The Express.
London, England, 1860-09-28 00:00:00

THE WORKING MEN'S MEETING.

At p.m a meeting of working men was hell in the (Sty
Hall, in connexion with and ceder the auspices of the
association. Almost as eam M the dome were opened the
large hall was crowded in every part. The president of the
stwociation, Lord Brougham, entered the hall leaning on
W arm of the Lord Provost of Ulaagow. His lordship's,
appearnnoe was the signal for general cheering, which lasted
emend minutes, the company ruing rn ,anew and minting
hie lordship by movie; of hats and shouting loud hurrahs.
==
..those on 0111 platform we deemed, besides Lord
and the Lord Provost, Lord Raychem, air John
Pthingtoo, the Hon. Arthur Kiunstrd, Sheriff Sir Archi-
bald Alison, H. Look Blanc, Sir James ChnipbeU of
iltracathro, the Lord Advocate of Bootland, Bit David

Mooreter. Ica Mars it Cmig. dills gorpenter, awl Mai
Bessie Parkes were also peeped.
Lord Baorotutm, oil risi wu eiceived with lend old
leurosatinued wpplanna. Ma esiel+ll aware you it given
me the pesta4.Mte loaf ferlteshiction to find my,
' self tigious eat.) Such an einem-
b laver seer before together in say part at
thiUniied Kingeloara sad wiyaorerienee of mit& meetings
bee uoR beeitemaU, neither has it extended over a small
sp.. of time. (Hear, hear.) Bet at no period during the
Mel silty yeses, during Which I have bear in the pr as
mariesally of attestable public meetings— )—noki
u wee told roast slanderously upon one or toe cessions
thirty years ap, When party feeling regal Veryllgh tr
all th.reoais, el which, happily, we hams°, hardly sew
remains—whoa it was said.ef me that I wee in theocestani
habit of &Reeding public meetiur. ("Hear,"aadlanghter.)
And we ce the Amosiatlen have been, gmbiled aid to e'er
tain degree of welder hive seen Of repeption we have met
with on this occasion, which has, in many roped% exceeded
all the receptione accordeitto es on the three aerial fernier
oemsions 'that we have held Papaw* of the sesucation.
(Applause.) We are of no piety ID the state, we aire of no
'sect in the church ; we open our arms wide to all parties,
without of person, from the biped tory to the
'greatest int__(s laugh)—from the high churchman to
the low unihmati, from the catholic to the protestant,
from the Jew to the Gentile ' • we open oar doors to all
acts, all dares. all parties.. sod all condition of men.
(Loud cheers.) That you might take part, my friends sad
fellow-workmen I may call you—(immense cheering)
—for I myself Wee been a working-man all my
Ida (Renewed elisering.) 1 began work more than
sixty years ago I have mentioned, and from that
hoer to this I have been a working man like
yourselves, and a working man I will continue to be so
Oarrovidenam blow ate Wiigi health of body sod streV
of mind to continue my efforts—(great cheering)—best
i
claim no merit for this. (Hear, hear.) I like it; it has
become my room' nature ; it has boom my habit ; I can-
Dot possibly lay it vide, and I do not see why I should
lay it melds. If I saw any meson, d I saw that the
public would be bettor earned by my laying it es*, this I
would lay it aside, and take the seas I ought have eased,
or thought I had earned ; but, till I fnd I can work no
longer, or there is any maim why I should work no longer,
I shall work ; and 1 will week so long as I live. (Cheers.)
It is on that account I call you my friends and fellow
working men We belong to the same class, and I only hopo
and trust that you will continue to have that health with
which ! have been graciously blessed, and continue to be
able to work, as I am sure you are willing to work, like me.
(Cheers.) I DM about to propose • resolution, which, I
think, though I have dealt very much in generalities, it is
better to propose, as it will meet, I think, the exigencies of
the CIAO, and. give you an opportunity of declaring what I
may venture to call your adhesion te our great movement
of social science, to oar great pursuit of that which is for
the interest alike of all men, yt all classes of the community
without distinction, and I fiSropose that you shall resolve
" That working mei, by giving attention to the principles ;
of social science, and communicating to this emaciation
facts relative thereto coming under their own observation,
will aid in the discovery of laws, on the observance of
whieb depends the welfare of all clones of the community."
(Cheers.) Many things will occur to you from time to time,
and some things may mem unreasonable, ill-founded,
either in series or in feet,lol4l upon which discussiou amongst
yourselves, and dialled= with our committees, will throw
light ; and if there be error in your suggestions, will die-over
that error; and if you propose to go the wrong way, they
will set you the right by a.full and free discussion, which,
blessed be Heaven, in this country we enjoy to absolute
refection. (Applause.) I knew there are here some valued
Mein& of mine—l won't may from the sister kingdom
merely, for these are our fellow-countrymen—l won't say
from the neighbouring sister island of Ireland only, for
these also are our fellow-countryuieu ; but there are from
across the channel some most worthy, enlightened, and
able friends of mine—men who honestly hold the opinions
which we entertain, namely, that the progress of the
people in social science la the first object for a states-
man and • philosopher to encourage. In their presence
I sbstein purposely from betokening any unseemly emu-
lation in the happy fortunes of this our country, to
enjoy that unrestricted freedom of discussion in all the
meaner of ways to which 1 have just now adverted.
(Cheers.) liappily we have it in every way—in parliament,
absolutely unrestrained—through the pros, absolutely free—
in public meatier, without the shadow of • pretenos that
any one has the nght, or, indeed, has the desire to restrsia.
(" Hear, hear," and chars.) In all ways, then, we have
absolutely perfect freedom of discussion on all subjects in
church and in state. (Hear, hear.) In all matters of policy,
foreign and demotic, in all branches of social science,
which includes every branch of public interest—we have
the most absolute and uncontrolled freedom of dimension.
Hut I will visitors to hope that this will not always be
confined within these four seas that surround ex (" Hear,
hear," and applause.) I hope and trust that the country-
men of the excellent friends to whom I have referred are
not doomed 'demo to labour under the MUMe obstacles, end
dirficulties, sad obstructions to free discussion, but that
they will once more have what they once had, but aimed
when they had it. (Hear, hear.) I would fain hope that
before we pert, although I have not seen them to ask their
intentions, owe of my most excellent friends, that most
ahle lawyer, who delivered one of hie speeches at one or two
of our sections, as well delivered and in as good English
any man here premien could do—(cheers)—will nut let
us part without letting us bear the sound of his voice.
(Cheers.) The two friends to whom I refer are If. Deems-
rat, an eminent French lawyer, who addressed the ma-
miens nada the Lard-Advocate yesterday on am important
subject of law, and my excellent friend M. Gamier Pepe,
who perfectly understands English, but does not speak it
like Deemerat. Ido not hope that we shall hear him, but
M. Pages, who was one of the most distinctdistinguished members
—next to the late M. Arsgo—uf the Provisional* elevens-
ment of 184$, and behaved I won't say how. (laughter.)
His wise andupright isseeluee awed the merit of the country,
but had the effect, by imposing a tax which wee not liked by
our oeighboun, of overturning the government. (Laughter.)
I give you that as a sample of the honesty as well
as the wisdom of my excellent friend M. Pages ;
but since that time he has not been a member of say
government whatever. (laughter.) There am other friends
on the platform whom I will not stop to name, because their
lames are known to you, and are not unknown to others
whoa, strangers here. I will new conclude by proposing
the resolution before you, which I hope and trust will re-
ceive the sanction of your approval, and that you will act
upon it, each in his own sphere. (Loud applause, amid which
lord Brougham resumed his seat).
Hr. Jura WiLunsoN, upholsterer, supported the reso-
lution in a speech of some length.

Lord BROUGHAM then aid-1 have mid that my friends
Desmemt sod Id. Gamier Pages will speak here, but as
there wee no mention made of that previous to coming into
this hall, these guildsmen have not had a moment's time to
east their ideas together. Yet they have agreed to the
reessimandatioe I have ventured to throw out. (Gnat
cheering.) H. Pages will now address you, and afterwards
H. Desmerat (Cheers.)
M. G. PAGER then came to the front of the platform, and
ca making his ammo/saes be was greeted with immense
cheering. He spoke in French, which was interpreted to
the meeting by the Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, M.P. H. Pages
said—lt is with profound feelings of thankfulness towards
your excellent President that I find myself in the position
of addressing an audience such as this. (Cheers.) The sun
of a workman, it is through the working people that I
have gained the position which I now hold, and it is in that
character that I now wish to addrees you. (Cheers.) It
was with the people that I engaged in the struggle, but un-
fortunately when I addressed them, and 141 them the
truth, they did not exactly agree with me, and did not
support me in all my views. That the people may have
what they desire —that they may go at a steady
step with the general advance—not too hastily— is my
hope, se it is only by that insane that they will obtain
what they wish (Cheers.) The future is in the
hands of the people ; but the people, in order to gain that
position which I wish them to gain, must only support and
encourage that which is mma.lly right and just, and their
deniandsshould lie in accordance with what in just and right
(Great cheering.) Allow me, in one word, to say that it is
for the people I have lived, and for the people I am ready
to die. (Inunense cheering.)
M. DIRMIRAT, who spoke in English, likewise thanked the
audition for the receipt/on they had received. He mopmed
that the subject of weird science should not be confined to
Great Britain alone, but that the matter should be a European
one. (Cheers.) He referred to the presence of M. Louis
Blanc at the meeting, and expressed the pleasure he felt at
seeing such as illustrious couutryinen, who was suffering for
hie wall-grounded principles.
At the mention o the name of H. Louie Blanc, the im-
mense assemblage like one men rose to their feet, and cheer
=beer issued in massive volume from thonsands of
the owners of which at the same time waved hats,
oaga, sad handkerchiefs in the air for several minutes.
Lewd Brougham also rose to his feet, end looked towards
that part of the platform occupied by the illustrious
lords
,r, on which H. Louis Manc missed towards his
and both gentlemen heartily shook hands. The
emiteemet and enthusiasm at this moment were very pea

The Hon. ARTHUR F. Knoisran, M.P., neat eddreserl
**nesting, after which
Lord Baorunar said—The resolution moved by myself,
wooded by Mr.Wilkimon, supported by my friend the Hon.
Arthur Kuinalrd, bat which especially received the signal
and mad gratifyiag support of my friends M. Gamier
Yoga sad M. Denserst, 1 tots your sense w►ether or not
poss wee to that resolution. (Omat applause.) I should wish
kite MOS unanimous ament to a proposal to testify our
respectful thanks to Mons. (larnier Pages and Mons. Des-
meat en the present oression. (Prolonged cheering.) I
un sure the reception which you have given to my proposi-
tion will be gratifying to niv two friends. (Cheers.) tine
word in my own defence. (Laughter.) My remarks on the
Hens of Ominous have been referred to; but it must also
ha remembered that I spoke of the House of Loads, and
theisigit what I said of them was short in point of ►ength of
tits. it was not much lass sweet. (Isinglitard I c►arged

Dr. -Laummalw usimed—" That greet 1mp...-
been made in the sanitary cooditiou of this city,
yet remains to his dose, la order to diminish the
, and mime."
'ban?. lvlitatidra seconded the resolution.
Mr. Hannon% the general secretery, then made a I
remarka issapport of the motioo, which, hexing put
the meting, the chairmen declared oartied
SiIJOHN rA[lNOTONthenrese.rari,VY eeindwith
cheering. He said—My Loyd President, this extraordinary
scene fills my mind with feelings of respect and admiration
to which I en utterly unable to give egaassm Ica language.
I cannot rise to address inch an assembly without feelings
of deep anxiety. I cannot help feeling that it may pose
through your mind—what right have I, who am altogether
unconnected with any trade to which you belong, who* lot
being placed in an agricultural district in Englaud, hundreds
of miles away—What right have I to appear before you to
weepy your time in touching upon subject. on which, pro-
bably, you are better informed and iustrected than 1 am
myself ? My answer and vindication is this—As a mender
of the legislature, I have felt ft to be my duty, sad it has
been my greatest pleasure and my deepest anxiety, to take
some part in those social questions which touch your
tenderest interests and happiness. For the same reason, I
have become a member of this emaciation ; fur I believe that
if carefully and prudently conducted, and if generously
and frankly supported, such an association can only be
productive. of remits which newt tend to the welfare and
happinee of the nation. (Cheers.) You must all feel that
every one of the objects of this association directly touches
upon the welfare of the working claws, and above all these
three of the deraetaiseta—Sumel Etonoiny, Public Health,
and Public Eduiratimi. I won't say that these three topic"
touch the' writhing classes excluively. They do not ; but
they touch theirs in a larger ratio than they do the other
sections of society. Lint in this category, but to my mind
most important, is the attention which this association
seeks to direct to the difficult but important question of
public education—bow you may best enable the poor man
and the working man to cultivate that greatest blessing
that God has given to man, namely his reason and his in-
tellect (Cheers.) I cannot forget, in touching upon this
question of education, I am speaking in Scotland. It was
in Scotland that your ancestors have set the example, which
lam sorry to ray—l &111 ashamed to say—England bas been
slow to follow, and the benefit of which you In Scotland are
still feeling ; but you are not feeling it to the extent You
ought to do in your populous cities. In your populous cities
you have outgrown this system. I see upon this platform a
gentleman, my right hon. and distinguished friend the Lord
Advocate, who, to his honour be it said, has endeavoured to
oorreet this tendency. He has endeavoured in parliament
to supply the means of education to the populous cities of
SOotlamd as satisfactory as they now exist in your runt! dis-
tricts. (Cheers.) My Lord Advocate has hitherto met
with difficulties, but I hope mad trust that he will be able to
ward off that opposition that Ise has hitherto encountered ;
and sure I am that he will leave behind him a came
that will long be remembered in Scotland if he is
able to give you all the advantages of that sure
and safe system of education. (Cheers.) But how is it
that in your meal districts your people have been weR
'doodad? How is it that the Lord Advocate
that your populous cities should be educated? proposes
b
means of imposing upon the property of the country the
liability to take care of the education of those who teapot
educate themselves. (Cheers.) But I was awry this
morning—I was not surprised, however—in listening to the
able epee+ of Sir J. Kay Shuttleworth—l was ashamed
when I heard one of the most eminent authorities on this
subject, by his ability, his official experience, being pecu-
liarly conversant with it—l say I was ashamed to hear
him say that he has no hone of our being able in England
to establish that system you have for centuries adopted
in Scotland, end which I believe you will le soon pleased to
adopt in those parts of Scotland to which it does not at present
apply. I (ascot understand how it is while our whole con-
stitutional system repudiates centralisation, while we all like
local self-government, why it is that in this one subject
of education we should trust to a central department
the administration of a fund, which I believe it is impos-
sible for any one central departnieut properly to admin-
ister throughout the length and breath of ths.,
(Cheers.) But shall we get a proper mem of education
introduced into England? We shall not as long as we
continue to trust to a central department that which was
solely the duty of every locality, every parish, to do for it-
self. (Cheers.) One of the greatest boons that has of late
years been conferred upon England is our improved ay stem
of poor law. I advert to it with the greatest pleasure, be-
cause amongst the foremost statesmen who brought about
that great change was my noble and distinguished friend,
Lord Brougham. (Cheers.) What is the system of the
poor law. It is local administration and cen-
tral control. We do not call upon parliament to vote
hundreds of thousands of pounds for the physical care of
our poor population. Why should we call upon them every
year for thousand. of pounds for the intellectual caie of
our population ? No ; I believe that the system is not
sound. If I wanted additional proof of the I bad It
when I ventured this year to rise in the House of Com-
atose, and ask if any part of the education gnat was to go
to the poorest and must destitute of our population, and
I was told they could not have a farthing. (Hear, hear.)
No rational man will deny that the present system has
produced great beuefits • still I fur one, believe that it la
not sound in itself, an that the people of England will
not be educated as they ought to be until a sound and
better system be adopted. (Cheera) I know there is not
amoog this vast multitude one men who will dissent from
what I NW, when I tell you frankly that whatever system
of education we may adopt—whether it be of central
granta—whether it be one of local rates and local achninie-
tratiou—no national system can or ought to exonerate
Erent. from that first duty of educating their children.
heers.) This is the spirit of the resolutioa that I
et, to propose to you :—" That this meeting views
with deep interest and satisfaction the efforts made by the
working classes themselves, in many parts of the United
Kkiglino, to better their moral and social position." I
do not believe that 30,000 of the working nom of Glas-
gow would have sought to attend this meeting if that were
' not a principle in which they concur. (Loud cheers.)
700,0011/. a year are now contributed by the woikiag
classes of the country towards their own education. I
1 fattest you to go on in this spirit. The only extent to
which the state is justified in supplementing education is
to the extent of the inability and deficiencies created by the
poverty of those to be educated. It is your gist duty to
odneate yoursoff--it is your first duty to educate your chil-
dren, let me implore you to bear in:mind. (Hear, hear.)
Let me again refer to that speech of Mr. Wilkinson. He told
you that education extends from the cradle to the grave--
we never oease to be educated. There is no delusion
gmter than to suppose that education ceases with school.
It only gives you means of education. Cultivate then yoUr
Intellect—see that your children do so—end do your utmost,
here and elsewhere, to support mechanics' fiestitutions and
working men's colleges, in order that you may all benefit by
their institution. (Cheers.) In following out that course
hope you will be encouraged by the many eminent examples
of how Dien have risen in the world, in this your native
laud and other toiletries, and especially by the example
of a gentleman on the platform, who left his home with
fis. lid. in his pocket to seek his fortune, went to ben, said
now is a member of parliament, and a very wealthy man.
(Cheers.) Remember that the highest places in the land,
save the throne, are open to you ; and likewise that every
one may not have the talent or opportunity for distinguish.
tog themselves so greatly, and that there are many clever
Men in Italy, but only one I kribliali. (Cheers.) Endea-
vour to improve the circumstances in which you
are placed, and thus you will rise, not only in the possession
of wealth, but you will become better men- -you will be-
come better citizens. Remember that contentment ie the
first element of happiness to the individual, end ao is
national contentment the find element of national happi-
Dena and national prosperity. I trust that you, in the aped
of the resolutioo, will do all that in you lies to cultivate the
advantages that you possess ; and it will be the duty of this
Association to do all in our power to aid you in that noble
effort. (Chews.)._ .

Mr. MArntsw COLL= seconded the motion.
Mr. FAWCETT, ayoung man, and blind, supported the
' resolution. in an able speech.
Lord Bnouowas said —I entirely agree with my right
honourable friend's deep tegret that the Local School
Bill, which hes long flourished in Scotland, and which the
Lord-Advocate's measure Is likely to make still more per-
fect, by extending its provisions to the towns and more popu-
lous districts —I &glee with him in expressing my regret that
the Inestimable advantages of that measure have not been
enjoyed in England. Forty years ago I brought forward
a Parish School Bill for England, on the model of the Scotch
system, and that bill I was compelled to abandon ; and lion
bound in justice to say that the Church of England offered
no opposition to the measure, but entirely approved of it
with some alight modifications, that the government of the
day did not oppose it, that the party in opposition to the
government supported it, but certain otter. were swayed
with the impression that it was injurious to the interests of
religious liberty— I mean the dissenten ; and though they
were perfectly mistaken, and I entirely differed hum them,
yet they had been sub good friends, and had done. eo
touch for education, that I sulenitted to their scruples mid
withdrew the bill. (Laughter.) His lordship then put the
motion to the meeting, which was unanimously carried.
Mr. Wg. Bovan moved a vote of thanks to the chairman,
which was heartily awarded, and the meeting separated.

/PPS'S 11031CPAPATH ICI COCOA. Ita delicious
anew pstetal intrwitr.ness, anti Invigorating power banal-
cared Its general adoption e
ra breaktect ba‘ersge.
ett) , ancl I It. packet, at la 64. parth., by the principal poem.
Labeling hppe, aropcialc llaentlat, L.Ahlon,' —Ad
verglasisea4.