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Northern Star (1837-1852), 26th August 1843, Edition 6 of 5, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      IJ £ T US OBGAN 1 ZE 1 £ Y 20 DO SO EFFECTUALLY . TbB ^ Beral cry for " an efficient Plan «/ " Orfjasizaium ' is one of lie most hopeful " signs of ifee uehs . " It iespes&s a general desire oc the psrt oF the working classes so to apply the power-thai TJsios can give , that It may eventuate in real good to the SppressBd isacy . They are to ) wt 11 iij £ thai their esernons shonld be loager frittered awaj on isolated and detached portions of the system TYhibb fends them into the dnsi ; and they 2 cn § for an oppormplj to dirro ^ theh" concentrated energies to the full overthrow cf the entire system itseif , and tbe r ^ ziVihsiTEs&t jv its stead of t he reign of troth and righteousness . Benee the demand for an * ' efyjOKxr r 3 iOj © J Crgaaixuion /*

      Bui | f these desirable tSecls are to accrne from Or ^ auizilJDij , ihat Or ^ aa-ziJion smut be lyricism Is muss be one tha ; will collect together the scattered and irdrriihral -amis of the working classes , apd units them firmly and secubelt in one in-¦ dncible -whole . To be thns efficient and thns secure , it roust be talhinthe law . This 13 the first and permanent requisite . IF ifeis ba wanting , aiJ ¦ efficiency is si sn end j and to talk of sicmiirr , xmder such crrcua ^ aneea , would be tricked mockery . Lei us have an Organization viihin the iau > , sad we can apply the ncked strength of the confederated 1 > &gj l-o * Eacces = ft 5 overthrow of / action : let na be "wition : lie law . jisd the mGment that omt strength l » 9 C 0 inesibnnidable or even annoying , faction will employ the V- wrs -ci the law "to remote the

      autajjoeisj from the fold . This faction has always hiiheno dene j this faction ty 2 ] alwajs continue to £ o , so long as lie people permit it , by placine theniselres wilbifl its izgaH grasp . All poliuc * 3 ** Unions ' of thejsasees hsre hitherto failed , from thi 3 cause . It js hhch EHje x ? 3 learned 505-3313 by experience 5 and enaesTcnred so to organize as to secure the benkEs oTih * i _ rw * s xslotlctkxs , instead o * bans , as litherU ) , the lecipiens of the " la \ t * s yEKGSAJfCK" 1 SSier ^ is one partiealsr connected with ihe Poir-¦ fical Organization of a people against the acts or existence of its government , deserving of the most Srtimre iatteadoiL . Hitherto it h&B bsen passed over irifb . oni « Te& notice : and ibis passing-over fas led to ir . e diirapijca and breakiDg-np of ail poiincai sxaeiies . It is ths tstebesi of

      goyshn-3 IE 5 IS 2 HA 3 ilX SUCH COUBlKiUQXS SHOULD BE trnsovT thb pale of the i-atf ; and they invaiizbly Tciiik at / feir existence , sad eren in some CH 3 es indirectly acknowledge them ; until the timearmes Trhen the j > ovrer aeqaired by their means is to be -directed for the aDComplissinrni of the intended object . THEN do GoTernsesu ? step in , and -sriic the law in one hand , and the key of the gaol in the other , make sj » rs -work vf 11 : and lhas rid tiemselTes of trcablesojas casioBJ £ 3 s . The policy of fioTemment $ 0 tciuJt at the existence of an IJlessl poKdcal soei ^ iy tthen it is trcak , —v ? h- n it can do ho jisrm , —has led many to calculate en a eontinnairce of sneh tolersiion , and to conclnde ibsi it ttse needless to stpp the least on ; or the way 10 ¦ prolRH-a tb ? fell -prctsezitm of the lavr . Experience

      iasioTreTer s woefnlh f tanglit the folly-of all snch j culcrilsuons sad espe « aUi .-ns . GoTeruments always j iaTe , and always wBl , use the powers th ? y possess ' . to protect ih&Tovm anthanJyand to piniish those-• Brio ircnld assail or deprrre them of it . To espsct I fhey "wonla Co otherwise is to proclaim a rasa a 1 xatnral-born fooL Ihe people , when opposed 10 a ' goTernment , and especially when prcfessediy a « o- i eiated for that pnrpose , ^ mploy aU ^ e power : hey posses for the acccE 3 pEsbin' * Bt of their object . iSoyennaent in ** pstting down" such oppofiiioa . rrhen it presents itself 1 a au illegal form ,-does no snore , lie eT 3 is in the people placing tkcE * elv « : in the hancs of iks ? z whose istcrest it i » - to a ush their efforts for ecrerEiaeiiial refona . "We masi ixj suob to aroid ihst er ' A .

      To avoid &at ef 52 TvemcS Grsaii ^ ze m accordance -with tho laws now in being to tsjpteci all associations cstahiished for Matnal Benefit , w ^ io choose- to arsdl themselTes of tbat proreri'oa , by complying Tyitii & 3 law ^ Ttqairemesis . This we can easi y do . To < Io it , f 3 InTolYS eo sacrsfiee of principle ; "wiEoiiail eo tron&le ; wSl ran 113 to no additional expense i bus it \ r £ l sare us from S 3 infinity of ^ finesse ^ v $ doublc-deaJuio ; icastDnch as it will ren-< ier unnecessary all tksTeEarts we have hitheno had unceasingly jo zs&ke to -evade the law ; mch-ffibrts 3 iayin * always ended in the ^ iscorery that we had broken the law at the Yery time we were congratn-Jatins < mrgeiY £ 3 on a Tery cleYer evasion of it ! atd for of

      Seyeral oa ^ lmes saggestions a plan OrganizidDii iare been placed before the country . A few weck 3 age wegsyeniany of hbcq suggestions in ons long snide ; and Intimated that we should , at A ialoxa time , publish some suggestions of our own , Indeed , oa seVeral occasions ^ we haYo spoken of 1 tlxs in c 3 QT = e of concoction , to accomplish the perfect * asd safe and Escure , —iecanse if gal , —Orga-EixiUcn ol the pe ^ pls . That elas we hate now to raoHEfcSJkTE . Afcpis expense of much thought , ianchiiiae , aai ( i mcJfjfl&baEr , it has b ? en perfected : and weiSYs jkwf to presets it to the C ^ aiii ?* fcedy , as one eniineJitiy ^ calcnlaied to accomplisb . the oVject aHsojjeieranj < e 3 ire . _ % - . shall here

      Before we assert the Plan itself we give a l&teifrom tie BiT . "Wifiiam Hill , sent by him for oar last public 25 icn , ba ; TeceiYvd at such a late hour as preceded fte jMsaibiliiyofisiJsing then inserted . Th »^ l ^ ie- refers isainlj 10 the question of Organisation ; therefore ibis Is iiemostfitting place for ii . "With ihe Tiews and reasons of ^ ir . Hn-L , we , in the Kain , most ieartOy coincide . Indeed , for a long period there has been , on this sAjeet , a perfect one-Tiess of fetaiig between the present conductor of the Northern Suit asd 3 ex . Hm .. ConTerestioEs , con-£ nitaa «! .-s 2 Ed «> xnsell -sg 3 tcgether a have often been iad ie 5 ps . cJng it . At that time it was the dnty of tiia present cosdnctortp co-operate with Mr . Hna . in 4 h 9 * getiing-cp " of iheScrj and In that capacity seYeral of tie articles respeetiiig the proposed Plan of Organ zatioa that hareLappeared from tims to time , seitifi" &nb . the advantages that we ini # ; ht be

      -obtain , and the ease with which ihey might compassed ? several of the articles which then appeared in the Star , trere from the same pen that , now ¦ writes lids . We mention this to show-that the question of-Orgscizatibn is noS a Dew one to tbe present conductor © f ifce Star . Far from it , For a considerable period ha attention lasbeenilirected to tbe ^ abject ; and fee has long seen that the time would arriTe Trhca the improTed opinion of the masses vonlilTeaiis in tbe ^ ablishment of a juh at once xfticiekt and SAFE , because plain , clear , denned , and legal . With this Introduction , necessary to « nable lie reader to know of the * ntire * j of- feeling in thejnain , oH this subject between Mr . Hiii and onrselYes , -sve new grre nis letter ; beppeaMng for it Ihe calm consideration and earnest attention of erery man "who desires to ebb the units of Chartism gathered together , and bound up S 3 a powerful and emergt&e whole 1—

      TO TEE PEOPLE . 3 » t i > eaB Feiesds , —I irrite tbia f > n bosrf the Steam "vessel 02 noyage from Dundee to Siinbnigb . Ton Trill , I faow , rejoice to bear tiat my tonr has flooe more alreauj for me "fhan my iopes looked to , in 618 -way of MOETireraSug my -waned pnyrical eieigiea . Ike badEg att tJ t 5 rae EaonntsInB , coupled with the Y ? ir& * i T « t -ssiieh I baTS taken , Jisb done much far ma . I am mndi better ; and hope to be able soon to bring into onr common stock of labpnr more stxensth of body , snd-moreconsc-qnfint Tigonrandoletenniisatlon of mind , Sum 12 » sYe bad lea years £ ose Taj . I have pas ^ d aJieady through-leJHi , EdinbBT 5 h , Aberdeen * Sloniross , ^ ibrostli , ana Dnndee . " I Bappose that the ispeetiYB Becretaries idll haTe toW yon all about the meetings'in each place . I » hal ] not , tbe&Soxe , take vp space with the trumpeting of my own isma . ScSm it that I fi"fl the Scotch ,

      « AS . thai Hiy fency painted them "; a * ocl , fiuakisg , disaiminatiBg , reasoning people , "who vSl look b = fare they leap , aad think before they speak . ^ se ¦ w&na hard of intndsnip greeted me in eTery place , and I fcand the tamper of Hie people so mited "W XU 3 owe , « ri » I vm xonch at lisms ^» itii tbent . I Sztd the moremenito be iiere , as In Jinglxnfl , tbtj apathetic is its cfcaiactEt

      ** ^ lasl you know ths causa too welL " It has UDSyetiecoYeredfiamitsrahsnEtion-* Bieeding sA erery pore , irom - ^ cmias mist fettl , Tk&i all mmpp'd the focnt ^ n of fcer life , Oar eonntiy aemed aa in a deadly trance , © I swoon ana stupor she -sroald erer lie ; Xor oace recal csr Trostea engines , Bnt lie , gnicscenli j * t xmgnietly Her lite tspecteng . " The spirit of tha pec ^ lE has not departed frpm them - Tuftha sib they a ^ sep ; Sfcey are mody - « feak from « eeent tfjt Mjej -sriH saSj again ana preEent jet to ihe enEmy a front broadenEdj boiaeiiea , ana hardened l ^ y -a 3 ttei Hs ? y have borBe > Eqiaience is a safe

      teacher , ana Us lessons -wjII not be hwt either upon the Scottish brethren or = npon yon , my Ea ^ liab « onnbyjnen , to -cbjom . 1 isaw more epedaSiy address myselt "We most besin to re-collect onr powers . We must -prepare onrselTES not merely to demonstrate onr power 3 n £ xen £ displays -of meeSngs and pem&ms , « Dg proeessiDBS , bat to itse it for a scccsssfnl counteraction of ibe weil-ordered aad skilfnUy arranged forces of cor-JirDtioiu And , in order to this , - » emus \ be org » ni » aa . Ibe first thiBJr to be looked to is snehaa Orgaaiation « a siall enable ihe irhol » people , % i any giTen time , -Within a reasonabl * piarioa , to Xmow Zb » iai » 4 » of esdi tbsr apon lay firea qaaSon thro « tho *» tb » vholo «» pire .

      The -w * Bt ol such * n Org »* ittoa « »• nek on "Which we hzn hittierto split We hare wra been « g 2 ni » ed . "We Iists always acted im sectional OiYUons , iy wiiihonrBtreBgth hMbesn lost in BieTnodeof Its application . We must Imt © done "willi ttiis . We must JiaTtfan Orgao : 5 ition 5 snch an one as cap benniTeraUy adopted . It aansi 3 js sudi an one u may be xrfdy ac ^ ed oa ; "sfStboal fear of J » tstTnpt 3 on from the legal ^ wbx , ts of peneracn by the ctmning ana the selfish , ¦ of oar o ^ n psjiy . To form sach an Organizificn as fins Is most easy , if the people be not otsfiaato j but 3 k ~ nSi require them to nuke mntuaJ coDceEdooB , oa

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      matttrs -wtich are of no vital iiuporte ^ cu ; a » . to ajrea to acS harmoniously , tuongh , in sume makers ibey may di £ er in opinion . ; The plan of Organisation which we have already hsd In partial operation has proTed a failure j and I am no \ sorpxisedatit ; for , thongh I do think tbat it never had a iair chance given to " it , thero-waa zpuch of tbe elements of failure in the plan itself . It was nec&ssazily so lax and Yague in its general proYiidonB and so indetermiEate in its details ; it left so much to be supplied by tbe constant vigilance of the people themselYss , separate from the -written document ; H was , in feet , of saeei necessity , so full of fence and -finesse , that the straightforward blunt honesty of the unguarded people was costnvQAlly ranniBg its head against sofiie post or other . Thus , it was continually Yiolate 4 ; was neYer in fact brought into effective operation in stsy one place that I know of . Ws had a name to live ; while , as a national society , ire trere dead . .

      There is no hope for us but from Organization ; and thsre is no uss in any Organization , which is not , at tbe S 2 JD 9 timej so perfectly clear as te be at once apprehensible , -witbcTii explaoation by everybody so perfectly simple and comprehensive as to be fitted alike to ihe circumstances of every locality—so perfectly tfficient as that itsball give the opportunity of free , and almost instani&necos , communication of the -whole body frith its EeYeral parts , eo tfeat the whole ( Biiergiea of the whole people may be brought to bear on any given p-ant , -without hesitation or delay . A national Organ-Nation -which did not possess all these qualities -would be nssless to M ; - wfeile any i > lan of Organization , even though it bad all these qualities , if it wanted the notlEES important ooe of conformity to law , would be much worse than useless to na .

      The difficulty is to ferat a plan which shall be at once perfectly national , perfectly tfficient , perfectly simple , and jwifecUy legal . Any plan of national Orgqniz&on -which does not -exhbrace all these points of commendation is anwortby of our notice . Among tti 9 many Rood things -which O"Connell bss said , I remember one Baying of kis , that " the next best thing to being right yourself is to put your enemy completely in the -wrong . " I fully accord with this doctrine ; and hence I haYa ever been most anxious that the operations of the people should be conducted peacefully and legally . 1 know that , If their moral strength was but marshalled , and their numbers organ'zsd , tbey are invincible and irresistible . They are able thus Xo carry any measure of a -wholeaome and

      sanatory tendency , "without Yioiafcing : any of these forms and appearances cf lvtr with "which the harpies have fenced runnd the carcase of corruption , in the h-pe of feasting undisturbed thereon . There is no poTfEi in any state successfully to resist the righteous demands of a people "who are united fin purpose and opinion , and organized bo as to enable them to express their opinion , and to prosecute their pnrpose as one roan . Of this tbe factions are moat perfectly aware ; and hence their highest dread luis ever been the Organisation of the people , and their greatest care to provide against its existence . Aud hence , from the time -when the House of Commons was first scnght to be emancipated from tbe < 3 ircct controul of the Crown , and placed in its due position as an independent branch of the legislature , and as tbe

      index of the people a mind , for a period of about 250 years , an incessant struggle has been going on betfF&eD those who -would organize and those -who -would destroy the expression of the people ' s "will for goad . The lynx-eyed jealonsy of faction has -watched every movement ; and having in its own hands the power of lawronfeing , has met every organised movement with new and more tight restrictions , till it -was thought that effectual provision had been made against the possibility of any National Organ ' zition existing ,: other then snch as might accord frith tue designs and purposes of tbe dominant claaa . The . at ? 3 now in force , in reference to political societies and Nations ] Organisation , are comprised in two iBost sweeping and comprehensive statutes , the 39 Geo . 111 . chap . 79 . passed in July , 17 fl 9 , and tbe 57 Geo . I 1 L c . 19 , passed in March , 1817 ; and so well are the mc-. sbes of tbtss two insitlious and

      infamcus statutt-s spread out . tbat it vas doubtless detmed to be impossible for any NatioBal" Organization to escape them . S ? the united force of those acts , eveiy society the members of which , or any members wherecf shall , either verlally , or in wiitiuK . subecribe , or assent to , sny test or dedaisticn , not required by law , is an nala- » ful coiabiuation and confederation . See the carefulness with which villainy has drawn ; the net-strings ! Not content with prohibiting such oaths , tests , or dsclsrations as might be against the law , tbe word * not required by lave extend tfee prohibition to aV ro ' untary declarations ef westerer character ; even % declared determination , by the members of I any society , to nphold the law , might by this clause te construed as illegal ! J

      By the Acts before earned , every Socielp composed of d' jr&ent branches or divisions , acling IK AKT MANNER separately or distmcVy frvm each other } or of which any part shall have any distinct President , Secreta > y , T ' Casuter , Ddegale , or other officer , on ANT person acting as such , elected or appointed by or Jbr such part , or to ad is axt office for such part , tha \\ be deemed and hc-iden to bs an unlawful combination and confederacy . Sow , these provisions render it totally impossible for us to bava any system of purely political National Organization more tfficient than the one we had , which has proved , on trial , to be an niter failure ; - while tbe penal danses of iheae laws are such as are by no means to be trifled with ; and show us -that it would be

      utter madness to connect ourselves with any Orga izarion whereby we should be subject to them . Having declared the cases in which Societies shall be deemed *¦* unlawful combinations and confederacies , " tbt-se Acts provide : — " That any member of ony . such society and every person tcho shall , directly or indirectly , maintain correspondence or inlerccurse trith any such society , or with any division branch , commiU . ee of other select body , presides ! , treasinrer , secretary , delegate or other t / fficeT . or member iherexf as such ; or tcho shall by contribution 1 / money or otherwise , aid , abet 07 support snch society , or axy -member ihertof . as such , shall incur ¦ certain penalties . * The penalties are of two kinds . " L By summary process on information before ONE Justice of the Peace ; on conviction , s fine of twenty pounds , er three months ' imprisonment in the common gaol . 2 . BY

      INDlCT-> TE ? iT ; ON CONVICTION , TBANSP 0 RTAT 10 N FOR SETEN TEiBS . " \ This -will shew us at once tbat this business is not to be trifled with . We must cot have an Organiza tion which is not perfectly legal ; there is no nse in onr ba-riug one which is not perfectly tfficient ; and the question ia—How are we to compass both ? I still maintain tbe opinion which I have always holden , tbat it is impossible to do so otherwise thnn by taking advantage of some one or other of the forms and Dairies incidental to some one or other of the special txenipiions provided by the law itself .

      Charitable Societies and Religious . Societies of all kinds are specially exempted from the operation of the acts I have referred to ; and , as I believe the Christian religion to inculcate all the doctrines of truth and righteousness , as -well social and political as personal ; & 3 , in fact , I hold politics to be part and parcel of Christianity and inseparable then from—being mixed up with , springing out of , and sustaining all its principles and doctrines , I would be glad to see , for the first time since the age of tbe Apostles , & true Calholic and Christian church , acknowledging in all the fullness of their cemprehbnslvo import tbe precepts of tbat religion , which being hitherto talked cf , but neither -understood nor practised , has been , and is now being , made the most fearfully tfiective test that ever tyransy employed for the destruction of man ' s liberty and of all clear recognition of the principles ' of moral right .

      I hold the principles of Cnartun ) to fee Religious principles , and BYery Chartist Society to jbe consequently & Religions society ; and I wonld gladly see them so declare themselves , and leave to tbe vile herd of despots the option of openly and manifestly trampling on their own laws , or of crushing along with Chartism , Methodism in all its Tarious Bhnpes , and all the other isms of " dissent ** in all its varieties of aspect Bnt a very large portion of the English Chartists have declared against this opinion . I regret this ; I wish the people iad been prepared to take -what I think -would bs the best course ; but I am not therefore the ass to bs obstinate in my own conceitedness -of pnrpose , and seek to browbeat every body else into it I am content to have my opinions estimated by the people , and to take for

      them just aa much influence as they are thought -worthy of . Still therelore . retaining my own opinion as to the best conrse of action , I now recommend to you that which I think to be tb . e Btxt best i&nd the only one open to you ; and tbat is to organize yourselves into one immense national benefit society . ; embracing all tbe true democrats of England , Scotland , and Wale * , and Ireland in one bond of brotherhood . This may be done through the medium of aa Orsatfzat'on with a Land Fund attached , to which Land Fund each member may or may not contribute , as he may feti disposed . This will enable all to use their own jndgment on the Land scheme . It will force no one to give 3 n his adhesion to that prqjeci unless he feel so disposed . Every one be

      longing to the Organizition must pay to the general fund ; and the general fund will be for purely political and agitating purposes ; while the separate Land Fund , to -which eveiy m&n may pay or not as be pleases , -will give us & -title to enrolment under the Benefit Societies' Act ; and thus give jus the protection of the 2 sw instead of making us obnoxious to the law . We shall then escape all the fangs of the Acts of Parliament I have before adverted to . We may make ' fliat Organ Zition as tfneient as we please ; -we may have branches , districts , wards , classes , and every other sub-division that m » y be necessary , and theBe may all legally and safely correspond with each other ; ana thus may all the uses and pnrpiMes of a National Organi zition be secured to us . i

      Thus shall -we pat oar enemies "« ompletely in the *«» , & - by fencing osraelves romuS -With U » proTislons » ot merely of norai , » oeU ,. a » d religious , but of Itgal , Mfht j taking an Shew npon their own « b « wiag . 0 « ^ wdation may tk « bia d « fi » Bc « to tbe Government dlS ^ flv , mhiai ******* K ' i *** *< mrisb , in S ** 5 *» ** Po » er , ana in despite of all thel * SS « f »^ Jf ^ % apeeSia ^^ ^ extinction . « trample under foot * U forms « f u » , kkI suppress it !> y brute force . For either of these conti ^ enci ^ Ve of to ^** * ^ °° ProTiai 0 D - W a-wf bTleft comT ^ ««» iuBtance , ana dealt with when they To work , tten , fa making ont the plan . You have several already before yon 1 shall probably give you

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      another nwtt fweek . I ask no preference for mine above otnera , beyond what you may think due to it 3 merits . But I do implore yon to adopt some plan , and act on it uuiYersally . Without union , you are powerless for good ; without Organization , your union cannot be manifest ; therefore I say . Organize , Obganize , Ohganize 1 ' ¦ Xo 3 T faithful friend and servant , William Hill . Tmsday , Aug . 15 , 1813 . We have before expressed a general coincidence

      of opinion with Mr , Hill on this matter ; the only difference between us being as to the desirability of presenting Chartism in a religious aspect . In this we Certainly disagree with Mr . Hill , and agree with the people : but 83 the point is rigbtfullv fore-gone by Sir . Hill , in deference to ths unequivocal feeling of the great body of English Chartists , it 13 not worth while further to allude to it . The mention of it at all is to prevent tho possibility of our general-expression of agreement in opinion with the object and scope of the above letter being taken to refer to this point amongst the rest .

      At the close of his letter Mr . Hill intimateB the probability pfhis Bending a plan of Organization for publication this week . At thetimn of our present writiagilhaBHotoomotohand . OUR PLAN however is in type ; and shall be immediately placed before the reader . We had it ready for publication last week , had time ai > dspace permitted us to give it : time to accompany -it with tbe requisite explanation a » d commentary j and space for the whole . Here , then , the Plan is . We present it as a whole ; devised to enable us to have the advantage of legal protection , and making provision for a plain , simple , understandable , efficient Organizuion of the

      people in Classes , Branches , and Districts ; with an Annual Convention of Delegates , for legislative purposes ; andrwith a General Executive Committee for the execution of ^ ftfo gen eral plan emb- died in the Laws and Constitution of the Sooiety , and for tbo carrying out of the measures of practice determined on by the Annual Convention . For this scheme of Organization w ^ espeak earnest investigation ; desirinjj each ! one" to withhold all opinion , for or against , until he has read the whole , with the commentary that follows ; and weighed well the reasons adduced in favour of its adoption . First , then , for the plan itself : —

      CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OP THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION , ESTABLISHED FOB THB MUTUAL BENEFIT OF ITS MEMBERS . ( Enrolled under the Acts , 30 , Geo . IV . c . 56 , and 4 and 5 WiUiam IV . c-40 . J

      CHAPTER I . —BASIS . SECTION J . —OBJECTS . 1 . The objects of this Association are to effect , peaceably and by reason alone , a change for the butter in the condition of its Members , and of all classes of society , by inducing the body politie to act upon those principles of self-government , which , when applied to practice yrtth : £ te requisite Jtcovrteo ' ge , will ensure health , permanent prosperity , intelligence , union and happiness to all , -by teaching how to produce and distribute , in tbe wisest and hjosi equitable manner , the best kinds « f wealth most abundantly ; and to GOVEKN most btm-Scially , -without force or fracd , by the removal , of the causes which produce evil , and the sufebUtution of those which produce good .

      SECTION II . —HEAR * . S . These objects are to be attained by the following means : — First—By creating a new public opinion in favour of this chaugo in tbe coi . ditiun of man , through the medium of public meetings , lectures , missionaries , Discussions , petitions to Parliament , tracts , cheap publications , and the Kewspaper Press ; all these means beiijg so employed as to bring the objects of this Association prominently before tbe public , and the reasons that may be urged why the tbe principles on which tbjs society js based ought to be applied to geceral practice ; and thus induce all to jciii aa n . cicbtrfi of tbia Association , to procure for themselves the manifold Benefits that would secure from its principles being xeueraUy adopted ,

      and the objects sought for achieved . Second—By raisiog fioin time to time , by subscriptions among the members , or by voluntary contributions ; . or bequests , or loans , various stacks or funds ,, for tbb mutual assistance , maintenance , and education of the members , their wives , and children , or nominees , in infancy , advanced age , sickness , or other natural state or contingency ; &l&o funds for defraying the incidental tspensta of tbe society . Third—By applying such stocks or funds for the purchase or rental of 1-uid , whereon to employ the labour-of tbe members is the production of food and clothing , under such arrangements as shall eect-ruPLESlY to those so employed , and B £ NE > fit to all the rest .

      SECTION III . —PRINCIPLES . 3 . Tbe fundamental principles of this society are : — First—The end of a : l Government ought to be the happiness of the governed ; aad to attain this end , without injustice to any , it is necessary to subjec ^ those who have the power of making the laws to a wholesome and strict responsibility to those whose duty it is to obey them when made . Second—That this responsibility can be best enforced thTotigh the inBimnientality of a body emanating from , and immediately subject to , tbe whole people ; thus completely representing their feelings and thoir interests . Third—That this representation to be j ast , must be equal ; and to be full and complete , must include tho Suffrage of all who have arrived at the age of minority , and are liable to be called upon to

      bear aims in defence of tbe common country . Fourth—That to prevent cabal and party intrigue tgainst the interests of the rtpresented , it is necessary tbat the representatives should , annually , resign their tjost into tbe hnnris of those for whom they have acted , that they may receive the reward due to their faithfulness or negligence , either in continued confidence , or in rejection in favour of some more worthy object Fifth—Tbat the represented ought t © be protected in the exercise of their rights cf franchise , tbat their suffrage may be an expression of their own freely-formed and honest opinion , and not swayed by the power of wealth or station acting upon dependency ; and this protection can be beBt sffurded by a general adoption ef the plan of private voting , under such arrangements as shall secure the election from all chance of fraud or

      deceit Sixth—That ability , talent , moral character and general fitness , ought alone to be the teat or qualification ( and not a mere possession of property ) , necessary to entitle a citfzen to act as a representative of his felJow cjtizns ; and as no man , much less a body of men , have any light to expect services without remuneration , whenever any member of the body politic is called upon to devote his energies and talents for tbe weal of tbe people , he ou&bt to be maintained at the expence of those whom he ia serving . Seventh—That the first duty of the people is to

      employ a sufficient amount of its labour in the tilling of the soil which it may occupy , so as to produce , if it be at all possible , within itself a sufficiency of all the first neceusnriea of life : and that , after each member of the body politic has been supplied with home phoduce up to the point of temperate enjoyment , the turplua wealth , if any , is alone available as an article of legitimate commerce , to give to other people in exchange for luxuries and delicacies : the equitable standard of value in each case being tbe actual amount of labour expended upon the article , added to the cost of raw material , when measured by the same standard .

      CHAP . II . —MEMBERSHIP . ELIQIBILY , AND CARDS OP MEMBERSHIP—4 Every person shall be eligible to become amember of this Association , by entering his name on its books ; he thereby expressing his agreement With its principles and objects , and his determination t * abide by its laws . Cards denoting membership shall be given to each individual member when he joins ; and all cards shall be renewed tyery three * months . 5 . Right of rating . —Members of the society shall have the piiviltsse of speaking and veting on any business of the society relating to the geceral funds and general purposes , such as tbe election of officers , Ac ; the members psying to the Special Fund ( to be hereafter provided for ) shall alone have the decision of matters connected with that fund . No member , under any cirT cumstanceB- shall be entitled to more than one vote .

      6 . Suspension . —Tbe privilege of members shall be suspended by the non-payment of subscriptions for three months , unless satUactory reasons can be given to ths managers of the bxanoh for such non-payment : such suBpensioq beisg devoted by the withholding of the quarterly renewal card , until the arrears are paid Dp , or the managers are satisfied with the reason adduced for such non-payment . 7 . Dismissal . —Members may be dismissed from the society by ; the managers of their branch for any aggravated effcnee against tho principles or laws of tbe society-, the dismissed member may appml against such dismissal to a general meeting of the Branch , » r to the District Board , wbom decision shall b > final .

      CHAPTER III .-0 RGAN 1 ZATI 0 N . \ SEcnoK 1 . mrisiovB . 8 . Thla [ Association than consist of the members joined together in accordance with the preceding provisions , forming altogether a National association having Branches ; and shall be governed as follows , viK :- * An annual Convention , and General Executive Committee ; District Councils ; Branch Boards ; and Classes ,

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      SECTION II . — OUGAMZATION OF BRANCHES . 9 . Formation of Branches . —Persons desirous of forming a branch of this sooiety , shall forward to the general Executive Committee an application for A charter , signed by at least ten names , and in accordance with the following form j—We tbe undersianed inhabitants of in tbe county of . , having been made acquainted with tbe objects ! , principles , and laws of the "National Cnarter Association for Mutual Benefit , " and being desirous of promoting tfee objects of tbat society , and willing to abide by the rules which are now promulgated , or which may be from time to time enacted , Id accordance with the constitution , of the society , and in accordance with the laws ; protecting Benefit Societies , do Hereby request that a Charter may be granted to us to open a branch of the society ia abovementioned . ; Name of street Name fin full ) . Age . . Trade . or place of abode . On the receipt of such application , the General Executive Committee shall institute inquiries as to tbe knowledge and general fitness of ixxzh persons for promoting the general objects of the society ; and upon satisfaction aa to these pavticulais , a CHARTER authorizing the applicants to open a Branch of the National Charter Association for Mutual Benefit , shall be issued , and ' to remain a Branch of tbe Bald Association , so long as they labour to promote -its interests , and advance its objects , by a strict adherence to its laws and constitution , and a due performance of the duties of memberships For such . Charter the sum of shall be paid to tbe Gbner . il Executive Committee .

      10 . Constitution of Branches . — Bich branch shall consist of the persons to wboni a Charter has been granted , nndiof the persons enrolled under it , so long as they continue to comply with the laws of the Association : but bfglect of the laws , or nonconformity thereto , sha'l subject any branch so offending to forfeiture of its Chatter , at the discretion of the General Executive Cdinmiltee . Against such decision the branch may appeal to the Annual Conference , at its next session , whose decision shall be final . Should that decision be in accordance with the decision of tbe Executive Committee , the monies in hand , belonging such branch , shall be returned .

      11 . Duties of Branches —Each branch shall carjry into effect tbe rules as to the admission , suspension , or diclnissal of members ; tbo collection and application of funds ; the obtaining and management of places for public meetings , and for meeting * of the members and their families , for business , instruction , and entertainment ; and generally to co-operate to carry out tbe objects of the Association . 12 . Government of Branches—The Board , or Committee of Management of each branch shall consist of seven members ; namely ,: a president , secretary , treasurer , and four others who shall be appointed by tbd members of the branch .

      13 . Election , and Tenure of Office . —Three members of such Board shall resign office each quarter in rotation ; the members elected by tho feweBt votes going outsat the end of the first quarter ; and afterwards the three next longest in office . AU the members to be eligible to re-election . The nominations shall be made at least two weeks beforetho day of election ; and tho election shall take place , at a general meeting of the branch held -within sevenidayB of tbe 1 st of the respective montbi of March , June , September , and December , in each year . The persons then elected shall enter upon rffice on the 1 st day of the following month .

      14 . Duties of Branch Boards- ^ The duties of the Branch Boards shuil consist of general supervision of the business of the branch ; entering Into arrangements fortha doe possession ef a place of public meeting , -where fc ' esirnble ; ami for the due occupation of such place of meeting for lectures , discussions , discourses , meetings for members , and all other purposes not unlawful or inconsistent with the objeots of the Association . They shall also arrange for the enforcement of the rule 3 of the Association , by providing means for the due collection of tbe subscriptions of the members , either by the Branch Secretary weekly sitting at an spfjointed time and place to receiva them ; or by Visitors appointed to wait weekly upon the members .

      at their own homes to colUct them ; or by Class Leaders , whenever it is deemed expedient by the members of any branch to form themselves into classes ; and the branch boards shall generally listen to , and carry out , the suggestions and instructions of the members of the branch , when such instructions do not palpably infringe on the general laws and rules of the body . 15 . Clas $ e $ — Whenever tbe members of any branch determine tbat it migbt conduce to the welfare and advantage of the Branch to be divided into Classes , Che Branch Board have hereby the power to constitute them of as ruany members as may be determined on ,

      according to locality . Each Class , when constituted , 8 l > all choose for itself a Leader , subject to the confirmation of the Branch Bourd . The duties of the Leader will be to arrange for conversational meetings with his class , at a place of meeting most convenient ; to hold friendly discussions relative to the principles and objects of too Association ; to read the tracts , and authorized documents and reports of the general butly ; to collect the subscriptions of the members , and weekly band them over to the Branch Secretary ; and generally to infuse a spirit of kindness and forbearance amongst tbe members .

      16 . Appointment of Auditors—At the time of each election for members of the Braxch Board , two Auditors shall also be appointed , to remain in office till their successors are appointed . They shall be nominated and appointed just in l ke manner as the Branch Boardmon . Their duty shall be to loot over the accounts of tho banch as often as the . }/ please ; but never less than twice a quarter ; and , al the end of the quarter , report to the general meeting of members the condition in which they find the books at that time . They are not to confine their attention to a mere adding up of the accounts ; but satisfy themselves as to the correctness of each item , by calling for explanation and vouchers whenever there is the least doubt It will also be their duty to report immediately to the branch , whenever they discover any , the slightest defalcation ; or a departure from the strictest rules of business and ortler .

      SECTION HI . —ON ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS . 27 . Formation of Districts . —Great Britain shall be divided into districts , comprising a union of branches for district purposes , conformable to arrangements which may from time to time be made by the Annual Contention , and subject to snob , revisions by the Gonoral Executive Committee , as local or temporary circumstances may call for . Tbe sizj of the district shall be governed by the necessities of each case , regard being first bad to tbe ability of the confederated branches to maintain and employ a district lecturer .

      18 . Disirict Councils . —Each district shall begeverned by a District Council , consisting of one member from each branch , elected by tbat branch to serve for oue quarter ; and one member from each branch , as district delegate , to be elected every month . The nomination apd election of the Quarterly District Couneilmen shall take place at tbe same time , and in tbe same manner , asthe nomination and election of tbe Branch Board ; thy election of the monthly delvgate at the usual weekly meeting of the branch , after a week ' s previous nomination . 19 . Place of Meeting .- ^ -The District Board , so constituted , shall meet either iu a fixed place regularly ; or move from place to place , as shall be deemed most advantageous by the majority of branches comprising the district .

      20 . District Officers . —In addition to the District Board , ao constituted , the branches in the district shall also appoint a District Secretary and a District Treasurer . Nominations for these two officers may be made by &Dy branch , three weeks previously to the election of Branch Boards and District Councilman ; such nomination to be immediately communicated to tbe secretary ot each other branch throughout the district . The votes of each branch shall betaken for each candidate ; and those who have the majority of votes , when the declaration is made by the Branch Secretaries at the first . District Council meeting after such voting , shall be deemed to be elected . The District Secretary and Treasurer shall attend tbe Dstrict Meetings , and shall be at liberty to speak thereat , but not to vote .

      : 21 . District Auditors . —Th 3 District Council , at their firat meeting ia every quarter , shall appoint two auditors from amongst the members of the Association , not District Councilman ; and these auditors are required to perform similar duties , and are hereby invented with tbe necessary power over the accounts of the District Council , as the branch auditors have over the accounts of the branch . 22 . Duties of the District Council . —Ihe District Council shall make arrapgei ; ients for the district lecturer to lecture in each localttj of tlis district , according to their best judgment ; they shall examine as to the fitness of any lecturer in their district applying to become general lecturer for the snevety , and certify

      their opinion to the Executive Committee : they shall examine , appoint , and suspend voluntary or local leer ttirers ; see tbat their labours are suitably directed ; draw up regular plans , for local lecturing ; assist in superintending the arrangements for places of meeting in the several branches ; or mako the necessary arrangements for taking and occupying a place on behalf of the whole distriot , where it is determined to have only one place of public meeting in the district , that operations may be conoontrated . They shall also review and finally determine all matters of complaint appealed front any branch In the district ; see to the general efflciemcy of the branofaw ; and generally , eooporate * o carry oat tbeobjtcU of the society .

      ? 8 BCTIOH IV —AMMUAt CONVJBNTIOJI . S 3 . Cotutilmlioiu— 'fbLta legislative powers of tola Alssociation shaU bavested in an Annual Contention of Delegates from the several districts of the Association . The scale of representation being one delegate for every five hundred members . 24 . Mod « of Nomination and Election — Every branch In tha district shall have the power to nominate the number ot Delegates required for their district , at a meeting of the members holdea specially for that purpose between the 31 st day of January and the 7 th day of February in each year . When the nominations are made ,

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      they shall be immediately communicated to the District Secretary , bo thatj an alphabetical list of the whole nominated in the district may be made out , and sent ta each branch by the District Secretary , with the least possible delay . The election for the number wanted Bhall take place vA ft Special Meeting of the members in each branch , holden for that purpose between the 21 st and 31 st days of ! March , in eacfr year , and of which meeting a full week ' s notice shall be given . The names of the persons nominated shall be put to the vote from the list ; in the or- ' er in which they stand , by tbe President or Chairman ; and the cumber proclaimed in each case , pro and con , registered by the Branch Secretary , j A return , attested by tho signatures of the President land Secretary shall be prepared at the meeting , and transmited by the next post to the Distriot Secretary ]; who shall , from fauch returns , declare on whom the election has fallen . and communicate such declaration to the General Secretary , and

      also to tbe Secretary of each branch in the District , within three days after the day of meeting for election . Tho returns from each branch shall ba duly filed and preserved by the District , Secretary , amongst the papers of the Association . ] 25 . Annual Session . —An annual session of the Convention shall be holden on the first Monday in the third week of thelnionta of April in each year ; and etmtl continue its sittings so long as is requisite for the transaction of business to be brought before it ; and it may adjourn , from time to time , witbiu the twelve months after its first meeting .

      26 . Potcers of Convention . —The Convention shall have power to make and revise tbe laves of tbe society ; to consider upon , and report as to the progress of the principles of the society , and the efficiency 0 ! the mean 3 employed to extend a knowledge of them , and induce their enforcement ] in practice ; to consult and devise new means for addressing the public uiiud , so as to operate upon it in ; favour of tbe change in condition aont ; ht to be effected by the society , tbat want may be unknown , and plenty every where abound , with a SECU nil Y by the law for its full enjoyment ; to appoint the seat of Government ; to elecl the General Ex- cutive Committee , the Gi : ier * l Treasurtr , and the Trustees of tbe Society ; to appoint paid officers , and tix the amount of salary ; and generally to transact sueh business as may come before it .

      27 . Quat-fficalions of Delegates . —No person shall be eligible to sit as a delegate , who has not been a member of a branch at [ least six mouths , if the branch has been that time in existence ; nor shall any one be eligible who is not ; a regular subscriber to the feuds of the society , and clear on tbe books . 28- Ece-officdo Members- —Members of the General Executive Committee and the trustees of tbe society may sit and speak ] in Convention , though not elected to represent any district ; but in such case thuy shall sot vote . I 29 . Tenure of Office . —The delegates shall be elected to serve in Convention for twelve months j or until the next general election . 30 . Removal 0 / 1 Delegates . —If any delegate should bocorae so situated , by absence from the district , or

      otherwise , as noVto be in a fit position , in the estimation of the district , to continue its delegate , tbe district may declare the office vacant . 31 . Vacancies .-XOa the death , resignation , or removal by tbe district of any delesate , the president and secretary of the district for which such delegate was elected , shall certify the eame to the General Executive Committee , who shall ( forthwith issua their precept for tbe election of some other member to eupply the vacancy . 32 Poles of Officers . —No lecturer or other salaried officer , elected &a \ a delegate to Convention , by any district , shall vote on questions personally &ff ; cting themselves . j 33 . Place of Meeting . —The annual or special sessions of Convention , shall be held at Leeds , Manchester . Birmingham , Westminster , Edinburgh , Glasgow , or such other place as the enrolment of these laws may

      authorise , and as may be determined on by the annual Convention , or fey thtjGeneral Executive Committee . Section v . —general executive committee . 34 . Appointment—The General Executive power shall be vested , in a Central Cc-masittee of Directors , to be chosen annually by Convention , from liats of nominations from the different branches of the Association , made at special meetings for tbe purpose , in the

      35 . Officers . —The Central Committee shall consist of a president , treasurer , general secretary , and two other member ? . Three persons shall also be annually appointed or confirmed by the Convention as tbe trustees of the Society , who shall be ex-efficio members of the Board . Two competent persons shall also be appointed annually by Convention , at ; General Auditors . 36 . Qualification—Every member of the General Executive Committee , shall be % regular subscriber to the funds of tbe Sooiety . 37 . Powers and Duties—The General Executive Committee shall direct and control the general proceedings of tbe Society , for and in the name of the Society ; they

      shall see that the . laws are obeyed , and that the various orders of the Convention arc carried into effect ; they shall receive all applications for Charters , and grant them where expedient !; they shall appoint general mission , ariea , and lecturers , when applied to by the district councils , and certified of thoij ? fltnoss . They shall publish snch tracts and other works as they may consider calculated to promote the ol jects of the society 4 they shall summon the annual or spocial sessions of Convention as providedfby the laws ; and generally they shall take the most efficient means in their power to promote the dissemination of the principles , and their application to practice .

      CHAPTER IV .-SPECIAL AND GENERAL DUTIES OF OFFICERS . SECTION I . — PRESIDEKTS 38 . Duties . —The President of the ssciety shall take the chair during Ihe sittings of the Convention ¦ and he shall preside at the meetings of tha General Executive Committee at which he may be present . The Presidents shall only have a- casting vote . The President cf , the society shall be the active superintending officer of the boc ety . The Presidents of the district councils kh&U preside at the meetings of such councils , The Presidents of each Branch Board shall preside at tbe meetings of the branch or of the board at which he is ptesent Eich chairman shall superintend the business of tbe Branch or Board ; of which he is chairman , and regularly authenticate the minutes , as entered and confirmed in the minute book .

      3 S . Casual Cliairman . —ll at the hour at which tbe business of any meeting should commence tbe chairman should be absent ! the dhectors , managers , or members present at such meeting respectively shall elect a chairmau for the occasion .

      SECTION II—8 ECKETAKIES . 40 . General Duties—Tha secretary of each board , council , or committee , Bhall perform the following duties : ( 1 . ) He shall attend at all meetings of the board , council , or committee , of which he is secretary . ( 2 . ) He shall record correctly the names of the members therej present , and keep the minutes of the proceedings in a book provided for tint purposs ( 3 . ) He shall keep all the accounts , documents , ami papers offtha board , council . o » committee , in

      such forraj , manner , and place , ami for snch use , as the laws require , or board may appoint . ( 4 . ) He shall also receive , in the flr&t place , all monies payable to the board , council , or committee , of which J ? e is secretary , and pay nver the same ( to the treasurer , after defraying such expences as may be directed . ( 5 . ) He shall , j under the directions of the . board , council , cr committee , conduct its correspoadenos , anil transact all business committed to him by the laws

      41 . Resignation of General Secretary—It the general 83 cretary should wish to resign , he shall gi ? e the General Executive Committee three months' notice , or pay a sam equal to the three months * salary . If his services should be dispensed with , tbe like notice shall be given , or the like amount of money be paid . 42 Dismissal—Should any secretary neglect his duty , or conduct himself in a manner likely to be injurious to the interests ] of the society , the board , council , or committee for which he cf& Antes may remove him from his situation , and supply the vacancy , until another secretary fee duly appointed .

      SEC j TION III . — TREA 6 UBERS . 43 . Duties- —The treasurer of each board , council , or oommitue , shall have the charge of all subscriptions and other monies paid to the secretary ; and he shall pay all monies authorised by tbe resolutions of the board , council , or comtuittee , on an order signed by not lesrkhan two of its members ; and his books shall be a check on the secretary ot the | oard , council , or committee . A'duplicate , or abstract thereof , kept by the secretary , and authenticated byj the treasurer , shall be laid before each council or committee meeting . He shall balance his accounts quarterly , aud supply tho secretary with an abstract thereof }; and shall , if required , attend the meetings of the board , council , or committee . He shall also pay over tbe various funds as provided under the heads of " Funds" and " Returns . "

      SECTION IY TRUSTEES . 44 . Duties . —The trustees of the sooiety for the time being , may , by [ the direction of the General Executive Committee , purchase land , buildings , implements , and other things which may be required for the purposes of the society . They may also buy , sell out , or transfer stock when and [ as directed by the General Executive Committee . The trustees shall , when required , execute a declaration of trust of all the stock , funds , or property standing and . 'being ia their name * belonging to the society . { 4 ft . Ntgleet . —il any trustee of the fodety , at any ttm « for a period or fourteen days , neglect any of the duties required of him , ] the directors may » uspe » dauch trustee , and appoint another ia bis place . SECTION V AUDITORS

      46 . Powers—| Every auditor shall have access , at any time , for the pnrpose of inspection , to all the . books , papers , deeds , and documents whatsoever , necessary to the due performance of his dutiia . Any general auditor , in the execution of his duties , may call for the j . roiiuotion o £ the books » ad papers of any branch or district !

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      47 . Duties of General Auditors—Tbe general accounts of the society shall be audited at least quarterly , by the auditors of the accounts of the General Executive

      Committee-SECTION VI—RESPONSIBILITY OP OPFICEHS . 48 . Limitation . —No trustee , treasurer , or other officer of the society , shall be liable to mate good any deficiency which may arise in the fandsof the society , unless such person ' s shall have respectively declared by writing under their hands , deposited and registered in like manner with the laws of tbe society , that they are willing so to be ass werable ; and every such efflcer , or the whole of them collectively , may limit such responsibility to the sum specified in such instrument or writing . But every such officer shall be personally responsible for all monies or other effects actually received by him on account of . ot to a&d foe the use of the society . ( 10 Geo IV . c . 56 . & 22 )

      49 . Priority of Claims—Any monies or effects belonging to the Bociety , er any deeds or securities relating to the same a . id coming into the possession of any officer ef the society , may be recovered before any other debts are paid or satisfied , on tbe death or bankruptcy , Sic , of such officer ( 4 and 5 WilL IT . c . 40 , s . 12 ) .

      SECTION . VII . —OFFICES . 50 . Vacancies—Every vacancy in any office , noleas otherwise provided for , shall ba filled up by the body in whom is vested the original appointment . But in the meantime the vacancy may be filled up by the other members of the committee or board until tbe general body shall appoint . 51 . Re-eligibility—Oa the termination of the tenure of any office , the retiring member may be re-elected .

      CHAPTER V .-BUSINE 3 S . SECTION I . —MEETINGS . 52 . General Executive Committee Meetings . —The Cteneral Executive Committee shall meet weekly , or oftener if necessary , at such time as they shall appoint , at the general office of the Society in t > uch place as the enrolment of these laws may -authorise , and as the Convention may determine . 53 . District Council Meetings . ' -Each District Council shall meet monthly , or oftener if necesaary , at such place as they shall appoint . 54 . Branch Board Meetings . — -The Board of each branch shall meet weekly , or of tener if necessary , at such time as they shall appoint

      5 ft . General Meetings . —Every branch shall hold meetings aa often as expedient for the purpose of conversation , heating lectures or discussions , or otherwise extending the general principles , and promoting good feeling , intelligence , and morality . Meetings for business shall be constituted of those who hold cards of membership for flie current quarter . None else shall be allowed to take part hi them , or vote either for the election of delegate to Convention , Distriot Council , or Branch Board ; or any matter affecting the Association . 56 . Notices . —No business , except of ffee most urgent nature , to be determined by the meeting , shall be considered at a general meeting , without at least seven days' notice ; and at quarterly meetings no business shall be transacted implying expense or other responsibility t \> absent members , unless at least ten days ' notice thereof has been given . Such notices shall be made to the Secretary in writing , and hung np in the meeting room of tbe branch .

      5 f . Adjourned Meetings—Meetings held according to adjournment Bhall be devoted exclusively to the business for which the meeting was adjourned .

      SECTION . II ELECTIONS . 58 . roles . —At elections of officers , and delegates to Convention , the votes shall be taken by a show of hands , unless a ballot be demanded ; and when a ballot is demanded , the votes shall ba taken by the use of voting papers , where more than one person is to be elected ; or by the use of balls where that is more convenient . 59 . Scrutineers—Two members shall be appointed as scrutineers , to receive the votes , and report the result 60 . Time—An heur shall be fixed , after which no vote shall bo received ; and every election shall be finished by the meeting then assembled , and without adjournment

      SECTION III . —QUORUMS . 61 . Quorum of Boards . —Three of the members shall be a quorum of each Board ; but such quorum shall be unanimous in all its resolutions , unless there be present a majority of tbe members of the Board .

      SECTION IY . —CORRESPONDENCE . 62 . By Secretaries . —All official correspondence shall be conducted through and by tbe agency of the several secretaries ; and no Letter or document shall be considered genuine , unless expressed assigned by order and on behalf of the body by whom It Is authorized .

      CHAPTER VI . —DISSEMINATION OF THB PRINCIPLES . 63 . Lecturers . —The public promulgation of the principles and objects of the society shall be more particularly confided to salaried lecturers and district missionaries . The amount of salary shall be determined by each district 64 . Examination— No individual shall be appointed to the office of lecturer or district missionary , unless he Is a member ot tbe society , and until he has been examined as to his qualification by the District Council . He sha 1 produce testimonials of good character . He shall answer general questions ; and he shall satisfy the examiners that he possesses the requisite oraterial powers for lecturing and debating ; and the District Council shall certify as to his fitness to the General Executive Committee , who shall then make the appointment .

      65 Certificate . —Each lecturer a d district missionary shall , upon bis appointment , receive a certificate ot such appointment from the General Executive Committee ; and upon any such lecturer or missionary resigning his situation , or beiag dismissed therefrom , ha shall deliver back such certificate : sach appointment , withdrawal , or dismissal , to be published in the organ of tb e socieiy , signed by the officers who usually sign i . 'fficial documents . No one bat those bearing such certificate , or appointed by the District Council as a local lecturer , shall be allowed to lecture in any branch , or be recognized as lecturers of the society .

      66 . Dismissal , — . Any lecturer oir distriot missionary shall be deprived 0 / bis office for neglect of duty , or sach discharge of it as would injure the cauee which he ¦ was appointed to promote ; or on account of mental at moral incapacity . Such dismissal to be by the General Executive Committee on application from a District Council or Branch Board , and satisfaction given that the case calls for such an exercise of power .. 67 . Local Lecturers . —tbe District CoinCil may appoint , after examination , parties to the station ot local lecturers , who , along with tbe district lecturer , shall be under the controul of the District Council .

      CHAPTER VII .-FUNDS . SECTION I . —GENERAL EXPENCES . 68 General Fund—A . fund for defraying the general expences of the Society , snch as salaries of General Secretary , and other general officers , salaries of lecturers or missionaries , rents of Halls , or places of public meetings , &e ., &c ., shall be raised as follows : — First—By each member paying two-pence for his curd of membership when be first enrols his name on the Society ' s books ; and one penny every time it is renewed , which shall be every three months . Second—By each member contributing weekly to such fund tbe sum of one penny , either direct to the branch secretary , or through the class-leader , or weekly visitor , as may be determined on by tha branch itself . Third—By donations and contributions from friends :

      and by collections at tbe general meeting for Jec' tares , discussions , conversations , or entertainments . 69 . Appropriation of General Fund—Ihe snms ot money received by each Branch Secretary for cards of membership shall be monthly remitted to the General Secretary for the use of the Generat Executive Committee . The General Executive Committee shall also be entitled to , and receive , o ? ie fourth of tbe member ' s weekly subscriptions , which shall be retnitt&i monthly to the General Secretary , by the Branch Secretary . The other th > ee-foutth 3 of the penny weekly subscription , aloog with the donations , contributions and collections , shall ba lodged with tbe Branch Treasurer , to ba used by tha Branch Boards for local expences , and for the satisfying of the levies of the D . strict Council for missionary ami lecturing purposes ; which levies shall always be at tha rate of a certain sum par member throughout the district ; and when laid , shall be paid by the Branch Treasurer , to the District Treasurer , or to his order .

      SECTION II—SPECIAL FUND FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF TUE MEMBERS ON THE LAND . 70—Land Fund—A . fund for the purchase or rental of land , and for tie erection of suitable buildings , shall be raised by subscription , at the rate of sixpence ( or threepence ) per week from such members as may be able and willing-to contribute to such fu ; . d . 71 . Fines . —Every contributor to the land fund neglecting to pay the weekly contributiens to that fnnd shall ba fiued for such neglect at the following rates : — For one month , one halfpenny ; „ two months , one penny ; „ three months , fourpence ; ,, four months , eightpenee ; „ five months , one shilling ; „ six months , one and sixpence ; and „ each subsequent month , one shilling .

      And any contributor continuing such neglect until the fines incurred thereby are equal to the amount of all the monies actually paid by him to the land fond , such contributor shall thereupon be dismissed , and such monies shall be applied in discharge of ( Define ? so incurred . Bat tbe directors cr local managers may remit any of tit * said fines upon satisfactory > yW « rt « being glvta them of slckuM or othtr « iMci « t occasion for raeh neglect 7 a . ApptvprUUim * f FUm . —An •¦¦» arising from the payment of fines under tb « i above rol » Bhall form part of the land fond . 73 . Check Card . —Every membtr shall be provided with a check cord , on which alt contributions to tb » land fund shall be entered at the time of bis paying tbe same , and tnis card shall bs a sufficient voucher lor all sums so paid , until they reach the sum of one pouai , when a certificate , or scrip , shall bo given him , agree * able to the following form : — f Continued »» our seventh vage . J

      Untitled Article

      Z THE NORTHERN : STAR , | «^~

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 26, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct496/page/6/