Bakery Hill Speech
Peter Lalor, Ballarat, 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.” This speech was made by Peter Lalor on the 29th November, 1854. The speech starts with the simple word 'liberty'. In this case it was a very powerful word, and one where its definition was extremely well known by all who lived in Ballarat. The word Liberty freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control. It was a message in itself, a promise. It promised a free life by all who followed in Peter Lalor's steps, striking the hearts of the diggers. Lalor speaks using inclusive words such as 'our' and 'we'. These words would have made the diggers feel like they were included, like it was everyone's responsibility and everyone's fight. He also used words like 'men', 'manhood' and 'comrades' to make the diggers feel bigger than they already were. This would convince the diggers that they could win despite what they were up against. Lalor makes many references to God and the idea that God was watching over them. Religion was a key concept and something many of the diggers considered important, so the reassurance that others were praying for them and God was there was comforting. It was also very focused on the goals ahead. Lalor was opposed to the idea that one should steal or hurt someone deliberately out of greed or vengeance. He made it very clear that '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'. He held an aura of respect particularly when he said 'I charge you to commit no violence to the peaceably disposed' meaning that he didn't want his men fighting against the opposition if they weren't fighting against them. He was against the idea of killing the weak. This famous speech was famous for harnessing the will of the miners for democracy. It lifted their spirits, gave them hope and something to look forward to. Lalor knew that many would die, but he kept hope that they would win that battle. By Isabelle |
Bibliography:
Eureka Stockade. Five Mile Press. Published in China, 2004. Chim, e. (2015). Bakery Hill Speech. [online] Available at: http://dsmee.weebly.com/bakery-hill-speech.html [Accessed 10 May 2015]. Peter Lalor - The People Speak. (2015). [online] Available at: http://thepeoplespeak.thehistorychannel.com.au/speeches/peter-lalor/ [Accessed 8 May 2015]. |