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Northern Star (1837-1852), 14th December 1850, Edition 1 of 3, Page unpag, Untitled Article

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    • JO THE WORKING CLASSES.
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      Untitled Article

      - " Tiiere la a good time coming , toys . "

      Jlr Fkiexds , When you read this letter only six weeks will elapse before Parliament assembles , and my anxious desire is"to prepare you for the struggle whichwill { fi ^ n take place . - 1 stated to you in former letters , that the contest between the Protestants and Catholics would constitute the Minister ' s -greatest difficulty in the ensuing session . I repeat the words of many former Ministers : — That Ireland was

      England ' s greatest difficulty . " And from the election wLieb . is now taking place- for the County-ofLimerick—where they have a Whig , a Tory , and a Kadical candidate—you will come to the conclusion , when you read the row that took place at the nomination , that the Irish electors and non-electcr $ are not so great -tools in the hands of landlords and masters ^ s the English electors and non-electors are ; and you may rely upon it , that when a general election takes place in Ireland , nineteen out of every twenty members will be Catholics .

      Lord Carlisle , Lord Ashley , and several other noble lords , arenowendeaouringto uphold the dignity of their order by basing opposition to Catholicism upon respect , devotion , loyalty , and love for the Queen . John Coxxell , 111 order to preserve some little popularity , was in the habit of calling her Majesty our "LOVELY YOUNG QUEEN ;" ' but now that our lovel y young Queen stands in opposition to the Pope , the Liberator's * son -will act npoh old Brooks' maxim , "The ¦ JjOBD love you , we are are all for ourselves in "Shis world . " The Priests are very naturally ialring part with the Pope , and for this reason because in former days the tyranny of Protes-^ antism compelled the Eoman Catholic clergymen of Ireland to conceal themselves in

      underground caverns , and to come out from their oaves to celebrate mass . A meeting has also taken place in the county of Mayo , to consider the imprudence of Lord John Russell ' s latter , and both members for -the county , and several Eoman Catholic ^ clergymen , attended that meeting ; and you will find in the next session , that every Eoman Catholic member will offer the greatest antagonism to Lord John Russell and his government . John Couxell did not appear in the

      House daring the last session of Parliament , "because he was perfectly aware that he could not keep any Irish party together ; while you may rest assured , that " he will take his seat and his stand in the ensuing session , ia the hope of leading the Irish Catholics against the government . Lord Carlisle ' s lecture , at Leeds , occupied several columns of the Times , and nearly two-thirds of it wa 3 poetry , which , of coarsej tickled the fancy of the dignified ladies and gentlemen who attended the meeting .

      £ > ovr , my friends , it is for this coming « trugglethat I wish to prepare you , and 1 tope that your true and faithful- representatives will be prepared to hold an early Conference—a Conference in the beginning of January , in whatever place the majority of your order may approve of ; and I hope the true and faithful men will be elected to represent you , as it makes my very blood run cold when I reflect upon the fact , that when our funds were exhausted , in 1839 , when the Conference had sat for over seven months , jour most violent physical force representatives became your greatest enemies and -opponents .

      I had an interview for some hours , on Monday last , with your young and energetic friend , Ernest Jones , and however he may have lugged himself into a contest with the jeople of some districts , I believe Mm to be most sincere and energetic in your cause , and , like myselfj I believe he is prepared and willing to submit to the will of the majority of your order . I have thought , and thought again , ' of the folly and imprudence of holding a Conference when tbe great Exhibition takes

      place , and when Parliament has sat for three months ; and I am confirmed in the prudence , after the deepest reflection , of holding a Conference in January , because , as I before stated , it will develope the mind of this country to the Oovernment and Parliament ; and , rel y upon it , that * in consequence of the death of Sir Bobest Psel , and the struggle which is now bating place between Protestants and Catholies , that you will see such a contest as TiDglaud never witnessed before .

      Many people have told you that the death of Louis Philippe , the Duke of Wellington , or Dakiel O'Coxxell , would lead this country into revolution . LociS Philippe and Daniel O'Coxnell are now no more , and however Dakiel O'Coxxell might have been able to turn the Papal Question to hia own advantage , by making it a dodge to ronse the Irish mind to that extent which would serve Li 3 own interest , but not theirs , you may rest assured , that M 3 son JoHX cannot wind the Irish people aronnd his finger as the I . 1 BEP . ATOS did .

      My friends , you will only see two more numbers of the Northern Star before the firct of January ; and therefore it is right and prudent that you should meet at once , in your several localities , * nd decide upon the time when the Conference should be held . I assure you that neither the decision of the Judges in Bkadshaw ' s case , nor any other injustice or tyranny to which I may be subjected , grieves or annoys me so much as dissension amongst the workin » classes . In a few years , the worms will Legating us all ; and my desire is , to leave the world better than I found it , and that my memory snail Jive after me . In conclusion , therefore , let me implore of you to abandon all antagonism , and convince your enemies of ths truth of ths good old maxim

      that" United , yoa stand—divided , yon fall . " At foot of my letter , I furnish you with a report of the proceedings at the Limerick Election ; and trusting you willread it , I remain , your Faithful and Uncomproniiainf Friend and Advocate , 0 Feaegus O'Connok :

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      COUNTY OF LIMERICK ELECTION . > ; ( From the Times . ) . .. _ The " great struggle" commencei on Tuesday , and , from the reports of the nomination proceedings , it will be odd indeed if the affair is brought to a conclusion without violence , and , it may be , " bloodshed . Before the chair was taken , the orators of the clubs , and the rampant spirits of the city of Limerick , indul ged in more than the usual amount of political and personal attack and rejoinder ; and when the doors were opened at the vehement demand of a popular leader , to let in the people , a vociferous crowd rushed in , and occupied every place that waa available . A more riotous assemblage could not he conceived , and throughout the day their violence was such as to justify the High sheriff in reading the Riot Act . At twenty minutes past eleven o ' clock the chair was taken by the Hfrh Sheriff , and the writ was read by Mm .

      Sir Vbek ds Vehh then came forward to propose Mr . W . Goold as a fit and proper person to represent the county of Limerick in "Parliament . : The mob would not listen to him , and he was able to articulate a few words only . He spoke " of the business-like habits , integrity ; honour , and sympathy for the people which characterised } M Goold , and recommended him to the electors asLaJrentle ^ man who would ably represent jhem In Parliament . " " : \ . ¦ ; . ; ^ l -:-: ' - ; , ; . ' ^ V ^ , ' ' v ^ ' ' Mr . J . B . TffiissT seconded the ^ notion , amid the roars and bellowings of the " non-electors . " Mr . R . Maxwell proposed Captain S . A . Dickson , and described him as an honest and trustworthy representative , a resident landlord , and an enemy to the Whig 3 . Mr . Llotd , of Beachmount , seconded the nomination .

      The Sgv . Mr . Hickss , parish priest of Daon , proposed Mr . II . Ryan , the nominee and candidate of the Tenant League . He said that he was a patriot and a true friend of the people . He stated that 900 persons had been swept away from ono property by death , extermination , and ' emigration , and charged the candidates , Messrs . Goold and Dickson , ths former with a disposition to support Lord John Mummery , and the other to support the Tories and landlordism . The Rev . Mr . Dowses , P . P . of Eilmallock , seconded the motion .

      The reporters for tbe public press , who had taken possession of a quiet little nook at a desk beneath the bench , and had pared their pencils and arranged their papers , with a view to take a verbatim coto of the speeches , were here assailed and invaded by a pressure from without , and were obliged to cover a glorious retreat by preserving their Iimb 3 and their notebooks . The glass in tbe windows was smashed , the seats torn up , hats were knocked off , a summary ejectment from the gallery of some one obnoxious to the omnipotent people was in more than one instance attempted , and universal confusion prevailed . The Rev . Mr . Dosrass having concluded his speech , Mr . Haxsox proposed the Rev . D . Bell , of Ballybay . Mr . K . Kris seconded the moiion .

      Mr . B . O'Donxell , of Kilmallock , proposed Captain Carleton . Mr . K Stan proposed the Rev . P . Qaaid , of Callaghan ' a Mills . Mr . " W . Baret , of Gortnaclura , seconded the proposition . Mr . O'Donneli , proposed Mr . Lucas , whose nomination was seconded by the Rev . Mr . Dowses . Mr . Goold then attempted , amid terrible interruptions , to address the meeting . He would tell Mr . Hickey , and the electors of Limerick , and Mr . Ryan too , that his father spent a long life in striking off the fetters of the Roman Catholics of this country , and his was not the hand to re-impose those fetters . ( Hear , hear . ) And , though he differed from hia tenants on many points , yet he always kept in view that he was a Protestant landlord " over a Roman Catholic tenantry . ( Cries of " Turn Mm out "— Turn him out "— " We must have Rvan . and no Goold . " )

      Mr . Rtan stepped forward and said : If there is not order in this court-house , and if Mr . Goold is not heard , in order to give me an opportunity of replying to him , I will withdraw from the contest , beca ' use I am prepared to tell you that anything coming from that gentleman is both treacherous and false . (" Hear , hear , " and crie 3 of "We will , we will . " ) Order in some degree having heeen restored , Mr . Goold said : Gentlemen , I have already replied to th » insinuations of Mr . Hickey . He said I would be a party to repealing the Emancipation Act ; bnt I have already stated that my father spent years of toil and labour , even at a time when patriotism was not a profession , aiid wlion men did not

      live by it , in striking off the fetters from his Roman Catholic brethren , and mine shall not be the hand to rivet them on again . ( Hear , hear , and cries of " You would ; you would . " ) It has been objected to me alao that I have been connected with the Earl of Danraven . ( A voice : " Do you know Lord John Russell ? Do you know Monsell , that has done us ? " ) Mr . Goold : But I say that I plead guilty to that charge . If I did not my very name would cetray me , for I liave be ? n connected with as good a landlord as ever Jived in thiscountry . ( A voice : " Idoubt it very much . " ) Mr . Goold : Can you doubt that he was a nobleman in the enjoyment of a splendid palace in England , and that he preferred to live in this countrv , and give employment to the pcor . ( A voice : " Because ne could live cheiperin tula coun

      try . " ) Captain Dicssos then came forward amid tremendous noise . Mr . Rian begged of them to give every man a fair hearing , aud said that any man who interrupted the proceedings must be a Mreling and paid for the purpose . Captain Dickson was then proceeding , when he was met by a repetition of groaning . Mr . M'Carihy insisted on a fair heavin ? for Mr . Dickson . Give him a fair hearing , boys . What will he fay of you when he goe 3 to . the club-house to-ni <» lit and drinks hi 3 champagne , but that he could " not get a hearing from you ? ( Hear . ) Captain Dickson proceeded to say , —Electors of the county of Limerick , I am firmly convinced that of all the governments that ever mismanaged tbe affairs of this country , the present is the worst , governed as it is by Lord John

      Rus-Bell . ( Groans . ) Somebody has given him the name of " Mummery , " and I was going to apply the term to him too ; but I approach you witn tee greatest caution , for fear any observation of mine should be mistaken ; but I fear that he is a mummery in politics . You have the addresses of three candidates before you , and I tell you that , in realty there are only two candidates before the electors . ' As for Mr . Goold , he is a political nonentity . ( Lau « bter . ) A Whig in his heart—a Tory where he wants to get a Tory vote—a Protestant to the parson , and a Roman Catholic to the priest . He woaU try those artifices , insinuate himself into parliament , and he would use still baser artificea to remainthere . ( Cheers . ) Withtwo of his brothersin-law already in parliament , are you going to let your noble , your beautiful county , sink into a rotten boroudi for the Earl of Dunraven ? ( Hear . ]

      The only opponent that I have m the held , therefore , is a man as honourable , as upright , and as honest , as I hope I am myself . ( Cheers . ) We do not a » rec in our political opinions—we have both put them before the public . He advocates a meas ure which is called Tenaat Right . ( Threa groans for Tenant Right . ) But , as it is quite impossible for thas measure to bo carried , I will not therefore support it . I now leave my case in your hands , and if you send mo to parliament , I pledge you my word you will never regret it . ( Cries of " Indeed we won ' t . " ) , ,. , , Mr Rtas , of Bruree , then delivered a xcrj long and acrimonious speech , in which he personally as sailed a number of persons , and dealt extensively in thense of such epithets as " robbers , murderers hirelings , traitors , vagabonds , scoundrels , ruffians , exterminators , assassins , " and other such Sllfementarr phraseology . He was attired in a

      frezecoat , and had all the free rollickmg a . r ola m l ' cr or a farmer , and appeared to consider himself StSSsed of more influence to quell the nratotllSd the High Sheriff or the congregated dor-^^ ! rS isi ^ s&gvit ^ Sl ^ I ^^^ OooS sation Mr . Goold indignantly ^*^ &J { ff ± Here a wretched-looking mail made hllMjlf V « J prominent in order to attract notice to his . miserable appearance , nis spectre-like form and n o » t deplorable condition suggested many metaphors and graphic descriptions of the speakers in suppoit of Mr . Ryan , who regarded him as the incarnation of extenniaation . He tumbled from the gallery once or twica in tho excess of his excitement , which gave rise to much laughter , as his presence was regarded by many as an auctioneering and dramatic expedient , and caused much confusion , for the giddy , ficcsllating crowd below could have

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      dispensed with an additional element of discard * in his unwelcome presence . : f !^; -:: Tbe ' . IJev . Mr . Bell , of Ballibay , Presbyterian clergyman ; the Rev . Mr . Kearney , of Westmeath , Roman Catholic clergyman ; the Rev . Mr . Quafde , Roman Catholic clergyman ; § nd Mr . Luoas , proprietor of the Tablet newspaper , mijrabers and nominees of the Tenant League ; next addressed the meeting , having been proposed as candidates , but really for the purpose of aiding and assisting Mr . Ryan , and , having delivered long and eloquent speeches in favour of Tenant Right , resigned their novel pretensions in favour of Mr . Ryan . ' At the close of the proceedings of the day , five o ' clock , the Hig h . Sheriff called for a " show « f hands , " which was given in favour of Mr . Ryan , and he intimated that the polling would commence on Wednesday , at nine o ' clock .

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      THE O'CONNOR DEFENCE FUND . TO MR . WM . BIDER , Sib , —Enclosed is one shilling and sixpence , in postage stamps—one shilling , for the cage of Mr . O'Connor and Bradshaw , and sixpence for the Winding-up of the Land Company . At the same , time , 1 wish to express my unbounded conjSdeilce'tii Mtvff Connor , and disgust at the ihfamouajfiondecf he has experienced from sofiieof the members of the Company . 1 also hop& ho will farm another Company , of which I shall become a memher . I remain , sir , yours most respectfully , Cirencester , Dec . 9 th . G . Davis .

      Dear Sib , —As a mark of ray sympathy , and high estimation , of the unequaled exertions of Mr . O'Connor on behalf of the working men of Great Britain , I send you a Post Office Order for £ 1 , as my own contribution , to aid him to meet the demands upon him in the Bradshaw case . I hope tho working people generally will , without delay or hesitation , prove to their oppressors that they are not insensible of the generous and unflinching advocacy bestowed by this benevolent and philanthropic man in their well being . I perfectly agree with tae remark in the letter of Mr , James Russell , in late week's Star , that Mr . O'Connor must possess Herculean strength of nerve and moral courage , to bear up under all he has suffered in the cause of

      humanity . The antagonistic letters which appear week after week in the Star , to the proposition made by him for holding a Conference at Manchester in January next , are nothing better , in my opinion , than a vain display on the part of those who profess to serve the people ' s cause . It would appear to me much more worthy of their attention , if they would discuss their differences with Mr . O'Connor in private , because it serves no other purpose in the public prints than creating party strife and opposiiion , and g iving to the government strength and satisfaction . I will quote a few lines , which I think is very applicable to the matter under my notice , out of " Mr . Kydd's excellent letter : — " Of late , much has been said of

      reconciliation , and of union , but it is an idle and useless thing for tbe generals of an army to preach union to the troopa , provided they , by their own acts , practice disunion . " I am quite of the same opinion as Mr . Kydd . I am precisely in the same position as Mr . Russell . I believe no other person in this borough of Neatb , but myself , takes the Star , since , and some time previous , to the trial of Frost , Williams , and Jones . I have had the gratification to read the Star weekly ; and I sincerely eaj , that I never knew a man who could , or would , endure the taunts of those whom he

      serves , like Mr . O'Connor . Wishing Mr . O'Connor that support he truly merits , I conclude this subject . The time for which I have pro-paid you for the Northern Star will expire with this month , and , I again think with Mr . Russell , that I cannot better serve the cause of human redemption than by pre-paying you for another year , as the honourable proprietor spends the whole of his profits in the cause . You will , therefore , receive from me £ 12 s ., in addition to the £ l I give for Mr . O'Connor ' s Defence Fund . I am , dear sir . Sincerely yours , ' Tynyrheo ] , Xeath . William Joxes .

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      ERNEST JONES-AND THE MANCHESTER COUNCIL . proDospH w aki ng our inclusive remarks on the the lflH-l- t ° V 3 ter Conference , allow us to notice ¦ MnihZ o ¥ ^ Jonea ' as Published in the Amer ^ Stor of th e 7 th inst . JoneS ^' 8 ' ?™ m ° i'e satisfaction if Mr . thi . ? - applled him 8 elf to refute our address to r f w ? ta of El ) S » n ( J » as contained in : the Star : l \ f ove Nber 10 th ; instead of which he applies himtm v i S an abusive letter of denunciation , inisi--we 1 have replied to before , and we see no reason to alter the opinions then expressed . We will , tneretpre procee ( j t 0 notide tlie paragraphs con-A lu ' 5 Mr «' Jones ' s letter , although labouring unaer tUe disabilities of a neglented education to fulfil sasw Iv ^ 8 duties imposed upon us , He

      ,, Jjw allude to tho disunion which now pervades •! j ? , f -vaprtist body , now was it created ? * * * 1 OWunion waH created by a Conference being ??• ¦ S ? . ?* time when another Conference was " aitting . mLondbn /' &c . ' This , is adding new matter to . the controversy . Y f waa it not urged from o'ther quarters , when w } 8 Manchester Conference was first proposed ! This ^ . ftgi ^ M { M ;« ffliieelird 8 M ^ but its omission will ihaveits ^ ue - .-WeiglfJr * " ^ ' ^"" -.- " ^ ' ¦ " - ^ - " - ¦"" - " ¦ ' '" Witttrespect to our accusing- Mr . Jones of dictation , we confidently leave that matter with the country . His letters bear sufficient proofs to justify tho accusation . .

      . " The question being before the public , the majority decided against tho proposition for a Conference in January . " That a majority of tho public has decided is untrue—aLowing that the decision of thirty-five districts has been given ; Surely , thirty-fivo districts are not to be cafied a " majority of the public ! A majority of the public take little notice of the Chartist proceedings It is a lamentable fact , but nevertheless true ' , and to remedy this are our energies directed . We are weary with tbe jog-trot system of agitation which has been carried ' on for some time . It has driven some of the most intelligent workinganen from the Chartist body . We are determined to advance with the advanced minds of the country . We are deceiving ourselves and the country , in assuming ourselves to be'"the people , " when we are , in reality , only . in insignificant body , without an organisation of sufficient strength to govern tho advanced minds of Domocracv : —

      " You were not , then , content with proposing a Conference , but actually constituted yourselves an Executive , and called one . " This we positively deny . How dees Mr . Jones arrive at such a conclusion ? The only way he can do so is , from our address on the 16 th of November : that address dofis not say that a Conference will be held against the wish of a majority of the Chartist body . Let our readers refer to our address , and they will . find it reads thus : — " If the country should respond , as we think it will , a Conference will be held . " Is this sufficient to warrant any one in charging us with constituting ourselves an " Executive ? " Bufthed 93 irablene 3 s of an early Conference is weekly more apparent . " I venture once more to suggest the propriety of its postponement , < tc , < fco . "

      This i « mere " clap-trap" " rhetoric , &c , about the will of the people ; " take it for what it ia worth . " That we directed all communications to be addressed to 14 , Byrom-street . What of that ? Surely we may be allowed to say , if any one wishes to make any communications to us , where those communications are to be addressed ? " I am one of those who think the majority should rule , and that a minority despising the will of a majority is a disobedient faction . " Because we have dared to act on our own

      responsibility , and would not allow our mind 3 to be governed , by the dictation , of one man , we are denounced as despising the will of a majority , and attempting to subvert the very principles of Democracy . And this one man , in fulfilling the duties of a Democrat , calls upon all true Democrats to set their facea against it . Surely there ia . nothing d ictatorial in obeying " his commands ?! t"I do not think it very handson-. o-on . your part to try to embroil me with the men oF'Tlanchester . I have too high an opinion of the men of Manchester

      to call them a faction . I saw their snint was true at the recent open-air meeting , at Campfield , which , it was said , the magistrates intended to forbid ; that it was dangerons to attend , and which you carefully abstained from honouring with your presenco . " It is untrue to say that we , eleven gentlemen , " abstained from honouring tho recerit open-air meeting , in Campfield , with , our presence ; " " wo , " individually , members of the Manchester Locality of the National Charter Association , did attend . Mr . Jonea ia well aware we were not on the Council at that time ; and that meeting was managed by the Council , as the governing nea (* ° f ^ l 0 locality .

      Here we must explain how that meeting originated , to be clearly understood by the country . On the 2 nd of October , the secretary received a letter from Mr . Jones , requesting an open-air meeting in Stevensou-square . On the " 6 th of October , at a members ' meeting , duly called by placard , in the People's Institute—Mr . Gut'cridge in the chair—the following resolution ( as extracted from the minute book ) was passed : — " That we hold no outdoor meeting when Ernest Jones visits Manchester . " On the 11 th of October , tho Secretary of the Manchester Branch received the following ' lettcr from Ernest Jones , in reply to the members' decision . " Glasgow , October 10 th .

      " What ! is it possible , my dear Ormesher , 'the great Hive of the North' - the " metropolis of Chartism , " is afraid to show its face in the . open-&ir ? Why , without mentioning Nottingham , Halifax , Bradford , Hawick , Hamilton , Northampton , Doncaster , &c , the largo towns . Why ! little villages like Bingley , Sutton-iu-Ashfield , have had their open-air meetings , procassions , through the heart of the villages—aye , even at Bingley , under the eyes of the " terrible Perrand , " whom we met in our procession , and forced to turn aside out of the road .

      " Surely , you mu 3 t be joking : surely , we are not afraid at our own shadows . It is this pusillanimity that gives courage to our opponents . I am no advocate of talking , shouting , and cheering ; I think wo have had enough of that ; but I do say , that tlie very fact of the authorities being adverse to an open-air meeting , which is strictly legal , is the very reason why we should hold one , or we recognise weakness and defeat . An open-air meeting is tho best display of power and numbers , and it is good in so far as it give 3 us courage , and discourages our oppressors . Tbe people noad to see their strength before they can be aware of it . Trusting you will have such an open-air gathering aa will show what wo can do , when we will , " I remain , youi-3 fraternally , " Ern 2 st Jones .

      " P . S . —Unless an open-air meeting I would rather not be in Manchester on Sunday ; therefore do not contider me engaging myself for the Sunday otherwise . The reason for this is , that I tbink an open-air meeting will do the cause good ia Manchester ; and therefore I would be proud to attend , but ray health is bo bad ; were it not for this object , I should not feel inclined to undergo tho additional fatigue . — E . J . " To attempt to say anything" on the above letter would be superfluous . On the Sunday following . Octolier 13 th , tho Secretary called the Council together , and they decided to call a meeting of what members were present at that Sunday's lecture ; those members undertook to undo what . 1 members' meeting did ; and the Council acted on that authority in calling the open-air meeting in Ciimpnclii .

      _ Mr . Jones says he did not call Manchester a "faction , " but " we eleven gentlemen . " Now , as " we " were elected at a quaiterly members' meeting ( duly advertised by placard ) , nud specially in-tructed by the members what to do , and in the fulfillment of those instructions , since Mr . Jones has denounced us calling ourselves Manchester , as we represent somebody , it is our intentions of ngnin testing our locality , to prove whether we have their confidence or no ; and by that decision we will abide . He proceeds : — " You thinX tho election of an Executive will not settle existing differences ol opinion . "

      ' As we have not fully stated what our intentions are in supporting a Conference in Manchester , we will now state , plainly and unreservedly , what wo think ought to be done to sustain a veritable agitation for the Charter . Firstly , for the Charter puro , simple , and entire ; and secondly , to carry out to the utmost of our abilities co-operation amongst ourselves , which is so successfully in operation at Ileywood , Eochdale , Bury , and other places . An united organisation , as exhibited in tbe above places , if carried out throughout England , would give such a mighty impulse of strength to the agitation for the Charter as was never experienced . " Termit mo , gentlemen , to suggest that instead of further persisting in a cause of which the majority of the country disapproves , you niight'benencially direct yourenergie 3 to a measure in which the

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      entire Chartist body . would most heartily concur , — a measure facilitating the subscription of tbe money for which Mr . O'Connor has been rendered liable in the action against Bradshaw . " In answer to Mr ... Jones ' , suggestions we refer Mr . Jones to our roport in'last Saturday ' s Star as to-what we have done , and what we intend doing , before , the suggestions of Mr . Jones came to hand . This , we think ,- will answer Mr . Jones better than writing one . We respectfully request you to compare what . Manchester . 'has done compared with what the greatest metropolis in the world has done , governed as it is by so many men of experience and abilities .

      "To the personal parts of your letter , " says Mr Jones , "I shall not reply , &c . " ¦ ¦ Wefdo hot-know what part of our reply reflected personal abuse on the character of Mr . Jones . Why not mention , it to establish the proof ? We were vindicating our characters so wrongfully misrepresented . To . Mr . Jones' broad cloth we had no intention of alluding .... What part of our reply raised the Cry of " spy , " " poor gentlemen , " " rich gentlemen ? " It is wrong ^ to put words in our mouth we never used ; we do not wish to throw odium on any roan-: we did no more than was

      requi 3 tte-tp vindicate biir'bhafacters . which were so ¦ u njustly vilified ;^ =. iv ^ ,-: ^^^ -:. !; * .: :. ~ . : Brother ChaTAists ^ some ^ f the-d istrrots have pro - tested againstiis calling a Conference , " -some have uttered their condemnation , —whilst others have hurled their fierce denunciations . We desire all opinions to have their due weight and influence ; but while we desire this , we feel boand to aay , that being just in our objects , firm in our purpose , and animated by a firm love of liberty and truth , no senseless _ vapouring , no insane raving , or hollow declamations , shall shake our confidence or make us waver in out faith .

      We would ask those who oppose the Conference to contrast Chartism as it is now , and a 3 it was in the hour of- its strength , in the days of its past glory . Many of our local associations have perished altogether , while others only exist in a name . We have elected our Executives , and put forth our addresses , but we have been dealing with shadows , — we have been beating the air . Tlie violence of some advocates , and the folly of others , has poured contempt upon ourselves , and dishonour upon ' our cause ; such conduct has driven from our ranks many of the sineerestand most intelligent defenders of liberty that ever did honour to the industrious sons of this country .

      It is vain to flatter and idle to deceive our 3 elvosthe country is neither organised , active , nor united , but lies plunged in a deep and lethargic torpor ; and is it because we feel the ingloriou'Sneas of that apathy—is is because wo desire to re-animate , revivify , and re-unito tho earnest , honest , and intelligent democracy of our country—is it for this that we ai-e to be censured , upbraided , and condemned ? Tbe strong voice of truth will gloriously vindicate our cause aud establish the soundness of our

      measurog . We call upon you , the friends of the people throughout the kingdom , whether organised or otherwise , to take prompt measures to second our effort 3 . ' . . Brother Chartists , for a clearer understanding between us and the country , we subjoin the following resolutions : — "That we , the Manchester Council of the National Charter Association , deploring , in common with every well wisher of his country and democracy , and grieving , as we do , over tho political prostration of the great mass of the people , and believing the cause of the present di 8 organi 3 ed state of the labouring classes to emanate from tho mad

      and criminal folly which the people have allowed mere demagogues to pursue ; and are resolved from the proceedings of the Conferences held in London , and the" painful results which followed their decisions , to take no act or part in any such Conference , should one be called , for the following reasons - . —That it seems to us , from recent appearance ' s , that the last ten years folly is to be reenacted with all its senseless vapouring , its platform braggadocio , and its private cowardice , the misery it has entailed lipon thousands of families , J ; he grievous injury it has done to the ciuse of progress and liberty , and , with all tyranny and imbecility . This has been the two most permanent features of its existence , and compel us more firmly to resolve to hold no further communion with any organisation based on so miserable a tenure , and

      producing such miserable and deceitful fruits . " " That the advanced mind of the age , a 3 pourtraying itself in the important and unmistakable effort of a great number of the more intelligoni . ofthese districts , to free themselves from the cruelty and injustice of misapplied capital , calls f . r , and has our sympathies , and best wishes for their success ; and we hope that they will meet us witU their intelligence and experience in Mancheater , that such a line of policy and action may be there agreed upon , as shall in future leave be " - hind our exertions some valuable tokens of progress and patriotism . " Signed by the Council , James Leech , Daniel Donovajt , Henry NUTIALL , WlLLIAW POSTER , JAMES WaISwrioht , Joseph Entwistle , Samdel Jones , —Moody . John Sutxon , Chairman . Josuua Gutiekkidoh , Financial Secretary . James Alcock , Corresponding Secretary .

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      TIIE MANCHESTER CONFERENCE . TO THE CHART 1 S ? S OP ENGLAND . Mr Friends . —We have livod to see tho most mo mentous crisis that has ever occurred in the British democratic movement—a crisi 3 which demands the deliberate counsel and assistance of every £°° d Chartist in the land . For tho last two years your movement has been plunged into a state of lethal torpor . You must have witnessed a conjuncture of causes operating to produce this deplorable result . To discuss these is not my purpose in this letter . I may , however , say that theTecklessness of some of the professod friends of your cause , in 1848 , and subsequently , has inflicted on it a heavy blow and a sore discouragement , from the effects of which it now totters and claims relief ,

      Had the prudent counsel , often givon by Mr . O'Connor at the time above mentioned , received the attention it merited , we should not now have to mourn over the felon doom of poor Cuffay , or the scattered elements of an once powerful movement . This political sinning of commission and omission is past , but its direful consequences arc present . And we are now suffering the retribution which it has entailed . The question naturally arises what , under existing difficulties , is to be done ? I appeal to you , brother Charti 3 ts , you , whose warmest aspiration is your couutry ' s emancipation , at once to throw every energy in your power into one cordial , sp ' rited , and glowing effort , to repair the errors of the past , and to render the future bright , with hopo for tho triumph of your principles . I think I may presume upon our long political acquaintance , thus to offer an opinion as to tho requirements of our cause at the present time , and as to the' course

      lilcoly to load it from the perils by which it is menaced . A re-organised movement , faithful to tho Charter as the rotation of the globe to the East , and a reformed policy , attracting , instead of repelling—proselyting , instead of obduratin . £ - ~ convincitif ? , instead of denouncing—tolerating , instead of condemning ; these appear to me to be the great and pressing necessities of the present crisis . You want a movement , and you can create it unless the spark of freedom is extinct in you , which a people ' s volition shall vitalise , their confidence strengthen , and their determination render effective A movement lacking these essentials , or not likely to attain them , had better never exist . To perform this work for liberty is yet in your power , the promptings of your patriotism must point out the duty of ita immediate execution . To the work at once , I implore you . The dangers of delay are proverbial .

      Closely connected with the present state of your cause is the proposed Manchester Conference . This has , doubtless , been the topic of much discussion and thought among you of late . To me the aasemblino ; of thia body , at the time proposed , seoms . 1 matter of imperative uvgency . It is loudly called for by the present rueful , yet hopeful , condition of our cause . Others there are who think differently , as the columns of the Star abundantly testify . Lot ua glance at the nature of the opposition . ' The reasons on the score of time and place are absurd . Conferences have aforetime be ? n

      held in other towns as well as London , Tho adversaries of the Conference—among the sturdiest of which is Mr . ' Ernest Jones—deny to any the ri ght to call . that body , but fc !; e present Executive—the party in wboso hands the cause is actually perishing , The experience of the Ia 3 t twelvemonths is anything but calculated to warrant the opinion , that thoso who- ' assume to be the head of the movement are the only parties endowed with the power to arouse tWslumberir . g energies of a people to vigils uce and activity . Granting these gentlemen , whose . porcgative . ia said to be invaded , the most -libpral credit

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      1 for all the talents they possess , I am forced ' to . $ differenfeondusion . ~ v ; I deny thoright of any body , whether they be ; th 0 depositories of real or arrogated power , tpmonopo * ''» or'the privilege of appealing to public opinion , kven if tho circumstances of the case did not war->" j » nt t&e interposition of the men of Manchester , tuoir right to take whatever cour . e they think juac cvei'thro * mSLy be a 33 ailetl > but can r - ba

      ! nTi n e :. / nshe 3 ter bod J arenot without precedents Zt » Tv - - Wt ™ to tho Land Con-ZZLt ^ "gham , fn 1841 , me 6 , and took ffiVZV f ! ° W itlflict * d on Chartism by the fury and folly oi . the National Assembly , and thistoo notwi hotandragthe existence of an Executive Committee . A few persons a » ain , in 1849 , tmet , and convoksd a metropolitan Conference .-A > nd , at the present time , we have a , Conference of Socialists , Fratemafo , National , and Chartists * which has been labouring in vain to fujc thesa heterogeneous elements into a kind of ' hono » gerifty , which should look for 6 he' Charter and something more . . Now ,. I hambly presume-tnat the right of Man * chesterra convening Conferences is aa patent and palpable-as that exercised in either of the'above }

      instances . The question with all sensible democrats should bo not one of right ; : but does the present ; aspect of the eanse warrant the interposition of itsf friends ? Is-not tlie alarming fact upon record thafc it grows weaker and weaker , that it sinks lower and " lower under- its present treatment . ' Ars jre to remain quiosce / it till aroused' by its deafchjinell ? Or shall we-not , rather , endeavour once more , by a concentration of intelligence aad power , to infuse the life-b ' ood oi faith , hope , and confidence , iatothe agitation ? I have fci'UBt in your patriotism , I have little fear but fclufc the hopeful alternative mil be the one of your choice . Hurrah , then , for tha Manchester Conference , hurrah fot & new era ia Britain ' s struggles for liberty . '; .: ' . ' Mr . Jones soema to . proceed ' upon . the ground that a majority of tbe Chartists have expressed aa opinion adverse to the Conference . This I < donr «

      lie presents us with two . ljats , one-jwo and tha other con , whioh show two thing 3—th « suppression bfhames'that should be itt'theformer r andtheaddition of some of them to the latter . Hanley and Finsbury , both avowedly for the'Maneaester movement , are placed by Mr . Jones in the . list ^ of its opponents . . 1 wish to know , whether ifi'is by individual localities , or by individual members ! that numerical strength is to be estimated ? Mr . Jones , with a sense of fairness , too refined for common comprehension , makes Bermondsey with not a dozen members , cancel Manchest r with . more Chartists than all London put together . But even , conceding the point , that a majority of enrolled Chartists were opposed to the Conference , ( which

      I do not admit , } that would form no adequate reason why the Manchester men should forego the urgent work they have so laudably begun . : Mr . Jones frequently in his letters talks of the people as though " their fiat had settled the question of tho Conference . Now , this is political cant . Enrolled Chartism is not the people of England . Would to God that it was but unfornately , the poorest benefit society in the land is its superior , in point of members , at the present time . A barrier intervenes between popular feeling and Chartism , to level which the best energies of a Conference arerequired . The stigma of rediscn must be obliterated from your cause , ere its glorious principles will find a response from the heart of tho . British people . .

      Men of Manchester , Mr . Jones says lie denounces your noble endeavour to revive Chartiam . I say , with all sincerity , God speed it . You have the sympathies of good and true men throughout the land . You have the hearty approval ot ' s youi " old aud faithful champion , he , who . for the last thirty years , amid the storms of persecution and the hurricanes of faction , has born proudly aloft the banner of man ' s right ? . '} You have undertaken the glorious work of raising to dignity and power a holy , but prostrate 6 ause . Abide the issue . Swerve neither to the right nor the left . Let your motto be , in tho word of him who has never deceived you , and who , at this moment , is the yictim of gross injustice and harrassipg persecution , to Ills fidelity to your cause : — , '' Onward and you conquer , " , Backward and ' you fall . " Your obedient servant , ., Philip AI'Gea ' tq " .

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      THE CONFERENCE QUESTION , TO TH < 5 EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Dear Sib , —In looking over the Star for the last few weeks I am sorry to see the difiarer . ee of opinion and ill-feeling existing in reference to ths proposed Conference . The necessity for . calling such Conference is , I think , agreed upon by all , but the time , place , and mode of calling it , seems to be thestumbling block in the way .. First , we . have Mr . O'Connor's suggestion !) for calling it in Manchester on the first of January ; then Ernest Jones' propositions for holding it in London in Mny ; with hosts of resolutions for and against the 3 aciR ; then some localities think the calling it should be left in the hands of the present Executive Committee ; . whilst others aflirm there 13 no such body in existence .. Ia

      the midst of all this turmoil and opposition , we have the resignation of a body of men calling themselves the Executive Committee ; and in last Saturday ' s Steer several localities were nominnting a new Ese- . cutive . How to proceed in the midst of this dilemma , so as to work harmoniously together-for the - future , should . be tbe study of every true democrat , as I think all will agree that tha present jarring disputations among the acknowledged leaders o £ the people will never wiu the masses their poiicical rights . In my opinion , the best nio Je of proceeding would be for every locality at once to proceed to nominate five persons aa a provisional committee ,

      and to leave it- entirely m their hands as to tho time and place of calling the Conference . The above mode would do away with" all excuses of personal dictatorship , which some psrtit 3 fee ! 30 sore upon , as every one would then have a voice in electing the persons who would have the power of calling the Conference together . The nomination , of an Executive should , in my opinion , st-ind over till the delegates of the people assemble , those delegates to be empowei-ed by their constituents to nominate for an Executive , but the election to fc © loft to tho membois in the different lo 3 o . lit . iG 9 . Hoping you will give these few hutt-ble suggestions a corner in your valuable journal of next Saturday , I remain , youre truly , Birmingham . JoiiN i NEwuousE .

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      - « ZP - . ¦ . TO THE CHARTISTS OF DERBYSHIRE . Friends and Fellow-countrymen , —Having seon with regret the apathy aad disunion that has so long existed in the Chartist ranks , we deemed it requisite that a dUtrict delegate meeting should be held in order to devise some plan whereby the scattered elements of Chartism should he otree more gathered together . Accordingly a delegate . meeting was held on Sunday week at Derby , when the best means of reel 0 . 1 tins' ft purely Clmi'tist agitation was temperately discussed , and having given the subject our most serious consideration , we have arrived afc the conclusion that it is expedient ( under present circumstances , ) that a national Conference should be held as soon as possible ; and having seen tho promptness with -which , tlie Manchester Council have responded to the call of that truly patriotic , disinterested , and persecuted friend of che people , Feargus O'Connor , we hereby give in our adhesion to their policy , and wo hopo and trust that the

      country generally will lay aside their petty jealousies , ( as being unworthy the retention of men who have the interest of their country at heart , ) and strive with might and main to create such & movement as shall bear down all opposition , ami elevate the working classes to their proper position ia society . Up , then , Chartists of Derbyshire—up ye Democrats of England , and let us once more raiiy round the standard of liberty j let U 3 show unto olu » despotic rulers thut we are alive to our ov . n interests , —that we can sacrifice personal pique and party feeling for the general good , —and when they see this now phase iii the Chartist" agitation they will not longer dare to withhold our rights , but be ready to give us even more than we ask . Signed on behalf of the delegates , Joiirf M 053 , District Secretary . P . S . —A delegate was elected , and , in order to meet the expenses , it was resolved that a general subscription be entered into throughout the district . —J . M .

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      nq ^ i THE DEFENCE FUND AND THE LAND COMPANY . TO MR . V . niDF . 3 . Sin , — "With this you wilt receive four doz-m Postage Stamps—two for tlio O'Connor Defence Fund , and two for the winding-up of the I > . nd Cotnpany . I am a paid-up shareholder , having a bn ! - lotted four-acre share , for which I cave s « o fouracre paid-up shares , and £ 3 in money , ui ; d . 1 threeacre share which I have bought from another man ., I should have been very glad to have scon eacli o :: e having confidence in the honest integrity of Mr .

      O'Connor , and tho utility of the I .-wi ! Man , purchasing out tho whole of . the shares of the Company , so that it might- have proceeded in spite of clia government , and tho raving of a base , corrupt , and hireling press . So great is my conh . Jenee m Mr . . O'Connor and the Land Plan , that should anpthor Company bo started , lam determined to be a member I IlilVO t wo rooJs , or about sixteen yards by ei ° ht , Ot Land , and 1 fcavo garden stuft worth £ 2 103 from that small quantity of Land . .- . . in the of

      Yours cause Democracy , ' Bilston , Dec . 10 . . J ^ kffivlJAM ^ P . S . — I hope all professing Chm ^ iSfflfi ^ jBta ; locality will meet at John ' TO ^ 'i , S ^ tJS ^^ l-OAl j Sunday evening'next . -

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      "FUIN HIM WITH EXPENSES . " KLi * n -Lord Melbourne . TO THE HOXEST WORKING MEN . My Fjiie ^ S , — I have now discovered the Terltable truth of Lord Melbourne s maxim" Buin him with expenses . " "Will you Relieve it , irh « I tell you , that in BkadsWs case , Roebuck ' s fee is put down at fifty pounds . ; Josh Hobson ' s expenses—who was never examined—at nearly nineteen pounds ; and scores of located members—who were never examined—at from £ 10 to £ 12 , each ; the jjj ^ VEN'S expenses—who was examined before the Committee of the House of Commons at nearly thirteen pounds ; and COMMISSIONERS—who were sent down to the estates to fish out evidence against me , are put down at an enormous amount . It makes my very Wood run cold , when I think of thi 3 ty-Tauny , to which I have heeu subjected for so many years ; and I quite agree with many sood friends who have written to me this tteek , showing me the folly of ever going to law . Your Faithful Pnenu , Feargus O'Ooskor .

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      -flrmDlXsG UP OF THE LAND COMPAOT . in reply to a vory kind letter , received from the Salfofd branch of the Land Company , and other places , I beg to repeat again , that those vlioaisUt in v- 'indrng up uill be the first paid » ff laivilhsianie answer to the kind letter ¥ w / r > enJ "T .. G . ^ ^^

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      w MR . O'COMOR AND THE CHIEF BARON OF THE EXCHEQUER . TO THE EDITOR OF TnE NORTHERN STAR . Sib , —If you should think it not amiss , I should wish you to publish , in the next Star , the following tribute to the character of Mr . O'Connor , from Sir P . Pollock , then Attorney-General , at the close of the trials of Mr . O'Connor and fifty-nine others , at Liverpool , March 8 tb , 1843 . Perhaps it may form a suitable contrast to the persecutions that gentleman ia at present undergoing for the advocacy of labour : —

      " Aitobset-Gesbbal : Gentlemen , —Mr . O Con « nor has alluded to the Chartist trials at Monmouth . I stood side by side with Mr . O'Connor , watching the event of that proceeding . Mr . O'Connor was there , acting on behalf of the unfortunate persons implicated in that charge . To me Mr . O'Connor need not have produced much of the evidence ho has brought forward to-day to prove that he i 3 a person of warm and humane feelings , of active benevolence . I bear of him that willing . te 9 timon ^ . You yourselves might have seen how , when Pilling was telling his story of distress , Mr O'Connor melted over those woe ' s that he had not participated in .

      " Gentlemen , —I may , perhaps , owe to hia Lordship and to you some apology for what I have said with respect to Mr . O'Connor , but I owe it to truth , and I have ever fearlessly proclaimed what I believe to be the truth with respect to any man whose conduct I had occasion to speak of . " I have never suppressed , under any circumstances , that which I thought mig ht be advantageous even to tho 3 e whom I have been called on to prosesnte . " By inserting the above in the Star , you will much oblige yours , in the cause of democracy , Hollinwood , Dec . 4 th . J . Ratnor .

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      TO THE CHARTISTS OF ENGLAND , IRELA-VD , A $ D SCOTLAND . BaomEK Cbauttsts , —At a time when we should be the moot united—when we should be the most determined to obtain the principles we advocateand when we should be promulgating those principles through the length and breadth of the laud , we are squabbling about where and when a Conference should be held . Away with such difference , when the great leader of our movement states that it is re'jui 3 ite a Conference should be held , and that as speedily as possible . You who have acknowledged Mr . O'Connor to be the leader of our movement for years ; if he has not your confidence speak out at once ; if he has , why this difference of opinion ? The men of Manchester are as well qualified to call the Conference as the men of London , or elsewhere , and vice versa . Manchester has been

      acknowledged the centre of Charti 3 m for yeara ; then why not hold your Conference there ? Some persons have stated London , and the time of the exhibition as most preferable ; but , in my opinion , it is not . What have we , as Chartists , to do -with the exhibition ? Our 319 the cause of justice , and what have wo to do with the exhibition ? In 184 S , when a few men called a meeting in Manchester , in which the whole people were to be represented , it was responded to from far and near , without a quibble ; and why cot again ? Those things arc fresh in my memory , and I hope you have not forgotten them . Then prepare yourselves for the coming Conference , and that we may have a good and full one , is the sincere wish of your brother Chartist . ' Rochdala , Dec . 10 th . R . q .

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      WINDING UP OF THE LAND COMPANY . TO ' THB EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —I send five shillings and sixpence towards Winding-up the Land Company—four shillings for myself , one for a brother and sister , and sixpence for C . Hartshorn ; 1 have bought seven certificates , and if I had the means I \ rould buy more . My confidence is not shaken in Mr . O'Connor . Sir , it grieves me to see how that gentleman has been abused . If he had been the greatest rogue ia the kingdom , there could not have been one » tenth part of the talk about him ; but mankind too generally despise their best friends , and cherish their bitterest enemies . When

      this Company is wound up I hope he will atarta fresh one , for I long to be placed on the land . I tos turned out from all the works in 1842 for being a Chartist . If Icould have been on the Great Dodford Estate it would haveopen the eyes of thousands of people in this part of the country . Both lower and middle classes tell me I shall be done out of all I have paid into the Company ; but if I am I shall not blame Mr . O'Connor . Yours truly ,. Netherton . ¦ Wm . Dunn . [ We cannot understand the sixpence each for eleven certificates . —Ed . N . S . ]

      Jo The Working Classes.

      JO THE WORKING CLASSES .

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      _ AND NATONAL TRAMS' JOURNAL ' ¦ ¦

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      ^ m .- ^^ m ~ . T" ~~^^»^^^^^^^ f ^ ^ B ^^^^^^^^^^ M ^^^^ j ^^^^^^ ^^* - — ~ «™ — ? 0 L m . P . 686 . tONDOSi SATURDAY , DEfiEiEilitin ~~ ~— ™»«™ r ™ i » * " — i ^_ - ¦ ¦ ¦ -- — . " ** **» lOlllf , Five Shillings , attd Sixpence pe * Qunvle .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 14, 1850, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1604/page/1/