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Northern Star (1837-1852), 10th March 1849, Edition 3 of 3, Page 5, Westminster Rkfohm Society. — On Monda y...

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      ' "" - - ¦ ** - ¦ _* ..,. _•* . ; . „_ " ___ _ M * tCH 10 ' 1849- THE _KOETHEM _g-pil : ' . ' 7 ' ~" " \ .. " - : "¦ " ¦ _"T " fiT f ' — ¦ 7 _^^^^ _^^ _L-lllt- _*; * l-l _* _* _* llt , _* _** _* - tl 11 , 1 _* 1-- _** 1 _* 1------ _* _ ___ --- ______________________________________ _•_*_ *_}

      Letters To The Working Classes Xxxvii. T...

      LETTERS TO THE WORKING CLASSES XXXVII . t * n « TT _*»* r ** - »« ---

      " Words are tilings , and a smaR drop of ink Falling—like dew-upon a thought , produces . that which makes thousands , perhaps millions _** _" _*• BIBO . V .

      CHARTISM AKB REPUBLICANISM . THE FRATERNITY OP NATIONS . Brother _Proletarians , The cause -which too sufficientl y excused the non-appearance of my usual letter in last Saturday ' s Star still operating , though in a mitigated form , would have induced me to abstain from writing—at least , until next week—had I not felt it my duty to offer some observations on the letter addressed " To the Chartists , " by Mr . _O'Coxjtob , in last Saturday ' s paper ..

      If I clearly understand Mr . O'Connor , I perfectly agree with the sentiment he has expressed in the first paragraph of his letterthat a right understanding between a party and ita recognised representative , is most essential to ensure the onward march of the said party , and the success ofits principles . If In the ranks of a party , differences of opinion arise , such differences may he

      reconciled , provided those who dissent from each other candidly state their sentiments , and conduct any discussion that may ensue thereon in a spirit of fraternity . As long as human nature shall remain what it is , ifc -will be unreasonable to expect all men to think alike . Por enemies—whether political or personal , public or private—to disagree and to wage war against each other , is a thing of course . But the best of friends will sometimes differ

      npon questions both speculative and practical ; such differences would , however , never be _productiveofevilconsequencea , iftheparties disputing would act fairly » j each other . It is well understood that I am no advocate for the " _mealy-moathed" system of dealing- with an enemy . I am in ihe habit of calling a spade , aspade . But when dealing with friends—true friends , I mean—I would always wish to express my dissent , when compelled to disagree , an ihe language of courtesy and good feeling . My rule is well expressed in the good old convivial toast : — " Grape shot -to our friends , aud chain shot to onr foes . "

      Mr . O'Connor ' s expressed anxiety for a " thorough understanding" hetween himself aud all other true Democrats , is for me sufficient assurance that I may freely comment on his letter ; applaud where I can , and dissent where I must . I fear Mr . O'Coxxor has been misled by some fool or designing knave , otherwise he would hardly have written a letter for the purpose of warning the Chartists against an alleged attempt to form a Republican party , or create a Republican agitation . I am well . acquainted with the several sections of the Democratic movement ; I am well-informed of

      the sentiments of all who impart shape and lone to the popular feeling ; I have correspondence with many of the Chartist leaders at present suffering the miseries of incarceration ; and I " speak by the card" wlien I say , that the idea of superseding the movement for the Charter by a Republican agitation has no existence , save in the fertile imagination of _tSiose who appear to have -misled Mr . O'Connor . Certainly , Republicans abound ; tut they are not the men to throw " the apple of discord" amongst the Chartists . If that cnarge applies to any persons , it applies to those who have supplied Mr . O'Connor with false information .

      The true Republicans of this country , whilst very properly expressing their sympathy for their Republican brethren of the Continent , quite as properly keep their mouths shut as regards tbis nation . They know that "the pear is not ripe , " and " tbey bide their time . " That is not all . The true Republicans value forms of Government only so far as those forms are calculated to arm the people with

      powerthe power necessary to enable the masses to work out their social emancipation . They tnow that the mock power of a gilded puppet whether in pantaloons or petticoats—is a ¦ matte ** of v _***** " -mall - _"inportance compared -. viih . ' _5 v . v _.-ritai-l :-. tue $ ; -ga * ir < -, th-- ( at pre-?< : i - . j _ouiifiTiuv-. r . t _jov ?" _Oitn « ¦* _k-. _Vig _* . uf tt _' _ibV —the * .- _ifiK'kt .- _' _- - hi kai ;~ aii In boar—the l-Joods , _rk-..- _* _' = of ihe hii . L - v _* i _•* . _•! ' toil . C ' _-nsitlwing , she * ¦ . . - ¦ _¦ . _¦ \ _i-K-i 'i- ' - _c' _-i-siki-i of -kin : * , ur ao ii ; :-. '' aa . _wctfC _•"—*

      Dary Importance, And One, Moreover, The ...

      dary importance , and one , moreover , the agitation of whieh would , at the present time , te premature , and consequently impolitic , no true Republican would have thought of raising that question at this time , had Mr . O'Connor's letter not appeared . That letter containing sentiments which I am sure a large number of my brother Chartists dissent from , I think , as one of that number , that I am bound , as an honest man , to show wherein and why I differ from Air . O'Connor .

      I have already corrected one error into which Mr . O'Connor has been misled , expressed in the assertion that some attempt is heing made , or about to be made , to create a Republican agitation at the expense of the Chartist Movement . I shall now proceed to notice—1 st , Mr . O'Connor ' s idea of the manner in which the agitation for the Charter should be conducted ; 2 nd , his version of Republicanism ; and , 3 rd , his advice to the Chartists respecting their attitude towards the people ofthe Continent .

      I agree with Mr . O'CONNOR , that it would he folly for any man to pretend to predict the political and social consequences ofthe enactment ofthe Charter . But I am not prepared to censure thosewho believe that the shortest road tothe establishment of the Charter is through the enlightenment of the people as to the social -value of that measure . The events of last year proclaimed , trumpet-tongued , the necessity of imparting knowledge to themasses , if possible , iefore their acquirement of political power . The Blunders of the " Provisional Government" and the intrigues of the rich would , both combined , have foiled to damage the glorious

      victory of February , provided the people had heen sufficiently enlightened to have elected an honest Assembly . Unhappily , common sense had not preceded common Suffrage . Still the French Revolution of 1848 has been fruitful of good as well as eviL I am sorry that Mr . O ' Connor should speak of the French Constitution as " a bag of moonshine . " That Constitution , with all its faults—wliich are neither few nor trivial—is , nevertheless , the Charter , and something more—something more in the way of good , I mean . If Mr . O'Connor means that the first general election , under the provisions of that Constitution , is likely to give birth to an Assemblv no better than the

      present , I share his anticipations ; but even that will not prove the Constitution " abag of moonshine . " I am not at all confident that a first , or even second election , nnder the provisions ofthe Charter , would produce a House « f Commons containing a majority of real Reformers . But even though , with Universal Sum-age , the people should elect a Parliament of Peels and Cobdess , _Russeils and _Sib-ITHORPS , such an exhibition of popular madness would not stamp the Charter "aha ** of -moonshine ; " it would only prove that ° the

      people ' s heads were filled with an incomprehen sible substitute for brains . Still the legal existence of the Charter would be " a great faet . " The people would possess the power to save themselves , and , perhaps , time would supply them with the necessary sense . So with the French , " hanks to the Revolution of February , they possess the suffrage . Their blood be upon their own heads , if , under their Republican Constitution , they allow themselves to be driven as sheep to the slaughter , when , if they would , they might he free- ' .

      Dary Importance, And One, Moreover, The ...

      Mr . O'Coxxor savs that "in America there is as much class-distinction , national suffering , and pop -jar discontent , as in any monarch ? in the world , " There is " C _^ - _?*? . distinction , " there w ' * Buffer ™ -. " and there is discontent" in America , but certainly * not so much , nor anything near so much , as in many monarchies . I believe Ireland is a monarchy * The alleged state of society in America , used by Mr , _O'Coxsoa as an argument against Republicanism , ' is also made use of , by eur opponents , as an argument against the Charter . Their cry is " Look at America ! Behold the results of Universal Suffrage : — slavery , class-distinction , ' * _suffering , ' and 'discontent . '" But neither Chartism nor Republicanism are to be damaged by such _ariraments . -.- _ _

      lhe existence of slavery , class-distinction , suffering , and discontent in America , testify to the wickedness of the feiv and the ignorance of the many ; but the principles of Eternal Justice proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence , are true and glorious , nevertheless . The examples of popularfolly cited by Mr . O'Conxob , such as the French pouring out their blood for Napoleon , only illustrate the fatal consequences of popular ignorance . It should , therefore , he the first duty ofa democratic teacher to labour for thc extirpation of that ignorance . So believing , I should be very sorry to soe the agitation for the Charter confined to the discussion , illustration , and vindication of the " six points . " Even though it were possible for such an agitation to win the Charter , it-would not prepare the people to make a good use of their power when obtained .

      More than that : I am impressed with the conviction that the Charter never will be won until the masses are made to comprehend all that its possession wonld enable them to accomplish for themselves —socially and politically . A Trades Union , a Benefit Club , a Land Society , holding out certain tangible and immediate advantages , is each more popular than an association that has the obtainment of the Charter for its object . Why ? Because the masses do not understand the vast and veritable benefits they might derive from the Charter , were it law . In my opinion the free discussion of all social and political questions which would , or should occupy the attention ofa Parliament elected by Universal Suffrage , will be the best means of stimulating the milhons to struggle for the Charter , aud the best means also of preparing them to make a wise useof that Charter when made the law ofthe

      I cannot but express my astonishment at the views Mr . _O'Coxxor seems to entertain concerning Republicanism . Mr . O ' Connor says : —• ' If a speaker gets upon the platform and says : 'I am a Republican , ' he may be cheered , but neither he nor his audience know themeaning ofthe term . " If this is true , the more need is there that Republicanism should be distfiissed ,.. in order that the people may understand the . good _^ or evil of that system of government . But I _Venttiwf to believe that ihe _Ohartutf-, at any-rate , are _* much better informed of the" meaning

      of Republicanism than Mr . 0 Coxnob imagines ; and , furthermore , I venture to assert that they entertain views thereon widely differing from those entertained by Mr . O'Cossob . 1 may add , that the earnest , sober-minded Republicans , are not in the habit of advocating Republicanism on public platforms . Any man who comes before the people , a candidate for thoir confidence on the strength of a Republican cry , should be questioned by his hearers as to what he means by a Repubiie . If an impostor , his answer will reveal his ignorance or his knavery .

      Mr . 0 Coxxor is in error in asserting that America never was a Monarchy , and that , therefore , Republicans were not arrayed against Monarchists , and Monarchists against Republicans . America was a part of the British Monarchy , and at thc commencement of the revolution there was a . _strongparty for continuing the connexion ofthe colonies with England . Fortunately , that party was in the minority , and naturally and justly suffered confiscation and proscription for their hostility to the rights and liberties of their countrymen . Until within a few years past , a large sum of money was annually voted by the British Parliament to compensate the " American Loyalists" for their sacrifices in the blessed cause of the British Monarchy . At this moment

      I am unable to say whether that annual vote has been continued to "the present tune . Those who can refer to the " Miscellaneous Estimates" of _1848 ,-may satisfy themselves on this head ; at all events I am confident that , Until very recently , the American Monarchists figured amongst the devourers of the taxes wrung from the plundered labourers of this country . Certainly no man , in the possession of his senses , will think of condemning the Swiss Confederation on the strength of Mr . O Connor ' s striking anecdote of a lusty innkeeper cuffing a peasant who , I suppose , was not quite so lusty . Mr . O ' Connob , to have given his story the slightest weight , should have shown that there was no law in the canton to punish

      a man for assaulting another ; or that there was a law positively permitting a landlord ( i . e ., innkeeper ) to cuff a peasant ; moreover , he should have shown that if Switzerland had been under Austrian rule , " landlords" would not have been allowed to cuff peasants . Otherwise , this cuffing story goes for nothing . "Were I to " cross the frontier" I could supply Mr . O'Coxxor with no laok of anecdotes of cuffings , and far worse than cuffings , suffered by peasants and others , under the _blessed rule ofthe Austrian Monarchy . Let those who admire Monarchy remember the massacres of Galicia ; reflect on the hellish cruelties _cti .- . _^ _'in--3 _b-the Austrians in _loir-bardy ; picture to t _« c ::, * clve _* _: 'lie _--iowiiag of Vienna , the _bom' - _.-ir-i-iK- * . t of Crncow , Lember- _* , Prague , -fcc , -ic ;

      and ; -if . r , nc : k ' _-isr _, _imagiiii-, ii they can , to-- pv _.-seiii _:- * a 7 _.- - ¦¦ * , " ilini-. ' iiv— _-iiviiciic-- ' -. vith blood _, desolated by fire , r . _r-d afflicted by horrors to which r will no * . ¦• _ivo-¦ _n-iiue—all t ' t . _i work - ¦? ' _ifr . n ' . ii-rJti ' . ' _. _' _.-t —all _rin * _( _Wf _.-v than .,.- } ' _pro-lvced , by _rufi _^ r _. * who ' _.- ¦ _¦ •'• execute die commands of a still worse monster , a Monarch . 'Emperor bytfie " Grace of God !" Mr . O'Coxxor has been in Belgium—I have not ; nevertheless I take exception to the very charming picture he has drawn ofthe loyalty of the Belgians , and their social happiness . I can assure Mr . O'Coxxor that a very numerous Republican party exists in Belgium ; indeed , in Ghent—the Manchester of Belgium—the working men are , to say the least , anite as much Republicans as the working : men of

      Manchester are Chartists . I have reason to believe that the peasantry are not infavour of Republicanism . "Why ? Because , with the exception of the peasantry of one other nation , they are more priestridden than any other portion ofthe Catholic population of Europe . Ihe priests keep Leopold on his throne . Mr . O'Coxxor says , the Belgians " have all but the Charter . " But if they are to be admired on that account I think the French , who possess the Charter entire , and something more , are still more entitled to our admiration . As regards the happy condition of the Belgians , I believe that all that Mr . O'Connor asserts is warranted by all that he saw . But how much and how far did he see ? I verv well remember that in the time of the

      potato-famine , the newspapers represented the peasantry of Belgic Flanders as suffering scarcely less than the people of Ireland . They were represented as being utterly destitute , and roving through the country in large bands , taking food by force wherever they could find it . Mr . O'Connor , addressing the Chartists , says : " The difference between a Monarchy , as you understand it , and a Republic , is simply this—that in the one case the head is called King , and derives his title from descent ; while , in the other case , the head is called President , and owes his title to election , " & c . Mr . O'Cosnor proceeds to argiie on the evUs ofthe American system of electing a President every four vears ; and , in opposition thereto , gives his reasons for _-oreferring a Son !*; , or at least the

      election ofa . President for life . Here I may observe , that the principle of Elective Monarchy was not found to work well in Poland ; and all the objections to the system formerly in nse amongst the Poles , as regards the appointment of their Kings , apply to the election of life-Presidents . God forbid \ that Mr . _O'CotsoB should ever be placed in the fatal position of being called upon to give his casting-vote on the question of a Presidency . I cannot agree with Mr . O'Connor that , even with the Charter , it would he a matter of no importance whether the Pope , the Devil , or the Pretender sat on the throne . I believe , notwithstanding that the Devil has many friends , that a majority would be averse to his rule . The Romans—sensible people

      that they are—seem to be in opposition to Mr . O'Connor as regards the Pope , and when Rome kicks out the Pope , it would be a shabby nation indeed that would accept his Holiness for King . Por mv nart , I should be as little disposed to accept tho p / _etender-such * Pretender as _«« mean-as either of his rivals Every one to his S 7 the man said when he kissed the cow ; but , Sfall _deference to the tastes of others _^ have no Xfation for either -Pope Devil , or Pretender _& X _^ 1 _^

      _£ « _noM / - _^• -reject _^ cadent _^ _£ 0 £ Al * _••*• no more vote _^ rjme _^^ fm _^ _O'Co-Ws reasoning , _^™ ° _^' a s g t 7 tbe ground _, tial elections every four y _^ gj" _™ henceforth , A principal ohject of the _^ P 'fI ' * " Ve comwffl he _tbprevent the possibility of the p e ° P- _° _"; SL such a blunder as the _J- _^ _- P _ffig commilted in December last , whenti _* cyelected _, v * u . 3 U Lom _^ _S-roLzott , to _^ J _^ _fji _^ , With no such chair , there will be no . fear of _bvwg it badly filled , or of seeing it transform _^ , into a * ffiengthto which this letter , has already . - tended . _wmpeU me to offer th _© . sh » rt « rf : poM » W »

      Dary Importance, And One, Moreover, The ...

      as regards the attitude they should assume towards _ttie people of other nations . If I understand Mr . O Connor he advises that that attitude should be one of selfish neutrality . If it be true . that "no other people on the face ofthe earth carcthre ' e straws for you , " you may thank yourselves for that . You have done nothing worthy ofa people for your own freedom , whilst , on tho other Land , your fathers were the willing accomplices and tools of the oppressors of Europe , and yourselves , though repenting of your fathers' follies , have not shown a hearty sympathy for those who are struggling to redeem themselves from the tyranny imposed by continental tyrants , who were aided and sustained by English force and English gold . Had your fathers paid some attention to foreign

      politics they would not have poured out their blood , nor hare imposed burdens on their posterity , to put down freedom in France . Bear in mind , too , thatyour rulers will not follow Mr . _O'CojtiYob ' s advice . They will either interfere or prompt others to interfere to put down thefriend 3 of Freedom . If they abstain from plunging a dagger into the heart of Liberty , they will at least , like Judas , betray her into the hands of her enemies . If you " wean your minds from the consideration of foreign questions , "' and quietly allow your rulers to unite with the league of tyrants , now re-forming for the purpose of reducing the nations to their old state ofslavery , the people of the Continent will justly hold you responsible , and regard you as participators in the criminality of your rulers , and " the curses of hate and the hisses

      of scorn will accompany the name of '' Englishman" throughout the globe . It has been by some one observed , that that man is not to be envied who could stand upon the field of Marathon and not feel his pulse beat quicker , nor his blood How with greater warmth than when treading any common s pot of earth _unSiUlCtified by the blood of ihe brave and free . But that man is still to be less envied who can behold unmoved the struggles and sufferings of his contemporaries , those struggles and sufferings bein g for the self-same object as that for which the Greeks , fought , died , and conquered—Freedom . When I behold a nation bursting the shackles of ages , releasing herself by ono great effort from foreign thrall and domestic oppression ; asserting tho freedom of the mind as well as of the body , by casting off the tyranny of priestcraft along with the fetters forged by kings ;—when I behold that nation , betrayed by its treacherous cluefs , and pretended friends , and abandoned ancient

      oy us ally , determined , notwithstanding , to defend its new-born liberty at any cost , and then , when I turn my eyes homeward , I am lost in wonder , sunk in shame , at the apathy , the selfishness , the slavish spirit of my own countrymen , who have neither the virtue to imitate the Italians , nor th & generosity to fly to their help—no , nor even utter a prayer for their victory ! - ¦ ' . :, Mr , O'Cossob would encourage—I woulddi _^ el —your fatal indifference to " foreign questions . " That Mr . O'Connor means well , I am sure ; but in my heart and soul I dissent from his doctrine—I proclaim a doctrine the reverse . I tell you that a blow struck at the liberties of one people is intended to strike down the liberties of all ; that " he who oppresses one nation is the declared enemy of all , " and that - 'Men of all countries are brothers ' , and ought to yield one another mutual aid , according to their ability , like citizens of the same state . ' L'AMI DU PEUPLE . March 8 th , 1849 .

      Publio Meetings. The Metropolitan Financ...

      PUBLIO MEETINGS . THE METROPOLITAN FINANCIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY REFORM ASSOCIATION . The following address to the people of London has been issued by the council ofthe above association : — Unrivalled in _population , wealth , and _intelligence—its individual sympathies , always enUsted on the side of progress—London , the first to suffer from tha evils of -nisgovernment _, has usuaUy , and with' a few - _ljj-illiant exceptions , been the last to unite for their extinction . To remove this reproach—to coUect-attd combine the ' _Bettered and slumbDiing elements of political power which abound in the metropolis , in aid of the gathering fol ' ce of public opinion in the provinces—to create , for the achievement of Financial and Parliamentary . Reform , _S ' _lsfekT ;' powerful , and comprehensive _organiiilt-cm — _constitutelfib end and aim of this association . Strictly constitutional 'In its objects , the agencies employed will be such only hs afre recoguised and permitted by the law . -Its first . efforts ' will

      be directed to strengthen the hands of the people ' s party in the House of Commons , and array public opinion in aid of the removal of _obstacles which stand at the very threshold of progress . Its practical character will be round in the assistance it will be enabled te afford to the existing machinery , established for watching over ai . d conducting the registration of liberal voters resident in the metropolitan counties , cities , and boroughs , combined with the adoption of an efficient plan by which its members may become freeholders and voters . Although deeply impresssed with the conviction that no great change tending to lessen or destroy the exclusive immunities _enjojed by the privileged classes will bo permitted , until the portals of the constitution are sufficiently widened to admit that large portion of our fellow subjects who are not more unwisely than unjustly excluded ; yet , feeling that the burdens under which tlie

      industry of the country is daily groaning , and the mischievous effects produced upon aU classes by the present unequal and viciously contrived system of taxation , are evils which require prompt' attention and immediate remedy , the agitation in favour of Financial Reform will receive at tbe hands ofthe Association its willing and vigorous CO-Operation . While , however , cordiaUy uniting ¦ our exertions with those of our fellow-reformers for the attainment of financial ameliorations , the great questions * Parliamentary Ref orm will not be suffered to remain in abeyance . The wisdom of conceding modifications in the political system , to meet the altered circumstances by tiie increasing number , wealth , and intelligence of the people , has boen singularly instanced by the fact that while Europe has _lievii _coiivi- ' sed v * ith the throes of revolution , the storm whicli has swept away _^ nasties and governments , ruined commerce , i _*™ _'lestr'jycci creoif _, nas passed over this countiy _, l " . 'aving 3 tsiiis' . itutIous , ils _[ _a-op _^ rty , and its great interests _, comparatively _uuscath _' _.-d . It cannot be doubted that _rii ? _enlij-htr-ned policy _-yhu-h conceded tbo ' ;« ' *> great measures , the Reform Art ; mu Free Trade , h . ; reaped

      its rich fruits in the general _n-aw-V _. ilUty - ; i i . lw _country , the stability of its _.-rtdit . and the _uitfent . > _£ its n-ou ' rees . The necessity of adopting a similar policy . a tliis moment will be _ui-ged upon tlie _legislature ' . vith -. _vai _oaniosti-tss . Such a measure of Parliamentary Reformy . _iil bv _asl-eil tor as wiU fairly entitle the people to look foi - ; s fruits in a Iarg _« extension of the franchise and the complete independence of its exercise—the mean !) of education placed _n-Jthin the reach of all—the extinction of monopolies , unlimited _fm--dom of commerce , and the total abolition of exclusive privileges—an untaxed and unfettered press—the removal of all undue influences from the Ilouse of Commons _^ -public appointments thrown open to talent , integrity , and fitness , instead of , as now , the price which the government of the day pays for active support or hostility forborne— and the reformation of aU those abus . es in our politieal and . social system which have been too long upheld The machinery Which the association \ v ! U put in motion will he of the simplest character ; a president and a councU selected from the members will constitute the governing body . The efficiency and power of the association can alone be found in tlie number and the earnestness of its members . The

      nucleus ofa powerful poUtical organisation is now . formed ; it remains with the reformers ofthe metropolis to vindicate themselves from the charge of indifference to the !; . ' great interests whicli are involved in the ascendancy' of cheap and responsible government , by { jiving to the people's _? ause the inestimable advantages which result from the combined power of union and numbers . ' *¦ _i " - ¦ By order of the Council , _Josu-ja Wamisiet . President .

      Publio Meetings. The Metropolitan Financ...

      Wged the beneiits that woulu accrue * from a kind of _^ _ti-Bribery Society , " the _objeT-t of > hich should sold _thE _^ _I electors w _* ' ° we ™ P '' oveu t 0 ll _? S 2 ion ? V ' TJ , S su _^ estiou _gwo great . _* ltls-TfcS llcr ° c , ltl ? n , M aiilll _'*«' the meeting , bv Mr n nil * * mncml ll ? form * t 0 be _Presented I

      Financial Reform. On Monday Evening A Pu...

      FINANCIAL REFORM . On Monday evening a public meeting ofthe inhabitants of Bayswater and _Kotting-hill , convened by the Committee of the Metropolitan Financial Reform Association , was held at the Prince Albert Tavern , Notting-hill . Mr . Dunford was voted to the chair . The Chairma- * .- said , in reference to the majority against Mr . Cobden ' s motion for financial reform , that no less than 356 of the members were directly or indirectly interested in the maintenance of our war establishments , and the remaining 300 . interested in the continuance of the plunder which was carried on in the name ofthe church . ( Hear . ) In the list of those members who voted with the majority againt Mr . Cobden ' s motion , were tbe name 3 of Sir De Lacy Evans and Mr . Wakley . ( Laughter . ) Now these gentlemen , and many more who wero in the

      majority , and whom he could name , were hitherto believed to be the friends of the people and friends of reform ; but now they had proved _themsslves the contrary , it was to be hoped that thenconstituents would bring them to an account for their conduct , and insist upon their resigning into better hands the trust that had been placed in theirs . ( Cheers . ) He then submitted to the meeting the following resolution : — " That the thanks ot the Notting-hill Financial -Reform Association aro justly due , and are hereby given , to Mr . Gob'den , and the seventy-eight members of the House of Commons who supported bim in his endeavours to roscue the country from tbe ruin into whicb it is being forced by successive augmentations of our warlike and police establishments , and the enormous increase ol taxe 9 and place-holders ' . " W . _Macfablaxe , Esq . seconded this resolution .

      Mr . Serlk observed on the necessity for an . entire and absolute parliamentary as well as financial reform . There wero many men engaged in commerce who would rise and clamour for financial reform because thev would derive personal benefit from it : but financial refomy unaccompanied by a reform in the parliamentary representation of the peop e , was not exactly what true reformers wanted . The people of England were politically educated , and why , he would ask , were they dehielthat which _^ had been accorded to tbe people - of France ? - \ otea tnai

      there could not be bought , Mr . Hume said we only means of putting an end to bribery was the extension of the franchise , and all right-thinking men would say that doctrine was a true one . ( Cheers . ) The chief characteristics of our system of representation were degrading , and was this _tt exist in England whilst the rest of Europe wm bravely and _SSl y rising M » moral , exiWe ? ( Cheers . ) aire them tho & aBot-they would ask no more . WlSt else they wanted they could then get without S _* Th & h-m would _fe-fe _jrij-let _ftte by _wfafch ° thCT **~ hh eater , arid , thea . they would open

      &Ational Organisat Ion Of Trades Vert Th...

      _& ATIONAL ORGANISAT ION OF TRADES vert THE INDUSTRIAL , SOCIAL , AND POLm CAL EMANCIPATION OF LABOUR A public meeting of journeymen tailors com prwd of those who work in shops , and those who work at home wa 8 held at the Coach and L _^ es Silver-street , Goder _.-souare , on Monday oven £ ' to take into consideration the propriety of _joining 2 w 2 _T y - Th 0 large ro _' m _^ _c " ly . Mr . C . F . Goodfeiiow , a home worker , was unatCC P ° _% ? chair » and 8 aid h 0 _^ eeptod * m \* ? P . - ,- _S over so numerous ana in-3 _^ nt a ? tet ! n # ' , cause he was one of the home _worfcers and had found an aristocracy in the trade , _& _>? thought the " National Organisation of _nades _, was calculated to break up , and because ne was desirous of _m-Amo- n hnn , _t _* r u ,. _» _«„ j _-A ..

      eS-i-st amongst the wealth producers ; and whilst they naa not the least desire to destroy propertv , thev were animated , he trusted , with a spirit of determination to protect labour . ( Loud cheers . ) We must remember , that it was circumstances over which we have hitherto had no control , that have made us at once the slaves of capital and the victims ora vicious co mpetition ; our legislature had mado tno workhouse the test , and consequently the operative was reduced to the lowest ebb of misery and _* r grii _™ 01 ?* Hc had mucl 1 Pleasure in introducing Mr . A Walton , missionary from the parent society _, to address them on thc objects of the proposed Organisation . ( Loudcheers . ) Mr . Walton said , after the Trades petition , which it would bo remembered was presented to the House of Commons by Lord Ashlev . had been

      laid before that assembly , the necessity was discovered that a constitution embracing their fundamental rules should be framed ; the several Trades delegates had set about the matter in carnesfc—the fruits of their deliberation he held in his hand , and _^ with their kind indulgence , would endeavour to explain its principles to them , although when he told them it embraced th ose two great principles , Home Colonisation , and Universal Suffrage , sure le was , that they would agree with him , when he aaid a clever man would be well emploved in expatiating ¦ on them in a course of lectures . ( Hear , hear . ) In the language of their first rule , they held tho land to be - the gift of the Almighty to the people , " and _tuuauimeiiuy uiu _uoi _uinn oi

      a tne right ol sale of it , hut simply that it should be held in trust for the benefit of the people , producing a rental sufficient for governmental purposes . ( Hear , hear . ) Many of tlio trades had already taken up this question , and they wished the puulic land to be dealt with in the same manner as land was now dealt with that was required for railroads or other public purposes , namely—that an Act of Parliament should be obtained sanctioning its use , for the purpose of self-supporting Home Colonies . Their seeond rule contained that great and all essential principle , Universal Suffrage ; and surel y no intelligent , rightminded man , would deny to his fellow creatures who was non-convicted of crime , and who had arrived

      at twenty-one years of age , the right to vote , and who , he boldly asked , was better calculated to exercise that privilege wisely and well , than the intelligent mechanics ofthe United Kingdom ? Their third princi ple was national education , by which he meant a good secular and scientific education principle . Their fourth embraced " arepresentative currency , " wliich should be forthwith issued by the government , and be equal in amount to the wealth offered in exchange . The legitimate use of currency was to enable a man when he had made a coat to go to the bank , obtain its symbol or representative , which should _enable him to go to the store and get what he required in exchange ; let this be once effected , and from that moment they

      might date the emancipation of labour . Their next principle was that ' . ' Great Britain and Ireland contarn a superabundance of land , skill , and capital , to profitably employ , andcomfortaWysupporimoro than double its ' population . The government should introduce a' bill establishing self-supporting Home Colonies , and this he ( Mr . Walton ) held to be the best way of finding employment for the unemployed , combining as it did the primitive elements of wealth , land , skilled labour , and capital . Tlie next principle was , that the application of machinery should be made available to the interest of the whole community . Another of their principles declared the necessity of forming local boards of trade , under the superintendence ofa Minister of Labour , who would

      act as an Impartial arbitrator between the employer _» nd the employed . ( Hear , hear , ) The eighth article declared that most excellent principle-that taxation should be equalised , by substituting for all other tuxes a graduated Property Tax . " He was happy to toll tbem , then , organisation was progressing ; since he attended their preliminary meeting a : body of shoemakers , numbering upwards of seven hundred , had sent in their adhesion ; and he trusted ihey wou'd have the co-operation of the tailors . lie trusted to see the trades act with a spirit _* hich would carry the conviction home to the powers that be—that the working classes were not to be trifled with when they were in earnest . Mr . Walton _resumrd his seat amidst great cheering .

      Mr . _Reibdo ** then moved the first resolution : — 'That the journeymen tailors present do herrby form a branch or lodge of the National Organisation of Trades , for the industrial , social , and political emancipation of labour . " After a few words from Mr . Barker , the _resolution was put and carried unanimously ; after which , Mr . C . F . Goodftllow , was elected delegate ; Mr . Williams e _. ected secretary ; and after votes of thanks to Mr Walton and the chairman , the meeting adjourned till Monday evening next , at six o ' clock . "

      Emi-Lovmest Of The Poor. Home (¦Olonibil...

      EMI-LOVMEST OF THE POOR . HOME _(¦ _OLONIBil-A great meeting of the Trades of London , ui which more than two thousand oiwrativcs wore present , was held at thc Hall of Commerce , _Thiwlneedlc-strect , on Wednesday evening , "to take into consideration the distressed condition of the trades of the metropolis , and the working classes generally , with a view to petition parliament to sanctit / it the establishment of Home Colonies , as the best and most efficient mode of giving immediate employment to the numerous , but compulsory unemployed of our population ; _jiIbo to consider the propriety of petitioning parliament for the establishment of local boards of trade . " Mr . L . J . _Haxsakd took the chair , and expatiated upon the objects for which the meeting had been convened .

      Mi " . A . Walton moved tlie first resolution , winch was as follows : — - That as Great ' . Britain and Ireland contain sufficient land and capital to employ and support , under assoeiational arrangements and skilful directions , several times the number of their present population , the government supported by the legislature , should be called upon to pass an act for the establishment of self-supporting home colonies , combining agricultural , manufacturing , and educational arrangements , for employing the present unemployed of tho industrious classes , and therebvnrevent the increase of pauperism and crime

      which now threatens to overturn the whole institutions of society . " It was the desire of the association that this question of employment should not be mado a question of party politics , but that they should receive the support and co-operation of persons of all po litical creeds , who thought it desirable that a more extended field of employment should be afforded to the working classes . Thc trades' delegates in Manchester were commissioned to ascertain the correct condition of the trades of that district , and they showed that it was worse than it had been in former times . It appeared that the number of artisans and mechanics in London was

      200 , 000 , and one-third was employed at wages totally inadequate to obtain for themselves and their families a sufficient supply of the necessaries of life . One-third was half employed , and the remaining third was obliged to accept relief at the workhouse . Benefit and trades societies had been compelled to withdraw their funds from the savings banks , and apply them to the keeping their members from starvation . Many trades had expressed a wish that some means- of employment might be found . ; amongst auch trades might be enumerated the several buildingbranches , carvers , gilders , tailors , shoemakers , « kc ., « fec , -5- ' c . While recently at a meeting of weavers , he had heard ono . of their members most truthfully declare , that "body td-. bo one living mass of starvation . ( _Heaiv hear . ) .. Tie problem as to how the people might bu nrofitably _**« Biployed , might be easily

      solved , for its _immediatolaqpphcation waa at once within the power , of the . legislature . AN that was required was simply thecombination ofthe three primary elements of wealth ; vi _^ _.,, land , skilled labour , and capital . Let them examine how for they had these valuable elements of human happiness . They had the authority of M'Culloch , Sir John Sinclair , Sheriff Alison , and other eminent statists , that if the land of Great Britain , and Ireland was properly cultivated , it was capable of sustaining from 120 , 000 , 000 to 180 , 00 * 0 , 000 of a population . If that were true , how came is to _pasa that such . large _, rnasses of the people were in a state' of _flefltitntios ? An answer to _Jhis . question must bo _; ift _**** b . t . from tho lips of the ' _TOinwft * . wid the legislature must be mad * - to solve tho _qiaestion of , _labour . ( Loud cheerff . ) lb *« _ause wwilt _^ _-bolAtmwt _» mlm "P a |* alnst &» people . "Eifi ? _tot-d twent _** _4 % _*^ Ttailion acres of

      Emi-Lovmest Of The Poor. Home (¦Olonibil...

      wnste lands , a considerable portion of which might be made available to give immediate employment . Moreover , they had the statement of the most accredited authorities that if the crown lands were sold thoy would fetch upwards of twenty millions . They " crht be made a more profitable source of revenue ¦ _" 'V crown by allowing them to be lot at a fair rent 0 }" c ,. John Sinclair had said our land was not tal . Sir _v * t . i vated . Ay _. butit was asked , will you two-thirds en .. _.- ,. ate propertv ? Did . not Parliaintcrfero with pn . _. _| vate pr 0 perb- for railway ment interfere witlip _.... , . ont of _toiras , and when purposes for tho _> mproVCi _* - _~ * .,. ed Estate 9 m ? it brought m _™ Irish EnCUm _**** * _- . et with thia ( Loudcheers . ) Then let us not be J »> -, , Senseless cry of interference will * _few-alG S ; perty . Then withrespect tothe _second ( _-lenient , that

      of skilled labour . The tens of thousands _WtfO now thronged our streets wero a sufficient proof of our having a superabundance of that element . With respect to capital , they proposed to raise that by way of loan from the imperial treasury . The higher classes by Exchequer bills do this to support 'their own interests , and surely it is more justifiable when it wonld savo millions from starvation . ( Great cheering . ) He thought tho millions given to Ireland should have been spent in setting her population to work at self-supporting employment , and if the government had so employed it , sure he was instead of their now requiring - £ 50 , 000 , they would bo in a position to return that amount-. ( Much cheering . ) Government found money for the blacks , and surely they could not ohject to find one million , five

      hundred thousand , to permanently employ the whole British population . ( Repeated cheers . ) Ho would show how they proposed to continue tbese elements . Let them , then , suppose , as the basis of a plan , that 1 , 00 o families of five each betaken from 10 of our principal towns , and let each individual have one acre ; that would be 50 , 000 acres ; and all practical men agreed that it required £ 10 por acre to commence tlieir practical operations . That would amount to £ 500 , 000 . It would requiro £ 750 , 000 to erect the necessary dwellings and sluices , and then it would require , say £ 120 , 000 to purchase the necessary machinery requisite to combine manufactures with agriculture j and as thc men would require to subsist during the timo they were employed at tbe early state of their proceedings , if 10 s . per

      week were allowed to each family for six months ( and they ought not to have less ) there would be a further sum of £ 130 , 000 , making , in all , £ 1 , 500 , 000 . Thus , by applying these three constituent elements of wealth , immediate employment mi g ht be given to large masses of the unemployed . ( Loud cheers . ) There were many schemes before the peoplo for _bettering- their condition , and amongst others the Cobden one , for curtailing our expenditure , aud reducing our armaments ; to this he had no objection , as lie thought a man was much more useful ffitll a . 8 pado in lis hand than ft musket , but at the same time let it not be forgotten , that every man discharged from the army , was an addition to the supply in the unemployed labour market . It was fallacious on tho part of any government to exnoct

      a people to be loyal , whilst that government stood between the people and the means of existence—( tremendous cheering ) — if employment and the means of existence were not found , we must expect to hear of convulsions . The question was not now , whether this King or that Pope should rule , but how can the people be best employed , and obtain the greatest reward for their labonr ? Mr . Walton resumed his seat amidst loud and long continued applause . Mr . A . Campbell seconded the resolution , wliich was carried unanimously . _^ Mr . _Kaltiioueu moved tho adoption of a petition to thc House of Commons to tho following effect : — " That your petitioners belong to the industrious

      working classes , whose only means of subsistence depends upon the demand for their labour ; and that considerable -numbers of your petitioners arc _suffering the greatest prviations for the want of useful employment , while the other portion are obliged to levy heavy contributions on themselves to support those who arc compelled to go idle , to save them from starvation or the workhoiise ; that the demand for their labour , and tho wages they receive nro becoming daily scarce and uncertain , which deprives your petitioners of obtaining thc means of subsistence . That your petitioners , as well as the working classes generally , aro , under the present manngc-* i ** ent of society , compelled to be idle , and suffer all its direful consequences . That society is deprived of the benefits of their labour , arid the revenue of

      her Majesty ' s government considerably diminished . That your petitioners are the friends of order , the protectors of property ; that for the preservation of the oncand theproteetion ' of the other , your _petitioners respectfully implore your honourable Houso to consider a remedy for the evils under which your petitioners now suffer as the best and surest means of preventing those convulsions which must inevitably follow from excessive poverty arising from compulsory idlesness . Your petitioners are fully satisfied that the remedy is simple and effective , and its immediate application within the power of your Hon . House . That it consists of a well-devised system of

      home colonisation , uniting in due proportions , land , labour , and capital , for agricultural , manufacturing , and commercial purposes : the whole to be under the direction of those who have most experience in their respective branches . Your petitioners , therefore , pray tliat that your Hon . House will introduce a bill sanctioning the establishment of home colonies , and that sufficient capital be supplied , by way of loan , from the Imperial Treasury for that purpose , being the best and most profitable means of giving productive employment to our numerous but compulsorily unemployed population . " Mr . Winton seconded ths motion , which was carried unanimously .

      Mr . J . _Wu-so-t" mo-fed the _second _resolution : — " That , for the just protection of Jabour aud the fair profits of trade , a labouring protecting board should be established for the purpose of regulating , from time to time the prices of labour , and thereby prevent the ruinous competition among employers . and the demoralising and destructive effects on the working classes . " Mr . _Brisck seconded tbe resolution . Mr . C . _Goopt ? eli . O"w , in supporting the resolution , showed tbe competition prevailing in the manufacture of army clothing . Here , said he , are the inmates of workhouses , prisons , penitentiaries , & c ., & c , brought to bear against the independent labourer . ( Hear , hear . ) Ay , he blushed to own it , i ' " this land of Bibles and Prayer-books , the so-called independent labourer was made to compete with the pauper and felon . The actions of our very religious rules strangely belied their preaching . __ ( Immense cheerin _? ,. ) " He asked not charity but justice . Charity was fin " slum , iuslira for freemen . ( Tremendous

      _choerii-s-, ) Mr . DhUVOlvcE wweil _* -- " Th ! At the petition be _engvoi j , s- . \ , _signed \> y \\ _w _d'wnrm , and presented to both Houses of Parlituiifciit . 1 Mr . Hamsei seeoniied the suction , which was unanimou ly adopted , Mr . Thomas Cooper bawig been loudly is \ 'ied ior said , he was thinking thatas no particular mem tir of the House of Commons had been _nanif-il to present the petition , the renegade of Tamworth vonlil do , seeing that he had recommended that a _transfer of property should take place , tbat the wilds of _Conneniara , under commissioners , taking " an enlarg-d view ofthe matter , " should be appointed to tran fer them with justice and equity . ( Laughter . ) Well all we require is that the wilds of England shall be " transferred with justice andequity , " taking au" enlarged view of the matter" of cours _" , —( laughter )—and there were twenty-two million acres of them .

      ( Hear , he < _-r . ) He agreed with the last speaker , but could not agree with the first , who was desirous of _excluding politics altogether . ( HereMr . Walton rose to deny this , and disclaimed party politics . ) Mr . Cooper did not wish to quatrel with him ; he was a Chartist , as well as he was—sure they all were . ( Tremendous cheering . ) True he did not now handle the awl , draw the thread , or bend over the last now , but he worked hard with his head , but still he never could forget his origin , or the condition of the operatives of Leicester , the town in which he was born . ( Cheers . ) A baronet had cal ' ed on him to ask him what they wanted the Charter for . He had told him as a means of obtaining and cultivating the land in order to live . ( Loud cheers . ) He trusted they would couple the Charter with their movement . ( Loudcheers . ) He moved that Sir E . Peel present tbe petition to the Honse of Commons . Mr . WALTF . n Cooper seconded the niutiwi . The resolution was unanimously adopted .

      On the motion of Mr . Campbell , seconded by Mr . Walton , a vote of thanks was given by acclamation to the chairman , who , in _acknowledging the compliment , gave fifty pounds to the funds of *• The Natinal Organisation of Trades , for tha Industrial , Social , and Political Emancipation of Labour . '' This test of his sincerity was greeted with prolonged applause . The meeting then quietly dissolved .

      To The Coal And Ironstone Miners Of Lana...

      TO THE COAL AND IRONSTONE MINERS OF LANARKSHIRE . ( From the North British Express . ) _Fbilow-Wobkme ! -, —Considering the improved _state-of the iron trade , and the great advance on the price of iron , I am more than astonished to think that no portion of our trade seems as yet inclined to move for a rise of wages . We have had now eighteen months of keen adversity , and really it is time we were beginning to inquire whether or no we have learned anything from the admonitions of that stern teacher , that may be of service to us in future . We have formerly experienced the benefits resulting from association . We _bavt * likewise felt the manifold grievanc « B wbicb our abandonment of union has entailed on us ; and as the last eighteen months have afforded us sufficient time for reflection , we -might how be prepared to decide which is the best for us- to adhere to . Are we to attempt a _reor- _* anisa tionof _v _ tkiAi 1 ot ara _ne to nmm to we are ?

      To The Coal And Ironstone Miners Of Lana...

      _litA-lV _^ _( _, _UeStI _0 _?¦ Arexrc _' 1 wou ! d _«¦* . ' - co » - _tvl-m _,. _t p 00 ? P ? ssive a ,, ( I _ennehmg slaves of onr _ftS " _? _Patiently lo submit to toil for cure Iho b _£ I *** - from fae , ' _"S _**** - _** " P ™ - _^ _Jpr _^^ isrs- _, Let us once more unfold tbe banner of Zil _-Vtoi _SIX _vfr ' 8 fandi " « fililur _« _ofimst _struggles ) , it is the only means by which we can ever e . _Tjr . nttosecu _- , eto ourselves anything a ' ppiMaehin < _- to a fair , _" ? _m"neration for our labour . Up , then " brethren of _Gla _^ ow * and Holytown , it is you that must first lead the va ? " this go d work . Ayrshire looks to yon , the miners "tf Scotland look to you ;

      Let it not be said , that wiu . ' n'on at 56 s . a ton , miners are working for little _mor-3 than 2 s . in many places , whilst the highest does not _exceed 3 s . a day . Vou have now an organ ofthe press that will attentively publish reports < _-f your grievances , such aa von may furnish the editor nith , or of the proceedings of your meetings , resolutions , Ac , ; this is a great advantage , and cannot be to- > highly appreciated . I trust that the miners generally will follow up the resolution agreed to by tbe delegate meeting at Black quarry , Glasgow , a few weeks since , viz ., to support the North British Express . Let us so fatadopt the spirit of exclusive dealing as to support that portion of the press only who advocate the rights of industry . 1 had intended to makoa few observations on the restriction of labour , but have already occupied moro space then 1 liad intended , but with the editor ' s permission I shall address you next week . Duncan _Robkrtsox .

      The Sheffield Razor Grinders. A Pub'ic M...

      THE SHEFFIELD RAZOR GRINDERS . A pub'ic meeting of tbe association of -hand loom Ltnen Weavers was held -t Mr . George Utley ' s , on Monday night , when the committee of the trade , r _elH _, _Xiwt _£ 5 lmd been B iven * _" rom tlie funds - and _i 30 lent on loan to the Sheffield committee , to enable them to prosecute the writ of error , which terminated in the favour of Drury . Marsden , _Bullos _, _andlllall . On the motion of Frank Mirfield , seconded by John Hughes , the conduct of tlie committee was approved of . Proposed by John Fairclough , and seconded by M . Woodward , "Tha * , the trade empower their committee to advanco a further sum of . € 20 to the _Siieffie'd committee , to defend Drury , and brothers , at the ensuing assize - . Carried . Messrs . Hawksworth and 11 berts returned thanks on behalf of the Shefiiield _commiUee . Charles Currie , Chairman .

      At a public meeting of the inhabitants , which was addressed by the _deleirates from Sheffield , Messrs . Ha-vksworli , Roberts , Richard Taylor , Frank Mirfield , and others of Barn-ley , itwas reso ' ved : That , i * is the duty of the working men of Barnsley to enter into a general subscription in aid of tlie Sheffield committee to defend Drury , Marsden . Bullos , and Hall , at tbe present assizes . Tbe town was dividid into districts , and Mr . Richard Taylor appointed to obtain _collectors to receive contributions . Mr . William Fullerson handed in eight shillings , received fiom a few friends , toward * the defence .

      Westminster Rkfohm Society. — On Monda Y...

      Westminster _Rkfohm Society . — On Monda y evening a meoting of tho members of this society took place at the York Hotel , Wellington-street , Covent Garden . Mr . Gccson in tho chair . The minutes of the preceding meeting having been read and confirmed , several now members were proposed and admitted . The chairman called the attention ofthe meeting to a fact strikingly illustrative of the extraordinary inequalities existing in their present representative system . In tlie Tower Hamlets there wero 18 , 748 registered electors , by whom two members were returned to Parliament . Sow he held in his hand a list of fifty towns , the number of registered electors in whieb amounted to 18 , 511 , or 237 loss than the Tower Hamlets , yet tbey returned no less than eighty-six members . ( Hear , hear . )

      It was stated that in several parishes in Westminster , meetings were iu progress for the purpose of petitioning for a repeal of the window-tax . —Mr . Austin regretted that while the inhabitants of Westminster wore making very great efforts to procure a diminution of the public burthens , they should bave returned a representative to Parliament , who thought it his duty to oppose Mr . Cobden in his attempt to reduce the army and navy estimates to the footing of 1835 . Sir De Lacy Evans was a soldier , and perhaps could not conscientiously support Mr . Cobden in canying out that portion of his financial scheme which referred to the armv ; but the

      electors of Westminster had conscientious duties to fulfil also , and if they woro wise , they would not again return a man likely to be influenced by professional predilections . ( Hear , hear . )—The meeting , after having been addressed by otliei- speakers , was adjourned . Repeal of the Window Tax . —On Tuesday a meeting ofthe vestrymen of St . James ' s , Westminster , was held , Mr . Churchwarden Gcesin- in the chair , to petition for a repeal of the window-tax . The petition having been adopted - •«>! . con . ; it was resolved that Mr . Lushington , M . P ., be requested to present tho petition to the House of Commons ; and after some uninteresting business , the vestry broko up .

      The AnniTRATiox Movement . —On Tuesday evening a meeting of thc inhabitants of Farringdoii Ward was held in the British School Rooms , _IL-irpalley , Farringdon-street , to adopt a petition to Parliament in favour of Mr . Cobden ' s motion for treaties of arbitration to settle international disputes instead of war . Mr . Fry took tho dmi--. Tl . e petition having been- read , its adoption was ir . o -ed by Mr . M'Cree , and unanimously carried . Thanks were passed to the chairman , and tho meeting separated . Repeal of Malt-Tax . —Meetings for the repeal of this tax have been held at Honcaster , Dorking , Chelmsford , and other places . Oxford Parliamentary and Fikaxciai . _Rki-orm

      Association . —A meeting was held on Monday , when a report was read by the secretary , and adopted , as also a petition to tiie House of Commons , ' . _irging the necessity of a large and immediate rcdur ; ion of tho national expenditure , with a view to a corresponding diminution ofthe burden of taxation ; and praying also for tho substitution of direct in lieu of indirect taxation , so that all classes may be _assessed according to their income . A vote Of thanks to W . P . Wood , Esq . M . P . for Oxford , for bis consistent support of Mr . Cobden ' s motion on tho 26 th ult ., was unanimously carried ,

      To The Chartists Of Dalsto Cumberland. B...

      TO THE CHARTISTS OF DALSTO CUMBERLAND . Brother Democrats , I am informed that you _dei-ire to put me in Dori ) ii ; atiO ! i as ane of the candidates for the representation of Cumberland , in * tV * forthcoming _Conveni-iou . ' I hu _myself fl 5 ; _frn _? ' :. , - ; y . < r preference , the more so as it tci ' s mc t v m _* . 1 - _-. tiu < : ¦' , _*? 'ha ' . ™ fidence which _proaipteii y . ¦ lo elect - ¦¦ yo « r iio ! ei ' . _ii-.- '' to the first Chartist Convention _whir-h _aiwmM-i ' ten years ago , in the memorable year ] B : ki . ¦¦)

      But in the first place , I must ol >' _- _* rv- . . ; . at up ' this ( ime , no Convention hasbeen _s-:.-ui-. i < .. _••*•! •! Convention bas been su _* n * ested by Mr , _O'C ' _-NV-tt .. but up to tbis time the Executive hare not ( icfi ' _ierated , ard of course not decided on that suggestion . In the event of a national delegation being convened , I fear it would not be in my power to place my humble services at your disposal . Last year I was elected to represent Nottingham in the Chartist Convention—I did so , but with extreme difficulty the performance of my duties as a member of the

      Convention , in addition to the duties of my office in connexion with the Northern Star , being much more than one man ' s work . Hence , I was compelled to decline the nomination o ! delegate for Nottingham to the « Assembly . ' And hence , I must very respectfully request that you will not submit my name to the suffrages of your ( and my ) brother Chartists of Cumberland . I say this with some reluctance , fori remember with pleasure and gratitude my former connexion with the good _DslUOCiala of the English harder counties .

      This answer is given publicly instead of privately , in accordance with your request . A severe fit of illness prevented this reply appearing in last Saturday ' s Star . Witb sincere respect and gratitude , I am , Brother Democrats , For ' the Charter and no surrender , ' Yours e _* er faithfully , G . Julian _Harnetc . Northern Star Office , March 8 th , 1849 .

      Oxe Missino.—The Rev. F. Coyle, In A Lec...

      Oxe Missino . —The Rev . F . Coyle , in a lecture on memory , delivered at Adelaide ( reported in tbo SouA Australian Item ' stcr ) , instanced stage-drivers , _wboje memory of orders and directions given them is remarkable . He once rode outside .-with _thoj owner and driver ofa stage from Troy to tholand otthe Knickerbocker ; tbe driver could not have _haofless tban fifty parcels and messages to deliror _bfethe way ; but ne was at a Iobs , ne had for £ ottb _* r- _<** - _« parcel , but , "ding him if ha could remem 6 er- _*** _Jiat it was . " At length the stago arrived at hi 3 ** _* iwn door , when his children came rushing _ont-wwi . a ' Welcomo home , Pa ; but , oh , where did you mvo Ma V " May I be _teetotally scorched , " _saicPle , "if I hain't forgot Sal ! " That was tho _roissing parcel

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 10, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_10031849/page/5/