings , that thia
was no easy task for thefm . to accomplish ; - But the Chartists of this district have too much respect for their principles aud themselves to give any violation to the most rigid decorum ; and , although they had to listen for two hours to what they themselves characterise as thy moat wretched twaddle—yet the motive assigned enabled them to exercise patience ureter it . When the vote was taken , a : forest of hsndi was upheld fer Mr . Dunsari's side—for Mr . Morrison ' s side not m » re than thirty hands were held up . The cheers and shouts of triumph which followed made the glens of the Ochili-hilJs re-echo with the glad shout of Chartism , over all the will-o ' -the-wisp andthefalM
lights that the middle class are raising to deceive-and mislead the Chartists . Every town in the country £ s in a commotion , previous to and since this discussion wok place . Waverers are confirmed , and the enemies s » chop&llen and dispirited . -The cheers that followed for Feargus O'Connor , the Charter , and all imprisoned victims , made the enemies present both blue afld Mack in the face . They now find that the Charter and & « people ' s leaders are engraven npon the heart of hearta of the people . Whigs and Tories are threatening mtter extermination to Mr . Duncan , and declare there will be no peaee in the district until he also forms one of the already numerous list . of victims to satiate the revenge of Whigs and Tories . v
We have extended thia report farther than perhaps you will be inclined to give insertion to ; but tbisia oui condition ; the Whigs had reporters provid ed who were upon the hustings . Past experiences c onvineestts that their power of misrepresentation and abuse will be . brought into full play upon this occasion . Te whom can we look for protection but to the Northern Star , and other Chartist papers t It it is possible to insert it , the Chartists here will feel it as an act of Justice , and the enemies will find the state cf public opini on in tbu place will be circulated through England , Sc otland . and Wales . They have long tried to suppress that public opinion .
The business was closed by Mr . \ DuHCAN moving , and Mr . Morrison seconding , a vote of thanks to tM respective chairmen . —From our own Correspondent .
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HOUSE OF LpRDS .-FBiDAY , Mat 28 . A large number of petitions were presented on tin subject of the Corn Lawg . . , ' Lord Denman presented petitions from baptist m other dissenting congregations , against the prse'ice oi administering oaths ,, and praying the substitution ° * affirmations / He had no idea of totrodncutf W measure on the subject at present , but if be " ^ ~ T any encouragement from the House he sfioald o »« n objection to do' so . ' ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ the Lord Ashburton , in presenting a petition * ? . r \ shipowners of Whitehaven against the timber duties . wished to relieve the minds of the pabfle ' of » dewsw nnder which they laboured ; namely , that the FJPT £ measure with regard to timber was a reduction oi : W * " " tUn . On the contrary , the people wonld find taap was to all intents and purposes a measure of ^"" rV j After a conference with the Commons on the m of the Arms ( Ireland * Bill , their Lordships sdjonn > w Thursday next
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. HOUSE OF COMMONS , Feidat , Mat 28 . 2 ir . Scaotvisipgsrenotiae that on the 3 d oM » j £ he should move tbat the extreme suffering of ts . e w » trions classes from Jow wages and want of emp | i *» renders it the imperative d uty of *«^ TJ ^ L separate till ik has devised ; some means for ^^ the great misery that now prevails in al l the m »« turiug districts of the country- ( Sear , be ar . ) ¦ . g On the motion of the A ; tiomey-Ge : < eiui <^" » , »„ , rtnfioo mil iras iwArl a third time ana P » T 7 ' .
Lord J .. KusSEtt moved the adjournaeM House at its rising till Wednesday next . ; mnW L ed '' . Sir R PEEL said : it had'been generally soH ^ that the object of hls resolution was to ^^ fat the discussipn of the Corn Laws ; but . so »* " ™ r&t beihgthe case , if the Noble . Lora . had VW *? ^ the . House should sit on Monday next , he y ^ V-ye offered no opposition to the motion , ^ "l ^ aeaditf . Lord having proposed ^«^^ J ?» . MfflS 5 * he should not object to . it , ^^ - ^ Eee however , that , the debate should , bave precea ^ ' ' '
tbat day ; ., ^ .. . Tianfi-LordJ . Russeli . had no objection to that an «^ ment . •• . ' .... . \ -. i __ . « auiB ^> The " Want of Confidence" debate ^ . ^^ j . and the House was addressed by Mr- « £ * £ ty . Sandford , tor . Darby , Hr . Untton , , ** £ J ° gre » il , H . Grattan , Lord Teignmouth , Mr . Ingham , Ji ^ Lord Sandon , Lord Morpeth , and Sir James w *^ On the motion of Mr . Servant Talfourd . at v ^ ter before ene , the . House adjourned till «« " next . '
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g THE NORTHERN STAR .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), June 5, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct552/page/6/
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