y
qualification,' 'The payment of members,' and 'Electoral districts.' To
the vehicle were harnessed six farm-horses of superior breed, and in the
highest possible condition. The marshals (designated by a silk sash of
the colours red, white, and green) having announced, at ten minutes past
ten o'clock, all in readiness, Mr. F. O'Connor was the first to ascend
the car. The honourable gentleman was received with loud cheers by the
crowd which thronged John Street, and took his seat in front of the van.
He was followed by Mr. Ernest Jones, Mr. Harney, Mr. M'Grath, Mr.
Clark, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Reynolds, Dr. Hunter, and other leaders of the
convention. The rest of that body having also taken their seats, the
_cortege_ set forth amidst loud cheers. Passing along Goodge Street into
Tottenham Court Road, along High Street, Bloomsbury, the National Land
Company's office was reached, and from that building five huge bales or
bundles, comprising the petition, with the signatures, were brought out,
and secured on the first car, prepared for their reception. Again the
cavalcade moved forward, and progressing along Holborn and Farringdon
Street, reached New Bridge Street, the crowd increasing the train at
every step. So far the shops in the line which had been passed were only
partially closed. The utmost order prevailed, though the delegates were
recognised by numerous friends and adherents, and at intervals most
vociferously cheered. At the Waithman obelisk the alderman of the ward,
Sir James Duke, was in attendance, with his deputy, Mr. Obbard; but up
to this spot not a single policeman was to be seen. The windows of the
houses in New Bridge Street were filled with spectators, and, amidst
much applause, the moving mass took an onward course across Blackfriars
Bridge. At this time, a strong detachment of a battalion of pensioners,
under arms, and fully accoutred, were observed to have just landed
at the city pier, from Woolwich, and were loudly cheered by the vast
concourse that now crowded the bridge. On reaching the Surrey side, the
first display of the civil force appeared. On each side of Albion Place,
were drawn up, in military order, a strong body, in double file, of the
L division of the metropolitan police, while the city police maintained
the ground on each side of the bridge, which was within the limits of
the city jurisdiction. This force was under the orders of Mr. Henry, one
of the magistrates at Bow Street. Opposite the