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Northern Star (1837-1852), 29th September 1849, Edition 2 of 3, Page 5, LETTERS TO THE WORKING CLASSES. LX.; " W...

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      Tiie Currexcl' Question. To Tiie Iiditon...

      aud . scores of thousands of white-fingered idlers , in the shape of managers and clerks . I do not wonder that Mr . Culpan is " at a loss to discover the meaning of my first proposition , as it is evident that he las not read it with attention . I said " if all the other institutions of a community were as they ought- to be , the quantity of the circnlating medium , or money , of the community would not be of the slightest moment . " Xow he leaves oat tee word other , and makes me to say , " if all the institutions , & c . " He then goes on to say , " it is evident that were all institutions rigkt there would be nothing wrong , and is not paper inoncy an institution ? " This is unfair . Sly SCCOHu proposition , he says , " charges a class of individuals with .... ... I " . ,.

      "being swindlers , and yet in a former part of my letter I advise the laitsez faire principle ;" . he then asks , " how can these evil ' s be remedied on the letalone principle V Now this is too bad . I advise the '' let-alone principle" with regard to money . Conformable to this , 1 find fault with rascally paper money makers , because they have not let it alone , and my words are construed into a recommendation to let ihem alone ! to allow them to go on in the wicked career . With your permission , Air . Editor , I will enlarge a little on these propositions . In the first place , I contend then , tliat if a community were fairly and honestly governed , it makes no difference to that community whether the circulating medium be five pounds , or ten pounds , per head . The difference , if anv , would be in favour of the « naWcr amount , as

      in that case , the half-sovereign would he equal to the purchasing power of the sovereign in the other case . In one state of things it would require ten ponnds , perhaps , to move a horse from the hands of the seller to the buyer ; and in the other , it would take twenty pounds to perform the same amount of trade . In a community , with one half of the circulating medium , the shoemaker would receive five shillings for a pair of shoes , for which , if the money were doubled in quantity , he would receive ten shillings ; but as the shoemaker in the former case would he able to purchase his hat , his coat , and every other article he wanted , at half-price , the smaller amount of money would make no difference either to him or to any other honest man .

      Xow do not let Mr . Culpan , or any body else , misunderstand me , —these observations have no reference to our enormous amount of taxation and otttaseously extravagant expenditure . If , indeed , that is to be maintained at its present amount , —if we are still to continue to raise sixty millions a-ycar in taxes for fundholders , tax-eaters , and pensioners , —and six or eight millions for parsons , —let us by all means establish the bank , —Ictus multiply hank notes , —let us increase the amount , and consequently decrease die value of the money , until the nominal value of a pair of shoes reaches to five or ten pounds , and the quarter of wheat to fifty pounds . Seeing that this decreased value will also decrease the prcssnre of taxation in the same proportion ; and " . whatever is kept from the gripe of the taxeater is so mnch gain to the nation , —to the industrious part , at least . So far , I see an advantage in

      paper money . But would it not be wiser , safer , and better , to reduce these taxes at once in a fair , strai g htforward manner , than effect the same purpose in this roundabout way ? It is a well known fact * that all sorts of commodities have , on an average , fallen in value one half within the last twenty years , which fall is principally owing to Peel's Bill , and a repeal of the Corn Laws , and , therefore , instead of going back to these laws , let these taxes be reduced , at any rate , so as to give the tax receiver the same amount of provisions , of elothin < r , and other commodities , as he had at the time when these taxes were imposed . As an individual I should go much farther . I look upon the taxes imposed upon me for the National Belt , —Wellington and Queen Adelaide's pensions , and all such like , — to be just so much robbery , —which I would get rid of , if I were able ; every farthing of which is extracted trom me at the point of the bayonet .

      I wonld just suggest , in conclusion , that this question must be argued « jxtr £ from our present enormous taxations ; " the ;> ro paper money partisans are expected to prove that a paper money is preferable to money possessing intrinsic value ; they must show us how this paper weald work in our foreign transactions ; they must give us the precise details as to the working of the Dank , and the issuing and withdrawal of the notes ,- and they will please to show how a poor man is to obtain the cash to build his cottage at one per cent , per annum . Let them give us all the details ia the working of the scheme , avoiding all matters which arc irrcvelant , and , with your permission , Air . EJitor , they shall have my reply . Yours respectfully , Rzchaud Brook .

      Idlersiniloarearden And Deputy F Cohlbat...

      SsgrniBBS SO , 1849 . , -- THE NORTHERN STAR , - ¦ > ¦ ^¦^¦ - ¦¦¦ - ^ , ^ l . it I —— - — -. : .

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      Maxstox-House. — How Xo Live Ito.V " S-N...

      MAXSTOX-HOUSE . — How xo Live ito . v " S-nobs . "—James IVcntworth , who was some days ago brought up on charges of swinding , having obtained goods by representing himself as the son of Godfrev Wantworth , Esp ., of Wooliey-park , Wakefield , and nephew of Earl Fitzwilliam , was put to the bar before Alderman Gibbs for farther examination . The justice-room was crowded with respectable tradesmen , who were drawn together by the public statements made of the achievements of the prisoner , who appeared upon the occasion to he full of confidence , and wholly regardless of the effect produced upon the auditors . —Mr . Lewis appeared in support of the prosecution , which was brought by 3 Ir . Owen , secretarv to the London Trade

      Protection Societr , Xo . 17 " , Retrent-street . "The prisoner defended " himself . He was in the first instance , it will be recollected , accused of having defrauded Air . "Beck , of Coleman-street , of mathamaiical instruments , and of having by false representations obtained possession of the house Xo . 31 A , Savillcrow , and fixtures and other property therein from the owner . Air . Reynolds , of Cambridge-terrace , Hyde-park , and Moorgatc ^ street , surgeon . —Air . Lewis said he could on the present occasion showthat the prisoner had , in his dealings with Air . Ttcvnolds added forgery to the offence of misdemeanor with which he was charged , by handing over to that gentleman tv <* promissory notes for £ 135 iu payment of ihe amount for which ihe

      con-, tract had been made , signed James Wentworth , a name assumed bv the prisoner for the purpose of fraud , and to which he had no claim whatever . — The prisoner : Oh , then the charge of fraud is abandoned , as you intend to prefer the heavier one of for ^ crv . —Mr . Lewis said the prisoner was mistaken . AfrT Beck would proceed with the charge of fraud . The fovsery would proceed without reference to that charge . * Is would aypcnr from tho evidence to be adduced , that the prisoner , instead of being ihe relative of a noble family , was a person named Green , who had lately been discharged from a criminal prison , and that he had been engaged in several cases in which gross plunder had been committed , it ' - Ucvnolds was called . —The Prisoner :

      "Sow is this examination with reference to the for ^ erv or the fraud 1—Air . Lewis : The forgery . — The prisoner : Tory well . —Air . Beyuohls proceeded : Ue sot possession of my house , Xo . 31 A , Savil-vow , and some fixtures aud furniture . He wastopav £ ' 35 on the 15 th of Auirust , the day he got possession . I did not receive the money , but on the Sth of September he put these two promissory note * the one for £ ^ 0 , the other for £ 75 , into my hand ' s ' . —The Prisoner : —Xow , I beg that yon will make a special note of that statement . —Air . Reynolds : I refused to take the notes then in lieu ot money , hut I took them afterwards . When I did take them I took them believing the prisoner to be the man he pretended to be . —The prisoner objected

      to such a course of examination , as it was the very course he meant to adopt in his cross-examination . —Mr . Reynolds : I objected to receiving the bills at all . I said I knew nothing of bills , and never used them , but if he could prove to me that they were securities , I should have no ^> bjection to take them . A ter a "ood deal of conversation , he referred me to lis friend , Air . Wormold , the banker , director of the Northern Counties coal Company , whom he re-Eresented as the man of money in the concern , and esaid that if I would show the signature to Glyn or Jones Lord , the bills would be at once discounted , as " his name was well known to every "banker in London . ( A laugh . ) Upon inquiry of Sir . Wormold , I found that the name of the party with whom Iliad been negotiating was Green , and

      not Wentworth , and then I immediately had communication with Air . Beck . On Tuesday I wrote to "Mr . Godfrey Wentworth , of Woollcy-park , and received an answer informing me that the person about whom I wrote was not one of the fimily , and of coarse , an impostor and swindler . —ihe prisoner : Xow , my lord , before you proceed further in this examination , I apply to you , that , as this is a charge of for « ery committed , if any wheie , m the comitate send it away from tins tribunal , as it iannot be legally matter of inquiry here .-Alderman Gibbs said he would satisfy the prisoner upon that subject , and read the " Forgery Act , , by which a magistrate in tbe place in which a prisoner may have ' been apprehended , may examine and commit , whatever the actual offence might have been committed -The Prisoner : Oh ! -After some evidence bv tailors and others who had been swindled by the ^ . - ¦ . ^„„ - > f ^ rw ™ Morris , of > o . 300 ,

      Oxfoul-« .- * . t , . Wr , « i £ r Law known the prisoner very well since 18 i 2 , as James Green . He was a debtor of mine , and I never knew him in the name of « ent--worth . —The Prisoner : How long is it since you last saw me?—Witness : AVithin the last month . — The Prisoner : You said , I think , that I was a creditor of yours ? ( Laughter . )—Witness : Xo : a debtor Yon might have dealt with me ten years a « rn I mentioned to the Society for the Protection ofine Trade that I had seen you in the street . I did not mention the name of Wentworth , and did "' . tnntrnBvihing of it , but I described you , and ? £ } T ? JIT ( A laush . } -The- Prisoner : Xow ,

      mvlord here is a heterogenous mass ot evidence hrnnriit before your lordship , and I am sure you SfficSWi fc- * . Lewis : I shall close the jcaie of forgery fifth one move witness . —Mr , George

      Maxstox-House. — How Xo Live Ito.V " S-N...

      Iloare , warden and deputy-governor , of Cohl-bathfields Prison , was then called . He said : I know the prisoner . He was sentenced in Slay , 1 S 47 , to two years' imprisonment for fraud , on two indictments , in the name of James Edward Green , and he served out the period of imprisonment , and was discharged on the 9 th of May , 1849 . —[ Here the order of imprisonment was produced and read . ]—Air . Lewis : He was not permitted during that time to take any survey of India , I suppose?—Witness : By no means . ( Laughter . )—Mr . Lewi * : That is all the evidence I shall bring forward OR the charge < . f forgery . I shall now complete the evidence with regard to the mathamatical instruments obtained from Mr . Beck . —A pawnbroker then nroduced a Irr I ™ . « J ^ nrtfr ^/ lmni ^ . . fft . IJ

      box of matUamatocal instruments which had been pledgedathisshopontheOth of September . —Air . Beck swore that he believed they were the instruments which the prisoner had obtained from him on theTthof September .- [ llere the card containing Mr . Reynolds name , which the prisoner handed to Mr . Beck , was produced . ]—Mr . Reynolds said he never had given that card to the prisoner , but believed prisoner had taken from a drawer in the house in Savil-row , and applied it to the purposes of deception . —Mr . J . Little , of Camden-house , Kensington , builder , said , I produce an agreement made between the prisoner and myself when he took a house , No . 14 , Sherbourne-street , from me for three years , at £ 42 a year , in the name of Wentworth . He called at my house and introduced himself without ceremony , as James Wentworth , Esq ., civil engineerengineer to a railroad in the Indies , and said he

      wished to take a house for Sir John Hamilton's daughter . I said I had no objection , and he said the lady was in reduced circumstances , but her money would pass through his hands , and I would be perfectly safe in letting the house . He appointed to meet me next day at his office , 31 a , Saville-row , where I saw all appearance of respectability , and I said it was a matter of indifference to me whether I let the house to the Jady or to him . I saw some persons with drawing implements apparently very busy , and I finally let the house to him . Soon after he got possession I found that , instead of Lady or Miss Hamilton , there were eight or nine dirty children in it , and I suppose it is all going to pieces . ( Laughter . )—The prisoner : How can you be sure that Lady Hamilton is not there ? ( Great laughter . ) —Witness : I am sure she is not . —The prisoner ; I am sure she is . ( Loud laughter . )—Air . Lewis : Have the children been taken ont of the workhouse

      and placed there ?—Witness ; I believe they have either come out of the workhouse , or out of some wretched four-roomed house in the neighbourhood . —Air . J . T . Slow , butcher of Pollen-slrect , said , I let chambers to the prisoner on the 23 rd of July , lie is now in occupation , but has not been much thereof late . —The prisoner : They were only chambers , bachelors' chambers . —Mr . Lewis : "Do you know anything of his wife and children ?—Witness : He had a wife and six children in the workhouse a short time ago . —Air . Little : I dare say they are in the house now . ( Laughter . )—The prisoner : I am still in occupation there—I have no idea of leaving

      it . ( Laughter . ) — Mr . Snow : He introduced one lady as Lady Harewood to me —( laughter)—and he had several other visitors , whom he described as persons of rank . I have seen a great many visitorsgo to him , whom I did not consider at all respectable . —The prisoner : That ' s saying nothing at all . — Mr . Lewis : Did you get any rent yet ?—The prisoner : I took the chambers by the quarter , and of course he could not get any rent yet . It ' s quite time enough to pay when the time arrives . ( Laughter . )—Alderman Gibbs : I remand the prisoner until Thursday next , in order that the . depositions may be made out , and then I shall commit him for trial .

      WORSHIP-STREET .-A Cruise on Shobe .-John Barrett , a tall weather-beaten sailor , was charged before Mr . Hamniill , under the following circumstances : —A cabman , named Plumley , stated that he had just set down a fare at the Eustonsquare railway terroinos , on the preceding evening , when he was hailed by a policeman , who directed his attention to the prisoner and another man—the former of whom was in a state of helpless intoxication , and told him that as the sailor was entirely in capable of taking care of himself , he had better receive fhem both info his cab , and take instructions from his friend , who was quite sober , as to where he should convey them to . The prisoner was then helped into the cab with the assistance of his friend ,

      who desired hnn to proceed to the St . Katharine ' s Docks , and he accordingly drove them in that di : ection ; but on reaching a street near Finsbury-square , the sober man pulled the check-string , and * got out , telling him thut he must call upon a friend close by , and would be back in a few minutes . After waiting nearly half an hour without seeing any more of him , " he opened the cab door to obtain further instructions from his remaining fare , when he found the prisoner stretched out in the cab , in a state of perfect helplessness , with ail his pockets turned inside out . As it was manifest that he had been j obbed , and was too insensible to comprehend anything he said to him , he considered the best course he could adopt was to drive him at or . ee to the

      police station , that he might be properly taken care of . —On being called upon by the magistrate to state what he knew about the transaction , the prisoner said that he had not even the faintest recollection of either the cabman or his vehicle ; but he remembered , to his sorrow that on leaving his messmate , with whom he had been cruising about the Newread , he was picked up by a man who claimed his acquaintance , and that he had then a good round sum in gold and silver in his possession ; but what became of the man , whom he had never before sten , he did not know , and upon recovering his senses that morning at the station-house , be found that the whole of bis money was gone , with the exception of a few shillings , which were stowed away in the

      corner of a side pockcr , and had escaped the clutches of the thief . —Mr . Hanimill , after expressing a hope to the prisoner that the loss he had sustained wonld be a warning to him for the future , intimated to him the necessity of devoting his few remaining shi-lings to the liquidation at" the cabman ' s fare and expends , to which the poor sailor veiy readily acceeded , and having handed over the amount with characteristic recklessness , he was thereupon ordered to be discharged . LAMBETH . —A Berglah caught is the Faci . —George Breston , a well-known " cracksman , " was charged with breaking into the dweliing-hou-e of William Myers , Esq , a gentleman residing at No . 13 , Doddington-grove , Surrey . —William Yeud . ' t , a

      servant to Mr . Myers , deposed that three weeks ago , his master and family went out of town , and left him in charge of the house , and he slept there every night until Friday last , when the family returned to town . On the evening of 3 Ionday week he observed the frisoner and two other men lurking about the house , and having seen them there on two or three evenings before , his susi ) 5 cions were aroused . On the same ( Monday ) evening , lie left the house , and walked past them , and at that time they were standing in front of the railings . On getting a short distance he looked back , and saw two of them getting over the railings of the front garden . He in consequence came back , and saw a fight in a front room

      np stairs , and observed that the third man was standing in tbe gutter of the road . He ( witness ) went for assistance , and brought five or six men besides a console , and with the latter he went into the house . They found a side door , which he had locked at six o ' clock , and which led into the garden , open . They also foa >; d fhe prisoner in bed in the r om where he had seen the iight . and discovered that a number of drawers , & c , had been forced open , and the property which they confined strewn about . These drawers lie had seen at six o ' clock , and they were then locked aud secured . —Some further evidence having been given , the prisoner was fully committed for trial .

      MAR 1 LE BOXE . —Attempted Suicide . — Harriet Smith was charge with having attempted to drown herself on the preceding night . —Jas . Bunby , police-constable 247 S , stated that he was on duty in Queen ' s road , St . John-wood , on Friday night , at a quarter past 10 o ' clock , when he heard a loud cry of " Police . " and afterwards a shriek , proceeding from a place called St . Johns's-wood Park ; itwas a piece of waste land . He ran directly to the spot , aud found the prisoner lying in a small pond , the water of which was not more than two or three feet deep . He took hold of her clothes and pulled her out . Her face and body were entirely covered with water , with tuc exception of one foot . He procured assistance immediatel yand conveyed her to the station-house .

      , She was quite insensible . Air . Adams , a surgeon , residing in Portland terrace , was sent for ; that gentlemen administered some restoratives , and in about a quarter of an hour she partially came to herself , when she said she had contemplated the rash deed for the last two or three months ; that it was the ill treatment of her friends that had driven her to it . She was a servant , and lived at Xo , 17 , Ordnance-road . Mr . Long asked the young woman what could have induced her to commit so sinful an act . —She replied that she had kept company with a soldier , contrary to the wishes of her relatives ; that she was obliged to forbid him from associating with her , Hnd this had made her reckless of life . —Her

      moth er here came forward , and said that she had heard of her keeping company with the soldier , and had expressed her disapprobation of her so doing . as she might have looked for a higher ami more respectable connexion , he being only a private iu the loci guards . She denied that her daughter had ever been treated with harshness , and , in fact , she never wanted anything . —The prisoner here ejaculated that it was not on account of anything done by her family that she made the attempt , but she had told the soldier that they should part forever . That was the cause . —The magistrate directed that she should be taken in a cab to the House of Detention , to he properly taken care of there , and brought bfore him again next Saturday .

      Acsriurxor Wheat.—Tbe Vessel Jane Franci...

      Acsriurxor Wheat . —Tbe vessel Jane Francis , amvedin the docks from Launccston , YanDienien ' s Land , has brought 1 , 494 bags of wheat as a portion of her cargd , "; tue produce of that distant colony , '

      Letters To The Working Classes. Lx.; " W...

      LETTERS TO THE WORKING CLASSES . LX . ; " Words are tilings , and a small drop of ink Falling—like dew—upon a thought , produces That which makes thousands , perhaps millions , think . " kvron . THE POLITICAL MARTYRS . Brother Proletarians , It was while on a private visit to friends in the West of Scotland that intelligence reached me of the deaths of our martyred brothers , Williams and Sharp . Notwithstanding some experience of prison-life , and a full recollection of the end of Holberry and other victims , I had not anticipated so terrible a termination of the sufferings of our unfortunate friends . I witnessed their trial , and well I remember their dauntless bearing when bearding their pitiless enemies . If my memory is to be trusted , poor Sharp—whom I had never before seen—was a remarkably sturdv and

      healthy-looking man , and , of all the defendants , apparently the least likely to find a premature death . Williams—whom I was well-acquainted with some years ago—but whom I had for a length of time lost sight of , though sallow-looking , by no means presented a debilitated appearance . Yet both have fallen—Coroners' inquests have said by Asiatic Cholera ; but Public Opinion has recorded a very different verdict . Public Opinion has affirmed the dying declaration of poor Williams , " that he was slain not by the Cholera , but by cold and starvation , " and that by the same means his fellow sufferer , and brother victim , Sharp , was also martyrised .

      How bitter is the reflection , that we live in a state of society in Avhich men like Williams and Sharp are persecuted , and deprived of liberty and life , because of their virtues . Had our brothers belonged to the aristocratic or the respectable classes , the y might have committed a thousand crimes , and been rewarded and applauded for their criminality . Had they been called Lord Rackrent , and the Honourable Hawk Piyeonpluclcer , or Squire Swindle , and the Rev . Rob ' em Cheat ' em , —had they lived on rents or tithes , taxes or profits , they might have plundered , swindled , dealt in spiritual fraud , or cut throats in-the name of " glory , ' ' and they would never have been arraigned at the Old Bailey , condemned to torturing

      imprisonment , hunted to the death . No ! On the contrary , they would have been dabbed " noble , " or "honourable , " or " respectable , " or " reverend , " and might have sat on the judgment-seat , or in the jury-box , instead of being placed in the dock and the prison , to herd with felons , preparatory to suffering death occasioned by cold and starvation . Williams and Sharp were working men ; they lived not upon other mens'labour , but by their own , when they could find work , which was not always tho case ; for both had known the misery of seeking " leave to toil , " and too often seeking in vain . Both were animated by a holier feeling than that of self-interest . True they had regard for their own families , but each had " a heart that could feel for

      another , " and their sympathies were bounded neither by family nor country . Fired with a holy yearning for Justice , they desired Justice not merely for themselves and those of their own households , but for all their fellowsufferers , for their enslaved countrymen , and for their wronged brethren of all lauds . They were Proletarians who knew their rights , and dared maintain them ; who felt the wrongs of their order , and determined to do their best to obtain the redress of those wrongs .

      " Ihe head and front of their offending , Was this , —no more !" It was enough , however , to subject them to the honest swearing of Government spies—the calumnious abuse of the infamous press—the truculent accusations of venal lawyers—the ready condemnation of a jury of profit-mongers , acting in the spirit of " Away with them . ' Away with them ' Crucify them ! Crucify thorn * ' '—the sneers , tho calumnies , and the Austrian-like sentence of a most / usf (!) impartial ( 1 ) and merciful (\) judge ! Then followed the second act of this grim drama . Williams and Sharp were "disobedient "that is to say : —

      " f heir hands scorned bondage for their hearts were free . " They had been sentenced to imprisonment , but not to labour ; but over and above the sentence passed in the public court of Law , thoy were sentenced by the prison " rules , " to work at a toilsome , health-destroying , degrading occupation , or to purchase exemption by the payment of five shillings each weekly . " For a time that sum was paid by their political friends ; but funds failing , the payments ceased , and then they were bade pick oakum , or starve on bread and water in solitary confinement . They refused—nobl y refused to stoop to injustice and degradation . Their courage and manly resolution accelerated their

      doom . I will not go over the tragical details with which you are already familiar ; enough that you too well know that your friends were destroyed . Of course , they were uot murdered , seeing that they were " done to death" according to Law . The Law sentenced them to imprisonment ; the Law authorised the imposition of oakum picking , or a weekly fine ; the Law sanctioned the infliction of the solitary confinement aud bread and water punishment ; and all this was wound up " according to Law , " by the juries laying the deaths of the victims to the account of " Asiatic Cholera— " a decision perfectly in accordance with the time-hallowed precedents of " Crowners' Quest Law •"

      For our fallen brothers — peace to their ashes , and honour to their memories—our sympathy can take the shape only of regret mingled with admiration . Were justice done them by their order , the builder and the sculptor would unite to raise a monument , which would tell the story of our brothers ' martyrdom to future generations ; but , even though their graves should lack the ornament and inscription which the gold of the wealthy can always purchase ; still the resting place of Liberty ' s "Martyrb will long be honoured by all who love Justice and dare battle for the Eight . " Far dearer the grave or the prison , Illumed by the patriot ' s name , —

      Than the trophies of all who have risen On Liberty ' s ruins to fame . " The families of the deceased patriots claim the fulfilment of a duty on the part of the people which , I trust , will be faithfully performed . Williams and Sharp have died fighting in your cause , just as much so as if they had fallen on the barricade or tho battlefield . Their families should , henceforth , be the People ' s pensioners ; at the very least , sufficient succour should be rendered to them to save

      them from the tender mercies of the Poor Law officials . Short of such aid , a crime will be committed by the people—a crime which will complete that committed by the people ' s enemies . On you , Brother Proletarians , is imposed the duty of protecting the widows aud sustaining the fatherless . There remains another duty not to be lost sight of . There are living , as well as fallen martyrs . The latter are " where the wicked cease from troubling , and tho weary aro at rest ; " but the former are still subject to the prison " rules , " the carrying ont of which occasioned the deaths of Williams and Sharp .

      At least once—if not more than once—Erkest Jones has been punished in precisely the same way that the deceased patriots were punished . He is yet living ; but a repetition of the punishment may make him a sharer of thendoom . Even should there bo no repetition of the bread and water dietary , the ordinary punishment of confinement , & c , in that Giant Despairs Castle , nught alone suffice to induce cholera ^ oranyotherof'thethonsandiUswhich

      Letters To The Working Classes. Lx.; " W...

      flesh is hen-to . " If for the present I name but Ernest Jones , I speak not for him only , but for all his fellow-sufferers in the prisons of Westminster , Newgate , Kirkdale , Chester , York , & c , & c . My Friends , 1 implore you to bestir yourselves , for the instant getting up of memorials to the Government , praying for the remission of the remainder of the term of each prisoner ' s sentence , together with all fines , the providing of sureties , & c , & c . The men of the Metropolis are working " with a will , " and I trust that their example will be instantl y and generally followed .

      I regret that I was unable to attend tho meeting at the John-street Institution , on Tuesday evening last ; for the present I cannot attend public meetings . When recently in Scotland , the state of my health compelled me to refuse invitations to address public assemblies in Glasgow , Kilmarnock , and several other places . I , however , met the leading spirits of several localities ; and upon them I strongly urged the necessity of getting up memorials for the liberation of the political prisoners , and I have reason to believe that , in Glasgow and other places , the good work is m course of accomp lishment .

      I understand that another metropolitan meeting for the above named purpose , is announced for Wednesday evening next , October * d , at the South London Hall , Webberstreet , Blackfriars-road , which will be addressed by a number of the leading advocates of Democracy . I trust that the men of South Loudon will emulate those of the East and West . The work to bo done should be done

      quickly . If , while the terror of the cholera yet exists , Public Opinion is brought to bear , temperately , but firmly , upon the Government , the friends of the prisoners can hardly fail of success . Whatever the issue , Dutythe Sovereign Lawgiver to all true mencommands that the people should do all in their power to save the political prisoners from the doom of Williams and Sharp . Brother

      Proletarians , I shall not appeal to you in vain . Throughout the length and breadth of the land , you will raise your voices , appealing to the Government to " break the prison bonds " of our brethren , and " let the captives go free . " L'AMI DU PEUPLE . Sept . 27 , 1849 .

      Tarliamextahy And Financial Reform. Stoc...

      TARLIAMEXTAHY AND FINANCIAL REFORM . STOCKPORT . On Friday last Mr . Prentice delivered a lecture on Financial and Parliamentary Reform , in the hall of the Lyceum , Stockport , to a numerous and attentive auditory ; Charles Hudson , Esq ., "in the chair . Mr . Prentice , on behalf of the Manchester Association , has attended meetings at Gloucester , Stroud , Worcester , Leicester , Derby , Birmingham ( twice , ) Wrexham , Ruthin , Denbigh , Llangollen , Edinburgh ( twice , ) Haddington , Paisley , Greenock , Kilmarnock , Stirling , Perth , Dundee , Dumfries , " N eircastle-upon .

      lync , Bolton , Littlcbovough , Rochdale , Ashtonunder-Lvne , Hyde , Royton , Rawtonstall , Cupar-in-Fife , St . Andrews , Kirkcaldy , Dunfermline , Warrington , and Stockport . At all these places an unanimous feeling has been manifested in favour of extensive financial reforms , and for such further reforms in the representative system as should give to the people a more complete control over tho House of Commons . We understand that it is the intention of tho Manchester Association that all the boroughs north and west of the Trent should be visited in succession .

      WALWORTH . A numerously attended mooting of tbe Walworth branch of tho National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association was held on Monday night at the Beehive Tavern , Carter-street , for tho purpose of furthering the objects of the Council , as explained in their report to tho first aggregate meeting , recently held in Drury-lano ' Theatre . Mr . Eisdoll was called to the chair ; and Mr . Aime , who was present as a deputation from the Central Association , at tho request of the meeting , entered into a lengthened explanatory statement , in which he showed the necessity for promoting the registration of members throughout the metropolitan districts . The movement , he observed , had in point

      of fact assumed a national character , as would be shown by the proceedings about to be commenced in Liverpool , Manchester , Birmingham , and other great towns . The most encouraging assurances of co-operation had been received from all grades of reformers in every part of the country ; and it only required a little more " pressure from without" to ren dcr the movement , already so imposing , entirely and permanently successful . Ur . Aini 6 , in the course of his address , adverted to the gratifying progress made in the midland and in some of tho home counties by the Freehold Land Societies , whose principles he explained and vindicated ; and he announced

      that they were rapidly developing their usefulness in more distant places . An interesting discussion then took place , in which several speakers dwelt with much force upon the local and national burdens which the middle and working-classes are compelled to bear in consequence of past extravagance and misgovernment . They uniformly insisted upon an extension of the franchise , the protection of tho ballot , and the limitation of parliaments to a duration of three years . All these views were cordially assented to by the meeting ; and it was eventually resolved that another and more general meeting should be convened for a future day , for the promotion of those essential purposes . The proceedings then terminated .

      IIOXTON . A public meeting of the inhabitants of Iloxton Old town , took place on Tuesday evening at the Bridge House Tavern , Witmoro-road , Iloxton , "for the purpose of forming a district society in ' supportof the objects and principles of the National Parliamentary- ; ind Financial llefem Association . " There was a numerous attendance . W . A . II . Hows , Esq ., of Kingsland-road , presided ; and Sir Francis Knowles , Bart ., and Thomas M'Entcer , Esq ., attended as a deputation from the central society . Mr . Maisox moved— " That tins meeting , fully approving the principles and objects of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association , and appreciating the energy with which the council of that body has hitherto most successfully conducted its proceedings , resolve to promote those objects by forming a district society , to bo called " TheHoxton Old " Town Branch Reform Association . " Mr . Forkv . steii seconded tho motion .

      Mr . MiiimiMAX , who spoke from tho body of the meeting , said lio was dssatisficd with the way in which the movement had been conducted in that district , as no working man bad boon asked to say a word at either of the meetings . Sir F . KfJowHss—I am a working man . ( Cheers . ] Mr . Mebkimas proceeded to criticise the measures advocated by the association , but concluded by expressing his readiness to support tho movement if working men were put on the council . SirF , Knowj . es deprecated the continuance of those class divisions , which had existed too long . The measures advocated by the association were for the benefit of all classes ; and it was out of order for any ono to propound a measure which he deemed for tho benefit of his own class exclusively . ( Hear , hear . )

      Mr . Honny did not think tho association was doing enough for the working classes . He should move as an amendment , " That this association pledges itself , m conjunction with tho questions of parliamentary and financial reform , to take into consideration that of currency or money reform . " ( "No , no . " ) Sir F . Knowles rose to order . The association sought parliamentary and financial reform . IS ft means to an end , and did not encumber itsolf with details ; otherwise there would be no end to the specific measures that might bo embraced . ( Bear . )

      Mr . Horry said he should press his amendment . He had been taught by experience that mere political reforms were of no avail to abate distress . ( ' Hear , and much disapprobation . ) At present , fifteen out of tho-twenty-eight millions were in a state of pauperism j this could only be remedied by a free trade m money as well as corn . ( " Oh , oh !" Mr . Mkrrimas seconded the amendment ; , nnd said that the " money-oeracy of tho country had done much more than the aristocracy to degrade and impoverish the working men .

      The amendment was then put , but only six hands were held up in its favour . The original motion was put and carried , amidst givut applause . By a subsequent resolution , a committee was appointed to carry out tho objects of the association ; and the thanks of the meeting were then voted to the chairman .

      Thk Free-Tbade Club Was Dissolved, Bv Th...

      Thk Free-Tbade Club was dissolved , bv the vote of a meeting of its members , on Saturday last , "" da new club , to be known nsthelfationallleform Club , is to be formed forthwith , and will occupy the premises in St . James ' s-squave , hitherto enjoyed by the free-traders . 1 t 3 R IaLASD has within her limited territory M cotton nulls , consuming annually 560 , 000 bales 1 ft and manufa « turing 70 , 000 , 000 yards of

      A Trip To Paris. People Who Live At A Di...

      A TRIP TO PARIS . People who live at a distance from the Metropolis , or who have only visited it occasionally ou business or pleasure , can have no idea of tho intense desire which grows upon a regular denizen fov a mouthful of pure air , the sight of blue akies , green woods and fields . London is a province of itself , thickly covered Avith bricks and mortar , and containing nearly two millions and a quarter of inhabitantsnot very far short of the whole population of Scotland . To those whose avocations—like

      mine—involve close attendance upon daily duties , and continual residence within this region of smoko and bustle , tho approach of the autumn months is most welcome . The rising of Parliament and the Courts of Lawthe migration of the- fashionables from the West-End , followed by that of tho citizens from the East—slackens the speed of the highpressure engine of London life , and offers the chance of a brief holiday , which is eagerly embraced by all , according to their means .

      Steamboats , railways , and excursion trains have , fortunately , of late years , materially increased the facilities for spending such relaxations from active business pleasantly aud economically . When I was young , the person who had seen London was looked upon as a great traveller , aud one to whose opinion every deference was to be paid by those in the distant country town , who had not enjoyed the same enviable advantage . Now , by means of cheap trains , expressly run ibr the accommodation of provincial visitors , and allowing time for " seeing all the sights , " a visit to the

      Metropolis has been placed within the reach of persons possessing comparatively small means . In like manner the opportunity is afforded to tho Londoner to make acquaintance with the celebrated and picturesque spots of his native land ; and there can be no doubt that , apart from the individual advantage derived from such visits , the tone of public opinion is liberalised and improved , The petty prejudices and local errors sure to accompany isolation , or a limited field of observation , are dispelled , and an enlarged knowledge of tho country , and the views of our countrymen acquired , which

      cannot fail to be beneficial in a thousand ways . The same observations may be extended to tho facilities which now exist for making a personal acquaintance with foreign countries . That advantage Avas , up to a very late period , almost exclusively confined to persons possessing large incomes ; and the consequence was , that the most absurd and injuriousprejudicesobtained ground amongthcpeoples thus separated . It Avas upon this ignorance and prejudice that our rulers traded Avhen they plunged into that protracted Avar , Avliinh added 000 , 000 , 000 / . to the National

      Debtimposing thereb y 21 , 000 , 0002 , as an annual burden upon the country . Even at a recent period , Avhile the Orleans dynasty seemed destined to rule France , the publication of a boastful and threatening pamphlet—by one of the young men Avho are now glad , with their father and mother , to seek shelter and security in England—Avas made the ground ibr an outcry for additional National Defences , and , of course , fov the imposition of additional taxes , The old and wicked maxim , that England and France Avere "Natural enemies , " Avas again vigorously enforced by those who wished to set the people of the tAVO countries by the cars ,

      in order that they might enjoy the pleasure and profit of plundering both . Happily , however , the revolution of 1848 immediately afterwards ensued , and conclusively proved the falsehood of all the statements of the Avarparty . Thatrevolution hasnot yetboraeits full fruits ; but I cannot agree Avith those Avho , on that account , despair of its ultimately conferring upon tho people of Prance the blessings of a veritable Republic . It would , indeed , be infidelity of the worst description to doubt it . Depend upon it , that a nation Avhich has made such repeated aud such noble efforts for full and complete self-government , Avill never rest satisfied till they have attained theiv object .

      One good effect , however , has , iu the meantime , resulted from the overthrow of Louis Philippe ' s despotism in 1848 . Large portions of the people of tiie two countries have been enabled to hold personal intercourse Avith each other , and thereby to unlearn , to a great extent , the pernicious lessons which in former days led them into deadl y conflict ivith each other . To tho continuance aud extension of that intercourse I look , as one of tho great means by which the occurrence of Avars may be lessened in frequency , because it Avill lay the foundation of a mutual good understanding , which will be the host possible preventive of Avars got up to servo the interests , or to gratify the Avhims of politicians aud diplomatists .

      Paris has been so recently the theatre of a grand historical drama , that apart from its own intrinsic and peculiar attractions iu other respects , the desire to see personall y the scone of such exciting events as those of 1848 , strongly impelled me to spend my holidays there . Fortunately , the moderate prices and excellent arrangements of the Continental Railway Company , enabled me to gratify this desire . For eight pounds they guaranteed conveyance to Paris and back in the saloon of the steamer , and first class on the railway—a

      clear Aveek m Paris—including board and lodging at one of the best hotels—free admissions to theatres and other places of amusement , and trips to celebrated places in the vicinity , besides tho convenience of being attended by trustworthy and intelligent conductors , so that the fullest advantage might be taken of tho time spent in Paris . Of these offers I availed myself ; and havingbeen highly delighted Avith Avhat I saAv , aud the Avay in Avhich 1 was treated , I propose to jot a few cursory recollections of a week in the French capital .

      Of course , the first thing that engaged my attention Avas the public buildings Avith Avhieh it abounds . The freedom of access to these , with all their treasures and attractions , offered a most agreeable contrast to the surly and avaricious spirit exhibited in similar cases in this country . Before tho stranger can enter St . Paul's , he must pay tAvoponce to the verger Avho takes toll—if he wishes to sec the whole of that edifice , it Avill cost him four shillings and eightpence . At tho Pantheon at Paris—avIucIi occupies a similar position as St . Paul's does in London— I ascended to the

      top of the dome , aud had a magnificent birdseye view of the Avhole city , without paying a single sous . Tho whole of the Churches stand open at all hours of the day , and no one Avho has not seen them , can form any idea of the richness of their decorations . They abound , as usual in Roman Catholic countries , with side chapels , dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to various Saints ; and in each of theso the shrine is decorated Avith valuable paintings , and Avorks of art , in gold and silver , not unfrequentl y enriched with precious stones ? They are , also ,

      abundantly adorned by sculptures of a A ery superior description . In many of them , the stained glass windoAVS aro of the most gorgeous description—I especiall y recollect those of the Church of St . Gcrmains VAuxcrcis—every window in which Avas completely filled with the most beautiful coloured glass I ever saw . In addition to the riches displayed in the chapels , and the Avorks of art—pictorial aud sculpturesque—they aro adorned Avith a profusion of polished marble of various colours , and

      with gilding liberally applied . In none of them is there the slightest appearance of the fee-system . At the entrance there are , gonerally , a feAV poor old women seated—engaged in knitting , who depend , on charity—but even they do no obtrude on the visitor ; and , in fact , I may mention , that I Avas only tAvice accosted by persons seeking alms , during the whole of my stay . Once ' on the Boulevards , and a second time , while rambling in the grounds of St . Cloud .

      A Trip To Paris. People Who Live At A Di...

      Tho civic buildings are equally accessible . We passed through the whole of tho splendid suite oi apartments in the Hotel'de Villc—tho scone of so many memorable incidents—and Avcro treated with the greatest courtcsv . The noble galleries and rooms in tho palace of the Louvre—which contain , 1 suppose , the largest and finest collection of pictures b y the great masters , in tho world—Avere , viicn I visited them , thronged Avith male and female artists , engaged in copying these pictures . In fact , there is uo restriction—the Palace and its contents is really national property . Tho Jardin d < s Plantes , which , upon a larger scale , combines our Zoological and Botanical Gardens , with immense Conservatories and Museums , in which tho rarest treasures of

      science are stored , including the noble Avorks of Cuvieb , and a host of eminent p hilosophers , Avas open Avithoutany charge for admittance . Tho public buildings , asaAvhole , far exceed ours iu magnitude and splendour . They arc evidentl y national . Whether from policy or ostentation , tho past rulers of France lutA'o gratified the passion of the people for such things , and taught them to identify themselves with the public monuments and institutions of the nation . Perhaps much of this has arisen from the social and out-door habits of the French . Thev

      are eminently a gregarious race . Homo , in the English sense of the term , seems unkncAvn to them . They sleep in their dormitories , but no more . Tho Cafe and ResUwant supply them with all their meals . Out of this again arises that universal politeness of manner Avhich is so marked a feature of the national character . Accustomed to associate so much in public , all classes insensibly acquire tho habit of making themselves agreeable , and those easy self-possessed manners Avhich can only bo acquired b y such intercourse .

      _ Another thing which strikes the Engiish visitor most agreeably , is the exceeding purity of the atmosphere , and the brightness of the sky . I have already mentioned ascending to tho dome of tho Pantheon . It was in the middle of the day , at an hour when London avouM haA e been almost invisible from Saint Paul ' s ; and when a Manchester man placed on tho tower of the " old Church , " ( noAV the Cathedral ) , Avould not have seen one hundred yards around him . But Paris , Avith

      itsnumerous towers , domes , spires , palaces , squares , streets , fountains , and gardens , lay below , clear and distinct , under a gloAving sunshine and cloudless sky , so beautiful that it excited the thrill of a ucav , and herotofore-unfelt sensation . From the top of the Triumphal Arch , at the end of the Champs Elysees , another splendid vicay is obtained , includingiu the immediate vicinity of the eye- —that favourite resort of tho loungers of Paris—the gardens and palace of the Tuilleries .

      The Gobeline Tapestries—the Porcelain Manufactory at Sevres—and the Grand Exposition of National Industry in the Champs Elysees—afforded matter for reflection , as to the artistic and industrial position of tho French , aud were in themselves exceedingly delightful places to visit . The programme of tho company included trips to Versailles , to St . Cloud , and to St . Gcrmains , which appeared to me the most agreeable parts of the Avhole excursion . I visited Versailles on the national fete of St , Louis , and after walking through galleries , saloons , and chambers , Avhich appeared as

      though there av « s to be no end of them—filled with paintings , sculptures , mirrors , marble , and gilding , I enjoyed a hasty run over that most exquisitely hud-out place—tho Little Trianon , where Mabie Axtoixettj ; and Louis XVI , used to play at farming , and convert the ladies of the bedchamber and maids of honour into dairy maids , before tho revolution swept all before it . I should have liked to linger longer in its beautiful walks and gardens , but hurried from it in order to Avitncss the grand display of tho fountains , which takes

      place on such occasions , and I certainly do not regret that I did so . It is utterly impossible to convey any idea of the effect of so many magnificent and beautifully formed fountains , throwing their waters high intv > the air in every direction the eye may bo turned , through the trim and symmetrically planted alleys which surround the paiace . The crowning sight was , however , that at the Grand Basin of Neptune , where , at least , 200 , 000 people had assembled to Avitncss what certainly is a chef d ' eruvre of fountains .

      Fountains of beautiful design abound also in Paris , and their waters impart a pleasing coolness to the air , besides being the Rucst ornament that can adorn a great city . In looking at them I felt myself blush for the tasteless abortions of Trafalgarsquare . St . Cloud is chiefly remarkable for its beautiful woods , tho fine views , which , from the elevated parts of the grounds , are to be obtained of Paris , and for its artificial cascades , another splendid piece of art in water . Tho palaco having always been a favourite , it has , of course , been duly cared for , and is a conspicuous and agreeable part of the landscape . St . Gcrmains possesses a far different interest . Its partially ruined and dismantled

      palace , is connected with French history for centuries . Its noble and extensive forest is faced by an elevated greensward terrace—I should suppose upwards of two miles in length—which overlooks tho valley of the Seine , at a height quite equal to that of Richmond Hill , over tho valley of the Thames , but the scenery , as may bo imagined , is much more varied and extensive . Our party finished off with an excellent dinner in the room where Louis XIV . was born , and , where , in some of the choicest wines of France , wc did not forget ta toast " OldEngland . " I have purposely avoided touching the political aud social questions , arising out of the condition of

      the people , and the present state of things in Franco , because I wished to make the present paper a mere string of holiday recollections . Many others suggest themselves , but these must suffice in the meantime . In another paper I will glance at tho industrial and political questions suggested by my observations , 6 oth in the capital and the part of tho country through which I passed . In bringing these very cursory and rambling notes to a close , I feel bound injustice to state that tho Company fully performed ail its promises . We were lodged in tho Hotel ties Princes , Hue Richelieu—one of the very first in Paris—Avhcrc we enjoyed all the advantages of the most abundant and recherche cuis ' uc ; and wo had , throughout , the ndvaiitaeeof

      being attended by a yonngK ' nglish gentleman , who to the possession of a thorough knowledge of the language and habits of flic people , added the valuable qualifications of zeal and assiduity in his exertions to enable the visitor to see the most that could be seen in tho comparatively limited period of his stay . It is not unnatural that people should hesitate to entrust themselves to the good faith of Companies of this kind from the fears that tho promises made may not be fulfilled . In the hopa that I may thereby be giving useful information to any ono now contemplating a holiday . I can vouch from myown experience as to the good faith and liberality Avhich was observed throughout For tho sane of both nations I trust such facilities will bo permanent . G . A . F

      Railway Accioexts.—By An Analysis Of The...

      Railway Accioexts . —By an analysis of the re « turns made to Commissioners of Railways , it appears that of the ninety-six persons killed , audi seventy-five injured , on all tho railways open for public traffic in Great Britain and Ireland , during the half-year ending 30 th Juno , 1849 , there were—5 passengers killed , and 30 injured , from causes hoyond their own control ; 7 passengers killed , and 2 injured , owing to their own misconduct or want of caution ; 12 servants of companies or of contractors killed , and 0 injured , from causes beyond then *

      own control ; 51 servants of companies or of con « tractors killed , and 30 injured , owing to their own misconduct or want of caution ; 20 trespassers and other persons , neither passengers nor servants of the company , killed , and i injured , by improperly crossing or standing on the railway ; suicide , 1 ; total 90 killed , 75 injured . Die number of passen * gors convoyed during the half-year amounted to 38 , 701 , 805 . The number of miles of railway open on the 81 st of December , 1848 , was 5 , 1202 ; tho number of miles open on the 3 ! h h of June , 1840 , was ' 3 , 447 : ! ;; increase during tho half-year , 320 miles

      Tt is stated in naval circles that ex-conunaiidcr Pittm . tn , recently dismissed the service , intends appealing to the Court of Queen ' s IieticU against the judgment of the court-martial , which solustly deprived him of the commission he disgraced . - * Weekly Chronicle . Lord Brougham . —The noble and learned lord completed his seventy-first year on "Wednesday last , on which occasion a largo party assembled at Brougham Hall . The iead mines of North Derbyshire , after being for some time partially neglected , are now full } / worked .

      _ Irish Pbat CnAncoAi . —A vessel arrived in tha river from Dublin has brought twenty packages of charcoal as a portion of her cargo .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 29, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_29091849/page/5/