The Express.
London, England, 1848-06-16 00:00:00

MEETING AT WORCESTER.

Yesterday, in compliance with a requisition to the
mayor, a puthe meeting was held to take into consideration
the propriety of petitioning parliament in favour of the prin-
doles involved in the motion which Mr. Hume has announced
his intention of bringing forward on the 20th inst. The
meeting was held in the Guildhall, which was nearly filled,
there being shout 1,000 persons peeler?, including a large
number of chartists. The mayor, Mr. E. \Vebb, presided.
Dlr. R. HARDY, who was an unsuccessful candidate 10. the
last general election for the city, moved the first resolution :
That the present state of the representation of the people in the
Commune' House of Parliament is partial in Its nature, end in its
practice trail. to clam legislation, and gives no security against op.
presssive taxation.
Ile contended, in the words of the resolution, that the
present system of representation supported class legislation,
and that it consisted of church and state, the law, the army
and the m.vy. Taxation was imposed without consulting
the wishes or interest of the people, who must pay or have
th. it goods taken from them. lie did not want to rob the
aristocracy of their right., but the people ought not in return
to be robbed of tneirs. (Cheers.) The industrious classes
were taxed heavier than any other, and the legislature,
instead of laying the heavy burthen on the shoulders
of their own class, heaped them upon those who
were least able to bear them. He was, therefore, for
an extension of the suffrage to the utmost limit to which it
could be carried, and he impressed upon the meeting the ate.
cereity of unity in their proceedings. The object of the aris-
tocracy had always been to keep one party in the state fight-
ing against another, and to follow t or principles said to have
been enunciated by "good Queen aizabeth " respecting the
Irish, v:z., " that the best way to rule the Irish was to keep
them cutting each other's throats." He contended that in
the adjustment of taxation property was made to pay no-
thing, while p'verty paid all.
Mr..l. WALL seconded the resolution. He was an old re-
former, having been before his brother citizens is that capa-
city for 20 or 30 yeam. He had been a strenuous advocate
for the Reform Bill. but he was now ready to admit that that
Reform Bill had failed in its object in giving a fair repre-
sentation of the people.
The motion was then put and carried almost unani-
mously, and a letter was real from Mr. Rufford, M.P., ex-
plaining that engagements prevented his attending the
meeting. The other member for Worcester (Mr.
Ricardo) had not yet replied to the invitation addressed
to him.
Mr. Town Councillor Atiaowastrrit moved the next re-
solution :
Tuat her Majesty's Prime Minister having stated his opinion that
the people required no extension of measure, of anal or political re-
form, this meeting thereupon declare its deliberate opinion that the
elective franchise should be extended to all meat of mature age who
have been registered as residents fur lbe period of 12 months; that
the duration of parliaments should not be longer than three years;
that votes at elections should be taken by ballot ; and that there
should be en equal apportionment of members to population.
Mr. Arrowsnsith, in the course of his remarks, avowed him-
self a chartist, and expressed his wonder at Lord John Rus-
sell having, with the charter petition before his eyes, expressed
his opinion that the people were not d. sirous of futther
reform. He expressed his tall confidence that with a House
of Commons lolly and fairly representing the people, toe
present abuses of taxation would be gut rid of ; and he called
a number of items from the miscellaneous expenditure of
the country with the view of showing their injustice.
• Redress would never be obtained for the grievances of which
• the people complained until they were better represented in
parliament; and he therefore called upon his felloweitireus
i to unite together in tapertiag Mt, !Dime, the tried tictal

of the people. (Cheers.) He did not fl .tter himself that
Mr. Hume would succeed with the present parliament; but,
by supporting and strengthening lns bands, they would be
paving the way for future legislation. He next urged the
necessity of the ballot to ensure a fair return, and spoke of
the existence of bribery at the last Worcester elec•ion.
Mr. Eveurri, surgeon, seconded the resolution, using
similar arguments to Mr. Arrowsmith.
Mr. STEVEN/10N, the leedtr sf the Worcester chartists,
next presented himself, end moved :
'feet in the present critical Mate of the country it is expedient and
just to ail claseee of her Majesty's sulijecta that an Ile of parliament
should be pareed with all possible despatch, embodying the whole of
she principles contained in the document known aa the people's
charter, an the only mesns of effectually and permanently maintain.
ing the security of the throne, the protection of property, and the
happiness of the people.
(Cheers.) He fully agreed with the resolution proposed by
Mr. Arrowsotith, as far as it went, but it did not go far
enough.
Mr. Yount), another chartist, seconded the amendment.
On a division the original resolution was carried, though
bv a small majority
-The RtV. W. CROW, II ptist minister, next moved the
adoption of a petition embodying the two resolutions carried
by the meeting. He avowed himself an advocate for the
intertets of the working classes, and a chartist—(•e Hear,
hear," and cheers) ; but be would withdraw from any Do ty
recommending the adoption of physical (tree.
Mr. HAWKINS, schoolmaster, secentled the adoption of
the petition, which he said embodied principles which, if
carried out, would form an efficient lever with which to up-
set any tyrnnrical government.
The petition was adapted, and, after the usual vote to the
mayor, the meeting broke up.

MEETING AT STROUT).
A Meeting of the inhabitants of this Loren and
neighbourhood was held at the Victoria WOMs on Wednes-
day evening, convened by t'.e desire of more than 200
et quisitionists, to consider the propriety of supporting the
new reform league, and the intended metion of Mr. Hums
fcr extension of the suffrage, vote by inapt, triennial parlia-
meuts, and equal electoral districe.“ A peculiar feature
wan given to thi., cut of the numereue meanies for similar
purposes throughout the country, from the fact of Stroud
having offered herself as the political refuge of Lord John
' Russell when ejected from Divan, am having on subsequent
occasions been courted by his lordship with success. The
room, which will hold upwards of a thousand persons, was
completely filled.
T. PARSONS. Esq, was called to the chair. Ile Pik' he
considered, at this momentous crisis of the world's history.
the declaration of Lord John ltu•sedl was, to say the least of
it, a most unfortunate one. They we re perfectly willing to
re cegnise and be loyal to the Queen and eAi dient to the
law., it they were just laws, and if there was the same
willingness on the part of thole in owei M recoguise the
existence and attempt the removal of those abuses which
crippled the nation's energies, and &prised the people of
their rights. (Cheers.)
The Rev. Mr. YATES said that many would fancy be wee
out of place in appearing at that meeting. but he was one of
those Christian ministers who considered that in times
like these his labours should not be devoted solely
to th_ pulpit. (Cheers.) He came foresed in a
friendly spirit to all, an advocate of those principles
of religion, truth, and justice, which taught masters to
act rightly by their servants, Kings to rule in the fear of the
Lord, and the people their duties when justly governed to
those in authority. Mr. Yates continued—l think Lord J.
Russell will learn a lesson he sadly masts to be taught—l
.I.h him to learn—from Stroud : he used to want to know our
feelings when he wanted our votes—(" True," " That's
it")—an•l we tell Dim now, firmly, decidedly. peacefully,
but unitedly resolved, that we do want further reform ; that
we must have it ; and, united together with one heart and
ciiie mind, despite his or any other opposition, the measures
we ask ter must and will be tarred. (Cheers.) The
speaker then proposed the following resolution :
That while this assembly views with extreme resort the conduct
of those infatuated men who reek by outrage on persons or property
to subvert the order of society, and avows it determination to support
all just constitutional authority in the maintenance of pear, this
meeting nevertheless deems it unjust, impolitic, Laid hazardous, to
withhold on that account from a large number at her Nl:l.lmq', loyal
subjects their civil rights.
Mr. THOMAS le GAT, a working man, seconded the resolu-
tion. He was sorry thatworking men were so circuneit eneed
that not one out of ten dared to act independently. The
system of canvassing was nothing but intimidation and
coercion, and he always made up his mired how he should
vote before any of those gentry called on him. If a man
could be twisted about thee way and this way, he had not
much opinion of him, as he thought he only want, d the op-
portunity to serve himself. At the last election he saw
a gentleman standing at the poll booth from eight
o'clock in the morning until four, and if he had been asked
what he was there for, he would no doubt hive said to thank
the voters for my friend. But c old there bee any doubt that
being a man of wealth and influence, his real object was to
intimida'o all who came to vote ou the ether side ? Working
men did not want to pull the Q. 11.11 off the throne, or to
eceisliee property ; but they wanted their just politic el rights,
which would alone quiet the people. (Chum) lie would
test Lord John Remelt that they were asst inished at his cot,-
duet after all the professions he made when he came to
solicit their votes at Stroud.
The Rev. B. PALLSONS denied that the middle and work-
ing clams were the disturb. rs of society ; they never were,
and it was impossible to point out in the page of history one
instance where a justly-governed people had risen
spinet their rulers. (Cheers,) The best agitator they had
now was Lord John (hear), and the people of Stroud told
him now that though they wanted nett!:, r pikes nor guns,
they would hold their peaceable meetings and freeifgive
ut-
tera+.ce to the e xprewion of their wants and the advocacy of
their rights until :hey obtained justice. Mr. Parsons then
moved the second resolution as fellows :
That claw legislation, the unequal pressure of taxation on the mid-
dle and operative portion of the pnpul dins, the lavi-h expenditure of
the public money, and the neglect manifested towards the petitions of
the people on subject. of paramount importance, prove that the
House of Common., as at present constituted, does nut fairly repre-
sent the population, the property, or the industry of the country.
Mr. E. Lome seconded the resolution, and maid all the
evils in church and state were caused by class legislation.
W. BARHAM), Esq., moved the third resolution. He
condemned Lord J. Russell, who, fifteen years ago, took re-
fuge among them, as the rejected of Devon, got elected by
them, weni, back to parliament, and abandoned the cause of
the people. The resolution was :
That to allay a spirit of discontent, by removing the occasion for it,
this meeting is of opinion that it In essential to the welfare of the
community that there should ►e a liberal extension of household or
residential suffrage; that the vote by ballot should afford to every
elector the opportunity of free choice in the exercise of the franchise;
that parliaments be limited to three years; and that the electoral dis-
tricts be made to hear a more equal proportion to the intelilgence and
amount of the population.
Mr. DRIELETT seconded the resolution.
It was further resolved that petitions, embodying these
resolutions, be forthwith addressed to the House of Com-
mons, and that G. I'. Serape, Erre, M.P , be requested to
press nt, and hiraselt and W. H. Stanton, Esq , M.P., the
members fur the county, be requested to give their warmest
support to the petitions.

MEETING AT BELPER.
On Wednesday evening a large meeting was held
in the Market-place, Bs.!per, near Derby, in support of the
new reform movement. From 2,000 to 3,000 persons
assembled.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said: Wolin
in perilous times. God has ?wen us mouths to speak out of,
and he has given some men power to stop those mouths;
therefore be careful how you act. DJ ;not give the law
any chance to lay hold of you. The law has left us A very,
narrow passage, but let us keep in that passige. If any
disturbance should arise, quel. it ; let us have a peaceable
meeting, and whatever resolutions are brought forward
shall he honestly put from the chair.
The Rev. J. FELatx r ropneed the first resolution.
That lord John Russell harnng in bin pl..ce in parlioment stated his
belief "that the middle and working closes of this country, speaking
generally, neither wish for the one treat reform nor the other ; that
they arc neither amino. for the people's charter as proposed by the
h-n. member for Nottingham. nor for that meat plan of reform
which comes somewhat near the people's ple's charter, which is proposed
by the hon. member for Montrow this meeting desires to exprms
its opinion that the prime minister to either gristly ignorant of the
wishes both of the middle and working easses, or E. wil!ully misre-
presented the known opinions of the people, proving thereby that he
to utterly unfit to conduct the affairs of this great ration.
Mr. 'r. Mgaxis seconded the resolution, denouncing
Lord J. Russell's deeT,ration as a prilpahla falsehood.
Throughout the country there was one gem sal c,mplaint of
distress amongst the middle and working classes, who were
looking to legislative changes for an amelioration of their
condition. The riches of the country were produced by la-
bour, and were possessed by the comparatively few at the
cost of the many. The middle and working classes bore the
principal burdens of the state, with its enormous expendi-
ture, and it was time this injustice was put an end to.
Great abuses existed in every department of the state—
and would continue to prevail to long as the present
system of class legislation prevailed. The aristocracy
had been the law makers, and had taken especial ease
to place the burden of taxation upon the middle and
working classes.
1 he resolution was carried unanimously.
The ltev. lituiroN (of Itipky ) nit tod:
That in the opinion of thin meeting Ise Commons Home of Par-
liament does not represent either the Beller, the interests or opinions
of a large majority of the British nation, on whom falls with most
unequal add increasing pressure the greatest amount of taxation,
and that such majority has no voice whatever either in the con-
trol of that burden or any other legislative enactment.
The rev. gentleman referred to the outcry against chartism
and reform. Some people looked upon those persons who ad.
vocated the charter ascot throats—as men whose object it was
to uproot all civil government. Nothing of the kind. True,
there may have been some few charCsts, or persons professing
to be such, who might not have used their tongues in the
most discreet or proper manner, and whose conduct they
repudiated; but it did not follow that because he and others
were advocates of the charter that they wanted to destroy the
lives of their fellow men, or to injure their property. For
himself he agreed in the principles of the charter, and had
no doubt of its ultimate success.
Mr. WALLIS seconded the resolution, which was sup-
ported by Mr. T. MEAL IN, and carried unanimously.
Mr. T. PALMER moved:
That this meeting cordially aympathises with the movement cow
bring made in favour of household suffrage, rote by ballot, ahem:
parliaments, and equal electoral district.% MI pledges itaeV 'o co-
operate in secuntg there measures of parliameetary reform at a
means for effecting retrenchment in the expenditure of this country,
and accomplishing the entire success of thrifts fusdamentol prin-
ciples of political regenerahoo—nornily, equdity of taxation and just
represent-tun.
Mr. B. CLAY seconded and Mr. Jou:tens supported the
resolution, which was carried.
Two persons in the crowd then briefly proposed and
seconded the following amendment :
That in the opinion of this meeting it us essential' - • .„..• a
4
cordial union of all classes of sincere reforme . ~- • - i-. .i=fri.
order to effect a real reformation of the •ii. - i i'' .tpi ... ,__ ,
bit Inasmuch as the working eJSACA ha rise • , ' "•.7.t:
benefits of any former Mileage, we he . . .•. .y. • •711'. ..7:
to unite with any party except upon isaf,ltatireirebie;'"fr' '•
• untantetcrraoi tutd:ticreiore p:tdne kalirattaliftlirlik •
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