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Northern Star (1837-1852), 30th May 1846, Edition 1 of 3, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      TWVTDaSED-OOT . —GREAT MEETING AT LIVESPOOL OF THE OPERATIVE CLASSES . On Thursday ercnirig . the 21 st inst , a crowaea ana enthusiastic meeting of the turned-oat operatives was held 8 tthe Concert . hall , Lora 5 elson-strpet , for the purpose ofiaSnnR into consideration the present condition of the building trades , and of devisinjr the best means of render , ^ i— them fa r thcinssist-ince . Shortly afttr eight o ' clock the chalf was taken , amid loud applause , bj Mr . Thomas Carter . # The Cn AiBJUS commenced bj saying that he felt ^ proua at having been called upoato preside over such a meeting . Thennmbers then present were amply sufficient to show that there was a pioper spirit abroad , ana ifcat the workroeH were beginning to understand where their true interestslavThe condition of the buildiog trades at tfte

      . present time , he « vas sorry to say , was ™ JtWnS * " * Ihey could wfeh it 10 be ; but , consid-riog the cu-cumstancef * J which it h = » d been surrounded during the last iwomonths , fc was . nevertheless , i »»^ *"""?*" . podUon . HeHnghtst ^ e that at the commencemeu the dispute between the master builders and ttemen fhereTvere nearly three th » Hsand persons out of eniploymeTt an £ thTt they were turned out for refusing to sign SnnZt pledging- themselres to have no connexion ^ a nv trJeSSOCktUs . aincethat penod , very great number * of these men had K ot other employment . An Soved stateoftradein other parts of the country had S them away ; and now only abou 800 operates dairoea the assistance of their fellow workmen . Agreat Bumber of men he was sorry to sny , had been found base and nnmanlr enough in many of the branches to sign the off too

      document ; but those men ought not to be judged larshly- The situation in which they were placed ought to be considered . The trade to whicl they belonged must "be loolted at . so also must the position of that particular trade at thetlnie the aoeument was presented for Signature . They had it upon very good authority that" man was the creature of circumstances . " He might mention that ont of the whole number turned out in Lirtrpool in the stone mason trade , not one ' had signed the document . ( Applause . )^ This , he thought , would he sufficient to snow that there must have teen a cause why so many had been found to sign . He was of of opinion that jf the great majority of those who signed the document ladfandefloriginally thatthere would be half theamount of protection afforded which h ? d been realized for them by their fellow working men of Liverpool , they never -iTould have signed ( hear , and applause . ] He felt it

      necessary to make two or three remarks with reference to the employers . There was only one of Mr . John Tom-Mnson ' s men out on the strike at the present time . Mr . TomMnson appeared not to be satisfied with this state of things , —beseemed not to think it right that other masters should hare so irony men standing ont , and himself having only one . He therefore turned three of his apprentices ont . the sons , of three of the men who had refused to sign the document . He demanded from them two foot-rules and their leather aprons , and sent them about their business . { Murmurs of disapprobation ) ! Mr . Tomkinson would have shown a great deal more of the philanthrophist if , instead of doing evil and injury , he had protected the lads . The chairman , after again repeating that eight hundred men with their-wives andfanjiliee were now claiming assistance , and urging atten tion for the Tarious speakers , resumed his seat , amid loud

      cheers . Mr . Joseph Shephebd , smith , proposed the first resolution : — "That this meeting congratulates the operative builders on the steady determination which they have evinced since they -were turned out of their employment , and trusts they will continue to persevere with the same assiduity and firmness in resisting to sign the document presented to them by their tmployers . He had not the least doubt that the meeting would congratalate the operative builders on the steady , firm , and determined manner in which they had conducted themselves in this affair . There never was a strike or turnont which had created more feeling and sensation in the country thim thepresent . The news was spread abroad -from one town to the other ; and though the trumpet was

      sounded feebly at first , he was glad to say that they had now public opinion in their favour , and whatever it willed would , sooner or latter , he carried into effect ( applause ) . 3 tuch , from time to time , had been said and written against trade societies , hy . thosewho didnotreally understand thesubject ; but as far as Ins experience had gone , insiness was transacted in them in an open , straightforward , and creditable manner . Those ' masters who had ¦ presented the obnoxious document did not seem to under stand what a trade union was ; but , having bsen a member of one for several years , he could tell the public and -those gentlemen that trade societies bad for their object purposes the best and most philanthropic which it was possible for the human mind to contemplate ( applause ) . Trade societies provided for the working man when he was sick , when he met with accidents , when he was no

      longer able to follow his daily toil ; and they also pro-Tided for the decent interment of his remains when life's chequered conrse was finished ( applause ) . Of this they -were all sensible ; but they provided for something more important still , —they relieved him when he was destitute and thrown out of employment , travelling he knew not where , and craving " for leave to toil" ( applause ) . Seeing all this , he did not wonder at the reluctance of -working men to abandon them . If those who wished -them to sign this document would provide for them as ¦ their trade societies did , if they would afford them the . same guarantee , they as working men were not so ligoted hut that they would assist in carrying the object into effect . He was sure the dnj was not far distant ¦ when the working classes would be looked upon as having a right and stake in the country . They had not

      litherto been represented , their claims had not been attended to . Sow the chief objection against twde societies was that tlrey caused turnouts . He put it to the meeting if any of tluan ever advocated one ? ( "IfO . " ) He said no ; every working man knew that a cessation from labour was injurious to him all well as to all others . Then how was it that turn-outs did take place ? It was "because the working classes had been forced to it ; because they had no tribunal to which they could appeal for justice . Government had never yet recognised the rights of labour , and the consequence was , that the working classes were often compelled to turn out , it being their only resource against the influence of that capital which was arrayed against tbsm { - > pplause ) . It was never till the utmost extremity that men left their eir . plojment . The workmen did not wish to dictate to

      their employers , as had been falsely represented by those -who had an interest in misleading the public on the subjact It was said by their opponents that if unions Trent on , the workmen wouU dictate about contracts , and ruin the publie by their extravagant charges ( laughter ) . Bat these short-sighted persons did not see that when the working classes became distressed , if there was no union to relieve them , they must become a burden to ths parish , ami thus have to he supported by the public ( loud applause ) . It struck him forcibly that union could be carried to a far greater extent that it had ever yet been , and it was his opinion the working classes were now awaking to the utility © f carrying it out . If there was one tiling more calculated than another to convince the working classes of the utility of union , it was to see that capital , with all its might and

      influence , was obliged to uni ' . e to array itself against them . The vrorkinj * classes were the producers of all wealth , and hed a right to share in its consumption . ( Applause . ) lie put it to those present if the idea never struck them that they could build for themselves ? ( Hear , lear . ) He saw before him men of the highest mechanical genius and skill . If they manufactured things for themselves , did taey not think they would answer as well as if they had manufactured them for the employer and capitalist . ( Hear , hear . ) Then he could tell them what they should do . It was calculated in an article in the Times on Monday , that if half a million of the working classes laid by : i farthing a week , and all in employment could at lr .- »; t « lo that—( a laugh )—it would amount to . £ 25 , 000 ptr annum . When they had that fund , they could form aa executive , and build workshops for themselves .

      In four or five years they could make some very large workshops , and he had no doubt many of them would be as pleased to » vurk in their own shopxs in that of another . Now , at a slack time when men were walking the streets and unions had to pay them , though idle , would it not be bitter to place them in these shops , gire them good wages to work far them , and thus all would be benefited . ( Applause . ) Machinery , under the present state of society-, was brought into competition with manual labour , and thus lessened its value ; but , by the plan "he proposed , fur and not against them , prove a general benefit , and it macliinery . ifintroiJuced into theirworkshops , would work adopted on a larger scale , would tead to reduce the hours of labour . Itwonld never do to tax machinery . If it were taxed in this couutryand not in others , our trade must full of £ and general misery ensue . So , —they

      wanteu no fetters upon trade—he hated fetters of every description , but he would be rejoiced to find sufficient ¦ onion and good sense amongst the working classes , as to make machinery available for their own advantage . They must produce for themselves—they had the power , and the sooner they set about it the better . ( Xuuci appl iuse . j When they had thus acquired wealth of their own there would be plenty to advocate the rights of labour—they could hope for jnstice then from the press , inasmuch as they could pay for advertisements ( laughter and applause)—hut atpresent their claims were neglected and their motives maligned—the press , with one honourable exception , stooping to the shrine of gold . ( C / ieers . )

      He expressed his opinion that the principle of joint-stock companies and unions was spreading through the land ; and it was his opinion , that till the great principle of union was still farther carried out , they could not carry out the divine precept , of doing to others as they wished others to do unto them . ( Applause . ) Whilst a competitive slate of society exi sted , they could never love their neighbours as themselves . He cautioned them against any infringement of the law , and concluded amid loud applause , by saying that union was strength—union was power ; by a union of mind , of capital , and of skill amongst the working classes , anything which they willed , could and would be accomplished .

      Mr . Kobe&t Davies seconded the resolution . After expressing his regret that the struggle should have been so long protracted , and that in consequence he had again been callelupon in public to vindicate the right of the oppressed , he said the resolution which he had to second called upon tbe meeting to congratulate those men for their firmness whol-ad bean turned out of then : employment ; and bethought there was no one capable of reflection but must own that the individuals who were now the living monuments of the hostility of their employers , Were worthy of the sincere attachment and esteem of their JMIow . men . ( APBlause . J It tu ^ e was on * thing store

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      thananother calculated to make ^^ SlT ^ S » minds of those present , it was this » £ ? £ L * 2 £ fil « f **** - ^! iSS ^^ had been one consolidated Dquy «""• ^ eT Jhes ^ r ^ e ^ SZ < & £ * £ yielded . These J ^ a say , let every associated body £ r such a strugg le in years gone by- ( hear , hear ) - and now they were reaping the glOHOUS harvest of what they had previously effected , by meeting together and subscribing their money to vindicate their rights whenever they might be invaded . ( Applause . ) He nas at all times an advocate for conciliation ; and he had hoped when the large meeting of the masters bad

      taken place at Newton the other day , that some step to effect that end would have been proposed . But no , they had evidently assembled with an hostile intention ; and when a deputation of the working men applied for admission , the doors were , shut against them ( hear and shame . ) It behoved every rational employer , desirous of establishing the truth , and possessing a spark of humanity in his bosom , to invite , submit to , and court enquiry . If their object had been a good one , why did they net throw open their doors , and admit of honourable and peaceful discussion * ( applause . ) He thought if anything was calculated to tell again 3 t the false position the employers bad assumed it was in that act , —an additional proof of their undying hostility to the co-operation cf the working classes , ( loud applause . )

      A person in the body of the hall asked for information as to the definite steps which had been taken , Or proposals made , towards a settlement Of t he present unhappy difference ? Itwasnotgenerallyknownamongstthetrades of the town . The Chaibm&n read a copy of the letter which had been sent iH by the deputation to the meeting of the masters at Newton , and of their reply ; and the individual expressed himself satisfied . The resolution was then put , and carried unanimously . Mr . John Gibso > % stonemason , proposed tbe next resolution ; and replied at some length to the statements made in si pamphlet , printed by Smith , Kogerson , and Co ., widelyVirculated , and purporting to be an account of the proceedings at the meeting of the masters in the Portico , Newington . The pamphlet termed the present movement

      a strike ; but this he denied emphatically ; it was a turn , out by the masters of the men , ( hear , hear . ) He wondered how the master masons would co-operate with men who had talked from time to time of doing away with ma * onry ana giving plasterers all the work ( a laugh . ) Why , » t had lessened the demand for such buildinss in Liverpool ; aadheknew of one plan , in which there was originally much stonework , but it had since been all marked out . Perhaps masons would have te go to the railroad , and work with their pickaxe and spade ( continued laughter . ) Well , he was slad they were so innured in youth that they could turn their hand to any sort of labour . He recollected the remark made by a master during the late shorttime movement , that it was not the length of hours which made the lives of masons short , but it was the obnoxious sulphur and dust from the stone , But surely , then , they

      were justified in asking for a reduction of the hours of labour , that they might be less in that dust , and live to a greater age ( laaghterand applause ) . The pamphlet in question said , the combinations of working men met in secret , but this he denied . But could they not retort the charge ? When the masters held their meetings , reporters were not admitted , so that the working classes had not an authentic report of it , such as they could rely upon ; and it was these meetings which were hole . and corner , aad in which the business was secretly transacted , but the trades , when any important proposition was made , had always submitted it in public , and invited the gentlemen of the press . Mr . Holme , at the Portico , Newington , had said he was not an advocate of oppression ; but was not every man worthy of his hire ! Oppression ( said the speaker ) so help me God , 1 will never submit to ! ( loudapplause . ) They might try to starve him to it ; but if he died like a dog in a ditch , he would have it said , there died a son of liberty ( continued applause . ) They

      might hunt him from one end of the country to the other , but there was a country across the Atlantic where there was liberty ( applause . ) They wanted masons there , would give them 8 s or 9 a a-day , andjif they could not get 4 s . Cd . a-day here , without signing the document , then he said , hie , lads , across the Atlantic ! ( Loud applause . ) The pamphlet said , " your voluntary idleness is a thing for which we are sorry , but cannot help . " ( Laughter . ) Could they not help it ? Such a Statement he emphatically denied . The pamphlet went on to complain that , in consequence of combinations amongst the colliers , the price of coals had been raised , and thus the working classes had been injured . How , the colliers in this neighbourhood struck for , he believed , and obtained , about 24 d . per ton advance upon getting the coal , but the masters had advanced their price a shilling per ton . Who , then , benefitted mostly by it ? Why the proprietors of collieries themselves : 9 Jd . went into tbe pocket of the capitalist , and 2 Jd . to those who were , during one-half of tUeir existence , buried in the earth . He then proposed

      the following resolution : — "That it is the opinion of this meeting , that a document , emanating from either the employer or tbe employed , that has a tendency to destroy the liberty of the British subject , is both unjust , unconstitutional , and tyrannical ; and that no man possessing the least spark of independence would sign such a document ; and that this meeting pledges itself , individually and collectively , to support the men who are now refusing to sign the document emanating from the master builders of Liverpool and Birkenbead . " He entreated other trades to come forward and assist the operative builders , that they might not , through necessity , be compelled to sign a document which was so repugnant to their feelings , and which they looked upon as so serious an | interference with' their liberty . [ The whole reasoning of the pamphlet , with but very little exception , was false from beginning to end . He concluded by a poetical quotation against " pamphleteers void of shame , " and with quoting the eloquent words of a modern writer upon the vast value of labour and

      industry . Mr . John Rowxisson , steam-engine maker , seconded the resolution . The speaker then showed at great length the hardship and punishment which in many cases portions of the working classes had from time to time endured before the old combination laws were repealed . One of the greatest evils of the present competitive state ef society , was that if a dishonest master reduced wages , all others to keep in the market with him were obliged to follow his example . Trades' Unions originated from the acts of tyrannical employers . ( Applause . ) To show they had at present the high sanction of law , he read the 6 th Geo . IY ,, C , 102 , s . i . Both employer and employed had a perfect right to unite , and any document having a tendency to destroy that right was unjust and tyrannical , and should be opposed by every man valuing

      his independence , or the welfare of his posterity . Unions , he Snowed , existed in the lowest and in the highest grade of society , every rank or profession being more or less so incorporated , that others were excluded . The timber merchants of Liverpool and of every other port fixed their prices . The masters of this town were not satisfied with the influence of their wealth , although they had the wUole press at their command , with the exception of the Liverpool Journal— ( applause)—and they must even send a deputation in the first-class train to the Home Office , to claim the protection and assistance of Sir James Graham against the weakness of the poor opera , tive classes . ( Applause . ) What did they gain by it ? Simply the answer , " he would consider of it . " ( Loud laughter . ) If they had been acquainted with the act which he had read , it weuld have saved them the trouble ,

      the mortification , and expense . After a lengthy speech , lie concluded by trusting that the working classes would never consent to sign a document affecting so materially their liberty and happiness . Let them resist it firmly ; be true to themselves , and success was certain . ( Loud applause . ) The resolution was then put , and carried unanimously . Mr . Johx Cahlisle , mason , proposed the next resolution , and addressed the meeting at considerable length , eulogising , in an excellent speech , the conduct of those masters who had refused to take the steps which the others had against the liberty of their workmen . Such men were friends to the human race . At the Portico , Xewington , it appeared , the masters had come to the resolution of establishing " a beiievolentbuilders'

      association" — the committae to be composed one-half of employers and the other half of the employed . Its objects were excellent , but it . was impossible it could work with fairness ; inasmuch as if the masters proposed anything disagreeable to the workmen , none of those on the committee , through fear of dismissal from their employment , durst rise in opposition ; besides , it conveyed the idea that they did not possess intelligence and honesty enough to conduct their own affairs . It was vain to attempt to reconcile the interests of the employer and employed , as things were at present constituted . The shopkeepers were interested in the present struggle , and he entreated all who loved liberty or studied their own interests , to lend their support to those who were engaged in it . He concluded by proposing : —

      3 d . " That the thanks of this meeting are due , and hereby given , to all those employers who have refused to combine with the master buihlwg to carry out their unjust resolutions ; and trust the conduct of their workmen tvill be such as will show them that the straightforward and independent course they have pursued has been duly appreciated . " Mr . KicdAHD Bixon , collier , seconded the resolution , and also addressed the meeting at great length , but our limits preclude us from g iving more than a mere outline of his speech . Englishmen were like jack asses , and never stirred till the goad was applied ; and the present event he considered , would lead to that perfect combination of the working classes which would otherwise have taken years to form . Ho trusted that all trades would concentrate their strength . He denied the reasoning of the pamphlet before referred to : if a workman got an

      advance of 2 s . a week in his wages , he iu ail probability spent it with the shopkeeper , and thus the community at large were benefitted . ( Applause . ) If the hours of labour were shorter , so many persons would not be out of employment ; but the masters chose to have some working seven days a week while others walked about , as they had them then more under control , and could readily intimate that if they did not comply with this or that , there were plenty at hand would be glad of their situation . ( Laughter and applause . ) He appealed to the experience of those present if they ever got an advance of wages without struggling for it . ( Orifes of "No ") Their masters were not apt to ceme to them voluntarily and say , " now my lads , trade is good , and I will advance your wage 3 33 . a week . " ( Laughter and applause . ) He saw much in the proceedings of Trades ' Unions la times pact to lament , nothing to censure , their

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      former errors were - a beacon to the future ; and there Was little doubt but by a long pull , and a strong pull , Trades' Unions could resist all the tyranny which might be brought to bear against them . ( Applause . ) Mr . Holme in the pamphlet had said , " you do less work than formerly . " Well it was high time they did —( applause)—for the working classes had been compelled to toil so long that they had no time for moral and mental improvement , or for physical recreation . Mr . John Fielden had said some time ago that three hours labour per day , with our present improvements in machinery and powers of production , under a right system of society , was sufficient for all the necessaries of life . Threescore years and ten was according to the scriptures the period allotted for the life of man ! but what wag it in Liverpool ?—27 $ : years . ( Hear , hear . ) Then if a man was robbed of better than two-thirds of his existence . W 88 it not time they should apeak out ! ( Laughter and

      applause . ) Every man might be a master , but all masters would not make journeymen . In Manchester a body of working man had united their means , taken a . large timber yard , and had 35 workmen to whom they were paving the beet of wages going . There was no document there , and the men were going on peaceably and p l easantly . Working men had not such a luxurious Etyle of living to keep up ; and such combinations therefore , he thought , had every chance of success . " Many hands make li ght work , and equal burdens break no back . " The pence of the working classes , from their number , soon accumulated into pounds . The resolution tvas then put and carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was then passed to the chairman , and the compliment having been duly acknowledged , the meeting broke up at lialf-past eleven o'clock . The most orderly demeanour was exhibited throughout the whole proceedings .

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      WORKING MEN , SUPPORT TOUR ORDER ! Feilow Wobkixo Men , —Allow me to congratulate you on the practical adoption of a plan of co-operation long since recommended in that valuable paper ( he Northern Star , and the only one calculated to raise the working classes of this country from that state of degradation and poverty in which they are atpresent placed . While I rejoice at theatteropt now made by my brother craftsmen , at 151 , Drury-lane , to emancipate their labour from the tyranny of the master-class , and view it as the commencement of a system which will ( if this be successful ) be followed by workmen of most other trades , I feel a very great anxiety lest this experiment should fail , being fully convinced in my own mind , that every effort that the masters of all trades can make , no matter the expense , will be made to overthrow the project of the working part of the community for taking into their own hands the retail trade , and thus appropriating rJie profits of ifaeir own labour to the benefit of themselves , their wives , and families .

      In attempting to penetrate into futurity without pretending to the spirit of prophecy , w hat may we not anticipate should this system of co-operation be established , and the small farms proposed by the Chartist Land Association be adopted throughout ihe land . Why , I am certain that any attempt of mine to describe the beneficial results which must follow the adoption of these plans would fall short of the actual good which will be accomplished . Of this we may feel assured , the names of those patriots who are now toiling for the benefit of the masses will be remembered with gratitude and love when the names of Wellington , Napoleons Nelson , and a long list of the slaughterers of their fellow men , shall be remembered with regret and pity .

      But the object I have in view in thus addressing you Is . to endeavour to impress upon the minds of my fellow working men how much it depends upon them whether these plans succeed . I have said that I feel very anxious about the success of the experiment now making in Drury-lane , not because I have any doubts about the practicability of the plan , or in the capability of those who are carrying it out , but for fear that the working men of London should not give that support to it which will place its success beyond the possibility of a doubt . If this support is given , the next thing must be to secure agents throughout all parts of London , who will take orders , transmit them to the principal shop , and receive the goods for the customers ; and this can be done at our Chartist Localities , where , I have no doubt , persons

      would be found who would willingly undertake an agency for this purpose . I hope the committee will endeavour to effect this as soon as possible , 30 that no time may be lost . In concluding this letter , I would most earnestly call upon every member of the Land Association , and every Chartist , in whatever circumstances , to do all they possibly can to further the great cause in which we are engaged . Let us all act as soldiers are somelimes called upon to do , each to fight as if the success of the contest depended , upon his individual exertions . If we do this our triumph is certain . 1 shall conclude as I began , by saying to my fellows" Working men , support your own order !" Hoping that my feeble effort to do something towards the cause to which I am most ardently devoted may be in some measure successful , I remain , fellow workmen , Yours , respectfully , May , 1846 . A Liuehouse Shoemaker .

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      ^—THE TEN HOURS' BILL . 7 IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE DELEGATES . Oh Saturday evening a meeting of the short-time delegates from the operatives of Lancashire and Yorkshire was held at their rooms in Beaufortbuildings , for the purpose of devising measures to continue the application to Parliament this session , and also read over and consider the debate of Friday night . Mr . John Brewer , chairman of the delegates , presided . The Chaiiimui , in opening the proceedings , observed , that although their cause had suffered a nominal defeat on Friday night by a majority of ten in a house of 400 members , he considered it a virtual victory , considering that the whole power of a hostile government had been brought to bear against them , as well as the united efforts of the leaders of the Free Trade movement .

      Mr-. S . Howartu , of Bolton , in moving the first resolution , observed , that having heard the speech of Mr . Cobden read from the newspapers , and having been in the House of Commons when it was delivered , he felt greatly surprised that he should have ventured such a charge against the delegates as that to which he gave utterance . Mr . Cobden had told the House of Commons that the persons of whom he ( Mr . Howarth ) was one , who had come up to London pretending to represent the operatives , were not Free Traders , but the very parties who had , from time to time , disturbed the Free Trade meetings in the country . Now , as far as he was concerned , he

      most distinctly contradicted that assertion , and could refer to Dr . Bowring and Mr . Henry Ashwortkior a confirmation of that contradiction . Under those circumstances , he did not hesitate to denounce the char £ e made by Mr . Cobden as wicked and untrue . He concluded by moving— " That the delegates now assembled in London cannot return to their constituents without expressing their unqualified disapprobation of many of the statements made in the House of Commons last night , during the debate on the Factory Bill , more especially that made by Mr . Cobden , when lie charged tlm delegates with having < it various times disturbed the Free Trade meetings in the north of England . "

      Mr . John Mills , of Oldham , in seconding the resolution , in the most emphatic terms contradicted the calumny set forth by Mr . Cobden , and he observed that he believed that Mr . Cobden had made tho » e charges with a wicked design , knowing them to bo untrue , Mr . James Greaves , of Saddleworth , took the same view of the subject , declaring that he had frequently got himself into disrepute amongst many of his fellow operatives inconsequence of haying taken an active part in his own neighbourhood in promoting a repeal of the Corn Laws . When he heard Mr . Cobden make the charge against the delegates he was perfectly astounded , and could not have believed it had he not heard it from his own lips . He did therefore throw back the foul slander as untrue as far as he was concerned .

      Mr . Paul Haroreaves , of Manchester , said he had never taken public or private part in any meeting on any other subject than tho Ten Hours' Bill , aud therefore he entered his protest against the charge made by Mr . Cobden . It was true he had on one occasion assisted in the election of Dr . Bowring , an offence of which he would never again be guilty . Mr . David Ross , of Leeds , followed in the same strain , and . declared that he had never , at any time or in any place , attempted to disturb any meeting of Free-traders , or any other party .

      Mr . William Akrowsmith , of Manchester , was indeed surprised to hear Mr . Cobden make the statements he had made . The lion . Gentleman had frequently attended the meetings of the trade associaion to which he ( Mr . Arrowsmith ) belonged . At those meetings he ( Mr . Cobden ) held out the hope that if tho Corn Laws were repealed the Ten Hours ' Bill would follow , and by such inducements the operative cotton spinners had joined the Free-trade movement , and had appointed deputations from their own body to wait upon ether traders who were not interested in the Factory Bill to urge them to join the Free-trade movement . After what had been

      done in tin ' s way , and the Free-trade measures being now carried , ho considered it cruel on the part of Mr . Cobden to make suck charges against the working classes , w . llicll he believed was done with a view of injuring them . But when his statements went forth to the country , it would bo seen by the operatives that Mr . Cobden had never any desire to do them any good . Not more that a week ago he met Mr . Cobden in the lobby of the llouse of Commons on this question , when he advised the delegates to go down to the manufacturing districts and form an association to agitato for a Ten Hours' Bill , and that if they would do so , he ( Mr . Cobden ) would become the patron of the society , and go down to the nianufacturiDg districts , and agitate for it as energetically

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      as he had ever done for the repeal of the Com Laws . Mr Cobden knows well enough that such an arrangement could never be brought about by an agreemeat between roasters and men , and , therefore to could perfectly understood the motire which stimulated him to give such , advice ! . . The Chairman ; on putting the resolutions , said , his o pinions on the subject of Free Trade were so well known that it was unnecessary to give any explanation . He had travelled hundreds of miles in nromoting the measure amongst his fellow operatives ,

      having been led to believe that a repeal ot tM L £ rn Laws would have facilitated the passing of the ien Hours' Bill instead of retarding it , and he challenged Mr . Cobden to give up his authority upon which ne bad made his unfounded charges , and also to snow that any one of the delegates had ever taken any part in disturbing a Free Trade meeting . The resolution was then put and carried unanimously . . ,,, ' . . In the course of proceeding the following resolutions were also unanimously adopted : —

      That the , delegates once more advise the factory operatives not to be deluded into the trap of combining to pass the Ten Hours' Bill by turn-outs and strikes , believing , as they do , that a combination for that purpose would tend to dissensions between masters and men , and be calculated to revive that spirit of hostility between them which has ever been one of the objects of the Short Time Committee and the leaders of the movement to allay . That a deputation from the delegates be appointed to wait upon some influential members of the House of Lords , with a view of ascertaining whether it is possible to get the Factory Bill , as it now stands , introduced into that house , and ' jt possible carried into a law this session ; that this course appears to the delegates perfectly reasonable , and they believe they are quite justified in adopt , ing this course when they look back to the proceedings taken in 1844 to prevent a renewal of the two divisions which affirmed the principle of the Ten Hours' Bill .

      Thanks having been voted to their friends in Parliament , and the Chairman , the meeting separated .

      Untitled Article

      MEMORANDUM FOR THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION . Working men ! Treasure the following list of the division on the Ten Hours' Bill . Saturday , 22 nd May , 1846 . You know what uoo to make of It -I-,-

      -MINORITY-AYES . Acland , Sir T ;\ D . Heathcote , G . J . Ao ' landj T . D . " ~ Henley , J . W . Acton , Colonel Hervey , lerd A .. Adderley , C . B . . Hildyard , T . B . T . Aglionby , H . A . Hill , Lord M . Ainsworth , P .- Hiudley , C . Alford , Viscount Hollond , R . Arcbdatl , Capt . M , Howard , Hon . C . W . G . Arundel , Surrey , iarl of Howard , Hon . E . G . G . Austen , Colonel Hudson 6 . Bagot , Hon . W . Ingestre , Viscount Bngge , W . Inglis , Sir R , H . Bailey , J . Jervis , J . Baillie , W . Johnson , General Bankes , G . ' Ketnble , H .

      Banuerman , A . Knight , F . W . Barnard , E . O . Lambton , E . Baskerville , T . B . M . Law , Hon . C . B . Beckett , \ Y , Lawson , A . Bell , J . Lefroy . A . Benett , J . Lennox , Lord 6 . H . 6 . Benet , P . Leslie , C . P . Bentinck , Lord G . Liddell , II . Bentiuclc , Lord H . Lowther , Hon . Col . Ueresford , Major Macaulay , Bight Hon . T . I Berkeley , Hon . 0 . Maclean , D . Bernal , R . M'Cartby , A . Blackburne . J . I . M * Donnell , J . M . Blackstone , TV . S . Manners , Lord J . Bortlmick , P . March , Earl of Bradshaw , J . Miles , r \ W . S .

      Bramston , T . W . Miles , W . Bridgeman , H . Milnes , R . M . Brisco , M . Morris , D . Broadley , H , Mostyn , Hon . B . M . L . Broadweod , H . Muntz , G . F . - Brosklehurst , J . Napier , Sir . C . Brooke , Lord " - Neeld , Joseph Brotherton , J . Neeld John Browne , Hon . W . Newdegate , C . N . Bnller , C . Ifewry , Tiseount Buller , E . Novreys , Lord Burrell , Sir C . M . O'Brien , W . S . Busfeild , W . O'Counell , D . Cayley . E . S . O'Connell , J . Chandos , Marquis of Ossulston , Lord Christie , W . » . Paget , Colonel

      Christopher , R . A . Paget , Lord A . Churchill , Lord A . S . Palmer , R . Clifton , J , T . Palmcrston , Viscount Cole , Hon . II . A . ' Tlumptre , J . P . Colquboun , J . C . Plumridge , Captain Cowper , Hon . W . F . Pollington , Viscount Crawford , W . S . Rashleigh , W . Curties , H . B , ' Repton , G . W . J . Denison , J . E . | Rich , H . D'Eyncourt , RJghtHon . C . T . Richards , R . D'Israeli , B . Rolleston , Colonel Douglas , Sir H . Russell , Lord J . Dougla 3 , J , D . S , Kyaer , Hon . G . D . Duff , J . Sandon , Viscount Duke , Sir J . Scott , Hon . F . Duncombe , T . Shaw , Right Hon . F .

      Duncomhe , Hon . O . Sheil , Right Hon . R . L . Dundas , D . Sheppard , T . East , J . B . Sheridan , B .. B . Ebrington , Viscount Sibthorp , Colonel Entwisle , 'W . ' , Smith , A . Etwall , R . . Smith , Right Hon . R « V . Evans , Sir De L . Speoncr , R . Ewart , W . Staunton ; Sir G . T . Farnham , E . B . Stuart , lord J . Fellows , E . Stuart , J . Ferrand , W . B . Strickland , Sir G . Finch , G . Taylor , T . E . Filzroy , Lord C . Taylor , J . A . Fox , 0 . R . Tollemache , J . Frew-en , C . H . Tower , C . Fuller , A . E . | . Towneley , J . Gardener . J . D . Troubridge , Sir E . T . Guskcll , J . II . Tumor , C . ( Con . )

      Gooch , E . S . Tjrell , Sir J . T . Gore , W . 0 . Vane , Lord A . Gore , W . R . 0 . Verner , Colonel Goring , C . Vyse , R . H . R . H . Granby , Marquis of Waddington , H . S . Granger , T . C . Walker , R . Grey , Right Hon . Sir G . Watson , W . H . Giimsditch , T . Wawn , J . T . Grogan , E . "Welby , G . E . Grosvenor . LordR . . 'Williains , W . Halford , Sir . H , "Wodehouse , E . Hall , Sir . B . Worcester , Marquis of Hall , Colonel Wyndham , J , H . Camp Halsey , T . P . Yorke , II . R . Hamilton , G . A . Harcourt , G .. G . Tellers . Harris , Hon . Captain Wakley , T , Hatton , Captain V ... ¦ Fielden , J .

      MAJORITY—NOES . A'Court , Captain Hope , Sir J . Alexander , N . Hope , G . W . Bagot , Hon . ' W .. Houldswortn , T . Baillie , Colonel Howard , Hon . J . K . Baiue , W . Hume , J . Baldwin , B . | Hutt , \ V . Balfour , J . M . James , W . Barclay , D . James , Sir w . C . Barkly , H . St . Jermyn , Earl Baring , Bight Hon . F . T . Jocelyn , Viscount Baring , Rt . Hon . W . B . Joses , Captain Barrington , Viscount Kelly , Sir F . Bell . M . Ker , D . S . Bcllew , R . M , Laboucbere , Rt . Hon . H : Benboiv , J . Laogstoii , J . H .

      Bodkin , W , II , Lascelles , Hon , E . Boldaro , H . G . Lascelles , Hon . \ Y . S . Botfield ,. B . Legb , G . C . Bouvcrie , Hon , E , P , Lemon , Sir C . Bowes , J . Lindsay , Hon . Captain Bowles , Admiral Lockhart , A . E . Bowring , Dr . Lockhart , Yf . Boyd , J . ' Lyali , G . Bright , J . Lypon , Hon . General . Bruce , Lord E . Mackenzie , T . Q ar dwell , E . Mackenzie , W . F . Carew , AV . H . F . M'Nelll , D . Carnegie , Hon . Capt . JJalion , Viscount Cavendish , Hon . C . C . Maitland , T . Cavedisb , Hon . G . H . Manners , Lord C . S . Cbol mondeley , Hon . H . Marshall , W .

      Chute , W . L . "W . Marslandj n , Clay , Sir W . Martin , J . Clerk , Rt . Hon . Sir G , Martin , C . W . Clive , Hon . R . H . Masterman , J . Cobden , R . ? Maule , Bight Hon . F . Cockburn , RightHon . Sir G . Meynell , Captain Colebrooke , Sir T . E . Mildmay , H . St . John Collett , \ V . R . Mitcalfe . H . Coote , Sir C . IT . Mitchell , T . A . Corrie , Right Hon , H . Moffiit , C . Craig , W . G . Morgan , 0 . Cripps , W . Morpeth , Viscount Currie , R . Mundy , E . M . Dalmeny , Lord Norreys , Sir D . J . Darner , Hon . Colonel Morthland , Viscount

      Dawson , Hon . T . V . Ogle , S . C . H . Deedes , \ f . Oswald , J . Dcnlson , J . E . Owen , Sir J . DennistOHii , J . Paget , Lord "W . Divett , E . Parker , J . Dodd , G . ratten , J . W . Douglass , Sir C . E , Pattison , 3 , Douro , Marquis of reel , Right Hon . Sir R . Dowdeswell , W . Peol , J . Drummond , H . H . Philips , G . R . Puckivortb , Sir . J , T . B , Philips , M . Dugdaie , W . S . p j ce , air B . Duncan , Viscount Protlieroe , E . Duncan , G . Reid , Sir J . R . Duncannon , Viscount Reid , Colonel Dundas , F . Bicardo , J . h .

      Untitled Article

      Dundas Hon . J . O . ^ Rom illy , J ;¦ .:-.. : E S ? rt ° n , W . T . . Bound , J . B « cott , B . Rumbold . CB , Estcourt , T . G . B . Russell . C . Evans , W . Sanderson , R . Fielden W . Scott , R . Ferguson , Colonel Sejmour , Lord Filmer , Sir E . Seymour , Sir H . B , Fitzmaurice , Hon . W . Shelburne , Earl of Fitzroy , Hon . II . Smith , B . Flower , Sir . J . ' Smyth , Sir H . Forbes , W . Sraythe , Hon . G . Forman , T , S , Somerset , Lord G . Forster , M . Sotheron , T . H . S . Gibson , T . M . , Stanafield . W . R . C

      Gill , T . . Strutt , E . Gisborne , T . Sutton , Hon . II . M . QOdSOn , R . Xancred , H . W , Gordon , Hon . Captain Theaiger , Sir P . Gore , M . Thomely , T . Goulburn , Right Hon . H . Tollemache , Hon . F . J Graham , RightHon . Sir J . Traill , G . Greene , ! . Trelawaey , J . S . Hallyburton , 'Lord J . F . G . Trench , Sir F . W . Hamilton , J . H . Trevor , Hon . 6 . R . HamUton , W . J . Vernon , G . H . Hamilton , Lord C . Valhers , Hon . C .

      Hanmer , SirJ . Vivian J . E . Hastio , A . 3 £ > S - I b Hawes , B . . ^ ^ "' Wav Sir A L . Wor ( 1 ' Gi K sirB Wellesley , LordC . Hayter . W . G . Wo ° !^\ , TTpnpnirp G W Wood , Colonel mSXa . ll . Wood , Colonel T , Herbert , Right Hon . S . Wortley , Hon . J . S Hinde , J . H . I ^ T'Sw Hodgson , F . Wjnn , SirW . W . Hodgson , R . . Tellers . Hogg . J . W . Young , J . Holmes , Hon . W . A'Court Baring , H . .

      PAIRS . FOR MINISTERS . AGAINST MINISTERS Attwood , John Colvile , C . R . Brooke , Sir A . Grattan . H . Bruges , W . H . L . Gladstone , Captain Baillie , H . J . Attwood , M . Cresswell , B . Blake , M . J . Codrington , Sir W . Milton , Lord Compton , H . C . Ployer , J . Hughes , W . B . Packe , C . W . XirU p . BateBon , T . Maekinnon , "W . A . Fleetwood , Sir P . H . Morgan , 0 . Ackers , J . NaviIle , R . M'Geachy , F . A . Somerton , Viscount Camphell , Sir H . VlUiers , Viscount Seymer , H , K . Noes ( tellers included ) 205 Ayes ( tellers included ) 195 Majority 10

      Untitled Article

      THE COMING ELECTION— DUTY OF THE PEOPLE . TO THE EDITOR OF THE " NORTHEBK STAB . " Sir . —Should the Ministry be defeated after all on the present Corn measures , it may not be uninteresting or useless to enquire what course tho Working Class ought to pursue , for though they are not permitted in elections to vote , they enjoy the privilege to bawl , and theugh their voices be at all times harsh and discordant , they become on these occasions sweet and harmonious enough to the par of those in whose favour the welkin is made to

      We are told by Peel , Graham , D'Israeli , and all the other great orators both for and against the measure , that the real question at issue is " What is for the im- _ provement of the social and moral condition of the masses , or that great class which subsists by manual labour . " Now , surely we , the much cared for class , should know what is required to amend our social condition ; and if these sympathizing Gentleiaea had but bethought themselves to ask us this question three months ago what a deal of bickering , personalities , and mental and bodily trouble we might have saved them . As to our moral condition , if they mean by it our mental blindness and low moral character , though our Legislators of ten talk about it as something even more to be deplored than our physical hardships , they just need

      amendment iu this respect equally at least with ourselves . Talk of mental blindness indeed ! and here are 658 of the talkers debating for months about what is required to amend our condition , when any one , with half an eye may see , that if we had not been robbed to a most shameless extent , we must have been now in a comparetively happy state . Since 1820 we have produced five times as much clothing as before that period , and we are now able , by agricultural improvements , to produce twice as much from a given quantity of soil , as is now raised in any other country in ; Europe or America . Notwithstanding this superabundance we are [ actually worse off than before the improvements took plaee . If shameful robbery was notpractised this could not be . We ought clearlto be much better off instead of worn .

      y We are often told that we are ignorant , and we do not know what is good for us ; but when any of our ghostlj teachers tell us this , they generally add , "God alone knOWS What is best , " they are seldom sufficiently insulting to aver that our fellow men can know better than we our . selves do . Lest , however , they should still think that we do not know , I may just state what it is that we agree amongst ourselves to think necessary for our good . It is simply this , " That we should work for ourselves , and enjoy that which we produce , without being under ^ the necessity of toiling to keep others all their lives In idleness and abundance . " This is what we think necessary to make our social condition what it ought to be ; but the idlers whom we are obliged to solicit to make it so are not likely to do it for us ; and indeed we should be

      as great fools as they profess to think us wers we to hope tor anything of the kind ; so the question which we have to consider is , " What can we do , in the event of an election , towards accomp lishing semething for ourselves V According to the present theory of elections the public ana not individual good ought to be studied by the electoral body . If every man had the vote the principle would be different , for then each consulting his own interest alone , secured through the medium of legislation , the general good would be thereby obtained . Now before a man can know what is necessary for the general good he must thoroughly understand what is the real condition of the great mass of society ; and he must know too what that condition ought to be . This would be a knowledge easy of acquirement , if it were not for that unnatural

      position in which we are all at present placed ; the rich being above , and the poor below nature ' s level , Owing thereto we view every thing connected with society through an impure medium , and hence it is , that we are everlastingly running one against another with our various projects for amending our condition ; whilst , at the same time , the confusion springing therefrom is doubled by being awed and coerced by the governing power ; and our minds meanwhile bewildered by tbe sophistry of fools , or designing knaves . But if instead of listening to what others say , we were , with our minds divested of all prejudices , to study men and things ; perusing nature ' s volume only , the mystery would vanish , and the solution be easy . We see first one and then another improvement take place in producing tbe necessaries and

      enjoyments of life . There must have been a time when these improvements had a commencement , and before this period , it is equally clear man could only have subsisted by hunting wild bea 6 ts and gathering such fruits as nature spontaneously put forth . But bye-and-bye animals would be domesticated , and fruit trees planted ; roots and other vegetables suitable to man ' s sustenance would be , one by one discovered , and thus the earth ' s value would become appreciated ; v » ben war and plunder would speedily lead to its undue appropriation , and to that accursed monopoly of the soil , which Has evev since rendered every improvement , to the disinherited mass * f mankind , a bane instead of a blessing . Every useful plant aud animal , with every rood of cultivateable soil soon became the possession of a few ; whilst tbe remain . iug members of the human family having nothing left

      for their sustenance but water and air , were thus placed completely at the mercy of the monopolists , and of them they had to crave for liberty to toil . Evory improvement , every new invention the monopolists wrenched to their own purposes , to make themselves less dependent on their slaves . The simple invention of that useful implement , the spade , would be to the tyrant a godsend . Fewer slaves , by its means , would be needed to dig up the soil ; the others he would bring under his war banner , to fight big battles , to gain fresh conquests , to extend his power and to wreathe his brow with victory's laurels . Far better would it have been for the tyrant-doomed sons of toil if the ground had yet to be scratched up with the fingers , to fit it for the reception of seed , aided only with bits of Sticks , and no Other fire to harden their points than / Etna ' s belching blaze .

      Here then is the present position of tbe working class . Every material from which the necessaries of life must be raised in the possession of a few monopolists the landed and monied capitalists . These two unnatural excreseeaes are now sending out their cancerous fibres into each others vitals . Hitherto they have existed , if not in harmony , at least iu peace with each other , save that now and then a glance of withering contempt was directed from the elder to the younger , but notv the younger in its more lusty eagerness for prey , is seizing upon that which hath hitherto been required to feed the elder . These vile antagonists have now the hyprocrisy to pretend that they are each actuated by a desire to promote the welfare of

      those beings which they have hitherto made their prey . Happily the feudal power of tyranny is extinct , or from the ftf « s of Lincolnshire and the South of England , theagvi . cultural serfs would rise to meet the mill bound slaves of Lancashire and Yorkshire in battle array , to spill each others blood . This state of things need nod be apprehended now ; all the fi ghtiug has to be done at the poll booth , and they merely wish us to bawl and shout , and carry by popular clamonr the election in their favour . If a lion and tiger were strugg ling for the mastery , and ths othM animals upou which they usually fed wei > e to comi and array themselves , some on the lion ' s side and others on tho tiger's , and then commence tearing each others throats , what would any man say who should chance observe it , "POOr silly creatures '' he would

      Untitled Article

      naturally remarky ? V , they were , only made to be eaten . And what would be the feeling of any rational man when , he saw working men arraying themselves , some on landlords side , and others on the millownerg i " Look , " ' he would instinctively exclaim , with a glance of indi gnant scorn , "how those brutes in liumau shape , prove them , selves fitted only for slaves !" Working Men let us no longer he gulled . Hitherto we have either been duped by their sophistry , or hired ourselves as willing tools , traitors to our order for a little of their gold . If we wish well to ourselves and our posterity , let us change our tactics , and neither be fooled nor bribed . ' - ¦ . .. ' ¦ ¦¦

      Sir , I fear thht I h&ve exceeded tbe . limits assigned to-Correspondents and have as yet said little or nothing of the course to be pursued in the event of a speedy dissolution of Parliament . I deemed the foregoing remarks necessary to a clear understanding and justification of my views . If you will insert them in your forthcoming , paper ) I shall consider such insertion a proof of your willingness to print one more letter on the above subjoct , Tours respectfully , RlCHABD llARSDEN .

      Untitled Article

      ELECTION OP A DELEGATE TO THEENSUING NATIONAL CHARTIST CONVENTION . : .- ' On Monday evening , May 25 th , a public meeting , for the above purpose , was held at the Brunswick Hall , Ropemaker ' s-fields . Mr . John Shaw was unanimously called to the chair , and the proceeding s were cammenced by singing the National Charter Anthem . The chairman said , they had assembled for the purpose of electing a delegate . Mr . Ernest Jones , a poet , who was known as the author of " My Life , " and other works , anil several of whose contributions had , from time to time , appeared in the ' Norlhirii Stav — ( hear , hear ) ¦— had volunteered Me ' services . Of course , it wou ld be their duty to question , him , and if they thought him not qualified they had the opportunity of nominating and electing some one else » ( Hear , hear . ) ¦;< ¦¦ ¦ - > moved That

      Mr . Aymhg , in an excellent speech , — this meeting do now proceed to the election of one delegate , to represent Limehouse , in the JTational Charter Convention . " •' Mr . Bebnard , in an able speech , in which he entered into an elaborate exposition of the principles of the People ' s Charter'and refuted several objections nrged against it . He added they had now met for the eleetlott of a delegate to a National Convention , to deliberate on and adopt means for carrying into practice the great principles of the People ' s Charter—( loud cheers )—an event of far more importance than the birth of a Princess which had that day taken place , ( Hear , hear . ) He cordially seconded the motion . The resolution was adopted unanimously . Mr . Aymng , after paying a marked compliment to Mr . Jones for his talent as a democratic poet , proposed : —? "That Mr . Ernest Jones is a fit and proper person to be 6 ti ? delegate to tho ensuing Chartist Convention , " Mr . AN 8 ELL seconded the motion .

      Mr . Peihce thought it necessary that they should have an opportunity of hearing Mr . Jones ' s statements before they proceeded to the election . The Chairman said he conceived that tbe best mode of eliciting the sentiments of Candidates was bj ques . tioaiug them , and he shoula , therefore , be happy to hear any one who had a question to submit . Mr . Beaham asked , was Mr . Jones a member of the National Charter Association , he put the question as he understood not . Mr . Jokes said he had not been until very recently , he had called at the office in Dean-street , a few days ago and found the Executive were absent from London , on a visit to the Chartist estate , and that the Secretary ' s wife , who was in care of the office , could not take the money for the sis months' contribution , or issue a . card . He had , however , obtained the " Hand Book , " left his name and would call again for the card and pay the six months contribution .

      The Chairman said the answer appeared satisfactory . Mr , Jones was unquestionably , a man of talent , his recent address tliat appeared in the columns of the Star , shewed him to be a thorough Chartist , whilst bis : poetical effusions , breathed the purest democracy . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Jones , in an eloquent speech then addressed the meeting on a variety of political subjects , and in the course of his address , made the following observations on thepresent deficient representation ' of the people : —H * said , that in the National Convention he saw a great principle about to fee evolved , the rightof the people to self-government ; and ivben he remembered tbat ' there was not more than about 800 , 000 electors out of the many millions of our countrymen , that every means was resorted to , from secret bribery to open intimidation , to paralyse and nullify the use of the franchise by those electors ; when he

      remembered that place and pension were hut given for party services , and preferment was the reward of political subserviency , —that government has at its disposal twice the amount of places sufficient to influence the majority of the eletced , and patronage enough to bribe a majority of electors ( without mentioning private interest and local in » fluence )—remembering all these things , and thus seeing this shadow of a representation reduced to a shadow of a shadow , he could not help considering it a matter of wonder , that the people of this mighty country should so long have submitted to a system so nefarious , amis , representation so flagrant . ( Great cheering . ) He further alluded to the want of sympathy shewn by the privileged classes towards the working classes . They promised much indeed . They even told us they had already made a beginning . They were enforcing reform . Oh ! the liberal

      men ! What was the result of their measures ? What was the measure of their liberality ? They had emancipated the black slave abroad : —Why did they not emancipate the white at home ? ( Cheers . ) They had sent their church'missions over the habitable globe : —Why did they not purify their Church of England . ( Loud cheers . ) They told us they had cut down sinecures : — so they had . But for one they abrogated , they created ten . There were , somehow or other , always places enough for the portionless younger sons of the aristocracy , and the bribed seceders from the ranks of the democracy , and there aln-ays would be , as long as we wero thus governed . Again , they told us , we were not fit to rule ourselves . We had not tbe intellect , the experience , tbe something or other , he believed they scarce knetv what themselves . Tbey said we were not sufficiently educated . The more

      shame for them then . Why then did they not educate us better f They had had time enough to do so . Why did they in the same year vote £ 70 , 000 for the Queen ' s stables , and only £ 10 , 000 for the education of the poor 1 ( Cheers . ) He would answer those noble legislators , that hereditary and collective wisdom , there was not a man in the far nobler assemblies of the people , who would not make a kinder statesman than the Duke of Norfolk , or a more conscientious minister than Sir James Graham . ( Loud cheers . ) But they still objected , this was not the fault of this class , it was but the fault of the ministers in power . Ministers were transitory things—and , as ^ a class , they would atone for what , as a government , they had enacted . Strange , then , that we had Tory ministries , Whig ministries , Conservative , and so-galled Liberal , aye . Radical ministries , ail taken from their own claa * ,

      and-yet the results of all had been much the same!—How remarkably odd , that they should just have turned up such unlucky specimens ! ( Cheers and laughter . ) Trust to their sjtnpathy , indeed ! To their sense of right as a class . ! Was it harboured by men iike Hobhouse , who opposed a two hours' reduction in the daily a : \ iount of labour , because the revenue Might happen to lose 2 j millions sterling per annum . Down with such sympathy ! Let them save the millions of fellow-beings—keep infants from tho factories and women from the looms—and perish ten times two millions sterling from the revenue . Let the deficiency be made up by a less expensive court , lesssalaried aud fewer officers of state , fewer palaces of royalty , and smaller stables for the royal horses ( cheers ) Or was that sympathy enshrined jn a bench of bishops , who , to the God of Teace proffered thanksgiving for a

      terrible slaughter , but could not offer a petition to parliament for their starving and suffering countrymen . From the bishops , who rolled in luxury , while their brethren in Christ were perishing from want . Who , in the churches , separated the poor from the rich , and smiled on the great man ' s half-empty pew , while the pauper stood shivering ou the stones ( much cheering ) . Mr , Jones , then after alluding : to the Suffrage , the Poor Law , the moral and physical force question , and other points , said he felt it necessary to add a few words on the occasion of liis coming amongst them . Perhaps it was a novelty to have a connection of aristocracy mix with them , but he did not see why , because his forefathers held Conservative opinions , ne was not to hold , and hold sincerely democratic opinions ( hear , hear ) . He thought by so doing he was setting a good example , although he would by no means wish to stand in the way of any veteran in the

      cause who was better qualified than himiclf . Mr . Jones resumed his se » t amid " great cheering . " In answer to questions put by Mr . Aiisell , Mr . Jones said , he would move for or support a plan for the better organisation of Chartism throughout the country , and advocate the sitting of a permanent Couvention during the discussion of any important queSliou ill Pal'liamfent , the sending in Petitions to the Legislature , and attention to tbe Registration of persons who were qualified to become electors , by the holding of property to tho value of £ 10 annually , and otherwise . He thought the law of Primogeniture an absurdity , because it would be ridiculous to punish a man for any crime his father might have committed ; and it was equally ridiculous to reward him for any good deed performed by his ancestors . ( Loud cheers . ) He should not like to soe any party spring up and profess to lie advocates far the principles > mliout tho name , if any did he shouW suspect them .

      The Queriest said , the Complete Suffrage Men were the party to nlioin he had alluded . Me . Jones replied , that he hoped that party would now combine with the Chartists , and form one grand whole . ( Cheers . ) Mr . FttASEit , in an eloquent speech said , that the ensuing Convention would bs totall y different from any that bad preceded it , and for his part he should much like to see Feargus O'Connor and Joseph Sforge on tbe most friendl y terms in that Convention , and u plan adop ted , in which all would march on unitedly for the attainment of the great principles of the People's Charter-( Hear , hear . ) The motion having been agreed to without oue dissentient voice , the Chairniah ( Uolared Ml ' . EaNEgl JoNES duly deleted , amid loud cheers .

      A Subscription was then opened to defray the expence of sanding the Delegate to Convention , for which purpose Mr . Bernard was elected Treasurer .

      Comspnflmce*

      Comspnflmce *

      Limehouse.

      LIMEHOUSE .

      Untitled Article

      TUTS NORTHERN STAR __ Mat 30 , 1846 .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 30, 1846, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1368/page/6/