k moved the adoption of a petition to the
House of Commons against the bill for providing more effectually for
the security of the crown and government:--"The humble petition of the
inhabitants of the metropolis of England, in public meeting assembled,
showeth: That your petitioners have heard, with feelings of indignation
and astonishment, that, by a bill which is now before your honourable
house, for the ostensible purpose of providing more efficiently for the
security of the crown and the government of these realms, it is sought
to alter the law relating to the indefinite charge of sedition, and to
punish by transportation that which is at present punishable by fine and
imprisonment. That your petitioners regard this bill as an attempt to
deprive the people of the right of expressing their just horror at the
atrocious legislation which is generally practised by your honourable
house, and your petitioners beg your honourable house to stamp this
infamous measure with condemnation, by its unanimous and ignominious
rejection."

This resolution was seconded by a Mr. Kydd, and eloquently supported by
Mr. Reynolds, and at half-past one the assembly broke up. The multitudes
of course pressed to the bridges, but found their progress everywhere
obstructed by police. Those who chose to cross the toll-paying bridges,
were permitted to do so upon payment, under the eye of strong bodies
of police. At London Bridge and Blackfriars, the crowd made desperate
efforts to force their way across, and repeatedly swept the police
before them, but were encountered by stronger efforts, and inch by
inch driven back again. At Westminster Bridge the chief struggle was
maintained, so that fears were entertained lest the bridge should give
way beneath the swaying masses. On these three points many of the more
sturdy of the mob were severely wounded by the swords of the mounted
police, and many were arrested and placed in custody under the charge of
riot. When the "monster petition" was brought over Westminster
Bridge, the excitement of the multitude assembled in Bridge Street and
Parliament Street was very great, and the police had to disperse or
capture many ill-disposed persons who had no public object in collecting
together. The petition and chartist executive committee arrived at the
lobby of the commons by half-past three o'clock.

The house met at the usual hour. When the gallery was opened, the
chartist petition, of awful bulk, stood roll