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Northern Star (1837-1852), 19th October 1850, Edition 1 of 3, Page 5, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      T ^ Jno ^ other meetings Landlords and legislative mouthpieces of the country parts wechangedflieirtone , and instead of preachfne theuselessness of exertion -with Free Trade Sices , repeated , lite parrots , the homilies of LFree - TradeJoumals . Mr . Cobden , Mr . BKicfcT , nor the Economist could not have ]* en -more earnest in their eulogies on the CS 2 = £ S& ? SS OT n »

      Xteecbat Burj , c haracter , ^ accustomed eloquence , the tone of £ ™ «* - Ajng but despondent ; and , though ne was aware of the apparent inconsistency of - such advice with the views habitually inculcated by its organs , justified himself by asserting that fhe Bury district was an exception to the country in general , and that , though his ad-• oce was applicable there , it was not so genejally . Above all , the silence of Mr . Dis-• jjAEil , and his continued absence from any of these demonstrations , indicates that the Protectionists are disorganised , and have no definitive or matured policy for the future . : at is the of It is

      ^ Vh cause this 1 not , we can answer for it , because the tenant farmers are more reconciled to the Free Trade regime . » fliey are , on the contrary , more than ever convinced that it will be impossible for them to make bsth ends meet , with the low prices which it is now certain will rule in this country . Much nonsense is written and talked by lie Free Traders , as to increased produciion making up for diminished prices ; but farming is not like cotton spinning , or calico printing . Ton cannot raise the average prodnction of an acre from three to four quarters

      of corn without a very large outlay of capital and labour . You cannot get more than one crop from the same field in less than four or five years , according to the nature of the soil ; and you require to make a constant outlay , in prder to keep your Land in heart . When ^ a mill , or print " shop , is once stocked ^ with its appropriate machinery , there is , pracically , no limit to the quantity of yarn or pieces it can produce , except the state of the market , and the obstruction to working twenty-four hours every day of the year , winter and summer , prevented by the Factory Act . Even in an exceptional case , trith which we are acquainted , and in which

      the present occupier of the farm is reaping the advantage of a , large capital invested in permanent improvements by his predecessors , present prices are not remunerative . The Land has been within the last ten years increased in productiveness from two to five quarters of wheat per acre . The present occupier , with the exception of a very slight improved rental , has had nothing to pay for the capital which has caused this large increase , and we can vouch for the farm being managed with as much scientific knowledge and liberality as is to be found anywhere in { he country . Yet , it does not pay . "What must be the condition of the majority of farmers who have no such advantages ?

      lio ! the cessation of the cry for Protection is not caused b y any immediate improvement or prospective prosperity among the actual cultivators of the soil . It arises , we suspect , from the convictions of the . landlords , that it will not do further to suit their political purposes , by crying out " ruin , " any longer . The fanners may take them at then * word , and demand such reductions in rent and taxation as will be commensurate with the

      redaction in the price of the crops they rear . That would be doubly inconvenient , it wou cut down the patrimonial rent-roll , and curtail political patronage at the same time . The landlords are wise in their generation , and have resolved to leave off crying " wolf . " A movement for equitable rents has changed their tune . "Whether their tenants win listen to them , and believe them , is another question . We believe that Free Trade is but the " beginning of the end , " and that it will bring about an inevitable revolution in the system of land tenure in this country . It is impossible

      that so huge a monopoly as that which now exists in the soil should continue to oppress and pauperise a whole people . There is nothing more certain than that comfort , independence , and morality , go hand-in-hand with a general distribution of land among the bulk of any population ; and that squalor , slavery , and vice , prevail where a few indivduals have appropriated the original gift of the Creator to all men . If Free Trade , by directing attention to these questions , by rendering the

      perpetuation of the great land robbery more and more difficult , should help to hasten a revolu tion which would give the people their own back again , it will effect more good than its promoters ever dreamt of , and lead to those social changes in the condition of the masses which are decreed by them as the dreams of a benevolent , but-distempered brain . One thing is certain ,. we can never revert to Protect ion , In the history of nations retrogression is synonymous with destruction—Onwardb , the word !

      Untitled Article

      MONIES RECEIVED Fob ijie Week Esdhg Thuesdat , October 17 ih , 1 S 50 . TOE THE W 1 D 1 S-BP OF THE 1 MB COMPM Received at Land Office . —S . Nelles 6 d—J . Criston Cd—A . 3 PCabe 6 d—TV . SoKerby 6 d— W . Elliott 6 d—CTTOson Ca—D . HopHns Is 6 J . TIE HONESTY FUND . Keceked by W . Kideb . —J . Smith , 2 few Swindon 3 s . AGITATION FOR THE CHARTER Received by Johh Akxott . —Exeter , per T . Carlisle 3 s—3 . Cameron and Friends , Holme Is 8 d—3 Ir . J ., Westmorland Pickering Is—Emmett's Brigade , per J . Blake 4 s . — 3 fr . J . Y . Fainveather , Arbroathls . FOR THE HUNGARIAN AND . POLISH REFUGEESTUttived Ly VT . Rides . —A Young Socialist Chartist . Edinburgh Is—J . Smith , Xew Swindon 2 s—J . Goodhall ana an Old Radical , Leeds Is—Nottingham , per J . Sweet 13 s—Accrington , per P-Wilshaw 6 s—Manchester , perT . OnnesherlSs—Two Chartists , Crewels—From Worcester —C Apps Is—H . Herrlck 2 s—W . WaUrins Is—W " . Horton W—J . Harding Cd—G . Cramp 6 d—J . Cooks , SMncliffe Colliery 3 d _ T . Lewis Bagland , per T . C . Ingram Is—Mrs . Tiaibuiris . - DEFENCE FUNDReceived l ) v WJ Rideb . —Todmordea , per R . Barker 11 TRACT FUND . Received bj Johk Aesott . —3 Ir , J . Y : Fainveather , Aibroathls . FOR TYPEFOUNDERS . Received bv John Amrorr . —A few Tailors , JennjBr « rett , per T . Waterfield Is . THE CASE OF THOMAS JONES . Beceired by W . Rideh . —Paisley , per P . Cameron 212 s 8 d —Oxford , per "W . Drewett 14 s . Received tty Johs Ab-XOIT ^ -Wesi End U ' omens ifen , per A . BanMe 91—Glasgow , collected after an appeal by Mr . Ernest Jones , per D , l ' aul 41 11 s Gd—Mr . Rider , as per Star 1116 s 6 d—H . Mont-SEaery , Alexandria Cd-IL JITarlane , Alexandia 2 &—S . foT&n . jer J . Bryson is—Mr . Keole , per C . TouDgls-r JiWlsLIlfeds . l ^ rMr . IIarneyls .

      Untitled Article

      THE KOTJTE OJF MR . ERNEST JONES .

      Ernest Jones will attend the open-air meeting in Campfield , Manchester , on Sunday the 20 th inst ., and in the evening acldreBS the people in the Institute . Hanley , Monday , 21 st . Coventry , Tuesday , the 22 nd . Brother Chabtists . —I am unavoidably obliged to decline the many invitations I have

      received since leaving Scotland , from the Democrats of Lancashire , lorkshire , and the Midland ; and , as I have now visited and lectured at 50 large towns in England and Scotland , in as many consecutive days , notwithstanding a serious illness which befel me on the route , I am sure that those localities which I have been obliged to omit on the way , will not accuse me of any intentional neglect of their summons .

      As I shall , however , have the honour of being with my friends at Halifax on the 4 th and 6 th of November , I shall be happy on that occasion , to revisit Leeds and Sheffield , pursuant to the invitations received , as also my Derbyshire friends at Holbrook Moor , and to fulfil mv promise in reference to Hudderafield and Bsrasley . The experience of my tour I will postpone making public until my return to . London , since there are several important features and changes in our democratic movement , some of themrife with the greatest danger to our Proletarian classes , on which I am desirous of

      enlarging more than I can at the present time . Alas ! the people have ever been their own worst enemies—they have ever played into the hands of their oppressors—they have ever been beguiled by a specious theory , ' , and when the substance was almost within their grasp , have been deluded into hunting after a shadow ; so they are beginning to do once more 3 once more to divide into two great hostile factions . Nothing hut a right direction of their energies is needed to ensure success—oh ¦ may the spirit of truth , and the dictates of common sense , find entrance in their hearts . I purpose addressing you at length on my return to town , Snd remain Tour faithful Servant , Erhest Jones .

      Untitled Article

      ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OP DELEGATES FOR EFFECTING AN IUXI 03 AMONG DIFFERENT CLASSES OF REFORMERS , JOHN STREET , TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD .

      At the adjourned Conference on Sunday afterr noon , Mr . G . J . Holyoake having been called to the chair , the roll was called , and twenty-four delegates answered to their names . The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed , the Chairman stated he had received a letter from Mr . Thorntoa Hunt , of the Leader newspaper , who was unavoidably absent . Mr . Harxey drew the attention of the Conference to a report of a meeting of the London Organisation of Trades , which appeared in tho Morning Herald , in which report they expressed their entire dissent from the proceedings of that Conference , and thought that iJf the report was correct their de-f legates could not , with propriety , continue to sit in that body ; he moved that the report be read . ilr . Shcte seconded the motion , which was opposed by Mr . Stailwood and others , on the ground that they could not notice mere reports . ;

      The motion was ultimately carried , and the report read by Mr . Haraey . who gave it as his opinion that , although the Conference might receive them as a deputation expressing the views of their body , yet , after their decided dissent from the main principle of their Union , that of a fusion of all parties into one great party , he did not see how they could consistently act as delegates . Mr . Patiib thought they had a right still to continue their invitation to them . Mr . Delatorcb , as secretary to the Trades' body , explained that they did not entirely dissent from the proceedings of the Conference ; the report in the Herald was in many of its features incorrect . The body he represented was opposed to a fusion , and . in favour of a Federal Union ; he did intend to give notice of rescinding the motion for a fusion of all parties , which had been passed at the previous meeting . ¦ ¦ -.-Mr . Bate spoke to a similar effect .

      Mr . Fussem . thought they could not now rescind the motion alluded to . ¦ Mr . Bmsck thought that in the present state of the proceedings no delegate could presume to say whether his body would agree to their propositions ; it was therefore their place to finish their business and lay the result before those whom they represented . Mr . Ferdisasdo , as one of the Trades delegates , had voted for the fusion ; he believed ifc could be effected without injury to their Trades' movement . Mr . Wheeleb thought the Trades' body could not be considered as one of the contracting parties , unless they were prepared to merge their organisation and * their funds into the union ; but they might still retain their seats , not as Trades' delegates , hut as private individuals , possessing the confidence of their respective bodies .

      The Chairman gave it as his opinion that no delegates : conld legitimately sit who were determined to oppose the decision of the majority of the Conference ; but as the delegates denied the truth of the report , they might still retain their seats it depending upon their own delicacy of feeling as to what share they tcok in the business of the meeting . , Mr . Bates . —If this Conference adopts a plan snperior to what I consider our own to be , I shall decidedly advise my body to adopt the best .

      Mr . Rogers could not agree with what had fell from the Chairman ; he was decidedly opposed to the fusion , but , his body might be of a different opinion to himself . Mr . Harxet believed the matter had better rest . The person who sent such an incorrect report to the press was the chief party to be blamed . Mr . Holtoakb , as chairman , could not allow the subject to drop without contradicting a statement in the Herald . Mr . Wilson was made to say that he could not act with the Conference , because they had struck out the words " legal and peaceable , " and were in favour of violent measures . In giving the casting vote upon that subject , he had only refused to make a profession of faith , he would equally have refused to make a declaration of faith of an opposite character . He trusted that contradiction of the report in the Herald would be given to the world .

      The discussion then commenced on the article in last week ' s programme , entitled " Declaration of Principles . " Mr . Leso moved , and Mr . Peiiie seconded , its adoption , as follows , — " That all mankind are brethren , and are born with an equality of rights . " Mr . Grassby objected to it ; he had never possessed any rights , how then was he born with them ? Mr . Holtoake thought this clause better omitted ; the aim and end of all civilisation was to acquire these rights ; they were placing that at the commencement which was , in reality , the end . Mr : Hooper moved , and Mr . Bates seconded , the omission of the clause . Mr . Peitie , Mr ; Stailwood , and Mr . Leso , supported the motion .

      Mr . Le Blosd moved , and Mr . Grassby seconded , that the clause be embodied with the ensuing clause , and stand thus , — " That all mankind are brethren , and are born ¦ with an equality of rights to enjoy the earth with all tho native raw material on . and beneath its surface , its seas and rivers , and the atmosphere surrounding it , which are , naturally , the common property of the whole human race . " Mr . Habhexsupported the original motion . Mr . Brosterrb O'Brien moved , and Mr . Wheeieb seconded , the following amendment , — " That all mankind are born with equal rights to the-free exercise of all their faculties—physical , moral and intellectual , and the free use of all the riches of the creation , including the land and tho raw materials of wealth . " Air- O'Brien showed ; that all despotism begun by dopriving the people of the blessings of creation , and that the monopoly of the land and other raw materials le J to the enslavement of all . the faculties of man . - _ _

      Messrs . Leno and Pettie withdrew their motion in favour of that of Mr . Le Blond , which waslcarried by a majority of six votes , fifteen being recorded for Mr . Le Blond ' s , and nine for Mr . 0 Bnen s .-Measures demanded of the Government . ? - " Manhood Suffrage , with the necessary adjuncts thereto , as embodied in the People ' s Charter . " This clause having been moved and seconded by Mesrs . Bezbh and Godwis , . ..-. - . ¦¦ • Mr , Stallwood moTcui as an amendment , ' The subetitu tionof the word' Universal , ' for Manhood , in * . . Stailwood also proposed , in addition , " That , various other measures , such as a graduated pro-? erty tax , law ot partnership , 4 c ., should stand as things to bo obtained by means of the Charter , and not as separate demands on the government , as the y then stood in the programme . " ¦ air . Rooebs seconded the motion .

      SW- ^^ asriss movement an ambiguous one he wished to we such

      Untitled Article

      an alliance as should absorb' all other movements , and make them subservient to it . "Whilst struggling for great results , I they might still show the people that they were practical earnest Reformers , anc keep , their friends in ( good hopes , by attacking all the prominently-felt evils of the day , such as excessive taxation , want of industrial security , improve * legislation for . the aged and destitute ; they would thus absorb all the agitating power in the community . " The writer then went into the details of a plan of organisation to effect these ends . Considerable discussion aroso respecting the propriety of confining the discussion to the first clause . ' . ' ' Mr . Pettie said , that as a delegate from the Fraternal Democrats , he represented many who entertained-Socialist opinions , and if they meant to strike out all the principles proposed in committee by that body , or render them subservient to the Charter , he should have no further faith in the Conference . . ¦ ¦ '¦ ; '

      Mr , BtAiR was of opinion , that if the Socialists did not believe the Charter to be the means to the end , that any union with them would prove useless . - .. Mr . Milne was surprised to hear the argument advanced by Mr . Pettie ; he knew nothing of party ; he did not come there to represent a party , but for the puopose of forming an union , which would destroy all parties . If they got political power they would speedily get all else that they contended for ; but , if they continued split up into sects , they would experience the same , fate which their brethren were then experiencing in France . Mr . Bezer could not support Mr . Stallwbod ' s motion . He had not suffered for a . name , but for a principle ; a name that was incorrect was none the better for being old , and he did not think the delegates would , be caught , in Mr . Stallwoodi' ladies ' trap . ' ¦

      . . Mr . Harset did not like abandoning the won universal . He was for stating all the principles of the Chaiter by . name , and not under the denomination of adjuncts . He concluded , by moving the following amendment , — " Universal Manhood Suffrage , with the necessary adjuncts therero , as embodied in the People ' s Charter ; to wit , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliaments , Equal Electoral Districts , No Property Qualification , and Payment of Members , as the most efficient means of obtaining the following necessary reforms . Mr . Fdssell seconded the motion .

      Mr . "Walter Cooper agreed , that they woulc never get either Socialism or any large system of association , until they obtained the Charter ; but , if they did not retain some of the principles ef the Social body , as primary objects , they would think that the Conference was only a trap to catch silly Socialists , and drag them into the excesses of the past . ¦ ¦ '¦" •¦¦ ¦ .- : ' ¦ ¦ . , Mr / Holtoake explained , they had ho more business to parade their peace doctrine , than they had to parade Fleet-street with a label on their backs , that they would knock any man down who insulted them . Mr . Pettie briefly explained .

      Mr . Baies moved , and Mr . Le Biosd seconded , the following : — " Universal Suffrage ^ with tho necessary adjuncts thereto , as embodied in the People's Charter , as the most efficient means of obtaining and securing the following necessary reforms . " Mr . O'Brien , in an able speech , advocated tho propriety of confining themselves for the Charter in their demand upon Government , and all uniting in one great union for-that object . Ho concluded by moving a resolution to that- effect , which was seconded by Mr . M'Neil , but afterwards withdrawn . ' Atter a few words from Mr . Milnb , the vote was taken with the following result : —Mr . Harney ' a motion , 14 ; Mr . Bales ' a motion , 8 ; Mr . Stnllwood ' s motion , 4 ; original clause , 7 ; consequently Mr . Harney ' s amendment on the original clause was adopted . .

      . Mr . Bezbr moved , and Mr . Pettie seconded : — " That Mr . Williams , the member for Lambeth , he invited to attend the Conference . " Motion lost . - Mr . Milnb brought forward the question of Expenditure , which was referred to the Committee , and the Conference adjourned until the ensuing Sunday afternoon . Tho room was excessively crowded during the whole period of its sitting , and the interest taken in its deliberations seems unabated .

      Untitled Article

      THE PROPOSED CONFERENCE AT . MANCHESTER .

      TO THE EniTOR OE THE NORTHERN STAR . Stockport , October 12 th . ¦ Sir , —I perceive by Mr . O'Connor's letter of yesterday that he calls upon the country to express its opinion in reference to a projected Conference to be held in Manchester at tho earliest possible period , and I trust that you will allow me , through the means of the Statj to . express my approval of the eaid Conference , which , I think , has been too long delayed ; for if ever there was a time when the Chartists should confer together this is the time—a time of calmness and thought . We are upon the

      threshold of a change—a commercial change , which , I fear , will bring misery the most intense ^ -wretohedness the most forlorn , —and a state of things altogether unparalleled in . the history of panics ; this evil all can see and fear , but hesitate to acknowledge . I think that a Conference is highly necessary , in order that the Chartist - body may know what , course to pursue should ¦ another ' 42 occur , and not suffer governmental prosecutions , and receive censure from the Trades for interference in the '' wages question " as hitherto . We all feel convinced that the effect of Sir Robert Peel's

      death will manifest itself m the ensuing session of Parliament , which will no doubt end in a dissolution , and bring ; Lord John ' s ministry to an end ; and we ought to know what course to pursue in the next general election . But , above all , a Conference is necessary to examine and discuss the motives , principles , objects , and intentions , of the so-called Democratic Conference recently held in London , for there seems to be a desire- for centralisation , a wish to make the provinces bow to the decision of a London committee . This London Conference pompously announces that it is about to amalgamate all sections of Reformers into one entire body ; it imposes this very difficult task upon itself , without knowing whether the provinces are prepared to

      stamp with their approval , this particular union , whioh says , that twenty-eight gentlemen shall put forth their mandates , striking out a line of policy , and the provinces must obey . The strongholds of Democracy—the industrial hives of Yorkshire and Lancashire must have neither hand , act , nor part inthematter , —this is not what I understand by Democracy . This association in embryo is to break asunder the chains of serfdom , and set mankind at liberty , and what are the means by which this is to be accomplished ? Manhood suffrage , and tho adjuncts of the Charter . Why , sir , there is an association especially organised for this ' purpose ; it has been in existence for years ; it has withstood the storm of persecution directed against it by the

      government ; it has stood amidst the ruins of rival associations , brought into existence for , its overthrow , and shall we desert this association ? leave a reality for a shadow ; that which we have for ' something promised ? - Shall' we , ' by breaking up the Chartist movement , successfully accomplish that which the united energies of the government , the press , spies , open foes , and false friends , could never do ? Shall we so far be our own enemies ? I trust not , at least . If we are to have a fresh beginning we will have a voto in the matter ; we will not say that our adherence to the Charter was folly and madness , and leave it for the purpose of ; taking another document containing the same creed , and say , we are the intelligent portion of society . I am

      old enough to remember the universal burst of indignation against that part of the Birmingham Conference which supported Sturge ' s ' manhood suffrage and its adjuncts , and the applause given to the Bradford delegates who supported the Charter , name and all ; I ask , were we right in refusing the proposition of Mr . Sturge ? and if so , can we bo etill right if we act differently now to what we did then ? ' I am awarethat there is an addition in tlie present offeiywhich says wo are to have " free accesstothe land , a good law of partnership , an efficient poor ' , freedom of speech , and national education , " all very ^ properquestions , and those on which the people require some information . But here I again pause to ask , if we cannot set tho

      Charter by itself , how shall we accomplish the Charter and the other things attached ? This is a problem I cannot solve . It is an established opinion that we shall never obtain political or social roform until ' the people are in possession of the franchise . If this be true ; why'do not all work for this one point ? And how can any class of reformers' better show their honesty than in joining" an . ' association which has the mark of the nation ' s approval as a guarantee for its success ? It is unreasonable to desire a numerous body like the Chartists to leave their movement , and join a few , who imagine that we are wrong , and yet acknowledge our principles to be correct not

      . Let thenvgive their reasons for joining the Chartist Association before they ask tho Chartists to become members of their new organisation . Sir , from the above you will perceive that I am not quite satisfied with the new move , and I think that a Conference would have some influence upon this point . I am desirous that all Democrats Bhould be united , but I should not like an union at the expense of those who have suffered in the Chartist cause . ' The name of the Charter ia gall and wormwood to both Whig and Tory , and I will do my host to keep ifc alive until it is brought to a successful issue . Tours respectfully , James Williams .

      Untitled Article

      ¦¦ ———¦—¦——i ^—— « j— i ^—NATIQNAL . ASSOCIATION OF / UNITED TRADES . T . S . DujfcoMBE , Esq ., M . P ., President . : Established- 1845 * . " fiat justitia . " "If it were possible for the working classe 3 , by combining among themselves , to raise , or keep up the general rate of wages , it need hardly bo said that this would be a thing not to he punished , but to be welcomed and rejoiced »*• : ' ¦'¦¦ ¦ ¦ ' . " : ; ' ' . fiTDAET Mlli . "We regret to find that an expression in our last ' week ' s article has led to some misconception among a portion of our members .

      We somewhat incautiousl y observed , " The strike-may be said to be terminated ^ ''From whicH it has beeii inferred , in some quarters , ^ h at I the necessity for a continuance of the extra levy no longer existed . We sincerely regretits continuance for a single week ; but we feeVassured that our members would severely censure the Central Committee if they withdrew from this contest until a complete and . perfect victory had been obtained . The most ! strenuous exertions are being made to procure employment for the-men who have

      been i thrown upon tho funds of the Association , and the committee have the best grounded ; hopes that this will be accomplished in a ' short time . We shall then , at once , relieve our members and friends from this somewhat protracted tax , as the balance , due from a few- —and we are happy to say , a very few bodies— -will form a sufficient fund for such further steps as may be . found necessary to influence Mr . E . Perry and his nonconforming friends to concede to our very moderate demands .

      Wo have also been informed , that this crafty personage , with that singular duplicity and utter contempt for truth and fair dealing , which has marked his character throughout this . disagreeable affair , has been communicating . with one of our members in Birminghatni | who formerly worked for him , stating "that the strike had terminated , and that all matters were amicably arranged , and that he . ' now wanted a feio good and stead y wovkmen . '' . It would ; give us great satisfaction if Mr . Perry would enable us to endorse this statement . But , he must have known at the time he was was telling , or causing to be told , a deliberate untruth . . . :

      To . counteract , this artful dodge , the Tin Plate ; Workers '? Society have issued the following cautionary handbill , which has been extensively circulated through the trade ,-

      —• : . : CAUTION TO . THE TIN-PLATE WORKERS OF GREAT BRITAIN , ; . . AND IRELAND . Gentlemen , —In July last . Edward Perry , Tin-plat Worker and Manufacturer , of Wolverhampton , issued bills and advertised in the newspapers for good and steady workmen at good wages , and a liberal allowance as a&ontts to entice men to bis establishment , in order to beat down the already low wages paid at his manufactory . It may he necessary to inform you that during the last fifteen'weeks a strike has been going on in this town to compel Mossrs . Edward Perry , Richard and George Perry , Fearncpmtyand Thurston , to pay the same price which has been and is . being paid by . the other manufacturers , and which is fifteen per cent , higher than Perry ' s .

      The strike upon those four firms has been conducted in a manner highly creditable to our society , the men on strike , and to the National Association of United Trades ( of which T . S ; Duncombe , E > q ., M . P . is president—Offices , 259 , Tottenham-court-road , London . ) During the -nhole period the members belonging to them have been supported at the rate of 12 a . Gd . perweeit , with a regularity hitherto unknown in the history of trades' movements . In addition to those who are members of the Association there is a portion-who are not eligible to its funds , which the trade of Wolverhampton has to support .. Still , through Mr . B . Perry ^ s cunning , and the plausible tale he has told , he has succeeded in inducing some to come to his shop , who havo proved worthless , and are now in the

      deepest ! distress . They received their bonus , and got hired to work at whatever price lie would give them . Now they cannot get a living , and Ebmeofthem have not received any wages for three weeks . This is their position , and now he desires to entrap others by his false promises as he has done them . His liberal allowance consists in advancing two or three pounds , and then deducting it as fast as they earn it ! The trade have been credibly informed that be is again trying to seduce men who hold situations in factories and shops in varioua parts of the country ; hut we hopetha * secretaries , officers , an& workmen will not lend themselves to assists . P . in - serving himself to the injury of the men and the trade in general . .

      Fellow Workmen ! We beseech you to prevent , as far as possible , legally , tramps and others coming to this town , and as soon as it is over you shall be informed of the fact . Remember the words of Nelson , " England expects every man to do his duty . " Signed , by Order of Hie Trade , RedCowInn . Pudley-street ; , IIw Rowlands , Sec . Welverbnmpton , Oct . 10 . That these desperate and unprinci p led efforts to reduce the wages of labour , is injurious to the beat interests of tho conntry is , we believe , . generally admitted by all thinking people , except , perhaps , by that class of politicians known as tho " Manchester School . "

      If it is true that low wages is nationally beneficial , let the principle be carried out to its utmost limit . Bring down the wages of the British labourer to the Irish standard , and what becomes of that large and important class-ithe retail dealers of our cities , towns , and villages ? , If there is a class of men whose interests are more deeply and intimately blended with the wages question than another , it is surely this latter class . The difference bptween fitteen shillings and twenty shillings is really of scarcely so much importance to any individual of fiveithougand , engaged in the mechanical

      and other handicrafts , of such a town as "W olverhampton , as the important difference between the weekly outlay of 4 J 5 , 000 and £ 3 , 750 , divided between , -perhaps , thirty , forty , or perhaps , fifty retail dealers . If wo divide this difference , £ l ; 250 , between the latter number , ¦\ ve shall discover , that by the ingenious alchymy of the Perry school , each of these fifty dealer ^ are mul c ted of the weekly profits which would accrue to them upon the receipt over the counter of £ 25 ; and we think it would bo a very poor consolation to either of the five thousand men , who are thus robbed of their £ 5 , or to the fifty individuals who are

      deprived of , perhaps , a weekly £ 5 , to be told that their losses had contributed to build up a splendid fortune for some half dozen Perrys . We believe this to bo a faithful illustration of tho cheap production and low-wages dodge . And we rejoice to learn , that a number of Respectable and influential tradesmon in Wolvefhampton , take this view of the question . We are not surprised to find , that a very strong opinion has been elicited in favour of our Wolverhampton members , for certainly , never were a body of working people so completely in the right , or a set of unprincipled capitalists more thoroughly or disgracefully in the wrong , . ... •¦ ...

      In order to concentrate , and give a more potent embodiment to this powerful agent , it has beon decided on to convene a public meeting of the inhabitants . The Theatre Royal hasbeQnongagQd for next Tuesdayeveaing , and w ' e expect'that so strong an expression of public indignation will be evoked , that even the- obdurate Ferry will bo softened into a more amiable spirit . Several influential inhabitants and tradesmen , have kindly co-operated ^ n tho undertaking 1 , and have proilered their laid and talents for the occasion . , A mixed committeo : of working men and these gentlemen ,, ; have been appointed to conduct the ' arrangements , and some very important resolutions have been prepared , which , togother with a report of the mebting , we hope to present to our readers next week .

      Wojook upon this alliance botween two classes whoso interests are so closely connected , as a most -important and favourable event , and one which wo shall always strenuousl y support .,,, Whether upon political , social , or moral considerations , wo know of nothing so eminently desirable as a defensive alliance between two classes alike the prey and slaves of the two gigantic " monopolies—power and

      money ., We are pleased to see that gulf of pride and prejudice , whioh has hitherto divided these two important portions of society , being gradually bridged over . Wb are proud to have witnessed our fellow workmen educating themselves ap to a higher standard . The cheap press and the cheap lectures , have powerfully contributed to this end , the sneers of the leading ournal to the contrary , notwithstanding ; and

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      on . the other hand ; wo hail with the highlit satisfaction , those evidences which . 7 come so frequentl y under our notice , of a kindly disposition ^ on the part of what is usually termed the . middle classes , to co-operate with , to rid . and promote the well-being of their poorer brethr en . Yes , it is good Wd fitting that there should be an alliance ' between the producers and distributors of the nation ' s wealrh . They are both useful labourers in the vineyard , and should be the first , and largest

      partakers of its fruits . The destruction of the one will be but the precursor to the . downMl of the other . Low wages will accomplish this . It has accomplished it in Ireland , where , f-xceptinthe few larger cities and towns , there is literally no middle class ; unless , indeed , agents , bailiffs , process-servers , and drivers , may be so called . And to this condition , unless this cheap mania is met by a stern aud determined defiance , must this country rapidly descend . ¦ -

      Of what earthly importance , or value , in a national sense , are * the thousands of famishirg , pauperised victims , to the abominable Sweating Boxes and Jew Slaughter-houses of London and our large provincial cities and towns ? In what manner does their unrequited labour contribute to the wealth or greatness of the nation ? Their' labour has undorgone Mr . Perry's cheapening process , and there they are , broken down in body , mind , and morals , candidates for admission to the pauper bastiles , the gaols , and the hulks . If this mad mania for the " cheap and nasty , " is not

      resolutely opposed , these Hudsons of trade will involve both the middle and working classes in ono common ruin as , effectually as that king of swindlers would have reduced the railway proprietary , if a timely check had not been given to his infamous career . This system , combined with the rapid introduction and monopoly of machinery , which makes the idlers which the others feed on , is making a fearful inroad upon the rights of labour . We are no enemies to the introduction of machinery , but we have an imperceptible vested right in our

      labour , and that right ought . not to be destroyed by any agency without compensation to the sufferer . We are greatly mistaken , if a multitude of precedents may not be found in support of this principle . It is true , that a man may be called upon to part with his possessions for the public goodj but public justice awards him compensation . His labour is the poor man ' a freehold , and he has no more righttobe deprived of it , without compensation , even for the public good , than tho rich man has to be deprived of his houses or lands .

      But we fear that justice is not likely to be done to labour upon this point , by any legislature , or by any party . Labour must do itself justice . And here labour , nationally associated , presents itself as the first indispensable requisite , before even the first step can be taken to work out our emancipation . With our present imperfect union we are kept in constant conflict with a powerful and uncompromising foe . Wo successfully beat him down in one form to-day to encounter him in some other shape to-morrow . While the great master evil , the causo and source of all our misery , an over-gorged labour market , although removeable almost without any sacrifice , remains by us , unheeded , uncared for .

      We are told , sometimes , of the difficulty and the impractibility of the working class eftecingthis or any other good for themselves . That they must look to others for their deliverance to the Jupiters of power—we dispute it . We know nothing of difficulties but as things thrown in our way to be overcome . Wo know nothing can be impracticable on a largo scale which has a thousand times been proved practicable upon a small one ; and as for these Jupiters , to whom we are advised to look up to extricate us from the slough we are in , we fear that as long as they are so largel y partakers in the spoils which the jaokall capitalists rob us off , they are very unlikely to interfere in our behalf .

      The fact is , these objections are mere bugbears , conjured up by some of the most dangerous enemies of the working classes , though frequently of their own order , and high in their confidence . The only great difficulties in the way are their personal prejudices , and their jealousies , and want of confidence in each others honesty of purpose ; and these are just of that class of difficulties which this Association was called into existence to overcome . It is our mission . We have laid siege to this mighty citadel of prejudices and jealousies . We have been patiently undermining this

      redoubtable fortress ; and when these tediou 8 , but indispensable preliminary operations are sufficiently advanced , we shall be prepared to assume the glorious , though somewhat dangerous honour of mounting the breach , and with gallant daring possessing ourselves of the strong hold of the enemy . But to descend from our aerial flight . We look forward to this meeting at Wolverhampton , and to one which the Committee have arranged shall be held in Birmingham on tho following (

      Wednesday ) evening , with great' interest . We believe they will have a great influence upon the issue of this contest , and contribute greatly to the advantage of our movement . The question upon which the inhabitants of Wolverhampton will bo requested to give a verdict , is , whether it is just , or conducive to the public interests , that the wages of labour should be unnecessarily and arbitrarily reduced , merely for the purpose of administering to the avaricious propensities of two or three extortionate individuals ?

      We shall await that verdict with perfect confidence . William Peel , Secretary .

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      KiDDEitMixiSTEi ? , October 16 th . —A public meeting of the Carpet Weavers of this town wijs held on Tuesday evening at tho Plough Inn , to receive a deputation from the National . Association . Messrs . Green and "Winters , accomphnied by Mr . Rowlands , the Secretary of the Tin Plato Workers , of 'Wolverharapton , were present , and were well received by a numerous gathering of the Carpet Weavers Upon tho chair being taken , and the objects of the meeting explained , Mr . Green was called upon , and entered into a'lengfchened history of the rise and progress of tho National Association of United Trades , showing the difficulties it had surmounted , and the immense benefits it had been enabled to confer upon those liodies who were connected with it , . The interesting narrative was listened to with deep attention , and evidently made a strong

      impression upon thoso present . Tfoo speaker was greeted with loud applause . Mr . Winters followed , and gave a " ploin unvarnished talc , " of tho Wolverhampton strike from its commencement , showing in vivid colours "the conduct of Mr . E . Perry throughout the proceedings , his sincerity , and his imsciupulous efforts to force men to' sign liis detested bonds . A strong ieelin ? of indignation was called forth as the speaker proceeded , and , at tho termination of the address , the room rising again with- shouts of deep and powerful indignation , at the heartless conduct ofthis Prince of Tyrants . . Mr . Rowlands , of "Wolverbampton , followed Mr . Winters , and corroborated , - from his own pevsonal knowledge , tho iacts which had been adduced . Tko Ciiaifman mado a few remarks , when the following resolutions wore unanimously adopted .

      " l'bat tho meeting having heard the principles of the National . Association explained , cqi ^ Mer a union of o ur trrde with that body is caloulatod to benoiit us . We therefore resolve to stand firm to that union , and to . recommend every working man to follow our example , whether of our Trade or any other , and it is further rosolvcd , tlmi wo ugblyapprovo of the proceedings of the Central Committee , and their determination to defend the case of the Wolverbampton Tin Plate workers against tbe dishonest and oppressive cprweet of tfeeir employers , and w resolve to continue our payments , to enable them to obtain their oesired object . " Moved by Mv . Henry Barber , and seconded by Mv . Jacob Bill , it was then «« yjf ' r"Thatacopyofthis resolution . be forwarded for insertion in tho Northern Star . ; ,

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      Fuooinum nmVianiOM Vm ^ ff >•* T Trit / vnc ,

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      HOUSE OF LOHDS—Tuesday bein * the day to which Parliament stood prorogued her Majesty ' s Commission was issued for the purpose of a further prorogation , pro forma , unt il Thursday , the 14 th of the ensuing month

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      THE BRUTAL CASE OF " manSUUGH TPR BY A POLICEMAN .

      On Monday evening a most important meeting of plasterers T ? as held at the Victory Tavern , Edgeware-road , to take into consideration the circumstances under which James Geary , a member ol that body . tsd met his death , and for the purpose of obtaining redress for the same . The circumstances fcave already teen detailed in our Police Report . and a verdict of Manslangbter returned hy the jury against Sergeant BasheL The meeting was adflressed by Messrs . T . Rouse , J . Sand , and T . Bollard . The occasional yila and intemperate conduct of tbe police was strongly commented upon , and some happy allusions were made to lie monument which that meeting would erect to the memory of Sir Robert Peel . It was announced that upwards of £ 11 had been collected for the object ot tbe meet-Ht which . ? . » adjourned until Saturday next ,

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      It 13 proposed that tho monument to the late , Duke of Cambridge shall be an asylum for the destitute ,

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      Post-office . —A . Treasury warrant appears iy Tuesday night's _ Gazette , directing that . on : oveiy letter not exceeding half « in ounce in weight , transmitted by British packet boats botween Lisbon ^ or any other , port in Portugal and ; Madeira ,-the 1 . Canary Isles , the Cape de Verde Isles ,. Brazil , Buenos Ayi'os , or Monte Video ,, or between the : Capo de Verde Isles and the Canary Isles , ; Madeira ; Brazil , Buenos Ayres , or Monte Video ( without inany case passing . through the United , Kingdom ) , there shall be chargedand . paid in lieu of any rates of postage now payable . thereon , a vato . of postage of one shilling . And . further directing that on every letter transmitted , as ia mentioned . in this warrant , exceeding half an ounce in wei ght , there : shall be charged and paid progressional . and additional rates of postage as . fbllows ( that is to say ) :-0 n : every letter * *

      exceeding half an Vounce . in weight ,-and not exceeding one ounce in weight , two rates of postage ; on every letter exceeding one onnce , and not ex-, ceeding two ounces in weight , four rates of postage ; on every letter exceeding two ounces , and not exceeding three ounces in weight , six rates of postage ; and on every letter exceeding three ounces , and not exceeding four ounces in weight , eight rates of postage ; and for every ounce in . wdight above the weight of four ounces there shall be charged , and aken two additional vatos of postage , jindovory fraction of an ounce above tho weight of four ounces shall be charged as ono additional ounce , and ' each progressive and additional rate . ' chargeable under this clause shall be estimated and charged at tho sum which any suoh letter would be charged with under this warrant , if not exceeding half an ounce in weight . ! ¦ ,.. •¦ ¦¦ ¦ - ¦ ¦¦ .

      At nowE ' s print works , Manchester , among other contrivances to lessen labour , there is an inclined plane from the upper stories to the ground floor ; down which the little urchins of boys come rattling at" dinner time with the rapidity of lighting .

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      THE COUNCIL , Of THE NA / riONAl CHARTER LEAGUE TO THE CHAR . TISTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM .

      Gentlemen . —We haye refrained for sometime , past from active interference in the proceedings of organisations for Chartist purposes , because a notion existed iu some minds , that . the-policy upon which our slender ' association Is based was opposed to : the full , developement of an intense desire which was said to exist in the country for a more " veritable " kind of Chartism than that < of which w are the humble . exponents . We folt that jf this really were the case , that those who held themselves to be fit and authorised persons to call out this latent feelingjn the popular mind ,

      ought to have full time and scope to accomplish , what they fancied was their peculiar , mission ; and the result has . shown that they worein error , both , with respect to the feeling abroad , and of thcijr own capacity to evoke its slumbering power . ; and : finding themselves in the presence of unqualified failure , as a last . resource , they now propose an amalgamation of Chartism and Socialism ; that is , a union of the assumed . "VverHable' ? Chartist Society with the remnant of the communistic party . It is against this step that we take upon ourselves to address you / under a strong impression that you / will never sanction such a

      union . .,... ... . ..,. ... . .. We understand the People ' s Charter to be simply a plan of representative government , having for its basis an electoral body , embraoing the entire male adult population of the country ; and as such' is only aj means of obtaining-and preserving ; popular legislative authority , therefore , to annex to it any . other ism or theory would be to involve a second belief , by no means consequent upon tho first . The Charter is a definite obiect , and alone inay be sought for by various parties for different ends . Some want national secular educationsome nationalisation , of landed iproperty—some ¦ direct texation—some separation of church and state —some altered currenoy , and various other things ;

      all of these may unite for the , Charter , " pure and simple , " each hoping by its accomplishment to obtain his own particular desire- ; but if " social rights" are to . be , added , ¦ those who cannot agree with this vague term will be dobared from entering into tho motley : confederacy and Chartism , which ia now regarded as ameans of altering and purifying our political system , would then be treated as an attempt to destroy tho institution of private property itself ; and . thus would its moral influence be dissipated and tho number < of its opponents increased . Again , : the . two objects . — political reform and ¦ " social rights" — are embraced by two distinct parties , each . one naturally attaching preponderating importance to its own conviction and a struggle for-its supremacy

      must ; inevitably , be the result of any such combination ; were it for the present consummated : All who aro acquainted with the leading . Socialists of this country . are aware bow ; little - they care for political reform ; and that withthem . ' sucn a change as " that proposed -in the Charter , is viewed as a matter of minor importance when contrasted -with what they aim at themselves . Without expressing any opinion for , or against , the policy of the 0 wenite party , respecting what we are about to Btate , we neve ; t ' eless name it , ; as a fact ,-that during the time when they held an influential position in the country , as an organised body , they gave the most unequivocal expression to their contempt of political change ,-r-nay , more ,-it is also a

      fact , that demooracy itself formed no , part of their Social plans i and that Socialism , as propounded by Mr . Owen , and adopted by the party , did not either contemplate ' or embody democracy . ¦ It will bea < rvisablOjthen , : foT tho ChaxtiBts to weigh well what they are about before they barter that strength required for their ; own purposes , by union with par ties whose conscientious disregard-of democratic reform would make them but lukewarm allies . A result of such a union would also be the assumption of superiority by one of the parties . Already ^ in fact , has this last feature manifested itself , as from tho published reports of what has transpired , it is recorded : that a self-sufficient orator "remarked —• " He was awaro of the numerical strength 1

      of the Chartists , but would they not bebenefited by the aid of the advanced mind of tho Socialists ?" This , to say the least of it , showed a pretty" " advanced " state of modesty on the part of its no doubt learned and gifted author . But the whole object of the union on the one' sido is thus fully stated : Tou have tho " numbers " the new allies , the " mind : " and hence tho : bargain is thought to be a good one ; but the matter for you to reflect upon is , whether this " advanced" mind would ' be employed in propagating the political creed , of the Charter , or the economic and atheistical view ' s 61 the Socialists ? ; About this there can he no doubt ; the '' advanced" mind would necessarily and unavoidably be devoted to-it 8 own more immediate

      deiigns , and while * the mere political feature would receive its cold support , the Charter would then have to stand sponsor for the 'irrelevant opinions upon every subject . Another reason why amalgamation with the Socialists would be in the highest degree injurious to the People's Charter , is the fact that for a series of year 3 the Socialists'have made war upon the religious opinions of the people , of every sect and creed ; and that nearly every man who has . represented them upon the platform has appeared publicly as the avowed enemy of all religions . We are not venturing to reflect in the slightest upon those who thought proper to do so , as they followed their convictions in this matter , which they had a perfect right to

      do ; but when it is considered that the millions of all classes , whose aid is indispensable to the enaotmentofthe Charter , are irrevocably attaohed to religion as accepted in tho country generally , it will be seen how far the champions of Atheism are likely to promote the cause of democracy among such people . We by no means undervalue the " social rights " of tho people , but we are averse to having an object go indefinite attached to the plain and simple political purpose of the Charter . Who can define what social rights are ? The opinions of thejSocial Reformers , par excellence , themselves , are as variable upon them as their conceptions upon any other question . We have no other definition than that < contained in emasculated editions ; of French Communism , and

      which have been retailed , ad nauserm , under the name of " Organisation of Labour ; " but these expositions havo left thequostion where it ; was found by the expositors ; and we aro committed . to . the company of the plaguized authors , to reconcile our difficulties as best we can . We know that the system of Mr . Owen is perfect , as . a system , whatever it may be otherwise ; and , therefore , he is not inoluded in the imperfect or retailing elucidators . Under theso circumstances , wo have accepted the proposition of Mr . O'Connor for a Conference of Chartists ,. . to be held at Manchester , at a time

      to be named by the Chartists of that town ; and wo have no doubt that , under the management of the . council there , arrangements . will be . made to secure for Chartist opinion a . fair and intelligent representation . We strongly' advise you touiot . upon the suggestion of Mr . O'Connor in . this matter , as we are prepared ourselves ^ to do .: ; We havo always concurred with him . in his opposition to an union : of any other ism ,: creed , or belief , with , the ; People ' s Charter , and we havo npW'biit to repeat the strong conviction which we entertain against the proposed step , and equally recommend you to discountenance the attempt . ' ; ; ¦ - . . ¦

      . We are , gentlemen , respectfully , E . Nobbs , ¦ R . Side , W . AuNDiri ¦ " Wi Dixon ; ! - 'JFGrath , President ; T . Cuhk ,. Secretary . * f * i" c ¦ " i" , r t ~ t ~ t ' ¦ " ¦ ¦ i ^ ' ^^ fc' i ~ t' t ~ i ~ t ¦ ¦ ¦ '

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      the October 19 , 1850 . , ; THE P « Tp , RN STAR . 5

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 19, 1850, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1596/page/5/