REPUBLICANISM.

Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 185, 17 July 1873, Page 3

REPUBLICANISM.

A conference of tlio representatives of Rc])ublie<in societies •was held in Birmingham, on May 10, to form a National Republican League. There, were upwards of fifty delegates present from the Luge towns. Mr Cooper, of Norwich, presided. Letters of apology were read Iroui Mr J. Bright, Mr Cox, J.P., n»d others. Mr Bradlnugh opened tho actual business of the convention by giving some advice as to the method by winch they were to conduct their ngitation, and keep within the limits of the law. Mr Fanncll moved, and Mr C. Cattell (Birmingham), seconded a resolution winch set forth that it was desirable to form a National Republican reorganisation, for the purposo of carrying out a political programme, upon which all republican or democratic clubs and societies can agree and be united. This was supported by Mr Le Lubez, of Deptford, Mr Watts, Aberdeen, Mr Rose, Ll-ccls, Mr Orr, Kmgston-on-Thames, and carried unanimously . The conference noxt proceeded to adopt a name for their organisation. Ultimately an amendment that the title be called "National Republican League" was carried bv a very large majority. Mr Biadlaugh moved, " That tho objects of the Legue bo effected by legal and moral means " Mr Gue^t seconded tlie motion, wliicli was earned nem. cm Mr Catlell moved, "That districts be formed, having a cent nil cam in it tee in the largest town in the district, those coi mint tees to select a central executive to meet in London " Mr Flay, of Bath, seconded the motion. Au amendment was moved by Mr Mahon, Birmingham, and supported by Mr BradLuigh, for the appointment of tlie conference of an executive to conduct the business of the League for one year. A long discussion took place on this point, after which the amendment was carried by thirty-one to two. A number of delegates wei c neutral. Mr Rcddale, of Birmingham, moved, " That the object of the league be to secure a purely representative government " Mr Rhodes, of Leeds, seconded the motion, wl ich was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr Bradlaugh, it was rcsohed, " That the delegates present form the executive for one year, with power to add four to their number." The conference adjourned at fivc,and resumed on Monday The following is the letter from Mr Bright. 11 Ballater, N.8., May 6. Dear Sir, — I thank you for the invitation to jour proposed conference, although I cannot be ■preset at it. You ask for a word of encouragement, which I cAh hardly give. To possess the best system of civil government is a thing worth striving for, but it may be a wise policy to endeavor to perfect the nvil government we have rather than to look for great changes, which necessarily mvoh c enormous risks. It is easier to uproot monarchy than give a healthy giowth to that which is put in its place, and I suspect the price we should have to pay for the change would be greater than the change would be worth. Our forefathers suffered from nearly a century of unsettled government m consequence of the overthrow of the monarchy, brought on by the folly and crimes of the monarch. France has endured ninny calamities and nvuch humiliation for nearly 100 jears past, springing from the destruction of the ancient government and the apparent impossibility of founding a stable government to succeed it. Spain is now in the aimc difficulty, of which we watch the experiment with interest and anxiety. For forty years past in this country we have seen a course of improvement in our laws and administration equal, and perhaps superior, to anything which has been witnessed in an} other nation. This gives mo hope and faith that we can establish a civil government so good n* to attiaet to its support tlie respect and lovo of all tlie intelligent among our people, and this without bringing upon us the doubles which, 1 believe, are inseparable from tlie uplooting of an ancient monarchy. I have no sympathy with the object which gives its name to your club. I prefer to try to do good in ihe way of political reform by what I legard as wiser and lt.-shazardous,if a less ambitious method, and fiom what we hare seen of the past, I think we may pather hope and faith for the future. — I am yours truly, John Bhight. — Mr E. Oattell."