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Northern Star (1837-1852), 1st February 1851, Edition 1 of 3, Page 1, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      . T TO THE CHARTISTS . t . - ..-Mr Fbieuds ^ I have not time to give you » y -lengthened report of my tow . . I attended a meeting at Manchester on Sunday night , and a very large public dinnerparty on Monday . Overone hundred and fifty sat down to dinner , and remained in good spirits tillnear three o ' clock . On Tuesday night I attended a meeeting at Stockport—a regnlar crammer ; and I never was hotter received in my life . You know it ' -vas at Stockport I showed mv CHARTIST COMMISSION in 1836 . 1 am going to Eochdale to-night , to Oldham to-morrow , to Ashton on Friday , Bolton on Saturday , Fadiham on Sunday , and Bra dford on Monday ; and shall he in my place in thp SHOW BOX on Tuesday . J *

      Inever derived greater pleasure than I have ance I came amongst the BEES OF THE NORTHERN HIVE ; and I am proud to tell you that they are beginning to BUZZ . I suppose you -will have a report of the proceedings of the Conference . No dissension or wrangling has taken place . You cannot expect me , occupied as I am , to address you at a greater length . Your Faithful and "Uncompromising Friend and Advocate , Feakgus O'Coshok . Manchester , Jan . 29 . * ^^^^_ . wjiljji t <

      Untitled Article

      GREAT PUBLIC MEETING AT MANCHESTER . On Snnday evening a public meeting wsu held in the People ' s Institute , Heyrod-atreet , Ancoats and although the bill announcing the meeting did art state that Mr . - O'Connor would attend , fndit beingaremarkably wetday , nevertheless a crowded meeting assembled . Mr . Sotiok occupied theciair , and opened the aeetnur by reading the letter of Mr . O'Connor fronrthe Northern Star . The chairman then intreduced Mr , Ambrose Hurst , of London , who made a neat speech on the policy that had been pursued by S ^ fS ^ i , y ; sfaoffinS that the denunciation of the middle classes had cansed them to act upon tte defensive . He referred to the intolerance of the Chartist body , in denouncing all who differed ftoni them , and said , before they could succeed in their . views and objects , theyranst be more tolerant m their conduct Mr . Hurst resumed his seat amid much appjanse .

      Mr . Dosovas proposed the resolution , which was carried at tbe members' meeting in the afternoon , and remarked , that they ( the Manchester Chartists , ) believed it was time to take a step in advance . After alluding to the policy hitherto pursued , Mr . Donovan referred to the appointment of Mr . Young , tbe Protectionist secretary , who had appointed three individuals to go through the great Uortbera Hive , in getting up an agitation for protection of native jndu > try . Mr . Donovan made a few other observations , and resumed his seat amid the applause of the meeting , Mr . H . Sun all seconded the resolution . Mr . J . Leach addressed the meeting , and cordially approved of the resolution . .

      Mr . O'CosjjOErose , amidstgrentapplause , and said , men and women of Manchester , I feel more pleasure in hearing speeches of working men , and learn more from them , than I do from the speeches made m the House of Commons ; I always feel a pleasure in being amongst you . Mr . Hurst , in his speech , recommends an nnion with the middle classes ; so do L but I wish to be iuformed , by Mr . Hurst , what he means by the middle classes ? Does he mean the shopkeeping classes—those who live by labour—if he does I agree with him ; but if he means the money manufacturing middle class—those who live upon your labour , who coin your sweat , marrow , and bones into gold—I do not agree with him . They will never honestly co-opprate with you to obtain ri

      your political ghts : it would be detrimental to their class , becauseif you had the Charter you would compel them to act more justly with your labour ; for depend upon it the manufacturers will never give up any portion of your rights . Parliament will meet in a few days , and then vou will see such a breeze as you little think of . I see Dr . M'Hale , Archbishop of Tuam , is amongst you in Manchester —he is here to prepare the Catholic mind of this country for the coming struesle . Ireland was always tbe Premiers greatest , difficulty , and the Ministry always looked to the Irish members for support ; but tbe Papal Aggression question will give it another turn . Mr . 0 'Conuor then referred to a meeting , lately held , where Coblen and Milner Gibson were present , and asked the meeting if they ( Cobden and Gibson ) would come amongst them ? Mr . O'Connor then alluded to the Manchester Conference which would commence its sitting the next

      day ; and remarked , that the Conference sitting in Manchester would have more weight with the country than if it held its sitting elsewhere . Mr . O'Connor asked the meeting if they would dispel the disunion ?—(" yes , yes" )^ -would they give up all antagonism ? ( " Yes , yes . " ) Yery well . He would go on agitating the principles of tbe Charter fearless of tbe denunciations of some men of their order , and endeavour to dispel tbe disunion . He cautioned them to adhere to principles , and not to men who were endeavouring to live upon their agitation . Mr . O'Connor then took a glance of the political position and prospects of France , showing the difference between the Prencb . and English peop ' e , and concluded his speech by requesting Mr . Hirst to define what he meant by tbe middle classes , as he ( Mr . O'Connor ) was decidedly opposed to the union of the working classes with the commercial middle class .

      Mr . HtasT said , in reply , that he wished it to be understood , in the broadest sense of the word , commercial or shopkeeping . The Chairuan informed the meeting that Mr . Mantle wished to address them , and he hoped they would give him a hearing . Mr . Mamie said , he had heard much that he cordially agreed with , and should render them his assistance , in creating anew organisation upon the pr inciples he had heard explained that evening . The Chairman then took the vote for the resolution which was passed unanimously .

      DINNER TO FEARGUS O'COMOR , ESQ

      M . P . On Monday evening Ia 3 t a public dinner was given to Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., at Mr . Pairs , Cotton Tree Inn , Ancoat-street . One hundred and twenty men sat down to dinner and about twenty females in another room . Mr . O'Connor , accompanied by W . P . Roberts , tbe people ' s attorney-general , was loudly applauded . After doing ample justice to tbe good things provided , the company retired for about twenty minutes , and , on re-assembling , Mr . Jame 3 Leach ocenpied the chair , when the following toasts , sentiments , and songs were giveu : —" The Queen—her rights and no more , " " The Peopletheir rights , and no less . " Responded to by Thomas Clark ;— " The A ortfiern Star , and the Democratic Press , mav it so energetically persevere in its

      undertaking , that despotism and oppression must vanish before its exertions . " Responded to by W . P . Roberts . Messrs . Clark and M'Grath sung " Base oppressors . " "Feargus O'Connor , the friend of the oppressed millions , may he live long to battle in their cause , and by his influence unite the scattered ranks of Democracy , —that he may fulal Ids great mission , and live to enjoy tbe blessings of a happy and contented people . " Mr . O'Connor responded . " The People's Charter , may it soon become the law of the land , and by its influence cause Britain to be in reality the envy of surrounding nations and the admiration of the world , and once more restore her exited sons to their native land . " Responded to by Mr . Hirst . Mr . Johnson ung " Spread the Charter . " " The Manchester Chartist Council and the cause of Democracy . " Re-• ponded to by Mr . P . M'Grath and Thoma 3 Clark . " Co-operation and success to it . " Mr . Bell , of

      Hey wood , said that in his locality a sick society had withdrawn £ 100 , and commenced operations with it ; and he had much pleasure to state that he had divided £ 200 amongst its members , and he had the next quarter to divide another £ 100 . This had been saved by trading amongst themselves , and consequently ont of the pockets of the shopkeepers . Co-operation at Rochdale was on a Iwger scale ; and at Leeds it was still larger . Leeds had returned to its own town council seven councillors for its ewn local government . . Some persons said that co-operation was the means of meaning them from the Charter ; it was untrue ; « was the means of drawing together Tories , "Wh igs , and Chartists ; and exchange of sentiment 'as the wav to make converts to Chartism . A * ote of thanks was given to the host and chairman , a » d the meeting separated , on Tuesday morning , touch gratified .

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      MANCHESTER CONFERENCE . The delegates appointed to this body met at the People ' s Institute , on Monday moraine At the SsP ^ MK K ^ & s&ttfisaa Air . Mantle , Warnngton . it -L tbe mot l ! - « 3 . OWohkob and Cube . ITS ?? ' " Th ! it the Cogence assemble each day nt ten o ' clock , and adjourn at three . " ine delegates then proceeded to consider the urst proposition of the programme—namely , " The present position of Chartism , and the cauBes which have led to its prostration . " It was arranged that the delegates deliver their opinions as the natnea stood on the Secretary ' s book .

      Mr . O Consoe said that the lamentable and deplorable condition to which Chartism was reduced , he thought , was attributable to the violence and folly of trafficking politicians . He was opposed to all antagonism , and was present at the Conference to weld the working class mind of tbe country . -He hoped that the delegates would act calmly nnd dispassionately , and promulgate nothing but reason and common sense . If the people were united , nothing could withstand their power . If the labouring classes had worked as hard for one month as he had

      done for twenty-five years , the Charter would be carried forthwith . Look at the state of France , and see what was transpiring there , under the government of the " special constable" President , and they would see what ho had often told them would-fee the effects of-violent revolutions . A struggle was at hand , and his desire was , that the people should be prepared for it , and act for themselves . It was his pride that he had done more for the people . than any man living . He would much rather be in the company of working men than in the society of the highest men in the land . He would say what he had often said before , that he would sacrifice his life rather than give up one iota of the Charter . He had uever travelled a mile nor

      eaten a meal at the expense of the people , and was riot , therefore , like those trafficking politicians who feed upon tha credulity of the working classes . He begged of them , for God ' s sake , not to be disunited , but to prepare for the crisis at hand . Mr . Clark , said , that only one opinion would exist with respect to the condition of Chartism throughout the country . It was in a miserably low state , and he thought would continue to be bo unless organisation—in its name—should obtain a more intelligent , reasonable , and rational direction than had hitherto been the case . But , although such was the pitiable condition to which Chartism hai been reduced , yet he was certain that there never existed in this nation so wide , deep , and

      intense a democratio spirit as at the present time . Tbe most plain aud intelligible signs of tbe progress of democratio opinion' everywhere abounded , as he thought he could show . Look at the state of opinion amongst other classes at present as compared with by gone times , and it would be discovered that the democratio idea , had penetrated them all ; and , as a consequence , efforts of various kinds were being made in every direction to obtain an extension of power for the people . There were several different proposals , none of them it was true coming up to the Charter , but all tending to that end , and all based upon the same idea of popular sovereingty . Take for example tbe immense number of freehold land

      societies which are scattered over the empire , and established for the double purpose of promoting the social and political condition of those interested in them . Then there were several societies for the special purpose of procuring an extension ofthesuffrage : —suchasthe National Parliamentary Reform Association ; many of them , he said , consisted' of tbe middle classes , who were dissatisfied with tbe present state of things . In the House of Commons , too , he thought evidence of progress had been given . Upon the three divisions , on tbe motion of Mr .- Hume for a- most sweeping extension of the suffrage , 122 votes bad been given in favour , and of these 122 voters fourteen only represented agricultural districts ; and in no one

      instance had any one county voted on the side of the people . But more than this was the fact , as shown by Mr . O'Connor , in an analysis which he made of these divisions : it appeared that the members voting with Mr . Hume represented sixteen millions ot people . Well , then , with these associations out of doors , consisting of every variety of class , and the decisions in the House of Commons , there was every reason to hope for the democratic cause . He waa , as he had said , fully aware of the weak state of Chartist organisation ; but bow , he asked , could it be otherwise , after the

      violence which had characterised former advocacy . The country was brim full of fine , healthy , generous , democratic sentiment , and it only requred good sense and the necessary intelligence . Mr . J . Leach supported Mr . Clark ' s views . It appeared to him impossible that they could any longer continue to act with those who arrogated to themselves the leadership of the people . It appeared to him that tbe elements of an organisation existed more powerful than any they had ever witnessed , for , at tbe time of their greatest strength , there never were more than fifty thousand enrolled members . He felt certain that the democratic

      principle was steadily progressing , although they , as a party , were all but extinct . All they had heard about dividing the party appeared to him sheer folly , the fact being that there was no party to divide . Their business here was to commence again and build up a party . Nothing appeared to him more palpable than that their present lamentable position was the result of past folly , which it was high time to remedy . He fully approved of a new organisation upon a more intelligent , tolerant , and conciliatory basis . He believed there were two trains of ideas of policy struggling for domination ; the one appealing to the impulses and passions of the people , the other to its morality , its equity , and reason . Of the ultimate triumph of the latter he had no doubt . He hoped the Conference would be temperatel y conducted , and without reference to the existence of any other parties .

      Mr . Maktle said much stress had been laid on the assertion , that the present apathetic state of Chartism was owing to the sayings and doings of the men of M 8 . Ho would not deny but that many things hadbeen done and said which would have been better left alone . But he did deny that their present position was wholly owing to what had been irreverently termed , * ' the insane ravings " of some of their friends . Ho had been told by his constituents , that their association was broken up in ' 48 by the inexplicable conduct of Mr . O'Connor . There were other causes—the unfaithfulness of leaders to their

      party ; and the unworthy insinuations by which it was constantly being attempted by one section , to infuse suspicion and distrust into the minds of the people , towards other sections of their leaders . The representatives of the Charter League had hinted that the Executive was contemptible , and its constituency insignificant . He would ask this Conference , if it did not think itself ( consisting as it did of eight persons only , representing five localities ) , somewhat contemptible ; and whether it did not think these five localities sublimely insignificant , when compared with the fifty-three localities that voted for the Executive ? He would tell the

      deputation from the League , that they were regarded with distrust by those to whom they proposed to appeal for support . He thought the first duty of this assembly was , to take Eonie emphatic steps towards conciliating the goodwill of those whose affections they were held to have wounded , and whose sympathies they had forfeited . Till they did this , their legislation would be looked upon as a factious aggression on the Chartist majority—an insult to the expressed will of seven-eights of the existing localities . Mr . M ' Grath said he thought the Conference had commenced its work at the right point , by an inquiry into tbe cause which had led to the present lamentablo prostration of the Chartist movement . Until this was discovered , a revival of that movement would ho a great difficulty , if not an impossibility . He did not hesitate to saythat their

      , weakness was the consequence of the rant , and fury , which , to a great extent , characterised the advocacy of their principles . In 1 S 48 they were rapidly attaining a proud position—the continental revolutions bad fixed the attention of tlie public mind upon their movement , when tbe nmjority of their leading men became smitten with the mania of platform valour ; terror took the place of admiration in the public mind , reaction followed and their present miserable plight waa the result . He thought an end should be put to this despicable mountebankism . Mr . Mantle said , that Mr . O'Connor was chargeable withthefailure of 1848 ; heknew that Mr O' Cocnor bad done all that man could do to restrain the folly and extravagance of both the Convention and Assembly . They should stamptheirreprobatiocupon such conduct . McauBecouldprosper

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      in connection with it . It bad proved the bane and curse of the most glorious cause that ever engaged the mind of a people . Let them have done with factious policy . Let them stamp their reprobation upon it ; and those who pursued it would find their account in the increased contempt of every sensible and intelligent Chartist in England . Let their policy eschew folly and extravagance . Let their appeals be to the reason and common sense of the community , and they might depend upon it that they would not be made in vain .

      Mr . North thought there had been sufficient said upon tbe subject . In order to effect an union in the shortest time , and at the least expense , he would recommend the Conference and the Executive to write tracts , and that the working classes be requested to do the same . Tbe tracts to be distributed one in each house , and for the delegate to report to the Committee of Observation the opposition he meets with . That , in his opinion , would be the best plan to adopt . He was instructed to advocate the People ' s Charter whole and entire , and to join no society that fell . short of that mea

      sure . Mr . Horst said , they had met for an important purpose , and although they were , few in number , yetjtheywere sustained by a consoion ^ ness of : tb ^ greatness and goodness pfc . theijrpriU ' ciples ' . fiuweying Chartism in its present position , they were all equally impressed with a conviction of tbe'deep and general prostration under which itlayii No cause that had once been so high had never sunk so lowno principles so great , so just , and glorious were ever so dishonoured and defiled by its avowed champions , its apostles , and defenders . Wherever it once flourished it was now in abeyance ; Conferences , Executives , Councils - and Associations , have faded away , or are dragging out a miserable and

      pitiful existence ; and yet , amid all this prostration , there never was a healthier Democratic feeling existing in the country than at present . What were the causey ? Foremost appeared to him the encouragement given to physically violent ideas ; men have talked of violent measures , have inflamed the passions of the people , and , to gratify their self-vanity , have uttered the wildest and most dangerous doctrines—dangerous alike to the property , the liberty , and tbe institutions of the kingdom . Another cause of their failure was to be found in the fact , that in a spirit of bitter intolerance and uncbaritableness , they had maligned the character , impugned the motives , and vilified the public conduct of every other party in the kingdom . Another

      ana tne greatest cause ot their iailure , was the fact that they refuse to work in unison with the liberal sections of the middle and upper classes , without whom they could do nothing , and who , despite of their revilings , were the only parties of real power in this country that would widen the limits of constitutional rights , privileges , and liberties . The whole of the delegates having expressed their opinions , Mr . M'Grath said , that in order to epitomise the ideas of the delegates , he would submit the following resolution to the Conference : — "That , seeing the existence of the great apathy which prevails throughout the country at the

      present time , on the subject of the People ' s Charter , and having given the matter its best consideration , this Conference have arrived at the following conclusion : —that this lamentable Btate of things has been mainly brought about by the extravagance and folly which , have characterised a great portion of the advocates of the people ' s cause ; and impressed with this conviction , this Conference deems it its imperative duty to express its strongest condemnation of this pernicious policy , and pledgee itself to use its utmost endeavours henceforth ° to guard the movement againstthis evil . " Mr . Thomas Clark seconded the resolution .

      Mr . Maktlb rose , and moved the following amendment , which was seconded by Mr . North ;— " That as the delegates now present , representing only four localities , do not feel themselves in a position to legislate for the inauguration or direction of a great national democratic movement pand , seeing that they have not the support of the various localities now in existence , do feel it their duty to defer to the negative of the majority by dissolving this Conference , and recommending to the country the propriety of themselves decreeing the time and place a ^ whioh a uattoaal asBembly shallborheld , to . provide for the present organifation and future pfr ! licy of the Chartist movement . " The enthusiasm of the physical force men was much abated . He came there instructed to move an amendment to the first resolution proposed in Conference , whatever that resolution might be . The London Executive , he felt confident , had the sympathy and support of the people , which was his reason for moving the amendment .

      Mr . Clark said he thought there waa a fundamental error in the reasoning of Mr . Mantle in supposing the London Executive had the confidence of the people ; he would not deny that they were supported by the 1 , 800 who had elected them , supposing that number of votes honestly obtained . They ( the Conference ) did not pretend to represent the supporters of the London Executive , nor did they wish to do 80 ; they wished to begin with the alphabet ef politics . He would ask by what right had

      parties denied either to them or any other persona the power of forming a distinct body ? By what authority did they sit in judgment upon the right of others to form an association for the furtherance of those political principles in which they believed ? What had the London Executive done for the people , except to blight the hopes , blast the prospects , and wittier the anticipations of democracy in the country ? He had no confidence whatever , either in the political ability or influence of that Executive for good .

      After some further conversational explanations , the Chairman submitted the resolution and amendment , the amendment being negatived . The motion was supported by Messrs . F . O'Connor , James Leach , Thomas Clark , Phillip M'Grath , David Lawson ; Messrs . G . F . Mantle , and William North voting against it . Mr . Clark then moved , and Mr . O'Connor seconded : — " That the Conference do now proceed to appoint three members of its body to prepare the draft nf a plan of organisation . " The motion was carried , Mr . Mantle dissenting . Mr . Leach and Mr . North were appointed . The Conference then adjourned till Tuesday moraing .

      TUESDAY . The Chairman having resumed the chair , the minutes of the previous day were read and confirmed . The next point in the programme was then read by the Chairman , namely : " The policy which the Chartist party should pursue in reference to other political parties . " Mr . Clark said he wished to submit a resolution on this subject , and that he could not do better than propose one similar to the one adopted by the

      Conference that met in London in December , 1849 . A resolution was unanimously passed by that body to the effect , that they would most cordially aid and assist all parties , irrespective of class , who aim at the enlargement of the franchise , lie would move : — "That this Conference recommend that when Chartists attend meetings of other political bodies , reformers favourable to the extension of the franchise , or other progressive reform , that it shall be for the purpose of lending aid and support . " Mr . Leach seconded the resolution .

      Mr . O ' Connor said that the passing of the resolution would do no good . It would tend to divide the people . He would remind them of the deceit practised on the peopleinformertimesbytheiaiddle classes . The people had no more chance of getting justice from this class than they had from the man in the moon . He waafor keeping Chartism separatefrom every other " ism . " They must rely-aolely on themselves . Tho Financial Reformers would use them for their own purposes . He came there to unite the public mind , and in doing so , we must not be considered puppets in the hands of the middle classes , which that resolution would show to be the faot .

      Mr . Leach said that Mr . O'Connor , in his opinion , was mistaken in saying that this resolution would divide the people . The fact was , that there was no body to divide ; therefore , we need not be afraid of doing that mischief . Their business was , to build up a movement ; and he thought tbat this resolution enibod'ed a policy indispensable to that work . The motion coudemned the obstructive policy—and very justly so , too . We are advised to go to these meetings—for what ? Are wo to remain idle spectators ? If not , we must either oppose or support them . Now , which shall we do ? His

      advice was , to give them support . He would never swerve from the Charter ; but , in advocating Ins own principles , no consideration in the world could induce him to be an obstructive to the progress of lesser measures of reform . This policy bad done much evil , and it was time to get rid of it . He strongly condemned bluster and denunciation in our struggles for liberty . We must try to elevate Chai tisnVfiora the mire and filth into which this pernicious system has plunged it . He would never again emkrk in an agitation , unless it was conducted upon principles likely to leave the people Borne tangible result as too fruit of their toil .

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      • Mr . O Connor expressod his fullest confidence in Wa integrity of Mr . Leach , but . nevertheless , should dissent from him on this motion . His long experience enabled him to judge correctly of tho House of tomraous- and he would tell them , that although SSf i , ? "Jl ht mighfc novv vot * for the Lit « e Uiarter , still , if there was a chance of making ever that measure law , they would bribe some of toeir own party to prevent it . The aim of these men was to juggle us for their own benefit . They were now told that Lord John would propose something near the Charter ; if bo he will go out ; but when again installed in power , he will pause and liberate . and take time to consider , and will come tp the conclusion tbat tho convenient time is not

      yet come . If they mixed up any other question with the Charter , they would injure tho movement . He told them in conclusion to place no connclence in any other class of the community but the working . clagses . For his own part ho would never eonnde nor co-operate with any other . He had spent upwards of £ 130 , 000 in their cause , and he would never desert them . He said let Chartists eo to themeetings of the Reformers , and propound their principles , by so doing they would command places of meeting beyond their own reach , in which to . teach the middle classes the truths of Chartism ; 'i-His , grand a'im at tho present time was to unite and prepare the public mind for the struggle which would ensue during the forthcomession

      ing s . Mr . Lawson said that his instructions were to vote against ; the connexion of any other movement with the Chartist agitation . Mr . Mastlb proposed the following amendment : — ' That this Conference , with every desire to promote co-operation with all parties anxiously struggling for the people ' s emancipation * regards with suspicion tho movements of the Commercial Reformers , and does not feel itself justified in recommending co-operation with those reformers headed by Messrs . Hume , Cobden , Walmsley , and Co . ' He could not vote for the resolution , hence he felt it lie duty to move this amendment . Those who differed from him had proved to his satisfaction

      that the interest of the labourer and the capitalist were identical ; therefore he could not support any movement in which such persons were embarked , If they were to judge of them as masters , they could not expect much from them as senators . They had no interest in common with the people . The object of their plan was to increase their own power . If they did succeed in their project of enfranchising four million of tho people , it would only make things worse : becauso it would increase the strength of tyranny , for it is natural to man to use power despotically over those who have it not . Mr . Sh . - . rt thought that the motion , if carried would be likely to create dissension , and therefore he should vote against it .

      Mr . M'Grath said that Mr . O'Connor had advised them against antagonism , but he could not understand how it was to be avoided . Mr . Clark said that Mr , O'Connor had himself done more in support of tho Parliamentary . Reform Association than any other man in connexion with the Chartist movement , and ought , therefore , to be the last man in tho community to reproach the policy of others , for having done loss than himself . Mr . O'Connor had gone all the way from London to Aberdeen , a distance of nearly 600 miles , to be present at a meeting of the Parliamentary Reformers . It had cost Mr . O'Connor £ 20 to be pre sent at that meeting . More than that , when it was proposed in committee at Aberdeen to alter the

      constitution of that Association , and to adopt universal suffrage ; in preference to the suffrage of the Reformers , so unwilling was Mr . O' Connor to offer the smallest obstacle to those whom he went to support , that he would not allow universal suffrage to be substituted . Again , Mr . O'Connor , at his own expense , travelled to Norwich , and gave the Association all the support in his power . Ho read from copies of the . Northern Star , several passages from Mr . O'Connor ' s letters , in which he advised support of this party , and Btrongly condemned all opposition . In doing this he thought Mr . O'Connor did right . He hoped that Mr . O'Connor would now support the resolution , because , it was in strict fconformity with the policy he pursued : aud , reaomeridea ; '

      m ; ; : < - "Mr . O'Connor said , the fact of Mr . Clark coming prepared to tho Conference with so many extracts from hia letters , showed that he anticipated something like antagonism . It was true that he had attended the meetings of the Parliamentary Reformers ; but it was always for the purpose of advocating the Charter . The leading men of that party would not , if they could prevent it , allow the Charter to bo mentioned at their meetings . Several wealthy men joined with the selfish motive of getting into Parliampnt . Mr . Clark complains that he is reviled for doing what he believed to be right . No man was more reviled than himself , but he considered the censure of slaves to be adulation . So also , should Mr . Clark . He was abused at Brighton , by Mr . Prout and Cunningham , for having mentioned the Charter . For his part , he had no confidence in these reformers ,

      still he ' would advise tho Chartists to attend their meetings , and propound their principles . He told them that they did not want the Charter . Take their conduct on the Income Tax as an illustration ; when that tax was being levid the manufacturers put into-their pockets , in the shape of decreased wages , no less than £ 400 , 000 Reduction of taxation , under the present system , would be no benefit , because the employers of labour would take advantage of it to reduce the wages of labour . His aim would ever be to locate all on the land of thoir birth . And at whatever cost of labour or anxiety , he was determined to carry out his Land Plan . He had not the slightest confidence in any class but that of labour . He confided more in the intellect of the working classes than in any other . And ho would glory in the day when he could seethe blacksmith doffing his leathern apron , and betaking himself to the House of Commons , to make laws for the benefit of his order .

      Mr North said , if he understood tbe motion right , it meant that no opposition should be given to the Parliamentary Reformers ; in that he agreed ; but it also pledged the Chartists to support them . Now , he would support them hims&lf , but he could not agree to recommend others to do so . He would leave all to bo guided by their own private judgment . Mr . Leach said , that what his judgment told was right , he would feel no qualm of conscience to recommend to another . The question was not the honesty or dishonesty of other reformers , but whether they would struggle for a modicum of justice for the people . He cared not by what motives they were actuated , provided they accomplished son ™

      benefit for his order . Mr . O'Connor advised attendance at their meetings , were people to remain there idle spectators . Let them not dally with tho question , but 6 peak out boldly j if they thought tho movements of tho parties bad , oppose them , if they thought them good , support ; them . This was the dictate of common sense , and he defied contradiction to it . They were daily sinking as a party , through the arrant stupidity of their conduct . Six years since many of the trades bodies of Manchester were enrolled Chartists , but now the very name was loathing to them . As to Mr . Mantle ' s argument , that the emancipation of a part of the people would prove an injury , it was too absurd for serious

      comment . He was for a policy that would pull on instead of push back . All who foil short of their views , convinced that such conduct would give Bt n t 0 their oause andre 8 P ect ; l <> themselves . Mr . Horst made a long and eloquent speech in upport of the motion , in which be denied that the commercial classes were so irrevocably opposed to popular rights , as had been represented . He vividly depicted the serfdom of the agricultural labourer , as compared with the manufacturing operative , and concluded by declaring his determination to abide by the policy laid down in the motion . Mr . Horspall thought the motion , if adopted , would create great dissension . The people would never a' « the manufacturer in any movement .

      Mr . O Connor said , in reply to Mr . Hurst , that tne agricultural labourer , at fifty years of age , was a better man than the manufacturer at thirty , ihe manufacturers coined tho sweat of their Blaves into gold . Could they ever co-operate , to any extent , with such tyrants ? For his part , he never would . His mission among them was , to destroy all antagonism ; and , therefore , he would recommend that tho motion be withdrawn . Mr . Leach could not consent to tho withdrawal of the motion . The old system must be discarded , itte mind of the people had shot far ahead of their old policy and thoso who thought to drag them back to it would find themselves miserably misk m wou ! d " ^ Wbe a party to carry it out . a tney went to meetings in the spirit of liberality to reason , they would be listened to , but if they went there to oppose they would very properly meet with . their reward in total exclusion .

      tt , w ° CoKson .-Biit does not Mr . Leech see that tnoenect . of this motion would be to create distrust and division in the minds of tho people ? Let with th rh ? meiitin . £ unio an < 1 mix U P nothing

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      ¦ Mr . M'Grath said , that the fear of creating antagonism must not prevent them from advising what tuey ; thought the proper course . Ho thought their antagonists were wrong , and tho plainer they told the people so the better . Every party on the road of progress was entitled to the aid and friendship of its neighbour . The third part of a life was spent in agitating for the Charter , without any tangible advantage . What stronger evidence could he ad-M ne w , . how the '" efficiency of their means ? Miy Mantles amendmeut expressed suspicion and distrust of the Parliamentary Reformers . Thia was the pernicious practice they wished to put an end to . fly . what right could they denounce the Reformers as dishonest ? Tho Reformers would bo equally justified in denouncing the Chartists as di « .

      nonest . His opinion was , that these Reformors were just as honest and sincere as themselves n 6 was sure that the assertion of theso opinions would excite the ire and denunciation of some , buttheso ebulifctons should be met and crushed , and he . for one would not shrink from his share of the work , u h m ? with an > azement to Mr . Mamie's apeeoh . Tho averments in that speech were too gross for the credulity of the most ignorant meeting thM , could possibly be assembled . And h < f was pfo « d _ to think that the time had come when such speeches could not be addressed to any portion of the people with impunity . He was certain tl .:. r . Mr

      Mantle did not believe that to enfranchise four millions of the working classes would be a positive evil . He had too much respect for his judgment to bolievo him capable of any such infatuation . Ho thought that a party going for such an extensive measure of justice , were eminently entitled to tbe friendship , goodwill , and aid of every man anxious to witness the elevation of his fellow creatures . He would support the resolution as the embodiment of a policy honourable to themselves , just to others and calculated to raise their cause from tho abasement to which it had fallen . Mr . North made a few remarks , when the further consideration of the question waa adjourned to tbe next sitting .

      [ From circumstances for which we are unablo to account , we have not received the ropovt ' ofthe Wednesday ' s proceedings up to tho time of going to press .- ^ EB . N . S . ]

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      * - ?« MR . \ ERNON AND MR . O'CONNOR . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —In reading the Star of Saturday last , we were astonished on reading what Mr . Vernon said with regard to Mr . O'Connor , and the money that has been subscribed to keep him ( Mr . O'Connor ) , and defray his expenses both in public and private life . It' Mr . O'Connor was dependent upon tlie public for his support , he would not have had the many followers he has at this moment . To talk of him living , and defending so many persons as he has done , out of the few pence subscribed , ia not worth tho paper we write on . Has he received the money he expended in defending FrostWilliams

      , , and Jones ? The money that was spent in 1842 , and again in 1848 , let alone the Bradshaw cases ? We think that Mr . Yernon might make himself more useful in trying to get up a union , instead of denouncing Mr . O'Connor , and throwing cold water on tho Chartist body . So much for Mr . Yernon . And again , Mr . Flaxman asks where Mr . O'Connor gets hia money from to pay those expens es ? If Mr . F . had been-what he should be—a Chartist , and had done hia own share of the work , ho would not have been so much puzzled as to where it came from . Signed on behalf of the Broomfield Section , Bradford , near Loeds . T . Fuhtiff January 26 . 1851 .

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      Tire Ensuing Session of Parliament . —At tho commencement of the ensuing session , on Tuesday next , the statute passed in June last , entitled , "An actforshorteningtheLanguageused in Actsof Parliament , willtakeeffeot . It isoxpeotedthat considerable improvements willbe made in futureacta , both in the phraseology , and in the omission of clauses whioh have hitherto appeared in such things . Acts are to be divided into sections without any introductory words . Where any act is referred to , it shall bo sufficient to cite the year of the reign , chapter , and section

      . In future acts certain words which now appear in interpretation clauses , importing the masculine gender , are to include females , and the plural the Bingular , Ac . Repealed acts are not to be revived in virtue of the repeal of the repealing statute . Repealed provisions of any act aro to remain in force until the substituted provisions come into force . All acts are to be deemed public act 9 , unless the contrary ia declared . This act ( 13 Viet ., cap . 21 ) is to commence and take effect from and immediately after the commencement of tho next session of parliament . There are eight short sections in the new act .

      Temporary Augmentation op ihb Police Force . —Within the last few days the Executive Committee of the Great Exhibition have been in communication with the Commissioners of tho Metropolitan Police , relative to a force necessary to preserve the peace in the neighbourhood of the Ex-Inbition at the time of its opening anil during its continuance , although a vast number of the superanujited constables have received orders to do duty on that occasion . On Wednesday the commiasionevs intimated their intention to augment the force by adding 900 men , who will be employed for twelve

      months only . Those men will perform duty at the various police stations in lieu of the A or reserved force , and the latter , with the detective men , m \[ be stationed in and about the Exhibition Buildiiif . The additional men employed will have the prefe rence of joining the force as vacancies may occur instead of taking fresh hands . There are at nr « sent engnwd-at the building ex-Superintenden t Murray , ot the M dimon , and ex-Inspecter Hornby and Fraud , who have charge of tho build ' mg until the 7 th of March , when they will receive

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      THE CHARTER ORGANISATION . . A public meeting , calloTuy the " Exccutive . ' waa held on Monday evening at the British Institution Cowper-street , City-road . The attendantT X i very numerous , the immense room bein < r Drowded At eight o ' clock Mr . Lo Blond was cafle . 1 to the ohair and was received with loud applause as were also the members of the Executive who w « ro pro-The CnAiRMAN said he was proud to sco sn hvsa an assembl y at tbafc / the third public modi-- * held "F' tuo present Tfofinntivn f ) n fch /> ir nl /> .. i ? nn *~

      offioo thnyhad to contend with great apathv ; but 2 ^ . l"Ss ^ ey had held , and the- proctui :. deisJlnmS . th ? f Chapl » t P " blic w « s nimkeni-. c from inh irf » r k Wils nilt so much tl «> "mount . rf the S 72 tlon » th ° y «« -eivod as the numnor o ^ noni from whom tbt received it , which gave i , m : i conhdenco ; it wm number * united mono grant <« ffort that _ the . government dreaded ; ho implored t-. ^ . n to avoid all bickerings or denunciation of-other masses » nd strive to give utterance to tlieir sentin . (;; its in hrm , but moderate language ; it was by such means , and not by antagonism , that their cause wi-uld bo mside to succeed .

      Mr . IIoi-toakk moved the first resolution— That as class antagonism , gross anomalies , am : monstrous inequalities are the results of the present system of legislation , and being fully confidm ; that fcho only means whereby the system can be removed , and the condition of the toiling masses poll- cally elevated , and their social rights ensured , is ' ¦ y the enactment of the People's Charter ; , this meting , therefore declares it 3 determination to . i « itat ,- until that measure is recognised as tliC law oflfclif land . " U"e greut effort of the Charter would he t-ierouioval of antagonism , which was so much urn- lost to the eausu of progress . It would requir- but SSuW * 8 lww ' hat > u ; h a mcasui ° ' * the People 8 Charter was necessary . In no nee or country were any olass . of mon to bo found , ho ^ over nonost , who were fit to be entrnated with tbo

      govern meat of . the people , ; unleas guided by certain rules , and restrained by ¦ - . certain checks . If the f-nvbaenuuves were elected by tho people it woiil .- not only be a duty , but a necessity , qn their part . :, > attend to the interests of tho people . Theii--. pponents objected to their being entrusted with the franchise , on the ground that their igm . ran .-e prevented them from being capable judges of the - ; omplicated interests of a great nation . The reat quality of tho Charter waa that , from self-inf ' -e 3 t , all classoa would be interested in tho spr . a-1 of Knowledge and tho oducation of the peop'c At present , whether the interests of the people rCro attended to or not was a matter of chance , ton entirely to the good feelings and moral consciousness of their representatives . The Oliartor would :,. ako it the interest of thoso who governed to oi ^ snlfc

      the interest of the governed . They must hav ;; one ej'O to the effeet of their agitation on other ci suaes . One great test of their devotion to their , urin ^ ples was tlio funds th-y subscribed towards canvin" ' those doctrines into practice . In a good or » . * . msation nothing should be left to chance ; they must be atile to calculato upon tho agency they could : <;> ply , and then they would be able to ascertain with something like certainty the probable result . Then .- was a groat moral dignity about democracy .. Tho man who comprehended itsprinciples waa elevated i ^ ove the

      man who did not . It inspired men with a true notion of aolf-rospect , and they so mouMcd dieir conduct aa to bo worthy of the character ami tho duties to which they aspired . When tlie great . : ; ody of the Chartists fully appreciated these senUitwnts their demands must be conceded to them , beuauao their fitneas for tho rights they demanded could no longer be denied . It was for these and similar roasons that be had so readily entered into tho limitation for the Charter . Mr . Holyoake , after other remarks , aat down loudly cheered .

      Mr . Bezer seconded the resolution . He bcl'o . ved that the present Executive meant to do their duty , awl if their agitation was again a partial fiiihir- ( for liberty could not fail ) , he believed it would l ^ tho fault of the people , and not of their appointed liuad * The speaker concluded amid much applause . Ihe resolution waa then put to the meeting , and earned unanimously . fa Mr . Bbisck , in an effective speech , moved a voto of confidence in the Executive , and called upon the meeting to render them effective support . ' Mr . Elliott ably seconded the motion . Mr . Jones , who on rising was received with tromendous applause , stated that ho should more narticularly direct thoir attention to the subject of the first resolution . It propounded the first mdimonts of democracy . What did democracy mean ? Ib meant tho right of every own to govern himself , so ong as he did not injure his neighbour . With this

      limitation , it meant tho right of tho majority to rule . "Oh , " cvied the ignorant and timi <) , " " The majority would rule badly . " Let us reason . V w ? What is the motive impulse of man ' a nature ? Self interest . A man takes most care of himself ami his own interest . What was tho ostensible ohioci of government ? -The . greatest possible good totl ' » greatest possible number . Then it followed that the greatest possible number should be allowed to take care of themselves . That waa democracy , tfufc had they sufficient knowledge to choose what was for their own . good ? For democracy itself would be only an evil if its laws were not based on justice and on wisdom . What did hiatory teach , them ? What states wero the most prosperous , Persia , under ita tyrants , or Greece under its democracy ? Romo with its plebeians , or Home beneath its Emperors ? Spain with its kings , or Holland with its senators ? England with its Stuarts or England with its Puritina ? America with ita

      uepuuiic , or Great Britain with its Monarchy ? Who were the men fit to rule—the bishops , who opposed emancipation , ov the people who enforced it ? i bo Peers who resisted reform , or the working men who carried it ? The landlords who aombattod JNee lrade . or the people who combined for it ? ine poor who practised temperance , or the rich who only pnued it ? Who deserved power-lho men who were idle , or the men who did the work ? The "J ; en who pocket , or the men who pav ? liutcry they "The world has always been thus-democracy is something now . " Democracy was older than their nobilities . Men existed before kings wero crowned , and pulses bounded before chains were forged . But , again , the timid cry " Demoemv , " means anarchy ! Look when the mob has been let loose what horrors it has committed . Nine-Untha of man a atrocitiea had been inflicted W f . ! m hi ^ h

      born and' - enlightened , " the noblo and the religious . If we are pointed to the criminals among the poor in the present day , can we not point to criminals among the rich ? How many Sloanes , or Uaynaus wero to be counted in its ' ranks ? And what were tho temptations of the rich compared to thoso of the poor ? Was the rich lady force , ! to go upon the streets from tho pangs of hunger ? Was tho high-born child obliged to steal for food ? Was the wealth y trader obliged to forge or rob to sustain life ? No ; but he forges and he robs , ami vet he goes unpunished . If you deny a man bravl , you may possibly deny him what he has not , winled .

      Jiut it you deny him work , you deny him that to which he has a claim . What good would democraoy do them ? It would enablo thorn-to cry " atop thief to tho privileged robber , and tonsolaim their own . Let them ask themselves the « o simple questions : —Will the man who lives on taxation lessen taxes ? Will the man who lives on tithes do away with tithes ? Will the man who lives by the army do away with war ? Will the man who lives by the Church do away with simony ; or ho who lives on usury abolish the National Debt ? would tho men who lived on sinceuius do away with class rule ? Would tlie men who lived on . gross ignorance give thorn education , or thoao who profitted by their weakness , give them the franchise I Common sense must convince them that these men would not commit such political and social suicide-they would not help to destroy their own prerogatives . What they wanted done they must lor

      ao themselves . The only help they would get beyond that would be from tho poorer portion ot tho middle class , whom poverty would ibrco against their will to join them . The privileged united to crush them , and they must uuito to crush the privileged . " The oppressed against tho oppreasor , ' must be the motto of their creed . When they obtained the Charter , they must destroy ihreo monopolies—those of land , machinery , and moneythe nationalisation of land would destroy tho first ; the co-operation of labour would destroy the second these two would weaken tho third , and prepare the way for man ' s commonwealth . The Charter was but the first step . Tlio trumpet that sounded its victory would but blow the onset to the battle Mr . Jones then went into the beat means of inv proving the organiaation , and alluded to tho assembling of the Manchester Conference , and coneluded amid great applause

      The resolution was carried unanimously tho ' mSi ^ SSfvS *« th ° ^ airman , and rolled ^ ^ , T , ? meml ) ° *« " «* toiled , and a good collection received at the doors .

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      baS Ln 1 MABiw » .-Daring the fancy ' dress Soh tt \ T ? onuexion with tho Royal Western Moot Uul > , Lieutenant Hutchinson is reported to have made some observation to Captain Button to the eftect that his wifo was " flirting , " that Cant , mitton resented tho use of such a word in rufurence to his wife , and that the consequence was an niter-Cfttion ami a kicking down the aasembly-room stairs . Ihe consequence has been a court of inquiry , and the placing of Lieutenant Hutuhinson under arrest , and a court-martial is to be held to try tho lieutenact . Exhibition of 1851 . —Her Majesty ' s ComraUsioners have decided , iii ordor to prepare for tho reception of foreign goods in the ensuing week , that tho public must bo altogether excluded tVom visiting the building after Monday noxt , the 3 rd of February ,

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      EccEXimc Evidesce of CossMScr . —A married * omati fell down dead some years aso , at Seaham Harbour , while in tbe act of baking . " Her husband , * ho was preatly attached to her , preserved a piece < ji rate she had in' her Band rfs a memorial . A few ° * ys ago he died , aud left strict injunctions to his & !« ids that they should bnry him in his wedding ^ 't . with the piece of cake * in his pocket—which *» s done accordingly-« e understand that Lord Ebrington is about to j ^ ae from the secretaryship of the Poor-law Board f ? * 5 ll be succeeded by Mr . R . W . Grey , as Par "Menttty secretary , * Mr . Xicholls also retires on J . ^ ' ill-health " , and willbe succeedediasperc ent secretary bv Lord ' Courtenay , who has Jearg « ctei as P > or-iaw' inspector for several

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      THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTION COMMITTEE . TO TIIE EDITOR OF IDE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Wo , the undersigned , having been appointed to audit the accounts of the " Registration and Eloction Committee , " which we carefully went over , and furnished you with a balance sheet ( bearing our signatures ) , but which was . published in the Star of Saturday th 6 19 th ult .-tfith the names of tbe auditors omitted . ' You will , therefore , much oblige by the insertion of this note in your next impression , which may prevent any suspicion that might otherwise attach itself to the Committee , through the publication of that ( apparently ) unauthenticated document . Yours most respectfully , AlFRED HUKNIBAU , 1 . ,.. Jacob Buke , ' ) Auditors . January 27 th .

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      ? ROCHDALE FACTORY OPERATIVES . A public meeting was held on the 23 rd ult ., in the Chartist Room , Yorkshire-street , for the purpose of giving a report in connexion with J . Scholenold , manufacturer , and his hands , who havo been , for twenty-seven weeks on btvike at LittlDborough ; and also to show to factory workers the necessity of joining the present union , and making it an indissoluble and consolidated union of all branches of factory operatives . The meeting was addressed by Samuel Cryer , Isaac Newton , and Edward Kerahaw . James Greenwood occupied the chair . They all spoke for a considerable time , enumerating tho grievances between themselves and Mr . Scliolefield

      in energetic tones , calling upon thoso who had not joined the union to do so , and defend their fellow workers in their present struggle against the unjust aggressions of their master . Mr . Ambrose Toralinaon desoanted on the effects of reduction after reduction , showing how these reductions had operated on them physically , mentally , and morally . He commenced with the year of Arkwright ' s invention of the spinning frame , and showed how , after each reduction , year by year , that the meansof subsistence had been pared down ; and that in the same proportion crime and immorality had increased . He also gave an elaborate description of the failures of past unions , showing that it was the isolated system that had failed , and that a consolidated union

      alone could prove successful amongst factory operatives , and that factory workers should have one general Rcale of prices , so thatmanufacturers might meet each other in the market on an equal footing , and concluded by an appeal to them to join the union , and to support tho men and women now on Btnke at Littleborough . A strong agitation in favour of this union is likely to be the result . Young TomlinBon was asked if he could attend and give his assistance at future meetings ; ho consented when disengaged to do so ; and we know of none that could be of greater service . Yours truly , SUTCLIFFB CrABTREB . [ We have no room for the weekly report . ]

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  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 1, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1611/page/1/