The founding conference of the first working class political party held in Manchester in late July 1840 discussed whether not alcohol should be banned.
Delegates from across England, Scotland and Wales met in the Griffin pub in Manchester from Monday 20th to Friday 24th July 1840 and agreed to form the world’s first working class party, the National Charter Association.
After discussing membership, leadership, organisation and propaganda discussion turned to Clause 21
This Clause recommended total abstinence to the people and made it incumbent on the officers of the new Party.
Mr. Philp said the adoption of this clause would damage the revenue, and put more money in the pockets of the people. If the delegates adopted this clause, they certainly ought to practise what they preach, and themselves set the example. Mr. Alton spoke in favour of the clause, and hoped the delegates would give it their most serious consideration. It was generally allowed that the ignorance of the people was the basis of their political slavery. There was not such a great cause of degradation as drunkenness. He himself knew a man, who, from a degraded -character, became principally instrumental in agitating a district , and sending a delegate to Convention. The duty on malt and hops amounted to upwards of fire millions, and if people were sober the greater part of that would be lost to the country.
Mr. Leach was not a teetotaller. He had no objection that it should be recommended, but the clause made it compulsory of the missionaries and officers. Mr. Morgan was of opinion with the last speaker. Mr. Philp had been of opinion, when in committee, that total abstinence should not be compulsory, and be should vote for an alteration of the clause to that effect. He then moved that ” sobriety” should be ” recommended.” Mr. John thought the principles of total abstinence ought to be carried out. They had friends in prison and over the sea, who could not get it; and the man who would not make the sacrifice was not worthy of advocating the Charter.
Mr Baker spoke in favour of recommending sobriety to the people. Mr. Williams made a long and able address in favour of the total abstinence principle, and moved as an amendment on Mr. Philp’s motion, that ” total abstinence” should be recommended. Mr. Hasson supported Mr. Philp’s view of the question. Mr. Arran would make any sacrifice for the Charter, but it was no use to order the people to observe total abstinence, if they would not obey. It would only give occasion to their enemies to ridicule them. Mr. Williams’s motion was rejected by the casting vote of the Chairman. Mr. Spurr then moved an amendment to the effect that total abstinence should be compulsory on the officers of the society it did not however meet with any encouragement, and Mr Philp’s motion was adopted.
Thus the clause as passed merely recommends sobriety to the officers and members of the society.
a close shave, as you might put it, Mr. Flett!