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Northern Star (1837-1852), 16th January 1841, Edition 3 of 3, Page 2, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      WHITBT . CHABT 1 ST REPORT . No . 2 . '' The magic ia politic * ' u to be in the right " "Though my report must necessarily be a local one , I flatt say it will contain particulars observable in every place where Chartism exists ; otherwise it would ¦ archly be worthy the notice » f the readers of the Wot , rm Star . Itii Tories , here , hare offered " no opposition to the ¦ tose farther than by repeating those prejudices -which malignity generates , and ignorance adopts . - Rightly onsiJerine that their interests are identified with

      flt"s : a'g abuse * , theirmotto is " D n your principles , Tntcl your intereste , "—• which reminds me of the esclicition of a Blare-driver to a Methodist negro , "B- n your soul , mind yonr tobacco . " Each one prefer ; himself to his country , and , " like maggots , they feed on the corruptions which they cause . Minds onc-. rrred in self are always lifctle-snd illiberal—they Canr , : comprehend a principle , and they dread it as a prodigy . A giant , though he came as a liberator , wmili be Tiewed with terror by a dwarf . The lillh . urlans tethered GuUivtr to " the earth , and Bbot fibeir r uny arrows at him .

      Mta naturally prone to evil , easily believe evil of OtLtis- The insidious and invidious misrepresentations Kid eiiumnies which were circulated with an industry SBd pertinacity proportioned to their malignity and Injusuce , found ready credence in credulous ears , -who » i £ hs i them to be true , and , therefore , adopted them m rueii , without examination , and in spite of remonftrai . es . Truth foDnd it almost impossible to dislodge the impostures which had gained prepossession of -dlsinrcauous minds , and it will be long before even QuiiL-rj will submit to own themselves deceived—Will il-uit the real Simon Pore . Falsehood got tk « Mar :, ; md , at her instigation , trnth , . wLen it came , was based as false—doubted as a liar and a ruffian . A

      atpersc . al , a bribed , and a time serving p .-6 S 3 was XUainly instrumental in playing off this uectption upon ft tcnz-Mng pnfclic . Its lies looked the more like fcntL \ because they were told of the poor , whom it hw long been the fashion to despise and yet dread , t * dw-Ue because they are poor , and to draad lest they sfcouM rise from under the feet of the rich , and confront iVem man to man . Oppression fears to lose its power , which it regards as its privilege ; it scruples not icy derive its right t « do wrong from God himself . But w , aid it not be better that the poor should lose their Tiin , though the rich lost the pleasure of iiin ^ cting It ? Jittterfor both , inasmuch as more real pleasure may be d . rived from the contemplation of happiness than of misery , if only pride would think so .

      Th < - rxb being predisposed to believe the poor i ^ no-T » t in-i corrupt , and having good reason to believe it , ae they have always striven to make or to-keep them so , aTjd not without general effect , it follows , as a Batural consequence , that tkey should be ready to impute all manner of evil to them . The Chartist outbreak , which a Machievelian Government cunningly erciud by exasperating the Ions-suffering people beyond the powers of endurance—those vengeful outrages vert greedily exaggerated and joyfully repeated , as confiraa ' -i-ins of the ill designs which the working classes Were charged with entertaining . » See , " says Lord John , in one House , " these fellows " want to burn and plunder all before them . " " I never , " says the Dak * ., in the other— " I never saw nor " heard snch

      horrors as those perpetrated in Birmingham . " Now , before we concur in these strong stigmas of the hunting Duk-i and the shooting Lord , let us recollect that Government had refnsed to redress the grievances which ft ha 4 caused—had insulted the petitioners , and impristufi their friends—had sent puiicexnsn to maltreat tbe people when peaceably met ; and , while -taking « Cfciient care of the R : yal horses , which have little £ se ' . ¦> ¦ lo . but eat their cjrn , had refused to feed ^ clothe , bon » e , or" educate the poor ; nay , more , were preventing ? he-uiaelT * from doing it . Let us take all these Shines into our calm consideration , and we must candidly avow that it is unfair to blsme the common peopl * for acts which , as the Government forced them cm , it ought to bear the blame , and to be punished for

      Tne wolves blamed the poor sheep for disturbing Bie pe&ce , for they wanted a pretenee to " devour them , stod could not find occasion withont making oriS . A paternal Government -would rejoice at the spread cf Intelligence among the people ; but cur Government dreads it , and discourages it by evtry means in its 1 power—that power wnich is given for good , it exercises j to erd . Like an infernal machine , Government shoots . ail kinds of missiles , pell-mell , among the people , ' wounding hearts and minds as well as books . If the peopie had resented their injuries more spiritedly , ! would ha

      probably they ve found more sympathy ,- bnt , tie spirits of the people have been broken , and are j partiy perverted by long oppression and misrule . The ! rich sympathise only with the rich , and their sympathy ! is antipathy against the poor . Bat a good cause rests ; wpon i : s own merits , and patiently waits for time to do i 2 t justice ; and we may yet hope that , when peracu- ; Con ig tired of its vain efforts , and disgusted with ! Itself , candour will step etxt and invite the victim * iato ! fts hunae and heart . In the meanwhile , they must sit like mercy at the gate . ] For working men < a class without caste ) to ' have - — — — h . — v j v - ^ ^ k ^^^ B -1

      ^^ ^ opinions—nsy more , to assert them publicly , and fa >; vindicate them in spite of privileged opposition , was a taring of the tables which seemed to rsb rank of its J pretensions . Superiority was obliged to bow ity crest \ bo system-made inferiority , and the rich were compelled to own the poor their equals by nature , tbeir superiors- i in moral worth . All their factitious advantage * , j -surreptitiously acquired , seemed to fall £ r » m them , au 4 i to lie at tie feet of the nobles of nature . The working j classes proved the falsity of the charge of ignorant * , and corruption as applied to them , and its troth , when j applied to those who were not Chartists , more especially i those who are called Conservative , or Whig-operatives , j Idd their patrons , in the higher and middle classes . The Chartists are no longer awed or doped by wealtn ¦ ad title—they feel themselves possessed of something j better than both , for Chartism enlarges ., enriches , and :

      emboldens the mind , more than wealih contracts , or ' title weakens it Truth and justice are indeed power- j fnl , for they enable the weak to confound the mighty , j But what has all this to do with this district ? Alas ! > nothing . The working men , hereabouts , have not yet ' convinced the gentry that they are mistaken ia calling them ignorant and corrupt ; on the contrary , there is too ranch reason to confess that the gentry have formod % right judgment of them . TTfcitby is a centory behind other places . " Ich Dien" is the motto of the woiking classes— " I » erve , " both in mind and body . Accordingly , they are regarded as incapable of thinking wisely ¦ D& of acting justly—of thinking for themselves , jnuch leas for others ; in short , they are told , that it is i . -. ne at their basuiess to trouble their icinds with aught but ¦ what their bodies have to do at the bidding of their Bisters . They are forbid to think for themselves , or to act for themselves . Like their own tools , they-are ¦ ueful to others , useless to themselves , and ; when done with , they we laid up in the workhouse .

      Suppose that any friend of humanity—any lover of Ida country , tell the -willing slaves thu it is not for the tumour of human nature , nor for the good ef their n » bier brethren , that they ihould submit and involve tbemselves , their wives , and children in degradation god misery , and , through them , their country , and even mnkind , can they , demor-iised and brut&lLsed as they have been , understand all this ; and , until they underat&nd it , will they possess the inclination and the energy to struggle for freedom—for better days for their children , at least ? Will they not be more governed by £ ear of their masters , than by hope for themselves fwill they not be likely to regard the frifcadwh * abiws

      them what they are , and what they ought to . be , with j dislike , and expect him to do that for them which j their own exertions can alone accomplish ? . If they j ihould happen to make a trial , and not meet with ; immediate success , will they not be apt to sink j at once into despair ? or , like a dog , savagely j fight on behalf of the masters that ill-use them , ! against the liberator th . it would fain see them j Bike men of themselves . ' Alas ! at the least disap- < pointmest , discouragement , or opposition ^ the dog i returns to hia vomit , and the sow to her wallowing in the j mire . There is something to be done—something new ,, -and indolence combines with cowardice , in keeping jnen in the old worn tract of slavery .

      " How use breeds habit in a man . " . Men , bom in slavery and bred up slaves , are , indeed , unfit for freedom . It must be gained , not given . But , like the carry , slavery prostrates all the mental as ' well as bodily energies . It make * ft man careless what becomes f himself—he knowi not how to act about gaining his freedom , and is often like Caliban , incapable of learning Must education then precede the Suffrage f If it nnst , ~ the franchise will be put off tine die . State education , would teach slavery . The Suffrage must be given at * premium to edaatioa ; it will # et men a-teacbing wt thsmselve * , and those who are self-taught are , the best taught In the meantime , they would naturally b * guided by tbote who take the lead among themselves . Men wo * ld respect themselves when recognised by the state , and feel * pride in doing the duty which Bagiand expect * ererj mao to da Now they are averted by the stale , and not allowed to attend to it , « r to themjelve * .

      Ok , that all working men would stand up for their nrn order , aad reject th « mselve «; then they tronld do 9 » od fox themielve * aid be respected even by their nirr * fT Those who do not join Chartirt and Teetotal ' i ^ nrfaBn— , al » oi * telY incfc—o the labour , ud the privations , and soffezinfi of their brethren , wfaem they Mfbt to lease * them by partidp * ti « B . Bat what shall WS sty of thoM who ftctully join the eneimy , and an atmitors to themselves and . their brethren * Is * ot the ameay composed of both the higher and middle clinwi , Bbaost to a man;—and have they not Government , with all the wealth and power of the nation , at their beck ?—Ami shall they boast of allies fnm among the peopie ? Jf « mar -well exclaim—Were they not found with those who should be

      ours , W « might h * T 8 met them d&reful , beard to beard . A » d bea * ti . em baclrward home . " It is gderoa * to find friends in the earn ? of an enemj _ to fl" ^ brsihren opposed to their own cause . Scarcelj leas grievouj is is to be impeded or encumbered by relacteat friwids , who must be dragged along the difficult path of freedom , who Tut ^ g back , or fall apathetic , and

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      need something to arouse them , like travellers in tropic cliraes that drop asleep with cold , and would die , were they not lashed awake . Let the sluggish gird Tip tbeir loins "to do , or die , '' and those who hare-unfortunately been allured into the ranks of the toe , exclaim , with Ciarence , against their seducer , be he Tory or Whig , — " I am so sorry for my trespass made , That , to deserve well at my brethren ' s hands , I here proclaim myself thy mortal foe ; With resolution , whercsoe ' er I meat thee , To plague thee for thy foul misleading me . "

      It is not too late , though at the eleventh hour , to enter the fltld and share equally with those who hive worked from the beginning , through good report and bad report , in f&ir weather or foaL The Temple of Soleman waa built with noiseless speed , and so might our temple ef liberty , If Britans were unanimous . And , then , what satisfaction to say , we hid a hand in it—that we never said a word nor struck a stroke against it ; but said many a good word , and struck many a good stroke , for it . We should blush to share in the benefits which we did nothing in procuring . The f » e is powerful enough of himself—shall he be assisted by our brethren ? Every help is needed to overcome him—let there be no dissension among us .

      > o great object can be « arried without 5 concentration of effort , and singleness of purpose . Some would counsel an enterprise against the Corn Laws ; but what would this be ; but to waste time and strength npon a petty fort , scarcely worth the taking , and all the while leave the great citadel of corruption , which alone is worthy a nation's attack ? Carry that , and all the lesser strongholds weald surrender of themselves . But this cannot be done ¦ without enthusiasm . Let us resolve to hoist the banner of Universal Suffrage in the Tower of London ; to resolve is to succeed . But no resolving and re-resolvins to do the same .

      " Let what is meet be said it must be meet " In some places , wherever two or three men are gathered , their talk is of the Charter ; these are the men to do good . But here , their talk is of freights or prices . The shortest way to fortune is generally the foulest ; bnt it is preferred , because- wealth , no matter how acquired , or what the possessor , brings respect Money-getting is the all-engrossing pursuit Such men may be well content vrith a Government that discourages patriotism , and would make England , what Bonaparte called it in derision—a nation of shopkeepers . They fullow business as Atalana did the golden ball

      which was thrown across her path to divert her from a nobler pursuit . Bat while they think they are pursuing their own interests , they are but pursuing the interests of Government , which uses them like a pack of hounds , to hunt down game , but not for themselves ; they are allowed none of it , or at least , but the very offiL Government , by taxes and impositions , procures the best part of all their labours and profits , for itself to lavish on luxuries forbidden to the people . The Charter would open their eyes to see these things , but they are wilfully biind and have

      "Ears more deaf than adders , To the voice of any true decision . " They are so afnid of change , that they dare not change for the better . It is this timid and mean spirit that makes them oppose good by every evil in their power ; and yet , in private life , many of them are exemplary . Strange , that in public matters so much meanness should be exhibited . Party spirit , like a spring tide in a muddy harbour ,. " rolls up a ridge of all things base . " We must prove all things , bat hold fast that which ia good , and

      sing" The mind I sway by , and the heart I bear , Shall ntver sagg with doubt , nor shake with fear . ' J . W

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      CHARTIST CHURCHES IX SCOTLAND . A meeting of Delegates from most of the Chartist Churches in the west of Scotland , took place on Jan . 1 , in the Chartist Christian Church , Great Hamiltonstreet , Glasgow , Mr . M'Cullen in the chair . The meeting b # ing opened with prayer , and the necessary preliminaries gone through , it was agreed that each delegate give in a report of the condition and prospects of the church in their respective districts . . Each then gave a full statement of the feeling and ceadition of the people , regarding the church in their several localities , wlr ' ch , upon the whole , was very eaeering . Several stated that the only obstacle in the way , was the -want of th * necessary supply of preachers .

      The Delegate from Linlithgow said , that » spirit of persecution bad arisen there amongst the clergy , who do not appear to relish the preaching of tb « - gospel on Chartist principles . One young man , connected- with & di&aeating congregation , has been called to account for having preached to the Chartists there , and wa » likely to be expelled the congregation . Mr . Walkeb , the secretary , said that he kad prepared a plan which he would safcmit to their consideration . The plan , he said , referred chiefly to tke monetary affairs of the church . Mr . Walker theo wad his plan , which appeared to meet with general approbation .

      The Delegate from Camp «» said they ( tha-people ol Campee / did not preach- the Chartist doctrines-, bnt bible truths ; they took the bible for their rule , which goes further than the Charter , consequently they embrace the Charter . He was ol opinion , that unless a plan like that brought forward by Mr . Walker , was adopted , the cause would go down in every plaoe ; he was quite satisfied such would b * the case in Cftmpsie . Mr . M'Caui-, of KUb&rch&n , said he was act prepared to eater int * any plan . What he wished ta impress upon the meeting wa » the necessity of ; establishing a school in eve » y locality , with a viaw to tha educating ef the yoang , and the glory of Gad . He iMr . M'C . ) was differently situated from tome af them ,-he was in a- fixed pla « a ; he toaght throughithe week and preached on the Sabbath .

      Mr . DcztCAS , of Alkin , In the course of hiaramarks , stated that such was the Bpirit al persecutioniin Allan , that when a meeting ot any kiad took place , two rural poliee were placed at the door to mark who- went in , and that tkough they might T&i&e money to baild a hall , with the Bxception of one proprietor who is in their committee , not a mai in the town of Allaai would sell ground t » them-The PfiLEGATB from the Vale of Levoa * said they were willing to give a fixed sum if they coald find one to suit them . The- Sechetart said , Mr . Thomson « f Johnston , had suited whether any one present could , . state whether there-was any probability of the railwaj company running the mail on Sasday . He ( the Seceetary ) wished to Qod they would , as in that case , the ; would be abl » to go to many places at a distance , in the morning , and return in the evening .

      Mr . HxLi . not 3 E , of Greenock , said he could UA \ something about that The monks in Greenock bad resolved that there should be no ruaaing on railways on the Sabbath ; still these wortbi » s could Bee dwnb animals driven to dea > h , yet could not bear to see a mail train on a railway . He said , they had another chance occasionally at Greenock ; that was the tug boats . These monks had come to the determination to deprive them of that also ; bat be hoped they would be defeated . He said they had got a man of their own to pieach , whom they were ready to lend to any other

      place , now and then ; and , also , to help any of their brethren , in money matters , who might not be able to support a man of their own . This was received with general acclamation . He , Mr . H ., was satisfied the cause was in a prosperous way , and would continue so , while they stood by the Charter ( the people of Greenock were determined to stand by it ); bat if ever they turned their back upon tie Charter , he would turn his back upon them , and fall back npon the old humbugging system , where he would find plenty of nonsense without giving himself any personal trouble in the matter .

      A discussion then took place about the rate of wages to be paid the preachers for the last time ; when it was agreed to pay all travelling expe ^ ces , and a fair rate for any time they might be off their work ; and that tbe parties who may require them at a distance snpply them with board and bed while there . Moved by Mr . M'Gregor , of PoUoekabaws , — " That the whole churches in connection be requested to give a day ' s collection on the first Sabbath ol February . " Agreed to unanimously . This sum to be paid into the hands of a committee , at Glasgow , to assist in raising a fund to enable the committee to send men to places who may have none . Moved by Mr . M'CBJii ., — " That we petition the various Dissenting synods , not in the same vnj as we did last year , but by a Bhort petition , praying to be hesrd at their bar , in support of oar principles . " This , he said , would do a great deal of good , as it would put those men to the test He , Mr . M'Crae , had recommended this course to the Central

      Committee last year ; and he knew it hat a very senons effect of taking away from some of those ministers a great portion of their congregations . Agreed to onanimously . It was then agreed that a committee be appointed to carry this into effect The following committee were then appointed : — Cbablbs Mb . Ewjsk , A . Bvxan , Mr . M'Cbba , Mr . M'Fab . lakh .

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      CHELTXNBA 2 S . —Public MBETiffO . —Th « capacious room of the Mechanics' Institution , was filled at aa early hov , on the eveaing of Tuesday , Jan . ith , with persons wishing to evlaoa their respect for the Welch captives , aid aaxious to assist in their liberation . Mr . Hollis was called to the chair . He opened the bvdsea with aa appropriate speech . l £ x . W . Meliov , in moving the first resolution , said , I trust tbe many responsive hearts we see around u this day—that the many persons I see before meare sot come here merely to hear what this or that

      speaker has to say , but I hope they are come to assist us in the glorious cause we have taken in hand—the cause of out expatriated friends . This is a cause that is worthy the support of all lovers of truth , justice , and philanthropy .- it is a cause to produce an effectthe effect of restoring the husband to the wife , the father to ids children , and to society some of its beat friends . It has been been said by a Cabinet Minister , that these men deserve to be hanged and quartered , to have the effect ot deterring others from doing the like—from endeavouring to do good to their fellow-

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      men . If we look into the character of our friend , Frost , we see a good son , a good husband , and a good father . If we further investigate his private character , we shall find in him an excellent magistrate , a worthy citizen , and a friend . to the poor . He knew he had nothing to gain by joining the people , but all to lose ; we know he was situated in life in such a manner as would command happiness , and respect for himself and family . We see , in hi * correspondence with Lord John Russell , that he would rather grre up the honourable post as magistrate , than give np the canse of the people ; and we know , from the time he had the honesty to do that , the anare waa laid for himhe becams the victim—time , I think , will tell tales . It was the traeient custom , when royal marriages and

      royal births took place , that moral and political offenders should participate by being allowed their freedom ; we hare had both , bnt yet no such tidings have reached the gloomy cell , nor the convicts' ear . The persecution and atrocities of the Whigs towards these men , and others of our rri « nds , are without parallel . Look at the shortness of the notice of trial , and the other impediments in the way of these men having fair play . Recollect the time that was allowed Bolam , because the prejudices of the people were against him . Look at Bowen ' s case , in our own County Gaol , and contrast these and others with that of our much respected friends ; and lost of all , when you find that

      two out of the three Judges , appointed on the Commission , were of opinion that they had not been convicted according to law—that they had not had a fair trial , you will , I am sure , do your duty ; and , not content with doing your own duty , you will prevail on your friends to join with us in our declaration to the Government , . never to cease agitation till those men are restored to their wives and families . ( Hear , hear . ) I believe if the working men will but unite peaceably , and morally , bnt determinedly , and demand the restoration of these men , that no government , be they Tory or be they Whig , dare to refuse their prayers . Mr . M . then moved the following resolution : —

      " It is the opiaion of this meeting , that John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones , have been sentenced as convicts to our p » nal settlements contrary to law ; and as a fact , in opposition to the opinion of the major part of the Commission appointed to try them , and contrary to the decision of the whole of the Judges of the Court of Queen's Bench , with the exception of Lord Denman , and that therefore they command our sympathy and our united exertion in their behalf . " Mr . Walters seconded it It was put by the Chairman and carried unanimously .

      Mr . Walters said , I come forward with pleasure , to second the resolution , having known Mr . Frost , being privy to his worth , as a useful and talented member of society , and a true patriot He has always in my hearing , advocated " Peace , Law , and Order ;" bat did not Lord John Russell and tbe Whig fraternity give encouragement to violent language and rash conduct to get the Reform Bill passed ? and now , shame upon them , they turn round , prosecute , persecute , and torture the very men who raised them into power and authority .

      Mr . Hughes , a Welshman , moved the second resolution , ssconded by Mr . Collins . The little Welshman , in a very energetic and'forcible speech , called forth the plaudits of the assembly throughout his harrangu ' e . — In the course of his observations , he said : —We , Welshmen , feel for one another ; we feel for these persecuted and patriotic men ; we feel for them as brothers , as fathers , and as husbands ; and I feel it my duty to come forward on the present occasion , as an inhabitant of , this town , to assist you in the laudaWo undertaking of restoring my countrymen to their h « mes and their families Why were they sent across the ocean 8 Because they were of the ranks of the people—advocating the people's cause . Frost had for years past proved himself the poor man's friend—the protector

      and defender of bis poor neighbours ; and at a proof of his popularity , it is only necessary to refer you to his elevation as a magistrate , and tha situation hs held with so much credit to himself , as Mayor of Kewport After some vther lengthy remarks in defesce of the captives , be exclaimed—Working men r fl suppose there are bohm strangers present ) if you are determined to be slaves , we have willed it , and are wsolved to be free ! Will yon still crawl about with your manacles rattling in yonr ears—will you , I say , tall me , will you still remain the passive slaves of tyrant factions ? ( Cries of Jffo > n © . " > I am pleased to hear you say so . Then why not eone forward and join us , and

      make our power , throagb your knowledge ,- still stronger . Working , meat if you will not help us , we will help ourselves ; we wSl take to our mountains , aid proudly plant the flog ol democracy . Foa have the power in your o * rn hands to better your condition ; every man holds the hjunmej to break the chain * which beid him in bondagt : If yoa do not soon arouse josrselves , England will be in the same situation a * impoverished , though productive- Ireland . Come out of the pot-bouae , yoa slave * t » intemperance ; oome among us , and we will teach you sobriety ; ws- will learn you the way to become tee—to be respectably respected—and the way to be happy . The following is » copy of the resolution : *—

      " ¦ That we consider it our d * ty to use every legal and constitutional means for tee liberation of John Frost , Zephaniah 'Williams , and William Jbnea ; and that we do determine not to cease our efibrts until' that righteous object be accomplished . In > furtherance thereof we do agree to' the adoption of i the address . " Ibe CHAIB . MA . N then . read & . lengthened address-to tke 3 aeen , which wa ^ also adopted by the meeting . Mr . Miflin movedi the adoption of the petition-to the- House of Commons . Mr . Miflin , in proposing the- third resolution * stdd —I think we can Ifiy some little claim oa Mr . C . BesSeley ; he has been requested to present our petitions before ; he has-done so bat not supported * them . Thi » will put him U » the test ; . and I should think if he has common justice and humanity , he cannot refuse to lib so now .

      "That the petition be presented to the House of Commons , by the member for this borough , Mr ^ Graven Berkeley , and that , he be requested to support its payer . " Mr . Brookes , a * seconder ^ said , another yeas hits passed away and its-fruits ace now matter for tha pen of the historian . & ¦ has imported to us a dea $ lesson lor our future guidance . We are met to-night for a badable purpose , namely , to . petition the Crown and the House of Commons to d » justice to the three men ot our own bods , expatriated from their native land for no crime save that , if Mi be one , of trying , to mitigate the sufferingp-of our fellow-countrymen and countrywomen . I would beg to b » understood that I am not an advocate for men flying to arms , except only , under the most dire necessity—and then as a last resource . But , when I look around , and see our gaols filled with virtuous men—m » a who hare kad the moral eoaroge to

      stand up in tha face of open day to advecste the cause ef suffering humanity , and to rescue from , tyranny and misrule a starting population , robbed of their birtbrigh t by a system , of coercion , and class legislation , it behoves each and ali » f us ¦ wholive by labour , to stem the torrent , lest we be completely overwhelmed in its vortex . As an Englishman and a subject , and one that would stand up in tha fcour of danger to defend my native country , I must sot in a cause like this be backward in claiming justice at the hands of the government for these men , by restoring them to their country , and to their families . Thanks be to temperance , and tb » increase of knowledge among woiking men , we shall not much longer be detached , but concentrated ; we shall exhibit to our oppressors such a combined movement of the moral energies of the people , without any alloy of physical force , as will compel the government to yield to the just demands of an oppressed people .

      The Chairman read the petition to the House of Commons , which was also carried . A vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman , he said—Ton may rely on it , that if others neglect their duty , I shall always be happy to supply their place . I may as well say a few words on tbe subject of petitioning ; some persons are averse to it—but bear in mind that the petitions saved the lives of those three men—for it is certain that tke Whig-Ztiera / Government intended to decapitate them . I can prove that their liberal underling , the Sheriff , had absolutely paid the hangman part of the money— : Shame ! Bhame ! down with tbe Whigs ' . )—and if petitions saved their lives , they may also restore them to their families .

      BXAKCHSSTIlJKi On Sunday evening , January 3 rd , the Large Room , in Tib-street , was crowded , to hear Mr . Bairstow , West Riding missionary . The following is an outline of his lecture : — Mr . Chairman and respected friends , —He would , on that occasion , give them a few hints and advices as to the spirit and means of conducting the great movement in which they were embarked . He asked what were tbe original sources whence sprung the present progressive movement of the Chartists ? From the national desire being stifled by non-representation . From tbe srant of sympathy , of feeeling , and identity of interest between the Government and the governed . A state of society , predicated by the term " civilised , " was one in which the weak were equally protected :

      and that termed " savage , " in which the swiftness of foot , the strength of arm , and the intrigue of thu cunning , secured a monopoly of those benefits in which all ought to participate ; and he would ask , In what category should we class the state of society in Great Britain f He heard but one answ « r . If the naked cannibals did not here feast upon their brother ' s mangled corpse—if the painted Red Indian did not here raise the war-whoop , amid the shrieks of his lacerated victims , at his festal murderous orgies—yet did our pseudo-civilised institutions shield the landowner , the money-monger , amd the cotton lord , while they perpetrated enormities more glaring , crimes more odiooi , and atrocities more sanguinary , though masked

      under tbe forms of conventional usage and statute law ; and he thought none could have tbe slightest hesitation in asserting , that the agricultural and manufacturing operatives , a vast proportion of themthe Irish peasantry , and factory slave , to wit—were equally the victims , sacrificed and slaughtered on the shrine of th « ambitious cupidity and insatiable avarice of their task-masters , as though the crimsoned altar steamed with their gore , ot the shattered limbs of the immolated were exposed under the blazing of tha noontide sun in the savagery of their fiendish ferocity . It was evident to every reflecting mind , that our present institutions were not of a character to allow either apostolic indifference , or disunited straggling efforts on the part of the working classes , for they were

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      fast harrying this country to the grave in which despotism has ever swallowed up the noblest and most powerful empires . ( Cheering . ) Their present position was a proud and elevated one ; enly could it be rendered unsuccessful by the want of union on the people's part , or the ill directed exertions of mistaken friends . He felt most solicitous that nothing should sever them from , itteir sublime principles ; their righteous object , or their certainty of a speedy and triumphant issue ; and for this reason he would submit a few bints to them whichmight be subservient to that great end for which he and they so eagerly panted . ( Cheers . ) He wsuld first allude to the new national plan of organization . In the faith of democracy he threw himself unsparingly into an agitation , based upon that

      plan . It was the best , most simple , aad practicable , he had ever seen . It would be efficient too , if carried out in the spirit it bad commenced , and bad been hitherto conducted . ( Loud cheers . ) He was not scared by the screams of the owls and gulls , who were fluttering on the ruins of the last agitation , and who were hiccupping illegality ! illegality 1 ( Laughter . ) That plan was as If gal aa any efficient plan could be , save improvable , fractional , and intended alterations . Talk of legality , indeed ! The moat perfectly legal plan could be made illegal by irresponsible legislation , or Norton Melbourne's proclamation , to-morrow . It was notorious that every possible channel through which constitutional changes might be conducted , save that of the pressure from ' without , had been anticipated and

      blocked up , in order to give finality to the things that be , and eternalize their stakes aad corruption ? . ( Loud cheering . ) The only resource left them , was to organize that feeling which existed , and to give it all its force , by divesting it of all wildness , confusion , or irregularity ; to incorporate with it every element of strength which had conferred importance , « s imparted solidity to the system they sought peaceably to change . Let them seize every weapon , and use every instrument , save those of brute force , with which their tyrants had chained them down to the lowest submission and slavery , and they would convert them into a giant fulcrum , which would level the abuses of the Tile system with the dust , and elevate their cause to the sway of a powerful and independent

      commonwealth , where unity of rights and interests would bind ia indivisible happiness , peace , and plenty , their country ' s myriad population . And , first of all , this plan had made that systematic which . was before but imperfectly understood , and only acted upon by accident —» uniformity of means to attain , as well as the objects Sought Tor . This had long been wanted , and was then secured by the National Plan . The want of that had rendered them formerly as ridiculous as they were now imposing , tut powerless as they were now omnipotent ( Loud cheers . ) Their strength had been impaired by division ; but now they were united in one National Association , having neither branches nor divisioos but those of geography ; and recognising no other means than those guaranteed by the

      Constitution , and comprehended under the distinction of peace , Uhm , and order . It gathered energy from whatever was ennobling in morality , union , and knowledge ; it acquired evtry remnant of . its influence from the legitimate exercise of the noblest attributes of Ue human mind ; it allied itself with all that was inspiring in numbers , and admirable in unity , and discarded all that might terrify the timid , alarm the peaceloving , or furnish a pretext for persecution to the enemy . ( Loud applause . ) It cemented and consolidated ail coherent substances of Democratic hue or textare , and amalgamated in its magnificent combination * the universal tendeasies of all that is pure , disinterested , and sublime in patriotism , philanthropbyr and the love of man . ( Apyiaase . ) He would ask for the pwple ' s assistance , where he was willing either to lead them as a principal , or act with them as a

      subaltesB .. He , therefore , most urgently assured them , that , by attention to the provisions of this organization , couW they speedily achieve their Charter . This plan reoonmended sobriety - h * would recommend total abstinence , as a powerful instrument in their favour , and as a debilitating intiietion upon their foe . It was a two-edged sword ; it cut « ff governmental resources ; it crippled their finances v it conferred respectability on the Chartist ; it took from the mouth ef the opponent the objection of drunkenness aa a proof of unfitness for elective existence ; it robed the friend with all the- potency of character ,, and the majesty of reason ; it armed tbe people , aad disarmed the tyraat ; it would secure the alliance of friends , and give the government a monopoly of the drunkenness and intempeiftace they create by the excise , which was fattened by tha rich result of this-insolence and Gin .

      '' Ten thousand- casks for ever dribbling out their bas « oonteaU , Touched by tfre Midas' finger of the state , Bleed gold for Ministers to sportaway . "—( Cheers . ) Another piece of advice he thought necessary at that moment , was the importance of every democrat parent educating his children in the princigle * Do had imbibed . It was the easiest mode of making Chartlata . Let the mother teach the child ' s lisping tongue to- speak its detestation of oppression , aud its lore of liberty . Let them teach those who would compose the next generation , and the next generation would * enautt the charter . Moke them men , and men of noble-mind would ' create such institution * tut would benefit all-the people . Again ,

      he would urge the importance of forming societies for music , dancing ,. and theatrical representations , and thus connect with Chartism the exercise of the kindest sympathies and moat powerful passions ; tohool * for the instruction of adults in political an <}» aocial economy , the arts aud acieno «» , and general literature . Adi sources of mental , physical , aud moral instruction would administer a powerful . iiajjetus to the movement Wr . B . then discanted at great length , with great energy and the most impassioned eloquence , on a variety . -of other topics , and then sat down amid long continued applause . A vote of thank * was then given t «> tbe lecturer , coupled with a request to the Editor of the Star , to give this lecture insertion .

      Ma . DoiMiE . —On Sunday last ,, tha Association Room , Tib-stxaet , was crowded , as usual to hear our unflinching and talented friend * Mr . Doyle , the late liberated viatiia of Whig vengeance- Mr . D . appears to be highly respected in Manchester , for his manly and straightforward conduct since his release , and was listened to with the most profound attention by all present ; indeed such nienara&n ornament t » the present moveinsat Mr . Wheele * introduced him to the audience who received him with , applause . The speaker , after giving a very animating account of his tour through Soulh Lancashire , aud of the progress of the cause generally , commenced as- follows : —He took a survey of society , and examined its- different ramifications in this country . He was- forcibly struck with the

      auomoly and extensive diffeaonce thai exists ; he found one portioB composed of many classes , ( and that the smallea- portion , ) living ia tha haight of splendour * enjoyiaft every thing the heart could desire , or the taste relish .. He found also that this portion of society do not labour with their hands , « c-reader any service sufficieai to entitle them to fore so , sumptuously ; on the othsi hand * be found the ether portion of society , composed of persona who labour incessantly , w& > cultivate the land ,, whose skill in mechanise supersedes all other nations ; who , ia fact , produce everything necessary for tha comfort and happiness of man ; he found , and ho was sorry to say it , this portion , of society living in poverty and wretchedness . He said the question , with both him and them , was , what was

      the cause of such an , anomaly as this ? His opinion was , that it was attributable to the present system ot class legislation , and the unrepresentation of the great mass of the industrious millions . The speaker then took a glance of the partita who govern tbe veople , and analyzed the salaries of the royal family , particularly George III ., George IV ., and William IV . These , the speaker abated , received one hundred millions of the publio money , in the space of seventy-two , years . And what , he asked , had such men done ta merit such an enormous sum of money out of the public purse ? He shewed , likewise , from Scripture , that Almighty God never ordained kings to trample upon the rights and liberties of the working millions . He pointed out many of the salaries of the aristocracy , and shewed the evil

      effects of the obnoxious lawa of primogeniture on society at large . He made a few slashing and well * meant hits at the law Chsrch , and stated , that its cormorant priesthood were yearly iu the receipt of eleven millions of the public money , for preaching submission to thu powers that be , aud upholding tyranny and corruption . He next animadverted on the conduct of tha middle classes , shewing how they had from time to time tricked and deluded the people , went into the origin of the national debt , aud showed who the parties were who contracted it , and the evils it has inflicted upon the labouring portion of the community , tbe latter having nothing to do with creating such debt ; aad stated that the objects for which it was created , were qaite at variance with the good sense of the people , via , that of putting down the rising

      liberties of other nations , by rapine and bloodshed , and entailing the burden « n generations yet to come , for the purpose of gratifying kingly ambition . The speaker called upon the audience to rally round the Charter , as the only panacea for the removal of the many evils of the nation , as the pill which will strike deep into the diseased constitution , will cleanse the blood , and give vigour to the frame ; and concluded by calling upon all present to unite firmly , for tbe above object ; to disseminate the principles among their fellow-labourers . Let this be . done , and he bad not the least doubt but their labours would be crowned with success , and the Charter would ultimately become the law of the laud . A vote of thanks was then given to the lecturer and Chairman , and the people , after making a good collection , separated highly delighted .

      FAXTJ 5 WORTH . —On Sunday evening , the hard hands and fustian jackets ol this place Msembteci , ia the School Room , for the purpose of hearing Mr . Bairstow ; but , for reasons stated in another part of the paper , he could not attend . Mr . Griffin delivered a lecture on the principles contained in the People ' s Charter , in which he combatted many objections which are raised against them by the Whigs and Tories ; compared the position of the people of tha present day with their position under the reign of the Tories ; and , although we bad bad a Reforming Government for eight years , we were still going backwards , unless we take into consideration the increase of the revenue , the creating of officers in a time of peace , the increase of the standing army , the giving us the Poor L&w Bill , the Rural Police Bill , and many other Whig blessings . If this was worthy the same of Reform , surely we bare

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      had a good share . He laid down a plan by which the band-loom weavers might be enabled to elevate thenv selves out of their degraded condition . Every attend tion wospaid to him , and , at the conclusion , a vote of thanks waa given him for his services . NEWTON HEATH . —Pursuant to previous announcement , Mr . Bairstow was to have delivered a lecture to the Chartists of this place , on Sunday afternoon last , in the adult school room ; but , in consequence of that gentleman having to leave this part of country to attend the demonstration at Sheffield , on behalf of Frost , -Williams , and Jones , he could not attend . A deputation waited upon William Griffin ,, of Manchester , who consented to officiate for him . A numerous congregation assembled , and Mr . . Richard Booth was elected to the chair , who , after the singing of a hymn , introduced the lecturer . Mr . G . then

      delivered an address on tbe subject of total abstinence , which he recommended his bearers to adopt , as a powerful instrument for the accomplishment of their political rights . JH ® Bhowed the influence which drunkenness has upon boQ ^ J mentally , morally , physically , politically , and religiously . But , while-be strongly advised the Chartists to beCPme teetotallers , he begged to state that he entirely disagreed with those who affirm that it would be a panacea for every evil ; but said i * would be making the best of a bad system . This he proved by saying , that hundreds who have been adherents to that principle for years , are now in the greatest distress and wretchedness ; therefore , he considered it the duty of every teetotaller to join the Chartists , in order to obtain political power , which would enable them to banish drunkenness , and every other similar eviL A vote of thanks waa given to the

      lecturer for his services . LONDON . —The Citt of Westminster National Charter Association held their weekly meeting on Wednesday , the 6 th of Jauuary , at the Paviours ' Arms , Johnson-street After the usual business had been gone through , the following resolution was moved and carried unanimously : — " That this meeting views with horror and dismay , the base , brutal , and unconstitutional treatment which our friend and . patriot , Feargus O'Connor , is subject to , under the tyrannical Whig Government ; and this meeting further pledges itself , never to cease agitation while a political prisoner is subject to treatment worse , than any common felon in her Majesty ' s dominions . " A vote of thanks was given io Mr . Hobson , for exposing the tyrannical treatment of Mr . O ' Connor , and the meeting adjourned .

      Concert . —A social Concert will take place , for the benefit of poor Old George , a Chartist of " 50 years' standing , at the Temperance Coffee-House , Bermohdsey New Road , near the Grange Road , at seven o ' clock on Tuesday evening next , Jan . 19 th . East London Total Abstinence , Charter , and National Instruction Association . —The above association have obtained a place of meeting entirely under their own coatroul , at 166 , Brick-lane , SpitaifieidB , where meetin g * will be held every Wednesday and Sunday evenings , for lectures sad discussions ; also , on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings , for reading , Sec . The association have been presented with severai useful works , by some real friends to the cause of universal redemption ; they

      will now be enabled to spend their leisure hours profitably , and will be thankful to any friends- who may think proper to increase their small library . At their last meeting , the following resolutions were agreed to-.-- "That this meeting congratulate tbe leading Chartists of Scotland , for having adopted tbe total abstinence principle ; and also the Chartists of Barnslev , for the wise resolution they have come to--, in forsaking the pot-house , and uniting themselves t # those who have left the dfuokards' ranks . —That the thanks of this meeting be given to the editor of tbe Star , for the great interest he has taken in the cause of total abstinence connected with the People ' s Charter . " All communications * to be sent to C . H . Pfeeaom , honorary secretary , 7- % Hare-street , near Bethna-1 Green .

      WORCESTER . —The Chartists of Worcester have at length come out , and showed by their late meeting * that the ; are determined to- have a share of the agitation for the Charter , A tea meeting and balVteok piaee-at the Hall of Science , last Friday , which was well attended and gave great satisfaction . The iroooa was tastefully decorated with evergreeneyand the portraits of the imprisoned patriots , hung . on the walla , had great effect . Mr . Sidaway , from Gloucester , lectared on the same ? evening , and it told well . Several patriotic songs and reoitationa were given , and the meetiugbroke up-aighly delighted with the evening's entertainment . Mr . Sidaway preached a Chartist sermon in the- same place , on the Sunday afternoon , from Matt . yii . 12 , to a full

      and attentive-audience . On tbe Monday evening , a publie- meeting waa held at the Hail of Soience , Garden'Street , fo » adopting the memorial to the QueeRy and petitioning Parliament for the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , aad all political prisoners . Mr . Gv Young vraa called to the chair . The Chairman eulogised the great exertions of the patriots ) commented on their laboursy . &c , and said the chair he occupied would do honour to the Archbishop of these realms ; he , then , in reality would be drying up the tears of tie widow and fatherless ; he Concluded by calling mi Mr . Wm . CHftoo ,. an Oxfordshire Chartist , and one of our council ,. to move the memorial to the Queen . He then sead the memorial , aad concluded by declaring

      that the myrmidons of the Home-oniee , were more guilty . ' than Frosty &o . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Holyoak , Social lecturer , 6 eeonded the resolution . He had little faith in the sympathy of crowned heads for the sufferings of the people , but . to- express our sympathy was an act of justice , aad some good alwa ? & results from , justice . Governments ought to place the governed out of all temptations to do evil ; put what shall we- say of them , when they bribe parties to tempt th * poor man to the commission of it , that they may more securely oppress him . Mr . White moved the adoption of the petition ; Mr . Bl&akwell seconded it , and in a Bgeech of great spirit , detailed the peculiar and execrable hardships to which the imprisoned patriots are subjected . Mr . Sidaway , of Gloucester , supported the petition . He drew a forcible comparison between tie extravagant

      essences of royalty and the miserable pittances of the industrious poos , and concluded aaald loud cheers . Ma . Williams proposed the third resolution , " That three members of the old Convention be chosen by tha Birmingham committee , as recommended by tbe Star . " He satirically exposed the rottenness of the shim-humbug leaders , and called npon the meeting to support the resolution , and saidv for the sake of royalty itself , he hoped the petition would be answered . Mr . Clifton moved a . wu of censure on tbe curate of St- Nicholas , ( the R » v . Mr . Kershaw , ) tor endeavouring to stifle the voice * of the people , by seizing the placard announcing the meeting . Mr . Sidaway ably seconded it , and showed the

      impossibility of the tyrants effecting tieir object by such pitiful means . Mr . White proposed a vote of thanks to our Social friends for the « s « of the room . Me-. Holyoak briefly acknowledged . A vote of thanks was _ also given to Mr . Sidaway , and our worthy Chairman , &c . It < v * s also resolved that the proceedings be inserted in the Northern Star . Three cheers were givedfor the Charter ; three for the Northern Star ; three for the brave O'Connor * and all Bttch friends ; three for Frost , Williams ^ and Jones ; and three groans were given for the " -base , bloody , and brutal" Whigs . The meeting was . conducted entirely by working men , and was decidedly the most enthusiastic ever held in Worcester .

      MOUNT 8 ORRELV—Mr . Mason , the talented midland counties lecturer , gave a second lecture at this place , on Tuesday evening , January 5 th , to an attentive and overflowing audience , and exposed the fallacious reasoning of Mr . Acland , the anti-Corn-Law lecturer , who has been recently lecturing at Leicester . He then exposed the atrocities of the present Ministers , and concluded , by shewing the beauties of the People ' s Charter . A vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman , which that gentleman acknowledged in an appropriate manner , the meeting separated .

      IWBRTHYR . —Frost , Williams , and Jones ' s Restoration Committee met as usual on Thursday evening last , for the transaction-of business ; Mr . Wm . Gould having been called to the chair , he stated the object of the meeting , and called on the secretary to state the position of the fund , which was done to the satisfaction of all present . SheetB have been provided to contain ten thousand signatures . After some discussion the following resolutions were agreed to : —1 . " That the petition sheets be sent to every chapel throughout the place , and that the ministers be requested to sign the petition .

      and be requested to use their influence with their respective congregations to do likewise . " It is also expected that every member of the committee will exert themselves , after working hours , in taking the petition sheets to every shopkeeper and innkeeper throughout the town . 2 . " That we do perf » 3 tly agree with the plan that was laid down in the Mar , of the 26 th of December , namely , sending three men to the Queen , to express the nation ' s desire for the return of Frost , Williams , and Jones ; and also we will do all in our power to raise * / and , to empower the Birmingham'Committee to put tbe project into execution .

      NEWXOWW ( MoNTGOMBBTSHrB *) . — There ire yet here a few " good men and true , " notwithstanding the opposition of the upper and middle olatses to any improvement in the condition of the working men . Chartiwn is not dead : it is still fixed in the hearts of many ; but , unfortunately , the flannel trade is in so depressed a state , that the manufacturers care little whether they give employment or not . This state of things places the working men at the mercy of their masters . In consequence , there are

      but few who dare openly avow tkeir sentiments . All that is doing is done by a very few . A news and reading room is open every evening . A night school for _ writing and arithmetic has been established , which is well attended , and goes on prosperously ; It is ear intention shortly to open a school on Sundays , to-ieach reading . More it is out of our power to do at present . The local authorities watch us carefully ; and , should we make any movement which would displease them , the ; would pouaee on us and worry as to death .

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      BISHOP AUCKLAND . —Liberation of Williams and Binns . —On the 25 th of the present month , these esteemed patriots will emerge from their prisenhouse , wherein they have been immured by the base Whigs , for their exposure of their country ' s wrongs Inhabitants of the Aucklands—Remember ! these patriots deserve your support—they have made great sacrifices to work out your emancipation . On the 30 th of the present month they enter the Aucklands ; be ready to meet them in your thousands .

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      SCOTTISH ORGANIZATION AND PROCEEDINGS . ( Omitted from our lost . ) At a meeting of delegates from the Border Towns , held at Jedburgh , on Friday last , ( New Xfar ' s Day £ Alexander Johnstone , one of the delegates from Gala , shiels , in the chair , and John A . Hogg , do . from Hawick , secretary , the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to : — 1 . That the mode of petitioning recommended by the Convention held in Glasgow in September last be immediately proceeded with . 9 . That the Chartists in the Borders be recommended to form themselves into Chartist Total Abstinence Societies , and these societies to be formed into a Border Union . ¦ 3 . That the members of these societies pledge themselves to abstain from all intoxicating drinks for one year at least

      4 . That » General Secretary be appointed , such secretary to be in Hawick for the first six months , and in Galashiela for the remainder of the year . 5 . That Alexander Hogg be General Secretory for the first six months . 0 . That the secretaries of the local societiea Bend a list of their members to the General Secretary monthly , to commence on the first « f February next 7 . That this meeting approve of the plan for presenting the addresses of the people tor the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , as contained in the Northern Star ot the 26 th December ; but would recommend to their several associations to send their addresses to the Central Committee for Scotland , desiring them to appoint Mr . Sanky , or some other person connected with Scotland , residing in London , to present the some .

      8 . That this meeting earnestly recommend to tba different Associations to get the petitions to Parliament ^ in favour of Frost , Williams , and Jenes , as numerously signed as possible , » . That this meeting consider the Ckarter as tfie only efficient remedy for the many grievances of the working classes , an < i that they will continue to agitate strenuously for Its attainment . , 10 . That the Council of the Border Union meet ia the towns composing the Union alternately—next meeting to be held in Galasbiels . 11 . That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be sent ta the Trm Stoitrmn , Northern Star , and ScottUb Patriot . Johh A . Hogg , Sec .

      Note . —JTo . 7 , was agreed to on consideration of the great difficulty of raising funds to send Mr . M . to London .

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      JULIAN HARNEY IN THE NORTH . TO TUB BWIOE OF THE NOJtJHEBN STAB . , Sir , —On Christmas Day I left Elgin for Keith , recrossing the Spey , and passing through FocBabers , adjoining which is the seat of hia Grace (?) the Duke of Richmond , of Scotch small-farm-depopulating and English poor-law-grinding notoriety . The spot is immortalised in the' songs of Burns as ' * Bonnie Castle Gordon . " . After a walk ot eighteen miles I reaoied Keith . A Chartist Association bad existed here , bat of late had ceased to be , in consequence ot the wantt ef a place of meeting . Every exertion of friends was- made , but in vain , to obtain a hail wherein to deliver a > lecture . I saw many of the good men , who appear to-be Bads of tike right stamp . They expressed their disappointment at not having the opportunity of hearing me An out . door meeting was not to be thought of , the-cold being intensely severe . For tbe hospitality here shown me , I refcwn my grateful tbas&s .

      Tbe like causes prevented me holding meetings at Htnitley and Inveraryi At the latter ploc * I was kindly and hospitably treated by a Air . Deaeber , an excellent mao , who , thoagb . belonging to tke middle class , is an honour to the- Chartist ranks . Wednesday , December 30 th . I reached onse mom the " Northern City Cold , " after an absence of six weeXs and five days , and a tramp of about two hundred and seventy miles . In reviewing my trip , while I cannot congratulate myself on complete success ; yet may I do so as having met with far better fortune than I had anticipated previous to leaving Aberdeen . Could I have staid a few days longer in Inverness , and been properly armed

      with i the means of agitation , I entertain not tbe shadow of a doubt but that feaecond meeting would have completely established Chartism in the Highland capital ) but I > waa pledged to attend a meeting in Forres , thirty miles-off , the very next night after the Inverness-meet ing . Again , the following , night , I was pledged to address a meeting at Elgin , an additional distance of twelve miles , and further , was pledged to reach Aber deen by New Y " eauc ' a D * r- to ottcucl tho mooting to be held in behalf of Frost , Williams , and Jones . Under these circumstances , I found it impossible to prolong my aUy in Inverness , which I much regretted ,, as I flatten myself a second blow at the damnable system would have done much to enkindle the fire of freedom in the- North .

      I found that where Chartist Associations hadr been formed , that existence was but of short duration The causes were : — First—A general ignorance of the principles ofi Char tism t . hence , numbers wh » joined the Association at tbe oataet , never being hearty In the cause , felLaway ¦ when the attraction * f novelty nod ceaBed . Second—The want of public speakers . These wot no one to address them when the Associations had assembled . Third—Persecution : the power ef the lairda and the priests being all poUnt for evil ; the iatttr { tba black slugs ) having , in more places than one , not only denounced Chartism from the pulpit , but al&o thoBe individuals who had taken any part in labouring to enlighten and instruot their fellow working men * thus a system of terror aad persecution nipped in the bud the flower of truth and justice .

      Seeing these things , i considered it impolitic to attempt the formation o £ associations as generally constituted , rather striving to establish clubs for the obtaining and reading . oT the democratic newspapers , ssch clubs being , in my humble opinion , the necessary precursors of political associations ; gross ignorance prevails in the distriot of country I have visited , and such ignorance must be removed before we can hope for any support of our cause in such a quarter . While the English democrats , are engaged in effecting a moral revolution in unhappy , long-oppressed , long-deceived Ireland , by circulating the Northern Sttm among the men , who require bat to be enlightened ao to the real principles of Chartism to embrace those principles , and do , and dare ,, all for their establishment—while , I

      say , the English , Radicals are thus engaged , I would suggest to the Scottish Chartists of the south , the propriety of doing likewise with their countrymen of the north ; let eaeh club , or individual reader of the Northern Stor > Scottish Patriot , or Ewidee Chronicle , having done with their or his paper , send the same to any of the following persons : —John . M'Millan , tailor , with Mr . Kay , merchant , Ellon , Abwdeenshire ; Tho * R&nkine , shoemaker , Longate-strest , Peterhead , Aberdeenshire ; William Smith , mewhast , No . 13 , Schoelatreet , New Pitaligo , Aberaeenshkre ; John Hepburn , weaver ; New Bytb , Aberdeenshife ; George Malcolm * weaver . Cumins town , Aberdeenshire ; John Angus ,

      agent , Turriff , Aberdeenshire ; William Deueber , manufacturer , Inverary , Aberdeenshire : George Stevenson , with Air . Abercromby , shoemaker , High-street , Banff George Andrews , Temperance Coffee-House , Huntly Bonfiabire ; John Andrews , Temperance Coffee-House , Keith , Banfl&hire ; William King , tailor , Mocduff , Banffshire ; John Mann , with Mr . M'Beatb , saddler , Portsoy , Banffshire ; James Stevenson , with Mr . Davidsen , shoemaker , Cullen , Banffshire ; John Miller , currier , Elgin , Morayshlre ; John Alvas , boot and shoemaker , Forres , Moray shire ; Robert Cameron , shoemaker , Nairn ; Alexander Gordon , shoemaker , care of Mr . Smith , hair-dresser , Castle-street , Inverness .

      If , in the ensuing spring , or summer , another attempt shall be made to agitate the North , and the agitation be armed with the means of " organizing victory , " no doubt , no fear need be entertained of complete success } but I shall b » sufficiently understood in saying that it is a paid missionary who must be seat on such errand . Further , a good supply of political tracts , to be given away , or sold very cheaply ; and the mission being undertaken at a season of the year when light aad temperature will admit of out-door meetings , then , in spite of tyrant-lairds and priestly knaves , may Chartism be established , and the Highlander of the North be found , side by side , with the borderer of the South , in tto conflict with despotism—the struggle for liberty .

      Without affectation , I think I may say of myself , that I have been the " best abused man" in the Chartist movement ; Tory , Whig , and sham-Radical , of " ttit race that write , " for a lengthy period conspired , by their abuse , to bring me into notoriety ; for man ; months past these gentry have let me alone , and , save and except a lift I have occasionally gotten at the hands of a certain scribbler in Anld Reekie , who ( because his paper is renowned for falsehood ) rejoices in the title of True ; " Julian Harney" baa ceased to be held up as the great Chartist bugbear , to frighten the property folk ; but I see that the Iwcerntm CourUr , Imtmeu Jfevrnal , and Aberdeen Herald ( Whig , Tory , and sham-Radical , ) have re-commenced their old system of abusive lying . I can assurs the scribes , that I am much obliged to them for their advertwmenU of my name ; instead of injuring , they do me good service by their abuse , while they not in the least annoy me . As Burns would say— ¦ " E ' en let them clash , ¦

      An auld wife ' s tongue ' s a feckless matter To mak ane fash . " Hoping I shall continue to merit the abuse of knaves of every description , I am , Xjr < Editor , In the good cause , " up to the mark :, '' GEOBCE JffMAN HABKBT . Aberdeen , Jan . « , mo .

      Chartist £Ntents*N«

      Chartist £ ntents * n «

      Untitled Article

      2 THE NORTHERN STAR'

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 16, 1841, page 2, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct533/page/2/