Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 25th November 1848, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, FORTHCOMING CHARTIST MEETINGS. Sbmdw, No...

Page 1
Page 1
1 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (3)
    • m t* &» f*8-i»*w** *« *» *• fc*« am«4» H
    • THE LAND CONFERENCE
    • wmm mmiimm®>
  • Text (15)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      M T* &» F*8-I»*W** *« *» *• Fc*« Am«4» H

      m t * &» f * 8-i »* w ** *« *» *• fc *« am « 4 »

      To All Who Live By Industry Mt Friends, ...

      TO ALL WHO LIVE BY INDUSTRY Mt Friends , The present is perhaps the most important cr jsis that has occurred in the annals of British history ' since the revolution of 1688 . The system based upon that revolution has , for the last century , been so strongly impregnated ^ i th corrup tion that mortification has set in , and nothing but the profoundest skill , skilfully applied , can save it We have passed through a very

      tempestuous season of part spring , the whole of summer and autumn , and a portion of winter , and , ' thank God , we have escaped the horrors of those bloody revolutions to which the iuipover ^ aed and ill-governed working classes have been excited by false hope and mighty promises j and now that the reviled principle of Chartism , which I have frequently told you would one day , in defiance 01 all opposition , be more powerful than the cannon ' s roar , has once more proclaimed its resuscitation , when -all clap-traps have died a natural death , it be--cotnes our duty to see that its" new birth unto righteousness" is not stained , stunted , or crippled by our own folly or the sophistry of others .

      The animal has shot its bristles forth again , undiminished in number and unblunted by persecution , and as now one of your recognised leaders , it becomes my duty to submit to you those means by which I hope to see the national resources cultivated by the nation ' s industry for the benefit of the native people . At this season of former years it has been the custom of the faction leaders to get up a kind of Christmas political pantomime to amuse the gap ing and divert the dissatisfied ; but , alas ! their every warlike nostrum ( for Free Trade was to be carried by the masses marching to

      " battle ) having failed , they would now lure the working classes , designated as . revolutionists and anarchists , into this FASCINATING UNIVERSAL PEACE-TRAP . But , as to he fore-warned is to be fore-armed , so the best way to preserve peace is to be prepared for war ; and the best preparation for war is , that every man should have his sentry box and labour-field to defend , and that every man s family should be the ^ pride of his existence . But before I come to the consideration of a few other baits , let me submit to you what oug ht to be our future policy .

      As long as we have kept within the narrow limits of the narrowed law , as prescribed by the narrow intellect of hired officials , we have , though persecuted , triumphed over all ; and while the failure of Free Trade and the worse than failure of the old Repeal agitation—the show box being now for sale—has proved not onlv the fallacy of those measures but the incompetency of their prepounders , Chartism still remains as the accepted princip le of the millions , and why ? Because we have never varied its principles to suit the changing mind or the grasping selfishness of man .

      Every year we have had our Parliament , and when the deliberations of those assemblies were not operated upon by the enthusiasm of the rash , or the villany of spies and informers , thev have g iven an impetus to our cause ; and no w that tyranny gloats over its triumph , and Tvhen the Whig Attorney-General in 1848 may hug himself in the same fond hope that his predecessor did in 1839 , that Chartism was dead and buried , let us , answer him , as we did his Predecessor , by proclaiming its resurrection , and the mode which I propose for its accomp lishment is this : —

      Let all who have a sincere belief , not only in the truth , but in the justice of Chartist principles , at once enrol themselves as Chartists in -their several localities , without the payment of any fee , and on the first Monday in " March—after the Executive of the Chartist Association shall have divided the country into forty-nine districts—let those several districts , after due notice legally given , proceed to elect their delegates to a Convention to sit in Lon- t < ion , to meet on the first Monday in April , for the purpose of superintending the presentation of petitions to Parliament , and for the

      purpose of submitting to the working classes of London , in public meetings assembled , a digest of the Labour Question , prepared and accepted by their representatives in the Convention;—not such a solution of the Labour Qestion as would lead the idle to believe that they c ould live in affluent idleness , but such a solution as will convince all , that the most profitable cultivation of the national resources would make the rich richer , and the poor rich , -and that then the . advocates of Labour will sanction the punishment of wilful idleness , r My friends , would to God that the aristo -cratic trades of England would appoint the

      same time for holding a LABOUR CON YENTION , if they pleased , altogether divested of political character , and the two Conventions sitting at the same time , and dispassionately and maturely discussing the rights of Labour , and the mode of achieving those rights , would give an impetus to the cause of Labour , which no power on earth could resist . We might , also , have a cheap public Dinner , to which those Members of Parliament favourable to our cause might be invited ; and , although it is premature to express even the hope , what would I give that nothing but cold water should be thebeverage , and that teetotalism was the qualification for

      your representatives . Let the working classes in their several localities subscribe , not a penny a week , nor a penny a month , but a halfpenny each , to be seat " through their delegates , to constitute a premium : for the best essay on the Righfs of Labour , and the mode of acquiring them , and let the Convention be the judges in the matter . In such case the delegates elected upon the xfirst Monday in March would , if they chose to enter the lists , have ample time for preparation before the day of meeting , while the long winter nig hts will afford all an opportunity of instructing themselves , and for preparing a proper digest of their thoughts .

      The classes that oppress the poor—the religious classes , the Free Trade classes , and all other classes—have adopted this method of condensing thought and circulating opinion ; and why should Labour reject it ? No plan has gone further to improve the system of agriculture than that of giving prizes for the best essays on the sci ence . I will add—cheerfully add—20 J . to the fund : and in order that one " star" should

      not eclip se the minor lights , I would propose that we have a first , a second , and a third prize -, that the writer of the first Prize Essay should receive 1007 . ; the writer of the second Prize Essay . 50 J-, and the writer of the third Prize Essay , 30 / . ; and that each should be presented with a handsomely-bound copy of the several essays ; that the essays should then become the property of the Association , and be aublished for its benefit .

      I would also propose that several meetings be held in London each night , and that those meetings be attended by the delegates . The locali ties to be named by the Convention , and that their duties shall be the development and simple explanation of the Labour Question , a » : d of the principles of the PEOPLE'S CHARTER . Then , as to Petitions to the House of

      Com-« ions , what I would recommend is , that one National Petition be adopted by all ; that that petition be signed , in presence of witnesses , by patties in their several localities , and that each town and district transmit its petition to the repr esentative of thetown or district , to be presented by him to Parliament ; and that the appointe . ! secretaries in the several towns and districts shall communicate , through the Chairman of the Convention , the exact , number of statures that each petition contains .

      w'hat I mean by National Petition is , that every town and district shall adopt the same Petition . nnA o + fooT . * ha « iorn » tiirftS Of that

      To All Who Live By Industry Mt Friends, ...

      town and district to it , so that there may be no confusion occasioned by onehon . Member stating that his constituents petitioned for one thing , while the constituents of another hon . Member petitioned for another thing ; and the petition should be as concise , emphatic , and unmistakeable as possible , the drawing of which may be entrusted to the Executive . My friends , you may rest assured that you cannot be guilty of a greater folly than that of protesting against petitioning . I am myself opposed to any more National Petitions , but rest assured that what the enemy most dreads

      is the announcement , through the House of Commons , of the number of working men who are in favour of the principles of the PEOPLE'S CHARTER . You possess no possible channel through which you can make your sentiments—and your devotion to those sentiments—knawn ; you possess no other means by which you can convince your tyrants that the mind , the devotion , and resolution of 49 is not to be measured b y the unconstitutional tyranny and persecution of 1848 . " If you have difficulties to meet , " said the Shropshire Quaker , " get up in the morning , and you will beat them , but if you lie in bed they will beat you . ' *

      My friends , again I say , at no period of Engglantl ' s history—nay , of the world's historywas energy , upon the part of Labour so indispensable as at the present moment . If you had achieved the Charter when you achieved Reform , the princip le would have been frittered away by entangled and inexplicable details , as the principle of Reform was ; and the reason why the enemies of Labour are averse to the principles of the Charter , is because knowledge is power , and because—through the knowledge which you have acquired during the last

      eleven years—they see the impossibility of destroyins the value of the PEOPLE'S CHARTER by cumbrous and inexplicable details . In Paris , in Frankfort , in Vienna , and Berlin , they have had revolutions , 'battles , and slaughter , and all because not a man in any Assembly was prepared with a proper solution of the Labour Question , And hence , despotism and dictatorship have followed popular triumphs , while the poverty and misery of the labourer has increased . The French Constitution—the bag of moonshine—has been

      pompously proclaimed { amid fat soldiers and lean artisans ; and why ? Because , in the moment of hesitation , and during the interval between the destruction of one system and the adoption of another , the upper and middle classes have wherewithal to live upon in idleness , while the poor are cajoled and fascinated by pitiful gratuities for a period sufficiently long to allow the new oppressors to frame and model their hew engines of torture , which the deceived and disheartened labourer is not prepared to resist .

      Upon the other hand , if the Charterwhich I contend is the basis of the English Constitution—was proclaimed to-morrow , not a day , nay , not an hour , would pass without a rigid preparation upon the part of the millions to give to it its legitimate effect . The manner in which municipal electors are seduced by small gratuities to vote for the briber , furnishes no proof of popular venality or indifference ; in the one case , the powers conferred are comparatively limited and insignificant ; in the other case , they are important and national . Nothing is more easy than to taunt a cowed and oppressed people

      with ignorance , when want of knowledge is urged as a justification for withholding right . But open the market for knowledge to-morrow , and those who now stigmatise the labourer as ignorant , would then appeal to his profound knowledge as the means of securing their own promotion . My friends ,, quote for me the words of any titled hereditary legislator ; of any , the greatest , statesman ; of any , the most profound , philosopher ; of any , the greatest , speaker or writer ; that for wisdom will bear comparison with the Yorkshire weaver , the Manchester spinner , or the Chester cobbler .

      The Yorkshire weaver , when taunted for his ignorance by Earl Fitzwilliam , and upon being a * ked what he knew about Parliament , rep lied i" I know that all the stuff ' ee the world , war made for all the folk ' ee the world , and 1 han ' t got my share of it . " TheManchester weaver ( Butterworth ) , when asked by the League what objection he had to machinery , answered ;—" You may go to bed by machinery , and dress by machinery ; you may eat by machinery , and drink by machinery , so long as YOUR MACHINERY doesn't take MY BED from under me , the clothes from my back , and the food from my mouth . "

      The Chester cobbler ( Daniel ) , with a family of a wife and ten children , when asked by the childless Lord Bishop of Chester , if he was not aware that the poverty of the people was the result of their own idleness and immorality ; and if he was not aware that God never created a mouth in this world that he did not create wherewithal to put into it ; Daniel replied : — " Yea , my lord , I know that d d well , but the differ lies here ; that God Almighty has sent all the mouths to my shop , and Parliament sent all the meat to thine . " Now , then , Chartists , let your watchword once more be : —

      " Onward and we conquer , Backward and we faU , " Never put off till to-morrow what can be done to-day . The time is short , Parliament meets in ten weeks . We have passed through a fiery ordeal of nine months ; arm me with the popular will outside , and I will declare its omnipotence inside . The principles of the Charter have not yet been submitted to this Parliament , but they shall be in the approaching session , and I will tike care that no indiscretion upon my part shall subject your cause to weakness outside , or to taunt inside ; while I rely upon you to shield it from the spy and the informer , by keeping within the strict limits of the law—narrow as those limits

      may be . I tell you that it is wholly and utterly impossible for the present system to stand , with all the s » rreunding monarchies of Europe crumbling into ruins ; and I tell you that the only justification that the factions can invent for uniting against the people , will be found in the FOLLY OF THE PEOPLE . Let us strip the enemy of this delusive pretext , by showing that those who legitimately contend for rig ht will be able legitimatel y to exercise that right .

      Working men ! accept no crotchet , accept no princip le but the Charter ; as , rely upon it , all else is moonshine , and only suggested by the canning of the deceitful and self-interested , who would lure you into the trap—a bit by bit reform—thusdisuni tingyour ranks , while union is the indispensable element of success ; and while every one of their nostrums have but tended to increase your misery . Chartists , do your duty , and I shall be prepared to do mine . But failing in the performance of yours , the efficient performance of mine becomes an impossibility , and therefore with you rests the solution and success of the Labour Question . ' ^ Your faithful friend , Fergus O'CWnok .

      M '*¦ - ¦¦ ^S^^T' ' ("'''R^Ht^ •^Ste—*.

      ' *¦¦¦ ( Ste —* .

      . And National Gmejf. Journal. , M,Jn.Ms...

      . AND NATIONAL gMEjf . JOURNAL . , m , jn . ms ! i lmB ^ uii ! mkY . iowmw 2 i , Am " ^ gaagyy ^

      "The Tolly Of To-D»Y I» The Wudom Of To-...

      "The tolly of to-d » y i » the wUdom of to-morrow . ' :. ¦ TO THE WORKING CLASSES . , My Friends , /• ¦; ¦ ' ! . I am not going to impose another letter upon you , but duty compels me to warn you of what has been many a time fatal to your cause , namely , the temporary abandonment of the great luminary to go in quest of moonshine . If anyone thing more than another has been injurious to the cause of Chartism , it has been the running after this moonshine , arid as it is very likely that several shades of the flickering light are still in store for us , we must not follow them .

      Mr Oastler has been a very good friend to the poor , and a very able advocate of their social rights , but he should have learned by this time , that to free labour from the shackles of capital , labour must participate in making the laws by which the profits upon both are to be regulated . Mr Oastler , in his letters of last week , appeals to the ghost of the Tory , Eldbti i to clerical piety , and to la Free Trade

      manufacturer ' s concession of error , as a means of assisting the working classes , but it is my duty to tell you that all such reliance is mere moonshine , and that if your business is to be done , you must do it for ^ yourselves , and in corroboration of the truth of my motto , I beg lesve : to reprint the letter of Mr William Rand , a convert of Free Trade , and selected by Mr Oastler as a proof of his wisdom . Here is the letter : —

      "A period when the trade of this important part of the kingdom is in a moat depressed condition — when social evils of an extensive and alarming character have , on many occasions , disturbed the public peace , and pat in jeopardy the very safety of society in the manufacturing districts—a period when our workhoates are filled with the destitute and our gaols with the disaffected— when thousands are out of work—when the middle classes , the shopkeepers , and other tradesmen , are , in addition tO the almost entire absence of profits , absolutely eaten up with poor rates and other local burdens , in addition to the general taxation of the country .

      'To ftatconstentstream of immigration from the rural parts of . the country into the large towns and villages of the manufacturing districts , which has been going on for years , accumulating in such numbers that it is to ally impossible for them to find employment , and , as > necessary consequence , requiring au amount of poor rate for their relief absolutely ruinous . " Now , working men , have you not read this announcement fifty—yea , a hundred-times before Mr Rand ' s conversion . Have they not been ! your sentiments and mine , repeated to surfeit , until our fourteen years ' folly has , after dear-bought experience , become Free Trade wisdom .

      The repeal of the Poor Laws—the tinkering with factory labour—the reliance upon dead Tory chancellors—living Tory parsons , or converted Free Traders , is all bam . You are aware that the . columns of the Star are open to all who choose to propound their theories , but that the publication of those theories , by no means pledges you or me to acquiescence in them . Your faithful Servant , Feaugus O'Connor .

      Executive Notice. To The People. Despoti...

      EXECUTIVE NOTICE . TO THE PEOPLE . Despotism rules abroad : Maramonism at home All goremments exist and depend upon society . Ignorant people have despotic kings , and slaves have slave-oirners . If nations will be free , thought must be revolutionised , institutions changed , and the bold and honest in all lands mint reason , resolve , and act .

      In eight days from this date our plan of organisation will be before you—our policy fed principles published tor your approval or rejection ,. In our late address we declared to you our intention , and we now ask of you to provide us with funds so that those intentions may be practised with celerity and effect . "SVc are in earnest , and call upon you to prove to us , and to the struggling races of all lands , that you will to be free . Let it not be said that j on want means . A nation of six millions of adult workers must hare the means , if the people have the will . See to it , you old soldiers in the empire of reason and justice ; let every friend send his mite , and every locality its subscription , forthwith . We watt the result of this appeal . If you are with us , you will support your own cause ; if not , let us know our true position .

      Signed on bebali of the Executive Council , Philip M'GraTH , Thomas Clark , William Dixon , Edmund Stalwood , 6 . Julian . Harney , Samdbl Kydd , Secretary

      The Land Conference

      THE LAND CONFERENCE

      • Bradford ,. November 15 th . ' Sib—I wish you to correct the following abatement , which Mr O'Connor , in his Letter , makes me to say—that I ( Robert Ryder ) never saw Mr Cullingham drank on any of the estates in all my life . The charge of being drunk on the estates was sot brought against Mr CaUingham . lbs charge was being treated by , and drinking with , the carters , Which I believe to be false ; and every indi vidua ! who regards a man ' s character , will say the lame as I did . When Mi Cullingham appealed to me as to the charge being true , 1 said ' Certainly not ; ' meaning that the charge was not true . As tu his being drunk on the estates , is not my business ; therefore I do not wish to interfere with his private character . 1 believe him to be a different manbaring better habits than skulking and drinking with the carters . „ I am , yours fraternally , « R . Ryder . '

      [Tbh Letter Should Have Appeared Last We...

      [ TbH letter should have appeared last week /) In justice to Mr Kydd , I publish the following letter , and regret that 1 made a mistake in the name of the delegate . with referenca to the question named in Mr Kydd's letter . —Feargih O'Oen ion . 23 , Upper Seymour Street , Euaton Square , . November 11 , 1848 , « Dear Sib , —I write to call your attention to a state ment in your latter , as pubiiahisd in this day ' s Star . You write , * Mr Kydd then asked , how it bappened Uiat the amount of clerks was so much larger thttU that under Mr Wheeler's management . ' The fact is , Mr Kydd never said a word on thesubject either in Conference or out of it ; he does not , however , think it necessary to write to the editor , as neither the text nor strictures thereon are important , and merely correct the nsistake for your private information . Altogether he considers your letter as able a compendium , of a deba : e—and aa fair a commentary as he has read for many a day , and remain your obedient servant , . 'Si M . Kydd . 'F . O'CowfOR , Es « . '

      Facts Fob Fbkb Thadkbs.—An Eminent Londo...

      Facts fob Fbkb Thadkbs . —An eminent London ship broker , in writing to his correspondents in the country within the last few days , gives the following striking illustrations of the fallacy of reciprocity and Free Trade movements , in the mercantile world . Under the head oi ' contracts , ' the French govern- ' meat , disregarding the reciprocity treaties watch existed betwten this country and the French Kepublic , have inserted a clause in their contract tor coals io be furnished fer the use of the French navy , to the effect that they are to be carried in none but French bottoms—thus striking a blow at the Free Traders and Navigation Law abtlitionists of this country , which must convince them of the futility

      of their anticipations in the matter oi general reciprocity . Our American neighbours , having also an eye to the encouragement of their own trade , have iner ted a claute in all contracts f <* railroad iron which have been sent from this country during the vear stipulating , that this commodity must not be carried in any but American bottoms .. It will thus be seen that our two powerful neighbours are willing to take our iron and coal , but they are determined , as far as in them lies , to damage our shipping . Theea facts , of which the English maritime in eresis were so long and so often forewarntd by Lord George Ben intk , are nsw becoming waiters of daily occurrence , and will speak . for themselves . — Liverpool Couritr ,

      Wmm Mmiimm®&Gt;

      wmm mmiimm ®>

      Thb Okwahd March Of Chartism. —®N Friday...

      Thb Okwahd March of Chartism . —® n Friday evening , the 17 th instant , that portion of the EjieCU * tiva Council , residing in the metropolis held its second raeetiag in the National Land' Company ' s Rooms , High Holborn : present— Messrs Kydd , Stallwood , Clark , M'Srath , and G . Julian Harney . --Mr M'Grata was called to the chair . —The Secretary read a letter from the West Ridinc of York , requesting the servioesof Mr Kydd to lecture in that extensive district . It was arranged that Mr Kydd should visit Yorkshire on an early day . A letter was likewise read from Mr Donovan ( Manohester ) , in which he stated that , he had reported to his constituents the results of the Birmingham meeting , with which they were much ( -ratified . With resoect

      to the Defence : Fund , he begged to state that they ( the men of Manchester ) , through their council , had entered into an arraogement with Mr W . P . Roberts to defray the expense of ? defending the Manchester men at the ensuwut Lancaster ass ^ s . — Messrs Kydd and M' & rarh reported : the result of their visit to the London Victim Committee , and the disenssian thereon at the Dean Street meeting : when MrStsllwood saic 2 > , that having beard the . Wgort , ¦ and having ! been present at Dean Street , 88 W & ll a » being cognisant of proceedings elsewhere , sad feeling the necessity of the Executive Council having the support of nil . good Chartists , whilst they did not depart from the spirit of the Birmingham resolutions , bethought to gain the great object they had in view , they osuld not do better than act in a conciliatory

      manner . After paying a high compliment to the present London Victim Committee for their very business like habits , and their industry and genera ! philanthropy , he moved the following resolution : That the present Metropolitan Victim Committee be henceforth constituted the National Victim and Defence Committee conjointly with the members o ! the Executive Council of the National . Charter Association '—which waa seconded by Mr Clark , supported by Mr Kydd , and carried unanimously . —The Secretary then submitted a list of local councillors from Manchester , which was deiy confirmed . —Mr Harney , in accordance with notice , moved— ' Thai the Plan of Organisation be read * with a view to sues revision and amendments as time and circumstances may h & vo rendered necessary . ' Seconded and

      unanimously adopted . Read accordingly , , On the motion of Messrs Clark and M'Grath , it was resolved' That the association be called the Rational Charter Assoeiatisn of . Great Britain . And on the motion ol Messrs Clark and Stallwood— ' That the Association be one and indivisible . ' Mr Stallwood moved and Mr Clark seconded— ' That eaeh member of the Association shall subscribe four shillings annually , one half of which shall be forwarded direct to the General Secretary , for the general purposes of the Association-the other half to be retained , to defray local expenses ; such , subscription may be paid b ; instalments of not leas than one penny fer week ; no person ' s name to be reiistetedon the boohs of the Association as a member until he shall have paid one shilling , ' Mr Hsrney moved— ' That e » ch member pay to the general fund one shilling per annum , and that each locality defray its own expenses ; that no person be entered as a member until such time as the

      shiHIing be paid—such sum to be paid by instalments or otherwise . ' Mr Kydd seconded the amendment . After a long and able discussion , in which ever ; member present took part , MrStallwood ' 8 motion was adapted . Th « following was on the motion of the same unanimously adopted—' That no local agent shall retain in hand mere than five shillings appertaining to the general fond , but shall remit such sum or sums as he may receive to the general Secretary forthwith . ' ' That cards of membership be isiued at a charge of one penny each . ' On the motion of Messrs Harney and Kydd , it was unanimously resolved— ' That an Annual Conference be held on the first Monday in May , the first to take place on Monday , May the 7 th , 1849 . '—The obive wtre the pruK cipal amendments made . The revised roles were ordered to be submitted in theft entirety to tba Wit meeting * 'The . Seoretary was instructed to draw up an address to the country , and the council adjourned until the . 24 th insr ;

      Thb Pbopib ' j Chabibb . —Laat week , a public . meeting , convened by placard , was held at tho Lite rary and Scientific Institution , John Street . Fitzroy Square . Mr James Watson was unanimously called to the chair , and said : After a long elapse , we have again met to reaew the agitation for those political and social privileges which have bean so long withheld from ua . Recent circumstances bad not damped his ardour . The principles were good , and no amount of obloquy that could be thrown on them could prevent ttieir ultimately becoming the law of the laud . The evils under . which society laboured were incurable , without the principle ef representstion as laid down in the People ' s Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) . He trusted the labouring population would cherish those principle * as dearly as their daily bread

      —and men who felt thus , would never fail to render such a support as must cause them tobacomethe adopted of the whole community . ( Hear , hear . ) T « o resolutions would be submitted to them—one expressive of their determination to continue the agitation for the Charter until success crowned their efforts—the other avowing their deadly hostility to the employment of spies . by the goremsient—acd whilst be wag riot prepared to justify attacks on the police or government , yet he oould , by no mean * , excuse that government which had fostered and sup . ported the fabrication ot those pests . He thought uo modicum of reform , short of the People ' s Charter , would do any good ; nothing less than Universal Suffrage could work well for the masses . ( Great applause ) Mr Watson here entered inte some of

      the eg .-cti caused by class legislation- Amongst the most glaring were what was called ' Our Indian conquests '—and just let us leok at their eost'in the shape of prize money , pensions , dsc First , there was Sir Cbarjes Napier ,.. £ 70 , 000 , whilst a private soldier would get about 5 i ; 8 d . ( Shame ,: shame . ) Yet Sir Charles was not satisfied , because he had not obtained to much as other * Indian conquerors / Sir Gerald Lagge obtained £ 150 , 000 , and a pension of £ 2 . 000 i-er annual for three , generations ; Getera ' Harris , £ 400 000 ; and a -Peerage ; Sir John Keanc , a Peerage , and a pension of £ 2 , 000 per annum ; Sir H . Pottinger , a pension of £ 1 , 000 ayear , and aco lonial governmentahip : Sir George Pollock , a seat in the Supreme Government of India , with £ 10 , 000 per annum ; Sir H . Gough , a Peerage and £ 3 , 000 per annum ; and last , not least , Sir Henry Hardinge , a

      Peerage , and how much prize money he did not know . These were some of the vicious things be hoped to see corrected when they got the Charter . Thatfortunate Genera ' . —the Duk » of Marlboroughtoo , got the splendid Palace of Blenheim and £ 4 , 000 per annum , for , he knew not how many , generations . It had recently been well observed , that it would hav * been well for us if we had never won the battle of Ramilies . - and then we should not have been troubled with Marlborough or his pension . Those monstrosities also prevailed in the ohurob , the law , and every department of the state , and the sooner they had , the Charter , the quicker they would be enabled to apply the remedy ; and whs would ventuie to say that a remedy was not required ? ( Renewed cheers . )—Mr G . J . Hollyoake came forward to move the first resolution as follow * : — ' That while

      this meeting recognises the necessity of obfldience to the laws ot society , it recogaisaa no right in any privileged orders to constitute themselves society ; to the exclusion of the rest of the community , every one of whom has a just claim to be considered in the making of the laws which he is bound to obey—a claim which is recognised in ho scheme ao plainly as in the People ' s Charter . ' He said , hew as pleased to see Mr Watson in the chair on that occasion , as , some twenty years a « o , that gentleman came to town to aid and assist in putting down spies , and ti oppose the hateful edicts of Castlereagh ; and if Castkv ieagh s nefarious designs did not then succeed , he could not for a moment suppose those of Lord John would now .. ( Much applause . ) It was said , 'If the people . possessed power , they would govern the ' rich

      as oaujy as therich now governed them . ' Granted , they might ; but if they did , it would be ignorance on their part ,, whilst , on the part of the iiob . it was too oltea venality and vice . ( Hear hear . ) But let it pe undetstood , the poor did not ask or require to govern the rioh-r-tboy aimply wished to have a hand > n governing themselves , ' and property must be in a moat pitiable condition when it feared to put itself in competition with the unsupported vote of the poor man . ^ Under the . present system every body obtained property , save and except the producer : and surely a stronger , reason oould not be given for a wider di < triDution of power . > He was not very fastidious about 8 3 . ^ thought evervman oucht to poesesi

      sufficien t common sense . to . judge for himsel ' , and consequently be prepared to take the responsibility of his own actions . However , he . condemned the government for sending agents amongst the people to debauch , end demoralise them . It argued sauch for the truthfulness . of the People ' s Charter when the g overnment resorted to such means to put it down , \ w « d , cheers . ) .., It was . pleasing to fcnow that the principles . they advocated were making so rouob progress . Mr ilolyoake here passed a very higb . complisoent on the meeting of delegates recently held at the Ship Inn , Birmingham , and raid , were the feeling and p rinciples there enunciated only carried out by the masses , the whole people most epeediy be admitted within the pale of the cocsiitutiun , ( Great

      Thb Okwahd March Of Chartism. —®N Friday...

      applause . ) +-Mr Addiseot seconded the motion . —Mr flyde ,. supporting the resolution ! - in vitod > his audience andi democratic friends in general to afcfeend the discnwioDB in that building on ^ Uureila ? evening , on ' ThftPeopIe'asCharter , audits Probable-Elects . 'The resolutionrwas carried unonimeusly .. —Mr R . Mooro-rose to move the second resolution as follows : — 'That while to disapprove of aiH schemes © f violence , we feeltho-strongest indignation at tbe-eonduot of th & governmoatin first encouragin & 'BUohschemes through thejinfamous spy Bystem ,., aa < Hn afterwards saaisfiiug taut victims with vindictive- cruelty . ' This- resolution ! called for detestation on the heads of the government for employing'spies- ; if & here was no conspiracy they immediately ra-isedkme . So with the Olivers , E'dwardses , Castles ,, and Richmondg ;

      these acted precisely in the same way- as the micoraant Powell and his associates had done ; in fact , Powell appearcd > to have made Oliver—who was , like himself , a earpoater—hi » modek . He thought no language too stsong to express his disgust of a government who oould resort to such vile maana . Although like . prcNous speakers , he did not agree with Fiolant , measures , in fact he betivedt them to be i totally unnecessary , but he believed that' attacks on { property , firing , bouses , & o „' wera newt thought of junfcil suggested-bj the miscreants totwhom he had Jalluded . Even the very evidence those fellows bad jgiyen on the eeo » nt trials , proved that no conspiracy . was thought of until long after the lOitb of April ( Hear , bear }) Mr Moore here enteadat great length into the facts of the government plot , as elicited on

      the recent trials , and traced the whole conspiracy to the machinations of government . Trusting that the people would be too cautious to fall into such traps for the future , he had much pleasure in proposing the teMteaon . ( Great applause . ) Mr Henry Hetherington , in seconding the reeefation , said : Our great failing had been that by our apathy we had allowed the middle and other Glasses to prevent the-accomplishment of OEPob /* ots , but if the people would but arouse themselves this could never recur again ; and one great moans of effecting this would be-by sowing the seeds-of political and social information in the workshops * and other places of resort oi the working men . As regarded this resolution he would speak openly and publicly his opinion , and be adrised others to . follow this course , and

      then they never could become- the victims of spies . Speak openly and perauadingly , gain the popular voice , and then there would be no occasion for brute force . The people were now beginning to think , and ask themselves why it was they were starving in the midst of plenty f and such inquiries must lead to important results . He ( Mr Hetherington ) would never cease in his endeavours , until he had put down a government who could resort to such base means as those alluded to in this resolution . ( Loud cheers . ) He thought those whodid not aspire to he more than slaves , deserved to remain slaves , and endure all the contingencies of slavery ee long as they lived . ( Lond cheers ) The resolution was carried uaanimously . A vote of thanks was given io the

      chairman , and the meeting separated . Hoxton . —At a meeting of the Hoxton locality , on Sunday last , Mr Sumner proposed , and Mr Parker seconded , 'That the member * of this locality , meeting at the Hope . Coffee House , Eridport Place , fully concur in the plans proposed by the delegates of the late Conference—Of the Executive forming a National Victim and Defence Fund , and otherwise acting upoa the old Plan of Organisation ; and feel much pleasure , at the same time , in adopting a vote of thanks to Mr O ' Connor and those friends , for their endeavours to resuscitate the Chartist movement by a policy so likely to ensure those principles we love , and for which our esteemed founder has so long laboured . '

      Cbnibai Rigistbation Committee . —At a meeting held in Daan Street , on Tuesday , the 21 st instant , present—Messrs Milne , Stallwood , Grassby , Goodwin , and Simpson—James Grassby was unanimously elected trustee , instead of William Cuffey , now an unfortunate victim to Whig vengeance—after which the Committee adjourned for a month , then to reassemble to aid in carrying into practice the propositions of the Executive Council of the National Charter Association . Thb Victim Committee . —Star and Gabtsb , Kentish Town . —At a meeting of the members of this locality , on Monday Bvaninff . last ., thn following resolution was - unanimously carried : — That we , the members of this locality , are of opinion

      that there should be . ene National Victim Committee for the whole country ; and , having the fullest confidence in the Central Committee already formed , we are opposed to their being dissolved , but that the members of the Executive of the National Charter Association do form part of that Committee ; and that we do recommend the Chartists generally , in all parts of the country , to form committees in their sevsral localities , for the purpose of raising funds to support the wives and famiiieaof our incarcsrated brethren . ' Five shillings was voted for the defence of our friends about to be tried at Liverpool . The members meat at the Star and Gartoc , Kentish . Town , at eight o ' clock , every Monda y evening .

      Thb Victims . —Leami ' -gton —At a . meeting of the Land members , the cases of Mrs Jones and Mrs M'Djuall were brought before the meeting by J . White—after which a subscription was entered into , amounting to 2 i . & d , when it was agreed to adjourn tun question to next Manday night , at eight o ' clock , when it is hoped that all persons favourable to that object will attend . Brtobwick Hali , Limkhoose . —At a general meet " ing of the members of the abave locality , on Monday , November 20 th , the following resolution was agreed to . Moved by Mr Lamb , and seconded by Mr Spiers ;— ' That we , the members ot the Limehouse locality , highly approve of the amalgamation

      of the Metropolitan Victim Committee with the members of the Executive Couscil of the National Charter Association , and we also give our sincere thanks to the Victim Committee for their zaalous and impartial conduct since they have been in office . ' It was also moved , and seconded , ' That , although we cannot approve of self-elected bodies , but , at the game time , looking at the position in which Chartism is placed , and knowing that those who agreed to form themselves into an Executive at the meeting at Birmingham are good and trua Democrats , we are of opinion that every Chartist sftould heartily concur in their election ) and give them all the support in his power , as we pledge ourselves lodo . '

      Birmingham ( Ship Inn ) , —At the usual weekly meeting on Sunday last , eleven shillings was collected for the General Victim Committee . The subscription will be kept open till after Sunday next , to give the Land members and Chartists an opportunity of subscribing for the defence and support of the wives and families of the Whig victims . A resolution was also passed for holding the anniversary supper of the Land Company and the Democratic Bent-fit Society , meeting at the Ship , on Tuesday evening , December 26 th . Addbbss of tub Caiton Chabiist 3 to Mr James Moid , Common Councilman of Gmsgow , on hij recent Triumphant Election .

      A meeting of the Calton Charter Association , took place on the 13 ° . h inst , in the Mechanics Institution , which wsa well attended . At a quarter past eight , the president took the chair , -when a number of new members were en ? olled . Mr Robert Alexander moved , and Mr James Rodick seconded , the adoption of the following address to Mr James Moir , who has ao successfully defeated the Latd Provost at the recent election . ' Mechanics Institution , « Canning Street , Ca ) ton , 13 th Nov . 1848 ' Hosoubmj Sib , —We , the Chartists of Calton , hasten to congratulate you onyour honourable position as member of the town council of Glasgow , which the electors of the second ward in their wisdom have placed you in . We feel justly proud that yon did not sacrifice one single iota of the principles you have ee long held in common with us—that yoa in the of all upright

      did not degrade yourself eyes men by a personal canvass , nor spend a farthing in any way to purchase a place you so justly merit . Satisfied at the manner in which you have entered the council , wo feel assured you will conduct yourself in a manner honourable to yourself , and eatisfacor ytoyourfriends-that you will show that the ooieota of Chutists are not to / uin , bus to e ovate both the middle and the working cksses-not to disturb the peace ef society , but to destroy the unjust taxes and iniquitous laws , which are now shaking it to its centre , and , if not removed , will end id general ruin . Go on , honoured Sir , in the way you have begun , and be as you always have been , n lerri-r to your enemies , and a pride to all honest rees . ' Signed on bohalf of the Cilton Chartist Association . 'John Anderson , ? cmdeat , ' Jambs Cairns , Treasurer . ' WiuuMMAoKiBjSecretary .

      ' To Mr Jambs ' Moir . A deputation consisting of Messrs Cairns , At . derson , and Canick , was then appointed to present the address to Mr Moir . Messrs , Mackie and Cackk were also appointtd to draw up regulations for tht guidance of the association . A vote of ' -banks wa > then given te the chairman and tho meeting dissolved . On Wednesday evening the deputation waittd t-i Mr Moir , and upon Mr Caniok ( reading tho abjve address ) Mr Moir said : ' Gentlemen ) 1 feel highl ) gratified with this token ef respect , auMepeuiuP "

      Thb Okwahd March Of Chartism. —®N Friday...

      hwfbl wilt do all I on to merit it . I wiUb 8 th « > iur » in council as I have been for many years , thf bneompromWng adrocate of the people ' s ri ght * Every day I live shows me tho greater necessity tor the Charter becoming the . law of the realm . I am . aware that a great number of both Whbjs and ( Tories voted for roe at the recent election , and I any determined that they shall n ' othava canse . fo ' regrefc / electing a Chartist for their representative . I hope ; that l ahall be able , in some measure , to relieve parties from the burthens they so unjustly bear , and P will do all I can to aid the canse of freedom , both civil . and religious , and do unto others as I ; wouU they shouM do unto mo . That fs my Christian prin oip ^ . and on it is baaed Chartism . Such principle J . wrti never desert while I live / After soma further nonversation the denntation Withdrew . m - ^ S ^^ T' '"''' r ^ ht ^ •^

      R 4 'OBOAM « Anox op Chabtkm . — Bjwshtow . — A pnblte meeting was held at the Artichoke Inn , oa luesdayereoing , to coasider th & bastllaieaoa Ut re-° 'S » awe the Chartists of this town and iU Vminitfi whinny for spirit and animation , far exceeded any thing we have seen for some Jime pas * , MrMitohW navinabeen called to the chair , Mr Flower fa vetSj ran of "J 8 ) , moretfthe first resolution t- 'Tbit tbit meeting is of oprakaithat the old Plan of O'eanisaS turn , preceding the one agreed to by the National Assembly , is the best ( hat can bo adopted at prwenfc fortbe-attainmen * of the People ' s Charter . We , tberefore adopt the same , with the determination to U , JL gal an ( i P eaoeable means to eausethe People i Charter to become tho law of the- realm . ' M * |

      Oriles , la . a pithy address , seconded the resolution , and waa-followed by other speakers who supported the same , whieh being put from the chair was earned unanimously . —Mr John Weils moved , and Mr Williama-seconded , the following re solution : — ' That seven persons be nominated to the general council of the ftational Charter Association ,, to conduct the m" ^ L ¥ l ^ ty- ' Canied * namm » usY / Messrs Mitchell , Flower , Tullett , Williams . Page , Oriles , and Harvey , were ejected by the meetiag . Ten sbijliDga was collected for the , B * fencfl . and ! Victim Bund ) -4 Th * council will attend to" enrol membersat the Artichoke Inn , on Tuesday evening B ' j h the friends of liberty are requested to Attend .

      _ NBTMW 8 iiw :-o » . Tij « —At the weekly eooncil meeting of thisbraaohof the Charter Association , it was unanimousl y resolved ;—* That a subscription bairn , mediately , opened , for the defence of those parties who have ta . bo tried at the Liverpool Assises forconspU racy . Ii jg hoped thatjthe friends and democrats of this town will lend their assistance with as little delay as possible . A subscription for the above purpose is openad . atthe Swalwell Reading Rooms . Mr Henry fclecki of Biaydon , has given one billing , and trusts the men of Blaydon will not be behind in the gs & d work .

      Bemtob . —A spirited meeting was bold here on Tuesday evening , when & local council was formed , andiiSl 5 j . collected for the Defence and Victim Fund . Mr Charles Clark ' s election to the Executive was confirmed . The names of the Bristol Local Council ar « , Henry Finob , John Risers , W , Tudor , W .. 600 mbs , and John Anthony ; Charles Clark , 80 ereiary ; W . Henry Hvatt , treasurer . Weekly meetings are held cv » ry Tuesday evening , at seven o clock , at Mr Rioh > rd »' s , Castle Mill Stree * .

      Birmingham . —Atthe usual weekly meeting in thu People Hall , on Sunday evening , lengthy ad . dresses were delivered by Mr King , and Mr Georgej White . Mr White caused mnuh merriment among the audience by his humorous description of prison ; stated bis determination to defend himself at the forthcoming trial , and culled upon the country to provide for the families of the victims . Mr Goodwin read Mr O'Connor ' s appeal to the Chartists , and urged tke necessity of a becoming response . —Tha weekly meetings are well attended . .

      Bibiiimoijam—A meeting was held at the Peo « pie ' s Hall , Birmingham , a few days , ago , Mr A . Delzlel in the chair , when a resolution was passed to the effect that we , tho Chartists of Birmingham ; duly recognise and will act in accordance with the present Executive as provisionally elected , but we suggest to them the necessity ef immediately proceeding to be constitutionally elected—after which Mr King addressed the meeting . Mr G . White also addressed the meeting , upon the cruelties practised towards political prisoners , which will be of great ; service in arousing the energies of our friends to support the Chartist victims and their families .

      t Dbpbnce op ihb Lancasmbb CnABiisii . —We ara informed that , for the purpose of raising a fund foe the defence of Chartists to be tried at the Winter . Assizes , Mr Donovan intends vis . ing Dew » bury , on Sunday ,- November 26 : h ; Huddersrieid , - Monday ; Donoaater , Tuesday ; Barnsley , Wednesday ; Sheffield ; Thursday ; Mottram , Frioay : Stalybridge , Sua * day ; and Uolliuwood , on Monday , December 4-. h .

      Forthcoming Chartist Meetings. Sbmdw, No...

      FORTHCOMING CHARTIST MEETINGS . Sbmdw , Nov . 26-, h . —Mr Miles , will leclure at tho People ' s JJall , Buimngham , at hiU ' -oastssx t , V : ' ..-ck » —A district delegate meeting at . Mr Giiroy ' a . Crow Keys , West Holborn , South Shj * M » m - te- ?^' : . * --. k » . bv-rvaipuouio Timei ; ; ii \ l . In ine ev . oainiap —Mr James Leach , of Manoh ' . ster ; wilt lecture in the Cbsrtist Rooai . Ysrkirhire Street , KoefcdiJe , afr BIX O ' clock . —Mr Finagan will leoiure in fchePopls '? Institute , Manchester , at six o ' clock . —At the Bricklayers' Arms Tonbridge Street New Road , S- > mers Town , ac eight o ' clock . The members of the Chartist library meet every Monday evening at . the above

      house . —Mr Southwell will lecture at the South Ljndon Chartist Hall , in the evening . — Mr John Shaw , of Leeds , will lecture in the long room , South Gate , Bradford , at ten o ' ob-ck and two o ' clock . Mohdat , Nov . 27 ch . —A meeting will be held at the Castle Inn , Ipswich . —A aeperal meeting at the Democratic Reading Room , S 3 , Qu < en Street , Shef . field , at eight o ' clecic— Mr Sk » via « ton will deliver an address at the Wheat Sheaf , Loughborough , at eight o ' clock , —At Cartwright ' a Ciff jo House , Red Cross Street , City , discussions every Monday and Thursday .

      Wkdsbsdat , Notf 29 th . —A meeting -will te held at tho Walters' Arms , Church Street , Deprtfod , at eight o ' clock . —A social meeting for the benefit of the Victim Fund , atthe South London Chartist

      Hall . Sunday , Deo . 3 rd —Mr S . Kydd will lecture at the Literary Institution , John S ; r <; et , Fuzroy Square , in the evening .

      Lasd . Saturday , Nov, 25rtr,—A General ...

      LASD . Saturday , Nov , 25 rtr , —A general meeting will be held in the School Room , B Jtts , Helper , ats & ven o ' clock . . Sundav , Nov . 26 ra \—A meeting will be held at Mr Richard Hamer ' s , St- Thomas Street . Rnduliffa Bridge . —As Hudson ' s Academy , 1-5 , Crusi Street , Ilatton Garden , ( City and fjiisb-ry b-anch ) , at seven o ' clock . —At Mr John Parkes ' a , Old Sniidon , at two o ' clock . —At the Bsziar , Leeds , every ~ Sunday , at two o ' clock . —Sunderland and Bishopwoarmouth branches , at the Royal Oak , Horns Lsn ; ,. Sun « derland , at two o ' clock . Momut , Nov 27 ia —At the P / iuca of Wales Lodge Room . MaltSwnel , North Church Side , Hull , in tbo evening . —la Pullar ' s Cloaa , Miirrayjjate , Dundee , at eight o ' clock .

      Tuesoay , Nov . 28 ih , —At the Oak Inn . Cotton End , Warwick , at eight o ' clock . —At Mr Barnes ' s , Exeter Street , Chelsea , at half-past aeren o'dcek . — At the Duko of Lancaster , J , hn Street , Kingsland road , at balf . paat eight o ' clock . Wednesday , Nov . 29 rn—The WhiUing ; oa and Cat branch will meet at eight o ' clock . Suadat , Dec 3 rd . —At Mr Finlej ' -s Stockerly Green . Iveston , at three o ' clock . —la Mr Jude ' q long room , Nawoastle-on-Tyne , at four o ' cVclt . —At Mr Wood ' s , Smithy Brow , St HelenV . —In th « Christian ' a meeting room , ilooley Hill , Dsikinfiald , at two o ' clock .

      Mpkdat , Die . 4 th—At the Wheatshcaf , Loughborough , at eight o ' clock . —In Mr Fratkiand ' s nom , Lune-street . at eight o ' clock . —Mettiogj will be held at Halifax , at the usual time and place .

      Wholesale Infanticide In Manchester.— . ...

      Wholesale Infanticide in Manchester . — . Here , in the most advanced nation in Europe—in one of the largest towns in England—in the midst of a population unmatched for its energy , industry , manufacturing skill—in Manchester , the centre of & victorious agitation for commercial freedom—aspiring to literary culture—where Percvval wrote and Dalton lived—thirteen thousand three hundred and sixty-two children perished in seven years over and above the mortality natural to mankind . These

      'little children , ' brought up in unclean dwellings and impure streets , were left alone long days by their mothers , to breathe the eubtle , sickly vapours-, soothed by opium , a more ' cursed' distillation than 1 hebenon '—and when assailed by mortal disease their stomachs torn , their bodies convulsed , thdr brains bewildered , left to die without medical aid . which , like Hope , should 'come to all '—the skilled medical nan never being called in at all , or onlv summoned to witness tbc death and sanction . the funeral .

      State oy the Country . —Tbc social aspect of the country was evinced on Monday in a manner at once deplorable and undeniable . The remaining estates of the Earl of Btessington were put up for sale , and were in every instance withdrawn , because purchasers were unwilling to approach tho . values set upon them by the receiver . If the whole had been put up in one lot this would not cxcitrj . so much surprise , but it was not so . The estates were divi . ded into several portions of aboii' 600 to 800 acres . The lettings of the laud are alt under the ordnance valuation . They are situate in the . best and most improving part of Tyrone , a peaceful northern county , yet in no instance could the small capitalists of those improved districts be mducid to offer mure than 20 to 21 year .-. ' purchase on the present rental , This is an evidence of the condition of the country whicl cannot be jusappreheudcdi

      . Aul I ' , , * * . A* - L& * I1 1>J *R$...

      . aUl , , * * . - l & * 1 > J * r $ N 3 r i \\ r *

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 25, 1848, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_25111848/page/1/