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Northern Star (1837-1852), 26th February 1842, Edition 1 of 4, Page 6, BZ&aXXHGraABX

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      Untitled Article

      TOWN HALL MEETING . . A crowded and enthusiastic meeting ,-called by requisition , wjas held in the Town Hall , on Friday , the lgth inst ., the Mayor in the chair . Previous to the opening of the Hall , the street adjoining -was thronged ¦ with groups of men of all classes , each being eager to secure a good position . The Committee Boom of the Hall was also thronged 'with the requisitienists , awaiting the opening of the door leading to the organ gallery . It should here be mentioned that the most unftir and dastardly conduct -was resorted to , in ordtr to exclude the Chartists from the hustings—the respec tables . taking care that only Borne six or eight tickets should find their way to the Chartists , so that there -was a difficulty in procuring tickets for Messrs . Leach , Campbell , Mason , and others , although upwards of . had been issued .

      At eleven o ' clock , Mr . O'Connor arrivcolln town , and met several of tha most active Chartists at the house of 3 £ r . Porter , Moor-street , from -whence they proceeded to tbe Town HalL " - ¦ Shortly after eleven o ' clock , the door which leads from the Committee Boom to the organ gallery was opened for the admission of the favoured few to the front seats . The doors -were shortly afterwards thrown open , and the rush to the side galleries -was such that they -were filled in a few minutes . The people flowed in like a tide to all parts of the building , "which was soon filled . Tariona were the surmises that were passed from man to man through the vast assemblage , as to the policy that would be adopted by the Corn law Btroealers , as it was understood that an arrangement had been entered into by them with ilr . Joseph Sturge on the previous evening , and that a declaration in favour of the People ' s Charter -would form a prominent feature in their proceedings .

      At the time appointed for the commencement of the cosiness , the Msyor , accompanied by the other parties who intend to take part in the proceedings , made their appearance in the centre of the organ galkry , and -were loudly cheered , Ef ^ r which The Mat OR ( Mr . Samuel Beale ) proceeded to read the requisition calling the meeting , "when Feargus O'Connor . Esq ., entered the gallery , and was received -with enthusiastic cheers by themeeting . He then attempted to advance to the front , and was assailed by some scores of the so-called respectables , by the mott

      infamous epithets , and not content -with foul words , they even threatened violence , and swore they would murder him if he persisted in his attempt to advance ; they then formed into a strong compact body about ten dfep , the mure tffectually to prevent him ar any other person favourable to the Chartists , from getting within hearing of the speakers , the consequence cf which was , that they could not hear a single sentence by being kept . fir bfchind ; suffics it to say , that a mo-e rnffianly set cf blackguards could not he found in her Majesty ' s donfnions ; yet , those men have the impudence to talk cf the " vio ent physical-force Chartists . "

      When the uproar caused by the parties in the gallery had subsided , the Mayor proceeded to address the meeting- He said he was sorry that the use of the Hail could not be obtained on an earlier day in the / week ; tHat was the first tune lie had the honour cf presiding over a nieeting since he enU-red en the duties of his office : he hoped tha proceedings would be conducted -with temperance and moderation , and stated his wuh to contfuet the business with fairness tud impartiality . Mr . Alderman Westox then rt : > od -forward to propose the first resolution , which was to the following effect : —

      " That for a long time past the trade and" commerce of Birmingham have been most seriously depressed , aud both masters and workmen have , in consequence , been in a state cf unprecedented sufferings ; that those . sufferings are either traceable to , or grievonsly aggravated by the laws wh ! ch restrict the importation of food j that the Ministerial proposal f rc the amendment of these laws , adds iasult to injury , by its mockery of reitf ; that the certain prospect of such an amendment being supported by a majority of the present House of Commons , affords imf / agable proof of the necessity of putting an end to these , and other evils of class legislation , by such an extension of tie Parliamentary Franchise as shall secure to all ranks of the people thit full , fair , and free representation , to ¦ which , on the principles of Christian justice and the British constitution they are entitled . "

      Mr . "Westox Eaid that the proposition he had read agreed with his own views more than any which he had ever moved . Five months had elapssd from the time that the member for Tamworth had undertaken to provide a remedy for the sufferings of the people , and now he declared that they were beyond the power of resnedy . He denounced him as a quack , and said he ought to make way for those who could bring forward a proper remedy . He agreed most cordially -with that part of the resolution -which declared the right of the ¦ whole people to ihe elective franchise , and said that every man who centributed to the t » xes , who was amenable to the Iaw 3 ; or liable to be called on to defend their country , had an undoubted right to be represented in tha House of Commons , and stated that he would rather live under a government of the -working classes than that of the plundering aristocracy , and scoffed ai tbe idea of working men being too ignorant to Tote .

      . Jlr . Alderman Tax Wakt seconded the resolution in a short address . Mr . Thomas Attwood then addressed the meeting at some length on his usual topic , the Currency Question , and endeavoured to justify his conduct for supporting fh * t which he formerly repudiated- He was received very coldly by the meeting . Mr . AaiHCa O'Neil made a long Epeech in favour of the resolution , and hoped that they would all be unanimous that day . He rejoiced to fina the middle classes taking up the Suffrage question , and congratulated the meeting on the numerous signatures which were being appended to Mr . Stnrge ' s declaration , and read a note at the conclusion which informed the meeting that Mr . Joseph Sturge ' s document lay in the committte room for signatures .

      The meeting then set up a universal shout for O'Connor , which was endeavoured to be drowned by tha respectable' conciliating' gentry in the organ gallery ; but it was no use ; " O'Connor , O'Connor , " resounded from all parts of the building ; and when it -was dearly perceived that opposition was useless , the Mayor was instructed to put the question to " -a show of hanrt ^ when nearly every hand in the Immense building -was held up , witU the exception ef the few xabid ruffians in tbe gallery . Mr . O Cos SOB thtn stepped into a raised rostrum in the centre of the gallery ; and on his appearance in front , -was hailed by thundering applause , which was repeated several times . Tbe gallery gents tried with all their might to hinder him from being heard , but

      it was useless ; for their miserable squeaks were dro-wned by the enthusiastic cheers of the meeting . Thin was the grand object of the day ; one party being determined he should not be heard , and the other , namely , tha working men , being resolved he shonld feave a hearing . Mr . O'Connor commenced by thanking the Mayor for hia courtesy ; and said , that if any man had reason to fael proud on the present occasion , he -wasthat individual ; as it proved beyond the possibility of doubt , that his services were appreciated by those in who ? e behalf he had exerted himself so long . He had not come there to divide them , as had been asserted by some of the party behind him . But if there was to be a union , as they seemed so much inclined to act -with the working men , it should be one

      of principle— ( hear , hear ); —for he was determined not to give one jot of his principles . He was glad to find that the people of Nottingham were proceeding in tbe right road , not for tbe purpose of protecting the interests of a fraction , but to asssit the rights of all . How dare any person stats that he wished to cause division , when he had uniformly expressed bis conviction tbat the interest of the shopkeeper was closely bound up with the working man , who was his best customer . From the portion in which he was placed he could not hear asy of the speeches which were made , but he had heard one of the speakers refer to the poverty of the country , whilst no mention was made o ' the heavy taxes which were wrung from the nation . He ha-i been called a physical force Chartist

      and a firebrand , bat he could stand before that meeting , and ask , "Where was tbe proof of tho 3 e assertions ? He had never flinched from his principles , neither would he do so—( loud cheers . ) He -would never give up one iota of his principles , and if union was to take place , the Charter must baths foundation stone —( cheers . ) They now hid tha-enemy in advance . Sir Robert Peel had brought forward his saaped pigtail sliding scale , and that was his plan of " Corn Law Reform . " But the Corn L » w Bepealers had different plans alsa . Mr . Christopher -was in favour of ono plan , Mr . Yilliers differed from hfm , and Lord John Russell differed from borh . But the people-would fling back their schemes , and spurn their offers . He was under greater expenee by attending that meeting than any person present . He

      did not thrust himself upon them , but as h « was there he would boldly declare his principles . That -was , the Charter , the -whole Caarter , and nothing less —( loud cheers . ) What was the position of the people ? They were now invited to unite with the middle classes , and if a union took plaee . it most be an honourable one . The working men should look upon themselves in their proper character , as self-respect was the only ornament which could ennoble them . The Beform Bill had failed —it had been destroyed in the details , —the excitement of the people had subsided immediately after the passing ef that measure , and all ita effects vanished at the third session aft 3 r ita enactment . Therefore , if they ' wasted a union , he would require that thirty working men should be sent into the House of Commons to look

      after their interests , and take ears that justice mi done . Why did they taaat him with causing disunion between the middle and working classes . Where was ' the man who had spent more of his own money in the present struggle , and received not one farthing in return . He above all men ooghfc not to endeavour to perpetuate dirifctaa , for he vat interested in bringing it to a eon-4 hnion , as it was well known he derived nothing but foqfUtint labour from tha position he had taker up . JfevetttiBlesa he would still stand by the people until t ^ J ^ eti&Mdutd Universal Suffrage , Annual Parli amfnlsv Vote by -Ballot , No Property Qualification , Eqnii Electoral Districts , and Payment of Members- ^ and those were , desired by every working man in the country . :-. ( Load cheers . ) The people of Birmingham alone coald not cause a union of the middle sod work-

      Untitled Article

      in ? classes ; but if they -would go for the Charter , they might all go to bed and he -would nave meetings of 500 , 000 at Manchester , Glasgow , and the other large towns , -which would hurl despotism from her thTone , and establish the liberty of the people in its stead—( cheers . ) The present system had brought the working classes to snch a state of misery that they were scarce able to live ; bat let Sir Bobert Peel ' s quarter-day depend on the working man ' H Saturday niglit , and they would soon see the alteration . He contrasted the state of affairs in America with that existing in England . In America the Government -were bankrupt whilst the people had . plenty ; but in England the Government was wallowing in wealth whilst the people were starring . He did not wish for ft distribution of property , but he wanted every man to have the equal protection of law , s » that the same punishment Bhould be dealt out to the nobleman who shot the poor man ' s hen as to the poor man who Bhot his deer . In the advocacy of

      the people ' s rights he would not be intimidated . He defied the dungeon , the dock , or the scaffold . He sought equal justice for all , and thought that as Lord Cardigan was tried by his peers , it was only right that the working man should be tried by his peers also . He had not heard the resolution read which was before the meeting , and , consequently , could not make any observations on it , but he hoped that whatever they had done , they would stand by principle . He looked for ne benefit for himself ; all he desired was that their liberty should be first established , after which he would willingly retire ; and , when he finally departed from the scene of political Btrife , it might be written on his tomb— " Here lies the body of one who worked , without pay , for the people , receiving only their gratitude as his reward . " 3 Ir . O'Connor then retired , amidst loud cheers from all parts of the building . His speech , of which this is a mere outline , was admired by all present .

      At this stage of the proceedings , it -was expected that the Chartist body -would bring forward an amendment , but , as it was understood that the Intention was to move a petition to the Queen ; and , . 13 there had been such an outcry against the tyranny of the Chartists at their former meetings , it was thought best to allow the resolution to pass , as they bad a requisition to the Mayor in course of signature for the adoption of the National Petition ; in fact , there were various opinions on the matter , some insisting on an amendment , and others against it , as they thought the principles of the Charter was fairly recognised by the parties -who had got up the meeting assenting to it in their resolution and speeches . The Mayor then put the resolution , which was carried unanimously . Mr . Schofjelb moved the adoption ef a petition founded on the resolution .

      Mr . Jon > - COLLINS seconded the motion in a brief address , in which he asserted that the principles of the Charter were fully recognised in the resolution . - Mr . Mason then came forward and said , Mr . Chairman and gentlemen , although he was comparatively a stranger to the people of Birmingham , he could not refrain from offering a few remarks on that occasion . It was quite evident , a time had arrived -when a great ehange must take place in the constitution of the government of these realms . Sir B . Peel had now proved how far he was disposed to relieve the sufferings of the working classes : his proposition , for a modification of the Cora Laws , not only indicated his opinions on this question , but it also proved , that he ( Sir B . Peel ) was

      prepared , as a leader of the aristocratic faction , to defend every other usurpation and privilege of this feudal order—( cheer ? . ) Yes , but there -was a power in the people , when directed by Intelligence , for the accomplishment of any great measure of justice—( loud cheers )—a power which ultimately will coaipel them to surrender their unjust emoluments to the honest demands of an oppressed and suffering nation—( cheer ? . ) He ( Mr . Mason ) felt a degree of pleasure at witnessing the middle classes coming forward to recognise the universal enfranchisement of tha -working men , as a great organic principle in the constitution of government , whatever might have been the conduct of that class to them , the working mer . He was as an individual ready to forgive , if they were honestly prepared to

      do the ingenious suffering mechanic and the hardy labourer justice—full and complete justice . He contended for justice not for any one class—no ; he would resist the disenfranchisement of any class , however wealthy , tqually as he would resist the rich dispossessing the working man of the elective franchise . He contended thai the l&nd-owt&r , the merchant , the manufacturer , and the shopkeeper , had all an inalienable right to a legitimate protection ; but they had no right to immolate the legitimate rights of millions to promote their private interests ( cheer * . ) They desired justice , and by all that was sacred in human nature , they ¦ would have it—despotism should be resisted wherever it existed , he wauld resist the tyranny of a democracy , equally with the tyranny of an aristocracy ; they heard

      much of a spirit of union which was to exist among them from that day forward ; he hoped that a great and honourable compact would be formed by therespectable members of society ; he hoped that day was now at hand when England—yes when England should behold the great Charter cf British liberty conferred upon her people ; he hoped that day would be memorable to the heartbroken slave , that tbe bard-working mechanics would have cause to bless them as great instruments in promoting their liberty ; he hoped , however , these gentlemen would not attempt to strangle in detail , the great principle they had recognised , who would attempt to deny the qualification of many of the -working men

      to sit in Parliament , some of the brightest and most glorious spirits -which have adorned the human race , sprung from the working ranks of society —( cheers . ) Before I retire , let me enjoin you , if these gentlemen intend again to aid us in in this struggle , to watch with caution their every step ; weigh in your minds every sentence they atter ; investigate seriously and dispassionately every sentiment and speech which falls from their lips—1 hear , hear . ) In conclusion , I tbauk you fer the patient hearing you have afforded me , and may this be&uuf al land soon present a people as great as heaven has designed , and our own intelligence is capable of making it IL-jud cheers . )

      Mr . Docglas moved that the petition be signed by the Chairman , on behalf of the meeting , and be presented to the Queen by the borough members . Mr . Boulidee seconded the resolution , which was carried . The meeting then called for Mr . P . H . MVH 1 Z , who addressed them briefly . He said that he had no intention of taking any part in their proceedings , but as he was called for he would tell them the reason why he had not joined the anti-Corn Law Association . He was then of tbe same mind as formerly : he believed that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , would never repeal the Cam Laws , and that it was useless to petition them . He expressed himself highly satisfied with the speech of Mr . O'Connor , although he had found fault with him formerly . He moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor .

      Mr . Edward Browne attempted to address the meeting , but was shamefully hissed by tha Corn Law Repealers , and not suffered to proceed . The motion was then put and carried unanimously , after which three cheers were given for the Charter , and tb » meeting separated . It will now be seen whether the parties who have thus admitted the right of the people to full , fair , and free representatioa , will keep good faith with the Chartist body , and go for the whole CharUr without sbufSe or tquivocation : if they do attempt any sort of trick or subterfuge , their existence as a political party in Birmingham is at an end , for their baseness will then be so transparent , tbat they can never again expect to be tolerated by the working men . They have now a chance of again falling into the ranks of the people , if they are really honest ; if they prove , by their future conduct , tbat they are not so , they ou ^ ht te be scouted from the presence of the men they have tried to Detray .

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      SHEFFXEXiD . DEFEAT OF THE COBN-LAW BEPEALEBS AND SHAM-BADICAL HUMBUGS . TRIUMPH OF THE CHABTISTS . The news of Finality Russell's defeat reached here on the afternoon of Thursday , the 17 th , and that evening it was announced , per bellman , that a public meeting would be htld in Paradise-square , the day following , at twelve o ' clock . The next morning , Bhabby looking placards announced the meeting , stating it was called by " The Operative f ? J Corn Law Association" ( an Association , by the bye , never heard of before in Sheffield ) " to consider the best means of repeating the Corn Laws . " Tbe parties calling the meeting no doubt

      thought that Friday was a dsy so inconvenient for the working classes , that they ( the Repealers ) could have matters all their own way ; mereover , an intrigue had been carrying on for some days previous , the object of which was the seducing of the Chartists , or at least the Chartist leaders , into supporting a humbug resolution for Universal Suffrage and the Billot . They wtra partly successful , and yet , despite of all , the " whole hog" men triumphed ; the people showed they were true to principle , and were not te be deluded by those who had deceived and trampled npon them before . Whiggery is fallen in Sheffield , and all wko would extend to it a helping had are justly doomed to share its fall ami perish with it in its rottenness .

      On Friday , Feb . 18 th , by eleven o'clock , the people began to muster in the squire , and by half-past twelve , there must have bees little abort of tea thousand people assembled . On the motion of Mr . Shbldo . n , seconded by Mr . Hoole , Edward Bramlet , Etq ., was called to the chair , and Eaid , —Fellow-townsmen , I could have wished that some one older than myself had been called npon to occupy the post of Chairman , bat I will endeavonr , Gentlemen , to do my duty , and obtain a patient

      hearing for every one who may address you . The question was , bow are we to get rid of the Corn Laws ? ( " Tbe Suffi age—the Charter < " ) Not by addressing ourselves to the reason or the justice of tbe legislature . Have they any justice?—1 N 0 . ) Not by appealing to their humanity . Have they any humanity ?—( no , nc . j No , Gentlemen , we matt do the work for ourselves and by ourselves —( Loud eboer ? . ) Alt party distinctions must be abrogated—all class-interests most cease— " Each for all and all for each" must bo oar motto—( cheers . ) I sow make way lor tbe gentlemen who are to propose the resolutions .

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      Mr . Beale came forward to move the first iesolution : — . . ¦ .. '• ' . '¦¦ ¦ . ¦'¦'¦ " - ¦ . ¦¦;¦' . " That this meeting has learned , with the greatest indignation , that the sufferings of the working classes , and tbe embarrassments of their employersin the manufacturing districts , will receive no alleviation from any measure proposed to Parliament by the present Government , but that , on the contrary , their distress is met by an insulting proposal to perpetuate the bread tax , and thereby to keep up the first necessary of life at a famine price , for the exclusive benefit of the aristocracy . " ; Mr . Hoole seconded the resolution , which was carried unanimously .

      Mr . PAtFBKYMAN , who was received with loud cries of " Where is Holberry ?" ¦ replied he would answer that question . Had they ever known him refuse to defend any person who placed his case in bishandB ? By the roles of the profession , he was bound to undertake the cause of prosecutor or prisoner , whoever might first apply , acting not in a personal but in a professional capacity . He had opposed Universal Suffrage on those steps ; but having Been petition after petition rejected by men not chosen by the people , and now even some of the Whigs voting against Lord John Bussell ' s motion , and no less than twenty-eight of the Liberal members absent , including Mr . OConnell and Mr . Sbiel , of whom he must hear some good account before he could pardon their absence , what was to be hoped for ? The necessity for a change was established , aad let them all

      unite to demand an extension of the Suffrage . Let that be united with the Ballot ; and as to minor points , let them . be passed over until these were carried , -which would give the power of carrying all the rest He did not propose this resolution as a concession . They bad been driven to it —( cheers . ) How ? Not by external circumstances , but internal . The argument bad been forced home by strong necessity ; and now they were willing to unite with the mass of their countrymen , in the demand for Universal Suffrage . At Manchester , a large meeting , comprising the wealthiest merchants and manufacturers of the place , had passed a resolution , declaring their conviction that there could be no permanently good and impartial Government until the Suffrage should bo Universal The resolution he bad to propose was aa follows : —

      " Having lost all confidence in the Government and the House of Commons as at present constituted , and desiring not only the repeal of bad laws , but a guarantee for future good government , and fearing those unhappy outbreaks which must result from the continued oppression and starvation of the people : being also convinced that no effectual remedy will be provided until it be placed in the power of the people , this meeting is of opinion that the franchise ought to b « extended to every man twenty-one years of age , of sound mind , untainted with crime , with the security of secret voting , and such other matters of detail as may be found necessary to the honest and practical working out of the principle . " ( Cheers , and ories of The Charter . ") Mr . John Sheldon seconded the resolution . Mr . Samuel Parkes came forward and moved the following amendment : —

      "That this meeting , aware that the Corn Laws and every vile law which disgraces tho statute-book of tbisi country , are but the natural fruits of class legislation , hereby declare that they will be content with nothint ; short of the fall representation of the people as provided for in the People ' s Charter , which , as the onJy reniedy for national-wrongs , they dtmand to be adopted whole and entire , aa tho law of the land . " They had learned by the experience of the past , that both factions meant to keep them in slavery . Lord John Finality had proposed a remedy for poor John Bull , a flour , sugar , and timber powder ; but it would not operate on the diseased state of poor John , and therefore he lost his power . They bad now a . Dr . Peel , who had proposed something he thonght would remedy

      the distress , anA that was to slide them into the grave gradually . Let them consider that both factions were determined , by united heart , bead , and hand , to keep the people in subjection to abominable laws . Lord John congratulated Sir Bobert Peel that they were not disagreed on the Poor Law . The Tories , on the hustings , had professed to be prepared to alter it ; but he was glad Peel was not for having recourse to tbat change . He congratulated him also , th » t they were agreed on every law that tended to degrade and injure the people . They bad to-day another proposed remedy . A motion was proposed respecting the monopoly of legislation . There was such monopoly ;—they opposed it , and meant to abolish it—( cheers . ) They had been told of the character of the Corn Laws , that it was

      opposed to the law of right , of nature , and of God j but though he had not the learning of a barrister or a lawyer , bethought there was as much a curse connected with other laws as that The New Poor Law was opposed to the law of God . God said , whom he had joined let no man put asunder ; yet , by this law , a man loving his wife , must , because of his poverty , enter a hostile , and be parted from bis wife . God . commanded every man to train up his children in the way they should go ; but the Poor Law Guardians said , we'll train them for you . Thee go that way man , thee that way woman , and thee that way child . Tbat law disgraced the character of this professedly Christian , but practically infidel land . He would now try to dissect the resolution proposed by Mr . Palfreyman . It said , " Having lost all confidence

      in tae Government and cne or commons as now constituted . " The parties who proposed Universal Suffrage and the Ballot had lost all confidence in the present Government . / Why ? He did not believe they ever bad much , but tbe litt ' . e they had was lost , because they had not repealed the Corn Law . Had tbey done so , the gentlemen would not have lost confidence in the Government , —their rock of confidence was gone for ever , dashed to pieces by the wave of public opinion ; and he hoped that , by the energies of the people , no rock of couttdence would stand , but in the full rights of man . The resolution went on , ' « Desiring tbe repeal not only of bad laws . " What laws did they mean ? It was vague . Lord J . Russell and Sir Bobert Peel , and many aristocrats , tneueht tbe Poor Law not

      bad ; many thought the Com Law not bad , and the Game Law not bad . Though God had given all beasts and birds to man for food , the aristocracy , because they possessed the land , elaimed also the birds and the fish . Did this resolution point out what the bad laws were ? Did it tell all the bad laws . [ Chairman : That weuld be very difficult } No doubt it would , for even the Judges who tried tbe expatriated Frost , Williams , and Jones , did not understand there ; and how , then , Bhould the people understand them ? The resolution went on , " and anxious to avoid the unhappy outbreaks that must result from the continued oppression and starvation of the people . " They perceived here that those worthy characters professed much sympaty with the working classes . Did they think bo before

      the Corn Law received its decisive blow for the present session , when Cobden urged on an attack on the people in StevenBon ' s-Equare , because they exposed tbe deceit of the League ? No ; the patents of Whiggtry and their offspring were alike . Who sent spies , informers , agitators , tourge the people on , but the Whigs ? Who paid secret service money to urge the people to break the laws , and then banished them to distant lands ? Were they anxious to avoid outbreaks ? Then let them come forward as they ought Tni resolution continued — " Feeling convincedtbut there can be no effectual remedy till the power is lodged iu the hands of the people . " They knew this as Chartists , and had supported it throughout the three kingdoms , and the anti-Corn Law League had opposed them . ( No , no ) They had told

      them the Charter was net their right ; but before they had done , they would have the whole hog , bristles and all —( cheers . ) Having ne > t read the part of the resolution relating to the Suffrage , he said—That they did not object to it It was the right of every man . Blackstone declared that taxation , without representation , was against right and law . But they would have the whole Charter , and with united voice , demand their rights . " Together with the privilege of secret voting , and such other matters of detail as maybe found necessary to the henest and practical working of the principle . " What were the matters of detail ? A builder wanted his foundation firm , the cement good , and all prepared for a perfect structure . But here was a vagueness . Why might not the gentlemen have

      added the other points of the Charter ? It left them at liberty , if they went for this , to delude and divide the people . What were the matters of detail ? What would Universal Suffrage and Vote by Ballot do without annual Parliaments ? If tuey got this measure , and stopped short of ihe rest , they might have septennial or triennial Parliaments ; and they might send representatives who , once there , would laugh the people to scorn , as in times gone by . Let them stick to the Charter , and contend for annual Parliaments , that if they had a bad servant they might turn him about his business , and elect a better . No property qualification was important and essential . Hj would pay for Members without qualification , but be would not pay for those who had property . Take away the property qualification , and every fit man might be elected . He said , let them send the man that the people chose , be his property what it might Tbe poor man , whatever his learning and powers , could not go to Parliament

      without a property qualification . Get rid of that , and they might send men who were qualified , and not as now , men who often had no qualification but money . It was necessary to have " paid Members , " for if he were well paid , he would do his duty : he would be bound to do it ; and if be neglected , might be discarded . He would not occupy their time by referring to equal electoral districts . Let them not fee led astray by the motion of to-day , but ask gentlemen to agree to the Charter , which was tangible , and embodied the rights of ever ; man . They did not want to take away the privileges of the rich , but they claimed the right for themselves . He exhorted them , by the remembrance of the five hundred who suffered in the gaols of the country for tbe cause of Chartism—by the memory of Frost , Williams , and Jones , let them contend for the Charter . He besought them , by their duty to postsrity , to contend for the Charter , and they wonld fetch back their expatriated countrymen , which he feared , without it , the ; would not get ( Loud cheers . )

      Mr . Julian Harnet said , it was not his intention to take up their time at length , after the able and excellent address of the last speaker—a woiking man of their own order ground to the dust by the classes above him—not clothed in purple and fine linen , or rolling in luxury;—still , he was a man , for a * that " Hs had advocaWd nobly the rights of Ms order , and supported sn amendment for toe Charter , whole and

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      entire . They were called oa to assemble to consider the decision of-the House of Commons ozi Lerd John Bussell ' s amendment . They were to protest against the Government and ita measures . ' They . all agreed : in denouncing the effect of class legislation . It appeared tkey all agreed as to the cause of the removing the cause- ^ icheers , } Mr . Palfreynian said thiir adhesion to Universal Suffrage was a concession forced from them . By whom ? fly ; the Chartists- ^( loud cheers . ); : ) Six months back . Lord John Rusae'l appealed to the country on the 8 s . duty ; and If the Chartists had given their support , the duty wonld have been carried , and ttaywouldnever have heard of Universal Suffrage or the total repeal of the Corn Law . This was be ^ cause the people had refused their support to the

      repealers ; and if the repeaters had got what they desired , the people might have gone to the d——1 for anything they eared —( cheere . ) He was asked to be careful as to his language . But what sort of language had the repealers used ? Did ithls motion receive tbe sanction of the anti-Cdm law party?—( loud cries of " No , no / no . " ) He was told it did not Thu > , if they ^ bad passed this resolution , supposing it pledged the middle classes , they would be humbugged . Did the Independent , the organ of the repealers , support UnivetBal SuffrageT Would it support this humbug resolution ? Would the Iris . 1 If so , it was suddenly converted ; foritaaid on Tuesday , that they had nothing to hope from the Chartists , and treated them with contempt But ) they were not contemptible ,

      and would have the Charter , whole and entire , and nothing short of it— ( Great eheering ) . He asked the sudden converts , and those hot yet converted , if they could hope to carry the Corn Law Bepeal without the enfranchisement of the people ? Lord John Bussell ' s motion had been lost by a majorify of 123 , and there would be a greater majority against Mr . Villiers ' s motion . Then , what had they to hope for | unless they stuck to the Charter , autl established the sovereignty of the people on the ruins of the aristocracy ? ( Cheers . ) The power that ^ would giya a total lepeal of the Cora Law . would carry the Charter entire . They were told

      the Beform Bill was but a step , and the Reformers would not cease till they had Established Universal Suffrage . If the people lent their power to the Bepealers , they would find , if they got the repeal 6 f the Corn Law , they might whistle for the Charter . Let them wait a bit Tile people had waited , aijid could afford to wait—not because they did not want cheap bread and meat , but because they wanted right above all .- Let them stand by tbe Charter entire . They now occupied a prouder position than aver , and if they waited awhile , the middle class must join them , and it would become the law of the land- ^ cheeis ) . He seconded the amendment ' .

      Mr . Otlev said , he should not have spoken , but that he heard the cry , " Otley , it won't do . " ( Interruption ; He- had served them faithfully , he had advocated their interests , and supported their views , whenever they had called upon him to do so . But he wished to explain the position in which he stood , and then he would leave every candid man to judge of it . He had j iio connexion with any party but the working classes . He had received an invitation to meet some working men ; whom he supposed to be conected with tho Frew Trade Society . The original resolutions were not agreed to by him , but he Said them before the Chartist Council , advising that tfaey should not adopt thtm unless they were satisfied with them . Without a dissentient voice —( no , no)—without a dissentient vote , tUeu , they were agreed to ) and then he conveyed

      the resolution now proposed to the parties with whom he had conferred . After that came a note from Mr , Haruey , haying that they had changed their minda , and objected to the resolution . But he bad pledged himself to the support of that resolution , and now he would give his reasons for thinking that such a course was the best He challenged any man to show that the working classes ' could work dub any good for themselves by ihemselves—( hear , hear , hisses ^ and interruption . ) He had never courted their praise , and he would not for fear of cenBuro refrain when it was hla duty to tell them the truths He believed that many who made a boast about having the hog and the whole hog , even if they had it in their mouths , would pretend scruples of conscience , and epit it out acaiji- — ( disapprobation ) They might biss , but In twelve months they would be of his opinion .

      Mr . Jones , the North Riding lecturer , who was loudly cheered , said BIr . Otley had professed to be in favour of the whole Charter , now if Mr . Otley and those who acted with him were satisfied that tho other points of the Charter were the necessary details , they would if they wero honest nu-n abandon the motion and support the amendment—( cheers . ) In years gone by when theworking classes relied on aristocratic leaders , they were deceived ; and the present movement was merely contrived to pitch tho present Chartist leaders overboard—( cheers . ) He would hold out the hand of friendship to any man , but if they would unite with him , he must have a guarantee that he should not be deserted when his partner ' s object was gained , and they could have no security bat the Charter—( hear , hear . )

      They had no chance of retaining the proud position they now held , if they gave in one iota . What made the working classes make this concession ? They were promised Universal Suffrage , because ifc was said it was right ; but were not the other points of the Charter their rights ?—( cheers . ) He believed that those who originated this meeting would , if they succeeded , hand them over to either faction . Let them remember the Quiker ' s adace— " If thy friend deceive thee once , shame on him ; if he deceive thee twice , shame on thee . " They had been one * betrayed , and deceived ; but once bit , twice shy , iviul they never would be humbugged again . Standing out as they had done , they compelled the middle classes to come to Universal Suffrage and the Ballot Let them : reject this offer , and they should get a better ; and so on from time to time , till they got the Charter , hog , bristUs , and all . —( cheers . )

      Let the middle classes come forward for the whole measure of justice , and ho would go with them .. Let them not give support to the Whig faotioD , till . they would concede all their rights , ff : they took less than the whole Charter , their kopes were blasted for years to come . The people were now prepared to compel the middle classes to adopt any measure they chose . Having compelled them to offer Unirer&t ] Suffrage and the Ballot , thuy would compel tiiein to give the whole . If they now abandoned their positum , they would in after years regret that they had not carried the whole when they hud the opportunity . Their deBtiuy was uow in their own hands , to remain in slavery for years , or enjoy the blessings of freedom . He was determined , no matter what course of policy others pursued , to have nothing but the Charter , hoping speedily it would be the law of theiaud—( cheers . )

      Mr . Gill said he too was for the Charter j but it was only to be obtained by the united exertions of the middle and the working classes , and not by the paid teols of a party ( hisses and disapprobation . ) The Charter would never be established by men who lived by agitation and had an interest in prolonging injustice—( groans )—by men who lived by the injustice . Sacb men had not the same Interest in obtaining justice that those men had who lived by their labour ( cheers from the Bepealera and groans from the Chartists . ) He

      oared not fur their frowns and hissing ; for them he had run the risk of sacrificing his domestic comforb . He cared for the frowns of no man ; He challenged any man to show that he bad ever received a farthing for any service he had rendered , while he had , at the same time , the opportunity of following bis occupation ; and ho asked who , among those to whom be had alluded ; could say the same ?—Mr . Gill retired , amidst the loud and general disapprobation of the Chartists , mingled with faint applause from his new friends the Whigs and Corn-Law Bepewlers .

      Mr . Hakney wished to ask a question : Who did Mr . Gill mean by " paid tools ?' Mr . Gill : Mr . Harney is a paid tool of Feargus O'Connor's ( tremendousgroaning , hissing and confusion . ) Mr . Harney said he would not now interrupt the co-UTse of the proceedings , but he challenged Mr . Gill to make good his charge at the close of the business for which themeeting had been called ( loud cheers . ) Mr . FALPR . EYM . tN said a few words . The Chairman then took the sense of the meeting , and declared the-amendment carried . This announcement was received with loud and repeated cheers . Full two-thirds of the meeting held up their hands for the " whole hog 'amendment . On the motion of Mr . Harney , seconded by Mr . Jones , the thanks of the meeting were unanimously given to the Chairman for his impartial conduct The Chairman returned thanks and retired . Mr . Holy ' o ' ah-b was then called to the chair .

      Mr * Harney called on Mr . Gill to substantiate bis charge , but lo and behold the valiant denunciator had vanished , having made his exit by a back-door of the building , from the steps of which the speakers had addressed the meeting . A Mr . iM'KETTKicK stood forward to speak for Mr . Gill , but shrunk before the fearful storm of disapprobation - wi ' th which ho was assailed . \ Mr . Harney then briefly addressed the meeting . Mr . Jones moved a vote of confidence in Mr . Harney , which , waa unanimously given 1 and three cheers having been given for Feargus O'Connor , and three for the Charter and no surrender , the meeting dissolved . . ; ' : YV :. ' v ¦ ¦ . ' , ¦ ¦ . ... ¦ ' . ¦ - ; . ' .: ' .. ¦ ¦ ¦ . ' ¦ ¦ ' . .: ¦ '¦ ¦ ' - . /¦ '¦ - : ' ¦ .:. ' The Corn Law Bepealers amused themselves by burying two bundles of rags intended for effigies of theDufce and Peel ; had the Chartists done this , they would have been denounced as dagger and torch men .

      In the evening , a meeting was held In Fig Tree-lane , the room was literally crammed , and hundreds could not gain admission . Y . - '' ' /¦ ¦ ; ' ¦ ' . ¦• - ¦"¦¦ " ¦ : ¦ ¦]¦ ' ¦ .. ; . '" : : Mr . Holyoake addressed the meeting , most ably showing np the fallacy cf " union with the middle class . " ¦ ¦ : " ;/ ¦ -Y ' . : ; " - . ¦ ;¦ ¦ '¦ ¦ ¦" ¦ ¦ . ' .. ' .: - : : ^ ; - . Y . ; ' " . '"¦ . Mr . Haeney followed in a lengthy addres ? . A Member of the association moved the adoption of the following resolution : — : Y « That this meeting highly approves of the result of to-day ' s meeting in Paradise-square , and return their sincere tbanbs to those friends of the cause who so nobly and unflinchingly advocated the rights of the people as embodied in the People ' s Charter . " The resolution was carried unanimously , a large number of members were enrolled , and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed . , "; . , -. - \ ¦¦ ¦ "' YY ; YYy'Y ' - ' - Y ' ,, ' . '

      Release 0 ? Mb . Elton . — Mr . Ednniid Elton , late midshipman of the Cambridge , whose case has excited a good deal of attention , wu on Friday morning released from the MarBhalaea by order of tho Lords of the Admiralty .

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      ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE LEICESTEB CHARTIST MEETING AT ALL SAINTS OPEN TO MR .: PATRICK 6 'HIGGINS . ; ' FaiENii and Brother . —Ifc is with heartfelt satisfaction that we embrace the opportunity which your visit to this place has afforded us , to present you with this tribute of respect and fraternity , from ourselves and the : body which we represent Y . Having been long and ardently engaged in the holy struggle to restore to the people of this country the possession of those inalienablfl rights , which had been forcibly or fraudulently wrested from them , we have been often led , during our warfare , to cast the eye of pity and commisseratlon npon the condition of our still more unhappy brethren in the Bister Island . We beheld you in a condition of slavery the most abject ; of serfism , whloh words are Incompetent to express . Without the necessaries to support life in a land flowing with milk and honey , we saw you driven bythousands from your

      fattier land , the homes of your birth and infancy , —dear , as the vital blood to your hearts , —in search of those means of existence abroad , which your remorseless tyrantB denied you at home ; whilst every endeavour on your part , to amend your wretched condition , was met on the part of yb « r tyrants by military subjugation , enforced by the unanswerable arguments of the bullet and the bayonet . Aware that the real cause of the continuance of this unutterable misery , was the political ignorance of the great mass of the people , we sent over our talented and indomitable friend , Mr . Lowery , to endeavour to enlighten their minds , and convince them that the Chartist body in this country , sympathized with their sufferings , and wished to asskt in their alleviation ; but the brutal emissaries of those -who profit by your wrongs—who saw In thiB fraternization the exposure of their tyranny , and the downfall of their usurped power , were instigated to endanger the life of our friend , and forcibly expel him from your shores . .

      We lament that the deluded followers of those , who to serve their own selfish purposes mislead you ; have not yet had their eyes opened to the imposition which has been practised to deceive them . They have , told you that the Chartists a e your enemies , and the enemies of repeal . We throw back into their teeth , with indignation and contempt , the base falsehood . The men who are waging war at home against class legislation , can never tamely consent that their brethren in Ireland shall be cursed with a mock legislature . W < e know that with a miserable minority in the English House of Commons ,- Ireland " will be no further cared

      for , than to rob it for the aggrandisement of the aristocracy of both countries , and their hungry and unprincipled satellites ; and we also know and feel , that she can never enjoy her tights , or take her proper station among the kingdoms of the earth , till her affairs are managed by a legislature of their own , freely and fairly elected by her whole adult male population . These opinions have been thundered in your ears by bur matchless friend , your own Feargus O'Connor ; and they are responded to by the mouth and from the heart of every real Chartist in the empire , ¦ ¦ - ¦ - . -Y ' ¦¦¦ ¦ ' ¦¦;>¦ ' ¦ - -Y ' Y :. ' - :- :- ¦ " ¦ ¦'

      We rejoice in spirit , anS our energies are awakened te learn that , at the last , a phalanx of patriots have arisen amongst yon , encouraged and led on by yourself ; who , thoroughly sensible of the insults and injuries inflicted upon your unhappy country , have determined to combine and persevere for their redreajj . Y You have discovered the real cause of these manifested evils , and the only efficient remedy for their removal . Already the dark clouds -which have so long enshrouded the gem of tho ocean-r-the Emerald Island , have begun to disperse , and We here and there have a view of the lovely horizon .

      Go on , then , bravely , boldly , fearlessly , and we doubt not , ultimately , successfully . The words of the God of justice are your encouragement , and the hearts of your friends in England are with you . Let ua become as brethren of one family , united in an indissoluble bond of unity for our common welfare , let us for ever abolish the petty distinctions of soil and name , and be recognised as one ; by our union in pursuit of the eternal principles of truth and justice , and our untiring endeavours to obtain the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number ; which ought to ba the end and aim of every member of society . Finally , let the Charter be our motto , and no surrenderbur unalterable determination . By order of the meeting , John MABkHAM . John Bowbian . T . R . Smart .

      The following reply to the above was returned by Mr . O'Higgins .: — , Friends and Brother Chautists , —The kind , eloquent , and friendly address with which you have honoured me , has placed me in such a novel position that I feel at a loss for suitable terms to give expression to my gratitude and thankfulness , for so high , so valued , and so signal a mark of your approbation .: ¦ . - . ¦ , . . ' : / .. ¦ ¦ : Y '¦¦ ' . '¦ ; ¦ "¦ ' ¦' . ' . ' ¦ ,. Y Y- ¦' I am not so vain as t « imagine , for a mement , that so humble an individual as I am , is at all deserving of the distinguished compliment which your kindness has bestowed upon me . At the Bame time I must confess that it is with pride and pleasure I receive your manly and independent address , in that spirit which I am sure you intended , and woich enhances its value ; not as a personal compliment , but as ah earnest of that spirit of amity and fraternity , which it is your wish ,

      as well as the wish of every real lover of public liberty , to promote , foster , and cherish between the ^ people of Great Britain and Ireland . It is the effoits which I have , from time to time , been making to disseminate amongst my countrymen , those kindly feelings which you so cordially entertain for them , that has recommended me to your notice . I have ever looked upon it , as essential to the enfranchisement of the : working classes , of both countries , that their interests shonld be common , identical , mutual , and cleirly understood and concurred in ; and I am thoroughly convinced , that a bond of brotherly affection between the people of Great Britain and Ireland would accelerate the happiness and prosperity of both . But how black must the heart of that man be , who exercises all hia power , all bis eloquence , and all bis influenoe , to sow discord , hatred , and religious bigotry between the people of both countries . . ¦' . : ¦ - ' : ' 'Y ¦ .- . . ¦• • : . ¦ .. / .:. - . . " ?

      The principles of the People ' s Charter , or Radical Reform , for they are both the : same , were early instilled into my mind , by the writings of your immortal countryman , the late William Cobbett , M . P . for Oldham;—a man , whom I have every reason to know was one of the soundest politicians , the most sterling and incorruptible patriots that any country ever gave birth to , —a man who , as a sincere , steady , unflinching friend , a good father , and a good husband , set an example to th « world . Had he been spared to us , Ireland would not , how , be in that state ef political ignorance and degradation , which you so truly and forcibly aescribe , and so feelingly deplore . During his visit in Ireland , in the autumn of 1834 , he opened the eyes of the peop " e to the trne

      causes of their sufferings , and he pointed but to them , in a manner , and with a Bincerity , more like a father than a : visitor , the real , the only mode of redressing those grievances effectually . His lectures , his answers to the numerous addresses which were presented to him , and his public speeches , were all so clear ) , so lucid , that eyen thoso who were considered the most ignorant of the people ^ began for the first time to understand the value of Universal Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliaments ,: aud Equal Electoral Districts . But it pleased the great Ruler of the Universe , to take him away In a few short months after bis visit to Ireland , and before he

      could bring before Parliament those abuses arid crying grievances , of which he took as much pains to obtain a thorough and a personal knowledge . This blow , this irreparable loss to the Radical Heformers of Great Britain , and his Irish Radical pupils , saved the tyrants ot both countries that exposure which was prepared for them ; and left Ireland at the mercy of a gang of unprincipled political place-hunters ; men , while they had the Repeal of the Union eternally upon their lips , were only using it as a means to an end ^ which end was the open and un ? disguised sale of the Counties and Boroughs to the opponents of Repeal , for place , pension , and emc luinent . "• ¦ : . ' '

      It was while Ireland was In the market , the sale -was going on , and the Repeal of the Union , in abeyance , tiiat your missionary , Mr . Lowery , visited Dublin , and the ill-treatment which he received at the hands of some of the ; citizens , you very generously , and , permit me to add , very justly attribute to the deluded emissaries of those who profit by our wrongs , and who have a direct interest , a life annuity , in the continuance of those wrpnga . It is now notorious , that most of thdse who led on the cowardly , and I regret to say , brutal p . ttack upon Mr . Lowery , have since been provided for by the Whig Government . .

      The treatment which Mr . Lowery received , and the compliments which were publicly paid to his assailants by the Lord Lieutenant , and the threats which were held out against those who should have the temerity to advocate , or even countenance , Chartist principles in Ireland , retarded the advancement of those principles , frightened the timid but well-meaning , and gave impunity to the unprincipled place-hunters . Any attempt to disseminate true political knowledge , under such circumstances , appeared to be UtopiaD . A favourable opportunity at length presented Itself ; the Chartists , who were kept together by a few venerable patriots , aided by their indomitable secretary , P . M . Brophy , embraced that opportunity , and : notwithstanding the disgraceful and unlawful efforts which were made to assail and crush them , yet they have proapered—Char tism has taken root In the land—it has nearly sur rounded the kingdom , and is ramiflcatlng in the Midland Counties . ^

      In conclusion , permit me to say , that there never was a period when the Chartists were more Imperatively called upon to act together , like one man , than the present time ; to sink for ever all minor difference * , to Increase the number of their friends , and to weakei by all lawful and constitutional means , the power of their enemiw . Dipend upon it , that the day is not distant when every sound thinking man in the empire , wWl » proudtocallbinuielf a Chartist ; Patrick O'Higgiks . .

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      Thb popdlaiion of Glasgow is erroneously stated in the account of tho lato census returns at 257 , 592 , It Bhould have been 267 , 463 , » n impwtant error of nearly 10 , 000 in 8 tatin « the popnlatioa of that city .

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      THE STONE MASONS ON . STRIKE , PBOM THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT , AND NELSON'S MONUMENT , LONDON , ANP THE WOOIi-WICH DOCKYAED , : Td ^ Publicandtae ^ rades o / Gre ^ " No man possesses natural and inherent wealth within himself—he has merely a capability of labouringof producing , —therefore If a man possess any created wealth—any capital—and has never made ¦ : ¦ : ' ' use of his capability—has never laboured— never produced , the wealth which he holds in possession —cannot rightly belong to him . It must belong to some persons who have created it by labour— . who have produced it , and been acquired by him through the existing fraudulent system of' unequal exchange ? . ' Capital to not sclf-exisfemt "

      Bbkthben , —Twenty-two weeka have passed away since by " insults , wrongs , and contumelies" we were driven to strike against our late employers , who mot only refused to redress our grievances , but gave opes countenance to the unfeeling author of our wrongs . During this long period , notwithstanding the many privations we have endured , and the formidable conclave ef capitalists and class-made authority arrayed against us , we- have perseveiingly devoted onr time and exertion in that direction appearing to us best calculated to destroy the cause of the inBufferable , indignant , and contemptuous treatment unto which we had been subjected . To , manifest that we are capable of discriininating between becoming humility and debasing submission , and to enforce from those for whom existing usages of society compel us to toil , treatment more : consonant with the feelings of reflecting minds , and due from one man to another .

      To aid us in this moral contest we have received unparalleled support from the trades , and some small portion of the public , especially those located within the immediate vicinity : ' ; . of the scene of action , where all the circumstances of the case are fully knosn , and which is not only an evidence of the justness of our cause , but that it ia clearly perceived it 3 result will materially affect the interest of the working community , and should stimulate our brother operatives in the provinces to renewed exertions in support of a contest , tha first of its nature which has ever taken place—the first strike ever entered into where pounds , shillings ,

      and pence has not bean the principal matter in dispute . Yet , notwithstanding all the aid we have received , and continue to receive , and all the exertions we have made , the " gold " -en power with which tha working classes have supplied their opponents—the capitaHsts—who , however much they may appear to differ on other subjects , are perfectly agreed to prostrate In them every faculty of the human edifice , that it may obsequiously minister to their sordid avarice , added to the apathy and division of themselves , has , up to this moment , so operated against us as to prevent the consummation of our wishes . .

      It is , however , with no small degree of pleasure we inform you that at Woolwich opposition is daily becoming less formidable ; the " incapables , " as they finish up their jibs , are making their'exit . ¦ : At the Houses of Parliament , as far aa our information extends , a general reduction of wages has again taken place ; a circumstance in perfect keeping With their proceedings at Woolwich , preliminary to the introduction of piece ; work , which resulted in the " mutiny" reported in our last sheet . There is , however , a circumstance * connected with thia , which did not transpire at : Woolwich : Mr . Peto , coctrary to custom ( his business in the firm being to altsnd to the country works ) has interfered . He cannot understand how masons could be worth more wages when strangers to the work , and during the short days in winter , than after some months' practice , and the days and season so much improved , and ^ demands " an we are informed , an explanation from Allen on this matter . -: , ' :-

      At Plymouth and Dartmoor , circumstances are much the same as wheny / e last reported , otherwise than that the four who went thither from Aberdeen , have applied to our members for means to take them home ,, and they would leave ; this ; has most properly been refused . At Ponryn our turnonts are reduced to fifteen . Upon the whole , circumstances are dally tending to * our advantage ; every day brings with it cheering omens ; and we do not hesitate t 6 predict , from minute observations of our antagonists' movements , that they are making preparations , if our ranks continue unbroken , torender us that justice they have nnavalllngly used every imaginable stratagem and misrepresentation to withold fromniL ¦¦ .. ' . ¦ ¦ '¦ - / . ¦ : ¦ . " . , . ' : ' . '¦ ' -. '; .. ' -, •

      To secure it , however , unity of purpose and of action continues indispehsible : The world , as was manifested at the ball for our benefit on Monday evening at the White Conduit House , has left off single hornpipes , and dances sociably in gay quadrilles , so if we are even now , when at its threshold , to be borne on to victory , must individualism be abandoned , and sociality and . union exist amongst us . Let none think that what is now " ostensibly our case is not also his , because he may nob be immediately affected by it . It is the cause of all . If any think differently , let them reflect , and the philanthropy which nature has implanted ' in their bosom , will teach them that oppression and contumely should be abjured and annihilated from Whatever quarter it may spring . Let each individual then shake a hand with each other individual , each pledging himself to the other to aid by his subscriptions , influence , and exertion , the masons on to victory , and

      " The mighty multitude shall trample down The handful that oppress them . *' Desirous of destroying the necessity for strikes by rcmeving the cause from which they spring—namely , inequality of labour and inequality of exchanges , wo solicit your consideration of the few lines at the head of ( Misaddress . The truths there developed are indisputable . Man possesses every " capability of labouring—of producing , " in connection with his fellows , every thing essential to his comfortable existence , and no man has u right to that which he does not produce , for which be does not render an . equivalent- ' to its producers .. This is a fact admitted by . all who have written on the subject , yet how different is the existing system of society , tiie great mass being subject to excessive toil , the produce of Which the : few dissipate in luxuries and idleness , never labouring , never producing , except indeed it be misery and contention amongst their victims .

      We have it from high authority , and the oracles of that authority are incessantly ringing it In our ears , that " Ho who does net labour neither shall he eat , " cou ' clusive evidence that those only should refuse to work , to labour , to produce , who can live without eating ami drinking , and that none other were intended to be idle . Bat , undir the present usages of society , those who are idle not only eat and drink , but with sordid avarice consume the very vital 3 of those who produce it for them .,- ; ' .- . ' -.. : ¦ - . - - - , ' ¦' ., ¦ '¦ YY ; . ¦ .: : ¦ - ..- ; / . ¦ - - •' . ; ' ¦ : The groundwork of this system and its tendency hae

      been examined , and resulted in the erection of a science called political economy , and which lays down three elements as essential to tbe comfort and happiness of human life , namely— - " That there shall be labour , accumulation of labour , and exchange of labour ' s produce ; " and be it understood that thesa conditions are laid down by these economists as general in their application ; no reservation of class or grade is made . It is , therefore , laid down , as an absolute condition of existence , that there shall be labour , and that that labour shall be universal . Contrast this with the present system of ' society . ¦ ¦ ¦'¦~ . ' ¦ ¦ . ¦ .. . " r "' . ' " - ¦ ¦' . '¦¦ ¦ .. ' , ¦ ¦" . ¦; . /

      These economists , in telling the productive among the other classes of the community to accumulate , add insult to injury ; the evation of the condition—tbat labour shall be universal , pressea them to the very earth . Under existing usage they cannot accumulate , not because they are idle , intemperate , or ignorant , but because the accumulations of former generations , -which should be applied to the benefit of the present as a whole , are usurped—their advantages enjoyed by classes and iadividuals . Oa the subject of exchanges , we think too much attention could not be given . The infraction by the capitalist of this condition , contributes more than all

      other causes combined toitbe maintenance of tbat inequality of condition so moch felt and ceplored by the working classes . Man can have but two things to exchange—namelyj , labour and the produce of labour . It is , therefore , the duty of those who do labour , who do produce , to enforce in their exchan ; ea mutual advantages . In considering this part of the question , the idea must be repudiated , that what the capitalists appear to give in exchange for the workman ' s labour was generated either by his labour or his riches . He never laboured—he never produced . It was originally obtained from the labours of the workma ; , and by a fraudulent system of unequal exchanges , is eyen now daily tuken from hiio . ¦

      From a review of those circumstances , it must ba obvious that to remove such a destructive ' state of things " more than the isolated endeavours of a mere fraction is indispehaibie . " Individualiaed habits must be abandoned—the energies and means of all mast bebiended each must work for all , and all for each ; and the iiiflaence of such union would ooou dispel the evila resulting from the present unnatural system of society ; • ' the result of every day ' s labour would add a fresh stimulant to exertion ; sound morality and domestic happiness increase , co ^ opemtiwi instituted , and building societies established ; ; ;• ... ' . " And every man in every face , ; Would meet a brother and a friend . "

      Again , most heartily thanking all for tbeir exertions in our behalf , : . Y : ¦ ¦ ; , ¦ ,. ¦ .... ' ' ' '¦' ; - Y WebegtoBubscribeounelTes , Gratefully yours . The Masons' society ,, Thohas Shobtt , Sec . 6 , Agnes-streetj Waterloo-road , Lambeth , Feb . 16 , 1812 .

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      A-BaiDGiKG a Toll . —A party of ^ navriMf , " being at work at one 6 ide of the Thames , and lodging on the other , hit upon an ingenious plan for reducing the bridge-toll . They deputed one of their party to inquire of the collector how much weight a man was allowed to carry , aud whether any sort of weight was allowed . The collector answered "Carry what you choose , and as much as yon can . '* They took him at his word , and assembling the whole force on the bridge , they divided the party into two sections , and one carried two through tbe gate , more to the merriment of the lookers on , than to tirc amusement or profit of the oollecUr .

      Untitled Article

      6 THE NORTHERN STABi ^^^^ ¦ - ' - — ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ' — - " - ¦ ¦ ¦ — — — .- ¦— ' ¦¦ '" ' ¦ —1 —¦ 1 - , ¦_ . ¦ »¦ i ' ii " ¦ — ¦ 1 ¦ — ¦ 1 _ M 11 , 1 . 1 . 1—11 ¦ ¦ ¦ »¦ .. ! . 1 ¦¦ . 1 . 1 ! ¦ ii ¦! ' ' ¦ " ¦ -- ¦ .. . - __^ ^ ^ ^— » m , fc—^^^^ g ^ B

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 26, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1150/page/6/