"Friends and Fellow Countrymen!—At the same time that we show confidence in the King and his Ministers, and a fixed determination to preserve the law, let us show no weakness—no timidity—no luke-warmness—in the cause of Liberty. Let all be united as one man in the enthusiastic and determined support of this great, this holy cause. Let Political Unions be formed instantly in every Town, in every District, and in every Village where they do not already exist. Let the nation stand forth in its strength, and in peaceful and commanding majesty express its will; and that will is certain to become the Law of the land.
"Friends and Fellow Countrymen-Be patient. Be peaceful. Be firm. Be united. Be determined. Place your confidence in the King and in his Ministers. Until these shall deceive you, there can be no fear for the Liberties of England.
"Friends and Fellow Countrymen!—Listen to us. The sword must not be drawn in England. The terrible knell of the tocsin must not sound. The tears of the Widow and Orphan must not mark our course. These are the last dread alternatives of an oppressed nation. The influence of the Oligarchy, aided by a corrupt and degenerated bench of bishops, has obtained a momentary triumph in the House of Lords. By the power of the King and of the Law we will humble the Oligarchy in the dust. Our gallant neighbours the French effected a Glorious Revolution by lifting the barricades, cemented by the best blood of the nation. We will have no barricades. Without blood—without anarchy—without violation of the Law we will accomplish the most glorious reformation recorded in the History of the World.
"God Bless the King!
"By order of the Council,
"Thomas Attwood, Chairman,
"Benjamin Hadley, Secretary."
It was proposed by the Political Union, to meet the exigences of the time, to form affiliated unions throughout the country. This was declared to be illegal, and on November 21 a proclamation to that effect was published, and the design was accordingly abandoned; but the scheme was carried out quite as effectively without the name of affiliated societies as with it. As the busy year of 1831 closed, the organisation of the various unions was progressing, and the people were preparing themselves to win the glorious victory of 1832.
