Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 2nd November 1850, Edition 1 of 3, Page unpag

Page unpag
Page 5
5 of 8

On this page

  • Text (11)
  • Transcript

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

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

      Untitled Article

      : wen . in » peucniary sense alone , the ; -Si showed clearly flu * the depre-Son of wages tos an eTj not , to the sorters alone , l ) nt to those who lived by sup-Dime ihe Taried wants . In a population lite that ; of Wolverhampton , where so large a proton are entirely dependent upon weekly vageB , a reduction of ten or twenty per cent Inprices , is equivalent to ^ f-JSJ " dnction of the purchasing power oftfaetown .

      Sfe-srsH *? J nicLra , tailors , hatters , shoemakers , &c , oromoiang a healthy activity in all these trades . Deduct , twenty per cent , from the vases paid , and it-will at once reduce the sum to 24 , 000 , and withdraw from circulation no less than £ 812 , 000 a year , and consequently de prive the shopkeepers , and tradespeople of profit on that large amount of money . It is | rne that the magters who pay the less sum may benefit for a short time by the reduction in wages , and pocket the sum that is abstracted f ; om the general circulation . But this can only be of very brief continuance . Competition

      sp eedily reduces profits to the corresponding level / and . they are placed in the same relative position as before , with this difference , that for producing the same or more work , all have got a great deal less to spend . Against thi 3 suicidal and unjust system the Central Committee of th& National United Trades protested ; they invoked the assistance and sympathy of the employers , as being a matter which , in reality , affected them quite as much as the workers ; and though one swallow does not make a summer , yet , theresponse to their appeal was of such a nature , as to justify , nay , imperatively demand , a stead y persistence in the same policy , with the hope that a better understanding may grow upon

      this subject . The meeting marked the advent oi a new kind of social agitation , and the immediate results , as shown by the Conference , with the Mayor and magistrates , were of the most satisfactory character . We have too often reason to complain , that the poorman is virtually outlawed by the gross and palpable partiality of the law and its administrators . The United Trades have shewn the way in which "both may be made to throw the shield of a just and impartial protection over the labourer who legally and peaceably , but determinedly asserts his rights .

      If the trades of Great Britain were to rally round an Association which has so admirabiy demonstrated the power and efficacy of moral force and jndicions organisation , it would speedily become the national arbitrator in all trades disputes ; and if it acted on the same enlightened perception of the rights and interests of all classes , its decisions would be obeyed and upheld by both men and masters , -with more alacrity than those of any court in the kingdom .

      The working classes have only to awaken to a full perception of the immense power in their own hands , and resolve to apply that power in an enlightened , temperate , but resolute spirit of justice , in order to exert an influence more powerful and comprehensive than they have yet dreamt of .

      Untitled Article

      MONIES RECEIVED Fob thk Week Ending Thursdat , Ociobxb 31 sr , 1850 . FOB THE TOOTHIP OF THE LAB GOMPAIY . Received by " W . Btoke . — Moses Andrews , "Wingate Is—¦ J Rogers and R . Hollings , Plymouth Is . FOR THE HUNGARIAN AND POLISH REFUGEES . Received by W , Rides . —Hanley ana Shetton , per S . Senneton 115 s—Preston , Clayton ' s Foundry 2 s 5 d—Chartenffle Allottees , per G . Willis 4 s lld-T . Brown , late of Iiverpo 612 s—Preston Chartists , per J . Brown It—J . hnelmerduie ana Friends , Manchester 4 s 6 d—Nottingham , per J . Sweet 7 s 6 d—Exeter , per fl . Fink 15 s . AGITATION FOR THE CHARTER . Received ov Jobs Absoit . — Washington locality , per SlrHoberts 2 s fid-Mr . J . Xowell ls-Mr . Smith , White Church Is—Stockport , per T . Clews 12 s—Hawick , per H . DoveU 5 s .

      THE CASE OF THOMAS JONES . Received Iff Jobs Assott . — Mr . Seale 6 a—Proceeds of Harmonic Meetings , heia at the King and Queen . Foley-BtreetloSid-J . Leonarals-T . Dickens M-Mr . Cooper 6 d-ifr CaljnsoCa-Mr . Hffler 6 d-Mr . HawkndgeGd-Hr Moseley 6 d-ar . ATldppin 6 d-C . Barnes 6 d-J . Barnes fa-Mr . Shepnera Sa-R . Hogg 6 S-J . Mailer 6 a-J . Ben--nettIlia JfanaySa-Collectea at Bann ' s Meetmg 2 s 3 a —< S « Mens' Men , per Mr . SteTenson 15 s—Alexandria , Collected after an appeal by Mr . Ernest Jones , per

      TRACT FUND . Eecewea by John Absott . — Padiham , per B . Pelling Is . FOP . TYPEFOUNDERS . EeceiTeaby Johs Aesott . —A few Tajlors , Jermyn street Is .

      Untitled Article

      - ^^—2 TATI 0 ML SECULAR EDUCATION . On Wednesday a Conference , called by the Lancashire Public School Association , took place in the Mechanics' Institution , Manchester , to promote " a general system of secular instruction , maintained by local rates and managed by local authorities . " Upwards of 350 persons were present . A great number of delegates were present from the leading towns , and rarions provincial districts . Mr . Henry , 31 P ., presided , and Mr . Cob den addressed the meeting at considerable length , in favour of the object in view . It was resolved to convert the Association into a national instead of a local one , and

      to call it henceforth the National Public School Aswciation . The proposal to style it the "Secular " School Association wa 3 rejected . It was also resolved : — " That the branches of the Lancashire Public School Association , the London Working Men ' s Association for National Secular Education , and the associations and committees which have "ieen formed to promote the same object in Birmingiam , Leed 3 / Leicester , Sheffield , Huddersfield , Halifax , Coventry , and other places , be invited to re-¦ solve themseive 3 into branches of the ^ National Secular School Association . " A Damerons and influential committee was appointed . In the evening the delegates dined together at the Albion Tavern .

      Untitled Article

      Asotheb Case of Poisosixg is LixcoLSsniBE . — The lives of not fewer than fifteen or sixteen per-EOns have been placed in jeopardy , near Skirbeck , in Lincolnshire , by poison . A * fanner , named Broadberry , resides with Ms family at a farm near Cowbridge-bar , in Skirbeck . On Thursday last 3 fr . Broadberry , with sixteen men , was engaged thrashing corn in the barn in the rear of his farm bouse . During the forenoon of that day Mr . Broad-Isrry gave directions to one of the servants to treat the men to half-a-pint of ale each . Accordingly a quantity ef ale was drawn from a barrel by Mrs Broadbeny , which had been in the house about a fortnight . The beverage having been conveyed to ilift barn . Mr . Broadberrv was the first person who

      nartook of any , and , afterwards the men had each their portion given to them , which was drunk , and thehand 3 resumed their work . In the coarse of ialf an honr afterwards symptoms of the most alarming character set in , and in about twenty minutes after the whole party were seized with violent vomitings and cramps . Mr . W . Ciegg , a surgeon , and other gentlemen were soon in attendance , « nd the -whole of the Bufferera , with the exception of a man named Burrows , soon recovered sufficiently to be pronounced out of danger . That party , it -appears , drank about twico as much as any of the others , which , bo tffected 1 dm that he still remains In an exceedingly precarious condition . The ale remaining in the barrel has since been analysed by

      Air . uegg . ine pitchemsed in conveying the ale 4 o the barn , it « stated , underwent a careful cleanamg before receiving the liqnM . The first supply of ale tent in the pitcher was fonnd to be insufficient for all the workpeople . One of the servants , therefore , accompanied Mrs . Broadberry back to the farmbouee , and saw the beverage poured out ; and he consequently bad an . opportunity of seeing that nothing deleterious was added tothe same . Thekeys of the alehouse were always kept by ^ Mr . Broadberry or nis wife , se that it seems most extraordinary tow anything poisonous could have got into + h « ale . The following is Mr . Walter Clegg ' s medinl certmcats

      - respecting the case : — " October 29 1850 . —I have most carefully analysed a quantity of ale forwarded to me by Mr . Tuxford , anddrawn bv Mmfiromtho barrel w hich contained the suspected Jiquor . There is nothing whatever of a poisonous or deleterious nature in tbe said aie . The fact is , iowever , undoubted that several persons were severely affected with symptoms of arsenical noison ing . I have myself been in attendance upod six of the offerers , one of whom is not at present ont of danger . It is tolerably certain that the ale which these people swallowed contained arsenic - but I am certain the liquor became poisonous after it had been drawn from the barrel . —( SignedUWiLJmCksb , Surgeon , " & , ^ S ^ J-WAir

      Untitled Article

      NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . T . S . 'D « wcoMBK , Esq ., M . P ., President . Established 1845 . " mat r omm . " "If it were possible for the working classes , by combining among themselves , to r aise , 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" Btoabt Mill

      The important proceedings of "the Centra l Committee last -week at Wolverhampton , together with the lengthy—though necessarily greatly condensed report of the glorious meeting in the theatre—precluded any comments on the case as it stood , on closing our last report . And it may be now sufficient to state , that on the day preceding the meeting , the extraordinary demand for tickets of admission , and the great interest evinced by persons of all ranks in the borough , struck consternation into the opposing faction .

      In a fit of desperation , Mr . E . Perry rushed to the mayor , to pour out his mighty grievances , and to crave protection : — " The tinmen -won't work for me , except by compulsion , and those whom I drag to my factory , by the strong arm of the law , run away from me at the first opportunity ; therefore , I claim protection at the hands of your worship . " But we are informed , from excellent authority , that the mayor replied to the effect , that he could hear no ex parte statement , but if Mr . Ferry , and such of the men as were aggrieved , would wait npon Mm on Thursday morning , he would invite some of the magistrates to attend with him , and listen to a statement from either side , as to the cause and merits of the dispute ; that they would then give their opinion upon the merits of the case , and such advice and good offers as he hoped would put an end to their unfortunate

      dissentions . In accordance with this arrangement , the mayor , very kindly , on Tuesday morning , addressed a letter to Mr . M'Naughton , Mr . " Perry ' s foreman , [ inviting four of the men to attend with Mr . Perry as above stated . A meeting of the men at present worMog for Mr . Perry was called at his [ request , the mayor ' s letter read by the foreman , and a proposition made that they proceed at once to appoint four men to constitute the deputation . This somewhat hasty proposition was objected

      to by some , who , although under Mr . Perry's peculiar agreements , " sighed for their liberty , ' ' and refused to enter into any arrangement of the kind , without previously consulting the delegates from the Central Committee . This amendment was Btrongly opposed by Mr . Perry , in terms by no means flattering to these same London delegates , but which they can readily excuse . In this case , honesty and firmness were too strong for duplicity and craft , and the meeting was adjourned until the afternoon , and a deputation named to report the affair to Messrs . Green , Winters , and

      Peel . We need scarcely say that these parties were not likely to be drawn into so transparent a trap . They advised that any deputation that should be appointed should consist—in addition to the four men from 31 r . Perry ' s—of one from Mr . Walton's , one from Messrs . Shoolbred and Loveridge's , and two members of the Central Committee of the National

      Association . And if this arrangement was not conceded , they were advised to decline it altogether . After much opposition on the part of Mr . Perry , especially to the latter part of the proposition , the men finally acceded to it , and an answer was sent to the Mayor to that effect . The interest of the meeting in the evening was not in the slightest degree impaired by this arrangement , although , we believe , the idea of appealing to the Mayor , originated in a hope , by Mr . Perry , either in preventing the meeting taking place , or in neutralising any effects which mig ht arise

      from it . If such was the case , it signally failed . The importance of this meeting cannot be overrated . Magistrates , town councillors , merchants , tradesmen , and last , though not least , working men , adopted all the resolutions , unanimously . And what was the purport of those resolutions ? 1 st . A direct and positive recognition of the rights of the working men to an equality before the law . 2 nd . A recognition of the necessity of a National Organisation of Labour , as a counter check to the irregular and encroaching power of capital , -when in the hands of bad men . And 3 rd ., and lastly . A strong denunciation

      of the system of hiring by contracts for long terms , as practised by Mr . Perry , but condemned bji we balieve , every honourable mind in Wolverhampton . These were the resolutions which were carried by acclamation , ^ by that large , respectable , influential meeting without ones dissentient voice . We know not how Mr . Perry and friends like this meeting , but we are—as we think we ought to bejustly proud of it , and believe it is well calculated to have a prodigious effect upon our movement . Our space will not permit us to enlarge npon this inviting subject ; and we , therefore , pass on to our narrative of events .

      On the Wednesday previous to the Central Committee ' s Delegates leaving Wolverhampton , they were hononred by an interview with the Mayor , through the introduction of Mr . Town Councillor Samuel Griffiths , the gentleman who presided so efficiently at the meeting oh the previous evening . Messrs . Green , Winters , ' and Peel , were received by his worship most courteously . They explained to him

      their position and objects . Upon the subject of the agreements , his worship expressed himself most distinctly , " That he and his fellowmagistrates were strongly opposed to them ; bnt while they were held legal , if men were so foolish as to enter into them knowing , as it must be presumed they did , their effects , if brought before them for a violation of them , they , the magistrates , were bound to

      convict . On the following Thursday morning , the Court was opened , the Mayor presiding ,, with a full bench of magistrates . Mr . E . Perry with an immense quantity of papers—" Northern Stars "—and other important documents , accompanied by his solicitor , Mr . Underhill , jun ., the son of the Alderman and Magistrate of that name , and a few othel' friends J the deputation of six tin plate Workers , with Messrs . Green and Winters , members of the Central Committee , accompanied by Mr . Bartlett , their solicitor , Mr . Town Councillor Griffiths , and numerous other friends , were present .

      Mr . E . Perry opened hi 3 case by objecting to the interference or any participation in the proceedings by the London delegates , to whom lie ascribed the origin of the annoyances of which he had to complain . This objection was overruled by the Bench , seein ^ that thi s was not a judicial proceeding , but simply one of arbitration , at the express desire of Mr . Perry himself . Mr Perry then entered upon a long statement ' of the position he was placed hi ; complained most bitterly of the annoyances he was Sibiected to , produced a list of fifty-one suDjecieu **» v tjj iow-iiwiiAiinii

      to him . a large number of whom had run awfy from him , and others , ^ hom he had in different parts of the country , but whom he coXotinturetobringto Wdwrtajptan He then introduced another source of annoyance he had been subje cted to ; some mak cious , witty wag , had produced a song , called "Xk of Wverhanipton , " to the air of " The King of the Cannibal Islands , " which Mr . Perry read to the Court , to the evident amusement of all parties present , so pungent were the jokes , and so applicable the satire ; then commenced reading what he termed some libellous articles from the Northern Star ; but the first lie happened to . take up not

      Untitled Article

      suiting Ms purpose , and the Bench evidently not feeling any great interest in this , part of the proceedings , Mr . Perry gave up this portion of his case in despair , and concluded , by appealing for that protection which , in his opinion , he was bo eminently entitled to . Mr . Winters explained , they were met for the purpose of healing , and not widening the breach , which Mr . Perry ' s proceedings were calculated to do . Mr . Green , on behalf of the men , briefly narrated the cause and origin of the dispute , which was , simply , that inasmuch as Mr . Perry and his friends refused to pay the same price for their labour as other respectable and

      extensive manufacturers , the tinmen had , under the advice of the Central Committee , refused to work for these gentlemen . He showed the strong efforts which had been used to bring the affair to a sat isfactory arrangement , without successs . With respect to the agreements , he strongly doubted their legality ; he knew they were onesided , and therefore unjust ; but as the Central Committee had not the power at present to prove them illegal , they had cautiously abstained from any interference either with them or the unfortunate dupes who had entered into

      them . All that he asked for on behalf of the men , waB justice ; a fair payment for their labour—such a payment , in fact , ns was made by the most respectable houses in Wolverhampton , such as Mr . Waltons or Shoolbreds , or as Griffiths , or Hopkins , of Birmingham . Mr . Green having feeen patiently heard through his address , the mayor and magistrates retired . Upon their return , after waiting a few minutes for the presence of the reporter of the " Wolverhampton Chronicle , " the mayor delivered the following as the unanimous opinion of the magistrates .

      The following , before being printed , was submitted to the Mayor , and approved by him , and may , therefore , be taken as a correct report of the magisterial decision . The Mayor said , " It is a great satisfaction to me , that on this occasion other magistrates , unconnected with manufacturers , havo kindly given me their assistance , and being . unanimous in the opinion we have formed , ¦ we have determined to g ive it without binding any other party to it : we think such a course the most likely to terminate these dissensions . " Mr . Perry has addressed us at great length , and requires from us protection in the carrying on of his busineiB : he represents that workmen willing

      to irork for him are insulted and intimidated , and that he is subject to great annoyances , because he does not subscribe to a certain book of Prices settled by the Tin-plate "Workers of the town . 2 . — " Since the Combination Acts have been repealed , the working classes have the fullest right to meet and discuss their interests , and to be advised by whoever they please , but they have no right to interfere with others by coercion or insult , and if there be any one duty more incumbent than another upon magistrates , it is that of restraining the power of physical force against individual liberty , and Mr . Perry may rest assured , that he will not appeal in vain to the magistrates of Wolverhampton on that point : we will sit at midnight , if necessary , to enforce law and peace ;

      3 . _« With reference to the Book of Prices , we have nothing to do with it unless assented to by all parties ; nor is it by any meeting or printed book that the price of labour can ultimately be adjusted t it must depend upon the varying state of trade and other circumstances , too numerous to mention . The workmen may bo emphatically assured , that it is not by their meeting and writing down any list of prices that will in the end determine the price of labour . In the absence of exact terms , the magistrates can know nothing but the market price of work for the time being . 4 . — " And this brings us to tho question whether Mr . Perry is now bound to pay that price ? It seems that all the workmen usually employed by him have left his manufactory , except those who

      are under written contracts . By those contracts , judging from the one before us , he engages to pay each workman such wages as he pays other workmen in his manufactory ; hut if they are all hired , lo what standard are we to refer ? Others can remain or not , as they like , and a manufacturer can employ them or not , as he can afford , and it is one of the objections to long agreements for service , that if wages rise , and those hired are bound to work for less than their fellow labourers , discontent is sure to ariso . The magistrates , therefore , do always regret to see agreements for Jong periods , and they have an objection to commit upon them , unless absolutely necessary ; hut Mr . Perry must not conclude that this implies any objection to give him every protection in our power .-

      5 . — " The question , however , now resolves itself into this : What rate of wages is Mr . Perry bound to give under existing circumstances ? To whom are we to refer for the market price of the day ? To Mr . Perry's own list and the list of three other houses acting avowedly in concert with him , or to the other houses of the town ? In our opinion we should be obliged to refer to the latter as the standard of value , for this amongst other reasons , that if a workman were not bound by contract , he might go to those houses and obtain their wages . This , we think , would be the rule adopted in Courts

      of Law , and wo hope this expression of our opinion will terminate these unfortunate differences . " . Magistrates present : The Mayor—6 . Robinson , Esq . ; W . R . Tiyer , Esq . ; H . G . B . Whitgreave , Esq . ; Aldermen J . Walker and Andrews . Dr . Mannix , one of the County Magistrates , having been informed of the decision of the Bench on this important snbject , although not present on the occasion , has given permission to publish his name as coinciding most cordially with the above decision of his brother magistrates . Dated this 24 th day of October , 1850 .

      Mr . Perry made some remark not distinctly audible , but we understand it was tothe effect , that he supposed the opinion of the Bench would be calculated to put an end to the dispute . If upon this point wo have been correctly advised , we regret to say , that up to the moment we are writing , we have not heard of any attempts at concession being made by that person . But on the part of those in his employment , all of them , under these disgraceful bonds , on Saturday , held a meeting , and sent for Mr . Perry ; they inquired whether he

      intended paying them the standard price of the town . He replied , "If they would go on as usual for a few weeks he would make arrangements to their satisfaction . '' One of the men at once said , "All men who are determined to leave follow me . " Everyman left the factory . They called on Messrs . Winter and Green and reported what they had done , and they were immediately advised to return and finish their work , and on Saturday night to demand the standard wages of the town for any fresh work they may have taken as their right . .

      It now remains to be seen -what answer Mr . Perry will give to so just a demand , a demand authorised and justified by that high tribunal which he had himself invoked as an arbitrator in the question . We shall not repeat many of the foolish things which have been reported to us as having fallen from Mr . Perry , in reference to these latter proceedings . We can allow for the dreadful conflict between pride and avarice on one side , and a worldly prudence on the other . We hope that his friends , if he has any , will step in and interfere .

      Wedjsesday . —Our . correspondence to-day throws but little new light upon the all absorbing question of the Wolverhampton strike . All that we learn is , that Mr . Councillor E . Perry " dies hard . " There is the rulingpassion strong in death—obstinacy . Who would suppose that after having himself invited the mayor and magistracy to arbitrate in the case , be now shows-so little respect to the tribunal of his choice , as to treat it with contempt ? His last remark , as reported to us , beiDg in the true John O'Connell vein : — " That he would rather have his head chopped off than submit . " Valiant man ! But , nevertheless , you

      will submit , and why not now , when not only the voice of the working people , but of the whole town , tells you , you are wrong . Never was a man more completely answered than was Mr . Perry by our colleague , Mr . Green , before the magistrates , in answer to the statement of tbe former , that the difference between the book prices and his was only 10 s . per cent . Then , says Mr . Green , " Why refuse so paltry a concession * . ' Why , indeed The fact is , it is not true . The difference upon the average is to E . Perry ,. 15 or 20 per cent ., 20 to 25 pet cent v $ m R . Perry , about the same . to -Tbrwtoiv «« £ *«» & t 0 & ¦ ***

      Untitled Article

      cent , to the lamb—like Fearncombe . Arid a ^ ' * n * of common sense , are these advantages to be given to these men at the expense of the working people of Wolverhampton ? Wh y ? By what patent of right do they claim the privilege of robbing the poor man s home of its comforts—his children of then- education ? By no other right but that of the strong man over the weak—the tyrant over the slave . -But we are happy to assure

      Mr . E . Perry and his chickens , whom he takes under his maternal wings , that their days of tyranny are numbered—that they shall play . the tyrants no longer in Wolverhampton . Let them remove themselves , their capital , and , if they can , their factories , to some more congenial localit y ; the men of Wolverhampton , hired or unhired , are determined to have what the magistrates have pronounced them entitled to — the standard

      wages of the town—that is , " The Book ;" and it is the intention of this Committee , as well as their duty , to see that they have it ; and Mv . ^ Perry and his friends will find , that we can , in a just and good cause , be as obstinate as themselves . Wo must , however , dismiss this subject for the present week . We shall next week have a few remarks to offer upon the judgment

      given by the Mayor , with the main features of which , nay , the whole , in the abstract , we most cordiall y agree . ' ¦ We have divided it into numbered paragraphs , without the alteration of a word , and we have done so , because it contains great truths which we have long inculcated amongst our members , and we desire to particularly draw their attention to certain portions of it , which wo propose doing in our next article .

      We append a condensed report of the meeting held on Wednesday evening in Birmingham—a meeting , though not so numerous or so exciting as that in Wolverhampton—yet one , we believe , that will be productive of immense benefits to this movement and to the cause of labour generally . There was present at that meeting one of the Morning Chronicle Commissioners for inquiring into the condition of the working classes of England , and he heard statements from the speakers that induced him to request an interview with the Central Committee ' s representatives on the following day . An interview took place , which , we believe , will lead to very important

      results , in fact , to a thorough exposure of the villanous frauds practised by unpr incipled capital over the disunited , disorganised , working people of Birmingham . To these gentlemen Commissioners the truth ia difficult to get at ; but if , as wo believe , truth is their object , we can lead them where it can bo obtained ; not from the capitalist , not from the employers , the Perrys of trade ; not from the selected specimen of workmen to whom such parties would introduce them ; but to the veritable victims of competition . and avarice , into the very abodes and haunts of misery and wretchedness . All these we can lay bare to the truth seeker ; and we will .

      On Thursday evening , Messrs . Green and Peel , of the Central Committee , Mr . Rowlands , of Wolverhampton , and Mr . Holmes of Birmingham , attended a numerous meeting of the Carpet Weavers of Kidderminster . A full exposition of the Wolverhampton case was given , and the deepest sympathy and interest was manifested in behalf of the men , and a full determination resolved on to support them in their righteous struggle against the tyranny of then employers .

      On Monday evening , Mr . Winters attended a meeting of Wrought Coffee Mill Makers of Wolverhampton , and in a lengthened address , explained the objects and principles of the National Association . The greatest interest was manifested , heightened considerably , no doubt , by the practical workings of the movement immediately under their obseiTation . Tbe result was , a unanimous resolve to join tho Associatioin : forthwith . ' The adhesion of the Crown Sadlers of Walsall has also been received this week , and application made for information preparatory to joining , from the Flint Glass Makers of Stourbridge , the Bone

      Button Makers of Birmingham , and the Carpet Weavers of Bewdly . A fresh adhesion has also been received from a body of Carpet Weavers from { he Worcester side of the river , near Bridgenorth ; and from all parties in connexion with this movement , the liveliest interest is manifested in the proceedings of the Central Committee on behalf of the Wolverhampton men , with the strongest injunctions to be aB obstinate as Mi . Perry , which the Committee have great pleasure in assuring their members they have fully made up their minds to .. William Peel , Secretary .

      Untitled Article

      « ip WOLVERHAMPTON POLICE OFFICE . S . Siiale , Workman , v . G . H . Peiiry , Manufacturer . October 30 th . —Mr . Bartlett conducted the case for the prosecution , and Mr . Underhill for . the defence . This case has been adjourned from time to time since the 25 th of September , to allow the defendant ( who had gone on a journey to Scotland ) , time to appear . The complaint was that he , ( Shale , ) went tothe manufactory of George Henry Perry on the 20 th of September , to deliver a notice for a Mr . Wm . Sweet , to terminate an agreement between the two parties , and instead of receiving it he peremptorily ordered him off the premises , and to

      make short work of it he seized him by the clothes , tore his coat and waistcoat , threw him down a few steps , and kicked him . W . Sweet spoke to the delivery of the notice , and the scufno betweon them . Two of Mr , Perry ' s clerks were called to disprove the charge . Mr . Underhill mado a long statement , but tho magistrates determined the case by inflicting a fine of £ 5 . There is much credit duo to the magistrates , Messrs . Leigh and Thorneycroft , for the patience thoy manifested during the long time it occupied , viz ., one hour and a half , as well as to the able manner in which Mr . Bartlett conducted the case . ' .

      Untitled Article

      MEETING IN BIRMINGHAM . A numerous public meeting of tho trades of Birmingham was held on Wednesday at the Publicofficc , for the purpose of taking into consideration the present ; position of the working classes , and to explain the objects , principles , and progress of tho United Trades '/ Association , established in 1815 , with a view of cementing the interests of tho people in oiio common contro . Mr . ' John Holmos was called to the chair . —Mr . Green , of London , moved the first resolution , " That in the opinion of this meeting it is the duty of all working men to unite together for tho purpose of assistance and protection against tho aggressions of capital , and to insure support and power when trades and individuals arc in difficulties , it is necessary to concentrate our energies and resources to one common centre for their benefits . "—Mr . Peol , secretary to

      the National Association , seconded the resolution . —Mr . Smith London , moved tho second resolution — " That , in the opinion of this meeting , the most efficient and useful society to carry out the principles enunciated in the first resolution is the United Trades' Association for the Protection of Industry and Employment , of which Thomas Duncombe . Esq ., M . P ., is president ; and we pledge ourselves to use every endeavour to enhance its interest and power , by becoming members of the same . "—Mr . Pragnel seconded the resolution . Mr . Winter , a member of the Central Committee of London , supported the motion at considerable length . The resolutions were carried unanimously , and the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman . [ We are sorry that the demands upon our columns has compelled us to abridge tho report of this meeting . ]

      Untitled Article

      Musical Bellows . —Mr . John Heard , of Chittlebamholt , near Soutnmolton , Devon , has constructed a very curious piece of mechanism for tho Exhibition , of 1851 , which consists of a pair of bellows . While blowing the fire , the tune of " God save tho Queen " will be played , and -immediately tho operator ceases to blow the music will stop . ' It iB first intended for the Exhibition , and at its close to be presented to the Queen . Mr . Heard is self-taught ; ho has built a great number of organs for parish churches , viz ., 3 ? illiegb ,, 'Warkleigh , Uliifctlehamholt , tfec , bosides making a number of pianofortes ! musical clocks , & 04 , &c . . If time will permit , he intends to make many otber curious and valuable articles for the Exhibition . A HATTjjsfs . Opinion . —A baiter advertises that " Watts . a ^ the- Mi nd ? ' is of great importance , but Trha&ofl : th . a-liead . is oi greater .

      Untitled Article

      THE BALLAST HEAVERS . A meeting of the friends of these much oppressed men was held on Tuesday evening , at the Schoolroom , Harp-alley , Farringdon-street , ' for the purpose of directing public attention to the iniquitous system under which the ballast heavers of the Port of London are employed , and the evil results arising therefrom . ' Mr . Henry Mayhcw occupied the chair , and after briefly opening the proceedings , introduced Mr . H . Barthorpsecretary to the Ballast

      , Heavers' Association . Mr . Bartborp , at consider . ablf length , explained the system , to overturn which was the object of the society which be represented . Deprecating the kindred " truck sys . ( em , by which he was well aware thousands of artisans suffered most severel y , he still urged and protested that they had belter suffer from being too well " tommied " than , like the ballast-heavers , have filthy drinks thrust down their throats against their wills , instead of receiving their ri ghtful money wages . The grievances of the men he attributed

      in great measure to the negligence of the shipowners in their selection of the agents through whom they dealt with their labourers . The ballastheavers could not , unaided , extricate themselves , but the case had been laid before the House of Commons by Sir J . Duke , whence much was to be hopfid . The government , he believed , were favourably inclined towards it ; the Trinity House had been petitioned , and he believed not many months would elapse before they were free . M ? . Newell moved the first resolution , ' expressive of sympathy in the objects of the meeting , and promising

      his aid to promote them . Alluding to some remarks on the "labour question , " by a previous speaker , he explained that what they wanted was not , as had been formerly supposed b y some of the liberal members of the House of Commons , a protection of labour , hut simpl y—and in the justice of that all parties must agree—a protection of the earnings of labour . Mr . Hume and the present government were now , he understood , fully prepared to do what they could for the ballast heavers , to put down the atrocities of the middlemen wherever they could be found . The Chairman of the Committee

      of the Caalwhippers had had an interview with tbe Commissioners of the Board of Trade , and bad every asaurance of their help to assist the ballast heavers . —The Rev . J . Doxey seconded the resolution . The next , adopting a petition , was moved by Mr . Flinn , Both were carried unanimously . A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings .

      Untitled Article

      LONDON DISTRICT OF THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY OF FLINT GLASS MAKERS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND . A numerous body of the members of this society had a supper on Friday evening , the 25 th ult ., at the Swan , Whitefriars , to pay respect to two delegates from the Birmingham district , who had visited London for the purpose of assisting in the reorganization of the trade , and also respecting the publishing of a magazine to further the interests of the society . The cloth being cleared Mr . G . Sibbald was called to the chair .

      The Chairman having eulogised the past conduct of the delegates stated , that on the occasion of the last Conference , one of their chief objects was to establish a magazine for the benefit of the trade ; they had previously made an attempt to do this , but it was premature , and failed ; but he now believed , that if conducted with energy and perseverance , they might safely calculate on success . Mr . Heatly , the vice-chairman , urged the necessity of union for advancing the interests of the trade .

      The Chaibmast then gave the first toast : — "Labour , the legitimate source of all wealth , and may all Glassmakers , whether English , Irish , or Scotch , men , see the utility of combining together in one National Confederation , to obtain a fair share of that wealth which they create by their genius and the sweat of their brow . " The toast was received with enthusiasm , and responded to by Mr . W . Nixon . He thought no opportunity should be lost of endeavouring , when they assembled together , to spread a knowledge of their true position end value in society . They created all the wealth of their employers , and they had a rig ht to receive a fair share of it . Hitherto as a body they

      had paid too little attention to that subject ; they appeared to think that their sole business in life v ? as to eat , drink , and work for such wages a 9 their employers thought proper to give them . AH that they wanted was a fair share of what they produced . Throughout the whole continent of Europe the sons of labour had uprisen and shaken off their shackles , making their tyrants fly and tremble before them ; and though there had since been a reaction yet the seed was sewn , and another uprising would speedily take place . Revolutions were the natural

      result of oppressed labour struggling against the crimes of capital . He had worked since he was six years old , and if he worked until he was ninety under the present system , he should die a pauper , possessing no rights or privileges , and working only for the enjoyment of them . The speaker then alluded to his imprisonment for uttering similar sentiments , and the manner in which he had been driven , by the persecution of the employers , to seek for employment in London , and concluded an eloquent address amid loud cheers .

      The Chairman then gave " The health of Mr . William Gillender , of Birmingham , a man who bad been mainly instrumental in bringing the trade to the hi gh position it had attained . " Mr . Henry Barnes , of Birmingham , gave a pleasing account of the good resulting in that town from the co-operation of young men . Mr . Gillender , in responding , called upon them to lay aside petty bickerings , and unite for their ael / preservation . He then detailed hovr , in Birmingham , they had raised the wages in the different branches of the trade , and by means of kindness , had brought the most inveterate blacks ( as they were termed ) into their union . The Birmingham

      district had so flourished since the late organisation , that they had spent £ 30 in procuring union in Stourbridge , without applying to the general body to assist them . They were increasing in strength every day . Before the union , the masters in London and Birmingham kept up a telegraphic communication , and preyed upon their disunion ; that was now useless ; every man in Birmingham had received a rise in wages , except one , and he did not belong to the union , and he was further imposed upon by having an apprentice forced upon him whom none else would have . Wages in Birmingham were now £ 2 2 s ., 38 s . , and 36 a ., for caster place and bye place workers , besides 3 s a move for over work ; and the men in London who were only receiving 28 s ., might receive the same were they not disunited . Glass makers were entitled to equal , if not

      superior , wages to any other body of tradesmen . They sacrificed their domestic comforts , and injured their health , by being compelled to work by night as well as by day ; there was no trade that required the exercise of greater genius or skill ; a glass maker was , in fact , an artist , and all the finer parts of the work was modelling . Yet while modellers in the Potteries were getting £ 3 and £ 4 a week , they were receiving only half that amount of wages * whilst their employers were heaping up immense riches . The Press in Birmingham , prior to their union , had denounced them as idle ruffians , who would not work six days a week ; but it now spoke of them as gifted and intelligent men ; this great change had been effected by their union , and treat , ing their brothers out of society with conciliation and respect . Mr . Gillender , during a long address , was greatly applauded .

      The Chairman then proposed the health of Mr . H . Barnes , late president of the Birmingham Conference , which was received with applause , and briefly responded to by ' that gentleman . The toast of "Tbe Yoang Men of the Society , and the rising generation , " was responded to in a neat speech by Mr . Shiner , Mr . Gillender moved a vote of thanks to Mr . William Nixon , for his reorganising the trade in London , and announced himself as an old and enthusiatie Chartist . The motion was carried unanimously . Messrs . Leadbeatter , Skidmore , and Hall addressed the meeting ..

      A vote of thanks was given to the reporter of the ' ' Northern Star" and to the Democratic Press , which was acknowledged by Mr . Wheeler . Thanks were also voted to the Chairman , and vice-Chairman , and the evening concluded b y all joining in the Marseillaise Hymn . Some excellent songs were sung between the various toasts , and Mr , Nixon gave some verses of Charles Mackay's , whic 1 ' were loudly applauded .

      On Saturday afternoon the members of this trade again assembled at the Falcon , in Holland-street , BlackfriarS'roacl . Mr . C . iSkidmobe was called to the chair , and

      Untitled Article

      stated that since the previous evening two of their members had received a rise in wages , consequent upon the exertions of the delegation from Birmingham . A question was thea brought before the meeting respecting a house in London , where the men were paid by the day , instead of by the piece , and compelled to work six dajs for less wages than was re . ceived in other houses , by the piece , for five days , having to blow 1 , 100 or 1 , 200 bottles a day , while at good houses they only blew 500 ; thus , not only injuring the men , but likewise injuring the fair dealing emp loyer .

      Mr . Barnes , of Birmingham , showed that they had tbe means within themselves to remove tbe men , and thus compel the employer to deal fairly by them . Mr . Gillender said , that the masters were well able to pay them good wages . He knew a mart in Birmingham who employed two or three men blowing smelling-bottles . He sold these with brass tops for Is . 8 d . per gross ; and even at that price b made £ 3 or £ 4 a week , without doing an hour work himself ; this , showed . what -great , profits Ui large masters must have . A master had lately died at Tetbury and was reported , in Birmingham , to have left to his heir £ 30 , 000 ; nine years ago he

      was only a journeyman , and when be begun busmes 3 had only £ G 0 O . What working man that he had employed had saved even £ 30 during tbat period ? Their Society had a weekl y income of £ 50 , or : £ 2 , 600 a year ; this was the interest of a very large sum of money , and , if properly employed , would enable them successfully to combat all opposition witbont having recourse to strikes . They used , when out of employ , to have to tramp about the country ; now their members received support when oat of work , without being compelled to leave their homes ; and they had come ( o the determination , that if a master in a distant town wanted a man he

      should pay for the expense of removing him and his family . He ( the speaker ) had made favourable arrangements for publishing the magazine , and believed that it would be profitable , both in an intellectual and pecuniary point of view . Mr . Nixon moved the following resolution : — " That we , the Flint Glass makers of the London district , in general- meeting assembled , return our hearty and sincere thanks to our brethren of Birmingham for their kindness in sending Mr . Barnes , with Mr . Gillender . as a deputy or missionary to further the cause of our Society in this district , and beg to assure them that their efforts and good intentions are appreciated by us , and has had . the

      desired effect , and we hope that the seed which has been sown by tbe deputation will briDg forth a rich and bountiful harvest , which shall soon be visible and should circumstances or opportunity present ifc « self , we promise to return the kindness ; and we hope that the friendly feeling which has been established by the deputation will be lasting ; our experience of the past shall be our guide for the future ; our motto Bhall be , "AH for each , and each for all ;' " United we stand , divided we fall . '' The speaker went into an elaborate statement of the former condition of the trade and its present prospects , and thought that this interchange of ideas was a new and important feature in their Union .

      Mr . J . Sybel seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . Mr . IT . Barnes acknowledged the compliment thus paid to tbe Birmingham men . Some other trades' matters were discussed , from which it appeared that they had but two men out of employment in the metropolis . A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , and Ihe meeting separated . [ A few remarks may not be inappropriate regarding the proceedings of this spirited body of tradesmen , earning comparatively high wages . They have always been more noted for their folly in disbursing them , than for their union or political intelligence ;

      but such , within the last twelvemonths , has been the change effected by the exertions of a few active men and the labours of two conferences ( one which commenced the re-organisation held in Manchester in September , 1849 , and one in the July of this year at Birmingham ) , that they now stand as a pattern to any trade in the kingdom—both for effective union , and sound policy . This branch of the Gfass trade numbers , throughout the United Kingdom , about 1 , 400 men ; out of these upwards of 1 J 00 belong to the Society , and-they are every day receiving fresh accessions ; they have entirely abolished the system of tramping , also fines and payments for footings in their various workshops ; they have instituted an Emigration Fund , to provide against the evils of surplus labour . Tho deputation from Birmingham wero also appointed to make inquiries into the

      working of the associative system in London , with a view to its adoption , and also to ascertain , if possible , the relative merits of emigration and homa colonisation , ns a means of supporting their unemployed brethren ; they also mado arrangements with the National Union of Trades for joining that body . During this interval they have effected a riBein wages of from ten percent , to fifty per cent ., and by working only five days per week , and a good system of combination , have reduced their surplus labour to a merely nominal amount ; in addition to this they havo established a magazine , and are about introducing other good features . When these things have been effected in the course of twelve months , surely other trades need not dispair , and we may congratulate ourselves , that the doctrines propounded in this paper , and the exertions of the people's friends , have not been in vain . ]

      Untitled Article

      Totai Wreck of an Emigrant Ship near Harwicn . —On Sunday last the barque Johana Friedrich , of 400 tons , Captain Whieting , left Bremen , with 140 emigrants , and a crew of sixteen hands . She was bound for Charleston , South Carolina , and beside her passengers had a general cargo valued at 2 , 000 dollars . All went on well until the evening of Thursday , when the Gunfleet lights were sighted , and , by a fatal error , were supposed to be the South Foreland lights . The ship ' s course was steered under this impression , when , at nine o'clock , the night being dark and rainy , the vessel ctruck heavily on what proved to be the Gunfleefc Sands . In an in 3 tant consternation spread throughout the ship , and every passenger , including many

      women and children , hurried to the deck . Tho masts were speedily cut away , and other efforts made to lessen the heaving of the ship , and to get her off , but all with no avail , as on the pumps being sounded there was found six feet of water in her hold , beside other indications that the vessel was hopelessly lost . The captain , who throughout behaved admirably , had a number . of ropes passed across the shi p , which the passengers grasped in order to maintain their footing . In this way a weary and wretched nig ht was passed , all of them , expecting that the vessel would every moment go to pieces . At eight the next morning ( Friday ) they were descried by tho crews of several smacks , who immediately went to their assistance . The tide had left the vessel with but littlo water round her , so that tho smacks' boats could not get alongside . Tho women and children were first lowered from , the ship ' s side , and , aided by several men , waded

      through tho water to the boats , by which they were conveyed to their smacks . In this way all wero safely taken from the vessel , and 110 of them were ultimately landed at Harwich , the last number of them landing , as late as one o'clock on Saturday morning ; the remaining passengers wore landed at either " Colchester or Brightlingsea . The captain , and two mates remained on board the barque until four o ' clock on Friday afternoon , hoping that the vessel might yet be saved , but as the sea rose she vapidly broko up , and became a total wreck . Messrs . Billingsley and Co ., the Bremen vice-consuls at Harwich , paid every attention to the emigrants-Mr . Williams , one of the firm , particularly exerted himself . Tho passengers are very grateful for tha way in which they are being treated . It is supposed that they will remain in Harwich until another ship is provided for them . Tuo barque belonged to Messrs . Glogstein and Son , Bremen , and was nofc insured .

      noimiBLE Suffering . —We are indebted to Capt . " William II . Hopper , of tho Central-road , for tha following particulars : —Captain Hopkins , of tha steamer J , D . Morten , while on her passage from Chicago to Now Buffalo , on Friday last , discovered what he supposed to be a raft , with somo one upon it , some five miles in the lake . He immediately turned his boat , and went for the object , lie found tho raft made of spars , with Captain Davidson , of the schooner Thornton , upon it . It appears that ha was wrecked on the 7 th ult ., having been seven . and

      days nights without food , Two of the crew , whose names he did not learn , with tho captain , made the raft of the mainmast , mainboom , and maingaff . Tho two men dropped off on tho third night after , having become exhausted for want of food . Captain Hopkins describes the scene as most pitiful . Captain Davidson had commenced eating his hand tho last night ! Sevoral steamers and vessels had been in sight , and ono vessel bailed him , but made no attempt to get him oft . Of course the captain is exceedingly wealc , butliois m a fair way for recovery . — Detroit Tribune .

      Condition of the CouNiRt .-The extraordinary dhuinul ™ of business in the Bankruptcy and inSoZy Courts bears emphatic twUmpny . to thq floSng condition of the . country . , JSeverbeJoro were they so littlo occup ied as att&u moment . The Gazettes of hst week pr esented altogether but five bankrupts , the usualnumber two years ago being twenty in each gazette , QVM aYerago of forty per week . —law lima ,

      Untitled Article

      fe ^ A ^ ' 2 . A HAT : THE ^ OiKTHlffK STAR .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 2, 1850, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1598/page/5/