The Express.
London, England, 1848-04-11 00:00:00

Cbt Court.

- -
The Queen will hold a privy council, on Saturday
next, at her Majeatli's marine residence, Osborne, Isle of
Wight. The council will be held at one o'clock in the
afternoon.

THE CHARTIST
DEMONSTRATION.

MEETING ON KENNINGTON COMMON.

During this discussion two newly-constructed cars bad
driven up to the doors of the institution. The one intended
lur the conveyance of the monster petition was on (our wheels,
and drawn by as many very splendid fans horses. The body
of the car was square, and surmounted by a tastefully con-
structed canopy. The attendants bore strearalets in the
varied colours of red, green, and white, having appropriate
inscription+. The van or car in waiting (or the delegates
was upwards of 20 feet in length, with seats arranged
transvenely, in no commodious a manner as to afford
comfortable accommodation to the delegates,an well

as several representatives of the pree's. 'The body
of the car was inscribed on the right side with the
motto, " The Charter. No surrender. Liberty is worth
living for and worth dying for ;" on the left, "The voice of
the people is the vcice of God ," while on the hack of the
car was inscribed, "Who would be allay/ that could be free ?"
Onward, we conquer; backward, we fall." Eight banners
were fired (four on each side) of the car, inscribed, "The
Charter," " No vote, no muskets," " Vote by ballot," "An-
nual parliaments," " Universal suffrage," "No property
qualification," " The mount of members," and " Electoral
districts." To the vehicle were harnessed sir farm horses
of superior breed, and in the highest possible condition.
The marshals (designated by a silk sash of the colours red,
white, and green. having announced at ten minutes past 10
o'clock all in readiness) Mr. F. O'Connor was the first to
ascend the car. The hon. gentleman was received with load'
cheers by the crowd which thronged John street, and took
his seat in the front of the van. He was followed by Mr.
Ernest Jones, Mr. Harney, Mr. M'Orath, Mr. Clark, Mr.
‘Vbeeler, Mr. Reynolds, Dr. Hunter, and other leaders et
the convention. The rest of that body having also taken their
seats, the cortage set forth amidst loud cheers. Passing
along Cloodge-street in.° Tottenham-court-road, along High-
street, Bloomsbury, the National Land Company's office was
reached, and from that building five huge bales or bundles,
comprising the petition, with the signatures, were brought
out, and aecured on the first car, prepared for their reception.
Again the cavalcade moved forerard, and progressing along
Holborn and Farringdon- street reached New Bridge-street,
the crowd increasing the train at every step. Se far the
shops in the line which had been paused were only partially
closed; the utmost order prevailed, though the delegates
were recognised by numerou.s friends and adherents, and at
intervals most vociterousl; cheered. At the Waithman
obelisk the alderman of the ward (Sir J..mes Duke) was in
attendance with his deputy, Mr. Obbard ; but up to this
spot not a single policeman was to be seen. The windows of
the houses in New Bridge-street were filled with spectator,
and, amidst much applause, the moving mass took an on-
ward course across Blsektrisrs bridge. At this time
(eleven o'clock) a strong detachment of the battalion of Pen-
sioners, under arms and fully accoutred, were observed to
have just leaded at the City pier from Woolwich, and were
loudly cheered by the vast concourse that now crowded
the bridge. On reaching the Surrey side. the first display
of the civil force appeared. On each side of Albion-place
were drawn up, in military order a strong body, in double
file, of the L division of Metropolitan police, while the City
police maintained the ground on each side of' the bridge,
which woe within the limits of the City jurisdiction. This
force was under the orders of Mr. Henry, one of the magis-
trates ot Bow-street. Opposite the end of Stamford-street,
a party of the mounted police, fifteen strong, under the
command of un inspector, was stationed. In its
passage along the Blackfriaresoad to the Elephant and
Castle the crowd continued to increase and hem in the
vehicles on both sides: still everything was peaceable, orderly,
and well conducted. At the Elephant and Castle a new
mass joined the rear of those who, walking eight abreast,
had followed the train from the place of departure, and on
reaching Newington church the apper ranee of the masses
was most bewildering. Proceeding along the Kennington-
road the Common was reached at half-past eleven o'clock.
Here had already assembled the Irish confederalists and the
various bodies of the trades of London, who had intimated
their intention of going in the demonstration. These had
taken their position in numerical order on the Common, hav-
ing arrived from their different rendezvous some time pre-
viously. Each trade had its emblematic banner, and the
Irish confedernlists displayed a very splendid green standard
emblazoned with the harp of Erie, and the motto " Erin-go-
brsgh." The numbers assembled at this time have
been variously estimated at from 200,000 to 50,000.
This we mention as an illustration of the danger of hazarding
amputations of this kind by persons not accustomed to make
them. We have since learned that a careful estimate was
formed by several military persons of great experience in
making such computations, and they, on comparing their
different calculations, agreed that no more than 15,000 per-
sons were present, as spectators and as forming part of the
procession.
On arriving about the centre of the Common, the carriage
in which Mr. F. O'Connor and the delegates were seated
halted, while that in which the monster petition was de-
posited took its station on the south side, opposite the Horns
Tavern.
In a few minutes after the halt had been made, an in-
spector of police approached Mr. O'Connor, and communi-
cated to that gentleman that the police commissioners desired
to confer with him. Mr. O'Connor immediately descended
from the car, and, accompanied by Mr. M'Grath, proceeded
on foot across the Common in the direction of the Horns
Tavern, where it was understood the commissioners and ma-
gistrates had assembled. A cry went forth that Mr. O'Connor
had been arrested, but Dr. Hunter (one of the delegates) set
the matter at rest by announcing the reel state of the case.
In a short time Mr. O'Connor (with Mr. M'Grath) was ob-
served wending his way back, and his re-appearance in front
of the car was the signal for the most enthusiastic cheering.
Oa the motion of Mr. CLARK. seconded by Mr. Anita,
the chair was taken by Mr. C. DOYLE, the secretary of the
National Chartist Association.

The CRAIR.IIA.N rose and said that this was one of the most
glorious sights that he had ever had the pleasure to witness.
It was such a sight as must make the heart of every true
democrat heat with joy and exultation • it was a sight which
proved to demonstration that the people of this great metro-
polis were in favour of the common rights of humanity.
rhey had elected him to till the office of chairman this day,
and as a chartist he thanked them for the confidence they
had thus reposed in a working man. He was especially
thankful for the honour, because it showed that the work-
ing classes were beginning to see that they could do their
own work themselves. (Cheers.) He was sure he need
not ask them to be peaceable on the present occasion, nor to
heg of them so to conduct themselves with calm demeanour,
but still with firmness; for upon their conduct d, pended the
success of one of the most glorious questions that ever was
agitated by man. (Renewed cheers.) Mr. O'Connor and
the other gentlemen in the van had come there to do their
duty to the people who had sent them, and they represented
to a great extent the people of the United Kingdom. In
the van before them was a petition signed by nearly
6,000,000 of the people, a proof that the gentlemen
now in the carriage represented the people. Those
gentlemen came to-day to perform their du!y, and they
expected the p. ople would discharze theirs. (Applauss )
Mr. O'Connor would first address them, and would not only
express his own opinions but those of the delegates compris-
ing the national convention. Without, therefore, taking up
more time he begged leave now to introduce to them their
tried friend and the ecampion of the rights and common
privileges of humanity—Feargus O'Connor, Esq., M.P.
(Cheers.)
Mr. F. O'CONNOR then presented himself, and was vocifer-
ously cheered. He said—My children, you have been told
that I should not be amongst you to-day. I am, however,
here, and sit in the front rank. Although my life has been
threatened to be taken my hand does not tremble. I her,
now for a quarter of a century been mixed up with the de-
mocratic movement—in Ireland since 1822, and in England
from the year 1833—and I have never shrunk from taking
my share of all responsibilities. (Applause.) When I was
asked in the House of Commons whether or not I would at-
tend this meeting to-day I said that, as I always
liked the lion's share of popularity 1 was prepared
for the lion's share of danger. (Cheers.) I have always, in
and out of parliament, coatended for your rights, and I
have received more than 100 letters, telling me not to mine
here to day, or my lite would be sacrificed. My answer was,
that I would rather be rtaboed to the heart than abstain

from being in my place. And, my children—for you are
my children—these are your horses (pointing to the twelve
animals by which the vehicles were drawn), these cars are
yours, made of your timber, not mine; I am only your father
and bailiff ; but I amour fond father and your unpaid
bailiff. (Loud cheers.) I yt ever tnere was a time when our
cause could be prosperous, if we do not damatv it ourselves,
it is now. No man has ever received more badgering in the
House of Commons than I have received, but I see that we
are, in spite of all difficulties, bringing our task to a me-
cesaful issue. In the name, then, of that great God who
has to-day blessed us with a splendid sunshine, let me enjoin
you, let me adjure—let me, it necessary, on my beaded
knees, implore you, not t.) damage the cause that I have

struggled for all my life. In yonder car are the feelings and
the voices of five millions seven thourand persons. They
are looking to you this day—l am looking to you—the
world is looking to you—for in my place in the House of
Commons I told the prime minister that be need not be
afraid of my counsels or of your folly. (Loud cheering.)
Just now, as you are aware, I received a message from the
commissioners of police. They have not, although they
threatened to do so, interfered with the great meeting upon
Kennington common. That, then, is one great and glo-
rious step achieved, for, as I have often told you, chartism,
whenever it struck terror cut of ceuntenenc., would rise to
I march onward from that spot. My children, will you not
place reliance upon me, that I will strain every nerve to
place you upon that labour market where your labour
shall be your own, where none 'hall dare to make you
afraid,—where none shall take part to rob you of the
fruit of your industry ? Now that to some extent I
have placed you there, is not the charter better worth
contending for than ever ? (Cheers.) When I think of
the splendid results I have in view for you—when I thick of
the necessary consequences of such a splendid demonstra-
tion as this—when I go down to the House of Commons to-
night to oppose Sir G. Grey's treasonable bill—my heart
bound. within me with unaffected delight. I will oppose
that treasonable bill of the goverum nt until the last mo-
ment ; and if no other man ern be found to do it, I declare
that I will impeach the government fur its unjust interfer-
ence with the rights and liberties of the people (Loud
cheers.) You, my friends the chartists are not pickpockets, I
as has been charged upon you_ Pickpockets are not I
chartists, chartists are not pickpockets—(hear, hear)--and
their cause shall not be damaged by being thrown into the 1
hands of pickpockets. (Cheers.) Well, then, we have suc-
(seeded in holding our meeting to-day ibut I must tell you I
that the government has taken possession of all the bridges. I
I have always been a man of determination, as you k now, anal
a man of courage, too, but how should I rest in my bed to-
night if, through any incautious advice or expressions of
mane, I made any of your wives widow. ? How should I
rest on my bed if I made any of those children who are de-
pendent upon your exertions fatherless ? How should I
rest if I jeopardised the lives of thousands amongst you,
and jeopardised also the great and sacred cans: we have at
heart? How would you feel if, through any indiscretion '
on your part, you should be the cause et my death ? If you
have any true love for the cause—if you appreciate the
trouble, the anxiety, the loss I have sustained to secure
its promotion, I beg of you to counteuance no violence this
day. Therefore, what the convention have decided upon I
is, that we should not attempt to cross the bridges, which
are guarded by armed forces, and I am ready to take my
share in the responsibility of such advice, in order that you,
being unarmed, may not be brought into collison with that
armed force. (Cheers.) The huge petition which you have
prepared will be taken down to the House of Commons by
the executive, and I shall be there ready to present it, to
protest against the injustice which has this day been
inflicted upon you, and to make your voice heard through-
out the length and breadth of the land. (Loud cheers.) It I
have stood by you through evil report and through good
report, as most certainly I have dune, I ask you most
solemnly, will you stand by me to-day ? Will you obey
my counsels ? Will you assist me in carrying out my views ?
I remain amongst you as a hostage, for, so help me God, I
will never desert the cause until life deserts me. (Loud and
prolonged cheers) But you must bear in mind the great
responsibility you impose upon the stranger to your country.
You must bear in mind the grist responsibility that now
devolves upon me. You must remember that I have spent
six watchful months thinking and thinking, and at this
moment my breast is more like a coal of fire than the breast
of a human being. If, as you have heard it stated, I wanted
An excuse for being absent, I could easily have obtained the
certificate of a doctor, who would h .ve proved that I was
more fit to be in bed than in the open air, addressing •
quarter of • million of persons. (Loud cheers.) Now, then,
let all those who are resolved upon obeying my counsels,
which is also the counsel of the executive—to act this day as
prudent men—as men longing for the charter of their liber-
ties—let such persons hold up both hands.
The dense mass surrounding toe carriage, as one man,
obeyed the summons, and
Mr. O'CoNeon resumed—l( appears to me that my voice
is heard to a considerable distance, and I take it for granted
that all who held up their hands represent the feelings of all
others who are present. (Cries of "Ve e do.") That being
so, then this peti, ion shall be taken down to the House of
Commons by the executive committee in cabs, and not by •
procession, which may render you liable to be shot by the
armed forces now guarding the bridges. I will go down by
myself to the house. I will present and support
your petition boldly, and die on the floor of that
house ere I will consent to see it abandoned. If I
stand alone, I will oppose Sir George Grey's treasonable
bill, and will protect your interests, for, large as my family
is, I do not wish to see one miming from the great and glo-
rious feast we have in store. (Cheers.) By the God that
made me, I love you better than my life.—l think I have
sufficiently proved this by giving you every moment of my
time, and bountifully of my means. On Friday next the
discussion on your petition takes place, and I entreat you
not to jeopardise or damage the good cause by any intem-
perance or folly on your part. Then, I ask all of you who
think the executive have acted wisely and bravely—that the
petition should be taken down by your executive committee
to the House of Commons, and that I as your representative
should go there alone, and that by these means a col-
lision with en armed authority shall be avoided—hold up
both your hands. (Again a forest of hands were
simultaneously displayed amidst loud cheer'.) Once more I
beseech you hear and adopt the advice of your father, friend,
and leader. If you see a man breaking into a shop, do not
hand him over to the police, but knock him down. (Cheers
and laughter.) And do not let it be said we are thieving
chartists. When you have heard the speeches which will
now be delivered by your champions,disperse quietly but not
in procession, and return to your several homes. I shall
now conclude in order to reserve the fag-end of my breath
for the House of Commons to night. But let every man now
take off his hat and vow to heaven that he will not to-day
violate the law. (The crowded assembly at once
answered the appeal with much apparent devotion.) My
breath is now nearly gone, and I will only say, when Ide
sect you may God desert me. You have by your conduct to-
day MO7O than repaid me for all I have done for you, and I
will eo on conquering until you have the land, and the
people's charter becomes the law of that land. (Loud and
long-continued cheers, in the midst of which the hon. and
learned gentleman, who was evidently labouring under se-
vere indisposition, sank exhausted on the shoulder of a pri-
vate friend.)
Mr. Exeter JONES next addressed the meeting. Though
he was what was called a physical force chartist, it was use-
less for them—peaceable men—to engage in a collision for
which they were wholly unprepared. He regretted that this
meeting had not been held on the other side of the river
Thames, as in that case the bridges would not have to have
been passed. As it was, they had achieved a victory, for they
now held a meeting which had been forbidden and pro.
claimed down. Under these circumstances, be trusted those
present would follow the admirable advice given today by
their friend and leader ; and it so, eventual success was
certain. (Loud applause.)
Mr. F. O'Coresiou again came forward and asked the
meeting to give him authority now to wait upon Sir George
Grey and to tell the right hon. baronet that the people were
determined not to come into collision with any armed force,
polite or military; and that they were resolved to keep the
peace inviolate that day. The meeting at once responded to
this demand, and Mr. F. O'Connor quitted the van and pro-
ceeded on his mission, cheered on by vehement plaudits.
Mr. CLARK then moved the adoption of the following pe-
tition to the House of Commons.
The humble petition of the inhabitants of the metropolis of En&
land, in public. meeting assembled, showeth t That your petitioness
have heard with Icelings of indignation and astonishment that, by a
bid which is now before your honourable house, for the ostensible
purpose of providing more efficiently for the security of the crown
and the government of these realms, it is sought to alter the law re-
lating to the indefinite charge of sedition, and to punish by transporta-
tion that which is at present punishable by fine and imprisonment.
That your petitioners regard thin bill as an attempt to deprive the
people of the right of expressing their just horror at the atrocious le-
gislation which is generally practised by your honourable hoax, and
your petitioners beg your honourable house to stamp this infamous
measure Mtn condemnation, by its unanimous and ignominious rejec-
tion.
Mr. KYDD seconded the motion, which was also supported
by Mr. REYNOLDS, and after a futile attempt on the part of a
person named Spurr to interfere with the proceedings, it was
carried unanimously.
The meeting was then declared to be dissolved at a quarter
past one o'clock.
The four large bundles forming the petition were then re-
moved from the carriage and placed in cabs, and taken
in charge of the executive committee to the House of
Commons _

The delegates then mounted the carriage, which was dis-
mantled of its trimmines and decorations, and with its com-
panion conveyed to a neighbouring Etable.yard, and at two
o'clock not more than 100 persons were to be seen upon the
Common. Many of these consisted of its usual occupants;
boys playing at trap-ball and other games, and by a quarter
past two a stranger to the day's proceedings would never
have guessed from the appearance of the I,ciihbourhood
that anything extraordinary had taken place.