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fHE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. 1841.
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SAtPORD.—On Sunday last, we held our weekly
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2To BcaHcrjS anU Corr£0$otftent£
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
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TO THE WORKING CLASSES OF ENGLAND j AND SCOTLAND , AND MORE PARTICTJ- j LARLY TO MY OLD FRIENDS IN MAN- J CHESTER , LEEDS , SHEFFIELD , KEIGHLEY , j BOSTON , AND THE OTHER PRINCIPAL ¦ ^^^ f ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ _ _ — — -f — — _ ™— — — — — — - — — — — — — »
^ TOWNS OF LANCASHIRE AND YORK- ; SHIRE . . Mt . dear Friends , —In consequence of renewed j invitations to attend the forthcoming demonstrations , j and of some dissatisfaction baying been expressed by j « erUin parties , at the resolve already published by me \ throojb the Star , I find myself obliged once more to { show cause why I cannot , if I would , and "srhj I would j jiot , il 1 ccrfd , take part in tiie demonstrations . . The j resort I shall then leave , my friends , to yoor candour , j aad your generosity . I
In Use first place , my health i * extremely bad . My j itos&aeb . has discharged nearly everything I ate during the last ten d&ya . I sin Tery , Tery Treat ; indeed so j ¦ weak , that I am sore I could not make myself heard ' fifteen yards from a hnsttags in the open air , though ' I spoke at ths top of my voice . In fact , I am , at present , a fitter subject for & top-room in some country hospital , having a good look out into the green fields , than for anything else . i New , I leave yon to judge , my friends , -whether such a man be fit to uadergo the fatiguing noise , bustle , and excitement of a series of demonstrations all over the ] country ? Ycrtr candour , to say nothing of your humanity , will , I am snre , say , he is not jit
In the second place , my private circumstances are such as ta presiude the possibility of my attending the projected demonstrations unless I travelled and lived at the public expense . To that I could not be a consenting party . I shall never consent to travel and live at the public expeo . es , unless I can make some better return than ths mere presence of a sick , useless mam at a demonstration . All the good that can be done , through the demonstrutions ^ can be so effectually done without roe . as with me , by Mr . O'Connor , who will travel at his oTn expense . My presence at them could therefore serve no other purpose than the gratification of my oto personal vanity , and for that worse than idle parpoae , every city and town I entered Bhoulii have to pay a tax or subsidy . Now , I ask you , my friends , whether it would be right or Beemly in me , to have the people taxed in thi 3 way on my account ? I leave this question as I did the other , to your own good sense and candour .
The only expense I can conscientiously consent to have the public incur on my account is the expence of out pzsxy for each person who may desire to hear lectures or addresses delivered by me within your walls . To that I cm consent , for the one penny is absolutely necessary to cover both my own expences , and thosa for rent , lighting , placards , &c—wiihont the payment of which we can have no hall or place to meet in ; and also , because I think I can give a poor man the "Kvrtti of his penny in the shape of solid information , while , at the same time , if the poor ™* n thinks differently , he need not come at all , and so escape his share of the expence . This I take to be a just and reasonable view of the matter . I have still strength enough to address small meetings within your walls . I could do some real good at such meetings , but none at all at demonstrations . And the only sacrifice to be incurred by any body is but & . ?< penny , and not even that , unless at his own option .
If I permitted demonstrations to be held on my account , I sheuid cause the loss of a day's wages to every man ( not already out of wcrk » besides the riik of losing his employment altogether , not to speak of the expense of bands , flags , banners , it—which in toae of our former demonstrations cc ; st upwards of or . e hundred guineas , and fer part of which expense several towns are still in debt . Now , the on © -penny covers all expenses , ieaves nobody in debt , is paid only by those ? ho can aSbrd and choose to pay it , —and , above all , brings nobody into trouble , from Joss of wages and employm&t .
Need I say , Brother Chartists , that , if I could afford no man shonll pay even a penny to hear me ? Xow , I say , that whenever I can get a hall or building for nothing , and the means of travelling at ray -o ~ b expense , no man or woman shall ever be charged one &rthing at any meeting convened to hear me . ' Need I Bay , in short , that my object in lecturing or delivering addresses to yc a is not to make money cf you , but to do all the good T possibly can in the only way that my enemies and persecutors have left it possible for me to do aay good at all ? If you have any , doubts on this bead , wait till we meet , and then you shall kcow all - '
Ss far I have only shown canEe why I cannot attend demonstrations , itl would . Let me now britEy exp ' ain why I would net if I could . Well , then , my friends , let me tell yon frankly and at once , that I cannot consent to parade the country in mock triumph , while my heart bleeds with the recollection of my own wrongs , yet unredres ^ d , —the wrongs cf hundreds ef my old political friends and associates , who havo been persecuted on ; of house tnd home since the commencement of the present movement , and many of whom are now wandering- exiles in Aft ^ ra ., Australia , and other distant lands . TLe ¦ wrongs of these good and true men , and the wrongs cf the millions of our fellow-slaves they have left behind are still imre&reised , and cry to hesvea V ji vengeance ,
in default cf justice from the oppressor . By all th 3 . t is sacred I can Lave no heart or stomach for triumphant processions , or costly orations , while these wrongs are imredressed ati unrevenged . I find no fault with others who can triumph under such drcuHistaneei I question nor thsir motives , or the propriety of their acts , but I daim for myself the * ame right of free agency , which 1 coneede to them aad to every other tinman being . And in right of that free agency , I exclaim in the language of my heart—no triumphs ! entry or public rejoicings for me , while the country is in her present tribulation and fetters , —miWens of sons and
daughters in rags and wretchedness , and myself a banirnpt in health and circumstances—through my hitherto fruitless feffjr . 3 to stem the torrent of tpprelibn or to raise a fallen people . No , no , let us first down both the oppressor and his system , and then for the orations and the rfjaicinga , but no rejoicings f « r me till I have first hai a victory to rejoice a- No idie pageants or c ; eek triumphs for me to day , while my oppressors hold the power of sending me back to my dungeon to-morrcw . No harvest ball foT me "while the crop is still cc ths ground exposed to raic and tcEmeii I am for first gathering in the harvest—and then for the harvest ball and nrcur .
After dying so much against demonstrations ; snerally , yon will -wrcidir , perhaps , that I &m about to make one Exception . Yet such is the cise . Bat I trus : the special reasons -h : ch induce that exception , wiil satisfy you c ; its propriety . The exception is > IarChester ; and the following are my reasons for attcadir-g the procession and derauutr-ation in that tows . 1 st . 1 wish to sho ~ . by the evidence of my attending one denionstratiLa zr . 6 ttit , do doubt , the largest o : them all ) that it is 3 d : i-: ziftar or any other unworthy motive , bat from pri :.: y ? and < xjz ~ c : erice cnly , that j decline demonstr ^ uoi-s intended partly for ' zlj cvrz honour and erstir estkn .
2 nd . Msncheft ^ r i = ' ... a tswn in which I dt'iTired the speeches sxd sid : c .--. s : ?? -preach 1 tare s-a . r-. a eighteen montLi" iaeariv ration anoazst . feioia on th& criminal iid-.- of a con ^ cri caol , and I hold ths : sentence to have keen i- ; L : rr . ncical and ucju-t . I wisL to thow the largest k-- - T _ . men that cis " ' broneh together in Manchester , c ¦ :: the 27 : h September , that I still hold fey fcv-iry scctezc- and letter of the speeches and addresses for ¦ whicb i ir ? e undergone the usias : sentence . I remain , my . < trj- Friends , In the bonds of Csanian and Brotherhood , Votirs , E-ffeetionateiT , Jji ' AZS 3 . O'liRlLS .
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TO THE MANUFACTURERS AND PUBLIC OP THE STAFFORDSHIRE POTIEKIES . GrsTrrMEN i . > B Fsiemjs —An unpleasant difference having arisen between Mr . Win . Divenport and that portion of his workmen Cil ' cd gilders ; the length of time which has elapsed sinco it 3 cosannacement , which is now cboat ten weeks : tl .. ' improbability of an immediate settlement , together * v . th the calumnies and misrepresentsti :-r . s wiitch are aaoat in s&clfctv respecting this differente , inluc ^ us , the operative painters ani gilders , to lay fce . ' jr * yoz a correct statement of the whele proceeding ; with a view of vindicating the conduct of the men , nnd of doing justice-to all parties concerned . To bring this unhappy difference to a speedy and amicable conclusion , has been the principle object of the operative painters and giideri E ~ ery concession { short of an entire abandonment of principle ; which reasan could suggest , or the : co = t rizid jesnee demand , has been conceded ; bet , we are s : rrr to say , without
• access . When it was intimated that ths prices of the patterns , which have been the cause of this unpleasant affair , should be amended ; but tLit Mr . ~ Xm , DivtnpoTt , from the state of trade , cc-uld not employ the whole of his old hands again , the pr-p ^ l was immediately agreed to , from the convic : vn that ; t was not for us to dictate the number cf hands that should be employed , but merely to expostuiate as to ihe price at "Which we should dispose of cur labour , a : ; 1 this , geatlemen and friends , is all that has been exercised from the commencement of this nnfortanats itrurgle . It was , then , with surprise thai we learned , after we had nominated ens fr * i ? cf the men to go is on the Emended prices , and had come to the resolution to support the other half , untii such time as they should have procured new situations , that Mr . Wm . Davenport ¦ would not be dictated to , but that those wh- j T-iahe i to be again employed by H ™ must come individuaJv , lad then their claims should b 5 considered .
Far be it from us to dictate to Mr . Wiu . Davenport , or any other manufacturer , the nuail / er of hands that : he , or any other gentleman , shall be compelled u > receive into his employ , or otherwise to meddle in the 'internal policy of his , or any other manufactory , so ' long aj that policy does not encroach on ihesck-jw- ; Judged rights of labour . - % . Tst also be it from us , when those rights are en- ' . " crosehed upon , to sit tamely dewn , and witness the j Tiol&tion of claims which the laws of &od and " of civil society oil upon us to defend . Labour is the commo- j &tfi M we may be aUowed the tens . ) by the sale of
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which the working millions earn those necessaries that supply the physical wants of their nature . The disposal of that labour is as free in their bands as the productions of it are in the hands of any manufacturer or merchant in the empire ; and if it should be Bought by any individual in depress the price of it
below a reasonable , or living standard , the owners are called upon , by every principle of moral and nataraJ right , to defend it to the uttermost of their power Bnt how much stronger is the call on the operative painters and gilders of the Potteries , when the extreme reduction in the price of la&onr , which has leeh attempted at ilr . Win . Davenport ' s manufactory , did not , we believe , originate in any desire of that gentleman himself ; bnt , on the contrary , in an underling , whose only motives for such base attempts must have been the aggrandisement of his own truckling self , and to whom the sacrificing of that class from whence be sprung , and to which he now belongs , forms but a small item in his code of moral subserviency .
Let it not be ( upposed that we make this statement out of any desire to propitiate the favour of Mr . Win . Davenport , or to call down an undue portion of public disapprobation on the head of one whose every action , as far as the regulating of the price of labour is concerned , is a libel on common justice and common humanity ; for , be it remembered , up to th 9 timo of the installation of this sycophant , the prices of Mr . Win . Davenporfs patterns were Euch that no reasonable man could complain of : the painters and gilders , therefore , feel called upon , in justice ta Mr . We Davenport , and
to the men late in his employ , respectfully to request that the former will condescend to examine for himself the original patterns against which his men have expostulated ; and if it should be found , on mature consideration , that the men bad not a just reason to complain ; tb . it they exaggerated , in the slightest degree , to their fellow-workmen , or have attached undue blame to any single individual under his employ , the painters and gilders will undertake to brand those men as the veriest slanderers that ever disgraced the face of humanity , or imposed on the credulity of a generous trade .
The operative painters and gilders take also the present opportunity to state that , in facilitating an amicable adjustment ef this unhappy affair , they are actuated by no motive or principle detrimental to the interests ol their employers . They look upon the potting business as being differently situated to most of the staple trades of this country . They believe that foreign competition—that bane to the the prosperity of the cotton and woellen districts^—exercises little or no influence on the prices of the manufactured goods ef this neighbourhood ; and that a jmiicious arrangement amongst the manufacturers for the purpose of regulating the prices ol their goods , would secure to themselves a reasonable return for the capital invested in their several establishments , and procure for those under their employ , " a fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s work , " which , gentlemen and friends , is all that they now require , and which , it is to be hoped , common sense , common humanity , and one common interest will hasten to supply .
Thus far , with a single exception , has our task been an easy one ; thus far would we be content to go if justice did not imp « ratively demand the exposure of villa ^—villany which , for the sake of sur class , we would otherwise bury in eternal oblivion . Tis a crime to take from the superfluous wealth of another ; 'tis a greater to take from those that have little to spare ; but how much greater is that crime which takes from those that have nora the very means of obtaining any . Working men of the Potteries , blush for your order —blush for those that have no shame , no principle , no
leeling—save for themselves—for such are to be found amongst you . Yes , when a few honest hearts , than wh « m , for integrity of purpose , or skill as workmen , few better can be found When these men had the independence to expostulate with their employer relative to the price of their labour , and had incurred their discharge from that expostulation , five creatures were to be feund bearing the semblance , but lacking all the enabling qualities of humanity , who were so far lost to every principle of moral right as to enter on the places of their more honourable fellow-irorkmen .
We denounce these men as unworthy the countenance of every good man , as renegades to their class , as void of every sentiment that should elevate a virtuous heart , and as fit objects for the detestation and abhorrence of every honest working man . In conclusion , we beg to state , that , at the commence ment of this unfortunate struggle , we pledged ourselves to support , as far as our limited means would permit , the individuals who have unwittingly been the cause of this unhappy dispute ; for , be it remembered , they were placed in their present position , not by an effort of their own free will or choice , but , on ths contrary , by force .
We . reiterate that pledge ; and call npon all who have the welfare of their trade at heart—who are alive to the least spark of sympathy for those who have suffered , and are still suffering , in its defence , to come forward with their mite , to the end that truth , justice , SD'J the general good , may triumph over falsehood , tyranny , and truckling self-aggrandisement . We remain , Gentlemen and Friends , Your obedient humble servants , The Operative Palmers j . xd Gilders . Committee Room , Sea Lion , Baaley , Sept 14 , 1 S 41 .
Fhe Northern Star Saturday, September 18. 1841.
fHE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 18 . 1841 .
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HORRIBLE DESTITUTION ATSTOCKPORT . SYMPATHY OF THE MIDDLE CLASSES . " \ Ye claim the attention of all our readers to the following letter from our Scockport correspondent , received lust , ¦ week , and shut out by an accida . t from our list number . We claim cspecialiy for this docum-. n :, the attention of sll ihoso who are wont to eulogise the '" good feeling cf the middle cl-== es , and recommend that the middle classes be conciliaUd , and a O"io ~ with them eff-.-cted . Before a word of Cuinment , let then first read the letter , from c ; -. c on vrbose veracity aLd impartial Jadgment wo place the turao 3 . reliance : —
'' This town is one scene of pc ~ crry , misery , distrait . and disconrmint . Hundred * are walkir _ , the streets , destitute ol fool , who rise in a momicg without krowing - « here they ihall get a meal betwixt then asu night . The hands b-r-knging to two vtiy large arm ? are turned -ut sad piquets are placed by the spinners to v . "itch the mills , to see if the masters procure " nobatieks" to takj the situations of those turned out at the reduced price . The workpeople have placarded the town , shewiug their critvsnees and expr > sing . in a masterly manner , the conduct of their masters . I nere are thousands who have pledge-. l aad sold every vestige of clothing to purchase food to iive upen , whilst others are se'iLn ? their furniture , and going to America . Starvation aad misery
was never more prevalent in the msaory of the eii-st inhabitant One large mill , which employed a thousand people , is st jpped altogether , and no signs of it itaiting again . The weavers of another mill turned out on Saturday ; j-jt such was the eagerness of these who Lai waited th 3 strtets so long to get wori , thai th-.-ir places were nY . ed up by Tuesday morning . > ever -was tyranny and injustice and braten-farrd villany , cruelty , hard-heartednrss , and brutality , more clarinyiy exemplified , than it has been by the Biiti&h cotton "lurds this week ; such is their sympathy tovnrd 3 th&ir unfortunate v-orkp * ople -who are lits :--ally stirring to death , that when they approach hem for the purpose of reasoning with
ibeinthey langh like a host of laughing hyenas . One of these kind-hearted wretches— -save the mark \—in tbe shape of a maa , but without any of his attributes except tie ferecious and savage portion , had the unblushing effrontery to tell one of his spinners , who has hands as hard a 3 my desk on which I write , that in order to make up for the reduction , he would find his wife and children work if ke would send them . Another Lad the impudence to tell cne cf his spiunera that the last tenant he had in one of his small houses had left £ 1 lo ' s . owing fcrrent , and the next person who engaged should pay that rent whether he had the house or not , besides being reduced as much r , s 12 s . from the original price Another master told one ef hi 3 spinners , who merely
wished to change wheels , that he should do bo on condition that ha would pay I os . U > i the rent unpaid ty the last Fpinner . These , and many others , are the tricks of the Com Law repealing cotton lords , who are the pillars of the various religious places of worship ; the sons of whom are keeping uiy quantity of women of loose virtue , hunting horses , and dogs who live tea degrees better than their WuTkpeople . Such are the bad circumstances of one master who was first in offering reduction , that he has hr-. l a span new carriage brought him this vreti , and a man ccme with it from London to show him how to get i- and out of it . Every body I meet in the street cries ihzvae of the masters , and declare that nutbinj is so likely to bring on a pestilence as hunger , wretchedness , and destitution . "
We ask , and we ask sincerely , bow long are these things o continne ! How long will it be ere the people "will make common cause together , and tell their inhuman blood-suckers that their tyranny and oppression shall proceed no farther . These are the men who pretend to commiserate the distresses
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of the poor , who raisejme cry of "cheap bread , " and who complain thafr the Cora Laws are reducing them to the verge of rain . Yet , though they cannot pay a moderately fair price to the labourer , they can keep their strumpets , dogs , and hunters , in unlimited proportion , and can sport their new carriages as if to mock the misery they had caused . We hope that Committees will be appointed to collect and receive subscriptions on behalf of the starving thousands wkich now throne the streets of
Stockport , and we trust that meetings will be held without delay in every town and village in furtherance of that object . Especially we implore the varioaB Chartist lecturers to devote their energies to it . Let the Chartist preachers lecture themselves . They have been pnt out of the pale of the church by the Scribes and Pharisees lately assembled at Manchester ; let them and their flocks prove their title to be considered Christians , by the exhibition of that Christian spirit which will feed the hungry , and clothe the naked . Let the words of the Saviour be on this occasion not only remembered , but acted upon , *• Ye have the poor always with you , " and "it is more blessed to give than to receive /'
Since the sbove was written , we havo received several other equally melancholy relations . We give one of them : — u Great privation , misery , destitution , hunger , and discontent exist in Stockport ; it is computed that five thousand are out of employment , and walking the streets , many of whom have sold both clothing and furniture to support nature , while others are selling off and emigrating to America and Australia . In consequence of the unfavourable circumstances into which two honest men have been plunged , through being out of employment , driven
to despair , and seeing no hope of recovery , so cheering prospect before them , we are sorry to say , from strict inquiries into each ca ^ e , that they have committed suicide , in order to relieve their distracted mind ? . A man about twenty-eight years of age , clean and decent , came to the door of the writer of this on Monday morning , and appeared much abashed . In a short time , he mustered courage , while the big tears ran copiously down his face , to Bay that was the first time , and the first door which he had approached , for the purpose of begging ; he was sorry to do so , but it was out of dire necessity .
He had a child in his arms , and another by his side , four more at home . There seemed to be an inward , honest pride , which spoke volumes to an observer ; Le appeared heart-broken , and his face flushed , as hia eye caught that of his donor . On being questioned , he said he was au overlooker for Mr . Bradshaw , at a place not 300 yards from where he then stood , and had tried all the places he could for employment , but without success . This is the condition of a hard-working factory slave . In a short time after , six young men , respectably dressed , had bundled up their linen , and were starting on a
journey of begging on their way to Birmingham . Shops are empty ; provision dealers and drapers are idle ; pawn-shops and furniture-brokers are crammed ; benefit-societies are suffering ; religious institutions can scarcely be kept up ; poor-housea are filled ; many factories are btopped ; thousands are in a state of starvation ; wages are lowering ; winter is approaching ; and the people are walking the streets with pale visages , sullen countenances , depressed spirits , and aching hearts . There are not two opinions as to the distress , though parties disagree as to the chance required . "
It is impossible to read these heart-rending details and not feel that" the beginning of the end" is come When beings , wearing the form of men , can thus openly mock the misery which their infernal system has created humanity becomes impatient of forbearance , and the arm of resolution is more firmly nerved . We cannot hear of such things and not , in oar very heart of hearts , applaud the manly bearing of a people which can bear such
sufferings—knowing too their source and origin—with dignified continuance in tha narrow pathway chalked for them by tha laws which they have had no power in creating ; by whose operation , as a whole , all these evils have come on them , and which , by their superior intelligence and virtue , they will yet convert into th © means of accomplishing their own enfranchisement from the foul thraldom in which labour is held down by its ungrateful bastard , capitaL
Yet this is the people whom the scoundrels affeot to fear investing with the Suffrage lett property should be unsafe ! " Pitiful drivellers ! Do you dare to trust your property within arms-length of those by whom it has been made , when hunger , nakedness , and death assail them , and do you affect to suppose that it will be less safe when they are in possession of that power to protect themselves which you now unjustly withhold from them V
There is not a man in the whole batch of plunderers who believes his ov . n hideous cant of the "levelling" aad " spoliating" disposition of tho working people . They all know that their present property would be much safer then than it is now ; but they know that the system of unrighteousness which gave it to them will be swept away ; and hence their horror of the Charter . Mouth , however , a 3 they may about it , there is no alternative but one . The middle classes , if not yet convinced , will soon be so—it needs but a few more
Stockports—that an obstinate adherence to tho present state of things will merely jeopardize their proparty without prolonging for one day the continuance of tho system . Tue alternative is surely before them ; a peaceful and undisturbed possession of what they now call theik property , with just rights for all , and a fair recognition of the labourer ' s share in future , or the dire shock of frenzied over-tramp 3 ed-patier . ee , which , while it : akcs no less certain vengeance on the system , wiil probably he much Jesi inclined ; o respect present and Tested " rights " .
This we have ever seen ; aad this wo havo ever feared . We have b 3 cn , and siill are , ths only true Conservatives—the only true friends to the iniddleehsse ? , in exhorting them to a cassation from their systematic efforts to plvck down ruin on their own iieads ; and in oar imploring of iho people , while they bear manfully jheir wrong ? , to fortify themslIvss continually with all moral means to bring about a change .
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We trust , then , that we shall Bee the noble example of the Metropolitan Trades speedily followed through the whole country ; that there will not soon be one trade society in the whole empire that does not lend its whole energies to this glorious objectthe attainment of a power by the whole people over the law whioh disposes of the produce of their labour . The Trades of London deserve , and should have , the heartfelt thanks of their brethren in the provinces through the whole country . This is what we havo long wished to see . The mighty phalanx of the Trades and of the Benevolent Societies once turned with united energy to any object—that object is obtained .
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We regret much that we cannot persuade our friends practically to observe the very clear and plain dircctio . ' . s which we have so often given and repeated about tho sending of matter for the Star . Tho extent of our circulation obliges us to go to press en Thursday afternoon ; and , therefore , our friends setni to think that if their communications reach us by Thursday morning it is quite soon enough . This is a great mistake . They should remember that every word of the paper has to be put together by single letters , and the whole space filled before we can go to press , and it is impossible to do this in one forenoon . Our men are busily employed in filling up the paper with matter ¦ which , from one source or other , we must supply during tbe whole
week , and it seldom happens that more than one or two columns , besides the necessary Bpace for editorial comment , rtuiain ta be filled on Thursday morning . This shews the importance and necessity of all matters of nuws , occurrences of the movement , repnr . s of meetings , &c , beiug sent to us at once , immediately they occur . Instead of which , it often happens , that oil Monday and Tuesday we havo iuatceiy any ktttid , and on Wednesday comparatively few tilt the night post arrives . The consequence is , that those letters which do arrive in the early part of the week are carefully attended to and given generally at length ; while wo are obliged to have recourse Jo the London papers , and various sources , for matter to fill the remaining portion
of sa many columns of tae paper aa must bo set up bofore Wednesday night . Wednesday night and Thursday morning's posts bring us a shoul of letters from all parts of the country ; these come upon us jusi in the hurry of writing aud attending to what are cilied t ' uj leading articles ; while in the early part of the week we have more time to attend to correspondence . The consequence is that one half of these letters are pasaud over entirely ; and the other half compressed into the smallest possible amount of space—and the next consequeuee is , that in the following weak we have letters of complaint from various parties about their communications being treated with neglect . Some whose letters or reports may have been omitted for
want of space , reter occasionally to the police reports—the column of " varieties , " or Bome other portion of the contents of Ui « 2 nd , 3 rd , 6 th , or 7 th pages of the paper , wLich are always set up first—and ask indignantly it' their communication was less important th < m such or such a thing which appeared in the aame paper from which it was excluded " for want of space "—others accuse us of partiality and unfairness in cutting down their reports to a mere annoucement , while those of other towns are given at greater length . Wo have had many most angry letters of this description , the cause for which Ins rested entirely with tho parties themselves . Now if our friends will but bear in mind that we are tilling up the paper every day ; that the same column cannot bo tilled twice over ; that we must give out
such matter as we have just when the men want it , or there would be no Star on Saturday , and that therefore we can't wait for the next post—we must go on ; if they would remember all this , aud send their communications promptly —in the early part of the we-I : —all would stand a fair and a good chance ; and if they would also remember that we have only one weekly paper for all England , Scotland , Ireland , and Wales , and that , therefore , no one place can bo allowed to monopolizo an unreasonable portion of the paper , we should have no complaints of inattention to any party—because wo know there would be no ground for them . Our anxious desire is to make the Star a truly national organ , Hjuaily representing all ; but we cannot d © this unless the country will aid us rightly in the sending of their matters of communication
The above remarks apply , of course , to news , facts , meetings of the people , Chartist intelligence , &c . Original papers , letters to tiie Editor , personal correspondence , poetry , & > ., ' ¦ must be here at the beginning of the week , or we shall not hold ourswves bound even to notice them . Todmorden . —The meeting referred to ices not reported in the Star , fur the simple reason , that no report was sent to us . We never knew of it until receiving our correspondent ' s letter . A \ ou . \ a Chartist . —His poem ; though " set to the best of his judgment , " will not do for publication , ' 1 he same remark applies to the '" Verses en receiving a portrait of Lord Byron . ' *
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G . L . Eccles . —His letter teas forwarded to Mr O'Connor . A . Radical professes himself anxious for the succet of Chartism . We advise him , therefore , to lay aside his crotchets ^ and advocate that sim ple " reform of the Constitution" contended for in the Charter . Several portions of his letter evince a good disposition , but a very slight acquaintance with the subjects on which he writes . We have received two tetters from Perth , one signed J . M . C , and another bearing the signg turet of several persons at Rtithven print works dent / ing the statement of the Manchester Charl tists , that Mr . R . J . Richardson ^ shed crocodile tears" at a late soiree in that city . It does not
appear from the letters whether the purpose of the writers be to deny the fact that Mr . Richardson did shed tears , or merely to deny that his tears were of the" crocodile character . The Watson and Watkins Discussion . —We ha ve received from Mr . H . D . Griffiths a letter in reply to Mr . Arthur Dyson , in which that gentleman is reminded , that the arrangements for the discussion had been made by Mr . Watson by whom , he says , Mr . Watkins was actually dragged into the discussion , and that by those arrangements Mr . Hetherington had no right to speak , - that having acceded to the defence offered for him by his friend aud counsel , Mr . Watson , it was not to be expected that the meeting would
hear both the counsel and the client . We have no desire to iee these discussions prolonged- ; tee think it impossible that any good to the cause can result from them . If there be in tlie 7 iew-mooe " men that wanton spirit of mischief which is attributed to them by some , this eternal stirring of the porridge pot is the very thing to gratify it ; if there be not , it is unfair and cruet to keep them constancy before the public in a false position Upon the principle of the " new move , " the country has long since speken out ; its requiem has been sounded , — why disturb its manes — why not let it slumber peacefully in the " tomb of all the Capulets ? " Satisfied that the exhibition of these fierce bickerings does us much harm , we cannot
consent to encourage them ; while we are , at the same time , determined that no opponent &halt have cause to complain of injustice . Hence , though ice published Mr . Dyson ' s letter , Mr . Griffiths must excuse us continuing the discussion . The pith of his present communication U contained above , in addition to which we may state , that he defends the general character of the meeting against the description given of it b y Mr . Dyson , and denounces the attempt of that gentleman and his brot / ter chairman to deprive the meeting , of its " competency , " by declaring it " dissolved . " Of these things the London Chartists , who are most immediately interesled , having been present at the meeting , will be able to form
their otcn judgment , and to decide on the amount of credence due'to Mr . Dyson ' s statements . J . Smith , Plymouth . — We answered his questions ¦ in our last . G . E . BoGGi 3 . — We gave the report jtist as tee received it from our regular correspondent , whose instructions from us are \ to send at all times faithful reports . We have no reason to think he he has not done so on this occasion . J . T ., Rochdalf . —Although the report with which he has furnished us might have been too late for last week , there was no necessity for his driving it till Thursday in this week before he sent it to us : we ought to have had it on Tuesday , when it all would have teen inserted .
" Stabs" to Cashel . —Mr . W . Russell , of Nottingham , is anxious to know if the people of Cashel have received a parcel of Stars / rom Mm . He does not say how the parcel was directed . "Stars" to Ireland may be forwarded to Jeremiah McDonnell , at James O ^ tlea and Sons , 4 , Cookstreet , Cork . A Constant Header , Northampton , wishes to know the address of the Secretary to the United Journeymen Hatter ' s Joint Slock Company , " at Denton or Hyde . J . Pbarcey . —Our circulation is higher now than last Christmas . In London alone it has increased nearly one-fifth . We know nothing of Dr . Taylor ' s whereabout .
Thos , Mackening , Market Weighton . —We have no recollection of ever having received the letters ¦ " to which he alludes . A Correspondent has sent us the following , and says thst it is an infallible remedy for that painful affliction , the cholic , under its most severe attack . The mixture is 3 drachms ofaiher , and 1 drachm of the tincture of opium . Twenty Jive drops for a woman ; and from thirty-Jive tojorty for a man—to be taken in coarse sugar . Howden Chartists . —Write to John Campbell , secretary to the Exaculive , 18 , Adderley-street , - Shaw ' s Brow , Saiford . Carlisle . —Their report was received at half-past three on Thursday : it will be given next week .
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P . B . should have given his name , and the name of the agent that supplies him . T . Simmonds , Truho . —Say who the agent was that sent the papers from London . A Working Man , Durham . —They were sent to Messrs , France and Co . some time ago , and if not delivered , it is not our fault . The Coumitxse for sending Stars to Ireland will oblige by sending a few weekly to Peter M £ rophy , Louglirea . An ( Jl-d Subscriber , Newport , shall have an answer . Wigion . —The Plates have been sent long ago . £ . s . d .
FOR THE DEMONSTRATION AT YORK . From Colsnaughton 0 5 0 l'OR THE EXECUTIVE , MAKC 1 IESTER . From Camberwell , per James Parker ... 0 S i FOR J . B . O ' BRIEN . From- a man with a hard hand and a sympathizing heart 0 10 .. G . Hail , of Wakefleld , per J . Watkins , London ... . < . 0 10 FOR PRESS FOR J . B . O ' BRIEN . From Mansfield , being collections after Mr . Dean Taylor's lecture 0 9 3 ro : t peter hoey . : From the Paddock Chartista 10 0
Satpord.—On Sunday Last, We Held Our Weekly
SAtPORD . —On Sunday last , we held our weekly
meeting ; our old friend , Mr . William Benbow being present , he addressed the meeting at great length , and gave great satisfaction . An error was made in your last number ; it was stated that our Monday night meetings would be held on Taursday ; it should have been Tuesday . SURREY . —At the Council meeting , on Sunday last , Mr . Wheeler delivered an interesting lecture upon the evils of the present system , and the benefits that would ensue if the People ' s Charter was to become the Ia , w of the land . The lecturer was received with hearty applause . A vote of thauks was passed , and the meeting adjourned till Sundajr next , , to meet at Mr . O'Brien's Academy , Hughes Fields , Do ^ tford . The chair to be taken at foiir o ' clock , when all the members of the Council residing in Surrey are requested to attend , a ? business of great importance will then bo laid before tha meeting .
ST . PAMCllAS . —The causa of the Charter progresses most gloriously in this locality . Tower Hamlets . —At the meeting on Sunday night , a eomiuiitee was appointed to conduct the O'Connor demonstration , tho sum of 7 s . 2 d . was subscribed for the purpose . The female 3 met on Monday night , when Is . 6 d . was drawn from tha funds lor the same purpose ; and a voluntary contribution , aisoandng to Is . Id ., was raised for tiie like
occasion . SCOTLAJCD—Crosshouse . —The principles of the Charter are rapidly spreading here ; a deputation from Kilmiirnuck has attended a public meeting , when an excellent address was delivered by Mr . Wo . C ' arrut-h . At tho close of the meeting twelve members were enrolled . Since this occasion , several meetings have taken place , great enthusiasm has been manifested , and numbers have joined the standard . MANCHESTER . —Agreeable to public announcement , a nieefciug was held in the Tib-streetroom , on Tuesday evening , convened to discuss tiie propriety of passing a vote of thauks to Mr .
Sharmau Grawfoid , M . P .. and the others who voted witn him ^ on l > -3 half of the people in the House of Commons . Mr . llia-ry , au Irish Chartist , was called to tho chair , and the following resolution was passed : — " That ib . H heartfelt thauks of this meeting are directed to Sharman Crawford , Esq ., M . P . fcr KocndB ' . e , and Thomas Dancombe , Esq ., and the g lorious thirty-nine , for the manly and straightforward conduct in teatiug the teslinga of the members of W « Commons' Housa of Parliament , on those all-inipor ' taut principles thai constitute the ground-work oi the People ' s Charier . " An address to Sliarman Crawford , Esq . was also adopted and the meeting broke up .
WERS'KYH TYCVIl . —At a meeting of the National Charter Association , it was unanimous !? resolved that a vote . of thauka be given to MJSharman Crawford for his amendment upon the address , ard also to those members who voted , witn himupo that occasion , and that the same be expressed t j Mr . Crawford , and published ia t ho Slar % and also the strong disapprobation with whica we have seen some of the would be-thought frieads ol the people refusing their support upon so importaat
an occasion . ECC 1 . ES . —Mr . Linney lectured at Eccles , on Monday evening last , and such was the impression made that seventeeu males and females joined at tbe conclusion , which , in the course of « ix -week * , will make loa members . They intend to provide a breaktost _ t « Messrs . O'Connor and O'Brien , on their entrance iow Manchester . Persons wishing to be supplied »»•*» tickets must apply at No . 0 , Whittle-street , on SuncW next .
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" The Chartists have proved themselves more acctrate calculi . tor . 5 than the midble classes . Whether their no-trum would have mended hatters is not now the question j etft tke result has shewn that they were corr . sct in their opinion — that in the present state op the representation , it was vain to think op a repeal of the corn monopolt . ?***¦»?* Political power in this co » ntrt , though it resides in a comparatively sju . ll class , can only ee kxxbcised by the sufferance of the masses . " — Miming Chronicle Cor gun of the Whig Ministers J , Friday , JulylQth , 1841 .
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TIIE " . SATIONAL VINDICATOR . " Tins Publication , under tho editorial auspices of Vim-SNt and Philp , is the ablest fellow-worker in the cause of Chartism we now have . It has reached its fourteenth number , and goes on well , though kbyarlng under some disadvantage from the want of the stamo .
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THE STOCKPOJRT SPINNERS AND SHOPKEEPERS . It should not be lost sight of that there are two distinct ' orders" of middle ehss men in societythe manufacturers and merchants , and tha shopkeepers . The direct and personal interests of the former class are , always , to have labour at the lowest po-, i : iie rate , and they are , consequently , always - ¦ uund : o be , as a class , the most inveterate aud consistent er . eir . iea to every liberal and honest principle oi" legislation . It is almost entirely from this class
that the Whig faction is made up . The shopkeepers approxima ;¦; the working people much more closely . Tiieir pro& . s are for tiie most put dra ' . rn immediately from the pockets of " the workies , " and any general destitution among the working people of a locality soon shows itself in the empty till and lengthened visage of the shopkeeper . Thi 3 i 3 so unavoidable a coiibequenco that we are amazed to Cad ^ r . y shopkeeper so absurd and ignorant as not to naaks common cause with his best customers-We commend to the attention of the Stockport
Shopkeepers especially the Address of the Spinners ' Conimit ; ee , which will be found in another column . That address calls q : i them , for reasons well assiZ ' . ie ? , to support the Spinners through the present crisis a ^ ain .= t their heartless oppressors , the cottoa lords . We call on them and all other shopkeepers , for tho same reasons , to make common lausj with tiieir brethren cf th-j working classes generally , and lend ail iheir aid to' the enactment of the People's Charter , through the operation ^ ' ftf which exists the only safe remedy for tho infernal system which has brought things to the present pass , and will , if not averted , cause ; hem to be much worse .
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THE " NEW MOVE' * CHAMPION ANl ) HIS . " CHALLENGE . " Mr . IftwaY ' HEtHfiKiHGroie -has challenged Mr Feargus O'Connor to a discussion , and Mr . O'Connor has accepted the challenge . ¦ .. We regret for his own sake that Mr . Hethering ton should have been so unwise . We have not lost our recollection of the services of Mr . Hetherington to the good cause in years gone by ; and we regret much to find him now pursuing a course which rnusi , to some extent , however small , damage the cause he professes still to advocate , and which cannot end otherwise than in confusion to himself .
We regret not less that Mr . O'Connoe should thus waste bis time . He really baa not an evening to spare for any such purpose an the gratifying of Mr . IlETHERiNoroN ' s penchant for political annihilation . . The challenge , with Mr . O'Connor ' s answer to and acceptance of it , will bo found in another column . We have read this challenge , and can really find no point for discussion in it . Mr . Hetherington talks about " the merits of Mr . Lovett ' s Chartism , " and about " Feargus O'Connor ' s Chartism , " pretty much in the style of Mr .
Daniel O'Connell . We are loth to believe Mr . Hktherisg ion so very ignorant as not to know that there is and can be but one kind of Chartism . Chartism is Chartism , whether advocated by Fbabgus O'Connor , William Lovett , or Henry HETHERiNaton . Its principles are contained in a certain document called the People ' s Charter . Those principles can alone bo recognised as Chartism . Whoever gives up anything from them , or contends for any less sum of justice , is no Chartist ; whoever goes for more than is contained in those principles , may or may not be a
Chartist , according as the matters which he would superinduce may or may not clash with the operation of . those principles . To talk then of " Mr . Lovett ' s Chartism" and " Feargus O'Connora ' s Cuurtism . " is eudaatly * mere bandying of words to no honest purpose ; and proves to us quite sufficiently that the only possible object of the " challenger " is to damage the cause of Chartism by raising a dust , under the cover of which the enemy may strike h . It was on this ground that we attacked in the first instance the originators of the " New Move . " It is hence we infer their dishonesty . All that they
contend for in the way of intellectual progress is equally practicable in connection with the already established organisation as under any other ciroumatauces ; it is impossible for two National Societies to subsist , without damage to the cause ; and hence it becomesevidont that the" Now Move " men were either actuated by personal ambition and a thirsting after leaderships that they wishod , by weakening the general force of the Chartist army , to give an advantage to the enemy . As long aB there remained any probability a ; all of tho " New Move" becoming in any degree general , we ware willing to adopt the more
charitable alternative ; but now that " it has been so long dead that by this timo it stinketh , " we cannot regard any attempt to resuscitate its carcase in any other light than that of a traitorous disposition to do harm to our glorious agitation . We believe the country generally , and London in particular , understand this subject so well that there is no power in these men to do harm if they are let alone , t We thiuk tho most effbotual damper for them to be just that sort of contempt which shews them that they are known , but neither feared nor trusted . For this reason we have in this day ' s Star given insertion to a somewhat pompous document , signed by
two " Savages ^ " a surgeon and some other parties , addressed to the originators of the " New Move , " aud calling upon them " again to take the post of honour . " We have no fear whatever for the cause from this . The people know , now , how to estimate man to whom " the post of honour" is everything ; and who " wauld rather reign in hell than serve in heaven . " But all public notice taken of them invests them with an importance not their own , and gives room to the enemi < 33 ot Chartism to point to our dissensions . We do wish , therefore , that O'Connor had allowed Mr . Chanticleer Hetherinuton to clap his wings aud crow , without taking the trouble to crop them .
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THE MOVEMENT . Elsewhere we give from our gallant little friend , the English Chartist Circular , a letter from O'Connor to the " workies , " in which he recommends that the metropolis be made the seat of a represen tative body , aa Manchester is that of the Executive body of the National Charter Association . We think the idea to be good , and earnestly recommend it to the country . Wo suppose tha ; London aud its environs
can easily furnish a sufficient quota of good men and trne who will gladly give a portion of their time to tho work without burdening the already overburdened people . Or , if it be thought more advisable that men from the country 6 hould go up , let them then be paid sparingly , aud made to work hard We can not afford to give much to individuals , with whole masses in the condition of Stookport . Above all , let the representatives be made to keep up a weekly correspondence with their constituents : this will at once enhance their activity , aud keep
the spirit alive in the provinces . The latter portion of O'Connor ' s letter we would , if possible , engrave upon the palm of every " worky ' s" hand throughout the whole country : — " Above all , and befure all , my dear friends , p reserve union ! not only among yourselves , but among your leaders , making them pull together , or depart in peace ; for believe me , that our dissension is the one tiling now relied upon by the faction , as their title to rule us by the sword . No man in his senses
can doubt , but that vrc are on the eve of some great change ; and no thoughtful mau but must look with certainty for a union © f plunderers , bafore they will surrender what we seek for . To meet their union , we have no other means iha 2 i the formation of as close a union , —rendered more powerful by our numbers . To this end then , let all , one and all , struggle "Let ' Union' be our watchword , ar . d " Liberty " our war cry ; aud let our motto b 3 " 0 / iw . irJ , and we conquer ; backward , and we fall . "
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THE TRADES AND THE CHARTER . We trust every working man in Great Britain will learn by heart the clear , luminous , and ungainsayable speech of Mr . O'Connor to the Loudon Trades . The principles on which the reasoning of that speech is founded aro clear as daylight ; they cannot but be admitted by whatever unbiassed miad will study them . And they are capable of much greater practical extension than i 3 given to them in the mere sketch to which our space limits us in reporting this inimitable speech . Tae very
same process by which tho steam monster raises competition and creates a surplusage of hands in all trades—tho same infernal rapacity which robs the unprotected workman of his hire to provide the extravagant expences of mansions and carriages , an d parks and grounds , and splendid buildings and costly w s for cotton lords—throws thousands of dependants on the various expedients resorted to by tho industrious classes to preserve themselves in some degree of comfort and independence . Thus trading rapacity creates , increases , and multiplies poverty ; poverty creates and aggravates sickness and disease ; sickness and disease produce death
and these drain the funds of the various sick societies , the benevolent Orders , the Odd Fuiiows , and other secret societies , tho " Free Gifts , " the burial societies , &c . Thus , is every struggle of the poor man to avert destruction mot and parried by class-legislation , which upholds the middie man in his petty plunder and the landed and monied capitalist in his wholesale robbery . Tho savings of industry and temperance are swallowed up by fraud ; and the virtuous and the vicious , the industrious and the idle , the sober and the drunken , are immersed in one common whirlpool of destitution , from which there is no hope of escape but by the People ' s Charter .
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AMERICA . THE BANK MONSTER STRANGLED . All honour to that beau ideal of a bravely honest man , President Tyler . The liberties of his country , threatened by one of the worst , because most insidious , forms of despotism are safe in his keeping . The monster capital , ever grasping at the possession of absolute power , and suiting its sinuous and tortuous forms of advancement to the various peculiarities of time and circumstance , has
met with a rebuff which sends it to its own place ** in a hurry . " A Bank Bill had passed both "Houses "in the Senate by a majority of one—by which the independence of the several states was de facto grossly violated , though a speoious appearance of adherence to its forms , was kept up . The majority , secured by the dollar-mongers in both Houses , was doubtless regarded by them as a " tower of strength , " but the worthy and patriotic President , in the following manlv sentences , levels it with the dust : —
" The power of Congress to creato a National Bank to operate per se over the Union , has been a question of dispute from the origin of our government . My own opinion has been uniformly proclaimed to be against the exercise of any such power by this government . On suitable occasions , during a period ^ of twenty -five years , the opinions thus entertained have been unreservedly expressed . I declared it in the legislature of my native State . In the House of Representatives of the United States it has been openly vindicated by me . In the Senate Chamber , in the presence and hearing of many who are at this time members of that body , it
ha 3 been affiirmed and reaffirmed , in speeches and reports there made , and by votes there recorded . In popular assemblies I have unhesitatingly announced it ; and tho last public declaration which I made , and that but a short time before the late Presidential election , I referred to my previously expressed opinions as being those theu entertained by me . With a full knowledge of the opinions thus entertained , and conceded , I was elected by the people Vice President of the United States . By the occurrence of a contingency provided for by the constitution , and arising under an impressivo dispensation of
Providence , I succeeded to the Presidential othce . Before entering upon the duties of that office , I took an oath that I would' preserve , protect , and defend the constitution of the United States . Entertaining the opinions alluded to , and having taken this oath , the Senate and country will see that I could not give my sanction to a measure of the character described without surrendering all claim to the respect of honourable men—all confidence on the part of tbe people—all self-respect—all regard for moral and religious obligations ; without an observance of which no government can be prosperous , and no peonle can be happy . It would be to commit a
crime which I would not wilfully commit to gain any earthly reward , and which would justly subject me to the ridicule and scorn of all virtuous men . * * " I regard the bill as asserting for Congress the right to incorporate a United States Bank , with power and right to establish offices of discount and deposit in tho several states of this Union , with or without their consent , a principle to which I have already heretofore been opposed , and which can nevor obtain my sanction . Aad waving all other considerations growing out of its other provisions , I return it to the house in which it originated , with these my objections to its approval . "
Thus ends the fierce struggle of capital for entire domination in America . The Washington Globe , organ of the late government , speaks truly of the veto as' a great deliverance from that fatal system of corruption , which could not fail to make dollars , and not votes , sovereign in the United states . '
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WHIG TACTICS . The war-cry of " no taxes" is again raised by the Whigs . The " Plague , " in its last agony , talks of forcing upon the Queen by popular clamour an exercise of her prerogative , intended to coerce both Houses of Parliament , and compel the repeal of the Corn Lawa . Don't they wish they may get it 11
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; 4 THE NORT H B B N S T A H . ' ¦ ' ¦ -- ' . ' . . ' ' / - - : , :, ., ; . ¦ ' ¦¦¦ ¦ ¦
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 18, 1841, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1127/page/4/
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