Prospectus from a copy in the Lovett Collection, Birmingham, reproduced in The Early Chartists by Dorothy Thompson (Macmillan, 1971)
Prospectus of the East London Democratic Association
No 19, Swan Street, Minories
Established January 1837
The object of this Association is to promote the Moral and Political condition of the Working Classes by disseminating the principles propagated by that great philosopher and redeemer of mankind, the Immortal ‘THOMAS PAINE’.
The subscription of a penny per week constitutes a member (subject to the approval of a majority of the members at any meeting). Which subscription can be paid Weekly or Monthly as convenient.
That the annual meeting of the Association be held on the 29th January, being the anniversary of the death of that great Man, whose character and principles we duly appreciate, by a social and convivial supper on that occasion.
That all members entering on or before the first Sunday in May, shall be entitled to a double ticket of admission to the supper, in commemoration of the birth of Thomas Paine, which will admit a Lady and a Gentleman; all persons entering on or before the first Sunday in August, will be entitled to a single ticket. Persons entering after that time will be entitled to the same by paying up the arrears from the first Sunday in August, and to a double Ticket by paying 1/- extra.
That the members of the Association meet the first Sunday in every month, at Six o’Clock in the Evening, to enroll names, to discuss the principles of cheap and honest Government, and to adopt such mans as may seem expedient to carry out the five grand principles of Radical Reform, viz: ‘Universal Suffrage, Vote by Ballot, Annual Parliaments, No Property Qualification, and Equal Representation.’
That we agree to discuss, to agitate, and petition until those just demands be conceded.
For freedom’s battle
once begun
Bequeathed by bleeding
sire to son,
Though baffled oft, is
ever won
Committee
Mr A Davenport
Mr S Yarham
Mr W Edmonds
Mr J Harvey
Mr G J Harney
Mr C Needham
Mr G H Hedger Senr.
Mr G Hedger Jun.
Mr T Biggs
Mr A Milcham
E Harvey, Treasurer pro tem.
J Harper, Secretary pro tem.