The Express.
London, England, 1851-09-26 00:00:00

people and for the people. (Hear, hear.) Their claim to) will gather to a focus all the political teaching and all th a
existence and to respect is when they properly discharge : virtuous political sympathy of years. The people already
their functions and show themselves in their several affairs I feel the prestige of triumph. They approach the crisis with
truly subservient to the general good. While that is the' confidence. Free from excitement, but with deep earnest-
ease, they are entitled to our respectful interest and sup- I ness of purpose, they arise to grasp—rather than to struggle
port. When that ceases to be the case, they are only for—their long-withheld liberties.
entitled to the sentence, "Cut them down, they encumber " Joanna WahgateY, President of the Association.
the path." Sir, I will not follow our worthy president in " 11, Poultry, London, Sept. 22, 1E01."
his excellent address, nor you in your luminous analysis, by JOHN WILLIAMS, Esq., M.P., then addressed tho
going into more particulars of the reform question. 1 shall meeting, lie said : Mr. Chairman—After the meeting of
be followed by, those who will supply what I may leave to.ninht I unsure that public opinion will become to mighty
deficient In this matter. I will only express my heartfelt
that the idea of obstructing it will be called the blindest
delight at this great combination, and my anticipation of folly in the world by all sensible people. Public opinion
triumphant success by this union of the middle and work- will take its stand here to-night : and lam sure the great
ing classes for the common rights and interests of
bod
both. It was by the union of the trading anti pro- with us in the agitation for the new Reform Bill which is
during classes in times of Norman despotism that yof the working classes of Englund will be ever united
to be carried. Now, as to the extension of the franchise.
the vestiges of Saxon institutions and their free No man is more anxious than lam to elevate the working
spirit were preserved in the country through that stormy classes, by raising them to the privileges of voters. This
tame, until they should again be recognised and regardel as
institutions which were dear to the English heart, and must be done by the people. (Cheers.) It must be dune
which should be prolonged through all generations. It was extension of the franchise cannel .10 done fur the people, it
b usefulness, thoughtfulness, union, temperance, wisdom.
by the union of the trading and the productive classes that
(Near, hear.) Class legisiation cannot be brawls.d down,
feudalism was shorn of its terrors, and eventually was abol-
it must be reasoned down, talkeddown, and must be written
robed. Every town and every guild were then places of I down. The pen is always mightier than the sword;
refuge for the victims of feudal tyrants. They fled to the
and far more elevating are its illustrious creation.creation.abode of industry, and there they were safe. Cities arose In this county the cause of the great majority of abuses has
in the land, while castles crumbled into dust. (Cheers.) It been class legislation, and that has been sanctioned by perm-
was the union of the intelligence of the middle and lower
classes which brought about that great event the Reforms. been rulers that the many have been so grievously misruled.
tion ; great not for the doctrines or reforms it established— It is because the many have been so apathetic and ignorant
these were the least important and most inessential part of lar apathy and disunion. It is because the few alone have
that class-made governments have up to this hour retained
the work—out great for the assertion of the rights of mind their seats and their power. (Cheers.) A great deal has
and conscience, rights belonging to the catholic as well as to been said about the whim!, and a vast deal, also, about the
the protestant, rights inherent in human nature, and which
torics. Looking at the people Of Manchester here to-night,
should now have the protection of the broad shield of public who cares for Whigs or for writs? (Cheers.) Can we not
opinion, to keep bigotry and hypocrisy in high Owes form a party here as we have formed a partyin the metro-
from trampling those rights under foot. (Loud cheers.) polls? The old parties I fear will soon be too weak to die;
It was this union of the trading and productive classes (laughter)—andi I cull on the people of England to erect on
which in our institutions had been grossly perverted and
the tooth of both parties the citadel of another party, which
abased, when the throne had become a symbol of tyranny, shall inscribe upon its banners, " Liberty, prosperity, and
sad the altar had become a symbol of superstition—it was po;,er.e
(Cheers.) And then I feel we shall say farewell
this combined power which overthrew throne and altar
to the species of greatness which has been festered by their
both, and taught the people of this country that their rights littleness, and which was the safeguard of the slavery of the
included even the solemn functions of sitting in judgment world. (Cheers.) I trust that in the next parliament we shall
on archbishops and monarchs. (Cheers.) It has been by have a large sprinkling of the intelligent portion of tho
the union of these two great powers that all the greatest trading classes of England in the House of Commons, I
improvements since the settlement of things at the revolu. 'cult that house to commence to be what it ought to be,
non of 1688 have been attained. From that time to this
the mouthpiece of the Cl/11111111101, and not, as It is now, a
every great and generous measure, every emancipation of mere tool of the aristocracy. lam the last reamin the
the lower classes, the striking off the chains of the negro world to set class against class, and party egninst party ;
slave, and the restriction of barbarous and brutal and sun-
but let us have the House of Commons to represent the
guinary punishments, have their origin in this. But great people, as we have a House of Lords to represent the aris-
reforms have arisen, not from the aristocratic legislature, tocraey. I shall not be satisfied until we have a larger
nominally representative—they have risen from the might number of the democratic party in the House of Commons.
of public opinion, to enable that body to know its duty, But we cannot do without money gentlemen. (Ileac,
and how to perform its duty. By the union of these hear.) We shall therefore he very much obliged indeed if
two classes, the burdens of the state in all their weight you will :give us some assistance to carry on the Parha-
have been borne and manfully sustained through the aid of tocatary lteforin Association now established in London.
long and toilsome days. By the union of these two classes
As treasurer or chancellor of the exchequer of the associa-
have the wealth, intellect, and greatness of our country tion, I may state that we shall not b:so exclusive as the
been realised. They have achieved its brightest victories; Chancellor of the Exchequer in another place, for any of
and as by the union of the tradespeople anal the operatives you who wish to subscribe, even if it is only Is. a year,
• • union•books the first reform bill was carried, so by that shall we
at length enjoy a second anal a better reform bill, more ever you think proper. (Hear, hear.) I assure you that
shall be free to overhaul our anal am it then when.
just, inure comprehensive, more glorious, and snore en-
during. (The hon. member resumed his seat amidst great my heart is with you in this movement. (Cheers.)during.
GEORGE THONIPSON, Esq., M P., then rose and said:
, cheering.) I apprehend that this meeting was called fur the purpose of
The resolution was then put, and carried without a single obtaining from those who might utend it an expression of
dissentient• their mind in reference to the plan of parlituneutury reform
Mr. R. KETTLE then read the following address :
advocated by the society whose representatives are now
"NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARY REFORM ASSOCIATION. before you. (Chsers.) That mind has Iseen expresssal. All
" Fellow.couutrymen,--We arc, at an important period of
the feeling shut I could hope to awaken were I to address
our political history. The time has arrived when our
this vast audience at any length has been as akened. It
electoral system must be reformed. There no longer exists remains for me, therefore, as a prudent nun, having other
any party who rely upon the set of 11532 as a final settle- places to visit, and other speeches to make, to reserve any-
ment—all reformers agree there must be a change in the thing that it might have been advisable to offer to this
construction of the Rouse of COMMONS. This is the crisis meeting at au earlier period for those future oveasions. sir,_
for the people to resume their legitimate power, anal to I used not avow in this place my attachment to the cause of
shape their own political future. To understand the lire. parliamentary reform. 1 gaud here, it is true, to night,
sent, let us shortly review the past. the very earnest advocate of that measure of reform put
"Years of argument, months of agitation, and ulti- forward by the Parliamentary Reform Assoc,atiou. 1 wish
mately days of intimidation, were ended by the Reform it success. I will labour in my huinble way to achieve its
Act of 1832. The people of England received their new success. I belies-c it is a great practical measure. 1 believe
coustitution in confidence; they watched it with pati- that it would be in its elfees tantamount to the extension
ence ; and then submitted to it with anxiety. It failed to of the suffrage to all, without any refs recce whatever to
satisfy their just expectations, even residential qualifications. I am prepared to avow
" After the failure of the act of 1832 became manifest, the
class whirse hopes of political einancip dim hail been excited again, as I did when I was on this platform IR months ago,
nay preference fur a measure which should give to every •
by the discussion of that measure, and who had receive(' it man within the limits of the British islands, who is cite
as a promise of progress, were the first to speak out their obedient subject, a moral and peaceable citizen, the right •
dissatisfaction tat the result. Their political discontent of voting, whatever might be his dwelling, or even if ho
gradually shaped itself into a definite claim. By discussion had none, in the choice of his representative. (('hears.)
they formed an unanimous opinion.—Ultimately by organ- But the question is not what is abstractedly just, so much as
isation they made, • his one voice, a distinct demand—it was what is obtainable—(hear)—is practicable ; and as we have
fur the people's charter, learnt, many of us from lung, and some from hitter mined-
" Whilst this movement was progreesing amongst the emcee, that we cannot get all we want, it iv necessary to be
unrepresented, a large portion of the represented classes moderate in oiler to the achievement of our object. We
also became impressed with the necessity for further mai- cannot get all to unite with us 011 these large and illimitable
tical reform. They had, however, no point of unity. Each grounds which justice has marked out; we have come to the
district—indeed almost every individual, attached impor- resolution to agitate for a measure in which the working
tance to that particular measure of reform, which local ear- classes generally will go with us, and in which the militia
cumstances or personal observation
.presented as a desirable and many of the upper classes of society are willing to
political improvement—There existed no organization join us also. Therefore we are here to-night, nowise men,
through which the aggregate will of the middle CUM could to take advantage of circumstances, to read the signs of
express itself. the times and to act judiciously, and at the same time
The circumstance, however, which, more than any resolutely to put a moderate, anal reasonable, anal obviously
other, prevented the middle class from joining in a general safe measure of reform before the country, and to as!c Oar
demand for political change, was the conviction that the fellow subjects of every rank anal every creed to unite with
emancipation of trade was an immediate social necessity. us in attaining this national object.
Their energies were devoted to the attainment of free Mr. ABEL HEYWOOD moved the second resolution,
trade, to the exclusion, for the time, of all other national
„That the cordial union and energetic action of all re-
objects. formers are now imperatively requisite. That the prin-
"We have now to speak of another section of the great eiP les advocated by the National Parliamentary and Fallon-
party—the aristocratic reformers. The Whigs adopted the
eial Reform Association merit the support of the great
Refer:a Act : they‘ worked it for the people—and for diem- body of the neonle of this kingdom; and this meeting, con-
selves. They carried some measures of political and social . • •
siccing of reformers of every shade, pledge themselves to
amelioration by it. It enabled them in their turn to carry sustain the well directed efforts of that association ; that
but until a very recent period they re-ea the government 'the conveners of this meeting are hereby constituted -a •
com-
garded the Reform Act as a final measure.
"So much for the past. Whet is our present position ? f organising a branch of the National Parliamentary
mittee (with power to add to their numbers) fur the pur-
" The unenfranchised still maintain that their demand 11= ' • '
Lem-
for the People's Charter is just. The enfranchised see m Association, to co-operate with the council in Lon-
don , and that the committee be requested to take iturno-
around them n population ripened in intelligence since the
allots:. steps for that minas..."
time when a larger share of the popular eleinent was ~ :
ILLD, town councillor, seconded tho
ad-
mitted within the pale of the constitution. A people Mr. J. SCHOLLk
taught, not only in schools, but educated in the lecture- motion.
hall and from the platform—a people well acquainted with Mr. MANTLE, a chartist, said he had listened to the
their political rights, but waiting in a soirit of confidence, proceedings with great pleasure. Ile hail not expected to
and with conservative patience, for the time when they find so much good stuff in the speakers ; but ho wished to
shall receive their rights of citizenship. Those who have knew why they had left out of the movement the pros :shun
secured the freedom of trade now bring the influence of for paying members ?
their realised wealth, and eminently practical ability, to Sir JOSHUA WALMSLEY said the question had not
assist the producing class in obtaining the largest practical escaped their attention. Ile very much admired the velum-
measure of parliamentary reform compatible with the tory system, and could only say, for himself and friends;
peaceful development of the national will, that they should be heartily glad to set the peoide pay
"The whigs—the third section of the party—now admit their members, and the sooner they begun the better.
they can no longer govern under the Reform Act. The (Laughter.)
game of party has been played out. . There must,' say The resolution was carried, anal after a vote of thanks to
they, ' be a broader basis of popular representation.' the chairman, which was carried with great cheering, the
" What are we now to do ? It is not for the executive meeting separated.
government of a constitutional monarch to dictate funda-
mental eh:sages in political institutions ? As individuals, -
they may consult, they may advise; but, as ministers of the
crown, their duty at such a crisis is to ascertain, to adopt,
and then to carry into law the will of the people.
"It is for the people to declare their will. It must be
done unanimously—deliberately—resolutely.
" After mature deliberation—after mutual exchanges of
confidence, and mutual concessions—the middle and work-
lag classes agree upon the basis of a representative system.
Both parties accept the principles of the National Reform
Association. They are—
" 1. The extension of the suffrage to every occupier of a
tenement or portion of a tenement.
" 2. Vote by ballot.
" 3. Triennial patiiaments.
" 4. A more equal apportionment of members to popu-
lation.
" 5. The abolition of the property qualification.
" Such a reform, carried in it- integrity, would make the
House of Commons the embodiment and expression of the
mind and will of the people, and with this—aud with no-
thing less—should the people be content.
" We know no reason—save our own apathy—why we
should wear the badge of political proscription, and we are
resolved no longer to remain in so unjust and so degrading
a position.
" There must be no mistake, either as to the extent of
our demands or of our determination to achieve them.
The minister must understand this, and our representative
must feel it.

THE REGISTRATIONS.

lIERTFORDSIIIRE.—The Revising Barrister's Court
was held at lloddesdon on Wednesday. In the parish of
Great Amwell the claim of J. 11. Raw was struck out by
the miles on the ground that his property, which is copy-
hold, is held subject to an annuity, by which the annual
produce is reduced below 101. per annum. In the pari.li of
Cheshunt several tory notices of objection failed througa in-
formality in the service •:f them by post. In the sam.• parish
the claims of four liberals were struck ulf because the ours
was of opinion that the land was nut of sufficient v due.
Mr. buttons said he considered this decision very on:: ir;
neither of the claimants had given less than W. for his
land, which was building land, and he thought it 'nicht
fairly be presumed that each piece was worth at least 11/s.
per annum. The following is the result of the day's revi.i.ui:
Liberal gain: claims, 35; objections, 31 ; total, 61. Tory
gain: claims, 40; objections, 21; total, Ui. Lax:taiga:a to
this time, 417 ; tory ditto, 317.

CLERICAL.
TIMFBRMRNTB.

Rev. J. Fisher, to Ozleworth Curacy, Gloucestershire.
Rev. E. Rice, to be Chaplain to Mr. Sheriff
Cotter@ll.
Rev. William Henry Stokes, to Goring Perpetuel Cuyaey;
Oxfordshire; value, 1461., with residence; patron, S. W.
Gardiner, Esq.
Rev. T. Walters, to Kilvey Curacy, Glamorganshim.
Rev. A. Wheeler, to Old Sodbury Vicarage, Glees-star.
shire; value, 4901., with residence; patrons, 1./eau and
Chapter of Worcester.
lter. G. A. Denison (Vicar of East Brent), to the Arch.
deaconry of Taunton, value 250 L, and to the Canoi.,y of
Milvcrtoo, in Wells Cathedral; patron, Bishqp of dath
and Wells.

" Take, then, fellow.eountrymen,legal, energetic, prompt
means of proclaiming the opinion of all classes of her Ma-
jesty's subjects of each and all of those great principles of
parliamentary reform. With work, not words, we must
devote the next few months to the advancement of our poli-
tical rights, and to the means of alleviating the burdens of
Our fellow-men.

We would suggest to you—
"I. Organisation.—Let every city, borough, town, and
hamlet form its parliamentary reform committee. Apart
from local organisation, let every reformer enrol himself a
member of the National Reform Association.
" IL Public Meetings.—The healthy political sympathies
of the people should bo armed by frequent public meet-
111. Petitions.—Let petitions be presented, not only
from every city and town, but from every workshop, hamlet,
and homestead.
" IV. The Press.—The press will do its duty if it see the
people are in earnest. The tracts and publications of the
National Reform Association must be distributed—they
must be read. Educate and sustain each other in this great
work.
"V. Constituencies—Let constituencies be faithful to
themselves. Personal considerations, and personal attach-
ments, must be disregarded. There is ne intermediate
course. Every man who is not fur the people is against
them. Let constituencies be prepared to replace with
better men those who prove unable or unworthy to lead the
people in this great struggle.
" Fellow countrymen, every step in the progress of this
pm:severer: Every public pwobariCheam—eectivietryg
every petition its weight. Act thewnaiciltash.riamvileenfriihvieonfisiure""incemot:
thutwa meltret
yo
ga are merely
ir eptlr prompting arguing
anlde:.ar.onfiusuhenrezdg
dl.7:'ohfen":,trn 'aunglrd not till then,
tn.che:ovedlitithcael didesdtiaoirynf
taohbf:trafbrutc:turosesPrigaeP:ucrirati:unoiun'
mph
be
their
permanent
k cheap,
lb r
oe t
ai industry, nt.tdr peaceful
yd.m Thd
tfo
comprehensive r r ivg iro 'nu s tnn tt
" The political education of half a century has prepared
.theinapoligitiytialhee:linonlbegirrtkoyffoinrugiraire,
our way. As a nation wo are ready for the advance. The
confiding, but watchful quiet of the English people
daring the late years of kingly and lordly fear has proved
them to be conservative and defensive of ail that is good in
our political and social institutions. The next few months

VACANCIES.

St. Martin's Rectory, Worcester; value, 3781., wit:l Tr
sidence ; patrons, Dean and Chapter of Worcester ; Rev. A.
Wheeler, promoted.
Chaplaincy of Sherburn hospital, Durham ; Rev. S. 11.
Stokes, promoted.

MIDLAND GREAT WESTERN (IRELAND).--The ac-
counts to be submitted to the proprietors at the approach-
ing half-yearly meeting of this company show a profit of
25,181/. 6s. 10d. on the half-year ended company
July last, °node
up as follows :—Receipts on railway for half-year c:.ding
31st July, 18.11 : passengers, 18,5841. 3s. ;
2,041!. ss. Id.; merchandise and parcels, 2,7651. 143.; cat-
tle, 2,2081. 19e. U.; horse', carriages, sad dogs, 3251. 2e.
Receipts account of royal canal: rents, 1,3201. 4s. 611. ; tells
and water supply, 9,4361. Ss. 9d. Total, 37,7741. 13s. Bd.
Expenditure : expenditure chargeable to railway,
10.7021. 3s. Bd.; ditto to canal, I,Bou. 21. Total,
12,6931. 72. 10d. Net rerenim for the half-;ear,
26,181!. ss. 10d.

e k-

.1

_

LAUNCH OF A ItZW STFAX FRIGATE FOIL TILE
BRAZILIAN CIOVELINNZNT.-011 Thursday morning a rine
new frigate, built by Messrs. Wilson and Co., of Bie.eis-
bead, for the Brasiltan government, was launched upon her
future element. The vessel is handsome, well built, said
In every way creditable to the constructors. Ifer length is
192 feet ; she is of 950 tons measurement, and will be pro-
palled by two engines of 300 horse power, mad,: by :Sr. •
Hick, of Bolton. The materials used throughout the
ship are Fast India teak and English oak. The sides arc
pierced for an armament of sin b9-pouudeei, and her ar-
rangements throughout are of the most at proved Lim.
There hue been wore attention paid to strength than si'
in her construction, but it is expected that ch.! vs ill :.ctrinr:
a speed of from ten to eleven knots an hour.—Licy,•4ol . •
Chronicle.

IV.