The Sun.
London, England, 1839-02-12 00:00:00

THE SUN, LON DON, TUESDAY,-EVENING EDITION,-FEBRUARY 12, 1839

he doubted whether it could be discussed at all.

thought it would be sufficient for Mr. Craig to give
notice of his motion at an early day. How could
they decide that the Charter would be r.l jetted ? Strange
things had happened ; a change might come over
the dreams of the Iloncurable Members; and they might
yet be received below the Bar of the House, and acknow-
ledged as a third estate.
Mr. Harn.Ev said, a discussion as to ulterior means would
get publicity and prejudice the minds of those from whom
they were going to solicit a favour, or, if they pleased, de-
mand their rights.
Mr. O'CONNOR said he differed from those gentlemen,
because he was of opinion the people ought to know the
position in which they would stand, if their petition
were rejected. For, himself he had no hesitation
in saying that all the craft, all the artifice, all
the ingenuity, all the courtesy of that Convention
would not gain a single Memher of the Clouse. The
strongest impression the Convention could make would
be by taking their petition in one hand, and their ulte-
rior measures in the other. If there was any apathy
in the hearts of the people it was because they be-
lieved another petition would follow this. He antici-
pated other duties would fall on the Convention when
their petition would he rejected in the House. He
hoped that Mr. Craig would name a day for the discussion
of ulterior means. To meet those gentlemen who were of
another opinion, he would suggest that an early day be ap-
!minted to wait upon the Members, and that between that
day and the presentation of the petition to give attention to-
the topics mentioned in the motion of Mr. Craig.
A long discussion ensued in which several of the dele-
gates took part.
Mr. Bussv supported the amendment of Dr. Taylor.
Mr. MATHEW would support the original motion. He
wanted to know from those gentlemen who have spoken so
much in favour of the amendment, what should the people
do when their petition would be rejected by the House of
Commons, as he did not at all doubt but that it would?
Mr. J. P. COBBETT said, that from the very argurnenta-
.

five manner in which this question has been argued by the
different gentlemen who have spoken in favour of the
amendment, he felt it was rather a work of supererogation
to make any remark in its favour. He could not re-
frain, however, from saying, that in his opinion that
their duty was that of acting up to the instructions
of those who sent them there, not to advise THEM as to
what conduct should be best for them to adept, in case
their petition was rejected. In this matter they had no
choice ; they were only agents of the people ; and of this
he hoped they would be conscious, so perfectly was it
true, that this Fne of conduct ought to be acted up
to by them. Was it not said by many gentlemen,
there that day, that the people had fully resolved that
they should not again petition Parliament, but had resolved
on their own measure in case of the refusal of their just
claims ? It was therefore far from being a practical or a wise
measure toward the attainment of that desirable end. And in
answer to some of those gentlemen who said that something
of this kind was expected by the bulk of the people, he must
say that as he never feared to face any danger that was
threatened from the higher classes of ,society, so he also
was unwilling to commit himself to an unwise act, from fear
of facing the lower classes, who, whatever might be
their prejudices, were, he was sure, willing to be guided
by reason and prudence. He could not, however, refrain
from giving to Bailie Craig the credit of having the
very best motives for bringing forward the motion, as he
was convinced that nothing but the greatest anxiety to pro
mote the interest of his constituents had made him do so,
and for which he desarved their best thanks.—( Hear, hear. )
After speaking for sometime longer Mr. Cobbett concluded
by saying that Ise would support the amendment.
Mr. MILLS also supported the amendment.
Mr. MaaDEN said the necessity for some plan of opera-
tion to be taken up by the people in case of the Houle of
Commons refusing their petition, could not be at all
doubted. What was the feeling of the country? Had they t of
been told over and over again that this should be the last peti-
tion? Had those who told them so been deceiving them? Ilad
they not resolved of themselves, that in case of their peti-
tion being rejected they should hold a sort of sacred festi-
va 1 for a week, a holy and heart-rending holiday, for the
purpose of accelerating the means of relief. If this state
of things arrived, what should the state of the people be if
they had not some definite plan for their guidance on that
occasion ?

Two other gentlemen spoke in favour of the amendment
of Dr. Taylor, after which
Mr. CARPENTER said, that although disagreeing with
Mr. Cobbetr, when he said, that our duty was to do the
people's business as they directed, which would be just mak-
ing us a regestering convention, yet he must say that in the
line of argument which he had made use of, in the vote he was
about to gis e,he concurred most cordially. From the increasing
feeling in our favour (as reported by Mr. Connor this
day) what may we not expect in a few weeks ?—( Hear,
bear.) He has told us that nothing can exceed through
York and Lancaster the manner in which the people are
coming forward ; the roll of the names on the peti-
tions are swelling column after column, the rent teeming
in at all points.—( Loud cries of " Hear, hear.") If this
increasing prosperity to our cause continues for any time
longer, what may not be the consequence? Will any
measure that it may now be advisable to recommend be
sufficient for the emergency that may come upon
us? No, it will not. Would it not be the height of
foolishness to tie_ up our hands by resolving on a line
of conduct which after circumstances would prove
to be unfitted for the emergency. If these measures be
adopted must we not publish them for the benefit of our
constituencies. If this should be such as would produce an
extraordinary effect on the country, would the Legislature
look on them silently ?—(Hear, hear)—if not, should we
not be laughed at by the whole country ?—( Hear, hear. )
If we did pass measures to produce the eff,,ct desired, what
would be its result ? Why that very speedily a law would be
passed to crush us. Mr. Carpenter continued to argue for
a long time in the same strain, and concluded by recom-
mending the adoption of the amendment.
Mr. DOUGLAS said that the original resolution was
changed, and he therefore thought that if it was read anew
it might meet the wishes of the supporters of the amend-
ment.
Mr. O'BRIEN spoke at considerable length in favour of
the amendment.
Mr. RICIIARDSON also supported the amendment, as he
said there was no necessity for advising the people, as they
had determined on the course they were to adopt.
After Dr. TAYLOR had said that he was determined to
press the amendment,
The CHAIRMAN proposed that the amendment should be
adopted.—Passed.
The original resolution was negatived by a majority of 12.
Mr. RICHARDSON'S motion, of which we gave the sub-
stance on Friday, relating to the returns from the dis-
tricts of which the Delegates are representatives, of the
condition of the people, was, after a very lengthened de-
bate, carried in the affirmative, by a majority of 4.
Another motion, propcsed by Mr. RICHARDS, of the
Potteries, recommending simultaneous meetings for the
2d of April, was postponed fora fortnight.
Mr. F. O'CONNOR gave notice of a motion, that the
Treasurer's accounts should be audited on Monday in each
week.
Mr. M'DowELL's resolution—That it be an instruction
to the Committee on Rules and Regulations, that the names
of all Members should be called over on each division,
was passed.
The meeting then dissolved, after a vote of thanks having
been paSsed to the Chairman.

LONDON AND BRIGHTON

RAILWAY.

(From the Briyhlon Herald.
The first permanent rail was laid upon this line by
Alfred Morris, Esq., of this town, on Monday last, the
4th inst., at the Hassocks-road, in the presence of Mr.
Statham, the resident engineer, and Mr. Geo. Thorn-
ton, the contractor of this portion of the line. Three-
quarters of a mile is now completed there, and the
rails will be at once permanently fixed.
One mile of permanent road has been already laid
on the Shoreham branch of Portslade, and it is expected
to work the locomotive engine on this part next week.
Upwards of 350 men are daily employed upon this
branch, and the rails are being laid upon the various cut-
tings and embankments now completed, being an extent
of nearly three miles. Twolengths have been completed in
the Tunnel at the Dyke-road, and day and night gangs
are kept constantly employed there. We may expect
to enjoy a ride per steam to Shoreham early in the en-
suing autumn. •
Upon the main line, aleo, the greatest exertions are
being made, and the contractors are preparing vigorously
to meet the summer campaign. It is to be hoped they
may enjoy a long series of fine weather to assist them
in their arduous undertakings.
Parliament is now met, and it is obvious what will be
the leading business of the Session. That which stands
pre-eminent is the course to be pursued relative to the
Corn-laws, a subject pregnant with the greatest conse-
quences. That those laws would be repealed there is no
doubt, if a perverse party did not divert the attention
of a portion of the people to inferior and impracticable
objects, which they pursue so eagerly and inconsiderately
as to prevent, in some places, public meetings being held
to support the great efforts making to repeal laws
made in defiance of those of nature. Whether tile
Chartists are aware that in this perverse line of
conduct they are doing the dirty work of the
Tories, wo know not ; but we do know that the
Tories exult in seeing the people divided among
themselves, for in this division rests their only
hope of maintaining an odious and unnatural mono-
poly. The Morning Chronicle urges strongly that
meetings should be held in every place to petition against
the Corn-law ; and we submit whether the Brighton
Constitutional Association (if it still exist !) might not,
at a time like the present, to arouse itself in support of
question of such paramount importance ! We throw
out this suggestion for the consideration of the mem-
bers.

LORD BROUGHAM AND Mr. O'CoNNELL.—
We observe, from the London Morning Papers of Thursday, that
Mr; O'Connell has taken an e*rly opportunity of rqtaliating on Lord
Brougham in his own peculiar manner. The combatants may be
left to fight the battle out as they please; they are very well matched,
and both capable of standing hard hits. His Lordship has much
the advan,,ge in the tone which he assumes. He takes high ground,
and keeps the political partisan, not the individual, in view. His
adversary is not remarkable for much restraint on such occasions,
and the distinction of the private and the public character is too nice
to be drawn in his wrath. Mr. O'Connell has, however, apparently
vindicated himself from the charge of accusing Lord Norbury's son
of committing the murder. His remarks on the occasion did not
contain hints as to an individual, and there appeared sufficient
grounds for stating that there had ken the print of a fashionable
boot near the spot. The circumstance was first noticed in the public
prints.—Scotsman.
PRESTON ANTI-CORN-LAW ASSOCIATION.
—This Association, we are happy to say, goes on prospering. Be
tween one and two hundred pounds have been subscribed, though
until now the matter has not been laid wholly open. If the agita-
tion be carried on with half the spirit with which it has commenced,
the Ministers will depend upon the people, and not the people upon
the Ministers. —Preston Observer.