Northern Star and Leeds General Advertiser – Saturday 13 February 1847
CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH-DAY OF THOMAS PAINE IN NOTTINGHAM.—A supper in honour of the above eminent political character, numerously attended, was held on Monday evening last, at the Seven Stars, Baker Gate. After the cloth was removed, Mr. Sweet was unanimously called upon to preside, who opened the business of the evening in a neat speech, and proposed the following toasts:
“The sovereignty of the people.” Mr. Baggaley responded. “The People; may they well study the first principles of government, and never relinquish the struggle for social and political right, until the People’s Charter becomes the law of the land;” responded to by Mr. Thomas Wright. “The memory of the immortal patriot, Thomas Paine—may the principles he advocated become universally studied, and reduced to practice;” spoken to by the old veteran reformer, Mr. Thomas Roper, at great length. “The Northern Star, and the whole of the democratic press—may it continue to advocate the rights of man, and be supported in its warfare with the oppressors of the human race, by every true lover of his country;” responded to by Mr. Sands. “The speedy downfall of kingcraft and priestcraft;” spoken to by Mr. Baggaley. “May all mankind become brethren, and to do good be their rule of faith;” by Mr. Baker, who gave—”Robert Emmett’s defence.” “T. S. Duncombe, Esq. M.P., the only man in the British House of Commons who has the honesty to demand justice for the whole people;” spoken to by the Chairman, and drank with all the honours.
Song by Mr. Gisby, “The four-leaved Shamrock.” “Feargus O’Connor, Esq., the people’s friend and the tyrant’s foe—may he live to see the men for whom he struggles socially happy and politically free.” Drank with all the honours. Song by the whole of the Company—”The Lion of Freedom.”
“W. P. Roberts, Esq., the people’s attorney-general—may the working classes cheer him in his onslaught against tyrant magistrates and bloated capitalists.” Drank with all the honours. Song by Mr. Mather—”Zadi the Moor.”
“The Executive of the National Charter Association, and the Trustees and Directors of the Land Company—may their exertions in the cause of humanity be eminently successful.” Drank with all the honours. Recitation—”The Black Slave,” by Mr. Baker.
“The speedy return of Frost, Williams, Jones, Ellis, and every other political martyr.” Song by Mr. Clarkson, “Frost, Williams, and Jones.”
“The memory of Henry Hunt, and the illustrious dead of every age and nation, who while living struggled for the freedom of their fellow-men.”
Various songs and recitations were given by Miss Blatherwick and others, which added very much to the harmony of the evening. Votes of thanks were given to the ladies for their attendance upon the occasion; also to the aged democrat, Mr. Thomas Roper, to Patrick O’Higgins, Esq., for his exertions in the cause of his oppressed countrymen, and to the Chairman for his past services, to which he briefly responded, and the meeting separated, highly delighted with their evening’s entertainment.