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Northern Star (1837-1852), 13th November 1841, Edition 3 of 4, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      CARLISLE . IMPORTANT INQUIRY INTO THE CONDUCT OF JIR JOSEPH 2 f } XO 2 » V KEEPER OF CALEP 2 LL-H 1 LI . WORKHORSE . In consequence ol a request made by the Board of Guardians to the magistrate * , to take the evidence of esctain parties complaining of harsh and brutal conduct , onthe part of Mr . Nixon , the keeper of Calefell-hill workhouse , tbe ma § i * trates appointed Saturday last , for bearing tbe case . There -were more than the usual member of persons in the body of the hall , amdousto hear the inauiry . We give the evidence In fall as it transpired . It is right , however , to mention , that the four persons examined is behalf of Mr . Nixon , are all at present paupers is tbe workhouse , and as each would not feel themselves at liberty to speak out in that fearless msner which others bare done .

      Mr . a Wnnnop , solicitor , appeared for the complainant * ; bat in consequence of tbe magistrates being determined to adjudicate on the matter , he declined having- anything to do with the ease . Mr . Nixon was aided by Mr . James "Monnsey , solicitor , and clerk to the Board of Guardians . Tne toquiry took place in the Town Hill , I > efor 6 James Dixon , Esq ., Mayor ; Thomas Salhald , Esq , of Halm-Hill ; and Joseph Ferguson , Esq . * of Fisherstreet

      Mary Vallely sworn—She said I live in Duke-street , and am a married woman . I was hi the workhouse kept by Mr . Nixon a month to-day . There were two or three women getting tea . Mr . Nixon went in and eatehed them getting it This place is a good bit off the place where I and eight or nine other persons were sitting . Air . Nixon raised and swore that the first be catebed getting tea again , be would punish them severely . He danmed and swore—he damned his tool ; but the first he caught getting tea again , he would panish them .

      By Mr . A . Dixon , mayor—He is in the habit of using oaths when be speaks to as , and makes every woman tremble at Ms voice . The next meal we went to , he ¦ wore by God he would give a damned deal less white bread to the children , for them to take it to their tea . This was on a Saturday , and I came out on tks Wednesday following . I saw cone of the children felting wtnte bread during th&t tim » . WMte bre&a is allowed to make boilies for the sucking children . If it had been allowed I weuld have seen it ; they get nothing in place * f it I heard the women all saying "there was ncne of them . " On the Monday after , two of -the women who had sucking children got over the wall , and casie to the town for bread . This was at seven o'clock at night ; one of them was-Jane BoVman ,

      tad the other Betsey Hunter . Tbe master and mistress were both at tbe town when it happened . As soon as the women were missed , there was a great noise in the house , as to what would be done , when the master came back and heard of it The two women came back in aboui an hour and a half . The passage and stair-head doors were locked , so that they would have to come through the kitchen where they would be teen . There were six or seven of us kept stsnding en the stairs a considerable time , and could not get to bed . Mr . Nixon ' s dau £ ht- > r and servant brought up a candle , and reproved Jane Bowman very much for going over the walL She denied it Mr . Nixon ' s daughter htaved her hand in Bowman ' s face , and asked her how she dared to do it When the master and mistress came

      borne between ten and eleven o ' clock , the master went out of one room to another , cursing and swearing in the same way . He said to Jane Bjwman , he would take d d good care of her , that she should never have any dut-door relief , and she should never have settling when her husband sent for her to America . He came into tbe bed rooms two or three times , and eoctinu-rd until two o ' clock in the morning . The next mernirg the bell rung for us all to go to the gates . All the ¦ women and young lasses were brought forward to the gate * . Ha cleared them all but six of us , and Bent int others into the heose . We bad to go across tbe yard at ihe sound of the beH every half hour in the day and every quarter of an hour after dark , till eight o ' clock . b : > e of the women who went over the wall

      gave her notice in next day , at eight o ' clock , to leave the place : the woman was Jane Bowman . There was another c £ the fix he removed to her pariah next day . There tr-je now four left , one that went over the wall and three oihtrs . I dont know what I was punished for . Mr . Niion kept Jane Bowman in until seven o'dock at nisht , though she had four children , two in her arms an " , two at her tails . She asked the mistress , at two o ' clock , for her dotkes , which was an hour after she should have got ont The mistress said No , she had something else to do than give har her clothes ; she said in a passion , " Turn in here and do the kitchen work ; you ha Ye gu * . your dinner , and 1 wili take care yon work for it I sin mistress and not you . " Jane Bowman went oat sbont seven o ' clock at night I heard no

      eanse atvz- rd f " > r keeping her in until that time . We , the four , Riu du : j until eight o ' clock at night , that is , going across the yard at the sound of the bell . 1 thm thought there would be no more of it , but he started next maraina , and the bell was rung again . I walked till eittt o ' cic-ck , and then I gave notice to come out I expected my tims would expire nt one o ' clock , as five hour ? is the time of the notice . I walked when the bell roc 3 . until twoe ' clock , when I cime out . I have three children . The bread the women brought in , he took it from them , » lso some red herrings , -when we were is >»¦! . He cut the loaves up , and gave them to the little eLildren . from two to four years of age . He kept thsm in the kitchen , until they ate it alL He asked them - * ht-n they were done eating , , if their

      bellies wtrc fall , and siid their mothers would goover the wall , and get U . esn more bread . Before Jane Bowman wert ont . she g 3 ve me one of the penny loaTts to conceal for her . as Nixon made Bucb , work . 1 gave her it sex : morning , and she put it into her pocket She had z . ph-ce of penny cake in her pocket at the time . JLi jars her extra punishment , by making htr wash saJ sc ? ir a six room shop before breakfast , and then afUi fareakfsist , when she wig going for water , he -cried out ' ¦ Hallo , Bowcian , what have yon got in your pocket ?"' 5 I-e paused , and he said , "Come , come , take off your ( . octet , till 1 see what is in it" Sae took it ttf , * al ><\ laid it down on the table . He then made h-er : r . ke out what was in it ; he then took the bread , zvA > -i 1 -he might take tbe pocket back . The next day he drrid-s-d the bread amongst the children , as before . He 2 z : u * io us , and said to the childrtsn , have

      you got * ::-. 'u ^ h , as your mothers will go and get yeu some m-jifc U . tsy Hunter , who went over tbe wall , said to Mr . >' : xon be mitbt have let her little girl come out before she " had eaten all her braid , that she might have got a piece fc . r -hi young one . The victuals were not sufficient , aud they said we did not get what was ordered . Tie i ,- % i three or four dayB 1 was in , the porridge -srore rt . i \ : iT better , but from the Saturday until the Wilu—ii ? , they were very bad ; there was a general < : ¦ i * . cry in the house that it was mixed with barley mti :. a-d to my taste it ' was . The porridge were very thin and just like grueL When I put six spoonfuls in :-j ihi iui ' . k , 1 could not get one out atcain . The Saturday c ^ f re I came out six more paupers came in . Thept * It :-es f-. r tte stew on the Sunday , are peeled on

      the Sifsrci' -.. Afi-r these oersons came in . the whisper the SiTsrtU ; - Af i-r these persons came in , the whisper went r . 'jnj— - ' We'll have their stew to-morrow . " I ask * d £ oOie ¦ v . e , -a * Lai was the reason ; they said there would he eo ;• : ¦ re potatoes peeled fer tbe six thai had come in- 1 said tbat was Xhe way be nsed to do ¦ when I was in tight yt _ zrs since ; that when in the back kitchen working , I L-vj . v . -cn from five to seven more coming In , aui 2 ^ ii- ^ - ? : ueal pui in for them , for I have seen it weigLci i liii'I almost forget to mention some bad language Le mi-de use of to a young woman who was in the hoois- I thirk her name is Betsy Porthouse , who was an in ' . ni ' . e "when I was in ; she was about a fortnight lv , i i : s . aiiu shs laid in the sick room with another woman who was poorly , when the woman Sarah

      Scott and her had some words , bnt I den ' t know what they were . tJ . e mistress said to the master , there is a woman iitrirg there , and the best word she can give anyone wbo rpeiks to her , is to kiss her backside . The master said , ' -the nasty , dirty , Blinking hussy , how could she wish any body to kiss her rotten bscksice , for she is a nasty , rotten , stinking vh—re , and is , &C-, tc . " ( Here the language is of that obscene character , that we dare not repeat it , and that he would give every woman a shilling -who would kick ner through the yard . ) There Woald V = a , bont forty persons present When he Said 80 . 1 8 wear 1 heard th&se -words . When I was before the Guardians Mr . y ixon said , " By God if yon go back—yon had better not . " I have stated nothing but the truth .

      By the Birch . —Bowman gave me the loaf , as Nixon was niaking such work . I gave ker it next morning . 1 know she had eat it contrary to the regulations ef the Board of Guardians . ( Here some altercation took place between the witn -ss and Nixon , which the bench very properly put a stop to . ) Jane Bcsrman examined . —I live at tbe end of Queenstreet I have been an inmate of the workhouse at Calefell HilL Ii is three weeks or more since I left While I was there , the master came in the Saturday before I left , ard said " be would be d—d if there should be any r : ore tea or coffee _ in that house , if he knew it , " He -weut away , but was not long away until he came back and said " be would take care they should have no more white bread for the children , he

      would put a stop to that" I came ont on Tuesday ,. and from Saturday up to that time , I got no more white ¦ bread for tbe child . On Monday night when the master ! and mistress were at the town , I and another young i woman , went over the wall to get some bread ; we brought the bread to the bouse ; the other woman was Betsy i Hunter , who > " ^ a sucking child ; when we came back ; the house was in confusion ; they said it hid been found [ out that we had been over the wall I gave some of , the bread to other women to hide ; I put a-penny loaf j and cake into my pocket , and we went to bed ; bnt the ! passage door was locked up , and we had to go through !

      by the kitchen ,- when Mr . Nixon ' s two daughters stopped us , and the young one fratched severely , and said her father would put us on the treadmill . She ; asked me if 1 went over the walL I said , no I She then shook her tist In my face , and said I was a bad : woman . 1 said nothing to her bnt went to go to bed , ! but the stair-b .-ad door was locked ; they brought the . key , and one of Mr . Nixon ' s daughters and the servant . brought a candle , they fratcfeed me very severely for j going over the wall ; after they had fratched a long , WbUft , I told tuem they had no business with it ; they ! might let their father and mother say what they thought ! proper when they mrpa in . Soon after the master and i

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      mistress came home . The master came running np stairs with a lighted a candle , shouting out which room does Bowman sleep in ? Some answered tbe garret He came in and said , Bowman , 70 a have been over the wall to-night ; I said no ? He said he would be d- A H fee eoold make it ont , he would ponisb me in the morning . He then -went to the other woman and frstebed her too ; be then came back , and asked for the bread . 1 never spoke , and be asked me where T bad my basket ? I told him tt was in the sitting-room . He went and found the bread and some herrings . He came back on the landing , and said , he would be d d , bnt he would deprive us of our relishes in the morning j he rallied about the house f or some time , but I could not

      say how long . Jfext morning he came and asked for me in the sitting-room . I bad not got my children dressed , but had them on my knee . He said I had to give the child to somebody , and get the sitting-room washed ont , and rubbed with a stone . AyeuBgwoman said if I would wash it , she would rub it with a stone for me ; and she did so . Nixon said I was to wash it again after breakfast and then after dinner ; but I could not get it done , as he ordered me to wash a cloak and shawL I then went to the waahhoase , when the mute * ea&e in half shaved , and said he did not look for such behaviour from me , for I had gone over the wan with an entire whore—one of the biggest he had in the house . I said I did not know what she was ; he said he would go and acquaint my brother .

      I said we did not go over the wall for anything bnt to get bread . When 1 went to wash tbe sitting-room , he cried out , hallo , Bowman , what have you got in your pocket ? let me see . I paused ; when he said let me see what bread you have got in your pocket I then took off my pocket , and he ordered me to take it out I did so , and laid it on the table . He then took tbe bread away with him . I then gave in my notice to leave the house ; and when dinner was over about two o ' clock , I said I thought I would get out as the five hours were up . The mistress said yon have got your dinner , and I will make you work for it . She then said , turn in and clean the kitchen—I am mistress and not yon , I then went in and cleaned It I asked Betsey Hunter how things were done , and she helped me . It was then near two o ' clock , and I west in and asked Mary Gaddes for my clothes . The mistress turned about and

      said she bad something else to do than bother her head with me then . —She was making some clothes for a person who was going to America ; and I bad to wait awhile longer . —I asked Betsey Hunter about four o ' clock , and she asked the mistress ; and she said she would not be bothered then . The master was at the town , but he came heme at the time . I stepped back ; when he cried , ' ¦ Have yon got nothing to do ? Go and give some one your child , and carry in two cart-loads of sand . " They kept me in till tbe bell was ringing for supper . It was near seven o ' olock when I got out I stripped the children , and said it was & hard ease . Two women followed me and took the clogs and stockings off the child—they belonged to the workhouse 1 had a child in each arm asleep , and the other two had hold of my tails . One of the children who were walking got a thorn in its foot , and I bad to lay one of the sleeping children down on the ground until I took it out .

      By Mr . Nixon—I never saw you give children bread ; but I have heard you ask the children if they were fnll . I dont know that yon have a special order from the Board of Guardians . I did not aak either you or the mistress for the clogs or stockings . Mr . James Monnaey , Cierk to the Board of Guardians —I heard the statement of Vallely made before Vhs Board of Guardians , and no oaths were nsed at that time by Nixon . I also heard the statement of Bowman before a committee of the Board , and she then stated that Mr . Nixon had given bread to the children . Bowman and Vallely have exaggerated tbe statements they made to the Board . They then said Mr . Kixan had sworn , and used indecent language .

      Mr . -Nixon then addressed the bench , denying having sworn and made use of indecent language . The woman Porthouse is a bad woman , and is labouring under a certain disease . Mr . Nixon then called several witnesses in kia favour . The first who was examined was Mary Geddes . —She said I have been seven months in the workhouse ; I never heard Mr . Nixon make use of indifierent language . The worst I ever heard him use was " damn It" I never knew him behaTe badly ; he is kind to the children ; 1 nave seen him gire them white bread . He is not harsh with tbe people . I get quite enough of victuals , and I never heard any complaints . The oatmeal is very good . I never heard him make use of obscene language . I have known the mistress give bread from her own table . I have beard Mr . Nixon ask the children if they were full . It is

      four months since I was absent from the breakfast table . Betsy Porthouse was ordered to wait on two girls that were sick , and she neglected to wait on them as she should have done , and the mistress told tbe master at the breakfast table , that Porthonae bad told some of the women to kiss her backside . Mr . Nixon said any decant woman that shs said that to , he would recommend them to cab her about tbe yard ; he said nothing more . I have heard him tell her to keep herself clean . The child was a very sickly one , and was injured by tbe decease which tbe mother had . Mr . Nixon applied to the Board and got them more bread . I did not hear him make use of indifferent language . The night that Bowman and Hunter went over the wall , be was up stairs , and I waa in tbe kitchen . He was not up ^ &g& in after , that 1 kaow c £ .

      Elizabeth Hunter , aworn—I have been in the Workbouse five months . Daring that period 1 have not heard Mr . Nixon use abusive language . I have heard him say , " d—n it , " I was one who went over tb « walL When we came in we saw Mary , Mr . Nixon's daughter , who asked as if we had been oat , and Wa said no . She did not shake her fist in Bowman's face that I saw . Mr . Nixon came in and asked as if we had been ont , and we said no . He did not use offensive or abusive language . He did not swear at us . I slept down stairs . Mr . Nixon did not go up oftener than twice . He went to bed about twelve

      e ' clock . I have attended regularly at the breakfast table . I recollect Betsy PorthouBe , she was unwell and I waited on her . Mr . Nixon asked her why she had not taken the breakfast up to the two sick women ? She said she would not The mistress said Porthouse had been making use of bad langaage , and Mr . Nixon said be -would have her backside lucked for doing so . Ha did not swear , nor call her a wh—re . The porridge is very good , and we all got plenty to eat . Nixon often gives the children more from bis own table . In consequence of six sore persons coming in , I peeled more potatoes .

      Margaret Gash . —I have been in the workhouse seven weeks , and Mr . Nixon's conduct is very good . I have always had enough to eat I was in the kitchen the night the woman came through after having been over the walL ( The witness then stated what took place at the breakfast table , which was precisely the same as that of the former witness . ) I have always found Mr . Nixon kind to the children . Betsy Porthouse was deceased . Robert Peile . —I have been in the workhouse long ,

      I was there when Mr . Nixon came . Mr . Nixon's conduct is very good , and I never heard him swear , except " dm—n it" He is not in the habit of using obscene language . I remember the women going over tht wall , as they were to come to me once in the ba ' . f hour . I have sufficient to eat , and the rest have tbe same . The porridge is Tery good . Tbe magistrates here expressed themselves satisfied with the evidence in behalf cf Nixon , and after a short consultation , acquitted Mr . Nixon of any blame , bnt cautioned him against using bad language in future .

      Untitled Article

      THE MASONS' STRIKE . A public meeting of the trades of London tras held ai the Crown and Anchor , on Friday evening , to hear the repurt of the Trades' Delegates , respecting the strike of the masons , and to take into consideration the manner in which they bad been treated by the London press . The chair was announced to be taken at eight o ' clock , and soon after seven o ' clock , the place was crowded tc excess . Such is ike excitement this subject has created that we never saw tbe place so suffocatingly crowded . Immense numbers were compelled to be denied admittance , stairs , landing , and every inch of room being occupied .

      Mr . Butler , operative carpenter , was called to the chair , -who opened the meeting , by calling upon them to assist him in maintaining that order , which bad hitherto distinguished theirptoceedings . Many of them knew the particulars of the subject which had given rise to this meeting , but as a great portion of tbe public were not so well acquainted with it , the masons and the trade delegates , bad called this meeting that the public mind might be disabused of the prejudice which a great portion of the press had created against them by giving circulation to tbe base calumnies of Messrs . Gmsell and Peto , and refusing to insert their contradiction of their statements . This meeting has been called for the purpose of laying the truth before you , that you may have an opportunity of judging whether the masons were justified in striking against the inhuman tyranny of George ( he would not call him Mr . ) Allen .

      Their meeting in such immense numbers , fully proved that they sympathised with" the men on strike , and backed by your aid and support , they will teach that petty despot Allen , that yon will not allow him to trample on the rights and liberties of your fellow workmen . ( Immense cheering . ) He hoped they would give all parties a fair hearing . If Messrs . Grissell and Peto or any of their agents were here , he hoped they would also give them a fair hearing , as fair a hearing as they gave the other party , and thereby prove to them , that however tyrannically yon have been treated , however base you have been calumniated , still your enoeavours are directed only for justice and not for revenge . Re appealed to them to assist him with their support is presiding over that meeting . He had ever found them generous . He had sever appealed in vain , and he trusted thit he should not on this occasion .

      Mr J . Eat said on this great and important occa sion , I had rather aomo one more competent than my > el had been selected to move the first resolution . You art all pretty well acquainted with the strike , and tberefon my duty will be simply to show the general manner ii which the masons have been treated by Allen , leaving the details to succseding . speakers . I am a mason , but I have no connection with the strike . I do not belong to the Birmingham Union , bnt feeling as a man and 1 mason , I am compel : ed to come forward on their feehal and aid them in their resistance to such tnhnmai

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      tyranny . It might be thought by some that the strike though just was ill-timed , bat they bad put up with tbe treatment of Allen until they eould endure it no longer . And , though winter was staring them in tbe face , they determined to contend with every privation rather than any longer submit to such conduct I have known Allen long , and he was ever a prond and overbearing mu ; ¦ his most intimate friends could never give him a good character . Is it likely that SfiO men should be sacrificed to gratify the tyrannic disposition ot one individual . I have ever been opposed to premature strikes , bat here the men wen folly justified . They had tried Allen time after time , and found it waa not in hU nature to alter for the better .

      He was surprised that a man ef snob a haughty temper ahonld now act so dastardly as to take shelter under tbe wing of bis employer ; bat it only made good tbe axiom , that those foramen who were the greatest tyrants to tbe men were tha moat subservient slaves to the employer . It appears that Messn . Orissell and Peto are determined to retain this faithful servant against the determined feeling of the men ; if they do , I with them joy wHb him ; but I fear ha hat already proved a dear bargain . ( Cheers . ) If I had a large job to undertake I would always empley a kind and benevolent foreman , being satisfied it would be more to my interest and that the men woald do a better day ' s work . I beg to propose the following resolution : —

      " That this meeting folly justify and duly appreciate tbe conduct of the masons in their strike against the tyrannic conduct of George Allen , their late foreman , and also returns its tbankB to the masons employed at Woolwich Dock Yard , and Nelson's Monument , for tbe spontaneous manner in which they turned oat in defence of their brethren against tbe sordid conduct of Messrs . Grissell and Peto , their late employers , in persisting to retain Allen as foreman . " l He trusted they woald pass this in such an unanimous manner as to give new energy to the masons , and prove to the employers that they would never countenance them in their attempted tyrannic coercion .

      Mr . Jonas Wartuaby , carpenter , said he fully agreed in the spirit of the resolution , which had been moved , and cordially seconded it Messrs . Grissell and Peto , in their correspondence , style Allen a faithful servant ; a man la known by what company he keeps . If they are fond of Allen , he only knew this , that they are fond of a very great blackguard . Gentlemen tbat would follow him would speak on tbe conduot of tbe press ; all he had to say to them was , tbat being unaccustomed to public speaking , he trusted they would be very mild with him . Foremen , when they got into a little power , seemed to think tbat tb « y could do what they liked with the men , but this meeting showed them they were wrong , showed tbat they must treat their men as reasonable beings .

      Armstkokg Walton said , Mr . chairman , and fellow working men of London , I feel proud to see such a numerous and intelligent assembly before me ; it shows you are alive to your own interests ; that though this strike rests with us at present , yet you are equally interested in it as it may be your case at a future period ; being more intimately connected with the strike , it will be my duty to enter more into the detail of tbe harsh and unjust treatment which led to tbe Btrika . Mr . Walton then ably laid before tbe meeting the various charges against Allen , which are already familiar to the readers of tbe Star ; during his detail he was often interrupted by cries of shame and hissing at the unmanly treatment to which Allen bad subjected

      During this statement , Mr . Wakley , M . P . for Finsbury , entered the room , and was loudly cheered . The beat at this period was so excessive that a person fainted away on the platform , and the reporter could scarcely take bis notes from the incessant dripping of the condensed breath from the roof , although the immense windows at the end of the room were open to admit all possible air . Mr . Walton , in continuation , aaid he was sorry that Mr . Wakley bad not been present at the commencement of the proceedings , that be might , in his place in Parliament , have given the lie to the false statements made against them ; but be would see tbat he was furnished with the necessary information . Mr . Walton contradicted tbe assertion that the union bad compelled

      the men at Woolwich and Nelson's monument to strike —it was their own spontaneous act , dictated by the feelings of their hearts , which would not allow them to stand tamely by and see their brethren defeated . They had challenged Allen or their late employers te come to a public meeting and refute the charges made against them : they had done so , which was proof that it was not in their power . Was it to be endured that men should b » treated worse than dogs ? tbat they should be told , on staying away a reasonable time to pay the last duties of humanity to deceased relatives , that they might go and die with them , and be damned ? How would the upper classes like this treatment ? Did they suppose that working mea had not the same natural affections as themselves ? And yet the upper classes , the Board of Admiralty , the Commissioners « f Woods tad Forests , had declared their determination

      to support Messrs . Grissell and Peto , without knowing whether these charges were correct or not : and yet this treatment was what the Dispatch would call necessary severity . ( Cries , "Down with tbe Dispatch " ) He was glad they had one M . P . who could tell these gentlemen—who could tell the Government , that let what would be the result , the working classes of this country would no longer submit to such treatment . ( Tremandous cheering . ) They had to contend with tbe opposition of every class—save their own—from the most petty clerk in the establishment of Grisseil and Peto up to the Prime Minister , which plainly pr » ved that they must get power in their owu hands—must look after their own interest , for no others would look after it for them . The resolution was then put , and unanimously carried .

      Mr . Clark , painter—Fellow-workmen , you have beard an able detail of the grievances which led to the strike , and which caused the release of the men from the tyrannic grasp of Allen , he should , therefore , not detain them , but propose this resolution : — " That , in the opinion of this meeting , tbe masons now on strike , at London and at Woolwich , merit the support , not only of the trades of London , but of tbe trades throughout the empire , for the manly stand they have ma 4 e against their cruel and relentless oppressors ; and this meeting pledge themselves , Individually &nd collectively , to render them every necessary support . " It was unnecessary to say anything to induce them to carry out this resolution . They had been , by the speakers present , and by a portion of the press , made acquainted with the whole of the evidence . If they allowed the masons to be defeated , the same ruin would speedily fall upon themselves .

      Mr . Thomas , a mason of the London Union , begged leave to second the resolution . You have , by passing the first resolution , justified tbe masons in striking ; you have now only to justify yourselves by supporting them . The subject ef the etrike had been well explained to them ; but there was one subject he would mention . In 1833 Allen was discharged from Gubitt ' a , for being a member of tbe Union . How did the men then act towards him ? Why , they unanimously turned out in his defence ; and now he had turned round upon them , and become a despotic tyrant to those men who had acted so generously by him . He would inform them of a little fact a friend had told him , who bad lately been at New York . A person fell down in tbo street , and broke his leg ; a crowd soon collected round

      the spot One said he waa sorry , another said be was sorry , but one man said he was very sorry , and to prove it , he took offhis hat , wentround the crowd , and collected for the man one hundred dollars . I want you to shew your sorrow in the American way . I want you to be sorry not that tbe masons bad struck , not tbat they had resisted tyranny , but that the masters by their illtreatment had given them occasion to do so The carpenters had shown their sorrow by giving £ 50 ; the masons £ lb ; the painters and other trades had shewn their sorrow and thereby justified themselves . Mr . Farren ( Secretary to the Trades' Hall Sooiety ) said , I never stood before a meeting of my fellow working men with such pleasure as on the present occasion , because it is a meeting called entirely by working men

      and tbe Chairman and speakers are working men , and are men who sbed a lustre upon the class to which they belong . I was lately in conversation with a liberal clergyman , and it was bis opinion tbat the working class were underrated , because they Were not pure and unmixed from other bodies . Now , this was a pure genuine meeting of the working classes ; and , for morality , respectability , and genuine wisdom , it was unrivalled by any meeting . It was the class to which he belonged , and by them he would stand or fall . He appeared before them as the representative of a body of workiDg men to express his syinyathy , and show his sorrow . He was sorry they had no Trades' Hall of their own in which to meet and discuss their grievances —that they were compelled to pay such enormous sums

      for the use of a tavern for a few hours , when , with a Union among themselves , they might so easily obriate this necessity . This was the more necessary at this critical period . If they looked at the aspect of the times , the would see that a spirit was growing amongst their employers to bind still more closely the degrading trammels which fettered the working men . Those men , by whose labour they were supported in affluence . The blow had fallen first upon the masons ; it was upon them the crater of the volcano had burst , threatening to overwhelm them , like another Pompeii , With its boiling lava ; and . through them , to overwhelm tbe other trades of the country . But though it bad burst upon the masons , yet their hearts throbbed with the proud spirit of liberty . They had called on the united trades , who bad nobly responded to the call , and buoyed tbe 3

      up by . 008 honest men he saw before him , and standing on the broad ground of humanity and philanthropy , because they would not see their brethren oppressed . What power can resist them They must also have the support of the teetotallers In their resistance to having the pump lockea against ihow who , from principle or poverty , could not drink beer . They must declare that water should be free , free as air , though the publican should be compelled even to keep bis beer barrelled in the cellar . This was high moral ground on which to stand , and they must thank their oppressors for it They had been maligned and slandered by tbe press , but these were denouncing times , and they must denounce the Times . ( Laughter . ) Mr . Farren then wittily denounced the Morning AdvertUer , Dispatch , &a , and concluded a long and eloquent address by impressing npon them the necessity

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      of supporting the masons , and likewise giving tbe masons the honour to say , in future times , that , through tha enthusiasm and union their strike had occasioned , they bad given rise to tbo building of a splendid Hall , built by tbe bud energies of working men—built , with all due deference to bis right band supporter , Mr . Wakley , without Parliamentary assistance . We shall then have the key in our bauds , and can let it to all parttea— ToryJ Whig , Radical , and , though last , not least , my Chartist friends . ( Tremendous cheering . ) they bad often sung in their cupa that Britons would not be slaves \ he trusted they would demonstrate it npon this occasion . ( Cheers . ) ¦ The resolution was then put and carried unanimously . ¦ ¦ ¦¦ .- ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦' . ¦ ; : ''; ¦¦ ' ; . ¦ - ¦ . ¦¦ ' ' ¦;• : ¦ ¦ •' . ' .

      Mr . Hayson , of tbe London Union cf Masons , said , I fear , after the elegant address you have just beard , that I shall be thrown in the shade , although there is no shade here—that although I am in the light , I shall not appear maohof a star , they bad heard tbe conduct of Allen beld up to reprobation , but not more than it deserved ; but they must bear in mind there were others also 'who deserved reprobation . He alluded te those men who had been so destitute of principle as to take employment under George Allen , at the Houses o f Parliament , &c . If it bad not been for these men , the efforts of their employers would have been futile ; they had been the cause of protracting the struggle and of throwing them into greater expences . He should move the following resolution : —

      " That this meeting condemn the conduct of those individuals who , in an unmanly and unprincipled manner , have usurped the places of those men who bad been compelled to leave Messrs . Grissell and Peto ' a employ , on account of the tyrannical conduct of George Allen at tbe new Houses of Parliament " Mr . Baker , platsterer , briefly seconded the resolution . Me Scott , mason . Mr . Chairman and fellow work * Ingmen , you will excuse my presumption in appearing before you iu a fustian jacket I have seen for a long time that if we want any thing doing we must do it ourselves ; we have trusted too long to these blackcoated gentry . I agree most perfectly with the resolution . Men who could act in the unprincipled manner Which they have done , do not deserve the name of men :

      they should be called spaniel dogs . It gives me pain to think tbat such men are to be found in England ; they ought to be treated with disdain ; no man ought to give them board or lodgings . ( Some little disapprobation . ) He would maintain it ; they bad come here despite of every feeling of humanity ; in despite of every noble and generous emotion , and they cannot be called men : they ought to be called spaniel dogs . They cannot be intelligent men , or they would know that while they are injuring the masons who are on strike and their wives and families , they , for the sake of a few months work , are Inflicting an injury on their own selves and families . The masons have acted nobly through the struggle , and deserve the support I am a masen , but not one of those on strike . It gives me great pleasure to see such a meeting sympathize with them .

      Tbe resolution was unanimously passed . Mr . Wood , mason . I have a pleasing duty assigned me , and one which I have great satisfaction in performing , that of thanking you for the liberal manner in which you have tendered us your support throughout tbe struggle . —a struggle which was not entered upon on the spur of the moment ; it had been in contemplation for some time , but delayed , hoping the remonstrance they had addressed to Messrs . Grissell and Peto would have the desired effect Allen ' s conduct grew worse , and they determined no longer to submit to his atrocious cowardly conduot , and had iung themselves on the liberality of the British public to assist them in resisting tyranny , He would not detain them , baton the port of the masons he returned his unfeigned thanks for their liberal support This meeting would give a fresh impulse to their energies , and while they bad the public at their back the y would never succumb ; they would never flinch ; but stand out and achieve a glorious triumph . ( Great cheering . )

      Mr . Dunning , bookbinder—I rise for the purpose of moving a resolution respecting the conduct of tbe press in reference to the late strike . It ' is a matter of great importance that we should have oar voice beard through the medium of the press ; it ia a question so important tbat I fear I shall not be able to do justice to it . Every great revolution favourable to human advancement has been tffected by the agency of tbe press ; every art , every science , bos been brought to light by its mighty agency . How important an engine then must it be either for or against any particular class . There is scarcely anything but what the press can effect ; yet it is possible so to colour a statement as to impress persons

      with a very false Idea of Its meaning . The conduct of tbe press , with regard to the masons , had been characterised by extreme falsehood and cruelty , and calculated to injure tnem in public estimation ; they did not complain ot the publishing of Messrs . Grissell and Petro's letters , but the not publishing their contradition ; they did not care about tbe Editor ' s comments , provided he laid tbe whole truth before tbe public See the manner in which tbe Sunday Times and the Dispatch nave blazoned tbe falsehoods of their employers , and yet you have no organ by which you can contradict their lying assertions . ( Cries of the Northern Star . ) He concluded by moving the following resolution : —

      " That this meeting reprobate tbe conduct et the Daily aad Weekly Times , the Weekly Dispatch , and Morning Advertiser , and pledge themselves to support only that portion of the ) press which advocates their interest , and withdraw their support from that portion which acts against them . " Mr . Anderson , mason , seconded to resolution . The masons had now been on strike eight weeks , and during that time the press had neglected no opportunity of endeavouring to create a prejudice against them in the public mind , which bad caused them to come to the determination to withdraw their support from these very sapient , learned men , who could comment on a question with only half the evidence before them ; there was not one of tkem which had not deviated from principle , which bad not sold itself to the mercantile or

      some other interest save that of tbe working men . And the Dispatch , the paper which ought most strongly to advocate their interest , was the most forward in insinuations against them . Mr . Anderson then read extracts from the Dispatch during the struggle , and commented upon them , especially the assertion in the last wtek ' s Dispatch , that they were endeavouring to cause the other trades of the metropolis to strike ; this was a base lie ; he never beard it mooted until he saw it In the Dispatch . He hoped the reporter of the Dispatch , and those of other papers would contradict this false assertion , Tbe Editor of the Dispatch bad called them a few hot-headed masona ; but this meeting ought to convince him that there were a great many hot-headed men besides the few masons ; this would read him a lesson that be trusted he would not soon forget

      Mr . Nagle , carpenter , I come forward to support this resolution on the broad ground of advancing the cause of human liberty . I join , in common with you , in denouncing all oppression and tyranny in the press , in Messrs . Grissell and Peto , and , also in their aristocratic supporters . I go further , I denounce the system of class legislation— ( cheers )—which has given rise to tliis , which bos caused you to suffer oppression in poverty , and has allowed another class to oppress you and to live in grandeur on the profits arLnng out of your labour ; which has caused them to maintain a horde of police , not to protect you , but to protect that wealth they have wrung from your sweat . Even our meetings you ate are haunted by these fellows , paid out of the secret service money to endeavour to entrap

      and betray us . In the name of tbe God of Heaven , of the God of Justice , he implored them to shake off that feeling of apathy which beset them , and use every means which God hath given them to get rid of this oppression . They were denouncing the press , in God's name , was this the first time tbe press bad ill-used them ? When had it ever treated them fairly ? When was the time it did not misrepresent you ? You complain of the Dispatch 1 Gracious God , when did this monster of inconsistency ever throw open its columns for your service ? When did it not give them to tbe service of your oppressors ? Did it ever advocate the

      cause of the Union ? (" never . )—or the tights of labour ? yes , you Dispatch politicians—you who are too ignorant f « r the Suffrage , when did it do this ? There is no paper in England which does this ; but the Northern Star—the people ' s paper . ( Tremendous cheering which lasted for some time . ) But be trusted that this disgrace would soon be wiped from the men of London ; that they would not support these papers which opposed them , but establish one which would act on the principles of honour , truth , and justice . He trusted they would soon have a daily Star to grapple with the daily Times . Tbe resolution was carried unanimously .

      Mr . Wakley came forward amid much cheering . When I entered the rosm this evening I had no intent tlon to obtrude on your notice . I attended merely to be in possession of the materials of the case , tbat I might bring it before tbe House of Parliament I felt this to ; be my bounden duty . I had gathered from the press that you were at variance with your employers , and from tbe feelers put forth I thought it was the intention of Parliament again to look after your interest , seeing you are too ignorant to look to it yourselves Six years ago , on my first entrance to Parliament , I presented your petition for the Dorchester Labourers , and met with much opposition and misrepresentation , but finally we overcame it , and the Dorchester Labourers returned to tkeir homes . Then I advocated the cause of the Glasgow Cotton Spinners , men who were denounced by the press as characters unfit to live , as the

      greatest monsters . When I presented tbe petition , in tbe Heuse , it was received with a universal shudder , and fell to the ground , but I did not desert your cause . I saw the London and tbe Glasgow delegates , and 1 became convinced that these men were the victims of a foul conspiracy ; I got a committee appointed , and tbe men , though sentenced to transportation , never left our shores . I have long felt an interest in the working class , and this interest glows with more fervour in my bosom as I grow older . Yeu have been calumniated by the press ; I also have come in for a share . I stand before you a living witness of its calumny , but you do not believe them . They asserted not that I was metamorphosed into an opossum or a kangaroo , but actually that I was metamorphosed into a tory , and this because I would not become the active energetic agent of a dirty faction . If

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      I bad acted against my principles , if I had been guilty of the grossest inconsistency , so long as it suited their purpose , I should have bad no abuse 5 but because I would not mix myself up with their professed maaonrea for alleviating the . distress , because I would not be guilty of this to suit their party purpose , and because aeeiag no difference between the two parties , I do not think proper to change my position in the House , I am loaded with misrepresentation and calumny . Bat I feel grateful for it ; it will not hurt me , it will cause men to think and enquire , and by so doing they wili arrive at the truth . I was unacquainted with the cause of your strike . I thought it had been about wages . I cannot read all the papers , and I bad been misled by a portion of them , but not much misled . I well knew

      the press would take part against the men , right or wrong . I hear it mentioned about starting a paper , this would be a good thing , but it would not be supported . You would have no advertisements , no support from the capitalist You create all the capital , and yet this it the monster which oppresses you . I have long thought tbe cause of all our evils lay in the place where tbe masons struck . I have watched from tbe windows of tbe bouse tne fustian jackets employed at the works . I thought it a good beginning when I saw them within ite walls , and now I find you want a reform even in the New Houses . Yout object is reformation ; now it is but little use reforming tbe streams which run from the pool , you must first reform the stagnant Bool itself , gat rid of class legislation ; but

      we are assembled here for a special subject I am glad to hear that the strike Is for not wages , that you have taken it up on high moral grounds ; tbat the workmen of London are determined they will not be treated as beasts of burden ; that they not only care for tbe support of tbe bodies , but look also to tbe moral and intellectual wants of their fellow men ; tbat they will not be treated as slaves , but affirm that as mea of intellect they are deserving of respect Is there a humane man in the kingdom who could refuse to support you on these grounds ? Is there a man in the kingdom , possessing any liberality of mind who would not put his hand in bis pocket for your support ? I am sorry I was not here at the commencement ; but there was one of the charges I heard of , locking up the pump .

      If a man could be guilty of such an act as debarring his fellow-man of water when thirsty , such a man waa not fit to rule in any place of lawful society ; be was more fit to be tbe inmate of a felon ' s cell , than to rule over honest men . I put tbe case hypotheticaliy ; it is affirmed to be true , and I believe tbat it is so . You , it appears , were willing to refer the matter in dispute to arbitration . What could be more fair ? If they did not accept it , it shews that justice was on your side . You very justly complain of the conduct of the press ; it is base and unmanly to insert things to the injury of the character of a body of men , and then refuse to insert a contradiction . But what is the remedy ? Why , a little patience and more union . If ever mind , what tne press says about union ; let th $ A only stimulate you

      to unite the more . He must be either a fool or a knave who is opposed to union , and will ultimately find It so . At present the law allows you to unite ; it does not protect you , but then it leaves you alone . You want nothing to do with Parliamentary protection , but I think some one will ask it for you ; I say I think some one will I will take care to be there and bestow on It no ordinary degree of watchfulness . For twenty years you bad combination laws , but scarcely had they been abolished one year ere they wanted to be legislating for you again ; but mind , all you want is to be left alone . I have been watching political affairs many years ; I have been six years in Parliament , and I assure you that the working classes will never be in a right position until they are placed within the pale of

      the Constitution . This is tbe grand remedy for your evils ; but we are cot met for this now . This is a special grievance ; the interests of upwards of 200 persons are neglected that one person may be protected . Do they call this proper or equil ? Buc talking will not do . When we go out of here , we must carry the subject with us . I will try what I can do . It is sot a few people I come in contact with . At present the feeling in the middle and upper classes is against you . Several have asked me my opinion of the strike . I told them I was not acquainted with the particulars , but I would bet two to one the men were right I asked them if it was reasonable tbat 200 men should be wrong and one right . Tfle treatment I have heard to-night that you received was inhuoiau , and your

      proceedings wero perfectly just Are men to be treated by a foreman like dogs or swine ? If you bad not struck against such treatment , yeu would not have c aet r > d the name of men ; you bad ought to have been &cuuted from society . If a war was to brtak out , and you were to go slaughtering and murdering year fellow-men , it would be said , what brave heroes these masons are 1 But because you took a bold stand on a high , moral principle , you are to be denounced by society . But , adhere to the same calm , manly line of conduct , and you will daily gain ground in public estimation .. there any one here who can say , of bis own personal knowledge , tbat you offered to prove these charges to your employers ? ( Ho was answered by several affirming that tbe aggrieved parties had been taken to prove

      tbe charges before Mr . Grissell , but he declined seeing them , eaying he had lowered bis dignity by giving them ( the deputation ) a hearing ) Lowered his dignity , indeed I How could men remain in such employ ? You have no course to adopt but to throw yourselves on the pub . io sympathy ; and this , if the strike is to continue , cannot help but save you . No man of any independent spirit can refuse to assist you ; I will give you my mite . You ought not to shrink ; you must urge on ; to recede is r $ in ; it is felony to your own interest to remain in your present position . Your presont mode of relief cannot continue for long ; you mutt unite together ; you will never get protection until you get within the pale of the constitution . You must unite to obtain a voice in the making

      of the laws , or capital will always be protected at your expence , although you have created the capital . I have been accused because I would not join in the agitation for a popular measure of relief ; but you must nrst get tbe political power , or bad laws will be speedily enacted again ; and until you get this power you will always be persecuted and prosecuted . They talk of a union of the middle and working classes : this is very good , but whenever yeu have joined them , they have reaped all the benefit This the working classes must prevent iu future . If the middle class will join you let them , but if " not , go on in your own strength , lighting the great moral battle , and you will speedily attain a glorious and a bloodless victory . ( Great cheering . ) Mr . Wakley was loudly applauded throughout the whole of bis speech .

      Captain Ackerly then addressed the meeting , and wished to propose some resolution , but the meeting being opposed to it , a vote of thanks was given to tbe Chairman , who briefly returned thanks . Three cheers were then given for the Charter , and at a late hour the meeting broke up . Mr . Wakley gave £ 10 in tbe Committee room , and considerable other earns were collected .

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      said ) had been refuse * a reply , eren if they paid for H as an advertisement The speaker proposed the tJl lowing resolution ;— ** •? That ' this ' meeting cannot pass unnoticed the ma . licloua manner in which tbe Times , Weekly DispotA Horning Advertiser , and Sunday Times , have falrined ' and misrepresented the strike of the masons , and feat * ing , as we do , that sucb unjustifiable pandering to the sordid motives of the capitalist * is a direct invasion of the rights of the productive classes of the British empire , pledges itself to discontinue its support to tbe above-named papers while they pursue such a eoone . and to support those only which advocate the broU principle of Universal right , and the emancipation of ' tbe working classes of this country . " . Mr . Mansel , atone mason , econded the resolution in a short and sensible speech .

      Mr . Littler said that where there was as an exception , it should be noticed ; be believed that te addition to the Northern Star , th » British Queen bad lik « wia « donethemju « tfee . ; Mr . Wilson commented npon the base conduct of the Dispatch , in stating tbat tbe masons had called necessary severity tyranny . , He had written another article , in wbicb , in order to set the masons at defiance , he said he did not care the tithe of a clergy man ' * conscience for them . But if the working men would leave off supporting the paper , it would bring the Editor to hla Benses . The Dispatch had done them

      ten times more barm than the Old Times was capable of doing ; because it had beon considered the working man's friend . It was expected the Dispatch would tell troth , because it was considered an impartial paper . They eould not expect anything different from the Times . The Dispatch bad been on tbat account their , greatest enemy . The Editor came out in the same way respecting the Glasgow Cotton Spinners , and . would continue to do so , till the people . taught him . better . When he saw he could not realise bit £ 30 , 000 per year , he would probably alter bia conduct

      Mr . John Murray supported the resolution . The Chairman put the resolution , and it was carried without a dissentient ; Mr . Thomas Bead returned thanks f 01 the manna in which tbe working men of Manchester bad ^ received the delegates . It was a question which concerned every ' working man ; because if the masters in that trad *; succeeded , others would take tbe advantage . ! Mr . Hutchinson moved that a tea party and ball be got up for the benefit of the masons , which was ' agreed to . It was announced tbat the painters had given £ 5 already , and promised further support Thanks were then carried by acclamation to the Chairman , and a vote of thanks to the Star , and the meeting dispersed about eleven o'clock . ^ J' ^ S ^ . S . ^ . ' ^ . 'V ^ S ^^^* . ^ ^* . ^ ~

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      TO THE CHARTISTS OF ASHTONUNDEBLYNB . Brother Chartists , —An address appeared in last week's Star , signed "A Sincere Chartist , " which we think not only on insult to the Chartist Association of this town , but calculated to injure the noble cause la which we are embarked . We , therefore , think it ear duty to rebut the charges which have been alleged against us . In tbe first place , he states , that " as soon as we saw several individuals in gaol for advocating our rights , we permitted the arrangements for the purpose of uniting our energies and diffusing political information amongst us , to be frittered away , and even the meeting room ,,

      which bad been held for more than two years , to be abandoned , and the furniture sold or destroyed . " Now this " Sincere Chartist" knows very well that previous to several Individuals being sent te gaol , that scores of pounds were collected for their support and defence ; and did continue to be collected , until a " Sincere Chartist" told us , after having lined his pockets with the people's money , that Chartism was a delusion , that Universal Suffrage was universal humbug , 4 c andwha has done nothing since he came out of gaol but sow dissension amongst tbe Chartists , thus splitting them into sections and parties , until tbe old Association bad to be given up .

      Ton must bear in mind tbat there were two Associations in the town , tbe Senior and Junior ; tbe former for middle-aged men , the latter for young men , "which latter has not been given up , but is now the National Charter Association of Great Britain , andtarough the perseverance of its members now embraces a number of the members of the old Association . He says the furniture of tbe old Association was either sold or destroyed , whith is false , for it is now in the possession of the membea of the present Association . Hod this " Sincere Chartist , " whom , by bis style of writing , we think we know , along with " several individuals , " not pretended to patronize us , we should not have been thrown into that apathetic state which we have been thrown into , bat would still hold that proud political position which *» once held . It is too true , that we have been sadly deceived in our leaders , and by those of our own class too , as well as by those of preaching notoriety , who are regular go-betweens , and are the only Btanding barrien is the way of real union .

      Tbis " Sincere Chartist , " in his seventh paragraph , says , I know there are men residing in our town , it our own class , whose ability and integrity would add dignity to any station which Chartism , in or cot of power , could elevate them to ; but because they happoi to be our every day associates , their abilities bad . become familiar , the excellence of their remarks had lost tbeir lustre , forsooth , through every day practice , and ws must ^ have some gentleman foreigner to dictate to u and spend our money . " Brother Chartists , this is a gross and insulting libel npon our body . He know * that previous to the " sacred month , " and since thea scarcely any other persons besides our " able" resident townsmen addressed us ; and we always bad our meeting room crammed to suffocation , until our " able "

      resident townsman and " Sincere Chartist" pocketed our money , and then denounced the Northern Star , at a deluder of tbe people , that Feargus O'Connor , Esq . mi not sincere in his exertions , and that Frost , Williams , and Jones , ought to be banged for being cowards , 4 c . ' This " Sincere Chartist" would have as believe hla to be what he designates himself ; if he is , why does be not come forward with hia intelligence and help as , tbe members of the National Charter Association , to arouse the people from their lethargy , is order to unite them in the bonds of union , and not let them stand as lookers on , until the chains of slavery ate ri vetted fast upon our necks , and which , if not set about directly , we shall be unable to remove , as now 1 * the time or never .

      He says , " we have no association worth the same , and that we have not had a public meeting to forward Chartism for nearly a year past" We admit the association is not as strong in members as it ought to be , and which we very much regret ; yet we believe its members to be sincere . With respect to the other assertion , he knows he is stating a downright falsehood , for we have a public lecture delivered in the association room almost every Sunday evening , for no other purpose than to forward the principles of Chartism , and which lectures he never attends . He also states that we send reports of meetiBgs and lectures to the Star , which are not heard of in the town until Eeen in tba . Star . This is like the rest of his false assertions ; every person in the town who has his eyes about Ma

      knows better . The town waa last week placarded , announcing a public lecture to be delivered by Mr . William Bell , of Manchester , in the Charlestown meetingroom , on Wednesday , the 27 th October , but owing to tbat unflinching advocate being indisposed , was delivered by Mr . Doyle , of the same place , and who delivered a very able and instructive lecture on the Corn Laws , proving that their repeal would not benefit the working classes without the Charter . Thus , brother Chartists , you will see that this " sincere Chartist"' is not an honest man ; but is kept from joining us through self-interest , and who is continually doing his utmost to injure our glorious cause . Wfl therefore hope you will pass him by with that silent contempt which he deservea , for be is unworthy of notice .

      Brother Chartists , we sincerely hope you will thro * off your present apatby—that you will bury all party differences—that you will enroll yourselves as membei * of the National Charter Association ; for until we sis uutkd and organised , we shall never be able to fain oaI just rights ; and , until we do so , we shall cootinasll ' sink lower and lower in poverty and degradation , ^ d at last we shall be cast iuto a New Poor Law bastila * never more to see our friends or relations in this world , and be literally starved to death . Hoping you will arouse yourselves once more and again gain that proud position which you once held ,

      We remain , On behalf of the Members of tbe National Charter Association , Yours in the cause of Liberty , Wm . Pilling , Chairman . Thos . Stobbe , Sub-Secretar / .

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      Fibb at Bayswater—Cn Sunday morning , shortly before two o ' clock , a fire was discovered in ti * centre one of a row of newly-built houses close W Kensington Gravel-pits , called Victoria-grove , which have recently been erected . The adjoiuing building ? were Bavcd , the one in which the fire commenced being destroyed . Fire at Greenwich . —On Sunday night , betwe « eleven and twelve o ' clock , the house of Mr . . Baxter * ,, hatter , No . 10 , London-street , Greenwich , C * WJL fire . The fl . im . es obtained such an ascendancy tn « the fire raged from the lower part of the house to tM second floor . At this period a young man , »» . „ ¦¦ resided in thn haiioa . ma . An his * nrw > s . rsJiC 6 at tW .

      fir ** floor window , and actually crawled against tM wall oa the ledge of the window below to the noas * adjoining , when ho made his escape . In about a * hour after the engines commenced pkyfoK * ' ?* wards of an hour and a half , but unfortunately witoout effect , the whole being burnt to the grouna . The house of Messrs . Kershaw and Low , wbi « adjoins , was very much injured . The public-hoase , No . 11 . was also damaged , being burnt on the roor » and the damage by removal of stock , and d ® £ taci [ - ~ by fire and water is very considerable . The pfl >* prietor is , unfortunately , not insured . The n ^ adjoining is also much injured by fire and watw . It is imagined that the fire originated by * ? 'S gas in the cellar . Mr . Baxter is insured in U » Globe and Phoeois-

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      MANCHESTER . IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE TRADES IN THE CARPENTERS' HALL . On Wednesday evening , November 3 rd , a numerous meeting was held in the Carpenters' Hall , composed of men from all branches , A dense mass of working men were assembled . Mr . James Hen by Stansfield was called to the chair . He would not take up much of their time as there were a number of gentlemen to address them . He considered it the duty of every individual to come forward and lend his assistance on such an occasion , whether rich or poor . He trusted they would give to every individual a candid and impartial hearing .

      Mr . Burn UP , from London , was first called upon by tbe chairman . He could have wished that it had fallen into hands better qualified , as that was the first occasion in whicb be hail attempted to make a speech . However , he would lay before them a few simple statements , shewing the true reason of tbe strike of the masons , which no one would be able to contradict The speaker then related the facts as they nave already bean recorded in our paper , relative to the conduct of Mr . Allen . Mr . ALEX AN deb . Wilson , another mason , spoke to the same effect Mr . Stoit , bookbinder , moved the flral ; resolution : — "That this meeting is of opinion , that the masons working under Mr . Allen were fully justifiable in withdrawing from their employment , as we consider bis conduct to have been gross and tyrannical in the extreme —not fitting far men who bad the least spark of manly independence to submit to . " ,

      Mr . Thomas Varley seconded the resolution , which was carried unanimously amidst great cheering . Mr . Thohas Tobien , bricklayer , moved the second resolution : — ¦ ¦ ¦ That tnis meeting consider tbe masons of Woolwich Dock Yard and Nelson ' s Monument have acted with becoming spirit in withdrawing from their ' employment until Messrs . Grisseil and Peto ( their empleyers ) a ^ xee to discharge Mr . Allen , who has ao grossly insulted tbe feelings of their fellow-workmen . " Mr . Daniel Graham , Spanish leather dresser , seconded it , which was also unanimously carried . Mr . Littler , tailor , m « ved the next resolution : —

      "Tbat the thanks of this meeting are due , and are hereby given , to the masons for the noble and manly spirit displayed by them in thus so determinedly opposing tyranny and oppression , as this strike is not for an advance of wages , nor against a reduction , but salely to settle the question , whether they shall be free or remain tbe abject ! slaves of their tyrannical employers : and this meeting farther pled ge * itself to use every means by pecuniary and other aids to render the termination of their strike successful . " Mr . John Bailey tailor , seconded the resolution which met the approval of every peison present .

      Mr . HUTCHIKSON , s member of the National Smith ' s Society , moved the next resolution . He said It was regarding the press , and he hoped tbe reporters present would bear with him , as they were conVected witb the press . The masons bad been denied the privilege of speaking Jheir sentiments through the means of tbe press . In giving them a specimen of Ahe conduct of the press towards the masons , he read an extract from the Sunday Times , wh : ch draw forth strong symptoms { of disapprobation . The mawns ( he

      Untitled Article

      6 THE NORTHERN STAR .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 13, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct574/page/6/