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Northern Star (1837-1852), 5th October 1850, Edition 1 of 3, Page 5, Untitled Article

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    • —-^w — jiattotwi aa«n arompflitff*
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      Untitled Article

      AMELIORATION OF IRELAND . aaiffssss ™ oShResided ove rononeccc ^ on by apeer nHSfjIawal . andheldinthefasWble Sorer-sqaare Booms , ^/™ *«* thinly attended ; and , having heard nothing of the Society since that time , we feared that , like many other well-meant attempts to improve the condition of the SiBter Isle , it tad fallen io the ground .

      It was with no Bmall degree of pleasure , therefore , that we read , the other day , an interesting report of proceedings at the Bog of Allen , which proved that our fears were unfounded , and that the Society had made gore and steady , though noiseless , progress , with ita beneficent and much-needed p roject Perhaps it had succeeded all the better for being bo quiet . The evils that afflict Ireland have been too much talked

      about . The plans for their removal have , in too many instances , also began and ended in words . A determined , -working , silent association , bent upon accomplishing its objects , 1 b a novelty in Irish movements ; and , entertaining as we did at the first , a high opinion of its capabilities , we are happy to find the promoters have exercised so much practical judgment in their proceedings . enumerate the

      It is unnecessary for us to varied and long-existing causes which have combined to'disorganise Ireland , and reduce it to its present position . The evil that haB thus grown up—not as a whole , or in a single night —cannot , in a single day , be overcome . No wave of a fairy wand can cover her surface with smihng ^ harvests , and a prosperous happy population . ' Step by step , that c onsummation must be attained—if ever . Mr . JASPER

      TLobers , the orig inator of this Association , seems to have successfully taken one important step towards the regeneration of his country . The Society has undertaken what , at first sight , appears a paradox and an impossibility , and what , if performed , will he admitted to be among the most difficult and useful tasks to which human enterprise can be devoted . It proposes to make something out of nothing , or rather , we may say , out of a combination of too nothings . Ingredients which are useless , -or even noxious , when separate , are to be rendered highly valuable by being brought toge-~ ther . Between the foul refuse of the London

      sewers , which at present poison the Thames , and cuts off more thousands annually by typhus than were slain at Waterloo , and sour sodden mosses , which spread over thousands of acres , thirty feet deep , constitute the "Bog of Allen , " there appeared little connexion . Modern science has made the important discovery that , by bringing them together , the junction is at once simple and profitable . The Society based upon this discovery , promises to work it out , and . thereby to secure a large share of two of the prime blessings of life , health to the town , and wealth to the country , by one and the same operation .

      Charcoal is known to possess the peculiar property , in its various forms , of arresting the process , and neutralising the effluvia of decomposition in organised substances . These effluvia in crowded cities are the chief concommitants if not the original causes of infection , and their existence renders the removal and disposal of the accumulating refuse alike disagreeable and difficult . The

      old modes had confessedly failed to effect the object , and the researches of chemists called into existence a class of chemical re-agents called "Deoderisers , ' with the view of supplying a remedy for great sanitary defects . Many prescriptions were , thus easily prepared which had the property of fixing'the valuable gases , and thus rendering the resulting compound innocuous . But , generally speaking , £ he £ e included different metallic salts of a

      highly poisonous character ; and m order to promote the rapid and general use of such re-agents , it became an object of the greatest importance to find some deodorising ingredient not destructive to vegetable life , so that thenauseeus effluvia might be removed without destroying the value of the mass as a manure . Mr . Rogers , by successive and diligent experiments , demonstrated the fact , | that charcoal possessed these combined qualities in the highest degree , and also led him to the conclusion , that of all charcoal , that made from peat was the cheapest and the best On that fact the Irish Amelioration Society was based .

      The great vrant of Ireland is immediate profitable employment for her people at home . In Ireland it is calculated that three millions of acres of bog , of the most dreary and desolate appearance , offer their illimitable supplies of peat , for which , when converted into charcoal , London alone , if properly managed , will furnish a demand for more than 2 , 000 , 000 tons annually . The lowest cost of -wood charcoal in Englandis M . a town . The society expects to make a good profit out of 30 s . With such an extensive demand , and so wide a margin in price , it will be strange if a profitable and new trade be not speedily established between the English metropolis and the " useless " bogs of Ireland .

      The society has made an active beginning . The visitors invited to the inauguration fete saw the humble and simple commencement of operations which , if successfully carried out , ~ wSl do more for the elevation of the people of Ireland than a thousand years of wordy agitation , by men -who know nothing of practical industry , and constructive organisation for reproductive purposes . The Tery simplicity and inexpensiveness of the preparations for

      prosecuting their labours , form with us a strong reason for believing in the success of the undertaking . There are no costly preliminary preparations , involving the investment of a large amount of capital , before any return can be realised . There is equally little interference with the previous pursuits and habits of the people who are to be employed . If improvement comes afterwards , it will come , naturally and progressively , out of the improved circumstances in which they are

      placed . Three wooden erections , so lig ht as to find a foundation on the spongy bog , with a few plank huts , sufficed to contain the requisite apparatus , and to shelter the 400 men , women , and boys , who are already employed in cutting the peat That is done by a regular system , by Avhich the labour is not only oreatly facilitated , but rendered much inore ° healtby and pleasant than the ordinary way . The waterlogged cakes , after being cut , are first dried as fer as the atmosphere will dry them , and then charred in iron retorts , separated according to qualities , and packed in bags for the English market The labour employed is nearly the

      sole cost of the article produced , and . the returns , after deducting the dividends to the shareholders , which are limited b y the charter of incorporation to six per cent , will be distributed in the shape of wages among the Irish people . Mr . Rogers , in his speech , stated that the charter " almost imposed" the obli gation npon the Society to establish 200 stations throughont Ireland , for the same purpoae and in the same pattern as that presented to the visitors . If this were done , and the same proportion of persons employed at each , there would be immediate , direct , and profitable employment supplied for 80 , 000 individuals , betides the numbers who would find a livelihood

      in the various occupations consequent upon £ be transport and sale of the commodity . There where a far more secure investment 3 han Austrian or Russian bonds for British

      Untitled Article

      MINISTERIAL "REPUDIATION . "

      The " repudiating" Btates of America have passed into a bye-word of reproach among the gold-worshipping middle classes of this country . They are excessively sensitive in their breeches pockets , and can fully comprehend the enormity of robbing prosperous , well-todo money-lenders . What is sauce for the gander is , however , not sauce for the goose . When the investments of the working and poorer classes are concerned , these " comfortable" people feel not the slightest horror at " repudiation . " They rather like it , if it appears , to save them a few shillings , and if they do not audibly applaud the Minister who perpetrates the swindle , think in their hearts he is a very clever fellow .

      We have , upon various occasions , shown the unjust and dishonest position of the Government towards all Savings Banks . By special Acts of Parliament these Banks are sanctioned by the Government , the people invest their savings on the faith of that sanction , and the State , by other Acts of Parliament , takes the exclusive use of the money thus invested . Yet , though the connexion , the advantage and the responsibility is thus clear and distinct , the Chancellor of the Exchequer repudiates . Governmental responsibility to all Savings Banks , while he leaves them exposed to all the dangers and peculations incident to their present organisation : with what disastrous results , Rochdale and other cases too well show .

      The case of the Cuffe-street Bank , Dublin , has , however , a peculiar and striking aspect . However inconsistent and unsatisfactory may be the relations between the Finance Minister and these institutions generally , these relations may admit of argument , if not justification . Bui ; with the Cuffe-street Bank there can be neither . The investors in that bank have been directly led on to rnin by the conduct of the Government . The case , as proved by the evidence before the Select Committee , and not denied even by Sir Charles Wood in the House of Commons , is an exceedingly plain one . In 1831 , the National Debt Commissioners were aware of a

      serious defalcation in the bank , but refused to interfere in the manner they were required to do by the act . They again refused in 1838 . In 1848 they were again pressed to interpose , but they repeated their refusal . The ground on which they justified this repeated breach of duty , was , that a panic would be created by their interference . The panic came , as might be expected , in spite of their abstinence . A run was made upon the bank in 1848 , and it was found to be completely bankrupt . To meet liabilities amounting to 65 , 000 / ., there were assets a few shillings over ninety pounds 1

      The depositors applied to Parliament . They established a clear and distinct claim for payment of twenty shillings in the pound , and after fencing with the question in the most disreputable and dishonest manner for two Sessions . Sir Charles Wood proposed last Session to pay 30 , 0007 . towards making up their losses , not as a right but , as a " char ity . " The Irish members , assisted by not a few honest English members on both sides of the House , refused " charity" in such a case .

      Either the depositors had a claim , or they had not . In the one-case we were bound to pay twenty shillings in the pound ; on the other , we set an inconvenient precedent in such cases . If , out of charity , we gave ten shillings in the pound to the losers by the Cuffestreet bankruptcy , why not to Rochdale—to every other class of claimants of a similar kind % While , however , they repelled the name of charity , they did not refuse the money as an instalment , and so the 30 , 000 L was voted .

      Voted—but not paid . Sir Charles does not like to part with money to poor people . If a Royal Duke wants a , few thousands , he is delighted to oblige him . If a slice of the people ' s park is to be stolen and walled off , he will furnish the means for doing so with the utmost alacrity . If stables are to be built for a royal child , who may never live to use them , the cash is ready ; but to pay even ten shillings in the pound to poor miserable creatures , who have lost their all by placing faith in Government—that is not so easy a matter .

      The depositors were naturally drawn to Dublin in the hope of getting the instalment of ten shillings voted by Parliament , on the motion of the Finance Minister himself . They found nothing there for them . The Lord Mayor of Dublin , therefore , applies on their behalf to the Exchequer , to know when the money will be forthcoming whereupon Sir Charles has recourse to another intensely shabby and dirty dodge , with the view of escaping from further payments . He coolly replies that , " as a preliminary to the payment of the dividend , he expects the public to make np the rest by a subscription , and that , as a matter of course , the Lord Mayor will head

      the list , to set an example to othere . " Now , when it is recollected that the gentleman thus addressed was one of the most determined and unflinching advocates of the full claims of the depositors , the astounding impudence of the Chancellor ' s proposal will be seen in all its audacity . Mr . Keyxolds , to his credit , sturdily refused to take part in any such proceeding ; and rightly , because he would thereby have damaged the unquestionable claims of the depositors to a payment in full . He very properly , therefore , stuck to his claim , and demanded the ten shillings voted by Parliament ; and so Sir Charles at last , having exhausted his tricks and evasions , now hints that he will move in the matter , and set about paying .

      This delay and shuffling shabbiness increases the disgust which such conduct was calculated to produce from the commencement . It tends to sink the whole of the Government still lower in the estimation of every man with a spark of justice in his composition , and to produce a national sensation of shame , that our country is disgraced by so ineftably mean and contemptible a Government . They seem as if they had been cutout for thimble-riggers or petty larceners , and placed in their present positions by some inexplicable mistake . When a Government thus evinces the absence of all sense of

      self-respect and of that dignity which should characterise men in their high position , their end ifi at hand . They can have no moral influence either at home or abroad . The only thing that can sustain them is force , and that is a weapon eure to break in the hands that wield it . A few more such illustrations of the Whig principle of Government : war upon the weak —submission to the strong—a few more examples of lavish and unstinted grants to those connected with the p riviledged classes , coupled with injustice to the poor , will , we trust , fill up the measure of their iniq uities , and reliev e us for ever of a ministry which is , in everv sense of the word , a national calamity .

      Untitled Article

      "WIXDIKG UP OF THE LACEY FUND .

      , committee has the pleasure of announcing nat the object for which it was appointed is © b-D Damel y » to collect a sum sufficient to conuey jure . Lacey and her family to Win . Lacey , in Australia , and also that there is a balance in hand . TWk i g t books mu 8 tbe ^ Dt in immediately . The balance sheet will appear next week . « u p «» i , t t Dbnbt Wiiks , Secretary . 24 , Rochester-street , Westminster .

      Untitled Article

      Fog thb Wbbk Ending Thursday , Ociobkr 3 rd , 1850 . p /) rf * iBti WINDINGUPOF THE 1 MB COMPANY , lteceived by W . Hideb . —M . Oates , Sheffield 6 d—Thos . John , James , Frederick , Maria , and Marj Ann Stone , Newbury 3 s—Mr . Dsbson , Newbury Gil—Mr . Taylor , Newbury Gd--Messrs . J , G . J . and Mary An « TomlinBon , Foston Gate 4 s—Souft Shields , per W . Gilfillan 15 s—Bolton , per J . Fickrance 7 s GA . Received at Land Office . —John Dore Is—D . Elgood la H . Rowley 3 d—G . Boan 2 s—Mr . Leeson 6 d—J . Elphiuson 3 d—Mr . Bent 6 d—Mr . Woner 3 d—F . Stone 3 d—T . Chap , man 3 d . £ b . d . Received by W . Rider .. .. 1 11 0 Received at Land Office .. .. 0 6 3 Total JSI X 7 3 THE HONESTY FUND . Received by W . Rider . — Messrs . J . G . J . and Mary Ann Tomlinson , Foston Gate 2 s—Bolton . per J . Pickvance 6 d . £ 8 . d . RecefredbjW . Rider .. .. 026 AGITATION FOR THE CHARTER Received by John Abnott . —Air . Lawrence , Tower Hamlets , per W . Davis 7 s—Win . R . Sharp , per Mr . Morinff Is—J . Knight , Manchester Is—T . Ecesilesley , l ' endleton Is—Tiverton , per W . Kibbeyl 2 u—R . Le Blond ls-F . Crump Is—Edinburgh , per George Bremner 11 15 s—Todmorden , per J . Firth Is—Willie White , Manchester 6 d-Seven Red Republicans , Thorpe 7 s . FOR THE HUNGARIAN REFUGEES . Received by W . Rideb . —Sheffield Young Men ' s Improvement Society , per T . Hague 8 s—From Abergavenny—T . C . Ingram Is—Bruce Ingram Is—C . Beams Is—T . Goby 3 d . FOR POLISH REFUGEES . Received by w . Rides . —E . Todd , Newcastle Is . —Received by John Arnott . —From Greenwich—Mr . TVilshcr , 6 d—Mr . Enticot 6 d—Mr . Munday Cd—a few Sympathisers , Bridgewater , per J . Staples 5 s . FOR MRS . LACEY . Received by John Aenott . —Pendleton , per Mr . Robinson Is 8 d . FOR THE IRISHMAN NEWSPAPER . Received at Land Office . —G . W . Is . TRACT FUND . Received by John Asnott . —Portsmouth , per E . Nobbs , 3 s 6 d . DEBT DUE TO MR . NIXON . Received by John Abnojt . —Pendleton , per Mr . Robinson 3 d . - VICTIM FUND . Received by John Abhott . —G . Greenslade 4 s 6 d , THE CASE OF THOMAS JONES . Received by John AbnotT . —Mr . R . Le Blond 10 s—J . Rogers 4 d—J . Wilkie 6 d -H . Witks 6 d—G . Wilks 6 d—W . Freeman 6 d—Mr . Morpeth 6 d—a Friend Gd—A . Henderson 6 d—Mr . James , per G . Wilks Is—Kentish Town ( part proceeds of Concert ) per Mr . Moore 7 s 6 d—West End Bootmen ( Haby ' s Meeting , ) per Mr . Ilarrap 12 s . !

      Untitled Article

      CHARTIST INTELLIGENCE .

      MR . JONES AT ABERDEEN . ( Concluded from the first page . ) According to the previous announcement , Mr . Jones delivered a lecture in the Union Halt , on the evening of Saturday , September 28 th , arid the Hall was again crowded . Mr . George Smart in the chair . The subject of the lecture was " Bread and Freedom ; showing the political and social causes of the prevalent misery , disease , and crime , and the effectual means of its removal . " The lecturer showed , in the most convincing manner , that the causes of the prevalent misery is competition and the monopoly of land and machinery . He showed that free trade , by placing the overtaxed workers of this country in competition with the light taxed operatives of foreign lands , was increasing our

      misery , by reducing our wages to enable our manufacturer to undersell the foreigner ; that the people of other countries were beginning to manufacture for themselves , and that our foreign trade must soom suffer . He said , that the present gleam of prosperity in the manufacturing districts was in consequence of the unsettled state of the continent ; creating a demand for English goods , but this would soon pass away . He showed that emigration , by taking away from the country the men who had some small capital , was only adding to the evil , by taking away so much money from the country , which would otherwise be spent at home . He showed that machinery , by displacing working men , and thus creating surplus hands , enabled the employer to reduce wages to the starvation point . He thought that emigration would be a good thing if lawyers , parsons , bishops , and the grade a little higher still , including all the idle aristocratic

      portion of society , were bundled out of the country . He would like to see competition among lawyers and bishops , if it was a good thing , as they said it was . His remedy for prevalent misery was the land . He showed that a family could be supported on two acres of land ; and he stated that there were eleven acres to each family in the United Kingdom , and though some would say that two acres were not sufficient for a family , none could say that eleven acres was not enough ; and yet hundreds were starving , and more particularly in that unhappy country—Ireland . Isolated societies of working men was not the way to remove distress , for , so long as they did little or any good , they would be tolerated , but as Boon as they became formidable the government would sweep them away . They must get political power before they could get the land . The Charter could be got by union and determination among the people . Let each one become a member of the National Charter

      Association , and little more remained to be done . Mr . Jones brought out a number of important and convincing facts during the lecture , which must have made a powerful impression on the audience . He was listened to with marked attention , and sat down warmly applauded . Mr . TV . Lindsay moved a resolution condemnatory of a vulgar and contemptible paragraph , in reference to the meeting of the previous evening , which appeared in the Aberdeen Herald of that day . The resolution was seconded by Mr . Deans , and was carried by acclamation . Mr . Deans then moved the thanks of the meeting to Mr . Ernest Jones , which wa 3 seconded by Mr . Fiddev , and carried unanimously amidst great cheering . Mr . Jones returned thanks ; and , after a vote of thanks to the Chairman , on the motion of Mr . Jones , and three cheers for the Charter , the meeting separated .

      Mr . Jones has done immense good in this city , and he has left an impression that will not be soon effaced .

      Untitled Article

      m PE R S E CUTIO N OF CHART I S M A T GREENWICH .

      The Wat Tyler locality , anxious to have a plaoo in which working men could freely assemble , entered into a written agreement for the use of Addis ' s Academy , Church Fields , for Sunday and Tuesday evening . They accordingly issued out bills , announcing their opening meeting for Tuesday evoniug , October the 1 st ; but on arriving at the doors they were barred against the public , and two members of the " force" were keeping guard over them . A written placard stated that by proceeding to the King ' s Arms Tavern , an explanation of the circumstances would be given ; but as soon as a few friends entered the large room of this Tavern , the waiter announced that no Chartist meeting could be allowed there , as " 'twould put master ' s licence in

      danger ; " and a considerable number of persons were stopped at the door by a person believed to be the landlord , who told them , " They could not go up staivs ; lie had ordered the gas to be turned off . " On this , an adjournment took place to the Globe Tavern , near the Lecture Hall . Mr . Bligh was called to the chair , and said , he had hoped to have met them in the intended Working Man ' s Lecture Hall . His friend , Mr . C . Jeffrey , and the Wat Tyler locality , had taken the Academy in Church Fields , and held in their hands a copy of the written agreement on which they had paid a deposit of five shillings , at the timo the agreement was drawn up , with an understanding that the remainder was to bo paid on the 28 th of September , on which day , before twelve o ' clock ,

      Mr . Jeffrey attended and tendered the money in presence of witnesses , but the money was refused . They had attended that night at the specified time , when they found the doors locked and bolted against them ; however , they had been advised to take proceedings in the shape of au action for damages in the County Court , which advice they intended to follow ; they had engaged Messrs . O'Brien , Ellis , and other lecturer . , had printed bills , and incurred other expenses , which they were resolved not to lose . ( Hear . ) --For the future , he trusted that working men would combine and get ground , and build Halls for themselves , and thus prevent a recurrence of similar circumstances . ( Hear . ) aHd tho

      Mr . Jeffrey read the copy of agreement , acknowledgment of tho receipt of the five shillings deposit , and said he had six persons who witnessed that he tendered tho two pounds fivo shillings on Saturday last , according to previous arrangement . Mr . John Arsoii moved ,- " That this meeting recommends Mr . Charles Jeffrey , and tho Greenwich friends , to institute proceedings in the County Court , for the recovery of damages caused by the breach of agreement to the amount of ten pounds ; and that this meeting pledges itself to aid Mr . Jeffrey and friends in the prosecution of the same . ' Mr . T . Jeffrey seconded the motion .

      Mr . Wild warmly eulogised the patriotism of Mr . Jeffrey , and supported tho motion . Mr . Hooper warmly concurred in the motion , which was put , and carried unanimously . Mr . Hoopeh then moved , — " That a subscription be now commenced , to aid in carrying on the action . " Mr . BoiMB seconded the motion , which was carried , and the sum of nine shillings , collected .

      Untitled Article

      Jeffrev \« i ,- moved a yote of thanks t 0 Mr - Chas eSrJnrt ' ^ « " *«»» *•>• Prwent and vtl i oceasion , in behalf of democrady . ried 1 iSXg ?* 84 the m ° tiOn ' WM 0 h WaS car " friends so &" ^ k d ? S hted to fin ( J W » Jnln * dly aidln S them in his attempt to put down tyranny , and to establish a home for democracy in the borough of Greenwich . ( Cheers . ) hoar . Br ™ teri « O'Brien said , he had certainly been somewhat disappointed , but not surprisod . as he had been similarly served on several occasions . trll *? ? t 0 fin ( 1 that they had resolved not to suDmit to such treatment , and that proceedings re about to be instituted for damages in the County Court ; although Courta of Law were not always Courts of Justice , but frequently only 22 ? ° , " ( Lau S * er . ) Yet this ease appealed so clear , that tho judge could not deliver a decision against it without damaeini ? himeelf . TWi . "TO- .

      in ™ f T * He trusted the P ° P lewould hecome ? , ? *? " I " oto interest , get a piece of land , and duiw a hall for themselves ; and as there always h ! % nn *»* pn » teJjr , plenty of men out of work , !! , , » U £ U mi « ht Ga 9 ily be effected . ( Hear , " ? " ) . » was the duty of the labourer , the media-JS-V ^?" 8 h ° P « epers , the clerks , Ac , to unite together , as the landlords and monoy-mongers were their natural enemies . These swallowed up nine-tenths of their earning , whilst taxes and tithes made an inroad on the remainder ; hence , it was the duty of the people to stand by and protect each other . He would not take from the HI ¦ u £ orce ' what he wanted was , that they should not be allowed to obtain more wealth by the means than that which they now held wasobi * - \ , at ProPerty . henceforth , should only be obtainable by honest industry ; land , &c , being national property , the lew securing : its products alike

      CO ail wno labour with hands or head . ( Cheers . ) A vote of thanks was given to Mr . Bligh , and the members of the Wat Tyler locality , for the services they had rendered to Democracy , and the proceedings terminated .

      —-^W — Jiattotwi Aa«N Arompflitff*

      — - ^ w — jiattotwi aa « n arompflitff *

      Gkoroie Mills . —A meeting of members was held in the School-room on the 26 th ulfc ., when the following resolution was adopted : — " That the last Conference having been adjourned until the decision of the Court of Queen ' s Bench , relative to the registration of the said Company , should be known , which decision has now been given , joined to the dishonest and unmanly course pursued by a number of the loca ted members , we are of opinion that it would be a prudent step for Mr . O'Connor to immediately call that Conference , in order to bring tho affairs of the Company to an equitable adjustment . "

      Untitled Article

      NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . T . S . Duncombb , Esq ., M . P ., President . Established 1845 . " fut j ustitw . " "If it were possible for the working classes , by combining among themselves , to raise , or keep up the general rate of wages , it need hardly be said that this would be a thing not to be punished , but to be welcomed and rejoiced at" . Stuabt Will .

      The termination of another quarter of a year in our progress offers itself as a fitting occasion for reviewing our position , of instituting a rigid investigation into our past policy and practice , of vigorously maintaining and extending such portion of it as has resulted in strengthening and popularising our movement and in rectifying and reforming any portion of it which may be considered injurions or inutile . The Central Committee , under the usually adverse influence of a demand for our additional contribution , protracted something beyond their anticipations , have great cause for

      congratulation in the fidelity and unexampled constancy of the bodies forming the association . The few and immaterial instances of desertion , ( which in any case , we hope and beliere , will prove but temporary ) , is amply connterbalanced by the adhesion of the Sadlera and Brass Wire Drawers of Birmingham , and the Glass Bottle makers of Hunslet , near Leeds . That a larger number of Trades have not joined us during the quarter we think may be readily accounted for , first , by the unavoidable interruption to the system ofpropagandism , so successfully carried out by the

      Committee in the early partof the year ; and , secondly , from the fact , that many trades are waUing the issue of tho Wolverhampton strike , upon the result of which may depend their future policy . The punctuality with which the Trades in connection with us have remitted the additional levy for the "Wolverhampton men , -we believe to bo unexampled in the history of Trades Unions , and is the strongest evidence of faith in our principles , and of confidence in the Central Committee . It is an experiment which the committee were very desirous of testing ; one at all times of

      a dangerous character , and © ne , which they are sure will very rarely be required for the future . A large increase to the numbers of the association will render additional levies unnecessary . We believe we shall be in a conditition almost immediatel y to relieve our members from this additional tax . The Wolverhampton case wears , at the present time , a most favourable aspect . Tho extent of the committee ' s liabilities is now pretty

      accurately ascertained , and the prospect of getting the men into employment becomes every day more probable . The Tin trade was never known to be in an healthier position , and we have great reasons for believing , that a large number of those now on our funds , will find employment in a few days in London . A draught of seven selected men arrived in London on Monday night , the committee paying their travelling expenses , and their lodgings in London , until they get employment .

      With a view of promoting their comfort , the seven first vacancies in the New Model Lodging House in George-street , have been secured for them ; the accommodations in which are not to be met with in a private lodging house . In addition to an excellent and strictly private bed room for each individual , the establishment provides for its inmates every facility in the shape of a large kitchen , cooking apparatus , day-room , with newspapers , and a selection of useful and entertaining books , warni

      and cold baths at the trifling additional cost of one penny per bath , and all this at a charge below that of a fourth-rate public house or lodging-house . The men have also hy this arrangement , the additional comfort of being all together , and thus by a system of cooperation economising their means , and enjoying the indulgence of their own society . When these men have succeeded in getting work the committee will be prepared to invite . up another detachment .

      We would now calmly and seriously ask the Wolverhampton masters , how they like our arrangements . We would ask them , what expectations they can have , that when the sulky fit has worn itself out , as it assuredly must , that these men will leave good shops , and good wages , to again submit themselves to their tyrannical exactions ? It is the duty of the Central Committee , to find immediately eml

      poyment for these men , and no considerations of ultimate inconvenience to the employers will induce them to pay men to bo idle in Wolverhampton , if they can procure employment for them in London or elsewhere . What effect the withdrawal of half a hundred of wor . km . ou from the labour market in Wolverbamptou may have upon the Yalue of tho labour left behind , remains to be seon ; but if there is truth hi the Free Trade doctrine that

      " to make a thing dear it is is only necessary to make it scarce , " then do ; ve think that those Wolverhampton gentlemen are pursuing a very ( suicidal policy , and that the operative tinmen , will , perhaps , before another year , feel themselves warranted by circumstances , in printing anew edition of " the Book , " revised and amended for the year . 1851 , and that we Bhall again have the p leasure of inviting their acceptance of it , aiid with far greater prospects . of success than upon the recent occasion . To those very respectable and rapidJ- y extending firms , Messrs . Walton , Brother / j , and Messrs . Shoolbred and Loveridge , wb oso generous conduct throug hout this unpleasant struggle presents flucli a > striking

      Untitled Article

      contrast to their neighbours , we would venture to suggest tho aound policy of their embracing the opportunity which now presents itself , of securing the services of a large number of those men whom tho avarice and obstinacy of the Perry clique have so thoroughl y disgusted . We are aware that they have already taken on several of our men , but not perhaps to the extent which existing circumstances would

      justify . There is a very great probability that a large number of orders which these foolish men are rendering themselves incompetent to execute , will find their way to their warehouses ; and wo should bo deli ghted to find in this game of speculation , which all trading operations resolves themselves into , that they were in a position to take an honourable advantage of the gross blunders of their rivals .

      The unjust incarceration of Haines , and the other mad pranks of the liti gious Perry , have very much promoted our cause , by tho thorough and unmixed disgust he has created ; there is scarcely a man , possessing the unconstrained power of locomation , that has not willingly left his employment , and in a very large majority of cases where parties had been cajoled into entering into his disgraceful

      agreements , they have embraced the first opportunity of giving the requisite notice , with a full determination of leaving at its expiration . In the meantime , we have the satisfaction of knowing , that from the Land ' s End to John O'Groats the materiel is not to be found to fill up the vacaEcies in his workships caused by his intense selfishness , the vice of so large a portion of his class , ingrafted from a natural proud , mean , despotic , and obstinate

      disposition . We hope that Mr . Thrustan and Mr . Fearncombe will see the wisdom while an opportunity offers for them , to get back their hands , of withdrawing from this dishonourable alliance , and no longer to permit themselves to be dragged through the filth of this very dirty piece of business , at the instigation of the Perry ' s . Let these two worthies divide between them

      the whole glory and honour of the disgraceful triumph , or tho shame and ignominy of a disgraceful defeat , for disgraceful to them is the whole transaction , however it may terminate . ' But even that is no longer problematical . Bight years since £ 3 , 000 was spent fruitlessly in an attempt to compel these PerryB to act justly to their men . It has been said that that contest cost Mr . E . Perry about an equal sum , but if his statement has been correctly

      reported to us , "that his acceptance of 'the Book' would make a difference in his profits of £ 400 a year , " being the difference between the prices he pays and what he ought to have paid , then has he during the last eight years amply reimbursed himself for his previous losses , and that too at the expense of his men , who may debit themselves with £ 6 , 200 as the costs of the strike of 1842 , and which extended over a period of nine months .

      But how different is now the relative position of Mr . Edward Perry and the tin-plate workers . On this occasion—to speak figuratively—under judicious generalship they have but fleshed their swotds , and they have their chief opponents hors de combat . Upon this occasion , they ( tho tin-plate workers ) have chosen their own time and circumstances for the fight . Tho chances are all in their favour ; with an exhaustless military chest , they no longer depend as formerly upon the extraneous and necessarily limited produce of their foraging parties . Their

      opponents have not now as then , an orergorged labour market whence to recruit their forceB . Our allied army , if not large is compact , united , and disciplined , and already are we in a position to convert the active operations of our brief campaign to a close and rigorous blockade , until the redoubtable Perry ' s will be constrained to surrender at discretion , From every locality are we receiving the strongest assurances of continued support , with an equally unanimous desire that we relax not in our endeavours , until we have achieved a complete victory . We shall religiously fulfil our duty . William Peel , Secretary .

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      TRADES OP GREAT BRITAIN . READ , HARK , LEARN , AND INWARDLY DhGEST . ' Fbllow Workmen , The Central Committee of this Association claim your earnest attention to a short statement of its origin , its organisation , its objects , and its results . For your own sake ; for the sake of those dependent upon you , for the sake of the present and future welfare ofyour class , listen to us : —listen , think , and act ! It i 3 not necessary for us to tell you of the constant downward tendency of our class in the social scale , the result of less wages for more work , and

      the consequent irresistible force which is ever driving us towards the gloomy gulf of pauperism . You know all this as well as ourselves . You know also that neither individual prudence , energy , and good conduct , nor tbe united efforts of our local trades unions , have been powerful enough to arrest this gravitation to poverty , destitution , and ruin . Despite of our brave protracted and desperate strikes —despite of our enormous sacrifices of time and money ; capital and machinery in the hands of a monopolisms class , have always ultimately triumphed over the individual operative , or the locally united manual labourers .

      Why is this ? Because , within the last half century there have been brought into action new mechanical and scientific : powers of production , which have totally revolutionised the condition of the working classes . So long as the market was dependent for tbe supply of commodities mainly upon the productions of manual labour , the workmen could exercise considerable influence upon it . They had , to a large extent , the power of regulating prices in their own hands , by means of strikes and internal trade regulations , they could apply the principle of supply and demand for their benefit , and through the limitation of apprentices , regulate the supply of labour , and of the goods produced .

      That time has passed away ; Watt , Hargreaves , Arkwright , and their successors in practical invention have given a new aspect to the industrial world . Human labour , by being brought into direct competition with automaton . workers fabricated by the machinist , and set in motion by steam , has become a comparative drug . The control of the workman over the markets and over prices either of goods or wages has beeii destroyed . The large capitalists and machine owners hold his destiDy in their hands , as long as this new state of affairs is not met by adequate and appropriate measures on the part of the industrious classes .

      The National Association of United Trades , onginated in this conviction . Its founders saw clearly that it was sheer madness for any small section of the army of industry to attempt single handed to cope with the gigantic and universal power of capital and machinery . Defeat , certain , bitter and ruinous defeat , could be , can be , the only natural and ordinary termination of such unequal contests . If labour is to stand upon independent and equal grounds ; if it is to be rewarded according to the value of its share in the production of wealth , andnot according to the necessities of the workers , it is through the medium of a national organisation alone .

      Upwards of 100 delegates from every branch of inr duatry and from every district of the empire assemr bled in London on Easter Monday , 1845 , under the presidency of that noble and disinterested patriot ,. T , S . Duncombe , Esq ., M . P ; ,. to discuss the means-by which such an important and vital idea could'be carried into practice . These delegates after determining the principles on whicb this great naxiokui labour lkaoub should be based , committed the duty of preparing a Bimple and adequate organisation to a committee of the mo&t experienced and able men among them , with instructions to gresent the constitution and rules so prepared for the sanction of another conference . In the month of June in the same yoai , tba constitution , as prepared by the Committee , received the sanction of a Conference , equally numerous and powerful , antt a working staff was ejected ; to carry it nto effect .

      National Industrial Union in connexion with MORAii FOttCJt is the fundamental prinoiple of the Asscciation , strikes and turn outs are only resorted to when , all attempts at arbitration nnd mediation , upon terms honourable and just to both parties , fail . In these mediations the Associated Trades have the advantage of the personal services , and experience of the members of the Central Committee , aided by the moral and pecuniary power of a National Organisation . We need not point out , in detail , the ' superiority of this mode of dealing with disputes between employers and employed , over the old system . It may suffice to say that it appeals , in tbe first instance , to the higher and better faculties of our nature , and , there-

      Untitled Article

      fore , hag a greater chance of securing a just and amica ble settlement < rf the difference .. In the second place , it brings to Dear « pon the minds of employer * a powerful public opinion ,-which has a marked and wholesome influence upon thefr conduct ; and in ths tow , instead of having to deal with their own hands , . or the workmen of their own town , whom they may intimidate , cajole , tet by the ears , or overreach , tliey have to negotiate with men accustomed to such matters , and possessed of the knowledge , experience , tact , and independence which naturally gravy out of such position .

      The past career of the Association has fully borne out the expectations of its promoters , as to the efficicy of this mode of action . During the five years fiat it has been in existence , it has won hy mediation alone , a series of victories for the trades connected with it , unparalleled in the history of any otKer industrial union , Large reduction ? ! and in convenient and irritating altercations , have been prevented ; wages have been raised , and disputes amicably settled in HUNDREDS OF CASES , AND IS ALMOST EVERY branch of industry , at a cost of money-outlay far leas than has often been fruitlessly thrown away upon a single month's strike of one trade .

      When strikes and turn-outs have been absolutely necessary they have been conducted with order and discipline , under the best legal advice , and with every advantage that could be derived from a thorough knowledge of the industrial condition of the country at large . Whenever the law has been perverted or stretched by ignorant or partial magistrates , the Association has stepped in to fight the oppressor with its own weapons , and to throw , for the first time , the shield of the law between the struggling workman , and those who have hitherto made it but " the instrument of some new tyranny , that every day starts up to tDBlaye us deeper . "

      Had the tradis rallied round this Association as we had a right to expect , it would long ere this time have been looked up to as a general arbitrator in all eases of dispute between masters and workmen . Even with the limited support it has received , we have either successfully resisted reductions or raised wages , in the cases of cotton spinners , power-loom weavers , silk pickers , and various descriptions of fac « tory operatives . Block printers , framework , knitters , locksmiths , crate makers , sawyers , chair makers , sawyers , chair maker ? , wire drawers and wire

      weavers , tinplate workers , plumbers , paper makers gun makers , nail makers , joiners , coopers , shoemakers , stone masons , lath splitters , hatters , shipwrights , salt rock miners , chain makers , and in fact every kind and variety of trade and occupation . We have done this with comparatively small means , and a narrower field of operation than we anticipated . It rests now with the trades at large whether , on the basis of our past experience , and with the proved and tried efficacy of the Association , they will enrol themselves under a noble president , in a just and honourable national federation , whose motto is ,

      " A Pair Day's Wage for a Fair Day ' s Labour , " to be secured through moral , constitutional , and peaceable measures only . Feliow Workmen ! The machinery by whicb our Association is carried out , 13 of the most simple and expansive description , the constitution offers the most ample and equitable terms to all the Trades on the principle of Mutual Assurance . We do . not in * terfere in the slightest degree with the internal management of separately Organised Trades' Bodies in the provinces . That ia left entirely to the local officers elected- by the members themselves . In order to join the National Association , it is only

      necessary for any trade to signify its intention to do so , and forward therewith sixpence entrance money , for each member , together with twopenee in the pound on the average wages earned in the trade as struck by the members themselves . These graduated con * tributions have to be forwarded monthly to the Central Office , by the local officers of each trade , and in return they can command the services of the Central Committee in case of any dispute , and where strikes or turnouts are imperative a liberal weekly allowance is paid in proportion- to the weekly poundage on the average wages . Thus- all inconvenient interference with local business is avoided , and the full advantages of national co-operation are secured at the same time .

      The books are carefully kept and audited every quarter of tbe year by an eminent public accountant , and a full financial report sent to every trade in connexion with ( he Association , so that they may hare complete and correct information on all pecuniary matters , and be enabled to exercise a watchful vigilance and control over the funds . On Whit-Monday in every year , a Conference of delegates from the various trades , is held in such , town or city as may be agreed upon at the previous Conference , when the whole affairs of the Association are subjected to a rigid scrutiny , any proposed alterations in the laws and management discussed , and the Central Committee and officers-for the ensu ing year elected ; thus giving the Trades , through their delegates , a direct and complete control over the whole of the proceedings .

      Such , Fkllow WoitKMEN , are the justy ample , and easy methods by which you may combine in your moral , intellectual , and pecuniary strength for the improvement ofyour condition as a class . But the Association with this great and paramount object in view does not stopwith the mere regulation of wages , though its attention is directed to that in the first place . It has prepared plans , based upon careful and practical calculations by which the ruinous tendency of the competition of manual labour with machinery may be neutralised . The magnificent and beneficent idea of its founders was to law the foundation of new and superior social and

      industrial arrengements-by the adoption of the self * employing principle , and the combination of the surplus capital and labour of the trades- for their own sustenance , health , education , and enjoyment . We shall readily and gladly supply any trade with the full particulars and descriptions of the planaby which , we propose to establish Working Men ' s Home Colonies , upon a large scale , and thus emancipate them from the thraldom of capital in the hands of individual employers . It needs but a ripened opinion in favour of such establishments to call them : into actual existence ; all the means- for doing so are in our own hands .

      Fellow Workmen ! . ' We will not insult you by making any appeal to your passions after the statement of facts we have submitted for your consider tion . If these facts have not produced in your minds an earnest desire to know more of * an institution , which has weathered storms that have overthrown numerous other Trades Societies ,, which has conferred such large andtfar-spread bsnefita upon various sections of the ^ industrial community :, which is based upon such equitable principles with respect to payments and benefits—which pursues its objects by such temperate , but firm and determined means , and is , in consequence , so successful—and which is pre * sided over by the most distinguished'champion of labour in the British Senate-then we have nothing

      more to say . Any addition would in fact be useless . But we do entertain the hope and belief that it 13 only necessary to bring before you these facts , and to indicate to you > thus briefly the immense , surpassing , and permanent advantages whioh our Association places within the reach of our class , in order to induce you eagarly and thankfully to avail yourselves of them . We know that sore and pinching poverty , conjoined with the diffusion of knowledge by the cheap press ,. has taught you to think seriously over your present condition and future prospects . . Our plans are the living embodiment of the

      intellectual and-social aspirations-of English labour . They are suited for the transitional period through which we are passing , and the meaimn our possession . Oh Brothers ! Arouse yourselves from apathy ! Put away the petty divisions vjhieb . render you , with . the strength of agiant , weak as-a pigmy . Enrol yourselves in the ranks of tho National Labour League , march under the standard of Real Libehty we have raised ; By union , knowledge ,, and bold , but peaceably-directed efforts , we shall achieve the glorious object in view , and emancipate labour in peace , with the general consent and good will cf all classes of the community .

      ————Copies of the Constitution and Rules of the Association , and all other requisite information , can be had'on application at the offices . Signed by order of the Central Committee , William P ^ as , Secretary .

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      Pauper Labour . —Tbe Sheffield papers contain a report of the proceediisgs of the poor Jaw guardians of that union with -respect to tha employment of pauper labour . Two or three yeass ago , as will be recollected , they leased from tho Duko of Norfolk somo fifty acres , of moorland ' about six miles from the town , and . converted it into a parish farm . A substantial house-, capable of accommoda * ing 120 persons , was built ¦ with all the-appurtenances , at a cost ot £ 1 , 7 00 w £ 1 , 800 . During the whole period in which this experiment has . been in progress , upwards of SOO heads of families have found casual employment on tho farm . The result of tho first year ontailod 11 loss of £ 43 ,, but whatpvopo * tion this loss bono to the cost that would have fallen upon tho taxpayers had the velief afforded to the

      numbers ,, who had been thuafurnished with labour , been given in the workhouse , is not mentioned . But it is expected that th& produce of tbjs , the second year , will cover tho oost of maintenance to those who have been employed upon the farm ; and there is every prpspcct » nulling by tho results of tho second as compared with the first year , that the- tlura and fourth years will show a considcwblc surplus over tho entiro oxpenso of the establishment iLe experiment is interesting , chiefly as evin c e e rfti { f fact that pauper labour can be made re ^ SjJ | Vp | 5 | 4 sps !§ llite \ Stranf The gold is embedded in tpSWiP ^ f cA ^/ l for bulk and vflue it is unequalled ' mmmm ^ f - ¦ d fie & " « 1 > eaohed ^ cwnt ^ lpP ^ O T . 91 bs weight of 24 caret gold , WJr § % fr&M

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      t ion of a lasting alienation Iretweenthe people ana their raters . At present Queen Victoria ias much reason to exclaim , " Save me from sny [ Whig ] Mends !" . «___;__ i »«»* wmmm « * 1 m » mmmln

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      capital ; and , in the midst of tho numerous plans devised for the improvement of Ireland , we hope that one bo eminently practical in itself , so moderate in its demands , and capable of conferring such immediate , substantial , and wide-spread benefits -will not he lost sight of . The abuses of Irish landlordism abolished , and the Irish people employed , Ireland will become a great nation . munful ' and . in the midst . f \ f iUn . <*»> .. *>»<»/» ,,.

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      _ ¦ m - j ^ - ^—^^^^——— - - n __ ^ L | ^— in mm MONIES RECEIVED October 5 , 1850 . m | a | n THE NO RTHERN STA * JL _^ 6 ¦ u ¦¦ 1 ¦¦ ? MflMIEft QCftCltlCn ^^^^^ " ^^^^^~ " ' i""n ^ r r . ^ ' ^ HB ^ a ^ wMg ^ B aafaM ^ aM ^^ apwMftwB a ^ n ^ nftS B—a ^*

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 5, 1850, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1594/page/5/