‘I see before me some 10,000 or 12,000 men which any country in the world might be proud to own as her sons. The very cream of Victoria, and the sinews of her strength. Now, my friends, let it be seen this day whether you intend to be slaves or Britons, whether you will basely bow down your neck to the yoke, or whether like true men you will support your rights... You must be aware that the 30 shillings charged by the government is an illegal taxation, and that His Excellency has no power to tax us... Because a few men think proper to say, you shall pay, that is no reason why a body of men such as I now address, should accede to such extortion.’
Mr Potts at mass meeting of miners, Mt Alexander 5 Dec 1851, The Argus (Melbourne) 18 Dec 1851

Image: Great Meeting of Gold Diggers December 15th 1851
Artist: David Tulloch, Thomas Ham
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