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Northern Star (1837-1852), 12th October 1850, Edition 3 of 3, Page 1

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    • THE POLISH AND HUNGARIAN "REFUGEES.
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      The Polish And Hungarian "Refugees.

      THE POLISH AND HUNGARIAN "REFUGEES .

      To The Workb5q Mek In The Rtofi District...

      TO THE _WORKB 5 Q _MEK IN THE _RTOfi DISTRICTS AND MANXJFACTXJKIS G TOWNS . Mr Fmehds , —I have ftequently- told yon that although Ireland is _mytfranfry the woria is my E _^ _Uic , and that 11 «* _» P _™ _JS mauls my countryman . whether heto black or white , Turk , Jew or Aifreut ; _«*^ appeal to tou on behalf of your countrymen _Si _y : thePolish _^ d H _^^ an However

      S _^ _" _^ , lhank GOD , . _Jp S her oln peop e may be , is _sUU the _refage for the expatriated . The blood y _Northern Bear , and the infernal man , woman and Child butcher _Haxsatj , have compelled sev eral brave , noble , virtuous , and independent Poles and Hungarians to leave the land of their birth , and seek shelter in this country and where , Irejoice to think , they have received it harmoniously and hospitably . But then , my -friends , aa __• - "'

      •• "Words are but wind , and Actions speak the mind , " yon are not to limit yonr hosp itality to the mere reception of the exiles ; you must not by ? our charity , hut by your leg itimate kindness and . subscription for their support , prove to their oppressors that the Eng li s h people appreciate them more than they do their Imperial tyrants . The Mnd and hospitable men of London have shown their hospitality to the expatriated victims . They have taken a lodg ing-house for themand allow them as much as they can

      , afford to support them ; but you , men of the rural districts and manufacturing towns , must be aware that London cannot perform England ' s duty ; and therefore "do I appeal to you now to transmit to me anything that you can afford , to prove to theEussian Bear , the Hunaarian butcher , and the Poles , that England has not forgotten her duty to patriots who have strugg led for the liberty oftheir country . On Wednesday last a deputation of Poles waited upon me to present me with a splendidly executed memorial , expressing their gratitude for my sympathy , which was signed

      by sixty-five Poles and Hungarians , while in reply 1 tell them , that they deserve more gratitude than I do , as they have sacrificed their lives , and lost their liberty in a struggle to secure freedom for their country . One of the deputation-was a young man , twenty five-years of age , had been an officer in the Polish army , but bravely sacrificed his commission , and nobly joined with the people to secure liberty for hia country . Would you find an officer in the English army thus sacrificing his

      Commission , pay , and station , in a straggle for his country ' s rights ? No , as I have often told you , in Poland , Hungary , Italy , Austria , Prussia , France , and Ireland , you will find numbers of the hifhest classes risking their lives and liberty to secure freedom for their country , while in oppressed and trodden down England , the working classes stand alone , and are opposed by every other class of society . Nay , more , they are like a rope of sand , whereas if they were united to day , they could secure

      their liberty to-morrow . The men of London have also taken a large house adjoining the hospitable lodging for the refugees , for the purpose of holding meetings , with a view to save the Poles and Hungarians irom starvation ; and when that building is ready , it will be my pride and my pleasure , to attend the first meeting ; and again , men of the rural districts , and of the manufacturing towns , let me implore of you to contribute

      your mite , to prove your respect for the valour and courage of those who risked their lives to secure the liberty of their country . Let me have the pride , the pleasure , and the honour , in announcing in next week's " Star , " your gratitude , affection , and patriotism , represented'by your subscriptions , to maintain the brave Poles and Hungarians . Yoin-. AxiAfiJ friend . PeaKGUS O'C 02 f 3 f 0 lI .

      To The Old Guards. My Dear Friends,—It G...

      TO THE OLD GUARDS . My dear Friends , —It gives me pleasure to announce to you that I have received several letters this week , approviBg of my proposition to hold a Chartist Conference at Manchester . Many desire to know the time that the Conference should he held ; but , as I am not a dictator , I leave that wholly in the hands ofthe men of Manchester , who should appoint a good working committee , to name the day and arrange the husiness . If you read the

      newspapers now that Parliament is not sitting , and that the " Show-box" can furnish no materials , you will find that they are devoid of news of every description ; and , I have frequently told you , it is always my desire to use the time of calm to prepare you for the storm . "Wealth is becoming so monopolised by the capitalists and labour speculators in this country , that it is an impossibility that the system can much longer continue ; and , therefore , my object and desire is , to prepare you for the coming

      struggle-Tou will read Mr . DoHE >~ r s letter , written from _New York—an exiled Irishman—in this week ' s Northern Star , and yon must understand , that although America is a Republic , yet , nevertheless , there is as great an agitation _o-oing on in that country , with the view of putting the people in possession of the Land , and greater than there is in this country for the Charter—which are the means by which I hope to put vou in possession of the Land ere long . In Eng land , and in Ireland , many bloody and atrocious murders have been recently committed . In England they hare been committed by bloodthirsty ruffians looking for money ; in Ireland they have been committed by the plundered poor , who could seek no legal

      satisfaction from their oppressors : and from this fact you will discover that in Ireland , as well as in Eng land , there is " onelaw for the rich , and another law for the poor "— " more danger to "fee peasant that shoots the _squire ' s hare than to the squire who shoots the peasant's head . " Previous to the holding of this Conference , it is my intention to traverse the country , with the view of preparing the national mind for the coming struggle ; bnt as you are aware that I never have , and never will , travel a mile or eat a meal at your expense , you must first p _' ay off WHAT YOU OWE—and not WHAT I OWE—for the defence of Chartist prisoners , exemption from oakum picking , and other taxes which you have imposed

      upon me . All newspapers are now rejoicing at the extensive emigration that is taking p lace in Ireland , while the largest portion of the fertile land of the country is waste and barren . The industrious men—the men with intellect and capital—emigrate from that country , while the tyrant lords will , thank God , be obliged to support the old , the decrepit , the worn-out , and unemployed pauper .

      Old Guards , write to the Northern Star next week , from your several districts , stating whether y ou approve ofthis Confe rence ; and , men of Manchester , let me implore of you to lose no time in selecting your committee , and _arrang-ing your business . I only received Mr . Dohesy _' s letter this morning ; it will occupy considerable space , otherwise I should have addressed you at greater length .

      Old Guards , on Monday next the Financial Reformers propose to hold a meeting at the London Tavern , at twelve o'clock , and it is my intention to be present , and there to define the princip les of veritable Chartism ; and although the time of several may be occupied , I trust that many ofyour order will "be present on the occasion . __ I remain , Your Faithful arid Uncompromising Friend , _TTeabgus O'Coknok .

      Bring Such Evidence To Condemn The Compa...

      ! ; 77 y , Z- ; - , _£ , // _" _^ _J _^ _fe _^ i evidence , well knowing his tool would _endeavoUrTo _^* _2 ' _^ - _^ i ' . •¦ f '„ ¦> 7 / JL - _* _xfrf A _*•*? _£ _^ _iA ' _' , _fA ; - A . 'A . A . ' H % lMii i _^^^ ' fi _^ a . ! _* _k _* n _I _^ - _^/^/ _lr W ll _^? _QBI _^ IV _^ * 3 L _^ V _/^ m _4 v " _Hx ' \ W _IfijH 71 _*^^ 11 vlH _( _w _^

      ¦Si Amd National Trades' Journal 77 Y , ...

      _¦ _Si AMD NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL ¦

      Toljn. P. 677. "^ ¦^Mctfe.

      _TOLJn _. P . 677 . " _^ _¦^ _MCTfe .

      Letter From Mr. M. Doheny To The Chartis...

      LETTER FROM MR . M . DOHENY TO THE CHARTISTS OF ENGLAND . Brother Democrats , —More than a year has now elapsed since I took the liberty of addressing you . I then intended to write a series of letters , with the view of proving how far super ior the condition of the American working man was to that ofthe English working man , and to what extent that superiority was owing to republican institutions . The paper through which I , purposed to communicate with you , soon after ceased to

      be published : and chiefly on that account , and , to some extent , for other reasons that since supervened , my object has , np to this day , remained unfulfilled . This has always been with me a matter of regret , being convinced of the utter futility of attempting any large amelioration of the workman ' s lot , until he is elevated above the petty prejudices growing ont of a false reverence , and binding him , through his own fears and folly , to the tyranny by which his mind and bod y have been warped . .

      I now re-assume this design , so long interrupted . I select as a medium of communica _* tion , a journal to which you-are acc ustohned , which you havehonouredwith your confidence , and , in which , perhaps , you read sentiments not in accordance with mine . Although this may be true , and although I am removed far from the sp here of your efforts , I am satisfied thc "Northern Star" will not hesitate to publish the opinions of one whose strongest sympathies have been ever engaged in the cause of those for whose welfare it has

      struggled . It may be here necessaryj for the purpose of obviating any misconception , to state distinctly and emphatically , my belief—nay , my conviction—that the objects of the Eng lish and Irish Democrats are not identical . They are not even analagous , save to a certain limited extent . Nor would they be identical , in my estimate , if the " Repeal of the Union" were made the first point of the Charter . No , believe me , God has marked out for the two races , separate and distinct destinies ; nor is that separation incompatible with their harmonious action for a common good .

      I rest iny conclusion on these grounds . You are Englishmen , so are they who have usurped your prerogatives and deny you human rights . Eng land is the common country of both parties , and theirs inseparably as well as theirs only , for good and for evil . Neither they nor you have any interest apart from her or outside her . In Ireland , on the other hand , there are two distinct classes , opposite in feeling , strangers in blood , aliens in race , and opposed in interest .

      These two classes are , the owners and the inhabitants . To the former belongs the soil , and to them also belong the latter , as fully , as entirely , and as unqualifiedly as its meanest appurtenances , to have and to hold , to them and the successors oftheir rapine , to use and abuse as long as usurpation is immortal . They are not fettered and labelled as "born thralls ; ' ' hut they are owned and worked equally effectively , and their sweat and blood and brains are filtered , drop by drop , into their cups of

      _joyance . ' These owners are known in Ireland as the "English interest , " on other words they are the English garrison . In my conviction , thc freedom of Ireland is incompatible , not only with the masterdom , but with the very existence ofthis "interest . " There is an antagonism between it and the people which no law can ever remove . The foothold of a class , in any country , which is maintained by a power outside that country , and any lasting liberty or peace for the rest of its people , are manifest absurdities , and self-evident contradictions .

      Were the Charter , therefore , enacted tomorrow with repeal as its first provision ; and further , were there to be a Parliament in College Green , chosen by the whole people , there would remain in the country seeds of civil strife , which no Legislative power could deal with , and sooner or later should end in disruption and ruin . The total extinction , then , of the English interest is indispensable to Ireland . The objects -which are common to the Democrats of both islands , and the agencies by which these objects may be attained , will be developed in the course of this and subsequent letters . I now proceed to disenss them .

      As a preliminary , permit me to re-state , inthe clearest and fullest sense , a principle whicb it itnecessary we should hold in common , or my efforts wonld be worse tban useless . Here it is : That no distant or immediate advantage—no prospect of partial , or even of entire and ultimate triumphshould ever induce you to misrepresent , to discolour , to conceal , or to falsify , your final objects . Trust me , when you have stated them truly , fully , clearly , and determinedly , they are already half accomplished . And here let me be understood as

      speaking of the object only . The means you are not bound to define , for which one reason is sufficient—you may not know thein . Having a definite and essential end in view , it is your business to attain it , and your duty to sbape your means so as to overcome the obstacles in your way . Thus you will at once perceive that , in my view of your duty , all compromises should be avoided . Compromises , in your case , have two fatal consequences . Materially , they check your object ; mentally and morally , they degrade yourselves , and are so far a justification of your

      exclusion . For the first , you will find abundant proofs in the history of your own times . Many of you—alas how many—drowned your childrens' cries for bread in your own insensate shouts for " the bill !"—•• the bill , tbe whole bill , and nothing but the bill !" When tbe bill became a law , yon shouted for the candidate of the people , or the candidate of the government—for these became convertible terms . Well you remember—do you not ?—what happened

      to the Dorchester Labourers , in the very first year of a reformed parliament ? A new agitation came , and , taught by experience , you forbore to join in it . The cry for a large loaf was not that of the nation , or of the people , but the cry of an interest or a faction . You did not join in it ; but you did what was as bad—you opposed it . In the one case , yon would be fools or cheats ; in tbe other , you subjected yourselves to a more criminal imputation . A new and more rational demand for aid is now

      addressed to you . You are asked to rally for Household Suffrage . So much of your claim is conceded to you that a man ' s right to the franchise is recognised , with no more barbarous condition on his intelligence than tbat he should own a bouse . If you appreciate your own convictions , you cannot heed those men without most guilty treachery ; you cannot do so without pandering with the holiest truths . Prudent men , I know , will offer you most sage advice . They will tell you to accept Household Suffrage as an "instalment of justice . " "Instalment of justice" is a barbarous jargon , or , redeemed from that c haracter , it involves the pettiest hypocrisy . Justice does not admit of "instalments . " Whatever contravenes it is injustice—it is crime .

      But , in your instance , there cannot be a greater absurdity than to talk of accepting anything . To such or you as are not householders ( four-fifths , at least , ofthe entire ) , nothing is offered , and nothing can be accepted . To accept , on your part , would mean to be satisfied with privileges conferred on others , between whom and yourselves a line of demarcation is drawn , marked , impassable , and insulting . That you should be advised to combine , for this

      to sweat , to shout , to resolve , and to beg , _distinction by men , who are themselves m their sober senses , or think you are so , is , to me , the most unintelli gible of riddles . There is some reason in asking one of you , who m ay possess a bouse , to accept the franchise , the meaning of which addressed to him would be , tbat he was to compromise all your claims , on having his own proper demand complied with . This may be a prudent course f „ him , and he may flatter himself mat it is a fair and good _adjustment . And , no

      Letter From Mr. M. Doheny To The Chartis...

      doubj , it is ; but it has two sides to it . In respect to your claims , instead of being an instalment , it ve / f possibly would become a barrier against yonr furftier _progress . Tou all know , pretty nearly , how long this thing , called the " Constitution , " has existed—a long , long time , is it not ? You are _acquainted , with the famous" achievement of the _BaronMl Eunnymede , and the great charter to whichrthey set their signatures or their marks . You _knpjf ? , too , how , ever since , that document has been boasted of by English writers ; and how these boasts" have been copied , and _Repeated , and exaggerated , until , to deny the Godhead , would be less criminal , less infatuated , than to deny tbat the Constitution of England was the " admiration

      and envy of all surrounding nations . " Now I suspect that you , even in this advanced age —it may of course be owing to your stupidity and stolidity—are utterly ignorant of the blessings and benefits conferred on you by this charter of rights , You cannot discover , I warrant , where it has fed an empty belly , or clothed a naked back , or moistened . the lips of fever , or mitigated one of those material and malignant curses that stalk through the homes of the poor . Furthermore , if you look into * " it narrowly , you will find , that while it _strengthened the hands of the strong and the proud ,

      it left the weak weaker , and the poor moro defenceless" than ever . This is not alone a historical , it isa natural and almost inevitable truth . Aa long as _thebarpnrtrad the . serf were _equaUy exposed to the exactions , the caprice , ' or the bad passions of the king , they naturally assisted each other in resisting bis encroachments ; but when the lord was secure against injustice by virtue of this iron charter , which he inscribed with a mailed hand , he was indifferent to his serfs' suffering , or rather , he felt infinitely greater security in working him , lashing him , and grinding him to the purposes of his own uncontrolled will .

      In fact , the few and scanty liberties acquired by the people for ages -after , came in the very opposite direction . They were tbe creation of tho different kings who attempted through their agency to curb the pride , and control the lawlessness of the barons . So it has been on every successive occasion , when concessions have been made to the people . To take the most recent instance , that of the Reform Bill . What was the governing motive , think you , of those who proposed that celebrated measure 1 The extension of the Franchise , of course . Trust me , my friends , there were other and not less powerful influences . Go you , to-morrow , to any registry , and you will find the Reformers as busy and as

      inveterate in _opposing the admission ofa claimant as their opponents . The sole test with both parties is , what faction will ho give tbo vote to when he obtains it . If for the Tories , then the Tories become indignant at any opposition to his just claim ; and if for the Whigs , the Whigs would sooner part with the apple of their eye , than that a fellow citizen should be defrauded of his " birthright . " When the Whigs obtained their end ; when they believed they had a sure majority , they proclaimed that Reform had reached its final goal . And then , what was the value to you of the " Instalment of tbe Bill ? Was there immediately formed a Household Suffrage Association under the auspices of your great guiding lights and methodised patriotism ? Did the emancipated Bourgeoise confederate

      as one man , to vindicate for you the privileges you had won for them ? Alas . no . Their voice was the loudest in your condemnation . And , so it would be again , an increased suffrage would be your weakness instead of your strength , by thinning your ranks and transferring your member tothe camp of the enemy . All popular movements have been successful in proportion to the physical strength by which they were backed . Whenever , then , the party to be acted on moved or compelled , can rely on physical _sustainment equal to that by which they are pressed , the chances of the suppliants ( for then they become really such ) are infiuitismally diminished . Therefore , if this supposition be correct , and bo your own experience its test , your plain , direct interest would be against , and not in favour of " Instalments . "

      The consideration to which this branch of the subject leads , as illustrated by the practical working of Universal Suffrage in this Republic , are too important to be dealt with here , and I , therefore , conclude for this day , assuring you of the sympathy and sincerity with which I am , Your obedient servant and faithful friend , Michael Doheny .

      A Veritable Statement Of The Land Plan, ...

      A VERITABLE STATEMENT OF THE LAND PLAN , TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTBERN STAR . Sib , —Notwithstanding the evil presages of the ' * Free Trade" necromancers , when Mr . F . O'Connor originally propounded bis " Land Scheme , " to counterpoise the evils of increasing pauperism , the voice of Nature proceeding from Mother Earth manifests her power of sustaining all her creatures exuberantly , if they will prove true to themselves and to each other ; in proof whereof , contrast the first Chartist estate , when colonised in 1846 , with its present appearance , and its present appearance with that of the surrounding farms , upon which a

      full average of agricultural science is displayed , backed by afullaverage of farming capital . Ten years ago _] _Herons » ate ( frequently mis-called Herrinsgate , ) was cultivated by Mr . Hunt , the then proprietor , assisted by his kinsmen , the Putnams , to whom he bequeathed the property ; it is therefore natural to surmise , that " the most" was made of the ground in the popular acceptation of the expression , especially since it is an ascertained fact , that when Mr . Hunt died he had a considerable amount of cash vested in the funds ; consequently there was no " _shilly shally" from lack of " ways and means ;" nevertheless , himself ( a bachelor ) and three of the Putnams , his relatives and successors , were the

      only inhabitants sustained upon the farm ; now there are upwards of thirty families located thereon , witb a tidy dwelling-house for each , together with allotments of land , varying from two to four acres , in divers stages of tillage and modes of culture , according with that in vogue in the county from whence the allottee migrated ; yet in no instance has an allottee sought parochial assistance , notwithstanding each subdivision contributes separately , not alone to the rates for relieving the poor , but all other parochial charges whioh exceed the amount paid by the late proprietor ia no less a ratio than one ho . vdhed AXDSEVE . vir-FiVE per cent ., as witness " facts and figures , " extracted from the parish rate books ,

      Heronsgate , before purchased by Mr . Feargus O'Connor , stood in the parish books . Gross . 1 _Rateable Value . | _^^ T £ 100 0 s . 0 d . £ 75 0 s . Od . I £ 2 10 s . Od . I £ 75 0 s . Od . I * The dividend commonly struck , , Heronsgate , at the present time , according to re-valuation , within the past six months , by direction of the poor-law commissioners , stands thus : — Gross . I Rateable Value , i Rate atEightpence £ 201 153 . 0 d . £ 180 10 s . Od . in the Pound . £ 201 15 s . Od . £ 180 10 s . Od . £ 6 7 s . lOd .

      _Presuming tbat a concise topography will materially assist in estimating the difficulty of re-modelling a society of persons , removed from distant localities ( heretofore employed in manufactories , ) upon land , which two or three generations ago was the haunt of the heron , the bittern , and other waterfowl , but which the Berlin and Milan decrees forced into a state of _soinicultivation . I shall quote ( as well as recollection serves me , ) from "Dugdale's Survey" the etymology of Rickmersworth , the parish in which the Chartist estate is situated . "Hie , " in the Saxon diction , meant abundant ;; •¦ m ore " . is ' still common in many parts of England to express a large pool or lake ; and " worth " signifies a street , frequently terminates the compound . Rickmersworth may , therefore , be said to

      derive its name from being built upon the confines ofan overflowing stream . Heronsgate , with equal probability , may be said to be a heronry when the heron was considered a dainty , even at royal feasts , and flying the hawk was a royal pastime . The Dnke of Bridgwater ' s Inland Navigation Mania , as the profitmongers ofthe day maliciously expressed it , formed a channel for the superabundant water , and the rushy marshes were speedily transformed into a range of luxuriant meadows ; a gradual acclivity of one mile discloses the site of the Chartist estate , where the haunt of waterfowl is transformed by man ' s industry into a fruitful field , and tbe fruitful field , by O'Connor ' s genius , sub-divided into garden farms , bearing the imprint ofan Omniscient Providence , ever careful to provide abundantly for an increasing population .

      O'Connorville, Oct. 14th. Sin,—It Was My...

      O'Connorville , Oct . 14 th . Sin , —It was my intention , had the state of my health permitted , to have forwarded the enclosed for insertion in the Northern Star before the crops upon t he estate were gathered , but the like occasion having prevented me completing the undertaking entered into with Mr . Dixon , I now trans-

      O'Connorville, Oct. 14th. Sin,—It Was My...

      mit it , hoping the account will prove acceptable , my design being to place in your hands a weapon rm ? ' wl _anijihi' _<* te tne calumnies of your revilers . The new rating of the parish exhibits an increased average of ten per cent , upon the entire parish , whilst the Chartist estate alone is increased one hundred and seventy-five per cent . ; and tb avoid the possibility of cavil , I inclose the copy in the handwriting of the relieving officer , . from whom I procured it Officially . If the inclosed meets approval , I purpose transmitting , from time to time , intelhgence likely to subserve the cause . If made use of I shall expect a copy of the Star , and I remain , Sirj respectfully Your obedient servant , . ' , Edward Barber . '

      Sir,—I Formerly Wrote You Y.^ Ahojying W...

      Sir , —I formerly wrote you _y . _^ _ahojying what I raised from my garden _groun'disl-ollc _^ ing _. the adviee of Mr . O' Connor to his' ¦ i _^ _miraBMTnstruoflons on the : Land Plan . _Tribw send you , tne produce of two falls , which I planted with potatoes , watered with liquid manure , which I ¦ lifted ' --la ' _Bt week , the gross weight of which was 632 lbs ., which , allowing twenty-eight pounds to thepeoki gives twenty-t _^ o pecks sixteen pounds , or at thof rate of over 112 bolls per acre . _Ialsocut a , cabbage of the drumhead kind , about twoi weeks ago , the weight of which was thirty-four pounds , the'heart alone weighing seventeen pounds . In fact . Mr . Editor , I M . more and more convinced that the cultivation ofthe soil is the most profitable _investment ' for labour , and that Mr . O'Connor ' s statements are no mere theories , but can be tested by those who have the head and the hands to adopt them . I am , & c , Leslie , Fifeshire , Oct . 7 th . D . Crockatt .

      The Democratic Conference At The John-St...

      THE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE AT THE JOHN-STREET INSTITUTION , TOTTENHAM COURT-ROAD .

      A meeting of Delegates to the Democratic Conference was held on Sunday afternoon , to hear the report of the _subcommittee on the means by which a union of the various bodies of Democratic arid Social Reformers could be _effected y , .. ., ¦ - , Mr . J . Holyoake was called tothe cfiairf ; Twenfcy Delegates answered to their names , . in ' addition to Mr . Fussell , who had that day been invited , and at the suggestion of the Executive arid the Sub-Committee , Messrs . Browett , -Ferdinando , Wilson , Greaves , Campbell , Bates , Britsck ; and Delaforce , were received as delegates from the London Organisation of Trades . On the motion of Messrs . Harney and Milne , Mr . Thornton Hunt , Mr . Hooper , and Thomas M . Wheeler were invited to sit on the Conference .

      The Chairman read a letter from Mr . Thomas Cooper , stating his inability to attend , owing to prior arrangements . The Sscretary then read the minutes , which were confirmed ; he also stated , that according to instruction , he had written to invite Mr . O'Connor and Mr . Reynolds to attend , bub had received no answer . Mr . Wheeler sug gested that Mr . O'Connor had left town prior to receiving the invitation . A letter was then read from Mr . Shackleton , of Halifax , detailing what he conceived to be the errors in previous movements , and laying down a plan of organisation of an extensive' character , in which thc distribution and sale of tracts was the leading feature . A long and extremely argumentative and eloquent letter was read , addressed to the

      Conference by Mr . J . Linton , who was compelled to be out of town . In it he urged upon the delegates tbe impropriety of distracting their ideas and energies by advocating so many measures as adjuncts to the Charter ; showing that true wisdom would induce them to confine their objects to that alone , instancing the examples of the success of this unity of action , the achievement of the Reform Bill , and the Repeal of the Corn Laws , and referring to the mixing up of other questions , with the Financial Reform Movement and the Chartist Agitation , as proving detrimental to their success . Mr . Linton concluded by declaring that whatever decision the Conference adopted , ho should ever be found fighting under the banner of the Charter .

      Tho Secretary then read tho following report from the Sub-Committeo : —

      OBJECTS AND RULES OF THE ( The names suggested are appended . ) . Objects —To obtain by peaceful and legal means the ennctment of the measures herein demanded , thereby securing for Great Britain and Ireland a just , wise , and good government , and such an equitable and profitable distribution of the fruits of industry , as may be conducive to the best interests of all the members ofthe commonwealth .

      _, __ DECIiABATION OF rMNOIFLES . That . all mankind are brethren , and are born with an equality of rights . Tbat the earth , with all the native raw material an and beneath its surface , its seas andrivers and the atmosphere surrounding it , ave naturally and inalienably the common property of the whole human race . MEASURES DEMANDED OF THE GOVERNMENT . lst . Manhood Suffrage , with the necessary adjuncts thereto , as embodied in the People ' s Charter . 2 nd . Free access of labour to land , making home colonisation possible . 3 rd . A law of partnership , on the principle of limited responsibility , making association of wovkmen possible , with such other regulations as shall secure the independence of industry . 4 th . The establishment of a just and industrial poor law such as would provide profitable emploj ment for thc able-bodied unemployed poor , and a comfortable maintenance for the aged and infirm .

      5 th . The abolition of all legal restrictions on the freedom of speaking , and the publication of opinion . Gth . The establishment of a national system of secular _education .

      RULES . 1 , All persons acquiescing in the objects of this Association shall be _eligible to become members by taking out cards of membership , for whicb , with a copy ofthe objects and rules , they shall pay not less than threepence . 2 . That the general government of this Association shall be vested in a Central Committee or Council , consisting of twenty-eight persons ; seven to be elected by the members of the National Charier Association , seven by the Fraternal Democrats , seven by the National Reform League , and seven by the Social Reform League . The said Committee or Council shall use their utmost energies to superintend the movement , perfect the organization , a _** d direct its power . They shall be empowered to call for voluntary contributions , when required to carry out its objects ; to appoint a . secretary or secretaries from thoir own body , who shall be the unly paid officer or officers ; and to issue notices ono month previous , convening a National Conference , which shall assemble in London on thc first Monday in May , 1851 , into whose hands they shall resign their trust .

      3 . That the members formed into localities shall be empotvere'i to enact bye-laws for their oivn guidance ; to impose payments for local purposes , and to nominate not less than seven of their body , including a sub-treasurer and sub-secretary , to act as a _sub-committee or council for throe or six months . -The said officers to seo thatthe monies received for cards of membership are duly forwarded to the Central Committee at least once a month . They shall also promote and extend in every possible legal way , tho objects and principles of tlie Associa . tion , and otherwise act as the Central Committee shall direct .

      NAMES _SUGGESTED . 1 . Democratic and Social Union . 2 . Charter Union of Democratic and Social Reformers . 3 . National Union of Chartist and Social Reformers . 4 . Democratic Union of Chartist and Social Reformers . 5 . National Charter and Social Union . The Committee , in conclusion , trust their brother democrats will give to the foregoing propositions that consideration which their importance demand ; and they will bury all innate prejudice and party-feeling , be determined henceforth to act together in unity , and thereby ensure the speedy triumph of true democracy , Signed on behalf of the Committee , D . "W , _Ruffi , Chairman , John Abnott , Secretary . Mr . Wheeler moved , and Mr . Stallwood seconded , " That the rcnoi'fc be received and discussed seriatim . "—Carried .

      Mr . Wheeler moved , and Mr . Stallwood seconded tho adoption of the first clause in the report , advising the fusion of all parties into one Association . ' Messrs . Fussell and Swift supported the motion , and shewed that tho idea of a Federal Union , each retaining thoir own funds and " organisation , could not be carried into effect under existing laws , and that all could unite on grand principles without any loss of consistency . Mr . _Rogers protested against such a Union ; the different opinions held by tho various sections of Reformers would ever debar them from acting cordially together . Ho had not sufficient faith in the leaders of any of the parties , to allow his own movement to be swallowed up in theirs ; ho had been an a dvocate of tbe Charter from its first promulgation , but ho could not agree with various clauses in the after part of tlio programme . —Tho clause was carried with five dissentients .

      It was then carried thafc tho name should be next discussed . In addition to those in tho programme , Mr . Stallwood moved , " National Charter and Social Reform Association . " Mr . Leno moved , "National Democratic and Social Reform . " Mr . Delaforce moved , Democratic and Social Reform Union . " Mr . Thornton "Hunt moved , " Charter and Social Reform Union . " Mr . Godwin seoonded , and Mr . _Wheeler sup-

      The Democratic Conference At The John-St...

      ported , Mr . Stallwood ' s motion . He stated , that whatever might bo the feeling in that Conference , tire bulk of the Charti 3 t party would not join any sooiety in _wjhioh the name of tbe Charter was not retained . It was endeared to them by ties of the strongest description ; if no feeling more sacred prompted them , pride alone would demand its retention . . - _* . Messrs . Harnet and Fussell eloquently supported it for _the-same reason , but would vote for the second * _proposition in the programme , as better expressing _thtBJap _|^ lings . They implored tho Conference not hascQy . to decide upon what at first glance might ; seein _, an unimportant question _, Mr . Shaw argued strongly in favour of the fourth proposition . Mr . Wilson spoke in favour of the first proposition / :- - 7 ¦¦¦ ¦¦ ¦ -. . ¦ .

      After considerable discussion , Mr . Delaforce withdrew his motion in falfour of Mi * , leno ' e , and Ml * . T . Hunt withdrew his in favour of Mr . Stallwood ' s motion , with thechangoof the ' word "Association " into " Union . " __ The vote was taken as follows : —Pirst ' propo 3 u tion , 0 ; second proposition , 5 ; third proposition , 2 _; fourth proposition , 5 ; fifth proposition , 0 ; Mr . _StaUwood ' s monpri . 7 ; Mr . Leno's motion , , 9 . Some discussion having taken place as to persons voting more than once , Mr . Lerio ' s motion and Mr . ' Stallwood's were -placed against eaoh other , when thefcrmer received 10 votes / and the latter 14 . Mr ,. _Staltw 66 d ' s amended nahfifSf " National Charter and Social Reform Union , " was consequently adopted . The result was received with great applause _, which was immeeiately rebuked by the Chairman , and Messrs . Harney and Fussell .

      OBJECTS AND RULES . Mr . Clements moved , and Mr . Ivory seconded , the adoption of this clause . Mr . Stallwood moved the omission of the words _¦* b y . peaceful and legal means ; " they threw a stigma upon their victims who had suffered imprisonment , and he would not willingly bind himself always to observe them . At the same time , it must not be understood that he was advocating violent measures , Mr . Harnet seeonded the amendment , ne thought the words entirely uncalled for , and that there was no necessity to pledge themselves to any particular lino of conduct . He did not conceive that the retaining or omission of the words had any reference to _physioal or moral force doctrines If called upon ; under pain of some punishment to

      adont such a test , he might even then hesitate ; but _therefwaa no necessity for its voluntary adoption . 7 Mi ? , Fussell supported the original motion . He wished the words had not been introduced into the clause , but , as they were there , he thought they would be placing themselves in a false position to _staike them out . Government were , without doubt , acquainted with what was taking place in that room : and it was unwise to throw out such a challenge in their present disorganised position . If a union was effected , and the people properly ; organised , tbey would so rally round the standard of political and social freedom , tbat peaceful and legal means would be quite sufficient to attain their object ; and he for one was unwilling to adopt any other measures until they had completely exhausted all moral means . He believed that by omitting those words they , would alarm the doubtful and timid among their supporters .

      Mr . Grassby thought they had no need to trouble themselves about government spies . He was desirous that government should really know what was going on . It did not matter how much honey they put in their speeches , government would never believe that they meant to act legally and peaceiibly . He owed nothing to the government but hate ; and he cared but little whether the words they put in suited the government or not , provided they were suitable for tho people . Mr . Harnet protested against it being put forth that those who were in favour of omitting the words were going to drag the movement through a physical force revolution .

      Mr . Le Blond thought their aim was the best means of securing adherents , and not the best means of catching the government . He believed the public would "join them more readily if tho words wore _jeft in . It . was sometimes necessary to fight to secure legal and peaceful means . Hampden fought in defence of the law , but they could fightjust as readily if those words were left in , and if their object was to secure the aid of the masses he should advise their retention . Walter Cooper was iu favour of retaining tho words . Ho did not care much about tho government , but he was anxious not to give their opponents any cause for ' triumph . He believed the omission would causo them to lose power . He was

      anxious to gather up all parties under the banner of their union . He knew that hundreds , aye , thousands of Socialists , throughout the kingdom , believed that the Chartists were in favour ' fof a physical force revolution . Ho was aware of the numerical strength of the Chartists ; but would they not be benefited by the : aid of the advanced mind ofthe Socialists ? Tho time had now arrived when the mind , not physical power , must govern the country . Of what use was it to have _physical power to pull down tlie institutions of the country , unless they had mind to build them up in accordance with the advancsd progress of society ? Mr . Bezer argued in favour of the omission of the word 3 .

      The question was then put to the . vote , when thirteen appeared for the omission and thirteen against it , leaving the casting vote in the hands of the Chairman . j Mi * . Holyoake gave his vote in favour of the omission . It must not be supposed that he was less a man of peace for so deciding ; they had no right to obtrude their opinions , either for moral or physical means , upon the public ; neither had government any right to demand such a concession . If called upon for a profession of his principles , he should have no objection to declare them , but ho had no right to parade them before others . Mi * . Thornton Hunt moved , thafc in thc clause just discussed they prefix the words— " In order to organise the movement of the people . " The clause , as it stood , did not clearly define the whole objects of the Association .

      The motion , having been seconded , was unanimously adopted . Mr . Harney moved , and Mr . Stallwood seconded , thafc the word " profitable" be omitted from the same clause ; if there was an equitable distribution ib would be a profitable one . He trusted the day would soon arrive when the whole system of profitmongery would be abolished . The motion was carried , and thc clause , as amended , then adopted . On the motion of Mr . Harney the Conference then adjourned until Sunday next , to meet at three o ' clock in the afternoon , at the same place . During the whole of the proceedings the room was densely crowded with tho most active and influential of the various sections of working class reformers , and the proceedings seemed to give general and unqualified satisfaction .

      The Proposed Cflartist Conference. ' To ...

      THE PROPOSED CflARTIST CONFERENCE . ' TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , — 'The Conference proposed to be held in Manchester seems to give great satisfaction in my locality . I hail it as a means whereby great results may be accomplished . I wish to call the attention of the Chartist body to the following remarks respecting the National Land Company : — 1 st . —By whom , and through what body , was the National Land Company brought into existence ? 2 nd . —Has the National Land Company proved itself impracticable by fair and impartial means 1 3 rd . —Is it the duty of the body that brought it into existence , and acknowledged its principle , to quietly Bee it strangled by a corrupt government and _swindling allottees ?

      To tho first question I answer , it was brought before a Chartist Convention in ISio , by the acknowledged loader of tho Chartist hody , viz ., Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., and by that Conventien adopted as a means to draw tho surplus population of unemployed hands to cultivate , by spade husbandry , the _' land of their birth—the land inherited by their forefathers—tho country more congenial to their nature than tho back woods of America . To the second question I say , that the Company was first countenanced by government , —then opposed by it ; and political economists have thrown

      every obstacle in its way . That the present Company must be wound up I do not deny . I befievo there is no other way of gotting rid of those vagabond allottees who have no regard for either principles or honour ; their late conduct towards the unlocated members in refusing to pay rent is of a fraudulent character , and their present attempt to obtain means to throw it into Chancery is of a swindling description . Has not this been brought about by our Whig reforming government in its opposition to tho Company » Whv did the Chairman of the Committee , appointed by government , employ the notorious opponent of the Company , "the Whistler , " to furnish him with

      The Proposed Cflartist Conference. ' To ...

      bring such evidence to condemn the Company alto * gether ? Besides , this " Whistler " was employed secretly by the Chairman , not open and honourably by tho Committee . Then , again , why did the gistrar allow provisional registration year year until the Company became a powerful chine ? Why , I say , did they countenance it at Because it was weak it was legal ; when it strong and powerful , and likely to ameliorate condition ofthe poor , and make a practicnl sion of the land , it was illegal . Aro these fair honourable means to try a principle ?¦ Are Chartists , as a body , satisfied with such a trial If th 9 working classes _wish'to commence operations , for . their own redemption ,, they begin with fife land as a raw material , and litical economists bring such evidence to condemn the Company alto * gether ? Besides , this " "Whistler" was employed secretly by the Chairman , not open and honourably by tho Committee . Then , again , why did the

      government and " po to throw stacles iff their way , ay , and even persecution , To theythird proposition , 1 should suggest propriety of placing the matter on the programing of tho proposed Conference , to see if the body have confidence in the Land Plan or cotion . As they formed the body that gave it ence , it is they who should be satisfied that scheme has had a fair trial . If it should be that it has had a fair trial , and failed , then . it . If it should be proved that it has met undue persecution , then endeavour to place it healthy position , and show the government and political economists that Chartists are made sterner stuff than they imagine , and that they not give up a scheme which , if supported accordi to its merits , would emancipate the

      classes , and create such a moral revolution m physical , social , and mOral condition ofthe as the world never witnessed . It would accomp this mighty change without anarchy , confusion bloodshed , or injury to any class ; and these powerful reasons why the next Conference of Chartist body ought to reconsider co-operation ( amongst its own body ) for the land . Now the times are comparativel _y good , it is duty of the Chartist body , in particular , ta means for our present and future operations , we may he ready to take _advantage of the struggle , and be prepared with a practical exam of- co-operation to guide the public mind to a cessful issue , v . - _^ ii _' V ' _Youi-sj < tc , 12 , _Bj-joh'Street , Hulme } _"" ' " j Jaubs Alcock . Manchester .

      ; Re« ' Afteo Ma^ All % Becama Tha Subdi...

      ; re « ' afteo ma _^ all % becama tha subdivi _* and tha ? practical musfi expeoft ob _« too . tha Chartist ; opera * existtha proved abandon with * in a tha o £ will ng working tha peopla lisbj ara tha tha dovisa that coming ple sucrablf , _, _f ie re « _7- _> _v--f .. _' _- ? 5 » - afteo -..-a .. _* ' _.- ¦ ma-. ' ' TY _^* ' * : all I \ A cama \ V b tha " _>\ _^ s ) divi « y _^ _^ and _^ \ _i tha * \ P -tical _vy musfi _^ A cpeoft \ v _^ v oh """* , _«\ too . " V \ t tha \ J \ mma * _u-tist- _# _^ _pera-w _^^^ t tha _^ _^/ _N _^ ovedl v _^ _C V _ndon _^^ \\ with _^ _jp V" _* _* * _* . in a JSA 1 tha _-Nl X le o £ J _& will _rji . ding ' " if ?* *" king .. V' p tha V * , opla . _v _^ y _jlisb sion , a " tha _Y-3 tion tk _^ tha 1 _^ visa •• / fv that • \\ " > ng . ' . / ] npla i suc- ; , _£ re « / . _'¦»* . ¦ - ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ .. _^

      The Rational Charter League And " The Re...

      THE RATIONAL CHARTER LEAGUE AND " THE REPORTER OF THE " STAR . " < * ¦ ¦ _*; - _, TO THE EDITOR-OF THE NORTHERN STAR . _Sinj—Your last week ' s journal contains a letter ? from Messrs . Allnut and Nobbs impugning the veracity Of a report Of a discussion which I furnished to your paper ; were my own feelings consulted I should treat the matter with contempt , but justice to the Somers Town locality compels me to refute the falsehoods contained in that document . Messrs . Hornby , Humphries , and Thurston did not state that they agreed with the policy of the League , it is well known that they have been among the sturdiest ofits opponents ; they Din state that in as far aa the League agitated for the principles of the Charter it was impossible they could oppose it , but they

      would , not consent to place themselves under tha conduct of leaders who had been guilty of political suicide . They did not state that they would never belong to the old association , neither did they agree with the policy of joining the Middle-Class Reformers , as laid down by the League . Mr . Wheeler did not oppose the League , he spoke for a few minutes in answer to Mr . Weeks' condemnation of the French Revolution , when twelve o'clock having arrived , he was compelled to vacate the chair ; he is , and has been ever since his residence in London , a member of that locality . Great forbearance was shown to them , for they commenced a personal attack upon . the private character of members of

      the Executive of the National Charter Association , and the insult was not retaliated upon them ; forbearance was likewise shown towards them not only in allowing them to choose which ofthe two should reply to each individual speaker on the opposite side , but also to exceed the allotted ten minutes , whilst their opponents were strictly kept to time . I have thus exhibited the fallacy of each of their separate statements , and substantiated the truth of my report . I know that in thus doing I am contributing to prolong their lingering existence ; they stated that the discussion was the best advertisement they had for a long time received . By misstatements they endeavoured to get up a personal

      discussion between Mr . M'Grath and Mr . Hornby , and other members of the locality , failing in this they fall foul of the report ; they have thus secured a second advertisement , but shall not induce me to favour them again unless they consent to pay advertisement duty . _Tiiomas Martin Wheeler , Chairman and Reporter of the Meeting . We vouch to the correctness of the previous report , and also of the present refutation . Robert Thurston , J . Hornby , G . Humphries , John Wilkin , Chairman , By order of the , Somers Town Locality . October 6 , 1850 .

      R. Beattie And The Disc Ontented Allotte...

      R . BEATTIE AND THE DISC ONTENTED ALLOTTEES AT MINSTER LOVEL .

      TO THE EDITOR OP THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —I perceive by last Saturday's paper , th a t you have been furnished with a long rigmarole epistle from the immaculate old butcher , Beattie , in which he states that eight distinct charges were laid by him before the Notting ham meeting , and which , he endeavours to make the public believe , were suppressed by me . In answer to such statement , allow me to say , that the report of that meeting was correct in every particular . Mr . Beattie aud

      Mr . Bradshaw were several times told by the members then assembled that they looked upon them as swindlers in withholding the rent due to the Company . As I never court the smiles , or fear the frowns of any man , or set of men , but as I wish to be just to all men , there ought to be no fear in speaking or writing that which is true , aud I beg to tell this hired miscreant , that he had better refrain from telling more lies , or , in case of another visit to Nottingham , he will not find me standing between him and danger as upon the late occasion .

      All that Mr . Bradshaw said was , that he demanded the Nottingham members to send a deputation to Minster , to defend his character , which , he said , wits a good one ! I am afraid he will not keep it long , _- _^ " he associates with bad men . The allottees ( with some honourable exceptions ) have broken faith with the shareholders , and such allottees ought to be ejected forthwith , and others occupy their places who would act moro justly . The members _tvill not submit much longer to de duped by them . Yours trul y , James Sweet .

      P . S . —Is the person signing himself " « L Wilcock , on behalf of the Allottees , " the same individual that paid a mere shilling or so in the Nottingham No . 2 Branch ? If so , will he be kind euough to inform the members how he came in possession of an allotment—whether by bonus , . transfer , purchase , or otherwise V

      To "Feauous O'Connor "Esq., M.P. Dear Si...

      TO "FEAUOUS O ' CONNOR "ESQ ., M . P . Dear Sir , —As the character of every public person , whether of enviable notoriety or not , should be generally known , that the public might be awaro of them , I take the liberty of sending you a specimen of tho disposition of that Persecuted Lamb Beattie , of Charterville . Sir , perhaps you mi g ht not remember my writing to you of his bragging and boasting during his stay here , after his paying a fraternal visit to thoso beautiful boys ac Lowbands , and consulting as to how they should keep their allotments , some of whom can raige between forty and fifty bushels of wheat on an acre of their shocking bad land , with other crops in proportion , yet cannot afford to pay rent to you , for the benefit

      of the Company . But , sir , to return to poor Beattie , a respectable tradesman of Cheltenham _, in journeying to see his relatives near Oxford , visited Charterville on his way . He called upon a located friend of mine , George _llubb , and in looking over the estate thoy met Beattie , and when after , of course , a round of abuse of you , _hearing that that gentleman came from " Cheltenham Beattie said I was at Cheltenham tho other dav f looked out for that Hemmin , and if 1 could have found him I would have murdered him . Now , sir , thinking such a prowling wolf as this ought to be exposed , I have only done my dutv , by writing this letter . I wonder if Beattie felt very much for tho treatment of his brother Ilaynau by those nauglity bre » erj . men . ¦

      Sir , with great respect , I remain , yours truly , 17 , Portland St ., Choltenham . John _muuis October Stb , 1 S 50 .

      Taaajlad *** ***^A^*** *" *'**"*' Tin Jb...

      _tAAAJlAd _*** _***^ a _^*** * " * ' _** " *' Tin _JB _^ itatf _, _^ _gX . _oYftst woman , named Moss , d , ed '" . _^ .- " pofioOveais . of September , at the extraordinary _^ _louj _^ s She was , until within a shcnt _^ _. _fjjj ** _w _u l d _Si _^ . _T Sn _^ SA _^ _^ _« years ofher _existenee .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 12, 1850, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_12101850/page/1/