Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/120

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104
RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION.

Rawson, Colonel Thompson, Mr. Henry Ashworth, Mr, William Weir, Dr. Bowring, and myself.

A meeting of the Manchester Association was held in Newall's Buildings, on the 28th of January, J. B. Smith, Esq., in the chair, at which it was resolved:—

"1. That the association be called 'The Manchester Anti-Corn-Law Association,' and its object is hereby declared to be, to obtain by all legal and constitutional means, such as the formation of local Anti-Corn-Law Associations, the delivery of lectures, the distribution of tracts, the insertion of articles in the public papers, and forwarding petitions to Parliament, the total and immediate repeal of the corn and provision laws."

"2. No party political discussions shall, on any account be allowed at any of the general or committee meetings of the association; nor shall any resolution be proposed, or subject entertained which shall be at variance with the declared object of the association."

"3. Every person who shall be a member shall pay in advance an annual subscription of the association."

"4. Every person on paying a subscription of five shillings or upwards, per annum, shall receive from the secretary a ticket, which shall entitle the subscriber to attend all general- meetings of the association, and to take part in the proceedings of the same."

"5. The management of the officers of the association shall be vested in a council, to consist of a president, vice president, treasurer, and not less than one hundred members, to be chosen by the members out of their own body."

"6. The council shall elect out of its own body an 'Executive Committee,' consisting of twelve members, three to be a quorum, and other committees if necessary, whose duty shall be to conduct the business of the association."

"7. The council shall also select out of its own body, a 'Finance Committee,' consisting of eight members, three to be a quorum, whose duty shall be to receive all moneys on account of the association, and to pay the same to the treasurer, to examine all accounts and to direct payment by the treasurer."

"8. The president, vice-president, and treasurer of the association shall be, ex-officio, members of every committee."

"9. Every committee, at its first meeting, shall appoint out of its own body a chairman and deputy-chairman."

"10. The council shall meet at least once a fortnight, to receive the