Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 20th October 1849, Edition 1 of 3, Page unpag, Untitled Article

Page unpag
Page 1
1 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (1)
    • TO THE CHARTISTS.
  • Text (11)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Untitled Article

      My Fiuexds , —I feel assured that the perusal of the proceedings at the recent meeting at Aberdeen wiU give you no email pleasure , but you will be still more gratified when you learn that the Chartists of Aberdeen are about the sternest in principle to be found in the country . A number of tie paltry middle classes refused to take

      part in our proceedings , and the LoKD-PRovosT-the Lord deliver me from sucbaProvost-who lately presented the Freedom of the City to Sir Robert Peel , refused ' to attend , because Feakgtjs O'Craxon was to be present ; and , no doubt , was afraid the gilt would be taken off his PEEL-gingerbread . A great number of the veritable middle class refused to attend , and you will be struck -with horror when you hear the reason .

      The Magistrates , as you are aware , have the power of granting licenses for the sale of spirits , and nearly one in two of the Aberdeen shopkeepers sell spirits . Aberdeen and Edinburgh are the two most priest-ridden towns in Scotland , or , perhaps , in the world ; and , if those persons selling spirits take what they term a violent part in politics , the Ministers—who do not repudiate dnmkenness—interfere with the Magistrates to . suspend the licence . Thus these pious apostles base all their power upon the injustice of partial Justices .

      There is also a large distiller , who is a jusface of the peace , and this fellow ' s policy—if not his politics—is measured by the bushel of malt ; and he , too , is a land of nincompoop Whig . In consequence of this opposition the meeting was obliged to be held in the Chartist Hall , and the first resolution , proposed bv air . "WiLsoy , the Editor of the " Gazette , " - ^¦ an eloquent speakerandsterling Chartistwent to the extent of Universal Suffrage , which after some discussion—but by no means of an acrimonious character—was so modified as to prevent any ( the slightest ) dissension . My friends , I never attended any meeting that gave me more unbounded pleasure than

      that held at Aberdeen on Monday last . But , nevertheless , I told you that I would warn you when I saw breakers ahead . There was nothing occurred at that meeting that was not eminently calculated to promote our cause and I have frequently told you that we had to rely as much upon the integrity of the Press as upon our own energy , for the success of the cause . I can hear any description of obloquy or insult , so long as its effects are merely personal ; but when they . are calculated to damage your cause , then I will not bear them . Hitherto , I have told you , that , of the daily papers , the "Daily News , ' the " Morning Advertiser , " and ihe " Sun" were the only papers that condescended to notice our movement .

      However , ' it would appear that the organ of the party is begmning to feel that they would be "better without Feargus O'Cosxor ; and I think I can establish the truth of this opinion upon the fact that—no matter how I maybe received—no matter how my opinions may lay the foundation for a perfect fraternisation between the working and middle classes ; and although the working classes—that is , the Chartists—constitute the main strength and force of the party—yet the "Daily News " condescends to notice my speech at Aberdeen with twenty- one lines .

      My Friends , I have frequently reminded you of the power of the Press ; and now , finding that the Press—that portion of it which represents this movement without representing the value of Chartist co-operation—appears to swamp Chartism altogether , it is my intention , and that ere long , to establish a daily paper , which shall do even-handed justice to both parties , and , unlike the organ of the

      present movement , shall give a toll and fair report of the speeches of all parties connected with it . I am always ready to allow the greatest latitude to journalists ; and , therefore , I felt not the slightest objection to the " Daily Jfejcs" picking every lying scrap from the provincial journals , that was aimed at the Land Plan ; while , upon the other hand , I have never opposed the humbug

      "FREEDOM FOR THE MILLIONS " plan , least my opposition may give a handle to our enemies . The " Northern Star' always fairly publishes the speeches of the middle classes who take part in those movements , thus exhibiting impartial justice . ¦ In the month of December and January it is my intention to make a tour of the country , and , if I am treated in the same way by the organ of the present movement , to test the value they ( the Chartists . ) set upon a daily organ to represent them ; and , should I fail in the attempt , I will establish it upon my own bottom , as I am determined that the Chartist cause shall never perish . Your faithful Friend , Feargcs O'Coxxor .

      Untitled Article

      PARLIAMENT ARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM . MEETING ATABERDEEN . I th ^ SttJ" ! ' ? d most enthusiastic , and f , S important meeting which has teen held w . n h eea « ] S » e » was held at the Union SSUrf * K # ? lday i . ^ ' in su PP ° rt of the P rinciples of the Metropolitan Parliamentary and FinaniS- * m ^ ssocl ation . The hall , which is the largest in the town , was crammed , although the whole of theseats had been removed from the centre 01 toe building , with the view of accommodating a larger number than could have found seat-room . IP JkT } T . TA > n ? -Vrn i mmm * "

      mere could not have been fewer than 2 , 000 persons present ; probably the number was much larger ; and throughout the whole of the proceedings tlie utmost unanimity and attention prevailed : Sir Joshua Walmsley , M . P . for Bolton ; G . Thompson , Esq ., M . P . ; and Mr .. Coninghatn , late candidate for tne representation of Brighton , and a member of the council , attended as a deputation from the Metropolitan Association . Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., was also present . The deputation was received on entering the hall with loud applause , though from the density of the crowd which had fi fjea the room before the hour of meeting , * , much difficulty was experienced on their part in reaching the platform .

      Mr . J . Macphersos , comb-maker , having been , ' called to the chair , introduced the busiaesr of . the meeting , and the deputation . He expressed regret thatTrom unavoidable causes , the Lord Provost of the city , -whose " sympathies he knew were with them , had been prevented from attending , but he trusted that they would have his aid on a future occasion . The simple object of the association was to do away with unnecessary expenditure as well as corruption in the management of the affairs of the nation , and till the unanimous voice of an injured people was brought to bear upon their rulers , nothing towards this purpose would be accomplished . It was the object of this association to combine all classes , and bring that voice to bear upon the rulers of the country in such a manner as would show them the folly and the impossibility of attempting longer to perpetuate the" present rotten system . The chairman concluded a Jew further remarks by calling upon Mr . "Wilson to propose the first resolution .

      Mr . Wasps , of the Gazette , who moved the first resolution , viz ., — " That this meeting approves of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association , believing that if the objects contemplated by that institution be realised , the people will ultimately be fully , fairly , and freely represented in Parliament . " He said they had met that evening on the assumption that the House of Commons stood in need of being reformed ; a glance at the present composition of that house would show that in this assumption they were right . It contained six marquises , who are eldest sons of peers ; seven earls , ditto ; 26 viscounts , who were eldest sons of peers and Irish lords ; 133 brothers , sons , and immediate relatives of peers ; 56 baronets ,

      related and belonging to the aristocracy ; 26 eldest sons and immediate relatives of baronets ; 85 landed proprietors , connected with peers by marriage ; 47 owners of church patronage , not included in these ; 84 colonels , majors , captains , lieutenants , and cornets ; 63 government officials , 20 sons of military officers , 25 sons of clergymen , besides lord-lieutenants , deputy-lieutenants , and other magistrates , the remaining few being the only representatives of trade , commerce , and industry . ( Hear , hear . ) Now , he was not there to say a word against those men . He did not blame them lor occupying the posts they at present enjoyed ; they were the representatives of a corrupt system of representation , and he therefore blamed the system and not the

      men . ( Hear , hear . ) There were in Great Britain and Ireland about seven millions of adults above the age of 21 : of these only one million possessed the elective franchise . TVith a constituency thus limited and based on a property qualification , what could they expect but a House of Commons that did not represent the people ? The tree was known by its fruits . It was the object of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association to redress this grievance . It proposed to add four millions tothenresoEtroUof electors . ( Cheers . ) That would be a great stfijreained ; but it would do more , for once enrollea , ' the "five millions would elect a House of Commons that would soon enfranchise the other two ; and he must there state plainly and

      honestly that he supported-the . association entirely on that ground . ( Great chettrinf . ) He would join with those who felt that when they could not get 20 s ., they should be content with Ios . in the pound , provided no discharge in full was given . ( Cheers . ) To this extent the resolution pledged the meeting and nothing more . At Norwich Mr . O' Connor said he supported the association because it gave him four of the six points of the Charter , and that a four-legged animal was likely to give him surer footing than one with two . But that depended on circumstances . If one of the legs were lame , he would rather have a good sound biped than a quadruped that could only walk on three . Now , he was afraid that the National Parliamentary

      Reform Association had a lame leg . ( A laugh . ) It proposed to give household suffrage , but it attached a condition that every householder must be rated or claim to be rated for the support of the poor . In Scotland that condition would never do . In Aberdeen , for example , they had 6 , 000 householders . Of these only 2 , 800 were rated for the poor , while 1 , 200 only at present had the elective franchise . By household suffrage nearly 3 , 000 more persons would be enfranchised than by the plan now proposed , but by universal or manhood suffrage at least 10 , 000 working men would be added to the roll . ( Great cheering . ) In other towns the rate-paying clause would be equally unsatisfactory as in Aberdeen ; but in the counties of Scotland it would

      amount to a complete disfrancmsement of many parishes where the constituency ai present was large . For example , iu Scotland there were 8 S 0 parishes . Of these 002 only were assessed , the remaining 278 supported their poor by voluntary contributions or charitable bequests . Now , the rate-paying clause in the scheme now before them would disfranchise all these . ( Hear , hear . ) "With the ether objects of the association , viz ., vote by ballot , triennial parliaments , equal electoral distr icts , and no property qualifications in members , they had no fault to find ; but unless the lame leg were healed the association would not command the support of the people of Scotland . ( Cheers . ) The association also sought to promote financial reform .

      Well , there was great room for working in that department of the State . In the House of Lords , for example , they had 49 peers who were State pensioners receiving annually £ 22 , 635 ; 30 peers , who were military and naval officers , receiving £ 51 , 948 ; 34 peers receiving £ 274583 ; 10 drawing salaries from office and place , £ 10 , 000 ; 20 bishops , who divide amongst them £ 218 , 000 ; 8 peers who are clergymen with livings , getting £ 8 , 000 ; 638 immediate relatives of peers in the army , navy , &c , £ 253 , 200 ; 227 immediate relatives of peers in the Church , £ 138 , 500 ; and 67 immediate relatives of peers in office and place receiving £ S 4 , S 30 all per annum . ( Shame . ) There were only 47 out of 433 peers who had not relatives in the army , the navv ,

      or the Church . ( Shame . ) This also was just the natural fruit of a corrupt system of representation , for if the Commons were bad , the Lords might be expected to be much worse . If the financial reformers could remedy this evil , they would do a great work ; but it was his opinion , and that he believed of the great mass of the community , that this could only oe done by a House of Commons which fully , fairly , and freely represented the people , and that he honestly believed could only be obtained by universal suffrage . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Smart , a working man , seconded the motion . He rejoiced in the establishment of this association , for it ' would not only tend to unite the middle and working classes , but would give them such a

      measure of reform as would secure good government , and lead to the whole people being ultimately enfranchised . ( Cheers . ) The resolution was then put , and carried unanimously . Mr . Hcicmssos moved— " That as the middle and working classes are equally interested in the adoption of just principles , and in the attainment of good and cheap government , we earnestly recommend a cordial union of the two great classes , for such a measures of reform as will secure the full ri g hts of both classes , and realise these desirable obiects . " The simple fact that one fortieth of the

      people of this nation could at present make laws for the other thirty-nine fortieths , was weightier than a whole volume of abstract pleading . 11 was at once reasonable , just , and desirable that the franchise be extended , but the present movement contemplated another object—an object to which he attached much importance—the union of the middle and workiug classes in working out this reform . ( Hear . He knew not a greater evil than that which had so long festered amongst them , in consequence of the liroad line of demarcation which had been drawn ll tween one class and another in this country . •' Hear , hear , " and applause . ) They had heard

      Untitled Article

      much of the evils of caste in India , but let them look at home , whore each class kept creeping into its own cell , and looking out with distrust and alienation on the other . Did they not find the aristocracy—those Corinthian capitals , as they had been called-aftecting to despise the commercial classes , sneering at the cotton lords ; and the commercial classes , in ' their turn , looking with equal distrust on the working classes ; while not a few capitalists appeared to consider the productive classes only as hewers of wood and drawers of water , out of whom it was their business to extract tlMfgreatest possible quantity of labour at the smallest possible price ? ( ' Hear , hear , " and applause . ) The working classes theniselves had , under temptation , sot into wrons

      positions , done wrong things , and made foolish speeches —( laughter)—but were the two classes to meet familiarly now and then , each would find the other not at all so bad as was supposed , He recollected a story of a Highlander who had to travel up a Ml , the summit of which was enveloped in mist —in the centre of the mist he discerned something that appeared to him to be a hideous creature , the uncouthness of which gradually disappeared as he neared it , till at length he discovered that it was his own brother . Let both classes , than , brush aside the mists of prejudice , and they would find that those upon whom they had so long looked with distrust , and aversion were in reality their brethren . ( <« Hear" and applause , k--there was no necessity

      for a rough or defiant mode on the part of the forking classes in asserting their rights ; this only exercised a repulsive influence , but it should be their study , by cultivating and storing their minds , to convince their foulest maligner or their capability Of discharging the duties , and exercising the rights , of free ana honest citizens . Without self-reform all political reform , even if achieved , would be lost to them individually—it would be but twining the ivy round the ruin , and not regenerating the structure . ( Loud applause . ) Mr . pAvin Weight , a working man , seconded the resolution . He was of opinion that the middle and working classes had been hitherto mutually too

      severe upon each other ; and that , in order to atone for the errors of the past , they should endeavour to amend for the future . ( Applause . ) Mr . David Deans , a working man , moved the next resolution : — " That as a means to effect this desirable union , we cordially approve of the national conference of reformers about to be called by the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association , and resolve to send delegates thereto to represent the middle and working classes of this city . " He briefly supported the resolution , which waa seconded by Mr . TV . Lmnr , and unanimously passed . '

      Sir Joshua Waimslet , M . P ., was then introduced by the chairman , and received with loud applause . He congratulated himself . and the chairman on the very numerous and highly intelligent meeting which had assembled before them , and on haying heard a series of speeches which would have done credit to any assembly in the world . Had their rulei' 3 been present to have heard the sentiments which had been propounded from that platform , he could not think but that a good result must have followed . ( Applause . ) It was his firm convictionand few had better opportunities of j udging than himself—that there was amongst the productive classes a great mass of intelligence . The journey of the deputation had been amplrepaid in their

      y being present at such a meeting as the present—it was ample satisfaction . He begged to thank the chairman and the meeting for the reception which they had given , not to the individuals of the deputation , but to the cause , and he thanked them in the name of that association , over which for a time he had the honour to preside . The association sought such an extension of the franchise as would give to every adult man , who is an occupier , or part occupier of a tenement , for which he . shall Have claimed to be rated for the relief of the poor , a right to be registered as an elector . ( Applause . ) It was their wish to secure one simple fail' principle of registration , but in the mea ntime they must adopt some specific plan to enable them to carrv

      out the objects proposed . It was to be . remembered that they had now to deal with those possessed of the elective franchise , and . who were prejudiced against the enfranchisement of the working classes . It was very well for gentlemen to say , " We are for universal suffrage , and we will take nothing less j " but the time when this principle was acted npon had now gone by—{ hear , hear)—thanks to the men of Aberdeen for joining hands with the middle classes , and woe to the man who attempted to interfere with their friendly intercourse . ( Loud applause . ) He trusted that the link which had been broken , but which was now united , would continue united for ever , for the purpose of advancing social and political progress . ( Applause . ) The obiect

      aimed at by the association would augment the electoral body from one to five millions , gathering a large majority of the adult males of the country within the pale of the constitution , giving them as complete a controul over their representatives as they might think necessary , and enabling them to remove the monstrous anomalies to which the oligarchy—the territorial oligarchy—trample on the rights and liberties of the people . ( Cheers . ) At some risk of tresspassing on their time , he would venture to remind them of what had been said of a countryman of their own , Alexander Mackay . In a pamphlet on electoral reform , he showed that sixteen of the largest boroughs , including London , Liverpool , Manchester , Wolverhampton , Bristol ,

      Salford , Leeds , and Sheffield , contain one-half of the borough population in the kingdom , and yet return only thirty-three members to the House of Commons . The other half of the borough population of England returned 290 members . ( Hear , hear . ) There were thirty of these boroughs with fewer than 300 electors in each , sixty-three with less than 400 electors in each , eighty-one with less than 650 each , while in large populous distriets , containing thousands of houses of the yearly value of 10 J ., were only represented through the county constituency . There were eighty-six members returned by a smaller aggregate constituency than that of the Tower Hamlets , which returned only two members—one of whom was his friend

      MiGeorge Thompson . There were , also , sixty-nine nomination burghs , totally under influence . In England there was one member for every 32 , 000 of the population—in Scotland , one member for every 48 , 000—in compliment , he supposed , to the intelligence of the Scotch . ( "Hear , hear , " and a laugh . ) And in Ireland—that misguided , misgoverned , and misrepresented country—there was only one member for every 88 , 000 . ( Hear , hear . ) Out of twenty-three Scotch burgh representatives , nine were sent up by 027 , 000 of the population , and the other fourteen by 355 , 000 . And if the representation were tested by property they would find a similar anomalous result as with population . Some .

      of whom better things might have been expected , advocated an adjustment of the representative system on the laws of property , and even on this system an entire change of the whole system would ensue . The time would come , however , when man as man would stand or fall , irrespective of other considerations . ( Applause . ) The Parliamentary and Financial Association aimed at those ends which , though perhaps not the most desirable , were yet easiest of attainment , and lie congratulated the inhabitants of Aberdeen on their determination to aid in the struggle . The " Corinthian capitals , " — as they have been called by Mr . Hutchinson—were perhaps not with them ; but when they saw by their orderly conduct , by their earnestness and determination , that they were prepared faithfully to carry

      out this movement , —when the tide of public opinion began to flow steadily in the right channel , and the new movement became fashionable—then the upper classes would be with them . ( "Hear , " and applause . ) In the Anti-corn Law League the bankers and great merchants only came in when the movement became fashionable , and so would it be in the present case . ( Hear . ) Again , what had the Scottish constituencies done amiss that the county qualification is fixed at £ 10 , while that of England was fixed at 40 s . ? Was it that the Englishman had so much more intelligence , that with 40 s . he is to be preferred to a Scotchman with £ 9 . 19 s . lid . ? The House of Lords , it has been well said , represents the oligarchy ; and the House of Commons represents the House of Lords . ( Hear , hear . ) Where , then , were the representatives of the

      people ? They were to be seen in the lobbies of the House of Commons , seldom exceeding eighty , and oftener some eight or ten , and ever overwhelmed by the scions of the aristocracy . Look at some of the returns of last sesiion , and sufficient proof of this would be found . Upon Mr . Cobden ' s motion for a reduction often millions from the national expen . diture ( which it would be remembered had increased fifteen millions since 1834 ) , what was the reply ? A Majority against 275 to 72 . ( Hear . ) Mr . Hume ' s motion for the very reforms they were now advocating , was negatived by 2 G 8 to 82 . Mr . Berkeley ' s motion in favour of the ballot was lost by 136 to 85 , and when Mr . O'Connor brought forward his motion in favour of the charter the numbers were ? , 24 t 0 , !; , Ueaf' hear >) Then » a S "» there was Bernal Osborne s motion for reform of the Irish church—that incubus and anomaly which compels

      Untitled Article

      ieven Bullions to pay for the religion of one million —whatwas the result with it ? Rejected by 170 to iu , tact > evci 7 measure calculated to benefit the people to relieve their burdens , or to elevate them in their moral or physical condition , was ; treated with the same contempt and scorn . ( Hear . ) It was the fault of the people themselves that these thing ! wore so . ( Heap . ) But let them henceforth do _? nf ^ he hoskated not t 0 sa y that in . the fhTw ^ vf 60 ? ears the y wou ! d at ) hiev e » 11 that thLmin , ( A ? P laUse - ) Already there were whisperings-already the straws began to moveit was rumoured that ministers were in consultation , and that some groat reductions wer * to tnl- »

      place , a id ver y fit they should ; but this could not « SSJ ! fT " thoufc im P tant iterations in the representative system also . He would not enter upoir the wide question of financial reform , He might , however , ask them what they , -would think if a merchant were selling his tea at Is . Old ., mid the purchaser coming out of the shop pleas ' ed with hl 5 aK A C ] tts ? rmici by a m " the door , who should demand 2 s . 2 * d . as duty-flaughter ) - ' and yet that was the effect of the present taxi The House of Commons , about eighteen months ago , was nearly ; driven from its propriety by a proposal for an increase of 7 d . in the pound upon the income tax , wnueahe-working classes pay 8 s . and 10 s . . nor

      pound ^ Wphe conveniences and almost upon the necessar ^ cfrfixistenco . ( Hear ,, hear . J . JWlwnAhc aristotiswy nianagedto substitute indirect ' for di& ' ct taxationj they succeeded in shifting the burderTbf taxation from their own shoulders to those of the working classes ; but once get it shifted back again , and they would soon have economy and retrenchment . In conclusion , the hon . gentleman said , — Gentlemen , this is my first visit to Scotland . ( Loud cheers . ) I hope . it will not bo the last . ( Cheers . ) Though I cannot expect my present vocation to continue long , still it will last for time , and if necessary , I will visit every borough in Scotland , England , and Ireland , rather than that this

      movement should fail . ( Loud applause . ) I have seen in coming through your country the manner in which your land is tilled , and it is certainly superior to anything that I have seen in England , except in small patches . ( Hear , hear . ) We are proud , as Englishmen , of our soil j you may well then be proud of your men as Scotchmen . Gentlemen , it is to Scotchmen that I now appeal—I appeal to the real energy and perseverance which has enabled you to cultivate many barren soils , and to make the wilderness blossom like the rose . I appeal to you to carry out , on the samo principles , the great , the good , and the just cause for which we are associated . ( Loud applause . ) Let a voice so forth from

      the men I see before mo through the length and breadth of the land , and if you speak , as 1 know you will , and in every way exert yourselves in aiding and promoting this movement , it cannot be long withheld . ( Applause . ) Gentlemen , I feel that I have taken up too much of your time —( " No , no , " and applause )—especially as there are others to address you more eloquent than myself . I protend to no eloquence , but simply to an honest , earnest , firm determination to carry this measure , come what may , and with your good aid wo will carry it . ( Loud and continued cheering . ) Mr . O'Connor then stood forward , and was received with much cheering . He rejoiced

      to see the rose , the thistle , and tho shamrock thus blended . ( Cheers . ) He rejoiced in what he had seen and heard that evening . Only one mistake had teen committed . Mr . Hutchison had mistaken the cause for the effect ; that was all . He had stated that the want of comfort and education among the working classes was their own fault . It was no such thing . It was the result of mis-government and oppression . ( Cheers . ) The working classes of Scotland were more intelligent than the middle classes of England , and the middle classes of Scotland more intelligent than tho aristocracy of England , and God knows that was not saying much for them . ( A laugh . ) Every man knew that all are horn with propensities that might he nurtured into

      virtue , or thwarted into vice , according to his- training . ( Loud cheers . ) And to prove the assertion , any man to-morrow might so educate and train the Princess royal , as to make her a drunkard , a prostitute , a liar , and a thief ; whereas if the experiment was tried to establish the truth of the assertion , the same man may so educate and train tho child of a murderess , a prostitute , a dr-nnkard , a liar and a thief , as to make lier abominate vice and bo a pattern of " virtue . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Wilson had eloquently and graphically shown that the House of Commons did not represent the people , and a glance at a few facts regarding the county franchise would make this yet more plain , and would also full y explain the cause of the recent continental revolutions .

      Those revolutions never would have occurred if the people in those countries were allowed to develope their moral power ; but when tyrant oppressors denied to the improved mind those changes which were rendered necessary by tho developement of knowledge—then there was no alternative left to the oppressed , but the substitutien of physical for moral power . ( Hear , hear . ) But they—the wellinstructed men of Scotland , knew their order were ever the greatest sufferers by this lamentable substitute , as those who used them to attain their own party triumphs , when conscious of their power , were tho first to diminish

      that power . ( Cheers . ) Well , it was against the feudal system that the people of this empiro had now to contend ; but Mr . Wilson , who had most eloquently and unanswerably explained the result , of that system , by his graphic description of the elements of which both Lords and Commons was constituted , had omitted to explain the basis of tho feudal system . This was no fault of him ( Mr . Wilson ) , who had done his own work well , and upon the principle of co-operation , had left other speakers to do their share . Mr . Wilson had shown tliem how a few idle sons and relations of peers shared annually amongst themselves

      over 1 , 100 , 000 Z . of the public money . He had very truly described how the House of Commons was constituted ; and now he ( Mr . O'Connor ) would explain tho basis of that constitution , and would show that the balance of power was still in the hands of the feudal lords . ( Cheers . ) In round numbers , there were about 400 , 000 county voters , that constituted more than one-half of the electoral body who exercised the franchise . ( Hear , hear . ) The whole of that number—whether

      they held leases or nofr—were more or less subfc £ } L the ca P rice ' of the landlords : while 108 , 000 were mere tenants-at-will , constituting over twen ty-five per cent of the wholetherefore holding the balance of power-even if the majority could be independent-and upon polling-day were driven like sheep to themarket . ( Loud cheers . ) Was it not an anomaly —nay , au absurdity—that those 50 / . tenantsatrwill , may vote for a representative for seven years , but could not vote to keep their farms , out of which they voted , for more than

      one year { ( Laughter . ) Well , the feudal system was upheld thus-colonels , majors , captains , and juvenile lieutenants—all looking for promotion , and all paid out of your pockets —sat behind their respective patrons , cheering their rubbish in the expectation of promotion , while they knew as much about legislation , as an Irish pig does about geometry . ( Laughter . ) in talking of Ireland , let him call their attention to the condition of that miserable country , mat land was bowed down , oppressed , and enslaved by the feudal system . ( Cheers . ) There was sympathy for the tyrant landlord , 1 h 0 ° PPressed and starved the poor ; and death tor the poor who dared to resist their

      aggressions , and to preserve life by the only means in their power-the preservation of the toodproducedb ytheirownindustry . ( Cheers . ) Ihe inducements to revolution were of an extraordmary nature ; they were always justi-

      Untitled Article

      fied—no matter how atrocious—when waged against the people ; they were always treason —no matter how justifiable—whoii waged by the people . ( "Hear , hear , " and cheers . ) They read their Bible , and that Bible told them that , > - ' Theywlipilieclby the . sword nre hotter than they who perish from hunger , for their bodies pine awav stricken through tor want of the fruits of the field . - * ( Hear , heari ) Now , it was to destroy tho abomination of this feudal system that he had devoted his time and energy ; and to show them how" groat its power still was—although professedly destroyed by tho Reform Bill—if

      there vas ' a general election to-morrow , by this over-balancing power that he had described , the Protectionists would return a large majority to the House of Commons , and that fact , and not Lord John ' s lovo of justice , would bu tho basis of the extension of the suffrage hehad promised , and the extension that he would bo compelled to grant . , ( Cheers . ) Then what were the means by . which the people could accomplish . such a change in the franchise as would for eiteivaestrp ^ an d annihilate those mim ' Bterial tw ^ its ,, which-vwere merely acquiesced inKJ ^^ res ^ v ^ ibgvbalance of power , each for their own party—that change was

      UNION between- the veritable middle and working classes . ( Loud cheers . ) And let him explain his notion of that union and Lord John Russell ' s notion . When Mr . Hume made his motion for Parliamentary Reform , both Lord John Russell and Sir George G-rey complimented him ( Mr . O'Connor ) upon the fact , that his definition of the Suffrage and the Equalisation of Electoral Districts , was more candid , ingenuous , and understandable than that of the lion , member for Montrose ; but neither his ( Mr . O'Connor ' s ) candour nor ingenuousness , induced the noble lord or the right hon . baronet to vote for his

      proposition . ( Cheers and laughter . ) But he was too old a soldier to be caught in such a trap , and he voted for the instalment of the hon . member for Montrose . ( Loud cheers . ) He did this as well from a conscientious feeling of his duty , as to prove to the working classes that' neither vanity , ambition , nor ministerial laudation should induce him to be a stumbling block in the road to progress . ( Great cheering . ) It was upon their disunion that ministers relied to uphold their power ; and , perhaps , the best proof he could adduce of the consequences of disunion would be to show that it sometimes preserved a

      charm . Once upon a time there was an Irish Roman Catholic clergyman , one of the most pious , humane , and kind-hearted men that ever lived . His house was ever open to the needy , and he was ever present at the bed-side of the sick . His esteemed character led all to believe that he could charm . He was removed from his own parish to a wealthier living , and the parishioners , amongst whom it was his future lot to live , believed him capable of doing anything . The following month of April there was very boisterous weather , raining and blowiug , hailing and snowing , and the parishioners resolved upon asking his reverence to change the weather . A deputation

      of seven waited upon him for the purpose ; he did not deny his power ; but said he would receive the deputation separately . When the first mail presented himself his reverence said : " Well , Tim , what kind of weather do you want ? " "Wisha , your reverence , " replied Tim , "but the ewes are yeaning now , and I'll like a little sunny weather for the lambs . ' ' " Very well , Tim , " was his reverence ' s reply . When the next man was introduced , his roverenco said , " Well , Darby , what weather do you want ? " " Wisha , your reverence , " replied Darby , "I ' ve just got tho ' praties , oats , and barley in , and but I'de like a dash of rain without

      tho wind . " The next was introduced . "Well , Jej-ry , " said his Reverence , " what kind of weather do you want ? " " Wisha , your Reverence , " replied Jerry , V I ' ve just got the corn thrashed , and I have my ront to pay , but 1 can ' t clean it out of doors , the weather is so wet , and I'd best like a good brisk breeze without any rain . " Well , tho other four were introduced in turn , and no two of the SCVen having agreed , his Ileverencn called them all in together , and told them that it was not in his power to givo them seven sorts of weather—that if they would all go homo and agree upon one kind , they should have it . ( Tremendous laughter and cheering . ) Now he could not more faithfully illustrate

      the manner in which both "Whig and Tory governments preserved a charm of their power—it was by the disunion of the people . ( Loud cheers . ) That disunion was now , thank God , dissolved , and tho people had combined , as bad men had conspired against them —( cheers)—and , if he could prevent it , neither trick nor art should dissolve that union . Now this Reform Association had agreed upon one description of organisation , and , therefore , his reverence , Lord John , would lose that charm which he might have preserved , if , like the seven Irishmen , the squeezing party held soven different opinions . ( Cheers . ) Sir Joshua Walmsley had complimented them upon the state of agriculture m Scotland ; but

      he ( Mr . O'Connor ) would ask them whether tho poor labourer—whose . sweat , and sinews , and marrow had been expended upon giving the country such a cheerful and magnificent appearance—had his fair shave of the produce ? ( Cheers . ) Sir Joshua Walmsley had also said there would be an end to the Charter now ; but he ( Mr . O'Connor ) repudiated such a notion — ( loud cheers ) — and God / forbid that he should stand upon the platform in antagonism to the propounder of this great and mighty movement , while he would feel equally disgraced if he gave his silent assent that we were to hear no more of the Charter . ( Cheers . ) Why both hon . members ( Sir J . Walmslov and Mr . Ci

      Thompson ) voted for the Charter —( loud cheers)—and surety he was not going to deny tho justaess of the principle by repudiating the prudence of the yote . ( Cheers . ) He had every reliance upon the integrity of Sir Joshua Walmsley , and the party with whom he was connected —( cheers )—but while he was more than proud in . being ablo to eo-opoi'ato wj th them for tbat large measure of justice , which could not take the shackles off the then enfranchised without also knocking them oft' the still unenfranchised , that society should have his unpaid services until their object of full , free , and fair representation of the people in the Commons Uouse of Parliament was effected . ( Cheers . ) Let him now

      give them a more extensive illustration of tho term " union . " The Scotch people had no state church , poor rates in Scotland were not levied as in England —but he would , nevertheless , show them the perfect identity of interest that existed between both countries upen these two questions . Mr . Wilson had touched upon this question , but lie had not told them that the bloated lawn-sleeved bishops and peers in the House of Lords were patrons of very nearly 3 , 000 livings . ( "Shame , shame . " ) Now . tho maionty of the funds arising from those livings were national property , belonged to the poor , but by our feudal system were appropriated to the kmdiy use of the rich . This description of property

      produced over 10 , 000 , 000 ? . a-year . ( " Oh oh ' ) Xnn n ? ° r ^ ! ast >' l ) orduced > ° ve / ? o ° Mni ' , Those two sums making over 18 , 000 , 000 ? . a-year ; and if we had free trade in legislation as those revenues aro national property , they _ should be applied to state necessitv and expenditure , and your excise , and customs and taxes upon all the necessaries of life should he proportionately reduced . ( Loud cheers . ) He was glad they understood that , as his great object was to show to the people of the empire the great social benefits that would result from political equalitycheers and

      ( . ) — that those social and political changes neyor could be effected except by a thorough union . ( Cheers . ) Sow , let him go further to desenbo the consequences of the present system . Did they ever reflect upon the fact , that the working classes were , by Divine law , and by Common law , tho veritable owners of church property and poor rates ; and have they ever taken into account tho expense of bvulding and managing poor law bastiles—of building and managing gaols and court houses-of building and managin g barracks , police-stations , lock-ups , and all the forocious establishments that are only rendered necessary to

      Untitled Article

      ? * i ^ j& * L o ^^^^ __ uphold a vicious system ; to suppress moral powo py physical force , in order tkat tho rich may live upon tho plunder of the poor ? ( Loud cheers . )' Had thoy ever reflected upon the fact , that tho vast sums expended upon those abominations would place every father m his own sentry box , in tho middle . of his . own labour field ?—( loud and tremendous cheeringj-thus reducing competition ' . in the labour market ,- and making everv able-bodied man a willing volunteer to fight for tbo preservation of * constitution which , upheld rind defended Insrightaas ' aman ;'• ( Ghcers ;) But this , let him assure them , never could , bo effebtti'd . by any reduc- " tioh . intne ' natioHal ? exj ) p 5 fidlture ; Ka ^ proposed 1 by t ) ie Financial ifefprmeMfMsMch as , if the v had a

      reduction of 10 . Oflp , p 0 OZ ;? dr ¦ 20 , 000 , 00 « . to-morrow , the working classes would hot derive a particle of benefi t from the change ; but he cordially cooperated with the association when they adopted the just means to . achieve the required cfid—viz . , such arepreschtationof the people as would givothfim then- fair share in every reduction that took place , i j ot-t ho working classes bo but represented , and tney would hear no more of physical force . The Uartists were driven to desperation bv oppression Z ?»™ J ° -i »* <> vothemtorevolution , becauso Uiey felt they had no other means of Raining their , )» st rights . What had led to the revolutions on the continent but the refusal to grant concessions until it was too late ? And what could prevent a revolution

      m this country but timely concessions from the ruling powers ? ( Cheers . ) By a union of the middle and the working classes they would squeeze all they wanted . out of tho beggarly Whigs . He confessed thut his principal motive " in joinm" the movement was to get a squeeze of Lord ' jolin . " He knew of no man so little iu mind and body as Lord John Russell , lie was a viper , a gnat , a little wasp—( laug hter)—and there had not been a greater , 'iphohler of infamy in tho Constitution than Lord John Russell , sinco tho Reform Bill hail passed ( " Oh , " and " hear . " ) He wanted to see Lord John turned to tho wrong side of tho table , that there lie might bite , and sting , and buzz about the ears of tho Protectionists , who wore now rising , and who , if J dissolution were to take place to-morrow , would have a maioritv in tho new hnnsn Tf wi ^« n

      gloriud in that he had abandoned public life . He had done so , and was despairing , when this new movement arose , and that gave him new life . ( Hear , ) Whenever he heard of it , he revived ; life eame into his body ; his neires were a » ain strung , and then ho said ,.- "Away with those Gabbling dreams , for Feargus is himself again . " ( Laughter and cheers . ) And so ho was , and he would " "o through Scotland , England , ' Wales , ay , and Ireland , to ad vocate this question , that he might give the little man a squeeze when Parliament met again . But he would have no more physical force—no more Chartist imprisonments—no more amendments of the Charter on such a scheme as that now before them , and by a union of heart and hand they would triumph in tho end- ( cheei-s)—and Scotland would be herself again . Her people would be happy in their native land ; and

      Urcatlies there a man with soul so dead Who lierer to himself hath said , This is my own , my native land . Mr . O'Connor resumed his seat amidst tremendous cheering . Mr . Cosykoham protested in some degree against what has been said b y the last speaker . They had been told that the middle classes were the enemies of the working classes . On behalf of tho middle classes of Brighton he was there to deny that assertion . The middle classes might have * been mistaken in their dealings with the working classes , but he felt perfectly assured that they were actuated by the most friendly feeling . ( Cheers . ) Mr-Conyngham then stated the eireumstances under

      which he had contested Brighton at the-last election , and contended , that as he had the show of hands at the poll , although he sot but 900 votes at the election , he was virtually the representative of the people of Brighton , and on this ground they had a strong claim on him to seek the extension of the franchise to every man who had a house or tenement for which he paid , or claimed to pay , rates for tho poor . Ho believed that some error prevailed regarding the extent to which the franchise would be enlarged under the plan proposed by the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . Jfot only did it propose to give tlie voto to every person that had a tenement and paid a poor-rate , but to every person who might claim to be rated for the relief ot the poor : and it must he

      an essential clement in the Kew Reform Bill that a claiming clause should be inserted . He had no intention to detain them with any lengthened remarks , but he could not sit down without reminding them that they could not carry on this agitation successfully without the sinews of war . ( Hear . ) Though not called upon to say so , ho felt it right to state that a subscription had been opened , nnd lie had no doubt it would bo well supported . Let them give their sixpences and shillings towards the fund for advancing this great cause , and they would soon succeed , for such means not only would they prove their earnestness , but would most effectually cement the bond of union between the middle and working classes , now so suspiciously begun . ( Cheers . ) ( Continued to the 5 thpage . )

      Untitled Article

      THE LATE CONVEXTIOS AUD ASSEMBLY . We , the members of the Chartist Executive Committee residing in London , desirous-of seeing tlie debts of tho late Convention and Assembly honourabl y discharged , call upon our brother Chartists to forthwith collect and forward the necessary monies according to the following scale : — ., , - < J . £ s . d . Aberdeen ... 2 0 0 Manchester .. 4 0 0 Ashton ... 1 0 0 Marylebone , Pad-Bilston and dington and District . „ 2 0 0 Somes Town 2 0 0 Blackburn ... 1 0 0 Mid-London , Bradford ... 2 0 0 includin g the Birmingham City and and District 4 0 0 Finsburv ... 200 Barnsley ... 1 0 0 Nottingham ... 2 0 0 Bristol ... 2 0 0 Northampton 2 0 0

      Bolton ... 2 0 0 Newcastle-upon-Dundee ... 2 0 0 Tyno ... 2 0 0 Dudley ... 1 0 0 Norwich ... 2 0 0 Durham ... 1 0 0 Oldham ... 200 Edinburgh ... 4 0 0 Preston .. 100 Falkirk ... 1 0 0 Paisley ... 2 0 0 Glasgow ... 2 0 0 Rochdale ... 10 0 Greenock ... 1 0 0 South London , Hyde ... 2 0 0 including Hull ... 2 0 0 Greenwich ... 2 0 0 Halifax ... 2 0 0 Sheffield ... 2 0 0 Hanley and Stalybridge ... 1 0 0 Potteries ... 2 0 0 Swindon ... 100 Lynn ... 1 0 0 Stockport ... 10 0 Leeds ... 2 0 0 Tower Ilamlets 2 0 0 Liverpool ... 2 0 0 Worcester ... 10 0 Lancaster , „ 1 0 0 "Wi gan ... 100 Macclcsfield ... 1 0 0 Warrington ... 1 0 0

      Post Office Orders ( made payable at tho Blooms bury Post Office ) must be addressed to Mr . Thomas Clark , 144 , High Holborn , London . If , after paying the Printers Bill , any surplus should remain , it will be handed over to the National Victim Committee , or be otherwise disposed of as the Chartist body may determine . We trust that the local councils , and active Chartists generally , will take steps to raise tho money , so that the Printer ' s Account may be at onco settled , and the honour of Chartism be thereby conserved . Fjsaiigus C'Cosxon , Sihum . Kydd , Philip M'Gkath . Thomas Clauk , G . Julian Har . net , William Dixon ,

      Edmusd Stallwood , James Gbassdy , Henry Ross . [ Not having had an opportunity of consulting my colleagues , I do not understand on what grounds to Edinburgh has been allotted the raising of . £ 4 , and to Glasgow only £ 2 . It appears to mo that £ 2 is as imich as can be reasonably required from the Edinburgh Chartists . Keighley is not included in the above list , but a letter has been received at the Star office from the democrats of that place statin " that they will pay their share as soon as informed ot the amount . Our Keighley friends will do well to send as much as they can , according to their means , as it is morally certain that themoucy will be wanted . —G . Julian Harnjsy 1

      Untitled Article

      Ikdirect Taxation by the Game Laws won the Poor Laws . —Two cases of game-law trespass latel y occurred at Stonehaven , aiui both the parties charged ( who had large families were convicted , lhey were put into Stonehaven prison for the longest period of imprisonmen t allowed bylaw , the consequence of which is , that the famil y of the one was thrown upon the parochial board of Fetteresso , and tho other upon that of Laurencekirk , during their respective periods of imprisonment ; so that tho ratepayers , directly and da facto , pay the expense of keepinc ; these parties in gaol , and their families while they are in it . Few people are aware that we had so many preservers and suDnortorsof thr > < mmft

      aws ! In the Fetteresso case the man had not killed anything—he was found b y the under-ffamelioopoi' in the near nei ghbourhood of a " gim •' " ' the JoSer " 5 CaUght "fc 1 IalJ " S l'eeu > and is a notorious Oon iBAxsATUHiic brethren take matters coolly incNeiv England Washmgtonkm ( Sept 151 has Hie following : _ ' < Our readers must excuse the lack of fs Son i niaUei" t ^ P 1 > esellt »«««» . C' « & )? hn 1 . \ nga P . ub 1 C mcctlI 1 S in another jeetionol &r . 'Junior' is « WM 5 tiSon& the White Mountains . " /^ . - ~\ p- ~\ fO , LXROUTION OP THE Cu ^ t ^ W 3 tffift and Muiider . -t 1 us crinunaftoWlio . m'fr ^ ibwW ot death was passed at tb % 4 ^^ $$ ft | ti $ Mrt assizes for the two-fold criifflS * ti ^ P ^ 4 SftU was publicly executed on Tu&daYpfr ftp € w County Prison , Aberdeen . Y \ \ r \ >^ CM £ \ f f fef ?) W&y

      Untitled Article

      THE MATHOX ESTATE . TO TEABGrS o ' cOSXOB , ESQ ., JI . P . Dear Sin , —The undersigned have requested me to write respecting the purchase of Mathon . It is thought that the purchase may be completed after the following manner : — £ 2 , 000 deposit paid , the amount that has been paid by purchasers money in the Bank , belonging to the Land Company , and the remainder to be borrowed . We think the balance required need not alarm you for the result , for there are plenty of purchasers when you are prepared to give the title and possession , bnt they will not part

      with their money before ; and those , like myself , must be satisfied to pay a per centa ^ e for such accommodation . I hope a favourable result , as I am preparing to make up the amount to purchase the quantity for which I have paid a deposit . Sincerely hoping this splendid Estate may be retained , -we beg to subscribe ourselves yours faithfully in the good work , James ILuisixg , "Whuam Aixhj , Samuel Phblfs , Thomas Xewell . City Arms , Worcester , October 1 G , ! Si 9 .

      Untitled Article

      MY FBJESDS , In reply to the above I have merely to say , that you do Hot appear to understand ihe nature of Land purchase . You are not aware that every farthing of the money must be paid l ) efore I can receive possession , and that it would be impossible for me to give title until I have got possession ; and , I think , that if it is not impossible , it is , at least very

      improbable , that I would delay making those titles for a single day . I can only repeat ¦ wha t I have frequently stated before , that if the people in the neighbourhood themselves are not prepared to purchase such an Estate they deserve to be slaves ; while , I am happy to state , that we have got some new purchasers in consequence of my being able to get an extension of time for payment . ? *¦ Faithfully yours , ^ Feakgus O'Coxxok .

      Untitled Article

      llHl TmxsroBTiTiox of Cokvicis . —On Saturday , in lii Bbnsequence of the refusal of the Colonists at the I 8 g | ape and Sydnev to receive convicts from England , |§|§ ders were issned from the Home Office for the i § P »» victs now waiting to be expatriated , to be for-Ilflpded to Jtoretoa Bay and Norfolk Island . To >^ $ S latter P 1 ?^ a body of 200 out-pensioners of ^ Qfielsca Hospital are about to be sent out . Most tlSaovantageous offers have been made to these men them locate Sorfoik Island

      ^^ Mginduce to at ; on the || l || jigHage out they will act as a convict-guard , and on ^ ' sSg-tJrtir arrival in the settlement perform duty as niili r | || i l * y colonists . The number of convicts awaiting ^ lil Sinsportatien is 1 , 400 . •^ Sli& PERSox who styles himself Major George Gor-£ lSl ! a £ BfcBvrOD , and claims to be a son of the famous lt §! lSl& . of Xewstead Abbey , has arrived in Xew York . ! pl § Bttiia $ issued proposals for publishing all the secret p ^ iSBwIpondence of that personage , to be complete in * SW « iiSrolumes , and claims to he actuated by the rig&S&Rfc filial affection !

      To The Chartists.

      TO THE CHARTISTS .

      Untitled Article

      "Onwardand we conqner , Backward and we falL " " TBE PEOPLE'S CHAETER Am ) NO SURRENDER . "

      Untitled Article

      LaMDJATIONAL TRADES JOIIINAL .. '

      Untitled Article

      gJLJ ¦¦«* mm , tama mm ^ . m ,. ¦¦ :,. Iffi&SS ^ m' . ^ *—*—" —¦—¦— - - -Hi —m—i ^——^ ~ . .:- ,-. ' ' ¦ - ¦ ¦¦ -y . - ' ,-- ¦ -. ¦ ¦¦ .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 20, 1849, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1544/page/1/