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Northern Star (1837-1852), 8th February 1845, Edition 1 of 4, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      IMPORTANT MEETING . —ME FIRST BLOW STRUCK AT THE ACCURSED GAME LAWS . On Thursdav , the 30 th iut ., a numerous meeting of the tenners and other inhabitant rate-payers of the parish of Ruislip , Middlesex , convened by public notice , was held in the vestry-room of Ruislip church , "to consider the craelty , injustice , and ruinous consequences of the Game Laws , with a vicy * o petition Parliament for the repeal or modification ot tfte same . " Mr . W . Somes , a large landed proprietor in the parish , having been called to the chair , and the notiee calling the meeting having been read Eastoottsaxd before he

      Mr . C . J . Jeskiss , of . proposed &e resolutions ho intended to offer to the yesfey he would beg to request the chairman to desire the vestry-clerk to read to the meeting a paragraph which appeared in tic Times newspaper of Friday last the 3 « n inst ., on the subject of the Game Laws , which would show them that it was the intention of one of the members { Mr . Bright ) to bring the question before the Legislature ( loud cries of Ilear , hear , and cheers ) , and which described the effects of the working of the Game laws . ( Hear , hear . ) The paragraph , alluded to , which contained a copy of Mr . Bright's notiee , as well as an extr act from the report of Mr . "Williams , inspector of prisons , having been read .

      Mr . Jexkixs said , that in addressing the meeting on the subject for which it had been called , he would -commence by saying , that he considered the Game Laws , in their operation , to be most cruel , most pernicious , and most expensive , particularly in that parish . ( Loud cries of Hear , Lear , and We know it well . ) He had often been an _ eye-witness to the losses sustained by the farmers in that parish fr om the game—losses , he should say , of fi-oin 10 to 30 per cent . ( loud cries of Hear , hear ); but as there were so manv farmers present , he would leave it to them to gtate what those losses amounted to . He had

      heard it stated that farmers did not properly employ their labourers ; but he would say , protect the farmer irom the ravages of the game , and they would not be obliged to be labourers as well as farmers . ( Hear , hear . ) The farmers have now enough to do to watch the game , and even while they were walking over their grounds for their own protection , they were followed about by some of the gamekeepers , who broke down the hedges to watch them , and committed all sorts of damage . ( Hear , Lear , and TJiat ' s true . ) Then aaain , it was not so much what the game ate , as what the keepers destroyed in watching . ( Hear , hear . )

      The Ciuirmax said that was an erroneous opinion , as the law of trespass would prevent that . Mr . Jeskixs contended that it was so . There was a farmer in the room who had suffered from the proceedings of the gamekeepers . He found them treading down his crops , and tried to prevent them , and eventually gave them into custody , when they employed a tvily lawyer , wLo ran ilr- Eales , for he was tiicr fawner / im to £ 30 expenses . ( Heav , lioaiv ) lir . Eales declared that what Mr . Jenkins had stated was the truth .

      Mr . Jexkiss would tell them of another case which had occurred on his own land . He had a man who went out in the morning to milk Ids cow , when lie saw a hare lying in a snare under the hedge , and he took it up anil threw it on one side till he wenthome with his milk . He then saw one of those wretches called gamekeepers , creeping on all fours after him , under the hedge , who called outto another , and they then brought the man to his house and asked to see him , but he sent word down to them , that if they did not immediately go off his premises , he would send fora policeman , when they took up the bare and went away . ( Hear , hear . ) That was on the Sabbath-day , * too . Well , then his man was summoned to Uxbridge , when he ( Mr . Jenkins ) attended , but

      the magistrates would not hear a word the man had to say , but fined him £ 3 . ( Hear , hear , and cries of Shame !) On another occasion he ( Mr . Jenkins ) took out a summons against the same gamekeepers for trespassing on his land , but the magistrates dismissed it , telling him that he ought to have first given them notice , when notice-boards were stuck up at all parts of Ms property . ( Hear , near . ) With , regard to the cruelty caused by the Game Laws , The sporting gentlemen in that neighbourhood were not perhaps such good shots as some noblemen were who bagged their hundreds and thousands in a week , but he had seen poor animals mutilated , lying on the ground for two or three days together . ( Hear , hear . ) He had lately seen a hare whose leg had been broken by a

      shot * that had been lying on the ground until the leg had been . eaten up by vermin . In another instance he had discovered a hare which had been caught in a trap by which two of its legs were br oken , and en going up to it he saw one _ of the scoundrel game-- keepers lying in wait , watching to see who would take . it up , upon which he said , " Til put a few shots into you , " and went to fetch his gun , but whenhe got back be found hare , snare , andman were all gone . A third . 'instance of the cruelties engendered by the Game Laws in that parish was the murder of the boy John Brifl , from revenge at his having given evidence against poachers . Was it then , he would ask , not

      time that an end was put to such a state of affairs as that ? ( Loud cries . of Hear , hear , and Yes , yes . ) -They were also saddled with an expense arising out ef the prosecution of poachers , and their maintenance an gaol , whilst at the same time that they were in prison the parish had also to support their families . - { Hear , hear , and cries of Shame . ) He thought , therefore , they had good grounds for petitioning against the Game Laws , and he trusted mere would " not be a city , town , parish , or village throughout England but would petition against them . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) He then moved the following resolutions : —

      - "Kesolred , —That , in the opinion of this meeting , the tendency and operation of tlie Game Laws are fraught with evils of alarming magnitude , and require prompt -legislativeinterference ; that in all parts of the country the cruel consequences resulting from the continuance of ihoselaws are made apparent in the extensive destruction of the growing crops of the cultivators of the land ; the fearful demoralisation of the people ; the sanguinary conflicts and deeds of blood ; and the loss of limb and life so frequently recorded by the public press ; the hatred and contempt engendered in the rural districts towards the administration of the laws ; the waste of the land by

      extensive game preserves ; Hie temptation thus created in the iniiuls of the poor , destitute , ill-pafd , and ill-fed la" oourers ( hear , hear ) , the serious and increasing costs to the country in county and poor rates , by prosecutions at assizes and sessions , and the maintenance of the -wives and iamilies of the prisoners out of the rates ; the mercenary character of those laws since game had been made a mar ketable commodity , and the contempt thereby created in the minds of the great body of the people towards the owners of the soil ( hear , hear ) , all conspire to render the Game Laws as at present in operation , a deep and withering stain on the national character , and calls loudly and naperativclT for their immediate repeal .

      Resolved also , that a petition to both Houses of Parliament , embodying the above resolutions , be adopted by this meeting , and be signed by the inhabitants generally of this parish ; that to the House of Commons to be pre sented by ilr . Bright , JLR , and that to the Horiseof Xords by Lord Radnor . Mr . Dohbidge ( a farmer ) felt great pleasure in seconding the resolutions . The Ciiaihsux said , with such resolutions he would have nothing to do . ( Hear , hear . ) He considered that the meeting , as a vestry , could not come to a resolution that the labourers were ill-paid and ill-fed , for if they did , they , as the employers , would stamp themselves as oppressors . ( Cries of " So they are . " ) He would have nothing to do with a petition founded on such resolutions . ( Hear , hear . )] »

      Sir . Jbskjss was convinced that it was a wellknown feet that in too many < ases the labourers were ill-paid and ill-fed . ( Hear , hear . ) He eould adduce numerous cases in point , if the meeting wished it . The Chaihmas said lie had , at the request of Mr . Jenkins , drawn op a petition , which he would read to the meeting . It was as follows : — to the natuUie Commons of Great Btitda and Ireland In . Parliament assaulted . The humble petition of the inhabitants of Ituislip , in the county of Middlesex , Sboweth , —That they are much oppressed by reason of the great quantity of game reared and preserved in the said parish for the purposes of sporting . The temptation held out to the poor man by the unnatural quantity has a most ruinous and demoralising effect , for , despite of legal theory upon the subject , persons , especially those occupying the humbler stations in society , cannot be "brought to loot npbn game as private property .

      Your petitioners beg further to state to your hon . house that they are called upon to pay enormous sums for the maintenance of the police force , and which force is occupied almost wholly in assisting the game-keepers The ratepayers also have to pay very heavy expenses for taking poachers to gaol , where they get much evil and no good , inasmuch as they consider themselves unjustly punished and martyrs to the amusement of the rich . Your petitioners also beg to represent , that their crops are much injured by the game , which game they cannot legally destroy upon their own landirithont paying alarge sum for e license , and which the majority of them are -wholly unable to do . " Your petitioners , therefore , humbly request that your hon . house will be pleased to ' take the subject of tbe Game Laws into your early and serious consideration , with a view to making such alterations as shall in your wisdom ieem fit to meet so great and crying an evil . And your petitioners will ever pray .

      A lengthened argument then ensued as to the point whether the resolutions need be put to the meeting if the vestry approved of the petition draw up by the chairman ; during which " Mr . Bowles maintained that thoresolutions ought to be put , and the petition would then follow . * Mr . D . Somes said , that although he was the only preserver of game present , he would contend ' that the resolutions were not borne out by facts , for not a fanner present had stood forward to say that thev were oppressed . ( Loud cries of Hear , hear , anil great disapprobation . ) . . v .. Mr . Eaites said . he would ,. as a farmer ,. take up the cudgels with Mir . Somes , and he would tell him and "file meeting that when Mr . Tierce ' s namekoepor trespassed on his land he told him to go off the land . The gamekeeper told him that he had as much

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      rWitashe ( Mr . Eales ) had lobe on the land , and tlie nainekeeper then called on another who was on horseback , who trampled all over the land , and because he ( Mr . Eales ) resisted them , he had had to pay 25 guineas expenses ; and to crown the whole , the lawyer told him to mind he- did not get turned out of his land . ( Loud cries of Shame , shame !) lie told Mi-. Oughton , his landlord , last rent-day , that his land was not worth so much by 2 s . Cd . per acre since tlie game had been so numerous . ( Loud cries Hear , hear . ) Mr . D . Somes wished to know if Mr . Dales meant to say that any great damage was done to the crops by the game ? Several of the farmers instantly cried out , " what with the game , and what the keepers' tread down , we are nearly ruined . " ' ,., ,, Mr . D . Somes said he wished Mr . Durbidge would answer the question .

      „ , , , Mr . Dbhbidge said it decidedly was so , but he could not state to what extent he found the damage , as he had never kept account of it . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Tiiioii said , on his land he had suffered a n-eat deal . On some parts the game had eaten the crops totally away , and he had , in consequence , been obliged to give up part of his land . ( Cries of "What do you think of that ? " and loud cheers . ) He could not keep it at any rate , for it was all eaten up . Mr ' D Somes inquired how much land Mr . Tillott stMheld ? , , * , ¦ i .-Mr . Tillott replied he had now got only eighty

      acres . . . . ¦ Mr . D . Somes persisted that in his opinion the statements in the resolutions could not be borne out . ( Hear , hear . ) , ,, , Captain The declared that Mr . Somes had better then say that the farmers were all liars . ( Much confusion . ) Mr . Tobit ( another fanner ) declared that no man had suffered more from the game than he had . ( Hear , hear . ) The year before last he had sown three acres , three roods , and some odd poles with wheat , at 9 s . per bushel . The rabbits , however , ate it all down in December , and he then put on it fifty bushels of soot , at Sd . per bushel , but in December last he only got nine sacks of wheat from off it , and sustained a loss of from £ 30 to £ 40 . ( Heav hear . ) Mr . Pocltox said , he had been obliged to give up the land he had held of Mrs . Somes , as the game quite ate him up , and Mr . D . Someskncwitwell . ' Mr . D . Somes denied that he knew anything of the

      kind . ¦ Mr . Bowles considered that Mr . Pierce ought not to have been alluded to , as he was a gentleman who spent a deal of money in that parish . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . EAMSsaid , but not amongst the labourers of that parish , as he would not employ them . Mr . Bowles thought Mr . Pierce paid very dear for every head of game he preserved . Much eoniiision here ensued , the majority of fiivmevs calling out , " "We have to keep them . " Mr . Bowles said , unfortunately , the game was like poachers , they overrun the land at night . ( Hear . ) ili \ Eales thought they had a right to speak of Mr . Pierce , for when the men came hack to Ruislip that he had sent to prison for poaching , Mr . Pierce told them , " ] S o , I wont employ you ; and they , the ratepayers , were obliged to keep them and their families , while Mr . Pierce brought labourers from other parishes to do his work . ( Hear , hear , and cries of Shame ¦)

      Mj ; . D . Somes having moved an adjournment of tlie meeting , without naming any day , and finding no seconder , The Chairman was pressed to put the resolutions , when he . put it to the meeting whether they , as farmers , would say that the labourers were ill-fed and ill-paid ? ( Hear . ) A Fanner : Why , yes , they are . Another Farmer : There is no doubt that they are . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) ^ The Chairman said , as it appeared to be the wish of the meeting that he should put the resolutions , he would do so . The resolutions were then put to the vote , and carried without a dissentient hand being- held up . Mr . Tobit then moved the adoption of the petition drawn up by the chairman . Captain The seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously , amid loud cheering .

      Thanks were then voted to the chairman , and the meeting broke up .

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      say , that his Grace was not likely to keep up his dignity , or to win the eBteemof his fellow-subjects , by such proceedings as that . ( Cheers . ) It might look very well , while he was surrounded by hussars , and yeomanry , and tenantry , having half-a-crown for their day ' s work , but no true soldier , or sailor , or sportsman , could approve of such wholesale slaughter . Such doings were not confined to the laity ; the clergy patronised them , and he had heard of one clergyman who made the school-boys of his parish beat up game for his battue . ( Shame . ) A petition to Parliament was about to be submitted to the meeting , and he thought it would be well if copies of it were sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop . of the diocese , so that in their next milk and water charges they might remonstrate with their clergy upon the subject . ( Hear , and a laugh . ) In the neigbourhood of Salisbury there had recently been three battues , which caused the

      destruction of 1 , 100 head of game . His opinion was , that the Game Laws should be abolished , . and that the law of trespass would be quite sufficient to ensure a gentleman sufficient game and sport . His neighbours would protect his land , and-his . tenants would get rid of a great source of disaffection . ( Hear . ) Any gentleman who would have the moral courage to call upon Parliament to repeal the Game Laws would prove himself to be the fanner ' s friend . The game preserver was not the farmer ' s friend , but his enemy , and the persecutor of the labourer , loading the villages in'his neighbourhood with taxation to maintain the wives and children of those he caused to be sent to gaol . The game preserver was indeed the tyrant of his country , filling the prison with inmates sent from his own domains , and doing mischief to almost every other class of his fellow subjects . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Grace re-echoed the sentiments of the chairman with regard to the . Game Laws increasing local taxation , and proposed the first resolution : —

      That this meeting have long beheld with regret tke moral , pecuniary , and social evils arising from the operation of the Game Laws , by which the labourer is degraded , the farmer impoverished , society - often disorganized , and the amount of local taxation seriously increased . It was seconded by the Rev . W . "Moblasd , and unanimously adopted . Mr . Scrivener ( a -farmer ) said he ^ believed the Game Laws to be-so bad ,. that it was impossible to _ amend them , and therefore they should be got rid of altogether . ( Hear , hear . ) He believed them to be a crying evil . ( Cheers . ) Had there 'been no Game Laws , he thought they might have been spared the expense of a new prison , which would cost something like £ 40 , 000 . ( A voice , " Ay , and the workhouse too . " ) He moved the second resolution : —

      That a petition to Parliament , praying for the total and immediate repeal of the Game Laws , be adopted aud signed by this meeting , and as many of the inhabitants of Aylesaury and its neighbourhood as think proper to affix tlieir signature . Mr . J . Moohes ( another fawner ) having seconded the proposition , it was agreed to nem . con . Mr . Gibbs , sen ., said that he was glad to see so numerous an attendance , and to observe the presence of some lads , for there was not a youth of fifteen years and upwards who was not interested in the object of the meeting : and after mailing a few

      remarks on Mr . Berkeley ' s pamphlet , he proposed the adoption of a petition embracing the sentiments of the resolutions . Mr . Perrin ( a fanner ) observed , that he witnessed so much mischief arising from the Game Laws , that he could not refuse to second the petition , which was thereupon- adopted with loud acclamation . On tlie motion of Mr . Adcock , seconded by Mr . Gunn , Mr . Bright was requested to present the same to the House of Commons , and support the prayer thereof . '¦¦¦ •• Mr . Bright , M . P ., then addressed the meeting at considerable length . : ;

      Upon the motion of Mr . Cape , seconded by Mr . Dickins , a vote of thanks was presented to the High Sheriff for the use of the County-hall , and to the chairman for his services on the present . occasion . The Chairman acknowledged the compliment , and said he believed that two-thirds of the gentlemen who sat on the magistrates' bench had been guilty of poaching when young , and therefore he was surprised at the severity with which they treated noachers . lie hoped they would loam to be more lenient , particularly the clerical magistates . ( Laughter and cheers . ) The chairman then declared the meeting dissolved .

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      will be » corresponding reduction in every article used in those districts . 1 do not know whether there be any colliers here ; but if so , I think they will perceive that a diminution of one-sixth in the demand for coal would require one-sixth less labour to procure it . So it would be in other branches—the machine-makers , the iron-founders , the painters , the builders , the dealers in indigo and other die-stuffs , in tallow , oil , and every other article usedin the cotton manufacture . ¦ If you strike off one-sixth from the produce , you must strike off also one-sixtli of all these —[ " What is to become of the surplus labour then V ] —and one-sixth also—I beg pardon ; you rather put me out . ( Laughter . " Answer the question . " ) I will answer any question when I have done . ( Cheers ,

      and some interruption , in the midst of which the chairman requested that any questions to be put to Mr . Ward might be reserved till the close of his address . ) Taking , as I did , this view of the question , you will allow that my course was consistent . On this subject I had the mortification—and that it was one I tell you fairly—of heaving what was called the case of Sheffield stated in the House of Commons , without any previous communication with me . ( Cheers from the Chartists . ) And very gallantly Mi . Duncombe stated it , though , as I think , with a complete misunderstanding of tlie facts and circumstances . ( Disapprobation and cheers . ) A most complete misunderstanding , and I told him , as I tell you , that I think so . Yet whilst thus misunderstanding the

      facts and bearings of the case , lie stated it , with tlie most perfect boldness and fairness , to those who had confided their interests to him . At one or two of your subsequent meetings , I was blamed in terms that I did not merit . Somebody said that I attempted to sneer down Mr . Duncombe , in the House . In the first place , Mr . Duncoinbe is not the man to be sneered down easily —( cheers ); in the next place , he is a great friend of my own , with whom I have a fair agreement on many matters , though we disagree on some others , He is a very fine , gallant fellow , and I would never say one word to disparage him . As to sneering him down , I never dreamt that such a tiling was possible . It was stated , at the meeting to which , I refer , by Mv . West . I think , my old fi'ienc

      —( laughter , )—that Mr . Duncombc ' s reception here , last summer , was a complete answer to my calumnies . There never was ' a more gross misrepresentation than tins , " which I will , prove out of Mr . Dimebmbe's own mouth . ' When Mr ; Duncombe brought forward that case , there was an unusual amount of agreement between him and me , as to tho circumstances , though not as to the conclusion . You know that lie brought the case of Sheffield before tlie House of Commons , as a proof , that before Parliament proceeded with the Factory Bill , it ought to submit the whole question of wageVand employment to a committee up stairs . I seconded that proposal , and I did so , telling Mr . Duncombe fairly , that I did not coincide in his view of the result , if he thought that such a committee

      would report in favour of a Ten Hours' Bill . It was with that view that I seconded the motion ; and I can only say , that I was misrepresented most . grossly to that meeting , when it was stated that I liac attempted to" sneer Mr . Duncombe down , and had calumniated him , neither of which was possible under the circumstances . There was another bill in which many of you took an interest , ¦ which I opposed along with Mr . Duncombe . It was the Masters' and Servants' Bill . I voted against giving an unlimited jurisdiction to two magistrates , because I considered them to be a most improper tribunal . I hope to see the day when we may arrive at the establishment of a better tribunal , in order to effect an amicable settlement of such questions . I believe that a sort of

      arbitration would be practicable , and would be round to work satisfactorily in nine-tenths of the cases . But sure I am that two magistrates would be the worst sort of tribunal ; on that point I went witli Mr . Duncombe ; and when I think him right , I shall be happy to go with him again . But with him , when I think him wrong , I will not go any more "than with you , and you have your remedy when you are tired of me . ( Loudcheers . "Nay , wehavn't . " ) Thereisagreat difference between jpur situation now and what it was two or three years ago . You are all moving upwards at present ; you are not as well off as you should he ; but looking at the aspect of the political world , the certainty ofpeace , and the extension of our foreign intercourse , we have the prospect of a long

      continuance of a good and healthy trade , if not marred by injudicious restraints . ¦ ( Cheers and loud disapprobation . ) I know perfectly what that means . You thought I was repeating the arguments used at tlie Cutlers' Feast , hut I was speaking only oflegisla - tive -restraints ; Mr . Ward next said a good deal aboiit the China trade , the Income Tax , the Canada Corn Bill , &c ., and . concluded as follows :: —I have not the least idea that the Liberal party can , during my time , return , to power , though I should be very happy to see it . But we may succeed in promoting the progress of your industry ; and I hope that , at a future day , when the clouds that now exist shall have passed away , you will see , on the whole , that I

      have done my duty by you honestly and fairly . ( Loudcheers ;) ' . ' ¦ , Mr . Bbigos said he wished to put a question to Mr . < Ward ; and the Chairman announced that Mv . Thomas Brigg ' s , an old friend of Mr . Ward's , was going to ask him a question . Mr . Briggs ' s question was—Do you reckon to represent the whole borough , ' or only a class ? - ¦; " . .. . .. .. . ' : Mr . Ward . —I reckon to represent the whole borough —( cheers ); and what , is more , I ' endeavour to represent it faithfully . I have the satisfaction , I beg to remind Mr . Briggs , of thinking that at both of my elections I was chosen , not merely by the votes of the electoral body , but by the show of hands at the hustings , as yottyourselves admitted . ( Cheers . )

      Mr . BniGGS . —I deny it , and I will put it to this meeting , whether the show of hands at the Corn Exchange was not in favour of a working man . Mr . Ward . —It was a near thing , but it was given in my favour . Mr . Briggs . —But who was the judge ? I do not dispute that , but it might not be done by an impartial judge . If you represent the borough of Sheffield , your conduct should be guided by the majority . ( Hear , hear . ) I have but one charge against ( you , and then I will give you a little advice as to your future conduct . ( Hear , hear , and confusion . ) He did not find-fault with Mr . Ward ' s vote on the Masters and Servants' Bill , but with his vote and manner of speaking on the Short Time Bill . ( Hear , hear . )

      They had sent him-proofs from Sheffield that the artisaus have had , power to do what the cotton and woollen operatives could not do . Tlie tools of the Sheffield artisans were generally their own , and they could take them up and lay them down at pleasure . But in the cotton and woollen districts the artisans were a set of peor slaves . ( Hear , hear . ) The machinery and-the raw material belonged to the masters , and the poor slaves havingonly their bare fingers were forced to be in subjection . ( Hear , hear . ) If he had any notion what a legislator should be , it was , that ho should bo like the fly-wheel of a steamengine , if Mr . Ward understood what that was . ¦—( . Mr . Ward : Yes , I know what that is . ]—It was the regulator of the power . The legislature should do

      for the people what they could not do for themselves . It should assist the operatives . He appealed to the people of Sheffield , whether the mensures taken by the trades had not been . a great benefit to the ratepayers of the town . The Government had learned only the art of creation , but he wanted them to learn also that of distribution . Mr . Ward did possess popularity , but he was losing ground . ( Loud cheering . ) The working classes uad'found , froincxperience . that the short time principle was beneficial to tlieir interests . Demand and supply regulated all things . That they had taught the people . Cause and effect they had " yet to put into them . -Work alone was not enough . , They wanted also remuneration . As to the foreign trade , it appeared it was only to be maintained by superior cheapness , and this he contended meant low wages . He called on Mr . Ward to

      represent the town , and not a portion of the people . If ho came to represent a section , though the most wealthy —[ Mr . Ward ,: I don't cave at all about wealth ] —hecould not expect to maintain hispopularity . -He asked what would be the condition of all other classes , if the wages of those who supported them were reduced ? Duncombe was the man of the people—( great cheering ) , and he hoped yet to see Mr . Duncombe in the majority . Mr . Ward complained that he was powerless , audit was because the Government of 1831 did not cany-out the principles the people . approved . They pleaded the House of Lords , who were no : more to . be regarded than so many old-washerwomen . If Lord-John RusseU came into power , he must throw aside finality and go-a-head . [ Mr . Ward : I told him that at first . ] He would give Mr , Ward credit for his annual visits to his constituents , for short reckonings made long friends . He would now

      give Mr . ; Ward some advice , and it was that , if he meant to put up for Sheffield again , he must go-ahead . ( Cheers . ) He must not trust to the party who liadseut for him to do what they could not dp for themselves . ( Loud cheers . ) The aristocrats , the priests , the lawyers , and the ., doctors were all combined , and ; he advised the working-classes to follow their example . ( Loud cheers . ) He thought that the Whigs were more powerful out of office than they were 4 n—ton the same principle that a terrier was effective when he was at the heels of the bull dog . Let the Whigs therefore stop out of power , for if he understood anything ' of Lord John Russell he must mind how he got into it again . In Jan . 1831 there was no man who laboured more to put the Whi « s in power , than himself . ; He was honest , and thought then that the Whigs were lladicals . . Mr .. Ward had said that they were going on . reforming , but they were going on very slow .. , Had legislation kept pace with them ? :

      Mr . Wabd . —No . - ; ; Mr . BiUGGS .-Mr . Ward had said also that he could hold out no hopes that the Income and ; Property Tax would be taken off .,: He wished all was directitaxa ' - tion , and should . not care if Mr . Ward told Sir Robt Peel what he said . ; .- .-. , r Mr . Wakd-I'II see to it , and tell Sir Robert Peel . ( Loud laughter . ) . , v , ' , -. . A , , °% uv hare took ' place between Mr . Briggs and Mr . Ward relative to the National Debt Mr Briggs continued- " Well , then , you ( Mr .-Ward ) should lay down a plan for reducing It ( the debt ) , and carry that plan out . His plan would be-first , to

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      settle the income of tlie Queen , and then those of the judges , and of all the sineeumts . Would not the reduction of these things make food cheaper ? He would take a man with £ 100 a year , and supposing food was half its present price , would hie not no just as good a man with £ 50 a year as he was now for £ 100 . These things should therefore be probed to the bottom , for we couH not now meet foreign nations on equal terms . He would suppose there were to be four men of different countries set to run a race . Put four stone weight on the shoulders of the Englishman , throe on the Frenchman , two on tlie German , and one on the American . How could the Englishman , with four stone on his shoulders , be expected to run such a race ? ( Loud cheers . ) He only wanted to hold up the constitution of England —that is , that we might have a Queen , Lords , ami

      Commons . It was represented in theory that \ vc had a democratic government—that was a mixed government , and which was the best of all . But who was the House of Lords responsible to ? Nobody . Who was the House of Commons . responsible to ? Why , the £ 10 householders and 40 s . freeholders . But were the common people represented in that house ? ( No , no . ) He next recommended Mr . Ward to read Volney's Ruins of Empires , and thought England was fast approaching to the state pictured in that remarkable work . He recommended them to read " Arts and Artisans at Home and Abroad , " which would shew that those who were protectct were the best remunerated . Mr . Briggs retired amidst loud and general cheering .

      Mr . Otley next addressed the meeting . He commenced by saying that he had to ask three questions of the lion , gentleman , who had condescended to give an account of his Parliamentary conduct . The first was , if the labour and skill of a man , or of a number of men , be as much their property as the houses and lands of the rich are theirs ,. 'have they not a right to dispose of it in such quantities and on such terms as they think proper , ov as will best suit their own interests ? If an employer or capitalist compels artisans or labourers to work eleven or twelve hours a day , or to starve , when they think ten hours sufficient for the wages , is not the capitalist as culpable and as deserving of punishment By law , as the working man would be if he could earn only 10 s ., and forcibly took 13 s . by possessing the power to starve his . ' employer , into

      compliance ? That / was the first question . The second was , asto the relation of the employer and tlie employed . It was well known that , in a time ot bad trade , when there was a deficiency of 'demand , it was immediately , and perhaps of necessity , made the means of reducing the wages of the working classes . But if , as he had stated , the skill and labour of the working man were his property , it was the duty ol tlie Legislature to devise means to protect that property . The third question was of more importance than tlie rest ; for , until the working classes were represented in Parliament , they were not likely to be protected . He asked Mr . Ward to explain why an Englishman , whose skill and labour brought him in £ 100 a year , had not as good and valid title to the franchise as the 40 s . freeholder ? Mr . Otley proceeded to speak at some length , but we have no room for his address .

      Mr . Ward replied . In noticing the speech of Mr . Briggs he said—Mr . Briggs gave me a good humoured lecture , and it appears that my only faults in his eyes are , first , that I am not a Chartist , and secondly , that I do not agree with him asto Lord Ashley's bill . I disagree with him totally oil the latter subject . I believe it would cut off 25 per cent , from the wages of the people , and I refuse to do it . When I am convinced that it would not do so , I may take a different view of it . Mr . Briggs begs the question on one side , just as I do on the other . I believe , that if the time be reduced , it will he impossible , except under peculiar circumstances , that the men should receive the same wages . I believe that , shorter hours ofwork means shorter wages . ( Loud disapprobation . ) It is my firm and full belief , that short time means short wages , and nothing else . I told you More , that I

      would not be drawn into a discussion on this subject to-day , and , as Mr . Otley remarked , two of the questions which he put were such as I could hardly be expected , at this time , to answer , they will be fair subjects for consideration to-morrow , and they shall have my best attention . Mr . Otley lias asked me , if a man earning £ 100 a year , is not better than the forty-shilling freeholder ? I told you when I first came here—though I was informed that the subject was unpopular with tho constituencies—that I thought the--franchise should be extended to household suffrage . We must always have some qualification , for I do not want to see the real working classes overwhelmed by men who have no stake at all in the country . Give me a constituency composed of men , each of whom has a house over his head , and a family to take care of ; and 1 will gladlythrow myself upon the intelligence of such a constituency .

      Mr . Biiicigs again presented himself to speak amidst much uproar and contusion , intermingled with resolute thunders of applause , which lasted five minutes . Mr . Briggs . proceeded—You may go on until you calm down , for I will not be done as I was last time . Miv Ward shan't shuffle ' me without answering the questions that I put . ( Cheers , disapprobation , . and cries of Good lad , stick to him !) He hasn ' t answered me ! I only want to remind him of what he has not answered . I put the ' question of four men running arnceyrith different weights , in comparison with an Englishman ' s ability to open a foreign-trade _ in competition with other ' nations . 1 also asked him to . say how he would reduce the national debt . This last he has cunningly evaded . I know it -is-the sore place ; but I do not mean him to go away as he did at his last visit , saying that he had answered me , when ! he had slipped over the

      principal questions . ( Loud cheers and laughter . ) Mr . Ward again appeared and said : Gentlemen , Mr . Briggs ' s question really makes me the Chancellor of the Exchequer . Upon the question of the' national debt , 1 must-tell you that I cannot see that this country would gain anything in imitating Philadelphia , by the destruction of national credit . It . would be quite a different thing if wo had the original eontractors of the national debt to deal with ; we have now to deal with . persons who have since purchased stock , and sopie of whom are entirely dependent for a livelihood for what they thus r . eceivc . There are not less thi ' ui 86 , 500 persons whose annual receipts do not exceed £ 5 ; you surely would not think of depriving these people of their claim , for . the sake of reducing" the national debt . There , are . also 45 , 000 persons who receive . € 10 per annum . [ Here Mr . Ward was Interrupted by - : ,

      Mr . Brtoos , who said : Will you prescribe a remedy ? that is what I ask you . Will you prescribe a remedy for the deficiency which will arise in the revenue from carrying out your speculative notions on Free Trade ? Mr . Waud , in reply , contended that if Free Trade was established , no deficiency of revenue would arise . The revenue would be collected from taxes levied differently from those which are now exacted solely for the purpose of protecting the Duke of Richmond and others . Mr .-Bniecs . —Are you for direct taxation ?

      The Chairman here rose to call Mr . Briggs to order , when lie was respectfully requested to sit down , for he " wop uwse than an ohl ' clog of wood in a chair "—who'd put him up to call order , " &c , &c . The uproar here was indescribable . Mr . Buiggs . —I'll have the question answered—you shall not shuffle me , Mr . Ward ' . ( Cries of " Stick to him . " ) Mi-. Ward . —Gentlemen , 1 submit that the question put is not one affecting my personal conduct— to answer which I appear before you this day ;—it is a question of financial policy . My idea however , is that you will be able to raise your revenue by small taxation in lieu , of levying large duties—that is my principle— -put it on what you like ; saddle what you call the right horse : put it on to real property if you please , only do it on a principle of equitable fairness , and then I have no objections to it , and providing also that you reduce the protecting duties which arc levied for , the iniquitous purpose of giving unfair advantages to particular interests .

      Mr . Briggs again put forth amidst cheers of disapprobation and discordant uproar . Gentlemen , 1 am satisfied . Mr . Ward , this day , has likened himself unto a badger , and Iain thankful that I have been enabled to draw him out . He has said he will be guided by public opinion . That is , public opinion , taking the sense of such like meetings as these . ( Cheers . ) I will now move a resolution . Wm . Fisher ; Esq ., said he thought he had some slight claim that they should hear him , as he never troubled them with long speeches . lie had a-resolutiori to submit to them , which he proposed with great confidence . It was , that the best thanks of this

      meeting are due to our highly respected representative , Henry George Ward , Esq ., for the very full and candid account he has given of his Parliamentary conduct during the last session , and that his constituents have perfect confidence in him , and hope ; hat this borough may long possess the advantage of us valuable services . ( Loud cheers . ) Although they had heard it stated that "Mr . Ward was losing his popularity , or- was likely to lose it , he submitted this resolution in confidence that Mr . Ward was not loshi " us popularity . ' ( Hear , hear . "Yes , he his : " ) That he Avas not likely to lose it , and that he did notdeerve to lose it . Mr . ArptEBT seconded the resolution .

      ^ Mr . Briggs said , that-after the manner in which the resolution had-been'drawn up , and the insinuation that Mr . Ward was not losing his popularity , he would put it to the test . He moved that , to make Mr . Ward a good representative of the people , the enactment of the People ' s Charter was necessary . ( Cheers and disapprobation . ) : : A working man , at the extreme point of the Hall , seconded the amendment . lie was willing to accede to a vote of thanks to Mr . Ward for his visit to Sheffield ; but in justice to himself he could not agree with the original motion , inasmuch as he differed with Mr . Ward materially in politics . How , therefore ; could he be expected to assent to a motion which declared him entitled to his confidence , and When he appeared there to assert that lie dissented from the line of conduct which oiwmemWhati pursued dkring the last session" of Parliament . ( Loud cheers from the Chartist partv . ) ¦ ' ¦

      Untitled Article

      . MivBramley , town clerk , agreed with tVe W speaker , and suggestedan alteration in thebriginal mr ! tion , upon which the opposing party became bolster ously turbulent , and kept up continuous cries of " v * lawyer ' s tricks . " "Theamendment . " lNo Mr . W . Fisher considered that he was in pertVv-f order to withdraw a few sentences from his motion ( Criesof " not . a sentence , " " not a line , " " t ' word , " "the amendment . " ) " a Some time elapsed ere order could be restored The chairman at length gamed a hearing , v' * Fisher had altered his motion , and Mr . Briggs Q consented to withdraw his amendment . ( Renew Pn dissatisfaction . ) The motion now stood , that " ' ] v best thanks of the meeting arc due to our hi *] ,

      respected representative , iienry ueorge Ward , Esri fin * the views he hag given of his Parliiimo ntarv con duct during the last session . " ( Uproar . ) Mr . Briggs here declared that he would not mop had he withdrawn his amendment . ( TremenaW cheering . ) He stated to the Chairman that he would leave it to the meeting . He 5 i , 01 | 1 ( J stick to his opponents—he would submit to no iV gling . They should have minded better how they had put their words together . ( Cheers and laughter ) Mr . Ward here rose and said—Gentlemen , [ T { d to order . I have some little experience in this nwne * of order . You talk about juggle—I can assure yem

      there shall be no juggle in anything with which la * concerned . As to my yielding to public opinion as has been stated by Mr . Buiggs , I tell you-that tie public op inion of a meeting is not the law of my Par liamentary conduct—( cries of " Oh , oh ! " )—anil v . -c " you to pass twenty resolutions calling upon me t 0 support the Charter , I should not do it . l [ ad friends at all consulted me about tliis motion , I shonij have advised them not to attempt to ask men wji () had been arguing against me for the last two how , to agree with me ; it is an error of judgment arisii ,. out of the kindness of my good friends , but to tig letter of which I am myself decidedly opposed .

      The Chairman- then put the question to the mot ; ing-, when the amendment was earned by . a laiv e majority . ¦ A vote of thanks was subsequently passed to Ward for his visit . He briefly acknowledged [{ I compliment ' . Thanks were voted to the Chairman , and the meet . \ v , g separated at about half-past five o'clock .

      Untitled Article

      BANKRUPTS . ( Trov * Friday ' s Gasctle , Jan . 31 . ^ William Hurt , Lisson-grove , New-road , bparding-hou-j . keeper—James Argent , Golden-lane , Bnrbican , victualler —Edward Cooper Flowers , Whitchurch , Buckingham ;!)^ cattle-dealer—Richard . Harris and John Hill , Kewgatg . street , City , tailors—Samuel Bi-ice , St . John-street , taiij-—Richard Greenwood , Bradford , Yorkshire , bookseller-John Collins , Sheffield , grocer—John and David IlepwonlL

      Uaistriek , Yorkshire , cotton warp dyers—Thomas Wlnte , Hinningham , hardware-merchant—Edwin Llcwellm ' itobinson , Aloulton , Lincolnshire , fell-monger—William Up . ton Lester , Aldenuanbury , silk-manufacturer—William } Minkhorn , Little liolton , Lancashire , mamitnutiiriiig-che . mist—John Irving , Blackburn , Lancashire , linendrnpsr-William Fielding , Taunton , Lancashire , hat plush mansfacturer—Absalom Francis , William Bavey , and Mntfe « Francis , Bagillt , Flintshire , ironfounders—Robert Jon « , Liverpool , bootmaker .

      BANKRUPTS . ( From Tuesday ' s Gazette . ) James Burton Rayner and Thomas Scarlett Carto , Coleman-street , City , lamp manufacturers—Charles Siie . phen Ha ward , Colchester , Essex , grocer—Samuel Hiunm , Brick-lane , Bethnal-green , silk-hat manufacturer—James JliUcr , Southampton , boot-maker—Thomas VTestos , Southampton , plumber—Joseph , jishbarrjr , Holm . Hey Herefordshire , fanner— William * Aston , sen ., Binr .: ? liam , victualler—John Whitlow , Manchester , laccman-Joseph- Hegginbotliam and George Teclc , Manchester machine-makers .

      DECLilUTIOlCS OF DIVIDENDS . J . C . and 0 . H . White , Bath , music-sellers , first din ilend of Gs in the pound , any Monday , at tho office of Mr , Acraman , Bristol , I . ' AUlcvson , Warley , Yorkshire , worsted-spinner , fir ; : and final dividend of Cs 2 d in the pound , any Tuesday , ! the office of Mr . Hope , Leeds / '' J . Civrtledge , Browbridge , Yorkshire , merchant , ais and filial dividend ' of 4 s Cd in the pound , to those * have proved since the last dividend , any Tuesday . £ the office of Mr . Hope , Leeds . — Lees , — Brasscy , — Farr , and — Lee , l . ombarilstreet , City , bankers , dividend of Is 4 d in the pound , and creditors v . iio pvoved ' on Jan . 17 may receive iliviil ; : * amcuuling to 0 s in the pound ( in addition to tlieaWc ) , making the sum of 10 s 4 d , any Wednesday , at the o £ ce of Mr . Belcher , King ' s-Arms-yard , Colenian-strea ,

      S . Southcy , first dividend of 10 s in the pound , anv Saturday , at the office of Mr . Edwards , Fmlmdi ' s-pls Old Jewry . ¦ J . F . Sporcr , second dividend of Gs in tlie pound , sai first end second dividends of 19 s in the pouml ok sw proofs , to the joint creditors of Sporcr and Milcy , MJ Saturday , at the office of My . Edwards , rrcdcrickVpfe i Old Jewry . ; J . F . Sporer , first dividend of 20 s in the pound , o » J Saturday , at the office of Mr . Edwards , Frcdorick ' s-nls ^ Old Jewry .. W , E , Dray , first , dividend of 4 s in the pouml , f » \ ' Jturday , at the office of Mr . Edwards , Frederick ' s-i ; ' '' Old Jewry . 0 . Alderton , first dividend of Is Odin the poiimW Saturday , at the office of Mr . Edwards , Frederick ' s-pte Old Jewry . '

      D . Pope , first dividend of 2 s in the pound , any SatunWi at the office of Mr . Edwards , Fredcrkk ' s-place , OM Jewry . T . Brand , first dividend of SJdin the pound , any & turday , at the office of Jlr . Edwards , Frcdcriek ' s-i 1 ' * Old Jewry . J . Crambrook , first dividend of 4 s 4 din the pound- * new proofs , any Saturday , at the office of Mr . EdiM * Frederiek ' s-place , Old Jewry .

      DIVIDENDS . Feb . 25 , J . Bull , W . Banks , and G . flryson , K # ' street , Cheapside , City , wholesale linen drapers— $ & ¦* ¦ ¦> J . Bail , Salisbury , cabinet-maker—Feb . 27 , J . a "' ' Simmons and J . Pine , Battersea , prussiate of pot * manufacturers— -Feb . 27 , W . Pearson , Chclmsford , EsSJ draper—Feb . 27 , R . H . 0 . Hunt , E . O . Smith , . imlll . J ' Hunt , Old Broad-street , City , merchants—Feb . % <*' Jones , Chcapside , City , jeweller—Feb . 25 ,

      warehousemen—Feb . 25 , D . Roderick , St . . Martin ' s- !^ victualler—Feb . 2-3 , T . Pearson , Mitre-court , Fencing street , City , wine-merchant—Feb . 25 . T . Ginger , kig 1 * Buzzard , Bedfordshire , innkeeper—Feb . 20 , T . hS j ^ jun ., Great St . Helen ' s , Bishopsgate-street , City , ff' cliant—Feb . 28 , T . Mease , Stokesley , Yorkshire , & spinner—Feb . 27 , T . Lakin , Nottingham , builder—M ^ B , T . Walker , Kirkstall , Yorkshire , brewer—Feb . 2 i » AIsop ,-Manchester , grocer—Feb . 2 G , D . Arthur , I 1 ' ' * Glamorganshire , ironmaster—Feb . 27 , W . Oliver , I " ' lington , Durham , printer—Fob . 27 , R . Cuvric , Newc-i ^ upon-Tyne , bookseller—Feb . 25 , J . Pym , jun ., UflPf ' Derbyshire , cabinet-maker—Feb . 25 , W . Fletcher , ^ niingham . oilman .

      PAKTKERSH 1 PS DISSOLVED : , J . Lowry and J . Willson , Kingston-upon-Hi ' ' . ^ merchants—W . Hannen and J . Itutter , Shaftesbury , ^ setshire , attorneys-at-law—W . Westbury and (?• j ^ j mons , Walhrook , " City , lithographic printers—J- ^ and J . GlazieTi Goodge-street , Totten ham-court- * undertakers—H . Stuart and T . Russell , Liverpool , i > - manufacturers—R . and W . Wilding , Padiliam , W ^ shire , cotton manufacturers—M . Blyth and S . Mill " ^ Taverham-inills , Norfolk , paper-makers—W . H 0 JL ;( r O'i Ingram , Kingston-upon-Hull , drapers—H . - ^ and H . Hall , Kingston-upon-Hull , merchants- ^ „ •_ and J . M . Cobb . Margate , wine merchants—J . »" ji Hind , Erith , Kent , farmers—S . and M . H inde , i ' tfflt , p lumbers—J . Soutban . C . Timms , and W . D » ! m

      cester , drapers- 'VC . O'Rorke and W . Birks , Mau" ^ commission agents—G . ' Brown and I . Best , ' ' t , j | t , common carriers—J . Robin , sen ., C . Bobin , anilJ . x jun ., Liverpool , merchants ; as far as . regards C . » , R . and J . Hurt , Kingsbridge , Devonshire , liuen « r « V f | Jt . G . Kelk and J .. Brookes , Old Comf ton-street , -o' ^ nishing ironmonger—W . Newman and S . W ' '^ ijii-Lincolnshire , fto ' iir dealers—W . and J . Ba" "' . ^ rtfi street , Marylebone , builders—A Webster and i . . ^ Hunsheif , Yorkshire , coal merchants—J . 1- iirs " andH . If ; Naylor , ' Birmingham , general «* ^ Price , T . Backhouse ; J . Meek , and J . Spence , i ° ^ manufacturers—If . Redhead and F . T . B- ^ $ & Mark-laneV City , sliip brokers—J . Bellis , * \ ^ Birmingnam , linen . ' drapers—J . Earugh , ' »• ^ andW . B . Sunley ; Ratcliffe-highway , storo- ""^* Townsoni ' T . Robhispn ; ana J . Haworfli , " jja , fot ^ Lancashire , drysalters ; " far as ' vegarasJ . ' f v W . Williams , J . Walker , R . ' Scott , and *•• mouth , 'beer-brewers . '

      Untitled Article

      MEETING AT . AYLESBURY . A public meeting of the inhabitants of Aylesbury and its vicinity was held in the County-hall in this town on Monday evening , for the purpose . of adopting a petition to Parliament in favour of a repeal of the Game Laws . The meeting was both numerously and respectably attended . Br . Iseb ( of Hartwell-house ) presided , and opened the business of the evening by stating that the present meeting had been called in conseqiience of some gentlemen , farmers , andbthersinthe neighbourhood , having long been of opinion that the Game Laws had been most injurious to the general interests of society ; that while they afforded amusement and luxury to a few privileged individuals , ihey were

      ruinous to the well-being ot the nation at large . ( Hear . ) The subject had been growing in public interest year after year , and now many influential gentlemen were determined to press it upon the attention of the Legislature . In the' course of last summer Sir H . Verhey , one of the magistrates , proposed a resolution that application should be made to her . Majesty ' s Government , with a view to induce them to bring forward some measure to modify ' and improve the Game Laws ; and upon that occasion Sir H . Veraey mentioned that nearly one-third of the persons in gaol had been committed for infractions of the Game Laws . That resolution was seconded by himself , and supported by two clergymen and another gentleman : but he was sorry to

      say that they were but five , with a majority of eighteen or twenty against them . The result , however , had not damped the ardour of the minority . ( Cheers . ) After reading from the Times newspaper the notice of motion given by Mr . Bright for a Select Committee of the House of Commons to inquire into the operation of the Game Laws , and also the statements of Mr . "Williams , an inspector of prisons , corroborated by some chaplains of gaols as to the demoralising influence of those laws , the chairman adverted to a return obtained by Mr . Mainwaring of the number , of gamekeepers murdered during the ten years ending 1843 , from which it appeared that no iewer than forty-one gamekeepers had lost their lives during that period in protecting the game of lords of

      manors . He was sorry to say that the first on the list was Charles Coles , the gamekeeper of a clergy man of the Church of England , one of those gentlemen who professed to be the descendants of the Apostles , though Holy Writ didnot . inform them that the Apostles took out game licenses or went out foxhunting . ( Hear , hear . ) The-next was a gamekeeper to a relative of Lord De Grey , in Bedfordshire ; the next case was in Berkshire ; aud then came , he regretted to see , one in Buckinghamshire . In Cheshire there had been three such murders , in Derbyshire two , in Glocestershire one . To the disgrace of Buckingham , he was compelled to admit that another gamekeeper had been killed in that county . In Northamptonshire two had been murdered . From a return of the number of persons convicted of

      offences against the -Game Laws in 1843 , obtained by Mr . Bright , he found that there were 119 such persons who had been convicted either at the-quarter or the petty sessions in Buckingham . ( Hear . ) . Those details showed that jfche present meeting -was called for no light purpose , but one involving the comfort , happiness , and lives of their fellow-creatures . ( Hear . ) However right it may be thought that dukes , marquises , and baronets should have their amusements aud pleasures , those amusements and pleasures were not to be promoted at the expense of the imprisonment , banishment , aud death of large numbers of their iellow-subjects . Sir H . Verney stated last July , that out of 539 prisoners in Bucks , apprehended during the preceding year , 169 were offenders under the Game Laws . ( Hear . ) The recent instance of the murder of the Earl of Licbfield's

      gamekeeper had created aniostpaiuful'sensation in the public mind ; and so impressed were the coroner ' s jury who sat on the inquest with the fact that the Game Laws were a fruitful source of crime , that they made a unanimous representation in writing to that effect , which had been forwarded by the coroner to the Secretary of State for the Home Department , and he trusted that it would meet with due attention . ( Hear . ) lie had hoped that Aylesbury would be the first in this movement , but it had been anticipated by the parish of Ruislip , in Middlesex ; still the men of Bucks had the honour of being second in the field . ( Cheers . ) He was glad to sec also that the Earl of Euston had issued an address to the maeistracv of Sussex upon the subject . ( Hear . ) To

      the old style of shooting he . did not object . Formerly gentlemen considered shooting a pursuit which united exercise and sport ; they would go out with their dogs , and if they killed two or three head of game , they were satisfied . Latterly noblemen and lords of manors had got into the practice of preserving game to the amount of thousands upon thousands , and recently they had adopted a foreign custom , to which they durst not give au English name—the battue . ( Hear , hear , and a laugh . ) He regretted ; to find that persons of whom he wished to speak respectfully , such as the Marquis of Exeter , the Duke ofjlutland , and others , had fallen into the new fashion , which was

      getting men to surround and drive ; the game together ; so that , instead of sporting , it was downright murder and massacre . ( Hear , hear . ) He was sorry to add , that in that very county there had lately been amost heartless and brutal battue . ( Hear , hear . ) But it was attended with some not very consistent formalities , for it appeared that the parties first went to chapel to say prayer at nine p clock , and at ten they were ready for the ' Sarnie . Tlie massacre was then perpetrated by . eight or . ten men styled noble ; and to wind up all , the newspapers stated that ¦ when it was . over the band played ' . ' . " See . the conquering hero comes" as they returnecl . . ( Laughter . ) While he readily aclqiowledge'd that the Duke of Buckingham possessed many good qualities , he must

      Untitled Article

      TRIUMPH OF CHARTISM . IMPORTANT PUBLIC XtEETIXQ AT SHEFFIELD . —MR . WARD AN'D HIS CONSTITUENTS . ' On Tuesday afternoon , IT . G . Ward , Esq ., M . P ., addressed a numerous meeting in the Town Hall . The large Sessions Room was filled before the appointed time ; and a few minutes before two , Mr . Ward entered the room , accompanied by his " " friends , and was received with loud applause . On the motion of Mr . Alderman'George Turton , seconded by Alderman Butcher , Thomas Abline Ward , Esq ., was called to the chair . TJie Chairman . —Gentlemen , —I have great pleasure in taking the chair , because I regard the visit of our Member to this town as honourable both to him and to you . ( Not our Member . ) It is honourable to liim , because he is come . voluntarily'to give

      . an account of the proceedings of the last session ; and it is honourable to you , as attending to hear him . I am sure you will give him a candid and patient hearing ; and I have great pleasure in now' calling upon Mr . Ward to address you . - ( Cheers . ) Mr . H . G . Ward . —( Loud cheers . )—Gentlemen , — It anything could make me repent at all the " engagement I contracted when I first came among you , that I would pay you an annual visit , for the purpose not merely of stating to you my conduct in Parliament , but also of comparing my views on public subjects with your own , strengthening myself ^ y your . concurrence where we agree , and bringing our differences , where we differ , to the test of public discussion , in an honest and manlv manner : 1 say , if anything could

      make me regret this engagement , it would be the necessity of coming among you at a time like this , when I cannot but feel that there is very , little to be done by a liberal man in Parliament , except what is pleasing to the party in power ; because , by one of the most extraordinary effects , we » see that the greatest social and political change which was ever carried peaceably—I mean the change effected in 1831 , in the constitution of this country—the result of that change , after the lapse of ten short years , has been to bring back to power tlie very party which it beganby driving from power , and has brought them back , with a majority to support them , as compact , if not quite so large , as that which enabled them to defy public oninion ud to the year 1830 . It is useless asking by

      whose fault this has occurred . I was always one who thought that there were great faults on the part of those who led the Liberal pavtjj ; that they showed great vacillation and great timidity . Others say that the faults were those of their followers—of apathy in some , and unreasonable expectation in others . _ It ; is useless to inquire into this now . The only thing is , to learn , if it should ever come to our turn again , that we must take care to understand each other a little better . To do that , the Whigs themselves must learn , that nothing but broad and intelligible principles can replace them where they once stood in the opinion of the country ; and the country , on the other hand , must not carry its expectations too far , and expect changes too v . 'ist to be made at once .

      Mr . Ward proceeded to comment on the position of Sir Robert Peel , after which he tookup the Irish Church question , and the Corn Laws and Sugar Duties questions . His remarks on these subjects were of no interest . He next touched on the Short Time Bill . —' 1 now come to a question which has excited more interest among you , wian many to which Ihave ' alluded . I moan Lord Ashley's Ten Hours' Bill . ( Ilear , hear . ) I wish to speak as plainly about it Here as I did in the House of Commons . I opposed it , because I believed it to be utterly impracticable , . and that , if carried out , it would be most fatal , to the prosperity and the interests of the working classes . I utterly ; distrust Lord Ashley as a legislator , because I tell you fairly , that-1 despise that sort of spurious

      philanthropy which is at once reckless on the one side , and calculating on the other : which on the one side is niggardly , and on the other generous at other people's expense , although most , parsimonious where its own interests are touched . ( Cheers . ) I have no faith in such legislation . Let me see Lord Ashley taking off the tax which he helps to keep upon the people ' s food , and trying to amend the . situation , of tlie agricultural labourers in Dorsetshire , who , at the very gates of his father ' s park , arc earning only 7 s . a week ; a miserable pittance out of which they ; can barely sustain life . Let me see Lord Ashley attend to these things first , and then I will give him leave to go into the factory districts , and remedy the evils there , which I feel quite as strongly as lie can do . Now ,

      gentlemen , I will tell you as shortly , as 1 can why i refuse to meddle with this question by Parliamentary interference . The direct interests to be affected by it are enormous . '' The wages paid every , week to those employed in the cotton manufacture are £ 225 , 000 , and there are 460 , 000 persons employed . " The steam power in operation is to the extent of 100 , 000 horse-power , and the . goods ' 'exported amount to thirty-fire millions a year . From all this , Lovd Ashley proposed to strike off one-sixth . As far as I can understand the question , it is susceptible of the clearest proof that this would be a : deduction of 161 per cent , from the wages of every working-man in

      that employment . That is my conviction , cut the indirect interests involved are infinitely ; larger than the direct . Look at your own interests , for instance . It may be asked what you have to do with the cotton factories ? You have much to do with that which they produce . It is to your . ' , interest to have cheap and good articles for the use of your wives and your children . That is your interest . You may hot like to sell cheap , but you like to , buy cheap as ! well as anybody . ( Hear ^ hear , and laughter . ) _ You do not like to pay a shilling a yard ; for . . that . which ; you can get for ninepence . ( Hear , hear !) But it , is not merely a question of the supply of yourselves , you must look also to : your employment . If the produce of the cotton districts be reduced one-sixth , there

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      Pike at Cuiswick Onuncu . —On Suiluay morning shortly before the commencement of divine serving the utmost alarm was created throughout the viSl , - ^ of Chiswick , in consequence of the sudden outbreak of a lire in the parish church . The first discover was made by AVright , the beadle . It appoarsjihatfo was engaged in repairing one of the bell rop ' es tliaj had broken a few minutes previously , when his & tention was arrested by a piece of burning wood faliinj upon his head from the spire of the church . Upon making his way into the belfry , he found one side rf

      the spire , which was composed principally of wood and lead , in a blaze . Without loss of time he raised the necessary alarm , and having procured additional assistance , the parish engine was drawn out and si to work , and being well supplied with water the fire was confined to that portion oi the steeple where i ; originated , but it was not entirely extinguished unji | considerable damage had been effected ; the spire being much burnt and injured by the molten lead flowing dewn . The ceiling was also damaged dam to the ground floor with water . The church is ij . sured in the Westminster Fire-office to the amount of . £ 2 . 000 .

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      Untitled Article

      , TH ^! NnMMEM : STAR . ' . ' Febbpaby s , : m 5 .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 8, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1301/page/6/