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Northern Star (1837-1852), 2nd October 1852, Edition 2 of 2, Page 8, " JUSTICE—DDIUTABLE, UNIVERSAL, ETERSAT,...

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    • Hiitites to Comsprakitti
    • " This is truth tho' opposed to the philosophy of ages!"
    • %\t jikr iff Jfrtehni
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      120 The-Star Of Freedom. October 2 ,1852...

      120 THE-STAR OF FREEDOM . October 2 , 1852 .

      " Justice—Ddiutable, Universal, Etersat,...

      " JUSTICE—DDIUTABLE , UNIVERSAL , ETERSAT , !" DEMOCRACY IN DANGER . There are two different modes by which the enemies of a great principle may bring it into disrepute anl reduce it to impotence . The one is to assail it with open violence , callnmny , and falsehood . The other is to affect to patronise it only for the purpose of stifling its energies and extinguishing its vitality . This latter course has seldom if ever

      failed while the former has scarcely ever succeeded , unless when open enemies have been aided by the perfidy or folly on the part of the friends of the great principle assailed . Christianity , at the outset of its history Avas savagely attacked by the interested upholders of the Pagan system . It triumphed , however , over all persecution , and confounded the calculations of its most able and inveterate foes . The

      fires of martyrdom were cheerfully , enthusiastically encountered by men ardent to prove their unflinching adherence to the new faith . Calumny was associated with the sword of the executioner - , and to be pointed at as a Christian or Nazarene , was to be included in the most odious of all" the dangerous classes" of the Roman Empire . Force and slander alike failed , fcr the adherents to the New Thought were sustained by singleness of heart , unquestioned purity , and indomitable resolution . These gave them tbe victory . But that victory was a misfortune . The hour of

      Christianity ' s worldly triumph was also the hour of its moral fall . Chat which persecution would not accomplish was effected by corruption . Constantine was a more fatal foe to the Christian Church than was Nero . The latter persecuted , but the former debauched . Then was set aside the religion of Jesus of Nazareth in exchange for the priestcraft of popes , archbishops , abbots , and the rest of the host of greedy and unscrupulous locusts , who , while exalting the word , have killed the spirit of the Christian jF aith . In our own time we have seen a political movement founded upon the holiest principles , inaugurated under the

      most cheering circumstances , and at its very outset making conquest of the hearts of vast numbers . We have seen that movement , notwithstanding the fervid zeal of its adherents , gradually decline and come to nought . Why so ? Not merely because of persecution . True , Chartists have been subjected to all that persecution which the opinion of the age permits . Some have suffered banishment and imprisonment ; others loss of business , deprivation of employment , & c . ; obliquy and reproach has been the lot of all who have borne the name . But these petty acts of persecution would have stimulated the growth rather than caused

      the decay of Chartism , had the Chartists been inspired by the devotion of the early Christians , or even by the inflexible resolution of the much abused Republicans of France . Unhappily the common foe has been strengthened , aided , and abetted by " the enemy within . " There has been rottenness at the core of the Chartist movement . Egotism , mendacity , and faction , in the ranks of the party itself , have wrought the ruin . Persecution alone could not have effected it .

      I have said rottenness has been at the core of " the Chartist movement , " I speak of the Chartist movement as contradistinguished from Chartism ; a distinction which should not be lost sig ht of . The Chartist organization is , or rather was , a matter of necessarily temporary existence , certain , sooner or later to be superseded by some better form of combination . But the Chartist principle is no such evanes cent affair ;• on the contrary as part and parcel of the greater and universal principle of Democracy , it is necessarily eternal . Come what may of natural forms and names ,

      Chartism itself will survive the wreck of parties and the ruin of politicians . Apparently it has fallen into contempt , and is nearly consigned to oblivion ; but in truth its spirit has began to exercise an influence over the country ' s politics ; and all parties in turn have come to acknowledge the potency of that democratic opinion which some would shackle and contend against ; while others , more crafty , would patronise it , only to work its ruin , and ensure its

      failure . In this last-named policy exists the danger by which Democracy is menaced . Derby confronting and combatting Democracy is , comparatively speaking , innocuous ; but Russell and others affecting to countenance the cause they in reality detest will , if permitted , bring Democracy to that shame and contempt to which their patronage long ago reduced once honest , earnest Radicalism .

      The reader will remember that shortly after the Tory premier took office he declared it to be the mission of his administration to oppose the onward march of Democracy . After some : months silence " Lord " John Russell has adopted his rival ' s declaration as a text on which to hang an artfully designed discourse calculated ( as he imagines ) to reinstate him in his old position of"leader" of "the

      liberal party . " If " Lord" JoHtf Russell had been in earnest in his new-born attachment to democracy (?) he would have made his profession of faith at a moment when it might have influenced the composition of the newly-elected Parliament . As it is , his declaration can only be looked upon as a dodge designed to prepare the way for his return to office . A brief examination will show the hollow

      character of the v \ hig leader s " democracy . " While affecting to deplore the present political state of the continent , he takes care to have a fling at the Revolutionists of 1848 , observing that "the attempt which was made in 1848 to introduce wild license in place of sober liberty has tended instead of fixing or extending freedom , to confirm the claim of authority , and to make men rush with willingness , nay , with enthusiasm and vehemence , into the arms of despotism . " A false and libellous representation of the

      men of' 48 ; but not the less cheered by the speaker ' s " influential , wealthy , and respectable" hearers . It is fake that the people of Europe attempted to introduce " wild license in place of sober liberty . " The Revolution of 1848 —the national uprising in France , Germany , Ital y , Hungary , & c , & c , were one and all , glorious protests against the license of " authority ; " and necessary manifestations in opposition to the brutal licentiousness of uncontrolled Despotism . The Revolution of 1848 will be memorable hot for its " anarchical , " but for its too-conservative cha-

      " Justice—Ddiutable, Universal, Etersat,...

      racter . Everywhere-in Paris , Palermo , Berlin , Vienna , Milan , Rome , Venice , & c .-rhe peop le , the moment they had conquered their foes , retired to their ordinary occupations , leaving the management of affairs to " men of property " and democrats (?) of the Russell stamp—an act of folly which has since cost the . effusion of streams of blood and tears . But however unwise the conduct of the people , that conduct was at least the opposite to the " license " attributed to them by " Lord " John Russell .

      When the Whig leader speaks of " men " rushing with enthusiasm and vehemence into the arms of despotism , it is necessary to ask who he means . If by " men" be means stock-jobbers , and the wealthy classes generally , we admit the fact , while we deny their claim to the name of " men . " They will be serfs to tyrants , they may rest . " But if " Lord " John means by " men " the people of continental Europe , be asserts that which is false , infamously false and

      scandalous . The people were betrayed by their own want of good sense by their lack of inflexible energy , by tbe treason of false leaders , and the perfidy of the tolerated tyrants . That which fraud commenced , force completedfor a time . But " bide a wee ! " At the first opportunity the cheated and scourged nations will rise en masse , and make short work with those despotisms the ex-premier deems so strong in popular love and confidence 1

      " Lord " John Russell admits it will not do to deal with democracy after the manner of Castlekeagh and Sidmouth ; and then proceeds to take credit for his manner of dealing with that power . He indulges in a fancy sketch of the state the country would have been in , in 1848 , if that time of trial had not been preceded by the Reform Bill , Catholic Emancipation , Repeal of the Corn Laws , & e . ; arguing that but for those progressive reforms , it would have been difficult , perhaps impossible to have saved this country from the general Emopean conflagration . Doubtless he is correct . Logically

      he proceeds to argue that the best way of dealing with democracy is to grant bit-by-bit reforms , and thus stave off national convulsion . In fine , " Lord" John Russell ' s democracy means , simply , strengthening the garrison against the real democracy , by admitting to that garrison a certain select , and safe section of the excluded , not unreasonably calculating that the favoured few will , though dissatisfied to day , become conservative to-morrow . A cunningly devised policy by which our aristocratical system is to be perpetuated , and the advent of real democracy indefinitely postponed .

      The Times speaks of " Lord" John Russell as the " presumed head of the democratical movement ; " and a persevering effort is being made by penmen in the Daily News and other " liberal" papers , to write up the veteran trickster as worthy of once again leading the people , and directing their energies to the ousting of the Tories , and the obtaining of some new instalment of mock reform . Surely this stale game will not succeed . Surely the people have had enough of the Dead Sea fruits of Whiggery . " that tempt the eye , But turn to ashes on * the lips . " A writer in the Daily News truthfully observes that " the people of this country want a government competent to grapple with the great questions of the day , whether they wear a moral , a social , or a political aspect . " Assuredly * Lord " John Russell is neither . able nor willing to form such a government . Indeed , no such government is possible without a radical re-construction of the popular branch of the legislature . Any reform party that will evade or trifle with this question of questions is utterly unworthy of public support . " Lord" John Russell ' s miserable apology for a " Reform Bill , " introduced immediately previous to his last ejectment from power , sufficiently shewed the folly of looking to him and his party for any measure founded upon the principles of common right and equal justice . To save Democracy from the debasement of Whig patronage , and the mischief of " Liberal" perfidy , tho democrats must repel the blandishments of Russell and Co ., and look to themselves only to hew their way to victory . When I say " look to themselves , " I do not mean any mere section but tbe democracy as a whole . Has the time arrived to sacrifice faction and egotism for the exaltation , in their stead , of patriotism and duty ? Let the people answer . Let the honest and earnest take the initiative in the glorious work of saving democracy from the snares of political schemers , impostors , and charlatans . I / AMI DU PEUPLE .

      Hiitites To Comsprakitti

      Hiitites to Comsprakitti

      Letters To The Lmtor. All Communications...

      Letters to the Lmtor . All communications intended for publication , or notice , in the Star of Freedom , must be addressed to G-. Julian Harney , 4 , Brunswick Row , Queen ' s Square , Bloomsbury , London . * * * Correspondents will oblige b , y writing on one side only of their letter-paper ; and by forwarding their communications as early as possible in the week . Orders for the Star of Freedom .

      In consequence of new publishing arrangements , each of our Agents will oblige by henceforth giving his orders for the Star of Freedom through his ordinary London publisher , by vrhom he is supplied with other London Newspapers . Those agents in the habit of sending cash ( or stamps ) with their orders , may have their papers from Mr . John Phillip Ckantz , Publisher , 2 , Shoe Lane , Fleet Street , London .

      No Credit can be given . The Star of f reedom will henceforth h published at No . 2 , Shoe Lane , Pleet Street , London .

      A National Party.—-We Have A Number Of C...

      A National Party . — -We have a number of communications . including a letter from G . Julian Harney , Oil Mr . Newton's proposal for the formation of a National Party , which arc unavoidably postponed till next week . Adversary of TUB first Eepublic—The Members of the Society La devolution , celebrated the 22 d of September by a banquet the report of which reached us too late for insertion in this number . An account of the banquet , with Ledru Ilollin ' s speech , will be given in the next number of the Star or Freedom .

      A National Party.—-We Have A Number Of C...

      H . Beal . —Whilst we do not hesitate to expose any derhW of duty on the part of the Leader , we do not feel justified in publish ; , on communications rejected by that journal . We are not surnrisp 11 ? t ever , that your indignant remonstrance with its conductors for ' ^ flunkyismin surrounding the paper with a black border on thodo « v the Puke of Wellington was left unnoticed . u uea « i « f E . H . 8 ., Fitzroy Place . —There is much truth in what you but vou am too despondent . Doubtless there will soon be something i ^ for the working classes than either of the alternatives you mention Messrs . Holyoake am > Linton . In afoot note to tbe ' let * ofSi » AHTAcus ( Mi \ W . J . Linton ) , headed the " Palmerston Crutch ^" nfFovaA nnt

      , thought «/ answer the charge preferred against them by Mr . Linton 'h \< tn merely an act of justice , and we expected to be called upon to p » S-T defence or reply by one or both of these gentlemen . Mr . Holvoakp i a written , what he , no doubt , considers his vindication , but whidi in « shape presented to us , we have been compelled to reject , Mr . Ilolyo-ike well aware that there is a wide distinction between a simple defend '« himself and such a letter as he has written . Had th is distinction not yl forgotten by Mr . Holyoake , we should have published the reply \ s sented to us , regard for Mr . Holyoake himself forbids its pubifcitW * our columns . If Mr . Holyoake will confine himself to the Hunts hisJ , " common sense will dictate , we will redeem our promise , and give to h " reply publicity in the Stab . ' '

      Monies Received for the Refugees . —Moses Nichols od J . V . Cogan , Liverpool , 6 d . ; W . Bimton , Banbury , 5 s . ; Edinburgh ' ' ,. l Wm . Mc Kechnie , ( including 10 s . from Leith ) £ 1 Os . Od . b ' Seoulak Conference , — We understand that this important meeting of delegates , convened to promote the organisation of frep thinkers , will be held in the Socular Institution , opposite the Carpenters ' Hall , Manchester , on Sunday ( to-morrow ) October 3 rd , to commence at ten o ' clock , a . m .

      Sub-Publishles Of The " Star Of Freedom»

      SUB-PUBLISHLES OF THE " STAR OF FREEDOM »

      notice to hbadbbs and the trade . The following Booksellers and News-agents undertake to supply the London Trade with copies of the Star of Freedom : Mr . Viokers , Holywell-street , Strand . Mr . Purkiss , Compton -street , Soho . Mr . Clements , Little Pulteney-street , Soho . Mr . Nye , Theohald's-road . Mr . Truelove , John-street , Fitzroy-square . Mr . Cox , Drury-lane .

      Mr . Parkinson , Wilsted-street , Somers' Town . Mr Caftyn , Oxford street , Mile End , Old Town . Mr . Mathias , 80 , Broad-street , Ratcliff . Mr . Fellow es , George ' s Circus , Blackfriars-road . Mr . Harris , Blackfriars-road . Mr . Coulson , Playhouse-yard , Whitecross-street , St . Luke ' s Mr . Baker , Providence-place , Kentish Town . Mr . Steele , Clerkenwell-green . Mr . Brown , Charlotte-place , Goodge-street . Mr . Cooper , Trafalgar-road , Greenwich .

      " This Is Truth Tho' Opposed To The Philosophy Of Ages!"

      " This is truth tho' opposed to the philosophy of ages !"

      Ad00810

      MESMERISM AND CLAIRVOYANCE . ON Tuesday Evening , the 5 tli August , GERALD MASSEY , Author of " "Voices of Freedom , and Lyrics of Love , " will deliver the second of two Lectures on Human Magnetism and Clairvoyance in the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Tottenham Court Road !

      %\T Jikr Iff Jfrtehni

      % \ t jikr iff Jfrtehni

      Saturday, October 2, 1852. Despotism's D...

      SATURDAY , OCTOBER 2 , 1852 . DESPOTISM'S DEFENDERS . Only a few weeks ago we felt it our duty to rebuke , for its insensate and immoral language , a Dublin contemporary , which assumes the dignity of representative of the Democracy of Ireland . At that time we found it rejoicing in the prospect of an invasion and conquest of England , and making merry in the hope of England seeing the sabres of Bonaparte ' s Pretorians gleam in the streets of London . This , too , from

      the pen of a " democrat , " one who professes to believe in the great principles of human liberty , and the brotherhood of the people , to satisfy a petty spite—or rather to Hatter the prejudices of a large portion of the Irish people , who have as y « t been taught nothing but to hate those who never injured them , to treasure up a feeling of impotent rage against a sister nation—a nation "willing to labour for their freedom as much as for its own .

      Doubtless , the " leaders , " who thus inspire their followers with such fatal and unworthy thoughts , have but small desire to awaken the better nature of their countrymen , or raise them from their present state of ignorance and degradation ; for they know full well that the success of their endeavours to excite animosity between people and people could ultimately have no other result than to perpetuate the slaveryaml degradation of both . If they really desired a happ ier and a better fate for Ireland , they would cease their senseless

      appeals to the most hateful passions of the population , they would cease to see subject matter for Ireland to con gratulate herself upon , in the possibility of London being deluged in tn « blood of its citizens , and of English hearths being pointed » y the drunken soldiers of a foreign bandit . They would rather point out to the suffering masses the real causes of then ; misery , they would show them that they were the victims w political and social tyrants—Irish even more than English who keep them in subjection by keeping them in ignorance and degradation ; they would show them that the only mean *

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 2, 1852, page 8, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_02101852/page/8/