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It may be argued, we are aware, that as the labouring classes generally are without the franchise, their approval of any proposed constitutional change is of the less consequence. We think otherwise. We think it a matter of incalculable moment, on the eve of a mortal struggle with pristocracy, to secure the confidence, and thereby direct the energies, and temper the beat of the millions who will take part in the conflict. ‘ We imagine that an angry collision between two parties in the state—a collision necessarily consequent upon an earnest effort for reform—where a third party, stronger than either, would be indiflerent to the issue, and keenly vigilant for the first favourable opportunity of wresting from both their own rights, w^ould expose every institution of the land to imminent danger. To have left untouched so large a mass of discontent, whilst venturing upon an encounter with aristocratic power, would in our judgment have been little short of madness. Cordial reconciliation between the middle and the labouring classes was not only necessary to the ultimate triumph of agitation, but even to its safe conduct up to the point of triumph. Without the working men, we shouldhave done nothing more than excite passions which we were unable to control. We might rouse feeling, but could not moderate it. We might get up a storm, but should be unable to direct it. Even now the backwardness of the middle classes to j oinmnxromiant: rPTnlprH nnv ’nftait-.inn p.vprv rlav tuore critical. W^e
Newspaper Details
Nonconformist
London, Middlesex, GB
Wed, May 18, 1842
Page 16
Full Page
Clipped by
Matthew R.
GB 30 Jul 2018
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