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Northern Star (1837-1852), 17th July 1841, Edition 3 of 5, Page unpag, Untitled Article

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    • €havW a&rteltfotfnce.
    • TO THE LANDLORDS OF IRELAJHJ, LETTKB IL
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      Untitled Article

      << A tree labourer earns that be eats ; ge + e that be ma : owes bo man bate ; envies bo nun's happiness ; . * ad of other meni good ; content under bis ova privauqbs ¦ and his eb 3 * f pride is in tf » modest eomforta of ii » eoadiHon . - —SAotrjwws . j £ T Losds axd GEXXLKKE 5 , —In tb « outset I ^ jxd thai I bad undertaken a difficult task , yet Z *_ j tfi « t I bad not calculated upon one half toe ob-^ gea oni which power , custom , sodal and d »«« . -njatiau , ignorance of pasting circainstanee * , national ^ i ^ . oui prejudice * , ( not to spa * , of politkal biaa . ) _ tta all its train of wedded absurdities , bad thrown in ayr ay ; each meeting me in my progress , or haunting -e in tba boor of reflection .

      jjy Lords and Gentlemen , —An anxious desire to wing the ease of my client , the labourer , before yon , t u early a period as possible , has induced me trust , laudably , if not pradently ) to reverse the ^^ of classification , which should have been : Firstly , 9 material , or barren surface of the soil , representing - « r title to representation : Secondly , responsibility , ex-MDdJtnre of capital , and tenaney , representing the ^ spying tenant ' s title to representation : and , Hardly , labosr , which renders the soil , by cultivation , -T . aable to jmas uses , and Us title to representation

      My lord * » w 3 Gentlemen , I trust that in thi word ^ presentation , yon wffl not recognise any infraction of oy condition to treat my subject without the introduction of politics . I do not use the word here in a political sense ; and before I hare concluded , 1 hope to protB that ft wise , a prudent , a just , and beneficial esadae of jour social power , and a honest exerdsa of tow feast , as landlords , would bare rendered political LroMaBtaaoB almost * n obsolete term- A demand for pcJiBeai ifgmMBtatka has inereswdin ex * e * property with tb » abase of s * dal power .

      j £ y Lords and Gentlemen , you will have learned by jay quotation from « the great Poet , " that I mean to attack the very strongestof your prejudices at once . And bad * my fire upon yon mast be hot Whenthemind J , weak the pH $ ucBee is strong ; and judging from the ue ycra have made of a long « nd uninterrupted poslesion of power , your mind must be weak indeed . Tosr greatest prejudice is against the labourer . The

      isant yon can in some wise fetter to your wfll ; but jn the labonrer of the tenant and in bis forlsrn state job recognise your on oppression and misrule , and judder lest thft victim should come a . t a knowledge of feoee causes which make him a stranger in his own tongs , an alien in bis own country , an outcast from bis cm home , and a wanderer upon the face of the earth mssorch of some resting place , or market , where God * pft ( strength to labour ) may be conTerted into man ' s

      CTifPii of sustenance . Kow , if I , who have only witnessed the injustice , fed very warm when writing upon the subject , &s I mjctb y « i I do , what must **> the feelings of tfwee who se h ° *™ to the same so * ceptH » Hties as myself , and ^ h ave drunk deep of the cop ? What is yonr greatest folly ? Let me expl&n it to no . You fear to place the labourer in a comfortable jnj independent condition , lest from that state of

      Kcal comfort and independence should spring a desire b , be politically great You mistake causes for effects . Ton suppose that the power at present wielded by &e Banian Cathetie clergy emanates from popular bosialiiy to yonr order , your religion and your posnsaons . It does no such thing . It is an emanation from your neglect , your persecution , and your injustice , as well towards yourselves as towards the people . Eanove the causes , and the removal of the effects

      yffl very speedily follow . Bat while you are thus keeping up a struggle bettrees . yoni social power and the priests' political power , yon do not see that you ytrawelvea are aiding « ad abetting in the very change , to prevent which yea have dtvoted all your energies , namely , a transla of aB poiitieal power from your hands to the b » d » of the Bomaa Catholic clergy . Paint » ut a single popular vice and I will trace it to fa parent aristocratic folly ; indeed , I should reverse the terms viee and folly—the vice is yours , while the ittsspt of the people to counteract it from failure , is oiled folly .

      Have you ever known a working man in Ireland , with csrtain employment at eigbtpence a day , and paid , to be charged with an act ef dishonesty , violence , or outrage ? I have not ; and my experience goes far m that respect . I have heard scores of magistrates admit the same . Do yon not then , in the uncultivated tiate otyour lands , and in the unemployed state of the people , discover ail the errors of society , aad see just « sae for self-reproach .

      When I come to treat of a farmer , I aballsho-sr ; nstand ssffiaent cause for the poor man's preference of the pries t to tie laadlord , in nine cases ont of ten . Kay , I will go farther , and assert , that ont of nice cases in every ten , tcdlardi look with a jealous eye upon a thriving tenant , ( specially if his improvement is convertible into an bere&se of rest . My lords and Gentlemen , I beg of you to keep this

      cm fart in view .- it is that I have a meaning in erery f ae 1 write ; and well knowing that yonr grand objec-Juffl to a sabditision of laud arises Irons a dread of creating a rumerous tribe of agrarian suitors for political power , I have called the great naturalist to my aid , in the hope of eoTrrineing 70 B of the little C&tlSe you bsTe to fear in tbe event of such a result and its realiaUon , that your property would suffer damage , » jocr position in society any inferUrity .

      l oar constant cry it , " What . ' enfranchise the Welters , aad thus surrender the power to other hands , 1 use of which would be sure to lead to oar immolition , « ad a consequence of which would be that the sicred fiua ? called liberty would degenerate into licentiousness aad lead te a complete social revolution . " It would lai to a revolution , and a complete one , in the proper S 8 BS 5 of the -word ,- that is , to a perfect one , and to ens froa whica you ¦ wtuld derive the greatest faeaeSL

      1 have said that an employed Irish lalwarer is always Pitied . I aver that be is sycopbaatically so , and tootaTipon the coniraci between him and his master , ly-ffiaca the latter is the great benefitter , as a fa-roar i ** ad of a right In a wholesome state of society fes unemployed unwilling idler would be entitled ta & sufficiency of everything to make life & blessing , to reader man ' s oppression inoperative , so far as food , * 6 Bart , lodging , fuel , and liberty relate . But Irish-B *"> € Tea -when at Ml work , do not enjoy any of those kl , M- ; , HCSSZQn r

      2 ki 1 st me n » w go further , a . nd assare you that so to from the contented agricultural labourer envying J * * ippirent superiority , he langhs at the follies a ° Ki by your easy acquirement of luxury . He sees J * attempt to do for yon selves what be does better ** 7 < a , and glories in his superiority . He looks at the * kes , clear complexion , and straight limb of his " ¦ Wtful oi&rpring , and contrasts them - with the pale ^ ttd bindy legs ef pampered aristocrats . He

      ** && in seeing the huntsman taken from the cabin , ** fiiB 5 the field , and beating the hereditary eques-* aa - SeeoBtrasts the hardihood of his own priest-^ ** ^ effeminacy of your pr iesthood . When * Jan ol his master being sick , he observes , " Wisha , ^ Sora , its too much of them doctor ' s things he does " Skin ?; bat if I had him for a week alongside a me , J * " » oa care him . " He is miserable when he is idle , •* wver so happy as when at work .

      ' * nave thrown him upon necessity for invention ; wiffleaesi for mischief ; and now you tronder that » dissssjsned , inventive and miscbievous . You have rf " 11 Tmn political power , and especially that power !~ j * tt « state affords to an a * ywiy > fc and hostile *^^ for the purpose of crushing him ; and then yon r * 10 ® th » t he should struggle , under the guidance of ^^ ¦• bo never desert him , for the means , the only J / 61 ' «* combatting yon . If the Ciureb oppress ri take part with the Church ; if the law

      ^^ 1 aiai , yoatake part wish the law ; if the police } dsL !! en > e ' OTlrron s fQUT **** ' y ° ^ ^^ *^ and gire ear to the hired disturbers , jj ^ ' ^^ Pktion would cease if your duties were ^^ J > dnmartered . -w ^ ° * unnecessary expence in our whole sys % ^ p ^^ ''ill trace its origin to some one of your ^ ^ ( «« n nude "between eight and nine millions of peobjjj ^ 'toploa population , ' * in a land capable of mainr ~ « afflaeace hMLitVi nnd xmnrnrt mnra fhin fnnr - ¦ % wwtuiwii Minn

      k ^ Bs » tL ^ , ¦» - *** M * v * v * . */•** _ Wttno aber ; and then you mercifully transport the »» ^ atiwi ¦* ith aslittle co mpunction a ; you thin oS ^^ * " ™ M " ^ wstocked farm ; and thesa yon "tfastrisas pordon of societv , " never rtflscting

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      that thft commendation is & stigma upoa yourselves , for having banished honest industry fron its native shore . I shall conclude my comment upon theebeerfalness with which an agricultural labonrer bends to his lot when fairly cast , by once more respeatiag the last sentence from the passage of the great poet , " And his chief pride is in the modest eemf orb of bis " " Condition . " Now , my Lords an * Gentlemen , in order to raise that honest pride by placing him In a proper and comfortable condition , I shall proceed to shew you the loss ,

      the mighty loa » , to society , by your tooiiah and injudicious management ' your-estatea . With a view to the perfect illustration of zny subject , I propose to take a « m » n estate of l , W > 0 acres , let to ten tenants , in farms of ltO acres each , to shew the little benefit which society has , and also the bad security which landlords have , from such an unprofitable distritatio * of land ; a » d then to shew the great benefit which society at large , and landlords in general , would derive from a mere equitaWe division of land , corresponding with the capital , industry , and requirements , of the people aad the interests of society at large , from the very highest to the very lowest .

      My Lords and Gentlemen , you will have perceived tfr «> . my object is to bring your estates from a heavy wholesale market into a brisk retail market Do not mistake me , and eoppose that I hold yon to be ignorant of the vast benefit which the change would confer generally upon your order . I kn » w that you are perfectly aware of it ; but your apprehension is , that land cannot be advantageously difided for agricultural purposes , without bringing about a corresponding gubdivision of political power ; and you prefer the loss of about ten millions annually in rent , to the loss of more than a hundred millions in political patronage to your families relatives and dependants , maie paupers by your crnel conditions annexed to leases and exclusive dealing in land . To thoBe then , most especially , who augment the great political patron ' s power , by adherence to the vicious system , do I address my

      observations . Again , I say , that I can very well understand the reason why my L » rd gives up . £ 5 . 000 a-year in rent for a bishoprick , a judgeship , aaadsnirals or a general's commission , the lieutenancy of bis county and appointment of magistrates , with some fat livings and minor pickings for his strongest supporters ; but I cann » t for the life of me reconcile with commtn sense the blind following of the retired country gentleman , not requiring any of those pickings ; and , therefore , to him I appeal

      A thousand -acres of land in Ireland , then , I suppose to be held in the most beneficial way ; that is , direct from the proprietor , and upon lease . I should be justified in arguing upon the system from a thousand acres held by a middleman , whereof eight hundred was sublet , and two hundred held in his own bands , the labour of which is gratuitously performed by the tenants of the eight hundred acres . This course , however , I shall not take , as it is my Intention t » gi-re you

      the best of the system , and to use the most unprofitable results of my system for my argument . I lay aside science , and come to plain dipping at once ; and , therefore , take one thousand acres , divide * into ten farms * f one hundred acres each . Now then , let us see how this is cultivated ; what it produces ; bow many it supports ; and what surplus , after cultivation and support , it leaves for expenditure in the manufacturing and trade market

      In Mxmsttr the September rent is paid with the harvest ; xnd the March rent is paid by the sale of botUr , pigs , sad acme potatoes . In Lexnster the September rent is paid by a fat c * w , a rest -oif , and a small portion of the harvest ; and the March rent is , for tie most port , made up by the sale of Wheat , and Oatmeal , each farmer either taming -what is called a meal " Bumper , ' * ( the g pronounced harsh as the gin bs&g . ) or grimier ot a portion of bis own corn into meal , or , bavin * at the doer a ready sale for oats U those who are more extensive in that traffic Here , " stir-about , " is the general food ; in iiouster , potatoes . In Connaoght , large tracts of feeding ground are held by breeders of sheep and cattle , and the system of serfdom sdll exists there to an awful extent

      There are comparatively tew cultivators in Connaugfat upon a small scale , that is , tenants ; and the poorest class of harvest men to be seen in England , and in parts of Leinster' and Ulster , are the miserable cottiers who bold a sty for themselves and the pig . What is most disgraceful to Irishmen , is the fact , that this class of their ookntrymen are scouted and booted in Leinster and Ulster , while they are invar iably kindly treated by the English people . They are called " spalpeens" ( penny mowers /; and are maltreated for competing -with the resident workmen in baxvestrtimi . They pay the rent of some potatoeground and of tbe sty , with the pig , and what they can

      save from harvest w » rk , leaving the potatoes to the family during their absence ; and when scarcity occurs , the mother nails Dp the door , and with b » r little bag , accompanied with the yonog blood of Ireland , ( perhaps seven or eight younglings , ) takes to tbe roai , barked at by tbe rich man ' s dog , and fostered by the charitable of her own class . In Ujster , the small fanners are much better off My Lords and Gentlemen , I have thought it necessary to state so much of customs , for the purpose of exhibiting Ireland to your eye at a glance . Let us not ? dispose of a farmsr holding one hundred acres of ground . I -will select the county of Cork ; Limerick

      being mere ot a grazing county , and Tipperary , Clare , and Waterford being feeding , and corn-growing counties Kerry , verymuch resembles Cork ; and some parts of it send forth tbeii emigrants in harvest and potato-digging time , in the same manner as Connaught Ten farmers then , holding one thousand acres of land in tbe county of Cork , and living upon thoBe farms for twentyfive years , ( a time when tbe family becomes marriageable , ) will not , unitedly , have spent £ 2 i per annum in tbe manufacturing market They lire very little , if anything , better tkau their labourers , with whom they breakfast and dine six days in the week ; breakfast being potatoes , and thick milk , " blue , " from sixty to eighty-four hours old , sometimes boiled into curds and whey , and sometimes cold ; and they have the same for dinner , from Ule 1 st of January to the 31 st of December .

      If the farmer can bold possession , and keep tbe stock together , and if , in tbe twenty-five yean , he h&s scraped together £ 25 for ais children * portions , k * considers himself right well off We will suppose him to have three sons and two daughters . To tbe daughters he gives £ l * Q each-, tbe second son be marries to another farmer ' s daughter , with whom be gets bis one hundred pounds ; tbe eldest son remains-for some time unmarried , and when his parents meet with a suitable match for him , in their old age , they , with tbe gossoon ( tbe youngest son ) give op tbe farm to tbe heir , { with his Honour ' s consent , and tomeihing more , ) and live theaselves upon a few acres of which the son pays the rent ; aid the fifty pounds spared after the daughter's portion remains for which ever shall be survivor , to live with tbe youngest , who seldom or never marries during the life of the old couple .

      My Lord * and Gentlemen , the law « f nature , which thus Implants the duty in the child of taking care « f bis aged parents , is in my mind far preferable to the law of primogeniture settlement and entail , which makes the son dread his mother brothers and sisters , % bd quarter-day . A letter with a black seal and mourning edge from , the family mansion , is a Ged-send to the pining heir , made idle from expectancy ; while death is an unwelcome messenger to the poor nan ' s bouse , fro a which , thank Gtod ! system-made ruffianism has not as yet banished all natural feeling .

      We now come to consider how these on * hundred acres are cultivated . They are , for tie most part , disposed of as follows ; potatoes , ten acres ; wheat , ten acres ; oats , ten acres ; lemaindeir in a transient state between weeds , and their next turn for potatoes . Upon seventy acres twenty wretched cows and four horse 3 , or three horses and a colt , are supported ; it is

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      cultivated in tbe very rudest manner ; I mean roughestfor spade culture is literally the rudest , but yet the most excellent , mode of cultivation . When I come to write a plain system for the poor man ' s industry , and show exactly wherein bis inheritance lies , you wUl be astounded at tbe ignorance of your system , aad yonr consequent loss . Tbe potatoes are good ; no better ; tbe best in the world , because tbe flavour isnotdestreyed by sharp manures . Tbe wheat for the most part Is good w to produce , but miserable as to sample ; the produce depending » n tbe land , the sample

      upon tbe tenant , or rather upon the landlord , whose duty , whose especial duty , It la to see that above all other things , sound , dean , and ssi table seed be sown ; by suitable , I mean that upland seed from a distance be sown In swampy and stiff ground , and viee vena ; by clean , I mean that a peck of weed seed should aot be sown with a bag of wheat seed , thereby exhausting tbe land and producing an expenditure of much unproductive labour in weeding ; not that labour is unprodnctlvely expended when crops require -weeding , but it might be altogether Saved , aad more beneficially applied .

      Tbe cows produce scarcely a'lrandred weight of butter a bead ; they are made to calve unseasonably for want of sufficient shelter ; and thus much is lost by renewing the stock . A farmer tries to send his cow for service , so as to calve when tbe season will suit him ; but the cow is obstinate and will only be in calf when Bhe thinks pnper . By this arrangement seventy acres , which would support thirty-five cows well , merely keeps twenty miserable things alive ; tbe land , while

      in grass , being ft mere oajmt morluum , and nay be considered as sacrifivd to tbe thirty seres of badly cultivated crops ; in a state of probation , waiting for its turn to be ploughed , having " seven years'skin npon it , " which is necessary for producing good potatoes and wheat ; the necessity being created by a want of the best manure that ever was , or ever will , or ever can be applied to land , man's arms and foot , with a spade at the end of it

      Our next consideration is tbe number of persons which the 1 M acres supports . We will estimate the farmer ' s family at five , and he will have five labourers ; but you know , u in Scotland , the practise la to get single men , or one man and bis two sons , and a man and one son ; however I will give you all tbe advantage of five families , consisting of a man , bis wife , and five children each ; thus demiciliatlBg six families , of seven to a family , or forty-two persona , upon the 100 acres , living in rags , as I have described , like pigs tbut not like fat ones ) from year ' s end to year ' s end , resting at night upon a sop of straw upon an earthen floor , without one single particle of furniture , or any one thing conducing to man ' s comfort—not one . Is that right treatment , my Lords and Gentlemen , for those who coin the barren surface of your soil into down beds , costly mansions , a well-stocked larder , and a fine wardrobe ? Ah ! beware bow you longer maintain political power at tbe expence of social disorganization and a reversion of all nature ' s laws ! . ' >

      Let us now see what surplus after such rapport the farm leaves for traffic and supply in the consuming and manufacturing markets . We tak « a year ' s produce ;—£ s . d . SO bags of wheat at £ l 5 s . per bag 62 10 0 16 cwts . of butter , seconds and thirds , at jC 3 5 a per cwfc 52 9 0 20 barrels of oats , spared from honea , at 10 s . per barrel 10 0 0 10 fat pigs at 2 £ cwt per pig , at £ l per cwt 25 0 Spared potatoes 21 0 0 £ 170 1 « 0 £ «• d . Rent , say 20 s . per acre lot 0 0 Tithe and county rate 10 0 Paid to five labourers , besides diet 20 0 0 Renewal of cattle for dairy II 0 I Wear and tear , smith ' s work , and additional men at harvest .., 21 t t Laid by for children 10 Spent in manufacturing market 0 10 £ 170 1 * Now , what interest has the farmer for bis capital employed as follows ?— £ s . d . Price of 2 » cows at £ 7 a-head 140 0 Four horses at £ 10 each 40 0 $ Carts , tackling , ploughs , barrows , fcc . 2 * 0 0

      £ 210 0 0 What interest has be for that which requires £ 10 a-year to keep it up , by the renewal of dairy stock to its original value ? He has just the £ 10 a-year , which he lays by , if all goes welL And what is his remuneration ? Just the amount of comfort that I have Bhown him to be partaker of ; and thus , for twenty-five years be and his family undertake great risk and responsibility , and at the end of that time are more than happy if remunerated with bis Honour ' s bond for £ 250 .

      Come , can you deny my position ; and will you say I do not considerably exaggerate my statement in favour of the ! farmer f If so , take stock of that class ; and I pledge myself that for one fanner holding 14 * acres who has saved £ 250 after twenty-five years toil , that I will Sod four at least in arrears , with their cattle marked for rent , and without a fraction in the World . In fact a farmer with £ 250 ia a " rara avis "—you call him " a strong man . ' ' ' My Lords and Gentlemen , this is tbe week for trying tbe system-made-rogues and murderers in Yorkshire ; and as the paper for vrhich I -write ia expetced to

      chronicle their trials , I must now take my leave , with a caution to beware how you allow your brains to be haunted with tbe new science called " political economy . " It is , believe me , but a phantasm which haunts tbe unpractised fool in bis airy dreams of artificial beatitude . It is a delusion all ; a proposed corrective for social disarrangement ; a substitute for social economy ; which means the most pleasant , the most easy , and the most beneficial application of man ' s labour and ingenuity to the conversion of raw material , and above all of the land , into produce for man ' s sustenance , support comfort and enjoyment

      My Lords and Gentlemen , believe me , that you must take the whole system into calculation , before you can arrive at a just conclusion as to tbe probable result to be produced by passing events . You Blast look , at all the circumstances , and from the whole , and not from any flattering or fancied portion of them , you must draw your conclusions . Let me assist you . Take Class Legislation and gunpowder for your dividend , and Political Economy for your divisor , and the result in your quotient will be a large surplus of fictitious money ; a large surplus of manufactured goods ; a large " surplus population , " rendered useless by machinery ; a large surplus of non-consuming , unregulated , producing power ; a large army ; a large navy ; a large

      church-establishment ; a large law establishment ; a large police establishment ; a large regal establishment ; a large poor law establishment ; a large oligarchial pauper establishment ; a small centralised , gorged slave-owners establishment ; social ruin ; an empty exchequer ; little trade ; discontent ; crime ; insecurity of property ; gaols fail ot " political offender *; " starvation ; and rerolation . As & superabundance of fictitious money presses ' hard upon and reduces tbe value of real capital , so does fictitious labour press hard upon aad reduce the value of real labour . And as tbe bankrupt fails in tbe midst of surplus wealth , se does tbe perative starve in tb « midst of abundance , neither having the means of acquiring the drug . Thus you see merchants failing in the midst of affluence , and the people starving in the midst of plenty .

      In my next I shall shew that the 1 , 000 seres subdivided into the too-large allotments of ten acres each , would maintain in affluence two for one , compared with your present system ; would increase your rents ; and in twenty-five years , those 1 , 000 acres alone would cause an expenditure of more than £ 50 , 000 is toe manufacturing market , after having furnished to society a much larger quantity above consumption , than the Bame l , 00 » acres now furnish altogether-

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      I would make man to a certain extent his own producer , manufacturer , and consumer ; thus relieving the wholesale market of it » slaves , and at the sum time creating a vastly Increased demand in the home market for those articles which the husbandman eouMt not manufacture , and other articles which from the advantages of machinery , he could purchase cheaper than he could make . You must return from sa artificial to a more natwa ! state of society . Yon must give to the labourer the power of regulating the supply of Us own piodace according to demand ; and , above all , If bia elevation ia society be is truth yonr object , you must let bia see the sterling labour-stamp upon his handy-work , instead of finding It effaced by the counterfeit enterprise and speculation stamp of " ova . merchants , " " ovk traders , " and " oua slave owners . "

      My maxim to-dsy is the same as that which I laid down for you in 1831— " A fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work . " Give thai , and use your political power for tbe conversion of machinery into nan's holiday instead of being man ' s curse ; and then , in tbe elo * qoent MfMtaiesman-Hke words of Mr . Butterwortb , one of wy illegally incarcerated brethren , you may * ' go to bed by steam , rise by steam , and dress yourselves by steam , provided ateam does not take tbe bed from tbe po * r man , and leave him without clothes to dress with . "

      My Lords , end Gentlemen , many a half-witted fool has gained even a posthumous fame by one sentiment not containing a twentieth part of the philosophy of the above . Search all yonr writers npon " free trade ' - " political ecsnomy" and "commerce , " and I defy you to equal it from the catalogue of their united folly , or from the heap to pick one such grain from the chaff . My Lords and Gentlemen , " political economy" has no " finality ; " and , believe me , that the political economists will never rati satisfied till they make you tenants in your own houses , stewards to your own

      estates ; and beggars from the Pole , the Turk , the Russian , the Prussian and the America * , upon your own land . They wish to place you upo * the shop-board , making breeches and coats which the foreigner may or may not purchase , according to convenience : while they would make you dependants upon the foreigner for that which you must have three times a day , or starve , or do that which J am quite sure you never could bring yourselves { 0 , as you have transported thousands upon thousands for the tame—STEAL .

      Now , do not think the picture over painted . Do not reject the advice because it comes from a " Destructive . * Do not despise it because it comes through the only paper in England which dares to support the labourer against his every enemy , fren the monarch on the throne who gives assent to laws for his ruin , down to the policeman who executes those laws—do not . And ever bear the alternative in mind , REFORM r TRANSFER . That you may come to a righteous , a just , and a sound conclusion , is th « devout prayer of Your obedient , And very humble servant , Fjubgi's O'Connor . York Castle , Condemned Cull , 14 th . of fifteenth month of solitary confinement .

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      YORK . —On Wednesday evening last , Mr . G . J . Harney , the talented advocate of tbe People ' s Charter , delivered a lecture on tbe rights of labour , and the principles of the Charter , In the large room of the association , situate in Feasgste . Mr . Demsjne in tbe sbalr . The room was crowded to excess , and hundreds bad to go away disappointed , being unable to gain admittance . Mr . H . gpoke for upwards of two boars , fully exposing both factions , and concluded by calling upon tbe nen of York to ualte for the attainment ot their political rights . The worthy lecturer was loudly cheered during his address . Tbe following resolution

      was proposed by Mr . Cordeux , and seconded by Mr . ( Jill , and carried unanimously : — " That it is the opinion of this meeting , that great changes are necessary iu the system of Government in this country , in order to improve tbe condition of the working classes , and we ate of opinion that no confidence can be placed on the factions whUh at present misrule our country , and we pledge ourselves never to rest satisfied until we are fully and fairly represented on the principles of the People's Charter . " Three tremendous cheers were then given for the " Caged L \ on ; " three for Frost , Williams , and Jones , and three for the Charter , after which the meeting separated .

      At the weekly meetino of York Chartists , held on Tuesday , the 6 th Inst , » committee of frwentyone waa elected to carry out the demonstration , to take place on tbe release of Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., which is to consist of a procession aad public dinner , which there is no doubt will be carried out In a manner worthy of the martyr for whom it is intended . On Sunday , tbe committee met , when an election took place by ballot , for six marshals , when tbe following were declared duly elected . •—Messrs . Burley , Croft , Dernaine , Inglis , and Williams . On Tuesday last , being meeting night , seven new members were admitted , tbe effects of Mr . Barney ' s address . Mr . Matthew Batoson was elected a member of tbe General Council , in place f Mr . Charles Stewart After which Mr . E . Burley read the letter of Mr . O'Connor in the last week's Star , te the fustian jackets , which elicited loud applause , and tbe Meeting broke up , highly delighted with the night's proceedings .

      ASHTON-TJNDER-XtYNE . —Tbe cause of Chartism is progressing very rapidly in this town . The members of tbe Association held their usual weekly meeting on Sunday last , to hear Mr . Storor , who had been delegated to the County Council Meeting ; but it being late before be arrived , the election news and O'Connor ' s letters were read from the Star , with deep interest , and all present were struck with astonishment on bearing of the base treachery of Dover and Edwards . Andrew Newton wss elected to the Council , in room of John Slater . About nine o'clock , Mr . Storor entered the room , and gave a very satisfactory account of his mission ; after which , the meeting broko up .

      ABEBGAVENNY . —The cause progresses here steadily . Tbe weekly meetings are well attended , and considerable spirit is manifested . The cards have not been yet received from Manchester , At tbe last meeting Mr . Thomas Howe stated that the infant son of Mr . Haines had been christened a few days since , Henry Feargus O'Connor , to commemorate that unflinching champion of the people ' s rights , Feargus O'Connor , Esq . The statement was received With thundering applause . Tbe father rose , and in an appropriate manner , returned thanks , and said , that he weuld use every means in his power to bring him up to the cause of democracy .

      BRADFORD . —The Chartists ot this place having learnt that threats are held out by a few Whig hirelings against their leaders , called a public meeting on Wednesday evening hist , at which the following resolution was adopted : —That this meeting regrets the misconduct of certain misguided individuals during and subsequent to the election ; but the Chartists of Bradford , determined to maintain that respect for tkeir character accorded to them in the Commons' House ot Parlian-ent by Fox Maule , that they are both intelligent and forbearing under circumstances of tbe most extraordinary excitement , do recommend every effort to be used for the restoration of that general good will which hitherto has existed in the borough . "

      StTBLZN . —The Universal Sufirage Association of this place held their weekly meeting on Sunday last , in t&elr great room , No . 14 , North Anne-street , Mr . Thos . Lee in the chair , who , in a neat and forcible speech , argued the necessity , utility , and right of the producers of wealth to a voice in tbe making of the laws by which they are to be governed ; that nothing short of the spread of political knowledge , and a union of sentiment and action between the people of Great Britain and Ireland , could ever emancipate them , for as the one rises or falls , so must the other . The meeting was also addressed by Maun . Wood , Bropby , and Patrick O'Higgins , in support of the principles of

      Universal Suffrage , Voteby Ballot , Animal Parliaments , Equal Representation , No Property Qualification , Payment of Members , and Repeal of the Legislative Union , which are the objects of this association . Tbe meeting was a crowded one , and never was there more anxiety evinced , by any meeting , for their principles , than mi this , on account of the defeat of OConnell and Batton . Several went away exclaiming , " Sore that ' s tbe very thing we want ; what fool » we have been . II those are the principles of tbe Chartists we are all tot them . " Several new members were , enrolled * and notices of others , who may be enrolled on Sunday next , were given . This association meets evsaj Sunday evening , at six o ' clock .

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      HBANOJV—Mr . W . Dean ' . Taylor lectured here on Friday evening , in the Mark Qt Place . The rage of Yellowism and Blueism wa « so strong that it was considered mad to attempt to address the people , but our lecturer would have no nay . He said he had come to lecture , and he would not go away without ; we therefore accompanied him te the ground , ana , we acknowledge , * uot without seme fear . We had an attentive ana muperoua audience , who listened to the clear expedition of our eternal principles—6 » veral of whom at the conclusion , cried out in rapture , who would not be a Chartist J

      8 EtPBB .-Mr . W . Deals Tatlot preached » the Market Place of this town * on Sunday evening last , and we only say wo wish- s&ch discourses ooald be preached in every part of England every Sunday . TODXHOR&EM . — -Too weekly meeting of the Chartists Was held on Monday evening , when several came forward to be admitted as members , and the following resolution waa carried : — " That tw » shillings ' worth of the 'Address to the Eleotow and Non-electors of the County Cork' be sent for t » the Star office , "—Any person ean have one by applying to Mr . Samuel Barker , Toad Carr .

      GLASGOW . —A . meeting of the direciovs and others interested in th « -Lanarkshire Universal Suffrage Association was- beld in their hall . College Open , on the night of the 9 th instant , when it was tnanimously agreed to » wse every possible exertion to have all the Chartist electors registered by the 20 th of this month , when the registration-courts close here . It was also agreed , and speakers were appointed to attend th » various districts ia connection , for the purpose of getting up a new au 4 powerful agitation against the faction which , by the result of the recent elections , will shortly be in power ; and for using every legal step to carry the Charter into law , in accordance with the above agreement . — A large public meeting was held at the corner of

      Dale-street , Bridgeton , on the 12 th instant ; Mr . Johnston , grocer , waa unanimously ealied to the chair . It was the largest out-door meeting ever held in that densely populated suburban district and stronghold of Whiained ten-pounders ; and notwithstanding the rain began to pour , literally speaking , in bueketsfull , at the commencement of the proceedings and continued throughout , still the dense and enthusiastic mass stood the pelting of the pitiless storm without flinching . The chairman opened the business of the meeting with a brief and appropriate speech , and concluded by stating that Mr . Moir , the people ' s representative lor Glasgow , would address them . After a short delay , ( Mr . Moir not having arrived , ) he was seen wending his way down the main street ,

      and was greeted with rapturous cheering , waving of hats , hankerchiefs , and umbrellas , until he ascended the platform , from which he delivered a cutting , satirical , and powerfully argumentative speech on the present position of affairs , carrying along with him the whole soul of his attentive and numerous audience who cheered and recheered his home and forcible thrusts at the pitiful position of the Whigs . He was followed by Mr . John Rodger , one of those master minds which the present extraordinary movement has dragged forth from the obscurity of domestic life to act his part in the glorious regeneration of his country . His sincere and impassioned manner of speaking , combined with his well-known benevolence and purity of character , oarried the hearts of his audience along with him . He concluded amid greatcheering , by proposing the

      following resolution : — - That this meeting is satisfied that the Reform Bill has failed in the object contemplated by tbe working classes , inasmuch as it has conferred the franchise on parties who are utterly regardless of the interests and wishes of the great body of thepeople , and resolve to continue to agitate until the principles of the People ' s Charter shall be the law of the land . " This resolution was seconded by Mr . M'Kay , and on being put by the chairman , was carried unanimously . One of thefustian jackets then called oat for three cheers for Feargus O'Connor , which was responded to by the whole meeting , taking time from the Chairman . Three cheers were given for the Charter , three for theother incarcerated patriots , and three for their patriotic and intelligest Chairman , when the meeting dissolved with wet ekins , though warm hearts in the cause

      of liberty . LEEDS . Now that the elections for the borough of Leeds and the West Biding are over , the Chartists are preparing for the coming straggles . With the Whigs losing ground , as they have done , we shall hare them agitating the country to its base , ( if they are not met by the Chartists , ) with a repeal of the Corn Law ? , Vote by Ballot , and Household Suffrage . The Chartists here will meet them with "Universal Suffrage , and no

      surrender . " Now is the time for the Chartists to act with firmness , for the Whigs will endeavour again to cajole the people , as they did with the Reform Bill agitation ; but only let the Chartists act upon principle , and we shall have no fear of the result . The Council desires that every member would attend the weekly meetings of the Association , and give , by his presence , countenance to its proceedings , and let every member bring one or more persons with him , so that they may have an opportunity of hearing what Chartism really is .

      NOTTINCrHAIH . —At a meeting of the counsel held in the Democratic Chapel , Rice-place , Nottingham , on Sunday morning last , it was resolved to call a meeting of delegates from the various towns and villages within the county of Nottingham , to assemble ia the chapel , Rice-place , ou Sunday the 25 th instant , at 2 o ' clock , when bust ness of importance will be btought forward for consideration . It is requested that each place will send a delegate , that is within the county , where there is a body of Chartists meet .

      BERSKONSSSY . —At the weekly meeting here , a vote of tbanks was passed to the brave Chartists of Manchester for their forbearance , when brutally attacked by the Com Law Repealers and their hired ruffians , when seeking discussion ; and a subscription was entered into to support an enquiry for tbe purpose of obtaining justice . Our moiety to the Executive will be sent this week , and we hope , with the assistance of every Chartist of Bermondsey , to go on and prosper . HUDDERSFIEM& . —CiiAimsT Lecture . —Mr William Martin lectured here on Monday evening , in the National Charter Association Room , Upperhead Bow , to a large and respectable number of hla brother Chartists and others , who listened throughout the lecture with the most marked attention . He commenced in a very animated strain , congratulating them on the elevated position they had so successfully achieved , by

      which they had driven the two great factions to the acknowledgment that tbe Chartists bad become tbe third great party in the state , holding the balance of power betwixt each faction . He then called upon the Chartists to strengthen their cause by increased union and numbers , and requested all present , who had not joined the Association , to do so immediately . Suffice it to say , he delivered a lecture in his usual animated and impressive style , to the great satisfaction of all present At the conclusion , a vote of thanks was most cordially given to him , when the lecturer observed that should he join in the v » te of thaaks for himself , he would only be doing as ray Lord John Russell and the rest of the Ministry bad done in Voting a vote of confidence in themselves . A vote of thanks to Feargus O'Connor was also given , amidst the most enthusiastic cheers .

      LEICESTER . —Mr . Cooper delivered a political 8 ermon in the room at All Saint ' s Open , on Sunday night last , the weather aot permitting the usual assembly in the Market-place . Many went away , unable to got in . A larger room is much needed . Two or three defections to the Whigs have taken place daring the electioneering excitement ; but the renegades have only met with the contempt of tbe Chartist body . The demand for cards has been unusual since the close of the elections ; a proof that Cturtiaui is not sinking in Leicester . MANCHESTER . —Progress of the Cause . — Notwithstanding all the ? persecutions which the Chartists of this town have suffered , the opposition of the anti-Corn Law " Plague" and tbe misrepresentations of a corrupt hireling press , they seem determined to

      persevere ia their undertaking . Persecution has had the same effect upon that cause , u history informs ua it had upon every Other good one , namely , th » t instead of putting it out , has invariably tended to fan It into a flame . Not » week has passed since the affair in Stephenson ' s-squaro that the lecture looms have not been better attended , and numbers have been added to the association . An additional degree of enthusiasm has also prevailed . During the last week it was given ent at the conclusion of the lectures in the various to * ma that a capacious room would be opened hi Salter-street . No other means were used to give publicity to it ; and on Tuesday evening last , the time announced , the room waa crowded to excess . Mr .

      Phillip Knight , a veteran , in the cause of democracy , mi called to the chair , who , after making a few appropriate remarks , introduced Mr . Wm . Butterwwth to the meeting . Mr . B . addressed them for about twenty minutes on the justice of the cause , and the necessity of proceeding with It until their efforts should be crowned With Success . Mr . "Xeech afterwards delivered » lecture upon the three subjects put forward by the tailing Whigs , which he handled in his usual able and manly style , for which he received the plaudits of the assembly . A vote of thanks was tendered him at tbe conclusion . This room is about tbe same size as Tibstreet , and bids fair to become equally as flourishing . Hurrah for tbe Charter 1

      Untitled Article

      /^ . x ^ fil . " V - ^ - ^ Porihait or O'Bri « w . —The bard hands , fastS * jackets and unshorn chins of Manchester , finding thai the ever-to-be-respected fenales of . that town had stolen a march upon them in getting np a painting of Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., for the approaching demoastratfon , have liberally subscribed and purchased

      canvass , the same sfzs as O'Connor ' s , and engaged th « same artist to paint a fall length likenest of J . B . O'Brien . It Is how nearly finished and it Is said that it is a Striking likeness ; he altc in the * ttita 4 r be »» t when in the Convention , in bis study , wHb librar y , papers , pens , and ink before him , folly representing west he in reality Is—a literary character . Tim picture-in the whole does credit both to the bonny lad * of Manchester , and the artist .

      NationaI Executive . —This body met on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings , and went through the preliminary business . Their sittings have been hitherto private , and tkey have been principally engaged in examining the aceounts , ike ., which will be published . After this has been done , they will commence business of a more important nature , in giving directions for the carrying « nt the plan of organization . Present—Dr . M'Douall , Mr . Janes Leech , and Mr . Joha CampbelL ^^

      Untitled Article

      PUBLIC FESTIVAL IN HONOUR OF MR . H . TINCENT , AT BANBURY . On Wednesday , the 7 th instant , a pnblfo tM party was held in Mr . B . Austin ' s spacious maitnouse , when , notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather nearly 8 » 0 ladies and gentlemen were present to pay a tribute of gratitude to their able and uncompromising advocate , Mr . H . Vincent The room was splendidly illuminated and beautifully decorated , some hundreds of paintings , tea ., having been kindly lent and a great profusion of flowers supplied for tbe occasion . Mr . G&teman was called to the chair , and after the tea was concluded ; Mr . J . © shorn , moved that the following address fee presented to Mr . H . Vincent , whleb was seconded in » very aWe speech fcy the Bev . J . Clarke , and unanimously adopted by tbe meeting : ' Mr . H . Vincent , '

      " Six , —The Elector * of Banbury , Ndthrop , and the Hamlets , take the earliest opportunity of cosgrato lating you on the honoatable position you maimtainod at the poll during the late severely contested election , and when we look at tfi » number of respectable , inteUf » gent , and honourable isdividuals who recorded their votes in your favour , we cannot but look at the defeat , if it can be 8 O called , >* t as a preface to th « certainty that awaits you of yotur being most honourably seiaraed as tbe representative for Bonbury , when we again have the honour of accompanying you to the polL On looking at the variety of circumstances that have at thi » time operated against you—the comparative few who

      knew you , or the principles you have s » aofclyand honearably advocated—aad the prejudices , that have nv > w for ever vanished , that once clouded the minds of some of the electors of Banbury , we hail yonr minority a triumph , and your defeat a victory . The elouds that appeared iu the political horizon when you entered the independent town of Banbury as a candidate for our suffrages , have for ever disappeared , and the glorious sun of political freedom has arisen in the power and splendaur of his majesty , and has sent the mighty rays of democratic government amongst us ; based upon th » only true foundation , the political rights of thopeople .

      " In congratulating you on the noble- stand you hav » made on democratic principles , and tbe philanthropi * seal with which you have so nobly advocated those mighty principles in Banbury , we point you to the people ' s House of Commons , —thither will we tend you—to wield your powerful talents , and your sterling integrity in the ever-glorious cause of demoeratie liberty . " We beg to thank you most sincerely for coming amongst us » candidate for our suffrages—for the greatmoral principles you have so talentedly disseminated

      amongst us—for your honourable and gentlemanly conduct during your canvass , at the hustings , and a * the poll—and the noble feelings that actuated to enforce upon tbe minds of the , assembled thousands the propriety of preserving tbe peace ; and we beg to bear our testimony , in conjunction with every inhabitant of Banbury , to the perfect tranquillity of the town during : the election , attributed by parties of different political opinions to tbe influence your very powerful appeal has had upon the minaa ot tie people , to keep sober , and receive a& insult la good humour rather than

      resent it " In conclusion , we beg to request that when another opportunity offers , you will again come amongst as to solicit our suffrages , and we have no doubt but we shall be able to place you at the head of the poll . " Mr . Vr-cent then addressed the party in a speech of nearly two hours' duration , of which the following is a brief report : — . Whatever my feelings were during the contest , they are nothing cemparsd with my feelings on the present ccision . I feel a pride that , though the green flag was smitten down , my friends have sot deserted it I feel I am sot wwrthy tf the respect you shew me . I hope you are not come to congratulate me only , but that you look further—to God and to our cause . This shall go on until every slave shall be made free , uutil the dis *

      tressed are made happy . I have drawn the public mind to the great principles we advocate . It you feel any attachment to me for the put I have taken in this contest , let us reciprocate this feeling . Thongh driven back from the poll , yet we have obtained a victory Was it nothing t » see the great mass of the people-—artisans , mechanics , ladies , all ranged on our side ? Every man , woman , and child prayed tor my success . We have achieved a victory which has put freak spirit into tbe Radicals . By whatever name we are called , our principles are the same . We hold that every man shall be prepared for those great national privileges which God has intended him to eDJoy . Look at our country—at that part of her population who have fought and toiled for her good . Are they treated as they ought to be ? What are , the principles upon which

      good Government is founded ? The first principles of Government are to promote the happiness of society , to protect the unprotected , to relieve the distressed . The proudest spirit which could actuate the ancient Baron was , to take care of the poor—to take care of the serfs . And be was then accounted tbe beat man who performed this duty best , who rendered the hearthstone of tue COtUge as Secure as that ef the palace . There ia a mass of misery existing in this country which few are aware of . Few Christians are aware of this : were they they would , as one noble army , come forward and attempt to alleviate it . The duty of government is to provide not only for the temporal , but for tbe spiritual wants of the community . The great body of the people —the labourer , the tradesman—are borne down by the character of the times . The plague is abroad : and every

      one knows the plafne must go- on , unless arrested by a power greater than that which produced it . Is it not much more difficult to obtain employment now than it once was ? Is it not more difficult now to make payments gosd ? Erery one must bear testimony to the fact , that things ate getting worse and worse . The Conservative says " things are wrong ; we want a Tory Government to make them better ; we want ; a good war . " A good war ! we want no war , we want peace and plenty . Our sufferings have been occasioned by war . The Whig says , " yon are right ; this ) country is in a bad condition . " I say to him , then , ¦ ' Youhave been in power , but you have not bettered this condition . " He is obliged to acknowledge this , bufc pleads many excuses . Sometimes the King opposed him , and be durst not take a stop in opposition to his

      sovereign will . But when they had the Queen aad her Chambermaids with them , they did nothing . Whig and Tory are alike , both are interested in keeping things as they are . The man who advocates liberty when out , how different is he when he gets into tbe Honse of Commons . You should endeavour to understand the meaning of party . The Radical party is as prejudicial ttyour interests as the Tory , unless prepared to give you your share ia tbe representation of the country . I wish to upset all attachment to party , and to endeavour to form one great party , founded on tbe principles of justice , of universal intelligence . Let us cast off the swaddling-clothes of political babyhood , and stand forth as men to advocate those principles . If Lord John Russell , Sir Rebert Peel , or Mr . Taaered advocate those principles , I will give either of them

      my most cordial support . What are our principles f A . Radical is a man who wishes the Government of the country conducted upon the best principles possible . He advocates cheap government , a government which shall protect evtry mau in- the exercise of mental and bodily labour , and throw especially the shield of ita protection over the worn-out part of tbe community , and make their deaths as easy and happy as possible The Ridical reads in his Bible that God made of one blood all the nations of the earth ; he believes , therefore , that the prince and the peasant are alike equal in the Bight of God . Reasoning on these principles , the Radical cainot see why a few Peers should govern this great nation , or that a few thousands should govern thirty million * . He atks how , in every age and country , have the few exercised the power ? And

      whether he looks to this country , to Sparta , or to Rome , he finds that tbe few have used the power they possessed against the interests of the many . They have ever been reluctant to concede to tbe people their rights . If they hav * sought the interests of the people , it has generally been when they nav « been seeking their own . Paring the reign of John , the Barons said to the serf * , " Let us take prerogative * by the beard , " They took prerogative by the beard , and shook from his caltau heart , in the field of Runnymede , that Chart * which ia the base—the framework of all our great national privileges . Lord Grey conceded the Reform BUL Tom . aw told that that measure is a final measure . Final ! in thai which must continue to progress ! How atrociously absurd I

      What ore you promised by the Whigs «« w ? Cheap bread and cheap sugar . Why do they come forward and promise you thU ? Became they feel thai they have not a peg on which to bang their poiitieal hat . So they pat in these two pegs , and label one of them " cheap bread , " and tbe other " cheap sugar , " thinking thus to have a peg to hang their hats on ; but they are ahockiag bad hata after all . Our principle * are these—Justice for ail . injustice for nane ; happiness for the labourer , the artizan , the hopfcHper . I feel that the spirit of Radicalism must fee wMerstood , and ita principles triumph . What I have stated to yon is true . If there are any who think they can refute me , they are at liberty to come forward . If they cannot refute me , let them cast away all doubt and prejudice and lend me their aid . —Sun .

      €Havw A&Rteltfotfnce.

      € havW a&rteltfotfnce .

      To The Landlords Of Irelajhj, Lettkb Il

      TO THE LANDLORDS OF IRELAJHJ , LETTKB IL

      Untitled Article

      VOL . IT . NO . 192 . SATURDAY , JULY 17 , 1841 . ^ wZiSZ&S&ZSi !?'*

      Untitled Article

      AND LEEDS GENERAL ADYEBTISER ,

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), July 17, 1841, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct558/page/1/