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Northern Star (1837-1852), 26th February 1842, Edition 2 of 4, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      EIE . MINGHAM . TOWN HALL MEETING . A crowded and enthusiastic met ting , called l ) y Teqnisition , -was held in the Town Hall , on Friday , ihs 18 th icst ., the . Mayor in the chair . Previous to the opening- of the Hall , the street adjoining was thronged ¦ with groups of men of all classes , each being eager to secure a good position- The Committee Room of the Hall was also thronged with the requisitieiUBts , awaiting the opening of , the door leading to the organ gallery . It should here bo mentioned that the most unfair and dastardly conduct was resorted to , in ordtr ± o exdnde the Chartists from the hustings—the respectables taking care that only some six or eight tickets should find their way to the Chartists , so that there was a difficulty in procuring tickets for Messrs . Leach , Campbell , Mason , and others , although upwards of 300 had been issued .

      AX eleren o ' clock . Mi . O'Connor arriTcd in town , and met several of the most active Chartists at the house of Hi . Porter , Moor-street , from whence they proceeded to the Town HalL Sherry after eleven o ' clock , the door which leads from the Committee Room to the organ gallery was opened for the admission of the favoured few to Ihe front seats . The doors were shortly Efterwards thrown open , and the rash to the ride galleries was such that they were filled in a few minutes . The people flawed in like & tide to all parts of the building , which was soro filled . Various were the surmise 3 that were passed from man to man through the vast assemblage , aatothe policy that would-be adopted by the Corn Law RiDtalers , as it was understood that an arrangement had been entered into by them with Mr . Joseph " Srarge on the previous evening , and that a declaration in favour of the People ' s Charter would form apromintnt feature in their proceedings .

      At the time appointed for the commencement of the business , the Mayor , accompanied by the other parties who intend to take part in the proceedings , made their appearance in the centre of the organ gall-ry , and were loudly cheered , sf zti which The Mat OB ( Mr . Samuel Beale ) proceeded to read the requisition calling the meeting , when Feargus O'Connor . Esq ., entered the gallery , and was received " with entfcusi&stic cheers by the meeting . He then attempted to advance to the front , and was assailed by some scores of the so-called respectables , by the moit

      infamous epithets , and not content with foul words , they even threatened violence , and swore they would mmder him if he persisted in his attempt to advance ; they then formed into a strong compact boij about ten deep , the more effectually to prevent iilm or any other person favourable to tiia Chartists , from getting within hearing of the £ p = akers , the consequence tf which was , that they coald not hear a single sentence by being kept so fir behind ; su&ca it to say , that smoe rnffianly sat ct blackguards could not he f > und in her Majesty ' s donrnions ; yet , those men have the impudence to tali cf the " vio ent phjsica ' -force Chartists . "

      When the uproar caased by the parties in the gallery had subsided , the Mayor proceeded to address ths meeting . He said he was sorry that the use of ihe Hall could not be obtained on an earlier day in the week ; that was tha first time he had the honour cf presiding over a meeting since he entered en the duties of his office : he hoped the proceedings would be conducted with temperance and moderation , and stated his wish to conuust the business with iiirness ai > d impartiality . Mr . Alderman WeSTO > " then staod forward to propose the first resolution , which was to the following effect : —

      "That for along time past the trade and commerce of Birmingham have been most seriously depressed , and both masters and workmen have , in consequence , been in a state cf unprecedented sufferings ; that those sufferings are either traceable to , or grievously aggravated by theiaws which restrict the importation of fjod ; that the Ministerial proposal fir the amendment of these laws , adds issuit to iijary , by its mockery of Ts . it f ; that the certain prospect of such an amendment being supported by a majority of the present House cf Cammons , affords irrtf- -agable proof of the necessity of pntting an end to these , and other evils of class legislation , by such an extension of the Parliamentary Franchise as shall secure to all ranks of the people that full , fair , and free representation , to which , on the principles of Christian justice and the British constitution they are entitled . "

      Mr . Westox said that the proposition he had read agreed wiui his own views more than any which he had ever moved . Five months had elapsed from the time that the xuember for Tamirorth had undertaken to provide a remedy for the sufferings of the pecplf , and now he declared that they were beyord the power of remedy . H 3 denounced him as a quack , and said he ought to make way for those vrho could bring f * rward a proptr remedy . He agreed most cordially with that part of the resolution which declared the right of the whole people to the elective franchise , and said that every jam who contributed to tke taxes , who was amenable to the lawa .. or liable lo b 9 called on-to defend their country , bad an undoubted right to be represented in the House of C-tmmons , and stated that he would rather live under a government of the working classes than tbat of the plundering aristocracy , and scoffed at the idea of working me : being too ignorant to vote .

      Sir . Alderman Tax Waet seconded the . resolution in a abort address . Mr . Tbojus Atitvood then addressed the meeting at some lengti on his usual topic , the Currency Question , and endeavoured to justify his conduct for supporting that which he formerly repudiated- He was received very coldly by tha meeting . Mx . Abthcb . O'Xeil made a long . speech in favour of the resolution , and hoped that they would all be unanimous that day . He rejoiced to find the middle classes taking up the Suffrage question , and congratulated the meeting on the numerous signatures which were being appended to Mr . Sttrrge's declaration , and read a note at the conclusion which informed the meeting that Mr . Joseph Sturge ' s document lay in the committse room for signatures .

      The mettlnjj then set up & universal shout for O'Connor , which was endeavoured to be drowned , by the respectable conciliating * gentry in the organ gallery ; but it was no use ; " O'Connor , O'Connor , " resounded from all pasts of the building ; and when it was dearly perceived that opposition was useless , the Mayor was instructed to put the question to a show of hands , when nearly every hand in the immense building was held up , wita tie exception of the few rabid ruffiins in the gaUsry . Mr . O Coxxob then supped into a raised rostrum in the centre of the gallery ; and on his appearance in front , was hailed by thundering applause , -which was repeated several times . The gallery gents tried with all their might to hinder him from being heard , but

      It was useless ; for their miserable squeaks were drowned by the enthusiastic cheers of the meeting . This was the grand object of the day ; one party being determined he should not be heard , and the other , namely , the working men , being resolved he should feave a hearing . Mr . O'Connor commenced by thanking tha Mayor for hi » courtesy ; and said , that if any man had reason to f * el proud on the present occasion , he was that individual ; as it proved beyond the possibility of doubt , that his services were appreciated by those in whose behalf he had exerted himself so long . He >»» ri not come there to divide them , as had been asserted by some of the party behind him . But if there was to be a union , as tbey seemed so much inclined to act with the working men , it should be one

      of principle—( hear , hear );—for he was determined not to give one joS of his principles . H 9 was glad to find that the people of Nottingham were proceeding in the right road , iiot for the purpose of protecting "the interests of a fraction , but to asssit the rights of alL How dare any person st ^ ts that he wished to causa division , when he had uniformly expressed his conviction tbat the interest cf the shopkeeper was closely bound up with the working man , who was his best customer . From the position in which he was placed he could not hear any cf the speeches which were made , but ha had heard oae of the speakers refer to the poveity of the country , whilst no mention , was made of the fceavy taxes which were wrung ftom the nation . Ha had been called a physical force Chartist and a firebrand , but he could stand before that meeting , and ask , Where was the proof of those assertions ? He had never flinched from his principles , neither "would be do so—( loud cheers . } He would never give tip one

      iota of his principles , and if union was to take place , the Charter must ba the foundation stone —( cheers . ) They now hid the enemy in advance . Sir Robert Peel had brought forward his shaped pigtail sliding scale , and that was his plan of " Corn Law Reform . " ' Bat the Com Law Repealers had different plans alsa .. Mr . Christopher was in favour of ono plan , Mr . Yilliers differed from him , and Lord John Russell differed froa both . Bat the people would fling back their schemes , and spurn their offers . He was under greater expenee by attending that mee ting than any person present He did not tarust himself upon them , but as ho was then he would boldly declare hia principles . That was , the Charter , the whole Charter , and nothing less ^ - ( loud cheers . } What was the position of the people ? The ; were now invited to unite with the middle classes , and if b union took place it most be an honourable one . The working men should look upon themselves in then proper character , as self respect was the only ornamani which could ennoble them . The Reform Bill had failed

      —it had been destroyed in the details , —the excitemen of the people bad subsided immediately after the pass ing ef that measure , and all its effects vanished at thi third session aftar its enactment Therefore , if thej wasted a union , he would require that thirty workini men should be seat into the House of Commons to lool after tfceii Interests , and take care that justice was done Why did they taoat him with causing disunion betweei the middle and working classes . Where was the mai who had spent mow at his own money in the present struggle , sna" received not one farthing in return . H < above all

      men ought sot to endeavour to perpetaafe division , for ba waa interested in bringing it to a con ehuion , as it wa » well . known he derived nothing bul inmwnt labour from the position he had takei np Nevertheless he would atffl stand by the people tnttii tHey tad established Uninnal Suffrage , Annual Partt amenta , Vote by Ballot , Ko Property Qualification Equal Electoral District * , and Payment of Membersand those wer& desired if ererj working man in tb < country . { Loud cheers . ) The people of Birmingham alone wold sot cam a onion of the middle and work .

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      in ? classes ; but if they would go for the Charter , they might all go to bed and he would nave meetings of 500 , 000 at Manchester , Glasgow , and the other large to-svns , which would hurl despotism from her throne , and establish tae liberty of the people in its stead—( cheers . ) The present system had brought the working classes to such a state of misery that they were scarce able to live ; but let Sir Robert Peel ' s quarter-day depend on the working man ' s Saturday night , and they would soon see the alteration . He contrasted the state of affairs in America with that existing in England . In America the Government were bankrupt whilst the people had plenty ; but in England the Government was wallowing in wealth whilst the people were starring . He did not wish for a distribution of property , bu ; he wanted every man to have the eqaal protection of law , » that the same punishment should be dealt out to the nobleman who shot the poor man ' s hen as to the poor man who shot his deer . In the advocacy of

      the people ' s rights he would not be intimidated . He defied the dungeon , tha dock , or the scaffold . He sought equal justice for all , and thought that as Lord Cardigan was tried by his peers , it was only right that the working man Bhould be tried by his peers also . He had not heard the resolution read which was before the meeting , and , consequently , could not mak- any observations on it , but he hoped that whatever they had done , they would stand by principle . He looked for ne benefit _ for himself ; all he desired was that their liberty should be first established , after which he would willingly retire ; and , when he finally depaitid from the scene of political strife , it might be written on his tomb—" Here lies the body of one who worked , without pay , for the people , receiving only tiieir gratitude as his leward . " Mr . O'Connor then retired , amidst loud cheers from all parts of the building . His speech , of which this is a mere outline , was admired by all Dresent .

      At this Btage of the proceedings , it waa expected that the Chartist body would bring forward an amendment , but , as it was understood that the intention was to move a petition to the Queen ; and , as there had been such an outcry against the tyranny of the Chartists at their former meetings , it was thought best to allow the resolution to pass , as they had a requisition to the Mayor in course of signature for the adoption of the National Petition ; in fact , there were various opinions on the matter , some insisting on an amendment , and others against it , as they thought the principles of the Charter was fairly recognised by the partieB who had got up the meeting assanting to it in their resolution and speeches . The Mayor then put the resolution , which was carried unanimously . Mr . Schofield moved the adoption ef a petition founded on the resolution . Mr . Jonx Collins seconded the motion in a brief

      address , in which he asserted that the principles of the Charter were fully recognised in the resolution . Mr . Maso > ' then came forward and said , Mr . Chairman and gentlemen , although he was comparatively a stranger to the people of Birmingham , he could not refrain from offering a few remarks on that occasion . Jt was quite evident , a time had arrived when a great ehan ^ e must take place in the constitution of the government of these realms . Sir R . Peel had now proved how far he was disposed to relieve the sufferings of the working classes : his proposition , for a modification of the Corn Laws , not only indicated his opinions on this question , but it also proved , that he { Sir R Peel ) was prepared , as a leader of the aristocratic faction , to

      defend every other usurpation and privilege of this feudal order—( cheer ? . } Yes , but there was a poorer in the people , when directed by intelligence , for the accoinplishmeBt of any great measure of justice—( loud cheers )—a power which ultimately will compel them to surrender their unjust emoluments to the honest de-Eands of an oppressed and suffering nation—tcheerf . ) He ( Mr . Mason ) felt a degree of pleasure at witnessing the middle classes coming forward to recognise the uniTersal enfranchisement of the working men , as a great organic principle in the constitution ef government , whatever might have been the conduct of that class to them , the working mer . He was as an individual ready to forgive , if they were honestly prepared to do the ingenious suffering mechanic and the hardy

      labourer justice—full and complete justice . He contended for justice not for any one class—no ; he would resbt the disenfranchisement of any class , however wealthy , equally as he would resist the rich dispossessing the working man of the elective franchise . He contended that the land-owner , the merchant , the manufacturer , and the shopkeeper , had all an inalienable right to a legitimate protection ; but they had no right to immolate the legitimate rights of millions to promote their private interests ( cheer ? , i They desired justice , and by all that was sacred in human nature , they would liava it—despotism should be resisted wherever it existed , lie would resist the tyranny of a democracy , equally with the tyranny cf an aristocracy ; tbey heard mush of a spirit cf union which was to exist among

      them from that day forward ; he hoped that a great and honourable compact would be formed by tberespectable members of society ; he hoped that day was now at hand when Englasd—yes when England should behold the great Charter cf British liberty conferred upon her people ; he hoped tbat day would be memorable to the heartbroken eIstc , that the iiard-working mechanics would have cause to bless them as great instruments in promoting tceir liberty ; he hoped , howtvtr , these gentlemen won ' . A not attempt to strangle in detail , the great principle they had recognised , who would attempt to deny the qaaiifleation of many of the working men

      to sit in Parliament , some of the brightest and most glorions spirits ¦ which Lave adorned the liiman race , sprung from the working ranks of Bociety —( cheers . ) Before I retire , let me enjoin yon , if these gentlemen intend again to aid us in in this struggle , to watch with caution their every step ; weigh in your minds every sentence they utter ; investigate seriously and dispassionately every seDtiment and speech which falls from their lips^—ihear , hear . ) In conclusion , I thank yon for the patient hearing you have afforded me , and may this beautiful land soon present a people as great as heaven has designed , and our own intelligence is capable cf making it ( Loudcheers . )

      Mr . Docglas moved that the petition be signed by the Chairman , on behalf of the meeting , and be presented to the Qieen by the borough members . Mr . Bodltbeb seconded the resolution , which waa carried . The meeting then called for Mr . P . H . Mcktz , who addressed them briefly . He said that he had no intention « f taking any part in their proceedings , but as he was called for be would tell them the reason why he had not joined the anti-Corn Law Association . He was then of the same mind as formerly : he believed that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , would nerer repeal the Corn Laws , and that it was useless to petition them . He expressed himsslf highly satisfied with the speech of Mr . O'Connor , although he had found fault with him formerly . He moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor .

      Mr . Edwabd BROWTiE attempted to address the meeting , bat waa shamefully hissed by the Corn Law Repealers , and not suffered to proceed . The Diction -s » as then put and carried Enanimonaly , after which three cheers were given for the Charter , and the meeting separated . It will now be seen whether the parties who have thus admitted the right of the people to full , fair , and free representation , will keep good faith with the Chartist body , and go for the whole CbarUr without sbufile or tquivocation : if they do attempt any sort of trick or Bubterfuge , their existence as a political party in Birmingham is at an end , for their baseness will then be bo transparent , that they can never again expect to be tolerated by the working men . They have now a chance of again falling into the ranks of the people , if they are really honest ; if they prove , by their future conduct , that they are not so , they cujht te be scouted from the presence of the men they have tried to Betray .

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      SHEFFIEIiD . DEFEAT OF THE CORN-LAW REPEALER 3 A ?! J SHAM-RADICAL HUMBUGS . TRIUMPH OF THE CHARTISTS . The news of Finality Russell's defeat reached here on the afternoon of Thursday , the 17 th , and that evening it was announced , per bellman , that a public meeting would be held in Paradise-square , the day following , at twelve o ' clock . The next morning , shabby looking placards announced tho meeting , stating it was called by " The Operative ( 1 ) Com Law Association , " ( an Association , by the bye , never heard of before in SbeflSfld ) " to consider the best means of repealing the Corn Laws . " The parties calling the meeting no doubt thought that Friday was a day so inconvenient for the

      working classes , that they ( the Repealers ) could have matters ail their own way ; mereover , an intrigue had been carrying on for some days previous , the object of which was the sedndng of the Chartists , or at least the Chartist leaders , into suppoitmg a humbug resolntion for Universal Suffrage and the Billot They were partly successful , and yet , despite of all , the " whole hog" men triumphed ; the people showed they were true to principle , and were not to be deluded by those who had deceived and trampled upon them before . Whiggery is fallen in Sheffield ^ and all wko would extend to it a helping had are justly doomed to share its fall and perish with it in its rottenness .

      On Friday , Feb . 18 th , by eleven o'clock , the people began to muster in the squire , and by half-past twelve , there must have been little abort of ten theusand people assembled . Oa the motion of Mr . Sheldon , seconded by Mr . Hoole , Edwabd Beamlet , Esq ., was called to the chair , and said , —Fellow-townsmen , I could have wishtd that some one older than myself had been called upon to occupy the post of Chairman , foot I will endeavour , Gentlemen , to do my duty , and obtain a patient

      hearing for every one who may address you . The question was , how are we to get rid of tho Corn Laws ? ( "The Suffrage—the Charter < " ) Not by addressing ourselves to the reason or toe justice of the legislature . Have they any justice ?—( No . ) Not by appealing to their humanity . Have they any humanity ?—( no , no . ) No , Gentlemen , we mnft do the work for ourselTes and by tucselves—( Loud cheers . ) All party distinctions must be abrogated—all class-interests must cease— " Each for all and all fox each" must be eu motto —( cheers . ) I now make way for Ibe gentlemen who are to propose the resolutions .

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      Mr . Beale caaie forward to move the first resoiu- * tion : — " That this meeting has learned , with the greatest indignation , that the sufferings of the working classes , and the embarrassments of their employers in the manufacturing districts , will receive no alleviation froni any measure proposed to Parliament by the present Government , but that , on the contrary , their distress is met by an insulting proposal to perpetuate the bread tax , and thereby to keep up the first necessary of life at a famine price , for the exclusive benefit of the aristocracy . " : Mr . Hoole seconded the resolution , which was carried unanimously .

      Mr . Palpretman , who was received with loud cries of "Where is Holberry ? " replied he would answer that question . Had they ever known him refuse to defend any person who placed his case in his hands ? By the rules of the profession , he was bound to undertake the cause of prosecutor or prisoner , whoever might first apply , acting not in a personal but in a professional capacity . He had opposed Universal Suffrage on those steps ; but having seen petition after petition rejected by men not chosen by the people , and now even some of the Whigs voting against Lord John Russell ' s motion , and no less than twenty-eight of the Liberal members absent , including Mr . OGonneU and Mr . Shiel , of whom he must bear some good account before he could pardon their absence , what was to be hoped for , ? The necessity for a change was established , and let them all

      units to demand an extension of the Suffrage . Let that be united with the Ballot ; and as to minor points , let them be passed over until these were carried , which would give the power of carrying all the rest He did not propose this resolution as a concession . They bad been driven to it —( cheera . ) How ? Not by external circumstances , but internal . The argument bad been forced home by strong necessity ; and now they were willing to unite with the mass of their countrymen , in the demand for Universal Suffrage . At Manchester , a large meeting , comprising the wealthiest merchants and manufacturers of the place , had passed a resolution , declaring their conviction that there could . be no permanently good and impartial Government until the Suffrage should be Universal . The resolution he had to propose was as follows : —

      " Having lost all confidence in- the Government and the House of Commons as at present constituted , and desiring not only the reptal of bad laws , butaguarautee for future good government , and fearing those unhappy outbreaks which muBt result from the continued oppression and starvation of the people : being also convinced that no effectual remedy will be provided until it he placed in the power of the people , this meeting is of opinion that the franchise ought to be extended to every man twenty-one yfars of age , of sound mind , untainted with crime , with the security of secret voting , and such other matters of detail as may be found necessary to the honest and practical working out of the principle . " ( Cheers , and cries of "The Charter . " ) Mr . John Sheldon seconded the resolution . Mr . Samuel Parkes came forward and moved the following amendment : —

      "That this meeting , aware that the Com Laws and every vile law which disgraces tho statute-book of this couutry , are but the natural fruits of class legislation , hereby declare that they will be content with nothing short of the full representation of the people as provided for in the People ' s Charter , which , as the only remedy for national wrongs , thty dtman'd to be adopted whole and entire , as tho law of the land . " They had learned by the experience of the past , that both factions meant to keep them in slavery . Lord John Finality bad proposed a remedy for poor John Bull , a flonr , sugar , and timber powder ; but it would not operate on the diseased state of poor John , and therefore he lost his power . They had now a Dr . Peel , ¦ who had proposed something he thought would remedy

      the distress , and that was to Elide them into the grave gradually . Let them consider that both factions were determined , by united heart , head , a&d hand , to keep the people in subjection to abominable laws . Lord John congratulated Sir Robert Peel that they were not disagreed on the Poor Law . The Tories , on the hustings , had professed to be prepared to alter it ; but he was glad Peel was not for having recourse to that chaDgo . He congratulated him also , that they were agreed on every law that tended to degrade and injure the people . They had to-day another proposed remedy . A motion was proposed respecting the monopoly of legislation . There was such monopoly;—they opposed it , and meant to abolish it—( cheers . ) They bad been told of the character of the Corn Laws , that it wa ?

      opposed to the law of right , of nsture , and of God ; but though he had not the learning of a barrister or a lawyer , he thought there was as much a curs ^ couBected with ether laws as that The New Poor Law was opposed to the law of God . God said , whom he had joined let no man pat asunder ; yet , by this law , a man loving his wife , must , because of his poverty , enter abastile , and be parted from his wife . God commanded every man to train up his children in the way they should go ; but the Poor Law Guardians said , we'll train them for you . Thee go tbat way man , thee that way woman , and thee tbat way child . That law disgraced the character cf this professedly Christian , but practically infidel land . He would now try to dissect the resolution proposed by Mr . Palfreyinan . It said , " Having lost all confidence

      in the Government and the House of Commons as now constituted . " The parties who proposed Universal Suffrage and the Ballot hai lost all confidence in the present Government Why ? He did not believe they ever had much , but the litt ! e they had was lost , because they had not repealed the Corn Law . Had they done so , the gentlemen would not have loot confidence in the Government , —their rock of confidence was gone for ever , dashed to pieces by the wave of public opinion ; and he hoped that , by the energies of the people , no rock of conSritnee would stand , but in the full rights of man . The resolution went on , Desiring the repeal not only of bad laws . " What laws did they mean ? It was vagua Lord J . Russell and Sir Robert Peel , and many aristocrats , thought the Poor Law not

      bad ; many thought the Corn Law not bad , and the Game Law not bad . Though God bad given all beasts and birds to man for food , the aristocracy , because they possessed the land , claimed also the birds and the fish . Did this resolution point out what the bad laws were ? Did it tell all the bad laws . [ Chairman : That weuld be very difficult ] No doubt it would , for even the Judges who tried the expatriated Frost , Williams , and Jones , did not understand them ; and how , then , Bhould the people understand them ? The resolution went on , " and anxious to avoid tho unhappy outbreaks that must result from the continued oppression and starvation of the people . " They perceived here that those worthy characters professed much sympaty with the working classes . Did they think so before

      the Corn Law received its decisive blow for the present session , when Cobden urged on an attack on tho people in Stevenson ' s-iquare , because they exposed the deceit of Ihe League ? No ; the parents of Whiggery and their offspring were olike . Who sent spies , informers , agitators , to nrge the people on , but the Whigs ? Who paid secret service money to urge the people to break the laws , and then banished them to distant lands ? Were they anxious to avoid outbreaks ? Then let them come forward as . they ought Th « resolution continued — " Feeling convinc&il that there can be no effectual remedy till the power i 3 lodged in- the hands of the people . " They knew this as Chartists , and had supported it throughout the tiree kingdoms , and the anti-Corn Law League had opposed them . ( No , no ) They had toM

      them the Charter was uct their right ; but before they had done , they would have the whole hog , bristles and all—( cheers . ) Having nest read the part of tbe resolution relating to the Suffrage , he said—That they did not object to it It was the right of every man . Blackstone declared that taxation , without representation , was against right and law . But they would have the whole Chatter , and with united voice , demand their r ights . " Together with the privilege of secret voting , and such other matters of detail as may be found neceBsary t ~> the h » nest and practical working of the principle . " What were the m : it : er 3 of dotail ? A builder waited his foundation firm , the cement good , and all prepared for a perfect structure . But here was a vagueness . Why might not the gentlemen have

      added the other points of the Charter ? It left them at liberty , if they went for this , to delude and divide the people . What were the matters of detail ? What would Universal Suffrage and Vote by Ballot do without annual Parliaments ? If they got this measure , and stopped short of the rest , they might have septennial or triennial Parliaments ; and they might send representatives who , once there , would laugh the people to scorn , as in times gone by . Let them stick to the Charter , and contend for annual Parliaments , that if they had a bad servant they might turn him about his business , and elect a better . No property qnalintation was important and essential . He wouhl pay for Members without qualification , but ho would not pay for those who had property . Take away the property qualification , and every fit man might be elected . He said , let them send the man that the people chose , be bis property what it might The poor man , whatever bis learning and powers , could not go to Parliament

      without a property qualification . Get rid of that , and they might send men who were qualified , and not as now , men who often had no qualification but money . It was necessary to have " paid Members , '' for if he were well paid , he would do bis duty : he would be bound to do it ; and if he neglected , might be discarded . He would not occupy their time by referring to equal electoral districts . Let them not be led astray by the motion of to-day , but ask gentlemen to agree to tbe Charter , which was tangible , and embodied the rights of every man . Tbey did not want to take away the privileges of the rich , but they claimed the right for themselves . He exhorted them , by the remembrance of the five hundred who suffered in the gaols of the country for the cause of Chartism—by the memory of Frost , Williams , and Jones , let them contend for the Charter . He besought them , by their duty to posterity , to contend for the Charter , and they would fetch back their expatriated countrymen , which he feared , without it , they would not get ( Loud cheers . )

      Mr . Julian Harnet said , it was not bis intention to take up their time at length , after the able and excellent address of the last speaker—a working man of their own order ground to the dost by the classes above him—not clothed in purple and fine linen , or rolling in luxury;—still , he was " a man , for a' that . " He bad advocated nobly the rights of hia order , and supported an amendment for tbe Charter , whole and

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      entire . They were called oa to assemblei , to consider the decision of tha House of Commons on Lard John Russell's araehdment . Y Tiiey were to protest against the Government and its measuree . They all agreed in denouncing the effect of class legislation . It appeared tiiey all agreed as to the cause of the removing the cause ^ lcheers . ) Mr . Pdlfreyman said tbeiir adhesion to Universal Suffrage was a concession forced from them . By whom ? By the Chartists—( loud cheers . Jr Six months back , Lord John Russell appealed to the country on the 8 s . duty ; and if the Chartists had given their support , the duty would have been carried , and they would never have heard of Universal Suffrage or the total repeal of the Corn Law . This , was because the people had refused their support to the

      repealers ; and if the repealers had got what tbey desired , the people might have gone to the d- — -1 for anything , they caredr- ( cbeeK . ) He was asked to be careful as to his language . But what sort of language had the repealers used ? Did this motion receive the sauction of the anti-Corn Law party ? -- ( loud crifcs ^ of V No , no , no , " ) He was told it did not . Ifcm , if they bad passed this resolution , supposing it pledged the middle classes , they would be humbugged . Did the Independent , the organ of the repealers , support Universal Suffrage ? Would it support this humbug resolution ? Would the Ins ? If so , it was suddenly converted ; for it Said on Tiiesday , that they had nothing to hope from the Chartists , and treated them with contempt But they were not contemptible ,

      and would havo the Chavter , whole and entire , and nothing short of it —( Great cheering ) . He asked the auddea converts , and those nbt yet converted ; if they could hope to carry the Corn Law Repeal without the enfranchisement of the people ? Lord John Russell ' s motion had been lost by a majority of 123 , and there would be a greater majority against Mr . Viiliers ' s motion . ' Then , what had they to hope for , unless they stuck to the Charter * aud established the sovereignty of the people on the ruins of the aristocracy ? ( Cheers . ) The power that would give a total repeal of the Corn Law . would carry the Charter entire . They were told

      the Reform Bill was but a step , and the Reformers would not cease till they had established Universal Suffrage . If the people lent their power to the Repealers , they would find , if they got the ' repeal of the Com Law , they might whistie for the Chatter . Let them watt a bit The people had waited , and could afford to wait—hot because they did not want cheap bread and meat , but . because they want ; d right above all . Lot them stand by tbe Charter entire . They now occupied u prouder position than ever , and if they waited awhile , the uiiddle class uiust join them , and it would become the law of the land—^ cheers ) . He seconded the amendment . . ' ; "' , " .

      Mr . Otlev said , hev should . not have spoken , but that he heard the cry , " Otley , it won't do . " ( interruption ) He had seryad them faithfully , he had advocated their interests , and supported their views , whenever they had called upon him to do so . But he wished to explain the position in which he stood , and then he would leave every candid man to judge of it . He had no connexion with any party but the working classes . He had received nn invitation to meet some working men , 1 whom he supposed to be conected with the Fre j Trade Society . The original resolutions were not agreed to by him , but he laid them before the Chartist Council , advising that they should not adopt than unless they were satisfied with them . Without a dissentient voice —( no , ho;—without a dissentient vote , ttien , tkey were agreed to , and then he conveyed

      the resolution now proposed to tho parties with whom he had conferred . Afccr that caino a note from Mr . Harney , taying that they hid changed their Silnds ; arid obj-ctcd to the resolution . But he bad pledged himself , to the support of that resolution , and now he would give his reasons for thinking that such a course was the best He challenged auy man to show that the working clauses could work out auy good for themselves by theiuselves-Mhear , hear , hisses , and interruption . ) lie bad never courted their praise * and he would hot for fear of ctjnuure reffciin when it was his duty to tell them tho truth . He believed that many who made a boast about having the bog and the whole hog , even if they had it in their mouths , would pretend scruples of conaciencei and spit ' . it out ae&in—idisapprobation ) They might hiss , but in twelve months they would be of his opinion .

      Mr . Jones , the North Riding lecturer , who was loudly chtered , said Mr . Otley had professed to be in favour of the whale Charter , now if Mr . Otley and those who acted with him were satisfied that tho other points of the Charter were the necessary details , they would if they were honest men abandon | the motion and support t&e amendment—tcheers ., In years gone by when theworking classes relied on aristocratic leaders , they were deceived ; aud the present movement was merely contrived to pilch the present Chartist leaders overboard—( cheers . ) Ho woulii hold out the band of friendship to any man , but if they would unite with him , he must have a guarantee that he should not be deserted when his partner ' s object was gained , and they could have no security bat the Charter —; hear , hear . )

      They bad no chance of returning the proud position they now held , if they gave in one iota . What made the working classes make this concession ? They were promised Universal Suffrage , because it was said it waa right ; but were not tho other points of the Charter their rights ?—( cheevs . ) Hb believed that those who originated this meeting would , if they succeeded , hand them over to either faction . Let thorn remember the Qu tker ' 8 adace— " If thy friend deceive thee once , shame oh him ; if he deceive theq twice , Bbame on thee . " They bad been tine ? betrayed , and deceived ; but once bit * twice shy , iirKf they never would bo humbugged again . Standing out its they had done , tbey compelled the middle classes to come to Universal Suffrage and the Ballot Let them reject this offer , and they should get a better ; and so on from time to time , till they got the Charter j hog , bristles , and all . —( chiiers . i

      Let the middle classes come forward for the whole measure of justice , and ho would go with them . Let them not give support to the Whig faction , till they would concede all their lights . If they took less than the whole Charter , their kopes were blasted for years to come . The people wero now prepared to compel the middle classesto adopt any inaasure they chose . Having compelled them to offer Univer . v . i suffrage and the Ballot , they would compel them to give the whole . If they now abandoned their position , they wonld in after years regret that they had Hot carried tho whole when they had tbe opportunity , -ibeir deathly was how in their own hands , to remain in slavery for years , or enjoy thei blessings of . freedom , / - He was determined , no matter what couvse of policy others pursued , to have nothing but the Charter , hoping : speedi ly it would be the law of the landrHcheei's . )

      Mr . 'GiiL said he too was for the Charter ; but it was only to be obtained by the united exertions of the middle and the workiog classes , and not by the paid teols of a party ( hisses and disapprobation . ) The Charter would never be established by men who lived by agitation and had an interctt in prolonging injustice—( groans )—by men who lived by tho injustice . Sucb men had not the &ame interest in obtaining justice that those men had who lived by their labour ( cheers from the Repealers and groans from the Chartlstp . ) He

      cared not for their frowiis and biesing ; for them he had run the risk of sacrificing his domestic comforts . He cared for the frowns of no nian . He challenged any man to show that he hadi ever received a farthing for any service he had rendered , while he had , at the same time , the opportunity of following his occupation ; and ho asked who , among those to whom he had alluded , could say the same ?—Mr . Gill retired ; amidst tho loud and general disapprobation of the Chartists , mingled with faint applause from his new friends the Whigs and Corn-Law Repealers .

      Mr . HAttREV wished to ask a question : Who did Mr . Gill mean by " paid topis ?" rtfr . Gill : Mr . Harney is a paid tool of Feargus O'Connor ' s ( tremendous groaning , hissing and confusion . ) Mr . Harney said he would not now interrupt the course of the proceedings , but he challenged Mr . Gill to make good bis charge at the close of the business for which the meeting bad been called ( loud cheers . ) Mr . PAtFRETiiiN said a few / wordfl . The Chairman then took the eense of the meeting , and declared the amendment carried . ^ This announcement was received with loud and repeated cheers . Full two-tbirds of the meeting held up their hands for the * ' whole hog '' amendment , On the motion of Mr . Harney , seconded by Mr . Jones , the thanks of the meeting were unanimously given to the Chairman for bis impartial conduct The Chairman returned thanks and retired . Mr . Holyoake was then called to the chair .

      Mr . Habney called on Mr . Gill to substantiate bis charge , but lo and behold the valiant denunciator had vanished , having made bis exit by a back-door of tbe building , from the steps of which the speakers bad addressed the meeting . / . ; - . : A Mr . M'Eettkick stood forward to speak for Mr . GUI , bat shrank before the fearfnl storm of disapprobation with whiob . h « j was assailedi Mr . Harney then britfly addressed the meeting . Mr . Jones moved a vote ol confidence in Mr . Harney , which was unanimously given " : and three cheers having been given for FeaTgus O'Connor , and three for the Charter and no surrender , the meeting dis ^ solved . ¦ : •'¦ - ¦'¦ - . ¦ : /; . - .: / . ¦ ; . ' - ..: ¦• ,- - "; ::- . . ' .-- V ' . ' ' - ; ' The Corn Law Repealers amused themselves by burying two bundles of rags intended for effigies of theDuke and Peel ; bad the Chartists done this , tbey would have been denounced as dagger and torch men . ¦

      In the evening , a meeting was held in Fig Tree-lane , the room was literally crammed . and hundreds could not gainadmisaion . / ' - Mr . Holyoake addressed the meeting , most ably showing np the fallacy cf" union with the middle class . " : V . ;; - ' , ' • ' "¦ ' v : . . ;;' . ' '; ' ;" . - ; ;¦ ¦ ¦¦¦ • Mr . Harney followed in a lengthy addresf . A Member of the association moved the adoption of the following resolution : —• ' " That this- meeting highl y approve ! of thereroltof to-day's meeting in Paradise-square , and return their sincere thanks to those friends of the cause who so nobly and unflinchingly advocated the rights of the people as embodied in the People's Charter . " :

      The resolution was carried unanimously , a large number of members were enrolled , and the greatest enthu siasmprevailed . ; . ; - / /'' ' ¦/ . . . •" . . >' ¦ ¦ -.-

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      ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE , LEICESTER ICHAUTIST MEETING AT , ALL 'SAINTS OPEN TO MR . PATRICK O / HltiGINS . JfRTENb and Brother , —Iti iB wltZi . heart / felt satisfaction that we embrace the opportunity ; which your Visit to this place ^ has afforded us , to present you with this tribute of respect and fraternity , from ourselves and the 1 body which we represent :, ¦ "'" ¦ ¦¦' } . Having been long and ardently engaged in the holy struggle to restore to the peeple Of this country the possession of those inalienable rights , which had been forcibly or fraudulently wrested from them , yre have been often led , during our warfare , to cast the eye of pity and commisseration upon the condition of bur still more unhappy brethren in the sister Island . We beheld you in a condition of slavery . the most abject ; of serflsm , which words are incompetent to express . Without ; the necessaries to support life iu a land flowing with milk and honey , we saw you driven by thousands from your

      father land , the homes of your birth and infancy , — -dear as the vital blood to your hearta , —in search of those means of existence abroad , which your remoraelesa tyrants denied you at home ; whilst every endeavour on your part , to amend your wretched condition , was met on the part of your tyrants by military subjugation , enforced by the unanswerable arguments of the bullet and the bayonet Aware that the real cause of the continuance of this unutterable misery , was the political ignorance of the great mass of the people , we sent over our talented and indomitable friend ; Mr . Lowery , to endeavour to enlighten their minds , and convince them that the Chartist body in this country , sympathized with their Bufferings , and wished to aBsM in their alleviation ; but the brutal emissaries of those who profit by your wrongs—who . saw in , this fraternization' the exposure of their tyranny , and the downfall of their usurped power , Were instigated to endanger the life of our friend , and forcibly ex ^ el him from your shores .

      We lament that the deluded followers of those , who to serve their own selfish purposes mislead you , have not yet had their eyes opened to the imposition which has been practised to deceive them . They have told you that tho Chartists a e your enemies , and the enemies of repeal . ; We throw back into : their teath ,. with indignation and contempt , the base falsehood . The men who are waging / war at heme against class legislation , can never tamely consent that their brethren in Ireland . shall be cursed with ^^ a , mock ^ legifilature . / We know that with ; a miserable minority in the English House of Commons , Ireland will be no further cared

      fory than to rob it for the aggrandisement of the aristocracy of both countries , and their hungry and unprincipled satellites ; . and we also know and'feel , that she « in never enjoy her rights ,, or take her proper at . ition among the kiagdoms of the earth * till her affairs ore managed : by / a legislature of their own , freely and fairly elected by her whole adult male population . These opinions have been thundered in your eai'a by our matchless friend , your own Fear ^ gua O'Connor ; and . tiiey are responded to by the mouth and from the heart of . every real Chartist in the empire . . . v

      We rejoice in spirit , and our energies are awakened to learn that , at the last , a phalanx of pa ' riots have arisen amongst you , encouraged and led on by yourself ; who , thoroughly sensible of . the insults and injuries inflicted upon your unhappy country , have determined to combine and persevere for their redress . You have discovered the real cause of these manifested evils , and the only efficient remedy for theiir- removal . Already the dark clouds which have so long enshrouded the gem of tho ocean—the Emerald Island , have begun to ditperfie , and we here and there have a view of the lovely horizon . _ ;

      Go on , then , bravely , boldly , fearlessly , and we doubt not , ultimately , successfully . The words of the God of justice are your encouragement , and the hearts of your friends in England are with you .. Let us become aa brethren of ' . one family , unitsd in an indissoluble bond of anity for our common welfare . Let us for ever abolish the petty distinctions of soil and name , and be recognised us one , by our union in pursuit of the eternal principles of truth and justice , and our untiring endeavours to obtain the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number ; which ought to be the end and aim of every member of society . Finally , let the Charter be our motto , and no surrender oar unalterable determination . / By order of the meeting , John Markham . John Bowman . T . R . Smart . ¦ ..-.

      The lollowing reply to the above was returned by Mr . O'HigRins : — Friends and Brother Chartists , —The kind , eloquent , and friendly address with which you have honoured me , has placed me in such a novel position that I feel at a loss for suitable terms to give expression to my gratitude and thankfulness , for so high , so valued , and so signal a mark of your approbation . - ' . ' ' ¦' : " : ' ¦ ¦ ' " - /¦ ¦ ' ¦¦¦' ' ¦ ¦ .. '¦ ' '" ¦ " ¦ ¦ ¦ I am not so vain ast « imagine , for a memant . that bo humble an individual as I am , is at all deserving of the distinguithed compliment which your kindness has bestowed upon roe . At the same time I must confess that it is with pride and pleasure I receive your manly and independent address , in that spirit which I am sure you intended , and Which enhances its value ; not as V personal compliment , but as an earnest of that spirit of amity and fraternity , Which it is your wish ,

      as well as the wish of every real lover of public liberty , to promote , foster > and cherish between the people of Great Britain and Ireland . It is the effoit 3 which I have , from time ta time , been making to disseminate amongst my countrymen , those kindly feelings which you so cordially entertain for them , that has recommended me to your notice . I have ever looked upon it , as essential to the enfranchisement of the working clasaes , of both countries , that their interests should be common , identical , mutual , and clearly understood and concurred in ; and I am thoroughly convinced , that a bond of brotherly affection between the people of Great Britlin and Ireland would acoclerate the happiness and prosperity of both . But bow black must the heart of that man be , who exercises all his power , . all his eloquence , and all bis influence , to sow discord , hatred , and religious bigotry between the people of both countries . \ - - ¦" ' ¦ ' - ' .: ¦ " ¦¦ ¦ '¦ ¦ : ' . ' ' ¦ ' ¦'¦'¦ ' ¦ - ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' ¦ ¦ . '

      The . principles of the People's Charter , or Radical Reform , for they are both the same , were early instilled into my mind by the writings . -of your immortal countryman , the . late William Cobbett , M . P . for Oldham;—a man whom I have every reason to know was one of the soundest politicians , the most sterling and incorruptible patriots that any country ever gave birth to;—a man who , as a sincere , steady , unflinching friend , a good father , and a good husband , set an example to the world . Had he been spared to us , Ireland would not , now be in that state ef political ignorance and degradation , which you so truly and forcibly describe , and so feelingly deplore . During his visit in Ireland , in the autumn of 1834 , he opened the -eyes of the peope to the true

      causes ef their , sufferings , and he pointed ont to them , in a manner , and with a sincerity , more like a father tban a visitor , the real , the only mode of redressinp those grievances effectually . His lectures , bis answers to the numerous addresses which were presented to him , and his public speeches , were all so clear , so lucid , that even tho 3 e who Were considered the most ignorant of the people , began for the first time to understand the value of Universal Suffrage , Vote by : Ballot , Annual Parliaments , and Equal Electoral Districts . But it pleased the great Ruler of the Universe , to take him away in a few ehort months after his visit to Ireland , and before he

      could bring befere Parliament those abuses and cryr ing grievances , of which he took as much pains to obtain a thorough and a personal knowledge . This blow , this irreparable loss to the Radical Reformers of Great Britain , and his Irish . Radical pupils ; saved the tyrants of both countries that exposure which was prepared for them ; and left Ireland at the mercy of a gang of unprincipled political place-hunters ; men , while they had the Repeal of the Union eternally upon their lips , were only using it as a means to an end , which end was the open and undisguised sale of the Counties and Boroughs to the opponents of Repeal , for place , pension , and emolument . ¦ ;• ¦ ¦ ' . ¦ ¦ ¦ . ¦' ' .. ' '¦ ¦¦ . ¦ - . ' -. ' : : . ¦ ¦¦¦' . ¦ ' . ¦' "¦

      It was while Ireland was in the market , the sale was going on , and tbe Repeal of the Union , in abeyance , that your missionary , Mr . Lowery , visited Dublin , and toe ill-treatment which he received at the hands of some of the . citizens , you very generously , and , permit me to add , very'justly attribute to the deluded emissaries of those . who profit by our wrongs , and who have a direct interest , a life annuity , in the continuance of those wrongs . It is now notorious , that most of those who led on the cowardly , and I regret to say , brutal attack upon Mr , Lowery , have since been provided for by the Whig Government . { /

      The treatment which Mr . Lowery received , ; and the compliments which were publicly paid to his assailants by the Lord Lieutenant , and the threats which were held out against those who should have the temerity to advocate , or even countenance , Churtist principles in Ireland , retarded the advancement of those principles , frightened the timid but well-meaning , and gave impunity to the unprincipled place-hunters . Any attempt to disseminate true political knowledge , under such circumstances , appeared to be Utopian . A favourable opportunity at length presented itself ; the Chartists , who were kept together by a few venerable patriots , aided by their indomitable secretary , P . M . Brophy , embraced that opportunity , and notwithstanding the disgraceful and unlawful efforts which were made to assail and crush them , yet they have prospered—Chartism has taken root in the land—it has nearly surrounded the kingdom , and is ramificating in the Midland Counties . "

      In conclusion , permit me to say , tbat then never was a period when the Chartists were more imperatively , called upon to act together , like one man , than the present time ; to sink for ever all minor differences , to increase tbe number of their friends ; and to weakei by all lawful and constitutional means , the power of their enemiep . Depend upon it , that the day is not distant when every sound thinking man in the empire , will be proud to call himself a Chartist i Patrick O'Higgins :

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      The population of Glasgow is erroneously stated in the account of the late census returns at 257 y 592 . It should have been 267 , 463 , an important error of nearly 10 , 000 in stating the popolaiioa of that city .

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      THE STONE MASONS ON STRIKE , f ROM THE KEYT HOUSES OF . P 4 B . LIAMENX , iND NELSON'S MONUillEJVT , iOiVDON , AND THE Av 6 pt ~ WICH DQCKYAED , : : ¦ ' / - ' : ¦ ¦ ' ¦ i- . ^'' - ~ ToihePublicmdaieTn ^ ofGr ^ Brt ^ ^ " , No man possesses natural and inherent wealth within himself—he has merely a capability of labouringof producing , —therefore if a man possess any created wealth-rr » ny capital-r-and has never mad use of his capability—has never laboured—never produced , the wealth which ho holds in possession —cannot rightly belong to him . It must belong to some persons who have created it by labourwho have produced it , and been acquired by him through the existing fraudulent system of 'unequal exchanges . * Capital is not self-existant . "

      Beethren , —Twenty-two weeks have passed awaj since by '' insults , wrongs , and contumelies" we were driven ; to strike against our late \ employers , who mot only refused to redress our grievances , but gave open countenance to the unfeeling author of our wrongs . Daring this long period , notwithstanding the many privations we have endared , arid the formidable conclave ef capitalists and class-made authority arrayed against us , we have perseveringly devoted pur time and exertion in that direction appearing to us best calculated to destroy the cause of the insufferable , indignant , and contemptuous treatment unto which wo had been subjected . To manifest that we are capable of discriminating between becoming humility and debasing submission , and to enforce from those for whom existing usages of society compel us to toil , treatment more consonant with the feelings of reflecting mlndflj and due from one man to another . ' :.. ' .- ¦ ¦ r .

      To aid us in this moral contest we have received unparalleled support from the trades , and some small portion of the public , especially those located within the immediate vicinity of the scene of action , where all the circumstances of the case are futlyknosh , and which is not only an evidence of the justness of our cause , but that it is clearly perceived it's tesHlt wiH materially affect the icterest of the working community , and should stimulate our brother operatives in the provinces to renewed exertions in support of a contest , the first of its nature which has ever taken place—the first strike ever entered into where pounds , shillings

      and pence -has not bean the principal matter in dispute . Yet , notwithstanding all the aid we have received , and continueito > receive , and all the exertions we have made , the " gold " -ea power with which ' Uie working classes have supplied their opponents—the capitalists —who , however much they may appear to differ on Other subjects , are perfectly agreed to prostrate in them eycry faculty of the human ediflce , that it may obsequiously minister to their sordid avarice , added to the apathy and division of themselves , bis , up to this moment , so operated against us as to prevent the consummation of our Wishes .

      It is , howeveri withno small degree of pleasure we inform you that at Woolwich opposition Is daily becoming less : formidable ; the " mcapables , " as they finish up their j ^ bs , are making their eiit At the Houses of Parliament , as far as pur information extends , a general reduction of wages has again taken place ; a circumstance in perfect keeping with . their proceedings at Woolwich , preliminary to the introduction of piece work , which resulted in the " mutiny" reported in our last sheet . There is , bowever , a circumstance connected with ; this , whiih did not transpire at Woolwich . ; Mr . PetO , contrary to custom ( his business in the firm being to attsnd to the country works ) has interfered . He cannot understand how masons could be worth more wages when strangers to tlie work , and during the short days in whiter , than after some months' practice , and the days and season so much improved , and ¦ ' ¦ demands , " os we are informed , an explanation from Allen on this matter !

      . At Plymouth and Dartmoor , circumstances are much the same as when we last reported , otherwise than that the four who went thither from Aberdeen , have applied to our members for means to take them home , and they / would leave ; this has most properly been refused . At Ponryn our turnouts are reduced to fifteen . Upon the whole , circumstances are daily tending toour advantage ; every day brings with it cheering omens ; and we do not hesitate to predict , from minute observations of our antagonists' movements , that they are making preparations , if our ranks continue unbroken , torender us that justice they have unavailingly used every imaginable stratagem and misrepresentation to withold from ua . :,- /• .- . " . ¦¦ ; . ¦ :. ¦ • . ' , ' - '•¦ ' ¦ --: ¦ T ; ::- . '¦'

      To secure it , however , unity of purpose and of action continues indispensible : The world , as waa manifested at tlie ball for our benefit on -Monday evening at the Wbit 9 Conduit House , haa left off single horupipaa , and dances sociably in gayquadrilleB , so if we are even now , when at its threshold , to ba borne on to victory , must individralism be abandoned , and Bociality and union exist amongst us . Let none think that what is now ostensibly eur case is not also bis , because he may not be immediately affeeted by it . It is the cause of all . If any think differently , let them reflect ^ and the philanthropy which nature has implanted in their bosom , will teach them that oppression and contumely sheuld be abjured and annihilated from whatever quarter it may spring . Lst each individual then shake a hand with each other individual , each pledging himself to the other to aid by his subscriptions , influence , and exertion , the masonspnto victory , and V ; ; . " . " The mighty multitude shall trample down ¦ : The handful that oppress them . '

      Desirous of destroying the necessity for strikes by removing the cause from which they spring—namely , inequality of labour and inequality of exchanges , wo solicit your consideration of the few lines at the head of this address . The truths there developed are indisputable . Man possesses every ' capabUity of hbonring—of producing , " in connection with his fellows , every thing essential to his comfortable existence , and no man has a right to that which he does not produce , for which he does not render an equivalent to its producers . This isa fact admitted by all who have written on the aiibjec ; , yet how different is the existing system of society , the great mass being aulj jet to excessive toil , the products of which the few dissipate in luxuries and idleness , never labouring , never producing , except indeed it be misery and contention amongst their victims .

      We have it from high authority , and the oracles of that authority are incessantly ringing it in our ears , that "He who does net labour neither shall he eat , " conclusive evidence that those only should refuse to work , to labour , to produce , who can live without eating and drinking , and that none other were intended to be idle . But , under the present usages of society ; those who are idle not only eat and drink , but with sordid avarice consume' the very vitals of those who produce it for them . / */; . ¦ ¦ . ¦ ¦ . / :.. ; . ¦ ' / . : ¦" / . ¦ : ; ' :: -- ¦¦¦ ' ¦ / ' : - .: ' ;¦¦ } ¦ . ¦ : ¦ ; . / . /¦ . ¦ ¦ . . The groundwork of this system and its tendency has Been examined , and resulted in the erection of a science called political economy , and which lays down three elements as essential to the comfort and happiness of human life , namely— - " That there shall be labour , accumulation of labour , and exchange of labour ' s

      produce ; " and belt understood that these conditions are laid down by these economists as general in their application ; no reservation of c ' . ass or grade is made . It is , therefore , laid down , as an absolute condition of existence , that there shall be labour , and that that labour shall be universaL Contrast thi 3 with tbe present syattm of society . ¦ '• - - ¦ : . - : ' /¦" ¦ : / . ; ' . ¦ ¦ ..- . .. '/¦ i / . - '•¦¦ ¦ These economists , in telling the productive among the other classes of tbe community to accumulate , add insult to iDjury ; the evai . ion of the condition—that labour shall be universal , presses them to the very earth . Under existing usage they caunot accumulat 3 , not because they are idle , intemperate , or ignorant , but because the accumulations of former generations , which should ba applied to the benefit of the present as a whole , are usurped—their : advantages enjoyed by classes and individuals . ;

      Ou the subjecf ; of exchanges , we think too much attention could not be given . The infraction by the capitalist of this condition , contributes more than all other causes combined to the maintenance of that inequality Of condition so mueh felt and deplored by the working classes . Man can have but two things to exchange ^ -namely , labour and the produce of labour . It is , therefore , tho duty of those who do labour , who do produce , to enforce hi : their exchanges mutual advantages . In considering this patt of the question , the idea must be repudiated , that what the capitalists appear to give in exchange for the workman ' s labour was generated either by his labour or bis riches . He never laboured—he never produced . It was originally obtained from the labours of the workman , and by a fraudulent system of unequal exchanges , is even now daily taken from him . ~ : i- ¦¦ .-. / ¦

      From a review of these circumstances , it must be obvious that to remove such a destrnotive state of things " more than the isolated endeavours of a mere fraction is' indiapensible . " Individualised habits must bo abandoned—the energies and means of " AtL must be blended each must work for all , and all for each ; and the inflaence of such union would soon dispel the evils resulting from the present unnatural system , of Bociety ; the result of every day's labour would add a freih stimulant to exertion ; sound morality and domestic happiness increase , co-operati mi instituted , and building societies established , _ . ; - ¦¦' . / ; . / ' . ' . ;/ . ¦ :: ' / .. ;/ ¦ : . > , ;¦ : ; ,. " And every snan in every face , Would meet a brother aad a friend . "

      Again , most heartily thanking all for then- exertions in our behalf , . / : ¦ . ¦/ . ¦;> ¦ - /¦; - ¦ . ..-. \ :--.. : . - . ¦¦ We beg to subscribe ourselves , Gratefully yoars , : THB MASOS 8 ' SOCiEXT , Thomas Shobtx , Sec 6 , Agnes-atreet , Waterlop-road , ¦' . ; LambeUuFeb . 16 , 1842 . . // . . ¦¦ ¦ 'i ¦ : ¦¦ - ¦ TTf ¦¦ ¦ - ^^ > . ~~^~^» - ¦ . .- .- ¦; . ¦ . ; .. ¦¦ ¦ ; ¦

      Untitled Article

      Release wMb ; Ei-roifi—Mr . Edrannd Elton , late niidahipman of the Cambridge , whose case has excited a good deal of attention , was on Friday morning released from the Marehalsea by order of the Lords of the Admiralty .

      Untitled Article

      A-fiRinGiKG a Toft . —A party of " navvies , " being at work at one side of the Thames , and lodging on the other , hit upon an ingenious plan for reducing the bridge-ton . They deputed one of their party to inquire of the collector how much weight * man was allowed to carry , and whether any sort of weight was allowed . The collector answered "Carry what you , choose , aud as much as yon cab . " They took him at his word , and assembling the whole force on the bridge / they divided the party into two sections , and one carried two through the gate , more to the merriment of the lookers on , than to the amusement or profit of the eollecUr .

      Untitled Article

      6 " { : - _ - - . . . : THE-yORTH ; E : RN ;/; : S ^ A ; : R ;^

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 26, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct419/page/6/