The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-07-10

h.ve had fhis petition circulated with petition
20 the House of Commons for signatures, and
the number of names already signed amounts
20 nnwards Of million and half. "A Nation
Al Convention of delegates from this body met
in I.ondon in March last, and the speeches Of
members may be viewed as the expression OF
,be opiuions of their political friends.
The meetings Of this assembly, held nightly
for several successive weeks, were attended by
immense crowds of citizens, well dressed, re-
spectable in their appearance, and orderly in
their attention. to the proceedings. Among the
sneakers there was no difference Of sentiment as
10 the evils Of the existing system Of represen-
tation, and a determination to urge the passage
of the Charter; although the expedieDcy Of
using immediate force IN case OF its rejection by
the House of Commons, which was fully antic-
mated. caused division among them, and f.
nal cecession Of several members. During the
sittings Of the Convention, addresses were char
acterized by great oratorial ability. Among the
more ardent, no terms Of reproach against the
Government and the aristocracy were too fervd
and comprehensive and no menaces too daring
for open avowal. "Twelve thousand sigma
lures" said one speaker /" have been appended
10 the petition in my district, and for every sig
nature there is pike, and for every pike
stout arm when the hour Of action shall arrive"
We have now made" said another, "Our
marks with quill pen and in black ink-when
we next make them, if this petition be rejected,
il shall be with a steel pen and in 'red INK"
Such sentences as these were received with
tempest of applause, and whether the hearers
would have acted or not il is certain that their
feelings were wrought to the highest pitch OF
excitement.
Under the operation of the reform bill, so
called, the great majority Of the subjects OF the
British crown find their condition very little
better than under the rotten borough system.
We forget the subject of debate, but II was re-
Gently said in the House of Commons by a
Tory member in his place" This House,
contend, is not and never was representation
Of the people Of England. The English Con-
sttution knows in fact, no such branch OF Gov
prnmcnt as a popular representation. The
House Of Commons, like either the King or the
House Of Lords, is but one of the Three Es-
ates." This sentiment was repeated by a
mother member OF the same party. Mr.. u
Connell remarked in substance, that the as
Sertion was literally correct"
In an aggregate population Of about thirty
millions in Great Britain, there are less than
eight hundred thousand men who are entitled
to vote, and of this number it is estimated that
at least two hundred thousand for various rea-
sons, may not exercise the privilege; so that
only one fifth Of the people have even noml-
nal representation in a branch Of the Govern
mcnt.
In this state of things, without voice in
making their own laws, saddled with Nation
al debt vorging on thousand millions sterling,
bled by an army Of nearly a hundred thousand
men within their own borders, aud ridden by
Church establishment costing more than the
Evangelism of all christendom, ii cannot be a
matter Of surprise that the intelligent and in-
dustrious classes Of the British Islands should
demand change in their political institutions.
radical change, and arm themselves to exact
il in the event of refusal. Ii is well known
that the charter does not embrace the ulteror
views Of its advocates. 1t is the mere corner
stone Of a new Government fabnc-of temple
for the equal rights and privileges Of all the
people. With satisfactory means Of Informs
ton, however, we do not anticipate any violent
measures at an early period. Still, no philos-
ophic observer can, for moment suppose
that the cause of the Chartists will retrogradc.
Among them are great and daring spirts-men
who can at once excite and direct popular en-
thusiasm. and who have given full proofs, as
well of their physical courage as of their men
tai power. To avert the calamities of bloody
revolution, which every humane and judicious
observer, both abroad and in England, would
anticipate with horror, we believe to be the
sincere desire ofthe Chartist leaders; notwith-
standing the menacing language uttered by
a few Of their number 1t is the opinion Of
many rejecting men Of all parties, that the
popular feelings now excited must continue to
extend, aud the propositions for thorough re-
form be adopted by acquiescence in the wishes
OF majority too powerful to he successfully
resisted.