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Northern Star (1837-1852), 27th December 1851, Edition 2 of 2, Page 1, ORGANISATION OF THE EXECUTIVE. TO THE ED...

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      Cfjartfet Itttmtgeroe

      Cfjartfet itttmtgeroe

      Aflonal Charter Association. Oj&Ces—H So...

      aflONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Oj & ces—H Southampton-street , Strand , ^ f ; xecative Committee of this bod y held Jr usual weekly meeting as above , on radaY evening last . Present : Messrs . ( no % H arney , Holyoake , Lo Blond , and nne . Hessrs . Grassby and Jones were \ Lnt . Mesars . Hunt and O'Connor were to ato eBt ^^ S indisposition . John ie pr ^ efl' The correspondence received * fiie Secretary reported that he had been nplied to by some teetotal friends who were jrons of forming a locality at the

      Tempeflce Hall , 8 b , Jtoyai mint-street , lower-hill , - te called the Tower Hamlets Total Absence locality , and solicited the Executive fpcall a meeting in the above Hail for that grtiose . After a brief discussion it was Ljjed that tte < l ueBtioa oe deferred until the fatnre Executive had been elected . ¦ Jhe Secretary also reported that theMetrortQitan Delegate Council , at a meeting held

      g fi the previous atternoon , bad agreed to a eolation recommending the Executive Compjitte to call on the metropolitan localities to gjch elect one delegate to scrutinise the votes geared for the future Executive . The recommendation was approved of , and the Secretary ^ instructed to issue a notice in accordance { herewith , and requestsuch delegates to attend t offices for that purpose on Wednesday evening , December 31 st , at seven o ' clock in the evening .

      tfr . J . B . 0 Brien having recentl y stated jjhis 'Europeanbotes ' : —* Thatit was not from any disrespect to the Chartist body that jg had ceased for some time to be an enrolled member of the Association , and bad declined ji , Ije nominated as one of the Executive , ' the Se cretary was instructed to announce that the votes received on Mr . O'Brien ' s behalf tjnld not be recognised . After the transaction of financial and other

      easiness , the committee adjourned to Monday evening , December 29 th . SiperL on behalf of the Committee , John Arnott , General Secretary . CiSDIDAISS XOMINATED FOB THE FUTUHE EXECOTIYE , fe argus O'Connor , Ernest Jones , G . J . Hol j-oaie , Thornton Hunt , Robert Le Blond , John Arnott , James Grassb y , C . E . Nieholle , X . IT . Wheeler , John Shaw , J . J . Bezer , H . T . Holyoake , A . J . Wood , G . Haggis , J . B . Leno , Gerald Massey , Robert Oliver , A . E . Delaforce , J . M . Bryeon , P . M . M'Douall , " \ Y . J . Linton , and Arthur Trevelyan . 5 . B . —The names of J . B . O'Brien and James Lcachare , are omitted from the above 2 * t , as they have declined to serve . All votes received after Tuesday , December jOth , will be null and void .

      .^7^7 ^ : J ^^4:^2 ¦¦ ' R -' Ti -- // ''...

      . ^ 7 ^ 7 ^ J ^^ 4 : ^ 2 ¦¦ ' r - ' ti -- // '' /) ~ ' ^ C c ^ X c ^ t ^^ c // C'i &^ v . Ls JtL {&&^

      - And National Trades' Journal.

      - AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL .

      Yuklyjo, 738. Londofl, Saturday. Deceffl...

      YuklYjo , 738 . LONDOfl , SATURDAY . DECEfflBER 27 l 8 aT ....-SZS ™ ^

      Xobih Shields Mr. G. J. Harney Lee Tared...

      Xobih Shields Mr . G . J . Harney lee tared on Monday , December loth , to the samen and the working classes generall y , upon their grievances and the remed y . At a sieeting held on the 17 th inst ., it was resolved : —* That this meeting is of opinion that the acts of the assassin Bonapateon the French peop le call loudl y on the people of Great Britain to raise their voice against such vile

      assumption , treachery , and brutal conduct ; and that we view the presence of the English ambassador at the / eles of the President to be nothing short of aiding and abetting in the iniquitous proceedings of that graceless perjurer and spoliator , and that we appeal to our government to have our representative withdrawn and prevented from countenancing such scenes of viUany . '

      Haxle y axd Sheltox . —At a meeting held on Sunday laet , it was resolved : — ' That Mr . Julian Harney having declined to act , and Mug one of the list nominated by this locality , ? e vish to suppl y his p lace with Mr , J . B . O'Brien . * Sixty-eight votes were given for the Mlovdsg gentlemen : —F . O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., E . Jones , T . Cooper , J . B . O'Brien , and T . M . Wheeler . * That the Executive le requested to publish the number of votes

      sent in from this and every other locality , ¥ iih the names for whom the votes are given , for the purpose of satisfying the members that a faithful return has been made . ' It * as also considered that the Executive have acted a very partial and unjust part in not retaining Mr . Cooper ' s name in the nomination list . This locality complains of the neglect aauifesied in not publishing the list of candidates in last Saturday ' s paper .

      Tokquat . —A public meeting was held in lie Temperance Hall , on the 17 th inst , when a }? cture was delivered by Ernest Jones , on ' Kossuth and Hungary . ' Mr . Jones also delivered a lecture in the Union Hall , on the 19 th iast ., on the 'French Revolution . ' The lectares gave great satisfaction . South Lancashire Delegate Meeting . -A meeting of delegates , representing the Chartists of Manchester , Stockport , Ashtim , iulybridge , liochdale , & c , was held on Sunday , in the National Charter Association Sown , " Stalybridge . Mr . Edward Harrop saving been called to the chair , opened the I C ashless of the meeting by a few well-timed ttlfiarks ou the present position of the move- ]

      ^ ent , and the necessity of continued exerts on the part of the ' Chartists to extend % organisation now so happily effected in * me portions of South Lancashire . He ^ Deluded b y calling on the delegates to pro-^ ~ e their credentials , and g ive in a report of ' j state of the localities represented . The Sports were on the whole of a very cheering Mature , more especially from Ashton , where p e hasbeen a considerable accession of meuifci-rs , 'fhe levy of one-halfpenny per member living been paid in , the Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting , which , with the option of the two relating to the election w Executive , were unanimously confirmed , ac the following resolutions adopted : —

      -Hiat in order to e ect a more general distribution of circulars and tracts , explanatory of ^ e principles of Chartisin , the delegates pre-•* nt pledge themselves , on the part of the loc alities they represent , to circulate as exten-^ el y as possible , the tracts and circulars teblisbeti by the Sontli Lancashire delegates , •^ d respectfull y call on any of the members ' die ^ National Charter Association , who may * " ^ iuk themselves competent to work , to write " ^ ort articles on any of the points contained in t ! e People ' s Charter ; such articles to be ^ t to the next delegate meeting for approval l tlie delegates prior to being printed and ^ ttlale-d . 'That until the opinions of the

      I * sople can be ascertained b y the election of a N ational Conference , we believe it would be ^ ore iu accordance with Chartist princi ples to abide by the decision of the late Convenf ° H 3 in the election of and Executive ; ' "M pursuant thereto , we recommend our coo-^ UUtnts to proceed to the election of nine gentle-® an i £ nown to the Association , and in whom the £ J * » test amount of confidence can be p laced , under f ' sUDg circumstance . *—viz .: — Feargus O'Connor , J ^ ea Jones , James Grassbv , James Bezer , Thos . £ *«» Wheeler , William Linton . Gerald Massey , * Sbaw , John Arnott . ' ' That we call on our " Wllst brethren in Yorkshire to unite with us in te of

      ^ pour ing set up a series public meetings oishl P « ncipal towns in tbe manufacturing Ca . for the purpose of testing public opwon 0 1 . ** " - ' Plan of reform pronounced by Messrs . < Jhfp and B "g bt ; and we respectfully request the Sate- ' ocahUes in the West Riding to send dele-^ j . j ^ ° a meeting at Hebden Bridge , where they rj , A wet by delegates from Lancashire and ° ntb f" ea - delegate to come prepared to rote iier ' l ¦ S * questions : —What measures ought > teol ^ rttsts to take in reference to the plans and » f p " ™ oi » s adopted by the self-elected C onf erence dg ! r , | amentarv Reformers , recently held at Mankret ^ ' The P P " ° f calling a national con-^ ert ? ar v convenient ; snch conference to " t ^ ^ e in what manner the next Executive is to l eeo n ? ted ' tbe nnu ! ber of wWch ifc is to l -on t « i P , Eed ' » if aujj the amount of remunera-10 given to its members . ' « That all locali-

      Xobih Shields Mr. G. J. Harney Lee Tared...

      Stlft g ocom 1 y ™ th this invitation , be re-l tbrnntt . * t COn , . mUnWate ih * acquiescence either S ^ inS ° 0 lUI ? 58 0 f tbe "Northern Star" or to flLwrt ^ "owine address . _ Gr ( JC 0 tt j j , . field-street , Manchester . ' ' That the meeting of S ™ S 5 - ? ^ Ma 9 h »* « ele ates takes place lit ? lft " Br orkshlr *> o » Sunday , January hl « k ' l * u . h 0 U 3 a where former meetings KT ^* i ? thenex t m « ting of the bouth Lancashire delegates be held in the Charwt Boom , Yorkshire . street , Rochdale , on Sunday , February , l 8 t , 1852 . Chair to be taken at ten o clock in the forenoon . ' ' That we adjourn to bunday , February 1 st . ' in ^ S !?™?* ? EM 6 ATE OoTOoifc-At a meeting of the above body held on Sunday afternoon , ct-ii ti » « ry ^ tait'on , Leicester-place , Saffron mil , Mr . Harmann in the chair , the rules forth © guidance of the Council were brought forward hv

      tue sub-committee . The following were agreed to ! , l fJr e ground of the formation of the Council : — Ihat two delegates be elected from each locality of the National Charter Association , who , in connexion with the Executive Committee , shall form the Metropolitan Delegate Council of the National Charter Association . "— " That the object of the y 0 ttnc » shall be to diffuse the principles contained in the People ' s Charter throughout the metropolis by means of public meetings , lectures , the press , and any other means which circumstances may dictate . A code of rules , regulating the mode of election , duration of office , scale of payment , election of officers , & c , were then agreed to . It was decided that the council should hold its sittings weekly . The localities were requested to supply the -necessary funds to support the Delegate Council . A resolution was passed recommending that a _ delegate be appointed by each locality to

      scrutinise the votes for the ensuing Executive , and that the Executive be recommended to publish in the democratic journals a list of places voting , and the number of votes recorded . Messrs . liar man , Osborne , and Sugg , were appointed a deputation to wait upon the Executive Committee with the above resolution . A resolution was passed , calling upon the new Executive to elect a person as secretary who was competent to perform tbe important duties Of that Office . The meeting then adjourned until Sunday afternoon , at three o ' clock . Exeter . —On the 18 th inst ., a lecture was delivered at the Athenasum , to a well-attended and

      attennve audience , b y Mr . Ernest Jones , on " the Reform Bill of 1852;—what ought it to be ? " The lecturer contrasted the different proposed measures of reform with that laid down in the People ' s Charter , and showed that any measure short of the latter would end in disappointment to the people . He warned his Chartist hearers against the folly of wasting their time , energy , and money , by joining any political bod y advocating a less measure of reform . There were many of the Financials present , but although the invitation was given in the bills announcing the lecture , and repeated several times by the lecturer , no one nrged a single objection to any thing advanced .

      Journeymen Hatiebs . —This body has issued an address to the Trades of London , in which they state the resolutions agreed to by them at their public meeting reported in the " Star" last week , and request the decision and co-operation of their fellow -B-orkmen . The Hatters justly state that there is scarcely a party before the public which does not claim to speak in the name and on behalf of the working classes—and they proceed to remark : — "We have thought the working men of England to be grossly misrepresented by this use of their name to indorse every project and party . We have thought that the time had come when a distinct and definite utterance of their opinions should be given by the working men themselves , and not by proxy ; so that pretences might be put down , and public opinion fairly set right , as to our real sentiments . Such an utterance as might be relied upon , certified and made use of . There arc

      changes to he made in our political condition during the next Session of Parliament . Every party agrees that there must be some change , arid it appears most urgent upon us to pronounce emphatically the change we require ; for in case we do not , our real sentiments trill remain unknown , and parties will play the old game of pretending to speak for us , without permission or delegation on our parts . " The Hatters have taken up their position as advocates of Manhood Suffrage , the Billot , Triennial Parliaments , and Equalisation of Electoral Districts ; and found a Committee of lo , for the purpose of procuring the adhesion of other trades , without presuming to dictate that those trades will follow the example , and express their opinions plainly and emphatically , however they may differ from those adopted and placed upon record by the Hatters . " We request , ( say they ) , that any trade or persons who feel an interest in this matter will communicate with the Committee

      ( which meets every Wednesday evening at the Marquis of Granby , Union-street , Borough ) , that we may take counsel together and arrive at the fittest method of putting our united views before the public and before the parliament in an influential maniier ; and that we may appeal to the workmen of the whole land to follow the example , and speak out clearly and at once their sentiments ; distinot from every party , directly from themselves and by themselves , without proxy or intervention . " AVditechapei ,. —Messrs . Bryson , Wheeler , and Shaw , addressed the audience at the Shi p Inn , H'gh-ftreet , Whitechapel , on Sunday evening , upon the subject of the present state and future prospects of France . A considerable amount of general and local business was transacted .

      Literakt Ikstitutios , Leicester-place , Little Saffron-hill . —Mr . Leno lectured hero on Sundav evening . Subject : " The Organisation of Labour . " The lecture was of a hig hly instructive nature , and gave great satisfaction to a numerous audience . Geobgie Milis ( Edinburgh ) . —The members held their usual weekly meeting on the I 7 th inst . — Mr . Peter M'Siel in the chair . —After the usual business had teen disposed of , the following address was aureed to : —

      TO THE CHAITISTS OF CHEAT ISBITiW . Bkethbes , —Peeing that the true and veritable Chartists ¦ who firmed part of the pre ent Executive , have absented themselves fn .-m acting with Messrs . Hunt , Holyoake , and their associates , and seeing that those Rentlemen still clin" to office , and are determined to disfranchise »•! Chartists not 6 ojia / d « ineinhPrs , and also that thf-y have treated with contempt the almost unanimous opinion expressed through the ' Northern Star' by » he Chartists in their local meetings—that the Bsecutivelshould not consist of above five membf rs—we call upon you not to allowyonr rights and opinions to be thus trampled upon , but to arouse voursclves , and carry your expressed opinions into effesr . * We propose that a Provisional Executive beapnoiuted . consisting of the following gentlemen . —E . C . Jones , Esq ., P . O'Connor , Fcq ., M . P .. andT- 11 . Wheeler —those gentlemen to hold office , and issue instructions to the Chartist body until a new Executive be elected . James Chalmehs , Secretary .

      The Officers Of Tub Adsirian Armt.—By Th...

      The Officers of tub adsirian Armt . —By the death of the gallant Digby , I am hapny to s ; iy Austria no longer counts an English officer in her service . The untimely fate of that noble youth has been lamented alike by friend and foe . In a sharp rencontre at some outpost tbe Austrians bad proved victorious , and were reluct ant to give quarter to their Hungarian prisoners . Digby had interposed to rescue them from death , and tbe better to insure his generous meditaton , entered an apartment along with them . Meanwhile the fortune of the day had been retrievad hy the Magyars . In ignorance of his humane intervention , they approached theplace , and demanded the surrender of Diffov . Ou refusing to give up bis sword , be was shot " on the spot . When thev had entered the

      room , and heard the tale of his late generous interposition , the Magyars burst into tears , and kissing tbe prostrate corpse , buried it with the usual military honours . —iVMAaw ' s Kossuth and Magyar Land-Metb opowtji-v Improvements , —It is stated in the Report of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests just published , that the commissioners have sold a p iece of ground from Charlotte-street to Lonr-acre as a site for baths and washhouses for St Giles and St . George ' s parishes . The parishes have paid £ 2 , 650 for the site . A sum of £ 30 , 000 has been appropriated by the commissioners towards the expense of forming and completing a line of street between Southwark and Westminster

      I Bridge . The commissioners have lent £ 30 , 000 to the Westminster Im provement Commissioners to enable them to comp lete and open the new street from We stminster Abbey to Pimlico . Tbe property purchased by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests to enable them to open a new street from the London Docks to Sp italfislds church , amounted to £ 103 , 214 , which has been raised by a duty of Id . per ton on coals imported into the City of London . , The Labour Rate is Ireland . - A return to parliament has been printed , showing that , to the Spring assizes in the present year , the advances for * L uWir rale in Ireland amounted to Sal SS . lot of which £ 263 , 5 i 5 5 s . lid . had been ' paid to the county . treasurers and £ 75 , fi 92 10 s . lid . was still levmbleunder the outstanding warrants . ^^»» -w

      Patrick O'Higgins To The Chae Tists Of G...

      PATRICK O'HIGGINS TO THE CHAE TISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN .

      It is unnecessary to say to you , my friends , that I feel as anxiousl y desirous to see the People ' s Charter the law of the land as if I were an active member of your body . I am sore you give me full credit for entertaining ibis feeling most sincerel y , conscientiously , and devotedly . It occurs to me , that as you are preparing to elect an Executive , a few suggestions from an old friend who has closel y watched all your proceedings , from your formation up to the present time , will not be out of place , and will be received by you in the same good feeling and intention in which they are submitted to your consideration .

      If you look back to the history of the past , and ask yourselves what has been the cause of the failure of Chartism , or rather ita want of progress , you will perceive that every failure , that every calamity which has befallen it , and its present state of pro 8 tration , iB entirely owing to its having from time to time mixed up its objects with other movements and other objects . At present I shall not go into detail . You all know as well as I that no one was ever tried or imprisoned for Chartism , that no lawyer of eminence ( with one disgraceful exception ) , that no judge on the bench or off the bench , ever said that Chartism was unlawful .

      How comes it , then , that so many Chartists have suffered long imprisonment , so many have died in gaol , and so many have been transported ? Because , and only because , you allowed yourselves to be led away from the real object to the wild , visionary , unlawful , and unattainable objects of theorists . Besides , in your very petitions you assumed a species of legislation upon all manner of social and constitutional subjects , instead of confining yourselves to simply demanding a complete and thorough Radical Reform of the House of Commons . Surel y , you will admit that it would be time enough for you to demand alterations in the social system when you got the elective power .

      Now , my friends , I hope and trust that you will avoid those shoals and quicksands for the future . The glorious vessel has been too often stranded . Take courage , avoid the errors of the past , and instead of adding additional sails to the good ship—the People ' s Charter —haul in , and steer a better course , and , depend upon it , you will , before seven years , get safely into harbour . Instead of adding any new nostrum to the six points of the Charter , I should prefer reducing them to three—namel y , Universal Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliamentc These are the three Radical propositions of the old Radical Reformers : —Cartwright , Lennox , Jebb , Sharpe , Loft , Northcote , Cobbett , Hunt , Muir , Arthur O'Connor , Roger O'Connor ( father of Feargus ) , and other great

      men . Now , will any man have the face or the hardihood to tell me that if these three good old Radical propositions became law you could not get the other three iu the very first Session of a Radicall y Reformed House of Commons ? At the same time , I am of opinion that it would betray weakness on your part to abandon or put in abeyance any one of the six points at present . But 1 do implore you to keep clear of all extraneous matters , nostrums , and theories .

      Your attention is respectfull y directed to the subjoined princi p les , rights , and means to achieve these rights , which , in my humble opinion , contain everything you require . And With the ^ iew to guard the Chartists against Powells , Dobbyns , anci the like , and at the same time showing that all persons acquiescing in the object of Chartism arc eli g ible to become members , I have drawn up two salutary rules , which are also subjoined . Iu conclusion , I submit for your consideration whether it would not be wiser aud better

      to have Chartist petitions , even with 1 , 000 names to some of them , than to have on « general petition signed by millions ? Chartist petitions from every locality in England , Scotland , and Wales should be presented to the house hebdomadall y until the first week in June , or sooner , and thou have the question brought forward . This plau would keep Chartism before the house and the country during the greater park of the Session . All the petitions should be short , pithy , and to the purpose . Patrick O'Higgiks . Dublin , December 21 st .

      CHARTISM IS FOUNDED UPOX THE PURE ASD GENUINE PRINCIPLES OT ? RADICAL REFORM ; ITS MOTTO IS , " PEACE-LAW —ORDER ; " AXD ITS OBJECT IS , TO SECURE A FULL , FREE , AND COMPLETE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMONS HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT . PRISGIPLES . 1 . That the power of making laws for this realm , is , by the Constitution , lodgvd in the bands of the king , the lords of Parliament , and the representatives of tbe commons . 2 . That it is required by the principles of tbe Constitution , that the wliole body of ttio people should be really represented in the Rouse of Commons .

      3 . That tbe present system of virtual representation is not real representation , and is , therefore , no representation at all . i . That those who have no votes for electing representatives arc the slaves of the representatives of those who h ; tvc votes . 5 . That where there is no representation , there can be no constitutional power of taxation . 6 . That the rich and the poor , being of the same species , are under the same laws of nature ; and

      being alike capable of benefit or injury from then le « is ! ators , necessarily have in the elecrion of those legislators the same rigiit ; but the rich , iu defence of tbeir liberty and property , have every advantage which wealtii , knowledge , and tlie purchased powers of otbers . iftord them , while the poor , destitute of these , have no security but in the purity of legislation , nor any means of self-defence but in the repossession of the elective power . The poor , then , have an equal right , but were need , to elect representatives than the rkn .

      RIGHTS . 1 . That everv male inhabitant of Great Britain and Ireland ( infants , insane persons , and criminals excepted ) is of common right , and by the laws ot God , a free man , and entitled to the full enjoyment of political liberty . 2 That it is essential to a man ' s political liberty that he have a share either in leg islation itself , or in the election of those who are to frame the laws which although they ought to protect him in the full eniovment of those absolute rights vttucli are veste d in him by the immutable laws of nature , may yet be fabricated to the destruction of Ins person , his property , his relig ious freedom , his family , and his fame ; that , therefore , Universal Suffr is an inherent right .

      age 3 . That it is a natural right of the people of this empire , and required by the principles of the Constitution , that they elect a new house of representatives once at least in every ye ; ir ; because , whenover a parliament continues in being .-for a longer term th ;« n one session , then thousands who since it was chosen have attained to man s estate , ( that is to sav , the age of twenty-one y ears ) and are , therefore , entitled to enter into immediate possession of that elective power which is their best and most sacred inheritance , are , in that case , unjustly denied their right , and excluded from theenjoyment of politicallibcrty

      . 4 . That it is , therefore , risht and just that all the male inhabitants of this kingdom ( infants , insane persons , and criminals excepted , ) shall fully , fairly , and completely -enjoy the Elective Franchise , that is to say , Universal Suffrage ; that , m

      Patrick O'Higgins To The Chae Tists Of G...

      order to protect the poor elector against tyranny the voting shall be bv Ballot ; that the Parliaments shall be annual ; that the Property Qualification shall be Abolished ; that the whelo empire shall be divided into Equal Electoral Districts ; and that the Representatives of the people shall be Paid . MEANS TO ACHIEVE THOSE BIGHTS . 1 . B y creating a public opinion in their- favour , through the medium of public meetings , petitions to Parliam ent , discussions , lectures cheap publications , and the newspaper press ; and also by securing the return of members to Parliament , pledged to secure a full , free , and complete representation of the people in the Commons House of Parliament . 2 . By raising the requisite funds , by subscriptions and voluntary donations , to defray expenses .

      RULES . 1 . That all persons acquiescing in the object of the People ' s Charter shall be eligible to become members on payment of 2 . That Chartism is exclusively and entirely devoted to the achievement of its object—namely , a full , free and complete representation of the people iu the Commons House of Parliament ; and that , therefore , no propositions of any nature or kind whatever , differing ¦ from , or in anywise foreign to , its object , shall , under any circum ataneea , ; be permitted to be introduced at any Chartist meetings .

      Gomijjhrotowfc

      GomiJjHrotowfc

      Organisation Of The Executive. To The Ed...

      ORGANISATION OF THE EXECUTIVE . TO THE EDITOR OF TUB NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Having taken an interest in the movement denominated Chartism for very many years , and being most anxious that the principles and objects embodied in that document shall one day be annexed to our Constitution , or made the law of the land , perhaps you will allow a small space in your journal for a few remarks on the pre sett position of the Chartist body , and the care necessary , lest , at this critical moment , a false i-teii be taken which may take vears to redeem .

      1 perceive that Mr . E . Jones has taken up the position that a paid Executive of three or five persons is preferrable to the mode devised by tbe late Convention , and which has been in operation since that period . With the reasons or arguments adduced , in favour of the Executive being paid instead of being gratuitous , I shall not cavil . Most assuredly , were the people organised efficiently and extensively , that mode of having paid servants would be the best ; besides , tbe principle is fully accorded in our claims for paid representatives—but the question with me i ? , issuch a thing practicable —nay , I ask , is it possible at the present time , to expect anything approaching to practicability in the proposition ? I am surprised that Mr . Jones should , under present circumstances , make the attempt . Again , the manner in which Mr . J . brings

      forth his scheme cutting right and left at his colleagues in office : this man is no t fi t , because ho is something more than a Chartist ; and another is not fit , because be is something less ; thus paring down the fitness of each and of all till our choice becomes limitud to a single individual or two , for 1 apprehend that very few amongst the many advocates of the Charter would like to have their opinions chained down to the very letter of the document ; and more over , we have learned , by experience , that to put such a gag upon our best men , would either drive them from us , or make them professed hypocrites . But , the chief objection I have to urge , is the bad precedent of allowing one man to feb up his judgment in opposition to the many , and to endeavour to break up the present organisation by throwing tthe apple of discord amongst us , and thus resarding the already too slow progress of the

      Association . My view of a good and discreet Chartist is , that if at any time he shall feel convinced that any matter or thing connected with the movement can bo improved , that that subject shall be brought before the whole Executive , and discussed there , and then only if a majority of them determine to lay the matter before the country , shall such a procedure follow ? What has been more detrimental to our cause is , individuals , at one time or other , putting forth their crude notions relative to what the Chartists should do , and what they should not do ; each one by such conduct causing a division of the main body , and taking over to his views a few of the original stock of Chartists , which , from the many repetitions , have brought the power and influence of that body down to zero ,

      If 1 understood the nature and purpose Of the last Convention , the extent of the injury was so patent that it was intended to devise a remedy by bringing within its pale parties who , although Chartists , wove something more , and whose opinions were entertained by many hundreds and thousands of the people . The Convention succeeded in so constructing a code of rules so liberal as to allow of such influential persons to hold a seat on the Executive—the plan of organisation w . is going on well . Many of our friends , the Socialists and the Republicans , had foregone their prejudices , and were willing to

      assist in getting tbe Charter as a means to an end This is the very thing we want—a thorough amalgamation of all shades of opinions , and to centre all GUI' fol'Ce in the Obtaining of the Charter ; which when obtained , ( and by no other means can it be peaceably obtained ) still let us act on the principle that the minority shall be subject to the majority , and whatever measures such majority may determine , depend upon it there is certain less evil to follow than by obstinacy and stuboornncss , to split us up into fractions , and thus make us become powerless , and reduce us to the same position as before .

      Sir , I trust the Chartist body , feeble and few in number though they be , will not allow this onslaught on the present mode of conducting tho Chartist business to divide them . It must necessarily make them less powerful . I hope that they will go on electing those men on whom they can depend as the future Executive , and when the tinm arrives that the funds of the Chartist Exchequer are redundant , they will then consider , by summoning a Convention , whether to have a paid Executive or not . I am , Sir , yours , & c , An " Old Guard . "

      Seamen's Missionary In Ireland . To The ...

      SEAMEN'S MISSIONARY IN IRELAND . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERS STAR . Sm , —Perhaps it will be gratifying to you and your numerous readers amongst my sea-faring brethren , to know that the cause of the British Seamen has found a hearty response before Uo largo public . isfombliegiii Btlfjist . liai'ing recently organised the Ports of Cumberland 1 crossed the Channel , and landed lor the first time in " Ould" Ireland , on Tuesday , December 16 th . . I have organised a Branch of seventy five members , and held two public

      meetings ' , Captitin Robinson in the chair , on Thursday 18 th , and by adjournment on Saturday 20 th . At the latter the following resolution was passed—Moved by Captain William Hutchinson , seconded by John Heron , " That tho meeting having heard the causes of the present agitation among British Seamen , do most cordially sympathise with them in their present laudable endeavours constitutionally to erase tho Registration Act of 1844 , the MeVcantile Marine Act of 1850 , and all other Anti-British Acts , from the St atute Books of this realm , and will support tho prayer of their petition . " —Carried unanimously .

      The Seamen ' s standard is now planted in the Green Isle , and I confidently assert , that it will gather not only Seamen , but Captains , Mates , and Ship owners , until the present political adventurers arc driven from Her Majesty ' s Government ; as all parties connected with Maritime matters in Belfast and its neighbourhood are opposed to the Anti-British Policy of the present Administration . Hoping to find a corner vacant in the People ' s Paper , I am , your fellow labourer in the cause of freedom , HesRT Greensidrs , Seamen ' s Missionary . Belfast , Dec . 23 rd , 1 S 51 .

      Defrauding The Lonhon And North-Western ...

      Defrauding the Lonhon and North-Western Railway . —Ou Monday morning John Baracrce , an Irishman , was charged before Mr . Trafiord and the mayor , at tbe SaJford Town-hall , with riding on the London and North-Western Railway without a ticket . From the statement of Mr . Rankin , one of the officers of the Victoria station , it appeared that the prisoner had booked on Saturday atternoon at Warrington to the Kewton Junction . The prisoner continued his journey , on to Manchester without getting another ticket , by tho three o ' clock train from Liverpool , thus paying for two miles and travelling eig hteen . He bad nothing to say for himself and was fined 20 s ., falling payment to be imprisoned twenty-one days . He was locked up .

      Pttwc ^Jetings.

      PttWc ^ jetings .

      The Late Manchester Reform Conference. A...

      THE LATE MANCHESTER REFORM CONFERENCE . A meeting was held at Manchester on Tuesday afternoon , to receiVe the answer of Lord Johu Russell to the letter of the Ri g ht Hon T . M . Gibson , M . P ., requesting his lordship to appoint au interview vith a deputation from the recent Reform Conference . Mr . Bri ght , M . P ., Mr . Kershaw , M . P ., and other distinguished reformers were present . Mr . jG-corge Wilson presided .

      The Chairman having read the answer which had been received h y Mr . Gibson from Lord John Russell , and which has alread y appeared iu the 'Northern Star , ' stating that bis lordshi p thought that great inconvenience would arise from receiving deputations from particular districts on a subject of this nature , in which , the whole country was interested , and therefore must decline to veceivo tho deputation , said he ( thought Lord John Russell would exceedingly regret the communication he had made to Mr . Milner Gibson on the subject of this conference . ( Hear , hear . ) It could not contribute in the slightest degree to the maintenance of the proper spirit of communication between the Prime Minister of this

      country and so many great employers of labour as were represented at the conference . Lord J . Russell had done wrong not to receive this deputation ; for , if anything could be charged against that deputation and against the men who met at that Conference one thing more than another , it was this , that they had uniformly given him a support which was neither purchased nor bought , nor induced hy the slightest prospect of office . Mr . J . Bkight , M . P ., was bound to say that his opinion was that not onl y had Lord John Russell not done that which he should have done , in refusing to see the deputation ,

      but he thought further that his Lordshi p had not given them the true reason for what he had done , ( Hear , hear . ) He considered the reason given by his Lordship as one that was decidedly evasive , as well as most unsatisfactory . If his Lordshi p had intended to bring forward a measure of reform such as would meet tbe views of that large party in lhe country who had advocated reform at all , it appeared to him ( Mr . Bright ) that instead of confining himself to the little circle of his own party connexions or contenting himself with the meagre information which any individual scout of his might pick up in various parts of the country , that it should have been precisely what his Lordship

      wished , that a dozen or twenty gentlemen of . education and influence , and great knowledge of ' their respective localities should meet him in Downingstreet and have a free conversation with him on the subject . ( Hear , hear ) . If Lord John Russell had any wieh to ascertain the opinion of people such as the recent deputation was composed of , and unless ho was hetter acquainted with the feelings and wishesof the country than he ( Mr , Bright ) supposed he was , he had lost a good deal by b ! s conduct . ( Hoar , hear . ) If his lordship meant to shut himself in Woburn Abbey , or some aristocratic teclusion , and take only the opinion of his own immediate party—if a dozen or so members of a' clique were

      to draw out what was to bo the government of the country for some fifty years to come , —we were really in no better position than some of thenations abroad that we had been pitying so much of late . He would move the following resolution , which he thought very moderately expressed his own opinion , and he suspected also that of the meeting : — " That this meeting regrets extremely that Lord John RusselUias declined ro receive the deputation appointed at the late conference , and cannot but regard the reason assigned as evasive and unsatisfactory . That on a question of an improved

      representation , tbe opinions of a deputation appointed at a conference , representing to a large extent , the feelings of the population of the two most populous counties in the united kingdom , cannot be without influence , and have a strong claim on the respectful consideration of the government ; and this meeting expresses its apprehension that tiie course taken by the Minister is not calculated to increase the confidence of the reformers of the united kingdom in his intention to bring forward a substantial measure of Parliamentary Reform . "

      Mr . G . Haufikld suggested that the word " evasive" be struck out of the resolution . After a dicoussion between Mr . E- Dyer , Mr . 11 . Ashworth , and Mr . Bright , the resolution ( wish tho alteration suggested by Mr . lladfield ) was tarried unanimously . _ Mr . Biught thought if there were some £ 2 , 000 £ 3 , 000 , or £ 4 ., 000 , more or less , in the course of collection , it would unable various very legitimate and propei-machinery to be put in motion , su that ther would , at any rate , leave Lord John Russrll with out an excuse for whatever was done , and they would not then have to blame themselves . If they stavted with % subscription of £ 50 a-picce , no doubt many others would subscribe , perhaps , less sums , and in this w ; . y they would bo able to get all the funds they desired . This being agreed to , Mr . G . Uadfikt . d said he would give £ S 0 . Mr . Bright said he would give ' £ 50 also .

      Louis Kapoleojt And Tiie French People. ...

      LOUIS KAPOLEOJT AND TIIE FRENCH PEOPLE . A public meeting was held on Tuesday evening , at the Literary Institution , Ray-street , " Olerkcnwell , on the above subject , Mr . Lombard was elected to the chair , and briefly introduced the subject of the meeting . Mr . Osbohse moved the following resolution : — That this meeting views with alarm anil indignation tilt * scenes recently transacted iu France , aud hereby express their hatred and abhorrence of Louis Napoleon ami his abettors . They ulso cannot avoid recording their opininn that the conduct of Lord Normanby has not been such as accords with the popular feeling iu this country , and earnestly call upon the British public to give their sympathy to the cause of republicanism in France , and prevent , if possible , tho onward career of despotism in that country aud throughout Europe . He regretted that Mr . O'Brien was unable to take the chair , according to arrangement . The horrible

      massacres that had taken place in France must be regretted and denounced by all lovers of liberty and humanity . He could not agree that Louis Napoleon was a brave man . He permitted tbe butchery of tho people of Paris , but did not dare to head tho troops who thus exercised their sanguinary dispositions upon an unarmed and deceived people . The people of Franco were not only to be pitie : ) , but * also to be admired . Their present position was the result of a too generous trust in the promises of the false Republicans . If they had properly exorcised a strict justice upon the abettors of despotism , liberty might new be triumphant in France . Tbe object of the Usurper was ' to put down Socialism in France ; and in this they were aided by the English and the whole European Press , It was such men as Lamartine and Cavaignac who were responsible for the present position of Republicanism in France .

      Mr . h inlen seconded the resolution . It was the duty of all reflecting persona to examine into the history of the pust ; and that past would teach them that they must act decisively if they expected to reap the results of a revolution . Such was the state of preparation in which the Usurper had placed , not only Paris , but the whole of France , that it would have been madness if they had o . \ po * e / l tbeir lives to the armed force who were prepared to crush them . Louis Napoleon depended upon French bayonets ; and when he eouid no longer bribe them like the old Roman praetarian guards , they would prove too powerful for him , and he would fall powerless a victim to an injured

      and insulied people . He did not despair of the future of France . They bad only to bide their time , and the hour of vengeance would surely arrive . He did not think they need feel any alarm of tho despot making an attack upon Britain , as many were ready to suggest . If Louis Napoleon and his'Northorn allies davotl to draw the sword , I 2 * i < j . land would not stand alone . Hungary and ItnU * would rise against tbeir oppressors , and America would not be an idle spectator of the contest . The result of tho present ballot was not to be taken as a criterion of public opinion . Death was the result . of an expression of freedom , aud men could not be expected to give an unbiassed vote under such awful tyranny . Such was the state of France that

      Louis Kapoleojt And Tiie French People. ...

      fear alone would reinstate Napoleon in power . Und these circumstances he did not look with alarm upo the votes said to bo recorded in bis favour . II was not in favour of bloodshed . butit was far better that one tyrant should die than that thousands of innocent men should bo sacrificed . The people of Franco must spread wWer ind wider the principles of social liberty until the nation , as one man , rose and crushed for ever the system by which tbey were bound , They roust no longer be cajoled by the li p eloquence of mock patriots . Life was too

      precious to be sacrificed for such results as had hitherto been gained . The people were prodigal of then * blood : but in future they must be prepared t )*;* t genuine democracy—the democracy of Ledru Bollin and Louis Blanc , should be the guerdon for which they battled , —whether it was achieved by the power of the sword or the peaceful spread of ilemocr . ilie knowledge . Noither peace t . or safety cuuld be expected in Prance until these sentiments were m * ide . Universal Liberty could never bo permanent in France , while despotism was rampant in tbe surrounding countries . There must bo a universal compact . among the peoples of Europe against tyrants .

      Mr . Bk ' zkr supported the resolution . Villanous as was tho conduct of Napoleon , he was not alone in his misdeeds . He was but the rep resentativa of a party which existed not only in France and Europe , but in England also . A party who were made and kept despo : s by the abject submission of the people , Tho plan of Louis Napoleon was no offshoot of the momei . t . Tho idea was one that despotism h id long entertained : it was the result of a wide-spread conspiracy . The pretence of arresting the representatives of the party of Order , was too transparent to deceive any thinking man . It was a pre-arranged affair ; and tbe democrats of

      Paris were acting with great wisdom in not allowing their feelings of indignation to overcome tbeir udgment . It mattered little to the people wbo was in power while they were deprived of it . All past history demonstrated that when a tyrant depended for support upon his army alone that the day of his downfall was not far distant . The coup d ' etat was meant to ward off tho uprising of deinoeraey in 1852 . They must learn wisdom from the past , and , like their opponents , act with secrecy and decision . The wrongs of working men were similar throughout all nations , aud tho remedy in all countries was tho same . "When the rich

      conspired , the poor must coalesce . Association must henceforth be the watchword of the people . All who were living by oppression were abettors of Louis Napoleon . The result of the ballot proved nothing against tho utility of Universal Suffrage . Those who voted ag-dnst him were men who were willing to risk their lives in defence of a veritable democratic republic ; whilst those who voted for him were acting from a mixture of motives , but without any love for cither Napoleon or bia government .

      Tbe resolution was then carried unanimously , and , after a few remarks from Messrs . Wheeler and Osborne , a vole of thanks was given to tho Chairman , and the meeting dispersed .

      Retirement Of Lord Palmerston From The C...

      RETIREMENT OF LORD PALMERSTON FROM THE CABINET ! The " Times" of Wednesday morning opened its first leader with the following announcement : — A few days ago , after the departure of all the Ministers from London , and at the near approach of Christmas , a Cabinet Council was unexpectedly summoned , although no assignable cause of public interest had occurred to explain this sudden requisition . This Cabinet was held on MonG *< y , the 22 nd inst ., and it was remarked with surprise that Lord Falmerston , one of the most assiduouR members of the government , was not present . From these circumstances suspicion was excited , and surmise became rife . We now have it in our power to remove all further uncertainty on the subject , for we are enabled to announce , that irom the day on which that Cabinet was held Viscount Falmerston ceased to hold the office of Secretary of State for Foreign Atfairs , or to be a member of Her Majesty ' s Government .

      In explanation of so astounding and apparently sudden event , we arc told •—" " Difficulties had arisen , not only in the conduct of affairs with foreign States , but in th « transaction of business connected with our foreign policy at home , which had shaken the confidence of Ministers in the Secretary for Foreign Affairs , and had weakened the control which the First Minister is bound to exercise over every department of the government . These difficulties are not of yesterday , though they may have been heightened by some recent official egressions of sentiment which have been received with irritation abroad , and with adonishnmit at home . .... The administration , of our foreignaffairs by Lord Palmerston had apparently left him without an ally in Europe , and , as some think , without a friend . "

      All but his lordship ' s warmest admirers bad eonged to hope much from bis efforts for the establishment of constitutional government ; but evea tbey will be staggered to learn that" his very last act in power was to express his unqualified approbation of tho coup d ' etat . " It is intimated that his colleagues offered him another department , which was " not accepted . " Of his successor , we arc told— "the seals have been offered to , if not already accepted by , a nobleman , whothougncoiuparativcly young in political life , has commanded the praise and esteem of the country in all the positions he has hitherto filled" —a description that may answer to Lord Orenville .

      The Napiers Aud Tilt; "Tottering Mixisti...

      THE NAPIERS AUD Tilt ; "TOTTERING MIXISTin . " There is always one or other of the family plaguing , by pertinncioutt VMnnMUrs of bis ' hriliianb explots , " the easy going civilian . ' * who distribute the prizes of valour . Napier , tho historian , has just written a narrative of the war in Soinde , for the vindication of his brother , Sir Charles the Oenei ' . il ; and now Sir Charles the Admiral , is pouring broadsides into the ministerial craft because ' no has been refused a coveted command . In April last , Sir Charles Napier wrote to remind Lord John Russell that he finished his " not very pleasant letter f > f the 25 th January , 1850 , " by telling him ( Sir Charles ) , " Your brilliant services on the eoust of Syria evince the energy and boldness of your professional character , and will always bo

      remembered by me . " As Sir William Parker was " not likely to remain in tho Mediterranean all his lift ! , " Sir Charles suggested that Lord John would bavo an opportunity ol' rewarding his " brilliant services . " Lord John answered , that he bad not at all altered his opinion of Sir Charles ' s energy and decision , but . the Mediterranean command was not vacant , and ho did not know how soon it would be so ; bo must preserve his opinion quite unfettered till then , when ho should weigh only the merits of tho officers eligible . At the end of September , Sir Charles learned , with tho rest of the public , that Sir Francis Baring had selected Rear-Admiral Du . 'i'las for the command of the Mediterranean ; so be wrote to Lord John , asking if his

      merits had been weighed as promised ? Without disparaging Admiral Dumbs—whose merits he admitted , but who had not had the opportunity o giving such services to the country as himself , ho thought that ho had reason t-j complain of the intended arrangement . Lord John Russell answered , rli . tr . the value of Sir Charles ' s services were not disputed ; but the Mediterranean command required " an officer who shall possess tho full confidence of the Government "— au officer on whose " secrecy smrt discretion" the Queen ' s Ministers could full y rely . " I am sorry to say , " Lord John Russell added , " that notwithstanding your many brilliant exploits , I could not place iu you that implicit confidence which is required . Sir Charles Napier re *

      ( died , that su « ih candour as this in the first instance would have saved Lord John ami himself somi trouble . If be did not now ei-joy the otn-ntleuce of tho Board , they had changed tbeir opinionbiased , no doubti by the First Lord , " who took the earliest opportunity of insulting tne , for reasons best known to himself . " Ho hoped the officer chosen for tho Mediterranean command " may be successful and discreet enough to uphold a tottering administration , " List ffeck , Sir Charles followed up his letter by another , accompanied , by , i vast number of testimonies of confidence in his conduct , which be has received from the Admiralty since 1 S 28 , when Lord Melville was at its hi ad . Ho conciusled with these sentences : — " 1 don't dispute * my lord , your right to appoint to the Mediterranean command whom you please ; hut I dispute your right to damn my professional reputation by sending me the bitter you have done .

      This is not tbe time , my lord , to affront an officer who has rendered some service to his Q-ieen and country , when France , with an army of 400 , 000 men is in a blaz ? , Your lordship is ' renowned for writting indiscreet epistles , and as it would be a pity to withhold your last , I shall scnd it to the press . " The whole correspondence w ( is t . ] ien sent to tho " Times" yesterday , "that £ 11 * 0 country and navy may sec ihat Ministerial :. nd Admiralty jobbery ivvs of nieie importance in the eves of a Whig Prime Minister than either ran k or f ;•> maka uso of his own expression ) - brilliant exploits . "' Sir Charles ' s letter to the editor winds up with a defiance of the Admiralty . ' - Were the navy ruled by a professional man , he would not have dared to dishonour an officer ; that is left to Lord John Russell and Sir Francis B , iring , who appear not to know what military honour is ; anJ , thank God , I am in a position and independent enough to tell thein so . "

      Coals A T Hertford —The Authorities Of T...

      Coals a t Hertford —The authorities of the city of Linden , awing under the powers £ \ ven by tha words surreptitiously introduced into the Coal Act , hive made a charge of Is . per ton on all coals introeuced into Hertford and other places within twenty miles of London , measuring as " the crow flits . " The price of coals in Hertford is , therefore , Is . per ton higher than at Ware . There is no longer an hope of redress , except hy an appeal lo the jusliceof i arlinmsnt . —Hertford Mercury , '

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 27, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_27121851/page/1/