§ Mr. Huntpresented a Petition from the National Union of the Working Classes of the Metropolis, expressing, in strong but just language, the sufferings which they endured from the Corn Laws; and praying for Annual Parliaments, for Universal Suffrage, and for Vote by Ballot; and that there might be no Transportation-laws, and no Starvation-laws. In alluding to Transportation-laws, the petitioners did not mean those laws which inflicted the punishment of transportation for criminal offences, but to the scheme of the Colonial Secretary for compulsory emigration.
The petition to be laid on the Table. On the question that it be printed,
Mr. Humesaid, that no man was more anxious than he was, to receive the petitions of the people; but he was also 928 anxious to explain to them any mistake under which they appeared to him to labour. If the petitioners thought, that the aids which were offered to emigration, were in the nature of compulsory transportation, they were mistaken. The fact simply was, that if any persons were desirous of expatriating themselves, Government was ready to afford them all the assistance in its power in the execution of their design. Nothing like compulsory emigration had ever been in contemplation, much less proposed to be carried into effect. He must, therefore, object to the printing of the petition.
§ Mr. Cutlar Fergusonhad understood, that an impression prevailed in some portions of the community, that it was the object of Government to transport labourers to the colonies to relieve the poor-rates; but he had not, till now, ever thought it would be necessary to state in that House, that such a measure had never been for one moment entertained.
§ Mr. Portmanobserved, that anything like compulsory transportation would be censurable; but all Governments were bound to facilitate the voluntary movements of their subjects, either in their own countries, or from one country to another; and he, therefore, hoped, that the Settlement-laws, which prevented Englishmen removing from one parish to another, would be repealed. He objected to printing the present petition, because it contained offensive language.
§ Mr. Huntobserved, that the petitioners might justly complain of being taxed for the purpose of carrying plans of emigration into effect.
§ Colonel Torrenssaid, that not a shilling of the public money was necessary for the purpose of allowing persons to emigrate.
§ Mr. Portmanwished that the petition might be read.
§ Mr. Hunthad read, and approved of it.
Petition read. It characterized the plan of emigration brought forward by Government as an unjust, wicked, and unconstitutional measure, and suggested, that, if any persons were to be sent out to colonize, it might be the idle, luxurious, and titled mendicants of the aristocracy, who lived upon the profits of the working classes. The petitioners declared they wanted no charity, for they disdained to imitate the example, set them by the aristocracy, of living upon others.
Mr. O'Connellhoped that it might be printed, as there was not a word in it derogatory to the House, although it contained a good deal of nonsense.
§ Lord Althorpwas most anxious to receive any petitions of this description; but the question of printing them was a different thing. The present petition was signed by only two persons, and was couched in language not altogether justifiable. Under such circumstances, he did not think the expense of printing it ought to be incurred.
Mr. O'Connellsaid, that the petition was certainly signed by only two individuals; but then they were the Chairman and Secretary of a large body of persons.
Mr. Humesaid, that with respect to emigration, he should certainly like to see all the sinecurists and drones of the community in Canada, instead of the working classes. So far he agreed in opinion with the petitioners; although he did not think that the manner in which they had expressed that opinion was becoming. He proposed, however, that the question, whether or not the petition should be printed, should be postponed until to-morrow; by which time, he and other hon. Members might render themselves better acquainted with its contents.
§ Motion for printing the petition withdrawn.