The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-05-06
ONE WEEK LATER FROM
EUROPE.
Arrival of the America

800
ton Only Atlas:
The news by this steamer was looked for
with unusual interest, chiefly on account of
| the hostile attitude Of the Chnrlists in Eng
lind. Their meeting has been held, their de-
monstraton made and everything remains in
quiet security, MS before.
Our London correspondent writes, under
date of the 18th, as follows:4--
! "EngNnd has been Rgitated during the
present week by the great Chartist demon
slraion in London, on Monday Inst, on Ken
nington Common. The British Government
was evidently alarmed, and stationed troops
nj every corner, and filled the metropolis with
artillery aud cannon. No blood was shed.
The Chariists now propose 10 hold meet
ings all over the Kingdom, on Good Friday,
and, on the following Monday, take petI-
tIion TO the Queen, calling upon her to dis
miss her Ministers. Delegates are already
appointed TO go through the country, for the
purpose of securing the cooperation of the
middle classes, aud organizing for another
grand demonstration in the metropolis"
TIE CIIARTIST DEMONSTRATION.
A meeting was held on Sunday evening at
Lambeth, and u MIR O'Brien resigned his of
flee of delegate. In doing so he said that he
had been elected delegate, and had atten-
of the convention, but he had learned that
they intended to get up demonstration in u
manner which he did not approve of and at
n time when their strength was not sufficient
Nv matured. lie said the effect of il would
be TO let loose upon society hundreds of
rogues and pIckpockets-brng down npon
themselves the Indignation of the rejecting
people of the country-and spoil the fair
fame of the peoples charter. lie said he
heard on all sides from the middle classes of
society, "lhnt the chartists ought all to be
hanged" The speech created much dissat-
isiactiCn and uproar.
ltnppears that meeting was held on FRI
day, just after the proclamation had been is
sued by the government, forbidding the pro-
| cession in the city, when it was proposed to
issue n counter procl amation, declaring their
determination to proceed, let whatever con-
sequences ensue. A MIR Cuffy, who second
ed this motion, said he "spoke as il he were
Standing on the edge of the grave, and that
his life was not worth an hours purchase"
lie Immediately proceeded to state that "he
had TO inform them that The dinner that was
TO come off that evening at Iljghbury Barn
Tavern could not take place, The landlord
had been so inundated, that after getting IN
the supplies, and engaging eighty walters. he
was obliged TO give il up" (CTies of"shame,H Wy
A Mr. West replied to Mr. Cufiy, s. ridiculed
his eXtravagances as to having only Gan hour
10 live" and then descanting upon the loss of
his dinner, Mr. West counselled calmness and
deliberatiOn. All they asked for was their
rights. Fergus O'Connor was present Mt this
meeting, and he defended himself from the
aspersions which had been heaped upon him
because he would not counsel resort to vio-
lencc. Mr. D'Connor read letter from T..
S. Duncombe, n liberal member of Parlia-
/ -, oh ha a ,,;p
lent measures. We give the following eX-
tract from the letter.
| "Nothing in my mind could he more ridi-
culous or cruel than TO hazard the ong-look-
ed for prospects of the people, by any rash
collision with the authorities, and those who
adopt such course will impose upon them
selves fearful responsibility.
THINK! THINK! THINK!
and remember that one false step may seal
the fate of millions!"
While these things were going on 10y the
Chnrtists, the city authorities were bnsily en-
gagged in swearing in special constabes. I'm
mense numbers of persons, mostly in tho
middle ranks of life, offered their services to
the authorities, 10 labor 10 maintain the pence
of the city. Upwards of $4,000 persons
were sworn in as special constables. Many
of the nobility were sworn in, among others
|
| The police was augmented by drafts from
suburban districts. The authorities of the
Home Office, as well as tho Commissioners
of Police, were in constant communication
with the Horse Guards. No military display
however. was made.
The speeches made ut the preliminary
meetings, on Friday and Saturday, were ear
nest, and were generally sensible and patri-
otto. Some of the more ardent said foolish
things, but they were generally rebuked by
the other speakers. There were no cries of
''Smash through Buckingham Palace p
''Give lis pixies !" "The government or us
must be put downn "The head of Russell!'
or such like insane rawlings, as we constant
ly see reported at the Repeal meetings in Ire
land, when Meagher, Mitchell and O'Brier
attended.
On Saturday, the Delegates, by n vote of
26 to IL, voted to send deputation 10 wal
upon the Liberal members of Parliament, ant
request them TO oppose the government bill
for putting down the right of pnblicly expires
ing their opinion. The delegates thought i
advisable to wait on Lord MorpetIi, one of
the cabinet. They were courteously receiy
ed He asked them "what their intentions
were with regard to the procession" The,
said they intended to go unarmed not tc
break the peace. hut to aid the authorities I,
preserve peace. That if they were attacked
their blood, the blood of the people of Eng
land, would be upon the heads of the gov
eminent.
A thousand rumors, of course, prevailed
Some true, others false. Many of the publ,
offices, the Banks, &C., were provided will
firearms. Troops arrived from Dover, an,
other places. Five field batteries had bee,
forwarded from Woolwich and two compan
les were added to each battalion ofth Roya
Artillery. Several ofthe theatres were close,
and many masters forbid their workmen Il
absent themselves on Monday, ON pain fdis
inssnl.