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      Of This Which Wish Marph^1849. T He Nort...

      _Marph _^ _1849 . T HE NORTHERN STAR . * _*^^^^ _^^^^^^^^^^^**********""" *''" "****" ** " * * * ** ' ************* a - „ d I ' *" " _^************ - **** - ** 1 *** " ' '" r _^^ _*~ ~ m _ m < m _ -- — _- ——__ iimm ,, ¦ i _™* in- _»»» - _»»» _- »— _m _»«—¦———»*—>—<¦» . ¦—— _-- _— _ ,

      To Our Readers. L' Ami Du Peuple. The Us...

      TO OUR READERS . L' Ami du Peuple . The usual letter of "L' Ami dv Pei **?" le " eannot appear this week , " in consequence of the sudden and severe illness of the writer . _rpf _% / Y"TT > _***»* c * 4 -rvnT >«

      Public Meetings. Commemoration Op The Fr...

      PUBLIC MEETINGS . _COMMEMORATION OP THE FRENCH REVOLUTION . The first anniversary ofthe glorious Revolution of February , 18 _& J , was celebrated by a public festival at the Literary and Scientific Institution , Fitzroy-square , on _^ Monday evening last , February 26 th . At seven o ' clock a numerous company sat down to tea , the iair sex mustering in strongforce . A large addition to the numbers present took place after tea . Most of the persons present -wore the red riband , rosette , or scarf . The tea and fruit disposed of , Mr . Stallwood moved that George Julian Harney be appointed chairman- ofthe meeting . Agreed to unanimonsly . Mr . Gill ( Secretary to the Committee ) read the following letters : — ( _LETTEB FBOM CITIZEN'S LOWS BLAKC ASD _CACSSIDIERE . ) CmzESS , — 'We are profoundly affected by all that is contained in yonr svmpathetie and fraternal invitation .

      You are a _* sembled to celebrate the anniversary of the cjreat and glorious Revolution of February . In the name of tiie people who made that Revolution ; in tlie name of those who combatted for that Revolution ; in the name of those who are to-day its defenders , and of those who have been the martyrs , we thank you from the bottom of our hearts . It ivould have been pleasing to us to have heard the wonls which will glorify the courage of the people of Febnary , their moderation , their generosity , so cruelly punished to-day . We should have been happy to have assisted at a manifestation designed to celebrate the establishment of tie _Hejrafelie , the accession of which was signalised by a proclamation to forget past hatreds , by tlie abolition of death punishment ? , oy the _glorious adoption ofthe _innnortal motto— "liberty , Equalily , and Fraternity . *'

      "But it is the misfortune ofthe situation in which the fury of onr enemies has placed us , that we are condemned to a reserve which does violence to our most legitimate sentiments . Citizens , we hope that your patriotism wHl enable you to understand what this situation imposes upon us . Proscribed as we are , we cannot escape the usual _sufferin-rs of proscription ; and one of these sufferings , the most keen , is the constraint which compels us to send this apology for our absence from your festival Receive our salutation and fraternal acknowldgements . Lotas Blakc . JIabc Cavssidiebe . ( ram fbox a . ktdd . ) Manchester , Feb . 23 rd , 1849 . Mr Deab Has ******* . —I write to express my regret that circumstances prevent me _being present at the tea party , on Monday next , the 26 th inst

      The workmen who fought and feUonthe 24 th of Feb ., gfced their blood in no mean or party strife ; theirs was a Struggle forthe right to live , the right to labour , and the rMit to possess the fruits of their labour . AU honour to the heroes of Paris ! May thdr Wood _sanctiSr the cause of _huroani _^ v and their memories freshen the hopes for the It would be madness to deceive ourselves—the struggle is not vet ended . The roots of feudalism are yet green with sap , and a wretched people groan under the accumulated wrongs of ages . The iron rule of capital must be abolished before peace can be permanent , and justice Traders , schemers , usurers , bankers , and profit-mongers now rale . Can the revolution end thus ? 3 Jo !—* ' Better bow down before the Hun , and can ATartar lord—than these swoln silk-worms masters . "

      . France ! we owe you much . Thrice have you roused the dying energies of Europe to action , and ashed man to feel tiie _dignity of life . You have shaken thrones , and are destined to change systems . Yonr rest is now disturbed ; your heroes are exiled or imprisoned : you dream but to awaken to fresh glory and honour . If I judge yon rightly , your destiny is to be the leader of the free . All respect to the memories of the martyrs of February —the heroes of tlie barricades ! and success to tbe Republic , Democratic and Social . ' I remain , yours fraternally , G . J . Harney . _Sajtch , Ktdd .

      ( _LETTES _I-BOM T . COOPER . ) 5 , Park-row , Knightsbridge _, Thursaay Xight , February 22 nd , 1 S 4 S . Dear Sib , —I regret to say that it is utterly out of my power to accept your invitation ; and the sentiment you desire me to support makes me regret it the more . But it is impossible for me to be with yon . " Vive _"b Repuhlique Democratique 1 " Yours truly , Mr . Gil Thomas Coopeb . ¦ Thc _Chatbma ** said , tbat -without offering any observations of his own at that stage of the proceedings , he would give the first sentiment as follows : —

      "To the Sovereignty of the People , and the firatennty and unity ofthe Proletarians and Democrats of all nations . " Mr . G . J . Doltoake said , he liked speaking to "the people "—they were of more importance than either kings or queens . It was always a useful sentiment—it called the attention of the people to their rig hts and duties . If royalty meant an increased regard for the people , he should admire it , but he had never witnessed that regard , and , hence , be _thought thc sooner the royalty of the people prevailed , the better . ( Lond cheers . ) The Revolution of February was accomplished hy the union of Socialists and Democrats in France , and the present was the time when a union of those two parties was required in this country . ( Hear , hear . ) He did not like amhignir ** —hence , he desired to state what ¦ _* _-- * - A . self

      * ** he meant by Democracy , he meant -government by the people : and by Socialism he meant an improvement ofthe moral , social , and physical condition of the people . ( Loud cheers . ) Without these he despaired of seem ** the people happy . ( Hear , hear . ) The reading or Chambers _s Journal had made Mm more than half a Bed Republican . In the pages of _ChandicrA he found a recommendation of reaction against philanthropy . Why , he had failed to discover where philanthropy _existed—^ and , hence , he did not know what there was to react against . ( Hear , hear . ) If governments would only practise philanthropy , they might dispense with brute force . ( Hear , hear . ) Louis Philippe , Guizot , Rossi , & e ., ¦ were all alike , and precipitated themselves on their cwn destruction . ( Hearhear . ) The real

      Re-, formers , both Socialist and Democratic , should fraternise . Progress never could be retarded if union and knowledge prevailed amongst the people . He had great pleasure in responding tothe sentiment . ( Loud applause . ) Mr . James Broxtehre O'Bwex said , the toast given by the chairman should unite all Democrats under one banner . There were plenty of b _*** nbugs —as their friend Harney would call them—who would mouth about the sovereignty of the people , hut who would take care to keep the actual sovereignty of the state in their own hands , to the exclusion of the people . So far as those _humhuirs were concerned , all the sovereignty that would fall to the people reminded him of the sailor and the prize : "Ah I" said Jack , " they shake the

      money prizes through a ladder ; all tliat go through the bars the officers get , and all that stick to the bars fall to the share ofthe sailors . " Jack ' s share waa exactly the people's share of sovereignty under the present system . ( Laughter , and cheers . ) Her gracious Maiesty , in her late opening speech from the throne , said _' a good deal about " invaluable institutions . " Xow it was most curious , that every Irishman who could dispose of his blanket , his bed , or his kettle , was runing away from the land blessed with such happy institutions ; and , by the by , it was necessary to have a Coercion Bill , and to suspend the Habeas Corpus Act , to keep those in order -who remained behind . It was not possible to establish the sovereignty of the people , unless the people first learned to distinguish between what

      God had made , and what was formed by man . production of each man ' s labour was Ms own , but the land was the _property of all . ( Great cheering . ) The toast recommended the fraternity of the Proletarians . A Proletarian meant a man who gave his labour and bis offspring as guarantees to the state . Could the Aristocracy offer as good security ? { Hear , hear . ) The Proletarians of all lands should unite . At the present moment an unholy alliance existed of the men of' -rents and profits , " against the people . ( Hear , hear . ) The Frankfort Parliament had united thirty-five states , forthe purpose -Of centralising the physical force of despotism , so that ifthe Democrats of any one state rose against their oppressors , the whole physical force of the Knurs . Aristocrats , and money-mongers might be

      brought against them , to ensure their destruction ; but the people must unite as one man . A blow struck at their brethren in Tienna or Berlin , should be felt by the English working men as a blow struck at themselves . Home was about to be attacked , and he regretted that no large public meeting had been called to support the glorious Mazzini _, and the Italian people . ( Loud cheers . ) The English had been talking about Universal Sunrage for sixty years past , and now seemed farther off it than ever , while-Rome had got it without talking . ( Loud -cheers . ) It afforded him great pleasure to see such -sentiments as graced their programme submitted to a public assemblage . He agreed with Mr . Holvoake , that a Democrat must be a Socialist , and a Socialist ¦ m ust be a Democrat . ( Cheers . ) Their rulers were frise , hut their wisdom consisted in demonolor-y ¦ whilst the people ' s wisdom consisted in knowing how to produce everything ; but , alas ! they knew

      not how to keep anything- But when the people had learned better , they would send thc idlers of SOCietV to school , to learn the doctrine of St . Paul , « To work , that they may eat . He cordially - _^ responded to the sentiment . ( Great cheermg , ) . , _^ fr T Cl abk said . Like the preceding speakers , I folk concur in the sentiment which has been given from the chair ; and like them , too I _^ igrntiled to witness at this meeting the pr _« ° _*^ _°£ of the most distinguished leaders of that party , who have heretofore confined then * exertlOM to attempts at Social Reform , and who up to _» late period have remained wholly _^ different about PoliucalReform . ( Hear . ) _, _Thisisasit should be ( Cheers . ) Social and Political Reformere should be muted , their objects being the same . ( Cheers . ) Thedesirabilitv of making the people the sovercip power , after " the speeches of Messrs . Holyoake and _O'Briaa _, cannot be doubted ; I will , therefore , in referentw to that ' part of the subject say , simply _. Hut I _a-ree irith them j but there w aaother new

      Public Meetings. Commemoration Op The Fr...

      of this question which I wish briefly , to present to you . Is it not possible to have power , and still lack the necessary intelligence to make proper use ofit ? ( Hear , hear . ) I think it is , —I do not , of course , mean that intelligence is to be made a condition or qualificationfor the exercise of power , but merely to show how necessary it is that sound intelligence should , as _. faras possible , precede great changes , so that when the masses get power they maybe able to apply it rightly and effectively . ( Cheers . ) For the faithfulness of this opinion , look to France at this moment . ( Hear . ) What is the Republican government now doing ? Hunting to death the Tery men whose courage and patriotism had given birth to the Republic itself . ( Hear . ) What can more clearly illustrate the correctness of wnat l -e at .- .. . _ .... „

      am saying , than the fact , that at this very time , Guizot is preparing to return to France , —a country upon which he recently inflieted the horrors of civil war , with a strong probability of being elected to its Universal Suffrage Parliament , whilst Louis Blanc and Caussidiere , are compelled to remain in exile from the land which we know they love so well ? I say this truth is dishonourable to the French nation ! ( Sear , hear . ) What do these things teach us ? This ! That a people may erect barricades , destroy dynasties , trample thrones in thc dust , drive monarchs and ministers into exile , shed rivers and oceans of blood in establishing a Republic , and vet fail in the establishment of liberty ! ( Hear , hear . ) Do we not , then , want a union of all the elements that can be useful in

      teaching the masses the rights of labour—as to the extent of such knowledge only can the real utility of revolutions be measured ! ( Cheers . ) I have infinite pleasure in supporting the sentiment . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Walter Cooper , on coming forward to support thc sentiment , said , it was the people who , by their industry , made England at once rich and powerful . He , with Mr . Holyoake , believed the people had become more important than either kings or queens . He admired that portion of Louis Blanc's letter in which he spoke of the moderation of the Parisian Democrats , who were neither robbers nor assassins , but who only desired to labour that they might live . In thc emphatic language of Robert Nicol , the people's cause was " a holy cause . " That , was a beautiful sentiment of Louis Blanc , when he said , " Let us organise labour tliat the sons of the people may be elevated . "

      ( Cheers . ) And , truly , Labour had great sons , as witness Xicol , Burns , Bloomfield , Arkwright , and those immortal poets—John Milton and Thomas Cooper , ( Immense applause . ) Almost all the grandeur of literature and science sprung from the ranks of industry . Li the present day the shoemaker , Thomas Cooper , by his genius , fired and inspired the people onwards in the glorious march of progression , by recalling to memory the martyrs and great men of past ages . ( Loud cheers . ) Talk of uniting—why should they not ? Were they not brethren ? They must have unity—they must have genuine democracy—Chartism was only the means to an end . They must have no wicked cant about surplus population . ( Loud cheers . ) Kings and priests unite , the people should unite . Let them unite for the elevation—morally , politically , and socially—of the whole people ; and let their mission be , to leave the worla better than they found it . ( Loud cheers . )

      Citizen _Hackmax then sung "Mourir pour la Patrie , " thc whole company joining in the chaunt . The Chairman said that , in addition to himself , the committee had appointed Messrs . Holyoake and M'Grath to speak to the next sentiment . A previous engagement had compelled Mr . Holyoake to speak to the firstsentiment to enable him to leave at an early hour . Unfortunately , Mr . M'Grath was also engaged in delivering a lecture at the east end of London , and was thereby compelled to wholly absent himself from the present festival . The sentiment was as follows : —

      "To the French Revolution—to its apostles , heroes , anil martyrs , in tlie past , ' the present , and the future . To the victory and final triumph of the Democratic and Social "Republic . " The Chairman ( speaking to the above sentiment ) said : We are assembled to celebrate the glorious event , or , rather , series of events / known' under the name ofthe French Revolution ;* -It is true this festival has been organised with a view to the special celebration ofthe three g lorious days of February . But we , who give so little to the . good work of European progress—niggards that we are—may at least be liberal of our thanks to the Revolutionists of France , past as well as present . We may , we must , pay homage not only to the Revolution of 184 S—but also to the revolution of sixty years

      since . The Revolution of the 24 th of February was hut the continuation , of the Revolution commenced on the 1-ith of July 1789 . Be assured that you have only seen the continuation , not the conclusion of the Revolution . Thc revolution will never he concluded until the reign of Justice is established . Justice ! that was the aim of the gre at men of what is commonly ealled the first Revolution . Through far-distant times the dream of Justice had inspired the speculations of many a sage , and the majestic strains of many a poet . Moved by an unappeasable thirst for Justice , many a martyr had laid his bones on the battle-field , or reddened the scaffold with his blood , or worn out long and weary years of misery in thc cells of dungeons , bastiles , and inquisitions—the most terrible

      martyrdom man can suffer , or his fellow-man—transformed to a monster—can inflict . It was his heart's longing for the rule of Justice that inspired the matchless eloquence of Rousseau , the master-spirit of the Ei g hteenth Century . Of that prophet of the Revolution , Byron has truly and beautifully said " From him came , As from the Pythian ' s mystic cave of yore , Those oracles which set the world in name , 2 for ceased to burn till king doms were no more J " They said he was " mad ! " But his revilers and persecutors were the madmen ; mad , for they were blind tothe great fact that the people were becoming enlightened by such teachers as Rousseau , and were beginning to see throug h the falsehood and rottenness of priestcraft and statecraft , and were

      preparing themselves for the' great struggle for Justice . When the people threw their omnipotent masses against the Bastile , and under the weight of their physical and moral force brought that accursed fortress of _Tyranny to thc dust , they were inspired by the love of Justice ! When they stormed the Tuileries ; when they brought a royal hypocrite to the scaffold ; when , more than rivalling Grecian heroism and Roman patriotism , the glorious people of France transformed their country into a camp , and rushing from the workshop and the field , they scattered the armies of Despotism , and vanquished the league of kings , they were animated by one pure , holy inspiration—the desire to establish the reign of Justice ! ( Applause . ) In 1830—in tho it j _„„„ _* t .. i ,. — + i _« _nonnlo nf Paris noured out three days of July—the people oi i / ans pourea out

      _„ , their blood not to obtain kingships , prefectships ' portfolios , crosses , and plunder ; those good things were appropriated by good father Philippe , that devil ' s darling Thiers , that solemn charlatan Guizot , and thc rest ofthe unclean brood , who for eighteen years afflicted France with the leprosy of their rule . The people , unsullied by selfishness , only demanded Justice . ( Applause . ) To come to the Revolution of 1848 ; on the 21 st of February the banquet was forbidden , and the government forbade the people to take part in the simplest manifestation of moral force . "As for physical force , " said Guizot and Philippe , " we defy you . " But strong in the mi g ht of their right , the people arose to demand Justice . On the 22 nd , they assembled to the cry of " Tive la

      Reforme ! " On the 23 rd , they erected thc barricades to the cry of " Down with the system ! " On the 2 _ith they fought and conquered to the cry of " Vive la Repubfique ? " ( Loud cheers . ) What slave so base as to-refuse homage to thc heroes of February ? I must , however , dissent from both Citizens Louis Blanc and Walter Cooper , as regards theirpraise ofthe moderation of themen of February . ( Hear , hear . ) Though I should stand alone I will protest against what I hold to have been the folly of the February Revolutionists , namely , thoir moderation . ( Applause . ) The Parisian Democrats ought to have known—for history has over and over again repeated the lesson , that moderation towards the eternal enemies of Justice is suicide to those who oractise that folly . To exercise the virtues of

      generosity and clemency , where the enemies ot the people are concerned , is to throw pearls before swine , who will turn again and rend you ! Men who set themselves to the task of regenerating societv and find themselves engaged hi a revolution , should have but one rule—the pursuit of Justice and war against all the enemies of Justice . ( Prolonged applause . ) Did the Revolution of February establish the reign of Justice ? No ! Hence the insurrection of" June—therebellion of despair ! Justice is not yet estabhshed , and , therefore , the Revolution is not finished . We _™ - _*«™ o *> tothe Revolution victorious on the 14 th

      , Sf Julr-triump hant on the 10 th of _August-proelaimea dominant on the End of _^ Ptembej- _" _? verted onthe & tal 9 th Thermidor--re _assertedontiw 29 th of Julv—again victorous on the 24 th of lebruary-at this moment obstructed in _itai march by Royalist and Bourgeo is conspirators , but destined to have a final and glorious triumph . ( Prolonged applause . ) We are here also to pay honour to whom honour is due—the dead and the hying ; the -fariious / and the nameless Apostles , heroes and martyrs , who , by their labours and sufferings , have _rertdered the French revolution so pre-eminently glorious . From the vast mass of famous men whose

      names grace or disgrace the historic page , we select for our admiration the men who devoted their lives to the service of Justice . Who were they ?—Mirabeau , Lafayette , and thc " English system" mongers ? No ! _Briasot and his Girondists , the ' eloquent phrase-mongers of the revolution ? No ! The martyrs of the 9 th Thermidor ;—the incorruptible Robespierre , —( applause )—the heroic St . Just , and their great associates , are those who command the homage of the worshippers of Justice . Those men sacrificed all for mankind . They gava their labour their talents , their lived ,

      Public Meetings. Commemoration Op The Fr...

      e _« n their reputation , to the one cause dear to their hearts-the salvation ofthe people . Manv men have laid down their lives for their fellow-men , rewarded by the secret assurance—the inward consoling whisper-that their fellow-crcaturcs would mourn their doom , and posteritv strew flowers on their graves . But Robespierre and his fellow-martyrs sacrificed even that good repute , tiie loss of whicli is to most men the chief of evils . But " ills have bounds" even calumny . At length a time has arrived when men dare vindicate the

      humanity and far-seeing policy of Marat—pay tribute to the mi ghty mind and . dauntless virtue of St . Just—and dohomage to the genius , the incorruptibility , aud the god-like designs of Maximilian Robespierre . ( Great applause . ) Baboeuf and all the apostles , heroes , and martyrs of the Jirst period of the revolution , also command our homage . I must add a word for the heroic men of thc working class , who , without any hope of fame , simply for the love of justice , gave up their lives _struggling for Liberty . Honour to the nameless heroes of all the revolutions

      and insurrections against Despotism , not forgetting the heroes of June ! ( Applause . ) I must not omit honourable mention of those patriots who are at present languishing in the dungeons of France , and those , too , who are suffering the pains of exile . There is Barbes—Barbes , who spent tlie flower of his life—the strength of liis manhood—in the dungeons of Louis Philippe , and who , only three months at liberty , was again condemned to chains in the name of the Republic!—the Republic which it has be _' en the one aim of hU life to establish ! If purity of heart , an ambition whicli only desires the welfare of mankind , and a martyrspirit ready and eager to embrace any doom , however fearful , in the pursuit of justice , —if these constitute a great man . Barbes is pre-eminently a great

      man . Honour to Barbes ! ( Loud applause . ) Many more of his fellow captives deserve praise much more fervent than any I can bestow—especially Raspail—the philanthropic , thc talented , the heroic , the great — because good Raspail ! ( Renewed , applause . ) Let me not forget the names of Louis Blanc and Caussidiere , who although not here to receive the * expression of our fraternal esteem , have nevertheless our best wishes , including the wish that they may be happily restored to their country , and find therein established the true Republic ; not thc Republic of lies nnd castes , but the Jiepubliquo _Democratique et Sociale . ( Cheers . ) Am Itold the Democratic Republic already exists ? I say no ; witness the dungeons crowded with men _whose _' erime is that they are democratic ; bear witness the laws against the clubs , thc suppression of public meetings , thc gagging of the press , and the stifling of pubnc opinion . 1 will add that until the Republic is social it

      never can be democratic . What do I mean by the Social Republic ? I answer that state of society in which he that will not work shall not be allowed to eat ; and in which the workers shall enjoy thc full fruits of their toil . In which , in the words of Robespierre , " the country shall ensure the prosperity of every individual , and each individual enjoy the prosperity and glory of the country . " In which , in the language of St . Just , France will " not suffer one indigent wretch , nor one oppressor" on her soil . That Republic will triumph , because its champions ; led b y Truth , fight for Justice . The Red Republicans realise the devotion inculcated by the conspirator in Byron ' s Marino Faliero : — " * We must forget all feelings save the one—We must resign all passions save our purpose—Wc must behold no object save our country , And only look on death as beautiful , So tbat the sacrifice ascend to heaven , And draw down freedom on her evermore . "

      Glory to such men ! Victory to the Red Republic I Vive la llepublique Democratique et Sociale . ' ( Enthusiastic and prolonged applause . )' . The Cliairman then called on Mr . Buchanan to respond to the following sentiment : _—t "To democratic Germany , Poland , Hungary , and Italy . To the _glorious peoplo who have cast off the chains of l'riestdom , pud re-established the _Kepublie of Home . Should regenerated Italybc menaced by the arms-of-foreign oppression , may thc people of Europe rise , and march to the rescue . " Mr . Robert Buchaxax said , he had much pleasure in responding to the sentiment , as he had for months past taken a deep interest in the events of Hungary and Italy . They were aware that the republic had been proclaimed in Rome , and he had heard to-day

      of the proclamation of the republic at Florence . ( Tremendous cheering . ) The foreign correspondence ofthe daily journals was one mass of lies . The Hungarians had beon very much misrepresented . The Hungarians had abolished serfdom , and established Universal Suffrage . What the Hungarians wanted , was a constitution for their own country . The Russians had entered Transylvania , but let them advance andthe cry would be , " Germany to the rescue ! " ( Cheers . ) Russian intervention would provoke a general European war—a war against despotism . ( Loud cheers . ) As regardeef Italy—with republics at Rome and at Florence , a revolution completed in Tuscany , and agitation prevailing in Sardinia , it was easy to talk of an holy alliance to put down the Romans ; but Spain

      had enough to do at home ; let her send troops to XJaeta , and a republic would be proclaimed in Catalonia , and Isabella ' s throne would not be worth a month ' s purchase . Naples was in a similar position ; the monarch was thoroughly detested , and his throne only existed by the support of the Swiss mercenaries ; there was not a soldier to spare . The Austrian government was fully engaged with Hungary and Venice . It would be treason on the part of France to send out a single soldier beyond the Alps . Marshal Bugeaud had declared the army had enough to do to keep down the Red Republicans . Let Louis Napoleon forget his origin , and depend on it the soldiers would 60 on re-cross the Alps , and leave thc Romans to settle their own affairs . ( Great cheering . ) With Sardinia and Naples revolutionised , and Sicily free , twenty-five millions of Italians , actuated by one common sentiment , would prove an

      effectual barrier to the Cossacks ofthe north , or a French army . He said , let the Democrats of each country look after tlieir own governments , and the people of Italy would do very well without their assistance . ( Loud cheers . l . Mr . Charles Keen said the Romans were worthy of the praise of all mankind for the noble stand they had made against despotism and priestcraft . Tho . people of England would be traitors to tlieir own interests—traitors to the principles of Right and Justice , if they failed to give their sympathy and fra-ternity to the brave Italian people . Public opk nibn should compel the British government to tako , the side of Italy , if the despots ofthe _Continent dared to march against her . ( Applause . ) The Chairman then gave the last sentiment as follows : —

      " To the speedy adoption of the People ' s Charter—the means to the establishment of the reign of justice—political and social . To all who have suffered and are suffering in the cause of liberty in this and every other land . " Mr . W . Dixon 6 aid the Charter was the means , social happiness the end ; and if he did not think ' ah'd believe that the Charter would be the means of upraising of the people from their present degraded state , and improving their condition politically , socially , morally , and physically , he would not advocate it for one hour longer . The enemies to universal suffrage said , look at America with the suffrage , and likewise France , and then exultingly asked what use had the Americans and the French made ofthe suffrage ? The question with him was , were the people entitled to the rights of citizenship ? and

      not the use they made of that right when they posr sessed it . It was true that the star-spangled banner ofthe States was sullied by the black mark of slavery . It was equally true that France had a government at present as bad as the dynasty . she had expelled . But these facts argued nothing in favour . _<* _-f keeping the suffrage from the people of this country , nor ought it to damp the energies ofthe advocates of Parliamentary reform . He ( Mr . Dixon ) , like Mr . Clark , believed that the people of . this country were better prepared to make a proper use of the suffrage , if thev had it , than the French people , o _** irig to the fact that -they had had the opportunity of publicly discussing political questions , which- the French had not . Mr . Dixon then called upon . all men of progress to unite in one bond of brotherhood ,

      for the purpose of removing every . obstacle that stood in the way of man ' s elevation—morally , physically , and intellectually . Mr Stallwood , in supporting the sentiment , said it was divided into two parts , Mr . Dixon had taken the first part , he would apply himself to the second , and he believed that freedom would never have been obtained without the labours of that daring band ' ol pioneers , who had fallen victims to their enthusiasm Si behalf of the cause of human redemption . ( Hear ,-hear . ) The people owed a debt of gratitude to Kosciusko , of Poland ; immortal Robert _Bhm-i of Germany ( prolonged cheering ); Barbes , Raspail , Louis Blanc , Sidney , Hampden , John . Frost , Ernest

      Jones , Wallace , Muir , Wolf Tone , tlie O'Connors , Fitzgerald , Robert Emmett , O'Brien , Meagher , and last not least , John Mitchel , of Ireland .- ( Tirej _mendous cheering . ) He said all praise , honour , and -lory to those heroes and martyrs to the glorious cause of progress ! ( Great applause . ) ' On the motion of Mr . E . Gill , seconded by air . Side , and supported by Mr . H . Ross , a vote of thanks , with three cheers , was given to Julian Harnet for his services as ohairmanT . The singing ofthe " Marseillaise , " by the entire assembly , concluded the public meeting . Dancing and . other \ entertaimnents occupied a numerous portion -Ot -Mo company till a later hour .

      _-NOITISSHAM . _*—The first anniversary of the French . Revolution of February , 1848 , was . held by the _wialists and Republicans of this town on Saturday _eVS last , February 24 th , at the Coffee-house , Lower Pavement , when a substantial supper was _Provided Every person present wore a red _Jiband at his button-hole . After the supper had been dhpWd o _& the foUowing toasts were p vwj _* - _"To lh « brave mea of Paris ,, who finally overthrew , on the ml Skhm , M tt » Pft P" _"* * th « St « dynasty * « _d wtahhshedon its ruins , a .

      Public Meetings. Commemoration Op The Fr...

      democratic rOBubbO-tiie only form of government which is calculated permanentl y to _benefit the Mr _Lf ° tfr n Th 0 _^ ench ll _^" blic _* " " Joseph Manuii _, the Roman Republic , and the men who overthrew lie temporal power of the Popes nRone _™« » " fen ' , Cr _° 0 f th 0 Roman people 10 « _ycais . Generals Bern and Dembinski , and thc brave Hungarians who arc now struggIn " MoSiin » , _vi a f ¦ J * " " , aild thc _wh 0 -e of the Mountain party of France . " " Tho American Re-S _^' n _?* nd th _° _Patriots of America , _Who first in v ? . w _? \ overtI » _w the despotic power of thoir _Sftrid » " t ? a _i n ° T Wo exam P Ic t 0 the rest of the _™ li » _l « T _? _- est J ? ' \ _^ _victims of misrule . The immortal memory of Blum , Messenhauser , and Beccher ( the Englishman ) , and all thc Viennese patriots who died _ondiuvourW to obtain _demoTcratc press . " " The democratic press of

      PonTSEA . — A democratic convivial mectinarwas held on Monday evening , February 2 Gth , when the lollowing toasts were responded to : — " Tho Sovereign People . " » The French Revolution . " " The Democrats of all Nations . " " The People ' s Jn £ _* '« ll niay Us P eedHy become thcbm ofthe lanu . lhe speedy liberation of all political prisoners . " « Tho j _^ _g _, _-. Vari 0 M _J _^ . _^ _, songs were sung in tho course of the evening , and a collection made for the Victim Fund , when -tl is . IhI . was subscribed and forwarded to Mr . J . Arnott . Birmisohav . — Frexch _Revolutio . v . — Eightv Democrats sat down to an excellent in the

      supper large room , Ship Inn , to commemorate this glorious events : after the supper the room became crowded . Messrs Fussell and Docker filled the respective chairs . The several sentiments were given and eloquently responded to bv Messrs . Davis , Mason , Blaxland , Deny , White , and Others . SQngS : " Fall , Tyrants , fall , " " Spread the Charter , ' " The Marseillaise , " & c , were given bv Messrs . Nisbett , Goodwin , Fussell , and others ' ; and at twelve o ' clock tho company separated , expressing their satisfaction at having 3 pont in thc good cause , an evening which will be long remembered by all those who were present .

      Separation Of Church And State. A Public...

      SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE . A public meeting , convened by the Executive of the National Charter Association , was held at the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Fitzroy-square , on Tuesday evening last . Mr . Charles Uttixo in the chair . Mr . Thomas Clark on rising was loudly cheered . He said : Thc question which we have been called together this evening to consider is of a most important character , and is deserving of our best attention . ( Hear . ) The connexion of the Church with the State hasbeen pregnant with _highly important—and , as I believe , highly _dangerous consequences to public liberty ; and , in order to test your opinions on the subject , I have to propose to you the adoption ofthe following resolution : — " That

      this meeting is of opinion that religion is not a matter in which the State can interfere , as all religious creeds are matters of opinion , about which greiltdiflerence exists ; and that to compel men to pay for thc propagation of opinions from which they dissent , is to deprive them dishonestly of their private property , and is insulting to their conscience . This meeting regarding tbe present Episcopalian establishment __ in this country as being in that discreditable position , denounce its continuance as a fraud financially , and as a degradation conscientiously ; and pledges itself to use every proper and legitimate means to effect a separation of the Church from the State , and thereby establish religious equality and independence . " Mr . Clark said the reasons upon which I found my

      opposition to the Church aro these . In the first place , government has no right in any way to meddle with religion , as .-tbo worship of God is a matter which must rest entirely between a man . and his Maker ; and for a government to interpose its authority , is falsely to presume that without its'interference the adoration of a Supremo Being would be totally forgotten ! ( Hear . ) It is also ihsultiug to the Deity , as arguing the necessity of Acts of Parliament to enforce lbs power . ( Cheers . ) I should be extremely sorry to pay religion so equivocal a compliment as to connect ifc in any way with the parliament of England . ( Cheers . ) Religion will indeed stand in need of an abiding place when it takes refuge in our House of Commons . ( Laughter . ) "What a handsome association for the Apostles !

      ( Laughter . ) I also object tothe State Church , because it compels those who dissent from its doctrines to pay for its support , and because such conduct is a gross artd scandalous violation of that sublime doctrine , and which is the essence of religion" Do ye unto others as ye would that others should do unto you , " ( Cheers . ) Then what shall I say of the forced payments for the maintenance of the Establishment ? What can be moro dishonest than to compel us to pay , not only for what we do not want and never get ; but that which some of us strongl y reprobate ? ( Hear . ) If a certain class of persons with deficient memories require to be publicly reminded every seventh day of tlieir duty to their Maker and then * neighbours , is that any reason why we who do not require to be so reminded should be

      taxed to compensate for their natural defect ? ( Laughter , and " No . " ) I say , those who want priests ought to pay for them , but on no account compel one man to pay for the religion of another . ( Hear , hear . ) It would be quite as reasonable to coerce a man to discharge his neighbour ' s tailor ' s bill . ( Hear . ) Mr . Clark here related a laughable an 6 cdote of an Irish brogue-maker , who was called on by a minister ofthe Church Establishment to pay tithe , amounting to 6 s . 9 d . Pat refused to pay the money on the ground that ho had never heard his ltiverence preach . The collector told Pat that if ho had not availed himself of the eloquence of the parson , he had no one to blame but himself . The brogucmaker , a few days after this waited on tho minister , with a bill for mending

      • his and his lady ' s shoes , when the minister denied ever having had any dealings with him ; but Pat reminded him that his shop was always open , and tbat the parson ! liad no one to blame but himself . I ( said Mr , Clark ) , further object' to the . _^ connexion ofthe Church with the State , because it is an undoubted fact , thatthe connexion was _desighed and is perpetuated for the purposes of mental degradation . ( Hear , hear . ) The position wliich the people occupy with respect to tho Church and government , is exactly that which Christ filled upon Mount Calvary—you will understand what I mean , when you reflect upon the sort of companions between whom Christ was crucified . ( Cheers and laughter . ) I am told that the State patronises the Church for tlie purpose of improving the morals

      of the people . Now just think of the regard which the aristocracy have for public morals . Can there , I ask , ; be a . more perfect burlesque upon common decency ? I can well understand how a body of mon of great learning and wisdom could be usefully employed , as a separate and distinct body , to teach publicly an improved system of morals , and to elevate thc character of mankind—such would be a glorious mission ; but I boldly deny that such is the manner in which State priests employ themselves . Their whole history exhibits them as the enemies of liberty , and with " peace and goodwill" upon their lips , they have set man against his fellow , and wnerever their bli ghting influence is felt , there despotism flourishes and mental darkness

      reigns—( cheers)—and sb it will continue until their thimblerjg system is smothered in its own ruins , nnd man s . increasing intelligence has succeeded in establishing in its stead , perfect and entire freedom of _conscience . ( Loud cheers . ) 1 ¦ '¦ Mr . Dixon , in seconding tho resolution , said : I have no objection to any one holding Church doctrines , but l wish people to have what they like , and pay for what they get . ( Loudcheers . ) The propagators of the _pospel did not do mnch in extending _mtorrnation , if we may judge from the Commissioner ' * report , for thc miners had not even the information as to . who Jesus Christ was . As wc have Free Trade , let us have Free Trade in religion , and then he who deserves best will gdt the greater reward . ( Loud cheers . )

      __ Mr : Stallwood rose and briefly moved the adoption ofthe following petition : — TO THE HONOU-tABLE TnE COMMONS or OBEAT BRITAIN AND 1 UBLAND _, IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED . Tlie petition of certain inhabitants of Saint Pancras , in the borough of Marylebone , in public meeting assembled , at the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Fitzroy-square , this 27 th day of February , 1849 : SUEWCTH , That your petitioners belong principally to tlie industrious classes , and through the evil legislation of your honourable House , aro very much impoverished . That your petitioners hare , in addition to their , othergrievous burdens , to contribute . to the sup }> ort ofwhat is falsely called a National Church , hut which is known onl y to your petitioners as a ' _tax-i-ollcctor .

      That your petitioners regard tlie connexion ofthe Church with the State aa a thing designed to subserve political purposes of a questionable character , and as a meaus of providing employment for some portion of the junior branches of the aristocracy . _, That vour petitioners are of opinion that religion does not need _' the assistance of the State , and therefore pray your honourable House-forthwith to pass a law for the _severance of . those institutions ; and your petitioners arc further of opinion such an acton the part of your honourable House will , whilst it gives great satisfaction to tho major portion of the people , tend mueh to tba promotion of " pure and midenled religion . *' And your petitioners will ever pray , ( Signed on bchalf . of the meeting ) _Chailku _Urmc , Chairman .

      ' The petition was seconded by Mr . Lucas , and carried unanimously . On the , motion of Messrs . Curk and _ABSon _» it was resolved , —¦ That the petition he _fwrwaxdcdAo George Thompson , M . P . for the Tower Hamlets , " for . presentation to the-House . " '' " * ' A voto of _thaate . was giYep . to \ h _/ e Chairman , im the meeting separated * .

      Child Farmlvo. Covent - Gardes' Market. ...

      CHILD FARMLVO . COVENT - GARDES ' MARKET . On Tuesday , in pursuance of n requisition sent to the High Bailiff , signed by several of thc ratepayers and householders in Westminster , a meeting was convened in thc open air in front of St . Paul's Church , Covent-garden Market , for tlie purpose of ascertaining the sentiments of the inhabitants respecting tlio system of child fhrminff . By one o ' clock , the hour announced on the placards , a promiscuous crowd of several thousands , assembled in front of the hustings , and a few minutes after the . High Bailiff , accompanied by Mr . Charles Cochrane and several other gentlemen , ascended the platform .

      Mr . Cochrane , who was received with cheers , made a speech in condemnation of the Sew Poor-Law and the board of guardians , and concluded by moving— " That , from the evidence _given at the _inquestsThcld on the bodies ofsome children who died at Drouet ' s pauper child-forming establishment at Tooting , in Surrey , ifc appears that one hundred and forty-one children were sacrificed within fifteen days , and their death was occasioned by an insufficiency of food and clothing , and foul and pestilential air ; that several otber children died , after their removal from the parish pauper farm-house , and that the coroners' juries unanimously pronounced verdicts of manslaughter against Mr . " Drouet ; but as it has been clearly shown that the svsteiu of

      treatment adopted towards the deceased infants was sanctioned and approved of by the guardians ofthe poor of several ofthe metropolitan parishes , as well as by the Poor-Law Board , this meeting is of opinion that these authorities arc acting criminally towards tlie poor . This meeting further considers , that the new poor-law , under which so many innocent lives have been sacrificed , heretofore , as well as on the present occasion , is essentiallv cruel nnd inhuman , opposed to the laws of nature ' , a violation of the decrees of our holy religion , a scandal to Christianity , a disgrace to " the British nation , and _flltOtJOthor Unfitted to a _Ohi-ist ' ian country ; and _th-vt it should , therefore , be totally and immediately abolished . "

      Mr . Smith seconded tlie motion . Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds then enme forward , and mado a fierce attack on the child-farming system generally , on Mr . Drouefin . particular , and on the " Tory Becorder for the city of London , " with great applause from the crowd . He concluded by moving an amendment , to the effect that the meeting regarded the late occurrence at Tooting , in wliich Mr . Drouet took a part , as nothing short of murder ; that an indelible stain was affixed . lii consequence to her Majesty's Ministers , and calling upon her Majesty to dismiss her advisers accordingly . Mr . Wilson , a Chartist and a working man , seconded the amendment .

      Tho High Bailiff then , came forward , and said lie had been high bailiff and deputy bailiff in the city of Westminster for thirty years , and during all that time he had met withpubiic approbation in the discharge of his duties , interfering with no meeting improperly . On the present occasion , however , when the requisionists called on him , ho put it to them whether they meant to allude to Mr . Drouet , when they said they did not ; and on that understanding he called the meeting . Mr . Drouet , however , had been directly attacked , both in the speeches and the resolutions ; and as that might prejudice him , now that he was on his trial , and as the law and the public never held a man guilty till he was declared so in a court of justice , he could not put tho resolutions . This announcement was received with great uproar , hissing , and every other method by which thc crowd could express thoir sentiments of disapprobation of the High Bailiff ' s decision .

      Mi ' . Reynolds , while the High Bailiff was yet on the front of the hustings , came forward and attempted to put the amendment ; but being stopped by thc High Bailiff , he took off his hat , and gave the . signal to the mob to cheer for the amendment , which was answered with loud cheers . The High Bailiff , who was seized by the collar by one OV two of Mi-. ' Reynolds ' s friends , immediately pushed Mr . Reynolds back from thc front of the hustings , and threatened to use his authority against him . He thon declared the meeting at an end , and left thc hustings ; amid cries of " oh , oh , " groans and hisses . Mr . Wilson immediately proposed Mi ' . Reynolds should take the chair . The seat of authority , however , was removed by Mr . Jones , the secretary of the Poor Man ' s Guardian Society , and thc new chairman , not to be outdone , stepped forward to address the crowd . He was about to propose his

      amendment again to the crowd , but found , to liis amazement , that no amendment was on the platform , the only copy existing being , at tlie moment , some considerable distance off , in thc pocket of the High Bailiff . In the meantime , Mr . CociiiiAXE expressed his regret that gentlemen could be found to frustrate the objects of their meeting by amendments , notwithstanding that he ( Mr . Cochrane ) bore all thc expense . Mr . Reynolds then proceeded to address the meeting on thc general _sn ?; jcct ofthe poor-law and thc particular individuals whom he thought connected with its administration , alluding to them in terms something short of courtesy . The crowd ivere excessively pleased , and were cheering the speaker with uproarious applause , when four carpenters , armed with hatchets , mounted the platform and began to demolish the hustings . This ended the proceedings of the dav .

      Financial Reform Meeting In Marylebone.—...

      Financial Reform Meeting in Marylebone . — On Tuesday a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of Marylebone tooK . place at thc Workhouse Schoolroom in tlie 2 fcw-road , to consider the moans of securing financial reform and reform in Parliament . Mr . Hume presided . There were also present Lord D . Stuart , M . P ., Mr . J . Williams , M . P _., Sir J . Walmslcy , M . P ., Mr . W . Williams , & c . Tho Chairman having addressed thc meeting at considerable length on the business on which thoy wore met , and adverted to the usual arguments and topics brought forward on similar occasions , concluded by saying they were there to show the government that a reduction in taxation and a better representation of tho people in thc House of Commons were necessary , and that they were determined to have them .

      ( Cheers . ) Mr . W . William * , late M . P . for Coventry , proposed , after an appropriate speech , the first resolution : — " That in thc opinion of this meeting , the national expenditure has been increased by successive governments to an extent not warranted by the exigencies of the public service , * that the taxation required to uphold this wasteful extravagance is impoverishing the people of this country ; and that in order to obtain effectual reduction of taxation and economy in the public expenditure , and secure a continuance thereof , it is indispensable that the Commons Ilouse of Parliament should be further reformed , " which was seconded by Mr . Nicholay and carried unanimously . Mr . Hodges moved tlie next resolution : — " That the present mode of

      levying taxes is unjust m principle , and presses most unfairly on that portion of the community least able to bear its weight , and therefore such a revision has become indispensable as will havo tlio effect of placing the burden of taxation on the property of thc country , instead of the present unequal , complicated , and expensively collected system . " After which the meeting , from the crowded state of the room , adjourned to the Workhouse-yard , where tho resolution was seconded by Mr . Sodon , and after some observations by Lord D . Stuart , who said that any branch of reform which would tend to bring about thc great measure of financial reform contemplated by Mr . Cobden was useful , was passed with groat applause . Mr . J . Williams , M . P-., moved : — " That for the attainment ofthe ebjeets set forth in the preceding resolution , it is expedient that an association be now formed , to be called the St .

      Marylebone Financial and Reform Association , aud that the following be the objects of such association : 1 . To use _ag legal and constitutional means of inducing the most rigid economy in the expenditure of the government , consistent with due efficiency in the several departments of the public service , and to endeavour to obtain for the people a more direct control over the same by . a further reform of the House of . Commons . 2 . To obtain a completo revisal of taxation , and the substitution of nn impost fairly levied on property and income , in lieu of the present unequal , Complicated , and expensively collected duties upon commodities . Political partisanship is distinctly disavowed , the association boin » composed of men of all political parties . " Which Mr . Cassall seconded , and which was unanimously carried . A vote of thanks was then passed to the chairman , and the meeting broke up .

      Meeting at Soutiiwam * . —On Tuesday , a public meeting ef the inhabitants of the borough of Southwark was held at the hall ofthe Literary Institution , Borough-road , in support of the movement in favour of Financial Reform : Mr . Apsley Pellatt in the chair . —Mr . J . L . Stevens proposed the first resolution : " That it was the duty of the government so to obtain a national income as to leave both the necessaries of life and the efforts of industry untaxed , and to expend it with the _titmost regard to economv , * and that , therefore , realised property should beat at least the largest proportion of the burdens of tho State . Sinecures should bo abolished , pensions should be reduced , and tho annual estimates should be brought within tho limits of

      absolute necessity . "—Mr . W . Howard seconded the resolution . —Mr . Hearne suggested that the meeting _ou-dit ' to support the object for which the Liverpool Association was formed ,- and assist Mr . Cobdon in getting his budget . He . waB . ted to have a resolution to the effect . —Tho resolution was carried as proposed . —Mr . _Thwaites moved that the plan of Financial Reform , proposed by MK Cobden , M . P ., was _deserving _^ of the utmost-support , and that Mr . Alderm an Humphery and Sir w . _Molosworth , the members for this borough , bo requostod to aid his efforts in thc House of Commons for its legislative _Adoption , and otherwise to promoto a moro equitable adjustment and general reduction of _taxation , —Mr . Elkingtw seconded the _reeolutifln , which was

      Financial Reform Meeting In Marylebone.—...

      also carried unanimolislv . —Thanks were voted to th 9 chairman , and the meeting separated . _„» . " _» _* _f , A 1 ' I , EA " »« KB A 1 J 0 UT TO MOVK IX Liiiancpation of Labour , through thc means of Home Colonics , the Sum-ago , and a _"ood « _te ™ l , r and Scientific Education . The fri ? _r-S _™ «¦¦!» throe first rules of . the ¦• _Xatbnal Or _^ Ml S Trades , " founded by A Walton _^ nd _^ hthW _intelligent compatriots , the Metropolitan TraaV Dc legates : — " That thc Land being tho gift of the Al mighty to the people -universally , ought to- be held in sacred trust by the state for their benefit , , and not be exclusively possessed by a fractional part of the community . " "That the Elective Franchise should be extended to overy man of twenty-one years of age , of sound mind and uncontaminated by crime . " " That education should be secured by tho government for the people ; and that sued education , on the part ofthe stato , should be of a strictly scientific and secular character , without in any way

      interfering with the right of parents to give such religious instruction to their children as they may think fit . " A preliminary meeting of the journeyman tailors of the west ond of London , was held at the Coach and Horses , Silver-street , Golden-square , on Friday evening , February the 23 rd , at which several ofthe leading committee-men , assisted by Mr . A . Walton , were present , when it was unanimously resolved to call a publie meeting of the journeymen tailors ( especially of those who work at home ) , to be held in thc large room of tha above house at eight o ' clock , en Monday evening next , March tho 3 th , to consider tho propriety of joining * the National Organisation of Trades in support of the _forcgoim * moasures . An active sub-committee was formed , and the preliminary arrangements duly made ; wc arc also informed that in a few days a public meeting of the general trades of London , will be held in the Hall of Commerce , Threadncedlc-street , City , for tho promotion of tlie same glorious objects . Live the Organisation of Libom > I

      Inisu Wastk Land _Imimiovkmkxt Socikty . —The annual mooting of tlio shareholders in this association wu held on Tuesday , at two o ' clock , at tho King s Head , Poultry . John Heathcote , Esq .. M P in the chair There wero onl y fifteen shareholders present . Mr . Fry , the secretary , road the report of the directors , and also a report from Goi . Robinson the managing director . 'These reports went into detail respecting the depressed condition of the society , and it appeared from them , that the _"ross receipts had been £ 31 , 000 , and the estimated assets of the company were about £ 1-1 , 000 . Out of 71 L 5 shares , 4 , 075 had been forfeited . The secret ' arr while reading these reports , announced liis _willingness to have his salary reduced bv . £ 20 a vear From questions put to the chairman " it appeared that

      xij 103 . per share liad been called up , and that £ 1 , ( 501 ) remained in arrear upon the last call A discussion was raised with respect to the moans whieh had been adopted to enforce the pavment of the arrears . —Mr . Morris wished to know what was done with respect to Mr . Daniel O'Council ' s shares at a time when that "entlcniaii was receivin- _' - £ 30 , 000 a year from _tlte finest , but at the sam ? time poorest , peasantry in tho world . There was no answer to this question . Mr . Morris : I suppose he was applied to ?—The Secretary : Oh yes . —Mr Morris : And yet he was called the saviour of his country . —A . Shareholder inquired how manv actions for arrears of calls had been brought ?—Tlio Soerowrits

      tary : Twenty have been issued altogether . — Mr . Morris read two letters from gentlemen residi ' ii- * iw Ireland , in which the writers described the pr _£ _K / Ahe ff- * , 110 t W 01 ' moyQ « wn . fcl , UUU . Une of theso gentlemen prayed to have his shares forfeited . He ( Mr . Morris ) was surprised to find that the noble chairman of the company ( tho Earl of Devon ) was one ofthe defaulters upon calls Ultimately a committee , consisting of Mr Morris ' Mr . Toofce , and Mr . Ware , was appointed , to assist the directors m taking the most expedient measures for winding up the society , which had boen thirteen years m existence , and had proved a total failure .-lhe meeting then sej > arated , ;

      DiSTRKsa amongst the OrKniTiVKS . —On Monday a large meeting of the operatives of _Birniiin-hani took place on a large open space called ( Jostanreen , in that town , to take into consideration tbe distressed state of the trading and workin _** classes o the toivnand district and to adopt a communication to government , reQuirim * immediate measures for the employment ofthe people—The Chairman . Mr . J . Mason , shoemaker , observed that the meeting had been called for thc purpose of giviii" an opportunity to those not employed to ' attend and exhibit before the public eye the extent of distress _existing in the town . It had boon reported _through the public press that Birmingham was in a state ° of advancing prosperity . Sow he had consulted working men m every branch of trade , ns well as

      tradesmen and manufacturers , and from thorn he had found that tho trado of Birmingham was in a most depressed state . It was now nearly three years since this depression commenced , and it was stated that it would soon pass away . Tho question was , whether there was any just ground why the industrious man should not bo employed , or why the manufacturer should not have remuneration for his capital , and why England , containing so much capital and skill , should have such a wretched popution . The government attributed tho distress of Ireland to the indolent habits of tho population ; but he asked to what was the distress ofthe English people owing . It could not be from indolence . Tha aristocracy were rich , and thero were manv outlets for tho commerce ofthe country , with crervthino _* for

      necessary a great country ; yet . in the ' midst of all this abundance , they were in a state of distress that was disgraceful to any government . In 1805 tho number of criminal . ' - was i , l } 00 ; in 1 S 10 during the war , there were not 5 , 000 committed , _* in 1 S 30 the number amounted to 20 , 000 , and in 1842 tho number of committals was 28 , 000 . If this state of things continued , and the aristocracy continued in possession of the government , excluding the working mon from thoir share in tlio representation , the consequence would be that England would fall from her high position among the nations of the earth . Many good artisans in Birmingham were breaking stones , and there were more of them at this season ofthe year than were ever known before . As to thc workhouse , it was so full that eighty of

      the inmates had had to como out to prevent moro serious consequences ; and these parties having found the out-door relief too little for them , had applied to be re-admitted into thc workhouse . Several speakers afterwards addressed the meeting , and resolutions complaining ofthe present state of affairs , and calling for legislative redress , having been passed , it was agreed " That these resolutions be embodied in a communication to tho Homo Secretary , and a respectful request mado that he will reply , expressing whether ministers intend to introduce any substantial measures to remedy the unnecessary destitution so prevalent in this country , but which is deeply aggravated at the present time . " The memorial having been adopted , and a

      committee appointed to receive the reply from tho Homo Secretary , Mr . Mason urged the propriety of tlie unemployed working men of this town communicating with their suffering brethren in Manchester , Glasgow , and elsewhere , in order to devise some plan for procuring an amelioration of their condition . Ho deprecated anything like disunion between the middle and working classes—a result which could only end in greatly retarding the progress-of freedom . As a proof of the increasing distress amongst the artisans , lie cited tho fact that in the year 1848 no fewer than 18 , 504 tramps applied for and received relief at the Birmingham workhouse alone . The meeting , whicli had been well attended _tlu'oughout , terminated at five o ' clock . .

      _Mkkti . vo at _Dj'mii _* . —On Tuesday an influential meeting of professional men , manufacturers ,. and tradesmen , convened by circular , was held in tlie Town Hall , to tako into consideration the propiuoty of establishing a Financial Reform Association in Derby . Mr . Alderman Peet was voted into the chair . Mr . Councillor Madeley moved the _follawing resolution : — " That nn association be established , to be called the Derby Financial Reform Association , and that its objects be : —1 . To use all lawful and constitutional means of inducing tho most rigid economy in the expenditure ofthe go vernmen _^ . consistent with duo efficiency in thc several departments of the public service ; and to secure a moro equitable and economical system of taxation . 2 .. To

      cooperate with the Liverpool Financial Reform Association and other bodies , in their efforts- to- accomplish tho above objects . " Thc resolution was carried unanimously , and a series of rules- adopted . Mr . Alderman Feet was appointed president of She association ; Mr . Councillor Mozley _f-ofi tho firm- of Boden and Mozley , lace _niaiiufaetui-ei- _*) ,. and Mr . Councillor Haywood ( iron merchant j . _Brifcauaia foundry ) , were appointed vice-presidents * ¦ Mr . Councillor Madeley , secretary ; and , Mr . _Aldsuman S . Fox , treasurer . A council of fifteen members , comprising professional men , nvuiufacturecs _,. aad leading tradesmen of the town ; \ sas also nominated ; and tho association was _launcl-sd- under- most favourable auspices . A public moating will _slwi-fdy bo held .

      Lb****-©**.—Tni* Weather »*B Its Efiti-S...

      Lb **** - ©** . _—Tni * Weather _»* b its _Efiti-sts . —The high wind and rain that prevailed in the metropolis all day on Wednesday , have caused no inconsiderable loss to the varied interests , but moire especially to the shipping . _^ In the Pool , Severn ! _gf the smaller craft were visited with the full fury of tlie squall . Notwithstanding tha utmost exertions , several schooners and brigs snapped their cables , and it required all the experience and skill of the crews to prevent the vessels running foul of each other . EmCTS OP THE S / ORM On Wednesday evening , three

      the enclosure , were uprooted by th _* _MM _^ _eAw » ti _^ i- _^* v storm . One in faUing smashed thfgftfe _^^^[^ j posite the steps ofthe Buke ot _^_ w __^__ _^ __^ _iy _^ other M across the iron gate c _^<> tE _^^^ _ f ____?^ _lodge facing tho lIor » . _Uuardffc _^ w _^ W _^^» _e _fcwbeenttttaup _fwallsvmi . J i Eft ffi . i _*& r d by thM / _TeWNy _^ _-r . - _v _ihei th _# fe 2 h _^ _W ' > ¦ **• ? m _\^\?^ w

      In St. Jimbs's Park.— Large __P_&_ Aa_V^...

      IN St . _JiMBS's PARK . — large __ p __&_ _aa _ _v _^ j n i \ n ot . Jambs s rARK . — ee _largeetih — _fJ * . _qitbjn - , ' / b _» •* ¦ ¦ ' wJp _^ _-fe fig : * _fcf .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 3, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_03031849/page/5/