*THE
WORKER*
Brisbane
November 25, 1893
RELEASE OF
UNION PRISONERS.
All Well.
Great
Enthusiasm.
A Magnificent
Welcome.
A Grand
Meeting.
Social a
Complete Success.
An
expectant and good humoured crowd of unionists and sympathisers with
unionism were awaiting the arrival at the Queen's Wharf, Brisbane, of
the steamer Otter on Friday, the 18th
instant, for it had been whispered abroad that ten of the unionist
prisoners were to be brought up from St. Helena at about 4.30 in the
afternoon. “ It's no use waiting, they won't be landed here,”
said one man who claimed to have a deep insight into the character of
Colonial Secretary Tozer. “He'll have them landed at Breakfast
Creek just to disappoint you.” Secretary Hinchcliffe, on whom has
fallen the burden of the work in connection with the reception of our
mates, set all immediate doubts at rest by bringing down to the wharf
the information that owing to two of the “prisoners” (George
Taylor and A. J. Brown) being witnesses in the trial of a warder for
striking a prisoner – not a unionist prisoner – the departure of
the “conspiracy” men would be delayed until the evening. They
would therefore not arrive at the Queen's Wharf until about 8.30.
The
disappointed visitors (including many ladies) left the wharf and
returned after tea, with their numbers considerably augmented. Much
speculation was indulged in as to whether Mr. Tozer would keep his
word, as the word of that gentleman is generally understood to be
some what unreliable. However, at about 9 o'clock, quietly, and for
some reason without the customary whistle, the Otter slowly glided up
until within 20 yards of the wharf when three lusty cheers to be
heard a mile away rent the air: “For the Union Prisoners!” and
“One for Macnamara – left behind!” A well meant endeavour was
immediately made by an enthusiast to sing the “Marseillaise,” but
the desire to see and grasp the hands of the unionist “conspirators”
was too keen for the measured cadence of the song of the French
revolutionists and after the first verse the singer gave up to join
in the general rush and excited cries of “ How are you, lads?”
“Welcome to Liberty!” “All well?” “How's Macnamara?”
“Hullo George!” “Hullo Hamilton?” “Hullo everybody!”
Such enthusiasm was evinced that it was deemed wise to give the
visitors present a chance of voting on a motion of welcome, and the
following was carried amid great cheering: “That this meeting
extends its hearty welcome to the union prisoners; and hopes that
those for whom they have suffered will never forget their services in
the cause of Humanity.” This resolution was spoken to by Messrs.
Saunders, E. Y. Lowry, Arthur Carroll, H. Daniels M.L.A., and W. G.
Higgs.
Mr.
George Taylor made a short speech on behalf of his mates and himself
in which he apologised for inability to address the kind friends
assembled that evening. “A man could not talk much on hominy.”
(Laughter.) They had done nothing but what was the duty of every man
in Queensland to do, and he had to take a slight offence at the
“Martyr business.” It was the duty of every man to put himself
forward to remove some abuses at any rate. (Cheers.)
A
crowd of admiring sympathisers then escorted the “conspirators”
to Mr. Snell's in Upper Edward Street, where a good spread was
awaiting them.
Punctually
at six o'clock next morning, a large omnibus conveyed the ten
liberated men to Boggo-road to meet Messrs. Forrester, Smith-Barry,
and Stuart, who it was understood would be “let out” at a quarter
to 7 am. After many interviews with the officials, nothing of
importance could be learned other than, “We have not yet received
instructions to let the men out.” Mr. Tozer was again thrice
blessed, and the disappointed “prisoners” left for Slawson's
restaurant, where a breakfast was obtained and a happy hour spent in
chatting over all sorts of subjects, from the characteristic
“gentlemen” of the gaol doctor, Mr. Wray to the difference
between hominy and Slawson's ham and eggs.
Messrs,
Forrester and Smith-Barry were discharged from Boggo-road during the
morning and soon joined their mates. Mr. A.J.S. Stuart, who had not
been brought to Boggo-road from Toowoomba as expected, wired from the
latter place: “Have cut out this morning. Will leave in company
with Jim Martin by 2 pm. Train for Brisbane.” Messrs. Stuart and
Martin were met at the railway station, and Saturday evening saw a
happy band of reunited friends endeavouring to realise that they were
not in dreamland.
Monday
Night's Meeting.
On
Monday evening a crowded audience of some thousands assembled in the
Centennial Hall, in response to the invitation of the A.L.F., to
accord a suitable reception to our friends the bushman. Very many
ladies were present, and gave quite a festive appearance to the
gathering. The chair was occupied by the president of the A.L.F., Mr.
David Bowman, whose table was graced by a pair of convict legirous
and a banner bearing the words “Freedom without Dishonour.” The
platform was crowed with representative unionists, and their wives
and friends. The only four Labour members in town (Messrs. Turley,
Fisher, Daniels and Cross) also occupied seats on the platform. As
the bushmen made their appearance a perfect storm of applause shook
the building, applause which was renewed when several ladies covered
the “conspirators” with roses and other beautiful flowers.
The
chairman lost no time in commencing the business of the evening, and
called on a sympathiser to sing a song written by Mr. W. Kidston of
Rockhampton and entitled “The Ballot is the Thing.” The singer
was encored. Mr. Bowman then made a vigorous speech of welcome, and
requested secretary Hinchcliffe to read the congratulatory telegrams
received from Longreach, Hughenden, Rockhampton, Charters Towers,
Winton, Townsville, and Creswick (Vic.) Mr. Hinchcliffe also read a
letter of welcome and sympathy from Mr. Thos. Glassey; and
expressions of congratulation from the new democratic Guardian,
published at Bundaberg. Mr. H.Turley, M.L.A., then moved the first
resolution, as follows:
That
we citizens of Brisbane offer our hearty congratulations to the union
prisoners on their release from gaol, after serving an iniquitous and
unjust sentence, and commend them for the fortitude and manliness
they have displayed in refusing to compromise themselves by asking
the Government for a mitigation of their sentences as an act of
clemency.
This
was seconded by Mr. H. Daniels, M.L.A., and supported by Mr. Fisher,
M.L.A., and declared carried amidst great enthusiasm. ( Space
precludes our giving reports of any speeches but those of the union
prisoners. Suffice it to say that all the speakers were well
received.) The chairman then called on Messrs. George Taylor and
Alex. Forrester to respond on behalf of their mates.
Mr.
George Taylor said he must be excused if his address were not as
clever as it might be. Having spent two years and a half at St.
Helena he was slightly out of practice. Referring to the strike of
'91, he said that in February of that year Mr. Fairbairn, the manager
of Logan Downs, had spoken to him at the first camp formed, and
stated that the squatters could get any amount of men from the
Southern colonies. Mr. Fairbairn had also said that they had an
intimation from the Government that they would back them up in the
steps they took. (“Shame.”) He asked Mr. Fairbairn replied that
ships would be chartered to bring men from the South, and that the
Government would back that action up. He, the speaker, afterwards
went South to attend a conference, of the A.S.U. And Pastoralists'
Association, at which conference, after long discussion, certain
arrangements were arrival at satisfactory to both parties, and the
pastoralists' delegates gave these arrangements their full support at
their committee meeting which would be held a few days later. In the
meantime the Federated Employers' Association wired the S.A. branch
that they had no right or power to act without the sanction of the
whole – (freedom of contract) – which clearly went to prove the
concerted action that was to be taken in Queensland. On his return he
found the western district flooded by all the available Queensland
military, who were thoroughly prepared at all hazards to not only
devastate the whole country, but also to uphold capitalism.
The
Government did not go back on the squatters like they had gone back
on their hustings pledges. They backed the squatters up until they
eventually backed himself and his mates on to St. Helena. In South
Australia they were willing to meet the shearers, but here,
with the Government at their backs, they determined if possible to
crush the shearers. Yet, not with standing the injustice of the
Queensland Government and the capitalists, he (Mr. Taylor) could say
with all earnestness that they were willing to let bygones be
bygones, and to meet them and discuss the same question that they
offered before their arrest. (Hear,hear.) That was provided they
would meet the workers as men and unionists, and not as scabs or
individuals. (Cheers) He did not expect that, and from all he could
hear there was a big strike looming in the distance. The squatters
were talking of reducing the price for shearing by 2s. 6d. A hundred,
but he did not think even the free labourers would stand that. They
would fight for money if they would not for principle, (Cheers.) It
was a matter of money with them, as with the capitalists, so he
supposed they would soon have a few more down on the island.
(Laughter.) He thanked them again for the kind welcome and reception
they had given to himself and his mates. (Cheers.)
Mr.
A. Forrester also returned thanks. He said that when they were
sentenced it was tacitly understood that no unionist who went to St.
Helena would ask for any remission. (Hear,hear.) On two or three
occasions Mr. Tozer asked them whether they would not prepare a
petition which would not degrade them and be at the same time
acceptable to the Government, and so obtain their release; but he
(Mr. Forrester) told them that he could not possibly do anything of
the sort (Cheers.)
They determined to remain there rather than
sacrifice any principle or admit the justice of their punishment,
(Cheers.) They never forget that they represented 10,000 men in the
bush, and any dishonourable action which they committed would bring
odium and disgrace upon the men they had been fighting for,
(Hear,hear.) They would have degraded themselves by grovelling and
asking for their release, and besides would have tacitly admitted
their guilt. That they denied. They might have said and written
foolish things. He acknowledged that he had done so, and he was sorry
for it, as it may have given the press a handle to cast odium upon
unionism, (Cheers.) Mr. Tozer had said that they were dominated by a
clique in Brisbane. He (Mr. Forrester) wished it to be distinctly by
no clique, (Hear,hear.) No man in the Labour movement, from Mr.
Glassey downwards, asked them to remain in St. Helena. On the
contrary their advice may be interpreted as a desire to see the
petition tried. To prove this he quoted from a letter (Lane to
Stuart, 24th Nov., 1891) - “I am not advocating any
petition. Only, what Hamilton, Bennett, and Forrester, without undue
pressure, would sign. I would sign, unless
it were an absolute denial of my principles.” (Cheers.)
They
stopped in gaol because they would not be led into an admission
of guilt when they were innocent, and would not allow themselves to
be made use of by their opponents during the general election. They
now came out, feeling that they were better men. They went into gaol
with good stout hearts, and though some of them had been slightly
changed by sickness, they had tried to improve themselves. They felt
that they had done that, and that intellectually, if not physically,
they were better men than they were when they went in. He hoped that
they would show that the movement would not suffer by their being in
St. Helena, (Cheers.)
Mr.
W.G. Higgs moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr.
A. J. S. Stuart, one of the union prisoners, supported by Mr. Chas.
Seymour, and carried unanimously:
That
while recognising that Parliament and the local government bodies
afford a most excellent means of putting an end to the competitive
struggle for existence now going on, this meeting has implicit
confidence in unionism as a factor in raising wages and bettering
the condition of workers.
Mr.
A.J.S. Stuart, in seconding the resolution, spoke of the cause for
which he and others “had the honour to suffer.” He believed
that it was quite possible to have unionism in politics. Trade
unionism had been a baby, but political unionism was to be the giant.
He considered that there had been a great change in the politicians
of the day, and held that the present school of politicians had
graduated in trade unionism. If the capitalists had again to be met
they would be again offered conciliation, and would be offered it
conscious of ultimate triumph.
He
did feel vindictive as a result of his imprisonment, but felt about a
hundred times more determined than he did before, (Applause.) He
referred to the illness he had suffered, and stated that it was
brought about by want of proper food and by ill treatment and neglect
on the part of the authoritien who administered the criminal
department. He had been cautioned against saying anything that was
unconstitutional, and hoped that the day would never come when the
Labour Movement in Queensland would despair of redress by
constitutional means, because if that day ever did come somebody
should get ready to weep. They would not play at soldiers. Having
taken to poetry during his imprisonment he might say:
Though
days of immurement have left their trace
On
body and brain and heart,
Yet
I feel more of pride than I do of disgrace
At
being condemned to a criminal's place
For
acting a freeman's part.
The
loss of my birthright I bore as long
As
the criminal garb I wore;
'Twas
for aiding the feeble against the strong;
And
to lighten the burden of human wrong,
I'd
suffer it all once more.
In
conclusion he would say that where a matter of principle was
concerned he would rather eat hominy than humble pie.” (Cheers.)
A
young lady possessing a sweet and sympathetic voice at this stage
sang “ The Marseillaise,” the audience , who had been supplied
with copies of the song, joining in the chorus with much spirit.
Mr.
James Martin, in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, said that
he was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for referring to their
sovereign lady as “Old Mother Brown.” (Groans.) That was a lie.
He had never in his life referred disrespectfully to any woman. He
had said things meaning to prejudice the monarch in the eyes of the
people, but never the women. He protested his innocence, but he was
not believed – even some of his mates turned their backs upon him.
Innocent, he had suffered, and he was vindictive. There was no
forgiveness and let bygones be bygones about him. When he had his
revenge – and he did not say that in a theatrical way – he would
let bygones be bygones, and not till then. City people did not know
what the workers suffered in the bush. He did not think life in hell
could be worse than life in Western Queensland. (Laughter.) If he
said he believed in revolution he would probably have to do another
two years – (laughter) – but if he might not say so, there was no
power here that he believed in it. (Cheers.) If the environments of
their life were such that they could not constitutionally get a fair
share of the fruits of their labour they had a right to revolt.
(Cheers.)
If
the Legislation Assembly was closed to working men, then they must
fight their battles on the plains of the country. (Cheers.) That was
true, and there was no denying it. He was not one of those who
believed the present state of things could not be altered. Let them
glance back a few centuries, and they would find that men of our
class in England wore iron collars round their necks with their
owners' name inscribed there on. By combination and agitation the
iron collar was torn from the neck of man and a collar of
circumstances placed round him that leaves him in nearly as bad a
position as ever. As the iron collar system was abolished by
agitation so could the collar of unjust conditions. And so it should
be as soon as men understood the power of unionism. He wanted working
men to understand that their interests were not identical with those
of capitalists. Capital and Labour could not be friends until Labour
had got the capital. (Cheers.) He would move a hearty vote of thanks
to the chairman.
Mr.
Wallace Nelson, who has received a call from Sydney and Melbourne and
will shortly leave Brisbane, seconded the vote of thanks to the
chairman in characteristic speech. The motion was carried with
cheers, and Mr. Bowman suitably responded.
The
spacious hall was then cleared for dancing. An excellent staff of
musicians was engaged, and several clever amateurs contributed songs
and step dances. During the evening the popular Sam Keenan
contributed two minstrel items which were much applauded. As the
evening was cool, many dancers “took the floor,” and everybody
appeared to be almost regretful that 2 o'clock brought to a close
such a magnificent demonstration of the sympathy of Brisbane citizens
with sterling unionists.
The
“prisoners” are more than delighted with the efforts made to
entertain them. They say they never dreamed of anything approaching
such a demonstrative gathering, and all express themselves as being
more determined than ever to never cease agitating on behalf of
the cause of Humanity.
