Peter Lalor, 30th November
Bakery Hill Speech, 1854“Liberty!
Fellow diggers, outraged at the unaccountable conduct of the Camp officials, in such a wicked license-hunt at the point of the bayonet as the one this morning, we take it as an insult to our manhood… It is my duty now to swear you in, and to take with you the oath to be faithful to the Southern Cross. Now hear me with attention. The man who, after this solemn oath does not stand by our standard, is a coward at heart. We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties. Comrades, assist me to pray for the safety of these men. Bless these men that go to fight for their rights and liberties. May Heaven shield them from danger. I charge you to commit no violence to the peaceably disposed. I will shoot the first man who takes any property from another except arms and ammunition and what is necessary for us to use in our defence. Now fall in comrades, and march behind our standard to the Eureka.” - See more at: http://thepeoplespeak.thehistorychannel.com.au/speeches/peter-lalor/#sthash.4H7T6zrm.dpuf This speech is very influential in harnessing a cause for the fight for democracy.
Peter Lalor included very inclusive language when speaking to the miners ("fellow diggers", "we" and "each other"). This was meant to form a connection between Lalor and the miners, to include them in the fight for Australian democratic rights. Later in this speech in the fourth stanza, Peter Lalor addresses the crowds as "Comrades", fellow soldiers. This is meant in the hope that the miners will join forces with the rest of the Ballarat Reform League to take upon a defiant opposition to the authorities injustices. Peter Lalor also highlights the very real threat of the authorities that continues even "this morning". He also highlights the authorities as "wicked" and "cowards at heart". This showcases a weakness and the inhumane and cruel natures of the "enemy". In addition, by swearing an oath with the miners proves a willful and collective opposition. An oath proves the homage the miners pay to the cause of freedom and "liberty" on the goldfields. Peter Lalor also speaks to the miners about "liberty" and the sacrifice that must be payed to achieve it. "Bless these men that go fight for their rights and liberties. May heaven shield them from danger." This is stated in the hope that miners might die, that they will die fighting for freedom of speech and a voice in Australian Parliament and democracy. Additionally, Peter Lalor has included symbolism to rally and "march behind." The Eureka Flag draws together the miners in hope and symbolically brings together those standing behind it. The flag symbolises the fight for a voice and freedom and ever remains an extremely important and memorable part of the rebellion. This entire speech very successfully arouses the crowds on Bakery Hill. It includes all the key variables needed to harness dutiful fighters who believed willingly that this democratic fight for freedom and liberty was something worth sacrificing their lives for. By Sophie Harrison |
A map of Bakery Hill in Ballarat (2015)
References:
- No author, (2015), Top 10 Greatest speeches, [internet], Time, [http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1841228,00.html] (accessed date: 3rd May) - No author, (2015), Peter Lalor, [internet], Foxtel Management, Australia, [http://thepeoplespeak.thehistorychannel.com.au/speeches/peter-lalor/] (accessed date: 3rd May) -A. Beggs-Sunter, (2015), Peter Lalor's Bakery Hill speech, [internet], State of Victoria Department of Education, Victoria, [https://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/primary/pages/View.aspx?id=1078e75d-c941-46ea-a702-163a11b45560&Source=%252fPrimary%252fPages%252fResults.aspx%253fcol %253dqnmywhpi%25253bwww.howstuffworks.com%2526sb %253dKBNGModified%252bDESC%25252c%252bKBNGStarRating %252bDESC%2526pg%253d7] (accessed date: 3rd May) |