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Northern Star (1837-1852), 6th December 1851, Edition 2 of 2, Page 5

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      P Gjga Nnia Iih«H'I-«W.-» The Protestant...

      circulated by that great statesman . The assumption and assertion of spiritual authority Vy ti"ePoi » E in these realms , are looked upon by the . AJliance as part and parcel of a deep laid and wz ! u ™ lJ Prised plan for the re-establishment oi universal temporal as well as sp iritual despotism . The aggressive movement of the Pope and the Ui & 'a-inontane party is * but a part of the preconcerted campai gn ag ainst the civil and reli gions liberties of Europe , and is , therefore , more dangerous than if it were an isolated and purely Papal movement . To repel it , a combined party and a comprehensive policy are necessary , and true statesmanship as well as true courage unite to point out an aggressive as the most effectual and successful counsel that can be adopted . circulated by that great statesman . The

      Instead , therefore , of waiting till the Inquiation ^ the Censorshi p , and the Confessional , in conjunction with the immense standing arsries of the temporal despots , have trampled 4 owu every manly and free spirit in Continental countries , and spread over Europe the silence of political and religious death—instead of waiting until we shall be surrounded oil all sides by nations thus subjugated and fettered , and find ourselves called upon alone to do battle for the preservation of our liberties—the Protestant Alliance has resolved to adopt an aggressive policy . It will carry the war into the enemy ' s country , and , "b y so doing , place

      them upon the defensive . : Nor can tho sincerestEoman Catholic object to this policy on religious grounds . They claim free and unfettered development for their own creed aud ritual in this country—the common principles of fair play demand that Protestantism should he equally free in Koman Catholic countries . -Che very depth of their religious convictions Should oe an additional reason why they should not Jiesitate to confront what they consider heresy with the faith of tho One True Church . Whichever side wins , humanity cannot but be elevated by the contest , for whatever makes men think raises them in the scale of

      creation . But that thinking ! How dangerous to dogmatic and despotic authority of all kinds : How formidable an opponent to Ignorauce , Error and Tyranny , is an Association that "betakes itself in good earnest and with adequate means to kindle up into life and energy tlie dormant and latent germs of intellect , to teach men their true destiny , and inspire them with the determination to achieve it ! Acts of Parliament aro worthless

      compared with this method of dealing with despotic aggression , which , if duly carried out , will not only produce immense direct and present results , bat constitute a barrier of increasing strength against future aggressions . It is impossible for the peoples of the Continent not to see that the political slavery at present forced upon them by their rulers is , to a , large extent , identified with , if not a consequence of , the system of Ecclesiastical Supremacy , with which it is allied , and as every one of these nationalities evidently longs for emancipation from thraldom , the commencement of a crusade in favour of political and religious free thought and action , would be eagerly hailed by them . The Government and the Church would in saeh a ease find work

      enough at Lome , , instead of concocting plots of universal domination , which have for their ultimatum the utter and complete extinction of freedom of thought , speech and action in Europe . The only safety f or us now lies in such a movement . To be inactive is to expose ourselves to imminent danger , To confront the crowned and mitred conspirators against liberty , is the first step to a final victory . But then the financial reformers will cry

      * Look at tlie cost ! ' Let us in reply ask what they value Great Britain with all its active intellect , enterprise , and liberties at ? Or do they think it a small thing that England should find herself without a companion among European nations , and ultimatel y Le placed under the same mind and body destroying influences aa those which , debase and crush iVaples into tho lowest depths of national wretchedness and degradation ?

      But a combined aggressive movement on the part of the advocates of civil and religious freedom , need not be expensive . On the contrary , it is certain in its very nature to be the least costly course we can adopt . The people are everywhere panting for deliverance . They only require a timely diversion to be made in their favour , and they will achieve it for themselves . That diversion we can make almost without cost on our own part ; though if even a large expenditure were required , we do not see why the nation that expended a million millions sterling to prop up rotten dynasties , should grumble at half that sum , if necessary , to promote the general freedom of Europe .

      It is an auspicious omen of Letter days , when we find the leaders of the religious , as well as the political world , th . ou . gh looking at the question from different points of view , coming to the same conclusion on a matter of such overwhelming importance to the present : aud future welfare of mankind .

      Circulated By That Great Statesman. The ...

      December 6 , 1851 . -p ut * * ^« ~ z- - == = __ = ^ ^ - THE JVQRTHaRN STA & ! " 77 "" -- "" - ""^ ~ -== r ™ " . J _ - - ¦¦ , 5

      ¦¦¦ A__»___M«Ainmaim—B Nlohies Received ...

      ¦¦¦ a __»___ m « ainMaiM—B nlOHIES RECEIVED Fob Ths Vfzzx IBsDVsa TiroasBAT , December 5 in , 1851 . NATIONAL CHARTER FUND . FtfCeivcd by Jons Absgtt . —J . Hushes Is—C . Denny ' s List 4 s Cd—Llanidloes , jmu-D . Owen 5 s id—Cheltenham , nev E . Shavl-and 4 s—Sortli Crawley , per G . Lice 2 s / d—Chelsea Locality , per G . Gill as—Jlr . Jlilhr , S- Lukes Is —A Friend 2 s « d—Yarmouth , per T . Eisner -s Cd—John , street Locality , per J . Arnott £ 113 s 3 d . Total £ 3 Is od .

      TO TIIE CHARTIST BODY . Having been nominated as a member of the ensuing Executive , I think it right to slate briefly my oninioa as to the course to be adop ted . The present divided state of opinion as to the formation of tbe Xsecuwe , -will prevent any immediate change in the constitution of that body . The present Esccutive have no course left open to them save that of following the rules laid down by the last Conference , lor the present , then , we must have an Executive of nine . Proceed at once to their election . Events are parching -with rapid strides—the wheels ot destinv are " hastening on ward—if we would keep yace with them we have not an boor to lose . Exertions must be immediately made to organise the

      localities . Preparations must be taken for the assembling of a Conference—we know not how soon it may he needed . Prance is again revolutionised . The whole continent is in a « itation . 0 " . r own affairs demand that this step should not be long delayed . We must show to the Government that we are determined to have a real Reform Bill , we _ nus £ also remodel and improve our organisation . To the work , then , without delay . Eicci men who have your confidence ; give them means of employing missionaries throughout the land prior to the meeting of a Conference . Let us forget our distentions , and think only of the means of embracing the opportunities which " may surround ns . r Thomas Maiitix Wheklep ..

      Maschester A^'I) Salford " Education Bil...

      MASCHESTER A ^ 'i ) SALFORd " EDUCATION BILL . A areat meeting of the advocates of the local or clerical scheme of education for Manch esilet . and Salford was held in the Free Trade-hall , Manchester , on TuBsdav evening ; Mr . ^ -Eutwisle occupied the chair . Among the speakers were-tbehard Bishop of Manchester , the Rev . Hugh Lowell , Alderman Sbuttlev-orlh , the Rev . Canon Chfton and many other clergymen and dissentmir minister ,. The following reflations were adopted . :--That this meeting ? rat * fuHy concurs ^ fte « we pi » licly expressed bv iL- Host Gracious Majestyr that the youth of these Wgdoms should be regions ) j brought up , and thatnrights cf conscious should be respecrea . uidiuie ngnts conscious ?

      . e auu a suuu . u y ~ - —*• „ . __ — , »„ Thatitise * ped : en : to provide , b * ^ slaVve thTdSt for the free education of all the children in th"i dutnrt . Dy means of local rates , such rates to be ad ministered ny local authorities . . ,. ..- —fnf » at therates so levied oughtto be appliedin s ^ tw easting schools affording religions and secular m ^ ucnou and of shnilar schools to be hereafter erected bjJ ™ *? / liberality j and also rathe erection of schoolroom" in Ues titute districts . ,. „ . _ , ___ That in thecase of schools not receiving Parliamen ^ aid , and not publicly rccognsied as affo rding , ^ 'f , ' struction , provision should be made for the dailymstruc

      won of the children in tbe Holy Scriptures . . That in aU cases the right of the parent to se > f '" j place where his children shall be educated , aud to « e ™ I * them from any dutucuvc relinious teaching to wmen u » shall consciousl y object , uust be sacredly marowmeot

      National Association Of United Trades. T...

      NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . T . S . Buncombe , Esq ., M . P ., President . " .-ia . J _ ST 1 TIA . " " If it were possible for the working classes , by combining among themselves , to raise , or keep up the generil rate of wages , it need hardly be said that this would be a thing not to be punished , but to be welcomed and rejoiced at * Stoam Mill . NATION AT , ASSMPTATTnM o »

      The admirable leader upon the Wolverhampton Tin-plate Workers' Case , iu the fourth page of last week ' s 'Northern Star , ' ia worth y of all the attention which it is possible to be given to it by the working men of Great Britain . It presents a lucid exposition of the law of combination , as interpreted by one of the highest Courts of Judicature in the Kingdom , and is in strict accordance with the opinions which h

      ave always been adrauced by the Central Committee in all their public writings , aud maintained by all their public proceedings . The principles of the National Association , which are essentially those of persuasive and peaceful combination , are , de facto , legalised b y the decision of the Court of Queen ' s Bench We no longer depend for our justification upon the opinion , however just , of Baron Eolfe , or any other individual judge , nor shall we again be placed out of the pale of the law b the sophistical specialities of Mr . Justice Erie .

      Our view of the law of combination is confinned , and the learned Knight ' s corrected , b y the solemn decision of the Court of Queen ' s Bench . That decision ( which , bo it remembered , is now the corrected opinion of Justice Erie ) , stands recorded in the following memorable words , which we cannot keep too prominently before the working classes : — In like manner the legislature intended to allow that the workmen should meet together , and agree , and consider , and come to a positive agreement among themselves on what wages they would work for—what terms they would require for their work —and they were not to be restricted from so doing merely because many of the workmen were in the employment of one person , and , perhaps , others in the empl oyment of others .

      "We invite particular attention to the latter part of this most important quotation ; it legalises combination in that large comprehensive sense we have always contended for , and thero is nothing in tbe conditions within which this right is to be exercised which need deter us from its extended application . There is but one thing necessary for the immediate and full enjoymeut of this law—for it is law—and that is Union , and that rational consistent discipline inseparable from it , For the word Union is a misnomer when applied to any combiuation where one end is sought to be obtained by separate and conflicting meaus . To the members of the National Association

      we would say , in all operations , confidence iu the integrity , and a fair and reasonable submission to the judgment of your Executive , are absolute essentials to luture success . Ii the present Executive , or any other whom you may select , are found undeserving of so large a deposit , displace them , until you find men in every way , both by character and intelligence , worthy of being tbe guardians of , and champions for , your rights . Hetving discovered them , give them no divided allegiance . Show that you respect , them , aud y our enemies will respect them also . The present Executive , with whatever abilities they possess , have exercised them faithfully and fearlessly ,

      aud have come out of the ordeal of a protracted and important struggle , it is hoped , with honour and credit to themselves , aud with such advantage to the great cause of which they were the exponents and defenders , a will , if the working classes be true to them selves , tend to the roost important consequences . The immense latent power now permitted to be frittered away in isolated acion , or iu perpetuating an exploded and injurious policy , if concentrated into one focus , would , if judiciously wielded , rescue labour from its thraldom and effectually checkmate such persons as the Perrys , and others like them whom we are about dealing with , and who seem envious of their honourable

      notoriety . The magnitude of this power , and its efficiency for good or evil , seemed perfectly cognizable by the Lord Chief Justice Campbell , who said : — I am most anxious that all workmen should have it in their power to get as much as possible for their labour ; but I must confess I look with some alarm upon this general Association sitting in London dictating to masters what they shall pay their men , and levying contributions for the support of such a society all over tbe country And he continues : — Tiiat might raise a fund ( l * d . per week from the working classes of England ) as large as the revenue of some of the sovereign states of Lurope . Just so—and why not ? Why should not

      labour for its protection possess revenues as large as any sovereign state , which aloue exists , as it appears , for the aggrandisement oi the few , atthe expense of the many , and these the labourers , tbe proletaires of Europe . And as for the danger which his lordship seems so nervously to apprehend , we could tell his lordship how all danger from this concentrated power and sovereign income might be readily averted and made eminently conducive to the true national interests . Let bis lordship use his legislative position and talents ( of no mean calibre ) with his compeers , to strengthen his

      fellow subjects , the working classes , against the continued encroachments of capital . Let him promote the repeal of the laws of primogeniture , entail , and mortmain . Let them pass a Sale of Encumbered Estates Bill tor England , and cause to be surrendered to the dominion of the plough , the parks , warrens , royal chases , & c , which are now devoted to the exclusive use of wild animals and vermin , to touch which by any but the select few is a hig h crime aud misdemeanour . To such measures as these , and many others which might be enumerated , let there be added a

      full , free , and ample unsectarian education of tho whole people , at the cost of the state , and the sovereign revenues of the peopie would have a useful and beneficial application ; the suicidal emigration mania would receive a wholesome check ; his lordship ' s most anxious wish would be realised : ' the power to the working classes to get as much as they cau for their labour , ' without injustice or danger to any other class of society ; aud then would En o-land gradually become , in reality , what she has ' so long and so arrogantly pretended to be , 'The envy of surrounding nations , and the pride and admiration ot the

      world . ' . . This latent power , these insignificant pence , if concentrated and partially capitalised , would do away with strikes and all their bad aud dangerous consequences , as if by magic , and labour , when allied with the capital revenue of many Sovereign States of Europe , would become ' respectable , and be elevated to the rank and position of an interest in the state . Oh I how long will tho working classes j erinit these plain and palpable facts to be fruitlessly reiterated ? How long will they suffer their doubts , fears , prejudices , and apathy to stand between them and their freedom and happiness ?

      We do hope these Stafford trials , and tbe important legal decisions which they have elicited , will confirm the faith of those who are now connected with the Association , and remove the doubts and prejudices of the thousands whose present perilous position should teach them to look to National Unity as the only available means to snatch them from the impending evil—an utter and abject surrender of thtir industrial rights , to the rising fortunes , social and legislatorialof aspiring capital .

      , Yes , my ° Lord Camp bell sees with us plainly , that a thoroug h union of the working classes with a common fund , created by con-

      National Association Of United Trades. T...

      tributions so sr iian , HS to he injurious to none would effectually achiovb -e independence or labour ; and we can venture to promise that , concurrently with „ uch an altered state of things , the working classes would rapidly improve in all manly qualities , that the discord and strife now engendered by the desperate competition between labour and capital , would altogether cease , and the relations of employer and employed would be earned on upon principles of mutual justice , and may , we say , necessarily , of mutual respect and friendship . If the unmerited , the monstrously unjust , incarceration of Messrs . Peel and Green , siiould eventuate in awakening their fellow workmen to a full perception of their position , and begetting in thorn a manly and unquenchable determination to adopt immediate means for relieving themselves from the yoke of their intolerable bondage , then would any amount of imprisonment be hailed by them with satisfaction and pride . - -

      The Central Committee feel assured that the members of the National Association , upon a careful review Of their past proceedings in connexion with the Wolverhampton Strike , will give them credit for having maintained the character of the Association , and of having been the unshrinking defenders of the ri ghts and privileges of British industry against one of the most unprincipled and unscrupulous conspiracies of capital ever yet exhibited . The past policy , with such precautionary vigilance as late proceedings have proved necessarv , will be the policy of tho future . The law is no ' iv fixed and determined—the frontier line which separates legality from illegality is distinctly perceptible , and the Committee will never shrink from die very edge of the precipice , notwithstanding the well-intentioned , but somewhat illogical , advice of -Mr . Justice Patteson .

      lUE CENTllAI . Committee op the NaTIOKMi Association or Unitjjd Trades . 259 , Tottenham-court-road .

      Reform Conference At Manchester. On Wedn...

      REFORM CONFERENCE AT MANCHESTER . On Wednesday a conference of Reformers , attended by delegates from different parts of tho country , especially froin Lancashire and Yorkshire , ' was held at tiie Spread Eagle , Manchester , to consider what course ought to be taken by the friends of Parliamentary reform in consequence of the intimation made by Lord John Russell , that it was the intention of the government to bring forward a measure of Parliamentary reform in the next session of parliament . The number of geatl _ n \_ n vrfeaenb was about 200 , and , among others , we observed Mr . Gibson , M . P ., Mr . Cobdeu , M . P ., Mr . Bright , M . P ., Sir J . Walmsley , M . P ., Mr . J .

      Kershaw , M . P ., Mr . J . Williams , M . P ., Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., Mr . J . B . Smith , M . l \ , Mr , W . S . Crawford , M . P ., Mr . L . Ileywortb , M . P ., Mr . J . Brotherton , M . P ., Mr , Hey wood , MS ., Mr . Duncan Maelaren , Lord Provostof Edinburgh , Mr . JB . Baines , Leeds ; Mr . F . Carbutt . jLeeds ; Mr . 11 Forbes , Bradford ; Mr . II . Ashwonh , Bolton ; Mr . Rawson , Manchester ; Mr . J . Simpson , Manchester ; Mr . J . C . Dyer , Manchester ; Mr . J . Pollock , Br . John Watts , and Mr . W . P . Roberts . Mr , G . Wilsos , chairman of the Parliamentary Reform Association , took the chair . The Chairman having opened the proceedings

      , Mr . Brioui submitted the following resolutions which had been adopted at a preliminary meeting composed of gentlemen from Yorkshire , Manchester , and its neighbourhood . Mr . Bright then read the following resolutions : — 1 . That this Conference has maturely considered the existing state of the representation of the United Kingdom , and hus deliberated upoa the changes which are required to satisfy tbe just and moderate expectations of the people , and to render the House of Commons , in conformity with the spirit of the constitution , a fair representation of the property , the industry , and the intelligence of the nation .

      2 . Tnat with regard to tlie franchise , this Conference is of opinion , that the rlglit of voting should be widely extended , aud that the lrauchise should be made move simple , with a view to the easy formation of an honest register of electors ; and it recommends that the elective franchise be based upon occupation and liability to tlie 1 'Wor rate , with such limitation as to period of residence as shall be necessary to afford a guarantee that the occupation is bona fide . In addition , ihe Conference would urge the extensku of the 40 s . franchise and its extension to Hie owners of property in the United Kingdom of that annual value , whether derived from freehold , copyhold , or leasehold tenures—( cheers )—with a view to open a way to the ht of to

      rig voting many , who , from various causes would not be ill Ihe direct occupation of premises rated to the relief of the poor , but whose claim to the franchise , from iuJustry , character , and station is undoubted , The whole constituency of the United Kingdom would thus consist of occupiers rated to tlie relief of the poor , and of the owners of property , freehold , copyhold , and lea behold , of the annual value of 40 s . 3 . That this Conference is of opinion that no extension of the franchise will make the House of Commons u fair representation Of the nation without a very considerable change in the distribution of the electoral power ; and it , therefore , strongly urges—That , wheie practicable and convenient , small and neighbouring boroughs be united and form one borough .

      lliat , where such union is not practicable , small boroughs cease to return members , and that their existing constituencies merge hi the constituency of the country in which they are situate . That corresponding to the extent to which small boroughs shall be united , or shall cease to return members 10 Parliament , new boroughs be created from the populous towns now unrepresented , and that additional members be conferred on the metropolitan and other first class boroughs in the United Kingdom , A guiding principle in the changes here recommended should be , that hereafter no small constituencies should exist , and that no constituency should consist of fewer than a , 0 « 0 electors .

      • 1 . That this Conference is of opinion that the adoption of the ballot is indispensable to an honest representation ; that it would make the convictions of the electors , rather than his personal interests and fears , the leading motive in the exercise of his franchise ; that it would repress the di > movalisingr practices so lmmili . iting to candidates aud so degrading to electors which seem almost inseparable from a canvass ; and that it would aid most effectually in preventing ; the turbulence and riot with which elections have hithi-rto been too often attended , 5 . That this Conference is of opinion that the present legal duration of parliaments is much too extended to secure to constituencies a proper control over their representatives , and would strongly urge the repeal of the Septennial Act anil the limitation of the duration of parliaments , in accordance with ancient precedent to a period not exceeding three years .

      C . That this Conference entirely concurs in the view expressed by the Prime Minister during the last session of parliament , that the property yuuliiicatiun for members of parliament ought to be abolished . 7 . That in the propositions agreed to , aud now submitted to the consideration of the country and the government , this Conference has been anxious to adhere to the ailCient landmarks of OU 1 ' representative system , .-mil within theiv limits to introduce such changes only as experience has shown to be wise , and so to widen the basis of the representation , as to satisfy the . jnst expectations oi a people improving in industry , in comfort , in education , in morals , and iu the appreciation of then ? public duties an . ! public rights .

      Mr . Uriojit then proceeded : Everybody feit that the £ 10 franchise was merely a halting place , and that it never was based on any principle that could be logically and permanently defended . He believed that every person who had considered the question , and was really wishful to have Parliamentary reform , was prepared to go as far as household suffrage at least . ( Applause . ) Xo one supposed there could be any danger in going to the extent of a franchise on the basis of a poor-rate , because it was the basis of the parochial franchise , the municipal franchise , the Poor-law union franchise ; ami no one ever supposed for a moment that there was any danger in admitting all those , all over tlie country , who had been permitted to enjoy these various franchises . It must h > : borne

      in mind that after giving a rate franchise they could Itmic it to a yery large extent by having /' six-months' residence , or twelve mouths , or t « o yc . ua , or three years ; but tho more they went in that direction , the more they would be holding out a great grant to tho people , and at the same time keeping out a . very large portion of them ; in point of / Vict , destroying to a very large extent tho satisfaction with which the grant would be received by the people . ( Hear , hear . ) They knew what had been the result of a three years' qualification in another country ; and it was the face , also , that a three years' municipal qualification had tho effect iu Manchester of making the municipal franchise

      actually less than the Parliamenary franchise ot the borough . ( Hear . ) They must make a limitation of the franchise as to residence on one of these two principles—either because they wanted to ascertain the actual residence of the elector , or because they wanted to curtail the number of electors . 'Die first principle « as perfectly valid , but with regard to the second , they would be acting very unwisely to carry out a limitation on such a principle . ( Hear , hear , ) They were aware thnt at present it person was not placed on tlie electoral register unless he had paid his rates up to six months before the day ' on which the registrar was made out . He thought the _ 0 s . freehold should be extended to ths whole of the United Kingdom , and include both

      leasehold and copyhold , because in some cases copyholds obtained very extensively , and in Lancashire leasehold was almost universal . As to the ballot it had been more warmly received , than any other proposition he had to make to tbe meeting . There were in that room assembled a number of neraons , employing a greater aggregato number ol workmen than perhaps ever wore assembled before , and they were prepared to give to the population in which they resided-one which theoretic statesmen thought not the most safe-the elective franchise : and if they give them the ballot it would be an earnest to the people of their sincere desire to give them tho lull enjoyment of that franchise , without fear or favour and without any control whatever on the part of those by whom ttiey were employed . ( Loud applause . ) A fresh distribution of the electoral districts was imr . ern . t . ivelvr . eneBaarv . bec & ttse , if SUCh borQUgha

      as St . AibaVs and Harwich were to have household suffrage , instead of the £ 10 suffrage , and Manchester and Liverpool were stil to have only r . n canal somber oi members with them , the

      Reform Conference At Manchester. On Wedn...

      cause of fair representation of the people would not be in tho least advanced . With regard to the duration Ot Parliaments , if the Government did not reduce the term to that which the people were in favour of , and which was in practice 150 years a ° ' n T ? T uld b ? b e"ernot to make any chan-e at all . ( IJear , hear . ) lie had given very much consideration to this question in every shape for a long time past . The gentlemen in Manchester with whom he had been connected on the subject had gone over it repeatedly , and with a care seldom expended on political questions , and thev bad discussed these resolutions with a deputation from lorkshire for several hours , and there had been very general unanimity with regard to them lie therefore laid them before the present meeting , with the view that they might have something practical for their discussion . ( Hear , hear . ) ° Sir J . Walmsley requested Mr . Bright to oxplain his meaning when ho spoke of liability to poor-rate .

      Air . linioni said he thought ho had expressed himself clearl y . The question of liability to poorrate was simply liability to poor-rate ; that a poorrate collector might go and say to a poor-rate elector , " You are down upon my rate-book and you must pay that rate . " The question of payment of tho rate being made six months before the register w ; is made out , and had been thought at the preliminary meeting should be left open for future discussion in the country , in tlio Cabinet , and in tbe House of Commons . Sir J . Wauiswx said the answer his hon . friend h .-uf given him was most unsatisfactory . If a scheme was to be propounded to the country , it must be one that should state clearly to tlm industrial classes whether they were or were not to have a vote before they paid their rates . Mr . Kkrsuaw , M . P ., seconded the resolution .

      Mr . Coxv . vgiuu , of Brighton , who said he attended the meeting as president of the local Reform-Association , thought there was only one redeeming feature in the proposition before the meeting , and that was the ballot . He objected to any measure of reform short of the principles adopted by the National Parliamentary iteform Association , being placed before the country for agitation . Mr . AwbrMiW CakBUTT , Of Leeds , said , he had called a meeting of delegates from various parts of the riding . The points of difference had been reduced to one . That point was " What should bo the limitation of tho franchise ? " At the conference held in Manchester about ten days ago , Mr . Bright stated that a limitation of six months was

      thought to be satisfactory to himself and friends . The views taken by some of the gentlemen who attended from Yovkshivo were , that it was going further than either they were likel y to obtain or perhaps thoy were warranted In going . They were willing to go to the extent of the municipal franchise , which would have the effect of increasing the number of electors threefold . They were almost M » ni mous in recommending the insertion of a twelvemonth ' s qualification instead of six months , A great minority in favour of a twelvemonth ' s residence had also been obtained at a recent meeting in Leeds . With the exception of these points he entirely concurred with the resolution submitted to them .

      Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., explained himself as opposed to the resolution having reference to the electoral franchise , lie contended for the right of every man of sound mind and of full age to the possession of a vote , and he regretted that Mr . Bright should have been led to propose a measure different from that which had been agreed upon on a former occasion at the Free Trade Club , and submitted to parliament by Mr . Hume . He would propose that in lieu of Mr . Blight ' s description ot the elective franchise there should be inserted the precise words of Mr . Hume ' s motion in parliament , ( 'fear . ) If this motion was carried there would bo little difference of opinion on the subject out of doors . ( Hear . ) Mr . Bright spoke of settling this

      question of organic change , but such a schemf as lie had pvodueed would m-t settle it for a day , nay , not for an hour . (/ 7 e « r , hear . ) No doubt , in constvucling a measure of reform , thoy must draw the iine somewhere —( hear , hear , )—but let it not be done on a narrow and stringent basis . He deprecated a partial measure move than the postponement of reform for years to como . ( Hear , hear . ) They were about to put a brand of disgrace on a number of tboir fcllownicn who were omitted in tho scheme . ( "No , no . " ) Did they not , in proportion as they swelled the number of those who enjoyed tlie privilege of voting , in the precise

      proportion , deepen the disgrace of those who were left out . ( " No , no ; " and a cry of " Why not the women ? " Laughter . ) He thought they might , as Mr , Bright proposed with regard to those who were excluded , leave the women to posterity . ( Laughter . ) It was at the peril of their honour if they departed from the principles laid down in parliament by Mr . Hume , and ho was certain that throughout the country nothing would give satisfaction but a very large extension of the suffrage . Mr . Thompson then moved that tho words included in Mr . Hume ' s . iiiOliiii in parliament should bo inserted in the resolutions .

      Mr . Bright maintained thai the resolution now in iiis hands wont fuither than that proposed by Mr . Hume . Mr . llEVwonrn , M . P ., contended that the possession of property gave the rii ; lit to a vote , and , as every man who laboured had property , therefore all such were entitled to tho privilege of voting . If they v / anted a firm and solid government , aud not such a state of things as was now going on in another country , tliey would give the suffrage to every man who paid taxes , and he ; isked if there were no taxes but rates in this country ? Mr . M'LAnn . v , Lord Provost of Edinburgh , entirely approved of the resolutions .

      Mr . S . CitAtvi ' uBD , M . I ., said ho siiould not oppose the views of his lion , friend , though they fell short of those principles which he had pledged himself to contend for , both in Parliament and outof it . ( Hear . ) But he should not be precluded in Parliament from bringing forward those propositions which he thought fit . Ho did not object to the principle of instalment , but he wished the people to take care that , at the outsol , they did not ask too little , so that when they had obtained a portion of what they asked for thoy should not , if they began to press for more , have it thrown in their teeth that they had obtained all they at first demanded . Mr . E . Baixks , of Leeds , agreed vrith nearly all the propositions .

      Mr . Thompson said ho intended to press an finiondmoiit , which was to Include , in die place of the words proposed by Mr . Bright with reference to tho elective qualifications , the following words : — "The occupation of a tenement , or a portion of a tenement , for which , a claim shall have been made to he rated for the relief of the poor . " ( " Ivo , no !" and cheers . ) A desultory conversation here took place as to I lie effect , of the two propositions before the meeting , in ihe course tf ivhieh Mr . Bright expressed his astonishment at the evident attempt which was made to lead to the inference that he and his friends were departing from the ancient fyeling on the sub-} ec . of lU-fonu . Mr . Thompson indignantly denied having made any unworthy imputations , and was met with loud cries of " Chair , chair , " and " Sit down . "

      Mr . PomjKs said , the hon . member for the Tower Hainfets ami Sir 5 . Walmsley did not seem to understand Laneashiie and Yorkshiremen . ( Cheers . ) Aed he would say , in addition , that much harm had been done by the letter which the hon . baronet ( Sir J . Walmsk-v ) hid addressed to the electors of Bradford . (* ' Hear , " and " Order . " ) Considerable confusion here prevailed . Mr . G . Thompson rose , but was again received with disapprobation . He was not a Lancashire man , but he was an . Englishman , and no one should prevent him defending himself from imputations cast upon him . If iir . Bright charged him with lmvino any wrong intention iu what ho had addressed to the meeting he insisted on his right to deny the imputation . Sir J . Walmsley said he had no wish to do anything that would disturb the harmony of the Micetinir , but at the proper time he was prepared to defend the course he had taken in the case of Ilradford .

      Mr . Giieexe , of Leeds , moved another amendment , to tho effect that the qualification should be " all who have been residents in a house w part of a house rated , or liable to ho rated to tho poor for aix months . " ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . HiiYWOto ) . M . P ., thought that in any new arrangement that took place , East Lancashire should be erected into a separate county with two members . He was in favour of five years parliaments rather than three ; and , though not prepared to go the whole length of the resolutions proposed by Mr . Bright , he must say he was prepared to so a long way in extending the suffrage , Mr . Cobde . v supported Mr . Wright ' s views , and disavowed any estrangement from the gentlemen who had been ' working those questions out of doors . After some further discussion a vote was taken , when Mr . Thompson ' s amendment received seven or eight votes .

      The original resolutions were then put , and carried unanimously . Mr . Kershaw , M . P ., moved— " That a deputation be-appointed to wait on Lord John Russell for the purpose of pressing upon him the importance of granting a large and comprehensive measure of reform . " The resolution was carried unanimously . The conference broke up at half-past four o ' clock . Thero was a large and crowded meeting of the Reformers assembled in the evening at the ? ree Trade-hall . They were addressed by Mr . Cobdcn , Mr . Bright , and Mr . Gibson , and the resolutions adopted at tho morning conference were proposed and enthusiastically adopted .

      • The "Republic'' Of ;Bourges States Tha...

      • The " Republic'' of ; Bourges states that four arrests have taken place , at St . S & tur , io » affiliation in secret societies .

      Central Co.Opeiu'i. '1ve Agency. On Thur...

      CENTRAL CO . OPEiU ' i . ' 1 VE AGENCY . On Thursday evening , Mr . 0 , i , ^* sO" delivered a lecture at St . Martin ' s Hall , Loog-iv ^ re , in furtherance of the principles sought to be « n . '' ' lcii 0 "t by the Co-operative Associations . The ieeiu . drew a viviJ picture of tho many disadvantages . irising from tho present system of retail trade , and "roceeded to argue thai the only true remedy whs to be found in a right and timely application ol capital , skill , and experience to the establishment of the principle of Co-operative Agency . The objects wf the associations were to counteract the practicesof adulteration and fraud now prevailing in trade , to act as agents for the consumers in making their purchases , and for tho producers in selling their produce ; and to find employment for the disciples

      of the Co-operative System , by the collection oi M-dtivs through a regular channel . Mr . Dawson contended that this Co-operative Agencv was deserving of public support , because it was the most citfictlial means Which had ever been devised ( or giving the working classes the benefit of their labour , llo argued moreover that it was impossible- that Christianity , which was so much vaunted in this country , could be kept up amongst tlie people unless a true spirit of l ) lothcrhood ~ were established upon the principle that men should labour together for the general advantage of all . After dwelling with much argumentative .-kill upon the lots of money sustained by the people in their dealings with retail tradesmen , Mr . Dawson concluded a very able lecture by pointing out the numerous

      benefits which would accrue from Co-operative establishments if properly organised , and he earnestly called upon all present to support him and the friends of these associations in the view they had taken of this important subject . The lecturer was followed by Mr . Lloyd Jones , who addressed the audience to a similar effect , and stated that the system of Co-operative Agency was already gaining ground in various parts of England —a fact which had como to his knowledge from personal observation , having , he said , travelled about the country for the purpose of extending the progress of such associations . Thero were some hundreds of those establishments in existence , and they were all proceeding in their operations most successfully and satisfactorily .

      T^Aoiumt.—Imcortaxt Discussion On Co-Ope...

      T ^ AoiuMt . —Imcortaxt Discussion on Co-oPEnxtioI—On Friday and ( Saturday , the 2 Sch and 29 . h ult ., theanxious looked-for discussion between JMr . Lloyd Jones and Mr . Ernest Jones , took place in tho Co-operative factory of thiA town , when Mr . Ernest Jones undertook to vindicate the following propositions : Co-operation—the errors of of the present movement ; showing that it carries within it tho germs of dissolution—would inflict a renewed evil on the masses of the people , and is essentially destructive to the real principles of Co-operation . Instead of abrogating

      profiimoiigermg , it re-creates it—instead of counteracting competition , it re-establishes it—instead of preventing centralisation , it , renews it , —merely transferring the role from ono set of actors 10 another . Mr . J . Hall occupied the chair on behalf of Mr . Lloyd Jones ; and the veteran Chartist , Mr , Thomas Tattersall , of Barnslcy , on behalf of Mr . Ernest Jones . At the conclusion of tho second night ' s debate , thejquBStion at issue was submitted to the decision of the audience , when nearly every hand in the meeting was held up in favour of Ernest Jones , having proved the affirmative of tho above propositions . —B . Pause , Secretary .

      Lon » Join ? Russell ' s Reform Bim , of 1852 . — The rumours continue to be quite as contradictory as ever . One report is , that the new Iteform Bill will not be so much an extension of tho suffrage as a granting of new members to certain towns and districts not represented at present . Another is that tho Parliamentary Reform party has promised to support Lord John Russell ' s Reform Bill , provided it goes the length of household suffnigo . The latest rumour is , that the ministerial programme will emboby a large scheme of financial reform . Taking into account this very great reduction in the price of commodities , Sir Charles Wood is to

      announce the intention of government to effect a very large reduction in the expenditure , in some departments to tho extent of twenty-five per cent . The saving thus effected will be devoted to the reduction of tbe tea duty , the paper and the advertisement duties , and other taxes on articles of general consumption , with a view to give an impulse to trade , and reduce the cost of living still further . As for the Income Tax its renewal lor three years will be proposed , with several considerable changes in the mode of assessment , this result of which will ho to relieve the trading and professional classes , but to reduce the rate at which persons are liable to all incomes above £ 50 .

      PniKCB Ahvmr ' a Birth-flack . —The tableau of piastio work , extending about eighteen feet in front , and ten feet wide , and representing a rural feto at , a suburban chateau belonging to the Duke of Saxe Coburg Gotba , the birth-place of Prince Albert , and the residence of her Majesty the Queen Victoria when on her visit to the buko , exhibited at the Crystal Palace , in tho Prussian department , No . SO-I , was on Friday sold by auction , in Leadenhiill-stveet , by order of the Z dlveroin committee . The tableau , that will be well remembered from its being oao of the general attractions in tho Exhibition , contains about 400 moveable ii-mres grouped

      ia dances , bauds of music , and festive parties , all set in motion by much complicated machinery , the ccst in tho construction , as authoritatively asserted , being more that £ 800 , subscribed by an association of Manufacturers at Sonnenberg Duchy of Saxe Coburg Got ha . The object , it is stated , was to present it to Prince Albert , who however declined it , but pi'oft ' ored to purchase ic on a price being named . From some cause , not explained , the model feto remained with the Zollvcrciu committee , who , since the closing of the Great Exhibition , obtained its passing tho customs at tho low estimate Of £ 7 10 s . At tlie s ; i ) y on Friday , it was sold for the comparatively trifling sum of £ 20 .

      Gaudkx Walls of Gla ^ s . —Till Sir Joseph Pas ton proposed his Crystal Palace , little had been done in the application of glass to garden structures beyond what had been in practice for half a century . The repeal of the excise duties had enormously increased tlic consumption of glass , and had caused its quality to be materially improved , but had led to no novelty of application . Tho combiuation of wood and iron , which was so happily hit upon in Hyde-park , has , ltowevtr , lion suggested to Mr . Charles Erring , gardener to O , F . Meyrick , Esq ., of liodorgan , in Anglcsea , the idea of constructing garden walls also of glass and iron only . The plan is to have iron uprights firmly fixed into the ground , and faced with glass on both sides , the space between the two faces being occupied by trees planted and trained in the usual way . The glass ; s all moveable , so that perfect ventilation , . is well as perfect shelter , is secured . This novel mode of construction seems likelv to cause a

      complete revolution , in the manner of managing plants under glass , provided , as we understand to be the case , the price at which tho glass wnlte can be put . up is loss than that of common brick walls . — Gardeners' Chronicle . CiiiiiGE of Bukglmiv . —At the Guildhall Police court , on Tuesday la *! , Bartholomew ltoduey Symwis , an intelligent lad , about sixteen years of age , was pla'i-ed at the b . ir before Alderman Cubitt , charged on suspicion with entering the premises of No . 13 . Red Lion-court , Fleet-street , and stealing therefrom two parcels of books , and Ss . in money , tho property of Mr . Mitchell , the publisher . —Mr . Charles Mitchell stated , that on cominB to lown he received information from his clerk

      to the effect that the premises had been entered in the night , lie discovered four-marks on the parcels in the warehouse appropriated for the reception of publications intended for editorial notice in the provincial papers , which induced him to believe that an entry had been effected by the window at the back of the warehouse , facing the upper part of the back premises occupied by the prisoner ' s mother , and which was only accessible by the window opposite that in the warehouse . From the marks it was apparent that the intruder had no boots on . Witness locked the till on tho previous evening at eight o ' clock , having taken out all the money " but 8 j ., anil in the morning the money was gone , the till still remained locked and the key in its proper place of concealment . Witness misled two parcels of books containing each two ? o )» meg of the

      " Standard Library , " but could not tell of any others at present , having many thousands of books in the warehouse and disbributed over the country , of which it was impossible to keep any record . —Daniel May said , from what the last witness had informed him , he visited No . 13 , Red Lion-court , where prisoner lived , and examined the first , floor back room , which overlooked the prosecutor ' s vjarehouse , and found tlie table cover marked with dirt that appeared to have been recently done ; there were al .-o marks ot some person having passed in out of the window , and the dirt on the coyer was of the same description as that on the parcels in the warehouse . Witness examined prisoner ' s feet , which exhibited every appearaaqe of hk having been recently walking about without shoes . —The prisoner was remanded .

      The Protestant Alliance. The First Gener...

      THE PROTESTANT ALLIANCE . The first general meeting of the members and friends of the new organisation thus entitled was held on Friday , Nov . 28 Ui , at Freemasons' Hal ) , " ( ot the pwpose ol adopting resolutions touching the Papal persecutions on the continent , and foi petitioning both Houses of Parliament for the repeal of the Majmoolh Endowment / let , " The Ear ; of Shaftesbury presided , and resolutions , in accordanpe with the objects of the meeting and the establishmenUf . a tract propaganda on the continent ] were adopted .

      ' " It Tarn—-» _ «A,^ Latebt L^Oltelglm ...

      ' " it Tarn— - » _ « a , ^ LATEBT l ^ OltElGLM 1 \ J _ TO FRANCE . J-ARis Thursday . —Several barricades were elected to-day in different parts of jpiirh , but the ^ Ur ^' i " ¦; , s «•* t , le I ' 0 " * St . Denis , . iciom the Boulevards . This was attacked at half ! pas . throe this afternoon by a strong military nnu with c / mnon , and after despDraseli-htins-, »«« taken . All the barricades about it and ' behind it , as well as the houses occupied by tho insur-CT f " , ? fst 0 ! : ' }^' ¦ Rnnl'v the citv is in tho ntornL }^ * n l 1 ,, ta | y- Barri .-adcs erected in many othei quarters jwvo been taken . Tuere have b ___ hghtrn ; . on th 8 Dba . ' erard . des D . iliens and in tho cue Bichelteu . All ti .-e houses from the Hue Montmartre to the Porte St . Denis , and beyond , have their windows completely smashed . Manv are shattered by cannon . The whole of ihe gendarmerie i .-iobile , tho Pompiers , ana scv , > ral re » iwntttofthe garrison , iiave already voted for Louis Napoleon ,

      There was a fight in tin ? streets from mid-day unlil tire o ' clock in the Q " tr . irtier St . Ali ^ sm ant * St . Denis , in which the troops- af the usurper wvr victorious , P-kis , Friday Morning . —The night of Ihnradny was perfectly tiiniquil . The troops left the Boulevards at acven o ' clock for their burrocks . A proclamation ia published announcing- that the voting for the election of the President shall be as before , by secret ballot , in place of tho elector signing his name . Tho greatest loss on tho part 6 f tho " insurgents" on Thursday was on tho Boulevard PoissonniCre , the Hue Montorguoil , Hue Montmanro , Hue Transnonain , Hue St . ilery , and the Porte St . Denis .

      Thirty-fire bodies were found in ono heap on Friday morning in tho first named street , in addition to those that bad been removed ; and bodies are still to be seen at the doors of many houses ia the streets just named . Some barricades were erected last night in the l ' orte St . Denis . They were all taken by the troops tO'day . Ono of " thorn was commanded by M . Gaston Dussoubs , tho representative , who erected one of the barricades , and was hilled ; eight men were killed at their barricades , and fourteen wi-re taken prisoners and instantly * hot . This is the last bloodshed known up to the present moment . Emissaries , said to come from London and Switzerland , have been arrested . Eleven a . m . —It is stated that an attempt tO renew the struggle has been made this morning at ihe Porte St . Martin . Troops in numerous detachments have moved in that direction . The shops in tbo Uoulevards remain closed .

      Baivlin is to be buried to-day , snd a strong corps of soldiers is to be present to prevent any deraoustration . By the last accounts the number of killed yesterday is 300 . The erection of the barricades , is observed to be superintended by a well-dressed person , who distributes money to the Mouses . The insurgents have attacked the Palais de Justice , and the Judges have been compelled to adjourn their court ; the mob , however , has been repulsed by the Guard Republicans . A cnup de main threatening the Bank and the Post-office , has been frustrated . There is not a National Guard to be seen in any direction . Changarnier is a prisoner in Ihe apartments formerly occupied by Louts Napoleon ,

      Sixty prisoners have just passed , escorted by only sixty or seventy men . Not aery is hoard , and no indications of sympathy greet the prisoners . Latterly the cry of' Vive la llepublique ! ' is ro spondod to by that of ' Vive JV . ipol . on ! ' whieii predominates . The troops are passing , but they meet with no resistance . An attempt at insurrection at Belle Villo has failed . A correspondent of the Dtily News' writes as

      follows : — ' Qaarter-past three , p . m . —A rush of people back towards the Madeleine , followed by a squadron of lancers , who stop on the Boulevard des Itnliens , where there is a hot fight engaged , the troops firing against the houses on both sides tho way . The discharge of musketry is incessant ; and from the body of the chasseurs beyond Uie Ian * cers I sec continued flashes ; but , as yet , few in answer from tho houses . Tho houses seem gradually silenced ; an occasional shot only is tired from the troops ,

      ' Four p . m . —Fresh firing on the Boulevard des italiens . The people rush back before the lancers . Several attroupements of this description . Tho firing approaches close to our neighbourhood , and discharges ave directed against houses in the neighbourhood ot the Kite de la Paix . ' At this moment , a quarter past six o ' clock , all is quiet . Tho boulevards , from the Madeleine to the Bastilc areirt possession of tbe soldiery . 'So passing allowed there above the Hue Vivienne . Tho neighbourhood of tho General Post is strongly guarded . ISo posing allowed through tho lower part of the Hue Montmartre . People stand gloomily at . the corners of the-streets , but make no demonstration . Tiie upper part of the Boulevards are very dark , the lump-posts having been torn dor . a this morning by the mob .

      ' General JVeuniayor , tlie sworn friend of Changamier , is said to he marching from the north with four regiments . It is ttUo announced , bun contradicted by the government , that General C . istellane , who is at Lyons , has declared against tbo government . ' M . Lodru Bollin , ? ays tho " Goiistitutionnol , " is not armed , and strict orders are given to prevent bis landing . General Bedeau is as Ham in perfect health , and General JVeumayer is at Nantes in retirement A correspondent ofjHthe " . " Times" writes as toUows : —

      ' At one o ' clock on Thursday the insurrection was making considerable progress . An immense und solid barricade , similar to that constructed on the night of the 2 ith of February , was made at the Porte St . Denis of omnibuses , . carriages , and furniture taken from the neighbouring bouses . In a short pace of time the insurgents were in possession of ihe whole of ( hat quarter , and its appearance , was most gloomy . The shops were all shut , and the houses forming the angles of the Boulevards St . Denis ' and St . Martia were occupied by the insurgents armed with muskets . ' I must conclude hastily . Many of the house ? from tbo Boulevard Montmartre to tho Porte St . Martin are perfectly demolished , having been bombarded with cannon . Dead bodies aro found in all directions . I have just heard that an attempt to renew tho combat has boon made this morning at the L'orte St . ILirtin . Numerous bodies of troops havo moved in that direction .

      ' Tho shops along the Boulevards still remain closed . ' Tho Colonel of the 72 nd Begiment was dangerously wounded , and the Lieutenant-Colonel of tho same corps killed . The ' Patrie , ' tho government organ , of Friday evening , states that a republican guard scut on ati orderly message was massacred by a baud of insurgents . One of the rebels , having fired upon two se : itri < --s near the llotcl Dieu , was taken and instantly shut . An inspector of police was assassinated near tho Prefecture . In the Hue Constantino ( Isle Notre Dame ) an individual fired from a vfiirlow upon a sentry and missed him . Another sentry shot the assailant dead . A barricade in the Hue do Bsc was taken without resistance by some Sergens do Ville .

      At three o ' clock it was announced that the inhabitants of the Faubourgs St . Jacques ' . vvnl St . M : vrceau were in arms . We heard much firing in those quarters .

      Fearful Collision Ox Tub Great Westkux R...

      Fearful Collision ox tub Great WestkuX Rmlwm . —An accident happened on Thursday on the Great Western Railway . ( Cheltenham . Branch , ) which caused a collision between the parliamentary down train anil a portion of it heavy goods train left on the line . A goods train having arrived at Tetbury , it was found on ascending a rather steep incline there that the train , which was a very heavy one . could not he propelled up tho line for want of sufficient power in tho engine . Accordingly a portion of the train ( eight or nine trucks , heavily laden ) was left on the main line in the euro of a policeman , the wheelshavingheen " scotched , " which it was calculated would retain the carrirges

      in their place until an engine could be sent to bring them on to the main portion of tho train which proceeded , ou towards Stroud . Hovt ^ ey , i \ v & result proved otherwise , for the weig ht of the train overcame the scotches , and the train immediately began to descend the incline , and soon attained a speed of some twenty miles an hour . The passenger train soon hove in sight , and the collision was a frightful one ; the passengers were thrown together with great violence . Several of them r eceived ; vory severe bruises and lacerations , and it was said that one old man had his arm broken . The railway officials , however , state that tho passengers were only bruised and cut , and that no hones were broken .

      Queen's Theatre. We Understand That Seve...

      QUEEN'S THEATRE . We understand that several gentlemen havo formed a committee for the purpose of » MM » li » g Mr . E . Green with a comp limentary benefit on Wednesday next , ns a testimony of ' . then- approval of hia conduct as a public man , and also in his double capacity of acting and stage managw . l lie pieces selected for tho ocoasiou are Romeo and Juliet , The Omnibus , and Charles the XII . ; or , the Stige . o / Streilsund \ arid v »& trust that Mr , Green , will receive th > t public patronage he so emin , ently merits .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 6, 1851, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_06121851/page/5/