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Northern Star (1837-1852), 12th December 1840, Edition 2 of 4, Page 5, Untitled Article

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    • THE FIYE STAR PORTRAITS FOR THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS.
    • TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS.
    • MABBXASES.
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      The daughter of the deceased being the principal e-ridence against him , ahe in hex anxiety to hare tht blood of her father's murderer , thought to strengthen facts kj interpretations of her own ; and among eiher things she swore that , "in resisting the prisoner , he called her a bitch . " This the prisoner denied , and swore he was accused wrongfully . He was convicted , howeTer ; and , previous to Benteace being passed , upon being asked by the Court if he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be pawed upon him , he replied , " Oh , then , my Lordihip , isn't it too bad to marder a man with false oaths ! for God above he knows I never call'd Judea bitch . " u If you had called her so , replied his Lordship , aad not murdered her father , your crime would hare been leas . "

      Sueh is precisely Bbxten's case . He was only the mieant of clearing B * ilvt * rE _» , while he swept the other denominations in person ; and Mr . Mahba , Tery properly making no distinction between the acts , charged him with all ; and Bbue * says , " no ; I never did , in person , eject the families from Ballytarsnaf but does not deny ; he remainder of the charge . What , we may ask , must be the consequence of this frightful re-action , when we find the most objectionable man in Ireland returned by the largest majority ever known in the county of Carlow ,

      Starlet ' s Bill being the caxus belli * Does it not clearly prove that those within the pale do not desire any addition to their society , constituted snugly as it now is ; but would rather get rid of some of the poor fringe of the garment , if possible * Will this teach the Whig 3 a lesson ! Will it teach the people a lesson ! Will it teach the country a lesson ! Will ft teach O'CoxKELL a lesson ! The only balm f or the wound is , that not a single pledge , in which the people are interested , was required of

      Possokbt ; and , therefore , they have experienced no defeat ; while the great sting of the triumph is to be found in the fact of many poor Catholics having voluntarily voted for the destroyer of their race , and the reviler of their religion . What will Gissoeke , the Liberal Member for the County , think of his chance of re-election upon the next occasion ? The only moral effect produced , we fear , will be a delay of dissolution ; and , doubtless , the Whigs , on the Carlow defeat , will witness the approach of general re-action .

      Perhaps a trifling anecdote of Colonel Barax may not be out of place just now . The gallant gentleman is supposed to be the very ugliest man in Ireland ; and npon one occasion , when very flush of cash , he proposed to a kind of toady-mason , in a walk round Ms domain , the project of enclosing it with a brick wall , twenty feet high . The mason , who had the whole ear of his master , and whose

      wit recommend him as a kind of companion , langhtngly observed , " Your honour , it can't be done . " Can ' t , ' responded Bucks , " why so P "Why , ft i 3 impossible . " " Impossible I" rejoined the Colonel , " nonsense ; money will do it ; money can do anything" u Oh , I ax your honour ' s pardon , " Mid the mason , " there ' s one thing that money can ' t do , " "What is it P asked Bbcbx . Indeed , then , 1 * 11 tell your

      honour" Way , tben , ail the money in BBXES'a place " ConJdnt pat * handsome noae on Brvls ' s faoe . " Be car s nose is about an inch and a half in length , and is turned up short , like the end of an aged donkey ' s hoof . This patriotic gentleman , in the year 1885 , paid his countrymen generally the compliment of declaring them to be " all savages . "

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      THE CORO ? TER'S INQUEST UPON THE DEAD MURDERER , AND MR WAKLEY'S LAW , WITH THE JURA'S FOLLY . Tsav . kl _ ih 6 by railway being likely to become the only mode of conveyance , and being as yet in its infancy , it is highly necessary that some denned and intelligible rules should be laid down for its regulation ; and as the whole speculation is likely to be managed by , and for the profit of , the wealthy , at the expenee of the lives of ths community , it is also high time that the law should be defined as to the question of responsibility .

      We are the more induced to enter upen a con-« ideratio _ of this subject now , in consequence of the extreme ignorance manifested by Mr . Waklet , the Coroner for Middlesex , and the misconception of the Tery dull Jury , whom he succeeded in mystifying upon the inquest lately held , arising out of the Harrow accident . Mr . Wajll _ t , in his extraordinary charge , quoted largely from Judge Foster , but not a single case in point . In the case of the man who threw the brick from the window , whereby a passenger was killed , the man was living , and he alone was concerned ;

      bat if his master had been at hand , and had said , " throw those bricks out to save time , " and if the passenger had been killed , as all are principals in murder , the master wonld Save been gnilty of murder . So with the reckless coachman , who , from bis own devilment , faced the precipice , and having ensured the destruction of his passengers , jumped ff the box himself , before the moment of danger ; but if the proprietor had said to the coachman—* The trustees or directors of the road to Blackacre hare opened the new line and shut up the old ' with positive orders not to use t e old , in conse-1

      _ fuence of some bridge being broken own ; but don ' t you mind ; watch the opposition , and as you save two miles and the hill by going the old way , go it : " now , in such case , we incline to think that the proprietor would be guilty of murder . Again ; the ether case upon which Mr . Whllst seems to rely as being quits in point , of the driver of . a cart , after mfficient caution , still persevering without due care , being liable f or any accident which may occur . Here , likewise , suppose the carter had been ordered to go on , as usual , by hte master , regardless of consequences , the master would , in such case , be guilty # f murder ; therefore , we say , that not one of Mr . "Wakiey ' s cases was by any meani in point .

      ~ Let us tell him the maxim of law which should have directed him in his charge , and then show , from the evidence , how , under it , the Directors were the parties guilty of murder . The law Bays " guam fadt per alien , facit per se ; " who acts by another acts in person ; so if an agent distrain upon a tenant wroDg f ully , no rent being due , or illegally by making distress at night , in snch case the tenant has his action agaiDst the landlord . In like manner , if a sub-sheriff make a wrong return , or refuse to execute jndgment , or execute it illegally , the party a&jrieved has an action against the High

      Sheriff . So if » debtor make his escape from the eustody of a gaoler , who is the Sheriff ' s officer , the creditor at whose suit he was confined has his action also against ths Sheriff . So with a carrier , who thali neglect to deliver goods , or allow them , through negligence , to be damaged , the parties have their action against the master . But what is still more in point , is this , in our criminal interpretation of guilt : suppose a man keeps a wicked bull , er Btalliou , or dog , or any other animal , after he Khali have done injury to any person ; or that he keeps him after reasonable caution that he is likely

      to do mischief ; it has not only been held , but it has never been disputed , that in sach case the proprietor jg amenable for every injury committed by the animal ; and in this view we are inclined to consider the present ease . It is evident that Sixpso * waa the mad bull , of whose ferocity his master * had keen warned . This appears from the fact of Six ? - ton ' s having beea fined a pound for neglect of duty « pon a previous occasion . We care not whether the ins was justly imposed or not ; that is not the question ; the question is , whether or not the masters were justified in retaining in their service a person » floessarilv entrusted with the lives of number of

      persons , after having committed an act which justified , or even called for , a fine of a single penny . We say not . It further appears that every breaksman , fireman , policeman , and engine-driver upon the whole line , fcust have been cognizant of Simpson ' s recklessness-

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      and that the Company knew nothing of a man who refused to obey Bignals , lattled through those placed for his guidance , « rowed" the police who dared to stop him , and , in short , whose chief practice appears to have consisted in the disobedience of orders . Tbis . is onr view of the case ; and , in conformity with this view , we have no hesitation in Baying , that the verdict should have been , " Insanity , " as regards Simpson , and u Wilful Murder" against the Directors , who kept a mad boll after having been warned of his ferocity : but Waklet is not likely to take this view of the case .

      We need say nothing of the law , or the verdict , which makes a dead man guilty of the crime of murder i It is a fair conclusion that Simpsok first lost his own life in the occurrence , and then murdered Dawsos ! We may probably next week ( we have not time just now ) frame an indictment against Simpsos for the "Wilful Murder , " o f such a nature as will fully justify Lord Dbnmah in issuing a writ of "habeas oorpos , " in order that the grave-digger , or rather the road-dig ^ era ( for the verdict deprives him of the rights of Christian burial ) shall produce his body to take his trial for the wilful murder of Dawsoji at the next Old Bailey Sessions !

      We also incline to think the verdict , as regards the deodand , viciouu , inasmuch as the whole sum Bhould have been laid on the whole train , or the immediate part of that portion which did the damage ; but if there waB any justification in the severance , —that is , of laying a portUn on one part , and a portion upon the other , —common sense will show the fallacy of having laid it upon 82 engine , which was the only part of the whole which could not have killed Sikpso * and Dawsos . The verdict , then , should have been , " Insanity " against S * mpsob , " Wilful Murder" against the Directors , and a deodand on a wheel of the engine No . 1 , to Lord

      Northwitch , as Lord of the Manor . In fact , instead of enriching any person , its effect should have been to frighten those who cannot otherwise be brought to entertain sufficient respect for human life ; and whose only object appears to be the making of as much profit as possible , a great portion of which arises from paying small wages to ignorant persons , instead of giving to merit its just reward , by employing able engineers , at proper remuneration and responsible salaries ; whereby some guarantee would be given for the safe arrival of those who commit themselves to their guardianship , instead of placing valuable lives under the kind protection of " mad bull : "

      We are sot for hanging ; but let one third-class carriage full of Directors go as convicts from Kirkdale to the Hnlks , along the whole line of road from Liverpool to L # * don , with iron wrist-bands and garters , and our lives for it there would be some high qualification required for engineers on all the lines now open , and hereafter to be opened . Something must be done to stop the murderous

      system . We are informed that the Directors of Insurance Companies are deliberating upon some elause in policies npon life insurances , to guard them from liabilities in certain cases of railway accidents ; and we opine that npon the occasion referred to , equity ( if we had such a commodity ) would , in case of a man being killed whose life was insured , have mulct the Railway Company in the full amount of the premium .

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      - v ...-... » . THE GLASGOW ADDRESS TO THE QUEEN , AND VILLANY OF THE LORD PROVOST . We need do no more than direct the particular attention of onr readers to the important meeting recently held in Glasgow , for the purpose of voting a fulsome address from a few slaves to her Majesty , upon the presentation of a very dear child to her loving , very poor subjects , and the rejection by sheer villany , falsehood , and fraud , of the address really carried , and truly speaking the language of friendship sincerity , and loyalty , without blarney .

      The Lord Provost , as he is called ( the Lord help and defend us from such lords ) , presided ; and now be it observed , that he was the only man in all Scotland who was not eligible , and for this simple reason , because he was interested ; having the hope of knighthood before his eyes , and which hope the Chartist address wonld have dashed to pieces , because , even in the event of being declared carried , it would' not have been presented . Well , the Queen

      may be-knight the wretch , but we defy her to begentleman him . We only hope that the brave fellows who , in defiance of the threat of force , so nobly did their duty , will now call a meeting , and put " hay upon the iorns" of the Lord Provost , which the Queen cannot take off , by declaring him unworthy of the confidence of his townsmen , and by hissing him most lustily whenever he presumes to intrude bis particularly obnoxious presence in decent society .

      Perhaps the most valuable part of the whole proceeding was the glorious following up of the triumph , by the affirmation of the tellers , Messrs . Ross , Cameron , and Jack , that they counted seven hundred and eighty-five who voted for the amended address , and this in a room only capable of holding twelve hundred . Taess men know how to win the battle , and how to enjoy the triumph ; such men as Moib , Ross , Cameron , Jack , and Thompson are an honour to their country , their cause , and

      themselves-In connection with thi 3 we would also draw attention to the splendid meetings at Manchester ; where the humanity humbugs were foiled and routed in their camp , with their ablest advocate , Mr . Thompson , the most eloquent speaker , and the cleverest tactician at a public meeting , that we ever met with . But the time has gone by for the people to be humbugged even by him . The best part of the business was the indignant refusal of the unwashed to be palavered into the giving up of their true position to the wait-a-whiletill-we-have-done request of the palterers who would have had them reserve their amendment for subsequent resolutions . We rejoice to see the fnstian jackets awake .

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      MR . HETHERINGTON and "PLAIN JOHN "' S BLASPHEMY PROSECUTION . " We did purpose to make some comment on the spirit and tendency of such prosecutions as the infamous one alluded to in the heading of this article ; but , as we find it well done to our hands by a daily contemporary , we shall content ourselves wnh transcribing the following from the Sun . — " We regret to announce that Mr . Hetherington was yesterday found guilty of publishing a blasphemous libel , but the Court postponed passing sentence on him . We hope it will be a lenient one , for his spirited defence deserves the approbation of all the friends to free discussion . The Judge ( Lord Denman ) spoke of his exertions with respect , and the Court will , we therefore trust , be convinced that justice will be best satisfied with the smalleet possible punishment

      " As long as certain doctrines are merely used for the enrichment of the priests , and spiritual terror is only employed to coax the wealth from industry into the lap of a Sybarite clergy , they may be regarded by politicians with indifference ; bat when , in despite of philosophy , -which says that no man is answerable for hu belief , and in despite of common sense , which requires that the doctrines on which the priesthood b « ild their power oJer the human mind , and use other men ' i property at their discretion , be subject to a rigid investigation , a man if sent to prison , not for investigating those doctrines , bat for publishing the investigations of another , the question becomei ef Tery great -importance . Punishment is fitly appropriated to guilt ,

      bat there can be so more useful virtue than to strip the mask off hypocrisy , and expose to merited contempt those who claim onr reverenoe from being particularly holy . But how can this be done , if investigation is to be stopped by those crying out blasphemy at every step whoee pretensions are to be investigated 7 The decision of yesterday is a severe blow to free inquiry , and th * law , which is said to be the perfection of human reason , does all which it can , by sueh a decision , to bolster up hypocrisy , if it exists , and maintain the human mind in the chains of a selfish priesthood . No doubt the Jury meant honestly , fcut they pronounced ignoiantly , and their decision strikes a blow at troth , freedi m , and virtue .

      "As long as men may be prosecuted and punished for publishing opinions , we shall boast in vain of our freedom . In Germany , the subjects which we must

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      not discuss are open to every man's investigation . * * There it is held to be no offence to subject both the Old and New Testament to a critical examination , and to treat those parts as historical which are so , and explain , if they can be explained , those parts which are mythical . The consequence is , that in Germany -there is a great deal of genuine religion and no hypocrisy , while both the Old and the New Testaments are correctly appreciated . They are not suffered to be obstacles to science , nor are they used by a party to uphold a system of political slavery .

      " Weapprehend the case is not very different here amongst the upper classes . Strauss , the most formidable opponent Christianity has yet met with , is freely imported , both in the original language and in the French translation , and even Blackwoodhas read and praised the infideL The Attorney-General seemed to feel the force of Mr . Hetherington ' s remark , that his offence consisted in selling blasphemy , as it is called , cheap , It is quite true that if it be bound up in a twoguinea velume it is freely circulated ; it is only when the discussion assumes the form of a penny pamphlet , and goes into the hands of the working classes that it is pronouueed to be dangerous . The upper classes , including the clergy —whose education , founded on pagan books , makes them take pleasure in all sorts of profane writing—enter into tbe discussion of anti-religious subjects . In fact , there is more filth

      and more profanity in Ovid and ^ Horace , and the other 8 o- « alled classical books , which are the basis of the education of tbe upper classes , and which they habitually read and quote , than is to be found in the writings of all the infidel * from Spinoza to Strauss . Tbe great object , however , « f these gentlemen and of the law is to keep such books from the lower classes , and the prosecution of Mr . Hetherington is to be considered as another instance of the determination of tbe preisthood suid the aristocracy to continue the slavery and degradation of the working classea We shall return to the subject of this trial , which we consider of great importance , and in no light more important than as another evidence of there being one law for the rich and another for the poor—one law for the opuleut readers of infidelity , bound uf in two-guinea Tolumes , and another for the readers of similar writings in penny tracts . "

      We Bhall only say , in conclusion , that so long as tbe readers of the two-guinea volumes continue to monopolise the power of law-making , bo long will this and every other iniquitous evidence of partiality before the law continue to be manifested by them .

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      In order to prevent any possibility of misunderstanding , er disappointment , about tbe next series of our . Portraits , we beg to announce that tbe next series will consist of the four already stated , together with the Presentation of the Princess Royal to the Privy Council by Nurse Lilly . The whole of the persons present , together with the Nurse and Prince Albert , will be faithfully and critically represented , togethex

      with her Royal Highness upon the Council table , and the inspection by the Archbishop ; this is the least poor John can have for his share . O'Connor ' s portrait is now being printed , and will be given the moment a sufficient number shall be struck of ; the remainder will be given ae soon as ready , and we expect to furnish all within the period above stated . Specimens , when ready , will be sent to our agents ; the great sias of our portraits require much time in execution .

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      Am Advocate o * Justice has sent tis a severe animadversion on a letter published in the Northern Liberator , and signed "Charles Winspeare . " As tee did not publish Winspeare ' s letter , it would be unfair to publish this one . It should be sent to the Liberator . We cannot Jind the letter containing a critique on the Stockton Theatricals . We never do preserve rejected communications . William Atkinson complains that his name teas attachid to the report of the Council of the Carlisle Charter Association , published in our last , without his knowledge or consent . He says , also , the report , though proposed and seconded , was not adopted by the public meeting to which it was submitted . Am Agricultural Chabtist must stand over . A Radical , at Addjngham , hag sent ' us a long rambling story , of which we can make neither head nor tail .

      Sheffield . —We have received m letter complaining that no reports of the meetings of the Sheffield Chartists are inserted in the Star . The reason is that we don ' t receive them . It is the duty of the Secretary of the Association to setd us their reports . If he do so , and if he take care that \ ce always have them in the Office by Wednesday at furthest , they shall be attended to . Lambeth Queen ' s " Babby" Meeting . —A Corres ~ pendent writes us , inclosing a report frvm a . London paper , of this meeting , held at the Horns Tavern , Kensington , at which it was slated , in our last , tltat there were seven persons present at the time of meeting . It appears , however , that , an hour after the time advertised for taking

      tke chair , there were exactly twenty and sim persons in the room ! including the waiter and three reporters ! . ' and that some Dr . Bedford having taken the chair , the farce of carrying an Address of the Inhabitants of Lambeth was gone through . A motion having been made for the adjournment of the meeting to an hour when the working people could attend , there appeared 11 for it , ana 11 against it , and the Chairman gave his casting vote in fatour of proceeding . The Queen was therefore of course congratulated by the people of Lambeth in due form . A Constant Reader is desirous to see the people give up all their crotchets , and unite firmly for the Charter , instead of quarrelling with each

      other about trifles . He knows of no better way for working men to obtain that object—their rights—than by forming themselves into small societies , and depositing such sums as each may find convenient for himself to do on pay day , each man continuing to deposit , say for a given time , and to have the controul over his own , both for private and political purposes , the time might arrive when working men mightsend in their petition , with this annexed— " We will rest from our labour for one month , waiting anxiously for aih answer . " E . H . S . —Xext week . Freedom to the Slave next week . Vebiias states , that at a recent meeting of the

      Edinburgh Chartist Association , after a discussion of fully txco hours , the late Secretary was dismissed for writing certain letters injurious to the Association in a sham-Iiadical print in town . This is of importance to be made public , that such as read these letters may know how far the Association is responsible for them . Dr . M'Douall . —Next week . Beistol Radicals . — We cannot publish their address . Thomas Clark . — We have not received either . Henbt Sculthorp . —His communication would be charged to us as an advertisement . James Rawson . — We have no doubt in the world of the truth of his statement ; but are perfectly

      satisfied it is libellous . R . B ., Grindleton . — We are not quite sure as to the buying ; but it is clearly illegal , as we / las unjust , for the weaver , under such circumstances , to sell . Walter Maso ^ . —We have an article preparing on on the subject , which will render his letter unnecessary . Selby Radicals wish to know why Mr . Bairstow did not visit them on the 24 th November , according to promise f Or why , if otherwise engaged , did he not apprise them ? R . K . Philp . —the report was received too late for insertion .

      NEWCASTLE-rPON-TYNE . —All the valuable news from this district , communicated by Mr . Byrne , reached us too late for use . Collins ' s Committee , Bihmingham . —Tteir report was received too late for insertion . Fbost , Williams , and Jones ' s Committee , Birmincham . — Their petition and report was received by the last pott before going to press : it teas impossible to insert them this week . Studley . —The report was received by the same post , and , therefore , omitted for the same reason . Ak Indian ' s Opinion of Civilization shall appear . The "Address to the Commiitee at Bibminqham POR THE RESTORATION OF FrOST , V / lLLlAMSj and Jones" too laie .

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      All the Specimens desired to be sent per Mr . Cleave can be had by applying to him . S . Mann . —We eannot send to the person he desires : tee can send to Cleave , Shoe-lane . The parcel to Elms , enclosing the plates , he inquires about , icer sent some time since . James Arthub cannot have the Northern Star sent to as to receive it on the Friday . A Constant Reader , Manchester . —Convention , Frost , Stephens , Oasller , Collins , and M'Douall . R . Marsdej * , Little Bolton . —The papers tcert posted in time : will attend to his request at the

      pxd of the month . Mark Ormston . —Commence at Edinburgh , if you go there before the end of December . J . Darken , Norwich ; and S . Dobson , Mansfield . —The mistake was at the Leeds Post-office . The mail came in very late , and , in the hurry to get it off as soon as possible , the papers were forgot : no doubt they will be more careful in future . The Sky-Lask Crew request us to say that they have sent 10 s . to Airs . Vincent , the proceeds of a ball .

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      A Chabtist , in Bdcks . —Send by Post-office Order 9 s . 6 d ., for half a year in advance . S . StiELWsa . —We will send by Post ; if it should be neglected , remind us . FOB THE WIVHS AND FAMILIES OF THB INCARCERATED CHARTISTS . £ « . rf . From Dublin , per P . R ... 0 5 0 „ Huntlet , by a Friend ... 0 2 0 „ Letds , per A . Gardner ... 0 8 5 n Amicus ... 0 1 0 fob Pbddie ' s Attorney ' s Bill . From Great Horton , near Bradford ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 FBOSTS ' S DEFENCE ytJND . ( Omitted in account published . ) From Dmventry ... 1 0 0 „ Fox and Hounds , Nottingham ... 10 0

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      FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT . Wednesday Evening , December 9 th , Half-past Seven o'clock . Trial of Mb . Hetherington . —la the Court of Queen ' s Bench , yesterday , the long-threatened trial of Mr . Hetherington , at the prosecution of the Attorney-General , came on , for "having published a blasphemous libel , " called " Haslam ' s Letters to the Clergy . " The Attorney-General ( with whom was Sir Frederick Pollock ) stated the case for the prosecution . Mr . Hetherington conducted his own defence ; and in & lengthened address , maintained the right of every man to freely discuss any question of politics or theology , and claimed an equal right for those who , in the coarse of their business as publishers , disseminated these discussions . Lord

      Denman , in summing up , intimated that were the publication in question simply one of " discussion , " and were the point in controversy ( although adverse to the established religion of the country ) properly and conscientiously set forth , it might be a question whether the charge of blasphemy could be substantiated ; but in the present case there was nothing of the kind : there were abundance of ridicule , grossness , and positive assertion , without anything that could allow the exercise of the mind , and the work was more especially pernicious to the ignorant and youthful portions of the community . The Jury returned a verdiot of Guilty , and the Attorney-General prayed immediate judgment ; but Lord Denman deferred passing sentence until he should have the opinions of the full Court , which will be about tbe 13 th or 14 th of January .

      Surrey Sessions . — -This morning , Joseph Robinson , a fine young man , a private of the 9 th Lancers , was placed at the bar , charged with stealing two Bibles , value 10 s ., and an inkstand , value 4 s . 6 d ., the respective properties of Messrs . Sele and Fortune , stationers , of Kingston , Surrey , on the 31 st of October last . It appeared , from the evidence , that the prisoner entered the shop of Mr . Sele on the day above-mentioned , and selected two Bibles , which he said he wanted to shew to a comrade outside , but he never returned . In a short time afterwards , he went to the shop of Mr . Fortune , and sold them for 5 a . ; and , on leaving the shop , stole the inkstand , which was found on his person . The Jury found the prisoner Guilty , and be was sentenced to six months ' imprisonment and hard labour .

      The Middle-men , the Chartists , and the Window-Taxes . —Last night , a meeting of the ratepayers of the parishes of St . Marylebone and Paddiugton , was held at the White Lion , Edgware-road , to adopt measures for procuring a repeal ( or , at least , a revision ) of tbe window-taxes ; the meeting was announced for seven o'clock , but as an opposition , on the part of the Chartists , was expected , and as a few working men made their appearance punctually at that hour , when il xcat most probably expected they could not leave work , the chair was not taken until nearl y nine ; and as soon as this had been done , the chairman intimated to Mr . Scott , a Chartist , ( ivho had asked leave to put a question ) , that "discussion mat invited , but they would not

      permit the words ' Universal Suffrage to be used , nor would any person be permitted to speak eontrary to the object of the meeting . ' * This Irish mode of discussion was not exactly the thing for" the lads ;" and accordingly , when Mr . Farrow , a pseudo-Chartist , was " performing a clap-trap , " by snowing how nicely the knocking off the allowances to the three supernumerary kings and queens , supported by this country , would enable the Chancellor of the Exchequer to repeal the window-taxes , a cry of "Go with us for the Charter , first ! " was raised ; which was responded to by the counter exclamations of" We got the Reform Bill together , go with us now , and we'll soon get off the window-tax . " " 'Twon ' t do , " &c . &c , making altogether a ** sweet harmonious rfweord . " Amid this state of things , the chairman , who had previously invited ducussimAot

      a sort ) , made the following sage and impartial an * nunoiation : — " 1 will not allow discussion , for we P'iy for the room , and Mr . Harris has the prerogative of calling in persons ( query , policemen !) and turning you out . " Such , however , was the confusion that , though the Chartists were not indisposed to allow all manner of denunciation , and feelingly-severe execration poured forth by the middlemen against the " odious window-taxes , " they were quite good enough generals to assert the paramount importance of *' Universal Suffrage and the Charter ; " which they did , more effectually < than formally ; and succeeded , besides , in passing three hearty cheers , each , for " Feargus O'Connor , " and f or "John Frost , and hia companions in captivity . " Ab regards the window-tax party , they were , at the end of the meeting , exactly where they were at the ¦

      mencement . Marylebone National Charter Association . — At eight o ' clock , last evening , Mr . Prior delivered a lecture at the Mechanics' Institution , Circus-street , New-road , " on the causes that have degraded , and are degrading , the working classes of this kingdom . " The lecturer divided his discourse into fthree portions ; 1 st ., the formation of character ; 2 nd ., the distribution of wealth ; and 3 d ., the government of society . On the first point , he asked , whose business is it to form the character of the community I Was it not that of the clergy , who take 2 s . 6 d . outof every pound produced by the labour of the country , yet nave done nothing to moralise the people , but much towards setting one man against another ; who .

      though they declared it to be " easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God , " yet contrived to divide , among the ministers of the various sects in this kingdom , twenty millions annually of the wealth of the people , of which nine millions were monopolised by the church parsous alone , whose sole business teemed to be , to impress upon the productive , classes the belief , that " the powers that be are ordained of God , " thus contriving to bring the landlord , lawyer , and the profit-monger into the same category with these clerical educators . That these men , who were entrusted with the formation of the character of the community , were utterly incompetent to their task , is sufficiently proved by the thousands of children

      who are brought up in this metropolis and other large towns , to become thieves , and who are as regularly trained for that purpose us others are to their several trades ; the clergy taking no pains whatever to " incline the twig to grow & stately tree . " Mr . Prior then adverted to the second point of hii lecture , —the power of production , aad the means of distribution , —showing , by statistical returns , that our present power of production id equal to 400 millions a-year , and that there is sufficient power , animate and inanimate , to produce subsistence for a population of 306 millions . AH , therefore , that we want is a proper distribution ; so that each individual may be able to coasume equivalent to their poodnce . On the third

      pointthat of government—Mr . P . enlarged to some extent . He observed that , " experience has proved in all ages , that those who think will always be enabled to govern those who toil ; consequently , those who neglect to think , lose their produce and their independence at the same time . " He urged on his hearers , therefore , to become thinkers ; to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the constitution of society , and to understand the law of our nature ; for , assuredly , wherever the latter is in opposition to a law of society , the Jaw of society will be violated . Mr . Prior ' s address was very well received ; an animated discussion enBued , and the meeting dispersed , much edified by the evening ' s proceedings .

      Ludicrous Affair . —This afternoon , shortly after two o ' clock , a gentleman , who had every appearance of being one of the higher class of society , hailed the van used for the conveyance of prisoners to and from the police offices to the different metropolitan prisons . The driver , thinking he was a magistrate , pulled up , and the gentleman walked to the back , and was in the aot of stepping in , when the policeman , who is stationed at | the entrance , informed him that he could not allow him to enter , as the van was used only for the conveyance of prisoners . " Eh ! " said the gentleman , " I thought it was the Belgrave Square omnibus , and , I can assure { ou , I have no wish to be an inmate of » prison . " t rained at the time , and both the driver and conductor had on a Macintosh , which covered their uniform .

      Awful Instakcb of Suddbv Death , —This afternoon , an inquest was held before Mr . Carter , Coroner for Surrey , at the Horse and Groom , Great Guildford-street , SoHthwark , on view of the body of Mrs . Elizabeth Carr , aged sixty-seven years , the wife of a broker residing in Holland-street , Blackfriars , who expired suddenly in the street , on her return home from chapel , on Sunday evening laat . Verdict , " Died by the visitation of God . " Drunkenness and Suicide . —Yesterday , an inquest was held before Mr . Carter , Coroner for Surrey , at the Cobourg Arms , Esher , on view of the body of Thomas Wellbeloved , aged thirty-seven years . It appeared , from the evidence , that the deceased was the son of a master baker , living at Esher , and f or some time past he has given way to continual intoxication . On Saturday last , he threw himself into a pond of water , belonging to William Spicer , Esq . Verdict , " Temporary insanity . "

      Untitled Article

      VEWCASTx ^ -UPOH-T-srire :. Reported Death of Mb . Fainlough . —We are happy to have it in our power to contradict the statement of this gentleman ' s death , which appeared in our last number . He still lives to advocate the cause of the people . The account of his death sent to us , waa so circumstantial in all its details , that we did not hesitate to insert it ; bat it now turns oat that it was a stupid hoax . We have received a letter from Mr . Fainlough himself , in which he requests us to furnish him with the name of our informant . We do not recollect the name at present , nor have we the manuscript at hand to refer to ; but if it should turn up we will let him know .

      carlisle . Eden Lodge of Free Gardeners at Cablislb . — —A somewhat singular case , regarding this body , came on in the Town-Hall , on Wednesday , Dec . 2 d , before Messrs . Fawcitt and Slator , Esqrs . It appeared that one of the members , Mr . A . G . Deans had summoned all the office-bearers of the society ( nine in number ) to show cause why they had suspended him for six months from the benefits of the society . It appeared that the case was one of peculiar hardship towards Mr . Deans . The whole of the office-bearers were present , with the exception of one individual , and numerous other members . Mr . Christopher Wannop , solioitor , Btated the case for Mr . Deans . He said that Mr . Deans had been

      expelled from enjoying the benefits of the society contrary to the rules , and as they were sanctioned as the rules ; of a sick society , the case came under the jurisdiction of the magistrates . Mr . Deanshad not only been illegally expelled , but the most arbitrary and unfriendly spirit had been practised towards him ; for instance , they had passed a resolution to the effect , "That no master gardener should either communicate or converse with brother Deans directly or indirectly . " If such proceedings were sanctioned , great injury might arise to a person like Mr . Deans , who was carry ing on a very respectable business as & grocer , and was alro connected with a coaching establishment . Mr . John Saville , one of the party summoned , stated that they suspended Mr . Deans for six months , as the most merciful way they could deal with him , as he was a very troublesome and contumacious member and evidently had the destruction of the society in view . Mr . Fawcitt—Can

      you show that you have acted in accordance with the rules of the society , for it appears from the 27 th rule , that you ought first to have fined Mr . Deans sixpence , then reprimanded him , and if he continued disorderly and contumacious , then they could expel him . Mr- Sewill—We sever fined him , but he has been reprimanded . Mr . Fawcitt—Then you have not acted in accordance with the rules , and I restore Mr . Deans to all the benefits of the society . Mr . Wannop—Of course you will allow costs . Mr . Fawcitt—Certainly . The costs were then paid , and the party left the hall , evidently very dissatisfied with the deoision of the magistrates . Such proceedings towards a brother member is very overbearing , and contrary to that spirit of brotherly love for which they take credit in the preface of their rules : — - " Brethren bo ye all of one mind , having compassion one of another ; love as brethren ; be pitiful , be courteous ; not rendering evil for evil , or railing for railing ; but contrariwise blessing . "

      Untitled Article

      TO MB . THOMAS IRELAND . Sir , —Tou bave made some strictures on a lecture ¦ which I delivered in Gkreenock , without ascertaining from me whether or not feVe language reported was made use of by me . To say the very least of it , you have acted an unfair part towards me , and , judging from your expressions , I wonld imagine that you , an ntter stranger to me , entertained a hostile feeling towards a man whose strength , health , and means have been unsparingly expended in the cause of the working

      men . You have had time enough to apply to me , and you might , for my information , have inserted the whole ot the obnoxious paragraph to which yon allude . I will always afford you any information which you may require , and * baU be the laat to complain U you prove me to be in the wrong . You have this time wasted your remarks in vain * because , from what I remember of my lecture in Greenock , I wjs contrasting the compensation received by the slave owners , with the robbery practised upon the hand-loom weavers , and after claiming the vholt of the land for the British labourers , I said that the very lead compensation which could be given by the Government to the starving weavers , should have been the waste land of England and Scotland .

      I was not discussing bo much the abstract right of the working man to possess the land , and eat the fruits thereof , as I was comparing the infamous transaction of the siot' 4 compensation , with the inhuman desertion of the plundered weaver , by tbe self-same Government . If compensation has been laid down as a principle by the Government , how is it that the hand-loom weaver receives no compensation ? and which party bave tbe better right to it , the profUmongers in human flesh , or tbe plundered producers of human clothing 1 If you desire any other information , direct to me at Mr . John Legg ' s , 40 , Qeorge's-street , Aberdeen , ai late as the ISth of December , and , in the meantime , 1 remain , Sir , A thorough-going Chartist , And aomtthing more , P . M . M'DOBAI . 1 ,. Breehin . Dee . 7 th . 1840 .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN . Fellow-Charthts , — " These are the times to try men ' s souls ; " these are the times when every man must be prepared to act unitedly and determinedly in exposing the suffering and wrongs of himself and fellow working men , and enlisting into tbe ranks of democracy all those who have hitherto remained aloof and inactive , and diffusing that political knowledge which will be tbe meant of altering the condition of our fellow-countrymen , and raising them to that station which God and nature designed them . Let me impress upon you the necessity of anity , organisation , and determination for the purpose of accomplishing that object , ( tbe principles of our glorious Charter , ) which will most assuredly end in giving peace and contentment to the miserable and impoverished people of this country .

      Remember that on New Yeart Day you are called upon to do your duty to those three nobles of nature , Messrs . Frost , Williams , and Jones , who are now undergoing miseries tea times more horrible than dpath , and compelled to drag out an existence revolting to human nature , for the advocacy of those rights which you are now contending for , and for advocating which , hundreds of the best of men are immured in the bloody bastiles of out faithful friend * , the excellent Whigs and Tories . Let me impress upon you the necessity of joining , without delay , the Natitnal Charter Association of Great Britain , by instantly forming yourselves into classes—by contributing to the support of the Executive Council—by distributing tracts among the unenlightened

      of your fellow-countrynien—by sending all spare c « pies of the Northern Star , and all other democratic newspapers , to poor , deluded Irelaad—by electing lecturers , and supporting them in their endeavours to promulgate the glorious and sacred principles of democracy—by meeting the factions , and meeting them by argument , at every meeting called by them , for whatever purpose ; and enforce your olaims upon the Saxon and West of England gentlemen , first , by argument , and then by submitting resolutions , expressive of your determination to agitate for nothing less than the principles contained in the People's Charter , and to secure the return of our beloved countrymen , Frost , Williams , and Jones , and the liberation of all persons confined for upholding tke principles of the Charter .

      Trusting that you will seriously and calmly consider the principles contained in these few lines , and , as far as lies in your power , act up to them fearlessly and faithfully , deviating neither to the right hand nor to the left , but pursuing the straightforward course laid down by the most excellent of men , I remain , In the nndying cause of liberty , Faithfully yours , William H . Cotioh . Birmingham , Dec . 6 th , 18 * 0 .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE EDITOR OF THS NORTHEBH STAB . SIR , —Having upwards of six years faithfully acted upon the principle of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors , we feel called upon to state , that our attachment to that principle , and our conviction of its importance , increases daily . The dangers from which it has preserved us , tbe benefits it has conferred upon us , the good tuat it has enabled us to do , are such as to afford us the highest satisfaction of mind . We , therefore , request that you will append oar names to the noble address signei by yourself , Messra . Cleave , Hetherington , and Vincent

      We have groat pleasure im acquainting yon , that nearly every officer connected with the Charter Association in Sunderland , a considerable majority of its members , and moit of the leading Chartists in the county , are total abstainers . Let other districts imitate their example , and Frost , William * , and Jones will soon be restored to their native land , and the Charter established through the downfall of the tyrant system , of whioh drinking is the chief prop . Of the drumkard it has been truly said" To him corrtption ' f panden preach—To him their lore the despo t * teach ; He shouts for shark , be fights for leeeh . He drinks for every jobber ' s job . Thus toil is robbed , and thieves are " paii , By men like him are * t » te « betrayed ; Of tiuch materials mobs are made , And tyrants often -want a mob . " We are , Sir , yours respectfully , J . Williams .

      GEOB . GE BIN MS . P . S . We venture to suggest the propriety * nd advantage of publishing , in an eariy number of the Star , say the 26 th December , the names ol aii officers of the Charter Associations , all Chartist missionaries , and all imprisoned Chartists , who are willing to sign the address , and act upon the abstinence principle .

      Untitled Article

      TO THBEDIIOR OF THE NORTHERN STAB . Sir , —in looking over the columns of yonr invaluable Journal for Saturday last , I found many tilings calculated to inspire the Chartists with renewed vigour , and many articles from which much benefit may be derived by the reflecting mind . It ia truly pleasing to hear of the rapid progWBS which the sacred cause of Chartism is now making la every province of this country . The zeal of the advocates of universal right—the ardour , activity , and firmness of the operative portion of the community , and the shifts , tricks , and subterfuges of the opponents of the Charter , are certain presages of the speedy overthrow of Whig , and Tory domination , and of our apprpxinuk * tion to that glorious era when " man o ' er man shall not he lord , " but the foil measure of right be equally pos > sessedbyalL

      This is the " consummation devoutly to be wished ;" for this our patriots have long struggled—for this they have sacrificed domestic comfort—for this they havs suffered and are suffering insults , persecutions , prosecutions , imprisonment , banishment , and ( to use a Scrip , tural phrase ) "deaths many . " But , Sir , while we rejoice at the advance of our cause , and tender the meed of praise to our neble-minded advocates , it is necessary that we be watchful , and , a we proceed , take care that no declension is allowed to take deep root among us ; and as it is better to crush an evil in its bud , I will , with your permission , make a remark or two on a paragraph which I find in you Third Edition fot last Saturday , page 8 , column 4 .

      It appears that two persons ( Andrew Gardner and Joseph Jones ) have collected a sum of money in Leeds for Mrs . Frost , and for tbe wives and fami-4 | M of the imprisoned Chartists . So far , they havtt done well ; but I farther find that their well-doing has not been gratuitous , for five shillings is taken from the sabscriptwnB for Mrs . Frost , and a like sum from that for the wives and families of the imprisoned Chartista as wages " paid for collecting . " Now , Sir , I really cannot understand such patriotism it smacks very strongly of jobbing , and is indicative of a greater love of gain than sympathy for the sufferers , on the pan of the collectors . Surely , Chartists might be found who would willingly sacrifice a few hours to the service of the Whig-made widow of the expatriated patriot , and to obtaia means to alleviate the sufferings of the distressed wives and families of those now lingering in the cheerless cell for opposing the tyrants *

      power , and labouring to promote tbe common weaK But here we find men who would mulct the widows * mite , and tax the orphans' bite for doing that which cost them naught Yes , Sir , I repeat they suffered no loss , they made no sacrifice of time while soliciting the donations of the persona whose names are mentioned am donors . They -were engaged in the recent" dog fight , " and the money was collected during the canvass foi their pet candidate , ot in other words , while subserving the purposes of the " Fox and Goose Club ; " tbiaia very evident from the names of the subscribers , who , we a \ l know , were principal actors in the Whig and Tory combat , and who would sooner have consigned the wives and families to the fate of their husbands and fathers , rather than have given the fraction of a farthing to soothe their sorrows , had they not been influenced at the time by motives more approximating to seliinterestand party purposes .

      Now , Sir , I would ask the collectors" if they -were paid for their services as whippers-in at the late municipal election . If so , why do they accept a two-fold remuneration ? If not , why is their time of greate * value when spent in tbe cause of suffering humanity ( had they lost any timel ) than when spent in the service of rival factions ? I would also suggest to the collectors , the auditor or some other individual connected with tbe affair , the necessity of furnishing the readers of the Star with the dates on which the subscriptions were gives ; because , from the . names of the subscribers and the sums given , your readers cannot but conclude that the sums have been divided by the collectors f « r the purpose of having a double remuneration . Did Mr . Ayrey give 8 s . on the Monday , and 15 s . on the Tuesday ? Did M » Cawood give 10 s . on tbe Wednesday , and 10 s . on the Thursday , &c . &c If they did not , but gave theii 309 , at one and the same time , then ought the disinUresied collectors to have made their account thus *~ ForMrsFrost ... ... £ 8 7 0 For the wives and families of the imprisoned Chartists 1 14 G For collecting ... ... 0 5 * For dividing the money between Mrs . Frost , the wives and families , and ourselves .. 050 Total ... £ i 11 0 I leave the collectors to their own reflections , and trust that no Chartist who may receive money for the poor victims or their families , will follow the example of the worthies adverted to . A Watchman , Leeds , December 8 th , 1840 .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN . Fellow-countrymen , —We , the National Victlbi Committee , take the liberty of addressing you on behalf ef the Whig-made widows and the orphan children , knowing if we make the call you will respond , and come forward witn your support , if that call be just ; it is justice and support we are seeking for th » brave men ' s wives and families that are suffering themselves to be tortured under the hands of the merciless Whigs , because they will n » t give up one iota of their principles to satisfy the cravings of the hungry and blood-thirsty , and ravenous factions ; will you sit in silent composure , and sit and look on with an unpitying eye at persecuted and insulted justice and humanity , and allow the families of these brave men to suffer from hunger and starvation , and to pine away in misery and wretchedness , and not try to comfort their heart-break ing sufferings in the hoar of trouble and want ; wfll you allow the factions to point their unhallowed fingera

      of scorn , saying , there ' s our victims ; and where is tbe sympathy and support of the people ? Forbid it Cha » - % ists , yea , forbid it heaven , forbid it every Vover ot liberty and humanity ! Will you allow a double suffesing to come upon the families of the brave men that aie in prison ; first to be deprived ^ of their guardian supporter and protector ^^ through advocating yoor and our cause , the xsause of liberty and Justice , the cause of equal political rights and privileges } and , secondly , to see an indifferent people in those that cheered them on in the good work of the Charter and political regeneration ? We know that you are oppressed , and your means are very small ; but small as they are , when all put together , and directed into one focus , you can , with your mitea , support them with honour to y « urselves , and with palm and vexation to our tyrant factions that consigned them to the gloomy dungeon , to the tread-mill , and , alas ! across the Atlantic , to return no more . A voice of thundejr

      answers NO , THEY SHALL RETURN ! Fellow-Countrymeu , —We cannot pass this opportunity without expressing to you the necessity of bringing together , into one common focus , your exertions on behalf of these victims of a treacherous faction , Frost , Williams , and Jones , where every man's individual exertions are required , as if their fate depended upon himself . Then , fellow-countrymen , prepare ; let us commence the new year with credit to ourselves , and justice , justice , justice , to the exiles j be up and doing , the time is short ; by your united

      exertions you will not only bring the exiles to their homes , to their country , but to a people that sympathises with persecuted justice and humanity . By your united exertions you can not only bring home tbe patriots , but support the families of the brave men that are immured within the walls of a gloomy hell ; not only this can you do , by your united exertions , but you can overthrow the city of corruption , and on its ruins raise the pure temple of liberty and justice to all ; where alt men shall be free , where all men shall be equal before tbe law , the landlord , and the peasant , the money monger and the artisan .

      Fellow-CouHtrymen , —We say , Frost , Williams , and Jones , Universal Suffrage and no Surrender , be your motto ; we , the committee , hope and trust , that on * friends throughout the country will look to the families in their respective localities , and not see them want ; but immediately communicate their circumstances to our secretary , Mr . P . Shorrocks , 70 , Gnnatreet , Great Ancoats-street , where their suffering ! shall , 83 far as our funds will permit , have their sufferings relieved . We request oar friends in Wale to send * s the account of all their victims , their residences , and the number of each family ; and from all

      other places that have not , to immediately do so ; and all communications to come through the secretary of the associations in their respective districts , and yoa will oblige the committee . Our next balance sheet will appear on December the 26 th , and all monies receive up to that time will be duly acknowledged . William Maddocks , Signed , > Andrew Mslville , James Wheeler , John Millingto * . Samuel Chamberlain , President , Peter Sbobbocks , Secretary .

      P . S . We request that all our friends that have not received any support from the committee , to immediately communicate with us , and be particular in sending their address to Mr . P . Shorrocks , 7 , G * n street , Great Ancoats-streeL Manchester , Dec . 7 , 1840 .

      The Fiye Star Portraits For The Next Twelve Months.

      THE FIYE STAR PORTRAITS FOR THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS .

      To Readers And Correspondents.

      TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS .

      Mabbxases.

      MABBXASES .

      On Sunday , the 6 th inst ., at Almondbmrj , Mr . Charles Boothrojd , of Armitage Bridge , near Huddersfield , to Miss Waterhouse , of Berry Brow . On Monday , the 7 th inat ., at Kirkneaton , Mr . John Folgate , woolsorter , Armitage Bridge , t » Ellen , daughter of Mr . Joshua GiedhiU , Browm Cow Inn , Berry Brow , near Huddersfield . DEATHS . On Thursday , tbe 26 th ult ., Mr . David Dyson , aged 58 years , butcher , Annitage Bridge , near Huddersfield . He was greatly respected by a large circle of acquaintances and friends , and haa left a > wife and four children to lament his loss . On the 2 nd inst ., after a long and pa p ' ol illneis , Mr . Henry Nelaon , haix-dxesser , of this town , age * 23 years . On Wednesday last , aged 22 , deeply regretted , Theresa , wife of Mr . Stephen Chappel , of the Leeds Pottery .

      Untitled Article

      THE NORTHERN STAR . " K —— < ¦ ___^___ * j

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 12, 1840, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct359/page/5/