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Northern Star (1837-1852), 27th March 1852, Edition 2 of 2, Page 5, PROTECTION OR DEMOCRACY ? In the midst o...

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      The Duty Of The Real Reformers, The Aspe...

      2 ^^^ Trf « S » ion whether or *? i ^ » 5 5 j £ er into » political turmoil to turn out ^ V'tnEiSr in onler to bring in Lord J . Russell , S & rUjarlDEjBJ > ' tlie Treasury benches , rr to * r to J ^ S thit it is ; but our opinion iu' ^ ' < t ^ XrTiiTecthn : zni it is pretty cer . ''"' "TTat Se " aiions think as we do . However a 3 . n t » n tha * " ^ f W have for Protection , thev iti itl ^ iitl ^^ fjSSS r Whig imbecilityandhol lsiareiare uSt ^ itt ^ iun | ^ the Act SSSi »« toiy Labour remainupon the Statute S ?« Mnd are necessary for the protection ofthe v £ U the wower of Commercial rulers will not be SSSlSC to be fo » ght for . All this the people £ i £ r « n ; and thoSe who are aware of that fully Smpip rehend the apathy which characterises the nomnoment ¦ %

      n . ..... . . • , . Oi Of all the phases -which the national mind is cajjjblhable of assuming , that of stagnation is unquestionably 1 he he worst . It seems to show the absence even of iiopeiope . This condition must be put an end to—the paeorrieople must be roused to action ; and the only way » f rtf rousing them , is by indicating a line of policy , mrhiqrhicb , consistently followed out , "will lead them on to ssuccjuccess . Tbe great question thin to ask , is—what iihoishould the people of this country do ? Whatis their aiutjluty ? As it appears to us that duty divides itself Lintointo two parts , negative and positive . The negative tbelojelongs to the present , the affirmative rather allies iitseitself to the future—the first thing to be remembered iisntsnot to support factions . They are not ofthe people , inomor for the people . If they cannot support themssehselves let them fall . Leave them to fightout their own

      Ibatbattles without the prestige of popular countenance or I Eupsupport . Let us stand apart from them , and show that i wewe do not svmpathise with their objects . Thatcourse omonce taken , the smallness of tho fractions which as ; assert and exercise the right to rule the country win be become e vident , and their isolation will affect them mmuch more powerfully than the fiercest opposition . T Take the League for example ; if their meetings are iE iDtemipted-if clamour Is raked , they will say as H they hare saidthat theyjare annoyed by a party who ,

      , mnnable to do anything themselves , desire only to ol obstruct others . Let them alone , denude them of tl ihe confidence which number ? give , and they will fail . I From their failure perhaps more good would arise tl than from their triumph . They have avowed that if I Protection isreimposed they will agitate for political ri rights . Let them fail then , if that is the only condit tion upon which they will aid in the accomplishment o of political justice . The affirmative duty is to orgar nise for the time which is coming—to prepare for the

      r period when the people will be called on to act . To i mingle in the objects of our associations , both social e elevation and political strength—to gain a commerc rial standing as well as a legislative status—to e emancipate ourselves from the rule of wealth as much j as from the governmental ascendancy ofthe privileged i few—that is what we should do for the presentform a great people ' s party capable of taking advantage ofthe furure—a party forgetting old watchwords —throwing aside obsolete dogmas—discarding the trimmings of expediency , and depending upon great nrinciples—a party recognising the equal necessity

      of hoth p olitical and social reform . Such a party would rise to pre-eminence and power upon the ruins of all the factions ofthe day . Such a party only can really elevate the people . To create it is file duly of all real reformers , and it appears to us that now is imminently the time for the effort .

      Ulfc -I* Iqv > The Star, C. March 21, Is...

      ulfc -I * iqv > THE STAR , c . March 21 , isoz . _ m * . 5

      Free Trade, Low Wages, And Destitution. ...

      FREE TRADE , LOW WAGES , AND DESTITUTION . It must be confessed that the ' cheap loaf has sot converted England into a Paradise . Stretch its virtues as far as you please , and still there is a yawning gulf of discontent—if not worse—which it does notfiillup . According to the Free Trade journals and speeches , we ought to be the happiest people in the world just bow . The tables of exports aud imports amount to unprecedented totals ; tbe revenue exceeds the expenditure ; pauperism , is said to be decreasing , and trade flourishing ; ' the country is , ' we are reiteratedly assured , * in a highly prosperous condition , ' and it would be madness to doubt' the reason why . '

      But if we tarn from these seductive pictures and statements of ' sums total' to the details which go to make up the aggregate , there is some how or other a painful discrepancy which cannot be reconciled . In the very midst of all this commercial and manufacturing activity , this unparalleled prosperity , there are large classes of operatives complaining of the most extreme destitution—thousands are out of employment , while those "who have partial "work are

      paid such p rices as will scarcely keep soul and bod y together . The statements at the meeting of Jhe Spitalfields Silk Weavers , reported in ' The Star' -of this -week , though perhaps an extreme illustration of the distress , is by no means a solitary instance of the truth of this fact , and they betray such an unsound and perilous state of affairs , as to demand from all classes some more searching investigation into the causes of our social evils than has yet been instituted .

      Without , in the slightest degree , either denying or undervaluing the benefits that some classes or sec . Cons of the population may have derived from the xepeal of the Corn Laws , it is very evident that ire cannot stop with that . Those who are now suffering , from whatever cause , have as great a claim to relief as the classes who formerly complained of the injurious operation of a sliding scale of duties upon grain . Whether they are right in their opinions , as to the source ofthe misery , starvation , and calamity ander which they are suffering , is another question . All we contend for is , that they have quite as good a xight to complain , and to demand a remedy , as any

      other class in the country . The contemptuous manner an which these claims are either passed by in total eilence , or the truth of the complaints denied , and the complainants charged with factions or personal mot ives , while it does not say much for the candour of those who thus treat grave public statements , must , at the same time , not be taken as a proof that the parties who thus act feel confident in their position . If we are not mistaken , the mere political economists wonld by no means like to have the actual operation of their system sifted by a Parliament in ¦* hich Labour was fairly represented . Perhaps the landlords would find in the revelations made under

      Such auspices , some awkward and conclusive retorts to the accusations levelled against tbem by their opponents . One thing , at least , is certain , -without such an investigation : in many trades the wages have been largely reduced siuce the passing of the Free Trade measures ; while , in almost every department of industry , there has been , or is now , a desperate—too often unavailing—resistance on the part of the employed , to proposed reductions . The influx of gold from * the newlv-discovered mines of California

      and Australia has , to a great extent , arrested the natural downward tendency of wages under the present system . Owing to the same cause , the season of * manfdcturing prosperity' has been prolonged far beyond its natural duration . Providence has neutralised to a large extent the injurious operation of our insane Currency laws , and our not less irrational xaodes of producing and distributing wealth . Yet notwithstanding the alleviation derived from the vast indux of the precious metals from these new sources , ** find that there is a general and steady declension , or tendency , to declension in wages . Since 1846 , the prices paid to the Spitalfields silk weavers—low as " tey then were—have fallen fifty per cent . In the *« icle of velvets—on which by far the largest

      propor-« on of the looms are at work—so great has been Me fall that it is impossible forthe silk weaver by ™ e utmost exertion , and by working the most protracted hours , to earn sufficient to keep off starvation . 18 any wonder that men thus crushed , ground down JJJ oppressed , should speak bitterl y of a policy * mcb , if it has not caused , has at least failed to miti-B « e , their sufferings 1 Can it he matter of surprise Jl ^ tthey should regard Free Trade in a very different ^ gnt fr om the large capitalists whose profits it has ^ gmeuted , and whose mills and warehouses it has enlarged ? Perhaps the consciousness of this fact j Wes so many enthusiastic Leaguers look coldl y on "uanaentary Reform . They are not by any m ato BOre thst if the worker 8 had a Toice m & Q th * ; ' ptofitmongering and usury would maintain T ^ rceeot Predominance in the islature yet will not for

      Leg . _ ^^ aa it do them or any other class W ^? i e es against these facts . No matter ttewtf ? jL * * J 8 nut them ' fl »'* wt » *» hoiiestt » 4 Tneymn « the taken cognizance o £ and ^ yHoT ttexe wffl a . forced and a fearful

      Free Trade, Low Wages, And Destitution. ...

      reckoning for tho neglect , in due season . The longer the Labour and wages question remains unadjusted , the more difficult it will be' to deal with it . Selfinterest and self preservation combine to urge that upon the possessors of property as the most imminent and momentous subject to which they can direct attention . Society is indeed in a threatening and dangerous Condition , when such facts as these can be truly averred in a leading article of the ' Times , ' itself the great organ ofthe moneyocracy : — It is a lamentable < act that in this very town of London alone , the centre and core of Dritish civilisation , 100 , 000 persons are every daywithoutfood . saveit be the precarious produce of a passing

      job fora crime . Since England was England the general prosperity of the country has never reached so high a point as at the present morant . We mark with complacency the gradcal rise ofthisswellins tide of wealth and luxury ; we t < ke no notice of the receding " wave . Many schemes have been devised by politic or humane persons to remedy this acknowledged evil . The statesman erects his Poor Law Unions , and the philanthropist his houses of refuge ; but still the destitution continues . It is stated iu the Registrar-General ' s annual report for 1849 , " that nearly one human being died weekly in this wealthy metropolis from actual starvation , in the corresponding report tor 1 S 51 we find that twenty-eight adults died from starvation , and 252 infants from want of breast milk or want of food . In the month of Dicember , 1831 , fire adults died from starvation , and twenty-nine infants from inanition .

      London is but the type and representative of all our large towns . The same facts may be repeated , mutatis mutandis , of the whole of them . What an appalling idea does this give of the total amount of suffering , destitution , and wretchedness which co exists with our much vaunted , enlightened , and successful commercial policy ? How great the need for earnest and d etermined grappling with evils of such gigantic magnitude ! jgBut what do we find ? Those who are most deepl y impressed with the vastness of the task bring forward the most ludicrously inadequate remedies . As if the eighty thousand persons who profess to look after the interests of the poor in London already , were not enough , some ' philanthropists' propose more soup kitchens and free dormitories . The

      demoralising and debasing effect of our insane Poor Law machinery , in conjunction with the organised almsgiving of hundreds of charitable societies , is not sufficient . The broken victuals of private houses , clubs , hotels , and taverns are proposed to be collected by an army of purveyors , and redistributed among the hungry from a congeries of local soup kitchens ; in addition to this , a new optional rate is to bo asked from housekeepers of 4 d . a week , or 12 s . a year , in aid of these appendages to our elemosynary machinery . To all such proposals there is but one answer , that given by the Silk Weavers on Tuesday night : —• ' We don't want charity , hut work—work at which we can earn an honest living . ' There is too much of alms-giving already . Let us do justice first , and , if charity be needful , let it follow .

      Bat where is the work to be found ? The « Times ' , duly aware of tbe objectionable and vitiating influence of the soup kitchen scheme has a pet plan of its own ; it would Convey the objects of their charity to other' regions , where , with industry and good conduct , they could well afford to dismiss all apprehensions of want for the future . If tbe charity of the country is to be organised in so comprehensive a manner , and brought to bear upon its crime and destitution , why not settle the question by removing these poor children and these houseless wanderers to the fertile uplands of New Zealand , or the gold districts of our English California !

      In turn we ask—why not appl y the money it would cost to convey them to those distant labour fields , to taeexphitationof fields nearer home ? When we have done full justice to our own soil , and developed its capabilities to the utmost , it will be quite time enough to organise a wholesale system of transportation for those whose only crime is their poverty . Foreign emigration , when voluntarily undertaken by those who have made up their minds to brave all its contingencies , may , in many cases , be , beneficial both to the individual and his adopted home . As a remedy for the ignorance and destitution revealed by the ' Times , ' it is only less ridiculous and absurd than the soup-kitchen itself , and both may be classed with the impracticable theories of political economists , who promised us a "Utopia of their own , which has turned out a lamentable failure .

      Protection Or Democracy ? In The Midst O...

      PROTECTION OR DEMOCRACY ? In the midst of the faction fight waged by the two great sections of the oligarchy , it is to be noted that neither of them forget the danger of being overcome b y Democracy . In fact , their bitterest accusation against each other , is , that by the course pursued , the question at the next election will be as Lord Hak-RoWBrsaid not , ' Protection or not ? 'but 'Democracy ornot V Lord Hakbowby is a moderate Conservative . He was satisfied with the essentially Conservative style in which the government was carried on by a nominally Liberal Ministry . If he had lost a few pounds annually in rent he was quite willing to compound in that shape for the preservation of other important privileges , and for the continued predominance of the aristocratic element in the Government

      ofthe country . The Whigs had mesmerised the people . They were in a state of political coma . There was , every now and then , a talk about 'progress , ' but it was of so tame , and quiet , and subdued a character , that the most nervous old lady in or out of petticoats could not have been alarmed by it . Rash and impetuous Stanley has upset this happy state of affairs . Questions that might have been deferred for years , will press for settlement , because he has given a bold defiance to Democracy , and calls upon the Conservatives of the kingdom to assist him in resisting its progress—if possible to extirpate the thing itself . The truce is broken . Parties once more stand fairly and frankly opposed . The Whigs have been hustled out of the intermediate space , and the combatants face each other .

      Lord J . Russbli , echoes the querulous complaints and ominous warning of the Peelite peer . He knew best the means by which the Democracy was to be met and encountered . By simpl y declaring that any change threatened the maintenance of tbe Free-Trade regime , he had got the middle classes under his thumb . They constitute the electoral majority and the members returned by them of course faithfulle reflected their interests and their opinions . Thy sentiments and the wants of the unenfranchised

      masses were unrepresented in Parliament—found no voice there ; while , at the same time , the influence of those who otherwise would have been popular leaders being directed to the maintenance of the status quo , and the discouragement of out-door agitation , the same supineness was produced out of as there was in Parliament . The Protectionists have ' released us from this dead lock . We are all in motion again ; bnt this time it is not tbe Democrats now disturb the state , encourage the love of change , and foster political agitation . These have always been branded as political crimes of the blackest die , when committed in furtherance of popular

      objects . When the Tories do so for the restoration of class monopolies , and the imposition of burdens upon the many , for their own special advantage , their conduct is termed by quite-another name . They are Conservatives . Lord J . Russell , however , sees where they are drifting to , and as he is no friend to Democracy , he earnestly implores them not to pursue a course which must end in giving Democracy the advantage . If Earl Derby will persist in a- policy that is reactionary , restrictive , and undisguised in its contempt for popular feeling and popular wants , he is solemnl y warned that instead of discountenancing Democracy , he will be the greatest favourite with those who entertain and advocate such opinions .

      It would almost seem as if the ex-Premier had been reading the Star ; ' if not , his naive confession unconsciously , hut strongly , bears out the opinions we have expressed , with reference to the late Ministerial changes , and their necessaril y beneficial effect upon the position of British Democracy . During the whole existence of the late Government , we uniformly denounceditasthegreafest obstruction to allreal p rogress ; and now that it is out of power , the head of that Government unwittingly confirms our statements . At this very moment he is exerting himself to the utmost to regain the position of " stop-gap ; whether that will be any recommendation for him and his party at the Election we do not pretend to say , but , at all events , it is ri ght that there should be no dispute about the fact .

      Even were he restored to power with such an infusion ' of so-called liberalism as might be inferred from ihe admission of such men as Mr , CoBDEN and Mr Bbigst into the Ministry , we should have no guarantee whatever that the purely obstructive and stationary policy of Whiggism would be reversed . These two leaders of the Free Trade party have on many occasions evinced a very decided disposition to discourage any popular movements of a decided character , and especially where these were calculated in the slig htest degree to endanger the permanence of the s ettlement of 1816 . Under that feeling they have

      Protection Or Democracy ? In The Midst O...

      on many occasions voted black white , in order to 'keep out the Tories . ' They were short-si ghted enough to believe they could effect that object , by becoming consenting parties to an essentiall y Tory policy . It does not appear that they are yet aware of their mistake , because they are still talking of settling the Corn Law question finally , without any organic change in the Constitution , or any extension of the Franchise based upon a broad and an intelligible principle . Whatever satisfaction the formation of a Government in which Russell , Graham , Cobden , and Bright were combined , might give to Free Traders , speculators , profi-mongers , usurers , and the whole tribe of those who believe in the dogma— ' buy cheap ; sell dear , ' as the Alpha and Omega of human duty , —it would present no guarantee of progress or reform to

      the people at large . Any one who has watched the career of the two latter gentlemen , must have noticed their increasing pliancy , and their readiness to chime in with arrangements made to suit Ministerial convenience . Now that they are in the habit of plncing their legs under the dining table at Cheslum -place , their political morality will not grow more stern , and Cato like , their elevation to office would doubtless complete the transformation , and produce so thorough achange , thatnoone would be able to recognise in the then ' righthon . gentlemen' the twin agitators who once ap fiercely assailed , exposed , and denounced ihe abuses of our existing system . They would not change T \ higgery , but be changed into Whigs .

      The only way to prevent the formation of such an administration , and to secure thepeaceful , but steady advance of genuine Democracy , is to take care that the issue at stake during the approaching election , shall be placed clearly and unmistakeabl y before the people . The Anti-Corn Law League must not be permitted to lead them off after a false scent . Free Trade , as far as they are concerned , has been settled . If they wish to maintain that settlement , they must now go further , and work heartily for the extended and bona fide enfranchisement of the industrial classes . That is the sole condition on which

      these classes should in any way countenance them . If they are not prepared to take that position , let them fight their own battles with the territorial aristocracy ; and if beaten so much the better—it will sooner brin J them to their senses . Ever since the resignation of Sir R . Peel , in 1846 , tlie country has been kept in a state of forced inaction . All its efforts to ^ progresa have been neutralized and repressed , in consequence of the anomalous and unhealthy relation of parties to each other in the House of Commons . Fortunately the accession of the Derby Cabinet has released us from this vicious circle . We can now breathe agsin ; and if the first use of our restored and liberated energies is that of

      hand-to-hand conflict with the traditionary and hereditary enemies of popular freedom , let us cheerfully accept the position , " and do our best to win a victory . The struggle will at any rate strengthen and invigorate . The false repose and fatal apathy which has been SO long maintained , and was fast destroying all political Vitality in the nation will be dispelled . At the hustings let Lord Harrowby ' s candid statement of the question at issue not he forgotten . Let the watchword ' Democracy ' respond to the war cry of 'Protection , ' and the contest be distinctly waged upon these two definite principles , not upon any in * termediate , indistinct , or doubtful questions , whether raised by Lord or Leaguer .

      The Oligarchy V. The People. In The "Rev...

      THE OLIGARCHY v . THE PEOPLE . In the " Review ofthe Week , " we have stated that tbe proceedings in the House of Commons are " make believe . ' They were so up | to the time that was written . Since then there has been a real battle on Mr . Hume ' s motion or the Little Charter . " He was defeated by the junction of Lord J . Russeil and Mr . Disraeli , tbe new Chancellor of the Exchequer ! The fact is enough to open the eyes of the country to the real character ofthe ex-Minister ' s intentions on that all-important question . Wo should think

      there will not be found among real Reformers a single gudgesn silly enough to swallow the bait held out at tho Chesham-plaoo meeting . Let the cry at the hustings be— ' Put not your faith in Whigs . ' Treat them as they really arc—the enemies of genuine representative Reform . Let us have no more fahe friends , but a fair stand-up battle . Even with the fear of the hustings before their eyes , only eighty-nine members belonging to the Liberal party could be whipped in favour of the motion . Let that be remembered when the proper time comes . It will be a sufficient answer to ' liberal ' professions ; and if such men are returned again , it will certify to Reformers the character of the new House and what they may expect from it .

      Arratoa' Jhttemtgettce,

      arratoa' JhtteMtgettce ,

      National Association Of United Trades. "...

      NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . " MAT JUSTITIA . " " If it were possible for the working classes , by combining ; among themselves , to raise , or keep up tbe general rate ol wages , it need hardly be said that this would be a thing not to be punished , but to be welcomed and rejoiced at . "—Stuart Mill

      The usurpations and encroachments by which , under various forms , and by various names , the freedom and independence of labour have been brought unduly under the iron dominion of capital , have been the gradual accumulating deposit of a long continued and steadily pursued system , instinctively and recklessly persevered in by its owners , without even the colour of legislative sanction , or of moral right . The well-inown power of capital to multipl y itself , is , by a thousand ingenious artifices , constituted the be-all and end-all of a lifetime ' s commercial anxious speculation ; and the most successful adept in this thirn .

      bleng operation , is , conventionally , " the most honoured . As in ancient Sparta , robbery , when successful , was an honourable avocation , so in these days of civilisation ; he who creates the largest fortune in the shortest time becomes the idol of worship , and the honoured object of envious imitation . Trade and commerce have a morality peculiar to themselves , the essence of which Shakespear puts into tbe mouth of honest Iago , 'Put money in thy purse—honestly if thou canst—but put money in thy purse . ' Just so with our modern

      commercial fortune-hunters—the end desired must generally sanctif y the means . Some of these means indicated by axioms grown quite respectable by their general currency , would not , we apprehend , bear a very critical examination by the severe rules of morality . The Free Trade maxim of ' buying in the cheapest market , and selling in the dearest , ' always conveys to us an idea of the successful perpetration of two dishonest transactions—the purchase and sale of a commodity without reference to its cost or intrinsic value .

      The misfortunes or necessities of the seller , and the ignorance and credulity of the buyer , are the generally existing and necessary agencies for this system ofsuccessful appropriation . 'Each for himself , and God for us all , ' is another favourite , because anti-social , maxim . It is the laissez faire doctrine of the school . of Political Economists ; which means , if it means anything , that every man should scramble up to a position of wealth and distinction , totally regardless of the welfare and happiness of his fellow men . This maxim—which savours tons of a strong anti-Christian spirit—is in great repute among the employing class , anxlis strongly enforced upon their dependent workmen by a variety of plausible arguments . The independent

      position of the working man—who is the architect and fabricator of his own fortunes—by the free and independent exercise of his own unaided . and uncontrolled will in bargain-making with his employer , is , according to their philosophy , the very beau ideal of industrial dignity , but , according to ours , a personification of the principle of narrow-minded selfishness . We never can subscribe to the doctrine , . that the general value of wages in any particular trade can be satisfactorily arranged by individual contracts or agree : meats between the employers and workmen . We think , on the contrary , that the standard of wages should be , from time to time , the result of agreement in every skilled trade between the employers and the employed in their corporate capacity .

      For the labourer who lives from hand to mouth , is certainly no fair match or bargain making with the ¦ ill y Capitalist who has an accumulated , capital to fall back upon , in addition to tbe great advantages derived from the ordinary state of things in most trades , whether flk lied or unskilled j ' , that , for every master wanting a man , there are three men wanting a , master . . ' . ' . ¦ •* > .: In such a state , of things , to talk of . freedomto choose or reject , is simply to talk the most extravagant nonsense . We think the system adopttd by the Iron Masters of Staftordihire , to preserve : thein from ttie evils of ill-fegulatea and .. ruinous compeijtion with , each other , . presents an example , worthy . ©! imitation V the working classes . We find them as *

      National Association Of United Trades. "...

      sociated for the protection of their interests , and that the prices of Iron is fixed periodically , reference beinohad , we presume , to tho stock on hand , and to tho future probable home aud forei gn demand . Why the value of Labour , even less liable to sudden fluctuations , could not be , in most trades , adjusted ui on a similar principle , we have never yet had satisfac . torily explained to us . The Legislature , b y their latest act upon the combination laws , seems to have contemplated the adoption by the working classes of such a system of regulating wages , by their expressly

      legalising voluntary combinations of workmen for this and similar objects . We know that strong efforts have been made by the employing class , in which they have been greatly assisted by interested magistrates , prejudiced juries , and narrow-minded judges , of g iving to such combinations a complexion of illegality ; but the late solemn decision of the Court of Queen ' s Bench establishes beyond dispute the ri ght of working men , by combination , to fix the price , hours , and all other conditions , under which they agree to sell their labour .

      It is one of the objects of the National Asssciation to enforce and defend this invaluable ri g ht intact , as the greatest privilege accorded to labour b y legislative authority . We believe this lawful right cannot be effectually ; maintained except by a union oftra es to mutually assist each other from any attempt to deprive tliem of it . We feel assured that no isolated , and from what we see taking place around us , no partial combination of certain select trades can effectually maintain this right inviolate . The requisite union must bo broad in its basis , enlarged and liberal , and essentially democratic in its principles . It must bo open to all trades and departments of labour , and not unduly influenced by the arrogance or pretensions of any .

      It is an active interference with , and a combined resistance to , these and similar abuses which have gradually accumulated , and are constantly increasing , which it is the object and purpose of tho National Associatioi to make war upon and eradicate . And it is for this , with other objects of a reconstructive character , for which we invite the assistance of the Traded of Gnat Britain . "WiuiAM Peei ,, Secretary . Queen ' s Prison .

      Wolverhampton Conspiracy Case. Glasgow, ...

      WOLVERHAMPTON CONSPIRACY CASE . Glasgow , March 24 . —The above case continues to excite the Sympathy agd support of tbe Glasgow Trades , and all we have visited Repress their regret at the oppression of the employers , and also their determination to render assistance to discharge the debts incurred by tho London Defence Committee , During the week we have waited upon the Boiler Makers of Glasgow , Greenock , and Dumbarton ; each branch received us very cordially , and on hearing the nature of the case explained , unanimously agreed to subscribe sixpence per man to assist tbe defendants ; and many of them expressed their gratitude to tho London Committee , for the important service they have rendered to the cause oi Labour , in defending tho Wolverhampton case , and upholding the right to Trades' Unions .

      We have also visited the Joiners , the Coopers , tho Corkcutters , the Dyers , the Sawyers , the Cloth Lappers , the Printers , the Hand Engravers , the Cotton Yarn Dressers , the Rope Spinners , and others ; all of whom have expressed the deepest sympathy with the defendants , and resolved to commence subscriptions through their respective shops , so that the Defence Committee may be in a position to bring their arduous and important labours to an honourable ter " mination . It is with feelings of gratitude we refer more particularly to the noble and stmigthforward manner in which the Joiners , Coopers , Corkcutters , and Boiler Makers , have taken up this question . They have not only agreed to render immediate assistance , but to do so without detaininH the deputation unnecessarily , and thus save an expense

      to the Committee . If every trade would adopt this course , a vast amount of labour , time , and expense , would bo saved , and tho . Committee be better able to meet their engagements . On Tuesday , March 23 rd , we attended a large and inflnentihl delegate meeting of the trades of Glasgow , held in the Nelson-street Cbapal , There were about ono hundred delegates , comprising the secretaries and leading men of the numerous trades . Mr . John Brown , Cotton-yarn Dresser , was called to tho chair , The deputations then gave a full statement of the case , which exciied mingled feelings of indignation and sympathy . Indignation at the persevering injustice and oppression of the prosecutors , and sympatby forthe men who had so honourably and without compromise , vindicated and maintained the right of working men to combine to fix the price of their labour .

      Mr . W . Brown , mechanic , then moved : — " That this meeting having heard the statement of Messrs . Humphries and Burn , do pledge itself to use every exertion to obtain immediate assistance to liberate the defendants from prison ,: their bail from responsibility , and to enable the London Defence Committee honourably to discharge their liabilities . " Mr . Matthew Cullon , in a very feeling manner , seconded the motion , which was carried without a single dissentient . A committee was then formed to visit the trades , receive subscriptions , and without delay remit them to Mr . George Gree ' nslade .

      A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to the deputation and chairman , and the meeting dissolved . Wo have no doubt but the result of this delegate meeting will be satisfactory both to the trades of Glasgow aud the Defence Committee . We are , yours , & c , Edwabd IIdmpiiiiiss , William H . Burn . Glasgoir , March 24 th , 1852 .

      TRADE IN SOUTH WALES . A month ' s notice has been given at the 1 ' stalyfera works , at the termination of which a reduction of ten per cent , will take place . The depressed state of the iron trade has induced many families to prepare for emigrating in the course of the spring to the United States and to Australia , A large band is also forming in the neighbourhood of Mertbyr for emigration . to Australia , there being , it is feared , but slight hopes of an improvement in trade in the spring . Among tho colliers in Monmouthshire there is an intention on the part . of the many to seek a new home . At Pontypridd tbe colliers' strike still continues , aud , as it is threatened that the works shall be closed , it is feared that very ruinons consequences will follow . The men resist tho slightest reduction of their wages .

      THE AMALGAMATED SOCIETY OP ENGINEERS . THE STRIKE . On Saturday last a reduction took place in the allowance paid to members of the Amalgamated Society , who received only 10 s . per man for the past week , instead of 15 s . paid since the first week ofthe strike , up to Saturday , the 13 th ot March . The non-society men ' received 10 s . as usual , thus placing the whole of the . skilled workmen belonging to trades in connexion with the Amalgamated Society upon a common footing . The reduction in the allowances to society

      men is said to have been made with a view of preparing agaiast a . lengthened continuance of the contest , rather than from the fear of any immediate and severe strain upon the resources at the commhad of the Executive Council of the society . Subscriptions in aid of the operatives still flow in . The labourers continue in a most deplorable condition . As an instance of . the destitution to which they have been reduced , it may be mentioned that in tbe . West London branch they have only shared lis . 8 d . per man since the' commencement of the strike , or ls . 2 d . per week for ten weeks .

      The Corporation Reform Bill. On Wednesda...

      THE CORPORATION REFORM BILL . On Wednesday a Common Hall , convened in pursuance Of a requisition to the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , signed by several merchants and others ofthe City of London , was held , in tbe Guildhall . His lordship presided . Deputy Harrison moved a resolution to the effect that the meeting approved of the principle of the bill now before parliament for the purpose of extending the municipal franchise . The bill proposed to admit as freemen of the City of London all persons who paid taxes as parliamentary , electors , and who had resided ' for one year and one day in the City . The present mode of voting was . tar too restricted and exclusive for tbe necessities of the present day . £ 99 , 000 a year was raised by direct taxation from their ' fellow citizens , and of those who were not entitled to vote there was ' a large majority . 'In the ward of Aldersgate 182 persons ' possessed

      the municipal franchise ,, while / there were 758 who , paid ; taxes who were not entitled to vote . ( Hear . ) In Coleman-: street ward 223 only were , entitled to vote , while there were 693 rated inhabitants . . In Cornhillward 731 were eligible to . rote , 348 . others' being , ineligible . , , In the ward , of Farringd 6 n-wi . thbu $ there w 6 re '' 783 . persons in possession of the franchise ,- whUst , there , vifere ' 2 , 722 taxed inhabitants . ( Confusion . ) N ^ yer was there . a case brought forward in that hall , which , in " bis Opinion , " called more loudly for'justice . ( Cheers arid uproar ;) - The motion having , been . seconded , Mr . ( N ; ' Clarke ; " citizen ' and' . ' & e . Vcer , moved . ' an amendment , ip ' siibstance , that tHe . ineeting , viesved yrjLtU alarm tlw , propogei bil ! ,. whiJBh . it . Btated would destroy the independence and .. jurisdiction , of the body of liverymen . Other speakers haying addressed the meeting , the Lord Mayor put the amendment , which was carried by an overwhelming icaioritv .

      Pbocumatiok . *0r Assbmblino'parlrimew.—...

      Pbocumatiok . * 0 R AssBMBLiNo ' pARLriMEW . —On . Thursday Lord Broughams ' s , bill to shorten tbe time required for aiisembling parliament after a dissolution was printed by order of , the' Lords . The , following is the entire bill after stating the "pile ' : — " Whereas on account of th « increhBedjfacuities '" of communication : which now exfit / the time required ; by law to intervene , between the dale of the proWkination'for asaemWing parliament and the day appointed , for . the meeting thereof , may be . reasonably shortened ; "Be it enacted ( in . ' the usual mariner ) that ' . ' so often ' ;**; her Majesty' shall by " 'Eer ' r % . kf proclamation »' rfc

      ¦ ft'S ? - ? S * / IK ? W WJfttpg of ' the psrliiihiMit of the P ^& J ?^ ^ fe ^^ solution thereof , tne time tfo "jo" be appointed may be any ' ^^^ W ^ J ^^ ' ^^ !' fi ^^^^^» tW . W ^ h 9 f ^ ueen ; Anne , chap . I 8 , ; art . ' 22 , or any ° ^? f ; * ' «* : W tyt he cofityaty ^ hotwithstandiiig s . pro . ' Tided'that . the time' so appointed ' shall W be less ' than * JMF-3 * 9 WWf ° ? such ^ raamfitibH . " , ' ., ' , ' , . Tab Peace Society of ; 8 a ford have . ce'hsur ^ thw chair-^ 5 ' i ¥ r ? " > i , t on , 'M ^ 'P . i for'hating > otedinfavour ?\ M . , Mm- . Russell ' s t MiUUa ,. Bill jibe " *** published a gtter in ] uitigoatiou ; of his jote * » nd ! : retired from the

      Eimrrtjst Btttexltnente

      eimrrtjst BttteXltnente

      Ohm**^' National Chabtel Association. Th...

      OHM **^' NATIONAL CHABtel ASSOCIATION . Tho Executive Committee met on Wednesday evening lust , at 3 , Queen ' s Head-passage , Patuinostorrow . John Arnott presided . The following brief address was agreed to : — BiioiiiEit CimmsTS , —Tn using the privilege of addressing you , we must express our regret that wo have boon restricted to one subject ; but this will bo readil y excused when the importance of that is considorod . The Executive of a society , almost vithout members , and without means—members reduced

      by unwise antagonism without , and influence reduced by repeated resi gnations within—no course has been nZ - ^ ^ that of resolving ourselves into a ^ , „? k e , fo ^^ uidatin the liabilities which were TnZ > J " ' 00 comi ' 'g M > to office . The disclurge otti » , » ngraoiou * d „ ty has . however , been t S 5 Ule 8 at i 8 faotio » « ' lowing that it has met with the approval of all who are accustomed to make sacrifices ot means for Chartist character . The debt » now reduced to £ 10 10 g . Noxfc week w 0 shall be able to announce a subscri ption from one who has often assisted our funds . We trust as the difficulty grows less and less , that is a 8 tho Lwa

      owing u weekly decreasing that we shall find that all friendly to Chartism will at once send Ju subscriptions , and close the account . James Gkassby , Sub-Secretary , ^ 96 , liegent Street , Lambeth . N . B . —The monies received will be acknowled ged next week .

      Metropolitan Delkoate Council.—At A Meet...

      Metropolitan Delkoate Council . —At a meeting of this body , held at the Finsbury Literary Institution , on Sunday afternoon , Aprit 21 st , Mr . G . Farrah in tho chair , credentials were received from Messrs . Snugg and Heather , ofthe Bermondsey locality . —Mr . Jones reported from the O'Connor Committee that he had communicated with Messrs . S . Crawford and Waldey , and they expressed their willingness to become trustees , provided they were only to be held responsible for the nciual monies they received , and not fo * moncf received cy tlie treasurer or other officer , as decidedin the Savings Bank cases . The report was received , and Mr . Jones instructed to have a further interview with them . Mr . William Newton was nominated as treasurer to the fund . —Mr . Clarke reported from the Public Meeting Committee , that the meeting at the Druid's Hall was highly successful , and that the resolution blaming the policy of the Parliamentary Reformers was carried with only four dissentients , notwithstanding the speeches of Messrs . Thornton Hunt , Le Blond , and Ivicholls , A lengthened discussion arose on a

      resolution as to the business of the committee for forming new localities , which was carried by twelve to seven . A Committee was proposed to carry tho resolution into effect , which wss ultimately adjourned for tbe localities to express their opinions thereon . The quarterly accounts were then audited , and showed a balance in hand , after defraying all debts . It was decided that the aggregate meeting of Chartists should be held in ili . it hall on the first Sunday in April , and the Council adjourned . -- •' Wmtechapel . —At the meeting held on Sunday evening at tho Ship Inn , tho delegates to tho Metropolitan Council gave in their report , and received a vote of thanB . 8 for their services . Messrs . T . M . Wheeler and J . Strattoa were elected delegatus for the ensuing quarter . A resolution was unanimously passed— " That their delegates should bo instructed to oppose the carrying into effect the resolution passed at the Oouncil for issuing metropolitan cards tor membership . " Other business was transacted , and the meeting adjourned .

      Pissbury . —At a meeting : of members resolutions approving of the Metropolitan Delegates issuing cards of membership , and that T . M . Wheeler be recommended as the Secretary to that body , were adopted . The following persons were elected as officers for tho next quarter : — B . J , Loome , Secretary ; Mr . Weedon , Treasurer ; Messrs . Jones , Grant , Ltvesay , Down , Butler , and Fennel . Gkoroie Miu-s . —At a meeting of Land members and Chartists , Mr . Peter M'Keil in the chair , tho following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — That this meeting sympathises with the unfortunate position of our

      muchesteemed and patriotic friend , Mr , Feargus O'Connor , and being satisfied with the plana set forth in the address to the country by the select committee , to raise pecuniary means to alleviate the condition of that gentleman , resolve that an immediate subscription be got up to assist them in carrying out the desirable object . That having no confidence in tho present Executive , we deem it imperatively necessary that a Chartist Convention should bo summoned at as early a day as possible to re-organise the Chartists movement , to support which we pledge ourselves to use all the means at our disposal . "—W . Meghan .

      Hull . —At the weekly meeting of Land members held at the Malt Shovel , North Church side , a committee was appointed to collect funds for the purpose or assisting the London Committee in their laudable endeavours to place Mr . O'Connor above want , or the fear of it . The meeting was adjourned to Monday , the 29 th inst .

      ©O*Oi)Trath)E Fintthfgentt

      © o * oi ) tratH ) e finttHfgentt

      Central Co-Operative Agency, 76, Charlot...

      CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE AGENCY , 76 , Charlotte-street , Fitzroy Squnre . Weekly Report , March 16 'th to March . 22 nd . The Agency transacted business with the following stores ; —Norwich , Birmingham , Portsea , Leeds , Pddiham , Braintree , Ullesiborpe , Banburr , Swindon , Woolwich , Tillicoultry , Bannockhurn , Hey wood , Galashiels , Huddersfleldj & c , Samples of broadcloths have been received from the Redemption Society of Leeds ; they are now on view at the Agency ' s offices , and orders will be received for them . We hear from the Co-operative Society at Congleton , that it is their intention to furnish us with samples of ribboil . Due notice will be given of their promise being carried out .

      It would be well if all the stores , not regularly supplied with the list of the goods sold by the Agency would send up their addresses at once , that tbey may he so supplied . Mr . Lloyd Jones , having left ihe Manchester district for the purpose of attending to the business in London ( a step rendered necessary by the rapid increase of the trade of the Agency , ) will not be able to attend on the Stores in that neighbourhood , as formerly . This , however , need be no inconvenience to the Stores , as orders forwarded through the post will be attended to just as . well as if they had come by personal solicitation . Indeed , the Agency prefers that the orders should be sent directly from tbe Stores in the country , as it not only saves expense , but is also an evidence of confidence between the A « eucy and its customers ; which is the surest sign that Co-operaiion does not need either the push , ing practices or cautious watchfulness of competitive business .

      DUMFRIES AND MAXWELLTOWN CO-OPERATIVE PROY 1 SIOU SOCIETY . The 18 th Quarterly Meeting of this Society was held ia the Court House , Maxwelltown , on the evening of Monday , the 8 th inst . Mr . W ; irdrop in the chair . The minutes of tbe Committee for the last three months having been read and approved of , a report of their transactions , and a state of the Company ' s affairs , were discussed , from which it appeared that the profits or surplus funds of the Company , for the last six months stood thus-. —Auxiliary fund , £ 10 3 s . 7 i ; profits for quarter ending 27 th November , 1851 , - £ 19 Ms , Id , ; profits for quarter ending 27 th February , 1862 , £ 18 0 s . 7 Jd . ; total , £ 47 18 s . . 4 d . ; being upwards of 19 per cent , upon the declared value of shares . The report

      also stated , that from the increasing prosperity of tho Company's business , the Committee fully expected 40 per cent , profit at the end of their financial year , viz ., September next , Tliey also recommended an extension of tbe Company ' s business , by adding to their stock teas , coffee , sugar , soap / soda , and tobacco and snuff ; to which the meeting agreed . The Committee noticed their having commenced a new tirade this season , that of bacon curing , and expressed their regret at not having followed it out . to a greater extent for want of accommodation . They congratulated the meeting on their having been able to secure a grannvy convenient to the Maxwelltown Store , in which they were from time to time placing oatmeal , corn , barley , < bc . The adoption of the report by the meeting being moved and seconded , was unanimously agreed to . The election of office-bearers for the next six months was next proceeded

      with , and the president , vice-president , . purchaser , secretary , auditors , and stock takers , were re - elected . , \ and Wat . Moffat , blacksmith William Todd , shoemaker . ; and James Moodie , clogmaker ; were appointed members of the Committee , j The president , in congratulating the . meeting upoii the prospects of the Company , remarked that forty per cent , profits in a twelvemonth mijght . bp considered , by some unconnected with the So ' cietyi rather , exorbitant ; . but from the economical way in which their '• busing was managed , coupled withtheno credit syitam , it' ' was easy , to see ; how profits accumulated . 'After dwelling a few nvnutis uppn the cordial unanimity that' distinguished , their meetings , he concluded by proposing a vote of thanks tp t the . provost and . magiatratesof Msxweiltown- for the use of the Court Home , which was cordiall y rgsgonded tp „ -Totes . of thanks were next given to the retinngCommittee , ahdto the president , and the meeting adjourned , ' . - ¦ ' : ' ¦

      , ;Thb Largest Sailing ; Vessel Which Ev...

      , ; Thb largest sailing vessel which ever .,. floated on the Clyde is . now . lying-at' the ; iroomielaw ,.,., ihp a .,, t . Kidstm measures i , iii tons / Custom-house BMuiuemgnJi , and is intended as ; a' regulartrader- between . Glasgow , vA . Awt » l » . undw-itl » : ebminand ^^ of the Montgomery . Her P ^^^ H ^^ tS ^ - at . New Glasgow / and launched in June , 18 pl , .. . . . . " Exporukon oh lWhsit to Pnussu .-A very , large quan-; uiy of wheat and flour , has been riippe * . froth the ports Of ; tondonand Bull -for the wrta-of f russia , ^ hich will be admitwd at . only . i » " ™ »^ ' «? , ' ^ : \ % P ! 1 M « IPW «* tbe Meat scarcity , which prevails iu that " country Of ' erery deicriptioh . of grainv Large contracts . are stated ; to hare beeqi entered into < by some of our leading cornfaotors fer ' thateottWy . , ¦ „• - , L „ ' ¦ '¦ ;> '" ' . '¦ ' : ' , " . ¦ « fci undflMVtfew Letter" says ,: —* ' We understand that ifteBlue Ribbon , ; yaeMit by the death of tHe ' late Duteef ' Cambridge , was given to the Marquis of Donegal"Kr'ttfe ht « gefsnuuvrt before their retirement from oiii . "

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 27, 1852, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_27031852/page/5/