The Express.
London, England, 1848-04-10 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, MONDAY EVENING, APRIL 10, 1848.

would be equally applicable to this country. Looking at the
manner in which he had been " badgered" in his place in
parliament, for the conduct of others, he begged of all the
delegates to be cautious as to the language made use of, as
every word uttered in that hall was conveyed to the govern-
ment, and he was made responsible for it. (Hear, hear.) As
he was obliged to leave town that afternoon, he hoped some
one of the delegates would move for leave of absence for him
for the remainder of the day, He should return ou Sunday,
and be at his poet with them on Monday morning. (Loud
chet na)_
Mr. Water, as one of the deputation appointed on Friday
to wilt upon Lind John Hosted, in order to lev before the
noble lord the real state awl condition of the working
chums, wished to learn from their distinguished fader
(Mr. F. O'Connor) what course they ought to pursue to ob-
tain an interview with hie lordship.
Mr. F. O'CONNOR replied he should advise the deputation
to announce themselves as from the working classes, and not
from the convention, otherwise they might be refused an
audience. As Saturday was the day in which ministers were
most disengaged, the deputation had better proceed to the
Treasury at once upon their mission.
After a desultory conversation, in which Mr. West,
Mr. F. O'Connor, and Mr. G. W. M. Reynolds took part,
Mr. Cuersi.proposed, and Mr.Wesv seconded, a motion
that leave of absence be granted to Mr. F. O'Connor, as re-
quested.—The motion was unanimously agreed to.
Mr. CLARK, in reference to the measure propounded on
Friday night by the government, said he thought some
means ought to be adopted to give the country time to ex-
press its sentiments with regard to it.
. Mr. F. O'CONNOR observed that the bill stood for &second

reading on Monday next, and notice had been given to sus-
pend the standing orders, so as to take the other stages of
the bill without delay, and as speedily as possible. The de-
legates might rely upon him giving the meuure every pos-
sible opposition, provided he was not shot on Monday, as it
had been said he would be.—Mr. O'Connor then withdrew

from the hall amidst tumultuous plaudits,
Mr. CLARk then moved that deputations of the delegates
be at once appointed is wait upon the liberal members who
had voted against the introduction of the government mea
sure proposed by Sir George Grey on Friday eve sing, se
well as upon the members of parliament representing the
districts with which the delegates were themselves re-
spectively connected, to urge upon them to adopt such a
course as would prevent the bill being read a second time
and further proceeded with on Monday, so that time alight
be afforded for an expression of public opinion upon it.
Mr. DONOVAN seconded the motion, and suggested the
propriety of requesting the simultaneous meetings intended
to he held throughout the country on Monday to seed up
petitions against the bill.
Mr. CUFFAY opposed the motion, as being wholly useless.
The government and the present House of Commons would
certainly pass the bill, though its provisions rivalled those of
any measure which had been carried either by Lord Castle-
reagh or L-ed Sidmouth ; and moved, as an amendment,
that no further petitions or deputations be promoted or
adopted by the convention, addressed either to her Majesty's
ministers or to the members of the Howie of Commons.
Mr. G. W. M. REYNOLDS supported the original motion,
as did Messrs. Petrie, Cochrane, Child, Tanner, Tattersall,
Shaw, Hitchen, Macarthy,Olenister, Baldwin, and Fussell.
In opposition to it the convention was addressed by Messrs.
Wild, Wilkinson, Ernest June', Ashton, and others. At
length the motion was put to the vote, and was carried by a
majority of 28 to 12.
At the suggestion of Mr. Julian Barney the convention
adjourned at a quarter poet eleven o'clock to half-put two
o'clock, in order to enable the delegates to act upon and
carry out the resolution just adopted.
At the re-ansembline of the delegates at half-past two,
Mr. ERNEST JONES read a letter which had just been
put into nis hands. The writer stated that one ot the C
division of police had just informed him that some 01 their
men in plain clothes were employed to attend the meetings
of the convention, to ussociate with the members, learn
their opinions, and report accordingly at the Home.otilet.
This communication was received with greens and strong
manifestations of disapprobation.
It was then requested that the gentlemen who had waited
upon the members ot parliament, according to arrangement,
should make their reports.
Mr. WEST said he had called on Lord John Russell, at
the Home-office, but he did not succeed in seeing his lord-
ship, who he understood was not there. He (Mr. West)
complained of the impolite way in which he was received.
upon the °session by a gentleman, who he supposed to
' be a secretary, and who, he said, treated him with the
utmost haughtiness and unconcern, "as it he had been
vermin." lie thought it right that noblemen should be
made su quainted with the insolent manner in which officials
were accustomed to treat strangers who called upon business.
In the event of Monday passing over quietly, which he had
every reason to expect, he hoped to have another day ap-
pointed for an interview with his lordship.
Mr. TATTEEsALL 'aid he had waited on the hon. member
for Rochdale (Mr. S. Crawford), who at the interview de-
dared Lord Grey's proposed measure to be the worst one
ever brought into the house, and expressed his intention of
opposing it.
Mr. Pelee had waited on Mr. Palmer, the member for
Plymouth, by whom he wan received with courtesy. Mr.
Palmer considered the measure to be a necessary one under
the present circumstances, and would support the govern-
ment in carrying it out with the least possible delay.
' Another delegate said he had waited oa (we understood)
the member for Devouport, who expressed himself to a simi-
lar effect.
Mr. ERNEST JON Es said he had waited on Lord Morpeth,
as the member for the West Riding of Yorkshire, and Mr.
Cobden, in company with another gentleman, as he wished
to have a witness present at the interview. Lord Morpeth
said that he could not recognise the national convention,
but would be happy to hear what he (Mr. E. Jones) had to
say. His lordship defended the coercion bill, observing that
it increased the stringency of the law in Ireland, while it
lessened it in England. He thought that they did not quite
understand the bill, acd asked them to wait until it was sub-
mitted to the country. lie (Mr. Jones) answered that he
could not wait, because the whsle tone and spirit of her
Majesty's government wets sufficient evidence of what the
character of the bill would be. His lordship then asked
whathe (Mr. Jones) could not but consider a most extraordi-
nary question for a cabinet minister to ask of a deputation
which bad not attended upon duet subject. His lordship
said—" Perhaps it is not a fair question, but will you answer
me ? What is your intention regarding Monday next, what
do you intend to do ?" He (Mr. Jones) replied
that he could not answer his lordship in any
other capacity than that of a delegate of the national con-
vention, and if his lordship chose to recognise him as
such, that he would answer. His lordship, upon this, con-
sented to recognise him (Mr. Jones) in that capacity, and
he then told his lordship of the determination of the conven-
tion to proceed with the procession notwithstanding what
had taken place. lie added, that the government were act-
ing.unconstitutionally, and that it behoved the people to
muntain their rights ; that is portion of the body of peti-
tioners would march forward as far as Westminster-bridge
towards the House of Commons; that they would co-operate
with the police in aiding the arrest of any persons who at-
tempted to break the peace ; bat at the same time he (Mr.
Jones) told his lordship, that, although the men of Landon
would not strike the first blow, they would certainly act on
the defensive in the event of any interference ; and that, if
there should be any slaughter. the blood of the murdered
people would be on the heads of her Majesty's government.
(Applause.)
Mx. Live said, that he called on Mr. Thoruley, M.P.,
who stated that his mind was not made up on the proposed
bill, but would give the subject his consideration. lie was
in favour of three or four points of the charter.
Another delegate stated, that he had waited on the lion.
F. H. Berkeley, M.P.,who, however, could not be seen until
the evening. Hs thence proceeded to Mr.W. Miles, the other
member tar Bristol, who expressed himself in favour of the
bill, which he considered a necessary measure.
Another delegate had called at Sir J. Guest's residence,
but without success, the hon. member being out of town.
Mr. STEVENB had waited upon Mr. Clay. Out of the six
points of the charter, the hon. member agreed to four, with
some modifications. He VIM of opinion, that the govern.
went would be compelled to do something for tie country.
lie thought that tee charter biought into the house by
Mr. O'Connor would be better if brought in as a bill. He
asked if they (the chartists) would object to a concession of
some of the small points of the charter merely. He (Mr.
Stevens) answered that they would not refuse any conces-
glen of the kind, but they would nevertheless continue to
claim the whale of the six point.. He (Mr. Clay) thought
that the bill was not entirely understood by the house. He
had voted for it as a matter of courtesy, in ceder to give
ministers an importunity of bringing it forward. He had
yet to consider its details, and, if necessary, would vote
against it.
Dr. IIeNTER said he was one of the delegates appointed to
wait ou the member for Edinburgh. Although the hon.
member saw ineuy of the salient objections to the measure
that were pointed out to him, he thought, ou the whole.
considering the state of Ireland, that he could not urge its
postponement.
Mr. SYLVENSON said he had waited on Dr. Bowring,
who was entirely with there. He would vote against the
coercion bill, And in favour of every point of the charter,
and his only regret upon the subject was the damage
that the cause of freedom had sustained through the agency
of persons who were not chartists and honest men. He
believed, if they had waited sooner upon hon. mem-
. hers and the government, that the coercion bill would not
have been reposed.
Several other gentlemen intimated that they had repots
to make of the results of their applications ; but it was con-
sidered unnecessary to receive them, as they were all of a
similar character.
Mr. eleuxet then moved
That to tycc:•:z againit any colitingeney which might pre-
vent the dd.-gates from a•serobling in this convention, each
delegate should nominate some undoubted chartist to sit pro-
visionally until our dwtnct, deprived ot the services of its dele-
gate, shall app.ent anotner properly elected representative; Mut the
authority for the provisional delegates takinz their seats shall be the
written credestials supplied to thim by the present delegate', and by
the chairman or seeretariee of the char V-it cotutcil of We disteht,
He coesiderci it to he the duty of the convention, censi-
dering the high office which they held, to provide for any
contingency which might arise. For his part, he should take
care to have an efficient representative to act in the event of
his not being at liberty on Tuesday morning. From the re-
ports which were in eireulatioe they might cenclude that
every possible endeavour would be mate to put down the
convention. It that should be the last day that he should
ever raise his voice in that hall, most deliberately and calmly
he raised his voice on that occasion in condemnation of the
government which now ruled in this country, which was one
that he would characterise in the teeth of the act
of parlistneee and in the teeth of their short
hand writers, as a geverument of assassins. They
(the delegates) were sent there by the people ;
they had been legally elected at peaceable meetings, called in
accoillauce with the constitutional rights of Englishmen, to
act for them; and it was their duty to go down to the house

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them, and sympathised with their exertions, and it was
therefore the more incumbent upon them to follow up the
course which they had commenced.
Mr. Erman JONES seconded the resolution. He depre-
cated in strong terms any interference on the part of govern-
ment with the undoubted right of the people to petition. He
urged them to remember that a Christian government, •
Christian arinocracy, and a Christian middle clan, were pre-
paring to let loose the dogs of was upon them on Monday ;
with artillery and arsenals full of ammunition, and every-
thing which would be likely to lead to a cohi-
non and a massacre. He was speaking not with
the slightest degree of rashness or confusion, but was
simply treating a business question in a business way. He
was prepared, if necessary, to die at the head of the preces-
sion on Monday, should they be interfered with. As such a
contingency so the death or imprisonment of many of the
delegates might happen, he said for God's sake keep a head
over the movement, and show that the spirit of liberty,
though crushed again and again, would arise, like the
phosnix,_from its ashes.
Mr. WATSON briefly supported the resolution.
Mr. Domovius proposed that the resolution should be
altered in such a manner ss to place the nomination of the
additional representatives in the hands of the constituency,
instead of in those of the delegates themselves.
Mr. CLARK moved the following amendment:
That the convention calla upon its seven' constituencies, at the pub-
lic sitnultantious meetings to be held on Monday next, or at some pub-
lic meeting to be held as soon as pieeible afterwarde to elect persons
to take thew places in this convention, should anything arise through
government interference or otheralve to prevent this body from meet-
ing to Rennet the burinere for which Alias been elected.
Mr. CDFPAY seconded the amendment.
Mr. REYNOLDS supported the original motion. He be.
lieved the government to be weak and powerless, notwith-
standing the course of intimidation which they were pursu-
ing. At the same time, should the government, presuming
on a false notion of its strength, and not knowing the feeling
of the people, dare to interlere, then he believed it desirable,
in order that the cmvention might not at once be put an
to, that there should be persons ready at a moment's notice
to succeed the old members. . _

Mr. Went supported the resolution, ani took the same
view of the case. He regretted that there were reports
existing with regard to the extensive preparations for the
reception of the petitioners, many of which were totally un-
founded and absurd. It was even said that government had
hired a large number of persons to join the demonstration on
Monday and create a disturbance in order to give the police
en opportunity for interfering.
Mr If Y Ill) thought he should meet the objections which
i had been made to the resolution, by proposing the following
addition to it :

That the delegate eo nominated resign his seat when another dele-
gate, regularly chosen at a public meeting, arrives in London and
takes his seat at the convention then sitting.
Mr. E. Jonas said he would adopt the addenda with
pleasure.
Mr. ADAMS thought the course which had been pursued
by the assembly had a tendency to produce feelings of hosti
lity towards them on the part of the government, instead of
that amicable feeling which it ought to be their study to en-
courage. It became them to act with prudence and calm-
nese, and not to propose a single act which had an antago-
nistic tendency. He moved a second amendment :
That we have no right to anticipate an onslaught on the people an
the part of the government, knewuig as we do, that our policy is both
, a legal and a constitutional one.
Mr. COCHRANE. seconded the amendment. He could not
apprehend any interference on the part of the government ;
should any attack which might be made upon them result in
loss of life, the circumstance would create SO much sympathy,
that minisfers would not be able to hold oftize an hour after-
wards,
Mr. MACARTHY thought that whatever might be the
chances fur and against the attack, that at all events the
petitioners must be Trepared to receive it,
After a few observations from Mr. WILLIE, upon the
general subject, Mr, Dixon spoke a few words in advocacy
of peaceable measures. Mr. 6-ahem, Mr. Lennie, Mr.
Jones, and Mr. Leech, followed to a similar purpose.
Mr. TATTERSALL did not agree with the proposals of
Mr. Jones, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Adams, or, indeed. with any
proposition before the convention, He considered any reso-
lution of the kind unnecessary.
After a few words from Mr. Harney, Mr. Shaw, end Mr.
Kydd, Mr. E. JONES replied, by permission of the mover of
the resolution, the usefulness of which he defended in
strong terms. Mr. A ants then withdrew his amendment,
after which,
The original motion and Mr. Clarke's amendment were
put to a show of hand', and the numbers were—for the
original motion, 14 ; and furthe amendment, 28 ; the amend-
ment was accordingly declared carried.
Some business having been gone through relative to the
national petition, the Chairman read a communication from
Mr. J. G. Churchill, a late resident in Paris, who stated
himself commissioned by a large number of the citizens to
express their cordial and hearty sympathy in the cause of the
convention.
Mr. WEST and Mr. CHILD objected to receive the commu-
nication, en the ground that co-operation with foreign
countries was undesirable. A short conversation ensued upon
the subject, and Mr. CLAHKE moved a resolution to the effect
that while the convention deprecated the reception of foreign
aid, it reciprocated the sympathy expressed by the French
people. Mr. JONES seconded the resolution, which was
carried without dissent.
The proceedings were then adjourned until this day at 8
o'clock, after a proposal had been made and rejected, that the
convention should resume its sitting on the following day
(yesterday).

CHARTIST MEETING AT LAMBETH.—RE-
SIGNATION OF MR. BRONTERRE O'BRIEN.
Last evening an aggregate meeting of chartists
was held at the South Chartist Hall, Lambeth, to consider
the necessary arrangements for the monster demonstration
to take place on Kennington-common this day.—Mr. Small
took the chain—Soon after it was intimated that Mr. B.
O'Brien had arrived—an announcement whiuk was received
with the most deafenine applause. He made his way with
great difficulty to a platform in the centre of the hall, from
which he addressed the vast assemblage.
Mr. O'BRIEN : Gentlemen, I was told that I ought not to
come her, to-night, and was strongly urged to remain away,
but I disregarded those persuasions, and refused to act upon
that advice, for I was fully determined that what I had
always been I would ever remain—that I would never de-
sert the people, and that I would never fail to act up to
principles which I had publicly avowed, and to which I con-
sidered myself unalterably pledged. I have come down to-
night for an important purpose—for the purpose of resign-
ing a trust. (Here the speaker was saluted by a volley of
groans, which prevented him for a considerable time from
continuing his address.) I have to-night to resign the trust
which lam not in a condition to carry out. I never de-
ceived the people. I never made professions which were not
sincere. I never undertook duties which I was either unable
or unwilling to perform, and I will not deceive them now by
retaining a trust to which I cannot give my undvided ad-
herence and support. To the National Convention, now
sitting, I was elected a delegate, but I have not, during the
last three days, attended the deliberaticns of that conven-
tion, because I was made acquainted with the fact that they
intended to get up a demonstration, in the policy of which I
could not concur, and at a time whet our strength is not
sufficiently matured.
A VOICE.—We shall see that to-morrow. (Cheers.)
Mr. O'Bui EN.—lf the delegates were entirely sincere they
would not thus hastily get up this demonstration, whereby
they would let loose hundreds of rogues and thieves upon
society, thus bringing down upon themselves the indignation
of the reflecting people of this country, and spoiling the fair
fame of the people's charter. (Loud cries of dissent.) The
middle classes to a man, I regret to say, are against us, and
evidence their opposition by the moat deadly and malignant
spirit. I have been a good deal in society during the last
few days, and from the middle classes on all hands I hear
expressions of opinion that the chartists ought to be all
hanged or burned. (Great uproar.) I meet many of these
persons at the various clubs at which tradesmen assemble,
and although most of these persons are chartists at heart,
they affect to be displeased with the movement, and refuse
to Join it. I dread a procession being called, for fear of
effending such persons, and turning into deadly and power-
ful enemies those who might, if more pacific measures were
adopted, be secured as valuable and energetic friends.
(Derisive cheering.) I was asked if I would consent
to act as a delegate to the convention. I refused to
do so unless it was to be considered a convention
elected by the general body of chartists, and
not confined to that section of chartists over whom Mr.
Feargus O'Connor presides. The week after I was again
phased upon the matter, and was told that it would be a
general convention, whereupon I consented to become a
delegate if the general body should think proper to elect me.
I was elected, and went to the convention with that under-
standing. I gave no pledges, and I declined to be bound to
any rules to which I did not give my personal seaent. Seeing
that the convention was composed for the most part of men
from districts in which the people were in • most dreadful
condition—many actually starving—hearing from one dale-
, gate that the people who had cent him to represent them
° were many of them reduced to the miserable pittance of one
penny a day—that in other places men with large families
could tally obtain four or five shillings a week—l came to
this conclusion, that in times of such stirring excite-
meat as the present a convention elected under such
circumstances was likely to go too flat—to be bur.
ried beyond the proper line of prudence, and thus
to come into collision with the government. I took an op-
portunity on the very first day I attended the convention of
stating that I would not budge one single inch agaiast the
law until we were in a position to overthrow the law.
A Votcre—lf you had acted in concert with the other de-
legates, you would have been put in possession of the fact
that we are now in a position to overthrow the law, and that
we'll do it.
Another Voice.—ls Feargus O'Connor in London, of has
he bolted, and like you turned traitor ? (Boisterous cheers.)
Mr. O'BRIEN: I don't know. I know nothing of Mr.
O'Connor. I have had nothing to do with him for the last
six or seven years.
Some further interruption having taken place, Mr.
O'BRIEN resumed. Many of the delegates said that they
had been sent up to the convention to exert their best endea-
vours to obtain the charter for which the working classes of
this country had long been struggling, and that they would
sot return to their constituents until they had succeeded in
obtaining the charter. I then declared what I have already
stated, that I would not budge one inch against the law until
we had power to overthrow the law. I. have always been
against demonstrations, and would never agree Leone, unless
it was after every other method bad failed, and we went
down as a last resource, and then not unless we were armed
and in a fit condition to contest the matter with the govern-
ment.
A Voicee—Ton know we are not going unarmed. (This
was received with much applause.)