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Northern Star (1837-1852), 23rd February 1850, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, THE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONA...

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    • ^ ' - ^Jnii^lTB ESPENSSS.^Xord Jfettouffle.;'
    • iltitiOHal Haim 4?ompaniu
    • <33)«VtWt BMrtltMttCfc
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      ^ ' - ^Jnii^Ltb Espensss.^Xord Jfettouffle.;'

      ^ ' - ^ Jnii ^ lTB ESPENSSS . ^ Xord Jfettouffle . ;'

      -A The Fustian Jackets, The J0 Ntjs!Feke...

      -a THE FUSTIAN JACKETS , THE j 0 nTJS ! FEKED HANDS , AND mi ' . gHOBN CHINS . DAMN the factory bell . ¦ Ox DE AR CbJLDKBN , 1 have now to address you upon a subject f not less importance to you than to me . It ? f importance to me with respect to charac-1 L and it is of importance to you with re-^ ct to yo ^ principles . If the character of $# tafcing a prominent part in the advocacy r popular principles can be damaged , you ma y rely upon it that it impedes the progress

      of those principles ; and , therefore , the character of a popular leader should be dearer to bun than fife itself , and has a right to be ^ gcally scanned by Ms followers . Without farther introduction I come to the question . You are aware that Mr . Bead- SHAW—tie proprietor ^ of the : Nottingham Journal , the town wbich , I represent—published a gross libel on my character , charging me with dishonesty in the administration of jour funds . Now , bear in mind , that dishonesty was the charge , and that , if dishonesty tras not proved , I was entitled by law to a verdict ; but you are aware of the old

      maxim" RUIN HIM WITH EXPENSES /' This case was tried before the Lord Chief Bakox , and occupied three whole days ; the principal points urged by defendant ' s counsel "being , feat I had addressed you as "THE FUSTIAN JACKETS , THE BLISTERED HANDS , AND DNTSHORN CHINS "—as "MY CHILDBEN "—and that « I DAMNED THE FACTORY BELL . " Well , in defiance of the law , I a ^ ain address you in the same terms , and I ^ g ^ «/ j >__ iN THE : . FACTORY BELL J" " - " * - ¦ ¦ " ; v

      The defendant-bad five " counsel ,, the Lord Chief Baron—Sir Fredkebick Pollockacting as his leader . Of course , I shall not condescend to make any comment upon bis summing up to the jury . It was taken in short-hand by an experienced reporter , and shall be published at fulllength in next week ' s Star , and then you will be able to judge of the impartiality of so high a functionary .

      His LoBDSHTP would not allow the two Go-Ternment auditors , Mr . GKEYand Mr . Finxjisox—who examined the accounts for the Parliamentary Committee—to be examined upon any point that could damage his client . He frequently interrupted my counsel , when putting fair and pertinent questions to the witnesses , and endeavoured , as far as in him lay , to establish the charge of dishonesty against me .

      My children , I have often told you that those whom I bad most served have been my bitterest enemies , and therefore yon will not he surprised at the hostility of bis Lordship , when I tell you that I paid him FIVE HUNDEED GUINEAS out of my own pocket , before a farthing was subscribed to defend Ekost . Little Roebuck—the Sheffield blade , —was employed , not as legal counsel , but as the bitterest political antagonist ; and this little creators wholly and entirely lost sight of the legal question , in the hope of damaging my

      character ; but in this , thank God , be failed . The celebrated Cckran once said of a sour , vituperative , malicious , crooked-minded fellow , -who was out of sorts -with everything human , that "he was so crooked in mind , that if he swallowed a twelvepenny nail , be would turn it into a corkscrew : " and I think it equally applies to your converted friend , -who signed the original document entitled the "PEOPLE'S CHARTER , " and who received a handsome salary for advocating rebellion in Canada : and I ask you whether the iron manufacturers of Sheffield could hare hit upon a more expert mechanic ?

      My children , I do not know that you ever saw this little fellow , but the best description that I can give you of him is , that he very much resembles a . shaved monkey cracking a nut . Like Richard , he is out of sorts with everything human . However , all bis political vituperation failed to influence the Jury , for mark their verdict ; here it is : — "FOR THE DEFENDANT ; WHILE

      "THE JURY WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR " UNANIMOUS OPINION THAT THE PERGONAL HONESTY OF MR . O'CONNOR "ISUNIMPEACHED . " Now , my children , which do yon thinkthat verdict , making me liable for all the costs , or a verdict for a hundred thousand pounds damages—would be most acceptable to me and to you ? I assure you that the verdict gave Eie greater pleasure than I could derive from any amount of money . And now let me . call your attention to the truth of- the

      maxim , that "there is one law for the rich and another for the poor . " The pious Ecclesiastical Commissioners , the Commissioners of Woods and Forests , the Managers of Hail ways , and the Managers of Savings Banks , haveeheated you ont of millions of money ; they have been real jugglers , wheedlers , and impostors ; but the robe of Justice shelters them , and they are rather pitied than reviled : while one who has spent thousands in your cause , with the view of bettering your condition , gets no justice , and is the reviled of all revilers .

      The Chief Bakos made a great point of the Bank being in connexion with the Land Company ; while you are aware that the partnershi p -was formed , not upon my recommendation , but against my wish . It was done upon the recommendation of James Leach and the Manchester men , and after mature deliberation it met -with my hearty assent , because I was well aware that had it not been for the opposition of the Government , the

      horror of the capitalists , and the technicalities of the law , that , the Bank would have been it powerful auxiliary to the Land Company . But even in that department , or in any other department connected with the Land Company , I defy the world to urge one particle of evidence charging me with any other crime than that of folly , for having expended my time and money in the promotion of the welfare of my enemies .

      My children , read the following report of the proceedings in the Queen ' s Bench , on the very day upon which my trial concluded in the Exchequer ; and , from it you will learn whether or not I have used , every exertion in my power , to constitute you a legal company , and whether the law has thrown every obstacle in my way . - Bkka v . " Whtoobsh . —In this case a mandamus had issued to the registrar of joint stock companies , command-*> glum to renew his certificate of the registration of 'The saoonai i ^ a Company , ' , antf to pant his certificate of complete registration . When the case was called on , » r . iL B . Unx , Q . C ., said the Attorney-General would attend to argue this case , which was of great importance , 5 ^ . - ^ T 5 . L doct ' mi this was the last day of the sitting ; probably the Conrt would not take itto-oav . as it could not be concluded .

      Jfr . Peacock said he appeared in support of the biahta . ¦ mvs , and his client was most anxious to have the case determined to-day , if it were possible ; but he certainly could Hot say that it would come within the day . It would be necessary for the Court to examine the deed of settlement , in order to see whether the Company was entitled to be registered . The Court decided that the case should stand over till *» e nest term . " Oh , but" says the Lobd . Chief Babojt ,

      "the property is all Mr . ' O'Cokxor ' s ;• no sh areholder can sue him for a farthing he has Paid ; and it is in his power to leave the propert y to whom he pleases . " But let me inform you who are interested m this property , that I Landed my will , made on the 9 th of prt , 1848 , —the night before the Kennington vOttunon Meeting—to my solicitor ; and in "a . t wUl I leave the whole property to two fri ght honourable trustees for the benefit of remembers , and did not charge the Company wtn a fraction of what I had expended ont of »} own purse in its behalf . % children , in a very short time this Company will have been in existence for five years :

      -A The Fustian Jackets, The J0 Ntjs!Feke...

      and , from its origin , down to the present moment , it has been the reviled of all revilers , and I have been the juggler , the wheedler , and the Impostor . And mark the result . A Committee of the House of Commons was appointed to inquire into the practicability of the scheme . That Committee sat for several weeks . Goodekough Hatter , the Judge-Advocate , acting as chairman . That Committee , or rather that chairman , would not allow a single witness to be examined upon the question of practicability , but it was actually a financial committee , whose duty appeared to be , to make a most strict and searching inquiry into the application of the funds . Two

      government auditors were appointed , and after several weeks of the closest investigation of the accounts , they reported that the Company owed me ££ 3 , 400 . The Finance Committee , that investigated the accounts for the following year , reported that the Company owed me an additional £ 1 , 200 ; not a fraction charged for my travelling , and other heavy expenses ; not a bill ever given by me on behalf of the Company ; not a present ever accepted by me , though I have been offered valuable ones by tradesmen , to whom I have paid thousands and then on last Saturday , aftes ' a strict legal inquiry ,. upon evidence extracted from the most hostile witnesses—a verdict

      delivered by a special jury—of course all hostile to me— "THAT MY HONESTY

      IS UNIMPEACHED . " Now , my children , after twenty-eight years of toil in your cause , are not such results cheering to you and to . me ? But , is there another people in the world who would allow the advocate of their principles to be sacrificed , as you have allowed me to be sacrificed ? But notwithstanding persecution , opposition , and legal burthens , I live in the hope that , ere long , even the landlords of this country will see that justice to you , and the necessity to themselves , of bringing the land of the country into the RETAIL MARKET ; as , ere long , all other channels will be effectually closed against your order . And , I hope you believe , that when I set my mind upon a project which I

      believe to be based upon justice , and calculated to confer benefit upon mankind , that I am as stubborn as ' a mule , and will never be diverted from my course . I look now to the Charter as the means , and the Land as the end ; and I warn the Government of this country of coming events . I tell the rulers of this country , that if they hoped to base legislation , and their power , upon the support of Peel and the Free Traders , and not upon state necessity and national requirement , based upon the free mind of the country ; and if that mind is not fully developed in the House of Commons , which ought to represent the people , the people then , from contempt and despair , will seek not for the CHARTER , but for a REPUBLIC . And let me call the

      attention of those rulers to the different condition of the Roman people when Rome was a Republic and when Rome was an Empire . I take the following passage from the Rev . John Adams ' Roman History , a classical book , forming a portion of the education of the Oxonians ; and I ask them whether , after reading those extracts they will presume to revile my Land Plan The author says : — At firstnoartizanhad more than he could cultivate with his own hands . Romulus allotted to each only two acres , which must hare been dug with the spade . Alter the expulsion of the kings , seven acres were granted to each citizen . This continued for a long time , to be the usual portion assigned them in the division of conquered lands . L . QuincthisCincinnatos , Curius Dentatus , Fabricius , and Begums had no more .

      While individuals were restricted by law to a small portion of land , and citizens themselves cultivated their own forms , there was abundance of provisions , without the importation of grain : and the republic could always command the services of hardy and brave warriors , when occasion required . But in succeeding ages , especially under the Emperors , when landed property was engrossed by a few , and their immense estates were , in a great measure , cultivated by slaves , Borne was obliged to depend upon the provinces , both for supplies of provisions , and of men to recruit her armies . HencePliny ascribes the rain , first of Italy , and then of all the provinces , to overgrown fortunes , and too-extensive possessions . The price of . land was raised by an edict of Trajan , that no person should be admitted as a candidate for an office , who had not a third part of his estate in land .

      Now , my children , what think you of Rome as a Republic and as an Empire ? Here you find , that before tyrants measured their power by the possession of land , the people were free and prosperous—no man having more than two acres—no importation of grain required—the army recruited by willing soldiern to fight for their homesteads . And have I not often told you that if thefreemen of England were located

      upon their own land , every cottage would be a sentry box , and every independent peasant would fly to the cry of " MY COTTAGE IS IN DANGER ? " Ay , and with God's blessing , and your assistance , before I die , I will see every man that becomes an unwilling idler , placed in his own sentry box in the centre of his own farm , none daring to make him afraid ; and then like the proud'Peruvian , I will exclaim "THIS IS MY WORK . "

      My children , I now conclude by congratulating yon and myself , that my honour is free from stain ; and by informing you , that as an independent member in the House of Commons , can perform but little service , and as the spring has come on , I will again rall y the country to the good old cry . The first place that I will visit is Nottingham ; and there you shall see whether Bradshaw has the same confidence in his Townsmen that he has in a Special Jury . Your affectionate Father .

      Feahgus O'Connor . P . S . —Now , let me just g ive you , free of advertisement duty , and charging Bradshaw nothing for its insertion ; I say , let me give you the following advertisement , extracted from the Daily News of Wednesday morning . Here it is;—F E AHGUS O'CONNOR , M . P ., and the LAND PLAN . — The only full and accurate report of the great libel cause , " O'Connor v . Bradshaw , " which discloses the history .

      mystery , and iniquity of the National Land Company' affairs , tried at Middlesex before the Lord Chief Baron , Sir Frederick Pollock . on the 14 th , 15 th , and 16 th February , 1850 , is contained in the NOTTINGHAM J 00 BNAL of 22 nd February . Early orders are necessary . Single copies , by post , for five postage stamps . A . corrected edition of the report of the trial wiU also be published in a few fiajs , in a pamphlet , price 2 d . Orders received by Mr . Strange , Paternoster-row , and au booksellers and newsmen in England , Ireland , and Scotlnnd ; and at the Journal Office , Nottingham ,

      Now , what think you of that ? The only FULL and ACCURATE report of the trial , is contained in the Nottingham Journal-of 22 nd February ; and a CORRECTED EDITION—that is , the corrections of the full and accurate report—will be published in a pamphlet ,, Now , what think you of such a pigheaded . fellow , undertaking to -instruct' the pnbhe ? He tells you- ^ in an advertisement pubhshedonthe 20 th-that a full and accurate report IS published in his paper on the 2 Jnd . . 1 oor Bradshaw , I am glad you have got some money . As you cannot live by your wits , I wish you would publish a Nottingham grammar . ; F . O'C .

      Ar A Public Meetlxo Of The Tradesmen Of ...

      Ar a Public Meetlxo of the Tradesmen of Rotting Hill , on the 18 th of February , 1850 , the following resolution was duly moved , seconded , and carried unanimously : — " That this meeting bikes the earliest opportunity of expressing their warm approbation of Mr . O'Connor ' s general conduct , and more especially for his "long and unwearied exertions to promote the welfare and happiness of the working classes of this country . "

      To The Land Members, The Chartists, And ...

      TO THE LAND MEMBERS , THE CHARTISTS , AND ALL WHO HATE INJUSTICE . Fbiends , —We have to call your attention to the decision in the case of our respected colleage , Mr . O'Connor , against Joel Bradshaw , of Nottingham , . for libel , as an instance of inequality and injusticej such as has . seldom been equaled in any court of law , in this country . The malignity of the counsel , the partisanship of the Jud ge , and the partial feeling of the entire court were . so apparent to all , that they were remarked upon and condemned , even by the most fierce of Mr . O'Connor ' s p ' of

      Utical opponents . Certainly , in a moral sense , the verdict is such an one as Mr . O'Connor has reason to beproud of , and one which must cover all his accusers with shame and . dishonour ; but yet in a pecuniary point of view , it will be to him a heavy loss , if we do not to a MAN , stand forth and take uponcourselves the discharge of obligation which , he has incurred on account of his character , and which ought to be dear to all ; those for whom he has sacrificed his time , his means , and all those social comforts which his position in society , and his splendid talents would have insured him . ¦¦ •• ¦ ¦¦

      It cannot fail to be a source of unmmgled pride to those who have intrusted Mr . O'Connor with their funds , that after , two most unparalleled investigations—and both intended to convict him of peculation—that prejudiced tribunals have been compelled to proclaim his honour and his honesty , and that from both trials he has come forth doubly honoured and honourable . ¦ Never was there witnessed in a Court of Law such an inclination to crush a man , as that evinced by the allottees from Snig ' s End , who gave evidence against their benefactor ;

      and the joy evinced by them at the verdict , since their return to those homes which Mr , O'Connor has provided for them , has been absolutely fiendish . The Anti-renters upon that estate have made the supposed triumph of Bradshaw the occasion of a kindof jubilee ; and in the delirium of their enthusiasm they have forgotten , that they were exciting against themselves a feeling which , to their latest hours , will reproach them with their black and damning ingratitude . But even they , bad and wicked as they are , shall be defeated , as all good and honest-minded patriots will fly to the defence of their foremost protector ,

      We give at foot the resolution of a party of good men at Brighton , and take this public opportunity of thanking them most sincerely for their well-timed and patriotic conduct . They will find their remittance of £ l 4 s . Gd . acknowledged in its proper place , along with our own small tributes . Let the example of Brighton meet with an instant response from all parts of the country , and let the Government and their agents be taught , that the working classes will not calml y witness an attempt to crush one who has dared and risked all for them .

      Without either the knowledge or consent of Mr . O'Connor , we have formed ourselves into a committee for the management of the " O'Connor Indemnity Fund , " and have to request that all parties will do their best to aid it . Collecting books , properly signed and duly stamped , will be sent to all parts of the country , to persons known to the Committee either as responsible Land Members or Chartists . Collecting books may be employed in workshops or factories , and the proceeds remitted to this office in postage stamps , or in Post-office orders , made payable to the Secretary , Thomas Clark , at the Post-office , Bloomsbury . Philip M'Gkath , Wixliam Dixon , Samuel Boonham , T . Clark , Sec . Land Office , 144 , High Holborn , Feb . 21 .

      Brighton.—At A Weekly Meeting Of The Mem...

      Brighton . —At a weekly meeting of the members of the National Land Company , on Tuesday , the 19 th of Februay , ( Mr . Fiest in the chair , ) the result of the action O'Connor v . Bradshaw was read , and the following resolution adopted unanimously : — " That this meeting is of opinion that the honesty and integrity of Mr . O'Connor is unimpeachablethis meeting have full confidence in that gentleman , and his g lorious Land Plan , do hereby agree to pay one shilling each member , to meet the legal expenses of the said action ; and also recommend every member belonging to the Company to subscribe the same amount . " After which a subscription of £ 1 ± 3 . 6 d . was collected , and instructions given to the treasurer to transmit the same to Mr . O' Connor , as the first instalment . The meeting was adjourned till Thursday next , Feb . 28 th .

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      O'Connor Indemnity Fund. £ A. A, Brighto...

      O'CONNOR INDEMNITY FUND . £ a . a , Brighton , 1 st instalment ... ... 1 4 6 C . Doyle ... ... 0 10 0 W . Dixon . ... ... . ... 0 10 0 P . M'Grath ... ... ... 010 0 T . Clark ... ... ... 0 10 0 S . Boonham ... ... ... 0 2 6 G . J , . ... ... ... 0 10 W . S . ... ... y ... ... 0 10 v . Wi ... ... «•• ... v ' 1 ¦ 0 £ 3 10 0 Thomas Ciabk , Secretary .

      Fifxnf J Ji Ii»Iivi<"I< 1*"'Ii * *"^^^^ ...

      fifxnf j ji ii » iiVi <" i < *"' iI * *"^^^^ ' * ' ' ' ' ' ' ' O'CONNOR v . BRADSHAW . ' 7 , Wellington-street North , Strand , February 19 , 1850 . M y Deae Mn . O'Connob , The time has now really and truly come when the Working Classes of these islands should testif y their sense of the great obligation which they owe to yourself , and of the abhorrence which they entertain for the persecution to which you have been subjected , < An attempt has been made to ruin your character ,

      not only as a public man but also as a private gentleman ; and the result has been to wring from even a reluctant jury , influenced by a partial judge , the declaration that your integrity is beyondall possibility of doubt . . Thus far the endeavours of your rancorous enemies have redounded most signally to your own advantage , and to the elucidation of the truth . But the expense eiit liled . upon you by that bitter and uneompr < m ' sing persecution , must necessarily be immense ; and it would be monstrous in the extreme to allow the burthen

      to fall upon your shoulders . The matter not only regards you . personall y / but the honour and interests of the working classes generally ; for-the effect of a blow , struck at a popular leader , could not fail to be felt by the cause which he advocates . Moreover , it was in pursuance of your conscientious and disinterested views , and- in . carrying out your philanthropic aim , that you incurred the outrageous

      annoyances , to " which you have been subjected ,, and the pecuniaryliabilities which the law-suit has entailed ' upon you . I hope , therefore , that immediate and . effectual measures will be adopted to ensure , on your behalf , < the liquidation of those liabilities—a ^ proceeding which can alone convince you that yearlong and unwearied toils in the cause of freedom are duly appreciated by those whose welfare has ever been nearest and dearest to your soul .

      I should most respectfully suggest to the Chartists thro ughout the kingdom , that the requisite steps be immediatel y adopted to raise a fund for the payment of the expenses above referred to . I know not to what sum those

      Fifxnf J Ji Ii»Iivi<"I< 1*"'Ii * *"^^^^ ...

      expenses may amount : but I should think that the very lowest must be 1 , 000 ? . Now , are there not . twenty thousand Chartists who will each contribute one shilling ? I think so : I hope so . At all events , where an individual cannot afford a shilling , he may himself put down three-pence , and get three of his neighbours each to contribute a similar mite ; If the matter be taken up as warmly as it ought to be ,

      the whole amount needed may be raised in a month;—and let me remind the Chartists , and the working classes generally who sympathise with you , that the accomplishment of this p lan would be the "bitterst pill your merciless enemies could possibly be made to swallow . / 1 impiore you tojleave your case to be judged , and your , causei to be taken up , by that class for ' . whom you . have so long , so arduously , and so nobly toiled .

      Sincerely hopiug that the Chartists will now do their duty towards you , and , suggesting that : the . financial measure whichV I have recommended should be called " The Honesty Fuhd , as , a proof of the confidence entertained by the millions in your integrity , ' V- I remain , my dear Mr . O'Connor , J ^ X : \ : ' - .-Your very faithful Friend , ¦ vrtfv •¦ :.. S \ i ^ mtmzWfMJ ^^ QixB . Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., 'M . P .. ; ' ' ;¦'" * ' - ' ¦ . ' r

      To Fearous O'Connor Esq,, U,V. Most Hono...

      TO FEAROUS O CONNOR ESQ ,, U , V . Most Honoured Sir , —We , the members of the Land Company of Bradford , think that we are indebted to you for the noble and philanthropic spirit you have displayed towards us in striving to get us the land , which is' our birthright . We are 'sorry , that when you proved yourself an honest man before tho Committee of the House of Commons , that the members of the Company did not rally

      round you , and show to the government their determination to support your endeavours , in despite of the obstacles th « . y might throw in your way ; we consider that thai was the time that we might to have sent up our thousands weekly . Sir , we , the members of Bradford , think we owe you a debt of gratitude , and , therefore , we send you a present , hoping that you will not take it as an offence . Sir , I remain your humble servant , . James Conneix , Secretary . Bradford , Yorkshire .

      To F Eargus O' Connor , Esqi, M.P. ' Sir...

      TO F EARGUS O CONNOR , ESQi , M . P . ' Sir , —Having seen'in the daily papers the g laringly , unjust , and contradictory verdict given m favour of your libeler—viz ., the proprietor of the Nottingham Journal—ai few glove-hands , of Leicester , have voluntarily subscribed the sum of 6 s ., towards defraying the expenses you have incurred in the trial , and take this early , opportunity of forwarding the same , in the hope that every Chartist , and every lover of justice amongst working men throughout the kingdom , will follow their example . Signed on behalf of the subscribers , Leicester . ' - William Jones .

      To Feargos O'Connoej Esq. , M.P. Sir,—We...

      TO FEARGOS O ' CONNOEJ ESQ . , M . P . Sir , —We have seen the decision of the jury in your . case ,, and alfiO the disgusting conduct of Eoebuck . We have agreed to contribute Is . per shareholder from ' as many as wo can get it from , tore-pay you the cost out of pocket .- There are five hundred branches of the National Land Company , and if there are not 10 , 000 willing to subscribe Is . a-piece it is a great shame to them , and a disgrace to Englishmen . Enclosed is a post-order , made payable to Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., for 7 s . 6 d ., obtained by Win . ' Gregory , tailor , Market-place , Bales . . 'Ever yours , In the cause of the Land and the Charter , Market Place , Bales . Wiixum Gregory .

      To Feargus 0 Connor, Esq., M.P. . Respec...

      TO FEARGUS 0 CONNOR , ESQ ., M . P . . Respected Sib , —I take the liberty of forwarding my opinion respecting the action of libel . Sir , being one of the paid up four-acre shareholders from nearly the first , I . beg to state what I think we all ought to agree with respect to the cost of that action . I would , in the , first instance , call together delegates from their respective places , and submit a resolution , " To put up one , or two , or all , if required , of the estates , and sell them , to pay every fraction ef the ' expense of the action , so that we may show BAidsh . iw and his breed that we began with confidence in you , and in confidence we will continue while we have such an honest example before us . Sir , as I consider the cost of this action our debt , inasmuch as they turned from the very nature of the libel to our money and our estates , leaving the libel out of the question , as they well knew if they had kept to the libel , and left our affairs alone , that Bradshaw would have nabbed it . I think it would behest to sell the

      estate that has the most drones on it , and then they would see who was master , and it would save us a deal of expense ; and the money . would be better applied to pay for the action , than to be spent in the shape of ejectments . Those selfish members who were fortunate enough to get located , and who now say they will stick and not pay any rent , little think how many they are robbing daily and hourly . If this is not approved of , I would propose that every four-ncre member pay , ls „ three-acre , 6 d ., and two-acre , 3 d . ; and if it will not meet the debt then , to repeat it until it does . If either of those measures are adopted , I shall feel happy to be among the foremost , or in any other way by which the debt may be paid .. I remain , yours respectfully , An Admirer op your Principles .

      Iltitiohal Haim 4?Ompaniu

      iltitiOHal Haim 4 ? ompaniu

      Bilston.—At A Meeting Of Chartists And L...

      Bilston . —At a meeting of Chartists and Land member ? , held at the house of Mr . John White , Hall-street , ( Mr . T . Davis in the chair , ) resolutions were passed condemning the proceedings of that portion of the allottees who drew up and signed that crafty petition presented by Mr . Henly . Also , that it is high time the wages of the directors of tho National Land Company bo reduced according to the present price of food , seeing that the income will not meet the expenditure . Carlisle . —A meeting of the members of the National Landf Company was held at No . 6 j Johnstreet , Caldewgate , on Sunday afternoon , in consequence of William Smith , one of the allottees on the Minster Lovel estate , having done his utmost to prejudice people against the Directors and the interests of the Company . Several propositions

      were made as to the course to be pursued by the members of this branch with respect to his statements . It was ultimately agfeea that the meetshould adjourn until next Sunday , February 24 th , at two o ' clock in the afternoon : In the mean time the secretary was instructed to write to the Directors , letting them know his statements , and requesting an answer . Leicester . —At a meeting of Land members , held at 87 , Churchgate , the following resolution : was agreed to : — " That we hereby express our indignation and disgust at the conduct of Mr . T . Clark for making the National Land Company ' s Office and servant the medium of publishing a most villahous attack on the character of G . J . Harney , and request ; that the office may be closed , forthwith , against such base practices , v

      The National Land Company. Friend Willis...

      THE NATIONAL LAND COMPANY . Friend Willis , —It was with the greatest pleasure I read the letter in the Star of the dth inst ., emanating from you and others who arc true to the noble founder . of the Land Plan , and also the unloosed members . Is it not astonishing that ho still labours so hard for such ungrateful wretches , who have proved themselves dishonest'to their noble benefactor , and to : theunlocated members , by whose hard earnings . they . were located on what you have rightly termed the . " Land of Freedom ; " where man may earn his bread by . the sweat , of his brow , and not have to ask a tyrant master'for the means of existence ? How I : pity those misgiuded men who are now endeavouring to obstruct the Land movement ! They may as well attempt to stop the sun ; formethinks : ! • ' ,, ' ' I hear a little bird ; who sings ' ' T

      , . ¦ B and by ; the Land move will be stronger . Do youuot think that some one is behind the scene , prompting them on . f * : ¦ * ' - * There are several here who , although things look g l 66 mily , ¦ . still have hope , and would , be glad enough to exchange with' the gruhiblers . The farmers are reducing wages . I have talked with several of the mehibers , ana they } with inygelf , ' bog leave to . tender ' our hearty-thanks to you and the rest of the ; members who signed-that letter / We had a Protectionist meeting ; on . Penenden Heath / last Thursday , and the poor farmers got terribly pelted and knocked

      The National Land Company. Friend Willis...

      about .- The very class that rode down the people , sabroin hand , ia 1819 , are now pelted and scouted themselves—a just l'etribution for the oppressive system they ; endeavoured to uphold . * * * I hope you will live down all persecution . It only wants some . more Mr .. W . ' s to enable the founder of the . Land Plan' to see it carried out successfully . : ' , v ; ; ' - Tours respectfully , New Brompton } : u : ; T . Moss . 'January 26 th , 1850 V- ¦ - •'

      &Lt;33)«Vtwt Bmrtltmttcfc

      < 33 )« VtWt BMrtltMttCfc

      Newcastle . —The Chartists of Newcastle having invited Mr . G . $ . M . Reynolds to visit them , that gentleman was pleased to add one more additional p roof of his devotion to the good cause , by deliverlnga'brilliant oration ' on the People ' s Charter , in the Lecture-Room , Nelson-street , Newcastle-on-Tyhe , on Sunday evening last . At the appointed hour Mr . Gam mage , editor of the Progressionist , who had , been lecturing in the preceding , part of the day , was called to the chair , and briefly stated the object of the meeting , and then introduced Mr . Reynolds , who was met with such a reception as made the " welkin ring . " The cheering having subsibed , Mr . Reynolds proceeded to descant upon the origin of all governments , together with themanner in which they had achfeved'theiir present power and position ,

      which enabled them to hold in slavery and serfdom the great mass , o |; -tbc . people in the various couri-. trw ^ f ^ ta Se ^ ; gvilaj * iP ^ he % w . of primogeniture and entail ; demoristratulg ^ o the satisfaction of ; his audience , that so long as such a law existed , they ( the people ) must , and would have . to keep the scions " of the aristocracy , either as colonels , post-captains , or as bishops . Mr . Reynolds next went through the various points of the People ' s Charter ; showing each point to be necessary , by some well pointed anomally and monstrosity in the . present system Mr . Reynolds concluded a most excellent address , of two hours duration , to the satisfaction of the audience , who testified their approbation ef the

      great truths enunciated by repeated cheers and ap-E lause . At the close of the lecture , a person in the ody of the hall inquired of Mr Reynolds when he could visit Newcastle again . To which question that gentleman replied , that from the kind reception which the people of this town had given hima reception which he would not soon forget—he would endeavour to place himself at their , service during the summer months , when he would make arrangements to stay with them somewhat longer than he had done this time . The proceedings were then brought to a close by according a vote of thanks to Mr . Reynolds , amid the most deafening applause . The lecture room was crowded to excess , and many hundreds were unable to gain admission .

      —Mondatc Kighi . —The Chartist council met at their room , Cock Inn , Head of the Side , when the following resolution was agreed to : — " That through the kindness of Mr . Reynolds in not accepting anything for his expenses , the surplus proceeds of that gentleman ' s lecture be applied asfollows : —To the General Victim Fund , £ 1 5 s . ; To the Sharp ' and Williams Fund , £ 15 s . ; To Macnamara ' s Action , 10 s . ; To the Printer ' s Bill , 10 s . ; Total , £ 3 10 s . " " That hand bills be printed announcing that the new plan of Chartist organisation has been established , and that parties wishing to join , can enrol their names and have cards of membership , by applying to the secretary , at the

      usual place of meeting ( the Cock Inn ; Head of the Side , )" every Sunday evening , at seven o ' clock . " South London . —At a meeting of the Chartists of South London ,, held at the Ship and Mermaid , Snow-fields , Bormondsey , on jTuesday evening , February 19 th . Mr . Langar in the chair . The following resolutions were . unanimously adopted ;—Moved by Mr . Pattinson , ' seconded by Mr . Woodstock— " That we , the Chartists of Lambeth and Bermondsey , being dissatisfied with the conduct and speeches of the members of the Provisional Committee ( with the exception of G . J . Harney ) , at the South London Chartist Hall on Monday , Feb . 11 th , do hereby unanimously resolve not to support

      the said committee while such men continue to ! be members thereof ; and wo likewise feel it our duty to express our extreme disgust at the conduct , of T . Clark , in publishing the pamphlet entitlcd . "A Letter Condemnatory of Private Assassination , as Advocated , by G . J . Harney , " believing the said charge to be . a complete- falsehood , and calculated to'rbring ^ bdium on the cause Of democracy . We also express our satisfaction at the conduct of S . M . Kydd and G .., J . Harney , for their unflinchingjadvocacy of the Rights of Man , in opposition to measures of mere expediency , believing , as we do , that the Parliamentary Reform Movement is not intended for the benefit of the working men , but for the middle classes ; and we hereby call on all true democrats not to bo led away by the advocates of

      the " little Charter or any other partial movement whatever . " Moved by Mr . Woodcock , seconded by Mr . Collins— " That we commence an association ' to be called " The South London Social and Democratic Association , " for the purpose of promulgating the principles of the People s Charter , the Rights of Labour , and the accomplishment of our Social and Political Enfranchisement ; ' and we hereby call upon all persons to aid and assist us in carrying out the same . " . A deputation Was appointed to wait on the different localities in London , to explain our objects and solicit their cooperation . A committee of five were elected to draw up a code of rules for the government of the association , Mr . Miles was appointed secretary , pro tern , and Mr . Edwards , treasurer . Adjourned to Tuesday , Feb . 26 th .

      Stockpoht . —Pontic Tea Party in Honour op Fearous O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., Proprietor of the "Northern Stab , " and Mr . G . Julian Harney , its Editor . —The Chartists of this locality held a public tea party in their Association Room , on Tuesday ; evening , ; February 12 . Although it was not announced by placard or any public notice , and was got up after the weary hours of factory labour were over , by a staff of "Old Guards" stationed in this town for the protection of Chartism and its honest advocates , upwards of one hundred sat down , and did ample justice to the good things prepared by the committee . The room was tastefully and

      appropriately decorated , and reflected great credit upon Messrs . Leah , Middleton and Naggs . Mr . W . Benfold was appointed chairman , and Mr . Charles Clithero , vice-chairman , and each addressed the meeting in' acknowledgment of the honour conferred upon them : after which the Chairman rose and submitted the following sentiment : " Feargus O'Connor and the Northern Star , and all other democratic papers devoted to the interests and enfranchisement of the labouring class . "—Mr . Chas . Cittie , in speaking to the above sentiment , observed that he was sorry the council of the Chartist Association had not selected an individual that was more

      competent to . do justice to this sentiment , which must bo considered the sentiment of the evening . It was essential that such meetings as the present should periodically take place , for the purpose of testing the opinions of the working class ; for it was by tho support of that class that Mr . O'Connor was enabled . to maintain his position , in spite of the persecution and prosecution which at times beset him . Mr . Cittie resumed his scat amidst much cheering . —The Chairman then called upon Mr . G . Candeletfor " The Pen and Press , " a recitation ; after which the Chairman called upon Mr , James Williams to speak to the next * sentiment : " The Editor of the Northern Star , Mr . G . Julian Harney —may he still continue his indefatigable exertions in promoting the cause of democracy , and disseminating that political information so essential to the redemption of the working class , " In speaking to

      this sentiment Mr . Williams gave a brief biographical sketch of Mr . Harney ' s political career , and showed that Mr . Harney had earned his present position in the cause of Chartism by his unflinching devotion to the people ' s cause . His exertions in endeavouring to obtain a , free press , would long be remembered by the working classes , and would transmit , his name to posterity . Mr . W . ' s speech excited great applause . —The next sentiment was responded to in an appropriate address by Mr . Geo . Candelefc , viz .: " The speedy restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and all other politicaroffenders . ''—The . remainder of the evening was occupied with songs and recitations by Messrs . Barnes , Wilr lianis , Highton , Candelet , and Siddley , and footing it oh the ' « light fantastic too . " At an early hour the " cock crew , " ' and anhounced the hour of departure , when the company retired , highly delighted with the evening ' s entei' ( a nment . '

      Manchester . —Mr . Donovan delivered a lecture on the People ' s Charter , and its advocates , on Sunday last .. ; Tho lecture was listened to with great interest b y the audience . In tho course of his address he alluded to the recent meeting held in the Free Trade Hall . At tho close of the lecture , it was moved and seconded : — " That the . best thanks of this meeting are due , and aro hereby , given to W . P . Robert 8 ,-Esq ., for his honest and manly conduct at the Free Trade Hall meeting , on Wednesday , Feb .. 13 th . " .- . Carried unanimously ; and . ttiat the ' same be presented to that gentleman by the Manchester Council .

      Nottingham.— At A Fullrheetiiig'of The D...

      Nottingham . — At a fullrheetiiig'of the democrats assembling at Smith's ' . Tempei'anco Hotel , Low Pave * ment , on Saturday evening last , the follow-ing resolution was unanitnously adopted " : —!* That this meet * ing'has seen with the ? utmost satisfaction , the straightforward , manly , ; and independent conduct of Mr . George Julian ,. Harnoy , ever sitioG the com . mencement of that gentleman ' s political career , and believes him to be above suspicion ! ^ notwithstanding the attempts ' which are being made to'libel his character ; and upon his well-earned reputation . This meeting also is more than satisfied with his manage * merit of the Northern Star , believing that no one could in that capacity eWc greater satisfaction to the public . " ' . ¦ * ¦ ¦ _ ,. ¦ ¦ , > - r . : ;¦ ¦ '

      WuittinotonaUd Cat . —At the adjourned meetr ing on the Labour Question , several member ^ spoke ) in-condemnation of Mr . Clark ' s " assertion ' " at the Stepney meeting , "That no g 6 vernmoiit ' * had any right to interfere with labour . , It wasHhc ! moved and seconded , , ; that the' - meetingjdo not agVe ' e with the Free Trade principles of the Directors , ana that the above be sent to the Star . " The meeting adjourned until Sunday , the 24 th . : 1 Hamiltox . —The annuals banquet of . the Demo- cratic Association ofe ' this place came off with greafc eclat on the * eveningi ^ qf the loth inst ., in the Masons' Hall . The . chair was taken b ' y-Slr . ; ehas .

      Forrest i President of the Association , at . seven , o'clock , and tea was immediately served to the large and respectable' assembly . After the tea had been disposed of , addresses were delivered by Messrs , Henderson , Smith , ' Weir , and Robinson oil tho following subjects : — " Chartism and Chartists "" Slavery , its Protean Nature and . Universal Prevalence "— "Revolution and Reform on the Continent ''—and " What May be Expected of Session 1850 . " The songs and recitations , were of the firsfc quality , and their execution ,, as evinced by ; the ? vociferous ' applause they elicited , gave universal satisfaction . The Committee of the Hamilton Democratic Association take this opportunity of publicly thanking , for their valuable services , the several ladies and gentlemen , whoso clever , performances formed one of the most attractive features of their banquet , and contributed so i materially towards its success . The profits' derived from the banquet will be devoted to the- Political

      victimsand ^ their families . .. 4 ' r-Monument to the ^ MARTVjig ! Williams ,. Sharp , and Hansard , !—On " 'Monday evening a , grand festival was held at Fowler ' s ; City Hall , GoloW laheY'KOripplegate'l cValil ^^ 'Th ' ei proceeds to go in aid of the fund for erecting a monument in , mei mory of the' three * patriotic ' hiartyrs . ; Upwards of one hundred : and- sixty ; tickets ., were sold . ' The City brass band . was in attendance ; during the former part of the evening , and players on the , harp and violin for the remainder , of thei proceedings . The meeting was addressed by Mr ' . "\ Brisk in a short but excellent speech . Ambrose . Tdinlinson , in his usual style , appealed to the sense and feeling of both sexes , on the object for which the festival was got up . Mr . Tomlinson also endeavoured to console' the unfortunate widow , ; Mrs , Sharp ( who was present with her infant ) for the loss of her husband . His sentiments were in a

      thrilling and soul-stirring strain . Songs , dancing , recitations , and other amusements followed in rapid succession , until : morning , and the most . perfect harmony prevailed . Besides the 160 that , wcre present , there were a goodly number of tickets sold to persons who could not attend . . South Shiblds . —At a meeting of the Chartist Association of this , town ( Mr . Dickinson in the chair ) the rules of the new plan of organisation were read and approved , and the following persona elected to form a committee : —John Kyle , Richard Millar , M . Robinson , T . Smith , U . Haines , Sec . ; and Mr . Morton , Treasurer ; Thomas Dickinson , Chairman .

      The Provisional Committee Of The Nationa...

      THE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION ; Birmingham . —At the usual weekly meeting of the New Summer-street locality , after the regular routine of business bad been gone through—there being a full attendance of members on this occasion —the following resolution was past unanimously ;—Proposed by William Jackson , seconded by James Dumain— " That after viewing the course lately pursued by Thomas Clark , in nis new mode of advocating the People's Charter (?) a system we think highly calculated to bring our cause into disrepute ; we hope he will at once see the necessity of withdrawing himselt from the Provisional Committee , as we cannot place any further confidence in hjm . " Signed on behalf of the meeting—G . Sharp ,

      chairman . . - ¦ , (; ¦ - ¦ : sry , r : r A copy of the above resolution ; natih |^ BelBBi " sent > to Mr . Clark , that person hasfforwai'OwRtoVithis office the following reply : — >' - yt ^ W ^^ ¦ ¦ . " MR . GEORGE SnARP' /^ jftMftN / S ^ ' ^ . ' Sib , —There are but two expressions ' in tne ^ resolution , of yourself , and those few persons whom you represent , which I shall descend to notice .- —You say that my conduct has a tendency to bring " your " cause into " . disrepute . " . Every man of sense , intellect , and character , who knows me , will . treat the imputation with the same scorn that I do . I wish

      sir , that 1 could make you sensible of its earnestness and intensity ! The same limited number of persons , and yourself , declare your " want of confidence" in my further advocacy ? Well , sir , even that is a calamity which a consciousness of my integrity will enable me to surmount . In obedience to your wish , I do hereby withdraw myself from .: the " Provisional Committee ; " but will atld , that as a private member of the Association , I will in every way try to promote its great object — the enfranchisement of the whole male and adult population . London , February , 21 st . Thomas Clark .

      We have also received the following letters

      TO THE CHARTIST BODY . Having been a member of the late Conference , and an eld Chartist , I beg to say that the" policy pursued by Mr . Clark , since the assembling of that body , has my entire approval , and I cannot consent to become a member of an Association in opposition to it . . C . Doyle .

      TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LATE METROPOLITAN CONFERENCE ; Gentlemen— Having been appointed by your suffrages a member of the Provisional Executive of the National Charter Association , I feel reluctantly constrained by various reasons to surrender into your hands the trust which I received from you , I have been mainly induced to pursue this coarse from the fact that several members of the Executive have already deserted that body , and that the organised Chartists of London , and other places , have shown a strong disinclination to act upon that forbearing and conciliatory policy recognised by you in Conference as the surest path to the emancipation of the millions . I shall ; however , on every possible , occasion , cheerfully contribute my humble aid in tho dissemination of the glorious principles of the People ' s Charter . Yours faithfully , Philip M'Gkath ,

      TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Gentlemen , —Having been appointed by the ' . late Metropolitan Convention , one of the Provisional Committee , to carry into effect the new plan of organisation , I with others of my colleagues have < m » deavoured to get up an agitation , founded on common sens . e and good feeling , towards all elasses of the people , as would tend towards making our movement effectual for the accomplishment of the objects we seek to obtain , and to end in something more than empty sound , and gaols full of victims . But in endeavouring to do this , we have been subjected to much abuse and vituperation , more especially Mr . Clark , who has from circumstances been most prominent in enunciating and enforcing this policy . And through hira , myself ; for , had I had the same opportunities as Mr . Clark , I would , and have done , —as far as I have had the means—enforced the same mode of agitation as that

      gentleman . I therefore cannot adopt , conscienciously , any other mode of' endeavouring to make the movement what it should be , than by uniting to good men of all classes to assist in getting the enfranchisement of the whole people , which is to me the great Object we have in view ; and to the accomplishment of this , I shall continue to render every assistance in my power , as a member of the association . But , at the same time , I hereby . resign my ' seat in the Provisional Committee j and I trust that men may be found who will be able to provide a system of agitation , which will make the " PEOPLE'S CHARTER" the Jaw of the land ; sooner than our policy would have done . I am gentlemen , yours faithfully , London , Feb . 21 st , 1850 . Wm . Dixoif ,

      Tbk Wotton Estate.—This Portion Of The L...

      Tbk Wotton Estate . —This portion of the late Buckingham property again shows the levelling effects of the woodman's axe - and saw . Another great fall of timber has taken place , and elms are laid low in all directions . Last season tho fall , which was a largo one , consisted chiefly of oaks , many of the sticks of which were of an enormous girth and weight . The elm is good , and in quality but little if any inferior to the oak . Thelobsof timber from the estate is not more striking than the

      diminution in tho quantity of game . In "theDuko of . Buckingham ' s day " it literally teemed with" it , and the damage was terrific . At , a- standing troja four to five hundred pheasants might , be counted . ; This was not a peculiar sight on one portion of the preserved estate ) . but might be seen , not only at | Wotton , but at Ludgera-hall , Ham-green , Weatcott ,-or Ashcndon . There is now as muchg » me as aiiy estate ought to have on it , but itisttiffing-to whus there was . It is now preserved by the Rev . Georgo Chetwode , of Chilton House .

      « ^ ! X

      « ^ ! X

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 23, 1850, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_23021850/page/1/