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Northern Star (1837-1852), 11th December 1841, Edition 1 of 5, Page 7, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      fSS DEMOCRATS OF SHEFFIELD TO THE POLISH FTTT .-RR IN ENGLAND . Bbothxbs ut rss Caesb op Ukjts&iax Li-SEB . TT , —Witb feelings of sympathy and admiration , ve b » re persaed an address purporting to be from a portion of jour body , reddest at Portaea , in which you remind us of the terTieei and sacrifices erf yomr country for the safety of Europe , and the baae ingratitude of those Governments , who , tared from the scourge of the Northern Autocrat by the torrents of blood jhed by you , wbo hare survived the storm of war , and by you compatriots who sleep in their gory gravel , hare basely allowed the destruction of the independence < 5 f that nation , that , by its immense sacrifices and god-like jjeroum , has twice prevented the annihilatioH of dviliBtion and freedom 1 b the West ; first , under the walls of Ylenna , when the Crescent waned before the Cross , , nd Enrepe was saved from the barbarism of the Turk ; jeeond , on the basks of the Vistula , when Warsaw ' s herok legions s&Ted Paris from the sword of the

      Muscovite-We have denounoed the base ingratitude of certain (} 0 TerameBts : we shall not shrink from saying what Governments—we mean the GoTernmenU of England ^ France . Of tbe French Government it is not our proTince to meat : we leave the perfidious Monarch of the Bandcsdes to the rvagexace and execration of the generous ions of ( Hul , confident , as we are , that the trJ-colonr Stg of libertj will yet be what it was in 1793—the terror of tyrant * , the beacon-light for the oppressed of mi ] nitioss struggling to be free .

      It is with onr own GoTenuaent we hare to do . We igore you , Brothers , that the sympathies of the Engliah people in 1830 were with yon la your holy struggle you had the good wishes—yon had the prayers of the people far you triumph and success ; bnt you needed ^ aore , you needed the assistance of oar right arms , / jaa : you knew act that the people of England , of whose boasted freedoa you had , doubtless , in you own land , beard so much , were bnt slaves themselves : not tlBTes V > one blood-stained military tyrant , like the people of Poland , but slaves to a host of plundering aristocrats , stock-jobbers , capitalists , itste-priestB , pensioners , sad court-parasites , who keep the toiling classes jn political bondage , that they may deprive them of the produce of theii industry , and plunder them of the fniia of their toil .

      You denounce the treaty of the 14 th of July . We unite with y « u in execrating that treaty , by which England vss insanely and wickedly bound to support the designs of Russia upon Turkey . You do the people of England bat justice in supposing that the national feelings of this country were not represented in that treat y ; if the silence of the English people surprised yon , we can explain that silence . True , they were appealed to by certain parties , who told them a certain Minister was a traitor , and had sold his country to Kussia ! What said the people ? "

      Palmerston rosy be a traitor , bat what then . - * Are not aQ bis ccronetted compeers traitors too ?—have not the aristocracy , one and all , sold us to slavery ? We deUst the Russian despot , but we have no power to prevent an Bffi "" ' * of our irresponsible rulers with aim ; we will not have our attention diverted from the obtainnunt of our Charter . " Thus reasoned—thus said the people ; is our opinion , the people reasoned wisely and acted well ia refusing to take part in any movement that bad not for its object their own enfranchisement .

      Brothers , believing , as we do , that "he who oppresses one nation is the declared enemy of all , " we cannot but hold in abhorrence the blood-stained tyrant of ibe North . But , alas . ' we have no power to prevent an alliance with him , on the part of our governors ; they are to the people irresponsible ; over them the enslaved pniHrmn have no eantronL Brothers , we are united to obtain those rights which we beliers are the common heritage of men , without distinction of country or class . The Chartists of England have been painted in the blackest colours by the wretched tools of aristocracy , who sell themselves , mind and soul , to prop up the present tottering despotism . By them we have been denounced as " anarchists , " men who sought only rapine and spoliation , asd the reducing of society to one C&aoa of confonen , thit we might profit by disorder .

      ¦ We indignantly repel the charges brought against us . Our object is the putting an end to that legalised system of rapine , by which the idler is made rich , and the Wealth-producer made poor : our demand is to have accorded to ns the rights of manhood , and to be placed npoB » political level with onr feUo-w-znen . Is there ought that is unworthy in such objects ? Is there ooght Vha * . is unjust in such demand ? No , brothers , no : we feel assured that , having yourselves battled for liberty , your hearts are with us in our struggle—a struggle for the liberties of Englishmen—for the rights of the human

      " For cur freedom and yours" is the motto of English democrats , as well as Polish patriots . In contending for our Charter , we contend for the power to protect ourselves—and the power to extend the arm of fraternity to every ether people . Let the democratic banner once wave triumphal t over the blood-stained flag of despotism , and , Englishmen , having won their own freedom , will not * be slow to diffuse the blessings Of liberty among the nations of the earth . Ton speak of your countrymen , the " gentlemen emigrants , " as having failed to do their duty . Aristocrats are the same all the world over . We question much , whether your revolution would have failed , notwithstanding the non-suppart of England and France , bad the chiefs of the revolution proclaimed not only War with Bsssian tyranny , but war also with Polish inequality .

      The independence of Poland and the equal rights of her children inscribed on yosr banners , will in your next struggle ensure you the triumph , and the victory . You speak of the treachery of leaders , —tbe curses of posterity blast their memories , and blight their names — may the fate of the traitor Tobbxhofsii be the file of ill , who like him , sell freedom and a nation for a tyrant's gold . Brothers , from our hearts wa rtjoiee that yon have dfctermined to this day celebrate the glorious 29 th of > -&Tfcmber ; in person we cannot be with you , but in spirit tre are . We tao are met this hour tocekbrate a « ay so dear to the loTers &f liberty , bo hateful to the oppressors of nations .

      Brothers , oar fathers irere tinght by interested knaves asd juggling state-priests to regard as their natural enemies , all mea not born on British ground ; we turn With disgust from so loathsome a doctriae . We believe all men to be brothers , and all the nations of the earth to be bet one family ; ¦ we extend the hind of fraternal Iotb to all men , regardless of colour , clime , or creed ; and bow before ( rod and the human race we pledge yon onr sympathy and brotherly aid . Y ou say -well , that the hoar of your battles is again come . Eternal justice forbid that Poland should sini into the grave of annhilation , and her name be blotted from the book of nations , wiihont another struggle on the part of her

      children—aye , nther every Pole perish , sword id hand , beneath the spear of the Barbarian—every fort of Poland ' s soil be given to desolation , rather than submission to a bloody despotism be hopelessly endured . But , brothers , we have fervent hope , that tfee undying spirit of liberty , rallying your dispersed legions rousd the -white eagle of your father-land , will lead yon osward ts victory and the restoration of your country ' s independence . What though Barbarian hordes again oppose you , and torrents of gore again are shed 1 ' The patriot may fall on the red field of strife and see not the realization of his hopes , but liberty is immortal , and a brave people were never yet subdued . Poland mas :, wii ] regain her independence and freedom .

      All ills hare bounds , plague , ¦ w hirl'wind , fire and flood , Ires power csn spill fcu : bounded seas of blood ; Sxt 3 = caring net what Freedom's cost may be , Msy , late or Boon , but must at last be frte ; For k * dy-killing tyrants , —cannot kill The public soul , —the hereditary will , Which cownwaid as from sire to son it goes , By £ hif ling bosojns r&ore intensely glows , it ? teiT-ioom is tee heart , and slaughtered men Fitti fiercer in their orphans o ' er again . ' ' Assuring yon of the undying sympathy of the democrats of England , « e are , noble and gallant patriots , in hatred io tyrants , and love to you , Tours in fraternity . The DiMocRAis of Sheffield . ¦ III ! ¦ ^ S ^ hSB

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      DEWSBURY . At the jceeting here on Thursday ri ^ ht week , the following address was read , and was omitted in our list , for want of room : —

      TO PEARGUS O'COKXOB , ESQ . Respected Sie ., —Permit us , the inhabitants of Dtwibnry and its surronndiDg villages , in common with the whole of the wealth-producing pcrtion of the community , to express , though feebly , our unboanded joy , tha ; your constitution and spirit have enabltd yon to triumph o-ver the disease and iorrors of "Whig BOlIt&ry Confinement , and that yon ba-ve oome to tike glorious face of day , like a giant refreshed with new "" ^ e . prepared to teil despotism to its teeth , " thus didst thoi , and thus thy reign Bhall end ; " prepared » tell it , that the measure of its -wickedness is fuH to

      overflowing ; prepared to tell it that it has rooted to the end of endurance in the blood sad groais of ¦ altering humanity ; prepared to tell it that your woe-» om fitters curse no ; loud but deep ; that the beartborstiDg sigh © f yon famint-stricken , half-naked mother , as she wildly clasps her offspring , dying from hunger , to nermiikleas bosom ; prepared to tell it that all these , laaddened at the protracted injury and insult , proclaim in notes of tfeunder , that unless justice be done , and & 8 . t speedily , to suffering humanity , a day of fearfnl j siribntion is , like time and death , silently , but witb "SghtfuUy rapid strides , certain to overtake them .

      _ We cannot , Sir , in the compass of an address of this kkd , pretend to enter into , or point out all the actions which have adorned your career , and which have endeared you to the hearts of all thoBe who love mankind tt this and every other country . Bat permit us to xHnde for a moment to the stale in whicfl we were When you tame amongsi na . "We have bad the splenffid talents of & Cobbett , a Cartwright , a Hunt , and a hen of others for twenty years ; we have seen the bill , toe "whole , bill , and nothing but the bill , become the «» of the land ; we hav& Been the middle classes become the law makers , and , as a natural consequence , * e . have ^ seen the , enacting of dead body bills , Irish

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      nnion bills , and TgngiUh and Irish poor law asesdmcBt bills ; we had seen these , a » d s > host of others , which were to make Engt&nd the admiration of the world ; and yet oar destiny became every day nm fearful from being the well-fed , well-clad Englishmen , we have become worse than slaves ; for we had more than the slave's toil , bat leu than slave ' s reward-But , Sir , notwithstanding all this , notwithstanding we were " withotrt form and void , " yet we had within us all the elements which wert neeeaaair for oar freedom and greatness . Ton , Six , have collected those elements —you , Sir , have given those dry bones form , and have taught us to stand erect and ask ourselves why It is that all those who produce nothing should suffer nothing , and why it is that we who produce all , should suffer all ?

      Before yon came amongst us . Sir , we were the constant prey of one or other of the factions . Every one with hi * lo here . ' and lo there . ' was able to divert us from the one grrot cause of all oar individual asd national degradation . Bat now , Sir , what is our situation ? We are acknowledged by oar opponent * to be the most numerous , most intelligent , and most inflaentlal party in th » tats . Ton have taught as to expose the now worncot fallacies of the Cora Law League . Yob have taught as to dissect and refute the cabalistic jargon of the MaUhasiaa political economists . You have taught as that man was created for other and higher purposes than to be the serf of a class ; and , though last , sot least , yon have taogbt us to detect the heart of a tot , although thai foe pretend to hold oat the right hand of fellowship , and be clothed in the garb of a friend .

      But perhaps , Sir , the greatest of all your achievements ia the cause of suffering humanity was the establishment of the Northern Star . Yes , Sir , the Star has caused despotism to quail to its iamost soul , and it has of tea « worn by its God" that it " should be no more ;" bat the Slar , &ntens-liKB , has returned from each blow with increased vigour ; and we >""' its establishment and continuance as the sure and certain pledge of man ' s emancipation ; as the " day-star" of freedom to the world , and as a happy presage of the moral and physical happiness to which man ' * high destiny ret urges him .

      Go on , then , noble Sir , in the cause yon have so long continued in . Swear with us this night that you will never cease your exertions , but with life , to cause every man to have a voice in the making of the laws by which he has to be governed . And that you may live to see the righteoas cause secure , and that you may long contribute to its success , by your splendid talents and vast experience , is the daily prayer of this great assembly . And when time shall have silvered o ' er yom honoured head , and have taken you to " that bourne from whence no traveller returns , " may oar children ' s children , as the big manly tear steals down their farrowed cheeks , point with exaltation and regret at the place containing the mortal remains of the man who has caused England to be in reality the " envy of surrounding nations , and the admiration of the world . "

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      SAYINGS AND DOINGS IN THE NORTH . rearing the abstraction of the inhabitants of the coast towns , by the fisheries and harvest , agitation naturally verged southward , till merged in the demonstrations of " the patriot chief . " Apart , however , from them , though full of anticipation , " the good men and true" of Falkirk 'welcomed the self-devoted missionary of other scenes to deliver a leetere . Three good andienefs , on the first day of the week , listened to a scriptural vindication of the equality of human nature , the proper exercise of Christian sympathy towards the prisoners , captives , and the destitute , and the identification of practical Christianity with the pervading principle of Chartism , manifesting the most intense interest . The lecture oa the second day madeapowerfnl impression , and elicited enthusiastic appl&uEe . Pressing solicitations for future intercourse fifan not be forgotten .

      The men of Alloa , though in the greatest bustle of preparation for their sp . ' endiJ display , also provided for a lecture , doubtless from the laudable consideration ol contributing their quota towards expences of travelling , 4 c ., and therefore it deserves record . Stirling received an address at a convivial meeting on the Saturday evening , on the due importance of working men assuming their proper position , in the present distracted st 3 te of our common country ; on the next evening , the personal responsibility involved in national association , was laid before

      them , and certainly DCt in vain . On Monday , the neighbouring villagers cfCambro-baron , made announcement , and gathered a portion to heal a lecture on the stats and prospects of trade . Owing to the breakiDg up of a large establishment recent y , a flourishing association as been torn asunder , but if the wanderers retain their principles faithfully as those they have left behind , it will be but the "wider disseminatioa of the good seed , to result in the more luxuriant harvest . A survivor of the persecution , that -victimised Hardy and Bainl , tt ' . U chcriihfes here the pr inciples that perilled his life vrub their i .

      At the Whyns of Melton , close on the celebrated field of Bruce , and having near , once a sacred edifice , a revolutionary stable , then a magazine of " Prince Charley" after the battle of Falkirk , blown up , a standing memorial , whose rains are still , on tba ; account , more strikingly indicative if national mutations , there had we a good gathering of impoverished nailors and struggling "weavers , who rejoiced by a lecture , to "witneBS on the political horison , the beamicg emanations of the forthcoming Charter of a people ' s rights ; and were urgently pressing for a second favour . Engagement however , at Bannockburn precluding , that was the next scene of labour ; -where adventurous usurpation and fearful submission , alike derogaiory to moral -jroith , presented a clot on human character , threatening to

      extinguish the very being of man . ' Importunate , unwearied exertion rallied a very tolerable assembly in a spacious hall , resulting doubtless ia the pretty general conviction of the aadience , that they had souls of their own . Two or three friends from Melton Dtnuy , where a better , at least a brighter spirit exists , accompanied the lecturer , "who had been arranging with them , several miles to return also , although they were to hear him at their own home . A gathering took place to listen to an expesition of Chartism and its necessity ; as also to pass the National Petition for numerous signatures . If every neighbourhood possessed the intelligence , seal , energy , and moral standing , an the Bcore of total abstinence of the Chartists of Denny , the speedy triumph of the cause would be soon effected .

      The cold and sterile north still presenting attraction to the glewing breast of the missionary , he judged the period arrived to retrace his steps . Wishing also to partake in some demonstration , as a duty to a privilege , & recollection of former struggles awakened a lively interest for that of Aberdeen , conscious that the overwhelming triumph Chartism over moral force fallacy , whether of Lovett , oi Brewster , Owen , oi both combined , would be some gratification for the past , he hastened forward . On his way a letter was put into his hands at Forfar , and by bis means forwarded to O'Connor at Dundee , of the value of which he was fully aware , yet little did he expect the ample reward which

      its exposure so signally secured . After & day or two s n * t he urged onward to Peterhead . Tbeie the evil genius of Brewsterism had engendered strife , and was labouring hard to produce distraction . Surely the harpies of Government are sufficiently alert with the gias , smares , and traps of the law , without beundiBg on to the prey by moral force mania ! He besongnt the friends to oust" the bone of contention , " witb common consent ; and after allaying considerable prejudices by aa address to the total abstainers , left them with hopes revived for the progress of genuine simple Chartism . The next stage New PiWigo , we had one lecture on abstinence , another on the nature and means of effecting the Charter ; a procession with paraphernalia of

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      music , buaers , rods , and lictors , notwithstanding a sharp driadz <* te ; together with a ball commemorating O"Conaor '« Ubemttaa , and also a sermon awaking sttrpris * , gratification and inquiry . The succeeding pest was designed to be Coaniston , and rambling heedless oa , he eame to his journey ' s end . No , instead of that to choose between a fire or seven miles farther tramp , and * Scotch cross road , whea ancle deep with snow , the shades of evening presents no powerful charm to lure a atrangar . The odds wan in favoar of seven to Branff . Emblematic wsese | a slippery , weary way , the wind a hurricaae , pitiless , pelting sleet , lightning flashing , thunder rolling , and bitter , biting frost ; but the Charter ia prospect , he braved the storm . Lo f a gig slowly ascended the hill behind , and having gained the summit , the driver courteously offered a vacant seat Convenatlon turned on the severity ef the weather , scarcity , and the miserable destitution of the weaving

      population . « They are done up l" was an observation alike oommon-place in matter and tone . " What can they do ? where shall they go to ameliorate their condition ? " was interjected . " True , they mast remain as they are ; to remove they would be homeless and unsheltexed . " The nonchalance -with -which these remarks were nttered seemed quite a « " nothing when you ' re used to it . " Oi the bitter train of determined reflection they inspired I Here ni a man , prompted by the kindly feeling , who observed , " Now , Sir , this is Banff ; your ride has cost me nothing , while it has eased you three mile *; yon are welcome , good night ! ' yet none the less self-satisfied in unresisting ease , amid the starvation , wretchedness , and misery surrounding O , that he were " alone ia his glory . " " Shame , where is thy blush ? " —humanity , where hast toon hid thyself ? Banff , low , wretched , apathetic ; no place of meeting , and little disposition to encounter taunting reflection and persecuting prejudice . When will human forms be

      mea f Portsoy , a young journeyman , whose manly , open face does credit to an honest heart , greeted the labourer with the salutation , " Tes , -we'll have a meeting , if possible , though at my own expenoe . " A meeting we had , and he bore the brunt , as he was likely to do it , nobly . " 0 , " said he , " it is capital put out to interest , which will amply repay the investment" A cheer tor Mann ! Callen , Chartism dressed up by ignorance and interest / as a bugbear to frighten boobies . Nevertheless the Star finds its way , and from thence to Durnesa , letting fall its light on Andersonian deeds .

      Inverness , swarming with Corn Law crotchets , a bait was pat out , but the Ssh were shy , not so narch as a dash with a tail 1 Repotting a meeting of these gentry , some short time since , the local press lauded the intelligence and order of the good town ' s workmen , which was only interrupted by an operative from the south . Lo what a change comes o ' er the spirit of the dream , this self-same person recently figures as Mr . Henry Burrell , receiving the complimentary feast of a number ef working men « mployed under vigilance , honoured "with the presence and encoaiums of the mastsr builders , and eulogised by this same press , for urbanity to men , justice to employers , ' assiduity and great skill displayed in the erection of a considerable public edifice . What a contrast to the coarse , vulgar , outrageous satrap of the sew St Stephens—and this Mr . not A . but B . is still a firm , uncompromising Chartist , ever ready to , lend an able aid in the great ¦ works -which aims at the good of his fellow men .

      We had also an address on abstinence , two sermons , and a closing lecture on the principles and protections of the Charter , awakeniag an interest which may be hoped to go en and prosper . Net withstanding party opposition , fair weather , an indomitable , yet prudent missionary , with the . National Petition , and the northern region will add its multitudes to swell the tide of a nation ' s voice for heavenbom liberty , earth ' s blessing , rational freedom 1 Faithfully , Thos . Davies . Zones , December 3 d . 1841 .

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      HORRIBLE TREATMENT OF THE POOR IN THE SEYENOAKd UNION WORKHOUSE . Ia some recent papers we made some remarks on certain act ) which had been perpetrated within t £ e precincts of the above establishment , and which were brought to light by Mr . Booth and the Earl of Stanhope . His Lordship , it will be recollected , stated that certain reports had coma within his own knowledge , and he had reason to believe that they were true , considering the quarter whence they came .

      In the first place , it appeared that the children in the Union Workhouse had not been properly washed from the month of May to the month ef November . In consequence of this neglect of cleanliness , itch ensued , and prevailed to a very great extent . On the 25 th of December last , five women "weTe confined in two beds in the same room , not receiving anything like the attention due to women in their circumstances . On the 30 th of January , 1841 , a report made to the Board of Guardians stated that " the women in the lying-ia room bad not that attendance which , under general circumstances , the poor obtain in their own cotUgea . "

      Oa the 22 nd of April last a report to the Board of Guardians stated that 75 boys were sleeping in 16 beds , SS girls is 19 beds , making 161 children in 35 beds . Then there were 57 men in 31 be « is , and < 0 women in 20 beds . On the 29 th of April last , a period designated by Dr . D'Oyley as last winter , a report to the Board of Guardians stated that there were 78 boys and 94 girls in the house , and that of these all the boys had enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 42 of them bad also swellings ia the front and around the neck . Of the girls 91 were afflicted with swellings of the glaeds in the back of the neck , and 63 with them both in the back and front of the neck .

      This detail of atrocities was made by the Noble Earl himself at a meeting at Sundridge , and an investigation into the matter being decided upon , the Poor I , aw Commissioners Bent down Mr . Assistant Commissioner Tuffoell , to institute an inquiry . It was , thereupon , offered to substantiate the Earl of Sta hope ' s statement , and to prove even more fact ) than bis Lordship himself adduced , either by means of a written communication , or by procuring the attendance of a female , wbo had held the situation of nurse in the establishment , but who , sickening at the amount of disease among the boys and girls , and the treatment experienced by the lying-in women , quitted the workhouse in disgust . This person ( Mrs . Middle ton ) , is a most respectable woman . She sometime ago attended

      a lady in her confinement , and subsequently engaged herself as nurse in the Union , and on her leaving it , ¦ wrote Ta long letter for publication , but -which , for prudential reasons "was not inserted in the paper to ¦ which it was sent—Mrs . Middleton was sent for from Canterbury , and she has in every material part , substantiated the Earl of Stanhope ' s summary of disease and ill treatment We shall now state the facts proved as to the lying-in women . In January last , there were two lying-in rooms only in the workhouse ; one of them 7 feet long , and 10 feet 9 inches wiiiti , the other about 0 fett square . In each of these rooms were two beds , each of them 4 feet 6 inches wide , and 6 feet long . In each bed there were at one time two women at the least , either expecting labour , or recently delivered . The state in which they lay , and the treatment ¦ which they received , may be uuderfctood from two cases—those of Fanny Giles and Rebecca Bij ^ ntll . Fanny Giles was placed in the same

      bed with Sarah Watson on the 15 th of December ; on the 16 th , she was conSned , being at the time alone in the bed , but two women being in the other bed with their children . The next night , within ten hours oi her confinement , she was removed , to make way for a new coiner , into the bed already occupied by those two women and tbeir children ; thus making tkree women and two children at the same time in one bed . From Sunday , the 13 th of December , till a whole week after her confinement , she could not obt-iln clean linen of any kind , though she frequently applied for it . Shortly afterwards she was removed to the other lying-in room ; and while there , on the 25 th of December , a woman named Harriet Harborsr was actually eonfined while in the bed with her . The next day Giles was again removed into the casual ward , and was thers compelled to sleep in the same bed with a woman who had a loathsome contagious disease " of a very bad character . "

      Rebecca Bignell and Alary Collins were put into the delivery bed together about the same time shortly before the 18 tb of December . CollinB was delivered on that day , in the daytime , Bignell not being then in bed . Cellins remained in the same bed till the following day , and was only removed just before Bignell ' s labour , which then took place . At this time there were seven women in the two lying-in rooms , and only one nurse to attend them , who was unfit for the duty , and did not properly perform it . Bignell was seized with puerperal fever , and underwent medical treatment successively for the first few days , bo as to be ftpparefctly out of danger , and the medical officer thinks it probable that she would have recovered , if sh « had been properly nursed . She was neglected , however , and she died . All these facts -were proTed by the evidence of Fanny Giles and two of the medical officers of the union , Mr . Adams * nd his assistant , Mr . Jackson .

      We abstain from going into the disgusting details about the filthy state in which these poor women and others ia s similar situation were snffered to remain . Some had no change of linen for a week , others none for a fortnight ! one stated that she left the house covered with vermin . No visiting Committee ever came round , so that there "was no opportunity of cornplaining ; and indeed complaint would have been of little use , as the ttuardiaus proved , by toe way in whicb they received a charge afterwords made against the Mistress by Margaret Middleton , one of the nurses .

      We now proceed to describe the manner in which the inmates of this workhouse , and especially the children , were acd are lodged . There are two boys' rooms , attics ; the one 15 feet by 27 , and the other 15 feet by 29 ; and two girls' rooms , 15 feet by 29 each . Mrs . Middletos , an experienced curse , who was engaged in February , upon the recommendation of Mr . Adams , tbe medical officer , states that "in March last there were 91 boys in one room ; and in the girls' room there were 80 odd . Tbere were sixteen beds and a half in the boys' two rooms . They lay 15 children in two beds , t eet to feet , and 18 children in three beds ; the remainder o f the feeds had four each . The ages of the children > 3 r ied from five to twelve years . The beds were four fe six inches wide , and the two in which so many th jldren were placed were tied together , so as to form ne bed . "

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      In the letter sent by Mr * Hiddletcn , she sayB , — " It was truly heart-tending to see aomaoy motherless an * fatherless children ; they had the Itch j thair bead * were covered with vermin ; and their feet wer » actually half rotten . The food of time children was Tery coarse ; for breakfast theyhad dry bread and skiOey ; for supper , bread and batter ( the smallest scrap of batter , was used ) and a drink of water .. The manner the children alept was sufficient to breed all mann « r of diseases ; they were huddled together six and seven is & bed , and daring the ten weeks I was ia the Union , I

      never saw a -woman with a clean chemise , "or a man with a clean shirt . I repeatedly saw the old women go into the hall , and where those who bad good eyes used to pick the vermin from their aged co-paupers . The lying-in room was beastly beyond description , and the smell arising from the filth horrible . On one occasion a woman named Omden , whose children bad the itch , asked for some bread to make toast and water , and there being a scarcity of mags in the Union , the Master actually gave her a brown chamber utensil to make it in .

      Mrs . Middleton , it appears , left the Union with a most exemplary character , which was given to her in writing by the Board . On the 22 nd of April , Mr . Adams reported to the Board that there were then 86 boys in 19 beds , 75 girls in 16 beds , 57 mea in 31 beds , and 40 women in 20 beds . On the very day of the inquiry , after Mr . Tufhell bad taken a number of stranger * and others over the workhouse , and after these visitors bad been told that they had seen every apartment , Mr . Booth , the vestryclerk of Snndridge , received information that there were two reoms which had not been visited ; and oh proceeding to these , twenty boys ( apparently diseased / were discovered in one of them ( a loft 13 feet by 14 ) huddled together in five beds—tire boys each in two beds .

      six boys in one bed , and two boys each in two more . In February all toe children in the house , of both sexes ( except two or three infants ) had the itah ; about a dozen had bad feet and chilblains , with the bones of their toes protruding , in consequence of neglect On the 20 th of April Mr . Adams reported to the Board that there where then in the bouse 78 boys and 94 girls and infant children ; that all the 78 boys had enlargement of the neck , and 42 bad likewise goitres ; that of the glrlR and infants , 91 had enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 63 also goitres . In this horrible way has the health of the children of the poor , in one of the richest and most nourishing agricultural counties in England , been sacrificed to the maintenance of the prohibitory order el the Poor Law Commissioners .

      In December , 1838 , there were 162 boys and girls in 35 beds . In 1839 there were 325 inmates , taking adults with children , at one time in the workhouse . In March , 1840 , there were 2 S 8 inmates in one week . In February last there were at one time 347 persons . On Saturday last there were 315 inmates ; an increase of 62 having taken place within ten days , after the master had reported to the Board of Guardians that the housj was fall ; the Board deliberately continuing , under these circumstances , to enforce the workhouse test . There are now seven boys sleeping in one bed , five in another , and sixty-one boys in sixteen beds , distributed icto fours and threes ; each bed being only four feet six inches wide . Mr . Love has been a member of the Board of Guardians ever since the formation of the Sevenoaka Union , and Chairman for several years . Listen now to his own account of the way in which he has performed his duties : —

      By Mr . Burgess . —How was it , that being Chairman of this Board , you did not become acquainted with the state of the house with regard to the children until tbe 22 nd of April last ? That was tbe first time it bad been officially reported to the Board to be in too crowded a state . Mr . Burgess—That 1 b no answer to my question . How come you for five years to be ignorant of the state of the house ? Because it had not been brought officially before the Board as a matter of complaint . Why did you not make yourself acquainted with it ? I considered the duties of my office as Chairman , and my almost invariable attendance as such , a sufficient reason why I should not take upon myself to visit the house , as other Guardians did . Might yon not have obtained that information without visiting ?

      Yes , if I had asked the master or medical officer for an official report is not the -weekly return-book laid before you , so that you may see the number ef inmates without asking a question 7 That I almost invariably inspect ; it gives me evidence | Of the numbers , but none of the crowded state of the bouse . I cannot ascertain from that bow many are in the different wards or in the different beds in the wards . An increase of children might take place , and a decrease of able-bodied , which would not ba discovered from the book .

      Mr . Love ' sevidence sufficiently shows that the paupers have been scandalously neglected . As Chairman of the Guardians it was his duty to ascertain whether the poor were well fed , well clothed and well housed ; and his failing to have done so exhibits a lamentable want of feeling . We shall here drop tbe subject for the present ; but we are nevertheless proud that we have been partly instrumental in exposing as gross acts of ill treatment and injustice towards a mass of unprotected human beings as were ever brought to light . What decision the Poor Law Commissioners may come to on the subject , we

      are at a loss to imagine , involving ns it does the working of th « damnable Poor Law Bill . It is , however , scarcely credible that such things can have happened without reprobation in ¦ workhouse of which the Marquis Camden and ColoHel H . Austin lately constituted the visiting Committee , and which has been frequently visited by the B- > v . Dr . D'Oyley . Had it not been for the public spirit of Mr . Booth , the | Vestry Clerk of Sundridge , ( whose conduct , in spite of what Dr . D'Oyley designates his " humble situation , " contrast mest favourably with that of his superiors ) those enormities would never have been dragged to light

      One enrse of the Poor Law scheme ia evidently the largeness of the Unions ; and the poor will never be dealt with fairly till the system is entirely broken up . There Is , perhaps , not a Guardian of the Sevenoaks Union who , questioned apart as to the sufferings endured by the children and tbe females of his own parish , is sot heartily grieved at thorn , and ashamed tbat he did not detect and prevent them . He knows the rate-payers of his own parish did not wish , in order to save a few shillings a piece , to coop their less fortunate neighbours in such a hell as this Sevenoaks Bastile .

      It the children of his parish had been apart from tbe rest , he would not have dared to suffer them to bo ao grossly misused ; his better feelings would have compelled him to interpose . No , it is the Union systemthe want of individual responsibility . It is the feeling tbat whatever is done is the act of the whole Board , tbat is the source of all the negligence and cruelty and oppression ; and there is no remedy but a general dissolution of all Unions , and tbe relieving the able-bodied poor at their own homes , provided the paupers attend at the poor-house during the day , to labour in a parish garden or at a farm .

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      i , ^^^^!^ S ^^^^ ZSocialism was called a dreamy thing . Mr . Parry allowed na tb « , jeredit of MtaNliWng Infant schools and hftving insUtutleu * ifonilar to ^ the Mechanics' . Are these dreamy thing *? it thtyare , they appear to me to be more substantial than the realities of Chartism . Mr . Parry objects to us because we appeal to the benevolence of those who may have it 1 b their power to assist ns . We do not appeal to them as a class but as individuals ; and are not the Chartists continually appealing to their beaevolence ? Are you not , at your public meetings , Ice ., continually begging and praying of them

      to grant you your rights . With regard < to the applications we make , we are a Uttie like the Spanish beggar , who , -when asked why he did not go to work , being a strong hale man , he told them he asked them for their charity aad not fortheir advice . Ton may go on appealing to the # e classes for your rights , year after year , but their Interest ia opposed to yours , and they will never grant them . You have a House of Commons opposed to you i a House of Peers opposed to you , and tke pub-He press against you ; the Timet even calling yon incorrigible scoundrels .

      Mr . Parbt .-t-Mt . Jones states tbat I compared the Social to Mechanics' Institutions , and Raid they were inferior to the meanest mechanics'institution in the poorest town in the kingdom . Inferior in point of wealth , and I might almost say for usefulneis , to most of the trade societies in the kingdom . These do what they profess , but Socialism , professing everything , accomplishes but little . I am sorry to hear Mr . Jones again refer to the Titties journal . What does any re . spectable person care for the Times ? We langh at its statements ; we care no mare for it than for tbe squeaking of a pig . When the brawling Times filled its columns with vituperations of the Socialists , did the Chartists value it * reasonings ? It was childish and puerile to refer to such * venal and ruffianly paper . Mr .

      Joncw says tbe Bouse of Peers is also against as . Shall we quail because the peers are opposed to us ; because the Times abuses us ? Mr . Jones says they act ia accordance with law . We also act in accordance with law . Their whole system is founded upon an act of Parliament Can there be a . more sandy foundation ? If ever you attain to the influence you expect , and I think you will not , what is to binder Parliament from repealing the Acts of George and William on which your Communities ore founded f If ever yon get wealthy er powerful enough to be obnoxious to those in power , that instant , if the people are not in possession of political power , will you be annihilated . I appealed to all history in proof ef the advantage of political power ; Mr . Jones , to a few isolated Shaker communities m

      America , where be informs as that wealth is created to an enormous extent Mr . Jones says he will adopt what is good in these communities , and reject what is bad . They adopt the principle of celibacy ; how does Mr . JoHea know that this ia not the very principle which enabled them to succeed . Mr . Parry then read extracts from Miss Martineau ' s work , in which she states that they are scarcely allowed to speak to strangers—tbat it was with difficulty she met with the rites of hospitality —that they are allowed to speak no language but Garman—that a young girl taking a fancy to have a ride in the country instead of attending worship , was severely reprimanded ; and were these the principles they would hold up for the adoption of the most intelligent and civilized people in the world ? Only brine men to the

      state of apathy and mental degradation in which they are found in these communites , and perhaps they might succeed in making them prefltable speculations ; but once admit of freedom in religion and other opinions , and they would immediately fail , as Mr . Owen's did at New Harmony . When Mr . Owen took Now Harmony , it was fenced all round to keep out the pigs of the neighbouring forest Mr . Owen immediately removed tbe fence , and the pigs speedily came in and destroyed all the beautiful gardens the Rappites had created . One of the great vices of the Socialists is , they think there are no pigs in the moral world—that we are all amiable lap-dogs . Mr . Jones itates that if Tytberly succeeded , the example would speedily spread throughout the country . I rind there are fifteen Shaker and

      one Rappite community in America , which bare been established between fifty and sixty years ; why has not their example been followed ? is there any difference between human natnre in America and in England ? The Socialists believe they hava only to lay down their laws , get Tidd Pratt to sign them , and all will be prosperous . They think naught of the discordant principles which animate mankind . All will vanish before the force of their paternal government . Look at the amazing power vested in the Central Board . True , they are elected by the people ; but they are still more under the controul of Congress . They have power to separate children from parent ; they hava tbe management of the schools , of all public amusement . If you

      dance , you must dance under the controul of the Central Board . Their ' s is a system of pure despotism—that frorst of governments , a paternal one . A father may do what he likes with his children , may beat them , may tarn them out of doors : he has nearly aa much controul over them as a man over his wife . I do not object to this ia parents ; but I do in society . . Tbe Governments of Austria and Russia are of thia description . The ruler is called ' tbe father of his people , and why ? Because he can do what he likes with his subjects . This is the system which Mr . Own proposes and the Socialists admire ; bat I an certain they will never succeed in getting any large number of individuals to submit to this irresponsible power .

      Mr . Jones—Mr . Parry has said , that our Social Institutions in no way differ from Mechanics' Institutions , except being on a smaller scale . There is this one great difference—we admit discussion on religious and political subjects—they do not . I do not approve of the language of the Times , but I quoted it to show the division amongst you . There is the Times abusing the Dispatch , the Dispatch abasing the Times ; Mr . Parry , a Chartist leader , and the Northern Star abusing the Times . I say they are all venal—they are all acting for party motiveB , and not seeking truth , all alike , whether Tory or Chartist ; the Times is not more venal than any other , the Northern Star included . ( Hisses and cheers for the Star . ) It has just been stated that the Northern Star is the only paper which

      advocates the rights of the people ; I do not object te any paper , but depend upon it , so long as you support any paper in the manner you have to-night , 80 long will yon have a venal press . I speak not as an enemy to the Northern Star , but while you denounce one paper and cheer another , they will always have inducements to act with veaaiity . Mr . Parry ' s prime object is , that any Parliament can repeal the law on which our communities are founded . We know that nothing is certain ; a comet might come witbin the sphere of our attraction , and with its tail , whisk us out of existence ; but would such a liberal body as the Chartists stand by and see such an infringement of liberty aa to have that law repealed ? You have the idea of certain reform floating in your imagination , and if you are to stand

      upon privileges , you may never realize them . Mr . Parry has shown you the imperfections of the American communities , but are we compelled to adopt their faults because they tnve one bright feature wrapped round with tho dirty bandages of religious fanaticism , are we forced to adopt the whole ? Mr . Parry says , are we prepared to adopt their system of celibacy ? I say decidedly not ; but he does not tell you that they are annually receiving into their community widows , with large families , adopting orphan and other ebildren , and that they ao train theso that crime is unknown aaaong&t them . Mr . Parry asks why their example has not been followed in America . I tell him because of their fanaticism . Tytberly has only been building two or three years ; you hava been agitating these fifty years ,

      and have not got a single stone laid . If Mr . Pasty has any plan to propose for immediate relief , in God ' s name let us adopt it , while we are building our communities . Mr . Parry a says we think too well of human nature—tbat we ¦ ve there are no pigs in the Moral World . The fauit . is hitherto been that man has been represented in coo bad a light . We believe man to be a more decent animal than is generally supposed . Fault Is found with the powers of our Central Board ; \ re are to dance , &c , by orders of the Central Board . To this there can be but little objection , provided they are good hands ata set of quadrilles . With respect to paternal government , Mr . Parry forgets that , having the power to beget our parents , instead of them chastising us , we shall be enabled to chastise them .

      Mr . Parry—I did not insinuate tbat the people of America wure too ignorant to adopt communities , I said they were too wise to listen to tbe secret voices of the Rappites and Shakers wooing them to its blessings . I feel surprised at Mr . Jones comparing Acts of Parliament with the appearance of a comet an Act of Parliament may be repealed in two or three , or perhaps twenty years , but comets act in accordance with the ail-wise laws of nature ; tbeir precise time , appearance , &c ., may be accurately calculated upoa . Surely Mr . Jones will not compare the stolidity of a British Parliament to the eternal progress of the laws which regulate the universe . Mr . Jones has said all our newspapers are venal ; of course , always excepting the Netv Moral World , of course the lustre of its purity has never been

      tainted . What does Mr . Jones mean by Tenality I do not consider that paper to be venal , be it Whig or Tory , which without change has consistently advocated its pr nciples . The Northern Star bus never swerved from its principles , be they true or false ; it had ever remained true tc the interests of the people . If Mr . Jones challenged it with venality , he must prove when it was bought or sold ; until he could do this the Northern Star at least waa free from tbe charge . Mr . Jones was eternally r inging in their ears the violence of the Chartist *; you would suppose that the Socialists were mild , amiable philosophers ; men who would not hurt a worm ; and that the Chartists were a set of violent ruffians . Only think of the Socialists , in number about 4 , 000 , taunting the Chartists , who with those professing the same principles in Ireland , numbered

      four millions , with being advocates of physical vforee , because , goaded by physical waat , they had occasionally risen in their might , as men , and demanded their birthright ; because they would sot sit tamely under tbe iron rod of oppression ; and because of thia the press must calumniate and abuse them , and the Socialists re-echo the cry . I throw back the assertion , that the working classes are violent , into the teeth of their calumniators . Are not tbe Chartists following the constitutional mode of petitioning , of uniting , to concentrate public opinion . Tbe Socialists being generally in better circumstances , may afford to wait for reform ; may afford to subscribe their £ 50 ; but the masses are in actual want ; it is a question in which the crime is greatest , the man that steals from want , or tbe legislature , which creates the want If tbe Socialists possessed the vast physical power of

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      the Chartists , . they might talk of physical force , bat at present it wooM b « utterly ridlculoos ; why twe policemen might take tbe whole party I The glory of the Chartists is , tbat having the power to adopt violent meaauesY they bate wisely and nobly abstained from exerting that power . Thia raises them higher ia my estimation than any other body in the state . But another objection of the Socialist * Is ova ignorance . If the Chartists would petition for Social Communities , their ignorance would immediately disappear . Because tbe Socialists an a little more aristocratle and possess a little more wealth , this feeling of arrogance is exhibited . The very fact that the Chartists can appreciate tbe merit * of the Charter ia a proof of their intelligence . I admire intelligence ; I should wlib to « ee all

      educated , bat so long as a nan has an arm to work , so long as he is not idiot , it matters not whether be can write or read , be is entitled to a vote . I call upon you , working men , to go on in your agitation , and by getting Universal Suffrage you will speedily get universal education . This was exemplified ia the conduct of a female ia America ; the endeaveured to educate her slaves , but the brand of slavery rankled ia their hearts , and she could not succeed . The blessings of education will preve in vain , unless you attain to the moral dignity of freedom . This noble woman felt this , she emancipated her slaves * and in tbe words of an homely saying , they then took kindly to education ; but Mr . Jones says how will son set th <* Charter ? Will the House * of

      Parliament reform themselves ? The force of public opinion in France , compelled their hereditary House of of Peers to abolish itself , and public opinion will gain us the Charter , not if it is expressed in the mild , quiet , amiable , social method ; but public pinion backed by a million of men , possessed of arms and sinews , and who know how to use them ! It is use less always to crave in a peaceful , humble , legal manner . History shows that every reform therein mentioned has only been gained when they dared not any longer to withhold it . How were the dissenters emancipated ?—how was the Catholic Emancipation Bill carried ? Did not the iron Duke , state tbat be dared no longer to refuse it ? and the time will shortly come when he dare not refuse the Charter . How was

      the Reform Bill carried t The people met day after day , sent petition after petition ; the mea of Birmingham roused themselves , and the Government , quailed before them . It was now the cant phrase to call the men of Birmingham selfish , because , being deceived by the-middle classes , they would no longer join in tbeir half measures—because they wera determined to abolish all monopolies . Mr . Jones says that argument and reason were the weapons we should employ . Thia might be true with human beings , bat not with a House of Peers . Did they stand firn in their imbecile power when Earl Grey bad authority to create a new batch of them ? No , they very considerately walked , or rather sneaked , obi of the House , until Earl Grey found himself in a majority , through tbe desertion of these craven Peers . And this will prove equally true with respect to the Charter ; they will quail , as

      they have ever hitherto done , before the power of a mighty people . I do not expect that this discussion will make many converts to either side ; but it will show to the country , and the middle classes in particular , that large and intelligent bodies of their fellowmen are daily meeting to discuss the means by which to promote their political and social happiness . It will show to th . era the folly and danger of much longer standing aloof from a struggle that i * almost divine , that will elevate man out of tbe dust , that will infuse into his body almost a living soul ; and , sooner or later , in proportion as you remain faithful to the cause , in proportion as you unite , man and woman , in the cause , ( for why should one half of the human race be excluded ?) the Universal Suffrage bark will ride triumphant o ' ex the storm , in spite ef every party and of every passion which may be arrayed against it

      Mr . Jones—When I spoke of tbe venality of the preks , I excluded no paper . I believe they have all exaggerated in favour of their own party . I have no doubt the New Moral World itself occasionally has done the same thing . I had no wish to depreciate any of the papers . Mr . Parry accuses me of charging you with ignorance and violence . I only adopted your own language . Have you not a moral and a physical force party ? Are not Frost , Williams , and Jones transported ? Is not this positive proof that you have been guilty of violence ? T do not charge the whole mass with being violent ; I believe you all desire the public good ; but when I see men going astray , I deem it to be my duty to step forward and give them a warning voice . Mr . Parry spoke

      lightly of as as a party , and said two policemen would take the whole . I believe one might do it , for we should all go without It is not correct that the Socialists think tbe Chartists Ignorant ; bnt we think them imprudent . I admit tbe truth of your Charter ; I admire your principles ; I signed your petition ere I entered on this discussion ; but I think our principles best Who are the class that press most heavily upon you ? Is it tbe Lords ? is it the Commons ? Partly so ; but it is those who hold in their power those mighty iron machines which have brought you to misery and degradation . These the Charter passes entirely over- I speak to you as working men . Ib not machinery the great cause of your distress ? In whose hands is the machinery ? Why in the hands of your employers ,

      who are regardless of your interests , if it interfere with their profits . A fair day's wages for a fair day's work , appears to be the height of the ambition of a Chartist Though Ty therly is but in its infancy , yet I trust it will soon give blight hopes of the world's regeneration . We do not depend npon a majority to effect eur object Mr . Parry has appealed to history , bat in the two great instances be has given you , viz . Catholic emancipation and the Reform Bill , you had the middle classes and many of the upper classes with you , elements of which yon are now deficient . To gain the Irish Emancipation Bill every inflaence was exerted , but does not misery taint that unhappy land ? Beware bow you play with tbe feelings of the people ; let them not again be miserably deluded with false hopes . For centuries have the working classes been struggling for reform , and in what better position are you now ? You have Frost and his companions slumbering sixteen thousand miles off , to the lullabies of a distant ocean

      bubble after bubble baa burst " Hope deferred maketh the heart sick . " In your political harangues you have promised to your followers a perfect millenium . Every class is opposed to you ; your groans will never reich the Government , until you have the c < v operation of the middle-elass ; but this is almost impracticable . I know timtif you were united you could despise both Whig and Tory , and I have no doubt but , Rome day or other , your principles will be carried into effect , but I fear the time is distant I do not blame the working classes as violent men . I wonder that , in the midst of bo much suffering , and so much excitement , they have remained so patient . The principles on both sides are true . Chartism is good ; bnt , in my opinion , not so good as Socialism . We have no Interest in being divided . In ruy time I have assisted in every measure of reform ; but I consider that Socialism being independent of King , Lords , or Commons , is most calculated to spread happiness amongst the members of tbe human family . 1 Great applause . )

      The CHAIEMAN then called for a show of bands , and it was so . equal that net being ab ' . o to decide , another show was callftd for , -when . The Moderator , being appealed to , gave it as his opinion , that the numbers were equal . Mr . ParrY then came forward and announced that his share of the proceeds should be devoted to those gallant men now on strike , the masons . ( Great cheering . ) Mr- Jones should devote his proceeds , according to a previous arrangement , to that which would prevent all strikes , the Tjtherly Community . The Chairman and Moderator then thanked the meeting for the considerate and gentlemanly manner in which they had acted , and the meeting dissolved .

      The discussion throughout was excellently managed by both disputants . The attendance of Chartists was not so numerous as might have been anticipated , but this was owing partly to the charge for admission , and it also being held at so late a period in the week . Mr . Parry also was not known to the great majority of the Chartist body , but henceforth he will deservedly be held in high estimation . ' The proQts , it appears , are £ 10 , when rent of Hall and all the expences an paid .

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      We learn that Sir Robert Peel has sent agents to the Continent for the purpose of collecting detailed information relative to tho average rates of wages , the prices of food , and ether circumstances bearing on the condition of the humbler classes . Sir Walter Scoti ' s Novels . —What would Sir Walter Scott have said if he had seen his immortal Novels on sale at a few pence each week 1 We think , "this is popularity" would have escaped him . His family hare done wisely , in these times of Jack Sheppards , to bring healthy reading to every one ' s fireside ; and we certainly have it in the powerfully drawn characters of the Waverley Novels .

      The Weather . —Much damage was done in the metropolis , and the surrounding country , by the late stormy weather . On Monday night week , a new shop-front in Church-street , Borough , was blown into the street . Many stacks of chimaies have been thrown down , but with no fatal results . The low lands on the Surrey side « f the river have been flooded . The river itself was violently agitated . A boat with two boys was upset on the river between WandBWortft and Putney , and one of the boys was drowned . Three men were overturned in a boat off Rotherhithe . bat were all saved . Near Greenwich , a man , was blown from the yard-arm of a coasting *

      vessel , but he sustained no injury beyond a wetting . On Tuesday morning , near Deptford , as a barge laden with Russian deals was coming up the river , a great quantity of the timber was blown off into the water : a workman jumped out of the barge into a small boat , and was picking up the pieces of timber , which he had previousl y gathered together with an oar , when a heavy swell of the water upset the boat , and the man was drowned . During the Bight of Monday , a hundred barges , laden with ooal * got loose from their moorings on the river , and sank On Wednesday afternoon , the tide rose to a great and unusual height , and caused a considerable destrootiofl of property .

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      SOCIALISM v . CHARTISM . The adjourned discussion between Mr . Parry and Mr . Lloyd Jonea , on the comparative merits of Cuartism and Socialism , was resumed on Friday evening last . The place was again crowded with a highly respectable audience . Mr . Parky commenced by recapitula'ing bis arguments of the previous evening . The Socialists ¦ were contending for the establishment of a community of 1 , 000 acres , which , by properly cultivating and arranging , they can bring to the acme of perfection , and thereby stud the land with Universal Comiuuniti « fl . I contended for Universal Suffrage , its benefits being immediate and not prospective , it being a grand national

      universal measure , and not a local question of pounds , shillings , and pence . Mr . Jones relied chiefly upon the superiority of Socialism , from its being independent of any extraneous assistance ; it eared not for the House of Commons—no , nor yet for that venerable body , the House of Peers . Let us examine a little into this . Mr . JoBes told us , ! aet night , that they did not look for assistance to any class , but to tho benevolent of all classes ; ia this independence ? They request loans fr » m parties willing to Senii , promising regular payment of interest Now , it is quite impossible tbat the poor can lend money ; they cannot purchase food . These loans , then , must comu from tbe richer classes of society : how , then , can they be independent ? The

      rich do not want to subscribe to get into community ; they can get anywhere . They have also a printed form of bequest , by which parties may leave their property for community purposes . I do not like this principle of appealing to benevolence : I demand right in preference to benevolence—I demand that the poor man shall be placed upon an equality with the rich man . Benevolence is one of the worst principles which can be laid down by any'form of Government ; and if carried to a laTge extent it becomes a positive nuisance . Chartism demands that ail Bhall be placed on an equality in the eye of the law—that all should be at liberty to uae their unfettered txerrions to procure a comfortable existence . I call upon you , if you prefer right to benevolence , to dtcide in favour of Chartism .

      Mr . Jones —I informed you last night that I objected to Chartism , because you had no defined plan ; yoo have certain things floating in your imagination which you may or may not put into practice . Mr . Parry ridicules the confidence and presumption with which we put forth our plans , I admit we are confident in the success of onr plans , bnt we do not call npon the public to adopt them without examination . We do not enforce them with angry feelings ; we do not dispute about moral or physical force to carry them out ; we call not for general adoption , but general enquiry . Mr . Parry alluded last evening to my mention of the Spartans . I condemn their vices as much as Mr . Parry ; bnt is that

      any reason I should not adopt what is good ? Mr . Parry also charges us with looking entirely to the stomach and neglecting the mind . Is not bis allusion to our singing , our grammar , and other classes , an ample refutation of this ? Mr . Parry says , we may get a few to carry out reforms in tbe quiet manner ¦ which we desire , bnt tbat it is impossible tog-. t the bulk of the people . I defy him to prove any good done-by violence . I defy him to prove any lasting good produced by great excitements . Look at the French revolution for instance . I allow that with an Ignorant mind , it is impossible to bear suffering patiently , but in an intelligent man , this same suffering will produce a spirit of calmness and patience .

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      TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL CHASTER ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN . Brethren , —We the auditors of the accounts of of the Executive beg to call yonr particular attention to the balaaoe sheet which is published in to day ' s Star . You collectively agreed to ekct an Executive body and pay them for their services ; now , brothers , unless the association performs ita duty to that body , they cannot expect very great progress to be ma 4 e in the glorious cause wa are engaged is . You trill not fall to perceive that several localities have not paid for their cards ( which by the bye ought to be a ready-money transaction ) ud consequently have not sent a farthing in the shape of contributions to enable the Executive to prosecute their labours . We beg to be understood

      that we do not attach any blame to , or find fault with those district * which have bnt recently enrolled themselres in tbe National Charter Association ; but there are others from which we expected better things ; we sincerely hope those localities that are in arrears with ¦ the Executive , Trill make arrangements for liquidating their debts immediately ; we do hope the officers aad members ef the association will make it a point of duty lo KBd the moiety required by tbe plan of erganisation to the Executive above all and before all other claims You muit see plainly , unless this U done , that that talented body will have to straggle continually against the stream , to the great injury of our sacred cause . Ab the Executive have accomplished so great an amount of good with tbe limited funds yon have placed at tbeir disposal daring the last four or five months , -what may we not expect from them if prcperly supported ?

      Brethren , oox enemies are watching for tbe sign of a break up io ov great sad glorious organisation ¦; they well know that our chief and greatest difficulty , is a want of funds ; let us disappoint them—let us strictly abide by the plan of organisation , and we Bhall soon create such a feeling in tbe public mind as will carry all before it , and finally cause our beloved Charter to become the law of these realms . Hoping that you will receive these few remarks in the spirit in which they are given-Brother Chartists , We subscribe ourselves , Yours , in the cause of democracy , William Robson , ) . ... „ . Jobs Maimed , } Auditors . London , Kov . 30 th , 1841 .

      Untitled Article

      THE NORTHERN STAR . 7

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 11, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1139/page/7/