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Northern Star (1837-1852), 3rd July 1841, Edition 1 of 4, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      TO THE INHABITANTS OF MANCHESTER AXD VICINITY . . English , Iiusn , and 8 cotchm * x , vthatf . veb Hat be toue opinions is Politics , oa- creed i * Religio , —We claim your sympathy on behalf of jcfftring humanity . You bave heard of the brutal conduct manifested by a body of iafnri&ted irishmMi , at the instigation of the Cora Law repealers , towards your fellow-creatures at the meetings held in Stepbenson ' s Square , June 2 nd , and the outrageous affair -which took place on Saturday , Jane 5 th . ' Several of the unfortunate men are dreadfully wounded , and depriTed from following their employment , and others are very severelj iDJared ; many hare lost their hats , 4 c

      Under these circuHstanees , it ia our painful dnty t « appeal to you for what support H is in your power to render them ; and likewise to assist in bringing to justice , if such Ca > " be had , the base perpetrators of tfceso diabolical proceadings-rto unmask the cowardly instigators oi this bloody attack , upon yonr peaceable fellow-creatures , and to make imae arrangements for the ¦ npport of the famiiiea who have fallen victims to these humanity-mongers . With the above objects la view , we are assured that a generous public will not be appealed to in Tain . A yablie account will be given of all monies received . The country districts are requested to forward their jntecriptions to Mr . Crebril Hargraves , 8 , Wkittle-street , Manchester . By Ordeb op the Cohxittke . Chartist Room , Brown-street , June 7 th , ISil . ? _

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      TO THE CHARTISTS OF PAISLEY , AND OP THE UNITED KINGDOM . FELLOW-HI * aXD Brotheb Ghaetists , —By the time you . will be perusing thefollowieg lines the underakned will be on their way to the land of liberty and the place of hope—toe United States of America . Sorry , sorry , are we to leave the place of our nativity , the soil of our birthright—that soil "which , under a ¦ wise legislation , would have ensured to every honest * nd industrious man , a fair share of the beneficence of the Divine Being which yearly oozes from it in such

      ahyunJance . But we are ten thousand times more grieved to leave the great and g ! orioo 3 movement cf the i people for their Charter of Libtrty , and whose invul- ] nerable front his already brought the pigmy Lord Fi- j malsty to concede alittle . Bnt , although-we are removed ; from yon by distance , believe us , fellow-men , our heart i - * nd soul are in the cause . Every Chartist spirit added to the republic of America will extend and increase the j power and uflneuce of ttot great nation , which Ls dt- j atined , at no distant period , to demolish all the despotic , aristocratic , clerieal , and monies powers on the face of -the earth . j

      O . ' a thousand cnrses on men who , by their demoniac , . machinations , are the cause of tkus driving us from our native land , and forcing us to tear those near and deaT j affectionate teas asunder ¦ which bind raaa to man . The ; happiness of the family circle of ths working man is all j tout destroyed by heartless calculations and dreary fore- ; boding * . The ntter hopelessness , despair , hunger , and i nakedness of our condition has driven is to a foreign j land ; feat , thank &od , it is a last where the pure air of j freedom la breathed into the bursting hearts of Europe ' s < Jcing-ridden , prifesi-ridden , tax-ridden , -despised , and i "toil-worn sons . j But before taking our leave of you , brother Chartists , I Ve are anxious to impress upon you the necessity of ! yielding not one iota of the Charter to the common ! -enemy , in whom is centred Tory , Whig , anft sham- Radical ; and last , though not least , tee Com Law ; league . On this last we would like to be a little j more particular , as being the most perfi . di . ous patty < £ them all .

      Of what use , then , wiU the abolition of the Corn , Laws be without the Charter becoming the law of this j tax-devoured land ? In our opinion it would be none -at all The Corn Laws , every right-thinking mind must j Admit , are monstrous evils ; but to repeal tbtm at pre-1 jent , without the Charter becoming the law of the j laad , would be on ' v to make what is now the land- ! lord ' s profit , pass from his pocket into the exporting ! profit-monger ' s pocket , and every Caartist kno-vrs full ' well what son of fellows they are . They hesitate not : to avow in their speeches , not only in ihe House of j Commons but in many places besides , that wages are , too high and must be resueed , to enable us to compete with the Foreigner , but that wages will admit of no ; further reduction unless the loaf be made cheaper , i There is an avowal , brother Chartists , that cheapening : bread is tee prelude to cheapening libsnr , or in other

      words , that the abolition of the Corn Laws is sought after for no other purpose but a rednction of wages . ; These money-mongers woild convert this nation of ; " mountain and of flood" into a large factory ; they [ ¦ would confine ns for sixteen or eighteen hoars per day j to inhale a poisonous atmosphere , with a scanty meal , ; and clothed in lags , that they may walk about and ¦ revl in the abundance of wealth and grandeur , while ; wear * regarded as tie mere beasts of burden , fit only J to toil lor thvir profit and amusement . Bfelitve us , f , el > w-n . ea , to abolish the Corn La ^ s without the Charter of our Hb = rty being granted , will be only to . take the power from the despotism of bud , and placa It f in a more atrocious , heartless , grinding , and insatiable ; ; despotism—the despotism of Mammon . j We now take our leave of you with stating that sothinf bnt dire necessity ias compelled us' t # adopt j tins courseWe would a thousand times have prt-

      . ferred remaining at home , Isut the downward progress ;

      of our condition renders the step we have taken abso- j lute / y neeesstry . j Farewell , then , Brother Chartists , and we fondly j hope that your efforts in the sacred cause of TTnlrersal j liberty , in a short time , will be crowned with success ;; ftsd that you may live many years in the eryoyinant of j the ssme , accompanied with health and . happiness , is j the sincere prayer of , John Robertson . ' , GE 0 B . GE illl-I-AS- | Paisley , 23 rd Juse , 1541 . j

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      1 have searched into the constitution of society and find do reason for this condition , except that it is the will cf a horde of tyrants who neither upon the grouad of mental , moral , nor Datura ! right can claim the superiority . The brand of political slavery which these tyrants have fixed npon me and the class to which I be 'ong I am resolved to wipe off or perish in the struggle . I rely upon your active and zealous cooperation npoathe Cth tf July , at the hustings of Dollar I have calculated upon your unanimous , hearty , and decided support . I ask you not to do me honour , I claim it upon the distinct consideration that ererj » an who records there his voice in my favour is working out a portion of that struggle which we are all bound to enter upon if we expect a speedy and ultimate triumph to the Charter . Upon that occssioB , then , I expect the support ef every

      working man in Clackmannan and Kinross-Bhires , and every elector who is prepared to do bis duty to bis country . Those who obtain this distinction , will undoubtedly be placed in a position of trust and responsibility ; they will be the elected of the people , sanctioned in this election by an officer of the crown . It is necessary , then , that tkey be men of tried integrity , not trading politician * . There can be no doubt that the factions in their future straggles will be anxious to secure the services of such men for the purpose of tantalising and deceiving the people . In my opinion , then , every Chartist candidate ought to b « pledged before going to , and upon the hustings , that he will countenance and support no other agitation which may arise in the country , except the agitation for the Charter in all its integrity , until it becomes the law of the land .

      Another and immediate duty will devolve upon them . Every Chartist candidate after his election will superintend the getting up and signing of another national petition , which in the present spirit of the cenntry will be signed in three weeks by two millions and a half . They will tlien ioTthtrith repair to London and pour Into that city during their fortnight ' s residence a torrent of the lava fire of the discontent of the provinces—gat a hold of S « of the fustian jackets to carry the people's petition and lay it upon the flt > or of the Honse of Commons , before the factions will have time to Bay who will rule the roast and divide tbe plunder , they will first have to answer the demand contained in that petition tor justice and freedom . If the new Parliament treat this petition as they did the last , it will place the discontent cf the provinces en such a footing which neither Melbourne , Wellington , Peel , nor Russell , will dare tamperza with , or Insult , one hour longer .

      Trusting then to see all in Health , and upon every countenance the beaming resolution that animated your fathers npon the field of Bannockbura , where they tranquilly awaited their country's foes , rtsolved to make Scotland free or a place too hot for Whigs and Tories to dwell in , I remain , My fellow slaves , Yours , in the cause of democracy , Auram Duncan . Alva , 25 th June , 1841 .

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      ^^ ROBERT OWEN'S ADDRESS TO THE ELECTORS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND .

      TO THE BLECTOES 0 ? THE BRITISH EMPIRE , — The old Parliament has ceased to exist ; a new one is called ; and the election of its Members is in yonr bands . Never has a Parliament been called under circumstances of deeper interest to the upper , middle , and operative classes . This Parliament will have to decide upon measures that will perpetuate your adversity , or give you high general prosperity . All parties feel that some great change is at band , and that it ahoald be directed by sound , thinking , practical men . The tiree is arrived for all party animosities to be abandoned , and for general principles and practices to be adopted that will be productive of progressive national advantages .

      It is for you , by the Members whom yon elect , to convince the world that yen have advanced beyond the narrow and most injurious views of mere party and personal considerations ; that you desire , as speedily as possible , to terminate class legislation , and to obtain the rights of humanity for yourselves and your children , that you may no longer remain the slaves of an ignorant system which is most injurious to ail c ' assea . To secure these rights , and gradually to prepare society to abandon class legislation , or the oppression of wealth over poverty , tie following measures are necessary : — 1 . A Graduated Property Tax , equal to the necessary f xprndtture of the nation . 2 . The Abolition of all other taxes .

      S . Free Trade with all the World . i . National Education for all whe desire it 5 . National Employment for all who require it 6 Liberty ef Speaking and Writing on all subjects , Civil , Rtligious , and Political . 7 . Full and complete Freedom of Religion for Christians , Jews , Mahoroedans , Hindoos , and every other ; onn under every name by which men may call themselves . All these measures are necessary to relieve the nation

      from the accumulated and accumulating difficulties in which an erroneous system has nearly overwhelmed it . Each of these measures is just individually , and what no good man , who desires to benefit his country , will refuse to advocate in his place in the ensuing Parliamsnt They will , therefore , be a correct test to pat te candidates for election to the new Parliament ; and their replies to each will be a sure proof how far the applicants for your suffrages are qualified to become your representatives , and to legislate we ) l and wisely for the nation , and to abandon all petty class" interests .

      Any candidate who shall refuse to advocate these measures , is unfit to become a Member of the British Legislature , under the new circumstances in which the progtess of science and of practical knowledge among the working classes has placed the population of Great Britain and Btr Colonies . These are measures that will satisfy all intelligent well-intentioned persons , and none of this character will rest satisfied with any measures less just and beneficial than are those now proposed for the whole of the population . It is , therefore , strongly recommended that the electors should question every candidate for a seat in the new Parliament on each of these measurts , an « l that they will give their votes to such only as will consent to bring forward , or advocate these charges in the present system , that our country may be saved from poverty , immorality , and ruin . Your Friend ,

      kobekt Owen Home Colonization Office , 57 , Pall Mall , London , 26 th June , 1 SU .

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      In tbe case of Mr . Bowman , one of the Magistrates themselves bore testimony to having Been him in Botchergate , at half-past nine o ' clock , and where he joined Mr . Arthur and Mr . Hanson , who were several minutes in advance of him , and they remained together , as could be proved by at least ten or twelve respectable persons , until after the time of the outrage . We now leave the public to judge how far the Magistrates have been justified in thus putting downpublio opinion , by preventing any more public meetipgs . We have seen the windows of the Bush Coffee-house , and other Inns in Carlisle , smashed to pieces at Elections , under Tory domination , but little did we expect , that the libertyprofessing Whigs would have had recourse to such harsh and tyrannical measures , merely because a few panes of glass have been broken by a few disorderly

      boys , who might have easily been dispersed by the police , had they been inclined to do so ; but we have heard that some of these falsely cilted preservers of the public peace , boasted at the time that the Chartists should hold no more public meetings—we have now laid before the public the whole facts of the case , and would call to their recollection the time when some of those very men , at public meetiBgs , during a time of great excitement , called upon the people to pay no more taxes—and when the Tories were allowed to be burnt in effigy , at the Market Cross , amidst the discharge of fire-arms , and insulted and annoyed in the most outrageous manner , neither their lives nor property being secure—these scandalous proceedings were not only countenanced but encouraged by sorae of our present Magistrates , who subscribed money for the purpose of carrying on those nightly conflagrations .

      By order of tbe Committee of the Carlisle Radical Association June 38 , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTOR AND NON-ELECTORS OF THE WEST-RIDING .

      " Our merchants are in the gnlphof bankruptcy and our labourers have eaten their beds . "—Lord Johs Kussell . Fellow-countrymen , —I find , by a very slfght experience , that , in bustling times like these , the weekly chronicler of events has no slight ti > -l : imposed upon him to keep pace wita circumstances , and to record , and direct the public eye to , all wHch he thinks of importance . This must be my excuse , at the present , for not pursuing the subject further , " of what part of our institutions it was which tb « honour , faith , and safety of tha nation required that the burden * should be increased oi the wretch who had eaten his bed . "

      As the " mess thickens , " and as , before long , you will be called upon , tbe one to exercise his franchise , and tbe other has influence upon that franchise ; I will proceed to urge the great necessity of seeking among a different class of men for those who are to represent your interests in a forthcoming Parliament . What claim Ihen , can those iiave , " wbo are Lords by the accident of birth , " to make Jaws which are to dispose of the products of your labour and even life itself . One of them has candidly told you that he was a lord , not by his virtuous actions : not because he

      had stood iu the Thermopylae of his country ; not because he had performed " acts of prowess In council or field ; " he had not repelled the invader , nor framed laws by which its citizens had been raised in the scale of comforts and conveniences ; be had done nose of this , but he was " o Lord by tbe accident of his birth . " The followers of the Norman bastard had some claim to fiefs and honours ; they had braved the " battle and flood " for whatftheygot ; but these " things" are perfectly innocent of all claim ; they are only lords by the accident of their birth .

      But , however , cot to eavil about the accident of their birth , let us examine into their ntuess for legislators by taking a cursory glance at the effects of that legislation . There need no proof here that the state of a country is the bt-st comment upon the fitness and wisdom of its law makers . We will not travel far back on tUe record , for fear it should be said that we are going " into the dark ages ; " nor to thn times of the war , because that would be pleaded as tha excuse . We will begin , then , when those who " are lords by the accident of their birth , " were in the full zenith of their power ; ¦ when they were completely uncontrouled by any thing like democracy in " either of their houses ; " asd when they were resolved , too , to pursue the " stern path of duty ; " and when therefore their wisdom and fitness for legislators had full play without either let or hindance .

      Well then , Lord Liverpool , as prime minister , stated in the House of Lords , in the session of 1822 , that the cause of the diatress was over production ; the high prices during the war had forced a great portion of poor lands into cultivation , and hence the " produce became too great for the demand ; " and during the same speech he said , that , " the cause of distrtss among the manufacturers was a surplus population . " Here , then , wo have it , the agricultural labourers stirring , becanse there was too much food ; and the manufacturers striving , because there were too many months . ' Is not this a prime specimen of the legislation of those who are Lords by the accident of their birth ?

      But to other specimens m corrobotation of the above . At a meeting of the Southampton magistrates , the following were the prices fixed as tbe wages in the shape of relief for the labourer of the district : — " When a family shall consist of a man aud his wife , and one child , to offer to such man four shillings per week from Michaelmas to Lady Day , and five shillings per week from Lady Day to Michaelmas , so tfeat he might be engaged to serve the whole ytar ; and any man refusing that offer shall not be entitled to relief ! To every unmarried man the Justices recommend the officers of every parish to offer 3 * per week from Michaelmas to Lady Day ; ai . d 4 s . per week from Lady Day to Michaelmas , bo that he may be engaged

      to serve the whole year . To a woman with one child , 3 s . 6 d . per week , and no more . A single woman , 2 s . fid . per week , and no more . And the Justices do declare that paupers relieved by their parishes , and able to work , shall , for the allowance bo made them , be compelled to do such work as the parish officers shall direct or require of them . " This was the wages of the agricultural districts , when the country was in great distress through the curso of " over-production , " and under tbe absolute contronl of those who are " Lords by the accident of their birth . " It may be as well to state that one of tbe magistrates issuing this order was " Sir Thomas Barir . g , and , I believe , brother to the present Chancellor of the Exchequer I

      In aid of the above enlightened and most humane order , Lord John Russell says , in his " Essay on the English Constitution , " speaking of the distress of the labourers , and wbst he calls the evils of over-population : — " With respect t » a legislative remedy , there is but one which can be effectual . It is that of Mr . Maithus , viz : that , after a certain period , labourers who marry should not be entitled to support from tbe poor rates . " One naturally stands in amaza at statements like these ; and ask how Is restraining population to remedy the distress which was so pathetically lamented by Lord Liverpool ; and which was ascribed by him as artsicg from too much food ! But whether the distress arose from too much food , or too many mouths , according to Lord John Russell ; or-whether it arose from there being too much feod and too many mouths both at one time as stated by Lord Liverpool , it is sufficiently characteristic of the capabilities for legislation of those « to-are " Lords by the accident of their birth !"

      Then we have them passing Peel ' s Bill enacting that we shall return to gold In 1823 ; then in 1822 , we have them extending the time for eleven years ; then we have the prosperity of 182 * j then we have the "late panic" which reduced tbe country , as either Canning , or Huskinson , I really forget which said so , within forty-eight hours of barter . And , then we bad all the choppings and changes which that measure , ( whicli endeavoured and is still endeavouring to make us pay high taxes , in low prices , ) and all its concomitants , has brought upon us . A gloriouB bill this , though of Peel ' s , it has ridden the system like the night tag , and is yet destined to give the people of this country their just share in the representation , if that people be but true to themselves . But no thanks for this , to those who are " lords by the accident of birth ;** what they did , was in ntter ignorance aa to the effect of tbe measure , and completely proves , if proof were wanting , their utter incapacity to manage the complicated interests of a great country .

      And more proof 1 will give of the ntter incapacity of those who are " Lords by tbe accident of their birth to legislate for the welfare of the country , and then I will leave them at this time . It is the report of a committee in Dublin to manage subscription for the starving people . The report eays : — " The members ef the deputation further offer themselves for examination before the council . The greatest distress prevails in forty-two parishes ; and that in these there are 148 M 1 persons now suffering the pangs of hunger . Those on the sea coast are endeavouring to preserve existence on eea-weed and shell-fish found along ths shores . A clergyman who doubted the accuracy of the reports which were brought to him , visited famiiiea at

      unexpected times , and thus became a wltuess of tbe melancholy meal , where & mother , surrounded by her cbildrem , picked out the fish from the shells with a pin , apportioning the scanty morsels to each in it * turn , but too slowly to satisfy the cravings of hunger . In other parts of the country , the poor are living on nettles and weeds , from which experience has taught them to extract some nourishment I can Btate that a miserable mother , with an infant in her arms , was found attempting to prolong the existence of bet family by sharing with each child tha nourishment which her breasts afforded 11 " These things cannot be true ! I do but dream . «? Wken -will thi » fearful dumber have an end ?"

      These are some of the effect * resulting from the legislation of those who are Lords bj the accident of tbeir birth I And that , too , it must be born in mind , when they had full and complete controui of both the Houses of Lords and Commons ; without any of the leaven of democracy , except such as they choose to admit amongst them to keep up the appearance of respectability of talent . Such being tha ease , and their having bad ir . ch power for centuries , the inference is irrefragable that those effects are the natural and inevitable result oft such legislation . Such a state of things it was impossible to bear ; the spirit of the nation was roused from one end to the

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      other ; and the " Iron Duke" having declared that he would not submit to any change « f system , he was driven from power and the Whigs came Into office , pledged to produce a system of legislation -which should put a " fowl in every man's pot , and a guinea in hi « pocket" What that system ia , is too -well known to need any description from me ; I will , therefore , proceed to take a rapid glance at some of the effects of that system , after it has had a " fair trial" of ten years . Argument I will offer none , but will content myselfwith statements made by themselves in different important situations .

      First , then , I will take the statement made by Lord John Russell himself , when he said , in hie speech on the revision of the Corn Bill , " Our merchants are in thegulph of bankruptcy ; our men of property unable to obtain any rent ; our shopkeepers rained ; our labourers living seventeen in five yards square ; our pawnbrokers' shops filled with the furniture and clothes of our artisans ; and our manufacturing labourers have eaten their , beds . " V ast improvement this I In corro ^ oration of Lord John , Mr . Scholefleld , Member for Birmingham , on making a motion on the national distress , said , among other things— " The distress presses as severely up » H the shopkeeper and manufacturer as the workman ; cruel mortgagees are disposing of property for less than one-third of its value ; the number of insolvents la greater , though the number of bankrupts be less ; the poor debtors are calling out make room fox us , the prison is too small ; ' tradesmen

      are in jeopardy every hour ; the pawnbrokers have granted loans until they have no money to lend ; workmen , with large families , are obliged to crowd together in dwellings not fit for hogs . J know places , called chambers , wherein different families , of botk aexeu , and of all ages , are compelled to pass the night at the same time , Last weefe , a young wife died in child-birth : she was not able to bring forth ; a physician said he had no doubt she had died for want of nourishment A Committee , constituted to inquire into the condition of the population , wrote to me ( Mr . Scholefleld ) as follows-. — They had found forty thousand so miserable as to be , grateful—yes , humbly grateful , for a donation of less than one penny farthing per week ; " some victims of our neglect have found refuge in the 3 rave ; no ministratio * of earthly comfort soothed their last mortal agony ; the aid which affection yearned to give , poverty denied . Good God t and in a laud of bibles too !

      Mr . Labonchere , a minister of the crown too , said he fully agreed with the tferms of the motion ; and the facts then stated formed the justification of the Whig measures proposed by government . Mr . Baines , late M . P . for Leeds , said "it appeared from the investigation which had recently taken place , that there were not less than 10 , 000 persons in Leeds wholly unemployed . The chairman of the operatives ' committee had statea , that if he could not get bread for his wife and children by his industry , be would take it wherever he could find it" These are alarming statemants ; and if the Hon . M . P . is not endeavouring to preserve the cognenien so long applied to him , gives a fearful ! proof of the state which his legislation has reduced the country to .

      But , as the climax of the whole , and as a complete proof , not only of their utter want of capacity for legislators ; but also as a proof of utter want of sensibility , and also of want of sympathy with the misery and degradation which their legislation has produced ; as a proof of all these , as the discussion was proceeding , Mr . S . Canning proposed the House to be counted , when it was found that only 24 members , out of G 58 , could be found even to take into consideration the distress their legislation had produced . ' Sterne prayed that heaven would be pleased to grant him decent terms to exclaim in , and I must confess that I have much need * f the same assistance here , I dare not trust myself to txclaim , but must leave it to the feelings of every husband and father to clothe those feelings in such language as his indignation suggests . " Down , busy devil !"

      Now then , electors and non-electors , could men elected from your own order do worse than both their Houses have done ? Look at the contrast exhibited in the Cloth Hall yard on Tuesday last See the innocence of all capacity which was exhibited by those who are lords by the accident of their birth ; see the scion of the noble house of Wtntwurth , unable to string together half a doaen sentences if it would have enved his soul from perdition . And then see a working man , " an ignorant Chartist , " entering into all the great questions of our national and international policy , and dissecting them with a master's band ; hear him exhibiting all the folly and blunders of those who have

      been " trained to legislation ; " hear the whistling of his lash as he flourishes it in druin-major-like style ever the writhing shoulders of Lord Alorpeth ; see and hear these things , and then ask yourselves seriously which is the most proper person for a legislator ? For the comfort of the electors , a gentleman , who was near mo in tbe crowd , and with a large favour in bis bosom , observed , " How nicely Lord Milton's whiskers are pointed ; " but , gentlemen , are nicely pointed whiskers a sufficient qualification for a man who is to grapple with the difficulties of a nation whose mercnanta are in tbe gulph of bankruptcy , and whose labourers have " eaten theit beds . "

      Ponder these things well before you vote for men of this kind . Tours , he , A Freeholder .

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      A VOICE FROM THE HELL HOLE . j TO SIR . WM . MARTIN . Northallerton , June 17 lh , 1841 . Dear Martin , —I am extremely sorry that I have not been able to receive your letters in consequence of the severe restrictions we are under . It is natural that I should choose such letters as contained a communication from my wife ; but , my friends informed me of your persevering conduct in our behalf , I do not

      know of anything that has given me so much pleasure since I have been in prison , as your manly conduct in confronting the big Beggarman , at the Crown and Anchor , and charging him with his gross inconsistency to bis face . I am sure yon are deserving of the thanks of all the Chartists in the kingdom , for that one act aione ; but , I have been further informed that it was you who arst brought forward the utility of Petitioning and a Prisoners' Convention ; and as an individual deeply concerned in it , I feel it it my duty to return you my sincere and hearty thanks .

      And it it bas cot accomplished all we could wish , it bos been the means of sending the Chartists' musterroll within the walls of St . Stephen ' s , and proved to demonstration that Chartism is on the increase , in spite of tbe unparalleled persecution by the Government , and threat and intimidation of masters , a > . d such as think it their interest to keep the industrious millions in a state of political bondage . Sir , I sincerely hope that the Chartists will split their voted with th ^> Tories , and where there ia no Chartist candidate , they "will vote for them solely ; not that I think there is a pin to choose between them ; but to convince the Whig Government that the prayer © f two millions of men , who are the sinows of the country , is not to be treated with contempt , on so slight a matter as the releaseruent of a few political prisoners , who hare been so severely treated . I shall rejoice if you can get them out of office ; all they think of is place , pension , and patronage ; tbe starving poor are only

      mentioned to Berve party purpose . Sir , when the election squabble is over . I Lope you will endeavour to get us removed from here . You can scarcely conceive the pain that my legs are to me with being so much confined , and the quantity of medicine I ana obliged to take to keep the swelling down ; but yourself ba » experienced something of close confinement and will , I have no doubt , feel for othtrs . Kemernber , my friend , that I have two years and nine- months yet to serve , being nine months longer than the worst felon in the jail . Poor old Booker kept with us till ho could hardly crawl , and the surgeon ordered him to be in the yard instead of being at work , and gave him extra diet ; but I am sorry to inform you that after all , he could stand no longer and has gone to take up Duffy's quarters . No wonder on tbe inactivity of the muscles that we are obliged to put up with , is sufficient to break the strongest constitution , if subjected to it for any length of time .

      I shall be glad to hear of you bringing the matter before the public . My wife will be in Sheffield at the latter end of this month , and will be sending me a parcel , it you hare got * tew Temperance tracts I should i be obliged to you if you would let her have them to send to me . If you favour me with an answer , you must send it to Braropton , to be there on or before the first Sunday in July , to be put in their letter—I cannot receive it any other way . I have not room to say more , so I conclude with my best wishes for your health , that you may be able to advocate the glorious cause of the unenfranchised millions ; my prayer is , that the Chartists will be true to themselves , that unity will prevail amongst them , and denounce any man who brings forward any half measures—the Charter , the whole Charter is the only thing ! that can bring any lasting benefit to the working classes . Yours truly ,

      S HOLBERY . PS . —Let me know If you have beard any thing Of Mr . Peddie—he is an honest man , and when you write to him , give my respects .

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      THE PETITION CARRIERS . London , Juno 28 . The address of the eighteen stone masons , who carried the petition to the House of Commons bas already had its effect ; an Association of their fellow workmen , tbe operative stone masons , was formed on tbe ISth ; they met again on the 26 th , when upwards of fifty enrolled themselves as members . An excellent spirit was manifested , and they seem determined to go forward ia tbe pood cause ; there is' a growing conviction that nothing bat a government based upon the wishes of tbe whole people , as set forth in the Charter , can give real protection to labour , prosperity to the nation , and happiness to the people , and they sincerely trust that the various trades throughout the country will immediately form associations of their respective bodies , and assist them In working out th % ix political regeneration . DISGBACBFUL CONDUCT OP THE CONDUCTORS OF

      THE WEEKLY DISPATCH . A deputation from the eighteen stone masons attended at the Weekly Dispatch Office on June 18 , for tie

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      purpose of obtaining the insertion of their address to the various trades fa its columns , when they were informed that its insertion wcmld cost six guineas , when , after some further conversation , they replied , that that charge was tantamount to a denial , nad immediately left the office . The report of the deputation was laid before the Association , at its formation on the lath , when it was agreed that a deputation should be sent from the body to the Editor , when they accordingly waited upon him on the 22 nrt , when he pledged himself that their address would be inserted in that week ' s Dispatch , at the sama time expressing his regret that it had no %

      been inserted the week previous ; he also informed them that it would bare to go before a committee , which he had no doubt would be quite willing and ready to insert it We , however , found , to our utter astonishment , that not one single word of it appeared in that paper ; whether it was the fault of the Editor , or the committee , we are at a loss to know ; but this we know , that the Weekly Dispatch is no real friend of tha people , and cares as much about the extension of the franchise in England as O'Connell does about Repeal in Ireland . In short , the Dispatch , although a would-be Republican journal , is always finding fault with those wbo take the lead , at the same time taking good care to keep in the back ground itself . .

      The subject was brought before the Association on Saturday last , when it was unanimously resolved : — " That the unprincipled behaviour of the conductors of that paper should be made known to their fellow workmen throughout the country , and the trades generally , through the medium of tie Northern Star . ' *' . Several members , who bad hitherto been subscribers to the Dispatch , expressed their determination to discontinue it and take the Northern Star . Armstrong Walton . P . S . I was instructed to write to tbe Editor of the Slar and request tbe insertion of the above in its columns , with a short comment upon it , if time sod space would admit . A . W .

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      in a free and uncorrnpted expression of his opinion , and with reference to bribery , be considered that th man who gave & bribe , and he who received it , »«„ villains in grain!—( loud applause );—he who took , bribe sold his country , like Judas who sold his nwst « for thirty pieces of silver . ( Load and renewed cheett ) Mr . Brooker then gave a description of the priori ! pies he would advocate , if returned to Parliameat a > , member for Brighton . The first tiling he would ^ m o * strenuously advocate was , tbe People ' s Charter , xin next was the Liberty of the Press . ( Loud applausgT In . fact , he would go as an independent man ; he woqm stand aa do partisan , but as an Englishman , # . Brooker most feelinglyand patriotically inveighed agaW the brutal Peor Law . Mr . B . bad seen the werkiWS the horrid menstcr , sad well knows its crnel effects . After a long address , which lasted two hours and ts » half , Mr . Brooker sat down amidst ' tremendous au long-continued cheering .

      It was then proposed by Mr . Woodward , ttA seconded by Mr . Allkk , "That this meeting pledges itself to use every cog stitutional means to return Mr . Charles Brooker to tiu House of Commons . " ^ The resolution was put and carried with roa&dt tf pplaase . Mr . John G « od proposed , and Mr . WooDw seconded , " That the thanks of this meeting be given to Mi Flowers , for bis impartial and manly conduct in ti » chair . " Like the other resolution , it was carried by loy cheering .

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      WORCESTER ELECTION . DISGRACEFUL , COWABDLT , AND BLOODTHIRSTY CONDUCT OF HER MAGISTT ' S ATTOEHSt . 0 ESERA . L AND HIS WHIG COMMITTEE . In compliance with the pressing invitation of tba Chartists of Worcester , Mr . George White , of Binning , ham , attended that town on Wednesday evening , 3 addressed a large meeting near the Greyhound la * New-street , in which he showed up tbe united villia of Whigs and Tories ; and especially showed up tt » barefaced presumption of tbe Whigs , in their press * endeavour to persuade the people of their good Jj . fcntioBS . He was very much interrupted by a knot tf WhlgUngs who were present , and who brought t tend of musicians , for the purpose of drowning hi , voice . He was , nevertheless , heard , and loudly cheer&l by the assembly .

      On the following day , he addressed a . meeting at tin Weighing Machine , where an official endeavoured t » intimidate him by ordering him off , and taking hit name down , but got laughed at for his pains . Tin people beard him attentively , and the women cheery loudly at the conclusion . On tbe following dij ( Friday , ; Mr , White repaired to the same place , fj the purpose of addressing the people , and was is formed that Wilde , her Majesty's Solicitor GenenL was canvassing in an adjoining street He immediately proceeded to meet him , and found him , with three « four of his committee coming out of the Lord Nelson public-house . The following conversation then too place : — Mr . White— " Mr . Wilde , I want to hare a few worti with you , " Mr . Wilde , ( taking his hat off and making a vct low bow , )—What do you please to want ?

      Mr . White—I want to know from you , as one of her Majesty's Ministers , why yonr tyrannies ! Govern nient persists in detaining the Chartist prisoners is custody , after the late division in the House of Con . tnonsf Mr . Wii . de—Her Majesty ought to be allowed fe use her prerogative . Mr . White- ^ You know very well that her Majesty * prerogative is a complete farce ; that tbe Home Seog . tary could issue an order for their liberation if be thought proper , and that even a hint from you would procure their release . ' Mr . Wildb—Well , supposing that to be the case , I do not think it would be prudent to release then , except it could be shown that there are indivjdmli amongst them , who had not endeavoured to incite tin people to acts of violence

      Mr . White—You are well aware that the men h » T » not done any such thing .. Your abominable Govern , raent is one of the most cruel and tyrannical that erer existed in any country . You have murdered on « ma and been compelled to discharge several others , who were in a dying state . You have treated political prisoners in such a cruel and inhuman manner as mi never before practised , or ever beard of . Mr . Wilde—I deny it ; I deny that any of thea have been treated with undue severity ; no man an prove it . Mr . White—I can prove 'It ; for I am one of the men that bas been tortured , and all but murdered , " ia one of your accursed hell holes . Mr . Wilde—You are one of them , are you ? Wba were you tried ? It seems they have not murdtnd you , at any rate .

      Mr . White—No , thanks to you for that ; j « tried your best to do it . I am one of the men tbat mi tried at York at the Bame assizes with Feargu O'Connor , and I have come here for the purpose of settling accounts with you . I will show to the people of Worcester that you are one of the greatest scoundreli in tbe country , and that your Government is one of tht most tyrannical and blood-thirsty that ever existed fa this or any other country . I am determined to meet you on the hustings on the very first opportunity .

      Immediately after this , a deputation , consisting of ihe Chartist Association , and a member of the Council , waited on the Solicitor-Genera ' , and asked him whetter he would arrange it so as to procure a place for Mr . White on the hustings , at the time that be addreawi the people tbat evening , and also whether he mi prepared to answer any questions that might be pat to him by Mr . White . After some consideration , Mr . Wilde reluctantly consented to procure a place for Mr . White on the hustings that evening , in the Cora Market

      At seven o ' clock , the time appointed , Mr . White , «• companied by a few friends , proceeded to the Con Market , where hustings had been erected by lit . Wilde ' s friends . He was proceeding to mount ths platform , when he was informed that four policemen , who stood near tbe steps , had orders not to allow him on the hustings . Mr . White then proceeeed to policeman No . 9 , and asked him if he had received such orders , and was Informed that they had been placed there for the purpose of hindering White of Birmiitfham from getting on the hustings .

      Mr . White then proceeded to Wilde ' s committeeroom , where there were about thirty gentlemen assembled , and asked them whether Mr . Wilde was prepared to keep his promise ? The committea , on hearing liii name , ordered him out of the room . In about tea minutes after , Mr . Wilde took bis statioa on the huiW ings , and was asked by Mr . White , whether he meat ta fulfil bis promise . Mr . Wilde told him that he promised him nothing . Tlie deputation stood forwari , and told him that be bad pledged himself to them ta proenre Mr . White a place on tbe hustings , and alsoto answer his questions . "I admit tbat , " replied toil specimen of Wbiggery , " but then the committee wont allow it . " Mr . White denounced him as a liar and * coward , and was immediately surrounded by the foul who received

      policemen , orders to watch bimdarinf the whole proceedings . He then went to the front of the hustings , and was followed by the police , wto stood by him the whole time that Wilde was speaking . As soon as Mr . Wilde bad concluded be left the hustings as sudden as his powers of locomotion would admit of , although Mr . White shouted to him to remain , and answer his questions . Mr . White then attempted to climb the hustings for the purpose of addressing tbs meeting , but was dragged off by tbe police , wio commenced shouting , "Clear the road ; " and soon raised a crowd of drunken vagabonds , who had bo doubt received their instructions from Wild ' s committee ; they rushed at Mr White like so many tigea but committed no violence at the time . One of tbe Chartists , seeing tbe danger that existed , demanded that tbe police should preserve tbe peace , when three of them immediately walked off laughing . Tbe hired drunken Whig tools then commenced a rush , td

      knocked down several men that stood between them and Mr . White , and set np the most discordant jelling and hoetlng , sonae of them shoutiHg ¦•• Damn hion W him . " In this predicament Mr . White endeavoured to walk off , and was followed by at least 300 drunken fellows , who were encouraged by some respectables . Several of Mr . White ' s friends were struck and knocked down while endeavouring to protect him . He then thought to get up a meeting on the Pitch Croft , and was proceeding thither , thinking tbat the drunken gang would remain behind ; bai it proved otherwise , » tliey augmented in numbers , and commenced an attack ttn Mr . White and his friends , who , being but few , were unable to resist them . In this extremity , Mr . Wliltef who wns the only party on whom Whig vengeanee was to be wracked , had to get Into a house for protection , and ultimately escaped by climbing a wall . Sacn ia » specimen of Whig love of free discussion . Tbe public will now see what Wbiggery means , and fonn « proper estimate of their cowardice and brutality .

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      Scotland . —The election movements are going bravely on in Scotland ; all ia life and vigour in the € liartist ranks . Candidates are already in the field for the following boroughs , namely—Edinburgh , Glasgow , Dundee , Perth , Aberdeen , St Andrew's , Greencc * . Ayr , Kilmarnock , Stirling ; and we bavejnst receind word that our brethren in Dumfries and Sanquiar tn about to start one . Counties : —Lanark , Kinross , Clackmannan , Fife , and Stirling ; and we are doing all we can to bring one out for this county ( Edinburgh ) > oppose the horse-racing Tory , Ramsay . Gibson Cnig

      retires from the county , but it is said will stand for the city . Lowrey stands for Edinburgh , along with ( it i » expected ) Dr . Giorer : " . "be would addteu the people Of Lasawade on Tuesday , and Dalkeitfi on Wednesday . The Whigs will lose two conntie * thU election , and that to a dead certainty , namely ,. Stirling and Edjfl * burgh . Mr . Forbes ( Tory ) wilL be elected for Stirling county . He is opposed by Sir 3 L Brace ( Whig ) . ?<* Edinburgh ctnnty there is aa- yet no opposition . & > Ramsay ( Toryj ; indeed , Ifc ia- confidently said tfta Whigs will attempt none , there not being thelen * chance of success . —Corresjr ^ gtdtnL

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      ^ »——~~ ; AN ADDHE 33 TO THE MEN . OF ASHTONUNDER-LYNE . ; Me * op Ashto 5 , —It is a doctrine sanctioned by j ike wisdom of ages , that the preservation of life , ; liberty , and property , in peace and safety , is correla- tive of allegiance , and any government that attempts ; to destroy , enslave , or designedly to impoverish tbe j mbjects , by unconstitutional , anjost , and tyrannical j acts , forfeiis all claim to tbe allegiance of its people , j In doing so , Government puts itself in a state of war I against the very people ii is bound to protect , and , ' consequently absolves them from all obedience . You j know that this-Government has impoverished and ; enslaved us , that it has robbed us of the fruits of our \ labonr , in order that placem&n and pensioners , tax- : gathering locusts , and " tithe eaters , may livein licen- tious splendour and extravagance . Knowing this , we . are surprised yon do nut come forward , and unite with with us , and the rest of our fellow countrymen . ; to gain i for ourselves and posterity , the imperishable Charter , i We must know ourselves before we . can gain our . salvation , a people knowing its own strength has J ¦ Bothinc to fear but itselt "

      Men of Ashton , —We now call trpon you to enroll ' yourselves as members in the association , which is held In the Co-operative Stcre Bt > om , Catherine-street Iiet no individnal say he is too poor to support the association . Few people can be so poor as not to afford one penny per week towards purchasing their freedom . The cause of right against might never had a more prosperous appearance than at the present ; and « penny a week i » a trifle a week indeed if "by it you ess secure peace aad comfort to your families , and happiness to the nation at large . Men of Ashton , —We must be organised . Organisation , when efficient , links men in the bonds of a common sympatliy , engenders a mutual confidence , which , divided , you would net feel , and bring to bear , against our tyrants , a power whicii intbeir hands is so fatally wielded for oppressing and debasing us ; attended , however , with this difference , th&t like all powers to ba used for goo-i oi evil , in our hands it ¦ will be a bussing , in theirs an engine of slavery . Never forget that organisation is a means to an end . Hoping you will come forward and redeem yourselves from slavery . We subscribe ourselves , Yours in the cause of liberty , THE COT 5 CIL OF THE ASHT 0 . N CHAKTISTS . Gzosge Roberts , Sub-secretary .

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      TO THE POLITICAL SLAVE CLASS A >* D EL"ECIORS OF CLACKMANNAN AND KINBOSS-SHIRES . Tbe sheriff of these counties haviag fixed tie 6 th of July for the nomination at Dollar , for a representative to serve in Parliament—important duties devolve upon the electoral and non-electoral bodies . To the electors of these counties my remarks will be brief . You have now two candidates before you , one belongs to the aristocracy , and the other to the working classes . As the electoral rights are placed in the hands of the tp' ^^ 1 *> class , yon wil -have opportunity on tbM day to ihow which , of thass has your sympathy , confidence , and rapport . Your decision win decide your character , either for a love of country , independence and patriotism , or carelessness to your country's beat welfare , and and a mean sabseviesey to an aristocratic class wbo have ever grasped at political power far tbe double purpose of feeding their own arrogance and sensuality , and degrading , debasing , and demoralising tha great body of the people . In giving your support to the working man upon that day , yon will prove to your country that you have burst the trammels of prejudice and class distinction—that your love of ceuntry and its best interests reign paramount in your minds—that tbe happiness , - comfort and security of the people ought ever to be the great business oi Government , and by bestowing your suffrage upoa a waking man , you will proclaim yonr convictions that flU ^ fehte of labo ur will never be represen ted in the House of Commons , until working men are sent there tMXponnd and maintain them . A ftW Words U the slants—I fe « l real sorrow in fi ^ Hw ^ fn ; you by such an epithet . I am myself a political slave . 1 have searched into tbeconstitutionof Mteze ttd can find no sufficient reiion why I am so .

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      MORE LIBERALISM . SUPPRESSION OF PUBLIC OPINION IN CARLISLE . The Borough Magistrates have deemed it expedient to issue the following Proclamation : — " B 0 B . 0 UGH OP Carlisle . —in corseqnence of var ious acts of violence and octrage , both npon persons and property , having taknn place yesterday evening , 24 tb June , by as assemblage of persons in tbe Marketplace : Notice is therefore hereby given , that no persons will be allowed to assemble together in tbe Marketplace or streets of the Borough . And all persons persisting in so assembling and obstructing the free passage of the Market-place ~ nd public streets will be apprehended by the Police . " And it is particularly recommended to p . U personB to prevent their children and apprentices from being out at a late hour in the even ice .

      " Dated this 25 th day of June , 1841 . —Bf order of the Mayor and Magistrates of the Borough , " Joseph Atki . nso : * , Clerk . " Lst ns now see what grounds tbe Magistrates have had thus to put down pnblic opinion , more especially at the time of an election . On Wednesday and Thursday evenings , June 23 rd and 24 th , tws public meetings were held at the Market Cross , when the people were addressed by Mr . Joseph Hanson , a working man , who took occasion to strongly animadvert on the conduct of the late two representatives for Carlisle , Mr . Marshall and Mr . Howard . The meetings were numerous and peaceable , and dispersed without tbe slightest symptom of a breach of the peace having been manifested , a considerable time , however , ( from thirty to forty minutes ) after the meeting was over , a number of

      bo \ s assembled in front of the Town Hall and commenced kicking about an old tin , and slouching one another ; this was continued for some time , when several persons who came amongst them met with the same treatment as tbe boys were iiifiicting on each other ; finally , some more wicked and mischievous than the rest commenced throwing stones and breaking several pane * of glass in tie Town HaH windows , and some others . One thing is clt * r , that these boys , for thsre were no grown-up persons among thorn , were encouraged and excited to commit tfeis breach of the peace by some designing knave or knaves , belonging to either the Whig or Tory faction s m they committed t&e outrage through wanton mischief . We are inclined to believe the former , aad that it has been dose to give a plea te the Magistrates lor putting dowa all public meetings .

      On Friday morning , Messrs . Arthur , Hanson , and Bowman proceeded to the Town Hall , understanding t < . 2 . t their names had been given in to tbe magistrates , by tiie police , as- the persons who took part in the public meetings , and who were the cause of tbe mischief , and that warrants were about to be issued against then ; after waiting for a considerable time , they were sent for by the magistrates—who were closeted together , along with Mr . Nanson , the Town Clerk , and Mr . Atkinson , Clerk to the Magistratessome conversation then took place as to tbe proceedings on tbe previous night ; when the Mayor stated that be considered it his duty , from what bad taken place , to put down all public meetings in the borough ! It was urged by Messrs . Arthur , Hanson , and Bowman , that their meetings were perfectly peaeeable , and that they had retired for upwards of half an hour before the outrage bad taken place , and that they were not to be held responsible for what might take place after the meeting had broke up .

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      PUBLIC MEETING IN BRIGHTON TO RECEIVE CHARLES BROOKER . Seldom has it fallen to our lot to witness such a meeting as was held yesterday evening week , at the Globe inn , Edward-street , Brighton , for the purpose of adopting such resolutions as should secure tbe return of Mr . Brooker to the House of Commons . Tbe room in which tbe meeting was held was not large enough to contain half the number who applied for admission . The entrance to the room and the stairs were completely blocked np , and whenever a cbeer was given in the room it was heartily responded to by those at the entrance , and from them to those on tbe stairs , and from thence into the street , when the very heavens echoed withcheersfor " Brooker and the Charter . "

      To commence business , it was resolved unanimously that tUe veteran , Mr . William Flowers , do take the chair . After tbe applause had subsided , Tbe Chairman related to the meeting the kind exertions of Mr . Brooker on the part of the working man . Mr . Brooker was ready to serve them in another way ; be came forward to seek the suffrages of tbe independent electors of Brighton . Mr . Brooker was their Char- , tist candidate , and it was for them to use every endeavour to secure his return to the people ' s House . They knew that , as at present constituted , that which was nicknamed tbe House of Commons , was not so ; it was & House of robbers , swindlers , money-mongers , Jew jobbers , lawyers , and such like craft , not a real House of tbe people's representatives , but if the electors chooaed they might uiakethat in reality , which was now

      but a name and a bye-word—the House of Commons . The Aimigbty God , the giver of all good , sends every thing that man can desire ; and yet , in a laad of plenty —in a land of profusion , did they not see starvation and misery every day , at every turn they made ? And why was all this ? what caused it ? and . who Was to blame ? The cause was class legislation ; the blame laid in the supineness of the people , whereby their oppressors had gradually forged tbe chains which bound them . Let us endeavour ( said the venerable speaker ) to remove the evils' under which we labour ; let us shake off the shackles that bind us and shew that we are not , as our opponents say , too ignorant to wield the suffrage for the universal happiness cf mankind . The Chairman concluded amidst tremendous cheers , by introducing to tbe meeting Charles Brooker , Esq . as their Radical candidate .

      Mr . Brooker rose and was greeted with rounds of applause . He commenced by saying—Worthy and independent electors of Brighton , and worthy and independent non-electors of Brighton , Englishmen , lovers of your country , this is indeed a gratifying sight to me ; it pleases me much , and urges me forward for the great work of redeeming my native country . I thank you for your kind reception , and as we are here associated this evening to carry out the most glorious privilege tbat is enjoyed by Englishmen , tti « choice of their representatives , I will trace my way back to tbe time of our Saxon forefathers , and endeavour to shew to you the Constitution of Great Britain . Ib the year 47 * tbe Sixons came into this country in seven tribes , and formed themselves Into an heptarchy , or small

      kingdoms . They bad certain rules , by which they were directed : those rules were liberal . ( Hear . ; This was the mode of governing the kingdom . They formed tithings , and from the formation of tithings , came that of parish constable—they bad a view of every thing transacted in their district—there was again the shire-mote , or meeting of wise men in the shire ; they bad tbe conducting the whole business of the shire , the summouiug the militia for the protection of the country ; every shire kept its own militia ; lands were provided for the military , so that they might not be a burden to the shire . One kingdom was formed of seven or eight shires . Thus -noa tbe business of tbe nation conducted previous to the reign of tbe immortal Alfred : every thing was content and

      peace . Alfred having ascended the throne , formed the whole kingdoms into one , and never was & monarch ao beloved by his people ; he was the noblest monarch that ever sat upon the British throne . He divided the day as follows : —eight hours foraleep , eightfor conducting the business of the nation , aiui eight he spent in meditation and prayer . Alfred bad two councils which met twice & year , and ' oftener if need be ; he formed the Witenageinote , whereby the people chose tlieir representatives , but alas ! th » Norman came , and from then may be dated the loss of their liberties . The conduct of the Norman brigand and bis followers was such , tbat after 130 years of oppression ' and misrule , tbe Barons wrung from King John the Charter , called Macna-Charta ! proving that there was

      a limit to despotism , and patience will burst into fury . He might be told it was antiquated , if so , the people were free and happy . A moral government certainly was intended by Magna Charta t ( At tbis stage of the proceedings a drunken tool of the Whig party endeavoured to create a disturbance by interrupting the speaker , but it being hinted to him that unless he preserved a little order , the chairman would insist of his being put out of the room , he was quieted * aud afterwards shrunk like a thief from tbe meeting . ) Mr . Brooker pro * ceeded;—he was very sorry tbat there were parties there wishing for a disturbaece , but be could assure them that be would meet them er any of their friends in open discussion , and be feared not the result , for

      truth and justice would prevail . The constitution ef this country was based on Universal Suffrage and Annual Parliaments , for where Annual Parliaments end , slavery begins—( loud applause )—don't you be satisfied with a three or a seven year ' s Parliament , but insist on a one year ' s Parliament , for short reckonings make long friends . In hia opinion all th < 3 miseries of tbis country have come from seven years'Parliaments , and were tbe author of an essay he bad in bis possession living , he who says " where annual Parliaments end slavery begins ; " and contemplating the property qualification as to Members of Parliament , connected with a seven years act for the duration thereof , I am persuaded be would denominate , and emphatically so , the present aa a

      " Pensioned Parliament , " and probably would aver , that as to Ssptennial Parliaments , tbe people have lost the distinguishing character between freemen and slaves ! They bave lost what tbe most tyrannical Kings of England could never force from them ! They bave lust all what their forefathers bave been spending their blood and treasure to defend for these thousand years ! Theyhave lost the greatest jewel that ever any people possessed ! They bave lost tbeir constitutional liberty ; tbeir birthright and inheritance derived from God and nature 1 They have lost tbeir constitutional means of redress for all tbeir grievances ! Tiiey bave lost their all , their everything , by that septennial law . which lias fettered down the elective power of the people like a dog to a manger ,

      which is only suffered to go abroad once in seven years for an airing ! ( Tremendous cheers . ) In his opinion , a seven years' Parliament is the greatest injury tbat could be to a nation ; and as to Payment of Members , be was convinced they ought to be paid as well as any mechanic or tradesman if elected by Universal Suffrage . Tbe Charter apntfiesth&fc members shall be paia . aud be c » uld see no objection whatever to it . With regard to tbe qualification , it was a usurpation to say that a man if he happen to be poor , be be ever so talented , ever so clever , or ever so worthy a seat in the Senate , because be is poor , bis services are useless , and he shall , though elected by ninetenths of the people , be excluded from the Senate House : it gives power to the rich to muke laws for the government of the poor . It is unjust and crue ' . And now to tbe grand point of their

      Charter—Universal Suffrage . Every man of twenty-one years of age , of sound mind , and untainted by crime , is completely qualified for the suffrage , —( tremendous applause );—and he who says differently or denies this right , is an enemy to bis country ' s weal , and a libeller of bis countrymen ' s character . Let them stand firm to tbeir demand for Universal Suffrage , and it must ultimately be granted . With reference to the electoral districts , be would be short . Ha considered three hundred quite enough for the present constituted House , for six hundred got in each other ' s way . The Ballot—As an Englishman , be must say , that , although in his individual opinion be did not exactly agree with the Ballot , still , wfc « n be saw intoxication , gluttony , and every description of corruption , raging in every borough in EngMad ,. it compelled him to advocate the vote by ballet to protect the honest man

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      6 frHB NORTHERN STAR .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), July 3, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1116/page/6/