The following rules were then put in and read:—
General Rules.
1. That this Society be called the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers.
20. That if any master attempts to reduce the wages of his workmen, if they are members of this order, they shall instantly communicate the same to the corresponding secretary, in order that they may receive the support of the grand lodge; and in the meantime they shall use their utmost endeavours to finish the work they may have in hand, if any, and shall assist each other, so that they may all leave the place together, and with as much promptitude as possible.
21. That if any member of this society ... solely on account of his taking an active part in the affairs of this order ... shall be discharged from his employment ... then the whole body of men at that place shall instantly leave that place, and no member of this society shall be allowed to take work at such place until such member be reinstated in his situation.
[22. If a member divulge any secret of the society, members throughout the country shall refuse to work with him.]
23. That the object of this society can never be promoted by any act or acts of violence, but, on the contrary, all such proceedings must tend to injure the cause and destroy the society itself. This order therefore will not countenance any violation of the laws.[371]
[370] The indictment was framed on 37 Geo. III, 123, against seditious and illegal confederacies.
[371] The prisoners were found Guilty. On March 19 they were sentenced to seven years' transportation. April 16, Lord Howick, in answer to a question in Parliament, said that he believed their ship had already sailed. The remainder of their sentence was remitted in 1836.