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Northern Star (1837-1852), 18th May 1844, Edition 1 of 1, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      COLLIERS' MEETING AT -NEWCASTLE . A pnclac meeting of the irhsMJants of Newcastle asd Ita vicinity was held in tbe lecture room , Kelson-street , en Tuesday evening , 7 th inst ., for the purpose of examining ™ to the condition , and protecting the Interests of the Miners o ! Northumberland and Durham j also to take into consideration the propriety of petitioning Sbe legiBlatnre for thB rspe&l of the export duty upon coals . Sooa after seven o ' clock Mr . Mark Dant was called ko the chair , who epeued the proceedings by stating the clj ^ cts for -which they had m ^ t He stated tbat in 1843 the ¦ wages of the pitmen had been greatly reduced , and it might be asked , "why did we give in to the rednc >

      tioEs ? Why did -we sign tbe bond ? " The fact 'was , thera was a wsnt of union amongst the men—they bad entered into a foolish competition against each other ; bn % row hs was happy ihat they -were united . " They had taken a leaf cut of the masters bock ; they alone were then united ; bnt the men , seeing the tff _ -cts t-f the masters' union , have formed one of their own , more formidable and more powerful than theirs . As one of iheir principal objects was to disabuse the public mind , and to give an nnvarniscd statement of their lval grievances , be would introduce Mr . Tbomaa Clongb , a working Miner , who would address . them np ' on that subject .

      Mr . Glongh entered into a lengthy description of the grievances laboured trader by the jutaen , and which he contended was the cause of the pressat cessation from labour . The conduct of the society previous to the $ > Yh of April , showed that thtre was no dtsire on their part to cease work if they coald procure any reasonable lemunsration . They petitioned tbe masters ; they appointed a committee to treat with the owners before the term was elapsed , but was refused an interview , although repeatedly solicited . It iB-saii that the owners ceuW not comply with the workmen ' s demands ; but c ~ ald they not have formed a committee before the men esa * e 4 work as well as after it ? What is the reason that they will not appoint a time to meet the menor their committee ? The men kmw that they

      couid sot make & livelihood usder the terms proposed hy their masters in thsir monthly agreement During the last year they could onlj eke cut a miserable ' existenee . It had been stated tbst 33 83 per day could be earned in eight hours , nnder last year ' s prices . They { the masters ) knew thia to be nntrae , and any reasonable aian ( who had no interest in perverting the truth ) irught see that it would have been impossible to form such a union as we have done within the last fifteen months ; that tbe -whole of the coal hewers in these two coantaes should be 'Universal in seceding from labour rmiaithey ccnld gel something for their labour , if they could earn th » t sum per day . The master * knew weil But many a hard-working pitmen could not earn 12 s . per wetk for the last year , and hucdreds below that sum . He ( Mr . G . ) had seen in the papers that previous to ' the bindings the masters and the men consulted together respecting the terms of the proposed agreement- He never knew an instance of such a

      consultation . It had been also stated that the masters could not sffwd to pay tfce prices demanded , owing to the depression of trade . Bow he would ask what was tha diff-rcDoe of price in the London market , between 1841 and the present tiroe ? The-difference is but tnilng , vtereasthe reduction of the working men's wages since that time was alarming . It will be dearlyproved to the public in a few days , to amount to from fifteen to eiibtefen per cent . The want of proper ventilation was another seriousxrievance ; and when calamities occurred ¦ which might easily have been prevented , packed juries shielded the masters from the csneequences of their neglect . Hfc had worked in a place "where , owing to the fsalcess of the air , he had been obliged to be earned horns with a head fit to sp-it with pain , and from the effects of the nauseous gas inhaled , had been confined to bed three or four days ; whereas to bring 8 . healthy atmosphere into the place where he was Trorkinz , w&uld not have cost the owner more than

      10 s . And if he ( Mr . C . ) bad not gone back to work , he -would have been fined 2 s . 61 pti day ; he was therefore obliged to return to the fame place day after day , until from its effects he was laid up for fifteen weeks , during a great portion of which Tie ttm inBsnsible , He then requested the masters to pay him 5 s . per week i smart aorsy , which : s generally allowed , to men dis- > abled in lie pit—it was refused . Ha went to Durham ! and entered an action against the masters for the rrco- ] TKry of that sum per week , during the time he was- ? laid up , but found , although provisions were made of ' S 3 . per week to such as had a broken leg , or a broken j head in a pit , there was none tor one poisoned by foul i air , and he got no redress . They ( the pitmen ) wasted I a -voice in the makrog of the bond . He wished every j man to treat his employers with aue respect , but at the j his ¦ ¦

      nmfitima frrt tnsrteV iivirm }* w * -n » >»?» w 3 *» V * -a ] same nrns to 1 " * " ^ upon having rights . ' 2 Ir . John Tulip was nsxt introduced by the Chair- ' man . He contended that tbe great progress which the j Jliners * Association had made dnring the last year was I entirely owing to the large reductions made in tb . rir ! price * in that year . He then read from a list which he held in his hand the reduction in prices on the follow-1 ing collieries last year—Heston . £ 1050 6310 d ; Urpeth , ¦ £ 357 10 s ; SiBfeDn Dalevail , £ 2221 Ob 4 d ; South Moor , £ 39113 i il ; Bsdclins , £ 427 13 s 8 d ; Esst CrzmVmg- ' ton , £ 1401 93 103 ; Fawdcn , £ 9 S 9 17 s ; Gosfortb , £ S 3 S 193 2 d ; Thorniey , £ 655 gs 4 d ; Onston , fimiOi 4 rS ; St . Helen ' s , ( Auckland ) £ 971 5 a 8 d ;' which tikice the number of men into acceunt on each culiiery mak&s the average reduction per man , £ 10 13 s 5 d . It was this incredible rednction which '

      was one great stimulant in farming the present organixstisn , Tceir enemies designated them lazy men . The PitmengeaersJly are not kzy men ; they were as willing 10 work as any set of men who trod the ground . Ihey were always workirg on the verge of death and eternity , and ytt they were quit © willing to work for a fair remuneration . The restrictive question had never been fcntertainbd by them until after the binding in April , 1843 , whea they saw that tbe masters were fletf rgrined to make sacrifices of some thousands of the m-it intelligent of their class . The Unionists then met and agreed to restrict themselves to a certain quantity of -work , and Ujub give -work to the whole . The restrictions had not been injurious to the masters , { at the same time they did much good to the unemployed portion of the men , ) as would be seen by the London eoal trade , a greater quantity having teen sent to London , within the last three months , than during the corresponding three months of 1843 . The restrictions caused some collieries to work thirty-four days more last year than the same collieries did in the previous year , thus benefiting men who had families of bt-y »; and if they had not adopted the restriction the parishes smst have kept the- unemployed . The Pitmen considered tbe guarantee money another grievance . In previous jears the guarantee money was never less than 30 a per fortnight , whereas last year it was from 26 i to 22 s . per fortnight ; every man had not even this jusiaateed to him throughout the year , { even without seckoning an Idle feraj'ght about Christmas for rtpiirs , itJ . ) Ths amount professing to be guaranteed was averaged upon the total amount of the earnings of all the men in the colliery , so that one man might earn £ 2 , another eould net , or would not , be allowed to earn

      more than 10 s . ; and sometimes the average amount was struck np ^ n the three 01 four consecutive fortnights' earnings taken altogether . The men considered it more just to guarantee a certain sum to each man that was willing and able to work per week . The next was what was termed "« et out" If a tub \ ras sent to bank , notwithstanding ita bemg rabject to many accidents , five or Eix lbs deficient , they last ths labour of hewing the remaining eight cat , being all forfeited on account of the deficiency . They wished the masters to have justice dene them , but there was no justice in robbing the man of upwards of eight cwt of coals , on account of a deficiency caused by an accident . If they were apprzsd of Hie accident , it would be ju » t to make it up , but no more ; and , let men be as

      careful as possible , accidents will sometimes happen . There were also many fraudulent weighing machines or steelyards employed to -weigh the men ' s wo ; k , some of 4-. m giving 1201 bs to the cwt , where , he was rot aware of any more than 1121 b feeing k quired for a CTr t ., unless a larger quantity had been agreed npon by both parties . On some Colleries the machines took from ten to twenty lbi , to give them the cast either ¦ way . If toe man wished to have a weighing T " n ^""* Inspected , they must give three day's previous notice to the masters , mo that , if anything fraudulent had really been practised , there was surely sufficient time to get it rectified . Then , as to what was termed " laid ut /* A fine was inflicted of one penny for every pound ¦ Weight of stone , if six pound be found in one tub ; in

      other Colleries it was 9 d fer three quarts , and Borne : times heavier . The men thought this unreasonable also , for with the -very small light used in the pits , jnd ¦ what is called " ramble" continually falling from the , roof , it 'was quite impossible to prevent a email quantity of stone getting in amongst the coalB . They think some better regulations should be adopted . Then as to " splint and foci coal *' : in some pita it lies ati the bottom , in others in the middle of the seam . Tin i fines in this case vary according to circumstances , \ Be had known instances as high as 10 s . per day , and : he believed there were cases of still higher finea being inflicted . The brass coal , for -which we are -heavily fined , wg often purchase ourselves , and pay high for that ; which we had previously been fine 4 fer sending to ; bank . Again , in separatist ; the round from the ]

      small coaU there wer& fines egain . It -was in many cases impossible to aveld fines of this deacriptioB : ^ a manmight be -working a mile or two from the abaft , ^ f ^ j ** fc > o » aery . his coal * mig&t be knocked . fcwrat DeioiB they leached tbe pit mouthy in aome iwtoMes , if he » a « to fill Qwtnbi "byhaBd , softat t&ej were sure to be all large when going front the pee ,-. toe paauge ^ m many cues being very low , the ^?* ***? iraX ? ' mi « h * . = P < m coating in contact Jda large pieces of an equallyfe » natoeTwtmid inerttably cssae * greater quantity of small &an waa allowed , « nd for whkh he wonl * be fined . It waa of no rare occurrence far a man , after wotting between life and deaQi fora wholeabifl » to be more in debt than two .-oc three shifts' wages would EquidBte . He- wished masters to be protected against unreasonable men ; but the whole sjBtem -was tab severe for any man that ecBltl in any w * j avoid it to . beax . He IMt . I ) aaid he eosld , « ann « r » t 9 many , more : grievance * which the opjirarwij jatmen laboured binder ; bat he vas afraid he . l » d occupied to ^ itnuch et thfiir time already . - H&j ilopBdai * KdieEcc would excuse ths UBV&mMied style

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      in which he had addressed them ; and if be was not sufficiently explicit upon any of the points -which ha wished to explain , he could only add that they were all true , &ud was ready to answer any question respecting his statements , knowing that truth can lose nothing by being investigated . Mr . Mitchell , from Oustos , was next introduced , and spoke at considerable length . The men , he said , were from tbe commencement of the secession willing to meet and come to arrangement ; and it was not the fault of tbe men if they did not succeed . A deputation was appointed to wait upon the owners at the Coal Trade Office , tbat day ; but the masters were not sitting at that time , and Tse were informed that they -would not sit again nntil Saturday . The deputation were commissioned

      to wait upon them again to know when they would receive the committee , so that matters might be amicably arranged . He would subscribe to all that bad been stated by the previous speakers : besides he thonght that a monthly bond was unsuited to their conditions ; for if they were obliged to move monthly , the little furniture that they might be in possession of would soon go to pieces ; and if subject te a month ' " notice , they would be thereby intimidated from speaking their minds . The men have ever shown an anxiety to como to terms with the masteiB , but if tbe mastera -would continue to evince their contumacy , tbe men had already struck one month and were prepared to make it two sooner than accede to unreasonable demands—( several -voices from the body of the room shouted "Yes , a year if necessary ) . "

      T £ ey were losing their labour , which was their capital , and their masters were losing theirs also . Some of tbe Mines were going to wreck . The engines had te be kept np , and , he believed overmen ' s wages had to be paid . Then , s ^ ain , if mastera and men weie united , they could have swamped the coal doty before now . Much had been said about the men demanding 105 . per week smart money . It had been thought an extravagant demand ; but it was not intended that the mastera should have it to p-iy ; it was meant solely as an inducement for masters to ventilate their mines properly , use better timber , and exercise more care to prevent accidents generally , so that the men should not have to work in continue jeopardy . Were proper care exercised with more competent viewers and overmen , the smart money

      would not be often required . Tha masters should be protected from imposition ; but if the mines were ptoperly ventilated , better lighte conld be nsed , and , therefore , splint and foul coal would not be so frequently complained of . The men had 00 hostile feelings towards the maBtere , although they , with the assistance of the public press at their command have not evinced a similar spirit te them ; they have misrepresented their case , so as to make it appear as inconsistent in tbe public eye as possible—( Turning to aoms reporters present he said )—there were persons connected with the newspaper press present , who had rendered all the assistance they could ( thank God , it was not mueb ) in prejudicing the public 2 iind against tbe claims ef the oppressed pitmen . He hoped they erred through

      igoorance ; if that was the case , they should not have authenticated it by stating that it was known to them to be trne . Again , if they did really know the real state of tbe case , they must have known that what they vended under tbe pretext of truth was a foul tissue of lies , calculated to excite prejudice in tbe minds of their readers and prevent sympathy with the real not feigned grievances of the Miners . All they wanted was a fair remuneration for their labour . It had been said that the aen would break the peace . What ! break the peace to procure justice I No ; he would sooner lay down his life than accede to anything unreasonable ; but he TToold never attempt to procure his ends by a breach of the peace ; and he hoped all Miners would do tbe same—never succumb—never make a breach of tbe

      peace . Mr . James Forrest , ore ef the united body of boot and shoemakers , moved the following resolution , wbieh was briefly seconded by Sir . WillLim Fleming , a member of the united body of tailora , and agreed to unanimously , namely : — " That this meeting , having beard the statements of the previous speakers ( all practical Miners ) , are of opinion that they are perfectly justified in their present course of ceasing to labour under such galling terms ; and this meeting pledges itself to exert itself to tbe utmost to obtain for them public support " Mr . Wm . Diniells proposed the next resolution in a verj appropriate address , in which he showed the amount of capital embarked in the coal trade , and tbe great impediment to its success , caused by the export duty on sea-borne coals . The resolution was briefly seconded by Mr . William Byrne , and agreed to unanimously , v : z : —

      >¦ Tbat this meeting is ot opinion that the duty on export coals is injnrious , not only to tbe mining and shipping interests , but also to tbe many thousands of workmen employed by those interests ; therefore , we agree to petition the Legislature fora total repeal of the aforesaid duty . " A vote of thanks was tendered to the Chairman , and the meeting was dissolved .

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      butlng , as Alfred the Great did the land , to each family according to the number of his retainers . They have plenty to serve them for months now , besides a good working committee , to furnish them with more before that is done . A delegate said that his owner told him tbat it was of no use the men appointing a committee , fornone of them wonld be allowed to enter the Coal Office . It was ultimately agreed that two of the committee be now requested to wait npon the masters ot their committee at the Coal Office , that they bear a letter of introduction signed by the chairman of this meeting and by the district secretary , requesting to know what time would be most convenient for the owners or their committee to meet the men ' s committee , and if the owners should nfuse to meet them at any

      time , that they be respectfully requested to state the same in writing . The delegates then adjourned an hour for dinner . Soon after six o ' clock tbe delegates resumed their sittings . Mr . Mark Dent in the chair . Mr . James Bawlings in the vice chair ; Mr . Elliot , door keeper . Delegates from Cheater-le-atreet , Wreckington , Seaham , Seaton Daleval , Washington , and several other places , Btated that at each of their collieries shopkeepers were willing to credit the men with necessaries weekly , lor three months hence , if it should be thought advisable to desist werking for that time , to be paid three months after the men resumed their work . Messrs Haswell and Mitchell who were appointed to wait upon the masters , reported that they had been there , and were informed that neither the mastera or

      committee were there , and they were informed that they would not be there until Saturday . They were appointed to wait upon the masters on Saturday . [ We understand that the owners bad a meeting on last Friday , at which they resolved not to meet the Committee appointed by the men , and that they sent a note to the Committee to tbat effect } Mr . Wm . Richardson was appointed Assistant District Secretary . A delegate suggested that there be one general meeting of the Miners of Northumberland and Durham appointed on an early day , and iu a central place . After being discussed at some length , it was agreed tbat there be three meetings instead of one ; one for the Tees district , one for the Wear , and another for the Tyne . The Wear meeting was agreed to be held on Pibtington

      Hills , on Saturday , the 11 th instant , at twelve o ' clock at noon ; the Tyne meeting on the Town Meor , Newcastle , on Monday , the 13 th , at twelve o ' clock at noon ; tbe Tees meeting waa not appointed , when or where te take place . The speakers at the public meeting iu tbe evening were then appointed . The next resolution on the programme was— " Tbat the meeting of delegates take into consideration tbe best method of collecting subscriptions and donations from tbe different trades and shopkeepers . " After being discussed at considerable length , it was agreed " That the Committee of Management be forthwith dispensed with , and that the collieries in tbe immediate neighbourhood meet and devise the best plan for collecting tbe donations , iic . from the trades and shopkeepers of

      Newcastle and elsewhere . " Tbe pitmen of Wallsend and North Biswick were named as the proper persons to take it in hand . Mr . William Jobling was appointed to assist the District Treasurer . The next resolution was— " That each delegate be required to draw up a list of prices for hewing , putting , and driving in his colliery for tbe years 1842 , 1843 , and what is asked in 1814 , as 8 » on as possible ; so tbat each locality maybe prepared to state their reasons for requiring the prices which they have given in to tbe masters . " A delegate announced that Mr . Matthias Dunn wished to have an interview with the delegates , so m to remove the impression from tbeir winds wbicb must bave been tbe result of a report circulated respecting his having been sent or gone to Wales to procure men to

      supersede the pitmen . Mr . Dunn was admitted , and remarked that be hoped he was not considered a worse master than the majority ot muter * were , referred to the paragraph which appeared in the Advocate , stating that be bad been in Wales trying to get men to supplant the pitmen ; said he bad not been in Wales since January ; denied having gone to Wales fer the purpose alleged . He waited upon the Executive respecting the report circulated , and they did him tbe justice to give him a note exonerating him from the charges which he would read to thtm , aa he was dhappointed in having it inserted in the paper of that day ( Tynt Mercuiy ) . | The note was as follows : —" Sir , —A paragraph having appeared in tbe last number ef the Mixer ' s Advocate , from a

      correspondent , reflecting npon the character of Mr . Matthias Dnnn , by stating tbat he had bees in Wales endeavouring to obtain men to supplant the Miners ot Northumberland and Durham , now off work , and Mr . Dunn having waited upon us at the Miner ' s Executive rooms , and solemnly stated that sneb paragraph was not true , we consequently consider it only an act of duty to publish this statement to set right the public mind , and do justice to Mr . Dunn . We are . Sir , yours , on behalf of the Miner ' s Executive Committee , sinned John Hall , Mcretary ; signed John Stoker . " bit . Dunn appeared satisfied , ard thanked them for tbe courtesy which they had shown him , and retired . A delegate then remarked in reference to the subject of the resolution last discussed , that instead of bis colliery requiring an

      unreasonable advance as had been stated by tbe masters , and judiciously circulated by their party press , he was prepared to show that they bad been reduced in price at their colliery 40 per cent . It was then agreed thai each colliery se-.: d in a correct list of the prices for hewing , putting , and drawing at their respective colleries for the years 1842-3 , together with the prices asked in 1844 II was likewise agreed , ' ¦ Tbat all who have recently joined the Union and desisted working until their rights are conceded to them , be entitled to the same support as tbe other members of the Uuiou . ' A letter was read from bit . Thomason , wherein he threatened to dincuos the objects of tbe officers of the society at the public meeting in the evening . [ The meeting took place , discussion was invited , but Mr .

      Thomason did not appear . ] The meeting adjourned until nine o'clock on Wednesday morning . —On Wednesday morning , at nine o ' clock , tbe delegates resumed their sitting , and a messenger bad arrived from Radcliff , near Warkworth , to get the opinions of tbe delegates respecting terms proposed to tbe pitmen there by their owners , and to know if they should accept it It appeared tbe masters offered to accede to tbe whole of their requests with the exception of weekly payments , if they would start work . After being discusced at great length it was agreed that no definite answer could be given until the delegates met again on Monday , the 13 th inBt ., and each delegate was requested to lay tbe subject before his constituents , and be prepared with tbeir answer on tbat day .

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      through this struggle triumphantly . He said tbat in Scotland , the men were receiving 2 s per ton , whilst in Northumberland they were only asking froth Is 3 d to Is 45 per ton Mr Mitchell said that it was an incontrovertible faokth&t the peaceful demeanor of the men in this oontest had gained them the good opinion of numbers of the middle classes . He spoke at considerable length on the principles of the Union , which , in consequence of the late period at which the meeting was held , prevents our reporting . He conoladed by moving the following resolution : — Resolved : " That in the opinion of this meeting , we have , by our joint actions and virtuous deeds , merited a great share of public opinion ; and in order to maintain our ground , we pledge ourselves to keep the peace . " Passed unanimously .

      Mr Geobge Chahi / ton , mm South Shields , proposed the third resolution , which was seconded by Christopher Haswelx , of Sejihill : — Resolved : " That , in the opinion © f this meeting , we , the miners of Northumberland and Durham , feel abundantly thaukful for the help we have realized from our friends , the shopkeepers and others ; and we do hereby pledge ourselves to come forward , like honest men , to liquidate all debts that may becontraoted during our cessation from labour . " At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Sir John Fife , the mayor ; and also to the Chairman , for his conduct in the Chair .

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      Chorweix . —The Miners of Messrs . Gledhill and Homer , etrusk work on Monday , May 6 th ., for an advance of 4 d on the shilling as agreed to by the Union . The day following , the desired advance was conceded , and the men resumed work . A Meeting of Miners was held at the Queen Ann , Little Lever , on Friday , The large room was denrely crowded . Mr . Henry Meadows was called upon to preside ; after a few brief remarks , he introduced | Mr . WJm . Holgate , who spoko for hearty two hours , and sat down amidst the most enthusiastic cheering . The next general delegate meeting of Lancashire Minors will beholden on Mondaynezt , ( May 20 th ) , at the Old Mess House , Oldham , chair to be taken at eleven o ' clock in the forenoon . There will also be a public meeting on the vacant plot of ground behind the Albion Inn , Oldham , which will be addressed by ! W . P . Roberts , Esqt and several accredited agents of the Miners' Association . Chair to be taken at three o ' clock in the afternoon .

      A Public Meeting will be held in the Carpenters ' Hall , Manchester , on Monday evening next , ( May 20 th ) , to take into consideration the state of the Miners of Durham and Northumberland . W . P . Roberts , Esq ^ l Mr . Wm . Dixon , and several other gentlemen will address the meeting . Chair to be taken at eight o ' clock , Members of Trades' Unions and the public generally , are respectfully requested to attend . Admission to defray expences : —body of the hall and gallery Id ; platform 2 d . Stiuhe . —The Miners of Pendlebury , in the Halehaw Moor District , and those in the employ of Mr . Ainsworth , are now on strike against the tyranny and injustice of their employers , and they hope that their brethren throughout the Mining districts , will not be induced by false statements to take employment at either of ( the above-mentioned places . The contributions , including Law Fund , will be tenpence per member , to be brought by the delegates- to the Oldham delegate meeting .

      The Miners of Burnley and Padiham are respectfully informed that Mr . Roberts will be with them on Tuesday , 21 st inst ., and as he cannot stay very long , it is necessary they should be prepared with the various cases they wish to lay before him . Shropshire . —The biave lads of Shropshire have nobly come forward to the assistance of their brethren on strike in North Staffordshire . No 2 Lodge ( French ) , j collected the liberal sum of £ 6 15 s 9 d 1 this with what was brought from other lodges , amounted to £ 12 16 s ; in addition to £ \( f previously ecnt to the same place . An example worthy of imitation .

      At a Delegatk Meeting held at Hark-hul , May 7 th ., the following sums were paid in : — H&rk-hill , £ 4 0 i 3 d ; Trench , £ 2 2 i 6 d ; Dawley Green , 103 54 ; Holy well-lane , 9 a ; Madely , 6 < 8 i ; Madeley Wood , 17 s 2 d . j Real friends of the Association will be glad to be informed that we have but few victims here . We believe that the coal and ironstone masters begin to view our good cause with a favourable eye . On Whit-Monday it is agreed to hold a meeting of all the Lodges at Hart-hill ; chair to be taken at three o ' clock . Each member to wear a green and whites ribbon on the breast of his coat . The different Lodges to meet at WaMing-street , and proceed to the place of meeting . The meeting to be addressed by Mr . Joseph Edwards , and M . r . William Dean , agents for the district , together with others who have engaged te attend . ,

      Padiham . —The j Miners of Hapton and Dean Collieries beg to { tender their heartfelt thanks to their brother Miners and the public at large , for the noble manner in which they have been supported them against thetyranny of their oppressors . The following sums have been received for the past week : — No . 1 Lodge 12 a 4 £ d ; No . 2 ditto £ 1 ; No . 3 , ditto £ 1 ; No . 5 ditto £ 9 12 a ; No . 8 ditto £ 3 63 ; No . 9 ditto £ 4 ; No . 101 ditto £ 4 ; No . 12 ditto 1336 d ; Friends at Primrose £ \ IO 4 . A general heeting of delegates of the Miners of Northumberland and Durham will be held in Mr . Jude ' s long room , ! Three Tuns Inn , Manor Chare on Tuesday , 31 st May .

      Swanwick , near Alfreton . —The members of the Miners' Association at Swanwick beg to return their thanks to their friends at Derby , for the . following Bums : —April 29-h , Mechanics at Unsworth is ; May 4 th , collected £ 2 I 83 9 d ; May 6 th , Unaworth , 3 s ; ditto 3 d 8 $ i ; a few friends 9 * 4 d ; collected by the Miners £ 1 17 s 6 J ; Mr . Tailor ' s Mill 5 j ; Mr . Goose Is . I am requested to acknowledge the very handsome donation of " one penny" from Mr . Weaton , butcher , Swanwick , as great credit is due to the parties I who received it for their perseverance in obtaining " bo large" a sum at once !—Correspondent . j

      Staley Bridge—The coal Miners at Rabbit Holds , Staley bridge , District No . 6 Lodge , are at present on strike ; they beg toJaeknowledge fcbe following sums —Fletcher ' s Colliery , Denton 4 s ; a few friends at Ashton-under-Lyne 6 s 6 d ; friends at Newton 10 s 9 d ; Hyde Lane Colliery 6 s 8 d ; a few friends at Stalybridge IU 54 ; friends do . 43 ; Ridges Hill , do ., at Dog and Pheasant £ 1 89 ; John Higginbottom , Hare and Hounds Is ; friends , at Hunter's Tavern 2 s Sd ; friends 15 j 2 Ad ; do . ] Old Miner la ; and Old Boxer

      Is ; and a friend 6 d ; do . James Broadbent , at the Miners Arms 5 s ; j Backlane Colliery 5 s ; James Fogg , Coperaas House Colliery 6 a 9 i ; do . William Wright 4 s 6 d : do . Joseph Futon Is 6 % d ; Boltmakers Is 4 d ; friends 9 s lOd ; Hole Bottom Colliery 2-i 3 d ; Ashton-under-Lyoe District , No . 1 Lodge £ 2 ; do . No . 2 Lodge , £ 2 13 s ; No . 3 do . £ 4 7 s ; No . 4 do . £ 2 ; do . No . 5 do . 15 s ; do . No . 6 do . £ 1 ; from General Board 14 s . We return our sincere thanks for tho kind and liberal support hitherto received . ' i

      Cftartwrt Xnteht&Fttce.

      Cftartwrt XnteHt&fttce .

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      TO W . B . BIERRAND , ESQ ., M . P . We , the Chartista of Newcaatle-upon-Tyne , in public meeting assembled , beg to tender you our sincere thanks for you z aalous devotion to the cause of suffering industry . We have witnessed with delight your many exertions on behalf of the factory operatives , while others frem whom the people expected better things bave entered into an unholy alliance with tbe minister of the day to perpetuate the incessant toil of our fellowlabourers—men with lofty professions of patriotism on their tongues , while in tkeir hearts they hate the very people whom they profess to love . Your opposition to

      that infamous enactment , the new Poor Liw , together with you * advocacy of tbe Ten Hours' Factory Bill , we are aware has begotten you many enemies : but , Sir , yon must be aware that men in all ages who have evinced a love for tbe working classes have been abused , viilifled , and misrepresented by the enemies of the people . The unmanly attack made upon you by the lick-spittles of Brougham on tbe one band , and the sycophantic Peel on the other , to drive you from your place in the House of Commons , most signally failed . The pit they dug for you they have fallen into themselves , and sincerely do we wish that they may remain in it 1

      Hoping that tbe Almighty may long grant you life and health to advocate the cause of Buffering humanity , We remain , Tour friends and admirers , The Chart / st Wobkjng Men of Newcastle . The above address was proposed by Mr . Sinclair , seconded by Mr . Frezir , and agreed to unanimously at a general meeting of the Chartists of Newcastle and Gatesbead , held in Mr . Judge ' s Long Boom , Three Tuus Inn . Manor Chare , Mr . Thomas Iley in the chair .

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      MONEY RECEIVED BY MR . NATHANIEL MORLING , BRIGHTON , FOR DR . M'DOUALL'S RETURN . I PER MR . MASON , OF / BIRMINGHAM , COLLECTED AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION , MANCHESTER May 2 . 1844 . 8 . d . — Shaw 0 6 Patrick O'Higgins 10 ,, 0 Henry Prosser 0 6 W . Linwood 31 0 Jos . Carter ......... 0 6 Jos . Hcbson 2 6 Henry Ross 0 6 J . Mason lj 0 John Leach 0 6 Samuel Yardley ... 10 William Howard ... 0 6 A . Taylor 1 0 James Mitchell ... 0 6 John Robbins 1 0 Richard Marsden ... 0 0 J . H . R . Bairstew ... 1 0 William Jones 0 6 John Shaw 1 8 Charles Taylor ...... 0 6 David Ross 1 0 Richard Pilling ... 0 6 E . W . Sale ......... 1 0 John Nuttall 0 6 _ jones 1 - ° A . Marshall 0 6 — Wheeler 1 0 Robert Brook ..... 0 , 6 — Colqahoun 10 — Dixon ............ 0 6 — Barrett 1 i 0 G . White 0 6 — Littler 06 — M'Grath 0 6 £ l 18 0 j Smith o | 6 Money Order ... 0 0 3 J . Lowson .. 0 6 ¦ E . Mitchell 0 6 £ l 17 9 ; £ 8 . d . Dawsbury , per Mr . James Fox . 200 £ b . d . Hanging Heaton , per John Fox 0 4 8 i Watergate , per G . Coal ... ... 8 10 « " Dawsbury Association . « . ... 0 8 9 J Dawgreen Association ... ... 0 5 0 Thomas Robinson . . ... 0 1 0 T . S . Brook , Esq . ... ... 0 10 0 ! £ 2 0 0 EXPENDITUBE . James For , for Stationary ... 0 0 3 Post Order ... ... ... 0 0 3 Postage ... ... ... 0 0 3 Remitted to Mr . Moiling , for Dr . M'Dooall I ... » 0 0 j £ 2 0 9 Dueto JameB Fox ... ... 0 0 9 Brighton—Proceeds of a Raffia for Framed and Giaeed Portrait of Dr . M'Douftll , per Messrs , Morling and Flower ... 1 2 0 I ^ ay 3 rd . —Strathayen ,. per Mr . Archibald Niinmo ... ... 1 ... ... ... 070 May 4 th . —WellingboroVi Northampton , per Mr . Turnell ... I ... . ; . ... 0 5 9 Warrington , per Mr . Anderson . m ... 0 6 0

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      WIGAW . —Mr . James Booth has lectured at tbe fo ] lowing _ places during the last fortnight , with success : —Hin&ley Green , Pickley Green , Bickershaw , JStandisb . and several other places . OLDHAItt . —On Sunday last , Mr . P . A . Taylor lectured in the Chartist Room , Greave ' s-street LONDON . —Metropolitan Delegate Council . May 12 . —Mr . Pattenden in the chair , Mr . Cufiuyie . ported that he had already received the sum of one pound sixteen shillings on account of Messrs . M'Daaall and Richards . On the motion of Messrs . Stallwood and Simpson nine shillings Was ordered to be forwarded immediately to the newly liberated victim , Mr . John

      Richards ; the remainder was ordered to remain ia hand until-the outstanding ticket account be settled when it will be divided between Messrs . MDonall and Richards . A vote of thanks was given to Mr . G . SI . Rathbone for bis gratuitous services as secretary . On the motion of Messrs . Stallwood and Cuffay a vote of thanks was unanimously awarded to Messrs Mee , Wm . Girdner , Wm . Dovoc , Huffy Ridley , Wm . Grover , Alfred Hunnibel ) , Illingworth , Gale , John SeweD , and John Skelton , for their very able and efficient service * rendered gratuitously as lecturers for the council during the last six months . The lecturers for the ensuing week were then appointed , and the council dissolved .

      Tower Hamlets . —Special Meeting of the General ' Council . —Weavera Arms , Pelbam-atreet , May 12 tb , Mr . Back Senior in the chair . Mr . Jones moved , and Mr . Noquet seconded , " That this meeting is of opinion that each locality should be supplied with the balance Bheet of the Executive , free of expense ; they , therefore , request tbe Executive to call on the proprietor of Xhe Northern Star to request his permission for its appearance for the future in that journal . " Carried unanimously , after a long discussion . Moved by Phillip Me'Grath , seconded by Mr . Finette . "That

      a Registration Committee be now formed for the purpose of placing all Chartists , possessing the qualification , on the electoral roll . Carried unanimously . A committee of seven was then appointed to meet at Mr . Drake's , the Standard of Liberty , Brick-lane , on Monday night next , May 20 th , at eight o'clock . Moved by Mr . P . Me'Grath , seconded by Mr . J . Slater , "Thatthia coaucii recommend each locality to elect two persons to form a committee for the purpose of raising funds to take a Hall , to be called the East London Chartist ; Hall . " Carried unanimously .

      BRISTOL . —At a public meeting of the Chartists of Bristol , held at their Hall , Bear Lane , Temple-street , on Sunday , May 12 th , Mr . J . Caines in tbe chair , the following resolutions were passed unanimously : — "That the thanks of this meeting be given to T . S . Doncombe , Esq , and his supporters , for tbeir effective opposition to the Masters ' and Servants Bill ; and further consider that Mr . Duncombe la entitled to tbe thanks and confidence of the country . " " That the thanks of thia meeting are due and are hereby given to the conductors of the people ' s own journal , the NorOiern Star , foe their manly conduct in respect to tbe Masters' and Servants' Bill . " "That this meeting pledges themselves individually and collectively to carry out the resolutions of the district meeting , fceld at Wooienunder-Edge . "

      COVENTRY . —A meeting was held in the National Charter Association Rosm , Well-street , on Wednesday , May 8 tb , to hear lectures from Messrs . Dayle and Clarke of the Executive , on the following subject : — " Will a Repeal of the Corn Laws benefit the working classes of this country under existing circumstances V At eight o'clock , Mr . Patker , a sterling Chartist , waa called to the chair ; after having read tbe placard calling the meeting , and inviting the League to discus sion , he briefly introduced Mr . Doyle . Mr . D ., on rising , addressed himself to the chairman and audience , prefaced hia remarks by stating that he should take it as a favour if any person holding different opinions to him * self , would step forward at the conclusion of bis remarks and state his objection ; he Mr . D . would

      pledge himself that every one would have a fair hearing . Then , ia a masterly style , replete with irrefutable argu ments , he proceeded to prove tbat a Repeal of the Corn Laws , under existing circumstances , meant a reduction of wages , and an increase of unrestricted machinery ia competition with manual labour ; and concluded a speech of upwards of an hours' duration amidst great applause . Mr . T . Clarke followed in a similar strain is a powerful and telling speech , in which he depicted the miseries , privations , sufferings , and destitution of the factory operative ; and concluded his address by appealing to the audience to take ont cards of the National Charter Association , and rally round the standard of liberty once more . The meeting then separated highly delighted , and quite satisfied that tha

      lecturers were qualified to hold that responsible office to wbicb the late Convention had elected them . Large posters having been circulated about the town calling an open air public meeting , on Friday , May 16 th , on the spare ground adjoining St . John ' s Church ; and stating tart Messrs . Dayie and Clarke would address the meeting at seven o ' clock ia the evening , business commenced by Mr . W < Hosier taking the chair . Mr . Parker moved the first resolution , which , was as follows : — " That it is the opinion of this meeting that the manifold grievances under which the toiling millions in this country suffer are solely attributable to class legislation ; and can only be effectually destroyed by the People ' s Charter becoming tbe law of the land . " Seconded by Mr . Dobson , and supported by Mr . Doyle in a

      powerful and eloquent speech . Mr . D . concluded amidst the hearty responses of tbe meeting . The resolution was unanimously carried . Mr . W . Parker moved a petition to the Hon . House of Commons , against Lord Eliot ' a Disfranchising Bill ; in a neat speech Mr . Pritcbard seconded and Mr . Clarke supported the petition . Mr . Clarke delivered a powerfal speech , which bis bearers will not soon forget ; and resumed his seat amidst the plaudits of the meeting . The petition waa adapted unanimously . Mr . Pritchard proposed that W . Williams , Efq , M . P . for the city , be requested to present tbe petition , and that the Right Hon . E . Elice , M . P . for the city , be requested to support the the prayer thereof . Carried . It was proposed by Mr .

      Freeumo , " That the thanks of this meeting being due , are hereby given to tbat distinguished patriot T . S . Duncombe , Esq ., for his parliamentary conduct upon all occasions , especially for bis timely and noble exertions upon tbe Masters' and Servants' Bill ; and likewise to W . Williams , Esq ., M . P ., and another bon . members that voted against the same . Carried by acclamation . Mr . J . Smith proposed " That a vote of thanks be recorded to F . O'Connor , Esq ., and the conductors of the Northern Star . " Carried . A vote of thanks to the lecturers and chairman was past , Mr ; Doyle briefly responded , and the meeting peaceably dispersed . This meetisg has caused a glorious revival of Chartism in this district .

      HB 7 WOOD . —A camp meeting was held here on Sunday last . The meeting was addressed by Messrs , Bell , Hirst , Dixon , and others . The first meeting adjourned betwixt four and five o ' clock in the afternoon , and re-assembled at six o ' clock in the evening ; both meetings were well attended . Manchesteb — Carpenter's Hall . —A lecture was delivered in the above Hall on Suaday evening last . by Mr . William Dixon .

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      A VOICE FROM THE DUNGEON . General Prison , Perth , April , 1811 . Dear Holtoake— Should bave written before , but having sent a note to the " Board , " requesting liberty to purchase other books , I waited their answer . The governor says that I am at liberty to communicate with you as often as is necessary on business connected with petitioning , lee , but his time would not allow of him examing letters of a trifling description , so that now you may avail yourself of it , if need be .

      These two weeks back I have felt myself unable to think , and can hardly bear to write this letter . Yoo are not to suppose me melancholy , for that would be incorrect ; but my body being much weaker , has pro * duced a corresponding frame of thought , so that , when my work ia over , I am more inclined to lie down than read , unless it was some trifling tale . I see it is April from the dales on the letters , and by deep and much sagacious reasoning , I have concluded it to be spring , the time when people set oaks in black tea-pots , and turnips iu green tin boxes ; but , alaB ! how am I to get on suitably to the season ? I bave been trying botany ,

      but I could not succeed for want of something greenan Indispensible requisite In that science ; however , I did the best in my power . I took myself as a specimen of the " ever-green , " although differing in trivial points from th « plant of that name ; still , there appeared a general resemblance sufficiently strong to enable me to eiass myself as one of the genus . I am now settled down into a regular zoophyte , without any , or much locomotion , or much circulation of blood : heDce my antipathy to write or think—or whether I am at present only in a caterpillar state , and may yet emerge like a butterfly , Chilton and his " Theory of Regular Gradation" only can determine .

      I sent my •' Petition" off the very day the form arrived here , but as accidents may and do happen to letters here at times , you had better make direct appli * cation to Mr . Hume on the subject . r « ur letter to the " Board' ? is -very good , so far as I am concerned , but I cannot think your " application foe my alleviation" placed on such high grounds as it might have been ; personal pity never goes far . This Is only my notion , and I must thank you and the Union for the great trouble you have taken ill the matter , but a * I have myself written again to the .. «• Board , " and they have refused all but books —( they have allowed me to purchase my of Chambers' works ); it will , I think , be of no use troubling them farther on the matter Please yourself , however , aa I cannot tell how thing stand . ' -.. - ¦ ¦ . ¦

      Talbert says , he " should like me to find out a consin of his somewhere in Perth , but forgot the address . " I would ran into the town some day for him * bat it looks so vulgar inquiring for a person without an address . - - Sorry to heir of Frederick * death- ^ ften tWnk of that Sunday last spring , when we were all together , — pity , poor / ellow I " - Enolose a list what books the governor has purchased for me ; you will perceive I am in his debt consider ? ably . -- . . '¦ : ¦• - , - . . ¦ . ' •; ¦;^ -- . : ¦ , ¦ - ;' . ¦ . - ¦ ' " - . "• Aa I have now a stock of booka ' and piper , should you think well ; to address th ' e board ap ^ i abstinence from labour is the greatest rtquestihey could now grant Books without that , they must surely see , is condemning me to the fate of Jan . Wi ys ,, -.- ' ¦¦ . ,: , ¦* , ^ : -- \ lidvement , ' Thomas Paxbeson .

      Wbs €Otiity0t Ihtftfwnt

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      K £ W castle . —A delegate meeting of the Miners of Northumberland and Durham was held in Mr . Jude ' s long room , Three Tuns , Manor Chare , on Tuesday , the 7 th instant , commencing at nine o ' clock . Mr . Muk Dint was unanimously elected to the chair ; Mr . James Railings to tbe vice-chair ; and Mr . Matthew Elliot to be door-keeper . A ComniiHee were then appointed te draw up a programme of the business to be entertained by the delegates , when Messrs . Beuton , Tulip , Ramsay , Pratt , and Mprgan were selected for that

      purpose . Four reporters for the public press requested to be admitted , to take a report ot the proceedings Tbe door-keeper £ aid he would submit the matter to the delegates , and showed them inte tfee anti-room until the reault was known . The subject was brought forwaid , and the following resolution was agreed to : — " Tuat all reporters for the public press be admitted to this meeting . " Upon which tbereperters in waiting were admitted ; and the Chairman apologised for taping them bo long ; all the pitmen wanted was fair play in their reports . It had been stated at a meeting lately held in the Connty of Durham , that Mr . Seymour ( a viewer ) did not read the bond in the hearing of tbe men , and assigned as a reason for that omission , tbat he knew if he did , that tbe men would laugh at him , on account of the strain in which it was couched . One of the reporters now present ( the reporter for tbe Sunderland Herald J was requested to take particular notice of tha assertion , as the man who mentioned it was prepared to prove its truth , [ The meeting were given to understand tbat it would appear in the Torthcoming Number of that Journal , but it was omitted . ] Mr . Roberts said it was quite preposterous to expect that tbe press would take the part of working pitmen . The proprietors of tbe public press fill tkeir columns to make them selL The Durham Chronicle sold half an impression extra one week , on tecennt of an abusive article in contained respecting Mmsif ( Air . Roberts ) . They had no interest in making fair statements ef the pitmen ' s cause . Tbe press asserts that the subject of wages is the only grievance ot which the men bave to complain—that tbe majority of tbe men are agreeable to resume their labour , but are prevented by a faw dissatisfied leaders . This untruth could only last five days ; it had no tffect upon the public mind . There was false wtigbts to complain ofl ; aod

      the master party knowing this practice to be exercised ¦ wished to shirk it and called it wages . Public opinien is their master , and as soon as the public are sufficiently enlightened upon tbe subject , bo soon will tbe interested press lose its influence . It is not always the case that a faithful report is faithfully inserted ; it may bapptn that the reporter did his duty , but the editor had a duty to perform to the proprietor ; it may happen that a fifth part of what I have said now may be correctly taken down , notwithstanding that perhaps ocb-twentitth may sot find its way into the newspaper , and eftn what does appear may not be what I hare said . A Delegate said , that . at Meekley Colliery the blacklegs bad turnea out , and the masters declared that they would never employ them again . They came and

      joined the Union . This intelligence was received with three cheers . A letter was read from Barnard Castle , complaining of tbe conduct of a pitman named Gibson , who stated that he was appointed to collect donations for tbe unemployed Miners . Several delegates from the quarter that Gibeon belonged to declared that be was net authorised by the committee to collect money , and that hu only , ef his own accord , followed the men who were appointed , and was furnished with a donation list in due form ; they were happy to learn that tbe men authorised had done tbeir duty honourably , and they could not be accountable for the sobriety of individual men ; the collectors were accountable for all donations on the list , and they had so doubt of its being forthcoming . The chairman read the first

      resolution on tbe programme , v i "That there be six men added to the committee of seven previously selected , to meet the owners on their committee . " After tiiscnsBicg the sabject at great length , it was ultimately agreed to , and tbe following persons were appointed : —Me&sra . Tjiomas Pratt . George Charlton , Alexander Stoves , John Tulip , George Thompson , and Matthew Elliot Mr . Roberta * aid an agent of the masters wished an interview with him lllr . R . ) , and informed him that he believed each owner would be agreeable to meet tbe men on his own colliery , although he did not think that they would be agreeable to meet tbe committee . He ( Sir . R . ) did not think tbat the masters would give in until all thB coala were done , The second resolution on tbe programme was next discussed , — " That the committee ( now thirteen ) appointed by this meeting

      ] i ? ! ? 1 \ ' i ! ! i ] be invested with power to treat from the delegates i now present , the previous instructions being too ! limited . " A JfiDgthy discussion took place respecting i this resolution ; some were disposed to thick that sufficient notice had . been given to the . owners , if they were inclined to come to an agreement , and if the men were very urgent npon meeting the masters ( seeing that they donot appeal to feelinelinea to meet them by deputatien ) it might becoa « tra « d into " oribing » 'to them , whereas Ms ( the delegate from Castle Eden ) constituents were able , to stand out for three swaths , even six months , sooner Mao . accede to anything unreasonable , ! The owners must sot expect to hunger them into an j unprincipled submission , for his colliery had £ 135 is < one sure hand , and a promise that eould be relied upon \ tar £ 5 perwetk as long as they . remained out of em-! ployment - In corroboration of the statements of the last speaker . ths Ksllo delegate could safely Bay ihat his : constituents were likewise determined sot to be starved I into submission . - The men of 3 £ tsUo ^ appointed a com-! mittee of nine , who in * few days procured loans- from I their friends to the amount of ^ £ 200 , with ; "which they i purchased Sour ^ oatme&l , and other necessaries , distri-

      Untitled Article

      GREAT MEETING OF THE PITMEN ON THE TOWN MOOR , NEWCASTLE-UPON TYNE . On Monday , at twelve o ' olook , a meeting of the pitmen recently employed in the collieries of tbo Tyne , and a few on tbe north of the Wear was held on the Town Moor , in this town . The placard announcing the meeting intimated that the use of tbe ground had been granted by the mayor , ( Sir John Fife , Knight , ) of the borough . The meeting was numerously attended , there being not less than from fourteen to fifteen thousand men and women present . The entire proceedings were of the most peaceful character .

      Make Dent having been called to the chair , said , tbat it was not with him at this meeting as it had been on former occasions—it excited within his breast pleasurable emotions in having the honour of acting as chairman . " We are still alive , said he , though it was predicted that we should have been by this time a nonentity as aa association ; but we are now more powerful than when we first came out . " The speaker then alluded to certain articles which had appeared in the Durham Chronicle respecting the pitmen , and said , that before long they would catch bold of him . and punish him

      for his calumny and falsehood . When we started in thia struggle , we said that we were determined to be fed , aye , and to be better fed , better clad , and better educated , We want oil the abundance our labour was destined to create At the commencement of this struggle we had to contend against the avarice of tbe coalowners and the ignorance of the people . Many of the local papers were also opposed to us ; but now their views are changed , and they are with us . I must now urge you to keep the peace , and give every speaker a fair hearing . The chairman sat down amidst loud cheers .

      Mr . Jos / v Tuli p , from South Hetton , moved the following resolution : — Resolved— " That , in the opinion of this meeting , we , the Miners of Northumberland and Durham , have been an ill ; nsed class of men , and we hold ourselves justifiable in ceasing from labour until we obtain au advanca of wages on equitable terms . " After reading this he said , now , my friends , many men have insinuated that our grievances are imaginary . Now , I ask , was not our time come to resist the oppression of the mas'ers ! I am thankful that the Miners' Association exists in England . We have met together to-day to show that we are an

      oppressed set of men . We have been in the school of experience ,: and there learned wisdom . The masters laid on the screw , but at length we reared our heads , and to-day we are . freemen—to-day we are no man ' s servants , and before we return to our employment we are determined to have a better agreement . We are told to discharge from our service Mr . Roberts , as our legal adviser , and all will be welL It would appear that this gentleman is a mote in their eyes . If they wish us sincerely to accept their , advice , let them destroy the cause for him , and do nnto others as they would others do unto them . After urging them to keep the peace , and making other remarks , he concluded by moving the resolution .

      Mr Thos . Pbatt , from Castle Eden , seconded the resolution . Ha said that it had never been deemed that : they were an ill used set of men . Ho said , and that we are a lazy , indolent class of men . He now declared , and without a blnsh , that , there was not in the country a more hard-working , industrious set of men than the pitmen of Northumberland . Are we not called from our ; bed in the night , and required to descend -into the bowels of the earth , and there risk oue lives : and run numberless 'hazards to earn a paltry . pittance for onr families I But we defy their threats ; vre are possessed of a moral power which aloae ia sufficient to earn us

      Untitled Article

      TO THE COAL MINERS OP GREAT BRITAIN " Man ' s inhumanity to man Makes countless thousands mourn , " —Sums . Brother Miners , —It is now several weeks sines I addressed you upon the all-absorbing topic— " Tbe Miners' Union . " My silence has not arisen from any want of inclination on my part , or want of subjects t » address you upon ; but from a want of leisure , owing to my other engagements . The above quotation from the immortal Burns is truly applicable to our case . The inhumanity of those wko have fattened upon our toil has made our wives and little ones mourn , and sent countless numbsrs of theni to an untimely grave ; and nothing but our united efforts can stop oppression In its cruel and blood-stained career .

      , Having suffered and struggled with you for upwards of twenty years , I naturally call to my recollection tbe many battles we have been engaged in , and the many struggles in which we have shared . It has therefore been a source of great gratification to me to find that that bright luminary , tbe Northern Star , has espoused our causa in our present struggle- Had it not bten for the publicity given to our movements by tbat journal , the Association would not bave been what it now is . Brethren , —In my last I told you that the masters would spare neither time nor money iu endeavouring to break up your union . I also told you that their tacMca would be to force you into premature and sectional strikes , and thereby ruin you with expences . From that time to the present they have beeu goading you to

      resistance . Their every act proves that my surmises were not without foundation , and in too many Instances they have compelled tbe men of various collieries to strike ; but thank God they have not been able to injure tbe organization . On no account strike until yeuhavb tried every other resource to better your condition . And let me advise you at this time to be careful of what you are doing : this ia the time fur you either to establish your union on a fair foundation , or bring distraction upon your own heads . In Lancashire , particularly from now until September ib the time when the Coal Kings in general accumulate large stocks , by whleh they have in too many instances forced tbeir men to submit to their repeated reductions . Have an eye , therefore to the restriction of your hours of labour , and when

      you see the heap on the pit brow growing too fast , knock off another " tub ; " for remember it is much easier to keep your prices up by this plan than to get them back when once they havo been taken off . Keep tbe stecks down , aad above all let us bave no more strikes during tho summer montbB . The present struggle is to you all-important If tbe Colliers of the North are beaten , farewell to the Union for many a long day . If , on tbe other hand , tbe cause of justice triumphs , the victory is complete—tbe battle of the C « si Miners of Great Britain is won . Tha masters are depending upon tbe issue of this contest , knowing that if they can defeat the men , it wilt do much towards breaking up your organization . Therefore , you will see it to be your duty to abstain from all strikes until this contest Is decided . The men of the two counties of Durham

      and Northumberland are entitled to your gratitude and support . To them you are principally indebted for your present position . Fly , then , to the rescue—pour in your contributions . Rally to tbe cry of tbe poor oppressed Miners of the North . Remember that this is tbe sixth week of tbeir noble stand against one of the most diabolical attempts which capital ever made to subjugate labour la the history of this or any other country . Let every pit in the country send , without delay , what they can Bpare for those noble champions f Recollect this is no child ' s play . In the two counties there cannot be less than fourteen thousand men . with their wives and little ones looking to you for that bread which you are in duty bound to provide them . Let this week end carry the news from every mining district that they will support the men of the North . Let the 3 d . fur the pint of ale be dispensed with ou Saturday night , and let it be sent forthwith to tbe wives and children of your suffering fellow men . Again I say , fly to the rescue .

      With respect to many of the local strikes that have taken place , I am bold to say that the great majority of the strikes have been brought about by tbe masters to prevent the men keeping up the UnioD . In ether instances , where there has been in the neighbourhood five or six different coal works belonging to separate parties , one half of them have given the advance , and the others not Tbe masters have let them work for a week or a fortnight , and then gone to their men and said , we shall be obliged to drop your wages again , unless the other masters give their men the same that we are giving you , therefore you must see to it The men have consulted witb . their brethren , and a strike has been the result . Now mark this , there was then one half working , and the other on strike . The

      masters who had their men working commenced immediately letting the parties , whose men were standing , have cuala to supply their customers , and by this means keep tbe men out so loDg that it would tire tbe men in work by supporting them . The men seeing tbe object , in some cases have struck also ; and then the pitsa has been employed to prejudice tbe public mind by representing that the masters bad given these men all they asked , and still they would not work without they would sell their coal only to such persona as they approved of . Moreover they have gone into Shropshire and inveialed men from their homes under

      the plea of having sunk new pits , and wanting hands % o work them . Many of these poor fellows , when they have found out that they bed been entrapped for the purpose of taking their fellow men's woik , have had to beg their way home to their own county ogam . As a last resource the masters have sent out tbeir tools to spread the falsehood that tbe Union in Lancashire and the neighbouring counties is broken up . In proof of which , whilst I am writing this , Mr . Turner , from Shropshire , is sitting beside me , whom the Miners of that county bave sent down to learn whether such is tbe easel No , not tbe Union is neither dead nor dying ; they but wish it was the case .

      In ooncluaion , Brother Miners , let me entreat of you to watch the heaps—beware of strikes for the present , and above all , rally round the men of the north ; for more depends upon the struggle in tbe two counties than you are aware of . Lut your watch-words be , " Union ia strength , " " AH for each and each for all . " That the God of justice aid and assist you in your struggle of right agaiust might , and of justice against injustice , is the prayer of ; Your faithful friend , Wm . Dixon . Manchester , May 13 th , 1844 .

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      Alfreton . —On Wednesday week tbe hearts of the hardy Colliers of this district were cheered by a visit from W . P . Roberts , Esq . They accompanied him in procession , to the number of five or six thousand , on his way from tbe station to Alfreton , proceeded by an excellent band and banners , and seemed to vie with each other in welcoming their own Attorney-General . The vast assemblage having reached Alfreton , an out-door meeting was held , which , was addressed by Messrs . Vernon , Clark , Mycroft , Duro , and the Attorney-General himself . Darlaston . —The members of Tipton Lodge , No . 2 , have subscribed the following sums for the men in the North : —S . Allen 8 i 3 i , J . War 63 3 d , T . Birch ii 4 d , Jos . Parkes 8 d , W . Hancox 3 s 3 d , R . Beach 8 a 4 d , J . Parker , 8 i , H Melsom Is 9 d , Alsop 2 d , W . Heath 5 i 2 d , J . Caper 5 s 2 d , A . Penel lid , S . Carter , not a Miner , 6 J , J . War , a friend , 6 d , a friend 2 d , — Total £ 3 6 a 3 d .

      Green Pit . —Hartshav Colliery . —Tbe men on strike here ,, who bave been working on an average seventeen hours daily out of the iwenty-jour , respectfully appeal to the public for support in the struggle in which they have engaged , to obtain a fairer system from their employer for the future . Sodth : Wales . —Mr . J . Wilde and Mr . Taylor , have addressed several meetings within the last week , with good SHOcesa . A public meeting will be held on the 19 ih of May , at six o ' olook iu the evening , on the Mountain , near Pen-hoel-Gerrig , which will be addressed by Mr . J . Wilde and Mr . Taylor , on the objects of the Miners Association . of

      Astley CoLttEBt-.- ^ The Miners Mr . Thomas Harding , Astley Colliery , have ceased to work on account of low wages , and long hours , and have pledged themselves to a man , to stand out until tney have a fair--day ' s waxes for a fair day ' s work . The Wesi Memon-field Minbhs return their sincere thanks to the public for the support they bave received , and beg to acknowledge the following Bum 9 : —Mr . Beever ' a colliers , 12 a ; Jump colliers , Is lid ; Wasper-park , and Dkrleyinain colliers , 7 a ; Rotherham Friends , 4 s 6 d ; Newlegin Colliery , la j Oathwaite , Is 21 ; Melton Friends , 4 i 7 d ; Barnsley todgei 17 s lOd ? Swintbn Friends , 2 s 2 ^ d | R » wmarsh Colliery , 6 s 9 d ; Masbrotigh and Bradgate JLodgee Us ( Jid ; Mexbrpugh Friends , 3 alid ; Wilia Friends , 43 2 d ; John Gill , Is ; Newill Friends , 2 a 31 d ; Mr . John Ryley ' s , 6 d ; Miss Pajnei of tfewill , Id .

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      g THE NORTHERN STAR . 1 Ma ? 18 , 1844 .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 18, 1844, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1264/page/6/