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    THE BXECUTTYE OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASOCIATIOX TO TLE GENERAL COUNCIL AND MEMBERS . Bhethre . \ , —Haying assembled In London to transact the general business of our Association , it becomes our pleasing dnty , at the close of the present sitting , to addrets joa , sad convey throneh this medium , Rich information , instruction , and advice , as appear necessary to guide you aright in your movements . The business of the Executive , on this occasion , has been , unusually extensive , from the enlargement f our' Association , tbe iacrease of corresponden . ee , the general activity that prevails , and tfce , ^ poriance of ttie futnre proceedings which ^ ^ iTe designed

    CORi * SPOI ? P ** Ci OP THB EXECUTIVE . ,. * ° **!! urtt place ire will advert te Bach portions of toe correspondence laid before us , as are of importance , and mqoire general settee . Many letters hare been received from Northaaipton and Leicester , seeking a sew arrapgemeBt for the representation of those places in the Convention . And ia Lancashire , and one or two other places , arrangements not in accordance with those already laid down hare bees sought Bat , in s jrreyinga map of the kingdom , we do sot think a more equal representation could be devised than that set forth , is tbe Address issued at owr lutcittiBg .

    We beg , therefore , urgently to impress oa ov brethren in the Tarious localities the great necessity of obserriBg one systematic plan . If each part of the kingdom is to act in the mac ^ s best suiting its peculiar interests or circumstances j . after a national adjustment of representation , the j are to be aumeroBs departures from it ; if , in sections , the people are to aet upon seTeral Tuioui methods , then are the objects of a national organisation defeated , and the operations ef an ExeeotiYe rendered of son-effect . We urge , then , thU the scale of representation already prepared may , in an cases , too , be abided by In each electoral district the Totes of the people must be taken in reference to the election of representatives , 4 c > and the will of the majority must be obeyed . This is in strict accordance with tbe principles of Chartism , and , we hare no doubt , on reflection , will be readily acquiesced in .

    Letters from Carlisle , and other places , hare directed car attention to the necessity of lerying tbe expenees of the Convention on a scale more equitable-than that already proposed , and of makiBf , taxation and representation eo-extenslve . We at once see the propriety and justice of this ; and , after estimating as nearly as possible the probable expenees of the entire Convention , we baTe decided that each district sending one repreaentatiTe shall contribute to the CoaTention Fund £ 18 ; two representatiTes , £ 36 ; and three , £ 54 . Out or this fond tbe tnTelling expenees of each member , to and from London , will be defrayed .

    A letter frem Leamington eonreys to us the following question ; "Do you , as an Executive , sanction the interruption of Com Law meetings ? " In reply , we beg fearlessly to state that we are advocates for free inquiry , and it ii our belief that on all occasions when the people are eolled on for their opinions on any question affect-Ing the public weal , they should boldly speak out their sentiment * , wbateTer they may be . I f a meeting Is een-Tened "to consider the propriety of repealing the Corn Laws , " would it not be slavish and discreditable to the persons attending it , if they consented to sanction any resolution its originators were pleased to submit , whether it corresponded -with tbe opinions of the meeting or not ? Most assuredly . We ire not friends of tumultuous proceediagJ , for these can never aid the purposes of truth aad justice ; bat we hare evidence

    before as of innumerable instances when the peopie hare been called together to " consider" the repeal of the Com laws , and , wbra met , baTe been denied any voice in the matter by tbe persons who have takes upon themselves the management ef sueh meetings . We cannot , therefore , restrain oar Chartist brethren from expressing their indignation at such tyrannical conduct . ' We rejoice that the time has arrived when the people dare think and speak out their opinions ; and it m » 7 be relied on that we , in our representative capacity , we ntt about to use our influence to arrest this freedom of mind merely because it does not rail ; the imaginary interest of any peculiar faction . Let calm diacnssioB be permitted , the sense of the people fairly be taken and duly regarded , and truth and justice mast ultimately prevail .

    From the Bristol General Council we h » v& received a f ^ TtitnTTT »} # atti n » touching the issue of tbe cards of our association . The following is its substance : — " The present aethod of granting cards is bad , and fraught with deceit For instance , a person calls at the Association rooms , gets a card by merely paying far it ; he soon picks a quarrel with some one , and then comes the eviL He starts—what—a new Council ? No : bat be nob onfeequently tai . ee eTerytfjinj , upon his ipsi ditU . He sends for cards , and start ? not a set « f Chartists , but of enemies , ever ready to find fault . Now the remedy we propose is , that an application to the General Secretary for cards , for any person , mast have the signature of the sub-President and sab-Secretary resident in the locality . " We have seriously considered the matter , and are of opinion , tU * t to place any T 8-

    gtrietioas on the Issue of cards , other than those laid down ia tbe plan of organization , would be attended with great difficulty and danger . Sub-Presidents and Becretirios may have their " ipsi dixie' —the wrong may , ia a variety of instances , be on either side . The constitution of our Association says : — " Any person shall be admitted a member of this Association on tp Vig . eaid of membership , to be renewed balf-jearry ; for Which he shall pay twopence ; and afterwards one penny per week subscription . " We are not yet conviaced by oar Bristol brethren of the necessity for altering the fundamental principle . We have net , therefore , the will ; nor do we believe we have the power , to place any other restrictions on the issoe ef cards than those already embodied in the 5 th diBse of the plan on which we are organised .

    From Trowbridge Buseroui letters have been received respecting a schism in the Chartist body in that town . One portion of tbe members have taken & fresh place of meeting , and made the following declaration requisite to admission : — " I , , believe in tbe inspiration of tbe Old and New Testament ; and do hereby pledge my word to use all lawful and just means in my power to cause the People ' s Charter to be the law of tbe land . " TMb il utterly irrelevant to the Imping pr inciples and object of out Association , and , if persevered in , would produca innumerable divisions and endless disagreements . It is our doty to guard against that which would lead to such evil consequences . We have , therefore , written to the persons who have been the actors in this matter , and requested a withdrawal ef the above declaration .

    -N nmeroas applications bare been made for the mis * nonary services of the members of the Executive . These have been too numerous for all t 3 receive immediate attention . Mr . Leach , Dr . M'Douall , and Mr . Cinipbett , have been lecturing and holding meetings without intermission in various parts of the kingdom ; and Mr . Philp , at intervals , bad made various circuits These proceeding * hive -worked ¦ slm . ost incalculable good ; but it must be remembered the Executive numbers only fire individuals , and it is impossible for so few persons to accomplish a mission throughout the entire kingdom without a considerable lapse of time-The members of the Executive will , however , continue industriously to pursue this portion of their duty , aBd will so apply the means placed in their bands , that satisfaction may be felt by every member of the Assodation .

    The Chart'sts of many places where our numbers are not jet large , have applied to the Executive for' the aid of lecturers . Unfortunately the funds of the Association have kitfcerto been toe limited to render the assistance sought We hope this fact will weigh Aes-rily with the General Council and members ; and convince them of the necessity of supplying the requisite means o ! agitation . The letters from various localities seeking information , advice , 4 c for varied subjects , have been abundant . Every promptitude has been observed by out Secretary , who irpmw ^ i- t ^ ly answers privately all commonicstions not of a public nature , or i equiriBg general notice . x THE JfATIO . XAL PETIIIOJi .

    Not a moment should be lost . ' The petition-sheets must be immediately issued , and signatures sought for in the remstest as well as the most important parts of Great Britain . The General Council mnst immediately ciil meeting * of the Chartists in every part , and at these meetings -volunteers should be sought to take p « tition-sheets and procure names . The sheets should be numbered , and the name of each person taking one should be entered on a list , that when tbe petition is called in it may be readily ascertained whether the saeets are all returned or not This plan must be at once

    resorted to , and with earnest spirit Copies of the printed petition should bb taken from door to door , and left for perusal until called for . At the commencement ef every meeting the petition should be read , and sheets lain at tfee duors for signatures . The Chartist missionaries and speakers should urgently recommend their hearers to sign . Tables should be placed in the public streets , aad , where practicable , a few bills should be printed to this effect : — " The National Petition for the People ' s Charter lies here for signature . " The signatures cf males and females to be alike acceptable .

    We call on every individual f « his or her aid . There nast be no delay , bat energy and saal must now mark oar conduct We inrite our Scotch brethren , particularly , to be on the alert , to procure signatures for this petition , ( See tbe address to the People of Scotland . ) The sheet * should be all uniform , on demy paper , ruled in four oolnmns , six inches in width . The heading of the petition has appeared in the several Chartist papers , and is now printed in a cheap form , 35 s . per thoasand , and may , together with petition-Sheets , be procured of any of the London or country agents . We pray , therefore , let not a moment be lost Let the present petition fir outnumber any hitbertw presented .

    THS kvho ^ al cosvxntios . Already -jmany , nominations hare taken place , and we are gkd to ' . find some of the most Uleiited and patris : ic of oar Dirty placed as candidate * for the Gsn-

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    vention . But there are many yet to come in , and we urgently rt quest the further nominations to be sent without dtlay to the General Secretary , "Mr . J . Campbell , 18 , Adderly-street , SbaWs Brow , Salford , near Manchester . " We hope to find Scotland and Wales equally participating in the representation afforded by this body . Meetings should immediately take place , and tbe candidates at once be na » ed . These should also be sent to the General Secretary , and published in tbe same list with the reng ? i « b candidate * . No time must be lost in relation to this important matter . Twentyfour representatives for -B ^ aod will be forthcoming ; and we hava » 0 doubt tbe people ' s choice will fall on ttio **» t ^ si qualified to fulfil the important dnties of the Convention , and most likely to ensure the esteem of the community .

    We have already set forth the mle of contributions to the Convention fund , from those who send representatives . It will not , as it is important , be improper to repeat it Each district sending one representative shall contribute £ 18 , two representatives £ 30 ! aad three £ 54 . It nrnst be borne in mind that out of this fund the travelling expenees of the members to and from London wDI be defrayed . -- — ¦ It will immediately be perceived that this regulation is at onoe just and equitable , aad will bring the amount of mosey required within the means of each district ,, The electoral districts all being extensive , a few pounds fram each town will produoe the required sum . For initaaee , ia Gloucester , Somewet , and Wilts , there are as many towns where tbe Association extends aa will produce the required sum at aa average of £ 2 each . Of coarse , the towns will contribute in proportion to their size and influence , and then the amount may be easily raised .

    Oat of the above fund , as already stated , the coach fare of each member will be paid . This will render the burden less heavy on those districts situated far away from tbe Metropolis , and the travelling expenses to and from which will be exceedingly heavy . The above fund will also liquidate all the . expenses of the Convention for rental of a large and central room , printing , advertising , paper , pens , ink , postage , io . iC . There most be no deficiency in tbe contributions of the several district * . A petition of four millions ( unprecedented in the history of oar country ) should be backed up by the determined voice of the people , -which « h * v > have utterance through representation . The collection of moneys should be immediately proceeded with ; and the General Council in every locality must at once pat on extreme activity .

    We are aware ef the dearth of money , particularly with the working classes : all this has received oar most serious consideration . But can our cause be won without a sacrifice ? Coald funds be mere profitably applied than to the purposes already set forth ? Do not , then , brethren , be discouraged : one hundred thousand persons , at one penny each , will prodnce more than the required sum ; and can it be doubted that oat of three or four millions of persons who will petition for justice and liberty , one hundred thousand may readily be found to subscribe for it * realization ? Who will haaard the assertion tbat we have not soul enough amongst us to bear tbe Petition Convention through triumphantly f Let as all subscribe according to our means . One may give a shilling , another sixpence , another a penny , another a farthing . Bat let us not rest satisfied with ourselves until we have all contribnt 9 d according to onrajeaas .

    It was at first contemplated that the Convention should meet in London oh the 4 tb of February ; bat on second consideration , its assembly has beea postponed until the first Monday in March . This is to afford the people an opportunity of ascertaining the " policy" of Sir R . Peel , that , whilst the Convention is yet sitting , it may have the power of undeceiving the pnblie mind , exposing the frauds that will be attempted by the Tory premier , and showing that the Charter ia the only hope for an oppressed people . We believe this will be ¦ Biversally approved . The postponement has been thus early suggested , that the sittings of the Convention may not , under any circumstances , be prolonged more than one hohth , which will be sufficient to do all that is required .

    We recemmend , for more effectually ensuring sufficient funds , that tea-paicies , paid lectures , dec . be at once instituted . These will at once be imparting knowledge , and creating a bond of brotherly onion ; while , without wnbarrassiaent to any , they will prodnce good toalL In departing from this branch of our address , we p&iticnlarly urge our brethren immediately to send in the further nominations , tbat the day for a general ballot throughout the Association may be resolved oa . ( See the Address received from Birmingham . )

    THK XXEC 1 T 1 VB JOUaHAL . After matare deliberation , the d iscontinoanoe of oar Journal has been resolved npon . Its publication was at first resorted to for tbe purpose of circulating the National Organisation , giving greater publicity and farther information of the proposed Convention and National Petition , and of arousing tbe General Council and others into activivty , for the purposes of carrying out successfully tbe plan of agitation laid down by the Execatire . These objects ha-re been fully accomplished .

    It would be Impossible for tha Executive to conduct a weekly journal with regularity asd edat to themselves . Their engagements are so namerous , and inconveniences of travelling through the various parts of tbe country so great , that it would be impossible for them to superintend the publication of a weekly paper . Tbe delay of the numbers of the Journal hitherto issued , arose solely eut of the cause siready alluded to . When ciroomsi&nces snail agaia require it , tbe Executive will leson Vj such means to give publicity to any projected plan of operation as may seem mett fit

    The Northern Star , Notional Vindicator , aad English Chartist Circular , are the official organs of the Associa tion .

    HEXT StITIXG OP THB EXECCTIVK . The next sitting of tbe Bxecatrre will take place in Bristol , on tbe first Monday in February , whea all final amgements for tiiis great asd important movement will We made . Before that date , without fall , all the nominations aust be sent in ; aad the various Electoral Districts must report to the General Secretary what amount of funds has been raised for the support of the Convention . Lstters of advice will be thankfully received , and undergo serious consideration on the moetiBg of the Executive at Bristol While io the West the members of tbe Executive will traverse , as much as possible , that part of tbe kingdom ; and also visit several parU of Wales for the purpose of inspiring energy and zeal into the hearts of the people . The i xecutive will ever perform its duty , and may every member of the Association be inspired by good example .

    GESEBAL aBGCHKKI . Brethrbw , —We earnestly invite yon to pursne the plan of agitation laid down , with the seal becoming men determined to be free . Let our feelings , our actions , our determinations , henceforth be on B . Bnry , for ever , any petty feeling ef disunion that may have crept in amongst yen , that you may present the formidable array of a cm ted People , determined to struggle against your many corrupt foes . Reflect on the nrgency of a powerful Chartist movement at the present time , now that the factions have changed places , and the reins of usurped authority are handed to Toryism , toe deadliest enemy of our race ; now that plots and counterplots are nfe ; now that the war of faction is becoming strong ; in the name of Libebtt ,

    1 st US be the foremost in tbe ranks of the Patriots , by whom our native laud shall be freed from the fetters of Despotism . Arouse , to dispel the gloom of mental ignorance tbat so long has rendered man a passive menial , the slave of tyrants , and tbe dupe of knaves . Spread the light of those political truths , for the triumph of which we have girded on the armour of moral resolution . Remember , our Cause Is THE BIGHTS OP Mjls—rights defrauded , abused , insulted , aud betrapped . Do we see our kinsmen starving ?—the Charter is to give them food . Do we behold them ragged ?—Justice demands they shall be clothed . Do we mark their misery?—Nature declares happinesB and prosperity man ' s birthright Oub pubseit is no phas-1 OH—IT IS NOT A BUBBLE THAT BUBSTS AI » D IS

    SEEN SO JIOBB—IT IS HOT A CUKNING EVIL DEvicb ; it is Justice and Libert y fob an oppressbd People , now geoaning undbr the iron tdk * of despotic llonabcht and abistocbact , am ) the heartless cruelties of class Legislation . We hare proposed none bnt peaceful means : for , thongh goaded to desperation , tkough we behold our brothers and sisters , even in the midst of plenty and profusion , dying , as in tha reign of famine , from want of the merest necessaries of life , we forbear . We

    would work a revolution of mind and of principle— a revolution peacefully effected , and the institutions founded by which , chall be peacefully maintained . We repudiate the assertion that we are " anarchists . " We live in days of anarchy—there exists a war of classes , of caste , of interest—and strife most prevail until the broad equality of man is recognised , and the laws by which mankind is governed be framed with a due regard to this great principle . We are not , therefore , promoters of disorder and discord , we seek to establish that bond of etermal right that shall link all men together , as beings of ooe creation .

    These glorious designs caaaot be accomplished , unless we are determined and persevering . Our petitions aad GoaveBtions must follow in rapid succession ; and the increase of on numbers aust repeatedly be made manifest . If we cannot display , ( In a manner to strike apprehension in oar greatest foe ) increasing strt>h of nimbers and determination , our appeals of justice will be assailed with ridicule and mockery . The Petition and Couveatien for 1812 , are designed to be such as shall cause % deep tremor to come over the acorner , and strike the oppressor with awe . It rests with you ; you who are sensible of your wrangs , a « d know and appreciate the rights withheld from y < m , whether or not tais movement shall do honour to the British Peop ' t , and raise a hope for happiness speedily t » be realised . We le * k . forward fco your proceedings with confidence . R . EL Phjlp . MOSGa * William * . JOH » CAMfBELL . Jakes Leach . P . H . M'Douall .

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    STRIKE OF THE MASONS . At a meeting of Delegates from the different trades of the metropolis , held at tha Craven ' s Head , Drurylane , November . 24 th , for the purpose of assisting the MasoBs In ( heir strike at tbe New Houses of Parliament , Woolwich Dockyard , and Nelson / a Monument , Mr . Butlkb , carpenter , in the chair . After hearing read the letter of Thomas Hickey te the Ed tor of tbe Northern Star , stating his accident at the new Houses of Parliament , aad his treatment and subsequent discharge by George Allen , the foreman ¦ Grissell and Peto ; and the replies by R . J . Wardle , G . Allen , and John Baker thereto , and also the statement of Patrick Wheelan , it wuanuimomaly resolved , "That two of tola meeting , not masons , be appointed to investigate the correctness or incorrectness of the statement made by Thomas Hickey on tbe one side , and Messrs . Wardle , Alien , and Baker oa the other ; and tb » $ T . j . panning , bookbinder , and J . Baker , plasterer , be appointed for that purpose . "

    The undersigned being thus appointed , lost no time in making tbe necessary inquiries . The allegation * of Messrs . Wardle , Allen , and Baker , contradicting the statement of T . Hickey , they place ia order , numbering each . R . J . Wardle states : — 1 . " That Thomas Rickey met wltb his accident on the 25 th ef February , instead of the 13 th , as alleged by him . 2 " That he did not complain to him ( R , J . Wardle ) of Allen ' s conduct . & " That be returned to his work , March 29 th , after an absence of five weeks , and not on tha 14 th , as be stated . i . " Tbat in no Instance have tbe foremen on the works made nse of the language stated by T . Hickey , in bis presence , upon men being discharged . " aeerge Allen states : —

    5 . " That the circumstances and language imputed to him by T . Hickey , as to the cause of bis dismissal as mason ' s labourer , frem tbe aew fidoscs of Parliament , is absolutely false . 6 . " That he firmly declares he is not in tbe habit of discharging men without good and sufficient reason . 7 . " He begs to append the statement of Patrick Wheelan , tbe individual alluded to in his previous statement , in confirmation of tbat statement . John Baker states : — 8 . " Tbat be is one of the foremen of masons at the new Houses of Parliament , and that he perfectly recollects Thomas Hickey returning to bis work , and the fact of bis working six weeks after bis said return . 9 .. " That be ( John Baker ) considers George Allen perfectly justified la discharging the said Thomas Hiekej . "

    The above statements are given in the form of affidavits , intending them to fee sueh , but the Magistrate refused , on account of Borne legal objection , to sign them . Whether tbe objection of tbe Magistrate was madi before or after the parties bad taaen the « ath , tbe deponents , of course , have not informed the public . 1 . With respect to the date of the accident , the undersigned , after carefully inquiring at tbe Westminster Hospital , and elsewhere , have no doubt tbat it happened on the 25 th of February , and that , consequently , T . Hickey is mistaken in believing it to have happened on the 13 th . This , however , as all parties are agreed as to its haviug happened , and as to its serious nature , is a matter of slight

    importance . S . The statement of T . HlcVey is as follows : — ¦• I then went to the pay clerk , and told him of the usage I bad received from Alien . " Here , also , appears to have been an error , for it was to the time-keeper , and not to tbe pay-clerk , to whom the complaint was made . This error , which relates only to the person to whom the complaint was made , and net the treatment complained of . Is thus explained . —There are two persons to - ( T&om all employed on Chose works bad to apply previous to being paid—the time-keeper and the pay-clerk ; having first to go to the time-keeper for their " time , " as it is called , and then to the pay-clerk , who paid them for the time which had thus been previously given . It appears that T . Hickey wanted to be paid for two hours of tbe morning on which be was

    discharged , which Allen refused to allow the tlme-k « eper to give ; Hickey , therefore , could not go to the payclerk for the ** two hours , for be bad not got" his time " for them , a circumstance which Allen must well have known , and consequently must have perceived tbe error , and remembered its cause immediately . Tbe undersigned , therefore , in confirming the statement of Wardle tbat no complaint was made to him cannot acquit him of gross partiality in bis omitting to correct the error , after he had pointed it out , thus made by T . Bickey ; for the undersigned are covinced that both Wardle , Allen , and Baker , well knew to whom the complaint was made , and are convinced , therefore , that the pointing out of this error without correcting it , was only for the purpose of leading tbe public to believe that tbe circumstances complained of bad not taken place .

    The undersigned give tbe following shortened account of the matter in Hickey ' s words to them . After the first ebullition of anger , when Allen said " be did not want any d—d Irish cripples there , " be ( Hickey ) stopped about ten minutes to see if he would forgive him ( relent ) , but he ( Allen ) came back , and told him " if he did not go he would pat his boots in Ms backside ; " be then went to tbe time-keeper for his money , who told him it was " all nonsense , " and went to Allen , but returned to him ( from Allen ) and told him that it was " all up" with him . Allea went off ( away ) for about a quarter of an hour , daring which time Hickey waited near the office to be paid , or to " bis time" for tbe two hours in question . When Allen came back , he ( Bickey ) asked bins bow long he was to wait for his money ? Allen told him if he did not go about bis business , be would give him in charge of a polUeman . This took place on Thursday , May fth , 1641 .

    3 . Tbe 3 rd by Wardle , the pay-clerk , and the 8 th by Baker , the deputy foreman , are the same , each impugning Hickey ' s correctness as to the time be was in the employ of Grissell and Peto , after the accident ; they asserting tbe period to bave been six weeks , while he five and a half days . The undersigned , when they ascertained from the Secretary ef the Westminster Hospital the date Hickey left tbat hospital , March 39 , inquired whether he had been afterwards an out-patient , and , if so , for bow long ?—for the undersigned did not know then he bad left tbe hospital without leave ; the Secretary replied that he could not giye that information , nor did be believe such information could be readily obtained ; bnt , said he , " if tbe inquiry is made with reference to the statements in the papers" ( alluding

    to WardU ' B , Allen's , and Baker ' s statements ) , " it is certain that , in tbe case of a brokea leg , tbe bones could not knit together , so that the limb could be ' used , in the short time , for suca a process , from Feb . 25 to March 30 , less than six weeks that he was in the hospital" If this be correct , of which medical men ean best decide , it must bave been physically impossible that Hickey could bave returned to work on the 29 th of March , as stated by Wardle , the pay-clerk , and Baker , the deputy foreman , which , on oath , they " so perfectly well remember . " The undersigned , upon questioning Hickey on this point , elicited from him that a few days before he left the hospital be inquired whether he could not be allowed to leave , when the surgeon told

    him tbat he would not allow him even to leave bis bed for a fortnight He , however , did leave , without the consent of the surgeon , on the 30 th , in a " cab , " but soon found that the " Doctor" was right , and , after a few days , applied for medicine at the hospital , when he w&s teld , that aa he had left contrary to orders , they could do no more for him . He further stated , that be was able to do nothing for five weeks after he left the hospital . If this be correct , which , as it is against himself , there can be no reason to disbelieve , it is again impossible , and utterly so , if we Allow competent medical knowledge to tbe surgeon ef tbe hospital , for Hickey to resume his employment on the 29 th of March .

    The undersigned do not notice tbe error of making Hickey to be at work on the 29 th , when be did not leave the hospital until the 30 th , for tbat might be entirely -verbal . In pursuing this part of the inquiry they felt the injustice of calling upon Hickey to prove a negative . All inquiries they have made , both of those in the boose where he lodged , and of all besides , have confirmed their belief that his statement is correct . The landlady of the house -where Hiekey resided when he left the hospital is positive as to his not being at work for four weekB out of the five . She bas no doubt as to the whole , but can swfear to four weeks' inability to perform work- The undersigned inquired of Messrs .

    Baker and Wardle how they knew Hickey was in the employment of their masters from the 29 th of March to the 6 th of May ? Is it by consulting their books for that period , or is it only from the assumption that be must bave been employed by Gtissell aud Peto immedialely after he left the hospital , of which period the undersigned know due inquiries were made by that firm at the hospitil ? If it be from consulting their books , the undersigned publicly challenge them to produce those books . Nothing can , be more easy than their production ; snd if Hickey were really on the works for the period they were ready to swear to , nothing is more certain than tbat his name must be found on the books for the whole of that time .

    If , however , it be only from tbe mere assumption , tbe undersigned beg to suggest to them that an oath is no trifling matter , and to recommend , for their own sakes , that the next time they teader an oath , or take an oath , to take care that they really do " perfectly well recollect" tbe circumstances to which they a « e about to swear . 4 . R- J . Wardle denies that the foremen ox the works have in any instance made nee of the language stated by T . Hickey in his presence upon men being discharged . Doea W , ardle really intend this to implicate the statement of Mr . T . Hickey * if so , he ought to have specially named not tbe " foremen on the works , " but George Allen . Hiekey has brought no charges against the " foremen on the works , " but only against George Allen . It has already been admitted that no complaint w&s made to him , the pay-clerk , and that , therefore , the language described might not have heen used in his presence . But does be meaa to say because ii was not used in his preseaoe tbat it Was not

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    tmedatsll ? The undersigned beg to inform him tbat if it really be true that Alien never made use of the language described "ia bis presence , " that they bave seen very many persons lately employed on the w » rk » , before whom , and to whom , tbe same individual most freely indulged in it , 5 . The undersigned come now to the extraordinary declaratiOB made or tendered npon oath by George Allen , fenytag the circumstance and the language alleged to have been used in the dismissal of T . Hickey . The undersigned read over the statement of T . Hiekey in his presence , and closely questioned him as to tbe circumstances stated , and the language used , when he reiterated every particular . Before doing so , the undersigned requested him to relate what naily did take place on tbe occasion , when they found the same things related by him with minnte particulars of detail , which it would have beea impossible for him to suggest , if his statement bad not beea true . In opposition to Allen ' s

    denial , therefore , they confidently place T . Hickey ' s reiteration . It is impossible not to be struck with the manner in which this charge from the first bas beea met by Allen . First , he evaded all knowledge of it , affecting to believe it to refer to the case of Patrick Wheelan , while it is impossible that he could for a moment have imagined it to relate to him . Nor is it possible he could have forgotten it ; bis two friends , Wardle and Baker , who so " perfectly well recollect" all about it , render this supposition also impossible . If , then , be could not bave forgotten it , and could not for a moment have supposed the masons alluded to Patrick Wheelanfor this supposition is unutterably absurd—what could bave prompted this evasion—an evasion now , since tbe publication of Wheelan ' a statement , so gross and palpable ? ibe undersigned are compelled to reply—a guilty knowledge of the whole transaction , and a wish to prevent all knowledge of it going to tbe public The following are tbe testimonies of those who saw and heard the whole transaction : —

    " I remember Thomas Hickey being discharged . I was close to Allen and him at the time he was discharged ; and I heard Allen make use of language similar to tbat wblcb is mentioned in Hickey's Utter . I saw T . Hickey tbe next day after be was discharged , and be told me be bad got employment in the firm of Mr . Cabitt . " Thomas Reid , Mason . « 24 , Tufton-street , Westminster . " "I remember Thomas Hickey being discharged . I was close to tbe place where Allen discharged him ; was a war * tbat Hickey bad bad bis leg broken . I heard Allen swearing at Hickey , and make use of language similar to tbat which is stated in Hickey ' s letter . Tbe last words I beard was Allen ' s telling bins to be eff tbe works altogether . " Thomas Charkock , Mason . " New Cross , Kent . "

    But what circumstances does this man deny ? Does he deny the accident ? No ; then of course be cannot deny the subsequent weakness and inability of Hickey . He is now compelled to admit that be discharged him . What did he discharge him for ? If all alleged were false , what could be more easy than to state the reasonable and proper grounds of bis discharge , and what more imperative for bis own vindication ? Was he discharged for not doing work enough ? If so , then be must have been discharged for his weakness in consequence of the accident , for he was not , nor is be now , able to do a full day ' s work . Was he discharged for

    being insolent ? Allen has not pretended that he was insolent Was he dishonest ? Certainly not ; for they who could so readily notice the discrepancies explained above , would eagerly have made known every particular . If , then , he were neither insolent nor dishonest , be could only have been discharged for not doing work enough . A valid reason certainly , if the man had been lazy , but a most cruel procedure when the man nu weak through injuries received in the service of his employers . Was this the " geod and sufficient cause , " which he " firmly" swears to , for the discbarge ef Thomas Hickey 1

    6 . Allen also states on oath that he is not in the habit of discharging men without good and sufficient causa . This is no reply to the statement of Hickey . Hickey does not accuse Allen of being in tbe habit of discharging men without cause ; be makes a specific charge of his being discharged himself without cause , and with circumstances of peculiar cruelty ; and it ean be so reply to this charge for Allen to say , that he Is not in tbe habit of discharging men without cause . If all tbe cirsumstanoss aad tbe language imputed be false , this statement is snpeiflueos ; if tree , it is no reply to thes . The masons certainly accused Allen of being in the habit of discbaging men without sufficient reason , and offered to prove their charge before any fair arbitration , on which occasion Grissell and Peto publlely announced tbat they would not allow any agent of their ' s "

    farther to communicate with the men , because they bad fully satisfied their minds on the subject ; " that is , a * tbe undersigned supposed , that tbe charges against Allen were false ; which reason , if true , was sufficient at least for thorn . They have now destroyed this reason . It now appears , that so far from being " satisfied , " except of the truth of tbe charges , the moment a wrong date is mentioned , or aa error in naming tbe different departments of their establishment is committed , which may serve as a peg en which to bang a general denial , they are again in tbe field by their agents , eager not to let such an opportunity pass without taking advantage of it ; clinging with convulsive tenacity to tbe hope , tbat these mistakes , which make not tbe slightest difference te the main charges , may implicate the whole .

    7 . As tbe letter of Patrick Wheelan bas nothing to do with T . Hickey , the undersigned do net feel called upon to make any remark upon it , further than to state that they are glad to find , if true , there appears to be one instance in which Grissell and Peto behaved well to those injured in their employ . They can only say that it contrasts well with their treatment of T . Hickey ; for while bis friends of bis own class collected what their scanty means would allow for him , while in tbe hospital , Messrs . Giisaell and Peto rendered him no assistance whatever . Tbe undersigned , with regret , are compelled to state , tbat it appears to have been quite an unusual thing for Grissell and Peto to render any assistance to those injured in their employ . We give two instances , out of many that might be adduced : —

    Tfeomaa Wade fell with the dam when it gave way daring the summer , and was most seTerely injured . Messrs . Grissell and Peto sent to him , while in tbe hospital , to say that neither he nor his family should want for anything . They , however , gave him nothing , but stopped bis time up to tbe very half hour of tbe accident . He got £ 1 from the box kept on the works to receive charitable donations ; but this be did not receive until after be bad . recovered and been at work some time , and then not until dissatisfaction bad been expressed by the men to Allen at bis not having given him a portion of the money from the donation-box . He was supported while in the hospital by a voluntary subscription among the men , amounting to £ 6 3 s . Watson Bills , by an accident last winter , bad bis arm broken , by which he was unable to work fourteen weeks . He received nothing from Messrs . Grissell and Petonothing out of the box .

    Mr . Baker appears not to be content with " perfectly well recollecting" upon oath the return of Hickey to bis work , upon which Uie undersigned bave before remarked , but he volunteers an affidavit to tbe truth of an opinion ! He swears , or was ready to swear , that In his opinion George Allen was justified in discharging T . Hickey ! The undersigned have no doubt but that here , at least , he might safely be beileved ; but they would remind him tbat an affidavit is not the way to prove the truth of an opinion . The truth of an opinion can only be proved by substantial reasons , which reasons mast be supported by facts . It would have been to the purpose if be had stated the reasons and facts which supported his opinion ; but for him to make oath to its truth implies most surely tbat he knew bis reasons and his facts would not bear investigation , and that therefore be substituted his oath in their stead , giving tbe singular , and withal ludicrens , instance of a man making his testimony valuelets by the very act of swearing to its trntb .

    From the whole , it appears that T . Hickey has made two mistakes , first , in believing the accident to have happened on tbe 13 th of February , while it happened on the 25 th ; and second , in confounding tha timekeeper with the pay-clerk ; a fact which invalidates nothing in bis statement concerning Allen , and , in tbe position of one discharged , lnBtanter , from the works , very easily made . In all the rest the undersigned believe him to have been perfectly correct . It appears to the undersigned that tbe statements tendered npon oath by Wardle and Baker were , by implicating the correcting of dates , and by pointing out the mistake above referred to , intended to throw a doubt over the whole statement of Hickey ; a statement which , in tbe opinion of tbe undersigned , these deponents were

    unable to disbelieve ; which inability also appears to have been sbared in by the exuberantly grateful Patrick Wheelan . Wardle swears concerning himself to what did not happen in his presence—and here be is careful not to mention his friend George Allen—aad to dates . Baker to dates and to the truth of an opinion 1 But neither hint their disbelief of Allen ' s language , or his cruelty , as specifically detailed by Hiekey . Patrick Wheelan , though overflowing with gratitude , does not even mention Allen , nor bint , directly or indirectly , the existence of such a person . Although be is brought forward by Allen himself , expressly to confirm his previous statement tbat be obtained his place to " tally bricks , "because he " recommended his application to Messrs . QxisaeH and Peto for a lighter berth . " It is not always fair to argue from omissions ; bat here , where tbe wanting testimony Is so necessary , and is what

    would so instantly suggest itself , the undersigned cannot bat consider its omission as evidence that the cruelty and language of tbe man who was so notorious tbat it became a thing of which it was impossible , even for his friends , t * express th « ir disbelief . The uadersigned , in giving the result ef their Investigation , beg to say tbat they have endeavoured most sedulously te discover the troth . They also have endeavoMed ' to express their opinions with calmness iaey now leave it to the public to judge bow far Allen bas been successful in clearing himself from the charges of omeUy and swearing , and how far Mr . Watdto , the pay-elerk , an * Mr . Baker , th © aepwfcj foreman , harre been siccearfal in defending their friend «« orge Allen . Thos . Joseph Dcnnisq , Bookbinder . John Bakes , Plasterer .

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    GREAT CHARTIST MEETING AT SELBY . The inhabitants of this place were gratified by a visit from Mr . O'Connor and a few other excellent Chartist friends , on Friday , the 3 rd of December . A few days previous te tha notice of Mr . O'Connors intention of visiting Selby , our good Chartist friends were in considerable perplexity as to whether they would be able to obtain a place sufficiently large to hold their meeting In , but were at length relieved by the promptness and generosity of Mr . John Llnton , who , resolving upon giving the noble champion of Chartism a reception worthy of his seal and tuefalaets in the people )* cause , made immediate application tc the trustees of tbe large room , situate in New ftoad ; bnt thd bigotry of these politically orthodox gentlemen refused to allow the use of the building for "the wild and mad hair-brained" purposes of Chartism ,

    Mr , Llnton , however , was not the man to submit to a defeat after having once settled upon his purpose . He set to work , aad had bin large building , which is appropriated to the purposes of boiler and steam engine making , cleared to the middle . To effect this , several large boilers , and a large quantity of iron and metal , had to be removed at much labour and expense . This was done on Thursday , and on Friday morning a spacious , dry , and comfortable arena presented iteelf capable of holding upwards of 2 , 400 people . A plat * form was erected at one end , aad the splendid banners of the Association spread their wide folds over the canvas behind , whieh formed the partition of the temporary room . The place was well lighted , and everything was in readiness several hoars before the time arrived for the meeting to commence . Th * fxienda were all in the greatest possible good spirits , anticipated disappointment having succeeded to complete triumph over the machinations and bigotry of their enemies .

    Precisely at half-past seven oclock Mr . Linton was appointed to fill the chair for the evening , which he did ia a very efficient manner . After briefly addressing the large assembly on tbe pleasure they were about to derive from listening to a developement of tbe great principles of the Charter from the mouth of the muchpersecuted bnt their much loved patriot himself ; he begged to commence the proceedings of the evening by introducing Mr . Stall wood , the East Biding lecturer . > Mr . Stallwood in rising to address the meeting , stated that he had a resolution in his hand which he intended to propose to the meeting , bat as it related to the document called the National Petition , he would first proceed to read it , and then submit the resolution . Mr . S . then read the National Petition , which Appeared

    to have a powerful effect npon the meeting . After whieh he proceeded to explain the principles of the People ' s Charter , going through each particular with considerable fluency , and frequently eliciting great applause . His arguments were sound and conclusive . The objectiocs to the term universal , as applied to the Suffrage , fell to the ground , as it was only in accordance with the definition given in all ages by all the greatest of men who bad ever thought and wrote on the subject In Ireland , Scotland , England , or Wales , Vote by Ballot was its safeguard—Annual Parliaments necessary , as short reckonings make long friends , and twelve months is long enough to bave a bad servant , while it was not a bit too early to compliment an honest and upright friend of the people by his re-electiontbat unless the parliament * were annual , an individual who being within a few weeks of twenty-one years old would have to wait until he were twenty-four years old

    before he could obtain the right of voting -, the present property qualification pat all the brains ia tbe pocket and none in tbe head . Equal electoral districts were necessary , because men being represented instead of property , the numbers must , to be fairly distributed , be equally represented ; and lastly , the members must be paid directly , or they would pay themselves indirectly . He ( Mr . S . ) considered these principles were just and constitutional as they were the practices of former ages ; and , rapidly running over their history , dropping in bis course the never-to-be-forgotten story of Andrew Marvel , the famed representative of Hull ; and , in proof of the practicability of the whole scheme , reference was made to the practise of benefit societies , dubs , the American * , dec . winding up by evidence in favour of the intelligence of tbe working classes—the producers of the best works of science , art , and philosophy ; that no men were bom slaves , nor were any born booted and spurred , —for as Southey has it ,

    " Ye are all equal , and nature made ye so . " At this stage of tbe proceedings Mr . O'Connor entered the building . All were on the tiptoe ; and not less than I 6 ## people were breathlessly anxious to behold the lion of the evening — another minute and he ascended the platform , amid tbe most deafening . and tremendous cheering , which lasted for several minutes . After order was restored Mr . Stall wood proceeded to read his resolution , which was as follows : — Resolved— " That we , tbe inhabitants of Selby , and ite vicinity , in publio meeting assembled , do hereby adopt the petition just read , called the National Petition —praying for universal suffrage , vote by ballot , annual parliaments , tqual representation , the abolition of the property qualification , and tbe payment of membersthat we also pledge ourselves individually and collectively to get the same aa numerously signed as possible , and forwarded to the proper quarter for presentation . "

    Seconded by Mr . Richardson , and carried unanimously . Mr . Sotbebbt next , moved a resolution , congratulatory and complimentary of Mr . O'Connor , which was seconded by Mr . Watson , and supported by Mr . West , the West Riding lecturer , who accompanied Mr . O'Connor from Dewsbury to Selby . Mr . West said—I shall leave the present resolution to be dealt with by Mr . O'Connor , and observe tbat you must do more than hold up your hands for tbe National Petition ; yon must enrol yourselves as membeta of tbe Association—you mast support the Convention with alf your might . That petition is a subject of vast importance ; it shows the rights and the wrongs of the millions , and contrasts the condition of the represented aad unrepresented ; and it will have , if numerously

    signed , a powerful effect upon the House of Commons ; it may enlighten them on the subject—on our progress , and determination to establish the Charter as the law of the land . What is there among the rich , the . great , the titled , the enfranchised , more than among ourselves , that God has conferred ? They say we have no right to interrupt them , but we have a right to express OUT opinion . Our principles are not exclusive ; we would do to all alike—they will not—their ' s is tyranny—bat this shall fall before our righteous demand for freedom . The working people are like the foundation of a building , without which tbe walls and the roof must give way , and become & heap of ruins . It is distress and poverty tbat breeds discontent , and hunger will break through stone walls . We are striving to pat

    down discontent by removing poverty ; they would increase it ; they are disturbers . Do they think to allay the hatred to oppression by their bit by bit Reforms ? Nay , tbe change must be Radical—tbe axe moat be laid at tbe root of the tree—the political weeds must be torn completely op , and wherefore , then , should we labour to destroy effects when the causes are left ontouched . Tbe people wish to have full possession of their rights—they want the privilege of earning a pound—of putting it into the pocket , for their ewn use ; but the state comes , and demands its sharethe Church comes for another—tbe proutmonger wants bis , and thus they rob without consent , and the hardworking man who has been able to earn a pound in the week , finds he bas only 3 s . 6 d . left . It is well that you

    should labour , bat it In tight alao that you sheuld enjoy ite fruits yourselves rather than by proxy . Mr . W . here related a well-timed a tory of a cobbler , with a large family , who was visited by a Bishop , after considerable cheering he pathetically remarked that hundreds of thousands were starving and dying for want of food to eat , and tbat the same distress was following bard upon all—they care not ; they fear not , but it will come . The privileged classes will always keep up their distinctions if possible ; and nothing but extending our privileges to Univrraal Suffrage can be productive of true freedom . Let this petition then be attended to . The resolution was then put and carried unanimously ; after which the Chairman called upon Mr . O'Connor to address the meeting , who , immediately

    rose auud thunders of applause , and said it gave him great pleasure to kiow that although they ( the Chartists ) bad been driven from the pub ! io ; room byjthe littlemindness of their political opponents , he had not to address them in the cold open air . There is one amongst you , who , said Mr . O'C , your worthy Chairman , regardless of all risks has the manliness to Btep between prejudice and principle , and generously provide you a place to meet in . I bave not now to preach the A B C of politics to you ; my excellent friend , Leach , and others hare been here . I begin at the middle . We have arrived at a position which is worth considering .. We have new the privilege of the attention of all classes . When I consider oar position a few years ago , and compare it with tbe present , it more

    than repays me for all my labour and suffering . I count all these things as nothing in our present triumphs and future prospect * . But there is still more to do . One of the resolutions which you have adopted this evening , has reference to the National Petition . ( Hear , bear . ) Some have said , and I have sal 1 , it was useless to petition a House that baa always been deaf to tbe complaints of the people ; but , let us consider whether now we are justified in acting thus . You once had no organ where the insterests of the masses were allowed to be canvassed , but it is not so now ; and it is therefore impossible to treat us as an iaslgnificant body or keep our principles disguised Oar influence is felt in tbe country , and must bo felt and appreciated in the House . In 1839 , when the law officers of the Crown pounced upon ua , and having immolated 500 of our leaders in their dungeons .

    Plain John Campbell boasted that he had pat down Chartism ; bnt thanks be- to God , we are not pnt down , rather , in the very ^ it dog for oar destruction , have we buried the putrid carcase of WbJggery ; and If our petition of 2 , 000 , 000 , along with our othor eflbrto , have had such a powerful effect , shall we cease now , when they are talking of reaction ? our only alternative is that of petitioning to show our strength , and then the heaven-born minister most be compelled to speak cf the many-tongued people . It will ensure as the influence of the best leaders of the House * and by this pressure from without , tot the first time ' they will abandon their own principles , aad lend some attention to legislate for oms . This pressure from without is necessary , as there never was any great organic change forced npon them without it We bave shown by our power materials by whieh t ^ iey

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    can manufacture laws ; bat we mnst improve apoa what we have done . Improvements are progressing to an unaccountable extent while the working man ' s condi tion is getting worse and worse , would it not be better that chaos should exist , than that thl » state of thhua should continue . The natural labourer is impoverished while artlfical labour supplies every demand and reap the benefit . If you will not return to first principle * legislation Is unnecessary . And we have this state of things after ten years of reform , after preacbinx for forty-one years . And now behold the finality of Whig reform—ninety-one majority . What ia it after an that Whig reform has done ? first , robbed tbe p oos of their rights , and then as ^ i ^ hed a rural police to keep them down . If those who oppressyou wer *

    , sufferers by it , then night we have hope . Taedaiij buUetoin of health of the Dowager Queen with her £ 100 , 000 a year are issued , but if chance was to relievo you , if all wer * to die of political apolexy * the Chan cellor of the Exchequer would create a new stock of yottBg state paupers the day after to fill their plaeea ( Cheers . ) But to get out of our present dilemma wi are told me mast emigrate , or we most repeal the Con Laws . We will repeal the Com Laws but it shall be for the general and not for sectional good . Mr O'Con nor here ran rapidly over the extravaaeea of royalty andthe sums paid to state paupers and bastards , and in other extravagancies , placing all these to one side of tbe ledger , and the Exchequer oat at the elbows on the other . And with these things ( said Mr . O'Connor ) they

    tell us that population presses too hardly upon the means of subsistence , but if equitably distributed it would cot be so . He ( Mr . O'Connor ) would gladly see a cargo of bishops emigrating ,, aad he would give Philpots for » pilot , for why should the labourer be called upon to give up bis native land ? the labourer who sees the work of his hand npon its surface , why should he leave it 1 No , no ; let him remain at home , get power , and make borne worth living in . The system has drives yen off the land , the stamp of the meneymongsz is upon your face , and while the shopkeeper has beea looking ont for his market he has lost it It will be useless to say the Exchequer is empty , for they will sell the shopkeepers' property for the revenue . Me O'Connor then gave an account of the advantages

    resulting to the Tory Exchequer while in office , as compared to ite state when out of office , tracing its effects upon their conduct , as evidenced ia tbe struggle for class leglsla . tion . He next pointed ont the amoofit of lafid that . needed cultivation , and in an elaborate manner shewed the advantage of keeping all in employment , to prevent masters from taking advantage of the superabundance of labourers , by lowering the * wages of the rest To correct this ( said Mr . O'C . ) man mnst return to a more natural state of society . If four millions quarters of corn be all that , the Corn Law repealers want extra , we can create it ourselves . To the land , then , and we can controol both the raw and the manufactured « n * fa > rs * i Make

    every man his own producer . See what a position your fathers were in , before the factories were brought int o existence ; the master lived with bis men , and the man had something for a rainy day , and then drunkenness Was looked npon as a crime . If the mortar wanted a larger supply than usual , he said , "Here , my good fellow , is 2 s . 6 d . ; get it done by Saturday night' * No factory cruelty then—no quartering for , being late . Then yon bad ne class legislation , and we were the envy of surrounding nations : then every man was one of the civil power ; since then we have a got police armed force . t would fee impossible to follow Mr . O'Connor through the whole of bis delightfully interesting speech . His powerful eloquence elicited the most ' tremendous cheer .

    Selby never before saw such a meeting in doors for political purposes , and tbe people will never forget the joy . of the occasion . After Mr . O'Connor sat dOWQ and the cheering had subsided a collection was made towards defraying the expenses of the placards catllug the meeting . Fourteen fresh members enrolled their names , making the total number of Chartists who have received tickets 114 . After the usual cheers and a vote of thanks tethe Chairman , tbe meeting broke up at a late hour .

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    SCANDALOUS TREATMENT OF THE POOR . It is hardly possible to conceive a place more wretched in appearance , and destitute of comfort and accommodation , than an apartment called tbe " Refuge , " within tbe precincts of the We » t London Union Workhouse In this so called place of " Refuge , " ( Heaven save the mark l ) tbe poor are treated as though they were hogs , so far , at least , as the sleeping part of the business is concerned ; but as regards the eating and drinking , that is another matter . While the hogs are plentifully provided with food , the miserable creatures who apply at the West Union for shelter receive , at this inclement season , but a scanty supply of bread and a little water t Bat we will come to facts . Ob Monday an inquest was held by Mr . Paine , at the West London Union Workhouse . West street , West Smithfield , to investigate

    the circumstances attending tbe death of William Parker , aged fifty-two , who died is that workhouse on Friday morning . It appeared from the evidence ef Joseph Standen , gate-keeper at the house , tbat deceased had applied for shelter fear times within a fortnight , and bad ob each occasion been admitted and supplied with a rug to cover him and bread in the morning when he left , in common with a great many others . The applications for shelter for the night were very nameroas . Nothing was given them to eat when they were taken in , but they had bread in the morning . They lay on boards placed in a slanting direction , and each was supplied with a rug for covering . Sometimes they lay two er three together to keep themselves warm . It was usual to see if they were covered , and inquire if they wanted water ,

    James Greig , assistant gate-keeper , said that deceased was admitted about eight o ' clock on Thursday evening hut , and went into the Refuge with some others . Witness did not see him again till tbe next morning ' , when he went to ask the deceased why he did not some for bis bread , bat receiving no answer , he concluded he was ill , aud acquainted the previous witness , who immediately sent for a doctor . Mr . Einsey came in is about ten minutes . Deceased was removed to the probationary ward , and the surgeon ordered a little brandy and water to be given him , but before it could be ad . ministered be expired . By a Juror— " The place Is very cold , the windows ail broken , and partially boarded up . There have beea as many aa fifty persons in the Refuge at one time , and on these occasions they were obliged to stand up very close together . The rain sometimes came in . "

    Michael Young , who bas tbe care of tbe probationary ward , said that deceased when undressed , was found to be covered with vermin . His clothes bespoke a superior condition . Dr . Roe ,. surgeon to tbe workhouse , stated that water on the chest might aceottnt for the sudden ness of his death ; bat there was no doubt it had been accelerated by want of food . The Refuge certainly was a . very cold place , bat tbe guardians would not improve it The windows were destroyed by persons who reaped the benefit of its shelter . Mr . Barcbfleld , one of the guardians , said the board were tired of repairing the place . The windows were all broken by persons taken in . He would , however , suggest to the guardians the pr priety of improving the place , and also of sapplying mattresses . He bad no doubt his suggestien would be attended to .

    The Coroner s via that it did not appear that the officers of the establishment were at all neglectful . Tbe accommodation afforded there to persons who had ho home was cwrtainly better than being exposed to the inclemency of the weather . It was a lamentable fact that many persons slept in the pens in Smithneld nightly . Tbe subject of relief to the poor would come under the consideration of Parliament in the next session , and he hoped tbat such alterations weald then be made as would alleviate tbe sufferings of the distressed , whose claims were so numerous and urgent . The jury would bear in mind the evidence , and give such a verdict as their judgment suggested . Tbe Jury , after a consultation of a quarter of an hoar , returned a verdict of " Died from natural causes . "

    Whoever heard of such management , unless it has been dictated by a bardhearted tyrant ? If the Guardians of this infernal bastile possessed a partide of feeling—if they had the slightest amount of sympathy running in the current of their composition , they would denounce sueh a brutal order , and direct the subordinate officials to provide wholesome food for those who ask to become inmates of the "Refuge , " immediately they cross its threshold , and not permit a number of starving human beings to lie tot houre , huddled together in a state of positive banger . Tbe Coroner said , it did not appear that the Guardians had been neglectful Now , with all due respect for the keen perception of the worthy Coroner , we maintain that there has been gross neglect shown ; as a proof of which , Mr . Burcbfield observed , that "be would suggest tbe repair of tbe place to the Guardians , ana he had ao doubt his suggestion would be attended to . "

    What is this bat an admission , that the Guardians never go near the place at all ? It ia hardly possible to conceive any thing more cruel or barbarous than to tcrust a destitute man into a place , affording by far lass accommodatioa than the meanest stable , locking him . up without food , aad , in the morning , turning him adrift with a piece of dry bread is his band . This is part and parcel of the new-fangled scheme of throwing tbe poor on their own resources , at a time when the Legislature denies them bread . Merciful God I unless

    something be donate arouse the apathy , we were going tossy , tbe Stupidity of the collective wisdom—unless * law be passed to secure to the poor and destitate proper relief , to which they are justly entitled—and to wrest from the Somerset House Bashaws , the working of the Poor Law Bill , —We fear the eoantry will sbertly be convulsed from one end to the ether , until its throes bespeak too plaialy that something must be done to meet the case . It is impossible to remain much longer wider such a state of legislation with any security .

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    Thb baptism of the infant Prince is not expected to take place until February , immediately after Par liament assembles . Theceremony will be performed in town . —Morning Post . Exchequer Bim , Pbacd . —The trial of Mr . Beaumont Smith , for the Exchequer Bill fraud , came to an abrupt conclusion on Saturday morning . B / pleading *• Guilty , " the delinquent prevented those disoloswes which were looked for with so much interest . He was sentenced to transportation for life .

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    THB NORTHERN STAR .

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 11, 1841, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1139/page/6/