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Northern Star (1837-1852), 15th April 1848, Edition 4 of 4, Page 7

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      Presentation Of The National. Petition. ...

      « _* _" "" , fi orderly and citizen-like conduct on { c '! ' _rssion ( Cheers . ) In my place in the fl * ° yj : _y * tha Ministers that they Eee d not be tCia _o _t mv counsels , and that they need apprehend ' rn _* oa vour part- Well , they have not , though * I _«< Jr . ed us interfered with this meeting on _tWtdon Common . ( Cheers . ) That is one S _<*? snd elorious step achieved , and , as I haveal-- ' rM vou , Chartism , when struck down by _ty-**' * sas OIilv t ° nierch onwards with renewed r £ DD _- ' 5 " _Ajnch applanse . ) And now that I have it : £ 3 _* d into practical effect that social principle for _^ _"treeeneraiHTO * enabling bim wbo does not wish 1310 5 kin the artificial labour market , to obtain i 0 Tlf his own _WDereie aay strD _SS le for himself , _^ f „«• for others , and where there are none to BT 1 wLen him and the fruits of his industry , is

      r _rhsrtism better worm contending ior man not ( Cries of * Yes , yes , ' and cheers . ) Then , eT the results I have in store for yon , viewing _^ c onsequences which must inevitably follow from h a demonstration as this , let me , with the confif ! _ce tbat I have preserved order , go down tothe PL t 0-nig ht to oppose Sir George Grey ' s treason-V bill for " ffhictl I _taTe _dedared - ' - no otner * ™ comes forward , I will impeach the _go-Snmenfc ( Great cbeerin _8- ) Ion _» _? fliends > _^ wr them we are Chartists , not pickpockets , a that we will not jeopardise our cause hy a gna « i «* . . , , „ r . _it _~ / _m _\ TTf wickedness foll Cheers

      _-lie aet of or y . ( . ) We , _^ least have had our meeting . ( Cheers . ) The _fsvernment have taken possession of till the brid ges . You know that I have all my life been a man of _rtiurace of finnBess , and of resolution ; but how _Sould I rest in a ? bed this night if I -were conccions that there were widows awake mourning for _jusbands slain ? ( Hear . ) How should 1 feel if I thoneht that by aay act of mine I had jeopardised the lives of thousands , and thus paralysed our cause ? / gear , hear . ) How , I ask , would you feel if you were conscious that you had been parties to my

      _ceaib ? 'What would be our trouble and our _sorro ? -, how great would be our loss ! These are the sentiments which actuate us all , and , as the Convention have received an intimation that the police will not let the procession pass the bridges , where tliey guard the ground , the Executive have decided that 50 U shall not be brought into collision with an £ mied force . These cars will not he allowed to pas ? , the flags will not be allowed to be displayed . The Executive , therefore , will , as a deputation , take tfcs petition . 1 will go to the houEB to remonstrate . against this hinderance . I will present your petition , and I will make your voice heard throughout the

      length 2 nd breadth of the land . ( Cheering . ) I ask you , under these _circuaistances , through good ana evil report , to stand by me to-day . ( Cries of 'We will . ' ) Will you obey my counsel , and follow my advice ? (' Yes , yes . ' ) I will remain among jcu as a hostage , for , so help me God , I will not desert yoar cause until life deserts me . ( Loud and prolonged cheering . ) You must , however , bear in mind the great responsibility yoa impose upea & stranger in your country . ( A Voice . — ' You are one of us . *) Ton mnst not forget the charge devolving upon me * I have spent , in jour service , six sleepless nights ; mv breast , at this moment , is like a coal

      of fire , and I could produce a certificate from a physician to certify that it would be better for me if I were at this instant in bed . Bnt I knew where my place was , and I am here ; asd now let those who will take my advice , and act like prudent and sensible men , yet determined to have Iheir liberties and to see the Charter the law of the land , hold up their hands . [ The appeal was readily obeyed , and g' monster'show of hands on all sides of the speaker followed . ] The petition , be assured , shall be taken down , though not with the procession ; for , if we resisted tbe government , we should only afford them cause for censuring us ; and , so help me God , I will

      die upon the floor of the house or get your rights for yon . ( Great applanse . ) I will strive for _yenr liber « ies and for the proper privileges of the people ; but I will maintain the peace . Large as my family is—and you are all my children—I do not wish to miss one from the human feast , ( Cheers . ) I lore you better than I love my own life . I have given you proof upon proof of this . I give you my days and my nights ; last week tbe cause was threatened with poverty , and I proffered 10 the Convention all the profits of the Northern- Star to carry out the

      movement . ( Cheers . ) Will yoa , then , hazard the life of an individual , and so ruin your hopes ? Will you not rather arm me by your conduct with strength to resist the government plan to shed human blood ? Will you , when I have such kindness ia siore for you , le untrue to yourselves ? Yon gee ( 5 £ i < l Mr O'Connor , calling attention to the car ) how labour feeds its horses . ( ' Hear , hear , ' and laughter . ) Capitalists ought to feed their labourers— they are fat enough , and tbey are fed with tte blood tl at is in little children ' s bodies .

      ( Cheers . ) I had some fears this morning that yeu ¦ _ffiipt be led astray _, bnt now your voices re-assure me ; this pain has goac from my breast . I breathe freely again , because I am confident in your sense and in your wisdom , and in your resolution to carry this contest to an early issue . ( Cheers . ) Good God , by friends , how great will he my power when I rise ia the house to * ask , Where is the shop-lifting ?' ( Applause and laughter . ) 'Where has been the danger to life and property ? ' I will say there lever was so peaceful a demonstration in any country under sueh circumstances . ( Loudeheers . ) I have received letters innumerable from all parts ofthe

      country entreating me not to allow the safety of the movement to be risked by any folly in the metropolis . If yos want to kill me , my life is at your command , bat to others I will not surrender it without a struggle . ( Great applause . ) Then there is another thing I wish you to remember—I don ' t think you cculd veil spare me just now . ( Cheers and laughter . ) I will go on wiih yon , steadily and peacefully , but resolutely . I will present your petition to-night ; on Friday there will be a debate upon it ; and nothing can prevent our success if the people do not destroy themselves by intemperance and folly . ( Cfceers . ) Yoa may well imagine that I , who have

      suffered so much for you—that I , who , if beggared in ray old age will be eontent to go from door to door among my children , established on their own Und , will not shrink now from renderingyou further s » mce . The whole of my day _. tke half of my night , is sacrificed to yon , and it gladdens my heart , makes ay blood bubble , and swells my veins , to find so glorious a response as yon now give me in your obedience and your confidence . ( Prolonged applause . ) 1 st those of you who think that tbe Convention have acted wisely in preventing the flow of _bloodshed among the people hold up both hands . [ The suggestion was promptly and enthusiastically

      responded to . ] I ara glad to see this display . I am gl _2 d that yoa need no fugleman , and that you are so well disciplined . Hear yonr leader—hear yonr father : —If you see a man breaking into a shop , do Set slop to hand him over to the police , but knock hia down at once . ( Cries of _« We will . ' ) Do not let it be said that one wrongful act was the act of a Chartist . ( Hear , bear . ) Odillon Barrot was attacked for not having dispersed the meetings he called , and I myself blamed Mr Cochrane lately , that , having led tbe people into danger , he failed to get tbem out of it . There is , therefore , a precedent h . the case , and I come now to disperse yon . You

      will not wslkin procession . You must go peaceably to your homes , and to show that I am careful of the lives of all here , as these horses will not be allowed to cross the bridges , I will give them a gala day , and let them sleep to-night at Greenwich . ( Cheers and laughter . ) I will not forget Ireland in the considerations of to-day . I look upon Ireland and the Irish cause as I view England and the English cause ; and I hold , after the demonstration of today , and the petition which is to be presented , tbat It will be impossible to withhold from Irishmen their just rights , justly demanded . ( Loud cheers . ) I _nowbreathe freely _aaain , and may God desert me

      hut I will read the government a lesson in citing yonr courage aod yoar resolution , but in telling them also of your love for order , and your respect for the law . ( Cheers . ) The police , I am now confident , Ml bs unable to take you at a disadvantage . Do not , I say in conclusion , dishonour tha Charter , and though I be stretched on the rack I will , if _necessary , smile terror out of countenance . ( Cheers . ) Go on , conquering and to conquer , until tbe People ' s Charier has gkrionsly become the law of the land . {[ Mr 0 Connor closed his address amidst most enthusiastic applause . The hon . gentleman seemed suffering from severe bodily pain , and was evidently exhausted with the effort of speaking . ]

      Mr E , Jones , having been introduced by the chairman said , Mr Chairman and respected friends in _tflatcar ( poifiting to the _magniaoenfcran opposite ) , --la that car are the Toices of more than 6 . 000 , 000 _Ksple . There will be how than 6 , 000 , 600 signatures to yonr petition when Mr _Fesrgus _O'CeBnor arrives at th * House of Commons . ( Cheere . ) You havetbe honour cf Great Britain in your hands this day , and you must net soil that honour or injure that cause by a foolish collision or by blood-bed . ( Hear , Lear . ) _RecoU-ect , that I am what is _ca'l-d * _Physical _fi-rve Charif . st , and that I have not shrank "Oia . _cimi-Bg here to- / _jav , Bnt , my friends , it is use-

      Presentation Of The National. Petition. ...

      less to attempt , peaceable men as we are , a collision * We have , however , gained ece point . We have held OHr _meetsnjr- That is sufBcieBt to satisfy onr honour —and we won't damage onr success by any act of rash folly . I trust you will listen to the advice of Mr O'Connor , and disperse quietly , not to give up the agitation—( cheers _) - _^ but , en the contrary , to await the result of presenting tho petition and the debate thereon an Friday next , and that you won't spend the intervening time in apathy , but tbat our meetings here andelsewhere may grow more tremendous every e _^ y . "We mnst have numerous meetings , between this and Friday . ( Cheers . ) We must show onr force day after day , and if the House of Commons rejeGt ur petition wa will memorialise the Q , ueen-( Cheers . ) We will have another gathering larger than even this—( cheers )—and our prayers shall be carried respectfully to the foot ofthe throne . ( Great cheering . )

      Mr O'Connor here gave instructions that tbe waggons should remain in the neighbourhood until they were again wanted , and that the horses should be taken to the same stables at which they were put up last night . He then said , —I now go as your ambassador to Sir G . Grey at the Home-office , to tell him that you were determined not to come into collision with the armed force this day . I call upon all those ofthe same opinion to hold up their hands . ( The show of hands was given accordingly . ) But , my friends , there is to . fee a petition Against the bloody-minded bill which has been brought into the House of Commons by Sir G . Grey , and some of the gentlemen around me will address you on that bill ( A . voice . — ' 2 Jo more petitioning . ' ) __ You will petition against that bill , and enable me , in presentingit te use the strongest language I can command against it . ( Gheers . ) And while you are doing your own

      work , don't forget poor Paddy . ( Loud cheers . ) My family has suffered enough in this cause . My father was tried for high treason five or six times , and was in prison for seven years of his life . My uncle is now in the 50 th year of his banishment , and is about lo be made the first _Presidentof the Republic in France . My brother is Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of a Republic in South America , and I think that I have not disgraced my name . ( Cheers . ) I have never , for fifteen years , spent a day on my own account , but all for yours . ( Cheers . ) You have more than repaid me for the sacrifices which I have made on yonr behalf , and , by heavens , my children , I love you , if possible , more than I ever did before . [ Great cheering followed the close of this speech . Mr O'Connor then descended from the van , and , having made his way through the crowd , left the common . ]

      Mr T . Clsbr then presented himself , and said , I have a petition in my hand which I call on you all to adopt : it prays the House of Commons to throw out the infamous bill whieh Sir G . Grey has introduced for the better protection , aa he terms it , of the _Ctowb and Government ofthe united kingdom . This measure comes perhaps naturally _froa a Russell administration , bat it is an _iasnlt to every liberal and intelligent Englishman . "We propose to effer this bill every legal and constitutional opposition . They have been speaking plain in Ireland lately , and suggesting that Lord Clarendon ought to sail to England and leave the Irish to manage for themselves , and for these declarations , coupled with the direct Intimation that England had governed Ireland hitherto with brute force , Sir G . Grey is going to do

      justice to the sister country . He is going to assimilate the law ef treason in England and Ireland ; that is to say , when a man is hung in this _country there shall be power given to hang another man in Ire _» laud . And this is the only assimilation in the condition of the two people which is contemplated ; this is the great Whig measure for the pacification of Ireland . I doubt very much whether the Uttleman , who is not strong enough for his plaee , will strengthen his position by passing this bill . It is one of the foulest , most unjust , and most disgraceful measures ever proposed to parliament . ( Cheers ) _MrKvDr > seconded tha motion , which was also supported by Mr Rbt « old 3 , and after a fntile attempt on tha part of a person named Spurr to interfere with the proceedings , it waa carried unanimously .

      Messrs M'Geath _, Wild , and _Edjtdsd Jones , addressed audiences from other parts of the common , amidst great applause .

      THE IRISH CONFEDERATES . During the delivery of Mr O'Connor ' s speech , a deputation of the _delegites , consisting of Messrs Reynolds , G . J . Harney , and West , left the car with a view of addressing the Irish Confederates and Democrats who were drawn up at the south-eastern boundary of the common , headed by a handsome green Bag , containing a harp and tho words 'Irish Confederation . ' 'Let every man have his own country . ' An audience , which at one time numbered many thousands assembled here , and were not the least enthusiastic portion of tha crowds npon the commoni Permission having been obtained for the deputation to _Bpeak from the balcony of a window overlooking the common ,

      _MrDii . Tsaid , hewas glad the Irishmen m the metropolis had taken this first great step of identifying themselves with the body of the English democracy . ( Cheers . ) His friendB had advised him not to bring the Irish flag to that meeting , because it had been taken down from the mast at Liverpool ; but they were determined to stand by their Chartist friends in the assertion of tbe great constitutional right now at stake . ( Cheers . ) The _government must recognise the rights of the working classes in England , aa thej had been compelled to recognise them in France and elsewhere . He begged they would give a warm reception to their friends wha formed the deputation . Mr _RsntoiiDs said , ha w & s _dslighiad to 86 a ths

      Chartists of England fraternising with the Irish democrats . Irishmen had suffered from long misrule , and had borne it with exemplary patience . Tbey had been crushed down , and had shown a majesty of spirit not surpassed by any nation on the face of the earth . A great agitation was going on in Ireland , and , if it had the voices of the majority of the people , the movement was right , whatever the end might be that was proposed to be obtained . They did Hot know how much be admired Mr Smith O'Brien , Mr Meagher , snd Mr Mitchel , for tbeir gallant _csnduor , ( Great cheering . ) For , although he , as an Englishman , looking at the aspect of political affaire , would be sorry to see Ireland separated from this country , which would then fall down to the position ofa second or third-rate power , yet , if the will of _thelrwh nation waa that they would have a nationality of their own , they were right in

      obtaining it . ( Cheers . ) Had Irish ambition ever had a fair chance ? Had not the beat and brightest spirits of that country been kept down and deprived of advancement by the determination of the English _ariatecracy to place only its own scions and placemen in office ? A . better behaved class than Irishmen in England did not exist , and it was therefore madness to say there was something inherent in the Irish disposition which prevented them from being good _citiress . He was delighted they were there in such large numbers . Their cause was benefited by numbers , but would be injured by the least outrage ; and he exhorted them to consider themselves as special constables for the preservation of order , and to disperse after the _meetin-j in a peaceable manner . That wa 3 the way to show that they were a quiet and orderly people , and that they could be trusted with _selt-govemmfent . ( Chesrs . )

      Mr West congratulated the Irish Confederates on the display they had made and on Iheir determination that both England and Ireland must and should be free . The government had taken possession of the bridges—but the people would not give them a chance . Their friends on the other side of the water had acted the same _wiee and patriotic course in Dablin on St Patriek ' s-day . Whether Protestants or not , their oppressors had had to keep Lent , for they bad had no flesh to feed on . ( Laughter . _}^ et them to-day have the same dish . If Lord John

      Russell or Sir George Grey would not take this _sigrTof the time 3 , God knew what would be their nest determination . ( Cheers . ) The members of the Convention would take their stand boldly and fearlessly upon the constitution so long as a shred of it remained , and let the ulterior _resultB rest not npon tbem , but upon the heads of those who violated the constitution . They would _aisk for the Charter for England and Repeal for Ireland , and gorern-¦ _neats of their own . That was what they wanted , aud that was what they were determined to have .

      ( Loud eheera . ) Mr G . J . Harhet , editor of the Nomhebh Siab ., said the Irish Confederates had presented to the men of England an admirable example of _discipliae and order , _whlC-k- tbey wonld carry into any other struggle . The corrupt daily press would say , that in abandoning the procession they had retreated ; but they only retreated , aa the ablest generals had done , to ' _comeapin , perhaps , in another shape and another form . This he _gaid , that he would never agam be a party to calling upon the people to come to any meeting unarmed , to be put down by brute force . ( Cheers . ) The government had taken military precautions against their own people , for proposing to hold a public meeting and procession , p f so murderous a character , that if the French had landed at

      Dorer , and were in full march for the metropolis , they conld aot bave been moreextenBive or complete . ( Cheers . ) Sermons were preached _inthe ehapels yesterday belonging to the _barraeks , in whieh the ministers of peace called upon the soldiers to remember the words of Wellington at Waterloo , ' Up , Guards , and at them , ' and telling them that they 1 should be prepared to slaughter tbe people to day . lti the reign of pharles II , whose act of parliament tho present ministry had disinterred , Lord Wi _RaBioll wa 3 sent to the scaffold , and loBt his h _^ ad ftr the principles they had met to-day to opioid . Now Lord J . Rus'ell _, who prided _himstlt upon his _descao ' _efrom this ancestor of hi ? , endeavoured to put down the opinions of tbe people . The Convention had _exported the people to eome to the meeting _unarm . ed s aj ' d then they

      Presentation Of The National. Petition. ...

      found themselves trapped on this side of the water , and prevented frem returning with the procession , unless they weie prepared to dispute with tho armed _foroa in the possession of the bridges , ( Hear , hear . ) There was not a possibility Of doing that with success unarmed . Never again would he consent that the people should be brought out of London to Kennington Common . If they ever met again it should not be on that side of the bridges the government should find them . The government were passing a law by which such men as himself and Mitchel wero to bo liable to be _trausported , If that were the fate that was destined for Mitchel that should be his fate too , ( AVoiee . — * They shall transport ub all . ' ) Englishmen must regenerate this country , or the hour

      was not far distant when Prance and the United States would for erer overwhelm this country . If the power of England were to continue to be based upon injustice , the sooner it perished the better . He loved England , and would have her to be the horn 6 of the happy and the free . After exhorting the people to return home peaceably , Mr Harney proposed three cheers for Ireland and Repeal , three cheers for Smith O ' Brien . Mitchel , and Meagher , three cheers for the Charter and No Surrender , three cheers for tho fraternisation of the English Chartists and Irish Repealers , and three cheers for the glorious French nation . All these demands were responded to by tremendous cheering , and the meeting quietly dispersed .

      About a quarter to two o ' clock , ( the delegates having previously separated , ) three cabs were drawn up on the common , and the bales of the National Petition placed within and upon them , properly secured . The members of the Chartist Executive Cemmittee accompanied the petition to tbe House of Commons , and the cabs drove off at a rapid pace , no attempt being made to follow them .

      TREACHEROUS CONDUCT OF THE POLICE . _BLACKTBJ-WS BB _1 BGB . So soon as it became known that the meeting on Kennington Common had separated , strong bodies of police were drawn up in three divisions across the road , at the Surrey end of the bridge , andin advance of them another division and the mounted police were employed to clear the street as far down ss Stamford-sweet , all approach to the bridge being for upwards of an hour entirely prohibited . This was not effected without Borne blows . The people 'did not appear to understand why they were prevented from passing the bridge , and frequent collisions between them and the police followed . Occasionally tbe police constables used their truncheons with murderous effect npon the heads and bodies of sucn as wera within arm's length . Great _numbera of the crowd were driven down Holland-street and

      _Stamford-sttesf , and by degrees the bridge and a considerable portion of Blackfriars-road were completely _claared . Similar- collisions took place at WeBtminS ' ter and other bridges , the police acting with their usual brutality .

      ^ Pall 15 ^ 1848. . The Northern Star. _...

      _^ palL 15 _^ 1848 . . THE NORTHERN STAR . __ _\ 7

      The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...

      THE NATIONAL CONVENTION . TUESDAY MORNING , April lira . The Convention met at nine o ' cloek , pursuant to adjournment , at their hall , John-street , Fitzroysquare . Mr M'Gbath filled the chair . Mr E . _Joms moved that a committee be appointed to draw up a report of tbe proceedings on the previous day , at Kennington Common , with a view to present to the public a _eorrece and faithful statement . This should not only ba placarded over the metropolis , but be sent to every district throughout the country . Mr AshtoB , Mr Adams , Mr Reynolds , MrFussell , Mr Kydd , and Mr Tanner , supported the motion , which was opposed by Mr _Cuffat , on the ground of the unnecessary expense which would be incurred to carry it out .

      A considerable _diseussion followed , but eventually the motion was carried , the vast majority of tho delegates declaring in favour of the prudential proceedings of tbe previous day . Mr Ernest Jones and t wo other delegates were appointed a committee to prepare the address , and withdrew for that purpose . IMPEACHMENT OF THB GOVEBNMEBT . Mr Clash moved that this Convention forthwith appoint a committee of tbreo of its members to prepare a petition to parliament praying for the impeachment of her Majesty ' s ministers for their flagrant _vioIatioB of the constitution in _eraployiag an unconstitutional armed force to aid them in preventing tbe people from proceeding orderly and peaceably through the streets of the metropolis with their

      petition , and by the disposition and array of their brute force provoking a collision between the peop le and the military , and thereby risking the probability of plunging the nation into a civil war . In supporting his motion , Mr Clark observed that ii the procession had proceeded ss had been originally intended , the blood of the people would have been shed by those who battened , and fattened upon the people ' s hard earnings ; and it was clear that the foul and infamous government tbat now ruled the realm intended yesterday , on the slightest pretext , to have shed the blood of an unoffending people . ( Hear , hear . ) It was stated by a oase and calumnious press that the Convention had acted a cowardly part , because _^ they had net given the government an opportunity of mowing them downand

      , this calumny was eetforth in a leading article of the _Morkikg _Chkoihczb of that day , in a spirit which neither reflected credit upon its author nor on the noble lord who was Baid tobe the proprietor of that journal . The article stated an untruth when it al _> leged that the Convention proposed to proceed armed through the streets ofthe metropolis . On tho contrary , the fact had _besR that fifty-two unarmed delegates had put themselves at the head of an unarmed people . ( Applause . ) The course they had taken had disappointed the government , because it bad deprived them of their anticipated pleasure of shedding the people ' s blood . For their conduct he held that the government deserved impeachment , and it was the duty of the Convention ( 0 call for it . ( Cheers . ) With these views he submitted his

      motion , Mr W . Dixon seconded the motion , and remarked he would never be a party to lead an unarmed people into a collision with an armed military or police force . Mr Ed . Jones expressed tbe satisfaction he felt at the manner in which the mandates of the Executive Committee had been obeyed yesterday by the immense masses of the people which were congregated together . Mr _Hahnet rose to support the motion that he might reeord his satisfaction of the manner in whioh the Executive had carried out , by tbeir discretion , the proceedings of yesterday . When they _proceeded to Kenninetnn Commcn yesterday they wera totally

      unarmed . He would never consent _asaiu to leave London to hold a meeting , and though he would " not say that he would ever be a party to holding an armed meeting , he certainly would not go to one without being properly prepared to defend himself . ( Cheers . ) The press , which was formerly the palladium of liberty , had become influenced by gold , and there was not on ? of the dastardly scribblers who maligned them who had not been heavily paid to write dawn the working classes . ( Cheers . ) Unless the venal press had by its writings prompted the government to form these preparations—unless they had played upon tbe fears ofthe shopkeepers , the people would have held their proce ? sioa unopposed yesterday . ( Cheers . ) It was a carious fact thatthe act which Lord John Russell

      was now using against them waa an act passed to put down his own ancestor , Lord William Russell . ( Hear , hear . J Lord John Russell boasted that he belonged to a house of patriots , but he ( Mr Harney ) considered that he belonged to a house of plunderers , and , until they got rid of their Church property , there never would be found a patriot among tbem . He was not convinced that Lord William Russell was a patriot , and they now found Lord John making use of an act of parliament , passed to put down his own ancestor for taking up opinions which perhaps he had not honestly adopted , to put down those who , honestly them

      _maiataising them , were determined to carry ont . He thought the resolution proposed by Mr Clark ought to be adopted , but , before sit * ing down , he would tell the government , through their reporters , although they had fer a time been suffered to coerce , jet they bad lost the hearts ofthe people ; and when the time came that they found themselves opposed to the governments of Europe and America , who were prepared to attack tbem , and tbey called upon the people for support in defence ef the governmeat , they would reply , _« No ; defend it yourselves . You refused the rights of the people—the people will no longer preserve you in your position . ' ( Cheers . )

      Mr _Lttkd Baid , that though he agreed in the sentiments expressed by th 03 B who had preceded him , y et as ba thought tiie , adoption ofthe motion eould lead to as practical result , he felt it his duty to move , as an amendment , the previous _quesJion . Mr _CureAY seconded the amendment . Mr Kidd supported the original motion . He-eontended that that which had been heldto . be good in France ought to be held good , in England , and the manifesto proposed by this resolution weald assert that principle . He cordially supported the motion for th _& impeaohment of the > present unconstitutional ministry .

      A long _discussion ,, of a very warm character , ensued , in the coHrS 3 of which the original motion was supported by Messrs Baldwin , "Wild , Donovan , and Wilkinson . Ihe _debate , however , was interrupted by the return , of the committee appointed to prepare a report of the _> proceedings in reference to the Kenningtoa Common demonstration on the preceding day . Mr _Bsnest Jaires reported to tha ConYantioa the _fonWmg draft ofthe address : —

      _TSS JUTJONiL CONVXHIIOH TO THB PEOPLB . Fellow _Coantrymen—The legal _arfd constitutional rights of Englishmen hare been interfered with I The policy of _Quizptand _Duchatel is transferred _toBoglaBO , We announced a peaceful unarmed demonstration , and we adopted every _muature which prudenco could suggest to cpnviuce ihe government o £ our _pacifitt intentions , and to inspire the metropolis wiih confidence in our pro .

      The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...

      oeadlogs . But how were these proceedings mot ? By the revival of bb act passed lathe timo of a libidinous ? _jrant , _Caarlsg the Second , an aot 200 years old . long _destnea obsolete , and Indeed virtually repeated by ttu BUI of Rights } Vainly did we remonstrate ; the gorernment persittsd in its arbitrary , despotic , and _unconsti . _tutionol coarse . England then has to moarn the spectaele of an _uparnied and p _« acsabl « _pseple _, assembled tc exorcise the right of carrying a petition to Parliament , bsing stopped by the command of an execrable ministry _.

      Yes , fdlow countrymen , such is tho fact ! On Monday a _preeesalon _repaired from the Convoatlon Hall to K « _nnlngton Common , where a quarter of a million votaries of freedom rrera assembled . An intimation was _tXsu conveyed to ub that no procession could be allowed to re . _cross the river . We fuund that wo wera oanght in a trap , that tho bridges were closed againBt us , and that tho _vila proclamation of thegovwrnnwnthad been backed bj warlike _prepara'ioas on a seals bo vast , that it ap . _paaredas if a hostile armament ef 209 , 00 c * men _were about to besiege the metropolis .

      Under these _circusastances we felt ourselves constrained to o , mbri 40 _» flne of these two altarna ' tives j either to bring an unarmed people into collision with an armed authority , in which they would have had to pass the bridges , manned by armed and mounted Folic * men , gnarded by troops , commanded by _rifltmen eoncealedin tbe adjoining' houses , and backed by artillery ; or to leave tbe odium on the government of having prevented , by a _senginuary prohibition , tha exercise of an un . doubtedrfght , We _chsa * the latter course , and we now leave the country to judge of the relative position of the Conven . tion , and a gbvernraont _^ that can only uphold itself by an armed infringement of the British constitution .

      Fellow-countrymen * The first victory is gained The courage ofthe men of London has been testeddespite the government prohibition ; tbey came together in such _numbers as " tho metropolis haa never before _witnessed . Their devotion has heen proved hy the fact that thty unanimously seconded tha molves ofthe Conven . tion , and not oae aet 0 / violence or insult on their part had sullied the honour of that glorious day . This bas heen the first step ; lot the country prepare forthe next . The duty of this Convention 1 * 131 be , as _loBgasit lasts , to organise tha people for tha second and nor * d _^ Ulvo effort . _Courago and _pormeverance , and

      we shall conquer . Not an hour , not a day , must our energy abate ; We solemnly pledge ourselves to the groat work , and _wed « Yptooars 9 lTos heart and soul to the interests of _tho ' _ie who have placed their confidence in us . The National Assembly will meet on the 24 th of the tnonth . The country must b » prepared to support the resolve " ©/ that—the people ' s parliament . We protest against tbe illegal tyranny of iho _government . We declare eur determination to resist by every _honourable means at our disposal the slightest _iafrlngement on onr rights and privileges ; and wo proclaim , our firm resolve tb devote _OOrJJyps , If nec _»» Ba « y , to the _glorious olm o $ establishing tbe People ' s Charter .

      Onwards arid we cobqner— -bachwards and we fall The vile _calnmntes of the press and the tongues of prejodlce , impute to ug evil design ** against life and pro . perty . Wo repel the foul charge . We rebut the atrocious accusation . We will protect life and property to tbe utmost of onr power , and while we assert the rights of the industrious classes , we will not inn-it ? g « those of any other section of the _commanity . On the motion of MrE , Jones , the address was adopted and ordered to be printed and circulated , the onlv dissentient delegate being Mr _Coppav . Mr _Dotlb acquainted the Convention that he had received a letter from Mr : _Feargoa O'Connor , which it was important that he should lay before them without delay , The letter was in the following terms : —

      Tuesday , —My dear H'Grath . —I can juot find time enough to write a few lines , as my chest is in great pain . Of all ths hills ever proposed that 0 ? Sir G . Grey ' s is the most damnable . Transportation for speaking What a middle-class jury may consider injurious to the _anse of speculation and labour!—rest assured that is It . _Wehad , 1 think , five _aivislonB . I moved the second reading that day six sonths , and we meet at twelve today , when , overpowered as I am with pain , I Bball resist It to the utmost . Last night till near two o ' clock , and from twelve to-day perhaps until two to-morrow morning—fourteon hoars . Hume pointed out an act to the gorertimtnt by Which he says the Convention is

      illegal , and ma ; at once he laid by the heels , I have read the speeches of all'who spoke for the preservation ofthe people ' s lives at Kennington Common , _yeettrday , with deli f . The disappointed may _monrn over onr resolve . I am not only prepared , but 1 should feel proud , to tote all the responsibility of _secsring tho Charter and tho people '* lives . If a _policeman in disgniss or a footpad had o & used a single row , the dogs ot war would have bsen let loots , and this morning our cause wouid have been a laughing-stock ; and as we cannot spare any of tho Convention , _Bsb , tbem to allow nie to speak tbeir _mlndj boldly in the House of . Commons till they know the werst . Don't bB foolish , for God's _sako , — Feabqws O'CoNKOB .

      After some farther routine business , the Conven tion adjourned at the usual hour .

      AFTEROON SITTING . On the business being recommenced , a depu _t ation Was appointed , on the motion of Mr CoFFAy , to attend a meeting of Messrs _Maudsley ' s men , who , a few days since , had refused to be sworn in as _speeiai constables , with a view of coming to a resolution not to deal with those tradesmen who had acted in that capacity . The Chairman read communications from Kingston , Hytbe' ( with £ 10 . ) , Hulme , Reading , Manchester ( with £ 7 . ) , Bradford , Sheffield , and a number of other places , stating * that at pubiie meetings held at those places , resolutions were unanimously passed , pledging themselves to abide by the proceedings of the Convention . Mr F . Mibfibld stated tbat he had received a letter to a similar effect from his constituents . ( Loud

      eheera . ) THE PETITION . Mr _Clakk complained of the speed ) of Lord Lansdowne in the House of Lords _lasG night , as misrepresenting what took place yesterday , in saying that the people had been dispersed by the police aloneand that the re-organisatioB of a similar movement was in the highest degree improbable . He was sure from the high character of the noble _marquis , he would not have made such a statement if he had not believed it to be true , though the fact was they dispersed the meeting themselves without any interference from the police . The noble marquis also stated that the petition had been allowed to be taken down to the house without interruption . Now that

      was not true ; but he only mentioned « thatthe Lord Chancellor might know , through the medium ofthe government reporters , the sort of people they had in the commission of the peace . The petition it will be recollected , left the Common in three oaba the first cab , with Mr Doyle , and a portion of the petition inside , waa allowed to pass Vauxhall Bridge without interruption , but the other portions , being too large to so _lDBule of the cabs , were strapped outside . He accompanied one , and Mr M'Grath the other , and on arriving at the bridge they were stopped by the DoHce , and two persons , with white ribbon hune at the button hole , calling themselves

      magistrates whose conduot was most unbecoming and uogentlemanly , He ( Mr Clark ) told them that he claimed the right to pass , as he was conveying the petition to the House of Commons , when one of the magistrates not only asked . him who he waa to talk of having a right to do a thin ? , but told him , firstly , that he should not pass at all , and secondly , that he was a d—d ass . He did not think that the Lord Chancellor would tolerate such language in a magistrate , therefore , he called attention to it . The result of the interview waB , tbat ho waa compelled to make a detour of upwards of two miles , and go round by _Battersea Bridge .

      IMPSAOHMBNT OP MINISTERS . — _AWBlJBiraD

      DEBATE . Mr Adams begged to support the motion of Mr Clark , as the ministers , by their Bill of Sir G . Grey , had proved themselves traitors to the cause oi liberty , to the people , and to the Crown , and ought to be sneedily brought _tojuBtioe . Mr Frahcis supported the motion . Mr _Cdmmiko was in favour of the amendment of _Mr'Lund , considering the motion of Mr Clarke aa idle , useless braggadocio , aa their demand that Mi . nisters should be impeached would only be _received by a sneer . He felt tbey would only bo l & ughed at if they carried sueh a motion as-that of Mr Clark . Dr Buster supported the , _oviginal _iftotwrn , in opposition te the opinion of hia _colloagae ( Mr Cumming ) .

      Mr SrsvEKsos followed on the same side , impeachment being a constitutional method ot hurling from office men who had broken every pledge . The impeachment would have thia effect , it wauld give a tone to the opinions ef _the-peeple , and their petition would be followed by _btaadrsda and thousands ef others on the same _subject Mr _TAiTBEsioiL supported the motion , and stated if they wera Bever to apply to the House of Commons , except when they thought they could do any good by it , they wonld never apply to the Hous & at all . . ' Mr Leach , said it required no great discernment t _& see that the government musk either _giye way ei

      put _dowa the rising spirit of tha people ; and he thought it was alsoequally clear that that spirit eould not be put down . In Ireland , three millions out of seven millions of inhabitants wera starving , and yet the appeals ef Smith _O'Brien were treated with scorn . He implored them never to allow any division between the English and Irish people , or their cause would bo delayed , if not lost for ever . It was elear that there must be & revolution in Ireland , but whether it would be a bloody one he did not know . He cordially supported the resolution , though he knew it would be laughed at in the House of Commons . ( Cheers . )

      Mr Ashton hoped that if the motion representing the feeliHgs of five million inhabitants of the country was laughed , it or treated with _coatempt _, that the would look to the example of Trance , and thatthe 8 a * aie result might bo attained as followed the _labelling nt the impeachment of the Ministers in that country . ( Cheers . ) Mr _IIiichen supported the motion , and expressed

      The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...

      his opinion that the principal _difference _Ihetweez Whigs and Torios was—the latter were known to bt the open enemies , hat the ] Whigs wtva worse , pre tending to be the friends ofthe people , Mr - LtiN » propmuidto _withdraw-his amendment , but Mr _Cufj-at , taesfieonder , objeoted . Mr Lowbt and Mr _M'Cartht supported the mo tion , the latter speaker contending that it would now be impossible to create disunion beiwoen the working classes of England and Ireland . The people were determined io have their liberties . ( Cheers . ) Mr _Walthr supported the motion of Mr Clark ; fer , however _contamptible thoy might appear to the government , or however Mr Hume might talk of putting down their Convention , they were d _» termined to have their rights . ( Hear . )

      Mr GLENNMOtf supported the motien _. _because their resolution of impeachment would be seen by the people , and followed up by hundreds of petitions from all parts of the country . Mr Cwbk _replied , and slated that tbo manly bearing of that assembly , ( the National Convention ) had won the respect and » p *> _robati « n of nine-tenths of the thinking population of England . _ If ho had attached no more importance to the petition than was to be effected by its presentation to tbe House of Commons , he would _nover have wasted the paper on which it was written ; but its presentation to the house would cause their opinion to be heard all orer thekingdom . ( . Applause . ) The Chairman , in putting tho motion , read a letter from the * _Washington Brigade * of ladies' _shoemokers _, _expressing their confidence in the Convention .

      The amendment was negatived , and the original resolution carried with few dissentients . " Mr Graham moved the thanks of tho Convention to the _Exaeutive Council , for having dispersed the meeting on Monday , which was carried unanimously . STATE OF THE _WOUKIHO 0 LA _91 _ES . Mr KvnD , in bringing up a report for an address to the people of England , stated thatthey wfro in deep _distress , owing io the commercial policy at present adopted in England , by which foreign manufactured articles were brought in at reduced duties , while the raw material bad a heavy duty . Thus , while the poor man had to pay a nigh price for sugar , tea , coffee , & o ., the rich had cheap musical boxes , cheap work boxes , cheap mahogany tables , & to tbo detriment

      e ., of the home manufacturer . Whether tbey ever obtained the People ' s Charter or no ; , thia was a subject that deserved tbe aeriona attention cf the working classes , to endeavour to obtain a proper system for protection of labour . They had a board of Trade , and they had a Beard of Control , but strange to say , while thoy busied themselves with _tbequestion of imports and exports , they never looked into the condition of the labourer , who was ground to the soil by the operation of the . commercial policy of tbe country . The report , which called upon the working classes to unite for the purposes mentioned by Mr Kvdd , was then adopted , and a report brought by Mr Clark , relative to tho election of the proposed National Assembly , being postponed for consideration until tomorrow , the Convention adjourned .

      WEDNESDAY , Apbil 12 th . ALIBNS IN SNOLAND AND IRELAND . On the sitting of this body this morning , Mr Clare called attention to a conversation that had taken place in the House of Lords last night , relative to its not being the intention of tha government to interfere with the National Convention ; and to a Bill proposed to be introduced to give the government power , where it might be deemed neces _** _sary , to exclude aliens from this country . Some conversation then took plaee relative to the oroper means of supplying the various localities with copies of the address of the Convention agreed to yesterday , " which _roaulted in a _reiolution being carried to send a copy , to each town from whence delegates were sent , in order that the local _couneils might distribute them ia ihe way they thought best . THE _NOBTHERtf STAB .

      Mr Fusseli . moved a resolution to decline the offer of Mr O'Connor , to give up the profits of the Northern Stab for the support of the Convention , leaving it to the various localities to support their delegates and find them necessary funds for carrying on the _purpooes of the Convention . He considered tbat tbey ought not to impose ' on the generosity of Mr O'Connor ; and if the localities could not support the Convention properly , they were not worthy of the liberties which they were seeking to obtain . Mr MinFitf seconded the motion . Mr Cuffay proposed that the offer should be accepted for three weeks , in order to put them in funds .

      After a short conversation , in the _courao of which it was stated that the Convention would have no ob . jection to receive a donation from Mr O'Connor to . warils its general expenses , the motion was carried unanimously , Mr Cuffay's amendment not being seconded .

      SPECIAI . CONSTABLES AND THE NBWSPAPEBS . Mr _Stevenb made a report from a meeting held in Lambeth last night , at whioh it was resolved not to deal with parties who had been sworn in as special constables , and to withdraw support from all houses taking in the Weekly D » fatch and tho Times . IMPEACHMENT OP MINISTERS . Mr Wilkinson reported from the committee appointed to draw up the petition for the impeachment of Ministers tbat they had not yet done so , wishing to havo tho opinion of Mr O'Connor as to its legality .

      EXCIiUSlVK DEALING , Mr _Tatikrball having drawn attention to thia subject , The Chairmah said , that their polioy ought net to be aggressive , but conciliatory , and he should oppose any resolutions relative to exclusive dealing . Mr _Erkebt Jokes begged to say that it was not intended to apply to parties who were sworn in to defend their own property , but against . parties who voluntarily took npon themselves the office of constables to make a slaughter en the peoplo assembled fa defence of their rights . Mr Shaw said , they had been careful to draw the line between those who defended their own property and those who put themselves forward to support the government .

      Mr _Cuffat thought that they ought not to bs _Eqaeamish on the matter . The __ _shopocracy carried out exclusive dealing , and a tailor in St _James ' sstreet had discharged two men who attended the meeting on Monday . _IJis wife was asked if the Cuffay who attended the meeting at Kennington was her husband , andon her replying in the affirmative , she was told that her services would be no longer required ; therefore , they ought not to complain ofthe resolution ceme to by the meeting for exolusive dealing - . Mr Erxbbt Joinsa _enggeated that aneh questions ought to be left to the sense of the people of the districts , and net be agitated in the Convention .

      WATS AND MEANS , Mr _Lukd moved : —* That a committee of seven be appointed to manage the financial affairs oftbe Convention , ' The expense of _attending meetings had hitherto been paid by the delegates deputed to attend them , which he considered was not justice . He also thought that the expenses of the delegates for travelling to and fro betweeu London and the places they represented should bB equalised from the funds ofthe Convention for the future . He had no personal interest in the matter , as he considered his time of attending the Convention , according to the instructions he had received from his constituents , was at _ssclese when the Petition was presented , arid , at allevent 9 . be would net be able to remain in London after this week .

      Mr ( _Jkmum seconded the motion , whieh , after a few observations , was unanimously carried and the committee appointed , . SIR _eGOBGE GREY ' S ElSi AND THB CHARTER . Mr _FsrAttous O'Connor here entered the room , and was- received with loud eheers , at the conclusion of which he rose and said he would address them for a few momentsi as he was going to attend his place in the House of Commons to oppose the Illustrated Whig _Treasoa BiU —( Laughte »)—for that was the name he had given it in consequence of the _Atteimey-General having told Mr AgHonby that there waa no necessity for the insertion ) of certain _wordX as they must be judged of by illustration . He had only a few minutes to address , them ; and ,

      in the first instance , he begged to congratulate the country and the people at large on their noble , courageous , and prudent conduct on . Monday last ; ( Cheers- ) He had received letters from all parts ot England expressing the gratification ; felt at the conduct of the Convention , and the _Executive Council * in not having brought the people into collision with the authorities . They had on that day gained a triumph , for they had held their meeting iii defiance of the-proclamation forbidding it , _heeauae that proclamation was contrary to law— - ( Cheers ) —andhe _wai glad their triumph bad not been sullied by any folly of theirs bringing them into collision with the armed soldiery ; forbad , the sword been _oncefiKhca , and they had tasted the blood of the people the government would have gone on from step to step , until there would have

      beea aperfect reig n of _terrea y The people had thronged that meeting , w > t by tens , not by hundreds , not b y thousands , but by hundreds of thousands . ( Cheers . ) The _Standard — tlie organ of _LouisuPniUppa _, the _parson ; s , and the sempstresses—had estimated their _numbers as never exceeding 10 , 000 ; one militarv man had told them , through the press , there were 15 , 000 j Sir De Lacy Evans , as a military man , told hinx . _^ r O'Connor ) that the number was ' 35 , 000 -, the _Tijues . stated that there were from 20 , 000 to " 50 , 000 * _f--atid the Morning Fosr ; esttmated tbem « t fron _>^ 60 , 000 to 150 , 000 . Novi _i where there was such a variety of opinions from _parties all equally capable of forming a judgment op , the matter , it was difficult to arrive at a right _conclusion * , but the way he judged was this ;

      The National Convention. Tuesday Morning...

      he took the Town-hall ot Birmingham , or anyotha building of which be could ascertain the number it was capable of holding , and be then calculated how many such halls could be built upon the Common and the irrefutable conclusion he arrived at was , that there were between 400 , 000 and 500 , 000 people _, present . ( Cheers . ) And what could they think of a military man who could estimate the meeting at not more that double what the hall tbey were thfifi assembled in could contain ? Now be would speak to them ofthe nature of the Act of Sir George Grey , which they had been told would go through committee on Monday last , and become law on Tuesday . He went down to the house , and moved that

      It be read a second time that day gix mouths , and at last they divided whilst he was asleep ; and that day he was going down again to oppose the bill , and , if be stood alone , it should never become the law oi Ibe land if he eould possibly help it . Now , be would tell the meeting what was the nature of the bill . It was this , that if he spoke advisedly , or published anything which could be connected with any subsequent act of other _parties he would be liable to transportation . ( Oh _. ob . ) Ths * was the way a Whig government wished to put _down the constitutional right of meeting , in which they were supported by a corrupt House of Commons . He was one of tbose who were guilty of

      speaking bolder in his character of a member of parliament than he was in his capacity of a _demgi gogue —( Cheers)—andhe had declared to the house that , if ever this bill became law , he would immediately declare himself a Republican , ( Cheers . ) He believed there was a constitutional principle _thai would enable him to bring forward a measure _onca in every year , and he would do so , it this bill was passed , for a Republic . He saw by some of the newspapers that that sentiment was met by Oh 1 oh . _* " and a laugh , but he did not hear them himself , and other papers said it was met by ' Hear , hear / Now he had always contended for a monarchy , subject to tbat power behind the Throne—the people ,

      and he maintained tbat the Throne ought to be based on the affections of the peop / _r , and not on the support of a corrupt nobility . He was now again going to the House of Commons to oppose Sir George Grey ' s bill , which he would to the death , and he said it advisedly , for after twelve hours in the House of Commons yesterday , and ten hoars the day before , bis physician had recommended him to have a blister on his chest , tu be blooded , and keep his bed , but he would not do so while he had strength to oppose that bill . ( Cheers . ) Now , then , he declared , that if the bill did become law , he would to-morrow impeach the ministers , notwithstanding all the Oh !

      oh's ! and laughter * with which perhaps that impeachment might be received . The ministers supposed tbey had achieved a triumph over the people on Monday , but if they had it would prove only evanescent , and he should not be astonished if , ere long , they found the Queen , in imitation of a King of old , exclaiming A . special ! my kingdom for a special ! ' ( Cheers and laughter . ) It was the folly of their own people ( the _Cbartists ) that bad led to tbe chance ef a collision on Monday , for if strong language had not been used on the part of some of those connected with them , there would bave been no resistance to the

      procession . But out of evil sometimes camo good . They bad had their meeting , he ( Mr O'Connor ) bad sat in the front seat , though he had re ceived hundreds of letters stating tbat his life was endangered . ( Cheers . ) And he now could see his way clearly before bim . He would never advise them to bluster , threaten , or deal in moonshine but he would tell them they must he wily as serpents , cunning as foxes , mild as lambs , but determined as lions . ( Cheers . ) Though he was thankful that they had had no hostile collision on Monday he was determined that tbe folly of other men should not again place bim in a position with the people whereby their lives might be endangered . He said , that the Irish people

      had gained a greater triumph by the moderation of the Chartists on Monday , than if 200 or 300 of them had been sacrificed through the conduct of pickpockets , and by which their cause would have been damaged , if not irretrievably ruined . He ( Mr O'Connor ) had twice saved the cause by his conduct ; once in 1839 , and now again ! ( Cheers . ) When Mr Smith O'Brien opposed tbe Treason Bill , the Minister laughed , but Guizot laughed when he was told he would be impeached , that minister was not indeed impeached , for when he was wanted he was not to be found . He was non est inventus . ( Laughter . ) By their conduct on Monday last they bad greatly strengthened their cause , and there never had been heard such a debate since there had

      been a _Houie of Commons as would be heard oa Friday night upon their petition , and he was happy to say that several honourable members had told him , that in consequence of the conduct of the people on Monday tbey should vote for the Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) He had looked with great anxiety on the result of that day , and no oue could guess what his feelings would have been had he missed one of his children from the feast the following morning . He had always said that be could reform tbe drunkard , that be could reform theliar , by kindness , but he never could reform the cruel man , and he thanked God that he had never in his life inflicted punishment even upon a dumb animal . ( Cheers . ) And it would be his great boast when

      the Charter became the law of the land , to say that they had gained a bloodless victory . ( Cheers . ) Then would his head be crowned with laurel , ,. a . aji every one would be living in his own cottage , tilling his own field , and enjoying the fruits of his industry without diminution , while every . idler would be whipped through the streets with a fool ' s cap on his head , they would come forward with greater alacrity than now to defend the state . In the present state of society , every man who was idle ought to be as well fed as the man who was at work—( cheers)—because they were not able to obtain employment though willing to work . But , when the Charter became law , every man would be employed who chose to work , and therefore the idler should

      lie _puniahedt lie would not go further , for when he got upon this strain his feelings earned him away to think of the women and the children , and , if he became too excited , he should be unfitted for the discharge of his duties in another though not more important place . ( Loud cheers- ) Mr _Ebnbst Jones wished to inform the hon . member for Nottingham that he had received a letter , stating that he ought to have received on Thursday last the national petition from Halifax with 4 T , 000 signatures , but from some cause it had never yet come to-hand . Mr O'Connor then retired amidst _loudcheeriDg . '* IMPEACHMBNX OP _MINrSTERS .

      Mr WlIiKl !> SONBtated thathe had consulted Mr O'Connor OH tbis subject , and that'that gentleman said , ' Leave it in my hands . ' At the same time it wouid not , he believed ,, be illegal for this meeting to present a petition on tbe subject . A motion being made that the report be received , Mr Whebler moved that the _cimraittee should draw up the proposed petition , that tho country might see the arguments for the impeachment , and that they report to-morrow morning . Mp _FussEiii suggested that pubiie _meetings Bhould be held for the purpose . Mr _AnAiB seconded the amendment . Mr Cuffay moved that tho vote of yesterday be _ressinded .

      The amendment having been seconded ,, the vote waB put , when Mr _^ _fheeler _' o motion wna carried by te to 12 .

      _MBSIINaS IN TEH COUNTBT . Mr _Harnev and other gentlemen reported from Nottingham , Sutton-in-Ashfield , and DarSeld ( near Carlisle ) , and Oldham , stating that meetings had bsen held and resolutions carried to support the Convention . SHE _SIBIUMASEOUa MEETINGS . Mr _HABUfi _*? . _etated that mnny perao & _a in the Post Office who refused to take _Uunderbassea into iheil bands , had : been deprived of their situations , jhiA that a great number of other persons throughout London had been sworn ia aa _sneaial constables only

      to save tbeir situations fer fear of starvation—though their hearts were with the Chartists ; and if it had been intended to have & revolution on tbat day { wnica it never was > _thoBft _tn 6 _* A would have been found en the side of the people . The Bpcaker then moved , in order to ba -prepared for the rejection of the petition , that _debates be sent to various parts of the couato 7 _toyn-protito-Mopla for the sunnltweoM _meetings tobe heU on Good _f _^ M * _Sff _& the National Assembly , which would be oaUJ * _£ . wjdux if the prayer of the National Petition was not ' / ranted , a committee being appointed to _aelect the delegates and the districts to which they should be Bent . . ... : ..

      Mr M'Cabthv seconded the mofcien . Several delegates having spoken in favour of the motion , in the course ef which Mr Adams said that it was clear , from what the _Marquis of _Landsdowhe _saidj that the ' government did not intend to put down the Convention that thej dare not , though they bad declared it tob ' _eil _* _. legal . v : Upon this two or three delogates rose to protest ' _» 2 ftin _» t such language of bravado , & b Uncalled'fer arid unnecessary , Mr Stevenson moved that no such committee ba appointed , as the delegates had only been sent to London for a special object—thnt of presenting the

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), April 15, 1848, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns4_15041848/page/7/