or less impoverished and deprived of the hard- legal means of securing those which remain earned fruits of their honest industry. Hun- and recovering those which are lost. dreds of thousands of valuable workmen have 3rd. To prepare petitions, addresses, and been deprived of employment, and reduced to remonstrances to the Crown and the Legisla. a state of indigence and degradation. The tive Bodies, respecting the preservation and whole country has been covered with difficul-restoration of PUBLIC RIGHTS, and respecting ties, discords, and anxieties; with losses, in- the repeal of bad laws, and the enactment of juries, and privations; with broken fortunes; good laws. with broken hearts. Who has done these things? A national investigation must be instituted. On whatsoever side we turn our eyes, we thus find subjects of the highest public importance, every where demanding the public attention, and every where requiring the legal | interference of the industrious classes. The vindication of the NATIONAL JUSTICE, the equalisation and reduction of the NATIONAL TAXES, the protection of public rights, THE REDRESS OF PUBLIC WRONGS, the necessity of REFORM IN PARLIAMENT, and the relief of the NATIONAL DISTRESS, all require that the NATIONAL MIND should slumber no more. 4th. To prevent and redress as far as practicable, all LOCAL PUBLIC WRONGS AND OPPRESSIONS, and all LOCAL ENCROACHMENTS upon the rights, interests, and privileges of the community. 5th. To obtain the repeal of the MALT and BEER TAXES; and, in general, to obtain an alteration in the system of taxation, so as to cause it to press less severely upon the industrious classes of the community, and more equally upon the wealthy classes. 6th.-To obtain the reduction of each sepa rate tax and expense of the Government in the same degree as the legislative increase in the value of money, has increased their respective values, and has reduced and is reducing the general prices of labour throughout the country. 8th. To collect and organize the peaceful expression of the PUBLIC OPINION, so as to bring it to act upon the legislative functions in a just, legal, and effectual way. Under these views and impressions it is, therefore, that we propose to form, in BIRMINGHAM, a GENERAL POLITICAL UNION of the INDUSTRIOUS CLASSES, for the PROTECTION 7th. To promote peace, union, and conOF PUBLIC RIGHTS. We are forbidden to ex cord, among all classes of his Majesty's subercise the constitutional privilege of electing|jects, and to guide and direct the public mind MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT; but we are not into uniform, peaceful, and legitimate operaforbidden to appoint councils of our own, un- tions; instead of leaving it to waste its strength der whose guidance we may act, and through in loose, desultory, and unconnected exertions, whose means we may bring the moral force of or to carve to its own objects, unguided, unthe public opinion, to act legally upon the le-assisted, and uncontrolled. gislative functions. By means of these councils, dependent on the breath of the PEOPLE, and representing the true interests of the PEOPLE, we may yet hope to have the RIGHTS, LIBERTIES, and INTERESTS OF ALL, peacefully aud legally restored and secured. We shall, at any rate, succeed in collecting and organizing the public opinion, and in bringing the public wrongs and grievances to the knowledge 10th.-To adopt such measures as may be of the legislative bodies, and more particularly legal and necessary for the purpose of obtainof the Crown itself, the natural refuge of the ing an effectual and parliamentary investigapeople under all complaints against the House tion into the situation of the country, and into of Commons. Our gracious King still pos- the cause of its embarrassments and difficulsesses high and extensive prerogatives regard-ties, with the view of relieving the NATIONAL ing the elections of members of Parliament, and those prerogatives we cannot doubt that he will put in force, for the protection of his faithful people, whenever their wants and in terests shall have been fully and efficiently ascertained, The following, then, are the objects of the 1st. To obtain by every just and legal means, such a REFORM in the COMMONS HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT, as may ensure a REAL and EFFECTUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE LOWER AND MIDDLE CLASSES OF THE PEOPLE in that House. 2ud. To inquire, consult, consider, and determine, respecting the rights and liberties of the industrious classes, and respecting the 9th. To influence by every legal means, the elections of members of Parliament, so as to promote the return of upright and capable representatives of the people. DISTRESS, of rendering justice to the injured as far as practicable, and of bringing to trial, any members of either House of Parliament, who may be found to have acted from criminal or corrupt motives. The above are the OBJECTS of the POLITICAL UNION. The following are its RULES and REGULATIONS:- 1st. The Constitution of this Society is essentially popular. It admits as equal members, all persons whatever, whose names shall be registered in the books of the Union, so long as they shall conform to the rules and regulations of the Union. 2nd. The general management of the affairs of the UNION is committed to a POLITICAL COUNCIL, chosen annually at the GENERAL MEETINGS of the MEMBERS OF THE UNION, and subject only to the control of such annual or other general meetings. 3rd.-All persons becoming members of the Union, are expected to contribute such donations and annual or quarterly subscriptions as they can conveniently afford, the subscriptions not being less than 1s. per quarter. 4th.-A general annual meeting of the membere of the Union takes place on the first Monday in July. The members of the Union also meet whenever called together by order of the Political Council, or by a requisition signed by the chairman or deputy chairman of the Political Council, and countersigned by the secretary; or by a requisition signed by any seven of the Political Council, or by not less than 200 members of the Union. No general meeting can be held unless the requisition is advertised in a Birmingham newspaper, or otherwise is placarded in fifty streets of the town. The Secretary produces the books for inspection at all general meetings. 5th-The general meetings of the members of the Union choose annually, on the first Monday in July, the POLITICAL COUNCIL of not less than 36 individuals; into whose hands the disposition and expenditure of the funds of the Society, and the general management of its concerns for the ensuing year, are confided. 6th.-The Political Council cannot exist more than one year without being re-chosen by the general meetings. At the general meetings each individual is put in nomination separately (or in such way as the general meetings may direct), and is declared a member of the Council by the majority of members of the Union present. The chairman decides on which side is the majority; unless a divi sion is demanded by fifty members present, in which case a division takes place, and tellers appointed ou each side. 7th.-The general meetings choose annually three auditors for the ensuing year, who shall pass the accounts of the Council for such year; and in case two of such auditors shall not agree in passing the accounts, the subject of difference shall be submitted to the general meet ings. treasurer or trustees, without an order passed by the Council, and signed by five of its members. 13th. No part of the funds of the society can be expended in any object in which a member of the Council is personally interested, without the previous consent of two-thirds of the members of the Council present at a meeting specially called for the purpose of considering the subject. 14th.-The Council pay their own expenses. They hold no secret meetings. They have power to add to their number, and to dismiss from the general meetings any persons disturbing the peace, or violating the rules and regulations of the society. 15th. No alteration of, or addition to, the rules and regulations of the society can, be adopted without being previously submitted to the Council, and recommended by a majority to a general meeting of the society. 16th. The subscriptions of noblemen and gentlemen, are invited in support of the POLITICAL UNION; the objects of which being strictly conservatory, are calculated in restoring the just rights and interests of the INDUSTRIOUS CLASSES, to confirm the CONSTITUTIONAL PRIVILEGES of the ARISTOCRACY, and to preserve every class of the community from the common anarchy which threatens all. The following are the duties of the MEMBERS of the POLITICAL UNION: 1st-To be good, faithful, and loyal subjects of the King. 2nd. To obey the laws of the land; and where they cease to protect the rights, liberties, and interests of the community, to endeavour to get them changed by just, legal, and peaceful means, ONLY. 3rd. To present themselves at all general meetings of the POLITICAL UNION, as far as they conveniently can; to conduct themselves peaceably and legally at such meetings, and to depart to their respective homes as soon as the chairman shall leave the chair. 4th. To choose only just, upright, and able men, as members of the POLITICAL COUNCIL, and to dismiss them, and elect others in their stead, whenever they shall cease to watch over and defend THE ŘIGHTS, LIBERTIES, AND INTERESTS OF THE LOWER AND MIDDLE CLASSES OF THE PEOPLE. 9th.-The Political Council meet weekly, or as often as they may deem necessary; at such meetings five of them are competent to act; they keep a record of their proceedings, 5th. To obey, strictly, all the just and leand they appoint general meetings of the so-gal directions of the POLITICAL COUNCIL, of ciety as often as may become expedient. soon as they shall be made public, and so far 10th-The Political Council appoint a as they can, legally and conveniently, be chairman, a deputy chairman, a secretary, collectors of contributions, and such other officers, either with or without salaries as may be found expedient. 11th-The Council employ such solicitors and legal advisers as they may approve. 12th. The Council employ the funds of the society solely in effecting the objects of the society, to the best of their judgment and dis cretion; and no money can be drawn from the obeyed. 6th. To bear in mind that the strength of our society consists in the PEACE, Order, Unity, and LEGALITY of our proceedings; and to consider all persons as enemies who shall, in any way, invite or promote violence, discord, or division, or any illegal or doubtful measures. 7th.-Never to forget that by the exercise of the above qualities, we shall produce the peaceful display of an immense, organized, moral power, which cannot be despised or disregarded; but that, if we do not keep clear of the innumerable and intricate laws which surround us, the lawyer and the soldier will probably break in upon us, and render all our exertious vain. The following are the duties of the MEMRERS of the POLITICAL COUNCIL: 1st. To endeavour, to the utmost of their power, to carry into effect the OBJECTS of the POLITICAL UNION, by every just, legal, and peaceful means. 2nd. To use none other than just, legal, and peaceful means. 3rd. To seek no private objects of their own, and to use the funds of the society solely in promoting the objects of the society. 4th.-To watch closely the proceedings of the Legislature, and to present petitions and remonstrances to the Crown and Legislative Bodies, whenever the rights, liberties, and interests of the lower and iniddle classes of the community are invaded; or, whenever they can be restored or secured, 5th. To endeavour to devise the means of preserving the peace and order of this town and neighbourhood, during any political convulsions which may be brought upon the country, through the distress occasioned by the mismanagement of public affairs. 6th.-To consider and report upon the legality and practicability of holding CENTRICAL MEETINGS of DELEGATES from the INDUSTRIOUS CLASSES, in the same manner as similar kinds of MEETINGS were lately held by the DELEGATES of the Agriculturalists, assembled at Henderson's Hotel. 7th.-To consider the means of organizing a system of operations, whereby the PUBLIC PRESS may be influenced to act generally in support of the PUBLIC INTERESTS. the House of Lords breaking out from its proper sphere, has gradually extended itself to the elections of the members of the House of Commons, and this latter House, thus partaking of the station, habits, and modes of thinking of the Upper House, has, consequently, lost its original character, and become inefficient for the discharge of the duties prescribed to it by the constitution. Nor have we any fault to find in the general frame and fabric of our excellent constitution. On the contrary, we readily acknowledge, what all experience confirms, that no system could possibly be devised, better suited to the genius and habits of the British people. We only find fault with the present state and composition of the People's own House, where, in our judgment, the interests and rights of the people are not properly understood; and, consequently, not properly defended and secured. If we should succeed in obtaining a just and effectual reform in this honourable House, it will be happy for us, and for all classes of our countrymen; for it is now sufficiently evident that through the mismanagement and inefficiency of the House of Commons, the aristocracy themselves are beginning to feel the injuries and the dangers to which the industrious classes have so long and so cruelly been exposed. We call, therefore, with confidence upon the ancient aristocracy of the land to come forward, and take their proper station at the head of the people, in this great crisis of the national affairs. They have, formerly, defended their country against the open exercise of tyrannic power. We trust that they will now, also, defend it against the silent and undermining encroachments of a corrupt borough influence, which deprives them of their just political power, and threatens their interest in common with our own. Above all things, we rely upon the benevolence and paternal affection of our good and patriot King. We deprecate sincerely the in8th.-lu all their proceedings, to look sidious and criminal attempts, which we chiefly to the recovery and preservation of the frequently witness, to hold up our gracious RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF THE LOWER AND Sovereign before the eyes of his people in an MIDDLE CLASSES of the People, taking care unworthy and derogatory light; and those never to sanction any measures which are cal-equally insidious efforts which are also made culated to circumscribe or endanger any just to hold up before the Royal eyes, the faithful rights or immunities of the privileged orders. and affectionate subjects of his Majesty, as These, then, are the VIEWS and OBJECTS, and disaffected to his Royal person, or to his kingly these are the Rules, RegulatIONS, and PRO-office and Government. All these attempts VISIONS under which we propose to form the we deprecate, as calculated and intended to POLITICAL UNION FOR THE PROTECTION OF sow distrust and dislike between his Majesty Public Rights. We respectfully submit them and bis faithful and loyal people, in order that to our FELLOW-TOWNSMEN, for their sanction the guilty parties concerned in these calumand support, and for such corrections and im-nies may find the means of controlling and provements as they may suggest. circumscribing the Royal prerogatives, on the In seeking a reform in the Commons' House one hand, and the just rights and liberties of Parliament, we think it proper to declare of the people, on the other. It is with this that we make no complaint against the House guilty object that these atrocious calumnies are of Lords. That Right Honourable House ful-propagated. It shall be our study to counterfils its duty as an intermediate body between act them, as far as lies in our humble power, the Crown and the people; and it has often by exhibiting, upon every occasion, the most stood forward in defence of popular rights. sincere attachment to the sacred person of the when those rights have been endangered. King, and the most dutiful submission to the But, by some means or other, the influence of laws. sures upon our own affairs, and we take the proper legal steps for securing our own redress. In a great national emergency, when the legislature has lost its land marks, and its guides to the national welfare, we bring forwards the intelligence, the public spirit, and the practical knowledge of the industrious classes, to the aid of the legislative councils. If our fellow townsmen should think proper to act upon the plan which we have laid down, and if their example should be followed up by similar Unions throughout the country, we cannot but anticipate the most important benefits to the Lower and Middle CLASSES of the community. These classes will thus possess representative bodies of their own, chosen annually by themselves, and entirely depen- In any common state of things, tradesmen dent upon themselves; by means of which and mechanics might not, perhaps, be called they will be enabled to act upon the national upon to interfere in political subjects. Each legislature in a just, legal, and efficient way, individual is perhaps more beneficially emThe PUBLIC OPINION, instead of being scat. ployed for himself, and for his country, in tered and diffused throughout the country, and confining his industry within his own particoncealed within the breasts of individuals, cular occupation. This might be the case, will be collected and concentrated in influen- when the public affairs are both honestly and tial masses; and in those masses it will be rationally conducted; but it is not so now. guided and directed into wholesome and legal | The public business is now become the best prioperation upon the legislature of the country. vate business for every man to attend to. We have given great power to the Political Without attention to public affairs, indeed, Council. In all organized bodies, power must there is now no security for private interests. exist somewhere, or there can be no order, no Until the public business is better conducted, discipline, no unity of object or operation, it is in vain that the industrious classes use Under the present operation of the public opi- diligence, and prudence, and economy, and nion, every thing is disjointed and inefficient, anxiety, in the management of their respective One man petitions for one object, a second affairs. It is in vain that they" rise up early, petitions for another; a third moves to-day, a and late take rest, and eat the bread of carefourth moves to-morrow; a fifth recommends fulness;" they do but realise the fabled torone line of conduct, a sixth recommends an- ments of the wretch condemned to waste bis other. All this is futile, What, for example, labours in "continually rolling a stone up hill, could be expected to a military body acting which continually recoils to crush his own upon principles like these? The exertions of head." This, in a great degree, has been the a whole army would come to nothing. So it situation of the industrious classes in England is with the moral army of public opinion. To for several years. The men who have occubecome efficient, it must have organization, pied their capital in productive power, in order, discipline, and unity of object and ope- working the great duties upon which the exration. It must be animated with one common istence of mankind depends; these men have mind. It must move to one common object. grown poor, as the reward of their industry and It must move through the same road, and at virtue! But the men who have locked up the same time. Without this, we can do no- their capital in a chest, have found it daily thing. By a moral discipline of this kind, if increasing in value !! These men have reaped we have virtue to act upon it, we can do every riches, as the reward of idleness and sloth!! thing that is just and proper for us to do. It The reward of industry, indeed, may be said is, therefore, that we have made obedience to to be destroyed in Englaud. "The Ox is the Council an indispensable rule of our Society. muzzled that treadeth out the corn." Error But, in return for this, we have made the succeeds error, and folly succeeds folly, until Council entirely dependent upon the General the nation is at last brought into such a state Meetings of the Union. By these means, we that the most careless and superficial observer hope that we establish a system, which com- may perceive, that great political changes must bines the order, unity, and effect of discipline, take place. with the force and freedom of popular enthusiasm. It is under these circumstances, therefore, that we deem it necessary that the industrious In carrying this great object into effect, we classes of the community should come forward use no violence, and we allow none. Far from in their own defence, and put in force the pous, and far from our righteous cause, be the use litical functions which the constitution and of means which we deprecate in others, and the law allow them to exercise. Under better which no circumstances could justify in us, so circumstances, and under a less complex state long as our last remaining liberties are left to of society, the ligislature, as it is, might perus; and as the KING'S THRONE presents a haps be competent to restore and secure the bulwark, under which his faithful people may national prosperity. But fatal experience has find a shelter from the oppressor's wrong. We sufficiently proved, for fifteen years together, seek no wrong to others. We only seek jus- that, under the existing state of things, the letice for ourselves and for our country. We gislature, as it is, is not competent to protect put in force two constitutional rights; the the most vital interests of the country. At right of meeting together, peacefully and this very moment, agriculture, manufactures, legally; and the right of petitioning Parlia- commerce, trade, the shipping interest, the ment. We only meet, consult, resolve, and colonial interest, every great interest of the petition. We discuss the effect of public mea-nation that is vital to its welfare, to its honour, to its safety, to its very existence, is suffering | THE ENGLISH GARDENER; or, A Treaunder calamities the most afflicting, and dangers the most appalling, which both the Ministers and the Parliament themselves have expressed their inability to relieve!! What then have we to do, but to look after our own affairs? Is the national mind to slumber for ever? It is should come to at that this state of things an end. If any exertions of ours can conduce to this great result, those exertions shall not be wanting. Thomas Atwood Edward Hobson Joseph Russell Urban Luckcock C. W. Firchild Charles Grafton John Winfield T. C. Salt Thos. 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