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Northern Star (1837-1852), 13th April 1850, Edition 2 of 3, Page 5, •; ^Provisional Committee of the, Nation...

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      A Deaf And Dumb Child, Aged Six . Years,...

      - . - _ ' ULETTBRS JO THE WORKING CLASSES . ^ IiXTCXTHV ^' « Words are things , and a small drop of ink pgHiug—like dew—upon a thought , produces . tw -which makes thousands , perhaps millions . think / ' : : •• : . - sitbS . ; ~' ;; IBBUXD 'S APPEAL TO THE BRITISH * " —

      DEMOCRACY . TOHIS NAPOLEON AND THE "QUIET i $ > MODERATE" MEN OF "ORDER , " B bothee Proletarians , The darkest hour is nearest to the dawn . fgaane and Pestilence wrapt Ireland in a Lerai pall . Tho apath y which permitted fte sacrifice of Mitchel and Ms compatriots , Iddcd to the gloom of death the darkness of £ D air . But , behold ! " a bri ght particular

      tar— " the Aurora ot a happier day is bursting L oug h tlie sombre ni ght of desolation . A ^• months ago the heart sunk in hopelessness , in contemp lating the fallen and degraded state of Ireland . 2 ? ow hope is rapidly taking the nlaee of despondency . That bri ght luminary f ue lrisn * mfl » has arisen , and is shedding li ght a sd life aronnd . It is at once the reflex and * b _ e reviver of Irish Democracy ; the niorn-5 H 2 star ( Ict us hope ) of Ireland ' s day of redemp tion- ^

      To the genuine lover of Freedom , no duty is more p leasing than that of acknowledging and extolling the fraternal services of other of her devotees . As one , whose mission it is to speak for , as well as to , the British democracy , I consider it incumbent to take notice of the admirable addresses from the Irishman to the democrats of Britain , reprinted , the first in last Saturday ' s Nortnern Star , and the second iu the current number . Those addresses prove , firstly— 'that the sp irit of veritable democracy is obtaining possession of our Irish brethren ; and , secondl ythat all the efforts of English tyrants on the one hand , and Irish impostors , like the 0 ' Cox-• kells , on theother—have failed to prevent the

      growth of that sentiment which must ever spring from true democracy—Fraternity . Until now , a main feature in fash agitation , bas been the inculcation of hatred of the English without distinction . It was the boast of the Irish Alokanna that Irish soldiers shot down English Chartists at Newport ; and it was his vaunt that "five hundred thousand Tipperary boys" were ready , if needed , to put down the Eadical-revolutiomsts of England . Every attempt on the part of the English democrats to unite the suffering millions of the two nations , encountered from 0 ' Cosxell aud his satellites the fiercest hostility , and most Tiralent denunciation . On his trial , the great

      impostor even made it matter for boasting that he had prevented the fraternisation of the " loyal Irish" with the English Chartists . How different is the course pursued by the men who at present are devoting their services to , and perilling so much in , Ireland ' s cause They draw-a just distinction between the British people and the tyrants who plunder and oppress the millions of both countries . They deplore that the physical strength of the two peoples has been arrayed against each other , or when combined has been so , to promote the aggrandisement ofthe common enemy . They desire to unite the two nations , that each aiding the other may succeed in breaking the chains of Saxon and of Celt .

      Surely , the sonl-stirring addresses of the Irishman will not hare been made in vain . It is the duty of the British Democracy to respond , less b y words than b y deeds . If the iofling millions of Britain feel sympathy for their wronged Irish brethren—if they feel indignant at their own sufferings—they will grasp at the hand proffered to them in the spirit of brotherhood , and swear , by their common wrongs , to march shoulder ix > shoulder—a serried phalanx—against theoppressors who have so long misgoverned both countries , and plundered and enslaved the people of both islands .

      Yes , plundered and enslaved are the downtrodden millions of both Ireland and Britain . 3 h the Irishman of Saturday last , it is stated , on the authority of a Report compiled by Major Larcom , that , in the time of the recent "famine , " there was produced in Ireland a sufficiency of grain ' to have supplied the whole of the inhabitants with a year ' s consumption , and to have left a surplus of ninety-seven pounds' weight , for every man , woman , and child in the island . Yet , in spite of this superabundance , the miserable people perished of hunger , and rotted to death , to the number

      of hundreds of thousands . The well-fed hypocrites in Parliament , and elsewhere , asserted , that the famine was " a visitation of Divine Providence "—the truth being , that the famine was caused by no extraordinary visitation of any kind , hut , b y the system of permanent plunder , established for the benefit of landlords and capitalists . Similar results are produced b y a similar state of things in this country . The people raise the corn , but cannot get a sufficiency of bread . They rear the cattle , yet thousands of them never taste flesh meat . They build mansions

      and palaces , and are glad to shelter themselves in hovels , garrets , and cellars . They perform the * dreadful lahour of digging through the bowels of the earth for coal , yet how many of their -class never know the comfort of a stove-full of SreJ They weave silks , hroad-cloths , and linens , yet rags , or at best the coarsest clothing is the outward and visible sign of their alleg iance to labour 1 They traverse distant seas to bring home wines , teas , coffee , spices , and innumerable luxuries , yet the best and the most of these products of distant lands are

      consumed by idlers and plunderers who never braved the dangers of the deep and the hardships ofthe storm . Amongst the wealth-producers poverty abounds , and the labour which supplies so many enjoyments fails to confer them on the labourers . The greatness of the nation has been built up by the toil and heroism of the many , but the few have contrived to monopolise the advantages and the glory of Britain ' s Empire " on which the sun never sets" The words of Tiberius Gracchus , though uttered two thousand years ago , appl y strictl y to the present condition of the great mass of Britain's defenders on flood and field .

      " ~ The private soldiers fi g ht and die to increas e the wealth and luxury ofthe great , and ttey are styled rulers ofthe world , while they nave not a foot of ground which they can call then * own . " Slavery accompanies poverty . The people wnc > have no voice in forming the laws they are compelled to submit to , whose industry is taxed by irresponsible rulers , and who are compelled by hunger to work on any terms the master-classes may dictate , are slaves . He who works for the profit of another , and is denied the enjoyment of ri ghts secured to his fellow , is a bondman and a slate . And such is the state of the veritable

      people of this country . The entire system is one of organized villany , and to reform it altogether should he tiie stern resolve of every true man . In these islands all the elements of happiness abound ; and if hitherto those blessings have been mo * ^ opolised by the idle and the rapacious , the ianlfc , iu a great measure , has been with the people themselves . An earnest and general effort for their own redemption would result in -victory . TJntil when is that effort to he -delayed ?

      For . earnest men , the " good time" of labour and struggle in the war against injustice is ever now . JToin , then , let England's reyonse be made to the appeals ofthe Irishman . Jj t * the British Democracy commence the work of orgamzationin good earnest . "Where aereBawiJIthere ' saway . - ' , Inaction would he taken as a proof that the will to he free does not exist . The plea that the people themselves are contented , must he taken from t hose who profit by the eiuting system ,

      A Deaf And Dumb Child, Aged Six . Years,...

      _ The organ of our Democratic . Brethren across St . George ' s Channel , is a paper which should , he read wherever British Democrats congregate , It exhibits talent : equal to that of .. the Nation in its best days , with this additional claim on British support—thatthough breathing fervent aspiration for Ireland ' s regeneration , it wages no war against Britain ' s people ; on . the contrary , it desires—to quote its own language—to " weave together the rose and shamrock—the one no longer tyrannical , the other oppressed . To grave on one shield * the rights of liberty , of labour , arid of man . * And to twine together the banners , green and red , in one thick cord , to bind down for ever the demon that has oppressed us . "

      All individual Democrats who can afford to purchase the Irishman should do so . All organised bodies of Democrats will do so , if they desire to learn the sentiments , and note the progress of their Irish brethren . There is no paper that has higher , holier claims on the people of both countries than the talented , earnest , and thoroughly democratic Irishman . Of French affairs a cursory notice , this week , will suffice . In dealing with the

      disputed electoral returns for the department of the Haut Bhin , the circumstances connected with which being similar to those at the election ofthe Soane-et-Loire , the majority in the Assembl y has g iven another illustration of "Moderate" equity . The Members elected for the Haut Bhin being Ordermongers their election has been voted legal , while the majo rity had previously unseated the Members for the Soane-et-Loire . Why ? Because they were Socialist-Democrats . The Government

      is pushing forward the Bill to transport to the Marquesa Islands Bakbes , Blakqui , Raspail , and other Revolutionary Chiefs condemned for the affair of May 1848 , and June 1849 . The Ordermongers seem detennined to establish some excellent precedents , which may be made to appl y to themselves hereafter . The ' Special '' Chief of the gang has heard the warning note of popular vengeance . . Returning from Vincennes to the Elysee , the imperial ape had to pass through the Faubourg St . Antoine , where , to his dismay , his ears were assailed with cries of

      "Vive la Bepuhlique—democratique et sociale ! " "A has le tyran ! " and men with naked arms , shook their clenched fists in the face of the " nephew of my uncle , " at the same time exclaiming , " We will onl y have the Republic ! " The Times correspondent consoles his masters with the assurance , that "there are few who do not believe that the authorities are perfectl y competent to suppress any attempt at disturbance . " He significantly adds : — " So strong is this feeling , that there are very moderate and quiet men who think that an emmle would be so far

      fortunate that it would decide many a disagreeable question for a long time . Of that , however , I do not learn there is any chance at this moment . " What a pity ! You observe , Brother Proletarians , that there are some " very moderate and quiet men , " who would like a little insurrection—an unsuccessful revolt , so that they might have the p leasure of massacreing the Proletarians , and making a St . Bartholomew of all known

      Red Republicans . Of course these quiet and moderate aristocrats , hankers , and men of property , would not do the killing themselves , they would employ butchers for the purpose . But why blame these interesting traffickers in hnman lives ? They are onl y true to " their own convictions , ideas , and opinions ; " and you know it is declared , on high authority , that " men who are true to their own thoughts are true to the world as they see it . "

      Vive la Humbug ! Yes , they believe the world w as made for their paradise and for your hell . They are true to the conviction , idea , and opinion , that it is their sovereign rig ht to use up the labourer purely for their own profit , and should he rebel , to slay him without pity or remorse . But that is not " private assassination , '' it is onl y murder according to law , and of course Citizen Chenu is content . What , though millions suffer , and thousands are destroyed ,

      as long as " propert y" is secured , and " order " maintained ? Let us hope , Brother Proletarians , that there will he no insurrection in France until the peop le are sure of victory ; and let us hope , too , that in the event of the people being forced to combat against their tyrants , that ( notwithstanding Chenu ' s horror ) the " quiet and moderate" men , who are just now thirsting for the people ' s blood , will have their thirst allayed after a fashion they would least desire . L'AMIDTJ PEUPLE . April 11 , 1850 .

      Agiljg^Sso. The Northe-Gy . - Sj.Ar <V

      AgiLjg ^ SSO . THE NORTHE-gy . - SJ . AR < V

      To The Democrats Of Great Britain. (From...

      TO THE DEMOCRATS OF GREAT BRITAIN . ( From the Irishman of April 6 th . ) Brother Democrats , —In our last we glanced at the nngracious aud insulting mode in which the Constitution—the boasted , ideal , unwritten , and non-existent Constitution of England—had been sealed against your entrance . It is a "holy of holies , " into which none of the vulgar must be admitted—none but the high-priests of the aristocracy , duly sprinkled with the blood of a struggling people . The insult is not a bootless one—the deprivation of privilege is not a bare sentimental abrogation of right—it is an actual , solid , and material injury . It leads to evils so sore as must one day level , like a Sodom , the cumbrous fabric of the British Empire , and scatter to the four winds of

      heaven the elements ol the tyrannical and unwieldy fabric . At the present day , it crushes you—made in god ' s image—into the mere brute ; into a base and hopeless struggle for a morsel of food . On you go , from week to week , toiling , like Hood ' s semptress , " in misery , hunger , and dirt . " "Why , friends , why is this ? Eemember the Constitution itself is founded on a revolution—the first stone was laid in successful revolt ; and the wings and keeps of the great feudal dongon , that oppresses us all , and throws its black shadow over the broad woods of North America , and to the mountain tops of Central India , were built up by repeated acts of insurrection . Why , then , should you bow pour necks like slaves to the

      willing yoke ? You are told of allegiance : be you the Sovereign , then , and to you will the allegiance be owed . Submission , you are instructed , is dne to " the powers that be ; " but what power is equal to that of the people ? What , in fact , is the power of the Crown but the crumbled walls of a dismantled edifice ? The Sovereign has now no authority—she is the puppet of Ministers , and they , in turn , are the creatures of Parliament . Have you sworn allegiance to that rotten body , that every changing and changeful composition of all that is stupid , worthless , and tyrannical ? Look at your M . P . ' s—what is there about them that marks the heaven-horn right to oppress and to degrade ? Yet , from these nominees

      of a debauched aristocracy , and not from the throne emanate the edicts that have reduced you to a level with the live-stock on a West India plantation . "Will you go on submitting to this multifarious tyranny of a grinding class ? If you had a despot what would it signify ? the farthest reach of his extravagance would be mild , compared with the burdens under which you trudge . Every village has its lordly satrap , every city or county * its bevy of dictators . Tor these it is not enough to screw the last farthing from the toiling fanner , and stint the meals of sleepless labour ; but they must make a joint-stock partnership in the trade of general spoil and public oppression . Look at the Rational Debt , ofwhichyoupayup some twenty-nine millions of annual interest . When , think ye , did this henn to acniimuint * ?

      Was it under the fierce absolutism of the Tudorsj or the gloomy despotism of the Stuarts ? Did these arbitrary _ minds draw to themselves the wealth and vitality ofthe nation ? 2 ? o ; it was Parliament—the diffused monarchy—the sovereignty of the aristocracy , that devoured the present , and anticipated . the future . The banishment of the legitimate d ynasty , and the introduction of an elected monarch , threw the power of the crown into the hands of the Legislature . " ' Ono tyrant had been cashiered , but ten thousand were installed in his place—and then began the race of public profligacy . When the expulsion of James laid the crown of the empire at the feet of the parliament , the public debt was little more than half a million . Now . after about one hundred and sixty years of liberty , and constitutional government , it is eight hundred millions . At that time , the public revenue wasahOTttW"BiIIioiaayear « -fflOw l it is fifty-two

      To The Democrats Of Great Britain. (From...

      millions annually . This , friends , is what your parliament has done for you . Two millions served all the public purposes and private wanfs ofthe Stuart monarchs and their predecessors ; but the parliament kings—the ten thousand' aristocratic sovereigns—must have fifty , two ; Formerl y ^ ' the monarch only considered his own wants and those of a few favourites ; 'but now , men of England , you have to provide for a whole army of rulers . This is the reason wh y Lord John Riissell could stand up in the House of Commons and say ] you were unfit for the suffrage , and that , having obtained it , your first step would be to cancel the National Debt . To be sure it would . What ri g ht have you to pay for the profli gacy of tho Marlboroughs , tho Walpoles , the Liverpools , and the Newcastles ?

      Look at America . There employment is abundant , food is plenty , and wages are two or three times as high as here . Surely , if the employes of " goverument" should have high pay anywhere , the Union is the place . Yet a paltry secretary , in a London office will pocket more money than the President of the United States . Is this to be borne ? You go in rags , toiling like beasts of burden , with nothing before you but the poorhbuse , or the grave , that those bloated voluptuaries may riot in pension and placo .

      This is the way in which the National Debt was acquired : —First , entail and primogeniture kept all the property in the hands of the eldest son . The others had to be provided for elsewhere . The work was easy , for tlieir fathers and brothers held in their own hands the rei gns of power , and the government of the nation . Offices without end , and salaries without limit , were created and given away . The church establishment was kept up in all its wealthy prodigality . It was a convenient nestling place for the young cygnets of aristocracy . The army , the navy , the learned professions , were similarly crowded with the Corinthian capitals of lofty sinecurism . Embassies and missions were

      created without end . We have known instances in which many thousands outfit , salary , and travelling expenses have been paid to parties as ambassadors to neighbouring States , who actually never left London ; others , in which ah antiquated belle or a broken roue , wished to visit the German spas , or escape the pertinacity of dunning creditors by a sojourn in the mountains of Switzerland . Government—this blessed , constitutional government ef yours—got up a flash embassy , or sham secret mission , and a whole family , with cousins to the tenth generation , were paraded through the continent , with all the splendour and eclat of State deputies , at the public expense ; or , in other words , at yours —while you were yourselves steeped in misery .

      More ; if these hopeful sight-seers happened to fall into a fit of spleen , and fancy some mimic insult , the whole nation was up in arms . Navies were sent out to avenge the wrong , and battles were fought , and blood was spilled in plenty . The revenue was then run upon , till the Treasury was exhausted , and " a loan" necessary . Here was a new opportunity for public plunder . The contract was given to a batch of aristocratic blacklegs , with pockets as empty as their heads ; but no matter , they knew how to spend money . Of course , they had no notion of raising the cash , but they handed the matter over to the bankers , and netted some aggregate millions by the transaction . How far debts acquired in such profligate modes ,

      for more profligate purposes , ought to be a binding obligation , may well be questioned . The acts of a usurper are never recognised on the restoration of the legitimate sovereignty . We had intended , brother Democrats , to run much further into the question and expose for you , in our own plain way , a slig ht miniature portrait of the very handsome , and withal complimentary manner in which your affairs are managed , and yourselves lightened of all extra or cumbersome cash . It had been our purpose to examine the Colonial Government , and point out to you the great advantages arising from depriving independent nations of all liberty whatever , for no other appreciable reason than that they may afford a flimsy apology for first

      paying , and then pensioning , such very estimable military butchers as , for instance , my good Lord Torrington , of rather equivocal Ceylon celebrity . It had also been our intention to take a slight glance at some eight hundred thousand acres of Crown lands , which you and the House of Commons together purchased , some time back of the reigning Sovereign , at a handsome price , but which , though of unquestioned fertility , somehow can hardl y pay for its management . In fact , to give one instance , there is Sherwood Forest , containing ninety-five thousand acres , or very comfortable allotments for some twenty thousand honest English Democrats and their families . Well , this very handsome

      estate of yours—for it is absolutely , bona fide , and unquestionably yours—these ninety-eight thousand acres yield , what do think you ? Just this ; in a period of twenty-five years the statistics of which are at this moment before us , they yielded a nett profit of nine thousand and odd pounds less than nothing—in other words , the management ofyoui ' estate cost you exactly nine thousand pounds more than it returned . Would you not think it , now , full time to take it into their own hands ? We can assure yen , on the faith of honest men , that every branch of the public service is managed in the same style of exemplary economy suggested by the very profitable national estate of Sherwood Forest .

      It is against such barefaced plunder that we ask you , friends , to protest—not in the grumble of the pot-house , or the extemporised courage of the ginbottle , but with . the firm and resolute determination of men . Were ye formed for slaves , we ask you—are the make , shape , and proportions of degradation written indelibly on your-hronzed countenances ? If so , you have happily found your proper position . But if otherwise—if the proud voice of manhood rises in your hearts to shout " weare men , " then , be of us and with us . We have raised the flag of Erin—the green banner of a thousand years . But we have sworn , too , enmity to oppression ; wherever and however it may be found , the Irish Democracy is its sworn enemy ; join us then ,

      brothers ; help us to wipe off together the foul stain of domination ; help us to twine together the banners , green and red , in one thick cord , to bind down for ever the demon that has oppressed us . We do not broach impossibilities , men of Britain . Trodden and oppressed as we are , we are still the people ; help us to assert the people ' s rights—to crush those proud usurpers who have wronged and insulted us in Parliament , and tyrannise over us elsewhere . Help us to fling the proud flag of a free Democracy over every battle-field of Europe ; to assert the high , yet , humble , privileges that God gave to man—to toil , and reap the benefit . We ask no spoliation of honest property ; but we will submit to none . Look round the horizon

      heavens ! how it reddens , to oawn on the great Armagedden of Nationality—the broad battle-field where a continent and its islands shall join in the loud anthem of freedom , and sing , once and for ever the requiem of departed oppression . Rise , men of England , the battle is yours ; we shall not be behind . Already , the lack-lustre eye of Erin flashes with the glories of Tara , and the memories of CJontnrf , A million serfs step proudly on the greensward of our isle , and swear they will be slaves no longer . Tyranny is doomed , we tell you ; it is fated in God ' s Book , and the exposition is read in a hundred tongues by events as they pass . Hear ye not the voice of the Archangel proclaim the resurrection of man , the restoration to his first estate ? Look abroad—look at home ; are ye contented—are your neighbours?—and if ye be not , what power of earth

      or hell can bind you ? Are you not the peoplethose whose fertile streams feed the great ocean of military force , and whose toiling industry supplies the sinews of the proudest war , weaving , like the silkworm , a tomb for your liberties and yourselves ? Ye are the strength ofthe nation ; know it—act on the knowledge , and your power is omnipotent . Combine , unite ; remember man is the lord of the creation , not by superior strength , but by superior skill . Practise that skilful wisdom , and exercise your lordship . Multiply yourselves like the locust flight—for in numbers there is power . Arc we not all wronged ?—then why should not all unite ? We stand out for the nationality of our brave countrymen ; but that nationality is not repulsive . We ask but t o make our island-home one ofthe sisterhood of nations , free as the wild winds

      ofHeaven . Do you grudge us that , men of England ? Then , stand aside , the battle shall be fought without you . Europe is set thick with the crop of future freemen . In them we shall find brothers . Lot no dastard heart poRute the sacred cause of liberty . The struggle is already on and around us . Dare ye follow?—choose for yourselves ; be cowards or men . Look at your factories , black with the smoke of your hardy toil , but blacker still with the infamy of the oppressions you have suffered . Look at your fields , red for the pregnant seed , but not to be harvested for you , ye aliens in a sou that is your own—ye strangers in your native land—ye helots to a willing chain , But come join us once and for ever , and the helotism is dissipated , tue chain is broken , and a new age and era shall have been written on the title-page of the world s history .

      , We must part you for the present , friends , but be strong in the good cause . Remember our organisation is a social one , and society cannot be protected without soldiers . We must , therefore , all he ready to redeem and buy back for posterity a bequest which our fathers never loft to us . —iour faithful friend , The Irishman

      Fatal Gun Event.—A Dreadful Accident Bef...

      Fatal Gun Event . —A dreadful accident befel the Rev . George Pretyman , of Great Carlton , eldest son ofthe Chancellor of Lincoln , on Saturday afternoon last . When he was passing throug h a hedge with a gun in his hand , its contents were unhappily lodged n \ his body , and . ja a few seconds he . T ? asa corpse ,

      Tywi&Wm^T

      tyWi & WM ^ t

      •; ^Provisional Committee Of The, Nation...

      •; ^ Provisional Committee of the , National Onartef ' Associa ^^^ evenmg , ; A pril lltli > - ^ y . ^ ^ - ^; Soutb > ampton-street ,. Strand . ' ; Mr . ' . John ' Milne In the ciiair . Most encourag ing : correspondence was read : from Aahton-under-Line , Bradford , Birstal , G-ainsboro , Keighley , Liverpool , Merthyr Tydvil , Newcastlelon-Tyne , and Yarmouth . The Secretary reported that a steam boat couldnot bo had on Whit Monday . Ifc was then agreed that the " Gem , " be engaged for Whit Tuesday . It was also agreed that a Tract Fund be formed , and that an address to the country to support this laudable method of propagandism he drawn , up , and submitted to the next meeting . The Committee then adjourned to Wednesda y evenimr .

      April 17 th . Present : Messrs . Arnott , Brown , Grassby , Miles , Milne , and Reyiiolds . ExKTEit . —At a meeting of members held at the Caledonian Coffee-house , on the 2 nd inst ., the Parliamentary votes ofthe Liberal member for the city—Mr . Divett—was brought under discussion , and more especially his absence on the motions ol Messrs Hume , and Berkeley , on the Suffrage and the Ballot , and Mr . Cobden ' s motion for Financial Reform . After a protracted discussion , a communication- having been made by a member as to the course the Reform Association of this city was likely to take on the subject , the discussion was adjourned toluesdayApril the lGth ¦

      , . Sheffield . —At the weekl y meeting held in the Democratic Temperance Hotel , 33 , Queen-Street , on Sunday . evening , a communication was received trom the Irish democrats resident in this town , intimating that they were wishful to join the Chartist Association , in a body ; whereupon Messrs . RenshaWj Holmes , and Hague , were deputed to wait upon our patriotic Irish brethren , to " give them a friendly invitation . The deputation returned in the course of an hour with the pleasing intelligence that they would most cheerfully join hand and heart ; and they likewise suggested—which was agreed to—that , at the first meeting , Mr . Buckley

      be desired to address them next Sunday evening , in the above room . Chair to be taken at half-past seven o ' clock . A few additional cards were taken out , and the meeting stood adjourned . Birmingham . —New Summer-sthebt Locaiit ? . — At a numerous'meeting of members and friends , Mr . Duroain in the chair—Mr . Dalziel delivered a very instructive lecture on the organisation of labour , which gave general satisfaction : after which Mr . Jackson moved , seconded * by Mr . Grantham , " That as the subject is one of vast importance , it be discussed on Sunday evening . " Carried . William Jackson , secretary .

      The victims . —At the locality meeting held at the City Chartist Hall , 28 , fiolden-lnne , it was resolved : — ' That in consequence of no Victim Committee being in existence , tho Provisional Committee be requested to take the management in their hands , iu the hope that by so doing the funds will be increased , and greater satisfaction given to the country at large . Macclesfibld . —Mr . Julian Harney delivered an address to a crowded meeting of democrats on Saturday last . Mr . John West presided . An unanimous vote of thanks to Mr . Harney closed the proceedings .

      Manchester . —Mr . Julian Harney delivered two addresses to the democrats of Manchester , in the People ' s Institute , on Sunday last . Mr . Watson presided . The afternoon meetings are usually but thinly attended , but on this occasion a very largo muster of friends assembled to listen to the speaker . At the conclusion of Mr . Harney ' s discourse , Messrs . West and Leach briefly addressed the meeting . A deputation from the Central Short Time Committee then came forward and presented to Mr . Harney the following communication : — " Sir , —At a meeting ofthe Central Committee for the protection of the Ten Hours Act , the following resolution was agreed to : — ' That a deputation wait upen the editor of the Northern Star to tender the thanks of

      this Committee to him , and to the proprietor , for the support which the Ten Hours cause has received from that paper and that the deputies be instructed to say that the Committee will feel it to be their duty to take the same course with any other public supporter of the Ten Hours question , without reference to any political opinions which he may hold . '—lam , sir , your obedient servant , ' ! . Mawdsley , Sec . "—On the meeting breaking up , accompanied by the deputation and Mr . Leach , Mr . Harney proceeded to the " Cotton Tree , " where he ( addressed the Central Committee , returning thanks for the proprietor of the Star as well as for himself , and editorial colleagues . At the evening meeting in the People ' s Institute , every inch of sitting and

      standing room was occupied—indeed , the hall was crowded well nigh to suffocation . Mr . Harney ' s address was warmly responded to . Mr Leach moved a vote of thanks to Mr . Harney , highly eulogising him for his straightforward and consistent career , and for the kindness he had shown to himself , Mr . West , and others , when confined in Kirkdale . Mr , Skelton , formerly of London , seconded the resolution , and , in so doing , said , that some one in the meeting had called out for " a vote of confidence in Julian Harney . " Such a vote was not needed , the pf ople had confidence in his friend Harney ; and by those who bast knew him was he the most warmly respected . Mr . Dickenson , the "Manchester Packer , " said he must third tho thanks .

      He proceeded to comment at some length on the public career of Mr , Harney , and singled out the letters of " L'Ami du Peuple" for special commendation . A forest of hands testified the unanimous approval of the meeting . Mr . Harney replied , and the proceedings terminated . Rochdale . — Mr . Julian Harney addressed a crowded meeting of the Rochdale democrats on Monday evening last . Mr . Robert Gill presided . A vote of confidence in , and thanks to , Mr . Harney , was moved by Mr . Bake , seconded by Mr . Shepherd , and adopted with enthusiasm . Stockport . —Mr . G . Julian Harney , addressed a crowded and enihusiastic meeting hi the spacious hall of the Lyceum , on Tuesday evening last , The chair having been taken , Mr . Wi : liams in a

      powerful speech , moved the adoption of a resolution ou the Labour Question , which having been seconded , Mr . Harney spoke in its support . His address was warmly applauded . The resolution having been adopted , the following resolution was also carried unanimously i— " That notwithstanding the false and corrupt calumnies circulated by certain men who once belonged to our order , this meeting has full confidence in Mr . G . Julian Harney , and thanks that gentleman for his faithful services to the people ' s cause . " Mr . Harney having replied , the meeting dispersed , first giving three hearty cheers for the triumph of Democracy , all over the world . [ We have been compelled to abridge the reports of the above meetings ^

      To Philip M'Grath, Thomas Clark, William...

      TO PHILIP M'GRATH , THOMAS CLARK , WILLIAM DIXON , AND THE FIVE OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE USHERED INTO EXISTENCE THE " NATIONAL CHARTER LEAGUE . " Brother Chartists , —With feelings of regret I have observed your secession from the National Charter Association , and your projection of a New Society , identical in its principles and objectsj and differing but slightly in its means for their attainment . I believe you have not sufficiently considered the consequences of this , in my opinion , imprudent and dangerous step , and I raise my humble voice to warn you to pause , ere you introduce the evil of disunion and civil warfare into the Chartist ranks .

      I acknowledge that , on certain points of policy , a wide difference of opinion exists between yourselves and the majority of the acting members of the Charter Association , and that this difference has been aggravated and embittered by the introduction of personal and hostile feelings ; but surely this does not justify you in commencing a New Society , This , if justifiable at all , can only be so as a dernier resort , and should , even then , receive the sanction of a large minority of the members ; but such has not been the fact in your case . What means of conciliation have you resorted to ? What length of time have you allowed to elapse for excited feelings to cool ? Could you not have waited until an Executive body was elected , laid your

      protests before them , and have boon assured of the policy they intended to adopt ? If you had followed this course , and had failed in securing attention to your views—if large and influential bodies of Chartists—men who were no ways personally connected with these unfortunate disputes , had then called upon you to form a new Association , your conduct would have appeared more feasible , and your motives would not have boon liable to misconstruction . Gentlemen , from the long experience you have bad of political agitation , you must be well aware of the injury that even tho semblance of two organisations for the same object will inflict upon our cause . Our Irish and Scotch brethren were about

      uniting with us for the attainment of the People ' s Charter ; with which organisation must they identify themselves ? "Will they not stand aloof from both ? Think in what a position you place Mr . O'Connor , and many other active democrats ; they must either hold themselves apart from both parties , or , if they join ono , give bitter cause of hostility to the noglected section . Even among local leaders , what causes of dissension and heartburning , will it not give rise to ? The Chartist and every other agitation is carried out by the exertions of a few active spirits in each town ; amongst these you have thrown the apple of discord ; the unity of action will be dissevered , and thoir influence destroyed . Our halls and places of meeting throughout the covm *

      To Philip M'Grath, Thomas Clark, William...

      try ; are the joint-property ^ of ^ 8 bareholdersrwh (> . in air . probabihty , will embrace opposite aides of the dispute , and the right of occupancy to these places will be a fruitful cause of dissension ; one ground of quarrelwill beget others , and the result will . be , that we had far . better have slumbered in inaction , than have had tworivalfactions contending before the public for supremacy .: In past times , we have all bitterly deplored the division of our own ranks , caused by the promulgation of Mr . Lovett ' s plan of organisation ; . That secession from the main bod y was caused by . the self-same difference of opinion on matters of policy which you have now started . Lovett ' s plan of organisation was nioro perfect than our own ; but the public felt the inconsistency of a secession on such slight grounds , and we denounced

      the mischievous tendency of the division ; and , after causing heartburnings among the leaders—not to . this day eradicated—the Lovettites dwindled into nonentitv , and tlieir services were lost for all matters of public good ; but though their influence is gone , and their leaders have retired into obscurity , the mischief they produced is still pregnant with " evil , and your ill-advised step will stir the smouldering embers into life and activity . You may imagine that you are justified in the step you have taken—that Truth is mighty , and will , in the end , prevail . But , gentlemen , it is not Truth for Justice that , in instances like the present , carries the sway ; a thousand fortuitous circumstances may give a supremacy oven to tho erring partythat party which possesses the rudest health , which

      can collect around it men of the most enterprising habits , and of tho most bigoted zeal will survive in the conflict , but the warfare will damage not only tho individual character of the opponents , but also the general character of tho body ; and , in the metropolis , where the quarrel had its origin , the result will be moat disastrous , for there personal liberty will mingle its most deadly influence with the otherwise minor matters of difference , and we shall fall into the gulf of disunion , which , in a somewhat similar instance , paralysed the efforts of our brethren in Ireland . Gentlemen , I wish not to underrate your power or influence—you possess unquestioned , abilities ; from "long experience you are adepts in all the machinery of agitation ; you will be able to command the

      services of local agents , attached to you by ties of personal as well as political friendship , but all these advantages only tend to make your project more dangerous to the general welfare of the body . I am too well acquainted with the majority of you , to believe that you are actuated by any feelings of personal ambition , or that wounded vanity has any share in this proceeding ; if it has , in the name of our commom welfare , I implore you to cast the degrading incubus away ; let the sympathies of past exertions , and tho hopes of future success , bind us again in one united phalanx . A few months will restore to us our old and tripd friends—M'Douall , Shaw , Jones , Fussell , Bezar , and others . If they have boon imprudent they have bitterly suffered for it . Do not even by implication further heighten their sufferings ; let them not see two rival organisations struggling for power , with the alternative of increasing the hostility , by adding their influence to cither of the opposing parties

      lot each make concessions ; in the present infancy of the separation , this can be done with honour , by both parties ; and it will add to your credit , as the seceding party , to-take tho initiative . Let a Conference bo again held , let fresh officers be again appointed , and the past be buried in oblivion ; or , let the election of an executive , under the present arrangements , and the policy adopted by them , after mutual consultations with the councils of both associations be held , binding upon all . We are on the eve of a great and mighty struggle ; let us not be found worrying each other , instead of preparing to join in the combat which will then take place between the oppressed and the oppressor . As leaders of the movement , you are all answerable to your countrymen and to the world , for the conduct you now pursue ; reflect calml y upon this responsibility , and I know that you will act justly . Yours in sincerity ,

      Thomas Martin Wheeler . 0 ' Connorville , April Sth . [ Mr . Wheeler ' s good intentions warrant the publication of . tho above letter . But he is sadly in error as regards the influence of the seceders . They are impotent for any mischief but that of self-destructiop . Ed . iV . S . ]

      National Anwu Aromjjaiii?

      National anwu aromjjaiii ?

      Bosford,—At A Meeting Of Members' Branch...

      Bosford , —At a meeting of members' branch held on the Sth of April , at the sign of the Old Pare Tree Tavern , Mr . Holroyd in the chair , it was resolved : —That it is the opinion of this meeting , that . the affairs ofthe National Land Company be wound up as soon as possible , and that the directors be requested to do ^ so . "— " That while this meeting considers it desirable that the affairs of the company be wound up , it also holds the opinion that any individual members may invest tlic amount of their shares ( or scrip ) in tfco hands of Mr . O'Connor , for the purpose of forming another Company to carry out the Land Plan . "

      Rochdale . —At a " special meeting of the Land members held at their room , Yorkshire-street , on Sunday last , Samuel Clegg in tho chair , the following resolutions were agreed to : —Proposed by W . Taylor , and seconded by John Butterworth : — " That this meeting having seen with disgust the numerous obstacles tbrown in the way of its advancement by pretended friends as well as by open foes , the Public Press , & o . That as the government and the House of Commons have done all in their power to impede its progress , that it be wound up without their assistance , if it can be done with honour and safety to its worth y founder , Mr . 0 ' Connor , as we have the fullest confidence in him and the directors . "—Proposed by George Morton , and

      seconded by Abraham Crabtree;— " That as great numbers have paid no levies , the secretary do prepare the list of arrears for each section in rotation , and to commence with the first on Sunday afternoon , at two o clock , in the room , in Yorkshire-street . " The meeting w ; is one of the most numerous that had been held for the last two years . Several speakers addressed the meeting in a friendly and kind spirit , all feeling confident in the p lan if honestly worked out by its members . Carrinoton . —On Sunday evening last a meeting of members was held to take into consideration the critical position of the Company . Several of the members present were those who lent their assistance to open the branch—veritable Chartists—men who have laboured aad paid to their utmost in the

      beginning , to set the Company on its first foundation ; and , I am convinced , that there arc many such like men in different parts ofthe country . Had the Company been confined to men of the same princi ples , who had paid up willingly to test Mr . O'Connor's ability , anil if a failure occurred , to sink their money , if such a failure was caused by honest means ; in fact , if the Company had been confined to tho Chartist body , who had , and still have , full confidence in Mr . O'Connor ' s honesty , the Company would now be in a healthy condition . Those men after having paid their shares would have contributed weekly to keep the Company hi a flourishing state . Who have we to blame , that such is not the case ? Why , Mr . Clark . He

      was determined to open tho fourth and fifth sections , in spite of the recommendation of various branches throughout the country , and when that was done , in came tho scum , or men of no principles . The principal part of the allotments arc occupied by such characters . These are the men , who , as it were , have set themselves in battle array against Mr . O'Connor . Who have \ ve to thank for it , and the downfall ofthe Company ? I say again , Mr . Clark . The fact is this , that very many of us have no further confidence in him , and had I written as requested , we should have recommended his retirement long ago . But to return to the subject . Duncan Sherrington ' s letter was read , and also that from Hull , which came within tho views of a majority of the meeting . Similar views having been talked over by many for some time . The meeting came to the same conclusion as the Hull members did , when thirteen paid-up shareholders , and four

      nearly paid-up members , gave in their names , that the scrip be deposited in Mr . O'Connor ' s hands only , for the purpose of purchasing one or more of tne estates , as his judgment may think proper , as the depositors of such scrips are desirous of seeing tho Land Plan carried out , as first intended by Mr . O'Connor . The meeting was adjourned to Sunday , April , 21 st ., at seven o ' clock in the evening , to give others an opportunity of expressing their opinion , and by that time we shall be prepared to send our contributions to the Honesty Fund . If you will please to give a place for this in the Star , we shall feel obliged . —John Let . Carlisle . —In consequence of the notice of the Directors which appeared in last Saturday ' s Star , the members held a meeting , when ifc was resolved , that the discussion should he adjourned to Sunday afternoon next , in order to ensure a full attendance of members .

      Dissolution Of The Land Society. To The ...

      DISSOLUTION OF THE LAND SOCIETY . TO THE EDITOH OF THE NORTHERN STAB . Sir , —I have observed with some degree of pleasure and satisfaction the noble spirit which is being everywhere evinced by the members of tho Land Company , not to allow Mr . O'Connor to bo laid aside in his meritorious scheme by the acts of a corrupt legislature . How often have I read , with interest , the numberless votes of confidence which the various branches of the Company p laced m w . O'Connor ? and how often I repeat-hav e tne members , almost to a man , said , the entire capital was believed by them to be 4 ^ J ^ wtaj ? it ™ s spent under his directions ? Indeed , I firmly believe not one farthing was ever subscribed by any one except those who had . the most warm-hearted frienushipfor , and implicit confidence in his honesty and integrity *

      Dissolution Of The Land Society. To The ...

      ' --Now ^ Sii ' r if I have judged correctly , then let mo ask , what is the obstacle in Mr . O'Connor ' s way to the placing tlie people on tho Land ? My opinion is , that the shareholders are > to blame , as they ,-in this particular , are , as stubbom and ,, obstinate us tho corrupt administrators of ... bur class-made , laws . ' " . , ' . . ' . " ; ' . _ . . "¦¦ . . The Judges say , " the law does hot allow US to : register your Company ; the'legislature , also , refusesto pass an act to legalise the past and future operations of the Company ; " and the members of the Company turn round upon Mr . O'Connor , and , tell him : " unless you obtain legal assurance " that we can inherit our possessions in terms of law , wnicn , we observe , seems to be impossible , we will

      not proceed . Now does such asubstantive declaration show -fu ll confidence in -Mr . O'Connor ? I think not . As the matter stands , Mr . 0 'Connor is placedI in a very uncomfortable fix , for he can move in nojhrection . Mr . 0 Connor would not like to tell the people to give him their money and make it his own , and that such a course would arm him with the power to spread cottages for the people on the Land . No , - he cannot be expected to do this , for if he did , that would be enough—a storm would arise against him , and he would probably have to submit , to the end of his days , to the vile abuse of every hireling scribbler who mocks the people with lip and pen sympathy . Whatever the people may do , it is evident Mr . O'Connor must obtain

      power to wind up the anairs of the Company ; and hence an act to dissolve the Company is requisite . But although this must be done , ic does not follow that tho Land must be sold ; if the people have confidence in Mr . O'Connor—and thousands of the members have said , and say still , he is an honest man , which is no more than his greatest enemies are compelled to declare , and admit openly . Now this being a fact , which is placed beyond the power of contradiction , wherein lies the difficulty ? For my own part , I can discover none . If the people constituted Mr . O'Connor the bona fide proprietor he will then be able , like other land holders , "to do xvilh his own as he pleases , " and would , as a matter of right , grant leases , and encourage all those who were inclined to do well . Mr . 0 \ Cwmor would then

      have power to sell or mortgage the different estates ; and it would matter extremely little to the tenant , who held the title deeds and drew the rents , when a good lease defended tho tenant ' s right , and armed him with the power to purchase , at a given rate , the annual rent charge . It was not ori g inally intended that the Company should hold the land as its individual property , but pass it into other hands , and go on in the purchase of other lands , settling the people as fast as money could bo raised . Tho scheme is certainly excellent , osd no doubt can exist , but the expectation of the people could be fully realised , if they-would invest Mr . O'Connor with the power to execute his intentions . If this is not granted , then the people will distrust , and the sooner he is rid ofthe matter , the better for his own ease , comfort , and peace of mind .

      I have told you before , I am not a member ofthe Land Company , but several of my sons are , and hence I have some interest in its ultimate success . I hope the question will be calmly discussed ; and if anything I have said shall tend towards advancing the interests of the public in their wish to improve their social condition , I shall be exceedingly happy . In conclusion , I earnestly hope the people will not desert Mr . O'Connor upon this occasion , but will invest him with authority to lay out their money as seems best for the advantage of all concerned . ' If this is agreed to he will no longer require an expensive staff of directors to conduct the manage * ment of his private business , and I firmly believe in all matters touching the real interests of the people , as regards economy and fair upright dealing he will not , at any time , be found wanting . Yours respectfully , Aberdeen , April Sth . Jonx Smahi .

      Tee Miners Of The North. To The Editor O...

      TEE MINERS OF THE NORTH . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR , Sin , —At the miners' delegate meeting held on Saturday last , at the Garden House , near Durham , among other local business several letters were read from the mining districts relative to the utility of holding a Miners' Conference , and also in connexion with the departure ofthe deputation to London upon the ventilation question . With regard to the latter , a communication from Lancashire detailed the impossibility of the deputation from that district being able to proceed until after tho 10 th inst ., consequently the delegates agreed to postpone the departure of the deputation from this district until the 23 rd inst ., so that full and ample time mi ght be given to all localities to forward their petitions , and the necessary information . Hence the signing

      of petitions , < Jsc , can go on for a few days longer , but all must be sent off as soon as possible after tlie 20 th , With respect to holding a conference , it was agreed to meet for that purpose on Monday , May 20 th , the place to be fixed upon at the next delegate meeting , and to be noticed through the medium of the Aorthcrn Star . It is therefore of essential im « portance that the miners in every place should come forward and assist in this work of salvation , and thus hand down to posterity a monument of their zeal , to give a salutary check to tho ruinous downward tendency of the wages of the miner , and which , if not checked , will most assuredly bring them to the lowest possible depths of misery and starvation . In accordance with this view a proposition was submitted to the delegates , to be discussed at the next

      meeting , and which will , no doubt , be also submitted to the Conference when it meets ; therefore , it is essential that all districts should take it into consideration at the earliest possible opportunity , seeing that it embraces the interests of all the miners in the kingdom . The proposition is as follows : — " That the unlimited competition which has prevailed among both employers and the employed , has , within the last twenty years , reduced the wages of the workmen mere than one third , and the profits of the masters more than a half . It is therefore desirous that some well connected plan should be called into operation , which will prevent the further decrease of the profits of the proprietors , and the remunera tion of the workmen , and that it be considered

      whether an application should be made to Parliament to grant an eight hours bill for the mines and collieries of Great Britain , as the likeliest means to secure tho above object . It is but proper to acknowledge , that very many persons arc persuaded the above application will , if granted , ensure a more steady and uniform rate of wages to the workmen , and a regular and reasonable profit to the proprietors , a desideratum devoutl y to be wished . Again calling the attention of the miners to the forwarding of their petitions , & c . ; and also , to the necessity o taking up the subject involved in the proposition .. I remain , Yours , & e ., II .. Jude . P . S . —All information for the miners' deputation can be forwarded to Mr , Wm . Dixon , 144 , High-Holborn , London .

      The Lancashire And Cheshire Miners. To T...

      THE LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE MINERS . TO THE EDITOR" OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sin , —The fortnightly delegate meeting of the miners of these two counties was held at the Amen Corner , Eochdale , on Monday , the 1 st inst ., when tho following , among other resolutions , was agreed to : — " That the petition drawn up by D . Swallow and C . Meadowcroft , as now read ,, be adopted ; : and that the secretary do get the same printed against this day fortnight . Also , that petition sheets be prepared as well and brought to the next meeting . " Mr . John Fiance and Mr . John Louise were both nominated as fit and proper persons to form one of the deputation to London on the subject of government inspection over mines- and collieries . Mr . France was elected by a majority of 1 , 043 over Mr . Louise .

      On account of several districts not yet having sent in their twopence per member for the purpose of defraying the expense of tho deputation to London , it was ordered : " -That any district failing to send in their monies , to t ' le next meeting will have the same deducted fsom their county levy , and kept from the first money due to tho district . " After the usual business- had been transacted , the meeting was adjourned until Monday , the 15 th inst ., to be hold at the Cheshire Cheese ,. Oldham . I am glad to inform you that I have opened three new lodges in the Chorley district last week . Mr . Dennett has held soaie good meetings during tho fortnight in tho neighbourhood of Poynton and Norbury . Yours , Ac . D . Swallow .

      Fatal Coal-Wt Accident As Worslet.—On Fr...

      Fatal Coal-wt Accident as Worslet . —On Friday evening a fatal accident occurred at the colliery of Mrs . Nightingale , Worsley . Two men named Eli Molineux and John Perry , on leaving work , signaled to be raised to the top of the pit , ami tliev were accordingly hoisted up . . When they reached the mouth of the pit , the engineer endeavoured to stop the engine : but owing to their weight being lighter than tho loads usually wound up the impetus was given by the descending basket , and the quick speed at which the engine was going at the time , he was unable to do so . The

      consequence was . that the men were wound up to the head geer , when the chain snapped , and they were dashed to the bottom of the pit , a depth of 150 yards , and of course both were killed , dn Monday-Mr . Butter held an Inquest on the bodies at Worsley Stocks . From the evidence given , it appeared that no blame attached to tho engineer , who was & sober man , and had been in the employ of Mr . Nightingale several years . The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death . " Molineux was 38 , and Berry 47 years of ago , and both have left families .

      Financial and Parliamentary . Reform . — A crowded and most enthusiastic meeting was hold in the theatre , Sheffield , on Monday night , to receive Sir Joshua Walmsley , M . P ., and Georgo Thompson , Esq ., M . P ., as a deputation from the National Par Uamentary and . Financial Reform Association ,

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), April 13, 1850, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_13041850/page/5/