Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 9th July 1842, Edition 2 of 5, Page unpag, Untitled Article

Page unpag
Page 1
1 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (2)
    • TO THE MIDDLING CLASSES.
    • Ctotfct $nU\Xfatnce.
  • Text (7)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Untitled Article

      so . in . Genh ^ hex . —In addressing & series of letters to jour ordtr , I had two principal objects in view firstly , bo to cl&sify tlie middling classes as a bodj , that none could mistake bis position in society ; and secoadlj , to illustrate foi jon the exact meaning of throwing the ¦ working classes " upon their own res ources . " I shall then proceed , nnder mj first head , to arrange the middling order into classes ; 01 rather to disabuse jour minds of the misconception that all "who hare been hitherto set down as part and parcel of that order , are not so in reality .

      Perhaps no one circumstance has tended more to protract the promised benefits of reform than that egregious fallacy nrged by political economists , and accepted by you , that the master manufacturers and other large employers expanding capital ia the employment of labour , constitute a portion of the middling d&ssea . How ^ I am pre pared to prove that that class belongs essentially to the aristocracy of wealth ; and that to them , and to you , the working people stand in a Tery different relation . To them , they are valuable o > "lt as peoducers 1 and indeed this is the slavish character

      jn which they have been taught most to prize themselves . To toxj they are Taluable as cossuhees a character in which they have not been taught to estimate themselves . Now , if I can prove that the dealers in consumable articles are brought to the brink of kcin , by the manner in which those who deal in production have supplanted manual by artificial labour , my first position is irrefutably established . I , then , proceed thus : at no period of our history -were the successful manufacturers of this Country making more profit of labour than at the present moment . It is true , and I announced at

      it to you seven years ago , that so gr ^ would be the improvements of machinery , backed by the capricious and fickle support of fictitious Btosey , that in the end the large and successful speculators would monopolise to themselves the whole trade of this country : and tfcat portion I now call the stiecesfui speculators , against whom persons with Email real capital , or limited or narrow credit , can make no head . I mention this fact lest the critic may turn upon me and say , that amongst the manufacturing classes tfiemselve 3 there exists as much distress as in any other order of society . I admit

      it : but what doe 3 it prove ! It proves that at the gambling table they have lost their stakes to those who held larger banks than themselves . Taey are the -ansaccessfal tail of the body ; and hare "been cut off by their own order : and while thi 3 proves only ths distressed state of a few , the present general poverty of the whole order of shopkeepers establishes the fact that they have no interest in common with those living under a system which , although it partially affects some of its own members is nevertheless strong enough , even in the few hands to which it is confined , to destroy the whole order of those who can only thrive , prosper , or indeed exist , upon consumption . This is my position : that * obb trade is now in the hands of the few successful

      speculators , than was ever before known to exist , even when the nnmber of traders was considerably greater ; while upon the other hand , the order of Ehopkeepers , who live npor > consumption , can boast of no successful competitors . Indeed how could it be otherwise ! For suppose a master to employ one thousand " hands / ' whose wages are reduced to the starvation point ; does not every reduction in their wages make a corresponding reduction in the profits of the shopkeepers I Again I say , that those who produce by artificial labour and thereby depose manual labour , and look to a foreign market for the disposal of their fabrics , have an icterest in reducing "wages ; while every shopkeeper in tbe laud has a direct interest in the labourer receiving a fair remuneration for Ms work .

      I now proceed , under my second head , to illustrate for yon the true and only means of " throwing the people upon their own resources . " Of this principle I am an avowed friend and admirer ; and . I shall endeavour to point out the only justifiable way by which thi 3 _ object can be achieved . What does tfie term " resource" mean ? As applied to labour , it means the unfettered and uuthackled power of its owner to cultivate it to the very highest Talue to which it ean be bronght to bear . Is does rot mean the residue of wages after lust , oppression , and capriee EhaH have first lived npon it . It does

      not mean a nominally high amount of receipt , with a power vested in a Government , or in its employers , to reduce the surplus after payment of taxation , or deduction , to the starvation point . But I will suppose a case for you ; and will see whether or no , by all the laws of justice , and even by those rules and regulations by which church properly ( the most favoured of all ) is measured -out , we may not throw the labourer upon his " own resources " without injury to the slate or to the capitalist , and with a perfect certainty ef replenishing the coffers of the real middling order of societythe shopkeepers .

      Gentlemen , tbe time is fast approaching when social "happiness must be preferred to that " scientific" policy by which an island of starring beggars is sought to be made ° the mistres 3 " of the world * ' There is no higher order of property , in the eye of the law , than that of which the Church is possessed . Its title precedes that of tha landlord . It has assumed to itself a right to one-tenth of the produce of the land . TMs disposition of property is said to be unequal , ncjust , destructive of industry , and inimical to religion . However , I will place a master manufacturer in the position of a Church parson ,

      receiving the one-tenth of the proceeds of that description of property in which . ho gambles—Labour . Now , the object of the Poor Law Amendment Act was ¦ . said to be to make labour respectable ; to induce the labourer , whila employed in youth and manhood , to lay up a resource from whence he mighi tiraw iu the winter of life . " Resource" implies Eot only the mean 3 of scanty living while iu full employment ; bnt it also implies the capability" of laying up , while in such employment , ihe mear . 3 of comfortable life in old age , or of carrying the man

      through sickness omnwiihng idleness vfitb out being under the necessity of subscribing to a sick club , cr falling back for preservation , upon a bastile established an I upheld in horror for tbe very express purpose of affrighting him from it . Let us suppose , then , a master in the potion of-a parson . For argument ' s sake , I admit bis full right to one-tenth of the produce of his whole floek- I suppose him to employ one thousand "hands . " During thirty years of speculation , I further suppose hiu to have amassed , by the labour of those "hands / ' cue million sterling . By the church standard he would become

      entitled to one hundred thousand pounas , or cnetenta , es his share ; thereoy risking him-equivalent , as an individual , to one hundred of his vrorkisfn . At the end of the thirty years , thes , his share of the produce would be £ 100 . 000 or £ 5 . 000 a year for ever ; avery comfortable " resource"foranindiyidual 3 bes 5 de 3 the whole capital which in the first instance he bronght into trade . The other nine-tenths equally divided amongst those who made all , will amount- 10 £ 900 per man . That , gentlemen , is the real mesjiiEg of the term " resource" 1 Suppose each iEdsvidual to have worked for thirty years , from the age of 15 to 45 , is be not in the autumn of life beitt-r

      entitled to a retiring salary than the Judge after fourteen years comparatively easy labour 1 than fae sailor , the soldier , the exciseman , or the host of pensioners and placemen , who , without labour , are quartered upon the " resources" of the workmen ? Kow , £ ent !§ men , whether would your order derive the most benefit from the individual who retires with ^ l . Ot-0 , 000 of money , leaving the pauperised slaves who made it as a charge upon the pooi-r&tes paid nova by you } or from a community of one thousand retired labourers , with £ 45 , 000 per annum , the interest of £ 900 , 000 , the accumulated " resource " alter thirty years labour ?

      Gentlemen , would the most depr&Ted of that g ^ ail community require a policeman to teach him his obedience to the laws \—Would & nation consisting of such communities require a large standing army to preserve the peace of the country \ or would not the cup of labour be sweetened for those who through the thirty years probation Eaw at the end the prospect of an honourable retirement rather ihan the degrading horror of a celd bastile 1 There is no seotiment of

      Untitled Article

      which you are fonder than that "the people are the legitimate source of all power ; and that labour is ihe only source of wealth . " Then why give to the streams that spring from it those privileges which you deny to the source from whence all flow 1 What is your ambition throngh life t What is the ambition of the master manufacturer 1 What the ambition of the Barrister ! What is the strongest ambition of all who make profit of labour ! Is it not the anticipation of one day leaving the field of speculation with the assurance of a comfortable retirement in the winter of life i

      Would not the fond hope soften down all temporary suffering and irritation 1 and would not the race , though uneven in the running , be reconciled to all by the stakeB ' at the end , presented as a reward for thirty years of toil ! Now , gentlemen , give me leave to ask yon , how many of your order can hope for such a release \ and who deprives you of the boon \ Whether is it the one individual who vests his million of money made by the labour of a thonsand other " bands , " and vested as At * retiring

      salary in mortgage upon land , or the purchase of land , or in the funds , or a railroad speculation , or a mining speculation , or a banking speculation ; none of which return to you one partiole of profit ; or is it the ene thousand " hands , " who should have received a fair share of the profits of their labour for thirty years of bard servitude ? Gentlemen , I have the honour to remain , Your obedient Immble Servant , Feargcs O'Connor .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS . My Friends , —You who condescend to read the organs of the factions will have observed that the London Times , the Manchester Guardian , and ihe Manchester Advertiser , have resorted to the most despicable and dastardly means of creating dissen tion in our ranks , by engendering suspicion and jealousy against your leaders , and actually taunting some of them for not urging the oppressed and starving population of North Lancashire into a " physical" outbreak . Speeches never made , were reported to have been uttered by working men ; designs never imagined , were said to have been

      entertained ; and even justification for a resort to violence appeared in the columns of those very prints whieh have , from the commencement of our agitation , held up the threats of " physical force " as a justifiable reason , not only for withholding your rights , but for refusing to hear your complaints . Add to this source of misrepresentation , one Dr : Taylor , a tourist , pnblishes language which he professes to have heard from the Iip 3 of working men , not as a vraming ( as he states ) to the Government , but with a view of placing the working classes of 2 sorth Lancashire under the superintendence of spie 3 and informers . The Times assured its readers that P . O'Connor and Dr . il'Douall were afraid to meet the hurricane of pauperism in North Lancashire . What , however , is the fact I I spent the whole of last week in the most impoverished iowns of that district ; and Dr . M'Douall , while I write , is now following me over the same gronnd . . Without further reference to those organs that write for the Jury , the advertising , and the oppressing classes , I shall proceed to lay before you a true narrative of my seven days' tour .

      I commenced at Manchester , on the evening of Sunday week , by addressing the Carpenter ' s Hall full of the middle and working classes . I there met on the Sabbath honest , moral , and religious Christians withont their Sunday clothes . I saw , for the first time in my life , the middling classes eyeing that poverty in others ( which was the sure prelude to their owd ) with an eye of compassion and sorrow . I saw them subscribing their half-sovereigns , their crowns , and their half-crowns , for the defence of Mason , the Chartist , whom , together with his

      coadjutors they would , three years ago , have pronounced " guilty" -svishout evidence . Thus ha 3 " a change come o ' er the spirit of their dream I" But , my friends , I also learned that we had received an augmentation to our forces from a far moTe important quarter , —from the aristocracy of Labour . Yes \ I had the heart-felt gratification to learn that the gallant trades , having at length discovered the impossibility of protecting their order by " trades unions "" so long as class legislation exists , had nearly to a man joined the associated body of Chartists . Is not this a new feature in the history of

      Chartism I On Monday morning I proceeded to Halifax , where I addressed a large body of the working elasses on Skircoat Moor , as noticed in last week ' s Star . I then proceeded to Todmorden , where I addressed the people briefly . I then proceeded with Beesley , of Acctington , and Holland , of Burnley , en route to Burnley ; and when within two miles of that town , we met such a concourse of men , women , and children , attended by such a number of flags and bands as , considering the population

      of the locality , no human eye ever witnessed before . The oldest man had never seen such a spectacle ; and great was the moral lesson which the starving thousands presented to their oppressors ' eyes 2 Poverty , undisguised poverty , marching in peaceful tranquillity through the beautiful but uncultivated valley where many had drawn their first breath ; and which , if cultivated by their hands would be capable of supporting them in comfort and affluence . Their God ordained it so ; but man has otherwise decreed !

      The miserably joyou 3 scene a 3 the procession passed under the aquaduct was grand in the extreme . The rising ground from the foot to the very summit was covered , principally with females , whose varied attire rendered ihe scene at once beautiful , melancholy and striking . But you have sees a report of our proceedings ; and therefore I shall pas 3 from Burnley without further notice than offering thanks to the starring thousands for having by their peaceful demeanour frustrated the machinations of our enemies . At the conclusion of our out-door proceedings I took a shoT 7 of hands for the whole

      Charter , name and all ; and every hand in the meeting expressed the solemn vow that by the whole they would stand , without abatement or subtraction . In the . evening we had a glorious assemblage under' a cai : eo-roofed pavilion ; the covering of -which cost ths poor fellows more than £ 15 . However they assured me they would spend the sum again , or donble the amount , to ensure such another triumph for their principles .

      COLNE . On Tuesday momiiig I left Burnley iu company with Beesley , to meet the Colne procession ; and notwithstanding that the rain fell in torrents , a glorious demonstration it was ! I addressed the people in the Piece Hall , at noon , at considerable length . Mr . Mooney , a staunch Irish Chartist , was in the chair , and conducted the proceedings in a most becoming manner . Beesley and Tattersall also addressed the meeting in sound and eloquent speeches . At five o ' clock the working men had got np s public dinner , which did them great credit ,

      and to which I was invited as a guest . At six o ' clock we again repaired & tke Hall , where a Mr . Laycock , " a person possessing great influence amongst the middling classes , had invited me to a discussion upon the questions of machinery and freb trade . He read a very lengthy address' " which he had prepared as a lecture to have been delivered and published , I replied , examining every one of his positions , and with eo much effect , that he invited me to pass the night at his house , and confessed that bis mind had been wholly and entirely disabused of the prejudice which the prees had created against me ; and

      Untitled Article

      farther that he saw and believed in the reasoning and strength of my arguments . Thi 3 more than repaid me for my journey to Colne . PADIHAM . On Wednesday morning I started for Clitheroe by way of Padiham , where it was arranged , with the consent of the masters , that their "hands " should all be set at liberty to bear me , and to remain for three hours , if necessary . This Padiham used to be a favourite spot of'Henry Hunt ' s ; and the seed wbioh he sowed was made manifest in the enthusiasm , attention , and shrewdness which I observed

      CLITHEROE . From Padiham I proceeded to Clitheroe , which is perhaps as yet the least pauperised of the North Lancashire districts . I am happy to be able to mention this circumstance in proof of the fact that pauperism alone is not the only propelling motive to the adoption of Chartist principles . We had the most numerous procession ever witnessed in that town , either upon Reform or election occasions . The Chartists had engaged a beautiful walled-in bowling-green , where an excellent hustings was erected . Mr . Slater was called to the chair , and

      Mr . Beesley and myself addressed the meeting at considerable length . At six o'clock , I sat down to a public dinner with the working men , where the very best order possible prevailed ; and at eight we proceeded to the aristocratic Assembly Rooms attached to the Swan Hotel , which , notwithstanding threepence admission was charged , was crowded to suffocation , while hundreds were obliged to go away disappointed . Mr . Pollard , a young and enthusiastic Chartist , from Sagden , was called to

      the chair , and opened the proceedings in a brief but eloquent and manly address . Beesley followed ; and , without flattery , made one of the best Chartist speeches I ever heard . I spoke , for nearly two hours , upon taxation , machinery , the land , the church , the wrongs of Ireland , and the injustice done to labour . We had a large number of the middle classes present ; the majority of whom , upon that night and the following morning , admitted to the Chartists that my positions and arguments were unshakeable and unanswerable .

      ACCRINGTON . On Thursday morning I left Clitheroe , accompanied by Beesley and Slater , for Accrington , where I had promised to address the peoplo on my way to Blackburn ; and in this village , to the honour of the majority of the masters , they set their M hands" at liberty . We met a procession ( estimated by the judges at more than 16 , 000 ) , with numerous bands and banners . We proceeded to a large square , well

      suited for the occasion , and where an excellent hustings was erected . Bee 3 ley and myself addressed the meeting at considerable length . A resolution for the whole Chatter , name and all , was unanimously carried ; and thus terminated the largest and most splendid meeting ever held in Accrington . After the outdoor meeting wo sat down to a public dinner j and at five o ' clock we proceeded in procession from Accrington to meet the Blackburn procession .

      BLACKBURN . Within about two miles of the town the Accrington and Blackburn processions met , when the road for more than a mile was densely filled . A great number of bands and banners enlivened tho soeue ; and thus we entered Blackburn , when , in an opon space , I addressed the vast assemblage . We subsequently adjourned to the Theatre which was filled in every part ; the middling classes occupying the boxes ; while the labouring order filled the stage , the gallery , and the pit . After my address several of the middle class waited upon me , and in the presence of the Chartist body , apologised for the injustice they had done tome , and for the erroneous notions they had entertained of the Charter and the Chartists .

      PRESTON . On Friday evening , I started for Preston ; and though at the time of meeting the rain fell in torrents , yet one moment of reviving sunshine was sufficient to ensure not a muster of 7 or 800 Chartists , as the Preston Chronicle has it , J ) ut of three times as many thousands . Here I found that spirit which was created by the immortal Hunt still vigorous and alive ; and notwithstanding some foul and disgraceful attempts to create division in our ranks , Friday night proved to me that if feuds and dissensions do exist , those who entertain them and would perpetuate them must keep them to themselves , as the Chartist body will in no wise suffer

      itself to be disunited , by the squabbles of individuals . At nine o'clock we again assembled in a large room attached to the King ' s Head , when that excellent Chartist , George Halton was called to the chair . I addressed the assembly at considerable length ; and I was rejoiced to find that in comparatively small as in large meetings of the working men all attempts to create dissension will fail . I never witnessed a more patient bearing ^ sounder discretion , on more generous conclusions than I saw evinced in the in-door assembly of Preston Chartists on Friday night last . They have to go on in the even tenor of their way , and they may bid defiance to all opposing parties .

      LANCASTER . On Saturday evening , at half-past seven , I arrived at the railway station , and was met by a large concourse of people , with a band . At half-past eight , accompanied by Beesley , I reached the large warehouse given for the occasion by some middle-class man . The chairman , whose name I regret to have forgotten , opened the proceedings in a speech of considerable length and power ; and called upon Mr . Lunn , a plasterer , to move a resolution , which ho did in good and happy style ; and in passing I should be guilty of an act of great injustice was I to omit stating that to the exertions of Lunn , the Chartists mainly owe the powerful and exalted position , which they occupy in this city : and I

      rejoice to think that tho Chartists themselves are fully aware of the fact . Baesley seconded the resolution , which was for the whole Charter , name and all , and was carried unauimoasly . An address was then presented to me from the Chartist body ; I responded at considerable length , and upon Sunday morning I had the pleasure and gratification to learn from my friends that it was the unanimous opinion that , however I may have failed to convert all of the middle class who attended our meeting , I had succeeded in destroying the deep and lon . 4-rooted prejudice which existed against them and me ; and had prepared their minds for a fair and calm consideration of tke people ' s claims to what they sought .

      And thus , my friends , terminated one of tire most useful , and , I trust , profitable tours that I have ever made on your behalf , —proving to the factions' press that we cannot be disunited j and proving to-those slimy agitators who , the honest working classes themselves have assured me , never lost an opportunity for a sly and ungenerous thrust at me in my absence , that to deeds of man himself , and not to the foul suspicions of others , all must look for affeotion , popularity , and public confidence . I am , Your undeviating and unflinching friend , Fkargus O'Connor . Leeds , Tuesday , July 5 , 1842 .

      P . S . —Mr . O'Connor left Halifax for Keighley on Wednesday last , and met » splendid procession near Bingley , accompanied by four bands , some of them dressed in complete military aniform , wearing their Chartist cards as breast plate ? , with military caps and feathers . At Bingley about ten thousand people assembled ; and Mr . O'Connor started for Keighley , where upwards of twenty thousand had gathered together . He Bpoke there for nearly two hours , in the open air , and then adjourned to a chapel , where a soiree had been [ provided , when he again

      Untitled Article

      spoke for three quarters of an hour ; and started at seven o'clock precisely , to meet Acland at Halifax , a distance of twelve miles over a mountain road ; he arrived at Halifax at five minutes past eight and instantly proceeded to the Odd Fellows' Hall , to support the Chartists against the League . A good day ' s work ; bat we must be caafcious , lest like Bairstow , we incur censure for saying so . Mr . O'Connor ha 3 reqaested us to state that the in-door meeting at Todmorden , must commence at SEVEN , and not at EIGHT o ' clock , as stated in the bill . - . " ¦ ¦ : ;• . ¦ , - ¦¦ v ' : ' ' . ' :: ¦ - ' . \ ' .: ' : . . '

      Untitled Article

      WotvERHAMPTON . —On Thursday Mr . Caiidy delivereda lecture on tho principleai . of the People's Charter , its objects , and its demands , to a numerous audience in Brtckiln-Iani Seventeen fresh members were enrolled . Many of the middle class were present . —On Friday evening Mr . Candy , in conjunction with Mr . Linney ; from Bilstnn , delivered an address on class legislation , to upwards of one thousand persons , at Hell-lane . Twenty-three fresh members were enrolled . —On Sunday morning Mr Candj addrgssed ^ a large meeting : at W « dneBfl ^ d He was heard with attention ,--On Sunday evening Mr . Candy preached a political sermon in the gardens of Stafford ; to a vast concourse t > f people . His

      congregation increases every Sunday night .: Very many of" the middle class were present , and the inspector of police , with several of his men . There were from two to three thousands ! present . It was an excellent discburse , and he fully and ably proved that tho demands of the Charter were in accordance with the principles of Christianity . He lectures gratuitously , and his services are highly acceptable * —Oh Monday Mr . Candy lectured in Honley-fieldg to a large assemblage , on the science of government . At the conclusion twenty nine fresh members were enrolled . —On Thursday Mr . Candy lectured at Wednesfield Heath , on labour ' s wrongs and labour ' s remedy . Seventeen fresh members were enrolled .

      Walsall . —Ten shilunKH have been forwarded to the treasurer for the relief of Mr . Masou , and the other temporary Tory-made widows and their families . Derby . —Mr . Thomaspn , from the Vale of Leven , delivered two eloquent sermons iu the Market-place , on Sunday last . New Basfohd . —At the usual Chartist weekly meeting , held on the 28 th June , Mr . E . Wrignt in the chair , the following resolutions were agreed to : " That the sum of ten shillings be sent to the new Executive , to enable its members to , adopt decisive measures to forward the cause of the People ' s Charter . " "That four shillings be given to the fund now raising ; in defence of Mason . " Surewsboky . —Mr . Mogg has been lecturing here with great eucuess to numerous and attentive audiences , and augmented the number of the Chartists oi this town .

      Oldham . —On Tuesday evening last , Dr . M'Douall delivered a most energetic and argumentative . lecture in the Town Hall ; subject—Trades' Unions , their iucffi ; -, acy in proceeding labour , and the most effectual remedy for the t-a mo , The lecture was well attended and we have no doubt but great good will be the result . A vote of thanks was passed to the Lecturer and Chairman , and the aieutiug retired highly satisfied . ' Seluy . —At a meeting of CharMsta of this town , in their room , tho following resolutions were unanimously carried : — " That the proprietor and editor

      of the people ' s paper , the Star , are fully entitled to the confidence and support of all real Chartists ; and as'such ,, we , the Chartists of Selby , will support them so long as they act in the manner they hayo done heretofore . " "That tho best thanks of this meeting are due and hereby given to the men of York and 3 hiffi « ld for tho honourable manner in which they ac ' od towards poor Holberry while living and when dead . "—K . B , A public meeting wi \ V bo held next Wednesday , at eight o'clock , at Mr . Woodall's , wheii business of / : importance will : b « brought , forward . All Chartists are requested to ittend . " ' ¦ . . '¦ ' ¦" ¦ ¦' . "¦ ¦ :-- : . • ' . "• . - :

      Manchester . —On Momfay evening lastj a meeting of the ladies' boot and shoemakers was held in the large room , Pack-Ht rse Inn , in Bridge . strett , Dtaiisgate , to take into consideration the propriety of joining the National Charter Association , when Mr . J . Campbell and Mr , Bairstow , members of the Executive , attended on behalf of the association . A resolution that wo do join the . National Charter , Association , was carried unatiimoualy . The notice that appeared in rhoS ^ ar of SatHrday last , stating that all letters belonging to the South Lancashire County Council ^ were to be . directed to Mr . WiUiam Griilin , is not correct ; Mr . Cartledge is the Secretary , to whom all correspondence must bo addressed , 34 j Lomas-streot , Bank-top , Manchester , as Mr . Uriffiu was only nominated incase Mr . Cartledgo lett Manchester .

      SAiFORD . —Meeting to adopt the Remonstrance to tiie Koc ' sk of Commons , and the M EMORiAL to the Queen . —On Tuesday evening , July S h , a public meeting of the inhabitants of Salford was held in the largo square , at the back of the Town Hall , Salford , to adopt the remonstrance and the memorial . The hour ; appointed was eight o ' clock , at which time the square , which is capable of holding eight or ten thousand persona , was filled in every parti and the windows of the houses crowded with parties anxious to hear the speakers ; Mr . Littler was called to the chair , who opened the meeting by reading the placard , and said— Working Men of Salford , T may as well remark , that it is by permission of the Boroughroeve that we hold this

      meeting here ; on account of the heavy rains , it would be . very uncomfortable on the Urow , and as you have elected me by your suffrages to preside over this meeting , I hope that you will be as attentive and peaceable as you can , and thereby make my business aa light as possible . He then called upon Mr . John Campbell to move the remonstrance . At this part of the proceedings , the Salford band , who had given their eervicea upon this occasion , came up in to tho meeting during its proceedings playing a very lively tune . The members of the band deserve the thanks of the Salford Chartists'for their disinterested labour of love in the cause of democracy Mr . Campbell then rose to move tho remonstrance , and in doing so , said Mr . Chairman and working

      men of Salford , it is with pleasure that I appear before you this evening , and it is pleasing to me to see the thousands of tho hardy sons of toil that are here to-nip . , to tell the House of Commons that they usurp the power that belongs to the people .. Mr . Campbell then read the remonstrance to the meeting , and entered into an analysis of the House of Lords , and likewise tho House of Commons , and demonstrated that tho people had nothing to expect from such a ' corrupt source . Mr . Millington seconded the remonstrance . Mr . Bairstow supported the remonstrance iu an eloquent , energetic , and argumentative speech , which occupied upwards . of an . hour . in the delivery , and sat down amidst the , applause of the assembled thousands . Tho chairman then asked if

      there was any person that had any thing to say in opposition to the remonstrance , and no one appearing , it was put to the meeting and carried unanimpasly . Mr . Ilankin moved the memorial in a neat , and appropriate speech , which was seconded by Mr . Tho . Si Richards , and supported by Mr . Wm . Dixon , and , when put , carried without a dissenticnti MkM'Farlane , in a speech replete with sound sense and convincing argument , moved the following resolution : " That this meeting views with abhorrence and indignation , and condemns in the strongest trrffls possible , the atrociously brutal and cruel conduct of the unconstitutiona l police force at Enn'is , in the county of Clare , Ireland , for wantonly and murderously attacking an unarmed and starving mnltiiu . de . We

      therefore call upon the right thinking and patriotic men of SaUord to join , with us in protesting against and reprobating such cowardly . and diabolical proceedings 011 the rights and libertiesof an industrious people . " The resolution was Seconded by Mr . Edwards , and supported b y Mr . James Leach in : ari excellent speech j in which he gave aa account of several cases of extreme distress that had come under his own notice , and showed up the cruel cbnduot of those who are in authority . One poor Irishman who had applied for relief , that had his wife in thd Lunatic Asylum , they gave him » pass to Ireland , and because he would not ; go and leave his wife

      behind him , they sent . him a month , to the treadmill— ( shame , shame ) . Another poor man who had been in this country seventeen years , who has a wife and three children , went for relief , and they gave him a passport to go where the people are starving , and a murdering police shooting them for asking for bread , but not oae farthing to relieve his present wants—( shame , shame ); Mr . Leach retired * and was followed with rapturous applause . The meeting was large and orderly , and the speaking good , and after eneers for the Charter , O'Connor , Frost , Williams , Jones , and a vote of thanks to the Chairman , the vast assemblage dispersed in a peaceable and orderly manner , with the band playing and banners flying . j

      Untitled Article

      MossLEY .-rMr . David Ross of Manchester , delivered avery soul-stirriDg lectare hereon Tuesday evening last , and in the course of ; the evening he gave the Plague and their bixed tools a severe castigation . : ¦ < ¦ - ¦ ¦ . " : . ¦ . ¦ . .. '¦¦ ' V :- :- ' . - HETWoob ^ --Mr . James Cartledge of Manchester , lectured on class legislation on Wednesday ^ in the Chartist roam . This spirited village is making rapid progress in the oause of democracy . LiyBRPOOL . —On Friday evening last , Mr . W . Dean Taylor , delivered a powerful and truly eloqvientleotut © in tbe Ghartiat room , on the principles of the ¦? People ' s Charter . " The lecture occupied upwards of two hours , and Mr . Taylor was warmly

      applauded throughout its delivery . He recommended thorn to stand by the Charter , name and all , and shewed ample and sufficient reasons why wo ought to contend for the name as well as the substance of the Charter ; and concluded by inviting any Whigi Tory , or niock-Reformers , to disprove any of the statements he had made during bia lecture . JNorie offering , a vote of thanks was moved to Mr . Taylor , and 'carried unanimously . After a vote of thanks to the chairman , ( Mr . M'Cartnej ) and three cheers for the Chatter , name and all , the meeting dispersed , each and all highly pleised with Mr . Taylor ' s peculiarly happy mode of defending our principles . , :

      ; LoffiDON . —Chartist Hatters . —Mr . Jas . Morgan lectured : here on Wednesday last , at the Brown Bear , Southwark Bridge road . Hetwood . —Lectures were delivered on Sunday ^ by Mr . Leach , of Hyde ; and on Wednesday , by Mr . Cartledge . BHacKMOOB . —Mr . Linney lectured in the Cross Keys Club Room , on Wednesday evening . At the close of the \ lecture twenty persons enrolled their names . '¦ - " .: [ , :. ' - / ' .. ¦'¦ ¦ '¦ ' . : : ' ¦ - ' NEW PEtLON— On Tuesday , June 28 tb , Mr .

      West delivered a lecture at New Pe )! on on the injuries that class legislation ir , diets upon the people . In the evening of the same day , a public tea was bold in tbe Chartist School Room , when a numbsr ' of the friends of democracy sat down to an excellent tea and provisions , which were served Up in good order . After tea , a Charter Association was formed ^ of which the following are the Council : —Messrs . William Wilkinson , James Tally , Joseph Carter , John Boys , snb-Treasurer ; John Cockcroft , sub-Secretary . The remainder of the evening was spent in an amusing and instructing manner .

      Glasgow . —Bbidgston . —A public meeting was held here on Wednesday evening , in the Chartist Hall , Dale-street , Mr . W . Shanks io the chair . Messrs Moir , Ross , &c , from the city , were annotmeed to address the meeting . The ball was crowded to suffocation , and xnapy bad to go away who could not gain admittance . Mr Moir epoke at some length on the necessity of an active union amongst the working classes , and urged on the meeting the necessity of joining the Glasgow Ctiarter Association . Mr . M . charged those who Btopd neutral more with dishonesty than carelessness , and should any of them come to want , they desfcrVed to feel the fruits of their criminal apathy ; so far as . be ( Mr . Moir ) was concerned , ha Tvoald feel no sympathy for them . Let the Chartists make cemmon

      cause with each other , nn < i no power on earth couid preventtheni being successful ; if they aid not , the cauae would fall , and he would tell them what would be the result ^ -the middle and upper classes -would take it up and pay the expense , ana they would make the people pay for it in the long run . This was not to ba the case ; let every man act as if success depended upon himself . He tMr . M . ) had done more to put down those devils of Whigs in Glasgow than any other fifty ; and why ? just that h ^^ d dono every thing he could have done as one man ^ So much was this felfc by the factions , that they were found to declare " tliey could not get their opinions expressed for that fellow Moir . " Had aU acted as he bad done , the Charter would have been the law of the land erenow . Mr ; Moir , at the

      close of bis address , said he would call upon any man in the meeting , who considered it to be his duty to join the Glasgow Chaiter Association , at the earliest possible convenience , t » hold up their right hand ; but before doing so , be would appeal to them not to bold up their bands , if t&ey ware not fully determined to fulfil tbeir promisa . Mr . Ross said all political commentatdrs bad declared that union was strength ; he hoped tney would rally round the standard of the Glasgow Charter Association . The counsel for Frost , during bis defenee , in referring to the Charter , said that when , the majority of the nation , declaredl . for it , it would be unavailing for wealth arid property to resist it . He ( Mr . Boss ) , bad been connected with politics for tbe list twenty-five yeava , and bad always been a loser , but yet he hopsd to live to eat of tree of liberty . He had full hopes of their efforts being ; success * ful . Mr . M 6 ir took a show of hands ia . favour cf

      joining the Glasgow Charter Association . Nearly the whole meeting beld up their hands : A Committee wa 3 then appoiuted for the selling of tickets in Bodgston . Upwards of fifty gave in thttir nssmea to tbe Secretary , Mr . Brown , before leaving the ball , and Mr , Ross disposed of a number of tickets , among others ^ one to Mr . Wm . Johnson , of the " Complete Suffrage" Committee . Mr . Johnson urged on the people present to give earnest , proof of their attachment to the Charter by convng forward and joining the Association . He was connected with another Association , still he was ready to support the Charter Association . He was ready to canvass for either ; let the people declare which of them to join , and he ( Mr . J . ) would act with tbem . After a hearty vote of thanks to Messrs . Rosa and Moir , and those friends who accompanied them from the town , and their excellent Chairman . This highly interesting meeting broke up in the best possible harmony .

      GORBAis . —The adjourned discussion on Mr . Murray ' s lecture eame off on Friday evening , Mr . Grauani in the chair .. The discussion was continued to eleven o ' clock , when it was resolved that Con should reply on some future night , to be fixed by Mr . J . Cameron and tbe coinmittue . The follpwing resolution was mpvtid by Mr . James Downs : —'' That it is the opinion of this meeting that the New Mova' 13 unneceeaary , and if supported , calculated to injure the best interests of the working claases , inasmuch as its tendency is . ta divide and not to unita the people . TTe therefore pledge ourselves to join and support the Glasgow Charter

      Assoc ation . " An amendment ; was moved by Joseph Kerr , in support of Complete Suflfrage , with a string of other irrelevant matter . At the suEtgestion of Mr , J . ColquhouB , the amendment was confined to Complete Suffrage , io Order that the two questions raigiit be fairly tested . On the yoto being taken , ten hands were heM tip for the amendment ; far the motion , the rest of the meeting . We have refrained from giving any of the discussion for ceitiin reasons , but we trnat the manly and straight forward castigation administered by Mr James Downs to some of the parties will have its due effect .

      A General MEETliJG ' of the comb and horn spoon makers was held on Monday evening last , Mr . Pettigrew in the chair . The following resolution was moved by Mr . Henry Worling , seconded by Mr . Diigald and carried unanimously .: — " That this meeting is of opinion that our trade has suffered much from , and owes its present distressed condition . in a great degree to the baneful iniluenca of inachtaery , its ( machinery ) operations being through class-mado la , ws , rendered a curse instead of a blessing , -inasmuch as our bands

      are thereby being daily thrown out of employ , while no other provision , is mad © for them ; and being convinced that those pressing evils can alone ba remedied by making that docunieat commonly called the People ' s Charter , the law of the land , we agree to join the Glasgow Charter Association , and pledge ourselves to us > every constitutional means in oar power to promote tho objects of the same . " The meeting then agreed to meet every Monday evening till the trade ia fully organised , and an interim committee was appointed to carry out the above object .

      HUDI > 3 I 5 E , SFIEI / D . —AgrecaWe to announcement Ali 1 . Htiss attended -ifbat is called a camp meeting on Sunday last , on the summit of our famed Castle Hill . The labour and toil required to attain 80 great an altitude is amply rewarded by the rich and varied scenery $ bat presents itself to the eye , which extends for miles in © very direction ; there human beings can inhale nature ' s purest breeze . Swarms cf persons were seen wending their way to ths place of meeting from all the adjoining districts , and it was thougbt at one time there could not be less than fifteen thousand present Mr . Ross delivered a most eloquent and impressive lecture in favour of the People ' s Charter . —On Monday night Mr . Robs gave a lecture to a crowded audience , in the Ouild Hall , in this town , In defence of the rights of labour and the justness of the People ' s Charter , to which he did ample jostfee .

      BDKT . —A pnblfe meeting of the inha Wtanfca of Bury convened by requisition , was held in the Working Man ' s Hall , Garden-street , on Saturday evening , to adopt the remonstrance and the memorial to the Queen . Mr . J . Comas , a -working coal miner , was nnanimously called to preside , who opened the business of the meeting with a few appropriate remarks , and then called upon Mr . H . Hardwick , to move the memorial , which ¦ was seconded by Mr . M . Ireland , and supported by Mr . William Dixon , in a speech of some length , ana when put ) was carried nem . eon . Mr . M . Roberta , in a Bpeech which occupied half an hour , moved the remenatrance to the House of Commons , which -was seconded by Mr . James Yates , a coal miner . Mr , D . Ross , of Manchester , supported the TemenBtrance , in a bold argnmentatiye speech , which occupied near two hours in the delivery . The Chairman put it and it was carried unanimously After cheers for tbe Chatter , the meeting difisolved .

      Untitled Article

      ^ ZFg ^^^ T ^^^ : ¦ " ' ¦ ¦ ¦ - ¦ ^ : . ;; . . ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦' . ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ; ¦ ¦ ^ ^^\^^ U j BiRWiNQHAM .--DnDDESTON Row , Open Am MEETijrG . —The nauai meeting was 1 held at this now celebrated plaeo , ofi Monday eyening last , at balf-nast seyon o ' clock ; , at which time Mr . George Waits : proceeded to address the Assembly . He 1 said ^^ that his chief object was to instil into the minds of his fellow- : wprki&g men the position which , they might occupy in flocfety , and tfie comfort and happfness which might be enjoyed by each member of the human family , if they ^ had the power of developing the resources which nature supplied in sufficient abundence to satisfy the

      wants of all ; and , as the obstinacy and ignorance of tbe ruling powers , was an obstacle which must be sarmounted before they could : hope to enjoy those benefits , it was / therefore , the duty of all men to exert themselvos , in order thai the Government of the country should act as the protectors and friends of the working classes , instead of being , as at present , their greatest curse . Under tuft-present state of societj a man might have the best ot motives , and the purest and best feelings , yet , if he could not conform to ibe rascally modes by which wealth is attained at the present day , and was thereby ^ reduce d to a sta te of penury , he was assailed by every . ¦ little prpiat-hunting knave , as lazy as dishonest ; and many a noble-hearted and generous man had been all bnt hunted to death . ^

      baying , the misfortune of Hying in what Was pompously termed " a state of civil ' zatiqa" He understood by the word " civilization" a poliebed andrefined state of exUtence , compared or contrasted with a former period ! of rnaa'a bislotf ; bat .. 6 e maintained that the working classes were never more bmtalised than they > vere at present , -aha that the whole of their misery emanated from the trading and profit-hunting system , called ¦ " ciyiHa » tion . ' V By some sort of legerdemain or thimblerig system , the whole of * - the *' creation was blaimed as the property of those who never . worked ; whilst those who produced everything were doomed to a life of sorrow and wretchedness ,, of what value then was this boast 9 d wealth and civil / zation to the outcast working classes , when they found that

      every fresh addition which their industry and ingenuity made to the wealth of the rich was made use of by them to oppress the producer ? So long as the working classes were kept in blind ignorance of their rights he could not blame them . Bat now that they had so many opportunities ot knowing the real cause of their miseries , thay would be their own oppressors if they neglected the means which were now at their disposal to procure their emancipatton . He then prpcseded to explain the blessings which would flow from a Government emanating from the whole people , and called on all present to join the National Charter Asso «

      CiatipD . ; He 3 lso showed up the villanous treatment which Mr . Mason and the Sedgley men had experienced from the Stafford authorities , and gave notice that ha should continue to address a meeting on that spot every Monday evening , and also in the large field near the Asylum , bottom of Summer-lane , every Sunday morning , afc half-paat ten , and every Tuesday evening , at seveo o'clock . He then departed for the Association Room , Aston-street , accompanied by a large nnmber of persons . Upwards of forty persons have enrolled their names at Duddeston-row , and it is determined to have the books and cards at the meetings in future , for the convenience of those who cannot attend the room .

      Summer Lake Meetino . —Mr , White addressed a meeting in the large field near the Vulcan Foundry , on Sunday morning last , at half-pasfc ten o ' clock ; and another at tbe same place on Tuesday evening . At the conclusion of his address , nine persons enrolled their names jn the National Chart 9 r Association . ASTON-STREET Meeting . —Tho usual meetmg was held at this place , on Sunday evening last , Mr . Stewart in tho chair . He delivered an appropriate address on the death of Siniuel Holberry , of Sheffield , and introduced Mr . White , who read the report of Holeerry ' s funeral from the Northern Slai \ The meeting listened to the report with great attention , and warmly applauded" the speech of Mr . G . J . Harney on the above melancholy occasion ..

      Mondav Evestng Meeting . —The members of the association moetered strongly on Monday evening , when the minutes of the couucil were read dyer by Mr . George White , and confirmed by the . meeting ; Tbe cbiiriaan , ; Mr . Walter TborE 9 , then addressed the members on behalf of Mrs . Mason , and recommended a collection . to . ba made on her behalf , after which Mr . White went , at some length , into the plans which were intended to be adopted by the council for the better guidance of tha association , and reported on the stepa which had been taken to procure a commodious place of meeting . Mr . J . Williamson afterwards delivered an . energetic address aa to the best means of securing a proper place , after which the meeting separated .

      Mr . Masox aad the other Prisoners at Stafford . —At the Council meeting , held at Aston-Btree » , Birmingham , on Sunday last , it was resolved to ciU a conferenca of the Birmingham Chartists , to assemble at Astou-street , on Tuesday evening next , the 12 th day of July , when it is proposed to choose four persons to act on behalf of BirHiiogham at a general delegate meeting of the counties of Gloucester , Worcester , Warwick , and Stafford , the localities to add one each from tbeir body , whan the necessity of providing a permanent fund for the support of the wives and families of Mr . Mason and ths others ,. the means Of ; supporting one lecture * o » raoro for the une of these counties , and otherwise consolidating our strength , "will be taken into consideration . The attention of

      the various sub-Secretaries in . those counties are earnestly requested to this important subject , and any communications they have to send are requested to ba forwarded to the Corresponding sub-Secretary , Mr . Gaorge White , 38 , Bromsgrove-street . Birminghani . CALVERTO ?* .---The Chartists met as usual , and proceeded to the businoss of the association . Ifc was agreed to engage the Suttoa aad Nottingham bands tiiat had . offered their services for tho occasion , to peiform at the O Connor demonstrationv A soiree or tea party . will be held , which is to take place on the last Monday in the month . Every necessary preparation is being- made for the ^ occasion . Ticketo at one shilling each , may be bad of Messrs CaUdine , Hucknall Torkard ; Morris , Bulwell , near New Market-street ;

      Watts , Oxton ; Epperstone , Woodborough , Lowdhara ; Biidworth , Calverton ; Street ; Lambley , aud Sweet , Nottiugbam . ; . Einerson , Arnold ; Allwright , Old Basfordl Flatt ' . ; Mitcheltj schoolmaster , Chapel ; Racier , Cricketcourt , Nottingham ; Mr * Smith , news-agent , Warsergate ; Hankin . C . 'UTmgton ; Ellis , ; Arnold ; Bevill , Day brook Reeve , Hyson Green ; Nailer , New Basford Morley , Sherwood Saaderson , Old Badford ; Cooper , Watson ' s Building ; and Harrison , Calyerton , All tickets must be sold a clear week before the tea takes place , and every ticket vender , will forward his money to 31 r . Sweet , Goosegate , on Monday , July the 18 th , by : twelve , o ' clock . The loans of flags and bannera from the sufrcunding associations will be duly sppreciated , ar . d it is to be hoped the whole county of Nottingham - will do its duty on . that day > and firmly

      establish the tree of freedom in this agricultural district . CiiALFORD . —Trade is in a most alarming etate in this place , we have bufc three mills at work , where we formerly had twenty ; thoso three are not half employed , and truck shops attached to these , tbeir operatives are so reduced that they dare not ' complain or they are subject to a , months'drilling , that is , sent homo tolive upon their means for a month . Wages are reduced to a very low ebb ; there have been three reductions since Christmas ; ' ^ througho ut th ' e wholb of the trade . What was formerly given two pounds for ia now only niheteeh shillings ; the cloths are now mado three ells longer for the nineteen shillfaigs than they were formerly for the two pounds . ; Ourpoor rates are tripled ; we bave 580 crammed in our bastile , and poyei'tij is got to a deplorable condition ; this , in the midst of Ettmoier—how we shall contend with tha

      winter , God only kuiiws . This priest-ridden and poverty-smitten spot > ili be visited by Mr . Millson , of CheltenJiarii ,. next Sunday , July th 9 10 th , when we shall hold a cp . mp meeting on Bisley Common , at balfpast two o ' clock in the afternoon . Chalford is situate twelvo miles from Gloucester , twelve from Cheltenham , eight fi-ouiCireaceflter , and four from Stroad ,. MACCJESP 2 E 3 CO . —On Monday evening Mr . John Wes 6 ' delivered a lecture in the Market-place , to nearly 8 ; 000 people . He entored largely into tbe working of the syst « . ui on the different classes and interests of society , and eleaily proved to the middle classes ( large numbers of whom were present ) that while class legislation existed there could be no prosperity for them , nor safety for their property . A vote of thanks was carried to Mr . West ; a vote of cqnflderice in Feargus O'Cdhnor aad the Northern Slav ; &n& ^ three treinendoua cheers were given . for the Chartsr and the people , and the vast multitude separated . Such a meeting has not been held in Macclesfleld for a length of time .

      Durham . —On Monday evening lest , Mr . Charles Connor delivered a lecture en the Sands , to a good ttudience , who listened to the lecturer with profound attention ; and at the close a universal demonstration of approbation was displayed by a shew Of taDflfl , ' and othei' signs of gratiacatiou . The lecturer shewed , in hia usual clear manner , that all property bad its origin in labour , and that all property was protected but labour , and also that all propeity was represented but labour . He richly commented en things as they are , and as they _ should be ; and concluded by strongly recomm 9 ndhig . the workiBg men to a closdr union , for the establishing of their claim to Universal Suffrage , and the other points of the glorious Charter .

      Newcastle . —The Chartists held their usual weekly business meeting in . their HaU , Goat Inn , doth market , on Monday evening . Mr . Dacs having been unanimously called to the chair , the secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting , when Messrs . Smith , Phenix and Hay , took their seats aa members of the general council . Mr , Frankland moved the toUoyiing resolution , which was seconded by &ri Hay , and carried unanimously , — " That in : the opinion of this Association , nothing can be more Injurious to the Chartist cause than bickerings between our friends , ' and we would advise that any differences that may in future arise amongst bur leaders be left to arbitration , « r

      decided by private letter , as we are firmly resolved not to support any leader who may disgust our ears or injure our cause by any party cavilling . " Moved by Mr , Frankland , and seconded by Mr . Fihlay , — " That a vote of tbe coEfldence of this Association be tendered to each of the present National Executive Committee respectively , and that the same be inseited in the Northern Star . " Carried unanimously . Several sums were paid In for the lecturer's fond . Volunteers were appointed to become Collectors for Hoiberry * widow fund , viz ., Mefisra Fiemfag , Wilkfnsdn , Porvfe / anuFiDlay , and after a lengthy discussion upon local business the meeting adjourned

      To The Middling Classes.

      TO THE MIDDLING CLASSES .

      Ctotfct $Nu\Xfatnce.

      Ctotfct $ nU \ Xfatnce .

      Untitled Article

      AND LEEDS GENERA ^ >

      Untitled Article

      YOL . Y . ^ 0 . 243 . SATURDAY , JULY 9 , 184 ? . Q- ^ J ^^ S ^^ SS :

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), July 9, 1842, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct438/page/1/