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Northern Star (1837-1852), 4th September 1852, Edition 2 of 2, Page 10, To the English Workmen who ham helped us...

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      Capital For The People. The Weekly Dispa...

      mimsiness through the means of credit and borrowed capital wivithno better security than their machinery , premises , and capability to do business , which working men might to some extent also offer . But then there would be the interest to » a ) ay , and woidd not that diminish profits seriously ? Unquesiicionably it would ; but still the manufacturers manage to pay ihthe interest now and to pay for labour too , and to make pro-Stats and build up fortunes beside ; and it is difficult to see why smo-operators would not be in as good a position .

      But granting all that can he said upon that point , excluding ttbthe consideration of all extraneous aid ; allowing that the xnmoney market would be closed against such purposes ; admitititing that capitalists would not have sufficient faith in working rmmen or interest enough in their welfare to make them advances , the question still remains to be put , cannot they find itlthemoney for themselves ? We answer unhesitatingly , yes Hfff they have faith in themselves , in their fellows , and in the jpprinciples we advocate , they can do it without looking for Ihhelp outside their own order . They have in their own hands ,

      saaccuniluated through their Trade Societies and Benefit So-< ecieties very large funds , of which hereafter we shall attempt 'tto give an estimate—certainly more than enough to commence tthe work . These funds are now invested in Savings Banks , j private banks , and the funds at a low rate of interest . Through t these channels they find their way back into the general cir-( dilation , and form part of the credit capital with which 1 their masters employ their labour and get profit . These funds

      t gathered together and properly invested in the aid of Co ^ < operative efforts—invested upon as good security as they are : now , upon the security of the representative industry of the workers , and all the wealth of the kingdom rests upon no : more secure a basis , would produce a larger return by way of interest than they do at present , and would lay the foundation upon which might be raised a great superstructure of

      power . It would be the first great and sure step to the emancipation of all who live by labour from the tyranny of that capital which their toil has created , and their deliverance from that intense competition for profits which it is grinding down men debasing women , and incapacitating children from rising above degradation . Such a plan , however , must have the sanction of the names of men of tried integrity , and the active aid of persons of unquestionable ability . It must also be fully matured and secured by the sanction of the law . How that is to be accomplished must be told in another article .

      58 The Star Of Freedom. S Pt M Br 4,1852...

      58 THE STAR OF FREEDOM . S pt m br 4 , 1852 .

      Htntrcraijc Llokicnts,

      Htntrcraijc llokicnts ,

      Public Meetings, &C. Questions And Answe...

      PUBLIC MEETINGS , & c . QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS , No . 2 . Is it advisable that a better and more conciliatory policy be adopted by the Democratic body ? To the Editor of the Stah op Feeedom . Sir , —In approaching this question , I am perfectly aware of the prejudice andmisrepresentation that will be called into action by certain parties . Nevertheless , as I am firmly convinced that it is a question that must be met , ere we stand any chance of realising our hopes , 1 have resolved , at least , to open a discussion on the subject , which will no doubt be wrought out by abler than myself .

      I recollect , in your inaugural address to the second series of the Friend of the Peoph , there were these words , "As regards conductive ignore both faction and compromise . We believe it to he ^ jinpossible to resussitate the worn-out phrase , " let the dead bury their dead . " These words gave hope to many that a better and wiser course was about to be pursued ; but never shall I forget the storm of abuse and misrepresentation that was hurled against you , and lest similar misrepresentations be made against me for writing , and you for publishing , these letters , I will state broadly and distinctly , that the principles which I wish

      to see established are thoseeontainedinthe People ' s Charter , and which will embrace the entire sovereignty of the people . Nothing less than this will ever srtisfy me , nor would I advise the people to ask for anything less . The point , therefore , that I want settling is , " how shall we get the Charter ? " For my own part , 1 know of but two methods by which the people can obtain political power . The one is by physic ^ force , the other by moral power . Both of these methods are , in my opinion , perfectly legitimate ; but the former never ought to be resorted to when the latter will

      accomplish the purpose . In such places as Russia , Austria , Rome , and at present France , which are governed on purely despotic principles , and where the liberty of the pen and tongue are annihilated , where the governments are huge conspiracies in such countries , physical force becomes a sacred duty , which every man—who is not a traitor to his species , and an enemy to his liberty—is bound to have recourse to . But I am not now speaking of those countries , but of a country where we enjoy a large measure of freedom of speech . We may lay bare the rascality of the priesthood , and even call in question the truth of

      their tenets . We may expose the extravagance of the government , and point out its unjust and exclusive characters . In fact , we may talk about anything , or everything , if we only keep our hands off peoples persons and property , and do not frighten the old women by talking about fighting . A people thus situated cannot conspire ; it is impossible . In fact , no attempts of this kind are ever made , except in times of commercial distress , and then the voice of agitation is a hunp-ry howl raisedbymen , thc majority of whom have no fixed principles

      nor any clear idea of the cause of their distress ; still less of the means by which it is to be removed . They therefore fly on the first appearance of danger , leaving the few men of princinle who stand at their head to bear the full weight of governmental wrath . Being screened by their insignificance , they remain in security until the next panic awakes them from their slumbers and just as they are utterly powerless , they again make their appearance in the political world , again to play the same game with the same disastrous results .

      Such will always be the consequence of any attempt at physical force in this country . It lias required a long course of dear bought experience to demonstrate the truth of this position . JS ^^^^ . ^" P ^< mieB , Iet the leaders of the democratic cause he prepared to enlighten the minds of the

      Public Meetings, &C. Questions And Answe...

      people , instead of inflaming their passions , and some good will ultimately be accomplished . Seeing that wc stand no chance in this country of ever again making , a physical force revelation , it follows that if ever wc are to have a revolution in government , it will have to be brought about by the united moral power of the people , it therefore becomes our duty to enquire how this can be clone . We have already seen that ' it is impossible to persuade any considerable portion of tho labouring class to unite heartily for such

      a purpose . We have flattered their pride , and have told them they were aviso , when a uast portion were as ignonmt as asses . We have told them they were virtuous , when a large portion were steeped to the lips with vice . Had we spent half the time in endeavouring to reform their morals and improve their minds , that we have in flattering and deceiving them , tho results would have heen indifferent . But it is now too late to mend , though in this case it is , nearly so , for the party who still hold

      together have become so accustomed to flattery and humbug that nothing else will suit them . Tho man who attempts to teach them plain common sense is either hooted or laughed down ; no amount of previous labor in the cause of liberty being any guarantee for the continued confidence . of this particular body ; while the man who can flatter and daul them to the highest pitch , though he be the greatest knave in existence , is sure to meet with applause and support .

      Looking impartially at these circumstances , I am led to tho conclusion that all attempts to raise a party , from rmong the working classes merely , sufficiently powerful , united , and persevering to wrest the Charter from the government , arc at present hopeless ; for a union of this , sufficiently strong to effect any good , must consist of a large majority of the entire people . Of what earthly use are the present associations , contisting , as

      most of them do , of from half-a-dozen to twenty or thirty persons ; in no town do they number as many units as there are thousands of inhabitants . Is there any sincere Chartist , possessing the ordinary amount of intelligence , that can imagine for a single moment that a result can be accomplished by such an insignificant force . If there is , he will find himself woefully deceived . Indeed , the only purpose for which most of these associations exist at the present is to increase the number of our

      enemies , and split up and weaken the already too feeble army of Democracy . A new and better policy has therefore become a necessity for the true and earnest democrat . I am perfectly aware , Mr . Editor , of the amount of misrepresentation that will take j ) laco on this point . I am perfectly aware that the mere agitator , who wants to live by the trade , and who never intends that the people ' s hopes shall be realised , will endeavour to raise the cry of " traitor , " " middle-class tool , " & c . ; nevertheless , we who want the thing done , and done as soon as possible , must not he deterred hy such considerations . So long as we stand hy our principles , we are justified in using such means as we think best to accomplish the advent of the people ' s liberty .

      And , as we are not infallible , if the plans which we propose fail to accomplish the end sought , we shall be justified in making such improvements as experienok may dictate . Such is the course pursued by the skilful artisan when he constructs a new machine . When , he first sets it to work he proceeds to note down its defects , and make improvements , time after time , until he lias brought it to perfection / Such must be the course pursued by the political machinist . If his machinery is found to be defective , or does not produce the anticipated resuh , he must set to work to repair it .

      Tuere is one other subject to which I will allude before quitting this part of the part of the subject , that is our propagandist machinery . This , as your are' aware , has heretofore consisted in public meetings , processions , and great demonstrations : the platform being the grand emporian whence our wares have been distributed . Now , undoubtedly , this was a very successful method , and proved highly advantageous to our cause up to a certain time , after which its efficacy began to decline . Various reasons may be assigned for this ; some of which 1 have already alluded to , others there are equally pernicious . The lecturers

      had no small share in driving away the audiences from our halls by the imperfect manner in which they performed their task ; indeed , numbers of thein ought never to have mounted a platform , for they were more ignorat of the principles they had undertaken to expound than the audiences they had called together to enlighten . Hence their time was taken up in wild and incoherent declamation , leaving the people worse than they had found them . Swarms of idle vagabonds took advantage of the lecturing mania ., and threw down their own imployment

      ( that is , those who had any ) , appointed themselves as lecturers , and having marked out for themselves a route , senl it to the Star for insertion , and off they marched , a flaming band of tramping patriots . The thing , however , become an intolerable bore , and brought the whole lecturing system into contempt . The frequency with which lectures were delivered soon destroyed the novelty of them , and by reducing them to an every day occurrence , destroyed their efficacy .

      Our large processions and county demonstrations having-. been got up for the purpose of " striking terror" into the ° other portions of society by showing them numbers which did not in reality belong to us , has acted to our prejudice in two ways ; first , b y deceiving parties as to our real strength ; and secondly , ' hy raising up a strong feeling of animosity against us on the part of numbers who would otherwise h ave been with us . We have likewise outraged the feelings of tho religious world by holding our meetings on the Sunday , and thus putting it out of the power of that party to unite with us . I have no sympathy

      with the priest-ridden herd , and shall rejoice in the clay when their eyes are opened to the delusion which is being practised upon them . But what shall we do ? there they are with all their prejudices upon them . Tney command a vast influence in the world , and shall we so arrange our society that that influence shall be directed against us ? If we do , we are not acting wisely , for we ought to lose no power that we can have ; it is all needed , and will be found little enough . I have mentioned this last circumstance , because I have been so often

      attacked upon it by the religious world . Doubtless the priest hood as a body are opposed to us , as they have ever been the enemies of progress ; but it is thoir supporters that we want ; and , I ask , shall we ever get them if we put it out ol their power to join us ? Most certainl y not ; if we can get the congregations the pars will soon follow . In a word , wc want our society to be built upon such principles that it must command the respect and esteem oi all parties . Until we can bring our minds to do this we shall remain as we are a weak disunited , and despised body . PHILO ' . '

      Political Refugee Committee, At A Meetin...

      POLITICAL REFUGEE COMMITTEE , At a meeting of this bod y , on Friday last , it was resolved to gold the . fee meetings every Friday instead of Monday evening . Members are earnestly r equested to attend : "

      Political Refugee Committee, At A Meetin...

      Many friends have suggested the union of the i ! Em- on ^ Freedom Fund , " with the " Refugee Fund , " believing tC one , combined , vigorous effort , on the part of the British Be " lnocracy would ensure the success of both . This import ^ question is under consideration Letters of the unemployed refugees are being prepared republication and distribution among the friends of " the exile- ? "*

      Mosjuss Received , August 27 th . - R . d Brought forward , balance m hand August 0 In . 9 A Friend , per Walter Cooper 1 0 ' A Member of the Committee 0 1 < j Barnslcy : per T . Lingard 0 4 q W . 11 ., ' Pocklington ' 0 0 i ] $ 3 F The following correspondence has been received : — .

      To the Members of the Political Refugee Committee . Gpxtlemes , —We heartily thank you for tho generous appeal you have made to the hospitality of the English nation in favor of our fellow countrymen who are in distress . It is true , that one funds raised hitherto can go but a short way , as you ' hav 0 said , to relieve the necessities of our unfortunate brethren ; b ^ we are not the less grateful to you . Only , let it be undcrshiori that , above all , the 'French Refugees ask for labour . To cnahhi them to work bravelv for their livelihood , would be the bass

      mode of administering assistance to men who suffer for hir ' nii defended freedom and loved justice . Yours faithfully , The Members of the Committee—J . P 11 . Bjsyax A . Bkkukkz T . Thoise Boissox , jun . BoicnoT Felix py . yr Louis Blanc

      To The English Workmen Who Ham Helped Us...

      To the English Workmen who ham helped us . Ouk Commission has already thanked you , but for our own part , we thank you , English brethren , for your feelings of brotherhood . Your gift is more than the gift of a rich man it was the gift of si free and hard-working man , therefore wc accept it with joy and pride , well knowing that the gift oi your sweat wilt be the guarantee of the future brotherhood between all labourers throughout the world .

      It is with thankfulness that we have received from oar friend , the citizen , Louis Blanc , what you offered so kindly to us ; but , brethren , could you not help us to something better than money —to work ? It is sad for us to remain in unwilling idleness , it is wearisome for us to do nothing all the day long ; for we were accustomed to labour , even to hard labour , and we should like to work and deal with you , that we may know you , and love , you , and obtain a free and honest living for our wives and children .

      Do not tear our competition in the labour market ; we are not numerous enough for it . There shall be no competition when wc shall hold together as brothers and friends . We shall come to you but to encourage and strengthen your numbers . Let us be united now in the days of sadness and misery , and thus wo will prepare the future union between all tho members of the human family . English workmen ; let us shake hands together ; let us be friends—good friends—and go-a-head ! ({ Signed ) Le Gnos , Delegate of the Luxembourg , 7 , Hodden Court , Regent-street .

      FORMATION OF A REFUGEE COMMITTEE AT BRISTOL . Some weeks ago the Star or Fukkdom in its columns kindly noticed the condition and wants of the Refugees at present in England , and to-day with pleasure we report that a committee has already been formed at Bristol , on behalf oi the Refugees .

      The meetings of tho committee arc held at the Youns ; Men ' s Rooms , Castle Green . The endeavours of the committee will be directed towards obtaining employment , as one of the most pressing wants . Large would be the field upon which the committee would labour , for many are Refugees , who want our assistance ; but to reguhite the process of work , the com-• i > T 11 , 1 r * , /> iV T-k /» • t . 1 , 1 mittce

      having equally the fete of all Refugees in mind , for ike present took care of the Polish , as their number is vastly enlarged by new exiles expected from Greece and Prussia . The last meeting was held at the above-mentioned place , on Monday last , Mr . George Powell was unanimously called to the chair ; Mr . B . Warcski , was elected secretary , " and Mr . White , treasurer . The committee turned the discussion towards the

      selecting of proper means to awake the attention of the people , and as the calling of a public meeting did not seem at tin ' s season of tho year tho most suitable , the committee decided upon printing a list of unemployed Refugees , including their profession , and with a short notice to the people . Three hundred copies of this list will be printed in the course of this ; week The members of the committee charged themselves ; with its distribution . The meeting adjourned till Afonday next , at eight o clock , , when all friends are kindly invited to attend .

      Nottingham . — -The Secular Hall . — -Wc have had a a triumph at Lenton , tho authorities tried to prevent Mv . \ Broom ' s delivery of his second lecture , but failed . A friend d lent us a large piece of land in the centre of the town , where -c all the people flocked to hear the long lecture that was tle-Jlivercd to them . Sunday morning , long before Mi * . Bro ^ mm had reached the forest , thousands had assembled to listen t ^ his last lecture on the Dogmas of Theology . He spoke abow <» two hours , and a tee collection was made for the Sccutarai " &

      Society , at the conclusion , friends came far and wide to m ) tea-party that was held in tho afternoon . The hall «* literally crammed . Two courses of tea had to be sevYOtUL " Save ourselves , save oppressors , " " Marsellaisc " were sui $ > £ » and " He ' s my Brother , " and the " Voice of Freedom , " wermy recited by Mr . Broom . He delivered a long lecture on offi ?" nisation , showing the follies of the past amfthc chances oi diciicc present . The society is adopting plans to have built a ia'S \? hall of their own , as their present one is too small .

      The New National Gallery. -We Understand...

      The New National Gallery . -We understandj ^ the authorities have it in contemplation to purchase ^^ extensive property of the Earl of ' Harrington , sitiiatec - ^ Old Bronipton , for the purpose of erecting a new Na tw »< n < Gallery / . " ¦ ' ¦ . ..,--

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 4, 1852, page 10, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_04091852/page/10/