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Northern Star (1837-1852), 20th October 1849, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, . " /^ ^ ^ ^ ^ . ^ ^ ^ ^ AND NATION AT, ...

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    • "Onwardand we conquer, Backward and we fell."
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      "Onwardand We Conquer, Backward And We Fell."

      "Onwardand we conquer , Backward and we fell . "

      "The People's Charter And No Surrender."

      "THE PEOPLE ' S CHARTER AND NO SURRENDER . "

      TO THE CHARTISTS . My Feiekds , —! feel assured that the perusal of the proceedings at the recent meeting at Aberdeen will give you no small pleasure , hut you Trill be still more gratified when you learn that the Chartists of Aberdeen are about the sternest in princi p le to be found in the country . A numher of the paltry middle classes

      refused to take part in our proceedings , and the Lord-Provos t—tiie Lord deliver me from such aProvost—who lately presented thelSije" dom of the City to Sir Robebt Peel , igfnsed to attend , because Feaegus O'Coxxo ^ was to be present ; and , no doubt , was afraS the gilt would be taken off his PEEE-gingerhread . A great number of the Yeritable middle class refused to attend , and you will he struck with horror when you hear the reason .

      The . Magistrates , as you are aware have the power of granting licenses for the sale of sp irits , and nearly one in two of the Aberdeen shopkeepers sell spirits . Aberdeen and Edinburgh are the two most priest-ridden towns in Scotland , or , perhaps , in the worW ; and , if those persons selling spirits take what they term a violent part in politics , the Moisteus—who do not repudiate drunkenness—interfere with the MAGISTRATES 4 x > suspend the licence . Thus these pious ¦ apostles base all their power upon the injustice of partial Justices .

      There is also a large distiller , who is a justice of the peace , and this fellow ' s policy—if stoi his politics—is measured b y the bushel of malt ; and he , too , is a kind of nincompoop TVTiig . In consequence of this opposition the meeting was obliged to be heTdiii thejChartist Hall , and the first resolufiba | fpsnp 6 s © 3 ^ W lb . WiLsos , flie Editor ofc $ & e " Gazette /' —an eloquent speaker and sterling

      Chartistwent to the extent of Universal Suffrage , "which after some discussion—but by no means ¦ of an acrimonious character—was so modified as to prevent any (^^ . shghtest ) dissension . 3 Ty friends , I never attended any meeting that gave me more unbounded pleasure than that held at Aberdeen on Monday last . But , nevertheless , I told you that I would warn you when I saw breakers ahead . There was

      Homing occurred at that meeting that was not eminentl y calculated to promote our cause and I have frequently told you that we had to rely as much upon the integrity of the Press ^ IS upon o nr own energy , for the EUCCC 53 of the cause . I can bear any description of obloquy or insult , so long as its effects are merel y personal ; but when they are calculated to damage your cause , then I will not hear them . Hither to , I have told you , that , of the dail y papers , the "DailyNews /' the "MorningAdvertiser , " and the " Sun ' were the only papers that condescended to notice our movement .

      However , it would appear that the organ of the party is beginning to feel that they would be better without Feahgus O'Cossor ; and I think I can establish the truth of this opinion upon the feet that—no matter how I maybe received—no matter how my opinions may lay the foundation for a perfect fraternisation between the working and middle classes ; and although the working classes—that is , the Chartists—constitute the main strength and force of the party—yet the "Daily News " condescends to notice iny speech at Aberdeen with twenty one lines .

      My Friends , I have frequently reminded you of the power of the Press ; and now , finding that the Press—that portion of it which represents this movement without representing the value of Chartist co-operation—appears to swamp Chartism altogether , it is my intention , and that ere long , to establish a daily paper , which shall do even-handed justice to Loth parties , and , unlike the organ of the

      present movement , shall give a full and fair report of the speeches of all parties connected with it I am always ready to allow the greatest latitude to journalists ; and , therefore , I felt not the slightest objection to the " Daily News" picking every lying scrap from the provincial journals , that was aimed at the land Plan ; while , upon , the other hand , 1 have never opposed the humbug

      "FREEDOM FOR THE MILLIONS " plan , least my opposition may give a handle to our enemies . The " Northern Star' always fairly publishes the speeches of the middle classes who take part in those movements , thus exhibiting impartial justice . In the month of December and January it is my intention to make a tour of the country , and , if I am treated in the same way by the organ of the present movement , to test the Talue they ( the Chartists , ) set upon a daily organ to represent them ; and , should I fail in the attempt , I will establish it upon my own bottom , as I am determined that the Chartist cause shall never perish . Tour faithful Friend , Feaegus" O'Coxxok .

      The Mateox Estate. To Feikgus O'Cosxob, ...

      THE MATEOX ESTATE . TO FEiKGUS O ' COSXOB , ESQ ., M . P . Dear Sin , —The undersigned have requested me to write respecting the purchase of Mathon . It is thought that the purchase may be completed after the ? oUowing manner : — £ 2 , 000 deposit paid , the amount that has been paid by purchasers money in the Bank , belonging to the Land Company , and the remainder to he borrowed . We think the balance required need not alarm you for the result , for there are plentv of purchasers when you are prepared to < nvc the title and possession , but they will not part

      with their money before ; and those , like myself , must he satisfied to pay a per centage for such accommodation . I hope a favourable result , as I am racparincr to make up the amount to purchase the quantirvfor which I have paid a deposit . Sincerely hoping " this splendid Estate may be retained , we Leg to subscribe ourselves yours faithfully in the good work , James Habdixo , "Woium Aixen , Samuel Phelps , Thomas Newell . City Arms , " Worcester , October 16 , 1349 .

      Mr Fbiends , In reply to the above I have merely to say , that you do not appear to understand the nature of Land purchase . You are not awai-e that every farthing of the money must he paid before I can receive possession , and that it would be impossible for me to give title until I hare got possession ; and , I think , that if it is not impossible , it is , at least very improbable , that I would delay making those titles for a single day . I can only repeat what I hare frequently stated before , that if the people in the neighbourhood themselves are not prepared to purchase such an Estate they deserve to be slaves ; while , I am happy to state , that we have got some new purchasers in consequence of my being able to get an extension of time for payment . Faithfully yours , Feabgus O'Coxxok .

      Tn^Rnntation Of Cosvicis.—On Saturday, I...

      Tn ^ rnnTATioN of Cosvicis . —On Saturday , in € on 5 S £ X refusal of the Colonists at the fSl"S Srdney to receive convicts from England SrstrlLrL from the Dome Office for the convicts now waiting to be ¦ jej ^^ f % warded to Moreton Bay and Norfolk Island . 10 the latter place a body of 200 out-pcnsionera of Chelsea Hospital are about to be sent out . Most advantageous offers have been made to these men to induce them to locate at Norfolk Island : on the mssage out they will act as a convict-guard , anil on their arrival in the settlement perform duty as military colonists . The number of convicts awaning ^ KS ? w £ styks himself Major tor- Gor-^ nnS n and claims to be a son of the famous ^& Kw Abbey , has arrived in Sew To * .

      fc has issued proposals for publishing all the secret SresnonSe ofthat personage , to be complete > in & nr Ses , « nd claims to be actuated by the porest filial affection !

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      . " /^ ^ ^ ^ ^ . ^ ^ ^ ^ And Nation At, ...

      AND NATION AT , TRADES' JOURNAL .

      Wljligjtt- Mbon, Saturday 0 Wmj %M ^I^Jh...

      WLJLigJtt- MBON , SATURDAY 0 WMj % m ^ i ^ JH £ 2 £ W ——— ^ „^_ _ - ' , . ; . ¦ : i -.- . ,., . — . . ¦ —¦— -- — ——— ,

      Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...

      PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM . MEETING AT ABERDEEN . ¦ Decidedly the largest , and most enthusiastic , and the inost important meeting which has been held in Aberdeen for a long time , was held at the Union iiall here on Monday night , in support of the princ es of the Metropolian Parkamenta ^ cial Reform Association . The Ml , which isthe largest in the town , was crammed , although the r . IS . u . . ? seats had been removed from the centre of the building , with the view of accommodating a ^ Scr number than could have found seat-room . There could not have been fewer than 2 . 000 worsens « . __ — . ^^

      present ; probably the number was much larger ; and throughout the whole of the proceedings the utmost unanimity and attention prevailed . Sir Joshua Walmsley , M . P . for Bolton ; G . Thompson , Esq ., M . P . ; and Mr . Coningham , bite candidate for the representation of Brighton , and a member of the council , attended as a deputation from the Metropolitan Association . Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., was also present . The deputation was received on entering the hall with loud applause , though from the density of the . crowd which had filled the room before the hour of meeting , much difficulty was experienced on their part in reaching the platform .

      Mr . J . Macphebsox , comb-maker , having been called to the chair , introduced the business of the meeting , and the deputation . He expressed regret thatjfromunavoidable causes , ; the Lord-Proy ' ostof the "d ^^^ ose fsympatbies . he knew were ^ ith themVhad-been preverited'ficbm . attea ^ gf buTTie trusted that they would have his aid on a future occasion . The simple object of the association was to do away with unnecessary expenditure as well as corruptionfn the management of the affairs of the nation , and till the unanimous voice of an injured people was brought to bear upon their rulers , nothing towards this purpose would be accomplished . It was the object of this association to combine all classes , and bring that voice to bear upon the rulers of the country in such a manner as would show them the folly and the impossibility of attempting longer to perpetuate the present rotten system . The chairman concluded a few further remarks by calling upon Mr . 'Wilson to propose the first resolution .

      Mr . "Wilson - , of the Gazette , who moved the first resolution , viz ., — " That this meeting approves of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association , behoving that if the objects contemplated by that institution be realised , the people will ultimately bo fully , fairly , and freely represented in Parliament . " He said they had met that evening on the assumption that the House of Commons stood in need of being reformed ; a glance at the present composition of that house would show that in this assumption they were right . It contained six marquises , who are eldest sons of peers ; seven earls , ditto ; 26 viscounts , who were eldest sons of peers and Irish lords ; 133 brothers , sons , and immediate relatives of peers ; 56 baronets ,

      related and belonging to the aristocracy ; 2 G eldest sons and immediate relatives of baronets ; 85 landed proprietors , connected with peers by marriage ; 47 owners of church patronage , not included in these ; 81 colonels , majors , captains , lieutenants , and cornets ; 63 government officials , 26 sons of military officers , 25 sons of clergymen , besides lord : lieutenants , deputy-lieutenants , and other magistrates , the remaining few being the only representatives of trade , commerce , and industry . ( Hear , hear . ) Now , he was not there to say a word . against those men . He did not blame them tor occupying the posts they at present enjoyed ; they were tie representatives of a corrupt system of representation , and he therefore blamed the system and not the

      men . ( Hear , hear . ) There were m Great Britain and Ireland about seven millions of adults above the age of 21 : of these only one million possessed the elective franchise . " With a constituency thus limited and based on a property qualification , what could they expect but a House of Commons that did not represent the people ? The tree was known by its fruits . It was the object of the National Parlia mentary and Financial Reform Association to redress this grievance . It proposed to add four millions tothe present roll of electors . ( Cheers . ) That would be a great step gained ; but it would do more , for once enrolled , the five millions would elect a House of Commons that would ^ soon enfranchise the other two ; and he must there state plainly and

      honestly that he supported the association entirely on that ground . ( Great cheering . ) He would join Trith those who felt that when they could not get 20 s ., they should he content ¦ with 15 s . in the pound , provided no discharge in full was given . ( Cheers . ) To this extent the resolution pledged the meeting and nothing more . At Norwich Mr . O' Connor said he supported the association because it gave him four of the six points of the Charter , and that a four-legged animal was likely to give him surer footing than one with two . But that depended on circumstances . If one of the legs were lame , he would rather have a good sound biped than a quadruped that could only walk on three . Now , he was afraid that the National Parliamentary

      Reform Association had a lame leg . ( A . laugh . ) It proposed to give household suffrage , but it attached a condition that every householder must be rated or claim to be rated for the support of the poor . In Scotland that condition would never do . In Aberdeen , forexample , they had ( 5 , 000 householders . Of these only 2 , 800 were rated for the poor , while 1 , 200 only at present had the elective franchise . By household suffrage nearly 3 , 000 more persons would be enfranchised than by the plan now proposed , but by universal or manhood suffrage at least 10 , 000 working men would he added to the roll . ( Great cheering . ) In other towns the rate-paying clause would be equally unsatisfactory as in Aberdeen ; but in the counties of Scotland it would

      amount to a complete disfranchisement of many parishes where the constituency at present was large . For example , in Scotland there were 880 parishes . Of these 602 only were assessed , the remaining 27 S supported their poor by voluntary contributions or charitable bequests . Now , the rate-paying clause in the scheme now before them would disfranchise all these . ( Hear , hear . ) With the ether objects of the association , viz ., vote by ballot , triennial parliaments , equal electoral districts , and no property qualifications in members , they had no fault to and ; but unless the lame leg were healed the association would not command the support of the people of Scotland . ( Cheers . ) The association also Sought to promote financial reform .

      "Well , there was great room for working in that department of the State . In the House of Lords , for example , they had 49 peers who were State pensioners receiving annually £ 22 , 035 ; 36 peers , who were military and naval officers , receiving £ 51 , 948 ; 34 peers receiving £ 274 , 583 ; 16 drawing salaries from office and place , £ 10 , 000 ; 20 bishops , who divide amongst them £ 218 , 000 ; S peers who are clergymen with livings , getting £ 8 , 000 ; 038 immediate relatives of peers in the army , navy , & c , £ 253 , 200 ; 227 immediate relatives of peers in the Church , £ 138 , 500 ; and 67 immediate relatives of peers in office and place receiving £ 84 , 930 all per annum . ( Shame . ) There were only 47 out of 433 peers who had not relatives in the army , the navy , or the Church . ( Shame . ) This also was just the natural fruit of a corrupt system of representation ,

      for if the Commons were bad , the Lords might be expected to be much worse . If the financial reformers could remedy this evil , they would do a great work ; but it was his opinion , and that he believed of the great mass of the community , that this could only be done by a House of Commons which fully , fairly , and freely represented the people , and that he honestly believed could only be obtained by universal suffrage . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Smakt , a working man , seconded the motion . He rejoiced in the establishment of this association , for it would not only tend to unite the middle and working classes , but would give them such a measure of reform as would secure good government , and lead to the whole people being ultimately enfranchised . ( Cheers . ) The resolution was then put , and carried unanimously .

      Mr . Huicnrssox moved— " That as the middle and working classes are equally interested in the adoption of mst principles , and in the attainment of good and cheap government , wo earnestly recommend a cordial union of the two great classes , for such a measure of reform as will secure the full rights of both , classes , and realise these desirable objects . " The simple fact that one fortieth , of the peop le of this nation could at present make laws for the other thirty-nine fortieths , was weightier than a whole volume of abstract pleading . It was at once reasonable , just , and desirable that the franchise he extended , but the present movement contemplated another object > -an object to which ho attached much importance—the union of the middle and workiuw classes in working out this reform . ( Hear . ) He knew not a greater evil than that which bad so Ion * festered amongst them , in consequence of the broad line of demarcation" which had been drawn between one class and another in this country . (* Hear , hear , " and applause . ) They had heard

      Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...

      much of the evils of caste in India , but let them look at home , where each class kept creeping into its own cell , and looking out with distrust and alienation on the other . Did they not find the aristocracy—those Corinthian capitals , ' as they had been called—affecting to despise the commercial classes , sneering at the cotton . lords ; and the commercial classes , in their turn , looking with equal distrust . on the working classes ; while not a few capitalists appeared to consider the productive classes only as hewers of wpod and drawers of water , out of whomTtf was tbeirbusiness to extract the greatest possible quantityof labour at the smallest possible price ? ("' Hear , hear , " and applause . ) The working classes themselves had , under temptation , got into wrong positions , done wrong things , and made foolish

      speeches —( laughter)—but were the two classes to meet familiarly now and then , each would find the other not at all so bad as was supposed . He recollected a story of a Highlander who had to travel up a hill , the summit of which was" enveloped in mist r-in the centre of the mist he discerned something that appeared to him to be a hideous creature , the uncouthness of which gradually disappeared as he neared it , till at length he discovered that it was his own brother . Let both classes , then , brush aside the mists of prejudice , and they would find that those upon whom they had so long looked with distrust and aversion were in reality their brethren . ( " Hear" and applause . ) There was no necessity for a rough or defiant mode on the part of the

      working classes in asserting their rights ; this only exercised a repulsive influence , but it should be their study , by cultivating and storing their minds , to convince their-foulestmaligner o ? their capajjjifer of discharging the duties , and exercising the rights , of free and honest citizens .. Without self-reform all political reform , even if achieved , would be lost to them individually—it would be but twining the ivy round the ruin , and not regenerating the structure . ( Loud applause . ) Mr . David Wright , a working roan , seconded'the resolution . He was of opinion that the middle and working classes had been hitherto mutually too severe upon each other ; and that , in order to atone for the errors of the past , they should endeavour to amend for the future . ( Applause . )

      Mi \ David Dears , a working man , moved the next resolution : — " That as a means to effect this desirable union , we cordially approve of the national conference of reformers about to bo called by the National Parliamentary ami Financial Reform Association , and resolve to send delegates thereto torepresent the middle and working classes of this city . " He briefly supported the resolution , which was seconded by Mr . W . Lisor , and unanimously passed . Sir Joshua Walmskt , M . P ., was then introduced by the chairman , and received with loud applause . He-congratulated himself and the chairman on the very numerous and highly intelligent meeting which had assembled before them , and on having heard a series of speeches which would have done credit

      to any assembly in the world . Had their rulers been present to have heard the sentiments which had been propounded from that platform , ho could not think but that a good result must have followed . ( Applause . ) It was his firm convictionand few baa better opportunities of judging than himself—that there was amongst the productive classes a great mass of intelligence . The journey of the deputation had been amply repaid in their being present at such a meeting as the present—it was ample satisfaction . He begged to thank the chairman and the meeting for the reception which they had given , not to the individuals of the deputation , but to the cause , and he thanked them in the name ofthat association , over which for a time he had the honour to preside . The association

      sought such an extension of the franchise as would give to every adult man , who is an occupier , or part occupier of a tenement , for which he shall have claimed to be rated for the relief of the poor , a right to be registered as an elector . ( Applause . ) It was their wish to secure one simple fair principle of registration , but in the meantime they must adopt some specific plan to enable them to carry out the . objects proposed . It was to be remembered that they had now to deal with those possessed of the elective franchise , and who were prejudiced against the enfranchisement of the working classes . It was very veil for gentlemen to say , " We are for universal suffrage , and we will take nothing less ;" but the time when this principle was acted upon had now cone by—( hear , hear)—thanks to the men

      of Aberdeen for joining hands with the middle classes , and woe to the man who attempted to interfere with their friendly intercourse . ( Loud applauSC . ) He trusted that the link which had been broken , but which was now united , would continue united for ever , for the purpose of advancing social and political progress . ( Applause . ) The object aimed at by the association would augment the electoral body from one to five millions , gathering a large majority , of the adult males of the country within the pale of the constitution , giving them as complete a controul over their representatives as they might think necessary , and enabling them to remove the monstrous anomalies to which the oligarchy—the territorial oligarchy—trample on the rights and liberties of the people . ( Cheers . ) At

      some risk of tresspassing on their time , he would venture to remind them of what had been said of a countryman of their own , Alexander Mackay . In a pamphlet on electoral reform , he showed that sixteen of the largest boroughs , including London , Liverpool , Manchester , Wolverhampton , Bristol , Salford , Leeds , and Sheffield , contain one-half of the borough population in the kingdom , and yet return only thirty-three members to the House of Commons . The other half of the borough population of England returned 200 members . ( Hear , hear . ) There were thirty of these boroughs with fewer than 300 electors in each , sixty-three with less than 400 electors in each , eighty-one with less than 650 each , while in large populous districts . containing thousands of houses of the yearly value of

      101 ., were only represented through the county constituency . There were eighty-six members returned by a smaller aggregate constituency than that of the Tower Hamlets , which returned only two members—one of whom was his friend Mr . George Thompson . There were , also , sixty-nine nomination burghs , totally under influence . In England there was one member for every 32 , 000 of the population—in Scotland , one member for every 48 , 000—in compliment , he supposed , to the intelligence of the Scotch . ( " Hear , hear , " and a laugh . ) And in Ireland—that misguided , misgoverned , and misrepresented country—there was only one member for every 88 , 000 . ( Hear , hear . ) Out of twenty-three Scotch burgh representatives , _ .- i .. „ i „ . p . ot nnrv «* * v . » . n . i » . i . »; nn nn , i nine awib ui ii { ivjjummuu

      were up u / v » -s » , vuv «« , mm the other fourteen by 355 , 000 . And if the representation were tested by property they would find a similar anomalous result as with population . Some , of whom better things might have been expected , advocated an adjustment of the representative system on the laws of property , and even on this system an entire change of the whole system would ensue . The time would come , however , when man as man would stand or fall , irrespective of other considerations . ( Applause . ) The Parliamentary and Financial Association aimed at those ends which , thoug h perhaps not the most desirable , were yet easiest of attainment , and he congratulated the inhabitants of Aberdeen on their determination to aid in the struggle . The " Corinthian capitals , "—

      as they have been called by Mr . Hutchinson—were perhaps not with them ; but when they saw by their orderly conduct , by their earnestness and determination , that they were prepared faithfully to carry out this movement , —when the tide of public opinion began to flow steadily in the right channel , and the new movement became fashionable—then the upper classes wiuld be with them . ( "Hear , " and applause . ) In the Anti-corn Law League the bankers and great merchants only came in when the movement became fashionable , and so would it be m the present case . ( Hear , ) Again , what had the Scottish constituencies done , amiss that the county qualification is fixed at £ 10 , while that of England was fixed at 40 s . ? Was it that the Englishman had so much more intelligence , that with 40 s . he is to be preferred to a Scotchman with £ 9 19 s . Ud . ? The House of Lords , it has been well said ,

      represents the oligarchy ; and the House of Commons represents the House of Lords . ( Hear , hear . ) Where , then , were the representatives of the people ? They were to be seen in the lobbies of the House of Commons , seldom exceeding eighty , and oftener some eight or ten , and ever overwhelmed by the scions of the aristocracy . Look at some of the returns of last cession , and sufficient proof of this would be found . Upon Mr . Cobden ' s motion for a reduction of ten millions from the national expenditure ( which it would be remembered had increased fifteen millions since 1834 ) , what was the reply ? A majority against 275 to 72 . ( Hear . ) Mr . Humes motion for the very reforms they were now advocating , was negatived by 208 to 82 . Mr . Berkeley ' s motion in favour of the ballot was lost by 136 to 85 , and when Mr . O'Connor brought forward his motion in favour of the charter the numbers were

      224 to 16 . ( Hear , hear . ) Then , again , there was Bernal Osborne ' s motion for reform of the Irish church—that incubus and anomaly which compels

      Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...

      seven millions to pay for the religion of onemillion —what . was the Tesu » , witli'it ? Rejected by 170 to 103 . Infact , ' -evcr »^ easuro : ealculayd tO" : 'l ( elefili the people , to relief their , burden ' s , - or' * to elevate them in their ' moral'of' phvsical condition , was treated with the same contempt and scorn . ( Hear . ) It was the fault of the people themselves that these thmgjiwere so . ( Hear . ) But let them henceforth do them'dutv , and he hesitated not to say that in the course of , three years they would achieve all that they sought . ( A pplause . ) Already there were whisperings—alread y the straws began to moveit was rumoured that ministers were in consultation , and that some great reductions top ™ to tnkn

      place , and very fit theyjjhould ; but this could not satisfy them without important alterations in the representative system ; also . He would not enter upon the wide question , of financial reform . ' Ho might , however , ask them wha t they would think if a merchant were selling his tea at Is . ' Old ., and the purchaser coming out . of the shop ploas ed with his bargain being arrested by a man at the door , who should demand 2 s . 2 * d . as duty —( laughter )—and yet that was the effect of thepresent tax . The House of Commons , about eighteen months ago , was nearly driven from its propriety by a proposal for an increase of 7 d . in the pound upon the income tax , while the working classes pay 8 s . and 10 s . per

      pound upon the conveniences and almost upon the necessaries of existence . ( Hear , hear . ) When the aristocracy managed to substitute indirect for direct taxation , they ' sucoeeded in ; shifting the burden of taxation from their own shoulders , to those of the working clasi ^^ ymce got it shifted back again , and they , woulaTooh hav % i 3 Conoray , and retrenchment . In conclusion , the lion , gentleman said , — Gentlemen , this is my first visit to Scotland . ( Loud cheers . ) I hope it will not be the last . ( Cheers . ) Though I cannotexpect my present vocation to continue long , still it will last for time , and if necessary , I will visit every borough in Scotland , England , and Ireland , rather than that this

      movement should fail . ( Loud applause . ) I have seen in coming through your country the manner in which your land is tilled , and it is certainly superior to anything that I have seen in England , except in small patches . ( Hear , hear . ) Wo are proud , as Englishmen , of our soil ; you may well then be proud of your men as Scotchmen . Gentlemen , it is to Scotchmen that luow appeal—I appeal to the real energy and perseverance which has enabled you to cultivate manybarren soils , and to make the wilderness blossom like the rose . I appeal to you to carry out , on the same principles , the great , the good , and the just cause for which we are associated . ( Loud applause . ) Let a voice go forth from

      the men I see before , me through the length and breadth of the land , and if you speak , as 1 know you will , and in every way exert yourselves in aiding and promoting this movement , it cannot be long withheld . ( Applause . ) Gentlemen , I feel that I have taken up too much'of your time—( " No , no , " and applause)—especially as there are others to address you more eloquent than myself . I pretend to no eloquence , but sirnply to an honest , earnest , £ rm determination to carry this measure , come what may , and with your good aid wc will carry it . ( Loud and continued cheering . ) Mr . O'Connor then . stood forward , and was received with much cheering . He rejoiced

      to see the rose , the thistle , and the shamrock thus blended . ( Cheers . ) He rejoiced in what ho had seen and Heard that evening . Only one mistake had been committed . Mr . Hutchison had mistaken the cause for the effect ; that was all . He had stated that the want of comfort and education among the working classes was their own fault . It was no such thing . It was the result of mis-government and oppression . ( Cheers . ) The working classes of Scotland were more intelligent than the middle classes of England , and the middle classes of Scotland more intelligent than the aristocracy of Eng land , and God knows that was not saying much for them . ( A laugh . ) Every man knew . that all are born with propensities that might be nurtured into

      virtue , or thwarted into vice , according to . his training . ( Loud cheers . ) And to prove the assertion , any man to-morrow mig ht so-educate and train the Princess royal , as to make her a drunkard , a prostitute , a liar , and a thief ; whereas- if the experiment was tried to establish the truth of the assertion , the same man may so educate and train the child of a murderess , a prostitute , a drunkard , a liar and a thief , as to make her abominate vice and be a pattern of virtue . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Wilson had eloquentl y and graphically shown that the House of Commons did not represent the people , and a glance at a few facts regarding the county franchise would make this yet more plain , and would also fully explain the cause of the recent continental revolutions .

      Those revolutions never would have occurred if-the people in those countries were allowed to develope their moral power ; but when tyrant oppressors denied to the improved mind those changes which were rendered necessary by the developement of knowledge—then there was no alternative left to the oppressed , but the substitution of physical for moral power . ( Hear , hear . ) But they—the wellinstructed men of Scotland , knew their order were ever the greatest sufterers by this lamentable substitute , as those who used them to attain their own party triumphs , when

      conscious of their power , were the first to diminish that power . ( Cheers . ) Well , it was against the feudal system that the people of this empire had now to contend ; but Mr . Wilson , who had most eloquently and unanswerably exp lained the result of that system , by his graphic description of the elements of which both Lords and Commons was constituted , had omitted to exp lain the basis of the feudal system , This was no fault of him ( Mr , 'Wilson ) , who had done his owu work well , and upon the princip le of co-operation , had left other speakers to do their share . Mr . Wilson had shown them how a few idle sons and relations

      of peers shared annuall y amongst themselves over 1 , 100 , 0001 . of the public money . Ho bad very truly described how the House of Commons was constituted ; and now he ( Mr . O'Connor ) would explain the basis of that constitution , and would show that the balance of power was still in the hands of the feudal lords . ( Cheers . ) In round numbers , there were about 400 , 000 county voters , that constituted more than one-half of the electoral body who exercised the franchise . ( Hear , hear . ) The whole of that number—whether they held leases or not—were more or less subject to the caprice of the landlords : while

      108 , 000 were mere tenants-at-will , constituting over twent y-five per cent of the whole ; therefore holding the balance of power—even if the majority could be independent—and upon polling-day were driven like sheep to themarket . ( Loud cheers . ) Was it not an anomaly —nay , an absurdit y—that those 50 / . tenantsat-will , may vote for a representative for seven years , but could not vote to keep their farms , out of which they voted , for more than one year ? ( Laughter . ) Well , the feudal system was upheld tlius—colonels , majors ,

      captains , and juvenile lieutenants—all looking for promotion , and all paid out of your pockets —sat behind their respective patrons , cheering their rubbish in the expectation of promotion , while thej ; knew as much about legislation , as an Irish pi g does about geometry . ( Laughter . ) In talking of Ireland , let him call their attention to the condition of that miserable country . That land was bowed down , oppressed , and enslaved by the feudal system . ( Cheers . ) There was sympath y for the tyrant landlord , who oppressed and starved the poor ; and death for the poor who dared to resist their

      aggressions , and to preserve life by the only means in their power—the preservation of the fbod produced by their own industry . ( Cheers . ) The inducements to revolution were of an extraordinary nature ; they were always justi-

      Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...

      fied-T-no matter how atrocious—when waged against . the peop le ; they wove always treason ^ -no matter how justifiable—when waged by the people . ( "Hear , hear , " and cheers . ) They read their Bible , and that Bible told them that , . They who died by the sword : are better than thoy who perish from hunger , for then-bodies pine away stricken through for want of the fruits of the field . ( Hear , bear . ) Now , it was to destroy the abomination of this feudal system that he had devoted his time and energy ; and . to show them liow great its power still was—although professedly destroyed by the Reform Bill—if

      there was ageneral election to-morrow , by this over-balancing power . that he had described , the Protectionists would return a large majo- ' rityto the'House of Commons , and that fact , and hot Lord John ' s love of justice , would be the basis of the extension of the suffrage hehad promised , and the extension that he would be compelled to grant . ( Cheers . ) Then what were the means by which the people could accomplish such a change iii the franchise as would for oyer destroy and annihilate those ministerial twists , which ; were merely

      acquiesced in to preserve the balance of power , each ftnv-their own party—that change was UNION betweeii the veritable middle and working , classes . ( £ oud cheers . ) And let him explain his notion of that union and Lord John Eussell's . notion . When Mr . Hume made his motion for Parliamentary Reform , both Lord John Russell and Sir George Grey complimented him ( Mr .- O'Connor ) upon the fact , that his definition of the Suffrage and the Equalisation of Electoral Districts , was more candid , ingenuous , and understandable than that of the hon . member for

      Montrose ; but neither his ( Mr . O'Connor ' s ) candour nor ingenuousness , induced the noble lord or the right hon . baronet to vote for his proposition . ( Cheers and laughter . ) But he was too old a soldier to be caught in such a trap , and he voted for the instalment of the hon . member for Montrose . ( Loud cheers . ) He did this as well from a conscientious feeling of his duty , as to prove to the working classes that neither vanity , ambition , nor ministerial laudation should induce him to be a stumbling block in the road to progress . ( Great cheering . ) It was upon their disunion that ministers relied to uphold their

      power ; and , perhaps , the best proof he could adduce of the consequences of disunion would be to show that it sometimes preserved a charm . Once upon a time there was an Irish Roman Catholic clergyman , one of the most pious , humane , and kind-hearted men that ever lived . His house was ever open to the needy , and he was ever present at the bed-side of the sick . His esteemed character led all to believe that he could charm . He was removed from bis own parish to a wealthier living , and the parishioners , amongstwbom it was bis future lot to live , believed him capable of doing anything . The following month of April there was very boisterous weather , raining and blowing , hailing and snowing , and the

      parishioners resolved upon asking his reverence to change the weather . A deputation of seven waited upon him for the purpose ; he did not deny his power ; but said he would receive the deputation separately . When the first man presented himself his reverence said : " Well , Tim , what kind of weather do you want ? " "Wisha , your reverence , " replied Tim , " but the ewes are yeaning now , and I'll like a little sunny weather , for the lambs . ' ' " Very well , Tim , " was his reverence ' s reply . When the next man was introduced , his reverence said , " Well , Darby ,, what weather do you want ? " " Wlsha , your reverence , " replied Darby , "I ' ve just got the ' praties , oats , and barley in , and but I'de like a dash of rain without

      the wind . The next was introduced . "Well , Jerry , " said his Eeverence , " what kind of weather do you want ? " " Wisha , your lteverence , " replied Jerry , " I ' ve just got the corn thrashed , and I have my rent to pay , but I can ' t clean it out of doors , the weather is so wet , and I'd best like a good brisk breeze without any rain . " Well , the other four were introduced in turn , and no two of the seven having agreed , his lteverence called them all in together , and told them that it was not in his power to give them seven sorts of weather—that if they would all go homo and agree upon one kind , they should have it . ( Tremendous laughter and cheering . ) Now he could not more faithfully illustrate

      the manner in wiucu both Wlug anu Tory governments preserved a charm of their power—it was by the disunion of the people . ( Loud cheers . ) That disunion was now , thank God , dissolved , and the people had combined , as bad men hud conspired against tliem—( cheers)—and . if he could prevent it , neither trick nor art should dissolve that union . Sow this Reform Association had agreed upon one description of organisation , and , therefore , his reverence , Lord John , would lose that charm which he might have preserved , if , like the seven Irishmen , the squeezing party hold seven different opinions . ( Cheers . ) Sir Joshua Walmsley had complimented them upon the state of agriculture m Scotland ; but

      he ( Mr . O'Connor ) would ask them whether the poor labourer—whose sweat , and sinews , andmarrow had been expended upon giving the country such a cheerful and magnificent appearance—had his fair shareof the produce ? ( Cheers . ) Sir Joshua Walmsley had also said there would be an end to the Charter now ; but he ( Mr . O'Connor ) repudiated such a notion — ( loud cheers ) — and God forbid that he should stand upon the platform in antagonism to the propoundcr of this great and mighty movement , while he would feel equally , disgraced if he gave his silent assent that we were to hear no more of the Charter . ( Cheers . ) Why both hon . members ( Sir J . Walmsley and Mr . G .

      Thompson ) voted for the Charter —( loud cheers)—and surely he was not going to deny the justness of the principle by repudiating tho prudence of the vote . ( Cheers . ) He had every reliance upon tho integrity of Sir Joshua Walmsley , and the party with whom he was connected —( cheers)—but while he was more than proud in being able to co-operate with them for that large measure of justice , which could not take the shackles off tho then enfranchised without also knocking them off the still unenfranchised , that society should have his unpaid services until their object of full , free , and fair representation of the people in the Commons House of Parliament was effected . ( Cheers . ) Let him now

      give them a more extensive illustration of the term " union . " The Scotch people had no state church , poor rates in Scotland were not levied as in England —but he would , nevertheless , show them the perfect identity of interest that existed between both countries upon these two questions . Mr . Wilson had touched upon this question , but he had not told them that the bloated lawn-sleeved bishops and peers in tho House , of Lords were patrons of very nearly 3 , 000 livings . ( "Shame , sliame . ' . ' ) Row , the majority of the funds arising from those livings were national property , belonged to the poor , but by our feudal system were appropriated to the kindly use of the rich . This description of property

      produced over 10 , 000 , 000 * . a-year . ( " Oh , oh . " ) Well , poor rates last year porduced over 8 , 000 , 0 ( M . Those two sums making over 18 , 000 , 000 * . a-year ; and if we had free trade in legislation as those revenues are national property , they should he applied to state necessity , and expenditure , and your excise , and customs , and taxes upon all the necessaries of life should bo proportionately reduced . ( Loud cheers . ) lie was glad they understood that , as his great object was to show to tho people of the empire the great social benefits that would result from political equality—( cheers . ) — and that those social and political

      changes never could be effected except by a thorough union . ( Cheers . ) -JN ow , let him go further to describe the consequences of the present system . Did they ever reflect upon tho fact , that the working classes were , by Divine law , and by Common law , the veritable owners of church property and poor rates ; and have they ever taken into account tho expense of building and managing poor law bastiles—of building and managing gaols and court bouses—of building and managing barracks , police-stations , lock-ups , and all tho forocious estabUshmenta that are only rendered necessary to

      Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...

      uphold a vicious system ; to suppress m d hl power " by physical force , in order . that tho rich may . liya upon the plunder of the poor ? ( Loud cheers . ) Had they ever reflected upon the fact , that the vast sums expended upon those abominations would place every father m his own sentry box , in tho nuddto-of his own labour field ?—( loud and tre * mendous cheering ) -thus reducing competition in the labour market , and making every able-bodied , man a willing volunteer to fight for the preservation of a constitution which upheld and defended his rights as a man . ( Cheers , ) But this , let hint assure them , never could be effected by any reduo * tionin the national expenditure , as proposed by the financial Reformersinasmuch asif they had ' H ^ — wj

      , ; a « uv ^ . » .. .. . v ~ . w . w ...., ..-, - « « .. * i » M ( ft reduction of 10 , 000 , 000 / . or 20 , 000 , 000 / . to-morrow , the working classes would not derive a particle « f benefit from the change ; but he cordially co « operated with the association when they adopted the just means to achieve the required end—viz ., such ^ reprcson iationof the people as would g ive them their-fair shareMemjaj ^ reduction , thattoofcplaee . Let the working classes be but represent ^ arii tlvoy would hear ho more of physical force . ThO ' Chartists were driven to'desperation by oppression and misrule—that drove them torevolution , becaufi * they felt they had no other means of gaining their just rights . What had led to the revolutions ontha continent but the refusal to grant concessions . unta continent but the refusal to grant . concessions-unta

      it was too late ? And what could prevent a revolution in this country but timely concessions fronithe ruling powers ? ( Cheers . ) By a union of the middle and the working classes they would squeeze all they wanted out of the beggarly Whigs . Ho confessed that his . principal motive in joining the movement was to get a squeeze of Lord John . Hs knew of no man so little in mind and hody as Lord John Russell . He -was a- viper , a gnat , a little wasp —( laughter)—and there had not been a greater upholder oi infamy in the Constitution than Lord John Russell , since the Ketorm Bill had passed * ( "Oh , " arid " hear . " ) Ho wanted to see Lord John turned to the wrong side of tho table , that there he might bite , and sting , and buzz about the ears of the Protectionists , who were ' now rising , and who , if a dissolution were to take place to-morrow , would have a majority in the new . house . It had been

      gloried in that ho had abandoned public life . He had done go , arid was despairing , when this new movement arose , and that gave him new life . ( Hear . ) Whenever he heard of it , he revived : life came into . his body ; his nerves were again strung , and then he said , «« Away with these babbling dreams , forFeargus is himself again . " ( laughter and cheers . ) And so he was , and he would go through Scotland , England , Wales , ay , and Ireland , to advocate this question , that he might give the little man a squeeze when Parliament met again * But he would have no more physical force—no more Chartist imprisonments—no more amendments of the Charter on such a scheme as that now before them , and by a union of heart and hand they would triumph in tho end—( cheers)—and Scotland would be herself again . Her people would bo happy in their native land ; and

      Breathes there a man with soul so dead , Who never to himself hath said , Tin ' s is my own , my native land . Mr . O'Cosson resumed his seat amidst tremen * dous cheering . Mr . Conynoium protested in some degree against what had been said by the last speaker . They had been told that the middle classes were the enemies of the working classes . On behalf of tho middle classes of Brighton ho was there to deny that assertion . The middle classes might have been mistaken in their dealings with the working classes , but ho felt perfectly assured that they were actuated by the most friendly feeling . ( Cheers . ) Mr Conyngham then stated the circumstances under

      which he had contested Brighton at the last election , and contended that as ho had the show of hands at the poll , although he » ofc but 000 votes at the election , he was virtually the representative of the people of Brighton , and on this ground they had a strong claim on him to seek the extension of the franchise to every man who had a house or tenement for which he paid , or claimed to pay , rates for the poor . He believed that some error prevailed regarding the extent to which the franchise would be enlarged under the plan proposed by tho National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . Not only did it propose to give the vote to every person that had n , tenement and paid % poor-rate , but to every person who might claim to bo rated for the relief of the poor ; and it must bo

      an essential element in the New Reform Bill that a claiming clause' should be inserted , lie had no intention to detain them with any lengthened remarks , but ho could not sit down without reminding them that they . could not carry on this agitation successfully without the sinews of war . ( Hear . ) Though not called upon to say so , he felt it right to state that a subscription had been opened , and he had no doubt it would be well supported . Let them give their sixpences and shillings towards the fund for advancing this great cause , and they would soon succeed , for by such means not only would they prove their earnestness , hut would most effectually cement the bond of union between tho middle and working classes , now so auspiciously begun . ( Cheers . ) ( Continued to the bth page . )

      The Late Convention And Assembly. Wc, Th...

      THE LATE CONVENTION AND ASSEMBLY . Wc , the members of the Chartist Executive Committee residing in London , desirous of seeing the debts of the late Convention and Assembly honourably discharged , call upon our brother Chartists to forthwith collect and forward the necessary monies according to the following scale : — £ s . d . £ s . d . Aberdeen ... 2 0 0 Manchester ... 4 0 0 Ashton ... 1 Q 0 Mnvylebonc , Pad-Bilston and dington and District ... 2 0 0 Somes Town 2 0 0 Blackburn ... I 0 0 Mid-London , Bradford ... 2 0 0 including the Birmingham Citv and and District 4 0 0 Fiiisburv ... 200 Barnsley ... 1 0 0 Nottingham ... 2 0 0 Bristol ... 2 0 0 Northampton 2 0 0

      Bolton ... 2 0 0 Ncwcastle-upon-Dundee ... 2 0 0 Tyne ... 2 0 0 Dudley ... 1 0 0 Norwich ... 2 0 0 Durham ... 1 0 0 Oldham ... 2 0 0 Edinburgh ... 4 0 0 Preston ... 10 0 Falkirk ... 1 0 0 Paislev ... 2 0 0 Glasgow ... 2 0 0 Rochdale ... 100 Greenock ... 1 0 0 South London , Hyde ... 2 0 0 including Hull ... 2 0 0 Greenwich ... 2 0 0 Halifax ... 2 0 0 Sheffield ... 2 0 0 llanley and Stalvbridge ... 10 0 Potteries ... 200 Swindon ... 1 0 0 Lynn ... 1 0 0 Stockport ... 10 0 Leeds ... 2 0 0 Tower Hamlets 2 0 0 Liverpool ... 2 0 0 Worcester ... 1 0 0 Lancaster ... 1 0 0 Wigan ... 10 0 Macclesfield ... 1 0 0 Warrington ... 1 0 0

      Post Office Orders ( mado payable at the Bloomsbury Post Office ) must be addressed to Mr . Thomas Clark , 1-14 , High Ilolborn , London . If , after paying the Printers' Bill , any surplus should remain , it will be handed over to the National Victim Committce , or be otherwise disposed of as the Chartist hody may determine . We trust that the local councils , and active Chartists generally , will take steps to raise the money , so that tho Printer ' s Account may be at once settled , and tho honour of Chartism be thereby conserved . Fuarous C'Cox . von , Samukl Kydd , Pmxrp M'GW / r . Tnosr . xs Clark , G . Julian IIakney , William Dixo-v ,

      Edmund Stallwood , Jamks Giussbt , Henry Ross . [ Not having had an opportunity of consulting my colleagues , I do not understand on what grounds to Edinburgh has been allotted the raising of £ 4 , and to Glasgow only £ 2 . It appears to me that £ 2 is as much as can be reasonably required from the Edinburgh Chartists . Keighicy is not included in the above list , but a letter has been received at the Star office from the democrats of that place stating that they will pay their share as soon as informed of tho amount . Our Keighley friends will do well to send as much as they can , according to their means , as it is morally certain that the money will be wanted . —G . Juliax Haiuuk . ]

      The Murder At Clapham. ( Continued From ...

      THE MURDER AT CLAPHAM . ( Continued from the blhpage . ) James Weston , who stands charged with tho murder of Maria Weston , his wife , and Maria Elizabeth Weston , his infant daughter , underwent a rc-cxamination before Mr . Payutcr on Thursday morning . Several witnesses having been examined , tho prisoner when asked by the magistrate if ho had any thing to say in answer to the charge , pointed to Mr . Parrot , and said ho was the gentleman who took his senses away , and who ordered the drugs to

      be given . After talking in an incoherent style , tho prisoner , put his hand to his forehead for a few seconds , and said that Mr . Pritchard and another gentleman had said ho should be released , and his child restored to him in two years . He know nothing about the charge of murder . He was quite senseless . His senses were taken from him at the time ; they were coming back to him slowly , day by day . That was all he had to say . —The prisoner was committed for trial at the Central Criminal Court for wilful murder .

      The Sewer Accident In Pimlico. (Continue...

      THE SEWER ACCIDENT IN PIMLICO . ( Continuedfrom the Qihpagc , ) The adjourned inquest on the bodies of the five men who recently lost their lives in the sewer in Kenilworth-strect , Pimlico , was resumed at two o ' clock on Thursday , at tho Clarendon Tavern , and adjourned until Monday next .

      X

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  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 20, 1849, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_20101849/page/1/