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    Untitled Article

    glory , assemble in Hyde-park , under the walls of the Crystal Palace , the army of workers who filled that palace by the industry of their hands . Let the child be there who is dragged out of "beds which are never cold , " at five o ' clock in the morning , by the little nig ht-workers , who have returned home and are waiting for their turn to sleep ; let the young factory man be there as he is to be found at home , without knowledge or emulation , the young factory woman without self-respect , manhood and womanhood without content or hope ; old age , trembling at its decay of power , and at the workhouse destiny before it . Let models be exhibited of their narrow streets , yards ,

    gutters , cesspools , cheerless houses , bare cupboards , and , if possible , the drama enacted at the factory counter and in the truck-shop on the Saturday night , and then tell us , in the language of one with whom sympathy is not a failing , whether " this be a green , flowery world with azure ' everlasting sky stretched over it , the work and government of a God ; or of a murky , simmering Tophet of copperas fumes , cotton fuz , gin , riot , wrath , and . toil , created by a demon and governed by one ? " Why ( addressing as I here do those who may demur to this picture)—if you dare venture to exhibit your producers , as you do your products , the world has not 6 een so sad a sight as would be presented—a motley

    group , pallid and haggard and sick , labouring under asthma , consumption , rheumatism , fever , poverty , curses ! Talk of the development of industry : it is the development of curvature of the spine , concave chests , and deformities of mind more hideous even than deformity of body . The conventional sceptic will say—But the working-classes are not all like this . True ; but so many are like this that you dare not venture upon the exhibition of them . Yet there are people who get rich not merely in spite of this misery—that were a thing to be glad at ; but people get rich out of this misery and because of it—and this is a thing to be looked ii . to and to be altered . Time was when those who were industrious could

    live by their industry . We , however , have come upon a time and a state o . f . things when industry , practically , is neither a virtue nor a success . Growing civilization , has brought with it some incidental advantages to the people , but it has also brought with it one deadly and universal curse—uncertainty . Few workmen are sure of either work or ultimate competence . It is not the misery of this , so much as the demoralization of it , which has to be deplored ^ The working-class are a stricken race . Their native energy seems bled out of them . They live as men should never live , and they die as men should never die . They consent to perish ingloriously . They have not even the dignity of despair . Despair is at least a manly

    desolation : it at least implies that keen-sighted and furious energy has been baffled by some overwhelming power , and that the etruggler yields to a fate he has fought against bravely . The modern workman has not even this gloomy example to bequeath to his children . From , anvil and bench , from loom and mill , from factory and mine , mechanics , who call themselves Englishmen , Irishmen , or Scots , are driven out , like the worn-out horse , to die ; and they slink into the garret or the cellar , or to that more public stable , the poor-law union , and lay themselves down on the paupers' bier , and from his ignoble grave bequeath to their brethren the legacy of a dishonourable example of ignorance , supineness , submission , and cowardice .

    If the International Exhibition be the means of calling the attention—bestowed soplentifully on industrial products—to the social condition of the producers , it will not pass away without leaving a noble moral behind . There is reason to think that it will be influential in this way . Those who feel interest in estimating artistic skill , should not be averse to considering the next problem—that of artisan prosperity , universal and progressive , coexisting with a wholesome manliness . Ion .

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    The Executive Committee of the National Charter Association met on Wednesday evening last . Present , Messrs . Amott , Grassby , Ilolyoake , Hunt , Jones , and Milne . Messrs . Hurney and Reynolds being in the country , as whs uIho Mr . O'Connor . The secretary reported that the Nutional-hall , High Holborn , had In en engaged for the public meeting on Wednesday evening next , in order to adopt a petition to the House of Commons , praying for an inquiry into the treatment inflicted on KrnoHt Jones , in Tothill-ncldti prison ; that Mr . Wakley , M . P ., had

    consented to take the chair ; and that Lord Dudley Stuuit , Sir Benjamin Hall , Mr . T . S . Duncoinbc , Mr . Miner ( Jibson , and others hud been invited , nnd ¦ wrre expected to attend . Mr . Thornton Hunt then read an article which he had written at the request of the committee , for publication in the first monthly circular , to be issued by the Kxecutivc . The article wan hi « hly approved of . The secretary was instructed to request all « ub-nec : retaiieaand n » entH forthwith to forward a return of the number of paying member * , and also their subscriptions for the last two months , in order to UHcertain the number of circulam each locality would require for gratuitous distribution . And further , « h the circulars will be sold at the low prioo of ono half-penny each ( tho uaual allowiinco

    being given to the trade ) , all who feel desirous of aiding in the sale will oblige by forthwith sending their orders , and also stating the channel through which the circulars may be forwarded , addressed to John Arnott , 14 , Southampton-street , Strand , London . —Signed on behalf of the committee , John Arnott , Gen . Sec . On Tuesday evening last , the John-street Locality resumed their adjourned discussion on " The relative merits of Free Trade and Protection , " in the coffeeroom of the Institution . Mr . Arthur Bate in , the chair . Messrs . Swift , Jennison , Campbell , Turley , Rogers , and others , having expressed their opinions on the question , Mr . Brinsmead moved the adjournment of the discussion till Tuesday evening next .

    Working-Men's Associations . —On Whit-Tuesday a festival , under the management of the Working Tailors' Association , was held in St . Martin ' s-hall . Between 200 and 300 persons sat down to tea . The president of the society took the chair . Mr . Neale proposed and Mr . W . Cooper supported the sentiment of : — "Working-Men ' s Associations and Cooperative Stores : may they succeed in overturning the iniquitous slop and sweating system , with allits consequent evils , substituting justice and honesty in the affairs of trade and industry ,

    in the place of the fraudulent practices now so fearfully prevalent . The Reverend A . B . Strettell then spoke , who " remembered the time when he thought every Chartist carried a revolver in each breeches pocket , and an infernal machine in his coat tails ; but he had looked many in the face now , and he knew better . " After a speech by Mr . Shorter , Mr . Walford proposed , " The cooperative movement in the Provinces ; may it be conducted with unity of action and in the sprit of brotherhood . " Mr . Solly spoke in support of the sentiment , and the meeting concluded .

    • Cooperation in Manchester . —At a meeting of forty delegates from the various cooperative stores and workshops in Lancashire , held on the 13 th of June , in the lecture-room of the Mechanics' Institution , Cooperstreet , Manchester , Mr . Chapper , of Halifax , in the chair , the following resolutisns were agreed to : —1 . That Messrs . Lloyd and Jones , of London , James Campbell , of Manchester , William Bell , of Herywood , Thomas Hull , of Padihove , and Mr . Smithers , of Rochdale , form a committee to draw up plans and rules for guiding the cooperative movement of England . 2 . That the committee draw up a prospectus , get it printed by the 1 st of July next , and send a copy to all cooperative concerns , calling on all friends to the movement to take up shares for the establishment of a central depot in Manchester to supply all stores with groceries and provisions . 3 . That the various societies be recommended to pay one penny

    per week each member for the redemption of labour . 4 . That the various cooperative societies in England should use all their influence to prevent the sale of any adulterated articles for household consumption , inasmuch as the cooperative movement is by its very constitution open and honest in its dealings , and that any departure from the strictest honesty in dealing is a gross violation of the principles and intention of cooperation . 5 . That Abel Heywood , Esq ., bookseller , Oldam-street , Manchester , be requested to be the treasurer to the company . 6 . That all stores , workshops , and private individuals , favourable to the movement , be requested to send their address to Mr . Smithers , cooperative store , Rochdale . 7 . That the thanks of the conference be given to the Manchester Spectator , Christian Socialist , Friend o f the People , Leader , Preston Gtiardian , and all other papers that have thrown open the columns of their papers to report the doings of co perative societies .

    Redemption Society . — The camp meeting which was to have been held on Adwalton Moor last Sunday , did not take place owing to the rain ; but a meeting was held in the neighbouring -village of Driglington in the evening , which was well attended . The various speakers were listened to with interest . The camp meeting on Adwalton Moor will be held on Sunday , June 29 , weather permitting . The various committees appointed by the Congress are preparing detailed plans for future action , which will be published to the members in a few days . Moneys received for the week : —Leeds , £ 2 18 s . D . Jd . ; Nottingham , per Mr . Smith , 5 s . 6 d . ; Rochdale , per Mr . Brearly , £ 1 9 a . 6 d . ; Driglington , per Mr . Clayton , 10 s . 2 d . ; Birkenshaw , per Mr . Brear , 5 s . Communal Building Fund : —Nottingham , per Mr . Smith , 10 s . ; Driglington , J . 11 ., 2 s . ; Holbeck , W . H ., 2 s . Gd . —J . Hendkkson , Sec .

    Mit . Owen ' s Exhimtion Tracts . —The London committee of the Social Propaganda have just published a 8 ericsof bix tracts written by Mr . Owen , addressed to the people assembled at the Exhibition . The committee are about to publish French and German translations of the name , fur distribution amongut the natives of those countries who may visit London during the year . The following subscriptions have been already received : — London— -Dr . Travis , £ 1 ; Mr . J . Corp , £ 1 ; Mr . C . Ureen , £ 1 ; Mr . M . ilunhart , £ 1 ; Mr . M . Clark , £ 1 ; Mr . T . L ., 10 h . ; Mr . 8 . L ., l () a . ; Mr . VieuBucux , 10 s . ; Mr . T . Whituker , 10 a . ; Mr . E . Truelovc , 10 s . ; smaller subscriptions and collections , £ 0 IDs . <>;! . Manchester , £ , ' { () s . 9 d . ; Mr . Roberts , Liverpool , £ 2 ; Oldhum , £ 2 l . 'is . 9 < 1 . ; Birmingham , £ 1 115 s . ( id . ; Edinburgh , £ 1 10 h . ; Paisley , dt ) l 14 a . 7 d . ; Glasgow , £ 1 Cm . Ashton , £ 1 ; Derby , £ 1 ; Bradford , £ 1 Is . ; Bristol , 9 h . ; Halifax , 128 . ; Devon , 4 s . ; York , 8 b . ; Dublin , 5 s . ; Buth , lls . ( id . ; Brighton , lf ) t \ . ( id . ; Stockport , l « is . 8 d . ; Leicester , ( is . ; Kirkaldy , ( iw . lid . ; II nil , lO .-i . ; Simdcrlund , 2 s . ; Aberdeen , 2 n . ( id . ; Cumbiidge , ( is . ; Ma < : olei , ( ield , l . 'Js . !> d . ; Mr . Da ^ ley , Ik . ; Mr . W . KnowliB , Blackburn , 1 h . ; Kandilands , itnuiHgiUe , / is . Hknuy A . Ivohy , lion , fck-c , B 2 , College-place , Camden-town . 1 ' ho (; uki » inuk Against tiik Tiujck Sywtum . —At the sitting of the juugiutrjttcs at Aberdaro on Thursday week , Mr . F . Jaiuea appeared on behalf of the-

    Auti-Truck Committee , and filed forty informations against Mr . R . Fothergill of the Aberdare and T reforest Iron Works . Four informations having been previously filed , the hearing of them was appointed for Saturday ; previously , however , to their being called on , Mr . Edwards , solicitor , of Pontypool , appeared on behalf of the Aberdare Iron Company , and stated that the company , having been convinced of their error in acting contrary to law , were determined to give up the truck system entirely , and that in future all the men should be paid in cash ; and further , that every man should be at perfect liberty to spend his money where and how he pleased—the company also agreeing to pay all the costs which had been incurred . The Anti-Truck Society , through their solicitor , therefore engaged to suspend all their proceedings for the present ; keeping , however , the forty informations filed as a guarantee of good faith .

    Untitled Article

    PROGRESS OF CABET'S COMMUNITY AT NAUVOO . We had yesterday the pleasure of a visit from M . Cabet , the founder and head of the Icarian Community at Nauvoo , 111 ., and were glad to see him looking quite as young and vigorous as when we met him some three years since at Paris . He is now on his way to London , [ M . Cabet arrived in London and went on to Paris ] whence , if the political atmosphere is sufficiently tranquil , he will go to France to seek justice in respect of the legal condemnations passed upon him since his absence in this country , on accusations and evidence which could only be entertained in a time of public commotion and bitter party feeling . If all is quiet , M . Cabet is confident that the sentences will be reversed on his appeal .

    We learn from him that the Community at Nauvoo is in a state of prosperity , and that he regards it as successful ; indeed , were it other wise , he would hardly leave it for so long a time . The benefits of Association he considers are fully demonstrated by his experiment . Greater cheapness of living , social happiness , and intellectual improvement , are among these benefits , and although the Community suffers from the want of adequate capital and means of organizing the various branches of industry , it has still made satisfactory progress , and is regarded by its founder and members as firmly established .

    The Icarians , now about 300 in number , occupy fifteen acres of land in the town of Nauvoo , where are most of their workshops and residences . There , too , they have a kitchen garden of 10 acres . At five miles distance is their farm of 700 acres , leased lands . Of this they now have 100 acres in wheat , 150 in Indian corn , 50 in oats , and 50 in barley . They have also in growth , nurseries , vineyards , &c , the whole requiring the constant labour of six farmers and gardeners with reinforcements from the other trades in case of necessity . They keep 14 horses , 8 yoke of oxen , 30 cows and heifers , and a small flock of sheep . For fuel they use wood procured on the islands in

    the river , belonging to the Government , and brought down to Nauvoo , a distance of some five miles , on flat boats , and coal which they dig almost at their doors . They have a steam mill with two run of stone , which enables them not only to grind their own flour , but to accommodate the people in the vicinity , and two circular saws . This , with a whisky distillery adjoining , occupies some 15 men . The Community also numbers 15 tailors , 12 shoemakers , 12 cabinet makers , G carpenters , 5 coopers , G masons , G

    machinists , G printers , 2 rope makers , 2 weavers , 1 watchmaker , aqd 1 tanner , so that it is well provided in respect to mechanics . The tailors and shoemakers not only make clothes and shoes for the Community and its neighbours , but send their products to be sold at St . Louis , where the Community keeps a store , and where the whisky of the distillery and other surplus articles are also sent . The machinists also work as blacksmiths , and the men of the other trudea find more or less employment in repairs , &c . for tho people of the vicinity .

    The domestic arrangements are fur from complete , though , as is the case with every other department , they are constantly improving . The community occupy one large house with 40 apartments , in which 120 persons , married and single , have their lodgings . There are also wmc twenty bmaller houses , four of which are occupied by the schools . A large edifice , 150 feet by GO is now nearly completed , the ground Moor of which will servo as the kitchen and diningroom , with apartments above . This dining-room will accommodate above 800 persons at table .

    The whole body now eat together except the children ut school , who are served in a senhrate building , where they ure altso lodged , at some distance from the common dining-room , whither their meuls are curried from the kitchen . The carrying of these rneula being u comparatively difficult and unattractive duty , owing to the distance and to the fact that in baa weather the way is muddy , it is done by the leading men of the Community . The mime persons also servo the tables in tho dining-room . There arc three mculu daily , at 8 a . m ., at 1 mid at (> £ l ' . M . n Meat in served at nil the so vwru labour of the men being thought to render that nccesHury . Tho beverages used are water , tea , and coffee * . There in exeellonfilBhing by neino in tho river , which often supplies tho table of the Bocioty . For a single meal 250 lba of . fish , arc required .

    Untitled Article

    June 21 , 1851 . ] &t ) t iLtau ' et . 591

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), June 21, 1851, page 591, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1888/page/19/