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Northern Star (1837-1852), 15th February 1840, Edition 1 of 1, Page 6, Untitled Article

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    • MANIFESTO OF ROBERT OWEN. MANIFESTO OF ROBERT OWEN,
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      Manifesto Of Robert Owen. Manifesto Of Robert Owen,

      MANIFESTO OF ROBERT OWEN . MANIFESTO OF ROBERT OWEN ,

      Untitled Article

      1- The systems of society , which hare alone hitherto existed , have emanated from imaginary notions , conceiTed in the early , inexperienced , and crude state of the human mini 2 . All the external circraB&ancea , throcgliont the ¦^ rld formed by man , have been based on these early crude notions . 3 . The facts "which experience has no"vr made kno'vra , prove , beyond all doubt , to those who accurately ob-63 rve and -srisely rrfl ^ tt , that these early and erode notions are most liunentably erroneous , and that , throughout all past ages , ¦ which may be truly- called . tb . 3 irrational period of human existence , man Las been deceived by them respecting his own nature , and thus ra&de to become a most imperfect and . incoaaiitent being . i . The history of the human race accurately exhibits this crcue slate of the human mind ; and through every page f xposss , in full detail , the irrationality and insanity O ? their cenenrt .

      XHS DI 5 C 0 VEBBB . A 5 D FCCKDEB OP THE RATIONAL . STSTEX OP SOCIETT , AKD OP THE HATI 05 a " l ' BKLIGIO ^ .

      5 . It Las been the history of wars , massacres , plunders , unce ^ sLng divisions , and opposition to each other ' s ¦ well-being and happiness ; a period in ichicb each has "been opposed to all and all bpi / jted to each—a principle admirably calculated to produce the least happiness , and tie mos ; misery . C . All the institutions of the -world have been direct es-aniiiioEs from those early , crude , and most grievous errors of our ancestors . 7 . ln-ie ^ d of tb / s system of gross ignorance , which ? impels si ^ n from his birth , to become , in mind and Ccn ^ Vutt , inconsistent , irrational , and incompetent to TKrceiTe the most glaring i-consistencies , I notr propose , t : T ths adoption of all people and nations , another system of society—a system eatirely n = w to the "worldfounded on principles derived from facts unknown to change , and in perfect accordance with all nature ; a system in whieh each vcVl assist all and all uill assist e ^ di —a principle admirably calculated to produce the lea . v . misery and the most happiness .

      8 . A system of human existence -in al ! respects op- posed to the past and present life of man ; a systtni . which will crate a new trill and a new spirit in all of I toman kind , and thus induce each by &n irresistible j necessity , to become consistent , rational , and sane in j JDind and condnst . j 8 . A system of ne"W lutolligp nee tr > man . whieH ebaSl ' pen tht tyes of all to the past and present degradation < f the human race ; to the gross folly and absurdity of i all its institutions ; to the dire necessity and immense j advantages of immediately snptTseding these most in- jurious external drcumstsoicea . by other institutions , i based upon fundamtntal priaciples cons i stent with evtry kso-wn fact , and in harmony "w ' . th all nature—a ' consistency which is the only criterion that can enable B » an to judge " oetvreen falsehood and truth . is

      10 . A system possessing such extraordinary po-wers as : shall speedily terminate the ignorance of the human ' race ; stay the progress of poverty , and destroy all j future fear of it ; put an end to the varied supersti- j tions of the nations of the earth , and remove all other j causes which have hitherto divided man from man , in ' mind and action ; introduce never-failing abundance of i all that is necessary for the health and enjoyment of ; man , and give him great pleasure in its daily i production . 11 . A system so little comprehended by ignorant . . men , that from th 9 time of its fair and fullpubJic : adaption by the nations of the earth , it ¦ will be fouxd i competent to accomplish , in one year , more for the j well-doing , "well-being , and happiness of the human ; race , than the old and now -worn-out system has accom- j plished during all past ages , or is competent to accom-, ' plish S 3 lone as it abill last i

      12 . A system so different in principle and practice , i and in its -whole character , to that system -which has : bees , and is , that it -will effect this , the greatest ef all ; charges inhuman affairs , in peace , charity , and good- \ ¦ will to all -who live , gradually , and "with such order and ' , foresight , that no individual need be injured -by the j change in his pecuniary affairs , for one day ; but that , on the contrary , it may be so arranged as , through its j whole progress , essentially to benefit the condition of ' all , in every country . . > 13 . Yet , in compassion to the errors which this old erode system has forced into the minds of all men , and j icxde conscientious in many minds the most charitable . just , and kind me&sxrrfcB are arranged , and Trill be adopted , to allow the multiplied superstitions of nations [

      to die their natural death , -with the letst practicab 1 " j ixconverience to each individual : and these measures j ars so ueviBed . and shall be carried into execution in such s manner as not to give reasonable offence to the j tender consciences of the weakest of mankind . 14 . As these tw © systems are perfectly distinct in their fundamental principles , throngb every stage of : their progress in practice , they never can be united , The old system is founded oa error , and to suppeit its continuance requires universal falsehood and deception . ' The ne-w system is based on truth , and -will not admit of falsehood or deception in the private or public life of individuals , or in any transaction between nation and nation .

      15 . The founder of this new system hss been , from * n early period of his life , an active thm of business . ' and of extensive experience in e ^ ch of the fcur great \ departments of society , and throngb this knowledge be i has devised new arrangements and institutions , based i upon , aid in perfect unison "with , the fundamental principles of nature from "which the system haa , emanated . i 16 . These new arrangements and institutions art bo '< extraordinary in tbeir combinations , that they will secure to all of the human race , in return for the same

      capital and labour , an hundred fold greater advantages , in perfect security , then ' the old irrational system ever has given , or ever can give , to any individ ' ual . And these hitherto unheard of scientific anangpinents and plans for new institutions to form the > Tew Moral "World , and rational character for -w . gn ^ axe ready for the inspection of the most experienced , scientific , and practical men in the four departments of human lifethat is , first , in the production , and second , in the distribution of "wealth ; third , in the formation of character from birth through life ; and fourth , in goreming locally and generally .

      17 . Th « ne-w moral and sane system eannot otherwise interfere -with the old immoral and insane system of the ¦ w orld , than by causing its gradual and peaceable destruction and entire annihilation ; and it is now evident . by the- consternation of all who have been taught to think that they have some pecuniary interest in maintainicg this old -worn-out irrational system , thai the period for its total abandonment in the order cf nature has now arrived . IS . Tb * attention of all peopte ;< M nations is yeamestlT and most affectionately , for f *» y * T o-wn happiness , called to the full investigation of this no * w allimportant subject ; a subject deeply interesting to all irbo live , and to all who may yet live .

      19 . The founder of this system , -who has devoted half a century to perfect it , claims to be heard at the bar of both House * of Parliament , that he may not only thus publicly expose the ignoract misrepresentations of those - whose minds are yet iacoiapeient to understand or comprehend matters so tar b-: yond the compass of their minds ; but also to « nke iia extraordinary advantages known to the -worfd , for the immediate benefit of all the nations of the earth . 20 . The central board , "which is the executive of the

      " Universal Community of the Society of Rational Religionists , also elaim to be heard at the bar of both Houses , to refute the monstrous calumnies ¦ whichvarious iadividuals—erroneously supposing themselves interested to stay this great vrorfc—have -actively , by ¦ writing and speaking , circulated throughout the country against the society-which the central board representsa society established by the founder of the Rational System and Rational Religion , to spread a knotrledse f , and to prepare the -way for , this glorious change in ttte condition of humanitv .

      But the founder of the Rational System and of the Rational Religion for the human race has already effected some preliminary benefits for society , as an earnest of -what be is enabled yet to accomplish for his poor , amicted , physically , and mentally diseasedfellownen . 1 . He , by bis example , -writing , speaking , and applieaiioiij to the legislature , obtained some improvement and melioration in the condition of the infants employed in the money-making , health-and-happiness iestroying factories of our country ; a system of producing -wealth which , except for the future advantages to be obtained from it in the ne-w order of things about to be established—it would have been -well for

      the world if it had never been known , [ See proceedings in Parliament , in Sessions . 1816 , 1817 , and l SI 8 . 3 S . He devised , introduced , and founded , in accordance ¦ with the fundamental principles of the Rational Sys tem of Society , '" infant schools , " or ne-w and snperior external circumstances , in -which to place very young children , to give them superior dispositions , habits , and manners , a spirit of universal charity , and real knowledge through the eye , -with rational explanations , by friendly conversations with kind , intellitent instructors , -who had previously been taught to understand the true science of human nature . [ See the Founder ' s New Tie-w of Society , and his Address on pening the >" ew Institution for the Formation o ] Character . January 1 , 1816 . ]

      S . In 1616 , he also gave to Mi . Fsick , the Dutch Ambassador , a pica fox the relief of the poor through their own -well-directed industry , which p ? a ™ Mr . Falck approved , transmitted to his government , and the next ye * r it was earned into execution throughout Holland , * mdsr the name of the Dutch poor Colonies , by means ef the Benevolent Society . Francis , Bake of Bedford , » od the founder of the R&tkma ! System oX Society , wen , ii is believed , the only two honorary British members of this inestimable foreign society . The

      author of it had previously offered his plan far the Mlief of the poor to Lard Liverpool * Government , and Us Cabinet would hare adopted it had the Chnrch not tb « n been too powerful for the secular portion of the idmfBirtnttion . Had the plan been adopted to the extant ' which thfi author recommended to our Govern meafc , the poor and working classes would have been van « dnmtod sod « nployed from that period to the jiutI Man titta one hundred million * sterling of Tn ;> m « TJ expenditure upon those now unwisely made Pmt w 9 « U h » ve keen saved , tut many hundred mil-

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      lions m * re of m&mai . wealth would have been ereated , by tbeh ^ netar-e ^ iinj , -well-directed industry . The Poor Law Amendment Bill would not have beenrequired ; tbe starvation suffered by so many of Has Irish and English population would not have taken place ; tbe complaints of the poor would not have been heard ; and Chart . em -would not have existed . [ For an explanation of tkeso proceedings , see Mr . Owen's Report to Mr . Sturges Bourne ^ Committee of the House « f Commons on the Poor Law , being a Copy of the Report which he -was requested to make by a committee ( of j Trhici hi 3 Grace the late Archbishop of Canterbury ¦ sras cbainnanj appointed at a grfat public meeting in London , at "vrhich his Koysl Highness the late Duke of I Yi ; rk presided , to take into consideration the cause of , and remedy fu , tho great want of employment among « -he agricultural and maBu ' acturlng labourers , and of I TThich Cumniittee 3 Ir . Owen "was a member . ! liona »•« of *>*«! wealth would have been ereated ,

      4 . In the same year , the fouEder of the Rational System of Suciety transmitted , through the Pru&ian Am ^ as ^ ador , Baron Jacobi , a plaa for a national system of education , and also an exposition of sound principles of general government , to ¦ which the founder bad an . immpdiate autograph reply , through the s ^ me ambas 3 id .. r , from h ; . s Majesty the King of Prussia , thanki-ig Lim fi-r the -work , -which his Majesty so highly RpFT'iVfcd . that he bad giyen instructions to his Minister of the Interior to carry b ^ th into execution , to the full extent ttuvt Prussian localises -would admit Tbe next S ~ eit tttH ^ National SyBtem cf Education in Prussia "was introduced . [ See tho recommendations for national education in "A Ne"w View of Society ; or Essays on the Formation of Character" First edition . PnUished by Longuian , and other lending London publishers , in ]?> 12 and ImU , and general subsequent editions published in this country and in America . ]

      5 . The founder of the Rational System todh an active pnrt in aiding Joseph Lancaster and Dr . Bl-11 to establish their respective mechanical plans of education . He gave tc rhe first , atvariou 3 tiir . es , more than £ l , CO 0 , ¦ ind to D ?' . Btli ' s national csmmittee £ 5 C 0 . - with the offer of i" 5 uo iiiere on condition that the national schools sLouH ie opened to children of all der . tniiinations . This ( iffcr vras tlebatcd two days in full comnittee , but it was ultiainUiy declined by a email minority . [ Secj-r ceeiiiiip of committee of the National Schoo :. !

      6 . In the ye-TTs l sir and 181 S tbe founder visited tbe leading liberal characters in France , Switzerland , and par : of Germany , being accompanied frem this country by the celebrated Cnvit-r of Paris , andPictct of Geneva , awl he -was introduced by Lis Royal Highness the iate IhiVo of Kent , to tbe th * -a Duke of Orleans , now his Majtfcty t- » e King of the French . He also vi-ited the c ' . itf c-st ; ib'ishnier » t 5 for educat on on the Contineut , p-rjticnlarly Pestalozn's -and M . Fellcnberg ' s , collecting from statesmen , lejUlators , and iii . nrcctors , such infnnuation ss the prime minds in the old world could sive .

      7 . Thit the founder of tbe Rational System , in 1822 and Jfi 3 , agitated Ireland on the subject i > f cdncation and employment for tbe potT , and was well received by the Pjct-start and Catholic Bishops—by many of the fc ghest of its aristocracy , and by the most liberal minds among its popnbfion of all decrees . He I-ad some of the most numerous and respectable meatinss ever held in the Rotunda in Dublin , and carried petitions from them to both Houses of Parl ' ament , to take the views of the founder of the Rational System into their most crr . ve consideration ; and large sums , although not sufficient for the purpose , were freely subscribed and ofi \ ri- ( l , to assist to carry his views into practice . [ See the report published by a society of gentlemen in Dublin , immediately after Robert Owen's departure . !

      & . In If 24 the founder of the Rational System went to tb ? United States—visited all tbe Presidents except Wr . sbiarton—beard the experienced thoughts and conclusions , upon the most important public subjects , of John Adams , Thomas Jeffenon—with whom he was closeted for some days—Madison , with whom be made two visits of four days each ; while with Mr . Monro , the-President of that period , and his Cabinet , ho was in daily most friendly communication , as well as in frequent communication with his immediate successor , Mr . John Quincy Adams , and his Cabinet , and with the

      Judges of the Supreme Cenrt—both Presidents and tbe Judges attending two lectures , which he delivered from the Speaker's chair io the Hall of Congress ; while the day after the last lecture , he was formally waited upon in a body by all the Judges , the Chief Justice Marshall at th * -ir heart , ptirposfly to thank him for the two lectures , which they highly approved . He afterwards publicly explained his views in the principal cities of the United States , &nd vis ' . ted the United States twice afterwards before 182 S , and was . in constant communication with the leading men of the Reoubiic .

      9 . In 1 S 2 & be went to Mexico , to ask from its general government the covemment of Texas , -svith a view to prevent the disasters which have subsequently occurred in that di-trU-t . He memorialised the Mexican Government on ih-j Fnbject . sr . d mbmitted this memorial to the Briti > h ( -jvcrr . Tnent and United States Ambassador — -sva * encouraged to proceed , and urged by the North and some of the South American Ministers , particularly the Mexican and Culombian , to follow the memorial prevk . ii > iy forwarded to the Mexican authorities . He accordingly went , with strong letters of recommendation from hi ? Grace the Duke of Wellington ' s Cabinet , to tbe Britifh Ambassadors in Mexico and Washington , directing them ty givo him every aid and assistance in their power to obtain tbe frovernment be was going to

      solicit- He w ; v < well received by tbe British Ambassador in Mexico , who , the first day of his arrival , made an appointment with the president for a meeting the next -cUy . The British Ambassador , Mr . Pakenham , nephew to his Grace the Duke of "Wellington , condnctcd the conference on the part of the founder of the Rational System ; and he , the Ambassador , opened the business in a speech of an hour and a quarter , saying all manner of things , as he had been instructed , by his Court , in praise of the founder's character , conduct through life , and complete fitness for the important charge in contemplation . The President rcph ' ed that the Government had taken the subject into its most grave consideration , having received tbe fonnder's memorial a month previous . He regretted that the

      Government of Texas waa not at the disposal of the General Government of Mexico , because the appointment wan in the state itself , therefore could not be obtained . But he added , " If Mr . Owen will accept the government of a much more important territory , whieli i- under the control and at the disposal of the General Government , we have come to the unanimous decision to offer it to him for the great and good purposes stated in the memerial which he sent to ua / It is a district extending from tha Gulph of Mexico \ o the Pacific Ocean , and of considerable breadth along the whole line whith divides the United States of Xorth America from the States of the Confederacy of Mexico —and the GoTermnentof this extensive district , fourteen or fifteen hundred miles long , we now freely

      offtr him . ' Mr- Pakenbsm , as well as Mr . Owen , was taken by surprise at this most liberal proceeding . When fully explained fcy Mr . Patenhaxn to Mr . Owen , he requested him to thank the Government and the President for this most liberal offer ; but stated there was one objection to his acceptance of it , -which was , that the reUgion of all Mexico was Roman Catholic to tbe exclusion of all othere , and that Mr . Owen required , for his great object , the power to give equal religious liberty and rights to alL The President Victoria immediately Baid , ' We have , as a Government , taken that subject into full consideration ; we thought it might be an objection ; we intend , at the Congress now near at hand , to propose , as a Government measure , that religion shall be made as free in the Mexican States

      as it is now in the North American States . " " Then , " said Mr . Owen , " when that law shall bo passed , I will undertake the Government" Mr . Owen was afterwards introduced formally , and in a friendly manner , * o the heads of the different departments of Government ; and both on his way to Mexico , through the provinces , and on his return to Vera Cruz , he had most satisfactory interviews with Santa Anna , who was Generalissimo of ihe armies , and "who was very favourable to tbe whole arrangement , and greatly pleased with the funda mental principles of the rational system of society . Mr Owen waa eonveyed from Mexico t # the United States , in a brig of war of ten guns and seventy men , sent lrom Jamaica to Tera Cruz to take him to New Orleans 10 . By these and other voyages and travels , Mr .

      Owen had discovered the extreme antipathy of feeling which bad for many years existed between the Governments cf Great Britain and the United States of Xorth America . It extended to all but a declaration of war . Mr . Owen perceived how both nations , and all countries in amity with them , were sufferers in consequence ; and the United States were on the point of forming a close union with the Northern Powers , in opposition to Great Britain . Mr . Owen went to Washington—commntiicated fully his views of the extreme bad policy of both countries to Mr . Van Buren , the then Secretary of State , who listened with interest to his statement ; and in frequent friendly intercourse for about ten days t-he subject became well understood between them . It was communicated to the then

      President , General Jackson , who also agreed in Mr . Owen's pacific views for the two countries . He wished to see Mr . Owen ; a day was fixed for Mr . Van Buren and Mr . Owen-to dine with the President , to talk the subject fuily over : and it was then agreed , on the part of the President and Secretary , that they would adopt a new policy with fircat Britain , and enter , in the spirit of peace and friendship , upon all points of difference between the two countries , if Great Britain would j meet them fairly in the same spirit Mr . Owen half j engaged they wonld , bnt he promised immediately on j his arrival in Britain , that he wonld ascertain the fact ; snd he immediately asked a conference with the Earl of Aberdeen , which was appointed for the next day . Mr . Owen explained his views to his Lordship , who

      admitted the truth , importance and policy of them : and authorised him to inform the America * ambassador tbat the British Government would fairly meet the American in the spirit proposed . Mr . Owen had letters from the American Government to its ambassadors in London and Paris , instructing them to follow Mr . Owen ' s advice in this matter , after he had communicated with the British Government Mr . Owen communicated the result of his interview with the British Foreign Secretary to the American ambassador in Londoa The negotiation commenced between the two Governmente , and it was speedily finished to their mutual satisfaction . Mr . Owen strongly Tecommended that every matter of difference should be then finally adjusted , and it is now t « be regretted that the boundary line wm not then de-

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      finitively arranged . It was stated by one of the Mural Princes , in a work which he published in America , that Mr . Owen was abusing the American Government Mr . Owen did not hear of this work for some yean after it was published , and then it was out of date to notice it Young Murat had been deceived by some parties on this subject . Mr . Owen now states that no Government , during thewhole of his intercourse from first to last with it , could have acted more honourably and kindly than did all the Presidents and all the public functionaries ( and they were many ) with whom he came into communication ;* and while upon this subject , he must acknowledge ho has great reason to finitirely arranged . It m * stated ^ one of . the ^ urak

      speak well of the attention which ho has received from most of the civilized Governments of Europe , and es pecially of the late Lord Liverpool ' s Administration , and of the Duke of Wellington ' s , although the venerable old General refused to preseat a most important petition , the other night , for Mr . Owen , nor listen ko his explanation ; because his mind had been previously abused by absurd misrepresentations , made to him by parties who could not understand Mr . Owen ' s views . [ Reference to ex-President General Jackson , President Van Buren , and the Earl of Aberdeen , Mr . Pakenham and the Mexican Government , General Santa Anna , and many others . ]

      Mr . Owen , finding that the government of Mexico could not carry the religious question , and that the power of tha parties was too much divided to form a strong and permanent government , to protect his now measures while they should be forming into strength , abandoned his intentions about a foreign settlement for his great experiment , and turned his attention upon bis native country , which he saw would sooner need his aid than any other . He lias therefore devoted the last ten years of his life to the sound instruction of its population , to prepare it for the peaceful change which he is now ready to announce to the world for the substantial benefit of all parties in a ' . l countries ; and many of the working

      classt-s in this country are now better informed upon the most important subjects connected with the welll-fcing and happiness of society than aay population has ever been instructed , and the truth , purity and importance of this teaching will soon appear in a new practice of the people of these islands . Robert Owen has also lately visited several of the oldest European governments , to prepare them also for the great change which the progress of science and ef real knowledge among the working classes now renders unavoidable . Mr . Owen , twenty-two years ago , in his memorial to these governments , informed them , most distinctly , that the coming of this change of events waa inevitable ; it is now come , and will bring its natural consequences .

      Robtrt Owen has also written and published within that ptriod tbe first of seven parts of " The Book of the New Moral World , " explanatory of the science of human nature , the most true , and , when rightly understood and explained , the most moral work ever given to mankind , and which book he is ready to defend against all who deem it their duty or interest to oppose it . There are many other important preliminary publications which he has put forth in this period , on various subjects , especially on religion , marriage , and private property , ana upon general and permanent sound national education and employment ; all of which , when properly understood , will be found to bo of inestimable value to the British Empire and to tbe world .

      But far before and above all other measures , Robert Owen has discovered and introduced , beyond the power of man to stay its course , ihe rational system of society and the rational religion , a system which will effect more for the well-being and happiness of the human race than all the erroneous and impracticable systems ever given to nun ; a system true , charitable to all , beneficial and kind to every one , and which will effect more for the prosperity and peace of the world in a very few years than all other systems have done through all past ages . The world is much in the dark on this yet mysterious system ; but the Right Rev . Prelate of Exeter is in a fair way to have it made well known to all the world .

      These are some of many things far too numerous to explain in this statement , that Robert Owen has already done for the old , most unmoral world . But these are yet but smail tilings compared with those he is prepared to bring forward to relieve his feilow-creaturss from their ignorance , poverty , division , degradation , vice , and misery . And now for my presentation to her Majesty . May I ask , who was the party most honoured on this occasion ?—the man of nearly seventy years , who had spent more than half a century in collecting rare wisdom , solely that he might apply it for the benefit of his suffering fellow-creatures , and who , that he might effect

      future important objects for the ignorant and degraded race cf man , submitted to cover himself with a monkeylike dress and bend the knee to a young female , amiable no doubt , but yet inexperienced—or the Minister , who introduced him to undergo this necessary form of etiquette , and afterwards , in a speech , containing much real nonsense , shrunk from defending that "act of his own—an act which win , perhaps , yet prove to have been the best and most important act of his administration—or the exalted young lady to whom age bent its knee ? I deem it no honour to be presented to any human being , trained and educated irrationally as all have been .

      I , twenty-two years ago , in my memorial to the Sovereigns assembled in Congress ivt Aix-la-Chapelle , presented to them by the late Lord Castlereagh , stated that I was not influenced in my proceedings by the desire for wealth , honours , or privileges of any kind , for that , long a ? o , I deemed these tbo playthings of infants ; " and now I view them aa the vanities of puny minds . But the leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons charges the Minister of the Crown with a grave offence for presenting me to her Majesty . Could the present Sir Robert Peel have made this statement with a serious countenance , or without blushing ? He well knew that the first Sir Robert Peel—the man who made the second Sir Robert Peel what he is , was for years in almost daily friendly communication with me , and was gratified to do my doings in tbe House of Commons , as I was not a member of it ; and to carry through , although much mutilated , my Bill foi the xelief of children employed in factories .

      Tbe late Sir Robert Peel was a man of business ; experienced , not in many words without any substance , but in a great variety of extensive practical measures , which enabled him to judge accurately and soundly of any new proposed extended practical operations which might have been presented for bis opinion . I now ask the Right Honourable leader of the forlorn hope in the House of Commons , whether he recollects my visit to his respected father at Drayton Hall , on the eve of one of my voyages to the United States , when he , the present Sir Robert , was a member of the bite Lord Liverpool ' s Administration , and then also on a visit to his father » If he does , he may perhaps recollect that I had with me about 200 large working drawings of plans for the general reconstruction of society , which ,

      with a costly model , I was taking with me to present to the President of the United States , in whose drawing-room it afterwards remained for many years , and , for ought I know , may bo there now . The late 8 ir Robert spent many hours with me in the examination of this unique combination of new and superior external circumstances in which to form a superioroccupation and much superior eajoyments to the future generations of men . Af t * r deeply considering the extent of the object , the arrangements for obtaining them , and the scientific manner in which they were united , to act each part in complete harmony with every other part , so as to form a perfect whole , he was in mute astonishment for some time , and the words he then spoke were , for their truth and profundity , most remarkable . He said , "Mr . . Owen , there are not four men in this kingdom who have varied experience in all the departments of life sufficient to enable them to

      comprehend arrangements of such magnitude j but if there were persons who could understand them as I do , they would readily perceive that the change Which you propose will accomplish much more than you promise . " He added , My son Robert is now here , and out with two of his companions ; it is true he does not understand these extensive practical combinations , not having had any experience in anything of the kind ; but you must stop with me to night ; he will be at dinner , and we will see if we can make any impression upon him after dinner . 1 wish , with all my heart , that the Administration would gravely investigate the whole subject" I remained , but soon found that the present Sir Robert bad no foundation of experience to enable him , in any degree , to encompass a subject so far beyond any practical knowledge which he possessed I have a great respect for the family ; but political party will soon degenerate the finest natural powers in any individual

      As to the Right Reverend Prelate of Exeter , from his speech on Friday week , in the House of Peers , 1 am compelled to conclude that he has yet to learn -what error , immorality , and blasphemy mean ; aud I should be disappointed if any one of tbe many thousand children , who were trained in the infant and other schools nnder my direction , could not , before they attained their twelfth year , explain these matters in a much more satisfactory and rational manner than the Learned BiBhop has done in his place in Parliament , if his speeches have been rightly reported .

      Bnt when I reflect for a moment , I am compelled to become conscious that the Right Honourable Viscount , Minister of State , the Right Honourable leader of the opposition , and the Right Reverend Prelate , have each bad their peculiar characters formed for them , and that , therefore , when they err they are t « be pitied , and not to be blamed . The charity of ihe rational religion , which was , somehow or other , suspended in me while reading the reported speeches of these noble senators , baa returned in all its strength and purity ; and I must , in consequence , forgive all they have said , and hold them blameless . 1 wonder whether tha old system will produce the same genuine charity for me in their minds —if not , I must pity , them yet more . Having discharged these trifle * from my mind , I proceed to more grave and important considerations .

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      DE . VTH FROM DESTITUTION . ALLEGED NEGLECT OF PARISH OFFICERS . On Saturday night , at seven o ' clock , an enquiry was instituted before Mr . Wakley , M . P ., and a respectable jury , at the Cumberland Head , City-road , to investigate tbe circumstances attending the death of Thomas Bell aged 52 , a labourer , who was alleged to have died from the want of the common necessaries of life . As a char » e of neglect w ; is preferred against the parochial officers of the parish ef St . Luke , Middlesex , ( an account in reference to which , appeared in our police report from Worship-street , on Tuesday last , ) very great interest was excited , and the inquest-rtwm was crowded . Dr . Kay , one of the Poor Law Commissioners , and several of tbo guardians from the parish of St Luke ; &c , were present .

      Mary Anne Mason , the only witness examined , said that she was now an inmate of the workiiouse . She lived with the deceased , who , during his life , resided at No . 1 , Scott ' s-yard , Upper Whitocroas-utreet . She cohabited with the deceased about twenty-three years , and baa three chiidren , the oldest being seventeen years old . Deceased went into the workhouse about a fortnight before Cbristmas . He was afflicted with an asthma , and bad a very dreadful cough . He was better when he left the workhouse . He stated to witness that he left because he had eaten all his bread that day ( which was Friday ) , and ho knew that he should not have any more till Monday . He complained that they did not give him sufficient nourishment . He said that he was only comfortable in that , be had a good bed to

      lie on . The same night that he came out he went to the Asylum of tbo Refuge for tbo Destitute , in Playhouse-yard . The next day ho brought her and her children some bread from there . He slept at the Asylum seven nights . On the Wednesday before he died witness obtained a ticket from Mr . Derbyshire , who is one of a committee of gentlemen who collect subscriptions for the reiiof of the poor ; with that she got some coals and bread . ' On the following Saturday the assistant to Mr . Smith , surgeon , Banner-street , called to see the deceased , when be stated that he was too far gone , and that ho could do nothing for him . Deceased told him that he thought he would have boen in his coffin before then . Deceased died on Sunday night , about six o'clock . ¦ -. .-.

      By a Juror—The dece . ised supported himself by eating the bones and pieces of bread which he picked out of the streets . I and my children had some occasionally . Coroner—When did you apply to the parish ? Witness—Not after tho deceased came out . I wished him to go back again , but he would not , saying that he had not proper nourishment . He thought it very hard that he should be served so , after having fought for his king and country . Then had you no allowance from the parish ?—No , sir , none but what the gentlemen gave me from charity . I got a little money by charing , and my children by making braces . The Coroner here observed that the first thing which ought to have been done was to examine the body and he then asked her if she had any charge to make against any parish officer .

      The witness stated that she thought the doctor ought to have seen that the deceased had proper nourishment . Juror—It appears that the deceased did not want physic but nourishment Witness—Yes ; that was what he had a hankering after . Juror—Thero are various reports that the deceased , waa not properly treated . Coroner—I cannot Inquire into reports . If I did I should make a Coroner ' s Court a court of idle gossip . A person in an under tone observed that there had of late been too much of idle talk going on in some of Mr . Wakley ' s inquests . Juror—As a parishioner , I should like to have the charge explained against the management in the workhouse .

      Coroner—That is not tbe purpose of oar inquiry . Tho better way would ba to adjourn the inquest , and have the body examined by disinterested persons , to ascertain if the decerjsed died of a disease , or whether his death was accelerated by want . Then , if he died from \ Vanfc , they would rake about for witnesses to discover if any one was blameable , and we can have some of the inmates from tha workhouse to give us information what nourishment the deceased had . A guardian said that seeing the deceased so bad , he urged him not to leave . He also stated that the deceased had 2 s . given him . Coroner—My impression , is that the parish want no vindication .

      Mr . Greig , a Guardian , said that he was present at Worship-street Police Court , when Inspector Robinson stated tho case , and he thought that there was ample ground for inquiry . I uformation was then sent by the police to the Poor Law Commissioners , when the inquiry waa ordered . Coroner—Is this parish under the regulation of the Commissioners ? r ~ Mr . Gre'g—No , it is not . Coroner—Then do the Commissioners order inquiries only where persons die in parishes not included in their regulations ?

      Dr . Kay here said that the Poor Law Commissioners made no distinction . They have had many cases reported from parishes under their jurisdiction , and that they have been as diligently examined as have those cases which have occurred in parishes not under their jurisdiction . They gave no directions about this inquiry . The Poor Law Commissioners do not think it their duty either directly or indirectly to interfere with the authority of the Coroner ' s Court The Coroner hera proposed an adjournment of the inquest to Wednesday next , at nine o ' clock in the morning . Tho Jury wished it to take place in the evening , but the Coroner overruled their almost united wish .

      They were then severally bound over in their recogni zancos of £ 40 each . > r .. The short-hand writers from the Poor Law Commis sioners took note . s .

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      EXTRAORDINARY CASE—THE ABUSES OF LUNATIC ASYLUMS . Court of Common Pleas , Feb . 7 . —Paternoster w . Finch and others . —This case , the circumstanoes of which , when mentioned , will bo fresh in the public mind , through the strong feeling they excited at the time , though the period at which they occurred is now , in consequence of the long delay in the trial of the cause , not recent . The plaintiff ia a gentleman of very respectable connections , but who had the misfortune to have some serious differences between himself and his family . They , it appears , had endeavoured to get him confined , under the pretext of insanity , in a

      Lunatic Asylum . To effect this , it was necessary , by tho lunatic law , to prooure the certificates of two medical men . Mr . Paternoster was assaulted one morning , at his residence , by three or four persona who endeavoured to seize him . He resisted , and sent for the police ; and upon their appearance the aggressors withdrew , taking away the manacles they had brought to secure him . He was advised to go to the Police-office , whither he was followed by the parties , from whom he sought the protection of the sitting magistrates at , Marlborough-street , Messrs . Dyer aud Conant . Mr . Finch , tha ) u » per of the Asylum , and Mr . Wing , a solicitor , another of the defendants , declared him to be insane . A Dr . Spurgeon was first sent for , who in the excited state in

      which he found Mr . Paternoster , put a series of questions , which that gentleman considered impertinent and prying , and resented as such , upon which the doctor signed the certificate . The celebrated Dr . Monroe , being next applied to , wisely said that Mr . Paternoster was not in a fit state to be examined as to sanity , and declined interfering . A Mr . Dunn , a neighbour of Mr . Paternoster ' s father , then came , and after putting questions so trivial that they left an impression on the ftind 3 of all present that Mr . Paternoster was the most sane of the two , signed the certificate . The magistrates upon this could not interfere . And on going out the plaintiff was seized upon by half-a-dozen parsons , the defendants , and after a dwpwute resistance , nroa AAnvavo ^ + t \ f \\ a T . itv \« tf « i % Aawhtwh *\ C M * 1 ? ans * l > tt ivrvvui Jhuutwsw llHU

      * VI vm wv waav . ^ tAyl -. VA * TA 1 » i IllvUi and therein immured . Mr . Hawes , the Member of Parliament , knew Mr . Paternoster well , and on going to see him was convinced of his sanity , and measures were taken to procure his release , which , however , by the law , could only be effected by a tedious process , attended with great d ; lay . At length it was effected , and Mr . Paternoster ' s conduct since his enlargement had been such as quite to establish his sanity . It will , perhaps , be recollected , that at the time of these transactions tho Sun having called the attention of the public to the case , through the medium of its police report , took great interest in the affair , and proceeded to appeal to-the public feeling on the subject ; so that Mr . Paternoster had since been freed from molestation . The action waa now

      brought to recover compensation for the assault and imprisonment . Mr . Thesiger ( with whom were Mr . Plattand Mr . Gurney ) appeared for the plaintiff , and made a most able address to the jury in opening the case , expatiating with great force on the tortures , not less of tody than of mind , which Mr . Paternoster must have endured , and dwelling on the avrfullv insecure state in which life snd liberty must be held if juries did not , by exemplary verdicts , condemn such proceedings as these . Mr . Hawes sat beneath Mr . Thesiger during the . trial , in which he evidently took deep interest . Mr . Paternoster was also present , and his demeanour was as eane as any person in Court . The first witness called was a policeman , named Dudley , C 56 , who had been called in to Mr . Paternoster s residence in the Haymarket on the occasion

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      of the firs * assault . Witness hid interfered to prevent the violence attempted ©» plaintiff , which otherwise he believed wonld have ended in murder . Tha witness also described the' scene at the police-office , in which he stated Mr . Spurgeon ' s inquiries to have been personal and irritating , and Mr . Dunn's questions to have been foolish and trifling . Mr . Wing was very violent throughout , while Mr . Paternoster * answers and conduct were altogether rational and reasonable . He stated that Mr . Paternoster waa severely beaten , and treated with great violence by the keepers , indeed by all the people who had been at the police office against Mr . Paternoster , but the witness could not specify the parts they respectively took . His impression was that the whole of the nine defendants—two Mr . Finches , Mr . Wing , Mr . Dunn , Mr . Worthington , and the keepers , with a Mr . Scott , were present . ^ n . ^ u- , w , ^ . * , i ^^ .,.

      ™ £ A * t orney-General here said he appeared for Mr . Paternoster , senior . Mr . { Sergeant Talfourd was for Mr . Wing . Mr . Erie for the keepers the Messrs . Finch , Mr . B « L Worthmgton . Mr . Hoggins for Dudley , cross-examined by the Attorney-General . —Had . been medically educated— ( A laugh )—but still had frequently seen persons insane before . Mr . Paternoster had appeared excited when his father

      and mother were mentioned—especially when his money matters wore alluded to—he was excited but not violent . Mr . Dunn put questions to him about his failing . Thought them foolish in the manner in which they were put . Mr . Paternoster answered generally in a cool and collected manner . By Mr . Erie—Mr . Paternoster had the poker in his hand during the scuffle at the house in the Haymarket . Mr . Thesiger objected to this unless he were also allowed to enter into particulars . Mr . Erie acceded to the objection .

      By Mr . Thesigev—The person called Scott was here in court when I first came into the box . He i « not here now . Mr . Thesiger—My Lord , I shall prove Mr . Scott was sitting there just now . Sergeant Rogers , C 5 , corroborated the last witnesses' evidence . Inspector Baker gave similar testimony . Dudley recalled and examined by Mr . Thesiger . — Point out now the person called Mr . Scott . Witness pointed him out by Mr . Hoggins . Cross-examined by Mr . Hoggins—I have some doubt whether Mr . Scott was in the office . He waa pointed out to me in tho hall .

      By Mr . Tnesiger—Ho was the person aiding and assisting in forcing Mr . Paternoster into the coach , in order to convey him off . Mra . Scott , the occupier of the house 47 , Haymarket , was then called , and stated that Mr . Paternoster had resided ihero six years before he went to the Asylum , and had resided there since . He was an early riser , and went to bed at good hours , from nine to eleven . He was very regular in bis habits . He paid regularly to the day every month . He was

      accurate and careful in his payments , and frugal and moderate in his expences . He appeared decidedly of sound mind , and capable of managing his own affairs . I never saw him tipsy but once . Mr . Thesiger— " I wish we could all say the same thing ;" Mr . Hawes , M . P . had known the plaintiff twenty years , and stated that he was quite of sane mind , and indeed displayed acuteness of no ordinary kind , and acquirements of very high order . At the same time there was something rather eccentric in his appearance : he was somewhat careless in his dress .

      Mr . Drunel . tho engineer , and Mr . Bloomfield , a surgeon ^ gave similar testimony , Mr * . Edward Dubois , Secretary to the Metropolitan Commissioners of Lunacy , produced the order , signed by Mr . Paternoster , senior , and the certificates signed by Dr . Spurgeon and Mr . Dunn , on which plaintiff was sent to the Messrs . Finch ' s Asylum , at Kensington . He Btated that the Commissioners could not discharge a person till after three separate visits , and it was on the very day after the last visit that Mr . Paternoster was let out by an order from his father , anticipating the decision of the Commissioners , who had examined Mr . Hawea , Mr . Aglionby , M P ., Mrs . Scott , and others . Dr . E . J . Seymour ( late one of tho Commissioners of Lunacy ) stated that he had been oae of the three

      who visited Mr . Paternoster at the Asylum at Kensingwn . I felt his heart and found that he laboured uHterapalpitation of the heart , denoting derangement of that organ . Nothing passed on that occasion indicating insanity ; but a Commissioner of Lunacy never forms an opinion until after three visits . I visited him twice afterwards , in the company of Lord Ashley , Mr . Hallswell , and others . On the last occasion I went with nine Commissioners . - The examination lasted two hours . He was very nervous and agitated . We examined him as to alleged acts of violence committed by him , indeed on almost every subject . Nothing passed that indicated insanity . His replies were pertinent and ready .

      Cross-examined by the Attorney-General—It i 3 sometimes very difficult to detect insanity . I have known cases of persons displaying great acnteness who have yet diseased minds . But such cases are rare exceptions . These persons often have sufficient consciousness of their position , while under examination , to know that it was important they should be cool and collected . They are often able , for a certain time , some longer , some shorter , to maintain conversation with a great rationality , but never in my experience for hours . There wa 3 a recommendation , with a suspensive order , for the releasing Mr . Paternoster . There was a resolution t £ release him if Mr . Paternoster , senior , did not . There was a difference of opinion among the Com * missioners

      . Mr . Thesiger objected . The Lord Chief Justice Baid it might be asked whether the decision was unanimous or not . The witness having stated that it was not ; there was a division on the resolution , and the numbers were six to four . Mr . Halswell , another of the Comissioners , who had examined Mr . Paternoster , described his conduet as sane and rational . Colonel Sykes , Colonel Clitheroe , and others asked him various questions on religious matters , some of which he declined to answer . He was rather excited , certainly , but quite sane , and had sufficient judgment to manage his own affairs . Witness had examined him

      privately ; on family matters , on which some persons have a kind of menomonia , or delusion ; but his explanations were very lucid on that point . Cross-examined by Mr . Sergeant Talfourd—Are you able to pledge your oath to the soundness of Mr . Paternoster smind ? Witness—Why , that depends on what yon understand by soundness of mind . Few minds are perfectly sound . ( Laughter . ) But I believe his mind to be as sound as most persons . Examined by Mr . Thesiger—I have never known an instance of a person of unsound mind baffling an examination as long and as strict as that undergone by Mr . Paternoster . 6 Mr . James Wilson , stockbroker—I knew Mr .

      Paternoster , and have done business with him . I have always found him perfectly sound . : Mr . Clarke , formerly a keeper in Mr . Finch ' s establishment * bore testimony as-to the general quietness and calmness ofMr . Paternoster durine the time of hia being in flwaeylnra . ^ Cross-examined by the Attorney-General—Had known many parties as qniet and orderly as Mr . iraternoste *^ who were clearly insane . Re-examined by Mr . Thesiger—Did not know lhat medicine was given to Mr . Paternoster at his entrance into the asylum . Mr . Thornton—I am proprietor of the Asiatic Journal . I received , a few years ago , some contributions from Mr . Paternoster .

      Cross-examined by the Attorney-General—I never saw Mr . Paternoster in my life . Col . Campbell knew Mr . Paternoster in Paris , in 1830 , and from what he saw of him he was sure he was of sound mind . Cross-examined by Mr . Attorney-General—I met him at a reading-room in Paris , and had no regular introduction . I have never conversed with him about his own affairs . James Collar , a newsman , knew . Mr . Paternoster was in the habit of coming to his news-room every day for the last two years—had accounts with him wished every body was a 3 punctual in their settlements of accounts as he was .

      Cross-examined by Mr . Erie—I had only conversations with him upon business . Mr . Brooke , a surgeon , in the neighbourhood of RusseU-square , had known Mr . Paternoster for several years—had met him out at dinner—from his knowledge of Mr . Paternoster he should say he was a person capable of managing his own affairs , and perfectly sound . Cross-examined by the Attorney-General—I have dined with him at my own house . I have spoken with him very little about the members of his family . I do not remember ever seeing anything but kind behaviour towards Mr . Paternoster from his family . Re-examined by Mr- Thesiger—Mr . Paternoster always treated his family in return with kindness . Mary Stammers formerly resided in Jermyn-street —when Mr . Paternoster , for four or five months * lodged with her . His conduct was very good , and his habits-vpry regular . Very regular in his weekly settlements of accounts . During that time she had not the least notion that he was insane .

      Cross-examined by the Attorney-General—Had seen him once or twice since 1832 . % Mrs . Collier , a waitress at Hancock ' s dining rooms , in Robert-street , had waited on him for three or four years . He was always like any other gentleman . Ho _ was always very regular . The Court then adjourned , and the trial wil ^ b « proceeded with to-morrow .

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      It is calculated that 60 , 000 drunkards die yearly m this country , and that one-half of the insanity , two-thirds of the pauwriam , and three-fourths of the cr imes of the land are the consequences of dn » kennesa .

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      Robert Owen , in bia public lectures , frequently stated that the two countries which possessed the moat ' ample means to insure permanent prosperity and happiness to their populations were Great Britain and the United States of North America ; and that the Governments of both , through want of knowledge , made the rery womt use of these fomlnable means , but more esped&lly ttte British Government

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      MURDER OF A GAMEKEEPER NEAR MOLD . We regrit to havo to record a most brutal murder , committed on Monday night last , in the county of Flint , a county generally remarkable for the iufrequency of capital crimes , and tho lightness of criminal offences . The unfortunate victim is D . wid Evans , gamekeopor to John Wynne Eyton , Esq ., of Lecswood , nuar Mold . The deceased , who was a man about forty five years of age , had on Monday last , been following bis usual occupation , and was returning home in the eveniug . Just beforo six o ' clock , ho passed through the farmyard of Mr . Jones , a respectable farmer living near to Coed-y-Hendremine . on the mount \ in leading to Halkin , and in passmg he had some conversation with Mr . Jones aud his man . Ho left them to proceed along the

      byroad leading to the mine ; and in a very few minutes they heard the report of a gun , and a man ' B voice exclaim , " Oh , Lord ! Oh , God ! " In about ten minutes , a boy , leading a mare , camo to tha house , aud stated that a man was lying in the lane , either dead or drunk , and that he had hard work to get the inare past hiin . Mr . Jones immediately summoned his men ; and , it being dark , they went with a lantern to the place described by the lad , where they found the body of a man amid a mass of fresh blood . One of the men immediately recognised the body as that of David Evans , the keeper , -who had left the farmyard not many minutes before . They guarded the body , and instantly despatched a mtssenger to the coroner , and he , after sending imformation to Mr . Wynne Eyton , proceeded to tha place , accompanied by his brother , Robert Parry , Esq . surgeon .

      The body of the deceased , when examined , presented a most horrid appearance : the head being noarly separated from the body with Home sharp instrument , and the face contused as if with a blow , and the head lacerated in several parts . A minute examination showed thai the unfortunate man had first been shot at . A charge of shot had grazed the muscular part of the righ " t sum " , then penetrated the skin on the right side of the breast , carrying with it a button from the waistcoat , it passed under the skin to about the centre of the breast , when a part had broken the skm and escaped , the rest proceeding under the skin , fracturing slightly the second and third ribs , and ultimately lodging in the muscles of the left side : only one shot had penetrated the chest , and that was found loose , tbe lungs and other intestine objects being entirely untouched . This wound

      could scarcely haye been attended with fatal results . The murderer must . then have stunned his victim by a blow with the fowling-piece , as a contusion , as if inflicted with some blunt instrument , was found on the forehead and face , the cartilege of tho nose being divided . Then the murderer must have resorted to the use of the knife , as there wob a cut of one inch long on tho forehead , four on the right side of the head , one being two inches long , and three ou the left side of the head , one being two inches long . The knife had been stuck in the throat on the left side under the ear , and by one vigorous slash the whole of the muscles , arteries , windpipe , &c , divided in the front to the other side , leaving the head attached to the body by the vertebra of the neck and the back muscles . Death must then have been instantaneous . .

      The exertions to find some clue that might lead to the detection of the perpetrator of this inhuman slaughter , were not long in being rewarded . A lad in the employ of Mr . Lloyd , a respectable farmer , near to the mine , and concerned in mining operations , stated that some little time before the murder was committed , and within seven or eight minutes' walk of the place where the deceased wa » found , a man accosted him , dressed in a velveteen coat , and in breeches and gaiters , having a single-barrelled gun on his arm . He asked him what hour David Evans , the keeper , passed , morning and evening , and whether be had heard any

      shooting ? The lad , replied , t \ x \ t he had heard two guns fired within five minutes of each other . The man replied ,, that he would hear him fire soon , aud asked him if the keeper carried a gun ? The lad replied , that he did not know ; that he had heard shooting , but he did not know whether the keeper shot or not . The man appeared to bare his face flushed , as if he had been drinking a little ; and after telling the lad not to tell anybody what he had asked him , he went towards the lane where David Evans was found dead . The time corresponded with that stated by Mr . Jones as the time he saw Evans : and would have enabled the man to

      arrive avthe lane in time to meet Evans there . The description given by the lad answered to a man named Edward Jones , who lived in a cottage on the edge of Halkin Mountain , about a mile from Coed-y-Hendremine ; and Mr . Eyton , Mr . Parry , Copeland , and Price , tho Mold officer , proceeded to his residence ; this was early in the forenoon of Tuesday . As they approached Jones was outside the cottage , and on seeing them . he went in . The party went into the cottage , and on seeing the prisoner he had some blood on his face , and Mr . Eyton asked him how he got it . He seemed confused , and said he supposed he had got it in chopping gorae . He had also some spots of blood on his clothes . They found a single-barrelled fowling-piece loaded . They informed Jones of the suspicion that attached to him , took him into custody , secured the gun , and broughthim away . Jones wasidentifled by the boyas the man he had seen . On their way to the Leeswood Arms Hotel , Mold , they were joined by Mr . Hill , of Chesh-r

      for whom a second messenger had been despatched . On arriving at that hotel , Jones , was told by Mr . Hill that he was suspected of having murdered David Evans , and he replied that he could clear himself , as he had been drinking from a little before six o ' clock till ten o'clock , at a beer-shop on the top of the mountain , kept by John Jones his brother . Mr . Bill then asked him now he accounted for being seen by the lad . ? . He replied , no lad had ever seen him , nor did tiwlad say so . Blood , apparently fresh , was found on hia jacket , and on- the inner part ) - of the right thigh ou his small clothes ; and his hat had the marks of bloody fingers on the left side and on the left rim , and where those marks were , was literally saturated- with blood . He did not account for these appearances . The ahot in the charge of the gun when drawn and compared with the shot taken from Evans ' s side , exactly corresponded . , Mr . Eyton , being a magistrate , ordered Jenes to be detained in custody . to await the result of the coroner ' s inquisition .

      On Wednesday an inquest was held on the body of the unfortunate man , at a public house near to where the body was found , -when , after a patient investigation the jury returned an unanimous , verdict of " Wilful murder against the prisoner Edward Jones , " and he was committed on the coroner's warrant to Flint gaol , t « await his trial for the offence at the spring antes .

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      IhdlyidvJftlB " in thV British' filament have talked about prosecuting and punishing some of the disciples of the Rational System of Society ; that * , at Jeast , would not be very rational . ' 1 I am the discoverer , founder * and open promulgator of thia system , and of all the error , immorality , and bla « phemy which it contains ( if a particle of either can bo found iu it ) . I , alone , am the author , and therefore I alone ought to be , if any one shall be , prosecuted and punished for the wickedness that miy be extracted from it I am ready to prove to the first Minister of Ihdl vid « al » : in tnV Britiah

      tha Crown , that the Rational System and Religion , as I have taught them , are anything but " nonsense ; " to the Right Honourable leader of the Conservative party in the House of Commons , that thi 3 system promulgates the most valuable and important truths only ; and to the Right Rev . Prelate the Bishop of Exeter , that the Rational Religion which I have given to tho world contains far less immorality and blasphemy than any other of the innumerable mysterious religions which have hitherto been made to destroy the rational faculties of man , and to enslave tho human mind .

      If those who govern this and other countries be wise , seeing that this subject has laid fast hold of the public mind throughout tho civilised part of the world—they ¦ win now appoint experienced , scientific , practical men , and men possessing real knowledge of things and not merely of words , to enter into a fair , full , and businesslike investigation of the whole system , th . it they first , and through them the world afterwards , might obtain an accurate knowledge of that -which will be found moat deeply to interest every individual of the human race , now and through all future generations By tl . is rational mode , -what is erroneous , if there be error to be found in it , will be , as it ought to be , the mo ^ t publicly and most propevly made known ; while that which is true and good , if there be aught truoand good in it , will be brought ovit for tUo benefit of the public .

      I seek no advantage from this measure—from the beginning of my career , when I had no one to support ma . I had for the cause of truth , to placa myself in direct and optn opposition to all tho most deep-rooted prejudices of the past ages . I then anticipated aud made up my mind to incur fines , imprisonment , and death , perhaps at the stake ; aud what are these to aa individual when hi 3 miDd and feelings are deeply imbudod with the desire permanently to benefit the human race ? But instead of fiues , imprisonment , and a tortuous death , I have b 2 en a favourite of the world , havo lived a quiet , peaceable , and unostentatious life , happy in myself anil in my family ; for tho Owen family , while in New Lanark in Scotland , and in New Harmony in America .

      have been one of the most liappv families on either side of tha Atlantic . It is true . I have always expended U > the last shilling my surplus wealth in promoting this great and good cause , for funls have been always mucii rcquirelto hasten its progress as I desired- But the Right Reverend Prelate is greatly doceived when he says , as he is reported to have said , that I had squandered my wealth in profligacy aud luxury . I have never expended a pound in either ; all my habits are habits of temperance in all things , and I challenge the Ri t'ht Reverend Prelate and a ! l his abettors to prove the contrary , and I will givo him and them the means of following me through every stage and month of my Ufa

      Havin ? made this statement , I mem not to trouble myself with what any parties may say , in or out of the Houses of Parliament—my lifo is the true answer to any falsehood that may bo stated—presont popularity is annoying to ins , ( and future fame I hold to be an absurdity , except for the personal gratification of the descendants of the famed individual . I am happy in life ; I should be happy iu death ; and therefore , independent of this old , worn-out , immoral , and irrational world .

      Robert Owen London , February 2 , 1840 .

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      The priBoner appear * to be a man about fifty yeara of age , and has already been eomricied of felony . He is a widower , but has four daughters . He has generally had the character of being a poacher ; and . assuming that . be ' - Jbaa ' committed this horrible murder , the provocation is supposed to be , th » t David Evans , the deceased mm , was the cause of his being , some time since , convicted in a penalty of £ 5 for ahootin * a pheasant . —Chester Chronicle . Th « « rf , ™ , ™«« ^ V _ ^ W&ii ^

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      '6 THE NORpEtN gTARl ') t . ^«»

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 15, 1840, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/king-y1kbzq92ze2671/page/6/