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Northern Star (1837-1852), 14th December 1850, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, WINDING UP OP TIIE LAND COMPANY. TO THE ...

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    • " There is a good time coming, hoys.'
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      " There Is A Good Time Coming, Hoys.'

      " There is a good time coming , hoys . '

      To The Tforeingr Classes. My Fkiekds, Wl...

      TO THE TFOREINGr CLASSES . MY Fkiekds , Wliea you read this letter only six veeks will elapse before Parliament assembles , and my anxious desire is to prepare you for the struggle which -will then take place . I stated to you in former letters , that the contest between the Protestants and Catholics would constitute the Mii * istek , ' s greatest difficult y in the ensuing session . I repeat the words of many former Ministers : — " That Ireland was

      England ' s greatest difficulty . " And from the election which is now taking place for the County of Limerick—where they have a Whi g , a Tory , and a Radical candidate—you will come to the conclusion , when you read the row that took place at the nomination , that the Irish electors and non-electors are not so great to ° \ ir Lthe hands of landlords and masters as the English electors and non-electors are ; and you may rely upon it , that when a general election takes place in Ireland , nineteen out of every twent y members will be Catholics .

      Lord Carlisle , Lord Ashley , and several other noble lords , are now cndeaouring to uphold the dignity of their order by basing opposition to . Catholicism upon respect , devotion , loyalty , and love for the Queen . John vOUNEll , in order to preserve some little popularit y , was in the habit of calling her Majesty , our "LOVELY YOUNG QUEEN ;" but now that our lovel y young Qtjeen stands in opposition to the Pope , the Liberator ' s son

      will act upon old Brooks' maxim , " The Lord love you , we are are all for ourselves in this world . " The Priests . are very naturally taking part with the Pope , and for this reason : because in former days the tyranny of Protestantism compelled the Roman Catholic clergymen of Ireland to conceal themselves in underground caverns , and to come out from their caves to celebrate mass . A meeting has also taken place in the count y of Mayo , to consider the imprudence of Lord John Russell ' s letter , and both members for the county , and several Roman Catholic clergymen , attended tha t meeting ; and you will find in the next session , that every Roman

      Catholic member will offer the greatest antagonism to Lord John Russell and his government . John Connell did not appear in the House during the last session of Parliament , because he was perfectly aware that he could not keep any Irish party together ; ) while you may rest assured , that he will take his seat and his stand in the ensuing session , in the hope of leading the Irish Catholics against the government . Lord Carlisle ' s lecture , at Leeds , occupied several columns of the Times , and nearly two-thirds of it was poetry , which , of course , tickled the fancy of the dignified ladies and gentlemen who attended the meeting * . " *•

      Jn ' ow , my friends , it is for this coming struggle that I wish to prepare von , and 1 hope that your true and faithful representatives will be prepared to hold an early Conference—a Conference in the beginning of January , in whatever place the majority of your order may approve of ; and I hope the true and faithful men will be elected to represent you , as itmakes my very blood run cold when I reflect upon the fact , that when our funds -were exhausted , in 1839 , when the Conference had sat for over seven months , your most violent physical force representatives became your greatest enemies and opponents .

      I had an interview for some hours , on Monday last , with your young and energetic friend , Ernest Jones , and . however he may have lugged himself into a contest with the people of some districts , I believe him to be most sincere and energetic in your cause , and , like myself , I believe he is prepared and willing to submit to the will of the majority Of your order . I-have thought , and thought again , of the folly and-imprudence < rf-holding a Conference when the great Exhibition takes

      place , and when Parliament has sat for three months ; and I am confirmed in the prudence , after the deepest reflection , of holding a Conference in January , because , as I before stated , it will develope the mind of this country to the Government and Parliament ; and , rely upon it , that , in consequence of the death of Sir Robert Peel , and the struggle which is now taking place between Protestants and Catholic s , that y ou will see such a contest as Eng land never witnessed before .

      Many people have told you that the death of Louis Philippe , the Duke of Wellington , or Daniel O'Conneix , would lead this country into revolution . Louis Philippe and Daniel O'Coxsell are now no more , and however Daniel 0 ' Connell might have been able to turn the Papal Question to his own advantage , by making it a dodge to rouse the Irish mind to that extent which would serve his own interest , hut not theirs , you may rest assured , that his son John cannot wind the Irish people around his finger as the

      LIBERATOR did . My friends , you will only see two more numbers of the Northern Star before the fir . -t of January ; and therefore it is right and prudent that you should meet at once , in your several localities , and decide upon the time when the Conference should be held . I assure you that neither the decision of the Judges in Brad-SHAW ' s case , nor any other injustice or tyranny

      to which I maybe subjected , grieves or annoys me so much as dissension amongst the working classes . In a few years , the worms will oe eating us all ; and my desire is , to leave the world better than I found it , and that my memory shall live after me . In conclusion , therefore , let me implore of you to abandon all antagonism , and convince your enemies of the truth of the good old maxim

      that" United , you stand—divided , you fall . " At foot of my letter , I furnish you with a report of the proceedings at the Limerici Election ; and trusting you will read it , I remain , your Faithful and Uncompromising Friend and Advocate , Feargus O'Connor .

      "Buin Him With Expenses." —Lord Jfellour...

      "BUIN HIM WITH EXPENSES . " —Lord Jfellouriic . TO THE HONEST WOBKING MEN . Mr FfliE * s : DS , —I have now discovered the ver itable truth of Lord Melboukse ' s maxim" Buin him with expenses . " "W'UIyou Believe it , -when I tell Y > that in Biudshaw ' s case , Roebuck ' s fee is put down at fifty pounds ; Josh . Hoisaii ' s expenses— who XC « S never examined—at nearly tibteteen pounds and scores of located members—icho were never examined—nt from £ 10 to £ 12 each ; the

      RAVEN'S expenses—who was examined before tho Cemmitteo of the House of Common s —at nearly thirteen pounds ; and COMMISSIONERS—who were sent down to the estates to fish out evidence against me , are put down at an enormous amount . It makes my very blood ran cold , when I think of this tyranny , to which I have heeu subjected for so many years ; and I quite agree with many good friends who have written to me this week , showing me the folly of ever going to lav . Your Faithful Fncffd , Feargus O'Ccssor .

      •Winding Up Of The Land Company. In Repl...

      • WINDING UP OF THE LAND COMPANY . In reply to a Tory kind letter , received from the Salfonl branch of the Laud Company , and other places , I be ? to repeat again , that iliose tcho assist in winding vp will he Hie first paid off I gite the same answer to the kind letter o f my friend" ? . G . " F . O'Cq-ssok .

      ¦ J "" ^ ' Fe^ C^; Y / Au^Zo ~ ~"" , /& ...

      ¦ J " " ^ ' fe ^ c ^; y / au ^ Zo ~ ~"" , /& f Jf-U-i sfc A ^*» ' « / ii , »<^ ' " ^ S ^^^ SwfiK ^ ife / , . oZ ^^^ se i . ¦ ' t /

      ' . ... . > .•!-/. J- '-; •- -1 L'*- ---...

      ' . ... . > . •! - / . J- ' - ; - -1 l' * - --- - X si U si . ' 1 L ' .-L AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL .

      Vol. W. P. 686. L1dqh, Stoat, December 1...

      VOL . W . P . 686 . L 1 DQH , STOAT , DECEMBER 1850 . ^ ¦ SagJSSSt " , ^ ,

      County Of Limerick Election. (From The T...

      COUNTY OF LIMERICK ELECTION . ( From the Times . ) The " great struggle" coriimenced on Tuesday , and , from the reports of the nomination proceedings , it will be odd indeed if the affair is brought to a conclusion without violence , and , it may bo , bloodshed . Before the chair was taken , the orators of the clubs , and the rampant spirits of the city of Limerick , indulged in more than the usual amount of political and personal attack and rejoinder ; and when the doors were opened at the vehement demand of a popular leader , to let in the people , a vociferous crowd rushed in , and occupied every place that was available . A more riotous assent Wage could not be conceived , and throughout the day their -violence was such as to justify the High Sheriff in reading the Riot Act . At twenty miuutes past eleven o ' clock the chair was taken by the High Sheriff , and the writ was read by him .

      Sir Verb de Verb then came forward to propose Mr , W . Goold as a fit and proper person to represent the county of Limerick in Parliament . The mob would not listen to him , and he was able to articulate a few words only . He spoke of the business-like habits , integrity , honour , and sympathy for the people which characterised Mr . Goold , and recommended him to the electors as a gentleman who would ably represent them in Parliament . Mr . J . B . IIasst seconded the motion , amid the roars and bellowings of the " non-electors . " Mr . R . Maxwell proposed Captain S . A . Dickson , and described him as an honest and trustworthy representative , a resident landlord , and an enemy to the "Whigs . Mr . Lxoyd , of Beachmount , seconded the nomination .

      The Rev . Mr . Hickey , parish priest of Doon , proposed Mr . M . Ryan , the nominee and candidate of the Tenant League . . He said that he was a patriot and a true friend of the people . He stated that 000 persons had been swept away from one property by death , extermination , and emigration , and charged the candidates , Messrs . Goold and Dickson , the former with a disposition to support Lord John Mummery , and the other to support the Tories and landlordism . The Rev . Mr . Dowses , P . P . of Kilmallock , seconded the motion .

      The reporters for the public press , who had taken possession of a quiet little nook at a desk beneath the bench , and had pared their pencils and arranged their papers , with a view to take a verbatim note of the speeches , were here assailed and invaded by a pressure from without , and were obliged to cover a glorious retreat by preserving their limbs and their notebooks . The glass in the windows was smashed , the seats torn up , hats wove knocked off , a summary ejectment from the gallery of some one obnoxious to the omnipotent people was in more than one instance attempted , and universal confusion prevailed . The Rev . Mr . Dowses having concluded his speech , Mr . Hxsxox proposed the Rev . D . Bell , of Ballybay .

      Mr . K . Rta : * seconded the motion . Mr . B . O'Bosssll , of Kilmallock , proposed Captain Carleton . Mr . K . Ryan proposed the Rev . P . Quaid , of Callaghan ' s Mills . Mr . W . Babey , of Gortnaclura , seconded the proposition . Mr . O'Doxseia proposed Mr . Lucas , whose nomination was seconded by the Rev . Mr . Downes . Mr . Goold then attempted ,- amid terrible

      interruptions , to address the meeting . He would tell Mr . Uickey , and the electors of Limerick , and Mr . Ryan too , that his father spent a long life in striking off the fetters of the Roman Catholics of this country , and his was not the hand to re-impose those fetters . ( Hear , hear . ) And , though he differed from his tenants on many points , yet he always kept in view that he was a Protestant landlord over a Roman Catholic tenantry . ( Cries of "Turn him out "— " Turn him out" — " Weniusp have Ryan , and no Goold . " )

      Mr . Ryan stepped forward and sain : If there is not order in this court-house ,,. , and if Mr . Goold is not heard , in order to give me an opportunity , of replying to him , I will withdraw from the contest , because I am prepared to tell you that anything cominjr from that gentleman is both treacherous and false . ( "Hear , hear , " and cries of "We will , we will . " ) Order in some degree having heeen restored , Mr . Goold said : Gentlemen , I have already replied to the insinuations of Mr . Hiekey . He said 1 would be a party to repealing the Emancipation Act ; but I have already stated that my father spent years of toil and labour , even at a time when patriotism was not a profession , and when men did not

      live by it , in striking off the fetters from his Roman Catholic brethren , and mine shall not he the hand to rivet them on again . ( Hear , hear , and cries of " You would ; you would .. " ) It has been objected to me also that I have been connected with the Earl ofDunraven . ( A voice : " Do you know Lord John Russell ? Do you know Monsell ; that has done us ? " ) Mr . Goold : Bat 1 say that I pload guilty to that charge . If I did not " my very name would betray me , for I have been connected with as good a landlord as ever Jived in thiscountry . ( Avoice : "Idoubt it very much . " ) Mr . Goold : Can you doubt that he was a nobleman in the enjoyment of a splendid palace in England , and that he preferred to live in this country , and give employment to the poor . ( A voice : " Because he could live cheaper in this coun

      try . ) Captain Dickson then came forward amid tremendous noise . Mr . Ryan begged of them to give every man a fair hearing , and said that any man who interrupted the proceedings must be a hireling and paid for the purpose . Captain Dickson was then proceeding , when he was met hv a repetition of groaning . Mr . M'Carthy insisted on a fair hearing for Mr . Dickfon . Give him a fair hearing , boys . What will he say of you when he goes to the club-house to-nig ht and drinks his champagne , but that he coa ' . d not get a hearing from you ? ( Hear . ) Csptain Dickson proceeded to say , —Electors of the county of Limerick , I am firmly convinced that of all the governments that ever mismanaged the affairs of this country , the present

      is the worst , governed as it is by Lord John Russell . ( Groans . ) Somebody has given him the name of " Mummery , " and I was going to apply the term to him too ; but I approach you with the greatest caution , for fear any observation of mine should be mistaken ; but I fear that he is a mummerv in politics . Tou have the addresses of three candidates before you , and I tell you that , in reality , there are only two candidates before the electors . As for Mr . Goold , he is a political nonentity . ( Laughter . ) A Whig in his heart—a Tory where he wants to get a Tory vote—a Protestant to the parson , and a Roman Catholic to the priest . He would try those artifices , insinuate himself into parliament , and he would use still baser artifices to remainthere . ( Cheers . ) TFith two of his brothersin-law already in parliament , are you going to let your noble , jour beautiful county , sink into a rotten borough for the Earl of Danraven ? ( Hear . )

      The only opponent that I have in the field , therefore , is a man as honourable , as upright , and as honest , as I hope I am myself . ( Cheers . ) "We do not agree in our political opinions—we have both puttLcui before the public . He advocates a measure which is culled Tenant Right . ( Three groans for Tenant Right . ) But , as it is quite lm-1 ossihle for that measure to be earned , I will not therefore support it . I now leave my case in your hands , and if you send me to parliament , I pledge you my word you . will never regret it . ( Cries of ' " Indeed we won ' t . " ) Mr . Ryan , of Brurce , then delivered a very long and acrimonious speech , in which he personally as mailed a number of person ? , and dealt extensively in t' - c use of such epithets as " robbers , murdci-\ . * " hirclinsp , traitors , vagabonds , scoundrels , ruffi-fir * exterminators , assassins , " and other such « ..,, ' « Vliaaientary phvascoloay . He was attired in a

      fiiczecoat . and had all the free rollicking air ot a ml ' er or a fanner , and appeared to consider himself Sno-sessed of more influence to quell the multi-? I tllvi ti-c High Sheriff or the con £ re < rated clcr-Sen ^ h ' n a partial disturbance took place he ^ T ^ eKe ^ aeS'SKa ^ r ^ S ^^ U ^ jed Mr . f hi with ^ n extenuated thirtyfe ^ M ^ JSJ ' eat-oii Mr . Goold indir ^ t lj and <^ Here a wretched-looking man ii . ade hm « 4 eiy p . o :, h , er . t in order to altMCt I'OUCC tO ll' *;? " ?} a »! e appraraucc . His spectro-hke form am ^ o % v depkwaUo condition suseested many met .. f . ioi 3 and irraphic descriptions of the speakers in support of Mr . llvan , who regarded him as the jncarimtioi . of extenajaation . He tumbled from the gallery once or twice in the excess of his excitement ,

      which gave rise to much laughter , as his presence was regarded hy many as an auctioneering »"" dramatic expedient , and caused much confusion ,-for the giddy oscillating crowd below could have

      County Of Limerick Election. (From The T...

      dispensed with ah additional Element of discord ia his unwelcome presence . ' * The Rev . Mr . Bell , of Ballibay , Presbyterian clcrjryman ; the Rev . Mr . Kearney , of Westmeath , Roman Catholic clergyman ; theBov . Mr . Quaide , Roman Catholic clergyman ; and Mr . Lucas , proprietor of the Tablet newspaper , members and nominees of the Tenant . League , next addressed the meeting , having been proposed as candidates , but really for the purpose of aiding and assisting Mr . Ryan , and , having delivered long and eloquent speeches in favour of Tenant Right , resigned their novel pretensions in favour of Mr . Ryan . At the close of the proceedings of the day , five O ' clock , the High Sheriff called for a " show ef hands , " which was given in favour of Mr . Ryan , and ho intimated that the polling would commence on "Wednesday , at nine o'clock .

      The O'Connor Defence Fund. , To . Mr. Wm...

      THE O'CONNOR DEFENCE FUND . , TO . MR . WM . RIDER . Sm , —Enclosed is one shilling and sixpence , in postage stamps—one shilling for the case of Mr . O'Connor and ^ Bradshaw , and sixpence for the Winding-up offttie Land Company . At the same time , 1 wish tq ^ express my unbounded confidence in Mr .. O ' Connor ^ . and disgust at the infamous conduct he has experienced from some of the members of the Company . -I also hope he will form another Company ,. of'Which I shall become a member . I remain , sir , yours most respectfully , Cirencester , Dec . 9 th . G . Davis .

      Deak Sir , —As a mark of my sympathy , and high estimation , of the unequaled exertions of Mr . O'Connor on behalf of the working men of Great Britain , I send you a Post Office Order for £ 1 , as my own contribution , to aid him to meet the demands upon him in the Bradshaw case . I hope the working people generally will , without delay or hesitation , prove to their oppressors that they are not insensible of the genei ous and unflinching advocacy bestowed by this benevolent and philanthropic man in their well being . I perfectly agres . with the remark in the letter of Mr . James Russell , in late week ' s Star , that Mr . O'Connor must possess Herculean strength of nerve and moral courage , ' to bear up under all he has suffered in the cause of

      humanity . The antagonistic letters which appear week after week in the Star , to the proposition made hy him for holding a Conference at Manchester in January next , are nothing better , in my opinion , than a vain display on the part of those who profess to serve the people ' s cause . It would appear to me much more worthy of their attention , if they would discuss their differences with Mr . O ' Connor in private , because it serves no other purpose in the public prints than creating party strife and opposition and giving to the government strength and satisfaction . I will quote a few lines , which I think is very applicable to the matter under my notice , out of Mr . Kydd ' s excellent letter : — " Of late , much has been said of

      reconciliation , and of union , but it is an idle and useless thing for the generals of an army to preach union to the troops , provided they , by their own acts , practice disunion . " I am quite of the same opinion as Mr . Kydd . I am precisely in the same position as Mr . Russell . I believe no other person in this borough of Neath , but myself , takes the Star , since , and some time previous , to the trial of Frost , Williams , and Jones . I have had the gratification to read the Star weekly ; and I sincerely say , that I never knew a man who could , or wquld , endure the taunts of those" whom he

      serves , like Mr . O'Connor . Wishing Mr . O'Connor that support he truly merits , I conclude this subject . The time for which I have pre-paid you for the Northern Star will expire with this month , and , I again think with Mr . Russell , that I cannot better serve the cause of human redemption than by pre-paying you for another year , as the honourable „ proprietor spends the whole of his profits in the : cause . You will , therefore , receive from me £ 1-2 . * ., in addition to the £ l I give for Mr . O'Connor ' s Defence Fund . I am , dear sir , > ' ' . . . Sincerely yours , Tynyrheol , Neath . William Jones .

      TO THE LOVERS OP JUSTICE THHOUOHOU *' THE BRITISH EMPIRE . Fellow-countrymen , —Our indomitable friend , Mr . O'Connor , after having laboured for us , has been marked out by tho bloodhounds of the law as a fit subject on which to practise Melbourne ' s motto— " Ruin him with expenses . " I have mistaken the character of my countrymen if they tamely stand hy and permit such villainy to he consummated . The country at large ought to be roused to action in this instance , for I consider that we owe a debt of gratitudeto that gentleman which we can never repay . As far as this district is concerned we will wipe off the stain ; we have already sent about £ 25 . Onward then in the good work . England expects every man to do his duty . The men of the Eag . ' e Tavern and Seven St irs localities in Nottingham act nobly . I remain , yours faithfully , James Sweei .

      Winding Up Op Tiie Land Company. To The ...

      WINDING UP OP TIIE LAND COMPANY . TO THE EDITOR OF THE XORTHEHN STAR . Sm , —I send five shillings and sixpence towards Winding-up the Land Company—four shillings for myself , one for a brother and sister , and sixpence for C . Hartshorn ; 1 have bought seven certificates , and if I had the means 1 would buy more . My confidence is not shaken in Mr . O'Connor . Sir , it grieves me to see hoff that gentleman has been abused . If he had been tho greatest rogue in tho kingdom , there could not have been one-tenth part of the talk about him ; but mankind too generally despise their best

      friends , and cherish their bitterest enemies . When this Company is wound up I hope he will start a fresh one , for I long to be placed on the land . I was turned out from all the works in 1842 for being a Chartist . If I could have been on the Great Dodford Estate I would have open the eyes of thousands of people in this part of the country . Both lower and middle classes tell me I shall be dono out of all I have paid into the Company ; but if I am I shall not blame Mr . O'Connor . Yours truly , Netherton . Wm . Dunn .

      Mr. O'Connor And The Ciiief Baron Of The...

      MR . O'CONNOR AND THE CIIIEF BARON OF THE EXCHEQUER . TO THE EDITOR OF THE KORinERS STAR . Sir , —If you should think it not amiss , I should ivish you to publish , in the next Star , the following tribute to tho character of Air . O'Connor , from Sir P . Pollock , then Attorney-General , at the close of the trials of Mr . O'Connor and fifty-nine others , at Liverpool , March 8 th , 1 S 13 . Perhaps it may form a suitable contrast to the persecutions that gentleman is at present undergoing for the advocacy of labour : — " Attohsey-Gexeiul : Gentlemen , —Mr . O'Connor has alluded to the Chartist trials at Monmouth . I stood side by side with Mr . O'Connor , watching the event of that proceeding . Mr . O'Connor was there , acting on behalf of the unfortunate persons implicated in that charge . To me Mr . O'Connor need not have produced much of the evidence he has brousht forward to-day to prove that he is a person of warm and humane feelings , of active benevolence . Ibear of him that willing testimony . You yourselves might have seen how , when Tilling was telling his story of distress , Mr O'Connor melted over those noes that he had not participated in .

      " Gentlemen , —1 may , perhaps , owe to his Lordship and to vou some apology for what I have said with respect to Mr . O'Connor , but I owe it to truth , and I have ever fearlessly proclaimed what I believe to be the truth with respect to any man whose conduct I had occasion to speak of . I have never suppressed , under any circumstances , that which I thought wight be advantageous even to those whom I have been called on to prosecnte . " Cy inserting the above in the Star , you will much oblige yours , in the cause of democracy , llolliiiwood , Dec . 4 th . J . Rayxor .

      Proposed Reform Or The Divorce Laws.—A R...

      Proposed Reform or the Divorce Laws . —A royal commission is about to issue , to inquire and report upon the whole subject of the law of divorce —not merely the proceedings in the ecclesiastical courts , but the proceedings in parliament—not the divorce a mcusa el thoro alone , but the lUOl'D weighty and important question of the divorce a vinculo matrimonii , which troubles many an honest man , and we have no doubt many an honest woman too . This was precisely one of those questions wliiali , jilthough palpable to all , yet on which it is mo . it expedient , as it is ii : 0 * teuy , to collect and condense an overwhelming weight of testimony . The commission is cho-en ftom most eminent lawyers and members of both Nouses of Parliament . It will he composed < of « the following—Lord Campbell , Lord ficiumont , Lord RciJedale , Dr . Lushiiigton , Spencer IloiMtio Walpolc , M . P ., W . Page Wood , JU ' ., and the Hon . E . P . Itouvcrh ? , M . P .

      Ernest Jones And The Manchester Council....

      ERNEST JONES AND THE MANCHESTER COUNCIL . Before ; making our conclusive remarks on the proposoS- ^ Manchester Conference , allow us to notice the letter of Ernest Jones , as published in ths NortherAStar of the 7 th inst . It would have given more satisfaction if Mr . Jones had applied himself to refute our address to the Chartists of England , as contained in the Star of November 16 th ; instead of which he applies himself to writing an abusive letter of denunciation . Ihis wo have replied to before , arid we see no reason to alter the opinions then expressed . We will , therefore , proceed to notice tho paragraphs contained in Mr . Jones ' s letter , although labouring under the disabilities of a neglected education to fulfil efficiently the" duties imposed upon us . He says : —¦

      " loti allude to the disunion which now pervades the Chartist body . How was it created ? ' * * * The disunion was created by a Conference being called . at a time when another Conference " was sitting . in London , " < fce . This is adding , new matter to tho controversy . Why was it not urged from other quarters , when the Manchester Conference was first proposed ? This ought to have been done—but its omission will have its "dub . weight . . ' Wittfresucct to our accusing Mr . Jones of dictation , " we confidently leave that matter with the coun ^ try . His letters' hear sufficient proofs to justify the accusation .

      " The question being before tho public , the majority decided against the proposition for a Conference in January . " That a majority of tho public has decided- is untruoj-allowing that the decision of thirty-five districts has been given . Surely , thirty-five , districts are riot to be culled a majority of tho public ! A majority of the public take little notice of tho Chartist proceedings . It is a lamentable : fact , but nevertheless true ; and to remedy this are our energies directed . We are weary with the jog-trot system of agitation which- has been carried on for some time . It has driven some of the most intelligent working men from the Chartist body . We are determined to advance with the advanced minda of the country . Wo are deceiving ourselves and the country , in assuming ourselves to be ; "the people , " when we are , in reality , only an insignificant body , without an organisation of sufficient strength to govern tho advanced minds of Democracy : — .

      " You . were not , then , content with proposing a Conference , but actually . constituted yourselves an Executive , and called one . " This we positively deny . How does Mr . Jones arrive at such a conclusion ? The only way he can do so is , from our address on the 10 th of November ; that address does not say that a Conference will he held against tho wish of a majority of the Chartist body . Let our readers refer to pur address , and they will find it reads thus : — " If tho country should respond , as we think it will , a Conference will be held . " Is this sufficient to warrant any one in charging us with constituting ourselves an "Executive ? " But the desirableness of an early Conference is weekly more apparent . " I venture once more to suggest the propriety of its postponement , & c ., & c . "

      This is mere , " clap-trap " " rhetoric , " < fec ., about the will of the people ; " take . it for what it ia worth . " That we directed all comnfunications to be addressed to 14 , Byrom-stveet . What of that ? Surely we may he allowed to say , if any one wishes to make any communications to us , where those communications are to be addressed ? . " I am one of those who think the majority should rule , and that a minority despising the will of a majority is a disobedient faction , " Because we have dared to act on our own responsibility , and would hot allow our minds to he governed by the dictation of one man , we are denounced as despising the will of a majority , and attempting to subvert the very principles of Democracy . And this one man , in fulfilling tho duties of a Democrat , calls upon all true Democrats to sot their faces against it . Surely there is nothing dictatorial in obeving 7 « j commands 1 L

      "I do not think it very handsome on your part to try to' embroil me with the men of Manchester , I have ' too high an opinion of the men of Manchester to call them a faction . I saw their spirit was true at the recent open-air meeting , at Campfield , which , it was said , tho magistrates intended to forbid ; that it was dangerons to attend , and which you carefully abstained from honouring with your presence . " It is untrue to say that we , eleven gentlemen , " abstained from honouring the recent open-air meeting , in Campfield , with our presence ; " " wo , " individually , members of the Manchester Locality of the National Charter Association , did attend .

      Mr . Jones is well aware we were not on the Council at that'timo ; and that meeting was managed by the Council , as the governing head of the locality . Here we must explain how that mooting originated , to be clearly understood by the country . On the 2 nd of October , the secretary received a letter from Mr . Jones , requesting an open-air meeting in Stevenson-square . On the ' Cth of October , at a members ' meeting , duly called hy placard , in the People ' s Institute—Mr . Gutteridgo in the chair—tho following resolution ( as oxtractod from the minute book ) was passed : — " That we hold no outdoor mooting when Ernest Jones visits Manchester . " On the 11 th of October , the . Secretary of the Manchester Branch received the following letter from Ernest Jones , in reply to the members' decision . " Glasgow , October 10 th .

      " What ! is it possible , my dear Oi'tneshoiy 'tho great Hive of the North ' -tho " metropolis _ of Chartism , " is afraid to show its face in tlic ^ open-air ? Why , without mentioning Nott ' ngharo , Halifax , Bradford , Ilawick , Hamilton , Northampton , Dressier , & c , the large towns . Why ! little villages like Bingley , Sutton-in-Ashiield , have had their open-air meetings , processions , through ti ; e heart of the villages—aye , even :. t Bingley , under tho eyes of the " terrible Perrand , " whom we met in our procession , and forced to turn aside out of the road . ¦ ¦

      " Surely , you must ho joking ; surely , we are not afraid at our own shadows . It is this pusillanimity that gives courage to our opponents . I am 110 advocate of talking , shouting , and cheering ; I think we have had enough of that ; but I do say , that ths very fact of the authorities being adverse to an open-air meeting , which is strictly legal , is the very reason why we should hold one , or wc recognise weakness and defeat . An open-air meeting is the be * t display of power and numbers , and it is good in so far as it gives us courage , and discourages our oppressors . The people need to see their strength before they can be aware of it . Trusting ; you will have such ' an open-air gathering as will show what we can do , when we will , " I remain , yours fraternally , " Ernest Jones .

      " P . S . —Unless an open-air meeting I would rather not be in Manchester on Sunday ; therefore do not consider me engaging myself for the Sunday otherwise . The reason for this is , that I think an open-nil ' meeting will do the cause good in Manchester ; and therefore I would be proud to attend , but my health is so bad ; were it not for this object , I should not fool inclined to undergo tho additional fatigue . — E . J . " To attempt to say anything on the above letter would be superfluous . On the Sunday following , October 13 th , the Secretary called the Council together , and they decided to call a meeting of what members were present at that Sunday ' s " lecture ; those' members undertook to undo what a members' meeting did ; mi the Council acted on that authority in calling the open-air meeting in Campfield .

      _ Mr . Jones says he did not call Manchester a " faction , " but " we eleven gentlemen . " Now , as " wo " were elected at a quaitcrly men . hers' meeting ( duly advertised by placard ) , and specially instructed by the members what to do , and in the fulfillment of those instructions , since Mr . Jones has denounced us calling ourselves Manchester , as we represent somebody , it is our intentions of again testing our locality , to prove whether we have their confidence or no ; and by that decision we will abide . He proceeds : — " You think the election of an Executive will not settle existing differences ol opinion . " "

      As we have not fully statedwhat our intentions are in supporting a Conference in Manchester , we will now state , plainly and unreservedly , what wo think ought to he done to stistiiin a veritable agitation for tho Charter . Firstly , for the Charter pure , simple , and entire ; and secondly , to carry out to the utmost of our abilities co-operation amongst ourselves , which is so successfjlly in operation at Hevwood , ltoehdalo , llurv , and other places , An united organisation , as exhibited ia the above places ; 'if carried out throughout England , would f . M ' ve such a mighty impulse of strength to tho agitation for the Charter as was never experienced . "Permit me , gentlemen , to suggest that instead of further persisting in a cause of which the majority of the country disapprove ! 1 , you mijiht-licnefieially direct your energies' to it measure in which * the entire Chartist body would most heartily . conciuy-r

      Ernest Jones And The Manchester Council....

      a measure facilitating tho subscription of the money for which Mr . O'Connor has been rendered liable in the action against Bradshaw . " In answer to Mr . Jones' suggestions we refer Mr . Jones to our report in last Saturday ' Star as to what we have done , a ' n'd what wo intend doing , before tho suggestions of Mr . Jones' came to hand . This , we think , will answer Mr . Jonos bettor than writing one . We respectfully request you to compare what Manchester has done compared with what tho greatest metropolis in the world has done , governed . as it is by so rnany ' men of experience and abilities . " To the personal parts of your letter , " says Mr . Jones , " I shall not reply , < fcc . "

      We do not know what part of our reply redacted personal abuse on the character of Mr . Jones . Why not mention it to establish the proof ? We were vindicating our characters so wrongfully misrepresented . ' To Mr . Jones' broad cloth wo had no intention of alluding . What part of our reply raised theory of " spy , " " poor gentlemen , " " rich gentlemen . ? " It is . wrong to put words in our mouth we never used ; we do not wish to throw odium on any man ; we did no more than was requisite to vindicate our characters which were so unjustly vilified . '

      Brother Chartists , some of the districts have protested against us callings Conference , —some have uttered their cohd ^ 6 toio ' n ,-r-whilst other ' have hurleU . . then * 'fiercelideminciations . We desire all opinions to have their due weight and influence ; but while we , desire this , we feci bound to say , that being just in our objects , firm in our purpose , and animated by a firm love of . liberty and truth , no senseless vapouring , no insane raving , or hollow declamations , shall shake our confidence or make us waver in our faith .

      We would ask those who oppose tho Conference to contrast Chartism as it is now , aud as it was in tho hour of its strength , in the days ot" its past glory . Many of our local associations have perished altogether , while others only exist in a name . We have elected our Executives , and put forth our addresses , but we have been dealing with shadows , — we have been beating the air . The violence of some advocates , and the folly of others , has poured contempt upon ouroolves , and dishonour upon our cause ; such conduct has driven from our ranks many of the sincerestand most intelligent defenders of liberty that ever did honour to tho industrious sons of this country .

      It is vain to flatter and idle to deceive ourselvesthe country is neither organised , active , nor united , but lies plunged in a deep and lethargic torpor ; and is it because we fool the ingloviousness of that apathy—is is because wo desire to re-animate , revivify , and re-unite the earnest , honest , and intelligent democracy of our country—is it for this that we are to be censured , upbraided , and condemned ? The strong voice of truth will gloriously . vindicate our cause and establish the soundness of our

      measures . We call upon you , the friends of the people throughout the kingdom , whether organised or otherwise , to take prompt measures to second our efforts . Brother Chartists , for a clearer understanding between us and the country , we subjoin the following resolutions : — " That we , the Manchester Council of the National Charter Association , deploring , in common with every well wisher of his cbuntry and democracy , and grieving , as we do , over the political prostration of the great mass of the people , and believing theeauso of the . present disorganised state of the labouring classes to emanate from tho mad

      and criminal folly which the people have allowed mere demagogues to pursue ; and are resolved from the proceedings of the Conferences held in London , and the painful results which followed their decisions , to take no act or part in any such Conference , should one be called , for . the following reasons : —That it seems to ua , from recent appearances , that the last ten years folly is to be reenacted with all its senseless vapouring , its platform braggadocio , and its private cowardice , the misery it has entailed upon thousands of families , the grievous injury it has done to the cause of progross and liberty ,, and , with all tyranny and imbecility . This has'been the two most permanent .

      features of its' -ejcistenco , ' . and compel us more firmly to resolve to hold no further communion with any organisation based on so miserable a tenure , and producing such miserable and deceitful fruits . " * ' That the advanced mind of the age , as pourtraying itself in tho important and unmistakable effort of a great number of the more intelligent of these districts , to free themselves from the cruelty and injustice of misapplied capital , calls f . r , and lias our sympathies , and best wishes for their success ; and we hope that they will meet us with their intelligence and experience in Mancheater , that such a line of policy and action may bo . there agreed upon , as shall in future leave behind our exertions some valuable tokens of progross and patriotism . "

      Signed by the Council , James Leech , Dasikl Donovan , Hknrv Nuttall , William Fosteh , James Waiswriqut , Joseph Estwisile , Samuel Jones , —MOODT . John Sutton , Chairman . Joshua Gutterridoe , Financial Secretary . James Alcock . Corresponding Secretary ' .

      V The Manchester Conference, To The Char...

      v THE MANCHESTER CONFERENCE , TO THE CHARTISTS OF ENGLAND . Mr Friends , —We have lived to see tho most mo mentous crisis that has ever occurred in the British democratic movement—a crisis which demands the deliberate counsel and assistance of every good Chartist in the land . For the last two years your movement has been plunged into a state of lethal torpor . You must have witnessed a conjuncture of causes operating to produce this deplorable result . To discuss these is not my purpose in this letter . I may , however , say that the recklessness of some of tho professed friends of your cause , in 1848 , and subsequently , has inflicted on it a heavy blow and a sore discouragement , from the effects of which it now totters and claims relief

      Had the prudent counsel , often given by Mr . O'Connor at the time above mentioned , received the attention it merited , we should not now have to mourn over the felon doom of poor Ouifay , or the scattered elements of an once powerful movement . This political sinning of commission and omission is past , but its direful consequences are present . ^ And we are now suffering the retribution which it has entailed . The question naturally arises what , under existing difficulties , is to be done ? I appeal to you , brother Chartists , you , whose warmest aspiration is your country ' s emancipation , at once to throw every energy in your power into one cordial , spirited , and glowing effort , to repair the errors of the past , and to render the future bright , with hope for the triumph of your principles . I think I may presume upon our long political acquaintance , thus to offer an opinion as to the requirements of our oauso at tho present time , and as to the course

      likely to lead it from the perils hy which it is menaced . A re-organised movement , faithful to the Charter as the rotation of the globe to the East , and a reformed policy , attracting , instead of repelling—proselyting ) instead of obduratmg—convincing , instead of denouncing—tolerating , instead of condemning ; those appear to mo to be the great and pressing necessities of the present crisis . You want a movement , and you enn create it unless tho spark of freedom is extinct in you , which a people ' s volition shall vitalise , their confidence strengthen , and their determination render effective . A movement lacking theae essentials , or not likely to attain them , had better never exist . To perform this work for liberty is yet in your power , the promptings of your patriotism must point out the duty of its immediate execution , To the work at once , I implore you . The dangers of delay are proverbial .

      Closely cennected with the present state of your cause is the proposed Manchester Confer 6 hce . This has , doubtless , been the topic of much discussion and thought among you of late . To mo the assembling of this body , at Uia time proposed , seems a matter of imperative urgency , it is loudly called for by the present rueful , yet hopeful , condition of our cause . Others there are who think differently , as the columns of the Star abundantly testify . Let us glance at the nature of the opposition . The reasons on the score of time and place are absurd . Conferences have aforetime been held in other towns as well as London . The

      adversaries of the Conference—among the sturdiest of which is Mr . Ernest Joues—deny to any the right to call that body , but tho present Executive—the party in whose hands tho cause is actually porishinw . The experience of the last twelvemonths is anvthiur but calculated to warrant the opinion , that those who assume to be the head of the movement are the only parties endowed with the power to arouse the slumbering energies of a people to vigilance and activity . . Granting these gentlemen , whoso p « -rogative is said to bo invaded , the most liberal credit for all the talents they possess , ' I am forced to a different conclusion , •• : , „ s

      V The Manchester Conference, To The Char...

      I deny tho right of any body , whether they bo the depositories of real or arrogated power , to monopo * Use the privilege , of . appealingW' public opinion . Eyenif the circumstances of the case did not warrant the interposition- of the . men ' 'of- Manchester , their right to take whalgrer' course they think jusft and proper may be aHftiled , but caif never ' be overthrown . ¦ ¦¦' ¦> . ^ "be Manchester body are not without , precedents m their favour . Tho delegates to the . Land Conference at

      Birmingham , in , 1811 , met ; snd took steps to repair the injury inflicted ' on Chartism by the fury and foll y 0 f tho -Rational Assembly , and thistoo notwithstanding the existence 6 f an . Executive Committee . A few persons again , in 184 !? , met , and convoked a metropolitan' Conference ; And , at t ' ne present ture , wo have a Conference of Socialists , JYaternals , Nationals , ' , and Chart ' sts , which has been labouring , in vain ¦ to " fuse these heterogeneous elcn-ents into a kind" of honogenity , which should look for the Charter and something more . ¦ '

      flow , I humbly presume that the right of Manchester in convening Conferences is as'patent and palpable as that exercised in . either of the above instances . The question with all sensible democrats should be not ono of right ; but ( iocs the present aspect of the cause warrant the interposition of its friends ? Jsnot the alarming i '« -6 k upon record that it grows weaker and weaker , that it sinks lower and lower under its present treatment . 'Arc we to rein-iin quiescent till aroused by " death knell ? Or slmll we not , rather , endeavour onei * mere , by a concentration of intelligence : ¦ ' : ¦¦' . ¦ i * . < w- r . ~ > infuse tlie . lil ' e-b'ood of faith , hopo -awi : ' vi !; ii . 'n > . ifitotho agitation ? I have trust in your patriotism , I have little fe : tr but th . it the hopeful alternative will be

      the one of your choice . Hurrah , then , for the Manchester Conference , hurrah % v a hot ? era in Britain's struggles for liberty . Mr . Jones seems to proce . d upon the ground tlm a majority of the Chartists have expressed an opinion adverse to the Conference . Tin ' s I deny . He presents us with two lists , one pro and the other con , which show two t '; :. ' -. e— - hn ? api « re . s 8 ion ofnames that should be in th'j form-, r , andtheaddition of some of them to the huter . Ikriley and Fin & bury , both avowedly-far the Manchester movement , are placed by Mr / Jones -in the l : st of its opponent ? .. I wish to know , whether jt is by individual ' localities ' , orb ' y . individual members * that numerical strength is to be estimated- ? - - Mr . -Tones , with a senso of fairness , too' refilled ; for common comprehension , makes Bermondsey with not a . dozen members , cancel Maiiohflst 1 ' -With mora

      Chartists than all London put together . But even conceding the point , that a majority of enrolled Chartists were opposed to the Conference , ( which I do not admit , ) that would form no adequate reason why tho Manchester men should forego the urgent work they have so laudably begun . Mr . Jones frequently in his letters talks of the people as though their fint had st'ltled t ' u » question of the Conference . Now , this is political cant . Enrolled Chartism is not the peopl-i of England . Would to God that it was , but , unfbrnately , tho poorest benefit society in the land is its superior , in point of members , at tho present time . A barrier intervenes between popular feeling and Chartism , to level which the best energies of a Conference are required . The stigrna of " redism " must be -obliterated from your cause , ere its glorious principles will find a response from the heart of the British people .

      Men of Manchester , —Mr . Jones says he denounces your nobis endeavour to revive Chartism . I say , with all sincerity , God speed it . You have the sympathies of goon and true men throughout the land . You have the hearty approval of your old and faithful champion , ho who , for the last thirty years , amid the storms of persecution and the hurricanes of faction , has born proudly aloft the banner of mmi * rights . You have undertaken the glorious work of raising to dignity and power a holy , but prostrate cause . Abide the issue . Swerve neither to the right nor the left . Let your motto ba , in the word of him who has never deceived you , and who , nl til IS moment , is the victim of gross injustice and harrassing persecution , to his fidelity to your cause : — " , Onwardand you conquer , Backward and you fall . " Your obedient servant , Pmur M'GiuTn .

      The Conference Question. To The Editor O...

      THE CONFERENCE QUESTION . TO THE EDITOR OF THE KOItTH & ttN STAR . Dear Sir . —In looking over the Star for the last few weeks I am sorry to see tho ciliierenco of opinion and ill-feeling ' cxisting in reference to the proposed Conference . The necessity for eallino' such Conference is , I think , agreed upon by all , but the time , place , and mode of calling it , sechis to be the stumbling block in the way . First , we have Mr . 0 ! Connor ' s suggestions for calling'it in Manchester on the first of January : ; then Emost Jonos' propositions for holding it in London in May ; with hosts of resolutions for and against the same ; then some localities think'the calling it should-be left in the hands of the present Executive Committee ; whilst others affirm there is no such body in existence . In the midst of all this turmoil and opposition we have the resignation of a body of men calling themselves the Executive Committee ; and in last . Saturday ' s Star several localities were nominating a new

      Executive . How to proceed in tho miu & t of this dilemma , so as to work harmoniously together for the future , should be the study of every true democrat , as 'f think all will agree that the present jarring disputations among the acknowledged leaders of the people will never win the masses their political rights , In my opinion , the best mode of proceed !? . * would be for every locality at once to proceed to nominate five persons as a provisional committee , and to leave it entirely in their hands as to the time and place of calling the Conference . The

      above mode would do away with all excuses of personal dictatorship , which somo parties feel so sore upon , as every one would then havo a voice in electing the persons who would have the power of calling the Conference together . The nomination of an Executive should , in my opinion , stand over till the delegates of the people assemble , those delegates to be empowered by their constituents to nominate for an Executive , but the election to ba left to the members in the different localities . Hoping you will give these few humble suggestions a corner in your valuable journal of next Saturday , I remain , yours truly , Birmingham . John p \ ewhouse .

      To The Chartists Of Derbyshire. Friends ...

      TO THE CHARTISTS OF DERBYSHIRE . Friends and Felmw-Cou . ntrtmex , —Having seen with regret tho apathy and disunion that Has so long existed in the Chartist ranks , we deemed it requisite that a district delegate meeting should be held in order to devise some plan whereby the scattered elements o f Chartism should be oneo more gathered together . Accordingly a delcuntc meeting Was held on Sunday week at Derby , when the best means of recreating a purely Chartist agitation was temperately discussed , and having given the subject ; Our most serious consideration , wo have arrived at the conclusion that it is expedient ( under present circumstances , ) that a national Conference should bo held as soon as possible ; and having seen the promptness with which the Manokoiitor Council have responded to tiie call 01 that truly patriotic , disinterested , and persecuted friend of the people ,

      Feargus O'Connor , we hereby give in our adhesion to their policy , and wo hope and trust that the country generally will lay aside their petty jealousies , ( as being unworthy the retention of men who have the interest of their country ,-it heart , ) and strive with might and main to create such a movement as shall bear down all opposition , and elevate the working classes to their proper position in society . Up , thon , Chartists of Derbyshire—up yo Democrats of England , and let us one more rally round the standard of liberty ; let us show unto our despotic rulers that we are alive to our own interest's . —that wc can sacrifice personal pique and party feeling for the general good , —and when they see this new phase in the Chartist agitation they will not longer dare to withhold our rights , but be ready to give us even more than we a . ? k .

      Signed on behalf of the delegates , John Moss , District Secretary . P . S . —A delegate was elected , and , in order " to meet fclio expenses , jfc was respired that a general subscription bo entered into throughout the district . —J . M .

      Tee Defence F Und As D The Land Company....

      TEE DEFENCE F UND AS D THE LAND COMPANY . 10 MR . W . RIDER . Sir , —With this you will receive four dozen Postage Stamps—two for the O'Connor Defence Fund , and two for the winding-up of the Land Company . I am 11 paid-up shareholder , having a ballotted four-acro share , for which I gave two fouraero paid-up shares , and £ 3 in money , and a threeacre share which 1 have bought from another man . I should havo been very glad " to have seen each one having confidence in tho honest integrity of Mr . O'Connor , and the utility of" the Laud Plan , purchasing out tho whole of the shares of the Comp . 'inv , so that it might ban * proceeded in . « pitc of tho government , and tho raving of a basn , corrupt , and hireliii" press . So great is my con'bjenee in Mr . O ' Connor and the Land Plan , rhat should another Company be started , I am determined to he a member . ' I have two roods , or about sixif-n yards by oi » ht , ot Liiiid , and I have g .-. rtUn stuiV worth £ 2 10 s ., from that small quantify of Land .

      Yours in the cause of Doiii ' craey , Bilston , Dec . 10 . j < nix Halo . P . S . —I hope all professing Chart's : s in this locality will meet at John "White ' s , Ilall-streer , on Sunday evening next .

      V^ 1 1? Vw. *U 11

      V ^ 1 ? Vw . * U

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 14, 1850, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_14121850/page/1/