The Sun.
London, England, 1839-05-17 00:00:00

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EVENING_LD _ 1 :9 N.

NATIONAL CONVENTION

(PROM OUR OWN C ORRESPONDENT.)
BIRMINGHAM, THURSDAY.

Although it is generally believed that there is a
"NT body of Radicals regularly organized for the pur-
rose of resisting any attempt to arrest their leaders--
yet, at present the Borough is in as tranquil a state as
the most peaceable inhabitants could wish. No fear, I
believe, needbe entertained of any outbreak if the Govern-
ment and the authorities here abstain from resorting to
violence and continual arrests. It is true the men of
Birrriingham, when they do meet, assemble t. gether in
very considerable numbers, but they discuss their
grievances in, a peaceable and constitutional manner,
'And as long as they adopt that course, there will be no
excuse for employing either civil or military force to dis-
perse them. About twenty men of the "A " division
of police arrived here last night in private clothes, wbo
' are employed as spies, and it is believed they will
arrest one or two members of the Convention the
moment they have a convenient opportunity of
laying their hands up on them. The military
still continue in the neighbourhood. The people feel
severely the burthens imposed on them, and the priva-
tions which they have to endure, and until they see
east the Legislature is ready and willing to listen to their
complaints and relieve their distress, nothing but dissa-
tisfaction and discontent can be expected to prevail
throughout the country.
A few good measures introduced into Parliament this
Session, would tend more to produce tranquillity and
content than all the efforts of the magistracy, military,
and police combined. If the spies make any arrests,
a serious disturbance may take place, but it is to be
hoped a little judgment will be exercised, and that
the people will not be brought in contact with the
rolice.

NATIONAL CONVENTION.
The Convention met this morning at ten o'clock
and there was a greater attendance of strangers than on
any previous day.
Mr. HARRIS was voted to the Chair.
The following is an account of the National Rent re-
ceived by the Convention since its sitting in Birming-
ham :
A few Friends in Birmingham £1 10 0
Hoyle in Cornwall 2 10 0
Mr. G. Jackson, Sun-street, Bristol-road, Bir-
mingham
A few Working Men, per Mr. James Breaden 0 10 0
The West London Boot and Shoemakers'
Charter Association
A few Friends to the Cause in Birmingham 0 12 2

ADDRESS TO TWE QUEEN.
On the motion of Mr. PITKEITHLEY, which was se-
crlnded by Mr. GILL, Dr. Fletcher and Mr. Richard-
.on were appointed to draw up an Address to the
Queen, to be submitted to the simultaneous meetings
for their adoption.

ABSENCE OF MEMBERS.
Mr. RICHARDSON drew the attention of the Chairman
la the fact of Messrs. Deegan, Knox, Craig, Duncan,
Warden, having gone off by the railway that morn-
ing without leave of absence.
Mr. COLLINS expressed his surprise at such conduct.
It was treating the Convention with a great deal of
contempt.
Mr. GILL inquired if any one knew anything of Dean?
Mr. RICHARDSON said Mr. Cardo had also dis-
appeared.
There were many present who were anxious to start
for their different destinations, but who thought it was
understood that no one was to leave until Saturday.

ARRESTS.
Mr. O'CoNNoR was now prepared to submit the re-
solution of which he had given notice yesterday, andhe
had endeavoured to embrace in it the objects they bad
in view, pointing out what he conceived to be the duty
of those animated by a love of their cause, and who
were wealthy enough to become bail. He did not feel
himself well enough to say much, and therefore, be-
lieving there would be no opposition to his resolution, he
would merely submit it to the Members, reserving
himself the right to reply if necessary. The first re-
solution was as follows :
" That the arrests of the Radicals that have taken
place, although effected by the Magistracy, was with
the sanction, and by the direction of the Secretary of
state for the Home Department. That having read
the evidence adduced against Mr. Vincent, we are of
opinion that his arrest was illegal, and his detention is
unconstitutional, and that his and other arrests have
been made with a view to intimidate the Delegates
from the full and manly discharge of their duties.
We are also of opinion that the refusal of the appre-
hended to allow of bail being given, is rather an act of
cowardice than of bravery, inasmuch as the presence of
every influential person is now more than ever neces-
:ary ; and, moreover, the object of Government is
thereby effected without incurring the odium which a
refusal to accept of bail would subject them to. We,
therefore, strongly recommend the friends of the i
cruise taking prompt measures to deliver any of their
party from the hands of the enemy, by tender-
in,: bail for the appearance of the accused when
r, (livered. -We cannot omit stating that in our opinion
the Secretary of State for the Home Department has
all through his administration acted the part more of a
maniac than of a statesman."
And the next was—
" We are further of opinion that in the event of any
attempt being made to stop or otherwise interfere with
the simultaneous meetings, it will be the duty of the De-
legates forthwith to repair to Birmingham, convene the
Convention, declare their sittings permanent, and recom-
mend the immediate observance of all those measures
sot forth in the Address of the 14th of May."—(Cheers.)
He felt convinced the Government would not inter-
fere with these simultaneous meetings, but it was their
duty, at the same time, to be prepared.
Mr. RICHARDSON seconded the resolutions. Mr.
Vincent had not considered what his duty was in re-
fusing bail.
Dr. FLETCHER begged to read the following letter,
which had been received by the Secretary from Mr.
Frost, and which would, perhaps, serve as some excuse
1 for the course pursued by Mr. Vincent :
Newport, Monmouthshire, May 15, 1839.
Dear Lovett,—.The course pursued by the Magistrates
of Monmouthshire is that which I anticipated—is that
which I pointed out to Our friend O'Connor; and I am of
opinion that we should take those means which I sug-
gested. Mr. Robert., a very clever Chartist, and a very
clever solicitor., of Bath, went to Monmouth yesterday,
Rue trom Monmouth he came to Newport ; and, in a long
t- aiveraPtion on the subject, we agreed that the most pru-
' dent course would b • the one first pointed out.
We will immediately bring Mr. Vincent before the Court
1 by habeas; we shall tt•••11 have an opportunity of pointing
out to the country the arbitrary and illegal conduct of the
magistrates, the innocence of the parties, the exorbitant
amount of bail, the unconstitutional mode of holding to
good behaviour before conviction, and when no offence was
committed. Wt., shall have au opportunity of testing the
opinions of tie Court, as to the legality of public meet-
ings ; indeed this is absolutely necessary, for the magi-
strates 'acre are determined we shall have no meetings.
Th-sy are in the town and neighbourhood, swearing in special
$ tonstables daily, and the authorities declare that they will
a;m them, and that they will put down public opinion by
farce.
One or two things will follow from putting this
determination into practice, a complete dispiriting of the
people, or an outbreak, either of which will be fatal to our
cause. I have had the greatest difficulty its keeping the
people within boi.'„nds, and I am convinced that nothing
but my presence could have restrained them. The great
men in t,',,is part of the country are frightened out of the
ifew wits they possess. A detachment of the troops was
"'ont from here, on Monday, at one hour's notice, to Mon-
mouth, the county town, to guard the gaol, the authorities
apprehending a rescue. I hope that the Conven-
tion will approve of the course which I have pur-
sued. I am satisfied that it is the best, and
the expense will be but trifling—l am informed that it will
not exceed 401.—were it to cost 4001. the money could not
be better employed. If the Convention bad retained any
solicitor, I hope they will read the order, for I am well
assured that no one could or would perform the business
better, probably not so well, as Mr. Roberts.
Under present circumstances, the Convention will see
the necessity of my remaining in Wales until the business
is brought to a close. Somebody must be on the spot to
furnish the necessary information. The moment the busi-
ness is completed, I will be at my seat at the Convention,
for I assure you I long to be with you.
Be good enough to let me know when the Members re-
turn from the simultaneous meetings.
Truly yours, JOHN FROST.
Mr. NEE3O3I was of opinion that bail ought to be
given in all cases where arrests took place.
Mr. O'CoNNoR was opposed to the appropriation of
any sum from the national rent towards defraying the ex-
penses of Mr. Vincent's trial, or the writ of habeas cor-
pus. He would willingly give his quota for the pur-
pose, but he protested against the doctrine of the funds
of the Convention being appropriated to defray those
expenses.
The resolutions were then put and carried unani-
mously.
Dr. FLETCHER then moved a vote of thanks to Mr.
Frost for his letter ; that the Convention highly ap-
proved of the course taken by Mr. Frost, but exceed-
ingly regretted they could not appropriate any portion
I of the national rent to the defence of Mr. Vincent.
Mr. O'Cotoroa seconded the motion. While he
refused to consent to the funds of the Convention being
) taken for that purpose, he begged to tender his sub-
) scription of 51. towards defraying the expenses of the
• 1 defence of Mr. Vincent.—(Hear, hear.)
The motion was unanimously agreed to.
Mr. MARSDEN said that if the arrests continued as
they had begun, a stop would be put to their proceedings
as effectually as if the Government suppressed their
Simultaneous Meetings. He, therefore, wished to ask
Mr. YConnor, whether he had any objection to add the
following words to his resolutions :—" That if the .
ri atm ekould become general over the country, and be
much further persevered in, we shall view those
arrests as intended by Government to destroy
the present movement, and shall at once proceed to
I carry out without further delay our ulterior measures?'
Mr. O'Costios, had ne objection whatever to the pro-
-1 position.
Mr. O'BRIEN thought it a very reasonable and pro-
I per one.
Mr. Nntsost said it was necessary the Chartists