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Northern Star (1837-1852), 29th November 1851, Edition 2 of 2, Page 1

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    • „ 0 I JIE VERITABLE CHARTISTS.
    • (Eftarffst iritfrilirrmto €favtiut smtiligotu
    • TOKc Meetings
    • Goxxtsmaimt
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      „ 0 I Jie Veritable Chartists.

      „ I JIE VERITABLE CHARTISTS .

      -Ify Jfiierrds, —I Hope And Trust That E...

      -ify jfiiErrDs , —I hope and trust that ere . " * tou will rouse your spirit ouee more , '"" ? let y our oppressors see that the union a * he working classes will break down » heirp ° ffer ' SnAEMAN Ckawfokd has teen Vited to a dinner paxty at lloehdale , on the jj . f December ; and it is my intention to ttefld * at dinner Decause there is not a more Honourable man in the House of Commons * jo the world than the amiable Shakman q & wsoB D ; and I hope he will have the regp tion he Reserves . He is the best landlord , A best husband , thehest father , and the best ^ ter in the world ; he never distrains a pant , and he lets all his land at half its

      • jjlns . Xon know , my friends , that I have told you ^ t I would rest upon my oars until the abuse 0 { iny revilers ceased ; and now I have received jjandreds of letters from England , Scotland , jud "Wales , inviting me to attend meetings in different places , and telling me that they will jjve no confidence in any one but me . You & perfectly aware that , however I may be abused , that I would not give up Chartism ,

      gor abandon those principles which are caljalated to release the poor from bondage , ( iime , drunkenness , slavery , and starvation ; jiidit is still my intention to make a tour throug h England , Scotland , and Wales , when this infernal Land Company is wound up ; and , as I told you before , I tell you again , that , joivever I may be abused , I will never abandon Chartism , or any ism which is-capable of relieving the poor from hunger and

      starvation- . , My Friends , —I was very ill last night : and I am still very poorly—therefore , you mast excuse the shortness of my letter . 1 remain , Yours ever Faithfully and Unalterably , I & uigus O'Cojwok .

      Xo The Members Of The National Charter A...

      XO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Hammersmith , Nov . 20 , 1851 . ]? EIX 0 W Chartists , —You are summoned io the task of electing a new Executive , and before any among you may think of my name , I should like y ou to understand my actual position with respect to the objects of our Association . I will leave it to my colleagues in the Executive , and to yourselves , to judge whether I hare failed to act with the majority of that body whenever a corporate action was needed , or to say whether I have at all taken a separate position . In cases of differing opinion I hare maintained my own view strongl y until a rote was taken , and have then acted with the whole Executive .

      My bad health and busy life have at times prevented my attendance at your board ; when absent I have more than once been so in the service of the People . A report was circulated recently that I had resigned . I deliberatel y resolved not to resign , precisely because our movement was not proceeding satisfactorily , and I thought that at such a time resignation wonld he desertion . If I were to resign , it would damage the cause . The same evil result would not follow if you wre to abstain from electing me . For that reason I would prefer dismissal to resignation .

      lam hound to declare , however , that I am not satisfied with the course taken by the Executive as a whole . The Executive adopted the draft which I laid before it , as a preliminary programme for the Convention ; I followed tnat up with a draft to he adopted by the Convention ; hut the Committee preferred the draft which was ultimately adopted . The difference between the two drafts was this : the one adopted was long , and laid down many propositions not to be carried out forthwith ' j mine was short , proposed a few things to be done , and would have set our Association in active movements I desire that our Association should make

      its utility felt by the working classes in obtaining for them , as speedily as possible , material improvements in their condition , and especially for the poorest among them , right of labour , with a fair subsistence in return . I was first blown to you as a Communist ; such I remain ; and as such I desire to lose not a day that can be employed in promoting the right of the People to fair subsistence , in return for labour , guaranteed on the land and propert y of the country . I have explained this in my letters on ' Social Reform , ' but I mention the point here , in order that you may know the ground on which I shall continue to act if yon

      re-elect me . If you disapprove of that ground , I would advise you not to re-elect me , hut to elect a man who holds more strictly such views as yon cau sanction . If you do re-elect me , I shall Hot question the colleagues whom you may appoint , nor discontinue the endeavour to act in unison with the body of the Executive ; but h" you do approve of the ground which I have declared sufficientl y to re-elect me , pardon me if I say that it wonld be desirable for you to select colleagues who could act on the same ground of union between political and social reformers .

      In any case , let me thank you for the confidence you have already reposed in me ; aad let me assure yon that my most active exertions will continue to promote , on the one fraud , the political power and material improvement of the working classes , and , on the other , that generous elevation of policy , without which no class can obtain any power Worth , having . Your Servant , Thobkton Hunt .

      Soiree At Edinburgh To Mr. G. J. Harney....

      SOIREE AT EDINBURGH TO MR . G . J . HARNEY . On Monday evening last a public soiree was given to il r . Georse J . Harney , in the Calton Convening fwom , Waterloo-bridge . The room was tastefully decorated with banners and mottoes of tbe Edinburgh D emocratic Tract Society- A ! r . Pkhjoie in the siair . ilr . Reset , in speaking to " The Democratic IVpagauda , " related the workings of the Edinb urg h Democratic Tract Society , and eulogised that «* iy for having a press of their own . which they had so nobly used for the information of the masses . ilr . W . A . Fletcher ( from London ) , then spoke to the sentiment" Self Reform . "

      Sir . IIabnet on rising was received with great applause . He stated that the subject he was about to speak upon was the Fraternal Democracy of Europe . He would more particularly speak upon foreign politics and our duty towards the people of foreign nations . la years by gone , tbe people looked forward with anxiety to the coming of a mighty 1 'rince , a Meslah ; but now-a-days tbe expectations of the people was not for a Mesiah , but for the adven t to power of the almiehfy principles c > f democracy . ( Cheers . ) From the Thames to the Vistula , and from tbe Tiber to the Black Sea , the feeling of dem ocracy and liberty has taken deep root , and approaching years will bear its effect . ( Cheers . ) The hopes of the masses and the fears of the higher

      class shoW its approach . Mr . Harney , in his usual strain of eloquence , gave an outline of the doings of p rance , Italy , Germany , Austria , Hungary , and -Knssia . He appealed to the men of Britain to arouse front their slumber , past experience and events would act as a guide for future actions . 1352 would tell a tale in favour of the toiling classes . Re oeheved in no half revelations , for they who made them did but dig graves for themselves . ( Cheers . ) revolutions have failed because of tbe ignorance of ine people , but wisdom can now be gained for their guidance . The world is looking forward to France , and should France fail in its efforts , the demand £ tts &?«* cause the V ™* » rise P ^ SSff ^ the com-

      An Arlillervman, Belonging To The Corps ...

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      ' 'X << S ' I ' J Itio^ H - " ' " '? I-:...

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      Yl « J E That Five Would He 0.Jyju34. Lo...

      Y 0 L . jyjU 34 . LONDON , SATURDAY , NOYEMBfe 29 , lol > r Ei « J ™ IT ™ ° * - - ' ; ¦¦¦ _ L __ T * 1 , Ve sn * " * "gs and Sixpence per Qnnr « T In i ... .. ' ¦ ~ -

      (Eftarffst Iritfrilirrmto €Favtiut Smtiligotu

      ( Eftarffst iritfrilirrmto € favtiut smtiligotu

      National Charter Association. Offices—14...

      NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Offices—14 , Southampton-street , Strand . The Executive Committee of this bod y held their usual weekl y meeting as above on Wednesday evening last . Present — Messrs . Arnott , Grassb y , Hunt , and Le Blond . Messrs . Harney and Holyoake , being in the country , were absent . Ernest Jones ( from other engagements ) and Messrs . Milne and O'Connor were also absent . The correspondence received was read . There being onl y four of the Committee present no public business was transacted . It having been decided that a special meeting be called at the earliest time possible , the Committee adjourned .

      The monies received will be acknowledged next week . i Signed , on behalf of the Committee , John Abnoit , General Secretary .

      Ashion-Undbr-Lwe.—The Weekl Y Members' M...

      Ashion-UNDBR-Lwe . —The weekl y members' meeting was held , on Sunday last , in the meeting room , Water-street , Charlestown —Mr . Scott in the chair—when the following resolutions were agreed to : —* That in consequence of the collector ' s reports the subscription for the Executive Committee he kept open a fortni g ht longer . ' - ^ Mr . Wheeler ' s letter in the 'Star' having been read , a discussion took place upon the several propositions of Messrs . Jones and Wheeler , together with the plan agreed upon at the late Convention , when Mr . Wheeler ' s proposition of five Executive

      members was adopted , and the following persons were then put in nomination : —Messrs . Feargus O'Connor , Ernest C . Jones , Thomas M . Wheeler , George J . Harney , and John Arnott , And we , the members of this locality , pledge ourselves to send one-penny per member per month towards their support .--Moved — 'That John Taylor and Daniel Morgan audit the accounts , and make out a balancesheet , to be laid before the members at tbe annual meeting , on the 14 th of December ; that seeing the association is now progressing in numbers , we the members assembled , are

      of opinion that it would he a great benefit to this association , if the older and more experienced members would take upon themselves tbe responsibility of acting ascouncilmen for the next six months , as they are more calculated to command the respect , attention , and confidence of tbe people than the junior members can hope for . We are read y to labour , and do the work of the association ; all we want is advice and counsel , which we hope they will give b y attending the meeting on the 14 th of December . Several new members having been enrolled , the meeting adjourned till Sunday next .

      Haniey xsj > Shbitok . —At a meeting of members , held on Snnday evening last , the followingresolutions were unanimously passed : —Resolved , 1 st , * That it is the opinion of this meeting that five members are quite sufficient for an Executive Committee . ' — Resolved , 2 nd , That we , the members of the Hanley and Shclton branch of the National Charter Association , in public meeting assembled , are astonished that the committee of the Working

      Men s Demonstration to Kossuth at Copenhagen House , with Thornton Hunt as their chairman , should have offered such an insult to F . O'Connor , Esq ., and through him the g lorious cause of Democracy ; and that this meeting is of opinion Thornton Hunt and those who acted with him have forfeited the confidence , and well merited the displeasure , of all true reformers ; at the same time we tender our best thanks to Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds , for his manly conduct on that occasion , '

      Stockport . —The members held their usual meeting on Snnday last . Mr . Houghton in the chair . After the usual finance business , the following resolution was agreed to : — 4 That this meeting cordially agree with every sentiment contained in the able letter of Mr . E . Jones , of the 16 th inst ., and suggest the propriety of the country accepting an Executive of three , and that they he paid for their services . '—In the evening Mr . Lewis , of Manchester , delivered the first of a course of

      lectures on * The Comparative Condition of the Operatives of England and America . ' The lecturer was listened to with great attention , and exposed the shameful manner in which emigrants are robbed , both in this country and America , b y a set of sharpers who deceive by professing to serve the unfortunates , who are endeavouring to better their condition by emigrating . After a vote of thanks to the lecturer the meeting separated , highly delighted and instructed b y the disclosures made .

      Stalybridge . —The members met in their meeting room , Quarry-street , Hig h-street , on Sunday last , when the following resolutions were agreed to : — ' That having given the letter of Mr . Ernest Jones , which appeared in the ' Star ' of November loth , our serious consideration , we are unanimously of opinion that a paid Executive of three p ersons , would be most conducive to the welfare and

      organisation of our movement . '—2 nd , 'That we should be neglecting our duty if we did not express our abhorrence and disgust at the conduct of Mr . Thornton Hunt , at Copenhagen House , towards our tried and admired friend , Mr . O'Connor ; and also to return our best thanks to Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds , fir his noble and straightforward conduct on the occasion . '—Wm . Hill , Secretary .

      Bristol . —At a meeting recentl y held , the followingresolution , proposed b y Mr . Sheeham , seconded by Charles Clark , was unanimously adopted : — 'Taking the address of Mr . Ernest Jones into consideration , we are of opinion that the next Executive ought to he a paid one , and that it oag ht not to consist o £ Jess than five persons , three to remain in London to transact business , and two to go into the country to lecture as the different localities may require . The amount of salary to he decided by the country . The two lecturers to receive no pay from the general fund while in the country , hut to arrange with tbe localities requiring their service respecting their payment , travelling expenses , & c . '

      Coventry . —At a meeting of the Council and members , on Monday evening last , the following resolution was unanimousl y adopted —proposed by Alexander Yates , seconded by S . Barnes— ' That the treatment of the Demonstration Committee , at Copenhagen House , towards Mr . F . O'Connor , merits the scorn and contempt of every lover of justice and fair p lay ; and we thank Mr . G . W . M . Keynolds for his interference in the matter . 'W . HosiBRi chairman ,

      BRIGHTON . —A general meeting was held at the liunning Horse , King-street , on Monday evening . Mr . Sinnock presided . The minutes having been confirmed , the Executive business wasread , which caused an animated discussion , and the secretary was requested to summon the whole of the members on Monday , December 1 st , 1851 , to nominate a new Execu tive . The following resolution was -tdopted after an amicable discussion . '—' -hat havino - heard theletter of Mr . Jones read , we highly a pprove of the same , except that part which recommends three p ersons as an Executive Committee , as it is our decided opinion

      Ashion-Undbr-Lwe.—The Weekl Y Members' M...

      that five would he preferable . '—A vote of thanks having been accorded to tho chairman , the meeting adjourned until Monday next . : Bradford ( Yorkshire ) . —At a meeting held at the Yorkshire Divan , Manchesterroad , on Sunday evening last , the following resolutions were unanimousl y agreed to ; Mr . James Ackroyd in the chair : — ' That this meeting view with sorrow the unmanly and anti-democratic conduct of the parties who so grossl y insulted-Mr . Feargus O'Connor , by endeavouring to exclude him from Copenhagen ., * a u r . __ .,.,, . . . „

      House , during the Kossuth d emonstration . " * That the propositions put forth in the letter of Ernest Jones are highl y approved by this society , and we hereb y highly recommend that three well-tried democrats he elected , and paid for the services . The three to be placed on equal terms ; one of them to remain in London each two -months , and the other two to visit the country in their turn j ' and we hereby recommend the following as our candidates , namely : Ernest Jones , George Julian Harney ,-and Samuel M . Kydd . '

      FiNsBURT . — The Phoenix lodge of teetotalers having lent this association a banner , representing the Polish eagle , at the Kossuth demonstration , a procession of members , meeting at the Institution in Leicester-place , Ray-street , was formed on Tuesday night for the purpose of paying a friendly visit to the lodge . Several speeches were delivered on the occasion , and a most friendly feeling was manifested . The Polimcai , Victims' Association . —At a meeting of members , on Sunday last , it was reported that no further particulars respecting the Radcliffe petition had been received from Ashton . Several letters were read by the chairman ( Mr . J . Shaw ) from different places , complaining of the

      imbecility of the Executive . Messrs . Bryson and Bezer were elected ag delegates , to represent the association on the Metropolitan Delegate Council . Resolutions were then adopted , denouncing the conduct of the Kossuth Committee for their treatment of Mr . O'Connor , at Copenhagen House , and thanking Mr . Reynolds for liis conduct on that occasion . Tho Kossuth Committee were also denounced for preventing the above Association from joining the procession under their own banner . Thefollowing persons were then nominated as candidates for the new Executive : —Feargus O'Connor , Esq . M . P ., Ernest Jones , Julian Harney , Bronterre O'Brien , John Shaw , John J . Bezer , James M . Bryson , John Fussell , and Charles Young ,

      Finsbobt Locality . —On Sunday last , at the Literary and Scientific Institution , Leicester-place , Little Saffron-hill , a lecture on the Pleasures and Advantages of Education was given by Mr T . M . Wheeler , after which the usual weekly meeting of the locality was held . Mr . Winmill in the chair . The Chairman reported from the aggregate meeting , that the Metropolitan Delegate Council was reorganised , and that the discussion on the Chartist policy , & c , was postponed till next Sunday . Messrs . Osborne and Weedon were elected as delegates to the Metropolitan Delegate Council . Mr . Ernest Jones' letter to the Chartists was then read ,

      after which Mr . Osborne moved , "that the letter of Mr . Ernest Jones has our approval , and that this locality pledge themselves to endeavour to carry its recommendations into effect . " Seconded by Mr . Atkinson' and carried , Mr . Weedon moved , and Mr . Jordon seconded , " That this locality approve of a paid Executive of three , and call on the country to ^ speak out on tho subject . " Carried . A motion was then made for the appointment of a visiting committee , for obtaining subscriptions , distributing tracts , « tc . After some discussion , its further consideration was postponed till next Sunday . Three new members were enrolled , and the meeting adjourned .

      Fi . vssDHr Literary and Scientific Institution . — For many years ' the working classes of Finsbury have been without an institution of the abovenamed kind . They have desired to assemble to consider subjects that affect their welfare , but could not , unless they met in public houses , where they would be surrounded by debasing influences . They have wanted evening classes , where their children could be taught grammar , logic , astronomy , chemistry , and other departments of human knowledge , that develop the mind and elevate the soul : but they have not had a place where they could hold such . Within the last few weeks , however , a committee have become the possessore of premises admirably adapted for a Literary and

      Scientific Institution , where the above objects could be most effectively and usefully realised for those who have little time and less means . But , having no funds at their command , they are unable , at present , to make the alterations required , A small donation from each person who would like to see such an institution in Finsbury for working men , will soon enable the committee to have a place where instruction can be given and morality inculcated . The committee propose to establish at the Institute , evening classes , a library , and lectures that shall instruct and refine . The importance of such an Institution mnst be apparent to all ; the necessity is evinced in the ignorance that abounds . We are informed that T . S . Buncombe , Esq ., M . P ., has sent £ 5 to the committee .

      The Manchester Conference . —Messrs . Demain , Wilcock , Stainsley , Croft , J . and H . Smith , members of the Bradford Association , express their opinion that the Chartist body should call upon the Executive to send a deputation to the Conference , to be holden on Wednesday next , in Manchester , seeing that the said Conference is not called by any particular party , but by all shades of political reformers . They would be sorry to see any measure short of the People ' s Charter adopted , but as the Conference is called for the purpose of demanding a system of reform in the name of the whole people , they urge upon the Chartist body and the Executive the necessity of sending a deputation to it . We are sorry that the press upon our columns prevents our giving the whole of their communication .

      Literary And Scientific Institution Leic...

      LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION LEICESTER PLACE , LITTLE SAFFRON HILL .

      Mr . Wheeler lectured here on Sunday evening . Subject— «« The Advantages and Pleasures of Knowledge . " The lecturer commenced by stating that tbe true destiny of man was not to acquire wealth but to acquire knowledge , and through knowledge , to attain to happiness . It was no part of the economy of Nature that man should be ignored , and , as a consequence , miserablei but that all should be intelligent and happy . The book of Nature , that fountain head of all knowledge , was always open ; its pages were ever varied , and all replete with instruction . Knowledge , like happiness , was born a twin , to be useful ; to be beneficial it must be shared

      with others . The lecturer showed tbe advantages arising from its pursuiis , as evidenced by the present and past history of the world . He then passed in review the various branches of scientific and literary educa'ion ; exposed the fallacy of the masim , that " a little learning is a dangerous thing , " and concluded by showing its importance in a political point of view . Without education , liberty , fraternity , and equality was but a dream , which , when they attempted to realise , though in p ursuit of an angel they would embrace a friend . The lecturer was much applauded . A splendid brass band , regularly enfraj ? ed by the Institution , added to the attractions of tbe meeting .

      The Dbmeraba Steam Ship.—The Demerara, R...

      The Dbmeraba Steam Ship . —The Demerara , Roval West India mail packet ship , of whose strandin ? in tbe river Avon accounts have already appeared , was removed on Saturday last from ttie berth she had taken up on the Somersetshire bank of the new course of the river Avon , and hauled into the Cumberland floating basin , where she now lies preparatory to her being dry-docked , which will be effected as speedily as possible , so as to permit a close survey of her bottom . A committee of the Society of Merchant Venturers were engaged

      during the greater part of Thursday and Satuiday in investigating the conduct of the pilot , 1 ercivai , in whose charge she was at the time when she ran aground . The committee came to tbe conclusion that Percival , the p ilot , had been guilty of error ot judgment in having so much way ott the vessel ; hut , t ;« kinc into account the excellent character no had received for steadiness and nautua ! skill , they considered that th « justice of the case viuuM oe met by his being suspended from the exercise ot his ca ! li ; i < f for eix calendar mouths .

      Tokc Meetings

      TOKc Meetings

      . Chartist Organisation. A'Puhlic Meetin...

      . CHARTIST ORGANISATION . A'puhlic meeting was held on Sunday afternoon , at the Literary Institution , Leicester-place , Little battron-Ml , to take into consideration the present state of the Chartist . movement . Mr . Hous eman was called to the chair . Mr . Arnoit having read the minutes of the last general meeting , _ Messrs . Lee and . Osborne complained that the Executive had not taken the necessary steps , recommended at the last meeting to give publicity to the present one ..., Mr . Arnott having explained , the minutes were confirmed .

      Mr . Ahhott , oh . behalf of tbe Executive Committee , said the meeting was convened to hear tho opinion of thatbod . v . relative to the present position of Chartism in the metropolis . They were all aware of the present isolated state of the localities in London , and the necessit y of havinga focus in which the sentiments of the whole could be concentrated . For this purpose , they proposed tbe establishment of a Metropolitan Delegate Council . It would not only tend to forward the organisation , but any little djffereri ^ a of 1 * opinion might Do there explained and cleared away , and the acerbities which werearising . be cooled down . Mr , Osborne moved . !— " That the meeting resolve itself into a committee , to consider the present state of Chartism . " The establishment of a Delegate Council , though goad in itself , was a matter of minor importance .

      Mr . Jones seconded the motion , which wasunanimously agreed to . On the motion of Mr . Whbeler , five minutes were allowed to each speaker . Mr . Nichoixs thought that the failure of Chartism was owing to the want of exertion on the part of the Chartists ; all tho work fell upon a few . Some grumbled at the Executive , others thought their plans were defective ; but the general opinion seemed to be , that the Executive could work , although they neglected to supply them with funda . The spirit of Chartism appeared to him to consist iu doing little themselves , and in disliking to see it done by others . This spirit must be got rid of , or it would destroy them . Be noticed this same spirit evinced against a gentleman on the Kossuth Committee , Localities were passing

      resolutions not to send up funds unless he resigned , ( Cries of " Question . " ) This spirit was evinced in many' other ways ; he only alluded to it as an illustration . The Charter was excellent , but they must struggle to obtain it in a friendly spirit . Their present position was excellent , if they only knew how to take advantage of the opportunities that surrounded them . If they were not joined by the bulk of the working men , it was because their views were not sufficiently practical . Mr . Ernest Jones said it was useful to look at the faults of the past ; but the best way to keep the Executive up to the mark was to have a prac tical Plan of Organisation . They were too isolated . District councils worked well in tho n « rth . He therefore moved " That the Metropolitan Delegate Council should be re-established . " There must bo

      a point of union , Xhe Executive had other duties to perform . It was bad policy to allow the Executive to possess the immense leverage which this point of union would give them in tho metropolis . They must be a body distinct from the Executive . Their duty would be not only to organise the Chartists , but also to organise their places of meeting , and remove them from public houses . Mr . Hodgson seconded the motion , and dwelt upon the advantages arising from such an assembly . It was better to do something , even if they fell into error , than remain apathetic .

      Mr . Osborne supported the motion , Itwas almost impossible to get up public meetings in London without the assistance of such a- body . He had struggled hard to obtain their monthly meetings , which had been objected to by the Executive on tho ground of expense . On the same ground they objected to call public meetings . They expressed a desire to see public houses abandoned ; but because they lost a few penco by the last meeting held in that hall , they refused to call another , though they could have tbe hall the best night in the week free of expense ; yet , at the same time , they could pay a secretary £ 104 a year . Mr . IIebbert said a Delegate Council was the chain by which they could unite in one effort the strength of tbe whole London Chartists , Mr . Lbe thought sufficient steps had not been taken to collect , the votes of the London Chartists .

      He approved of the motion as a stepping-stone to ottier measures . He found great ftiult with the conduct Of the EXOCUtive , more especially with one of them , for his conduct towards Mr . O'Connor at Copenhagen House . The Chairman called the speaker to order , and stated his willingness to allow that question to be discussed after the motion was disposed of . Notwithstanding this , many of the speakers referred to it , chiefly in condemnation of tho course taken by Mr . Hunt . Mr . Lee was determined the question should not rest where it was ; at a future time he should move that Mr . Hunt should be excluded from the Executive . If the Chartists took energetic steps , Lord John Russell would quail before them . lie had been a working man , and was anxious that all should enjoy the right of voting , which he himself possessed .

      Mr . Leno said the interests of the movement could not be forwarded by blaming those whom they had placed in power . If they failed in their duly they coald remove them . He blamed the feeling which was expressed against Mr . Hunt . It was a subject which had nothing to do with Chartism . Tho Executive could not create enthusiasm out of apathy unless the people bestirred themselves and g ave them the means . Mr . Codden said justice and truth bad nothing to do with personalities . He blamed the past conduct of tho Executive . He thought they should return to their localities , call public meetings , and receive instructions before further steps were taken .

      Mr . Eknbst Jokes protestedagainst such a course . The meeting was both largo and influential , and should proceed at once to work . Mr . Wheeler showed , from past experience , the utility of a Delegate Council . He did not agree with Mr . Leno . He thought the past conduct of the Executive should be scrutinized in order that those best acquainted with the progress might give the eountrv the result of their opinions prior to a new election taking place . They needed something more to resuscitate Chartism besides the establishment of a Delegate Council in London . They must create localities before they could elect delegates . The country had a right to expect that they shoul . 5 give an opinion on the propositions put forth by Ernest Jones .

      Mr . T . Husr said , the question appeared to resolve itself into a motion relative to himself . He wished to speak on that subject . ( After some delay Mr . Hunt proceeded . ) He should not have alluded to the subject if he had not been attacked . It had nothing to do with Chartism , He was responsible for the advice he had given to the Kossuth Committee alone . To them he had rendered an account , which they had deemed satisfactory . He was appointed by themselves , on the Executive , to conduct the affairs of Chartism ; if be had failed

      in his duty to that cause , he was willing to retire . In all affairs outside of Chartism he claimed to be free , Their business was the present state of Chartism . Out of a population of twenty-six millions , they had only about 6 , 000 enrolled Chartists . The cause of this was , that they had not done their duty to the people . They had neglected the poor agricultural labourer ; they had neglected the poor in the large towns . They did not see anything which effected their immediate interests advocated , and consequently they were not Chartists .

      Mr . Murray attributed the present state of the movement to want of unity , and to the Executive not mixing sufficiently with the body . A Delegate Council would keep a watchful eye on the Execu * live , and would render any attempt * to sell the movement impossible . All experience , both in London and the north , was in its favour . Mr . LbBioxd siid , i o doubt could be entertained as to the VUkfukesS of the Council . Tbe only question was , whether they would not be raising up an antagonistic body to the Executive they were shortly to elect . He feared this mig ht be the result , : ind he warmed them to beware of it . Mr . Pridkaux thought , from the observations of the seconder of the motion , they wished to be an obstructive power against other movements ; if this was their intention , they would destroy the little power they now possessed .

      Mr . Dick oljeeted to any further committees . They were invested with irrcaponsiblo powers , and degenerated into cliques , All power should he invested in public meetings ot * the body . Mr . Blithe sai-. l , the last delegate meeting was broken up through Us continual fault-finding'with the Executive . ' lie feared that too much of that spirit auiui ; it ' .-d the present meeting . He ^ as in

      . Chartist Organisation. A'Puhlic Meetin...

      favour of the Council , but it should be bound by strict rules . They had nothing to do with Parliamentary Iteformers , but to look to their own organisation . Mr . Bkzkr was in favour of having a Delegate Council , but it was useless to elect them , unless they were prepared to support them . Delegate meetings were no new feature in the movement ; he had attended them ten years back , and the mere fact of re-organising them wonld » ot resuscitate the movement . They must take more practical steps than they had hitherto done .

      Mr . OiMREssiuw said if the duty of the Council was to provide halls , to organise a staff of lecturers , and appoint deputations to visit their own iocaJities , and also the trades , then he was in favour of them . His own trade—the hatters—was already in motion and if iho Chartist body did not take more efficient steps than they had done , other parties would do tbe work for thorn . Chartism would n . t ale > e % reIi if the present organisation did not The motion was then carried with two dissentients . Mr . Tnonwtofit Hunt moved :- " That a Committee be elected to draw up rules for the guidance of the Council . " ¦• • Mr . Blythe seconded the motion , which was supported by Mr . ErneSt Jokbs . ' y

      Mr . Kiosous moved as an amendment : — " That the localities bo recommended to ' elect delegates who should draw up rules for their own guidance . " Mr . Murray seconded the amendment , which was supported by Mr . Ebwaiids , and carried with two dissentients . Mr . Wheeler moved the following resolution : — " That this meeting , composed of the active Chartists of the metropolis , recommend to their brethren in the country the propriety of reducing the number of the Executive to five . And that it should

      elect members who would give their sole and undivided attention to the Charter , as the only means of obtaining political power for the people . " Mr . Lee seconded the motion , though he should prefer the number to be three . He entirel y agreed with the sentiments expressed in Mr . Jones ' s letter . They ought not to have men at their head who belonged to other movements . ( Cheers . ) They must give their undivided attention to Chartism . The Parliamentary Reformers would never give them the Charter .

      Mr . Delaforcb moved , as an amendment" That previous to the time of tho Executive going out of office , a conference be called to decide upon the organisation . " He was in favour of an Executive of three , but thought they had no power to alter the present plan without a conference . He then detailed his ideas relative to the organisation , employment of lecturers , & c . The amendment having been seconded , Mr . E . Jones supported tho resolution . There were neither time ' nor means to call a conference prior to the Executive being out of office , and the people in their meetings had full power to make the alteration . The question was then adjourned until the following Sunday afternoon , at 3 o ' clock , to meet at tho same place . The meeting was a numerous and animated one .

      Goxxtsmaimt

      Goxxtsmaimt

      Accidents In Mines. 10 The Editor Of Tub...

      ACCIDENTS IN MINES . 10 THE EDITOR OF TUB NOBTHEIiN STAR . SIR , —The continued frequency of the fatal accidents occurring in the coal mines of this country , and the wholesale destruction of human life thereb y , is sufficiently important not to require any further apology in soliciting a space in your valuable and widely circulated journal for a fewremarks thereon . The question naturally suggests itself to every humane and philanthropic inquirer : cannot these dreadful events be lessened in number , and their magnitude and extent diminished ? To this question I reply in the affirmative , and shall , in as brief a space as possible , place before your readers the proofs of my -assertion , and not only prove the

      possibility of diminishing their frequency , but show good cause whereby they may be ( as far as explosions are concerned ) entirely prevented . To give the readers of your paper the greatest facility in understanding this subject , for I am quite sure a large portion of the community feel keenly upon these direful catastrophies , although from their want of knowledge in mining affairs they are necessarily limited in their power to redress evils of such magnitude ; and , no doubt , mai . y from such limited knowledge will be led to exclaim ( but from a different motive ) with the coroner ' s jury , that such fatalities are in the order of Providence , and cannot be avoided . Vide the following expressed opinion of the coroner at the Wallsend inquest , in 1835 , when 102 human beings were sent to their last account : — " The fiat of

      Providence had gone forth , and upwards of 100 human beings were launched into eternity . " Sir , the manner and mode in which the coal fields of this country are opened for trade and business , involves within it the basis of calculating the degree of safety which attaches itself to each mine cr colliery ; and the capitalists who engage in such undertakings can , if they choose , ensure a degree of safety which would make the loss of life by explosion next to impossible . The question is simply one of calculation , and depends upon the extent of the royalty to be worked , and the known nature of the seams of coal in the emission of the various gases . For example , a seam is to be sunk , which is known to give out largo quantities of hydrogen gaa , or fire-damp , others may have less of that peculiar eas , but emit great volumes of carbonic acid gas , or choke damp ; now as the extent of the coal field to be won is

      accurately known , and as it is equally correctly known which of the two kinds of seam of coal is to be worked , there but wants a willing and a generous heart to make the winning p erfectly sale . Hence , the true cause of the extensive loss of life in our pits is due to a spirit of cupidity and avarice , which exhibits itself in the pinching and contracting of the various shafts and drifts connected with the undertaking , and in not laying them out co-extensive with the works , and the extent to which they are intended to be driven . This will be apparent to all who are acquainted with the nature of such works ; but further

      illustration will also make it plain to all . Atmospheric air is the grand and essential principle of safety in the prevention of explosions , and as we know of no limit to its suppl y , and as that supply is amply sufficient to afford all that is required , there wants only ample shafts , and the proper machinery , to draw from the great reservoir of Nature the required quantity . The pits at present sunk , and those which are in process of sinking , are nearly all mines of this great essential—viz ., want of proper proportions to bring ' the requisite amount of atmospheric air to remore the gas expected to be met with , and the want of efficient machinery to convey the air to its destination .

      In proof of this position , and that such is the practice of tho agents or owners , I will adduce tho evidence tendered before the coroner ' s jury , at the recent inquiry at the West Moor , or Killingworth Colliery , and the official report of the Committee of the House of Commons , which sat in 1835 , to inquire into the " causes of accidents in mines . " Mr . Johnstone , the viewer of the West Moor Colliery , admitted that more air could have been put into that part of the pit which fired and killed men , but said that he did not think it necessary . Mr . Dunn , tfce government Inspector of Mines ,

      declared , also , that more air could have been put in there , and that if he had examined the pit previous to the explosion , he would have advised the necessity of doing so . Here , then , we have the admission of both parties as to what could be done—Mr . Johnstone only exercising his own indolence and criminality by stating that he did not think it necessary . The correctness of the views of each may be ascertained by the asseverations of some of the workmen examined—who declared their apprehension of danger—and also from the fact , also stated by all the witnesses , that that part of tho pit had fired three times within the fortirght .

      The colliery in question has three shafts , two of which are downcasts , or rather tho downcast shaft is one for several fathoms down , when it takes the form of a double shaft , and is fourteen feet diameter . The upcast pit or shaft is twelve feet diameter , and is situate about a mile from tho down cast . The whole volume of air descending the shaft is stated to be 33 , 000 cubio feet per minute , and the portion abstracted from the main column to ventilate that part which exploded . is about 7 , 000 cubic feet per minute . Tho workmen complain , that in SCVCial OtuOt parts of the pit the workings are so warm as to necessitate them to denude themselves of all their clothes , and to work with a loose garment fastened arouse their bodies ; and thus we have exhibited a liefiency oi ' the whole current of air which passes down the shafts . ywer- I ? apparent that the C 3 . 0 CQ cubic feci

      Accidents In Mines. 10 The Editor Of Tub...

      of air said jo bo coing « nnt . inuou * Iy down the shaft , J-s iii .-uhqii .-iu ! en i'ft ' orn io ( . ! . > .: wt , rUi ! u-ii that s' ; fetv which lb ., oiv » : or < are Imimd in justice to irivo them " , and wbiei , , i C j s t 0 ( w | i „|) eii i wn ( . „ Curtll \ n re _ Jort . is in coroiii : r ' s courts take place , tlu-v will receive . The mine inspector- informs us that he would " « ie c , uau lie *> . ;« that part , of the pit which fired previous !)) advised that 10 , 000 cubic fcet of air fl ° , I „ m PUD , d ' '"•'" . «'"« the additional quantity from another pm of tho pit ,., » , ) then pasting oho united parts , making about 10 , 000 cubic feet to pass _ through the more dimerous part first , and continuously on to ihc other portion of the work-\

      ings , which 1 think he termed tho " CollegeFlatt . " This arrangement would , no doubt , lessen the amount of danger , but lor a short period only , inasmuch as the workings beoiine more extended the 10 , 000 cubio feet would be just as inadequate as the previous quantity proved to bo . Besides the 10 , 000 cubic feet thus made to pass through , this fiery part would necessarily carry all the deadl y gas given off to the other workmen at tha College Flatt ; and although they had safety , or Davy , lamps , they would be placed exactly in the same danger as tho men who were ki'led by tbe explosion , premising that large quantities of gas fre-\ f

      quently came off there , and would he thus carried perforce upon the lamps of the workmen ; and from the liability of thu Davy lamp to pass an inflammable mixture , the probability is . that ; the point of danger wouM only he . shifted from the place which fired to tho College Fiatt . The only sure ami permanent remedy , therefore , is to have a much larger quontity of air as a whola , and instead of J 33 . 000 cubic feet of air per minute , let ( 10 , 000 or S ^ . flfOO be brought down . It is no use palliating attd temporising and shifting tho point of danger only when there is an ample supply of atmospheric air to be had by increasing the number of shafts and the area of the drifts and

      air passages . I am aware of the grand objection to sinking more shafts , viz ., tbe great expense of the same . But in the case of Killing worth the volume of % 1 St can be increased to double the amount and more , without the expense of sinking any more shafts , as will be soon by the following data j . The diameter of the upcast shaft is twelve feet , and that of the downcast fourteen feet diameter , and the volume ef air descending 33 , 000 cubic feel Now at Great Helton CoWtety , the upcast shaft is fourteen feet diameter , and the downcasts—three in number—of a corresponding proportion , and the volume of air made to pass down these shafts is upwards of 100 , 000 cubic feet per minute . What a contrast between the quantity drawn from the common atmosphere in this case , and the quantity passine down the Kdlingworth pic , whereas only two feet difference exists in their respective diameters of the upcast shafts .

      Surely what can be done at Hetton can be done at Killingworth . And why is It not done ? Mn Nicholas Wood , the head viewer at Hetton Colliery , is also one of the partners in the Killingworth Colliery . Would it not be wisdom and politic for that gentleman to order the application of similar means to make Killingworth a safe pit , which has produced such grand results in the pits at Hetton ? Sir , as it is intended to carry out and bring before your numerous readers a full and lengthy exposure of the systems practiced in our worst ventilated pits , and to show that these dreadful sacrifices of the miners' lives is due moretothe spirit

      of cupidity and avarice than to any real difficulties which beset the owners of such collieries , I shall conclude this letter , which is perhaps already long enough , hoping to be allowed to recur to the subject , and to satk . 'y the mine ™ and public that many things could be done which are left undone , and which , if but common discretion was observed by the agents , the lives of the workmen would be preserved , and the property of the owners made much more valuable than at present . I am , yours , < fcc . M . Jude . Ship Inn , Drury-lane , Newcastle-on-Tyne , November 25 th . 1851 .

      Shall We Have A Triumvir ? To The Editor...

      SHALL WE HAVE A TRIUMVIR ? TO THE EDITOR OP THE NORTHERN STAR . Mr . Editor , —Will you have the kindness to permit me , through the medium of your paper , to address a few remarks to my brother Chartists . I am anxious , for the good of the cause itself—for the good of hunvinity— that at the present time there should bo no blundering policy—no compromise—no scattering of sympathy here and tticreno mawkish sentimentalism in reference to this great idea and the other great idea—no approach even of identification with any party or with any policy that has not for its object the realization of those principles for which as Chartists wo havo 80 long , and against such fearful odds , done battle . Let any thinking man go through the address of

      Ernest Jones , in No . 30 of " Notes to the People , " and then refer back to what hrvs been none in the past year , and he cannot fail , I think , of arriving at the conclusion , that with a paid Executive , under the immediate supervision of the people , and that Executives made up of jarring elenu-nts , more , much more , might have been accomplished in the way of furthering the great object we all profess to have so much at heart , Of what avail IS it that this man has splendid talonts—another genius of the first order—another the prestige of a great name , when each and all of these are so circumstanced that tbe talents of the first , the gGniUS Of the SQCOlld , and tho great name o ( the third , is hereby sufficient to answer the purposes of living in the most vulgar acceptation in which that term is received ?

      What I would propose is , that the Chartists elect an Executive of three or five , as they may see fit ; but that such Exocutive be paid in a tv . iy as will unable them , the Executive , to give to the movement not an hour per week , but the whole of their time , talent , and energies . Supposing there should be elected three working paid members , and two honorary members , the Executive then / as far as numbers are concerned , would meet Mr . Wheeler ' s suggestion in the "Star" of last week , as well as realize the object set forth in Mr . Jones ' s address . There are two gentlemen in the country who have not only identified themselves with the movement , but have refused everything in the shape of remuneration ; and of the willingness of these two to serve , if to elected , there can be no manner of question , The two gentlemen to whom I refer are Messrs . O'Connor arid Reynolds . I remain , sir , yours respectfully , John Camkkon . Hulme , November 25 tb , 1851 . '

      Mf ——Capabilities Of The Land. To The Ed...

      Mf ——CAPABILITIES OF THE LAND . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Seeing , at several times , in your valuable journal various accounts of the value and cultivation of the Land , and taking an interest in all improvements of that kind , a few of the Old Guards of Rochdale determined to try what tbe Land would do , as we should be better satisfied with our own experience . "We therefore formed a Utile cooperative society ( not for tbe sake of profitmongeriug , but for principle ) , to raise the funds to commence with . We succeeded in taking 1 , 280 yards , rather over one quarter of an acre , at a rental of £ 4 per annum ; the Land , which had only been broke up the year previous , was in a very uncultivated State , and was chiefly composed of gravel and large stones . I have sent you a correct statement of our proceedings in this , the first year of our undertaking . FR 0 BUCE of 1 , 280 tmns op g arden lakd , A s . d . Potatoes , \ 8 i ... 4 6 4 = Other Vegetables ... ... 2 10 Stock at present on Land , comprising Fruit Trees , Plants , Seeds , Roots , & a 2 16 8 One Pig ... «•• 2 0 0 m ~ n ASNOAI . EXPENDITURE . £ s . d . Rent , Rates , and Taxes 4 0 0 One Pig , in September ... ... 1 10 0 £ 5 10 0 kMiMn ? Produce and Stock ... ... 11 4 0 Deduct Expenditure ... ... 5 10 0 fc- ¦ ¦ - - , £ 5 U 0 Remaining f or labour and capital invested . No \ v > Sir , hear in mind , we have not included the bOt ' er cultivation of the land ; we consider that it will fullj balance the labour , which will no doubt prove better next year . "We have also tried to obtain the bt'st plan of growing potatoes , whether the old plau or that recommenned by Mr . O'Connor , and we find the best produce from Mr . O'Connor s plan , and wou'd recommend is to all potato scow-crs . Iu conclusion , we are fully satisfied , that could tbe Land be obtained at a fair rental , it would prove most beneficial to the working e'asses . Yours truly , Rochdale , Nov . 25 th Robert Gili-.

      Llvekongl Cou.My Coctir Jonobsnir. — Mr....

      LlVEKOnGL Cou . my Coctir JonoBsnir . — Mr . Joseph PuhV . ok , of Manchester , fate Judge of the SairWd Hundred Court of Ko ; d , 13 n W *« J Judgo of tho County Court ot * iverP ° oJ , » . the room of Mr ltiunrimy . rewoved . Mr . J . K . lilau ? , oftboXortlmn . Circuit , will sue cmid { Mr . Joseph Pollock as J »« iS ° ot' . Court ot JleCOld f ° ° Uuutlrcdcf £ als-. sd .- { W'C .

      H V ! I ^\ H S \Vi Y Iv, > Ijr ^ 1 K ¦ I...

      H I ^\ h s \ vi y iv , > ijr ^ 1 K ¦ I I^ : i 1 %

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 29, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_29111851/page/1/