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    " ^ hbTgeeat sham of the age . " Ota jepr ^ entative " " worse odonr than imag ined it . However adverse to tbe interest of the people at large , it was mm onl } * believed to be advantageous to the C ristocraticul and wealthy classes , who gained 8 litical predominance in consequence of its L » iQSJTe and monopolizing character . It " . jrs this is quite a mistake . The owner f a " family borough" has laid bare the - ^ - , SHE GBBAT SHAM OF THE AGE .

    s 2 crets of such a disagreeable appeu . lage to a family inheritance in the columns of the < Tii « W * ^ *" own es P " ence is to be taken as a sample of the sack , he and his cbss are ^ evy much to be piiied . They suffer from the curse of close boroughs , small corrup t c onstituencies , and greedy unscrupulous electioneering agents , quite as much , thoug h in another tray , as the unenfranchised -ad unrepr esented masses .

    The boroug h is a constant drain upon theiv r 5 e 3 an insatiable horse leech , whoso cry £ 3 % till 'g ive' The'free and independent ' bu' /^ esses are not at their nod and beck , but , tl " i ° of the clever dealer in Yoic-s , who has coatrived to set himself up as dictator , and who Prescribes terms alike to the candidate who has to buy and the voter who has to sell the franchi a e . Improving upon this bint , Mr . CouirEjj , at R oclidale , gave , in a style of graphic vivaoitv , the picture of CorroCK ' s House of Parliament , and the position occupied by the aersous who are returned to it—not by the

    people , but a few astute and selfish memberisonffe ' rs , who really hold the representation of the whole country in their hands . St . Alban's is the type of the whole class . The figure for which each borough may be bought varies of course ]; but there is an extensive list for sale , beg inning with Abingdon and ending with Yarmouth . If the simple candidate who purchases one of these delectable boronghs imag ines the pull on his purse strings is ended when he has paid the * head money agreed upon witb the wholesale dealer in jotes . he is very much mistaken . ' The

    member' is expected to have his hand cons tantly in his breeches pockets for something or other . He must subscribe to the Members Cup , to the Hace Ball , to Charities of all descriptions , to every kind of job pretending to have a public character , that may be got up by the speculating busy bodies in the borough ; and every individual Tfrlio has voted ibr him , whenever he is pinched , applies to ' the member , ' as if two things were settled £ « t , that he has a right to assistance , and second , that' tbo member' is possessed of the pnrse of Fortunatus .

    All this sordid trafficking in votes is very lamentable in its effects , both on tbe buyers and sellers . It debases and demoralizes all the parties concerned . They lose sight of the object for which the vote was g iven to tbo represented , and the duties imposed upon the representative ; the matter becomes on both sides a coarse , greedy , and base piece of ijuckatering , in which each tries to get tb » better of the other , and both at the expense of tlie country at large . The member who haa bought a borough thus dearly will naturally not scruple to remunerate himself . He is of course at the disposal of the Ministerial vhipper-in . A fow extremel y wealthy men

    may not be accessible to these gross pecuniary considerations , but tbe great majority must make merchandise of their position in aome ray or other . Thus the corruption extends upwards , and taints tbe whole system . Even the very wealth y are not free from the infection . If not directly , at least indirectly , t ' uey pursue selfish and personal objects ; and whether these are the attainment of a higher step fn the peerage , a vacaut ribbon or star , or the passing of some private bill that will immensely augment their wealth and influence the result is the same . Th © public ininrests are sacrificed—the public toicd disregarded—the intelligence and the wants of the people unrepresented .

    It is in this demoralised and disgraceful condition of both voters and members also , that we find the reason why Ministries that have lost the confidence and respect not onl y o ! tbe nation at large , but even of the majority of Parliament , can prolong their tenure of office and coerce members into voting against xheir recorded , op inions and strongest convictions . It is only necessary for the Piume 3 Il \ ister to summon them toDowning-street , to get upon a chair , and tell them that if they rote so and so he will resign , in order to frighten them into obedience to his commands . TFhat is it that g ives him this monstrous and pernicious power ? Tisions of the hustings , where they will be fleeced again as they were

    last time by the greedy " agents" with their hungry and thirsty legions , vise before the eyes of nnhappy members . In fact it is a aiere matter of calculation whether they will vote for the MiMSTER , or pay two , three , or foe thousand pounds—a 9 the case may be—in costs for a new election . Is it any wonder , that we have seen members in the present Parliament voting white one night and black tbe next , in order to escape such a penalty as that ? In fact—as Mr . Cobden truly fiaid vaen the Minister proposes to a member the alternative— " either vote for me , or go to the hustings " —it is for all the world as though EOine on © stood over him with a bludgeon demandin g hia money or his life

    Now the practical question is , can such an infamous system as this be tolerated aiw bnger ? Whysbonld it be ? TVho benefits by it ? Onl y a clique of insatiable barpiea , who hav e contrived , by lovr craft and unprincipled cunning , to get a suflicient number of the Mercenary voter of these small boroughs into tiicir hands to enable them to turn the elec « ii-a , and who , like filthy reptiles , thrive in a bribed of political foulness and corruption . The intelligence—the honesty of the whole

    wintry—the material interests of all parties weald be incalculably promoted by the destruction , root and branch , of such a vicious , beurable , and mischievous system . It is of fco use for Lord Johx io try any petty tinkering with it . Like the Highlaisdmau ' s gun . it wants to be mended with a new stock , lock aad barrel . Every bonest man , of every V art y , must cry ' Fie on ' t ! ' Its offences are r auk and smell to Heaven , and it is high time it 3 rotteii carcass was buried out of

    We are happy to see that in various large to-. vns there have been meetings on Jlio subject which indicate that the public mind is at last beinB reused to activity in this matter . A- Metropolitan Demonstration is talked of by tie Sew Manchester League , and from some observations of Sir J . Wauisiet , and Mr . Tlioiirsox , at Leeds , aa well as of tbe latter g entleman at a meeting in the Tower

    Camlets , it would appear that they are now tetter satisfied with the suffrage proposed by &r . Bright than they were at the Coiiforonce . This satisfaction , however , it is but « " to add , is derived more from the verbal explanations of Messrs . Bjiigbt and Cobdbx , than from any alteration in the terms of the Sol ution ; but if it , has the effect of making tlie two bodies co-operate cordially togeth er , jt will be so much gained for the movement in Savour of representative reform .

    And Chartists ! What are they doing ? We have considered it proper not to " interfere aitherto in the discussions that have been going on as to the composition of thane * i-xecutive ; but we have no hesitation in saying now , it is of the utmost importance that » a the few weeta that will e ] ap 5 e between ihe present time and the re-assemblm * of Parliament , the Chartists throughout ihe country should make a vigorou s and united effort la place their principles fairl y before the flouutry . If this be done in a proper spir it , it ~* M help , not impede , any other movement in tftvonr of Parliamentary Befonn , Thefaiow .

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    ledge , that outside of all meft expediencies , however carefoll y devised , there was a large organised party who took their stand upon broad and undeniable principles of political justice would have a powerful effect both upon the Government and the middle classes . Ihe decision on the question , even if it happened to fall below tbe requirements of the Charter , would make acloser approach to their uemaods , and necessitate a more direct acknowled gment of the Chartist body in the discussions on this most important question than if they remain divided , inactive , or obstructive . ledge , that outside of all meW el'pediencies ,

    An efficient Executive , which would tnke an affirmative position , and not waste any of its tune or energies in opposing other parties , backed for three months with liberal subscriptions by the Chartist body , could at this moment greatly advance the popular cause . The increased attention which tlie Press is divine the subject—the excitement and inquiry ueces ° sarily produced among all classes by the events in France—and the growing conviction that om representative institutions are radically bad , and must be replaced by others moro in accordance with the intelligence and the spirit of tbe age—all unite to produce a favourable combination of circumstances for a new Chartist agitation .

    Bui , in undertaking it , let those who may nave its guidance remember the solemn responsibility they undertake . A nation's fate will be , to a great extent , m their hands , and it will bo their duty to comprehend fully , the nature and extent of the momentous task they undertake . If they do this , and advocate the People ' s Charter in the dignified , temperate , but determined

    manner , which the justice , the reasonableness , and the universality of the principles contained in it demand from all its professed adherents , they will rescue it from undeserved obloquy , and compel the upper and middle classes to respect Chartists and Chartism as an actual and influential element of popular opinion , which must be recognised , treated with , conciliated , and allowed a fair share in popular power .

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    'LET THERE BE LIGHT . * Tho Educational Movement is rapidly assuming such a practical shape and bearing as to indicate the time for action approaches . The rival Manchester Schemes , however defective in other respects , have both of them tho unquestionable merit of going to work in a business-like way , to meet a want which is all but universally admitted . The exception is only to be found among a small clique of advocates of the voluntary system , who carry the principle of iudividualism to the verge of insanity , and who , rather than see their pet theory trenched upon , would be content to lea ve the masses to all the errors , vices , and

    miseries arising out of the densest and darkest ignorance . TVith such crotchety and crazy people it is useless to argue , and fortunatel y also , it is needless . Their far fetched arguments and iine spun theories are distinctivel y felt by the great bulk of the people io be inapplicable to the actual state of society . Voluntaryism in education may be the best and soundest principle—may be the only true method by which tho masses of any couDtry can be trained to giw up to the standard of perfect manhood . Abstractly this may be capable of being established beyond cavil or dispute , but the misfortune is , voluntaryism , fails to do what it ehould do . It leaves large masses of the community to swelter in the midst of the most vicious and

    demoralising influences which it has no power to counteract , and instead of aiding those who invoke combinative and public action for that purpose , it places itself in the way , and defends the evils it enn only palliate , not wholly deny . The obstruction , however , is as feeble as it is worthless . The thin gathering , both morning and evening , at the Voluntary School Conference in London , this week , joined to the lamentations of the epeakers over $ n empty exchequer , and the

    desertion of many of their old colleagues , point to the gratifying conclusion that tho party is powerless . On the other hand , tbe activity and zeal exhibited by the Lancashire Educationalists is full of promise ; and though the PREMIER declined to pledge himself on the subject to a recent deputation , it is obvious that when the question is next discussed in Parliament it will occupy a better position than it haB ever done hither to .

    Towards the production of this desirable result tbe measures gradually adopted by successive Governments since the year 1837 , have , no doubt , materially contributed . Education , publicly conducted , enlightens and liberalises even its opponents . Unconsciously , they come under influences to which they are hostile . They find that instruction must be met by instruction , and , in self defence , are compelled to become educators themselves .

    True that in many instances this is done in a one-sided manner , and with a view to counteract the power of a solid and uneectarlan instruction . But knowledge is like light , it cannot be bottled or boxed up to suit the purposes of parties or sects ; it will flow in through chinks and crannies , however sedulously they may be stopped up , and , once light haB been diffused , its consequences are beyond recall .

    That is tbe position in which the question now stands in this country . So much has been done that we cannot stop where we are . We must go on ; and the simple question is , in what manner , and upon what scale ? That it must , by combined aud public action , is conceded by all except tho fanatics we have alluded to . Education has been logically placed among those things which can be better dona by public co-operative effort than by pvivats isolated individual execution . The reason whv wo have not heretofore acted upon that

    understanding , has been that each sect claimed the power of educating the people according to its own fashion . That , too , has been nearly abandoned ; the Manchester and Salfoid School plan is , in this respect , nearly as uusectarian as the scheme of tho National Public School Association . One makes attendance upon religious lessons optional , the other would close the secular public schools twice a week , in the afternoon , in order to give the children tho opportunity of receiving religious instruction from the ministers of the sect to

    which their parents respectively belong . It is , therefore , a question of degree , not principle , between them ; and though our sympathies undoubtedly go heartily with tho more comprehensive and effective plans of the National Society , yet we are not tbe les * pleased to see the question of scripture teaching ia connexion with secular initruction p laced upon the footing as it is by tbe oiher association , which numbers so mauy clergyman of all denominations , and has ft biih-jp at its bead . All that can be expected in the present state of tbe public mind upon the question , is that the religious instruction of the pupils in

    the public schools shall not be compulsory , but that the parent shall have the power of deciding whether his children Bhall be present at or absent from , such lessons . On tho other ha ' "d it is clear that for ihe partisans of any peculiar creed , or sectarian notioue , to iusist Lon chi ldren attending , whoso parents do not concur is a violation of the great principle of religious liberty , which all p arties iu Una country pretend to value so highly . As to the fear that such a system would be irreligious in its tendencies , we consider it to be euiirely unfounded . That it wight hreed up fewer sectarian bigots we can believe , but that the careful culture of the intellectual and moral faculties , should extinguish those soutiments of veneration for all that conititutes tho

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    raents of veneration for all that constitutes the essence of Religion' whic h are instinctive in our nature M-e cannot for one moment imagine it tho public schools give security that no overt anti-religions tuition will be nermitceda thing we need not say in itself preposterous , w the present state of public opiuion-that is all that can be fairly asked by the ' religious world / But they have no ri ght to inaiat that indefcraneG b tbeir whims and peculiar notions , hundreds of thouaauds—we might almost say millions—of the rising generation sball grow up int 0 raGU aU ( i women totaUy ignorant of their own nature , of its relation to the external universe , of tho duties they owe to society as citizens , ami of the manner of ferfurnring their duties with benefit to tho ai ^^ TriW ^ Tir ^^

    community , aud advantage to themselves , v \ e call this wholesale soul-murder . Every neglected untaught child , who is left to-stagnate m the midst of ignorance and vice , to have his mental faculties indurated , his mor al feelings perverted , and to be trained up a cuudidato for the prison , tho hulks , or the scaffold , is a victim to the system which thua predooma him to i gnorance , infamy , and punishment . Aud , oil the contrary , an ample and enli ghtened provision for the instruction

    ot the people , by arrangements under popularconti ' al , can alone cmible the Government and the people of this country to nmntain an honourable position among ' nations , or sustain the greatness cf tho British Empire .

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    MOHUS RECEIVED For thk Week Ending Thursday , Djjcbmber 12 tii , 1851 . NATIONAL CHARTER FUND . Keeeiveil by Jon . v Ahxoir . —Xeircnstlo-upon-Tyne , nci ^ . Cva-. t lSs- YfaUtfaeld . peMV . GMders Os-AIr . J A > lurJiej ' s I , ist 8 s ( id—Ashloii . umU-r Lvne , per J . 'Xnyloi Us—Mr . J . llaviiey 4 s Gil—To-ul JEl' < K FOR DEBT DUE BY REFUGEES , ltoeesvea l > y Jons abkott . —1 ' ortsea , per J . Cooper Gs 2 d

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    DLN > -ER TO TJJE HON . Jl . J . WALKER , AT MAXCllESi'EH . The Hon . It . J . "Walker , for mnny years secretary to the Treasury at Washington * and well known in this country for having exerted himself successfully iu the United States' government to obtain a reduction of the prohibitive tax upon our manufactures almost simultaneously witb the repeal of our corn Jaws , was on Tuesday evening entertained at a public dinner at the Albion Hotel , -Manchester , by the merchants and leading commercial gentlemen of ihe town . Sir . Bazley , Pre > sident of the Chamber of Commerce , presided ; and the Yice-President of tho Commercial Associntion Cook the vice-chair . The toast of the evening , that of " Our distinguished guest , " having been given , Mr . Walker delivered an eloquent speech iu favour of Free Trade policy , gnd said , I have heard , gentlemen , BOtne frill ; innrip sirrnn T hnvn hpon hnw > olimif : whnt

    yon are pleased to call " Old John Bull . But , gentlemen , I don't think that he is old —( hear , hear)—butvatlier in the vigour of youth and manhood . I believe that he has been ^ rovvin ^ r younge r for many years pasi . ( Dear , and laughter . ) I believe , gentlemen , that he is much younger ' than he was in 1 S 31 , prior to the passage of the Reform Bill . { Hear , hear . ) I beJiere that he is younger than he was in 1844 , when you repealed thu duty on cotton . 1 boliovo he is much younger that lui was in ISiG , when you repealed your coin Jaws and we reduced our tariff *— ' ( hear , hear)—and , gentlemen , without intending to intermeddle ( for I have no right to do so ) in wli . it concerns youv purely internal policy , I can only state , from some meetings I have seen in Manchester and elsewhere , that , should it be my happy lot in some few years hence to veturn to England again , I believe I shall &nii what you call the " Old John" still younger , by a further extension of the rights of the . suffrage to

    the industrious classes , and by their education . { Hear , hoar , and cbeejv . ) I believe that there ought to be , not merely in commerce , but ill friendly feeling and in various other ways , a cordial union between England and America . ( Applause . ) I believe that theirs is a joint mission , not a separate one ; it is a joint mission to carry the blessings of Free Trade , of commerce , of civilisation , of cml and religious liberty , and of Christianity , under their joint " flags , all over tho world . The lion , gentleman then alluded to the excellent education afforded to the industrial classic of America , and having delivered his viowson " non intervention , " concluded as follows I believe , gentlemen , that the events which have recently transpired in France are of a momentous ' magnitude to England , to the United States , and to the world . It is true , gentlemen , there may ha a momentary repose of despotism—it is true that that man who has combined in himself tho

    character of a traitor , of an insurgent —( hear , hear)—and of a military usurper—( hear , hear )—may trample down for tho moment tbe liberties ol Prance . But , geDtJemen , I propound this solemn question to Englishmen—if he does succeed , who can doubt that a government established by the array of Louis Napoleon—established in favour of a man whose hands are dripping with tho warm life-blood of his countrymen , of every ago , sex , or condition—that a government thus established will not 5 ) ecomo < l military despotism—dat Louis Aapokon will not become a mere pawn to be moved on the political chessboard by the iron finger of the Czar ? ( llear , hear . ) And , gentlemen , is it for the interests of England that slie should have another- military despotism on the continent of Europe , and

    immediately on her own borders ? Is it her interestis it the interest of tho constitutional government of England—that all the continent of Europe be covered by systems which are the very antipodes of her own ? Is it her interest that throughout tlr . vt great Continent there sball be no governments but those that ave found in armies and in camps ? Will it increase her commerce ? Will it render her more safe and secure from tbe assaults of despotic powers ? Will England be more safe when there is nothing but despotic governments throughout the whole continent of Europe ! It is not for me to attempt to draw the veil which conceals the future . It is my fear , my apprehension—for I deaire not to see any such results—that England will be astailod by the military despots of Europe Why ,

    gentlemen , this despotism of France , being created by the army of France , must necessarily be a belligerent despotism . The army must have employment It is not to fight against the despotims of Europe . This act has already been sustained by the despotic power of Austria , and I have no doubt that you will find it sustained by the Russian Cz . ii , and by all the despotisms of the continent of Europe . Then , if the imperial army of France are to have employment , nwy wo not look back to history ? In 180-i , had we not a somewhat parallel catastropho , when the constitution of France was overthrown I > y . Napoleon . Bonaparte . ;>«• ' an imperial government was re-established in France , as I bo * heve it soon will be in Frsincc again when tbe transparent veil shall be drawn aside ? ( Hear , honr . ) What followed on the establishment of the imperial and military power in France in 1804 :, may ic not follow iu 1851 ? ^ Novr , L-oi . -tle / ncn , 1 hope

    these events may not follow . I hope that we shall have peace—peace with England— -peace , if possible , with all mankind . ( Applause . ) There 18 no getm ' we Free Trader that can tie otherwise fian the friend of peace . ( Applause . ) And I do say ibis , that I do not bc-lievc that it is the interest of Eugland to ally herself wits despots of the continent of Europe , ( llear . ) And 1 say further , thai if , \ ip 0 u hei YefUSal tO llo SO , she should be assailed hy tuo ? e despotic powers—if , maintaining her own constitutional government , her own trial by jury , her own liberty of speech and of the press , sne should require ournid—I apeak what 1 know to be tite unanimous sentiment of fliy country , the entire American population , backed by their government , will come as one man , and fight the battle witn you if it be necessary . ( Immense cheering . ) Several toasts wero given , which were responded to by Mr . Bsigbt , Mr . M . Gibsoh , and Mr . Codden , after which the company separated .

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    THE FATAL COLLIERY EXPLOSI ON HEAR SHEFFlELD . -OOMMITTAli OF TUB MANAGER FOlt MA 5 SLAUGHTEH .

    Shkffie £ D . —An inquest was held on Wednesday on view of the bodies of John Uamsden , Samuel Bacon , and Charles Stones , who were killed by an explosion in the WooiHnrope Colliery at tho Intake on Saturday last . ( The circumstances will be found in our 6 th page . ) After tho evidence of the collier ? , Mr . Charles Morton , of Wukefield , government inspector of coal mines , stated from the general indications which he observed in this mine , but more especially regarding ventilation , there was not a sufficient amount of intelligence and mining skill brought to bear upon it . He was sorry to be

    obliged to add that the present bottom-steward , Oldn ' eld , was not , in his judgment , sufficiently well acquainted wilb . eitber tiie theory or practical details of ventilation to enable him tO COnduCt WOrKS in a fiery seam with safety to those employed therein . ' The Jury canie to the following verdict : «« The jury find a verdict of Manslaughter against Joseph Oldfleld . We cannot , however separate without expi easing our opinion that Mr . John Ithodes ought to have employed a more efficient and intelligent under-ground steward than Oldfield . " Olcifield was taken into custody , awl will be tried at York Assizes , which oonynepce © a Saturday .

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    NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Offi ces—14 , Southampton-street , Strand . i t > e Executive Committee of this body hold wjeip usual weekl y meeting as above , oh Wednesday evening Jast . Present : Messrs . Arnott , Grassby , Hunt , Lo Blond . ondMiJuc . Messrs . H ainoy , Holyoake , and Jones beintr m tlie country , were absent . Mr . O'Connor was also absent through indisposition . Johu AlilflO \ y . a 8 called to the chair . Correspondence o } au encouraging and progressive character was read . Tlie following-letter has been received from Mr . b . Juhan Harney , and which the Secretary was instructed to insert in the report : — T nmi ^ , SK ° KETART OF THE EXECUTIVE MfEE OF THE NATIONAL CHARifcK ASSOCIATION . ¦

    JBAtt Sib , —l observe that by several " localities i have bo « -n nominated for re-election to the Uhartwt Executive . 1 thank my friends for this renewed mark of their confidence and appro va ! of my public conduct . Bat , Ibeij to decline the uoim ' nati ' on . Ueuont . discussions in the jn-ess , and in ccrtnin metropolitan meetings , lm . vo induced this decision . Owing to my prolonged absence from London , my membership of tho Executive has been merely nominal during some months (> ast . This position , so unsatisfactory to the Association and to myself , must termmato . It is true that I am about to return to London ; but , in all probability , my stay will bu of very brief duration , as 1 have a long lisC of engagements to tulfil , in the shape of meetings to address in the northern , midland , aud western counties of Eiil > - liind .

    Even if constantly in London , I could not pledge niysulf to devote my entire time , day and night , to the work of agitation . I must give no inconsiderable part of my time to other labour . Moreover , 1 have not tho physical ability to play the part of a political steam-engine . At tho very least a man had need be like tliooclobnatctl Kentuckian— "half horse , half alligator , with a strong dash of thunder and lightning , " ' to get through the work some of our go-ahead friends look for at the hands of an Executive Committee-man . It is suggested that to enable tho members of the Executive to devote the whole of their time and attention to the movement , they should foe paid for their services . Sot disputing the -utility of this proposition . I must say ft * myself that I could not couaeut to accept office as a salaried official of the Association .

    Ceasing to bo a member of the Executive , I sball not cease to do all that may bo in my power to promote the success of the Association . Herewith you will receive payment for the renewal of my card for the ensuing twelve months . I regret that my circumstances will not allow me to eon » -ibute more than tho year ' s subscription , as set forth in the rules . Ion know that when moro fortunately situated , I did not hesitate to contribute not only up to my means , but beyond my means ui least , beyond the point justice to myseJf and family yveseribetl . Permit me a fow more words .

    I cordially approve of thft resolutions of tha Executive declining t 08 Dnulor tamper with the rules of tbo late Association , as sanctioned by the late Conference . Any such change as that of substituting a paid , for an unpaid , Executive , must bo the work of a delegation representing the Chartist party in its entirety . "What is termed " anarchy " may be necessary for tho overthrow of aristocratical systems , but democratic institutions should be reformed in the manner prescribed by democratic laws and regulations . Let mo add that , in my opinion , the next Chartist delegation will have to consider more than the question of a paid JEsecuthe ; Y ( iH bave to consider the association as a whole . It is only too plain that the " . National Charter Association" is stricken with decropitudo and impotency ; and I fear tiieio is but poor prospect of ei-er again supplying it with renewed youth and vitality .

    I will hope that true and unflinching supporters of Chartist principles will bb elected to tfio Ess . Outive . If there are amongst the candidates men whoso hearts are less with the Charter than with other schemes of lteform , they should in honour ami consistency rotiro from tlie nomination . . The late bourgeois" Coufovcnco" at Manchester bas more than justified all that I recently wrote in tbo " Leader" in opposition to tho polioy of temporising > ith tbo Moderate Reformers , Tho meanest understanding may now comprehend the game that has byen , and thfit is in course of noing , played . The " little Charter" champions have been allowed by thoir masters , the Manchester millocnUfl , to traveiy * tho country , and by fine phrases secure

    that popular toleration which was denied to the Anti-Corn Law Leaguers . Having done their work , the chiefs of tho Parliamentary Reform Association arc told that thoy may consign tlioir programme to the waste paper limbo , and accept , instead , the less liberal , lees definite Bcheiuo of tho Manchester cotton-lords . At this Alessrs . Wnlms ' ey and Thompson " rise up , " and aro forthwith hooted down , brow-beat and bullied into submission . Hn <) the members for Bolton and Enst London been 'bold enough to bo bonest and honest enough to be bold , " they would have shaken tho dust of

    Manchester from their feet , and inscribing " universal Suffrage" on their hanner—woulvl have passedoverto tho democracy . Instead , they ;\ re con-. fint to Oflt theil'leek , and exhibit themselves performing the pitiable part of vouching for the honesty and patriotism of Oobden ami Co . The " Parliamentary Reform" programme is superseded by tho Manchester resolutions . These , in turn , will give way to something less liberal ! Lastly , Raines and Bright will get up a " transaction , " " tbe principle of give " and take , " with the "Whi g loaders ; und tho faVco of tho Reform Dill will be vepp . ato . d .

    To establish a system of representation that shsill placo in the House of Commons a preponderating majority of middle class men is tbe avowed , declared object of Cobden ; uul Co . Will the plot suececfl ? ' We-shall see . I will thank you to obtain tbe publication of tills letter ( unjiiuii ) atcJ , or not at nil ) in the ; ordinary channels of communication between tho Exeoutive and the Chartist public . I remain , In the cause of democracy , yours fraternally , G . Julian IIaiisst .

    P . S . —Julian Ilavney will address meetings in the Joiners ' s Ilali , JS ' ewcastle-ou-Tyue , on the evenings of Sunday and Tuesday , December 14 th and 10 th ; and In North Shields on the evenings of Monday and "Wednesday , December loth and J 7 th . 0 . J . " ll . will attend ' the annual festival of tho Fraternal pumoevsUs , December 30 th , at tho John-Btreet Institution , London . Financial and other business having been disposed of , the GmvmrittCB atVjouvnoil to Wednesday evening , Dec . Hill . Com ir / uuicat ions have also been received from Messrs . It . Cooper , J . C . Ollercnshaw , Edmund Stallwood , and Edward Sffift , cxprossivo of theii grateful acknowledgments in being nominated , but declining to servo as members of the Executive Committee .

    From tlto following no statement either of objection ov disqualification has been received : — Messrs . P . O'Connor , Ernest Jones , G . J . Holyoake , Thornton Hunt , Robert Lo Blond , John Avnott , James Graasby , Charles Frederick NioholU , T . XI . Wheeler , John Stiaw , John James Unn , H . T . Holyoake , A . J . WoocS , George Haggis , J . B . Leno , Gerald Massey , J . B . CBrii-n , Robert Oliver , A . E . Debforce , J . M . Brvson , P . M . M'Douall , W . J . Linton , Arthur Trcvelyan , and James Leach . Instructions vou Vowsg . — Every member holding a card for tbe present year is entitled to ? ote for nine persons from the above list .

    Where localities exist , it is requested that special meetings bo calleij for tho purpose of taking the votes , and all members aro desired to write the names of the nine for whom they intend to vote , on a piece of paper , and place tho same in a ballot box , or other convenient receptacle . It is also rcqneBtBQ th . it scrutineers bo appointed to inspect tho votes , who shall record the number of votes polled for each candidate , and the list having been duly attested by them and the Chairman , bo forwarded by the sub-seoretnry to the Office , addressed to John Aruott , on or before Tuesday , December tba 30 th , as all votes received after that date will be null and void . Members residing at sv distwco from looalitiei can scud their votes addressed to the General Secretary as above . S . B . —Every member is called on and expected to take part in the election . Signed on behalf of the Committee , John Ab . vott , General Secretary .

    Untitled Article

    Haslet and SnELTos Potteries . — At a meeting held on Sunday last , the following resolutions were adopted : — " That we nominate the following gentlemen to serve the Executive : —MeESrg . Feargus O'Connor , E . Jones , G . J . Barney , T . Cooper , and T . M . Wheeler . " ' That no agree in future to pay tlie Executive for their services . " " That stops be taken to publish throughout the distriots , by placards , &c , the v \»\ i of E . Jones , on Sunday , tbe 14 th inat . Fixsbuht . —At this and the various other metropolitan localities , an increased attendance of member ! haa been mible dating th& past wfeek , The cbAef subjects discussed , have been tlie recent events in France , and tbe election of members to compose tbe recently established Metropolitan Delegate Council , and the forthcoming Executive ) Committee . ; Strong hopei exist of a revival of that spirit ol wthwiasm which once exited in tbo metropojji ,

    Untitled Article

    WiUftOi . ' » Wfc-A public meeting Was hcld t the Ship , I % u -S ! , reet . Y ' Gar < fen-sfrect , on Sunday evening , ( O ^ earalecture l ) y Mr . Wh'eler , subject— " The Preseai AJorL «! cnt in France , its beaming upon English Pnll )\ & "" f Husaell . ' The lecturer depicted thpor / g »» . » dcrobable result of the attempt at military ( tic . Wvr&hy - ' Ij ° »' ^« P 0 ' . Icon , and predicted his speedy down / V unfess lie restored to the French people the fulNifott . } ' of forming a Constitution based upon Universe Suffrage , tie also dwelt at considerable longlb on the Mly of till ! Chartist body m England tin rice the engine Sission of Parliament . Mr . J . Shaw Mcupicd rue diair . Messrs . C Wheeler , Cannon , iO . xey , and lv-nowles , also addressed tiiemeBting . Mr Wheeler was requested to resume Hid eul-jrct on the ensuing csuaday tvemng . ^ -=== g == ^^

    At tlie members' mooting , at tho above ptoce on die motions of Messrs . Dotkse ? and Knowlos thoSe-Cretiiry was instructed to write to hJr . Arnott bucretary to tho Executive , tomplaininff of the insult offered to Mr . John Shaw , and to their Utility , by h letter received from him , rcqu ^ i ,, * to know wj , ctl ; cr Mr . Shaw was edible it > *«« . * as a e .-ai <( idi , te < or tbo ensuing Executive . Tliev Hereby assure him and tho country ^ onarally that Mr . J shair is perfectly eligible , and powess ^ tho unabated confidence of tho Cluvvtists of tho Toww Hamlets .

    JsTocKPiinT . —The members met as usual en Sun-< U > - l :. st . Alr . Gurdy in the chair . Tbo del .-.-atos ol tuu ust delegate meeting gave in their report which was received with onoexeeptioiifnnmelv , substituting the name of Mr . O'Connor for f , ( Jat of Air . Th mn " ' n , the t Vle t 0 forin » 1 ) Cff Ifiieuutivo . ) lloinas Clows and George UhotSes vreroapnointod duK'gatGS to attend the next meeting , to b * , held in otalybrnlge , on December 21 . Iu tlie evening Mr . J . G . Clarku of Manchester , delivered silecture , in which ho called on the meeting to ramain irue to cho principles of the People ' s Charter . After a vote of thanks to the lecturer , iho meeting soonrated . Thomas CtKws , Secretary .

    MANcnKsTKR . ~ Agonoral members' meetinc was held m tho Ailto-rooni of tho People's Institute , lleyrod-strcet , on Sunday last . Mr . TV . Grocott iu the chair . After tbe election ofatieir council , and Otlicr business of a local nature , the report of fc . ' ie delegates , from the late ilelepnte meeting at Stockport , was unanimously agreed to , with the xception of that portion of the business which approves of an " Kxecutivo Committee of three only , " hi , wc- approve of an Executive of fi VO . It was also agreed : — " fhat Edward lloosou and John Knight represent this locality at the next delegate meeting , to be held at Stal ybrWgc , on Suulav , D&cembt-r Itel li ? 51

    . ' i » the evening a lecture was delivered in tiie aiinvo hall , to a crowded audience , by E , Jones , Esq . His subject : " Tho approaohin-f crisis , and tho duty of all truo men . " Mr . Oones dwelt , for somo time upon the prinoiplo of cooperation , as at present reduced to practice . Showing the impossibility for the people ever to carry out co-operation , or protect thoir industry , without political power . Several questions were put to the lecturer , which was answered to the satisfaction of the meeting . Mr . W- P . Roberts and several other addreasod tho meeting ; after which ft vote of thanks was given to the lecturer and chairman .

    Gonom Mins ( Edinburgh ) . —At meeting held on Wednesday , December 3 rd—Mr . P . M'Neil in tho ohalr—tlui advice given by E . Jorios , Esq ., to the Chartists of Great Britain , through the columns of the " Northern Star , " was read and unanimously approved of ; and they earnestly recommend it to heir brother chanistB throughout 'tiia Kingdom . The following gentlemen were unanimously approved of for the Executive : —P . O'Connor , E « q ., M . P ., E Jones , Esq ., Mr , T . M . VYtieylur .-umea Cuai , mbs 3 , Secretary .

    T $ ewca 9 tlr . —Mr . Harney delivered his first lee Jure here on the 2 nd inst . —Mr . James Watson in the chair . Subject : " Docs the House of Commons , as at present constituted , conduce to tbe welfare of the people ? " Mr . Harney , after proving that tbo so-called nouue was a sham and a disgraco to Englishmen pat down , nftor having « po !; ou upwnriis of two hours . Mr . CharHon proposed a vote of thanks to Mr . Harney for his long and faithful advocacy of the cauae of democracy , seconded by Mr . Grant , and adopted 4 > y the meeting ununiinousty . Mr , Unnwf lectured On Sunday evening in tbe Joiners' Ball—Air . M'Leod in the chair . Subject : " The lluform of 18 . 52—tho duties of the people . " Mr . Harney reviewed tfi « late acts of tho sliam Yorkshire Convention , nnd showed the fallacy of those gentlemen advising the people to agitate for nothing ahort of M ; muoot \ Suffrage * . Mr . Harney was listened to with dec-p attention b y a large and restiecublo audieueo .

    Staleybuidqe , —At a meeting of members heldon tho Meeting Room , Quarry-street , High-street , in Sunday last , it was resolved : — " That the Chartists of this locality having given in their opinions with reapect to a paid Executive , are resolved not to take any part in the election until tho question of a paid Executive , which is now before the various Chartist branches , ho finally settled . " " 'i'Jiat Alegars , Hodson and Bptts be elected delegates to rcprcsenfthis branch in iho furthcomi / ig delegate meeting , to be held in this meeting room , on Sunday , December 21 st . —W . Hill , Secretary ;

    FlNSBUttY LlTElUnv AKD SciCNUsIC iNSTliimOS , Leicester-place , Kay-stieet , Oierkcmvcll . Mr . Bntchelor in tbe chair . Jlr . VTuedou moved" That the delegates to the Metropolitan Delegate Committee ( which , will lliufct nfc tho above Institution , on Sunday iiext , at direu o ' clock ) bo instructed to use their endeavours to realise the nomination of Mr . Cooper . " Seconded by Mr . Mason . Curried . Ah-. IVnnell moved , and Mr . \ V « . edon seconded— " That this locality having duly inspected and discussed tbe qualifications of the

    several parties nominated for the Executive , in this week ' s Star , ' conceive that Die following persona arc tho most fit and proper persons for the new Chartist Executive : —Messrs . Ernest Jones , G . Julian Ifarney , Thornton Hunt , R . Le Blond , T , M . "Wheeli'i , Thomas Cooper , J . J . Bc-zur , J . ] 3 . Leno , and TV . J . Lintoo . " After some remarks bj Mr . Osbornc , tlie motion was unanimously carried , It was also resolved that a dramatic and . vocal en < toi'tainment should take place on Wednesday nest . Unanimously carried . The meeting tfien adjourned , A . Fennell , Secretary .

    Asrton-usder-Lyne . — The first annual meeti « g of the Ashton Democratic Association was held en Sunday last iu the Association-mom . Mr . Scoit in the chair—After tbe transaction of local business the members proceeded to eloot a new council and other oflkers . Mr . Morgan then slated the pro ceeding * of the last South Lancashire delegate meeting . The new council met on Tuesday evening , ffhen Uie following was agrecl to . - — " That we recommend the members to invite a'l persons lo attend the . lecture next Sunday evening , to he delivered hy Mr . Haughton . of Slockuoit . " " That we , " clie council , thank Mr . Morgan for his offer . " " That the secietary be instructed to enter into communication with uliibsm and Drotlesden . " "That John Taylor and Ralph Scott attend the next delegate meeting . " ' ' That we agree to support the circulation of tracts in South Lancashire distrio . " " That an educational das * he established in ihia Association alter Chmlmas . "

    Untitled Article

    " ' ' ^ iusir ^ T l S > Dox «»"« , E 8 ^ , M . P ., President . " fiat justitia . " WlliUsa » M « " Cl ! ehw tor . r ^ " " Cl 0 MM ' ? C <™< rate of wajn-ii , it „ ,,, ! i ^( |? to ^ Ti ^ " ' '" I ? ™ ^^^^ , nca , b ^^^^^ tJTliAHT ^ lLL .

    T / ia termination of the ConS ,, irnc case leaves Uie Centra ! Committee with iuJreaW leisure , wild , it is Impel ] , an vsimpairal m ,-jmiarity , to extend ; u , d streii . siftheu th « A .-5 « - ciat-ioii . Tim snr . ill additional levy which wag required for the recent simple ' to obtain & bonk oi prices for the Smiifrs of Wslaall , has enabled tie Committee to * ff , ; i ; t an imjutrtant ami double «« lvi , » tajre to tiv « *•«*«„« « f cur Members , First , ilireckJy to the WalswlJ men

    , who are benefited by the bow tariff of prices to the extent oftwenty-Jivu rifr cent , and , indirectly , to the Sadler * of * JJirmin ^ m , , v , m are relieved of a constant source of annoyance n ,, d gradual inroad upon their »» t f t \« , _ inis satisfactory termination of ihe slnfaj is no less gratifying to tlie Central Committee than it m ,, IJt » to the Si-. dU .-rs , and » i-e doubt not will i , equally pleads to ihG Member .- ! - of f ! i « 4 ee . w «;» t ; n « ... i ... \ » tie juemDent ot tbe Association ho bare

    , w Ihus auolfcer powerful proof wK-at pi-eat benefits it is in tbeir power to confer upon iheir fellow woj kiiitr . me ^ ilt ft aviU ivHv inMffnificiint sacrifice to themselves . This power for Rood must increase in a geometrical ratio with tbe increase of tbe Association , while the individual burthen , now sr > moderate , will be lessened in u covre-pontling- decree . Mr . Winters , who has left London en route for Westmoreland , 1 km sent the most &nit ) F \ ing reports from Birmingham , Wafsall , " and Wi / lverhamptan , at which places be bag visited tbe various bodies in connexion with the Association .

    i he confidence of the Members in Ihe A « sociatiuii aad its Executive appears considerablystrengthened by the Lite important {> roceedk 'n £ s at Stafford and in the Court of Queen ' g Bench . Tbe solemn decision which now legalises Trades' Combinations bas removed the doubts of many , nnd confirmed the confidence of all ; jiiul we think we may reasonably anticipate at an early date a considerable accession to our number , which is , indeed , all that is necessary to make the . National Association one of the , « reat facts of the age . Mr-Winters is proceeding into Westmoreland in aid of a numerous bod y of Bobbin Turners , who are at present the victims of a combmed action of tbeir employers to force thtm to withdra w from their connexion with tba

    National , or any other Trade Society-This fresh conspiracy aga ' tbe acknowledged rights of labour is conducted with some little skill and ingenuity , and manifests itself in a variety of different forms . Tho presumed leader—we suppose tho wealthiest of the clique—takes at least a bold position « i' the true Perryau vein . Ho is determined to discharge any man from hia employment who davca exorcise Ins constitutional right of combination , by connecting himself with anything in the shape of a Trade Society , Another exercises his ri ght as an employer by discharging suudry of his men .

    for the heinous offence of attending a lecture ; socitil and political information for working men being exceedingly unpalatable to these lords of tho lathe . Another of those gentlemen , who was in tho habit of supplying a certain description of bobbins , to the first men - tioned of these parties , discharges his bauds upon tbe alleged pretence- that bis orders had been countermanded by tho former party , and . thua with well feigned regret he is compelled to discharge them , having no other description of work for them , unless they consent to a small reduction in their \ vn « fis j M > d thus

    under ouo pretence or the other , theso enlightened gentlemen have , between them conbiucd to throw tho industrious population of the peaceful shores of Winueraiere into a state of confusion and discontent which they may perhaps have somo difficulty in allaying , There never was u cas e where such a wanton attack upon an industrious and well disposed body of men was moro inexcusable or uncalled for , or where such a rabid hostilit y to tho National Association could have been less expected or deserved , us the following brief statement of facts will show .

    About tlie tatter onil of September the Bobbin Turners of Stavely ( who vsevo not then eligible to the support of the . Association ) applied for tho odvico and assistance of the Control Committee , in consequence of the introduction of nu improved systMA of machinery for the m : inuf ; icniro of cotton bobbins , which they considered weald have the effect of throwing large numbers of tfoi'in out of employment . To induce nienso eireumst .-. need to se » fcVie inubilitj' of any resistance to this , theiv now competitor in tholnhour field , was a work of somo * delicacy and difficulty , ami tho employers themselves anticipated nothing less than a strike , Tlio manifest duty of llie Committee was to dissuade the men from so rash and futile a measure , nnd Mr . Green wys sent to Stavely to render such advico and assistance « . s tlie case demanded . In this

    ( , : i delicate mission ho was eminently successful ; and arranged the affair , as it wns considered , to tho mutual satisfaction of masters and men , who vferothus , by tho liioiiiatoi-inl infii .-ciifio of Uio Association , prevented from being brought into an antagonism which must Imvo been disastrous to both parties . It is very difficult to account for Ibis newly awakened hostility by tlio employers , to an Association whose only " interference between , them and their hands had terminated so mutually satisfactory . But , whatever may be tl \ e cause , this is an aggression upon the rights o { labour so entirely Unprovoked and unwarnmtable , thiit tho Committed fuel they would be highly censurable if they wove r . ot to invoke tho aid and symp .-itliies of tlie members of tin * . Associ .-itiwi , to ctuiblo tlie Slavnlv iu . 'tl Windermcro Itobbin Turners to

    withstand this iniquitous aggression upon their constitutional freedom . It would appear that conspiracies to Imporcrisu . ; uid oppress al'o only j-eprchetisihlu and minishnblo where working men are tho presumed culprits . That conduct which in working men wouid be de « nouncod as an intolerable tlktatiou ami a . i \ iinj » ovous conspiracy against enpitili , and would doom the unfortunate workmen to a . gaol , is considered spirited and patriotic , when practised by a junto of employer ? , We certainly do not intend lo let these gentlemen have it all their own way . Wi- are prepared , il our members will support us , to offer the same determined anddogge'J opposition to this new tyianny as we did so effectually in the recent case lit Wol ' verbsiapkoh . U there are move Richards in the field , there will be no lack of lliebmonds to cope with , and conquer them . It is not the unjust incarceration of half a dozen men fov a fnw inontbs , more ov less , that will ever induce tbe working men of England to surrender then * manhood , auil bow their nt-cks to the yoke of the Sntraps of Capital . Such a conviction , and such a judgment , 63 the Iftie Stafford trials have produced , yields no victory to Iho prosecutors .

    Wlnn vre contemplate the means by wlrr-h this questionable victory has been obtained , the iramenso sacrifices of conscience , bonnui , and character , offered up in the witness bos , to tbe Twin Moloch ' s , Avarice and Pride , oh ! who would not say iriih . Mr . Keating , when witnessing the disgraceful exhibition in their evidence , and s > iu » g with Mr . Sergeant Allen ' s clever , but dearly paid for , philippics against the defendants , " 1 would uot change places with them ?¦ ' No , we know right well that not a man of our imprisoned brethren hit feela happy and proud Jn his position , and sleeps sweetly and calioly , in the delightful consciousness of having performed their duty to themselves , their families , and their fellow workmen . Can the Messrs , Perrya say as much ? The pentral Committee pledge themselves to persist in the same undaunted policy , and never to permit any section of their members to be oppressed , 80 long as they possess the confidence and suppors of the Association . We therefore reiterate our demand for the means of rescuing the Stavely Bobbin Turners from the tender mercies of the Ferrys of Westmoreland . Thb Cbktbal Committee or the National Association or United Trades . 259 , Tottenham-court- road . a ^^ JuuVi ^^ j' ^^^^^^^ 11 ^^^^*^ ' ^'***^''' '' ' 1 " ' ' ^ ''"''

    Untitled Article

    NATIONAL LOAN SOCIETY , At the meeting on " Wednesday Evening , a long discussion took place relative to the future operations and prospects of the Society . Tbe Secretary was instructed to write to all parties to whom loans had been granted , demanding payments of tbeir Arrears . A Special Meeting was also agreed to be liolden at 20 , Golden Lane , on Wednesday evening .

    Untitled Article

    Maternal Affection . —It transpired at the Newport police court last weok , that an old Sooteh woman , named Eluwtoth Davidson , at tlio nge of fifty-seven , had travelled on foot the whole distance trom Dundee to l ' . irkhurst , five hundred and seventy miles ( excepting only tho steam pasBage from Southampton to Cowes ) , for tho purpose of BBcing her son , who was ordered for transportation . Sho managed , by existing on a pennyworth of potatoes and salt per day , and a gratuitous Blipp ly of spring waltr , to accomplish this tremendous journey in tho space of five weeks , and arrived ;> t Newport , worn out with fatigue and illness , without a single farthing in her pocket , AUuOUgli compelled , before reaching her destination , do dispose of several articles of Wiirm clothing for the purposo of enabling her to procure decent resting-places for her weary hones during her journey to the island , she resolutely presemil lor her child a copy of tho Kow Testament and an edition of Johnson ' s Dictionary , he had desired her to send him . We are glad to say that a handsome subscription was raised for her previous to her departure for Dundee . SouTHAMprorr , Saturday , Doc . 6 . —Tha now inner dock , just completed by tae Southampton Dock Company waB opened for business this morning . Several vesselsenteredtho dock , and amongst them a fine ship of 527 tons , launched tO'day , from Messrs . Wigram uiul Son ' s building-yard at Northern , near Southampton . She is named the Hampshire , and ia intended for the East India trade . The opening of the dock has been delayed two days by the accidental unshipping of the gates on Saturday last , owing to the water having floated them otf their hinges , This little mishap ( about which the most atowvd XYHftoara were circulated ) was easily rectified , tha damage done being very Bmall , and costing only £ 40 to repair . Admiral Houston Stewart . , tbe new candidate for Greenwich , ia described as a Tery liberal Whig , and well able to give information , ia the House of Commons , connected witb ( he navy ,

    Untitled Article

    Importation of Fobeiqk Ciockb ajid Watchjs . There were no less than 87 , 594 foreign watchea and 64 , 784 clocks imported Jnto this country duriug tha first ten mouths of this year . An enormous number , when Uken in addition to the Jargo quantity daily manufactured in toil country ,

    ©Jwrtfet Jntfiiimttff. " ~

    © jwrtfet JntfiiiMttff . " ~

    Untitled Article

    December 13 , 1851 . ' -. ¦ ^ = ^^ .- ^ J ^ E . ^ HERN STAR agg *

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 13, 1851, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1656/page/5/