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Northern Star (1837-1852), 8th February 1845, Edition 3 of 4, Page 4, SQUAD OF SAVRON-niLL BRUISERS." t The pa...

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    • THE NOKTHERN STAR. SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 8, 184S.
    • mo llcrttjcvz atttr Con^^jiontffut-
    • THE LAST " FREE TRADE" DODGE. DISGRACEFUL: CONDUCT OF WM. iOVBir AHD " ma"
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      Grakd Soiree In Honour Of The *' People'...

      GRAKD SOIREE IN HONOUR OF THE * ' PEOPLE'S " REPRESENTATIVE , T . S . DUNCOMBE , ESQ . This demonstration , the anticipation of which has excited considerable _mtcrcdt " came off" at the White Conduit House Tavern , on Monday evening , Feb . 3 rd . At tbe hour announced a highly respect able and numerous party sat down to tea in the splendid _assemblvroom . Atthe top table _weoliseryed T . S . Duncombe' ; M . P . ; tbe Rev . A . S . Wade , D . D . ; J . Duncombe , Esq . ; R . Norman , Esq . ; C . _JenKms , Esq . ; — HosHns , Esq . ; Feargus O'Connor , ** q ., W ? P . Roberts , Esq . ; Mr . J . Berry , the rcpr _^ enUtiveon 0 , 000 iine « . Most of the influential _^ trades of the metropolis bad also their representatives

      preok the motion of Mr . Balls , the Rev .. Dr . _J ade was unanimously called to the chair . The _taWes being deared , the gallery as veil as the spacious room , became densely crowded . _jfte _RcTcbaihilLv read letters speaking in the highest terms of Mr- Buncombe ' s Parliamentary _k _& _ias , and regretting _theu-mabibtv to be _pi-esent , from J- Pattison , Esq ., M . P . ; W . S . Crawford , Esq _SI . P- ; Colonel Thompson ; and T . Wakley , Esg . _^ M- P . The Chairman then proposed the first sentiment— "The People : may they soon obtain their just rights . " He had great pleasure in proposing this sentiment , for bis sympathies had ever been with the people , aud his earnest desire for the _anamination of labour . ( Cheers . ) The long-endured

      wrongs ofthe many have sharpened their appetite tor knowledge , and the increased and increasing knowledge of the industrious millions , has placed them in a position to act upon a former suggestion of Sir . R . Peel , viz ., to "take their affairs into their own hands , " and by union and _organisation obtain their just social rights . ( Loud cheers . ) With this hope he had joined the national movement for the Charter , and now lie had the honour to preside over tliis splendid and numerousassemblage ofthe people . That honour was greatly increased by tbe meeting being held within the borough of Finsbury , which had earned for itself the profound gratitude of the people of Great Britain and Ireland , by returning to Parliament that honest , eloquent , and indefatigable

      representative of "the interests of the industrious millions of wealth producers , Thomas Slingsby Duncombe , Esq . ( Loudand prolonged cheering . ) He was happy to near that tbe intelligent and important section of the people , "the Trades of Great Britain , " had again resolved to tally their forces , to associate , and io unite for their social rights . IT once _nationals united , and guided by intelligence , their vir tuous efforts must be crowned with success , despite thc false political economy and false philosophy of the Messrs . Chambers , whose efforts to poison the pnblic mind had been completely defeated by a seasonable and highly talented publication , entitled " Chambers' Philosophy refuted : or , the Employer and Emnloved , " from , the pen of their esteemed

      friend Feargus O'Connor . ( Tremendous cheering . ) The reverend gentleman then lashed most severely what-he termed their anti-Christian and Malthusian doctrines , and ably defended tbe opposite principle by Scriptural texts and well reasoned arguments . Mr . Duncombe , to whom all honour was justly due , had taken a decided and _pre-eininentljnoblepositionin Parliament , happily blending the philanthropist with the politician . In that house he was the advocate , of those great principles which emancipated America from _British oppression , and gave freedom to Switzerland , despite the Austrian Tyrant : principles which would give full and complete justice to Ireland ; the principles embodied in that glorious document , the People ' s Charter ( loud cheers ) , which the Trades

      wodd find indispensable to protect their social rights when they bad obtained them ; principles , the adoption of which would render the people happy and secure , and England herself " Great , glorious , and free . '" TLe worthy Doctor resumed his seat amid great applause . Mr . T . GiARK , M . E . C ., responded . He said he supposed Sur Robert Peel would say bis section of tbe Tories were the people ' , while Lord John Russell would say the Finality Men constituted the people ; Mr , D-Israeli and Mr . Ferrand would say Young England were the people ; while the Anti-Corn Law League would not be backward in putting in their claim for the honour ; but he contended that it was the masses who constituted the people . Mr . Clark continued to speak at some length in vindication of the rightful sovereignty ofthe people , and concluded a verv eloquent address amidst loud cheers .

      Mr . R . Moobe proposed the second sentiment" Thomas Slingsby Duncombe , Esq ., the faithful representative of the industrious millions in the House of Commons . " ( Great sheering . ) Nothing bnt a paramount sense of the gratitude due to Mr . _Dunoonibc could Lave induced him to address them . The great , generous , and unexpected services rendered by Mr . Duncombe to the nation demanded the gratitude of the whole people . He { Mr . Duncombe ) was not the mere representative of the £ 10 householders : for it was acknowledged by all that be bad justly earned for himself the title of representative pf the _labourmg millions . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Duncombe was the only man who boldly and -manfully , in bis-place in Parliament , advocated tbe principles

      ofthe People ' s Charter . ( Immense applause . ) Mr . _Dvscombe , in rising to acknowledge tbe sentiment , was received with the most vociferous applause . After _» fewintroductory remarks , the bon . gentleman proceeded to say , that be certainly did not believe that the session about to commence would entitle itse l f , any more than sessions gone by , to the thanks of the millions . They would recollect fie _Tacaries and pranks that were performed last session ; they would _rememt-er their votes with reference to tbe sugar question , given under the threat of resignation on the part of ihe Tory Administration , whilst the tergiversation of members ofthe House of Commons with regard to the Factory Bill could never be forgotten . One "sight they voted tbat ten hours were amplv

      sufficient for the women and children of the men of England to labour , and that they carried by a small majority . The next evening down went the Premier , and he said to them , " Gentlemen , if you won'tmake tho women , and daughters , and young children of England work for twelve hours a day , the country ; will cease to be governed hy a Tory Administration . " The former vote was rescinded , and at this moment the women of England were paying the price of a Tory Administration by being compelled to work ' twelve hours in those obnoxious factories , when every j man of feeling must admit that , looking not only tb the wages , but" also to the nature of theoccupa . _tura \ t > self , ten hours was too much for the fragile frames of women and young children . ( Great cheering . ) Those

      questions of course , would not come on during the present session . They had been disposed of ; but if any attempt should be made again to introduce them the whole thing would be a mere delusion . If they eould be passed to-morrow , the next day they would be rescinded , and if such a measure -were again proposed ho , for bis part , would not be a party to such a delusion : be . would not be made a fool of by my Lord Ashley or by anybody else , voting one day for eight hours , then for ten , and then , because the Premier told him , wheel about and turn about , and rescind bis former votes . ( Cheers . ) Such treatment was an insult and a mockery , not only to the members themselves , but te all whom they represented . ( Cheers . ) The new session was to commence to-mor

      row , and , of course , the old farce would then commence . About five o ' clock the Speaker would inform the bouse that at two o ' clock he was in tbe House of Lords , where her Majesty had been pleased tolhake a , most gracious speech ; and then he would say that , to prevent anymistake , be had been fortunate enough to procure a copy of it . The members would then begin ie congratulate him on bis good fortune . Then , two gentlemen in _armour would get up to move and second tbe address , * wlBch every one who had ever taken the trouble to read an address would know to be nothing but an echo of the speech . ( Cheer ! . ) The speech would commence by telling them thai she congratulated herself and the country on the good feehnj * and - trend-dun which she

      experienced from all foreign Powers . How much more satisfactory if die could tell them tbat from one end of her own kingdom to the other there was nothing but happiness and contentment . ( Hear . ) They would also bear a something of the property and income-tax . Sir Robert would say that be bad got a great surplus . Then bow was be to dispose of it ? Some waited bin to repeal the income-tax , ihe farmers wanted the malt-tax repealed , fhe manufacturers would ask for a repeal ofthe duty on raw materials . Sir Robert would be beset on all sides , and would hardly know bow to get out of hia difficulty ; then they would sav to Sir Robert , as lie had once 8 aid _to- » e _^ higs- "If you call _usin , we'll tell you how io do it" ( a laugh ); and if he ( Mr . Duncombe )

      were called in , he'd soon tell them wbat to do . He wouK teD them to call in the people , who would soon Jet the Government inow what sort of taxation they would submit to by 'which the revenue of the country might be improved and maintained . ( Great _cheerjgg \ With regard to the openin <| of letters at the _PosVoffice _, he conld tell them that it was not bis intention to let ihe matter rest : The very last day of tbe last session le gave notice that at an early opportunity he should call the attention of the house to the uncertain and vague character ofthe Report ofthe Secret Committee , and to-morrow he should renew tbat nntiw > fAnnlause . ) After some further remarks ,

      _laudatorv of Trades' Unions , Mr . Dnneombe concluded by stating his delight that his past career had met with their approbation . Their good esteem was the only reward be sought , and , as he had it now at the commencement of the session , he hoped that when Ss labours should be over he should equally carry with him their good opinion and regard { Loud and continued cheers . ) Mr . <& . Gbasbi , of the original Society of Carpenters , " proposed the next sentiment— "Trades' Associations , and their able and eloquent defender , Feargus-O'Connor / ' Mr . G . briefly expatiated on the ' Utility , of Trades' Associations , and the great scr-¦ W » _leadeied the Trades by the Northern Star .

      Mr . J . Berbv ,-tho representative of 10 , 000 Lancashire Miners , " on rMng was welcomed by loud and long 2 phase . He said " the Miners Lid recently seen in 6 « -dr "Trades Journal , " tbe Northern Star , a

      Grakd Soiree In Honour Of The *' People'...

      paragraph stating tbat a preliminary Conference was to be held in London , to arrange for a National Conference of Trades , and feeling very grateful for the support they had reeeivedfrom the Trades of London , during their late strike , their union of 10 , 000 paying members had sent up , to express their desire to render every assistance in their power to carry , the plan into operation . ( Loud cheers . ) The Miners had seen thc necessity of a general union . Large as their body was , they found that isolated trades could effect nothing , therefore werc they prepared to go heart and soul into a general and national plan of organisation . ( Loud cheers . ) _Feahous _O'Coxnor , Esq ., on rising was greeted with every demonstration ot applause , loud and long

      continued . He said there was a pleasure in living down persecution and slander . ( Great cheering . ) That night closed the twelfth year of his acquamtanee with the people of London . He rejoiced tbat he still enjoyed their confidence and esteem . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Duncombe had discovered that a member of Parliament was useless in that House , unless backed bv the voice of thc people—( cheers ); and he ( Mr . O'Connor ) was happv to find that there was now a public mind to back the exertions of Mr . Duncombe . Well , the Trades were to meet , and the question of surplus labour must have their attention . Democracy was now treading on thc heels of aristocracy . Heliad always said the aristocracy of the Trades was thc worst of " all aristocracy , and most to be dreaded . Nowthe democracy of tho church was treading

      , on the heels of its aristocracy—the democracy of land on the heels of its aristocracy — the democracy of the Trades on thc heels of its aristocracv . " Was it not odd that just as the House was about to meet , even here in London , Mr . Duncombe was the only member who met thc people to receive their' renewed pledges and support . The Northern Star bad received honourable mention at their hands . ( Loud cheers . ) He had the honour of starting and establishing that journal , and was happv to fiud his labours were appreciated . Iu conclusion , heywould say to thc Trades , organise : Hold your Conference ! Do it , and be saved : leave it alone , and you will perish ! Mr . O'Connor sat down amidst the most tremendous cheering . Mr . G . Toouey _woposed the next

      sentiment" Thomas Wakley , Esq ., and thc other members of Parliament who support- Mr . Dttncombe in his exertions ou behalf of the people . " The speaker referred to Mr . WaHcy ' s exertions on behalf of the Dorchester labourers , for wliich he should ever feel grateful . Whenever Mr . Duncombe proposed a measure for the amelioration of tbe people ' s rights , Mr . Wakley was there to back him , and though he had not been so often amongst them as they could wish , vet in Parliament he was ever ready to defend their rights , proving himself tie honest and honourable representative of Finsbury and tbe worthy coadjutor of Mr . Duncombe . ( Great applause . ) Mr . Stme proposed a vote of thanks tothe chairman , which was seconded by Mr . F . O'Connor and carried by acclamation .

      The Chairman responded , and said he held it to be the duty of the clergy to be servants of the people , and not tbe slaves and parasites of the aristocracy . ( Loud cheers . ) Three cheers were then given for Air . Duncombe , and three for the Charter ; and this portion of the Soiree concluded . The Ball ' was respectably and numerously attended , and did not close till two o'clock .

      Great Rejoicing Of . The Stavfondshte's ...

      Great Rejoicing of . the _STAVFonDSHTE's Misers . —The return of the four Miners , in the custody of the gaoler , threw a sad gloom over tbe spirits of tbe Miners of Staffordshire , and had it not been dissipated by the glorious news of their release , which speedily * followed their re-commitment to the

      dungeon , the Union would have received * a heavy blow and great discouragement . " When it was known that the poor fellows were re-committed , the stipendiary , and his great " unpaid" coadjutor , were seen trotting from place to place , chuckling and _proclauaingtheir triumph over the "demagogue" Roberts . Sunday intervening between the first and second hearing of the ease , enabled thc monsters to make the most of their triumph : but lo I what a change came o'er the spirit of their dream , when Monday ' s po 3 t broudit the sad intelligence ofthe triumph ofthe law . O , Sh' it was glorious news , and right gloriously was it demonstrated . The glad tidings flew like lightning through , the country . Every pick , was thrown aside ; every old man appeared to have cast off his age ; the cripple threw away his crutch ; and every man was proud to be a Miner on that day . Never did eyes behold such a spectacle . The earth seemed io stir ; the banners were hoisted in the

      breeze ; the bands played merry tunes , and appropriate ones too , sir . They played " O dear what can the matter be ? " as the thousands of light-hearted victors entered Longton ; and when they arrived opposite the bank of Justice Harvey , the committing magistrate , for he is a banker , sir , they struck up "See the conquering hero comes , " and cheered , and cheered , and cheered again ; thus evincing their triumph over their _assilants . I must now conclude , sir , by assuring you that this circumstance has gone far to . coDfirm all classes of labour ofthe necessity of union . There was a glorious meeting in tbe evening , over which another victim of the "hell-hounds" presided ; but it would be impossible to describe the enthusiasm and unanimity that prevailed . It must not be unnoticed that the working classes generally , throughout the Potteries , joined in the demonstration , aud participated in tbe rejoicing ofthe Miners .

      Dpxcombe _TxsriMO-fiAL . _—CKfTBAli COMMIIIBE OF TttADEs , Ac . —Saville House , Leicester-square , Wednesday evening , February the 5 th ; Mr , Hornby in tbe chair . The following sums were received : — A few Friends , Warwick , per If . French—Thomas Paul , 3 s . ; J . Allen , 5 s . 8 d . ; Charles French , 5 s . ; J . White , Ss . 3 d . ; N . Fleming , 5 s . 7 d . ; S . Spicer , 13 s . ; from a few Friends at the Maiden Head , Goswellstreet , per Mr . Jameson , £ 1 lTs . ; _afewBrushmakers , by Mr . _Haseldine , per Mr . Maricy , £ 1 8 s . ; Boot and Shoemakers of Chelsea , per Mr . Mitchall , £ 113 s . _TJmied Patriots' Benefit SociEir . —A general meeting of the above society was held on Wednesday evening , February 5 th , at the Society ' s rooms , 49 , _Tottenhani-coui-t-road , to consider the propriety of

      revising the rules : Mr . Stevens was called to the chair . The following resolution , on the motion of Messrs . T . M . Wheeler and Stallwood , was submitted , and after considerable debate , was put to the meeting , when forty-six voted in favour of its passing , and eight against : — " That a committee be appointed for the purpose of ascertaining and collecting tbe individual opinion of the various countrv members , on the revision of the rules of the united Patriots ' Benefit Society , and tbat the said committee report the same opinions this day six weeks , to which tune this meeting at its rising _shalladjburn . " The follow ing were then appointed a committee for that puroose _ —Messrs . T . M . Wheeler , Stallwood , Bowler , Goodr acre , Wilcox , Hodge . Walford , Burgess , and Marks .

      The Nokthern Star. Saturday , February 8, 184s.

      THE NOKTHERN STAR . SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 8 , 184 S .

      The Royal Prologue. The Introductory Ske...

      THE ROYAL PROLOGUE . The introductory sketch by wliich thc sessional performance for 184-5 has been presented to us in the parliamentary text ofher Majesty , is , to say the least of it , the cleverest , if not tbe most satisfectory , production of the kind that has come under notice since royal speeches occupied any portion of our attention . The unostentatious praise bestowed on

      living Toryism at the expense of departed Whiggery , was so nettling to the dead , tbat Lord Jons could not forego the opportunity of echoing acquiescence from the tomb , accompanied with tbe consolation that the existing " prosperity " was a consequence of policy " cadged" from tbe "Whigledger ; and this , with a timely lamentation for the loss sustained by tbe resignation of Mr . GxAnsioxE , together with the confirmation of his lordship ' s assertion by the Lord Chief Justice Dbxman withrcferenee to tbe Irish state trials , was all the opposition that , for the present , the ntble lord could offer to the " echo " ofthe s p eech .

      The various forms , however , in which John Bull will see tbe tax-gatherer ' s hand represented in tbe Ministerial kaleidoscope , leads us to the idea tbat lie " echo" lias not altogether subsided , and that there is yet a lurking rumble similar to tbat which slumbers for a time amid the Killarney hills , and at length revives when all thought of response has -vanished . Most people are aware that there is a spot near tbe lower lake , where , if the question is asked , "How do you do , Paddy Blake ! " Echo , after much apparent reflection , responds " Very well , I thank you , how are you ? " The very pertinent feelers thrown out in thc royal'speech are » one and all , apparently delicate in their touch ; but John Bull will discover , upon their more clear

      elucidation by the Minister , that upon eaeh finger there is a nail , and in every nail there is a scratch . We have very little to do with those paragraphs which refer to the visits of the Russian Autocrat and the King of the French , further than to observe , that if there is truth in the eighth paragraph , her Majesty must be a most consummate hypocrite , and for this reason ; , if her sentiments " upon the occasion , of his Majesty ' s visit were in unison with all classes of her subjects , they were anything hut friendl y to her royal guest . In the tenthparagraph we discover a finisher to all hope entertained by the several grievance _, mongers of any remission of their peculiar burdens i from the Minister ' s surplus . The malt tax , the TKir

      The Royal Prologue. The Introductory Ske...

      cotton tax , the paper tax , and all others , the remission of Which . was anticipated , will , H appears , be swallowed up in the increased estimates for extending our steam navigation ; nor indeed should we at allobject tothe item , if " protection for labour "constituted any portion of that service to whose interest tliis department is to be devoted . And now wo come to the consideration of what , to us , appears to constitute the difference between the royal speech in question , as far as it is an index of Ministerial intention , and all others of the same " genus "—we mean thc policy to be pursued towards Ireland .

      From the moment tbat the question oi " Repeal was first mooted , we have been moat ardent supporters of the measure ; andinassignmg reasons for our policy , we have always attached paramount importance to the effect that a domestic resident aristocracy must have onthe habits , manners , and customs of the Irish people ; entertaining a wellgrounded notion that a liberal system of education would dcYelope the nobler characteristics of a generous people , and hold the grosser passions in subjection . In speaking generally upon the principle of education , we have asserted that " the ignorance of a people is the tyrant ' s best title to power ; " and we

      must naturally infer that the Minister who is favour able to the extension of education and the diffusion of knowledge , is desirous that the Government ofthe country should be the reflex of popular wisdom , rather than the representative of class caprice and supremacy . In arguing the advantages likely to result from the People ' s Charter , we have placed the acquirement of knowledge , as the means of giving full effect to thc righteous principle , as paramount to all other considerations , and we have invariably contended . withthe " educational" Chartists , ' that upon the success ofthe political principle a general system of education must depend .

      For these reasons we cannot withhold our just meed of praise from Sir _Robxm _Pr _ax , for bis contemplated improvement ofthe Irish people , even in spite ' of . the taunts of the _Picmptrks , the Lvolisks , the Saints , and the Sinners ; and while we regard with contempt that Ministerial diplomacy which would call in the aid of the Pope to assist in the suppression of political agitation , we can , nevertheless , attach due importance to measures wluch will enable a very sagacious and knowledge-loving people to enforce their own claims for such reform as in their wisdom they

      should decide on , even to the separation ofthe two countries . We confess that we were prepared for some sweeping measure of " equality ; " while we further admit that the reality promises to surpass our most sanguino anticipations . Her Majesty has , at the same time , directed attention to the report of the Devon Commission , which is shortly to belaid before Parliament : and although the majority of ourcoteiuporaries , together with ourselves , have entertained no veiy sanguine hope from the said Commis

      sion , yet is it not at all improbable that the inquiry was instituted for the purpose of making out a ease which would justify Ministerial interference with the " rights" of Irish property . Before the report from the Devon commission is laid upon the table , we apprise the Minister that the several grievances under which tbe Irish people will be found to labour , arise , firstly , from the uncertainty of tenure ; and , secondly , from the inefficiency ofthe law to protect a tenant of steel against tbe injustice of the landlord of straw .

      As it is our intention to analyse the promised report , when it makes its appearance , we abstain from further comment on the subject at present ; and therefore we turn attention to tbat portion of her Majesty ' s speech which bears upon thc health of the inhabitants of large towns and populous districts . In reference to this subject we beg to assure her Majesty ' s Ministers , that improved ventilation , exercise grounds , healthful parks , and washing tubs , —the remedies so generally proposed , — will fail to give satisfaction to the working classes , unless accompanied with other changes and . Reforms , and especially with thc power of securing to their selves an equitable share of the produce of their own skill .

      The income-tax harness appears to have been so well fitted to the backs that are to wear it , that there can be but little doubt tbat the Queen ' s recom mendation for its continuance will have the desired effect . So far then as Ireland is concerned , wc have good reason to congratulate our brethren on the prospect of mental improvement promised to them in tbe royal speech ; while we must anticipate equal benefits for the English people from another source than royal inclination or ministerial policy . If the unopposed reply to the speech was an indication of Ministerial strength , we might draw ominous forebodings from tbat fact ; but when we look to the signs of tho times passing around us , wo see the elements of an Agricultural storm , which is likely to burst with a tremendous crash over the head of their chosen

      Minister . Whether the appointment of Sir Tuomas Fkeemakiie to the Irish Secretaryship may be intended as a sop to the Buckingham watch-dog , wc arc not prepared to say ; but should it be , the adherents of the noble Duke have now become so alive , to the hopelessness of their condition , that we fearthe " gag . ging " of bis Grace would but have the effect of opening wider the mouths of his followers . . Looking , the n , at the present position of Sir Robert Peel , wc disc over a striking analogy between it and that of his

      Tory coadjutor , M . Guizot . If a Count Mots should spring up in the Tory ranks at home , he would find . himself fettered by the very same disabilities and misgivings which prevent Guizot's rival from taking advantage of his present weakness . Peel knows that he has nothing to fear from the Whig party . while tho _Rtcmiosns and Buckinohams are aware tbat reliance upon the liberal section of the House to sustain them in office would end in a short-lived triumph , followed by the recall of their present leader , strengthened as he would be by their necessities to

      submit . It cannot be denied , however , that the farmers " who whistle at the plough" are preparing for a vigorous onslaught upon their order who whistle atDowiiing-street ; while-Young England , though crippled in form , whT speak awkward truths , calculated to produce awkward impressions upon the minds of the working classes . And to these fertile sources of dissatisfaction it is impossible to overrate the effect of Lord John Russell ' s declaration in favour of Free Trade : a declaration which doubtless was . 'wrung from him by the conviction that tothe Free Trade

      party alone he must look for even a decent minority . We take the liberty of informing him that even in that direction Peeis will go beyond him , rather than lose tbe aurplus of his own creation If the noble Lord looks upon Free Trade as the means of securing those comforts for the working classes to which at the close of the last session he declared they were entitled , he must court a more extensive acquaintance with the people themselves , as upon their enfranchisement alone he can ever hope to regain that position from wliich the Tory principles preserved in his Reform Bill have so ignominiously displaced him .

      The sweeping policy of Pkkl is pre-eminently calculated to set class against class ; and from a division of class we trust will result that iroiori of the people , which may insure an easy triumph oyer the scattered forces of legitimacy . Most people anticipated a calm and peaceful session -. but we see the storm gathering ; and no doubt as the time of dissolution approaches we shall have a " bid" for popular support ; and the appeal , failing to confer advantage upon the Whigs , must drive them in despair into the arms of the

      people ; and thus , as we have ever predicted , reduce political parties to Tories and Chartists . Wc arc curioHSto see how Mr . O'Coxxell will receive the Ministerial measures , and still more curious to discover , by what counter agitation , if any , their effects are to be neutralised . On the whole , we rejoice in the shadow of the coming substance ; because , in the Ministerial measures we recognise the break up of that system by which the rich oppressor has been so long enabled to lord it over the poor oppressed .

      "' - ¦ .' Mr.I Ward And The Trades' / Co...

      "' _- ¦ . ' MR . _i WARD AND THE TRADES ' / CONFERENCE . , ' _PAKUAMBii _*! haying now assembled , and many questions connected with the interests of masters and capitalists being referred to in the Royal Speech , while the only questions touched on affecting the interests of the Working Classes are those of " cheap " air and water , we think it high time that the wisdom and knowledge of the Industrious should , bo marshalled on behalfof their own order . That tho resolution to hold a General Conference ofthe Trades is being daily strengthened , is manifest in the general _si-ms ofthe times ; but more particularly developed

      in the discussion that recently took place between Mr . Ward and . the working men of Sheffield . If we required any justification for the policy that we have pursued on the Labour _Question , we have but to refer to the speeches even of our bitterest opponents to prove the correctness of our views . The jwholo speech of Mr . Ward establishes tbe fact that the party in power are incapable of performing the duties required by society ; while the party out of power be admits have lost office from their total incapacity to rule .

      TUc long and interesting discussion between the wily representative of Sheffield Capital and the honest advocate of Sheffield Labour , will be read with pleasure by every working man in the kingdom ; while the incomparable dexterity with which Mr . Brigos joined issue with the honourable member , must have led him to the conclusion that there is much wisdom outside the House of Commons . To deal with every one of Mr . Ward ' s oft-repeated fallacies , would be to comment on cveiy sentence of his speech ; and therefore wc shall at present content ourselves with selecting from his own lips the grounds on which wo advocate a Conference of the United trades , giving ample reason why Mr . Ward liimself should aid in the accomplishment of the object .

      Our readers will bear m mind that creation and distribution of wealth have been the two questions , or rather principles , of social policy to wluch we have especially directed the attention of the labouring classes . We havo contended that labour , unrestrained and free , will create a superabundance of wealth for all classes of society ; and that it is the duty of Parliament to sec to the equitable distribution of the pr oceeds , meantime contending that the labourers

      have not their fair share of the wealth created . Now , upon this subject what says Mr . Ward ? He tells the men of Sheffield : "You arc all moving upwards at present : you are sot as well on ? as you should be ; but looking at the aspect ofthe political world , the certainty of peace , and the extension of our foreign intercourse , wo have thc prospect of along continuance of a good and healthy trade , if not marred by injudicious restrauit . "

      * Now , will Mr . Ward tell us what there is in prospective calculated to make the men of Sheffield as well off as they should be ? If . they are Nor as well off as they should be , some other _pariiks -must BE bETIER OPl * THAN _THBV OUGHT TO BE . Mr . WARD is not sufficient of a . cosmopolite to desire his . words to be measured by the standard of natural comforts and requirements ; and therefore wc must measure them by that artificial rule , always applied to the comparative measurement of a labourer ' s life . Mr .

      Bmoos joins issue with Mr . Ward , and says : "Government have learned only the art of creation ; he wanted them to learn also THAT OF DISTRIBUTION . " Yes , Mr . Bkiggs ,- and that is precisely the art in wliich the Government is best skilled , * and to perpetuate the practice of which , Mr . Ward is sent to represent your " masters" in Parliament . The Government does distbibui . k the wealth created : but it gives the lion ' s share to those who will in return

      enable them to perpetuate misnde : and , however the Independent and the Iris may regret the course pursued by the meeting , the amendment proposed , and carried , was the only means by which a preference for a groat principle , over man , could havo been manifested . Mr . Ward discreetly refused to grapple with the stiff questions of Mr . On . Br ; and the disinclination of Mr . Ward ' s backers to witness thc superiority of nonelective influence over electoral power was not without meaning .

      We shall just take a few of Mr . Ward ' s arithmetical calculations , and one of his notions of justice , for dissection . In speaking of the disasters likely to accrue from the adoption of the Short Time principle , Mr . Ward says : " Thc wages paid every week to those employed in the cotton manufacture are £ 225 , 000 , and there are 450 , 000 persons employedand the goods exported amount to £ 35 , 000 , 000 per annum I Now then , we ask , what the League _~> what the Messrs . Chambers , what the Economists will say te this plump contradiction given to their boasted assertion , as well as to thc admission of the enormous

      plunder to which the operatives are subjected ? What becomes of the " One pound _average weekly wages , " and of the "ability" of the operatives to lay up out of their poor pittance for casualties , as well as the power of acquiring a Yote by thc establishment of building societies ? 450 , 000 persons employed in the cotton trade , r eceive an average of ten shillings per week each , amounting annually , if all in full work , and not to speak of "lines" and _"batings , " to £ 11 , 700 , 000 . Chambers tells us , that in this description of fabric the proportions of which thc value ; s constituted , arc 48 por cent , of Labour , and 52 of

      Capital ; but if tbe expenditure of £ 11 , _* 700 _, 000 in labour , produces thirty-five millions of fabric , and if Chambers' rule of proportion is correct , we discover that instead of the £ 11 , WO , 000 , the labourers ought to receive more than £ 17 , 000 , 000—or , in other words , the masters cheat them out of between £ 5 , 000 , 000 and £ 6 , 000 , 000 annually . If to this we add the amount of Production for Home Consumption , and observe the same rule , making a general sum ofthe question , we have the astounding admission

      front the member for Sheffield , that the masters in ono trade alone , employing not a twentieth of the population , actually rob their share of slaves of more than £ 40 , 000 _^ 000 per annum , nearly double theamount of ( he interest of ike National Debt ; and sufficient to give to four millions of the working classes five quarters of wheat annually at £ 2 a quarter ' . ! What awkward things these figures are ! and how much better would it be had their feeling " sympathiser " confined his arguments to the unarithmetical figures of " cheap bread , high wages , and plenty to do . "

      Let us now have a word upon Mr . Ward ' s notion of justice . In speaking of thc National Debt , the honourable gentleman would resist an " adjustment " on the plea of frequent transfer—thus establishing a principlemostrepugnantto allthclawsof equity . The law says that a bad title cannot be mended or made better by subsequent deeds or conditions , * and yet Mr . Wam > would establish an injustice upon fabrications of a precisely similar nature . It is hardly wonderful that thc representative should be guilty of such gross inconsistency , when we find the press of the masters hardy enough to saddle the iniquities ofthe employers on the men who arc made sufferers by their roguery .

      The Sheffield Independent , iii an attempt to screen thc masters from tho charge of manufacturing " spurious goods , " has the following " tit bit : "" Wc beg to remind the workmen , tbat blameable as are manufacturers in sending forth such articles with false marks , tho men who make them ought to consider _thomselves as parties implicated , " Now was ever impudence equal to this ? or what answer but ridicule can be offered to such a nonsensical assertion ? As our friend complains that the proceedings at _' Mv . Ward ' s meeting concluded in the dark , mayhap he wrote his comment without light .

      The Independent informs us that it- was impossible to judge ofthe numbers who respectively voted for and against thc amendment , as it was dark ; while the Iris assures us " that tbe amendment was -carried by a large majority ] : " a " great fact , " on which we beg to congratulate the member and his constituents ; a lesson by which wc trust he will profit , and one which wc hope tho working classes in ever / town in England will teach to the tools of their " masters . " Too much praise cannot be given to the gallant fellows who thus rallicdround the standard of Labour , _and | defended the _charter of their rights .

      Constitutional Law Verik-R. Justices' Ju...

      CONSTITUTIONAL LAW _veriK-r . JUSTICES' JUSTICE . On Saturday last John _Hardino , Johh Williams , John- Poxnion _' , and John Sillitoe , four Colliers from the Longtoii district of _Staffordshire , were brought before Mr . Justice Coleridge upon a writ of habeas under the following circumstances : —From some gross injustice attempted to be practised by their masters , the men left their work , and were apprehended at eleven o ' clock at night , and dragged to the lock-up . At ten o ' clock onthe following morning they were brought before Bailey Rose , stipendiary magistrate , and Mr . _Harvei _, one _oftAfc " great unpaid , " at present labouring under a severe fit of the

      gout , brought on , no doubt , by his exertions on behalf of the Working Classes . The men _tlma hid napped , drowsy and frightened , requested a postponement of their case , to enable them to procure legal assistance . This just appeal was insolently and brutally rejected . The form of mock trial was entered upon—the evidence of an unsworn witness was adduced against the malefactors , who , although their cases were widely different , were tried in a lump for the convenience of their accusers , _andjn almost "less than no tunc" they were on the road to Stafford gaol , condemned in the first instance by the sentence to two months' imprisonment , and amended afterwards bv thc addition of "hard labour" in thc

      commitment . This instance of " amended" justice lemmdsonefor cibly ofthe following anecdote , A man was once tried before the Irish hanging-Judge , Lord Norburv , for putting out his tongue at a constable . His Lordship ordered him to be whipped on three successive days from the gaol to the market-bouse . When his Lordship had concluded his judgment , theprisoner

      exclaimed : " The devil thank you ; that ' s all you can do ; " whereupon his Lordship , resuming , said " Hold , your tongue , sir ; how dare you interrupt the judgment of . the court ? " and then significantly added , "AND BACK AGAIN ! " The "amended " judgment in the case of the above four men was precisely similar in its nature . They were first consigned to " two months' imprisonment , " and subsequently to the additional pain of " hard labour . "

      On Saturday , as we bave before said , the men wore brought before Mr . Justice Coleridge , who , after a " very long argument , sent the men hack again to Stafford gaol : but Mr . Roberts , determined to seek justice from every available source , brought the case on again before Mr . Justice Wiohtmak , on Monday last , when an order for the immediate liberation of the parties was transmitted to the gaoler , in whose custody they had been illegally confined . Determined to have ample satisfaction , Mr . Roberts is

      now busily engaged m consulting with counsel as to the best means of making " the Shallows" pay the penalty of their ignorance , and sometliing more . We trust , that however these frequent triumphs may lose their novelty from repetition , that they will never _losetheir charm in the eyes of the working men . Without union , combination , and concert , these victories never could have been achieved ; and therefore we offer them as the strongest inducement in favour of a combination of the industrious of all

      classes . Wo have _sooftcn commented upon the frequent legal , _'triumphs of Mr . Roberts , as to have little to add at present beyond our congratulations for the additional victory , rendered doubly important by the fact of Mr . Bailey Rose belonging to the legal profession , and his services being called in to insure such a triumph for the masters as would defy the scrutiny of Mr . Roberts . We shall closo these remarks with an anecdote of the said _Bailet Rose . Mr . Allen , who defended thc Staffordshire prisoners in 1842 ,

      was once pleading before the said Bailey Rose , and had occasion to take frequent exceptions to the rules of law kid down by the stipendiary . The justice ' s pride being hurt , he exclaimed : " Mr . Allex , do you know that I have been in the profession for twenty years ? " "Yes , sir , " replied Mr . Allen , "Iknow you have ; but what I complain of is , that you have stood still in the profession , and not progressed with the march of mind . " Every Miner in Staffordshire will bear testimony to the correctness of Mr . Allen ' s observation .

      Mo Llcrttjcvz Atttr Con^^Jiontffut-

      mo _llcrttjcvz atttr Con _^^ _jiontffut-

      Absolutism Op Tue Laxcabhuus Miwocbats,—...

      Absolutism op tue _Laxcabhuus _Miwocbats , —Mr . George Canning Ward , M . P . for Sheffield , is requested to read the following * additional proof of " the natural and inevitable war of the rich and thc poor , " rcoeived from our Manchester correspondent . - —It becomes our duty to expose another of thc many examples of the slavery ofthe working classes of this miscalled "free country . " It is folly to talk ofthe absolutism of the Russian Czar , or the despotism of tbe Grand Turk ; thcblackeBt and most atrocious of their acts are just audrighteous compared with the tyranny of the Lancashire Cotton-lords . Our home tyrants not only make men slaves , but also rob them of rig ht and labour—the right to existence itself . We will now lay before our readers a specimen of English despotism , which , in our opinion , far

      surpasses in atrocity any edict of the most absolute monarch in the universe . Read , "then , the following decree ofthe Cotton-lord of _Brienfield-inU ] , Marsden : — " Fower Loom Weavers — If five minutes too late , to be bated fourpence ; for a quarter of an hour , ei ghtpence ; for half an hour , one shilling and fourpence ; for an hour , two shillings ; if absent a quarter of a day without leave , to be bated half a day ; if half a day , a who l e d ay ' s wages tobe stopped ; if a day , two days' wages ; for an end going down three inches , to be bated one _Jialjpenny ; for six inches , one penny ; for each black spot on a piece , one penny ; float , threepence ; if pulled back , and down left thercon _. _ltfiwpciwi , * temple-tears , threepence ; for every broken , pick , _ona _liat / _jt-enny ,- if a coop bottom found on the floor , threepence ; a brush

      found on the floor , th r ee p ence ; for each end out ofthe side , one halfpenny , " The above is only about oncsixth part of the ukase issued by the dospot of Marsden . It is unnecessary to comment upon this precious specimen of Lancashire law-making , for any person who knows anything of power-loom weaving wUl see at once that it places the weavers so entirely in the grasp of thc tyrant , that he can send them home , after working all the week , without wages . This the hands perfectly understood . They therefore , as soon as the infernal mandate was issued , struck work one and all , and are now in the fifth week of their strike . To support these men in their righteous struggle against such gross tyranny , is thc duty of every weaver in the county , and not _, the weavers only , but all ethers connected with

      the cotton trade . Let them therefore-look to it , for if tho brave lads of Marsden be defeated , it will be their turn next , "We must offer a remark upon one portion ofthe above rules . In reference to the " floats , " the lord of thc Brienfield mill might as well say : I will bate you for every piece you weave , for it is impossible to make a cut without a "float , " which if it be left in , the fine is threepence ; while if the weaver should stop his loom , and " nip it back , " it is impossible to weave it up again without having a down upon the cloth ; the _uivtohig of the work takes off tbe starch or stiffening , and makes the yarn raw , consequently leaves a down

      upon the cloth as far-as it has been ripped back . So , let the weaver do as he may , he is sure to have threepence taken off his " cut ' s" price . A splendid way Of robbing the poor aud defenceless , this ! It is a folly to talk ofthe oppression of our legislators : their oppression is as nothing when compared to thc doings ofthe lords of thc long chimneys . Of all thc despots iu the world , save , O save us , from the cotton lords of L'tticasllire ! Tue LEiCESTEa committee , for the Cooper Testimonial , acknowledge thc following sums : —Mrs . Adderson _, Hull , 4 s . ; Todmorden Chartists , per Mr . Brook , 10 s . ; Leicester , Hampden locality , ( up to "February 1 st . ) ' £ 1 3 s . lid .

      Thomas Mills . —The lines are well meant , but not of sufficient merit for publica tion . The Toweb IUmlet Friends had better wait and seo the effect of the application to the party who has so grossly misrepresented them , before we interfere . W _' e nave an idea that their attempt at " refuting" the calumnies of the Battersea _Tntth-teUer will uot be very graciously seconded by the hero of _Portugal-streel But we shall see . JiMES _Konald , Pai 8 let —Wo have not tlic means of reference at hand ; but if our cori-esponde . it will get Cobbett ' s Register for 182 G , under the head " Greek Pie , " he will find more than enough of Brown Bread Joseph ' s queer doings . J . Hollingworthr , _Manchesteb . —Mr . O'ConneU gave " evidence " before a Committee of the Hou 3 e of Lords in the year 1825 ( wc believe ) , in which he there proposed the disfranchisement of the 40 s . ¦ freeholders' as the basis of " Emanci p ation . " '

      Isaac _Beice , Ocsi : bpbn . —Unless it was speciall y agreed on to receive and accept three months' aotiee ' to quit the notice "in his case is ' not sufficient . And eveu if such , agreement had been made , the notice should been given before the 2 nd of Februarv .- so on that ground the notice is insufficient . In all eases of y ear by-year tenancy , unless it be speciall y agreed on to the contrary , full six months' notice to quit on either side ' must be given , the said notice to eipire on the last day of the year of tenancy . An agreement for _tnkiwr or letting premises _aaedao _/ t _btatamped .

      Absolutism Op Tue Laxcabhuus Miwocbats,—...

      Wtt . Uatwood , _SruEATHAM . — The above _„« apply to his case . The landlord _<*„ _dftZ _^ **•' months ' notice os six m © ntW rent . LU »«* d ,, _- Mr . _Robebts requests us to state hia great rettre * _« , cannot be at Longton on Monday , as he is on tl l " _* engaged to attend the Lancashire delegate m _* " _* Ou Tuesday , Wednesday , and Thursday he _^ _S in Manchester ; on Friday at Wigan ; afte _^ day he will start for Newcastle . All _cornmun _^^'' for Mr . Roberts must therefore be _addrea-ed i . * office , Royal Arcade , Newcastle . ' U 3 , T . SUBRRAED , _BETHNAL-OttEiK ! - . —We could not - n it this week . We were crammed out . "" Ms *} -,

      Monies Received By Mr, O'Coff "Tofi Axsc...

      MONIES RECEIVED BY MR , _O'COff _"tOfi aXSCVTIVB , » Proceeds of a Soiree held at _Killicoulty .. , _!'**• Rotherham " i t ° ' A few friends , per Wm . Cameron , Glasgow " » l , From James Stevenson , Cullen , Banftshire , ' , ' on SCB 8 _CEWTIOK 8 . " ** From KiUicoulty . Prom Birkenhead _|_ " « * _" From Hamilton " " „ i * » A ! fD BOOKS , . to . From Cockermouth .. t 0 _» . _Dir . YCOMBE _TESTI _MONIAl .. ' " From Hull , collected by AVm . Smith 0 _.., From B . J . and two friends " [ I - < From Cockermouth ' 0 . _" * From Rotherham ,, " _. | M HK 3 . ELLIS . ' . ¦ " ' From J . S . N ... ., ., .. . , ft _., RECEIPTS PER GENERAL _SEGRETARr " ' _SUBSCRIPTION . S . d . .. , Wootteu-uuder-Edge - 0 Coventrv .. " - ' "' ClerkcnwoU .. .. 16 Salford " .. .. ' " . j ! " Camborne ,. .. Io Northampton ( Old I , o ' ' Leeds lo 6 cale ) .. .. .. ., 5 CAKDS . Rcdditch .. .. 10 _longtou .. .. Northampton ( Old Lo- Do ., one hand-book " ( , < calt ) * 0 _Northampton ( Old Lo-Burnley 6 0 cale ) , ditto .. .. » ., Marsden ( hand-books ) 19 DONATION'S . _KediUtch , T . rrescott 2 6 Mr . Broadbent , _SlacVDo ., II . Mole .. .. 2 6 field .. ' . " A . _> Do ., Mr . Cook .. .. 2 6 " ' ' ' VICTIM FVUD . Clock-house , Westminster % , DUHCOXBE _n-STIMOKIAI _,. Mr . Lacey , _Woottcn-under-Edsre n r W . Bonnott , ditto .. .. \ . " j , MR . PRESTON . Mr . Edwards _, ;_ 0 _^

      Many Localities Have Neglected To Send T...

      Many localities have neglected to send their docisioiu relative to the election of the ensuing Executive , Cwiven tion , Ac . ; others have neglected to send the number _o- _' their votes , and to specify whether , in the event of a Con vention being held , it shall take- place in London or Lead-This must be remedied previously to the 12 th of thij month , which is the latest day thc poll can be kept open THOMAS MARTIK WHEEtER

      The Last " Free Trade" Dodge. Disgraceful: Conduct Of Wm. Iovbir Ahd " Ma"

      THE LAST " FREE TRADE" DODGE . DISGRACEFUL : CONDUCT OF WM . iOVBir AHD " ma"

      Squad Of Savron-Nill Bruisers." T The Pa...

      SQUAD OF _SAVRON-niLL BRUISERS . " t The parliamentary campaign has opened , and with it another attempt on thc part of the " cheap-bread tow-wage crew , " to force themselves on puMic attention , and achieve a semblance of popularity . JDrivca from every " open" meeting thev have essayed on their own account ; forced to * take refuge k " tichette d' _» p laces of " refuge" for the defeated their proceedings have only excited derision and contempt , _becauso it was evident that public opinion would not tolerate their nostrums . To get , therefore thc _'J earof the public" in an apparently opon manner , is with the Leaguers an object of first-rate im portance—an object worth all that is left of the £ 100 , 000 . All sorts of schemes to effect this desideratum have been put in practice : and anion * them the following , which has failed , as have all the former

      ones . In Holborn there is a building dignified with the high and sounding title of the " . _Nationai-. Hah ,. " It is not the Queen ' s residence , nor tbe place of mcotm « for the collective wisdom . It does not belong to the " nation" at all , but is merely a "twoponny hop " shop , rented by Wm . Lovett for tbe use of his pay . masters . When not required as a place of cwiqna * _tioji-for the " moral" of the two sexes , it is used as a lecture room : but all the proceeds arising from everv

      " trading" scheme put in force by thc " proprietor " have not been sufficient to meet thc outlay . This " National Hall " has been "kept open solely by the contributions of the leading Free Trade M . P . _'s , whose work the holders and occupiers have been doing so effectually as to justify the pay . We could name parties who have given as much as £ 100 at once * . and the report we are going to insert will show / i _»* what the money has been paid , and bow the bodyand-soul sold ones try to earn the " wages of pmtitution . " /

      tor some time past the platform in this Halilm * been occupied by Mr . J . W . Fox , the KB-Reverend Priest , who never preaches for money ! Will Lovett knows who guarantees him two guineas a lecture , and he knows also that thc " patriot " receives two guineas more out of tho "plunder of the public . " Th \ % gentleman has boxed the compass for subjects »« which to descant ; and it was hopeM that he had sufficiently paved the way for the _opening of " a Free Trade agitation in the name of the Chartists . Thc partv holding the "National" Ball-room , c all themselves Chartists ; and to be able to " come out ""under their p ise would serve thc Free Traders _weli . _Accordingly , on luesday evening last , the attempt was made m tbc \ pevson of Mr . George Thompson , the greatspouter , who , like his brother , Fox , never sells his " words " for filthy lucre ; with what success let the sequel tell .

      _^ Ihe following report is from " our own correspoiiaent . " He was present on the occasion , and saw what he here describes . To-day ( Thursday ) we were visited on other business by an active Free Trader ; one who haa often to transact business in the Leagueoffice itself . To him we read over the report ; and be bore honourable testimony to its truth . He said unhesitatingly , that when Mr . G . Thompson gave hi * sort of half promise that there should be discussion , he was listened to with tbe most marked attention _, * and that the cause of the disturbance , which ultimately broke up tbe meetine . was Mr . Thomnaon ' s

      most unwarrantable and _jnoat _unjustifiaWe proceeding , m ordering two men to be turned out of the meeting , on tbe false and scandalous plea that they weretfnm * . He said , moreover , that this was acknowledged by the officials of the League-office itself and that they condemned Mr . Thompson for his overbearinj ? and tyrannical conduct . That report we give , testified to , as it is , by one of the lending Leaguers present on the occasion ; and we give it as an answer to . the false and lying reports inserted by Mr . Wm . LoTett in the _Tap-tub , and in tb © _fufeOHW slaverer of royalty , the " _aU-thiRsn-to-all-mcn ' ¦ Sim : —• °

      Frhe TRAnKRs . —Placards have for some day * past been posted from east to west , and from north to south , of tho metropolis , containing the following announcement : ~ "ANTI-CORN LAW LEAGUE-A meeting of the friends of Free Trade will be held at the National-hall , Holborn , on Tuesdav evening , lebruary 4 * h , when Mr . G . Thompson will deliver a lecture . Admission Free . Reserved seats for the ladies ro , comiHence at eight o ' clock . " At ( the time specified Mr W _. H . _Ashurst , Solicitor , was called to the chair , taking up one pf the placards , the chairman read _, that portion only announcing that Mr . G . Thompson would deliver a lecture : upon which two or threevoices called out ** read the whole bill . " The Chairman having comphed with this _reouest , Mr .

      Christopner rose in the body ofthe meeting , and requested to put _^ a question . The Chairman assented . Mr . L . then asked , if , after the lecture , « _Kimfo » would be permitted . The Chairman : According to announcement , the lecture will be delivered ; . and then we shall be in the hands of the meeting ,, and will be ruled by its decision . ( Hear , hear . ) . Mr . G . lhompson then stepped forward to the _feont of _thejplatfonn apparently to deliver the promised lecture , when Mi . Wheeler rose on one of the * scats in the body of the hall , and asked thc lecturer , would he agree that discussion should take place at the conclusion of lus lecture . At this moment a rash _vvas made up the right hand side ofthe hall hy sonic fellows _ dressed m jackets and cans , and who , were

      rocoffnized asreeular "bruisers" from SaffrOB-Wll . TheV M _? _wt , J ¦ ¦ _«*» " on which the friends o ' f Mr . Wheeler rallied round him , and a scene of indescribable confusion ensued . A lull having at _length taken place , the lecturer proceeded to renlv tothe _ST _^ _n _^ ' _£ ler ' , _^ 0 had no desire to choke Sis « . He W 0 l , ld lecturo - *» _»» kc the £ 3 rf , tt « m ? _Fc' « n «; then 6 ubmit to that 25 ' i _, _^ _l s- tno _Wk- _meting _,- andhe would lie guided by the majority . ( Cheers followed this announcement from both parties . ) On this under-2 SISi _rt ' 61 ' P »« _- < _- « - « l . He was not about to lecture on tbe Repeal ofthe Corn Laws in particu-« _£ _' , ¦; j _^ PP «> sed to all monopolies . W ere tney opposed to the _mononolv _,-ifti . f . _nhnvoh i _«« . _^ _--i _*

      he . Were they opposed to the monopoly of tlie ' land ? so was he . Were thoy opposed to the monopoly of commerce ? so was he . Were they opposed to the monopoly ofthe franchise ? so was he . Therefore he could not see what there was to discuss about . Why , it discussion did take place , it must be on a mere matter ot taste as to which should have the preference . He admitted be was not taking tbe " bull by the horns ; ' It might be asked , why not go for the franchise , whicli would , as a matter of course , cany a _fr-P _* _^ _, ( Heiir _« Lear _- ) Buthecontended , if they ( the Frco Traders ) tried the experiment ofgetting a Repeal of the Corn Laws from the present house , and

      _laitectmey strengthened the hands ofthe Parliamentary Reformers . Well ,, the bill convening the meeting announced a meeting of the friends of Free /? - m' _thwefore presumed they were all friends of Iree Iradc ( Cries of "No , no , " and "Te » _, ves . " ) home gentlemen said , " no , no , " then it was necessary to explain ; what was meant bv Free -Trade . The lecturer then , commenced in the usual Anti-corn Law style : talking of " the world for a market ; " " buy-? _5 » _^ l" - _^** and selling in the dearest market : if I earn ten shillings , and can't go to the cheapest market to expend it , lam robbed of the « f _« renoe _» This and much more was _listened to ( wrtfi patience , stUJnesa reigning throughout tho Hall ;

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 8, 1845, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_08021845/page/4/