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Northern Star (1837-1852), 27th November 1841, Edition 5 of 6, Page 6

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      BStSG-uTOH * . A public metting of the inhabitant * of Brlgtrton Was held on Monday eveningiTrejek , at - $ be Town H * H , to take into consideration the propriety of addressing a petition to the Commons' Home of Parliament in fcvour of 5 document entitled 1 be " People * Charter . " and to adopt such measures as the said meeting might fl c ^ m expedient The meeting was convened by the High Constable , on a re quisition being pre » ented to him , signed by a umnerou * and respectable portion of tbe inhabitant ! of Brighton . In the absence of the High Constable , who was confined to bis bouse by ¦ evere indisposition , tbe ebair ira » taken by Mr . Johk Good , Delegate for Brighton in the first CoBventien .

      Business commenced by tbe Vestry Clerk reading the requisition , daring which we beUsre both the Members for the Borough entered the room , and took their seats en the right of the Chairman , amidst long continued apolsBse ; in fact the applause fer Captain PecheQ , one of tbe glorious thirty-nine , -was trexnsBdoes . Hardly had the eheeimg subsided , bat the old hall rang again and again on tbe entrance of Charles Brooker , Esq . ; peal after peal vibrated through the hall on the appearance of the BoooBrabie Gentleman on tt » platform , beside the Members for the Borough , Silence having in some degree been gained , the Testry Clerk finished reading tbe requisition , the Chairman briefly requested the meeting to preserre order , and giro , as he had no doubt they -would , a tab and impartial hearing to erst ? speaker . Mr . Allen rose to propose tbe following resolution : —

      " That in the opinion of this meeting , the rapidly increasing tide of distress , which is iavotvint ; all tbe industrious and commercial ciwos of society , is attributable solely to the existing inequalities of a system which essentially protects particular classes at the expense ef tbe rights and Interests of the great body of the people . " That till all classes of men be placed on a footing of equality before the laws of the country , the evils now so universally complained of will continue to grow , and at last to threaten & national convul-• km . " That , in the opinion of this meeting , nothing short of the adoption of the ' People ' s Charter' can effect the desired object , and that we , therefore , adopt Ihe petition called ! the ' National Petition , ' praying for this object "

      Hz . alxss , is a long and eloquent speech , spoke to the resolution -with a terrour ' and admiration that called down upon him the repeated applause of the meeting . An incident occurred , during his address , that placed the """ ftpe in such a- spirit of delight , that for a few moments all order was at an ead . Every man and woman ware standing , waving hit * aad handkerchiefs , shouting at the top of their voices—the Tery building seemed to tremble with the weight of their bud hurrahs . One mas bad entered tbe hstl from one of the ante rooms , followed by a few trusty and faithful fri « "i ^ a . He mounted the platform—passed in front of the borough members to the left of the chairman—he was . recognised—i t was their beloTed schoolmasteryes , it was Bronterre O'Brien—he whs bod passed the

      fiery ordeal of Whig persecution ; nearly two years since he had been in Brighton ; yet with all , he was tfr « saute p **"; *^ rn ^ tt there is not that smiling' countenance—yet the same features are there—the same undaunted spirit- » -the ¦ same determination of mind ; eighteen months' persecution has not damped the ardour of his soul—the same inspirations to free his country erist in bis manly breast ; yes , with all the brutal persecutions of his oppressor!—he is the same usOauiited—the same determined advocate and teacher of the millions of his persecuted and oppressed fellowsubjects . O'Brien in Brighton , is surrounded by a host of friends—men who have stood by him in the days of adversity—men who bare brayed and treated with contempt the contumely of the proud and haughty , the

      rich And titled , and rallied round one of tie noblest of nature ' s creation . such « u the the enthusiasm of the meeting , as we have said before , for the time everything was at a standstill Mr . Allen resumed his address , by appealing at once to the people to discountenance the brutal Whigs . " See" said he , " a-victim of their cruel and brutal treatment—look at your brave O'Briea . Hen of Brighton , look at your noble teacher —Whigs of Brighton , bvaunt from the withering glance of the man your party hare so brutally treated ; hide yourselves for ever from the sight ot your honest Chartist neighbours ; look with shame at the victim of the bloody despotism of your party when in power who , thank God , trist no longer as a party of any

      consequence to be worth noticing . Men of Brighton , forget not the sufferings of poor Holberry , Peddie , and numerous others of your friends , who hare been and some of whom an still confined in the loathsome dungeons of your oppressors , in which the despotism of the late Whig Ministry placed them . And will you , can you support aoeha party ? ''Loud cries of "no , no , never . ") Xo , " never said Mr . Allen ; their day is gone for everthey bad now a faction who -will try their best to put tben down ; but Xbnj will fall . The rising intelligence of the people will in the end prevail , and tbe Charter became the law of the land . Mr . Allen resumed his seat amid the moat tremendous applause , and was followed fcy

      Mr . Colmxg , who , in a neat and most effective speech , seconded the resjluticn ; which , after being read by the Testry Clerk , was put to * , be meeting by the Chairman , and carried -with loud cheering . Mr . Woodwasd rose to propose the adoption of the National Petition . He congratulated his brother Chartists on the progress their cause has made in the town of Brighton , and the county of Sussex . It was nearly four years since the Charter was introduced into this town ; since which time Chartism and its advocates had borce a terrible persecution ; still tbe principles of the Charter are all paramount ; hundreds of their best and noblest compatriots had suffered long and lonesome incarceration . Although barricades bad been erected at previous meetings in this

      townsoldiers under arms—their fellow-townmen swom in as special constables , to bludgeon them—vile coast-guardmen were introduced in the bodyof the meeting with naked cutlasses—with all these against them , they bad triumphed , and seethe consequence ; no tumults , nor no rioting . Mr . W . impressed on the meeting the fact , that whenever a new sect sprang up among the peeple , whether in polities or religion , persecution was sure . to follow , they had been persecuted—their friends had been torn from them ; still cut of a fiery and cruel persecution , Chartism came more pure—the spirit burned stronger and more determined , and nothing feut the sincerity and resolution of the . people is wanted to lead them to a successful conclusion . ( Cheers . ; The good seed sown by Mr . Feargus O'Connor three years since , and the doctrines be bad promulgated among them , had not been forgotten , but on all and every occasion they had responded to . them , and in Etrite of

      a vile and corrupt pres 3 they were at last recognised as a powerful party in the state , Mr . WoiHiward then entered into a history and defence of the Charter , seriatim , pointing out the differences that existed in the various boroughs , comparing the small wirh the large , instancing small boroughs with a population of two or three thousand sending as many members as a population of three hundred thousand . He then drew a picture of the state of the poorer classes of this country , and with considerable feeling read extraets from the Timis newspaper , gi-ring an account thai at the same time her Majesty was delivered bf a Piince , tkree poor women were confined in one bed and two in another , at the same time , on the same day , at Sevenoaks Union workhouse . ( Great sensation wits evinced by the meeting ) Mr . Woodward urged upon every man to sign the petition , if agreed to , and resumed his seat amid loud continued cheering .

      The Testht Clerk having read the National Petition , ; Mr . Flowers , in a speech of some length and spirit , seconded its adoption . The venerable and good old man spoke with an energy we have seldom witnessed . The cheering of the meeting told us that his feelings were ' responded to , s . 'id on res ' -ming bis seat , the meeting gave him one loud and long round of applause . Ml . BR 0 XTER 3 . E O'lilUBN was called for , and on shewing himseif toihe K . eetingi the cheering was tremendous . After it had subsided , he tbaukfcd them for the j manner in which they hid received him that evening , ; and said ha ought to be grateful , for the people of Brigh- ' ton never forgot him in iiis time of trouble . He had never solicited their support , yet they came forward to

      his assistance when most needed . It was gratifying to him ; to see fifteen or sixteen hundred honest faces , after having seen nothing but the faces ot thieves and smashers for tbe last eighteen months . Mr . O'Brien gave an . account of his companions , which elicited repeated outbursts of the meetings indignation at such abominable treatment He said he would nndertake to prove that tbe misery of the people was the result o ? acts of Parliament , and he wonld undertake not only to : shew that , but that the men who made those acts of Parliament , made them for . the purpose of robbing and , enslaving die peopls , and more than that he would i undertake to show , in opposition ; o uny one , what those ' acts of Parliament were ; or if there were evils existing , which wars not the result of a : ta of Parliament , they

      were the result of the want of suchucts , which they : would have if other acts of Parliament did not protect them . He thought it necessary to make this remark , because it had been frequently said in the House of ; Commons , that the distress of the people was not owing j to legislation . Lord John Russell had made a statement to that effect , and so had Sir Robert Peel ; and the Times the organ of the monied class , on the occasion of the ' great meeting i n Palace Yard , to elect delegates to the Convention , after abusing the Chartists , for their folly and presumption in thinking tircy had any claim to the suffrage , said , "What , do you mean to shew

      us that Parliament could do anything to setter your condition ? Draw up a Bill , winch if carried into a law would ameliorate your condition , aud present it to the House of Commons , and vre wilLundfcrtake to say that , however meanly you may think cf that Hcubo , it will not hesitate oae moment in passing that bill into a law . " That was all delusion , or to use a stronger expression , , it was ail humbug , in the first place , it ~ sas--not fcy one acs of Parliament that the esy&Js ^ sne brought into their present condi : Loa , and th * ey had no right to > expect that one act of Parliament wouid bring thtm out of ; t ,, much less one proceeding from that House , as at present constituted . So . ' if they were to remedy : be evils

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      of tbe country , they Blast "have power in tbe bands of those who suffered from the evils , and not exclusively confined to the classes , who , either did not suffer or wetv interested in the system that caused the evils . But , perhaps , there might , be persons present who thought that tbe distress was exaggerated , and that the decline of wages alluded to in the petition was not true . He knew that the Puke-of Wellington not long ago said , " The talk about distress was exaggerated for all men willing and able to work could find a living . " Mr . O'Brien adverted to the distress that existed in Stockport , when there were spinners , who four weeks ago wen earning only 17 s . per week , white three years ago , these same men were In tbe receipt of' £ t a week . Hundreds were walking tbe street , and could get no

      employment at ail ; and he never witnessed a sight that appalled him more than tbe sight of thousands of gaunt half-starved looking men , -who were walking the streets of Stockport , almost in rags , and with every appearance of mental and bodily sufferings In tbe same town , there were power-loom weavers eaminglOs . per week , who not many years ago were earning twice that sum . Mr . O'Brien also adverted to tbe distress existing in Carlisle , i n Wigan , Blackburn , Burnley , Todmorden , and various other parts of Lancashire ; and even in Yorkshire , where tbe people were generally better off , be had found them living at the rate of 5 s . to 6 s . a-week , and some of them were at is . ( Shame . ) Tbe men of Brighton bad the geod fortune to live in a part of the country where the

      mass of the people did not depend on any particular branch of trade ; and they , therefore , had no experience of these things ; but if they had been in tbe districts he had been in , and witnessed the sights he bad witnessed , they would see at once bow it was that the people throughout the northern districts were calling so loudly for the People ' s Charter , and for a total change in the present system of society . It might be said that this was the result of machinery , of thejCorn Laws , and of tbe want of free trade . But all these things he would assert , were caused by bad laws . ( Hear , bear . ) In all the towns ha had visited , be found the -wages of the hand-loom weavers to have declined in the proportion he had sated . In Bnddersfield they were now getting i $ & . a-yard for weaving what they got 5 d . for in 1828 ;

      and in Barnsley they were getting 7 s . apiece for what they got 14 s . for ten years ago . The only class of handloom weavers who were earning as much as 6 s . per week were a certain number who had been many years La the employ of Mr . Fielden—a Member of Parliament , aad a man whom be respected , - and whom be believed was honestly inclined towards tbe people—and he bad kept up the wages by 2 s . a-week higher than the wages of all around them since 1833 . He assarted that those men whose wages bad been reduced had been robbed of five-sixths of their earnings ; that the man who got 6 s . where his father got 83 s . fer less work ( and the father got less than he ought)—be asserted that that w >« . t > m robbed of five-sixths of his earnings , because he continued to give the sain © wealth to society , while

      five-sixths of the wealth he ought to receive was taken from him by a power he could not resist Then , the next question was , - who were the robbers , and who were the receivers of stolen goods ? Now , there happened to be two honourable gentlemen then present , and no one felt more inspect for them than he did , seeing that they were not ashamed to show themselves to tbe people , and he should be ashamed if he did not repeat wh&t he said in other parts of the country , that the receivers were those who lived ou fixed incomes , and for which they rendered noser vice to society , and that the robbers were those who made the laws by which they continned to receive those fixed incomes withontgiving aa exchange . Now , observe , he made no charge against the present House of Commons . All the preceding

      Houses were robbers and receivers of stolen goods , but he was not going to apply that to the present one , because , according to the laws , he could treat a dead Parliament like a dead dog , but not a living fine , because if he did they would send him again to Lancaster Castle . ( Laughter and cheers , ) It was a hard name to give a Parliament to say that they were the receivers of stolen goods , and the man who did it ought to give bis proofs ; and here he was to give it is respect to ali y&st Parliaments , and excepting only the PUSSES 9 Parliament , which was composed of honourable and right honourable gentlemen . ( Laughter . ) Well , then , they had accompanied him in his statements to show that the poor man had been robbed of at least five-sixths of his earnings ; and the next question was , who were the receivers of the stolen goods ? When a

      policemanbeard of a robbery , the first thing was to look after the stolen property , and if he got that he was certain of getting at the thief . This was tbe course he should take , and then , having got at the property they would get at the honourable and right honourable gentle men , all belonging to previous Parliaments . Well , then , men of fixed incomes received those incomes because the law was strong enough to give it them , not f or any value which they gave in return to society . He would take one case at a time . By men living on fixed incomes he meant fundbolders , living on the dividends ; he meant also men living on rents derived from land , men living on rent-charges , no matter how they got them , during the time the wages of the hand-loom weaver had declined . Begin with the fundbolder , going no further bade than 1810 or 1812 . The fundholder

      wonld receive about £ 60 for £ 100 stock in tbe three per cents ., but if the same man were to sell out now he would receive £ 90 , and in the meantime be would have received £ 90 more for usury . Here , then , after receiving £ 96 without doing anything for it , tbe value of their capital was increased £ 50 per cent- ; but it did not end there , for they could go into ihe market and bay fear times as ranch of the produce of the handloom weaver as the same money wonld purchase at the former period ; they could purchase four times the amount of Manchester geods and three times that of Birmingham goods . ( Hear , hear . ) Here was tbe fundholder taking the usury given to him by Act of Parliament , which , if Parliament was elected by the people , would be put an end to , because it was forbidden by Moses . Here was

      £ 90 received for usury , contrary to tbe law of Moses , an < t the common law of England —here was property raised from £ 60 to £ 90 , and in addition to that every pound in that capital was worth £ 3 compared to the former time ; so that here was a three-fold robbery , every one by Act of Parliament . It was Parliament that contracted the debt without the nation ' s consent , and then there was the interest of the debt , which was faT worse than the debt itself . Now , then , compare the different facts he had stated—the workpeople being robbed of five-sixths of their earnings , and tken the men of fixed incomes receiviag more by fifty per cent beside the usury , and every pound of thai being three or four times more valuable . Tbe fundbelders could , therefore , command five or six days" labour of the

      handloom weavtr where before they could only command one ; and he who could command the labour of another rendered him his slave . ( Loud applause . ) Now , then , the receivers of fixed incomes had received what the hand-loom weavers had lost , and consequently they were the receivers of the stolen goods . Then the next question was , who were the robbers ? He answered the Parliament of England , and those who made that Parliament . The reason why be used this language was that they ( the Chartists ) had been again and again denounced by Members of Parliament and by a corrupt press . The fact was , he never , in the course of his life , penned a sentence which went to say that a farthing of the property of the rich should be taken from them and given to the poor , though he had written

      hunnreds of sentences to destroy the power they had of taking it He should be sorry to use any language with a view to give any unnecessary insult to the tvro Hon . Gentlemen who were there , and who were Members of Parliament . ( Applause . ) But it was one thing not to insult them , and another to blink the truth . It was his opinion that the People ' s Charter would produce nothing but bloodshed from one end of the country to the other , unltss the people pos essing property , no matter bow th y got it , were secured in tbe possession of it . ( Hear , hear . ) The repeal if the taxes wouid not relieve the people . No doubt , the taxes were a burden to the people , but they were nothing compared to other grievances . Mr . O'Brien then stated that ke believed he was the

      legally elected member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; he was chosen by 11 , 000 people who held up their hands in his favour , while the Whig had only 200 , and the Tory 120 ; but though no poll was demanded , the Returning Olficer declared the others elected . Mr . O'Brien slated to tue meeting tbo tyrannical treatment he had received -when in prison ; ho was not allowed to write for the press , by order of Lord Normanby , as he was termed the " most dangerous man of the whole party . " Mr . O'Brien then gave a mimic description of the reading of the indictment by which he was tried , and the manner in which he illustrated the reading—of " routs , " "riots , " and " tumults , " " tending to disturb the pt-ace of the country , " creating insurrections against . jur Sovereign Lacy tLe Queen , her Crown , and dignity . " ipoor dear little creaturei , called forth peals of derisive laughter . Adverting to the accession of the Tories to office , & * Mr . OB . continued , that if they

      attempted t-j suspend the ? iabcas corpus against the majority of the people of the country , that the people would rise as one mass and put down the conspirators . ( Tremendous applause . ) He was as willing as any man to obey the laws , even if tbey ¦ were bad , so long as the law left him the means cf raising public opinion to alter the laws ; but if t'iit law treferring to the habeas corpus act , ) was put an end to ; if the present Governuient should think k necessary to suspend the law , and govern by military conimisiions , tben he , for one , should' feel himself relieved from all obligation to Parliament , and be would not hesitate a moment—( Long-continued cheering . ) Mr . O'Brien concluded by exhorting every person present to hold up their hands for the petition , and not to leave the Hall till they had appended their names to the petition sheets , and resumed his seat amid Ion ; continued and rapturous applause .

      Charles Brooker , Esq . rose , but owing to the lateness of tbe evening he Bhould not deliver any address to the meeting . He had intended to have done so ; but if the sense of tbe meeting was such tbat be should proceed , he would do ac . a short discussion ensued between the Chairman and Mr . Brooker , when Mr . B . said he fully agreed with the petition , and resumed his sea * amidst great applause . The motion for the adoption of the petition was then put to the meeting , aad carried with loud cheers .

      Mr . SA 5 DT moved—; l That the thanks of this meeting ara due , and are hereby glvec , to Captain Pechell and J . N . Wigney

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      Esq ., Members for the Borough , fox their attendance here this evening . " Mr . Woodward , In a few observations , seconded the resolution .. . A little squabbling arose between Mr . Woodward and Mr . Wigney , owing to a misunderstanding arising on a promise , which Mr . Wigney made to Mr . Woodward , to vote for the release of Frost and his copatriot * . Mr . WiGNEY did not deny , in ioio , the promise ; but he considered that , if he did so , it must have been privately , aad so ought to have been kept by Mr . Woodward . After tbe squabble had somewhat ended ,

      Mr . CBeien rose and again shortly addressed tbe meeting . He complimented Captain Peehell on bis tote on Sharman Crawford ' s motion , on the motion for the release of the political prisoners , and many other votes he had given in Parliament That proved to him that he had a mind not to be ledjaway , and that he had voted osscientiously . Mr . O'Brien said both their Members were entitled to their thanks for their attendance that evening . It was not common to see Members of Parliament at meetings like this , and therefore he did consider that thanks were due to them . The motion was pnt and carried unanimously .

      Captain Pechell rose and said , in compliance with the invitation he had received , he had attended that meeting . Be considered it to be his duty to pay that mark of respect and attention to them , when he knew the many aota of kindness which tbey had conferred upon him , and the many sacrifices many of them had made in bis behalf . He cengratulatert . them on the manner they had conducted the meeting . He did not think it necessary foi their honourable and talented visitor , Mr . O'Brien , to guard himself that be did not intend to oast any insult upon their representatives ; he did not think that the Hon . Gentleman wished to cast any insult upon them , well knowing that he had

      received from the hands of his friends of Brighton most efficient support , and in such service be was an bumble Instrument With reference to the language be bad used upon former Parliaments , &c , he knew it was language that must be applied , and which in many cases was strictly applicable . ( Loud cheers . ) Tbey most do himself and colleague justice in believing tbat they should certainly not submit to allow tbe petition which had emanated from that assembly to be treated with disrespect in that place where they had a voice , and that they would mention the intelligence in which the petition had been argued at that meeting . After a few observations , tbe Gallant Captain resumed bis seat amid loud applause ..

      J . N . Wigney , Esq ., M . P ., next presented himself , and said in consequence of an invitation received by him , be had attended tile meeting , and received great pleasure in his attendance , as he had the honour of being one of the representatives of the town ; it was always his pleasure to attend meetings like these , and hear the sentiments of others upon all occasions . Sentiments such as had been there spoken were well worth hearing , and well worth the consideration of the public at large , —( cheers)—and whilst he could not fully accard with all that bad fallen from tbe talented speaker , Mr . O'Brien , still he could , not refrain from saying he had spoken many wholesome truths . Taking the statement of Mr . O'Brien as correct , as to what he suffered in bis imprisonment be should say it was a disgrace ~ to a

      free country like this . He should not take upon himself to judge the case ; but , taking the statement of Mr . O'Brien , he thought the punishment far more than commensurate for the alleged offence . With regard to what had fallen from Mr . Woodward , he would say , he had never given one pledge privately or publicly tbat he should be ashamed to acknowledge either on these or any other boards , and ha should be ashamed to state in a private room what he could iot publicly acknowledge ; he hoped , therefore , that he Bhould stand at all events , fairly before that meeting , and that it was not to be supposed , for a singlo moment , that be should at one time say one thing , and at another time

      another thing . With his Honourable and Gallant Colleague , ho should have great pleasure , if be were to hear anything derogatory in the House of Commons , to & petition like the present , in showing the House the erroneous views they took of it The sentiments of Mr . O'Btieu had given him great pleasure . They contained many wholesome truths , and the only thing he might find a little fault with , was that he was rather too sweeping in his observations on late Houses of Parliament , ( Mr . Wigney formerly representing Brighton . ) He should be most happy to see Mr . O'Brien in the House of Commons , and if Mr . O'Brien got there , he wonld not , he thought , come out and say he had left behind him an assembly of thieves and robbers .

      The following resolutions were severally proposed , seconded , and carried : — Resolved— " That a Committee be appointed to obtain signatures to the petition , and that tbe following persons do form such Committee , with power to add to their number , viz .: — " Messrs . Woodward , Allen , Flower , Allcorne , Moriiug , Lansdell , Giles , Culling , John Good , and John Rose . " " That the expences incident to this meeting be defrayed by the High Constable , and charged in his account . " " That the thanks of this meeting are doe , and are hereby presented , to Charier grooker , and James Bronterre O'Brien , Esquires , for" their attendance this evening . " " That the thanks of tbiB meeting are due , and are hereby given , to Mr . John Good , for his able and impartial conduct in the chair . "

      The meeting lasted four hours » nd a half . Mr . O'Brien ' s address lasted about \ f > o hoars . The meeting broke up by giving three cheers for the Charter , three for O Brien , O'Connor , Frost , Williams , and Jones , and all the incarcerated victims .

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      working people were starving , ; but they felt that all endeavours to remedy this state of' things would be useless so long as the aristocracy remained In possession of ( heir present power ; and therefore they wished to assail the master spirit of monopoly that had called forth the Corn Laws . The Chartists were not opposed to free trade : anything that levelled the restriotlpna on It would indeed be a glorious achievement , and o ptn the way for others ; but ihe arlstocnwy feared this , and strove td keep the people divided , in order that they might thus have it in their power to plunder them . The interests bf the aristocracy were so wound up In these restrictions , ' that they would ' rather r isk a civil war than jive ,, up one of them . ( Hear , hear . ) The aristocracy looked upon the people as their

      serfs , as theirproperty /¦ "theydreaded free trade as an encroachment upon their' rights ; and therefore they opposed , and would oppose , every approach towards this This being the case , he would put it to the Editor of the Chronicle , whether it would not be far more benevolent in the middle and upper to aid the working classes in obtaining their just rights , than to waste their strength in getting up such a mighty revolution for the mere Repeal of the Corn Laws : If they got the former , they would soon get the latter ; but it was very doubtful if , with all their efforts , they would get tbe latter without having first obtained the former . Mr . Vincent then again referred to the Charter plan of Universal Suffrage , and showed it would be more efficient than Household , because the

      latter would exclude all lodgers , who were among tbe most Intelligent class of the community . It would not be wiidom on the part of the Chartists to waste their strength in endeavouring to obtain a repeal of the Com Laws as things now were ; the attempt had been made —by Hunt at Peterloo , and by others since then—and It had failed . The working classes had taken part In the agitation for the Reform BUI , and what had they gained f Nothipg . Past experience showed that whenever the aristocracy were beaten on one point , they endeavoured to regain strength In another . Mr . Vincent then at some length Baowecl bow the aristocracy have ever sought to keep the people in ignorance and debase their minds , because in this ignorance their great security consisted ; and instanced the state of the

      rural population , who are still the least educated , and who are taught from their childhood up to reverence mere wealth and rank , without asking whether their possessors are good and virtuous , and deserve their respect He ( Mr . V . ) liked civility , but not servility , because be saw under it the fruits of the slavish system that enslaved and debased them . He was not there to flitter the working classes ; and he m ^ st tell them , that though there was mere intelligence among them than among the agricultural , yet they were too much caught by mere glitter and show , and their minds too much turned towards the aristocracy by the raree show and " good old sports" they so generously provided for the people , in order to keep up their " manly character "such as boxing , bull-baits , and cock and dog fiphta

      ;all to debase the minds of the multitude , so that they might change the sport when they pleased , and turn the dog-fight into a national one . To the working classes , he had a few words of advice to give : —tbey must obtain greater knowledge in every department of trade , and this was to be got by increasing their intelligence and general knowledge . An intelligent man was a courageous man ; and he would not rest contented with a pig-sty while there was a palace open for him . But though they were not yet so intelligent as they might and ought to be , yet they were intelligent enough for the exercise of the , franchise , and those who were not so at present , would soon acquire knowledge . But if the middle and working classes were all intelligent , and were divided ampnc themselves , tbey would do no

      good . If government saw tbat they were resolved on obtaining an object , the first thing it would endeavour to do would be to sow dissensions among them : and for this purpose would employ , as it bad done before , the press and the pulpit also , besides other means . In the Chartist Convention of 1839 , many bad men took part in the movement , and spies were paid by Government , to introduce themselves Into the society of Chartists . [ Of this Mr . Vincent related an instance he himself knew of . ] If the government saw the anti-Corn Law League and Chartists united for the attainment of Universal Suffrage , they would fear and tremble , and would seek to destroy its effect by the means he bad just spoken of . In some places—in Bath for Instancesome of the middle class bad professed themselves in

      favour of the principles of the Charter ; but the Tory press said nothing of it , and strove to revive the old prejudices : —this procedure , however , though it might defer for a time , would not put off the day of reckoning . Mr . Vincent then went on to speak of the misunderstandings existing between tbe middle and working classes , and to show their folly : —there was not a working man wh » would not like to be a master to-morrow if he could , and rightly bo ( hear , hear ); and if the working classes were well paid , the middle classes benefited thereby , for the people were their best customers ( bear , hear)—better than the majority of the aristocracy , who , if they did give grand orders , were often excessively indignant if ^ the t radesman should pre - sume to send his bill . ( Laughter . ) It must be plain to

      all that no state could stand long , if the people were not comfortable , for their hatred of property was engendered by the existence of distress , while their neighbours were rolling in wealth ; and they looked upon the rich among them as the cause of their distress ; but if they were uncomfortable , they would have no cause for this feeling of dislike to property . ( Hear , hear . ) If the working classes had been to blame in disturbing meetings called by them—( and he did not wish to palliate all their conduct ;—the middle classes were also to blame for the way in which they had been accustomed to speak of the working classes- —saying they had rather be governed by St . James's than St . Giles ' s , which was an insult to the people . Now St . James ' s had been tried and found wanting , but St . Giles ' s had not ; and ,

      besides , what had made St . Giles ' s and placed a wall of adamant around it : but the conduct of those in Si . James ' s ? ( Hear . ) But England was not all one St . Giles ' , but had some intelligent men in whose hands tbe power of government would be safer than in the present hands . This language produced recrimination , and thus the breach was widened ; while they pursue a contrary course and mix and converse with each other , the more they would find in each other to like . ( Cheers . ) He ( Mr . V . ) wished to Bee this state of things come to pass—when both classes Bhould meet each other on mutual grounds ; and though he did not venture to hope bis humble efforts had done much towards it , yet he hoped he had said nothing to widen the breach . — For what , then , were the two classes to unite ! For

      the obtainment of a mere childish change ? No ! rather let them go on for a while endeavouring to convince each other of the justness of their respective views ; and meanwhile the wish to promote the good of all should animate us all . Mr . Vincent then referred in terms of high commendation to the Nonconfermist which was edited by a gentleman formerly resident in that town [ Mr . Miall , ] and which ably advocated the necessity of great changes in our political institutions . Speaking of what we were to expect from the present Government , he asked what could we expect from Sir Robert Peel , who , at a dinner given to him at an university , said that , if ever the time came when the multitude Bhould seem likely to get the upper hand , would tbe aristocracy submit to it ? No ! they

      would remember their past glory , their castles , their ancient families , and splendour , and they would rise and put tbe multitude down I Pretty doctrine this , ( said Mr . V . ) for an advocate of passive obedience and non-resistance , and the person who gave it was now Prime Minister and principal adviser of the Queen 1 But the people would teach such men there was virtue and greatness among them , and that they also had something to look back upon with pride . He ( Mr . V . ; thanked Sir Robert Peel for this doctrine ; for if the few had , as he said , a right to resist the will of the many , how much more right had the many to resist the will of the few ? ( Loud cheers . ) Let the people teach Sir Robert Peel that they , too , had a memory ; and that no pretended legislation , no canting sympathy for

      the distresses of the people , so tricks , no old follies ot tbe Whigs , dressed up afresh for 1841 , would satisfy them . ( Cheers . ) He did not wish to offend any one by thus touching upon the fallings off of the Whigs ; but even their friends must acknowledge that , aa a party , they had sadly fallen off since the days ot Charles James Fox , who was very much like a Chartist , and was for Universal Suffrage . ( Hear , hear . ) Sir Robert Peel might think , perhaps , to carry on the Government in the see-saw way of the late administration ; but he hoped their supporters , though lenitut to their own Government , —( laughter , )—would not be so

      to the Tories . Sir Robert was a good disciple of modern Whiggery : —there would doubtless be , on the opening of the Parliament , a good Queen's speech , plenty of promises , but no performance . ( Laughter . ) Middle men ( said Mr . V . ) let us unite to prevent thisunite , not against Sir Robert Peel , but against the system that gives him power—and let us seek to obtain its overthrow . ( Loud cheers . )—Mr . Vincent then expressed his readiness to answer any questions , and after a few observations on the spread of liberal principles among the people , and thanking the audience fer the patient hearing he had had—sat down amid loud cheering .

      TheCiiAiEMAN then made a few remarks , and said he hoped that in the central town of England—a town where the great doctrine of Universal Suffrage had been advocated in the magnificent diction of Robert Hall , and had been urged by the fervid eloquence of a Mursell , and tbe glowing patriotism of a Miall , —the present , happy occasion would not pass without some advocate for the broad rights of man , present in tbat hall , rising to express his consonance with Mr . Vincent ' s views . He knew that the working-men were thirsting to hear the voice of au eloquent friend of liberty then ia that room , and he trusted they would not be disappointed . The cry here became almost general for " Mr . Mursell , Mr . Mursell , " and the room rang with tremendous plaudits on the mention of that gentleman's name-After the lapse of a minute or two ,

      Tiie Rev . J . P . Muuseli , ascended the platform , when he was received with loud cheering . He bad not { said the Rev . Gentleman ) come to the meeting with the intention of saying anything—he came merely aa a listener . With Mr . Vincent ' s lectures he had been much pleased : he had never listened to more able ones in that hall ; and he had only to regret that every person of every class had not been present to listen to them . He hoped they would do good , and thought they nrns ; do good . He had not been converted to any new opinion by them , for he had always been an

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      advocate of Universal Sufirage—( load , cheers)—and not all the arguments brought against It by some of the middle class had been ' able to convert him from his opinion . Some of them objected to It because , of the ignorance of the working clasfl ; but this was no argument , because the working class were sot more Ignorant than their rulers , and their ignorance was but a reflection of what was in high places —( cheers ) ;—had they been more virtuous , the working and middle classes wonld have been more so . He ( Mr . M ) was in favour of electoral districts , and longed for the day when the great principles of the Charter should be carried into effect ( Loud applause . ) Referring to the allusion made to Mr . Mfall , Mr . Mursell said they hid both long entertained the same principles , and talked over the

      questlen In their little family circles . Mr . Miall had done great good , and , had madev marry converts to Universal Suffrage by bis writings femong the" middle classes , who were before afraid of the word . What was now wanted was union ; and he hoped tbat Would be carried into effect by the lectures of to-night and last Tuesday ; Lit' must be brought about bi necessity . Those who composed the Anti-Corn-Law league , when disappointed In their object , would come and unite with them ( the Chartists . } They wished to get rid of the Corn Laws , and « ay to the Chartista , Unite with ua for this purpose : but when they got these laws repealed , they would not unite with the working classes in favour of Universal Suffrage . But the working class ' who have studied Euclid , say , the

      greater involves the less , and if you will unite with us for Universal Sufirage , then we win unite with you for the repeal of the Com Laws- And lie ( Mr . M . ) would say to the Chartists , Do not give np your rights , but demand the great principles of the Charter . ( Loud cheers from the Chartists ) The straggle now was not between mere parties , bat between Aristocracy and Democracy ; the straggle , If he mistook not , was soon to be made ; and let . them be ready to unite in the work , to advance the great principles of the Charter . From henceforth , this arm ( said Mr . M ., raising his right arm ) iB bared in defence of Universal Suffrage . ( Tremendous cheering . )

      There was next a call for Mr . Winks , who Addressed a few wards to the meeting . He cordially , approved of much that had been said by Mr . Vincent , and he would beg to propose a vote of thanks to him for . his lecture * ( Hear , hear . ) The general tendency of bis remarks had been to promote a better feeling between all parties : there were some other things he could have wished had not been said , or had been said differently ; but upon those he wonld not touch , for fear he might say something not so agreeable to the feelings of the assembly as what he had said . He ( Mr . W . ) was in favour of an extension of tbe suffrage , though he might not go quite so far as Mr . Vincent . He cordially moved the vote of thanks .

      The Rev . Mr . Mursell seconded It Mr . Bairstow moved as an amendment , a rewlution he had written In the course of the evening , embodying the ) previous one , to the following effect : — " That this meeting , in expressing its thanks to Mr . Vincent for bis able and eloquent lectures , likewise feels that the sole bond of union between the middle and working classes must Jbe based on the right of the latter to a full , free , and righteous representation in Parliament . " Mr . W . Kempson , manufacturer , begged ,- before the amendment was put , to be allowed to make one remark . There was one sentiment he had heard expressed tonight , which he did not think could be correct : be therefore wished to know if he heard aright It had been said , that if the Corn Laws were repealed , the

      working classes wonld be in a worse situation to obtain an extension of the Suffrage than before . . Surely , if we got that measure of Reform , aad thus diminished the power of the aristocracy , We thereby gained extended power to get fuller privileges . ( Hear , hear . ) The middle class have ever struggled for every measure of liberty hitherto obtained ; why , then , should tbe Chartists , though they may be of opinion that the Repeal of the Corn Laws is not so important as the Extension of the Suffrage—why should they try to . repress that movement ? Meetings bad been held to promote that otgect , and had been put a stop to ; yet the people had not been prevented from endeavouring to obtain their ebject ( Hear , hear . ) Such conduct was neither just nor wise . Surely , if the Corn Lawswererepealed , we should be in a better position to obtain an extension of our privileges . ( Hear , hear . ) .

      The Rev . Mr . Muesell rose to say he wished to withdraw the original resolution . He thought Mr . Kempson must have referred to a sentiment expressed by him . He was not wanting in- solicitude for the Repeal of tbe Corn Laws ; but if be was right in bis assumption , there were many gentlemen in favour of the abolition of the Corn Laws ; bat not in favour of an extension of the suffrage : Those who were against the extension of the suffrage would not be converted , because they had obtained a Repeal of the Cera Laws ; and many connected With tbe anti-Corn Law League were directly opposed to extension of the suffrage . For instance , he knew Mr . Cobden very well , —and he did

      not hesitate to say , that . Mr . Cobden was for no such thiDg as Universal Suffrage . ( Loud cries of hear , hear , and mark that !) He would say to the -working classes , " Support the Repeal of the Corn Laws , but never at the expence of your own right . " ( Cheers from the Chartists . ) He regretted the interruptions at former meetings , alluded to by Mr . Kempson , but he hoped the pacific manner in which this meeting had been conducted might be taken as a sign that a better spirit was gaining ground : indeed , it would be a shame if at any future meeting any person were prevented from expressing his sentiments . The eloquent gentleman sat down amidst the most rapturous and long-continued cheering .

      After a little hesitation , Mr . Wikks ( who regretted mnch the introduction of Mr . Bairstow ' s amendment ) consented to the withdrawal of tbe original resolutionat the same time stating he quite agreed with Mr . Kempson that the first and best thing would be for the working classes to get a good bellyful , and then try their theories . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) Mr . Mabkhaji seconded the amendment , which was put by The Chairman , who / before doing so , justified his

      conduct in having proposed the amendment at tbe meeting to address the Queen ; And stated that , with all respect for Mr . Mursell , he was not convinced that he should not be justified in so doing at any future meeting for tbe mere repeal of the Corn'Laws . He also said that the disturbance at tbat meeting was not commenced by the Chartists , but by the other party . He frankly confessed he had been more bitter in his personalities than he should have been , owing to the fierce opposition he met with . The resolution was carried unanimously . °

      Mr . MaRKHam also disclaimed having gone to the Anti-Corn Law meeting on purpose to disturb its proceedings . Mr . Vincent returned thanks for the handsome manner in which the vote of thanks had beta carried , and the meeting dispersed at about half-past ten o ' clock—a collection being made at tbe door to defray expences . Before the meeting dispersed , the Chairman proposed three cheers for the People ' s Charter , Feargus O Connor , Mr . Vincent , and Mr . Mussel ] , which were given cou

      spirilo-This meeting has raised great excitement among the middle classes . Mr . Mursell is being denounced by some of them ; but he and his friend , the Editor of tbe Nonconformist , are believed to have , " nailed their colours to the mast . "

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      NEWPORT . —MONJI Ot'THSHIKE . GREAT AKD GLORIOUS VICTORY OF THE BLISTERED HANDS OVER THE BROAD CLOTH GENTRY . On Sunday , the 19 th , in pursuance of a requisition signed by upwards of 80 persons , a public meeting of the inhabitants took place at the Police Court , for the purpose of expreusing to her Majesty their feelings of loyalty and attachment to her royal person , and of joy at the auspicious event of the birth of a prince . Twelve o ' clock was tbe hour named by the gentry ( no doubt thinking the greater portion of the working classes would be then engaged at their work ) but , to their utter discomfiture , they found that self-interest was cf iittle consideration when placed against the expression of public opinion , therefore at the hour appointed the Court was full .

      Mr . Towksend proposed the ex-Mayor as Chairman , on account of his having been in power and office at the time of the event which caused the present manifestation . Mr . Wells seconded tbe proposition . There was a dispute about the policy of appoiuting Mr . Hughes in preference to the present Mayor , aad a show of hands was called for , when the meeting unanimously concurred in Mr . Towueend's proposition . The Chairman , in his usual luminous manner , stated the object of the present meeting , and hoped the public would strictly confine themselves to it . Mr . Hawkins then read the address , which contained tbe usual quantum of adulation ant ! flattery with which oar Jiege Lady tbe Queen has oeea ao pestered by her loyal and dutiful subjects . He moved that it be adopted .

      Mr . Cronin , tae Secretary of the Chartist Association said , he had au addition which he intended to propose by way of amendment ( Cheers ) Chairman—Are you an occupant of this town , and what is your name ? Cronin—I am , Sir , my name is Wra . Cronin . Chairman—I hope you will strictly adhere to the subject for which this meeting is called . Cronin—Mr . Chairman and fellow-working men , before I commence reading the addition that I intend proposing to the address , I will beg leave to offer a few remarks , and but few . ( Cheers . ) I dare say you are all well aware and fully convinced that there have

      been insinuations and foul calumnies set forth by oar enemies—that we have been denominated physical force men , torch and yflagger men , or destructives of property , and God knows how much beside . We have been designated disloyal subjects ; but they would show this day that they were' as loyal and . true as any of the gentlemen present He , for one , loved his Queen as much as any man , and therefore they would place no obstruction in the way of the address ; they would merely add a little to it by way of amendment . Mr . Croain th « n proceeded to show the utter poverty and misery in which the working classes were placed throughout the land .

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      Chairman—I cannot allow you : Sir , to i » L , I this rtyle of language ; ' ¦ / ' . ' ? ' *? *? $ ••* J Mr . ' Dowtisa , Editor of the fiuned itonnum * . I iferKn ,. jftroae , and appealed to the better sWsetr ?! Cronin , and tried by alternate coaxing andtbiJUl to intimidate him . ¦ ' "" " ^ l Mr . CBONm—I will hotfee baffled or coaxed * , tl Dowllng or any other gentleman present ^^ ^ 1 Mr . Dowlino appealed to the meeting to tm ., him against Mr . Cronm ' s attacks , and said it wit bis intention to bully any person . ** Mr . CHONiif—I think yon have done jib , Inanana I yon had no business to interrupt or contradict nw «? addressing the ebair ; it being the bukinets of the C ? l man to call me t > order if necessary . I Chairman—Your , observations are totally font * ¦ the object of the meeting and the terms of toeiSI

      Cronin—I think , Sir , you will find my ren * I quite consistent with the addition which I am sW I introduce . If you look , Sir , at the manufactorintt I tricts , you will find the condition of the workmrw I worse ,, if , possible , than that of Newport 71 will End starvation and misery in . the public staj I and the slave brand mark on the pate-faced ^ I emaciated forni j Of our fellow subjects , ( toad aJt I The CHitBfcAN interfering , Mr . Ceonin bowl submission , and proceeded to read the amencwl amid frequent and vociferous cheering , as follows ^ I We , yeur Majesty ' s loyal and dutiful subjects , k I to congratulate your Majesty on the event of Jl to

      naving . given ouxn » prince , ana an hefr to k kingdom , and also your recovery from the same . I We desire at the same time to assure your M ^ I that we do this , not in compliance with the , e « tah 21 form , or custom—not as an homage due tci yowl * I and station—but in obedience to those great and a 21 principles which teach us to regard with feeiwll affectionate sympathy every member of tha w ¦ family ; for , whatever may be tbe distinction Ofw I and power whieh necessity may permanentl y , or * 2 I and expediency temporarily require , we are ail « T I tialiy of one nature , have one common i ntenst ^ J Master to serve , and one God to adore . . - ^ m

      We rejoice that your Majesty ia now placed i & , responsible situation of parent to our future moiM I and w » humfely hope your Sisjesty wW- « w ) £ be i 21 sity of ameliorating the' political condition « ZI people , a * a certain means of securing their de * £ I and loyalty ,-When it may pleas * God to « all hint ta I throne . Believtag also that it la our duty to tntta * . I to render your Majesty ' s reign happy * Wtfin ^ T I certty venture to ' point out a few means by whfek I power vested in yon for the good of the people hjl I used for that end

      righteous . . ~ I We beg . therefore-, to represent to your Majcsta I urgent necessity of appointing . wise and jost WM Inquire into the serious and lamentable condition effc I people of this country , who , -though more enUgUu I skilful , and industrious than way other peopieT tti )* I in a state of dreadful poverty and misery . We tan I this state of things to * be caused by exclusive legbfek I —that is , power placed in the bands of a fewtjS I great detriment of the many ; and the peeple ; tovfcu I such power properly belongs . B

      We beg your Majesty also to consider the feeBtaj ¦ the bereaved families of Means . John Froat , & I phanlah Williams , and William Jones , and ilio « I other political prisoners who are now exiled & teg I sorted , through endeavouring fearlessly and ¦ boaatj , I to point oat a remedy for those evils ; and we tMS * . ¦ spectfully entreat your Majesty to grant tbtm ft- ¦ pardons ' , and a remission of the remainder « f tbi & I specttve . sentences , that they may be restored -lotto I wives and families . ( Long and continued cheer *) I Mr . Weils , provision / merchant , congididy & I audition just and reasonable , wonld second it ( Cbea ) I : Mr . Ceonin—This course will be adopted *™ I town throughout the length and breadth of the had . I Mr . DowtiNO—Addresses have been canto \ I Bath , Cheltenham , and several other places , Wk \ t I named . ' - '¦•¦ -- ¦ . .- m

      Mr . TOWNSEKD said , it was a deHcate tufyet tt I deal with . He concurred with Mr . DowMng flute ? I difference of opinion would seem as a want ottepto-1 but he wished to know if there WaV any inogfttiiton I in stating the distress of the sonntry to her Jftjatri I tbe same time as the congratulation , as it wsnuela I to appeal where there was no power , bnt M » tai I there was power , and a will to use it justly , { to I cb «*» re . ) .. . •" . •' . ¦ ¦ . '¦ - . ' . ' " . I Mr . WM . Edwards said , he admired tjte topa * I of the gentlemen , and especially that of Mr . tywmi , I but wondered that Mr . Bowling should . allow-hfcue ! I to be carried away . by the warmth of hl » terotnmat I It was of vital importance that they should ; bfc lit present opportunity of addressing her Majsstyim teaselves ; they never could have a better «| & Mt

      Edwards then proceeded to show the great tud t » rible distress which prevailed , with considenAktift and ability . He said the working classes wttt tttaij destitute , the middle classes on the verge of bjiinptq , and that in four years time ,, it would bring dontl » aristocracy . ( Loud cheers . ) He wouldi suggest tinti few of the gentlemen would reconsider the addnsiid amendment , and endeavour to form' a propel iddns oat of both , so as to , gain unanimity , and anjoaiifi object of beth parties . ( Hear , hear , ana diem ) Mr . E . alluded also to the paragraph in fi » idditi » concerning Frost , Williams , and Jones , and ' iirgKl tin meeting strenuously to seek for a remisstea of M sentences , and concluded by wishing the QMentappiness during her life , but at its close , he h ' qped Hotarchlal Government would be closed for era . ia Etf land . ( Cheers . )

      At this stage of the proceedings the coiutemto visible in the countenances of the tithe-fed parsons vu ludicrous in the extreme . One of them left ' tbe ran accompanied by a few would-be-thought oto-IojjIuJ weak-stomached gents . Mr . Jones then rose and said , Mr . Chainunaixl Q& tlemen , I wish to say a few words in behalf of my feilov working men , and the course which we hmthii dij adopted . Some may think it presumption in us tow-1 rect your proceedings , or break the unanimity < rf to I meeting ; but , gentlemen , we will shew yon tbtndi is not our intention , as we wish to see unanimity w > d cordiality prevail in every public meeting . W e do not intend to say anything against the original sddreau far as it goes , but wish to see those things CQntota&l is

      the amendment added to it ( Cheers . ) Some naj&J it is not our place , as working men , to interfere in i cause where so many men of wealth are engaged in % I but permit me to say , Mr . Chairman , that I cow is I the man who would apply his wealth and influenced I retard the progress of liberty , a tyrant whom » U . »* I should hold in abhorrence and contempt I nan ¦ every rich man in proportion to the good we he iniW ¦ of it Whenever a public meeting is called to «» an address or petition to either the Houmj of ? & ment or to royalty , as a Briton I claim the right dopressing my opinions on the subject , it being a leptf bequeathed to us by our ancestors . The Queen m entered into a solemn covenant with her people , * by virtue of that covenant she has a . heavy e * U op «

      us , that is to defend the territories at home and « W > and to support her Government ; also , we , ontteow * hand have got a great demand upon her , t . e . tW ** ¦ should listen to our grievances , and do all tint b » B her power to redress them , and , therefore , wb ch ^ B let slip the present opportunity of laying befote ^* ¦ few of the heavy burdens , under which w » t" 5 JB and I cannot possibly see how the amendment » WB proposed should diminish the loyalty and eoaj »^' tions of the original address . The royal babe i »* r the Prince of Wales , and I have no doubt ^ 7 * 1 men are priud ' of it , but they would be infi 0 " * ^ so if they found , tbat such an happy event Aof " the mean ; of her Majesty paying a little ^^ the grievances of the people . I beg leave * o W ^ tbe amendment , because it contains tbe ogto *

      the great masses of the principality of Wales . _ - The gentlemen endeavoured by promises to P » fr on Mr . Cronin to abandon his addition , but w *" effect . They held out promises to call a meeting w ^ express purpose of considering the dirtre » * . country ; the Mayor and othere promised tneir 8 ^ and encouragement , and tried every n 16 * ^^!^ power to put off the amendment , but Mr . C- * " * friends remained firm . I The Chairman then endeavoured to put aje oi ^ M address wi'hout the amendment , when ho *** T ^ B respectfully by Mr . C . that if he did not P » >^ m amendment , he would take the liberty of aowm himself . ¦ After sitting for a length of time wd ^ ookii *^* utterable things , the Chairman declared the m ** *™ dissolved . . U

      Mr . Cronin immediately proposed three ** , ¦ Frost , Williams , and Jones , also for Few « ? f' ^ teB and the Northern Star , and the Charter , wbien rL M sponded to in such an enthusiastic nianneras *?!^ it . B | gladdened the hearts of the exiles had tbey nes" bh

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      All the Mills at Chorley , near Bo « on , ^ » . a stand last week , and the workmen tanw « , upon the master-cotton-spinners attempt" ^ ¦ luce their wages twelve-and-a-half per cent- m Conviction of Sir Edward KnatchboU , J » . Evading a Toll . —On Sir Edward ! K £ peelB accepting office , last September , in on * " ftr |* Ministry , a new election of course took P 18 ; : Li , i t * couuty of Kent . A Monday was the 5 £ * Sl « S for the nomination , and Sir . Edward > n » he « ,.. - . ¦ who lived twenty miles from B * rlaalI l . ?^ To »« <¦ the election was to take place , left ( J ? AT » nM-i Saturday , in order to arrive in g «« JgjM ¦ 1

      avoiq travelling ou ouuuajr . ¦•¦ " « - " nr n omcee ^ B- < Baronet considered this travelling for * ° ? jT £ p » - an election , and on that account he refI }^ ttrbur » the tolls . For refusing at a gate f % ri eiKi he was summoned before the m ^ 18 ]™^ , ' & ta «< on Monday . The court OTsaewdedto ttW >^» Counsel attended on both aides , and . « w ^ M investigation , the magistrates decided tM * » j ward had unlawfully claimed the « K » $ >« a fined him in the sum of £ 2 2 s ., and ° ^ nDU « Tno Ri ^ ht Hon . Baronet announced ?» " « U ^ j M tion to appeal from the conviction . x J £ fcui ™| involved is of considerable importance w ^ s « of turnpike roads , and pers <> ° ^ hav mgB . if ** ™ elections . It will teiid to mulct thf . ^ S onH electors of a county may leave their n ^ , ab « Saturday to attend a Monday ' s eleJJW '* ~ m great convenience to many freeholders . ¦» .

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      LEICESTER . Mr . Henry Vincent ' s Second Lecture in the New Hall , on Monday evening , the 16 th inst , will belong remembered , as having resulted in bringing out the Rev . J . P . Mursell ; the eloquent successor of the immortal Robtit Hall , in a bold and unshriuking position , as the advocate of Universal Suffrage . Mr . Cooper was called to the chair , and gave out the "Chartist National Anthem , " which was sung by the immsnae company , standing and uncovered . Tho Chairman , in his opening address , defended the Chartist

      coalition with the Tories at Nottingham and Leicestersaid it was the greatest act of statesmanship that ever engaged the minds of the people : they were forced to it by tho conduct of the Whigs—it was a step exceedingly repugnant to him , one which it was long before he could make up his miud to take—and he sincerely hoped tbe Whigs would never force them to the same measure again . If the Middle Classes would come out for the Chartists , the Chartists would come out for the Middle Classes , who , he hoped , would forget all that was past , as tbey listened to the eloquence of his friend , Henry Vincent . tClieers . )

      Mr . Vincem then came forward , and was received with loud cheering . He proceeded to recapitulate at some length the main points of bis first address ; and then went on : — The fact that the people feel interested in questions of a political nature , is anything but pleasing to those interested in keeping things as they are . It may be that our demands are listened te when the passions of the people have been roused ; for when our rulers have seen our strength they have dreaded the monster , and have granted it something to keep it quiut : —but we have never obtained anything till matters have proceeded thus far . But I am here to speak upon the divisions of the people , and the means of htaling them . I think we may take it for

      granted , that whatever our differences are , we have but one common view—all are deeply , interested in the annihilation of everything that mars the beauty of the whole political system . 1 have shown that the government should represent and be for the good of the people : the first thing , therefore , to be contended for , is the power of controlling the government . Now , the Ht / use of Commons possesses fcuch a vast amount of prerogative , in spite of the great prerogative of the Crown , the Church , and the Aristocracy , that most of tbe evils of which we complain would cease if that House were composed ot upright men . Therefore , tne true philosophic method of remedying the evils under which we labour would be , to extend among the people the power of choosing the House of Commons ;

      at present , we may say , that all the members are returned by little more that 300 , 000 electors 1 What a monstrous anomaly this—the idea of only 300 , 000 electors out of somewhere about 5 , 000 , 000 male atlults being allowed to choose the representatives of the whole people ! ( Loud cheers . ) It is indeed a monstrous anomaly , for this small body of electors can be so acted upon by the Aristocracy in various ways , that it cannot be said to represent the wishes of the people . ( Hear , hear . ) The lecturer then glanced at the composition of the present House of Commons , and asked what would be done ? There was a majority of ninety-one Tories , who , of course , would oppose anything of a liberal nature ; and when the question of Free Trade was brought forward , the supporters of the late government

      Would make long speeches in its favour , and vote for it —the Whig papers -would &ay with great exultation , " See the progress of liberal principles ! See how many more voted for Free Trade than have overdone before 1 " —and there would be the end of it ( Laughter . ) Such being the case , ( continued Mr . Vincent ) will it be wise to call into existence a mi ghty revolution merely for the purpose of endeavouring to obtain the repeal of a measure that can be re-enacted the next day ? Will it not be the wiser way to see if there be not some wuy of promoting a union between tho two classes the middle and working—and thus placing ourselves in a position for effectually carrying the measures that are necessary ? ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Mr . Vincent then referred to tho

      observations made by the Editor of the Leicester Chronicle last week , with respect to what he considered the one-sided view of union taken by him , and tie absence of any statement as to -what the amount ol co-operation was to be on the part of tho Chartists in aid of Commercial Reform . With all due respect for the Editor of the Chronicle , he would say , let those who think it practicable to obtain the Repeal of the Corn Laws petition bj all means ; but if the middle clams wished to prove tho honesty of their intentions towards the working—if they wished to open the doors of trade freely—let them do bo by showing they were ready to uasist in obtaining for them thtir rights . The Chartists admitted that trade had been destroyed by tbe fettcra put upon it by the aristocracy—they admitted thai tho

      Untitled Article

      g THE NORTHERN STAB . " ^^

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 27, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct870/page/6/