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Northern Star (1837-1852), 27th February 1841, Edition 1 of 3, Page 4, THE j \OKTHEE]\STxiR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1841.

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    • THE j \OKTHEE]\STxiR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1841.
    • $m$tvi*l ^avliamttfu
    • TO READERS AND CO RRESPONDENT*
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      Untitled Article

      GREAT PUBLIC MEETING ON BEHALF r- OF HENRY HETHERINGTON . A most Important meeting was held at the > Social Institution , John-street , Tottenham Court Road , on Thursday -week , for the purpose of petitioning both Houses of Pariiament for tha immediate release of Mr . Hetheringtoa , and also to take into consideratien—- " that / undefined thing , blasphemy , " far which he ia Imprisoned . At a quarter to nine precisely ,

      W . D . Saull , Esq . took the chair . After having stated tha object for Yhieh tliey had assembled , and he yni prond to see so many present , as it shewed their abhorrence of soeh persecutions , he obserred that it was their intention to petition both Houses of Parliament to Mr . Hetherington ' s release ; and though their petitioas might be slighted , as he feared they would be still , however , it would be the means of proving to the Chmrnment that fifteen hundred persons , at least , had expressed their disgust at their iniquitous proceedings < Cheers . )

      Mr . Skelto . v moved the first resolution , expressive " of the disapprobation of that meeting against > Ir . Hetherington ' B imprisonment , which being seconded , ms carried unanimously . The petition having been read , & show of hands was taken for its adoption , aad carried without ene single dissentient A youth , however , on the platform , begged leave to move an amendment , which was , that the words " bigotted clergy" be omitted , as the Spirituals in the Mouse ot Lord * , to whom it was to bt > Bent , would consider it an insult , and treat the petition accordingly . < A voice from the gallery , " No , no -, they are bigotted . " laughter . ) The Chaib . kax —I trust no remarks will be made ; if any one has anything to say , he must come on the platform . i £ r . Lloyd JO 5 ES came forward , and in an

      energetic manner said \ ad dressing the Chairman )—Sir , would have the words remain as they are . They ( the clergy ) are bigotted—( applause )—and I think it is IjMj time we tell them what they are . ( Loud

      apjiMCB . ) A a £ ww ot hands was then taken against the amendment , when it was declared lost , and' the petition was -about to be carried in its original , form , when A . _ jDDng £ aiartJsWnaHied Goodfellow , came forward to move an amendment Sat the yora ¦* aem&aa ~ Mr . Hetherington's release , be substituted for " humbly pray . " A "Workikg Man , in the gallery , seconded the ¦ morwJrpfnfL Ine Chairman—Then , all I can say is , that tins petition cannot be sent , as it will not be received unless the word " humble" is inserted in it , —{ laughter;—and how odd it would be to see " humbly demand . " ( Roars of laughter . ) [ Turning to Mr ., GoodMlow-D Will you withdraw your amendment ?" GOODFELLOW—[ laughing )—Why , yes , Sir , 1 see I must . ( Laughter . )

      A show of hands was then taken for the petition in its original form , when a great number were held up lor it On the contrary—none . Several Socialists { amongst whom were Messrs . lloyd Jones , Bailey , Edwards , Gregory , Fleming , &c . ) addressed the meeting in the course of the evening , and » e » loudly applauded . It appeared , from their sevexal speeches , that so determined was Mr . Haslam to promulgate his opinions , that he had purchased a pres 3 -of Ms own , —( tremendous cheers . )—and that he was

      resolved that no Government prosecutions whatever mhoald put such opinions down , that Hsnry Httherington was not imprisoned for selling blasphemy , but for advocating the equal rights of the poor ; that the ^ f flniBon of blasphemy was " to hurt the reputation of God . ' "—{ loadisagfcter followed this absurdity };—that there was no rational , or even legal grounds , for such prosecutions ; and thai the people ought to exert themjelves to obtain ii =. Betheriag ton's release , and contribute to a subscription , proposed by the Chairman , and Vhieh it is intended shortly to get up .

      Yansus resolutions were then passed ; but upon the petition being again put to the meeting , there were Some dissents against it . A vote of thanks having been carried for the Chairman , the meeting broke up at about half-past eleven . Those who were in favour of petitioning remained to tagn the petition sheet * , which were placed on two desks in the body of the halL A collection was made at the doors for Mr . Hetherbtglan , nose having been required to defray the expences ; the free use of the hall having been given by Jir . Finch .

      Untitled Article

      THE WALDEGBAYE AM ) DUFF AFFAIR . — BRUTAL ASSAULT OF A POLICEMAN . The proceedings in the Court of Queen ' s Bench on Saturday , tke 13 th insi ., are certainly disgraceful to the country , almost to a point ef incredibility . We bare often felt it to be our imperious duty to point out the very alovealy manner in which" justice , or rather gross injustice , is administered in our ¦ inferior Courts , aud we are incessantly put to the painful- necessity of exposing the shameful ignorance of oar stiptn iisry Kafutrates , not only with respect to the law itself , hat in regard to the principles of the law whatever . These characteristics of our police-offices are easily accounted for , upon the ground that the appointaitnt of s Haeigtrate is invariably the result of patronage and

      political jobbing , but the case is much aggravated , when we find even in tire Queen ' s Bench itself , ignorance as gross as we ever traced in a police-court Lord Dcninan , in screening the Earl of Waldegrave on Saturday , the ISthinst , has betrayed a disregard of jurisprudence , almost incredible in a Squire Justice , or a stipendiary Magistrate , and his conduct lays him open to suspicions which vre should be sorry to name against any high ^ ft didal authority , inuch more against a man who , in despite of w > jtt his equals now say against him , ' and moreover in despite of public opinion , w * still recollect for his manly character at the Bar , and for his independence and spirit in resisting Tory corruptions and tyranny throughout his political career . -What are the fact * of this case * The Earl of Waidezrave is

      notoriously a most criminal pest to society . As tne companion of a certain infamous Marquis he has often been exposed for his mast brutal ontrages against " the peacs of aociety , aad against all decency whatever , not only in Loadon , but in other places . At las : he and Eome of his companions , after many disgusting in / amies at Hampton-court Races , exceed all their former excesses by , amongst other things , almost murdering a policeman in . the most cowardly manner , attended with every aggravated circumstance , because the policeman attempted to do his duty , in preventing the ruffianly outrages against the poorer classes of the town . A more impudent and unmanly assault , a more dastardly attack of a great many on an almost defenceless man we never heard of , and the vicam , moreover ,-was a public officer ,

      -wko , in . the discreet , temperate , and difiicnlt execution of his daty , deserved all the protection of the lavr . Lord Waldegrave and a Captain Duff are captured , but their companions , much richer than themselves , are allowed to escape far reasons ¦ which we need not mention . Mark thewadnct of the Commissioners of Police . Alarmed at - public indignation they make a parade of doing their duty , by indicting Lord Waldegrave and Captain Duff , the former a pusillanimous , ^ s-eai , and silly young man , and the ottser not mush better , sad both the < hipes of certain aristocratic scoundrels who are allowed to escape with impunity . After this ostentation of -doing their duty as public functionaries , what is the result ? Brought into Court , the delinquents first p-lead not guQty ; then , en a private understanding between

      Counsel , they withdraw the plea , and acknowledge their guilt . In this Ltfrd Denman is not to blame , he coold not interfere . The delinquents , by the mages of the Court , had a right to -pursue such coarse , and now comes the only function remain ing to Lord Denman , namely , to pass the sentence of -the Court It was not an action at law—not a case between individuals , —but a criminal case between criminal sod public justice ; and in utter disregard of the character of the Court , he allows the delinquents to convert the case into one of private compromise , or , in other terms , into downright open bribery and corruption , and this under the sanction of our highest Court of -Criminal Justice ! Tbe ewe was specific , and not CDs of degree . There was but one case before the

      Court—an indictment—a case between the public and & public criminal , and the Court converts it into a case specifically different , one of a nature between two individual * , in -which toe public had no interest . The parties are allowed to retire and patch up the iffiiir upon a private compromise . What can be more thoroughly disgraceful to the Government and to the Lord Chief Justice , aad what can be more prejudicial to the public character and safety ? Is not this compromise a declaration under tbe authority ef the Court of Queen " s Bence , that any man may commit violent ' and even atrocious crimes , and , moreover , against public functionaries , provided they have two points in their favour—rank , to excite the respect and sympathies of the Coart , and money enough " to patch up the affiur . *

      If tbfl ruffians had been of a lower class of life tbey would have been amenable to the law , and most severely punished ; but , being titled and rich , the Lord Chief Justice permitted them to set tbe law at defiance , and to laogh all public decency to scorn . This is bringing back ttie first l » w court , tbe great , judicial authority of England , to somewhat like its state in the reign of Charles the Second , when bribes paid to - the Judges vm almost offered in open Court . There is no moneybribary of ths Judge in this case , but tie dereliction of principle Is equal How the annuity , settled on the policeman may mortgage Lord Waldegrave ' s estate , or how naeh the Marquis of Wsterford , or any other person , may contribute to it , or how much the lawyers may make out of the infamous job , we cannot state ,

      although some of the case is sufficiently known to us , sod most probably to many others , bnt we only put general and known principles . The Police Cosnaiuioaas hereby proclaim to all the Force , which si not supposed te be the most immaculate in the world , that ruffianism vpen them , by titled and rich people , is a matter of private compromise ; whilst , by « oo * erse , ruffianism by them on the poor is a ground for ereening Che officer from public justice , a&d inflicting the severity of the law upon toe poorer victim * . How much better it would be for the Court of Queen ' s Bench at once to publish a table of the ranks aad- fitiet which privilege men "to commit certain offeacea , and to stats the sums at which they may he oomproatoed . Tbe subsequent proceedings of the Court * < m th « aw day , are carious in themselves , but

      Untitled Article

      are made by far more curious by jtista position . Mr . Hfctherington moved his proceedings agafost three eminent publishers , Moxon , Fraser , and Otley , for publishing blasphemous works . Not a sptcial Jury could be formed . Special Jurymen were not to be had , and the cue went off . Let Special Jurymen be retained as a system , or let it be abolished , as , perhaps , in London , it ought to be ; but , at present , when an entirely Special Jury is wanted for certain purposes , and cannot be empannelled , Lord Denman , in a furious passion , fines the absentees to the utmost extent in his power . When tbe absence of Special Jurymen is more convenient , we hear aothing of

      fining the absentees . We like not the fer talionis , but there are cases in which there is no other remedy against even the vilest oppression . The principle taken up by tbe Government is , that what is called blasphemy , a vulgar word , withont any meaning attached to it , may be published to infinity , provided the book is sold at a price which confines it to the perusal of the rich , and the blasphemy becomes a crime only when it is accessible to the poor . We like not monopolies , whether they be « f ram , sugar , or com , but of all monopolies tbe vilest of those are the monopolies of gospel and blasphemy . Either of the latter is bad enough , but a monopoly of both is intolerable . —Weekly Dispatch ,

      [ We had selected for insertion in onr last , the disgraceful proceedings respecting Lord Waldegrave and Captain I > ufF , two aristocratic blackguards , as they occurred id the Court by which O'Connor was sentenced to seventy-eight weeks imprisonment for libel , but , like many other matters , it was obliged to give way to Chartist intelligence , which is the breath of our nostrils . We have , however , well supplied the omission this week by tbe above comment on the case , from that uc com promising exposer of aristocratic abuse and supporter of the poor man's rights , the Weekly Dispatch Let every working man who has not read it in the original , now read it in the Star , and then say whether their prisoners shall longer remain victims in the hands ot the enemy . —Ed . ]

      Untitled Article

      The DiMNABLE PoeR Law Again . —A Man faiushed to Death . —Sir , —You will oblige by allowing this tale of suffering humanity to appear in your columns . This ca e came under my notice a f » w - » rooke a « o . John Cooke , gardener , Manningtree , advanced in age , long out of employment , honest , sober , bearing a good character , called on the Relieving Officer for some allowance for himself and wife . The reply was , we cannot reliove you , but you may go into the house . When he told his partcer , she said , I cannot bear tbe thoughts of being dragged from oar little cot , and separated , after having toiled so long throHgh life together ; we shall see what the Lord will do for us in a few days . On the Saturday , tkey had but one half-quartern

      loaf for Sunday and Monday morning ; they took a small slice each , and wept while thej gazed at each other , through the falling tears that trickled down the furrowed cheeks of ihe pallid and starving pair . When he left his cheerless home on Monday , he told his vriie that he would go to his old master , Mr . Green , and ask for a job . He was seen to eat a raw po ' : a ; oe in the forenoon , and while in the act of digging a stick of radish , he fell , for want of food . He was put into & can , brought home , and died . Alas , poor man , he died for want , in a land of plenty ; and Tvill it be believed , in happy England—iti Chri-tian England 1 God ' s image lay uuiil he became offensive , from Tuescav until Sunday , before the Bastile shell was sent . He was put in , and hurried to his kinder parent , earth .

      Man , these are scenes well worth thy noting ! Be tyrants and basti 2 es forgotten ; Starred , dead , mourned for , earth"d and rotten , And all is o ' er-A life put out , a man entombed , Will cry for food no more . With these facts , will the peeple'srepresentatives , as they are termed , allow or a ? sist Lord John Russell to grant a Ic&se of tea years to the Poor Law Commissioners of rtfiaed tyranny , unconstitutional , and at variance with the laws of God and the rights of man ! if they do , let them take the consequences . Tbi 3 is the finishing touch to the blackest picture ever produced in any nation bearing the name of Christian . Our rulers are still adding insult to injury—the working classes have every degradation of slaves , but the name . O , for a pencil , dipp'd in eternal night , To paint the fetters that my connfcry wears !

      Will the brave , intelligent freemen of Britain , whose valour has elevated , and whose arms have conquered every foreign foe , tamely submit to this unconstitutional inroad on their rights , their liberties , and their happiness , by a band of domestic tyrants I No ; the people have both the will and the power to carry conviction to every monster in the land who will not listen to the voice of reason and justice Our rulers have forfeited every claim which they had on the people ; they have been tried at a nation's

      bar , and found guilty ; they have taxed , and starved the people ; they have spread devastation and death throughout the world ; they hivo erected monuments to their name , which will outlive their little day , and posterity will blush at their names ; the withering curse of a mighty and brave people , made desperate by oppres ? ion , outrage , and insult , will follow them like a mighty torrent through life , and will inscribe this epitaph on their tomb— " Here lies tbe sordid tyrant ' s dust , who violated the laws of G » d , the riehts of man and of cations . "—D . M'Phehso . v .

      Untitled Article

      THE PEOPLE'S DELEGATES ; THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION : AND THE

      • PROSPECTS OF THE CHARTER . Elsewhere we give a record of the doings of the most important meeting that has been holden in this country for a long period of time;—the National Meeting of Delegates , which commenced itB sittings at Manchester oh Saturday morning last , and continued them by various adjournments until Tuesday night . At this collection of the wisdom and patriotism of the nation , the scheme of organisation , about which so many pop-guns have been lately fired , was most fully and patiently considered , with a view to the removal of all pretence , on the part of the timid or the crafty , for standing aloof from tbe General Association on the plea of illegality .

      Our readers will perceive , from the report , that we are specially called on by the delegates to point their attention to the invaluable labours of their delegates in this respect , a task which we shall have great pleasure in performing . For the present we can do nothing more than call the attention of every good Chartist to the plan of organisation now published —entreat them to read aud study , and familiarise themselves with every one of its provisions , and affirm our belief that the delegates have succeeded in doing that which we believed the jealous watchfulness of lynx-eyed faction had rendered

      impossible—laying down a system of national organisation for the attainment of a political object , which does not in any respect violate the law . It will be necessary for the most vigorous and careful attention to be paid to the several clauses of this plan in working , to insure the benefits resulting from it ; but we pledge ourselves to shew that the wfcole may be worked in defiance of » I 1 the arts of all the Whig" and Tory lawyers in the kingdom : provided there be any virtue in the plain words of any Act of Parliament . Of course , we know that whenever it may suit the factions to declare any act " illegal "

      they will do so , though it should only be the act of breathing through a man ' s own nostrils . There is no positive safety for the people but in the power of legislation . But in order to their obtaining that power , it is necessary that they should manifest a oneness of determination ; to this a universal confidence is necessary ; and to this confidence is necessary the knowledge that as much safety as can be had has been provided for . This we believe the present plan doesprovide for—and hecce we reiterate thelanguage of the Delegates in their address , " The most timid Chartist need have no fears ; while the boldest will necessarily acquire increased vigour . " We shall take up the subject in detail next week .

      Untitled Article

      JAMES BRONTERRE O'BRIEN . Wk trust that it will be merely necessary to recall the attention of our numerous readers , and of O'BsrEjr ' s numerous , devoted , and intelligent disciples , to the resolution passed by the Leeds Chartists , and published in onr last , whereby it is proposed to prepare some of the right sort of arms for the moral and physical defence of one of England ' s earliest and most consistent instructors . O'Bjubn cannot work with spade , shovel , trowel , or shuttle ; but if his tools are more expensive , in tbe first instance , we imagine that his manufacture is not lesa required by , or less beneficial to , mankind in general , and to the poor in particular .

      Let it be borne in mind that O'Brien is not in durance vile for any thing with which he stood charged , any more than O'Connor . No ; his was an old score—* deadly hostility and opposition to the

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      perpetration of those iniquities by the Whigs , whiph he as loudly denounced when practised by the Tories and yet , even by them , ha was not treated as a common ruffian , or even prosecuttd . Again , let it be farther recollected , that what a man writes , be writes deliberately ; and it is deliberately read by thousands , and tens of thousands ; and yet has not O'Brien been oharged with a single line written in violation of the most searching law ; neither do we believe O'Brien to have ottered anything like what was sworn to ; and if he had , it was neither treason , sedition , riot , nor conspiracy ; .

      while by a fiction of law , he was found guilty of the three latter . O'Brien may now , if he thinks proper , move the Qaeen ' s Bench upon the invalidity of the indictment upon which he was found guilty , and upon the law as admitted by the Attobnet-General , and acted upon , upon the honour of the Peers ; and he must still be released , as we contend for it that the indictment was faulty . However , he has now suffered nearly twelve months of his long and weary confinement , therefore let every shoulder be pnt to the wheel , to get him out ; and , in the mean time , let us prepare good tools for him to go to his trade with , when he does get out .

      Who , then , sets the example of a good lumping , sum to begin with ? Col . Thompson said , he would give £ 1 , 00 * to return a working man , William Lovett , to Parliament . It would be worth £ 10 , 000 to let the pigmy wretches see such a speoimen of a working man adorning their emaciated assembly ; for though they have nearly killed the poor fellow he has yet the bones , muscles , nerve , eye , gait , and look of a gentleman . But let Col . Thompson and his wealthy friends take up the question of tools for O'Brien , and we shall think them in earnest . Will they undertake to cover every guinea sent to our office , guinea for guinea ! ,

      We cannot withhold our thanks from the Leeds Chartists for this thoughtful , wise , and prudent step . Let it be well followed up . We shall have much pleasure in inserting the several amounts which shall bo received by the Committee from time to time .

      Untitled Article

      DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT . There is much talk of * dissolution of Parliament , and there can be no harm in being prepared for the worst : but we have strong notions that theunpleasant and increasing differences between Sir Robert Peel and his party may protraot the event . Peel is no longer a leader ; he will , ere long , become a " cocked tailed ginger , " and we should not be at all surprised to find the Right Honourable Gentleman forming an alliance with any party which had forits object the release of the Ministry from the fangs of the Beggarman . We beg leave to direct

      attention a the letter from Feargcs O'Connor , published so long ago as September , 1839 , and which we republish to-day , thinking that it contains ail that can be said upon the subject , and s feasible Let it be understood that between O'Connor and O'Brien there is no jealousy as to who was the originator of thi 3 plan ; O'Connor has before given the credit to O'Brien . We merely republish the document as the most practical advice given upon the subject for the public guidance in our present position ; and be it understood that O'Connor acted upon this , and did address the electors and non-electors of Yorkshire , both by address and

      canvass . Staklet and Peel agree like-cat and dog ; the Duke is sick ; Ltndhurst is crotchetty ; Brougham woa't work in the shafts ; Earl Spencer , who alone could form a strong administration , has forgotten his politics in the sheep-fold ; Richmond has not confidence in himself ; Melbourne is gorged ; Stanlev is too testy as yet : therefore tho only . hope is Russell , Peel , and Melbourne , sinking all minor differences ; Russell , Premier ; Melbourne brought to bed at the Palace ; Peel , Chancellor of the Exchequer , and all the young fry to draw lots for the first chop at the mess ; and then , hurrah ! for tvro hundred Chartists in the House I

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      IRELAND , FRANCE , AND O'CONNELL . The " Establishment" has been most windy in dencmncicg the Observer , a paper which they call " contemptible , " and say " nobody reads , " for having blown a very harmless bubble , which , if let alone , would have burst , and vanished into air ; and we should have heard no more about it . But no , the very denonncers themselves make a balloon of it , and keep it in full swing before the public gaze .

      Never was there a more harmless piece of balderdash than the Observer's remark and Dan ' s reply to it , if it had not been caught at by the drowning Whigs . Ireland become a province of France , indeed Why , no man knows better than Dan , that though France is a Catholic country , yet it is not a politically Catholic country ; and Dan , who has fostered prejudice , and kept religious animosities alive , would be tbe very first man seized and strangled by the now victors .

      The French would not allow a religious mountain to stand between them and a mole-hill of civil right , while the poor Irish allow a mountain of civil iniquity to be obscured by a mole-hill of religious fanaticism . Even if the Tories were in power to-morrow , with Wellington Lord Lieutenant of Ireland , and Stanley his Secretary , every priest and every working man in Ireland would rally to the cry of " The French have landed ! " and , as Emmett

      said , " would only allow them to gain , footing over their lifeless bodies . " The Irish priesthood would not like to hold the plough ; the IriBh farmers would not like to contribute to Parisian grandeur . The Irish gentleman , be he Whig or Tory , would not wish to grace the pageant of the conqueror , and the Irish labourer would not like to be chosen by lot or by fitness to fight French battles all over the world ; and Irishwomen would , of all things , dislike being ravished by a French soldiery .

      But how miserable must be that state of things when Ministerial prints will direct attention to such gasconade , as a means of supporting a corrupt administration . Nations do not conquer countries for the benefit of the conquered . We are sick of such disgusting humbug . The Chartists could , and weuld , lend two millions to sav * the Irish from euoh an infliction . The man who has lived and fattened for thirty yearB upon religious disBention , would not survive one month ' s establishment of civil equality . The very air would choke him—would crack his lungsand send him into a gallopping consumption .

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      OMISSIONS . THE STAMP RETURNS . Our circle of Radical acquaintance continues to increase so rapidly and so checringly , that we are compelled , upon the present , as upon many previous occasions , to send new matter before our readers without Editorial comment ; bnt every working man in the kingdom can now read politics without chart , key , or compass .

      We should have offered some observations upon the important agricultural meeting , lately held in Dublin , and of which we give a mere outline for the present , intending to return , to the subject next wtek , but for the crowded state of our columns For the present , let it be read in connection with the letter from the correspondent of the London Times which we haTe elsewhere inserted , and we may augur well fro » the new fears created in the minds of old monopolists .

      As to murders , rapes , crim . cons ., seductions suicides , royal aristocratic gambols , gambling , duelling , pugiliBm , dog-fighting , bear baiting , drunkenness , and lewdnes > 8 , and such like fashionable propensities , we make no apology for their omission from onr colnmas ; r *« most really leave all such aristocratic intelligence to » that portion of the "Establishment" who cater for aristocratic taste , refinement , and enjoyment . We have not even Bpace for more than a word apon t he Stamp Returns , which have been just Ipublished , kW which place

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      the Star" in tho proudest position ever occupied by newspaper . In passing , as we may wish to say a word or two next week , will onr friend of the Mercury have the kindness , in the meantime , to inform us by what process of arithm « tio he acquires a- total of fortyseven thousand from twelve thousand five hundred , twelve thousand , and twelve thousand fire hundred , whioh are the numbers given to the Leeds Times for the first quarter of the period included in the return , and whioh the Mercury contrives to multiply into

      forty seven thousand ; while , for our lives , we can make but thirty-seven thousand of the number . The Mercury , we admit , has been guilty of a bit of modesty by deducting ten thousand from its own number for the same period . Forty-eight thousand , forty-two thousand , aad thirty-six thousand , whioh are given to the Mercury in the return , we add into one hundred and twenty-six thousand ; the Mercury makes them only one hundred and sixteen thousand But these are but two little white lies , fibs ; and now for the thumper , which they were , no doubt , intended to oover .

      The Mercury , in the beginning of January , assured advertisers that the result of the Stamp Returns , for the whole of the year 1840 , gave that paper a circulation of more than 10 , 000 weekly upon the whole period . Here the Mercury has told 27 , 000 fibs in a bunch , as the circulation upon the whole period is only 9 , 461 weekly , and is 27 , 090 short of the Mercury ' s assurance . Now , this was a downright , palpable , wilful , and malicious thumper , with the very facts , all , all , every one of them , before the author ; and we say that ibo article above alluded to would b « a good plea in answer to an action for the recovery of advertisement charge . Thus is the public hoaxed by the old oatohpenny—" ADVERTISERS WOULD DO

      WELL TO LOOK HERE !" The Mercury , in making nice distinctions with tho Intelligencer , who does not appear to have got his stock quite so artfully as the old fox , refuses , therefore , to make any weekly average for that paper . But does the Mercury forget that in December , 1839 , he had 58 , 000 stamps , that being , for a four weeks' circulation , 14 , 500 weekly ! while in January , 1840 , our friend had but 19 , 000 stamps , thereby showing a circulation of not more than 4 , 750 weekly ; or , by his sice distinction , a falling off of 9 . 750 from one month to another .

      We nay have time for another word upon this subject next week .

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      CHARTISM AT YORK . The ugly thing is even smelt within the perfumed prccinots of the odoriferous Minster , and under the very nose of the strong-hold of pugnacious churchmen . We give the following , not from our own correspondent , ( whose account will be found elsewhere , ) but from the Whig York Herald , the loading journal of that party in the old city .

      " SECOND MEETING . " Yesterday evening , a meeting of tho Ward Associations of Monk , Bootham , and Guildhall , was held in tbe Merchant ' s Hall , to promote tke objects contemplated at the previous meeting . The Recorder was called to the chair ; and , after spirited addresses had been delivered by the Chairman , H . R . Yorke , Esq . ., Mr . Smith , of College-street , Mr . W . Hardman , Mr . Leeman , &c , and after the petition against Lord Stanley ' s Bill hod been read by Mr . Leeman , a Chartist named Burnley , rose from » bench in front of the Chairman , and proceeded to address tbe moating . He said much had been said about the Suffrage and the

      Registration , when Mr . Leeman asked him , " Are you a member of this Association ? " The speaker—Yes , sir . Mr . Leeman—Which Ward ? Mr . Burnley—Monk Ward . He then proposed an amendment to the petition to the following effect , that it was the opinion ef this meeting that the Registration Bill for Ireland brought forward in Parliament by Lord Stanley is tyrannical in the extreme , and regrets that it is sanctioned by so many English Members , which fatly demonstrates that there is no hope of justice to the people of this kingdom from the House of Commons us at present constituted , that therefore tbe people should have a just controul over its members by tbe extension of the suffrage to all men of ' 21 years of age , of sound mind , and unconvicted of

      crime , and pludgea Itself not to rest contented till the people are fully and fairly represented upon the afore . eaid principles . ( Applause . ) The speaker then spoke against tbe policy of the present Government , the New Poor Laws , && , and he was- followed by another Chartist , named Stewart , who seconded the amendment , and who made BOine lengthy observations upon it There seemed to be a number of Chartists present , as some of the observations were received with much applause . The amendment was then handed up to the chairman , and on his puttiog it to the meeting it was carried . The meeting shortly afterwards separated , about tea o'clock , previous to which the Chartists gave three cheers for Frost , Williams , and Jones , Feargus O'Connor , and the Charter , and three groans for the Whigs . —From the York Herald . "

      Let it be remembered that Mr . Red Head Yorke is the shain-riadical nominee of tbe Whig Dundas , when a dissolution takes place ; and , that the meeting , to which the report refers , was one of a series to advance his interest , and consequently made as strong as strong could be , for fear of a defeat ; and yet we find the gallant Chartists , while they honestly reprobate that which the Whigs merely denounce as a clap-trap , moving and carrying their " whole hog" amendment , " bristles and all , " as our Shields friends have designated it , in the teeth of this pompous parade of Whig electioneering strength and juggle .

      This is certainly the most important meeting we have reported for some time ; but , although the Morning Chroniele takes the previous night ' s meeting , which was merely preliminary , from the York shireman , yet it says not a word of the bit \ tt give , which was the finale . Out upon such rascally tricksters ; do they hope to beat us by mere acts of omission t No , we know our strength too well ; and these are the very pranks which have made the old rags stink in the nostrils of every mau . Thank God , tho Morning Chronicle is falling into its grave .

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      THE CARDIGAN JUSTICE JOB . The Queen was played , the King revoked , And then took back his Card-again . Kow , row , de row . Comic song . The farce is over—but we have paid pretty highly for its representation . Yes ! the clowns and pantaloons have performed their parts : the curtain is

      down ; and-we are left , like some of tho disappointed audience , who have not only paid their entrance money for a mere delusion , but have also bad their pockets picked into the bargain . Poor John Bull ! he is sadly maltreated ! many a time has he been jostled in a crowd , and had his hat knocked over his eyes , while the confederates have eased his pockets of their contents , but never before in so barefaoed a manner has he been duped and made a fool of .

      Let us briefly review tne chief incidents of the late play , and we shall find the sublimeand the ridiculous , the lamentable and the ludicrous , so closely mixed up , that whether it was intended for a tragedy with a comio conclusion , or a pantomime with a touch of the melo-drama , it will be difficult to say . A certain Lord Cardigan " moved and seduced by the instigation of the devil , " ( whioh is a convenient term for a bad heart , &c . &c ., ) did fire at and wound a certain opponent rejoicing in . the four-fold and euphonious name of Hahvst Gaknext Phipps Tuckbw . This , all the world knowa ; and therefore one would think it waa clear and simple enough . The killing of a man in a duel being declared to be

      wilful murder , and therefore the firing at a man in a duel being a firing with intent to murder , it is declared a felony , and subject to the punishment of transportation tor life , or a period not lesa than fifteen years , or imprisonment for not more than three years . Lord Cardigan , therefore , is tried for felony ; but as he te a great man , he is not to be put at the vulgar bar of the Old Bailey . O dear , no 1 he is to be tried by his peers or equals—as the poor penniless man is said to be when he is brought before twelve men worth hia weight in gold . The preparations for the trial of such a splendid hero as hia Cardship , must be very splendid . Such hammering , such knocking , such putting up of seats and benches , and platforms and thrones , and

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      galleries ! The Lords are kind enough to adjourn for some days , but when they do appear , theyjoaake up for lost time ; they come out as good , as new , with all the finery and tinsel of EngUnjh The Lord High Steward enters ; the peers in their pompous robes take their seats ; they sit in judgment on a fellow peer . The highest tribunal upon . earth is assembled ; the Law Officers of the Crown and the prisoner ' s counsel are in attendance ; the prisoner is placed at the bar ; the Attobney-Gbneiul now addresses their Lordships ; witnesses are examined , and it is brought home to the prisoner that he did

      fire at and wound Captain Tucketx . Poor prisoner ! then there is no hope for him ! the ladies weep and the sternest Peer is moved ! " But atop a bit , my old boys , not so fast , " says Sir William Follett . " True it is yon have shown the Earl fired at a Captain Tuckbtt , but you have not shown that he fired at the Captain " Hartet GARNBrr . pHtpps TucKBtr . " " Dear me , I never thought of that , " replies the Attorney-General . " What ' e to be done ?" " O . " puts in the High . Steward , " our course is

      very plain—how say you , my Lords , is the prisoner guilty or not guilty ! " " 'Pon honour , n 6 t guilty , " says each Lord—putting his hand on his heart . Prisoner , you are acquitted , " says the Lord High Steward . Out tumble the Lords , off cuts tho prisoner , away go the ladies , down come the scaffoldings , all of which become the property of the Lord Chamberlain as his perquisites , and the people ontsid « are presented with a leetlebill ot £ 4 , 000 for the entertainment thus afforded to them !!

      " The King of France , with twenty thousand men , - Marched up the hill , and then marched down again . " The Lords , after all , are their own greatest enemies , for anything their worst foes may do can never bring them into so great disrepute , as this action . We laugh at the folly of the transaction , but we pity the weakness and despise the folly of those who take part in it . The present is eo striking and flagrant an instance , that many of our contemporaries , who are in general too ready to support aristocratic freaks , aud to decry like gambols when performed by more vulgar

      individuals , have actually well trimmed their favourites on this occasion . Thus the Times , in an able , leading article , shows that , if it had been the trial of some tailor at the Old Bailey , no suohslip would , have ocourred ; but that the indictment would probably have run thus :- — " For that the said Simon Snooks did , on or about the maliciously shoot at , and wound , John Thomas Richard Titmouse , otherwise John Thomas Titmouse , otherwise John Titmouse , otherwise Thomas Richard Titmouse , " &o ., — and thus they would have managed to trap the " mouse , " though they can let the big rat escape .

      Above all , what does Mr . Attorney-General mean 1 If the omission of this link in the evidence were wilful upon his part , no censure can be too strong for bo shameful a violation of his duty ; if it were through negligence , what excuse can be offered ; if through ignorance , he is incompetent for his post . Why , a briefless , beardless boy , would have managed better ! ¦ The insertion of one count in the indictment , charging the prisoner with firing at " some person unknown , " or the summoning of the proper witnesses in order to iduntify the party wounded with the party named in the indictment , would have obviated every difficulty .

      But , whatever may be our idea of " plain John's " taotics , we cannot refrain from expressing our extreme wonder and disgust at the specimen of a speech ( if it deserves the name ) made on the opening of tho " solemn and imposing trial . " It was absolutely in favour of the barbarous and sanguinary custom and crime of duelling , and rather for , than against , the prisoner . The Attorney-General ' s most extraordinary remark was this : — " The charge against the prisoner does not imply any degree of moral turpitude , but an infringement of the statute law of the realm ! " Now , what waa

      the charge 1 The firing at a fellow-being , with the intent of murdering him . ;—and this is perfectly moral ! perfectly Christian ! It does not violate any moral principle ! it is merely against the sections of a statute ! You may murder as many men as you like ; and if you are a lord it shall only be illegal ( and not that ) , but never immoral ! O Johnny , Johnny ! where did you pick up your morals 1 Have you not a soul that can soar beyond the mere statute book , and look into a wider field of ethics and philosophy f Is your mind so bound within a law-book , and so hot-pressed within calf skin covers ? Or are you endeavouring to become one of the aristocracy in manners , and ! to adopt their lax code of morality , aad

      barefaced mode of expressing it ! Or were you afraid of Lord Cardigan calling you out 1 Whether it was one of these , or whether all three combined you have made a sad mesa of it ! With regard to the event of Captain Tuckett ' b death , this prosecuting officer of the Crown again observed , "If death had ensued , it would have been considered a great calamity , but not a great crime . " Now , we really do not see what great calamity to the nation , the tumbling out of it by " Hakvet Garnetx Phipps Tuckett , " or any other officer of Her Majesty ' s service , would have inflicted ; but we can understand that it is a very great crime to send a bullet through the body of a human being , and dismiss him , " with all his imperfections on his head , " from this terrestrial sphere .

      One fact , however , ia certain ; Lord Cardigan was to be acquitted ; and the stupid quibble of a senseless rule of law was caught hold of , as affording an easy mode of letting his Lordship off . What , then , is the conclusion to be drawn from this determination to evade justice ? Why , that whijh we have drawn over and over again , namely , that there is one law for the rich , and another for the poor ; one for the peer , and another for the peasaat . It required , however , no such trial as this , with ita great expence , to convince us of this awful and lamentable truth . We have it before our eyes every

      day . Among other instances , we may notice that of Lord Waldegbave , who was lately prosecuted for a murderous attack on a policeman . The noble prisoner appeared at the Queen ' s Bench , and his counsel observed that he wished to plead guilty . The prosecuting counsel could not oppose this course ; and Lord Denman , without further ceremony , suggested that it might be o fit case for private compensation . And so it ended I Tho case , " bo fit for private compensation , " involved the most disgraceful conduct towards a defenceless man . Lord Waldegravb and others were out on a

      " spree ; " and , after having wrenched off knockers innumerable , were merely spoken to by a policeman ; they instantly seized him , thrashed and kicked him , ran away with his hat , and left him senseless on the ground . The poor man has not yet recovered , and it is said by medical men that the event will probably be the loss of his reason ! I Had an indigent wretch thus behaved , he would have been indicted for feloniously stealing the man ' s hat , and for assaulting with intent to murder . He would have heard a long lecture on his offence against the public peace , ( but nothing about private compensation ) , and have been transported for life ! . - ¦ ; Faugh ! we are sick of these things . ; when are they to end ?

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      MR . BURNS AND THE H-O-U-S-E-HOLD PARTY . Wb have np doubt that the veritable Chartists of Hull -will muster their strength oa Monday night , to give the H-o-u-s-e-hold gods and their new ally such a reception as the nature of the cue merits .

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      Bradford Frost Restoration CoMMirreE . --tt have received a balance-sheet , which tee cnaiw publish in full . It sets forth the rec % pts oftii tea and ball to have been ... ... 19 7 . § ^* Collected by various parties ... 1 17 gi ~ 21 Ttt While the expences of various 3 kinds amount to ... ... 20 1 n Leaving a balance of .... ... £ 1 3 n

      The Committee state : — "Any party nuking t . examine the bills may do so by applying It » * Chartist Chapel , Longer oft-place , between * 2 hours of eight and ten o ' clock , every Satutfa evening . " : ^» John Mabtin wishes to acknowledge the ret ^ u ^ £ lfrom Carlisleyand 10 s . 6 d . from Neitc for tke sufferers at the Castle Douglas acSd ^ " Haters of Oppression , ? ' Yeovil , have te ^ L an awful tale of tyranny and svffering , i ^ ^ must have it authenticated before we puijjl

      W . M . Stott . —We do not know Mr . fin ^ i address ; but any letter addressed to him carl of Mr . John Cleave , 1 , Shoe-lane , London , uJu find him . James Mahont . —We have not room . lfe 1 . handed his letter to Mr . F ., as requested . ¦ ' . G . W . S . —We believe so ; but have no positive ijw lege on the subject . John Murbat . — We are sorry we eannat pi * jl the information lie wishes , viz ., " the naa the Captain who commanded the Prince of WjU line of battle ship , on the 1 st of June , 1794 ? Jf any of our readers know , arid will take jjL trouble of writing it , we shall be glad topajfij it . ^* James Richards . —We never received the tan from Kidderminster . * " ? Frostiana . — We have not lost sight of it . H . B . asks , very foolishly , a question that w ho already answered . J . P . — We have no room .

      Mrs . Frost . —The Newport list of nmia MlOOf A ftWOl » X IIV J . 1 VUUfJVI * . Ml . VJ rJKJHtd

      IMflE week . Hbnrt Cartes strongly recommends ChattotTnj | Associations at the only efficient means ofbrvw ing into operation the powers of tlte kj ^ l people . A . M ., Edinburgh . —The letter was forgotten ioj week . It was in type far this week ' s imprnVn before his note was received . The other ig ^ has been received , and shall have insertion jg our next . William Pomfret . —We cannot undertake 1 $ pt legal advice . The rascals have robbed the ^ of that privilege by locking up Mr . O Cmn » . The Northampton Chartists strongly urge m at working men the moral , physical , and pdiljeal advantages of total abstinence . E . P . Mead must excuse us : we have notrmfor

      Aw " Scriptural Chartism this week . G . Styles wishes for the address of the icidw < rf John Clayton . ' ¦ ¦ W . H . —The report of the meeting againiithePgu Law , at Cheltenham , is out of date . J . Millar ;—The pr ice of cards of membmii pfir the National Charter Association of Gmt Britain is twopence plain , and sixpence onjo mented . Tliey may be had of the Secretary it the Provisional Executive , Mr . William Tilnurn . No . 2 i CoUiers -street , Stretford . road , Mandttdfrl The address alluded to was intended to leugted only by influential Chartists . A Birmingham Chartist . —We don't know . S . Green . —Not unless your daughter htma chargeable to the pari s h on account oj theMi ; and even then the matter is doubtful .

      Peter Anderson , Edinburgh . —Certainly . ItweM be unfair else . John Bhown . —Address Mr . Lowery , care p / Aff France , News Agent , Newcastle . Joseph Thornton , Kuddersfield . —I / i antm k the request contained in the resolution ht transmits , we have to say , tlie omissummx from both causes . Sometimes ihe new w not sent at all ; sometimes it is too late ; and me times , when it does arrive in time , ontow % other pressing subjects supersede it . T&t might be , in some measure , obviated , d * d « ff Local Correspondents observe a very plan , nJt , we have ofttimes laid down—that of mOnt ^ packet in the beginning of the week , andanotier

      at the usual latest day . Scarcely one of iim adheres to this rule . The Northallebton Hell and Poor Ciatwi .-We have received the letter from thtpimcompanion of poor Clayton , and shall maitkt public acquainted with t < j * horrible reveUtutu { a our next . The late hour it was received pi vents its appearance this week . ay ! The " Fleet Papebs . "— We have received A ^ SijI the series , and are much gratified with ia ^ tents . It is the best-number that hat appemm In our next we shall notice it mote at ktjglh . Mr . Pitkethly . — We regret thatKecarmt ^ etkU favour in our present number . ThemuyoA that brought it , brought us ninety-four ommf

      munications , all pressing for insertion . Badtm received his on the Monday , it should hsvt \ appeared . It is a long one—one that witf wrffear curtailment—and therefore must stand over . Our London Correspondent . —We are relwtmj compelled to . withhold the entire of his Wednet day ' s letter . John Collins must excuse us this week : ouripati is full . His letter sliali appear next tceeh m shall feet obliged if he could arrange for m future communications reaching us on Ihe Twr day . , Our Birmingham Correspondent . —Wearemgta to withhold the whole of his second letter . Mr . AsHTON , Wakefield House of Correction . desvei a letter from George While immediately .

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      Darken , Norwich . —The mistake occurred al&t office . < J . M'Clintock . —His papers were sent as usual . FOR THE COMMITTEE FOR SUPERINTENDING OiXM CHARTIST WELCOME TO LEEDS . ¦ £ I . Ct ; From a few Chartists at Biggar ... 0 2 6 POR THE WIVES AND FAMILIES OF THE UfCABCBBlOD

      CHARTISTS . From A . Stratton , Leeds ... ... 0 0 * „ East Brierly , near Bradford ... 0 12 6 „ Three Friends at Preston , per G . Halton ... ... ... 0 2 6 for Clayton ' s funeral . From Leeds , per James Womersloy 0 . * ¦ „ a few Chartists at Barkisland » 3 0 FOR MRS . CLAYTON . From Edinburgh , per W . Lennie , being part profits on Star .. 0 . S . ' »

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      Communications not inserted on NOfl ^ v / r mass of valuable Chartist , local , and 0 «! "Vr teliiyence , together with many interesting a ** munications from Birmingham , Kidde 1 ?^^ Worcester , London , Newcastle , s r ? £ Oldham , Bradford , Barnsley , . AWft « jM « j ; Tillicoultry , and many other places , m . j 7 * out for want of room . As many as P ^ - J ^ them shall either be inserted or replied to *** , HIGH * « f * U < tfc OtWlW UC lliO [> l IGU vr fVjf" — - , ¦* ,

      next . We must repeat our earnest # " *<» that persons desirous of having their < x ™~ fzjl cations inserted , will send them «» •** , 3 part of the week , if possible . The »*» % matter alluded to in this notice , has *« r ^ received by this day ' s ( Thursday ' s ) post ; «* % great part of it has relation to ^^ fl , !^ ocourred vn Saturday , Sunday , a ™ \? & and which ought to have been here o » T Tuesday . Our friends must remember """ T paper can only be filled ; that we mvii * v filling it the whole week ; and that m . F * - edition goes to press on Thursday e » entnS ' ^^

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      HOUSE OF LORDS , Monday , Feb . & . The Eari of RiPON , after a speech of ¦ ' ««" -j 2 l respecting thopresent state of our relations * , < *^ said he could scarcely think that her M « je * ty s u ^" ment would refuse to give full information on ' ^^ so interesting to our commercial interest * ' jj respects , and so important to our political » w ^ that part of the world at any time , but "f ***™^ the present moment , when it waa ao desiraWe w . tain peace both in Asia and Europe . T ^^ J ^ ftoo , concluded by moving for copies of , or es * ~ . irf communications between the JBritiah G « Te" ™^« ot the Court of Persia , upon the subject of tbe c ? 8 " L jae . the diplomatic mission at the Court of Pe ^ par queatto the date of the last papers laid o » ° ^ -

      liament VWtW Viscount Melbourne said , be could not J * ^ any detriment could be done to the Pu bU < 5 ~ j £ itW laying all the papers before their Lorddripa , " ^ , 9 the fullest information on the subject that ^ £ Z mand . Nobody could feel more than he dia w r ^ importance of this subject being arranged so a * ^ ^ peace and tranquillity in Central Asia , and be ^ p ^ reason for saying that he hoped the 8 dl ^ at / i , ^ was actuated by the same feeling . He nafl Blighted objection to the production of taep »» ° *" ~ The motion was then agreed to . Adjourned . Tuesday , February 23 . . ^ d Lord Brougham presented a report of Uie « gw ^ enfranehiseinent committee , which statett ^^ t committee had thrown the two Bills , wIucn / , " ^ lb »» sent to them , into one . and that they had m 00

      alterations and additions . u « ntlaa < i ? The Bishop of Exeter again drew tte *^ jce& their Lordships to tbe delays which had taKen ^ j , the printing of the ordinance * ' from C » h » m « " " replied to by

      The J \Okthee]\Stxir Saturday, February 27, 1841.

      THE j \ OKTHEE ]\ STxiR SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 27 , 1841 .

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      A workman at the new faotory in the dockyard , Woolwich , where » longrevolving axle is constantly in operation , allowed the skirts of his coat to come in contaot with it , and in a moment he was suspended , and revolving with the same Telocity . Before the engine was stopped he had been turned round about sixteen times , but escaped without any material injury .

      $M$Tvi*L ^Avliamttfu

      $ m $ tvi * l ^ avliamttfu

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      a THE NORTHERN STIR . , I ^» „ ~~ ~ " ~ ¦ ~ : - — — " ^^^^ sl

      To Readers And Co Rrespondent*

      TO READERS AND CO RRESPONDENT *

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 27, 1841, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1098/page/4/