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Northern Star (1837-1852), 11th December 1841, Edition 3 of 5, Page 7, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      — DEMOCRATS OF SHEFFIELD TO THE POLISH y ^ TT / EH IN ENGLAND . Beoxhxbs ih the Cause op " Uhivbbsai , Li-EZEir , —With feeling * of sympathy ud admiration , —e bare perused an address psrpoztinf to be from a portion of your body , resident at Portaea , is which yon jfipnnd w of the KrTicw sad ttcrinee * of yon country for the safety of Europe , and the bue ingratitade of those Government * , "who , saved from the scourge of the y orthern AHtoent by the torrents of blood shed by too , who have survived the itorm of war , and by your compatriots who sleep in their gory grave * , have basely allowed the destruction of the independence of that nation , that , by its immense sacrifices and god-like heroism , has twice prereoted the annihilatioa of civijixsaoa and freedom is the West ; first , under the walls of fieima , -when the Ckesoecrt waned before the Cross , and Europe w « a saved bom tbe barbarism of the Turk ; aeeond , on the basks of the Vistula , when Warsaw's feeroic legion * ATed Paris from the sword of the

      MusooTite . Tfe have denounced the base ingratitude of certain Gorersmenta : we shal l not shrink from saying what governments—we mean the Government * of Englaad bbH France . Of the French Government it is not obi province to jpesk : we leaYB the perfidious Monarch of the Barricades to the veBgeaaoe and execration of the generous tout of Giul , confident , as we a re , that the tri-colour a « of libertj will yet be what it was in 1793—the terror of tyrants , the beacon-light for the oppressed oi all nations struggling to be free .

      1 % is with our own QovBrnment — have to do . We ' lanre job , Brothers , that the sympathies of the Eng- 1 liih people in 1 SSO were with you ia you * holy struggle , t Yob had the good wishes—you had the prayers of the j people for your triumph and success ; but you needed j niare , you seeded the assistance of oar right arms . I Alu i you knew not thai the people of England , of 1 whose boasted freedom you had , doubtless , in your own land , heard so much , were but alavea themselves : not ; alitei to one blood-stained military tyrant , like the ; people oi Poland ; but slaTes to a host of plundering \ aristocrats , stock-jobbers , capitalists , state-priests , pen- j Boners , and oourt- parasites , who keep the toiling classes in political bondage , that they may deprive them of i the produce of their industry , and plunder them of the fruits of their toil ' ¦

      Ton denounoe the treaty of the 14 th of July . We t niite with jw in execr&tfnf _ t treaty , by which Eng- \ Imd was insanely and wickedly bound to support the ' designs of Russia upon Turkey . You do the people of ' England but justice in supposing that the national feelings of this country were not represented in that treaty ; if the silence of the "Rngrinh people surprised - you , we can explain that silence . : Trne , they -were appealed to by certain parties , who told thf »™ a certain Minister was a traitor , and had sold bb country to Russia . ' What said the people ? "

      Palmerston may be a traitor , but what then ? Are not ; all his coronetted compeers traitors too ?—hare not the , aristocracy , one and all , sold us to slavery ? We detest ; the Russian despot , but we hare no power to prevent 1 m finance of our irresponsible rulers with him ; we ' win not bare oar atteotioa diverted from the obtainmeat of our Charter . " Thus reasoned—thus said the people ; in our opinion , the people reasoned wfrjly , and acted well in refusing to tike part in any movement that had sot for its object their own enfranchise- ' sent .

      Brother * , believing , as we do , that "he . who oppresses one nation is the declared enemy of all , " we cannot but hold in abhorrence the blood-stained tyrant of the North . But , alas ! we hare no power to prevent , an alliance with him , on the part of our governors ; they are to the people irresponsible ; over them the enslaved tninirm * have no centrouL Brothers , we are united to obtain those rights 'which : we believe are the common heritage of men , without : distinction of country or class . The Chartists of Eng- ! land have been painted in the blackest colours by the ' wretched tools of aristocracy , who sell themselves , ' misd and soul , to prop up the present tattering despotism . By them we have bees denounced as " anarchists , " men who sought only rapine and spoliation , and the reducing of society to one chaos of confusion , that we might profit by disorder .

      We indignantly repel the charges brought against us-Our object is the putting an end to that legalised system of rapine , by which the idler is made rich , and the wealth-producer made poor : our demand is to have accorded to us the rights of manhood , and to be placed upon a political level with our fellow-men . Is there ought , that is unworthy in such objects ? Is there ought ¦ fiat is unjust in such demand ? No , brothers , no t we feel assured that , having yourselves battled for liberty , your hearts are with us in our struggle—a struggle for the liberties of Englishmen—for the rights of the human race .

      " For our freedom and yours" is the motto of English democrats , as well as Polish patriots . In contending for our Charter , we contend tor the po-wer to protect ourselves—and the power to extend the arm of fraternity to every other people . Let the democratic banner once wave triumphal : t over the blood-stained flag of despotism , andEngliahmen , having- won their own freedom , will not be slow to diffuse the blessings of liberty pT "" - "g the nations of the earth . Ton speak of your countrymen , the " gentlemen emi grants , " as harisg tailed to do their duty . Aristocrats are the same all the world over . We question much , whtther your revolution would have failed , notwithstanding the non-suppert of England and France , bad the chiefs of the revolution proclaimed not only war with Kassian tyranny , but war also with Polish inequality .

      The independence of Poland and the equal rights of her children inscribed on your banners , will in your next struggle ensure you the triumph , and the victory . You speak of the treachery of leaders , —the curses of posterity blast their memories , and blight their names — may the fate of the traitor Tobhihofski be the fate of all , who like him , sell freedom and a nation for a tyrant's gold . Broihers , from onr hearts we rejoice that yon have determined to this day celeVrate the glorious 29 th of November ,- in person we cannot be with you , but in spirit we are . We too are met this hour to c * lf brate a day so dear to the lovers of liberty , so hateful to the oppressors of nations .

      Brothers , oar fathers -were tinght by interested knaves and juggling state-priests to regard as their natural enemies , all men not born on British ground ; we turn with disgust from so loathsome a doctrise . We believe all men to be brothers , and all the nations of the earth to be but one family ; we extend the hand of fraternal , love to all men , regardless of colour , clime , or creed ; and now before &od and the honms race -we pledge you out sympathy and brotherly aid . Ton say well , that the hour of your battles is again come . Eternal justice forbid that Poland should sink into the grave of annbilation , and her name be blotted from the book of nations , without another struggle on the part of her

      children—aye , rather every Pole perish , sword in hand , beneath the spear of the Barbarian—eTery fort of Poland ' s soil be given to desolation , rather tha ^ submission to a bloody despotism be hopelessly endured . But , brothers , we have fervent hope , that the undying spirit of liberty , rallying your dispersed legions round the -white eagle of your father-land , will lead you oawsrd ts victory and the restoration of your country ' s independence . What though Barbarian hordes again oppose yon , and torrents of gore again are shed ? The patriot may fall on the red field of strife and see not th * realization of his hopes , bat liberty is immortal , ana a brave people were never jet subdued . Poland must , ¦ will regain her independence and freedom .

      " All ills have bounds , plague , -whirlwind , fire and flood , E-vfca po-wer can spill tut bounded seas of blood ; Saitss earing net what Freedom ' s cost may be , lisy , late or soon , bet must at last be free ; For body-killing tyranu , —cannot kill The public soul , —the hereditary will , Which downward as from sire to son it goes , By shifting bosoHis more intensely glows , Iti hch-loom is the heart , and slaughtered men Fight fiercer in their orphans o'er again . "' AEEnilng you of the undying sympathy of the democrat of EDgland , we are , noble and gallant patriots , in hatred to tyrants , and love to you , Tours in fraternity , The Dkmoceais of Sheffield .

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      DEWSBURY . At the meeting here on Thursday night week , the following address was read , and was omitted in our last , for want of room : —

      TO FEARGU 5 O'CONNOR , ESQ . Respected Sra , —Permit -ca , the inhabitants of DtThcwy and its gnrioundiEg villages , in a ^ mnioii ¦ with lie whole of the wealth-producing portion of the community , to express , though fetbly , our unbounded J 97 , that your constitution and spirit have enabled you to triniEph over the disease and horrors of Whig solitary confinement , and that joh have come to the giorioaa face of day , like a giant refreshed with new i ¦ " ^ ne , prepared to tell despotism to its teeth , "thnsi didst thou , and thus thy reign shall end ; " prepared ] to tell it . that the measure cf its wickedness is full to I

      overflowing ; prepared to tell it that it has rooted to j the end of endurance in the blood and groa i s of suf- j ! ering humanity ; prepared to tell it that your woe- j worn fathers corse not lond but deep ; that the heart- ; bursting sigh ef yon famine-stricken , half-naked mother , i *• the wildly clasps her offspring , dying from hunger , to j hermilklees bosom ; prepared to tell it that all these , siaddened at the protracted injury and insult , proclaim ' in notes of thunder , that unless justice be done , and ! that speedily , to suffering humanity , a day of fearful ] retribution is , Bke time and death , silently , but witb frightfully rapid strides , certain to overtake them .

      _ We cannot , Sir , in the compass of an address of this : kind , pretend to enter into , or point out all the actions j ^ hich have adorned your career , and which have endeared you to the hearts of all those who love mankind j in this and every other country . But permit us to ! al hide for a moment to the state in whicb we were ' when yon came amongst os . We have had the splen- j &d talents of a Cobbett , a Cartwright , a Hunt , sad a I h » st of others for twenty years ; we have seen the bill , J tae -whole , bill , and nothing but the bill , become tbe i law of the land : we have seen the middle classes be-,

      come the law makers , and , as a natural consequence , j abstinence , another on ana means - * e _ have .. Been the , enacting of dead body bills , Irish j ing the Charter ; a procession with paraphernalia of abstinence , another on means -

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      union bills , and English end Irish poor law aaendmaat bills ; we had seen these , aad a host of others , which were to make England the admiration of the world ; aad yet our destiny became everyday onre fearful ; from being the veil-fed , well-clad Englishmen , we have become worse than slave *; for we had more than the slave ' s toll , bet less than Blare ' s reward . But , Sir , notwithstanding all this , notwithstanding we w ere " withou t f a rm an d v o id , " yet wa had within us all the elements which were necessary for our freedom and greatness . Yon , Sir , bare collected those elements —you , Sir , have given those dry bones form , and have taught us to stand erect and ask ourselves why it is that all those who produce nothing should suffer nothing , and why it is that we who produce alL should suffer all ?

      Before yon came amongst us , Sir , we were t h e constant ; prey of oae or other < r { the factions , Every oae with his lo here ! and lo there ! was able to divert u from the one great cause of all oar individual and national degradation . But now , Sir , what is our situation . ' We an acknowledged by our opponents to be the most numerous , most intelligent , and most influential party in ta » stats . Yoa have taugkt as to expose the now -wornout fallacies of the Cora Law League . You have taught as to dissect and refute the cabalistic jargon of the Malthusian political economists , You have taught us that man was created for other and higher purposes than to be the serf of a class ; and , though last , sot least , yoa have taught us to detect the heart o ! a foe , although that foe pretend to hold oat tbe right hand of fellowship , and be clothed in the garb of a friend .

      But perhaps , Sir , the greatest of all your achievements is the cause of suffering humanity was the establishment of tbe Northern Star . Yes , Sir , tbe Star has caused despotism to quail to its inmost soul , sad it has often " sworn by its God" that it " should be no more ;" but the Star , Anteus-like , has returned from each blow with increased vigour ; and we hail its establishment and continuance as the sure and certain pledge of man ' s emancipation ; u the "day-star" of freedom to the world , and as a happy presage of the moral and physical happiness to which man ' s high destiny yet urges him .

      Go on , then , noble Sir , in the cause you have so long continued in . Swear with us this night that you will never cease your exertions , bat with life , to cause every man to have a voice in the making of the laws by which he has to be governed . And . that you may live to see the righteous cause secure , and that yon may long contribute to its success , by your rplendid talents and vast experience , is the daily prayer of this great assembly . And when time shall have silvered o'er your honoured head , and have taken yoa to " that bourne from whence no traveller returns , " may our children ' s children , as the big manly tear stealB down their furrowed cheeks , point with exnltation and regret at the place containing the mortal remains of the man who has caused England to be in reality the " envy of surronnding nations , and the admiration of the world . "

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      ! SAYINGS AND DOINGS IN THE NORTH . i During the abstraction of the inhabitants of the coast towns , by the fisheries and harvest , sgitation naturally verged southward , till merged in the demonstrations of i " the patriot chief . " j Apart , however , from them , though full of anticipa-> tion , " the good men and true" of Falkirk welcomed ¦ i tbe self-devoted missionary of other scenes to deliver a lecture . Three good audiences , on the first day of the week , listened to a Bcriptnral vindication of the equality i of human nature , the proper exercise of Chmtisji ' sympathy towards the prisoners , captives , and the des-: titute , and the identification of practical Christianity with the pervading principle of Chartism , m a n ifes t ing the most intense interest . The lecture on the second . daymadeapowerful impression , and elicited enthusiastic ] applause . Pressing solicitations for future intercourse ; shall not be forgotten .

      The men of Alloa , though in the greatest bustle of preparation for their splendid display , also provided for a lecture , doubtless from the laudable consideration of contributing their quota towards expences of travelling , &c-, and therefore it deserves record . Stirling received an address at a convivial meeting on the Saturday evening , on the dne importance of working men assuming their proper position , in the present distracted state of our common country ; on the next evening , the personal responsibility involved in national association , was laid before

      the m , asd certainly net in vain . On Monday , the neighbouring villagers ofC&mbro-baron . made announcem ent , and gathered a portion to hear a lecture on tbe stata and proBptcts of trade . Owing to the breaking up of a large establishment recently , a flourishiBg association as been torn asunder , but if the wanderers retain their principles faithfully as those they have left behind , it will be but the wider dissemination of the good seed , to result in the more luxuriant harvest . A survivor of the persecution , that -victimised Hardy and Baird , i-til ) cherishes here the principles that perilled hia life with theirs .

      At the Whyna of Melton , close on tbe celebrated field of Brace , and caving near , once a sacred edifice , a revolutionary stable , then a magazine of "Prince Charley" after the battle of Falkirk , blown up , a standing memorial , whose ruins are still , on tbat account , more strikingly indicative if national mutations , there had we a good gathering of impoverished nailors and strogsYiDg -weavers , -who rejoiced by a lecture , to "witness on the political borison , the beaming emanations of tbe forthcoming Charter of a people's rights ; and were urgently pressing for a Becond favour . Engagement however , at Bannockburn precluding , that was the next scene of lahoar ; where adventurous usurpation and fearful submission , alike derogatory to moral woith , presented a clot on human character , threatening to

      extinguish tie very being of man . Importunate , unwearied exartion rallied a very tillable assembly in'a spacious hall , resulting doubtless ia the pretty general conviction of the audience , that they had souls of their own . Two or three friends from Melton Denny , where a better , at least a brighter spirit exists , accompanied the lecturer , \ rho bad been arranging 'with them , several miles to return also , although they ware to hear him at their own home . A gathering took place to listen to an expesition of Chartism and its necessity ; as also to pass the National Petition for numerous signatures . If every neighbourhood possessed tbe intelligence , z- ^ 1 , energy , and moral standing , an the score of total abstinence of the Chartisu of Denny , the speedy triumph of the cause would be soon f fiected .

      The cold and sterile north still presenting attraction to tbe glewing breast of the missionary , h e j udged t h e period arrived to retrace his steps . Wishing also to partake is some demonstration , as a duty to a privilege , a recollection of former struggles awakened a lively interest for that of A- berdeen , conations that the over-Whelming triumph Chartism over moral force fallacy , whether of Lovett , or Brewster , Owen , or both combined , would be some gratification for the past , he hastened forward . On his way a letter was put into his bands at Forfar , aad by bis nieaBS forwarded to O'Connor at Dundee , of the value of which he was fully aware , yet little did he expect the ample reward which

      tee nature oi etrect itB exposure so signally secured . After a day or two a rest he urged onward to Peterhead . There the evil genius of Brewsterism had engendered strife , and was labouring hard to produce distraction . Surely the harpies of Government are sufficiently alert with the gias , snares , and traps of the law , without beucdiog on to the prey by moral force mania ! He besought the friends to oust "tbe bone of contention , " with common consent ; and after allaying considerable prejudices by an address to the total abstainers , left them with hopes revived for the progress of genuine simple Chartism . The next stage New PiMigo , we had one kctare on tbe nature and of effect

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      music , banners , rods , and llctors , notwithstanding a sharp drixdy rain ; together with a ball commemorating CConaor ' s liberation , an d al so a sermon a wak i n g surprise , gratification and inquiry . The succeeding past was designed to be Conniston , and rambling heedless oa , he came to his journey ' * end . No , instead of that to choose between a five or seven miles further tramp , and a Scotch cross road , when ancle deep with snow , the shades of evening presents no powerful charm to lure a strangsr . Tbe odds were in favour of seven to Branff . Emblematic scene ! a slippery , weary way , the wind a hurricane , pitiless , pelting sleet , lightning flashing , thunder rolling , and bitter , biting frost ; but the Charter in prospect , he braved the storm . Lo ! a gig slowly ascended the bill behind , and having gained the summit , the driver courteously offered a vacant seat . Conversation turned on the severity of the weather , scarcity , and the miserable destitution of the weaving population . " They are done up I" was an observation

      alike common-place in matter and tone . " What can they do ? where shall they go to ameliorate their condition ? " was interjected , " True , they must remain as they are ; to remove they would be homeless and unsheltered . " Tbe nonchalance with which these remarks were uttered seemed quite as " nothing when you ' re used to it . " 0 ! the bitter train of determined reflection they inspired 1 Here was a man , prompted by the kindly feeling , who observed , Now , Sir , this is Banff ; your ride has cost me nothing , while it has eased you ttree miles ; yon are welcome , good night I" yet none the less self-satisfied in unresisting ease , amid the starvation , wretchedness , and misery surrounding O , that he were " alone ia his glory / ' " Shame , -where is thy blush ? " —humanity , where bast thouhld thyself ? Banff , low , wretched , apathetic ; no place of meeting , and little disposition to encounter taunting reflection and persecuting prejudice . When will human forms be mea ?

      Portsoy , a young journeyman , whese manly , open face does credit to an honest heart , greeted the labourer with the salutation , " , we'll have a meeting , if possible , though at my own expenee . " A meeting we had , and be bore the brunt , as he was likely to do It , nobly . " O , " said he , " it is capital put out to interest , which will amply repay the investment" A cheer for Mann . ' Callen , Chartism dressed ap by ignorance and interest , as a bugbear to frighten boobies . Nevertheless the Star finds its way , and from thence to Dtirneea , letting fall its light on Andersonian deeds .

      Inverness , swarming with Corn Law crotchets , a ba it was p at out , but the fish were shy , not so oafch as a dash with a tail 1 Repotting a meeting of these gentry , some short time since , the local press lauded the intelligence and order of the good town ' s workmen , which was only interrupted by an operative from the south . Lo what a change comes o ' er the spirit of the dream , this BeU-same person recently figures as Mr . Henry Burretl , receiving the complimentary feast of a number of working men employed under vigilance , honoured with the presence and encoaiums of the master builders , and eulogised by this same press , for urbanity to men , justice to employers , assiduity and great skill displayed in the erection of a considerable public edifice . What a contrast to the course , vulgar , outrageous satrap of the aew St . Stephens—and this Mr . not A . but B . is still a firm , uncompromising Chartist , ever ready to lend an able aid in the great works which aims at the good of his fellow men .

      We had also an address on abstinence , two sermons , and a closing lecture on the principles and protections of the Charter , awakening an Interest which may bo hoped to go en and prosper . Not withstanding party opposition , fair weather , an indomitable , yet prudent missionary , with the National Petition , and the northern region will add its multitudes to swell tba tide of a B&tion ' a voice for heavenborn liberty , earth's blessing , rational freedom ! Faithfully , Thos . Da vies . Zones , December 3 d . 1841 .

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      HORRIBLE TREATMENT OF THE POOR IN THE SEVENOAKS UNION WORKHOUSE .

      In some recent papers we made some remarks on certain ait' which had been perpetrated within the precincts of the above establishment , and which ware bro u g h t to l i ght by Mr . Booth and the Earl of Stanhope . His Lordship , it will be recollected , stated that certain reports had come within his own knowledge , and he had reason to believe that they were true , considering the quarter whence they came . In the first place , it appeared that ; tbe children in the Union Workhouse had not been properly washed from the month of May to the month ef November . In consequence of this neglect of cleanliness , itch ensued , and prevailed to a very great extent On the 25 th of December last , five women were confined in two beds in the same room , not receiving anything like the attention due t » women in their circumstances . On the

      30 th of January , 1841 , a report made to the Board of Guardians stated that " the women in the lying-ia room had not that attendance which , under general circumstances , the poor obtain in their ewn cottiges . " On the 22 nd of April last a report to the Board of Guardians stated that 75 boys were sleeping in 16 beds , 86 girls in 19 beds , making 161 children in 35 beds . Then there were 57 men ia 31 beds , and 40 women in 20 beds . On the 29 th of April lost , a period designated by Dr . D'Oyley as latt winter , a report to the Board of Guardian * stated that there were 78 boys and 94 girls in the bouse , and that of these all the boys had enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 42 of them had also swellings in the front and around the neck . Of the girls 91 were afflicted with swellings of the glands in the back of the neck , and 63 with them both in the back and front of the neck .

      This detail of atrocities was made by the Noble Earl himself at a meeting at Sundridge , and an investigation into the matter being decided upon , the Poor Law Commissioners sent down Mr . Assistant Commissioner Tuffoell , to institute an inquiry . It was , thereupon , offered to substantiate the Earl of Sta hope ' s statement , and to prove even more facti tban his Lordship himself adduced , either by means of a written commun icatio n , or by procuring the attendance of a female , who had beld the situation of nurse in the establishment , but who , sickening at the amount of disease among tbe bo ; s and girls , and tbe treatment experienced by the lying-in women , quitted the workhouse in disgust This person ( Mrs . Middleton ) , is a most respectable woman . She sometime aco attended a lady in her confinement , and subsequently engaged herself as nurse in the Union , and on her leaving it , wrote ' a long letter for publication , but which , for prudential reasons was act inserted in the paper W ¦ which it -was sent— -Mrs . Middleton was sent for

      from Canterbury , and she has in every material part , substantiated the Earl of Stanhope's summary of disease and ill treatment We shall now state the facts proved as to the lying-in women . In January last , there -were t-wo lying-in rooms only in tbe workhouse ; one of them 7 feet long , and 10 feet 9 inches ¦ wide , the other about 9 fett square . In each of these rooms were two beds , each of them 4 feet 6 inches wide , and 6 feet long . In each bed there weie at one time two women at the least , either expecting labour , or recently delivered . The state in -which they lay , and the treatment which they received , may be understood from two cases—those of Fanny Giles and Rebecca Bignell . Fanny Giles was placed in tbe same bed with Sarah Watson on tba 15 tb of December ; on the 16 th , she vaj confined , being at the time alone in

      the bed , but two women being in the other bed -with their children . The next night , within ten hours of her confinement , she was removed , to make way for a new comer , into the bed already occupied by those two women and their children ; thus making three women and two children at the same time in one bed . From Sunday , the 13 th of December , till a whole week after her confinement , she could not obtiln clean linen of any kind , though she frequently applied for it . Shortly afterwards she was removed to the other lying-in room ; and while there , on the 25 th of December , a woman named Harriet Harborer was actually eonfined -while in the bed with her . The next day Giles -was again removed into the casual ¦ ward , and was there compelled to sleep in tbe same bed ¦ with a woman who had a loathsome contagious dise ase " of a very bad character . "

      Rebecca Bignell and Mary Collins were put into the delivery bed together about the same time shortly before the 18 th of December . Collins -was delivered on that day , in the daytime , Bignell not being then in bed . Ollins remained in the same bed till the following day , and -was only removed just before Bignell ' s labour , which then took place . At this time there were seven women in the two lying-in rooms , and only one nurse to attend them , who was unSt for the duty , and did not properly perform it Bignell was seized with puerperal fever , and anderwent medical treatment successively for the first few days , so as to be apparently out of danger , nnd the medical officer thinks it probable that she would have recovered , if sha had been properly nursed . She was neglected , however , and she died . All these facts were proved by the evidence of Fanny Giles and two of the medical officers of the union . Mr . Adams « nd his assistant . Mr . Jackson .

      We abstain from going into tbe disgusting details about the filthy state in which these poor women and others la a similar situation were suffered to remain . Some bad no change of linen for a week , others none for a fortnight r one stated that she left the house covered with vermin . No visiting Committee ever came round , so tbat there was no opportunity of complaining ; and indeed complaint -would have been of little use , as the fifuardiaua proved , by the way in which they received a charge afterwards made against the Mistress by Margaret Middleton , one of the nurses .

      We now proceed to describe the manner in which the inmates of this workhouse , a nd especia l ly the chil d re n , were and are lodged . There are two boys' rooms , attics ; the one 15 feet by 27 , end the other 15 feet by 29 ; and two girls' rooms , 15 feet by 29 each . Mrs . Middletoa , an experienced nurse , who was engaged in Fobruary , upon the recommendation of Mr . Adams , the medical officer , states that "in March last there were 91 boys in one room ; and in the girls' room there were 80 cdd . There were sixteen beds and a half in the boys' two rooms , Tnty lay 15 children in two beds , f eet to feet , and 18 children in three beds ; the remainder o * the beds had four each . The ages of the children >* ried from five to twelve years . The beds were four fe six inches wide , and tbe two in which so many th j ldren were placed were tied together , so as to form ne bed . "

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      I n tbe let ter sent by Mm Mld dle tcn , she says , — " It was truly heart-rending to see so many motherless and fatherless children ; they had the itch ; their beads were covered with vermin ; and their feet were actually half rotten . The food of these children was very ooarw ; for Dreakfart they had dry bread and akilley ; for supper , bread and butter ( the smallest scrap of batter was nsed ) and a drink of water . The manner the children slept was sufficient to breed all manner of diseases ; they were huddled together six and seven in a bed , and daring the ten weeks I was in the Union , I

      never saw a woman with a clean chemise , or a man with a clean shirt . I repeatedly saw the old women go into the hall , and where those who had good eyes used to pick the vermin from their aged co-paupers . The lying-in kkmd was beastly beyond description , and the smell arising trotk th « filth horrible . On one occasion a woman named Omden , whose children had the itch , asked for some bread to make toast and water , and there being a scarcity of mags in the Union , the Master actually gave her a brown chamber utensil to make it in .

      Mrs . Middleton , it appears , left the Union with ft moat exemplary character , which was given ti her in writing by the Board . On the 22 ad of April , Mr . Adams reported to the Board that there were then 86 boys in 19 beds , 75 girls in 16 beds , 57 men in 31 beds , and 40 women in 20 beds . On the very day of the inquiry , after Mr . Tufnell had taken a number of strangers and others over the workhouse , and after these visiters bad been told that they had seen every apartment , Mr . Booth , the vestryclerk of Snndridge , received information tbat there were two rooms which bad not been visited ; and oh proceeding to these , twenty boys ( apparently diseased ) toere discovered in one of them ( a loft 13 feet by 14 ) huddled together in five beds—tire boys each in two beds ,

      8 ix boys In one bed , and two boys each in two more . In February all the children In the house , of both sexes ( except two or three infants ) had the itch ; about a dozen had bad feet and chilblains , with the bones of their toes protruding , in consequence of neglect . On the 20 th of April Mr . Adams reported to the Board that there where then in the house 78 boys and 94 girls and infant children ; that all the 78 boys had enlargement of the neck , and 42 had likewise goitres ; that of the girlR and infants , 91 had enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 63 also goitres . In this horrible way has the health of the children of the poor , in one of toe richest aad most flourishing agricultural counties ia En gl and , been sacrificed to the maintenance of the prohibitory order ef the Poor Law Commissioners .

      In December , 1838 , there were 162 boys and girls in 35 beds . In 1839 there were 325 inmates , taking adults with children , at one time in the workhouse . In March , 1 S 40 , there were 298 inmates in one week . In February last there were at one time 347 persons . On Saturday last there were 316 inmates ; an increase of 62 having taken place within ten days , after the master bad reported to the Board of Guardians that the hous ) was full ; the Board deliberately continuing , un d er th e s e c i rcum s tances , to en f orce the workhou s e test There are now seven boys sleeping in one bed , five in another , and sixty-one boys in sixteen beds , distributed into fours and threes ; each bed being only four feet six inches wide . Mr . Love has been a member of the Board of Guardians ever since the formation of the Sevenoaks Union , and Chairman for several years . Listen now to his own account of the way in which he has performed bis duties ;—

      By Mr . Burgess . —How was it , that being Chairman of this Board , you did not become acquainted with the state of the house with regard to the children until the 22 nd of April last ? That was the first time it had been officially reported to tbe Board to be in too crowded a state . Mr . Burgess—That is no answer to my question . How came yon foi five years to be ignorant of the state of the house 1 Because it had not been brought officially before the Board as a matter of complaint . Why did you not make yourself acquainted with it ? I considered the duties of my office as Chairman , and my almost invariable attendance as such , a sufficient reason why I should not take upon myself to visit the house , aa other Guardians did . Might yoa not have obtainea that information without visiting ?

      Yes , if I had asked the master or medical officer for an official report Is not the weekly return-book laid before you , so that you may see the number « f inmates without asking a ques ti on ? That I almost invariably insptqt ; it gives me evidence of the numbers , but none of the crowded state of the house . I cannot ascertain from that how many are in the different -wards or in the different beds in toe wards . An increase of children might take place , and a decrease of able-bodied , which would not be discovered from tbe book .

      Mr . Love ' s evidence sufficiently shows that the paupers have been scandalously neglected . As Chairman of the Guardians it was his duty to ascertain whether the poor were well fed , well clothed and well housed ; and his failing to have done so exhibits a lamentable want of feeling . We shall here drop the subject for the present ; but we are nevertheless proud that we have been partly instrumental in exposing as gross actsof ill treatment and Id just ice towards a mass of unprotected human beings as were ever brought to light What decision the Poor Law Commissioners may come to on the subject , we

      are at a loaa to imagine , involving as it does the working of the damnable Poor Law Bill . It is , however , scarcely credible that such things can have happened without reprobation In ¦ workhouse of wkich tbe Marquis Camden and Colonel H . Austin lately constituted the visiting Committee , and which has been frequent !/ visited by the R-w . Dr . D'Oyley . Had it not been for the public spirit of Mr . Booth , the | Vestry Clerk of Sundridge , ( whose conduct , in spite of what Dr . D'Oyley designates his " humble situation , " contrasts Biest favourably -with tbat of his superiors ) those enormities would never have been dragged to light .

      One curse of the Poor Law scheme is evidently the largeness of the Unions ; and the poor will sever be dealt with fairly till the system is entirely broken up . There is , perhaps , not a Guardian of the Sevenoaks Union who , qaestioned apart aa to the sufferings endured by the children and the females of his own parish , is not heartily grieved at thorn , and ashamed that be did not detect and prevent them . He knows the rate-payers of bis own parish did not wish , in order to save a few shillings a piece , to coop their leeB fortunate neighbours in such a hell aa this Seveneaks Bastile .

      If the children of hia parish bad been apart from the rest , be would not have dared to suffer them to be so grossly misused ; bia better feelings would have compelled him to interpose . No , it is the Union » ystemthe want of individual responsibility . It is the feeling that whatever is done is the act of the whul 9 Board , that is the source of all the negligence and cruelty and oppression ; and there is no remedy but a general dissolution of all Unions , and tbe relieving the able-bodiod poor at their own homes , provided the paupers attend at the poor-house during the day , to labour in a parish gardon or at a farm .

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      SOCIALISM v . CHARTISM . The adjourned discussion between Mr . Parry and Mr . Lloyd Jones , on the comparative merits of Chartism and Socialism , waa resumed on Friday evening last . The place was agaia crowded with a highly respectable audience . Mr . Parry commenced by recapitulating his arguments of the previous evening . The Socialists were contending for the establishment of a community of 1 , 000 acres , which , by properly cultivating and arranging , they can bring to the acme of perfection , and thereby fitud the land with Universal Communities . I contended for Universal Suffrage , its benefits being immediate and not prospective , it being a grand national universal measure , and not a local question of pounds ,

      shillings , and pence . Mr . Jones relied chiefly upon the superiority of Socialism , from its being independent of any extraneous assistance ; it cared not for the House of Commons—no , nor yet for that venerable body , the House of Peers . Lot us examine a little into this . Mr . Jones told us , last night , that they did not look for assistance to any class , but to the benevolent of all classes ; is this independence ? They request loans fr » m parties willing to lend , promising regular payment of interest . Now , it is quite impossible that the poor can lend money ; they cannot purchase food . These loans , then , mast corno from the richer classes of society : how , then , can they be independent ? The rich do not want to subscribe to get into community ;

      they can get anywhere . They have also a printed form of bequest , by which parties may leave their property for community purposes . I do not like this principle of appealing to benevolence : I demand right in preference to benevolence- ^ -1 demand that the poor man shall be placed upon an equality with the rich man . Benevolence is one of tbe worst principles which can be laid down by any foim of Government ; and if carried to a large extent it becomes a positive nuisance . Chartism demands that all shall be placed on an equality in the eye of the law—that all should be at liberty to use their unfettered exertions to procure a comfortable existence . I call upon you , if you prefer right to benevolence , to dfcide in favour of Chartism .

      Mr . Jon es —I informed you last night that I objected to Chartism , because you had no defined plan ; yon have certain things floating in your imagination which you may or may not put into practice . Mr . Parry ridicules the confidence and presumption with which we put forth our plans . I admit we are confident in tbe huccess of onr plans , bnt we do not eall upon the public to adopt them without examination . We do not enforce them with angry feelings ; we do not dispute about moral or physical force to carry them out ; we call not for general adoption , but general enquiry . Mr . Parry alluded last evening to my mention of the Spartans . I condemn their vices aamuch as Mr . Parry ; but is that

      any reason I should not adopt what is good ? Mr . Parry : > lso charges us with looking entirely to the stomach and neglecting tbe mind . Is noc his allusion to our singing , our grammar , and other classes , an ample refutation of this ? Mr . Parry says , we may gfct , a few to carry oat reforms in the quiet manner which we desire , but that it is impossible to g -t the bulk of the people . I defy him to prove any good done by violence . I defy him to prove any lasting good produced by great excitements . Look at the French revolution for instance . I allow that with an ignorant mind , it is impossible to bear suffering patiently , but in an intelligent man , this same suffering will produce a spirit of calmness and patience .

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      Socialism was called a dreamy thing . Mr . Parry allowed us tbe credit of establishing infant schools and having i ns t i t uttens simi l ar to t he M echa n i cs . Are them dreamy thing * r If they are , they appear to me to be more ¦ ubaUkntial than the realities of Chartism . Mr . Party object * tons because we appeal to the benevolence of those who may have it in their power to assist its . We do not appeal to them as a class but as individuals ; and are not the Chartist * continually appealing to their benevolence ? Are you not , at your public meetings , ice ., continually begging and praying of them

      to grant you your rights . With regard to the applications we make , we are a little like tbe Spanish beggar , who , when asked why he did not go to work , being a strong hale man , he told them he asked them for their charity and not for their advice . Yon may go on appeal * ing to these classes for your rights , year a f ter y e a r , bat their interest ia opposed to yours , and they will never grant them . You have a House of Commons opposed to yoa ; a House of Peers opposed to yon , and the public press against yon ; the Times even calling yon incorrigible scoundrels .

      Mr . Pabbt . —Mr . Jones states that I compared the Social to Mechanics - Institutions , and said they were inferior to the meanest mechanics'institution in tbe poorest town in the kingdom . Inferior in point of wealth , and I might almost asty for osefulnets , to most of the trade societies in the kingdom . These do what they profess , but Socialism , professing everything , accomplishes but little . I am sorry to near Mr . Jones again refer to the Times journal . What doej any respectable person care for the Times t , We laugh at its statements ; we care no more for it than for the squeaking of a pig . When the biawling Times filled its columns with vituperations of the Socialists , did tbe Chartists value its reasonings ? It was childish and puerile to refer to such a venal and ruffianly paper . Mr .

      Jones says the House of Peers is also against us . Shall we qmall because the peers are opposed to us ; because the Times abases us ? Mr . Jones says they act ia accordance with law . We also act in accordance with law . Their whole system ia founded upon an act of Parliament . Can there be a more sandy foundation ? If ever you attain to the influence you expect , and I think you will not , what is to hinder Parliament from repealing the Acts of George and William on which y onr Communities axe founded ? If ever you get wealthy er powerful enough to be obnoxious to those in power , that instant , if toe people are not in possession of poli . t i ca l p ower , will you be annihilated . I appealed to all history in proof of the advantage of political power ; Mr . Jones , to a few isolated Shaker communities in

      America , where he informs us that wealth is created to an enormous extent . Mr . Jones says he will adopt what is good in these communities , and reject what is bad . They adopt the principle of celibacy ; how does Mr . Joaes know that this is not the very principle which enabled them to succeed . Mr . Parry then read extracts f rom Mis s Martineau ' s work , in which she states that they are scarcely allowed to speak to strangers—that it was with difficulty she met with the rites of hospitality —that they are allowed to speak no language but Garman—that a young girl taking a fancy to have a ride in the country instead of attending worship , was severely reprimanded ; and were these the principles they would hold up for the adoption of the most intelligent and civilized people in the world ? Only brine men to the

      state of apathy and mental degradation in which they are found in these communitea , and perhaps they might succeed in making them profitable speculations ; bat once admit of freedom in religion and other opinions , and they would immediately fail , as Mr . Owen ' s did at New Harmony . When Mr . Owen took Now Harmony , it was fenced all round to keep out the pigs of the neighbouring forest Mr . Owen immediately removed the fence , and the pigs speedily carae in and destroyed all the beautiful gardens the Rappites had created . One of the great vices of the Socialists is , they think there are no pigs in the moral world—that we are all amiable lap-dogs . Mr . Jones states that if Tytherly succeeded , the example would speedily spread throughont the country . I find there are fifteen Shaker and

      one Rappite community in America , which have been established between fifty and sixty years ; why has not their example been followed ? is there any difference between human nature in Amerisa and in England ? The Socialists believe they have only to lay down their laws , get Tidd Pratt to sign them , and all will be prosperous . They think naught of the discordant principles which animate mankind . Ail will vanish before the force of their paternal government . Look at the amazing power vested in the Central Board . True , they are elected by the people ; but they are still more under the controul of Congress . They have power to separate children from parent ; they have tbe management of the schools , of all public amusement . If you

      dance , you must dance under the contioul of the Central Board . Their's is a system of pura despotism—that worst of governments , a paternal one . A father may do what he likes with his children , may beat them , may turn them out of dooTs : be has nearly as much eontronl over them as a man over his wife . I do not object to this in parents ; bnt I do in society . The Governments of Austria and Russia are of this description . The ruler is called tbe father of his people , and why ? Because he can do what he likes -with his subjects . This is the system which Mr . Owen proposes and the Socialists admire ; but I am certain they -will never succeed in getting any large number of individuals to submit to this irresponsible power .

      Mb . Jones—Mr . Parry has said , that our Social Institutions in no way differ from Mechanics' Institutions , except being on a smaller scale . There is this one great difference—we admit discussion on religious and political subjects—they do not . I do not approve of the language of the Times , but I quoted it to show the division amongst you . There is the Times abasing the Dispatch , the Dispatch abusing the Times ; Mr . Parry , a Chartist leader , and the Northern Star abusing the Times . I say they are all venal—they are all acting for party motives , and not seeking truth , all alike , whether Tory or Chartist ; the Times is not more venal tban any other , tbe Northern Star included . ( Hisses and cheers for the Star . ) It has just been stated tbat the Northern Star is the only paper which

      advocates the rights of the people ; I do not object to any papor , but depend upon it , so long as you support any paper in the manner yoa have to-night , so long will yon have a venal press . I speak not as an enemy to the Norther n Star , but while you denounce one paper and cheer another , they will always have inducements to act with venaiity . Mr . Parry's prime object is , that any Parliament can repeal the law on which our communities are founded . We know that nothing is certain ; a comet might come within the sphere of our attraction , and with its tail , -whisk us out of existence ; but would such a liberal body as the Chartists stand by and see such an infringement of liberty as to have that law repealed ? You hive the idea of certain reform floating in your imagination , and if you are to stand upon privileges , you may never realize them . Mr . Parry has shown you the imperfections of the American communities , but are we compelled to adopt their faults

      because they have one bright feature wrapped round with tho dirty bandages of religious fanaticism , aTewe forced to adopt the whote ? Mr . Parry says , are we prepared to adopt their system of celibacy ? I say decidedly not ; but he does not toll you that they are annually receiving into their community widows , with large families , adopting orphan and other children , and that they so train tbese that crime is unknown amongst them . Mr . Parry asks -why their example has not been followed in America . I tell him because of their fanaticism . Tytherly has only been building two or three years ; you have been agitating these fifty years , and have not got a single stone laid . If Mr . Parry has any plan to propose for immediate relief , in God's name let us adopt it . while ve are building our communities . Mr . Parry also says we think too well of human nature—that we believe there are no pigs in the Moral World . The fault has hitherto been that man has been

      represented in too bad a light . We believe man to be a more decent animal than is generally supposed . Fault is found with the powers of our Central Boaxd ; we are to dance , &c , by orders of the Central Board . To this there can be but little objection , provided they are good hands at a set of quadrilles . With respect to paternal government , Mr . Parry forgets that , having the power to beget our parents , instead of them chastising us , we shall be enabled to chastise thorn . Mr . Parry—I did not insinuate that the people of America were too ignorant to adopt communities , I said they were too wise to listen to the secret voices of the Rappites and Shakers wooing them to its blessings . I feel surprised at Mr . Jones comparing Acts of Parliament with the appearance of a comet an Act of

      Parliament may be repealed in two or three , or perhaps twenty years , but comets act in accordance with the all-wise laws of nature ; their precise time , appearance , &c ., may be accurately calculated upon . Surely Mr . Jones will not compare the stolidity of a British Parliament to the eternal progress of the laws -which regulate the universe . Mr . Jones has said all our newspapers are venal , of course , always excepting tbe New Moral World , of course the lustre of its purity has never been tainted . What does Mr . Jones mean by venality ? I do not consider that paper to be venal , be it Whig or Tory , which without change has consistently advocated its pr nciples . Ttie Northern Star has never swerved from ita principles , be they true or false ; it had ever remained tree tr the interests of the people . If Mr .

      Jones challenged it with venality , he must prove when it was bought or sold ; until he could do thiB the iV ' orthern Star at least wao free from the charge . Mr . Jones waa eternally ringing in their ears the violence of the Chartists ; yon would suppose that the Socialists were mild , amiable philosophers ; men who would not hurt a worm ; and tbat tbe Chartists were a set of violent ruffians . Only think of the Socialists , in number about 4 , 000 , taunting the Chartists , who with those professing tie same principles in Ireland , numbered four millions , with being advocates of physical force , because , goaded by physical waat , they had occasionally risen ia their might , as m en , and demanded their

      birthright ; because they would not sit tamely under the iron rod of oppression ; and because of this the piess must calumniate and abuse them , and the Socialists re-echo the cry . I throw back the assertion , that the working classes are violent , Into the teeth of their calumniators . Are not the Chartists folio-wing the constitutional mode of petitioning , of uniting , to concentrate public opinion . The Socialists being generally in better circumstances , may afford to wait for reform ; may afford to subscribe their £ 50 ; but the masses are in actual want ; it ia a question in which the Crime is greatest , the man that steals from want , or the legislature , which creates tbe want . If the Socialists possessed the vast physical power ef

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      the Chartists , they might talk of physical force , but at present it would be utterly ridiculous ; why twe policemen might take the whole party ! The glory of the Chartists is , that having the power to adopt viole n t measues , they have wisely and nobly abstained ( torn exerting that power . This raises them blghei in my es ti m a ti o n th a n any oth e r bo dy in the state . But another objection « f the Socialists ia onr ignorance . If the Chartists would petition for Social Communities , their ignorance would immediately disappear . Because the Socialists are a little more aristoeratie and possess a little more wealth , tats feeling of arrogance is exhibited . The very fact that the Chartists can appreciate the merits of the Charter is a preof of their intelligence . I admire intelligence ; I should wi ih to see all _

      educated , bnt so long a * a man has an arm to work , so l o n g as he i s not idiot , it nutter * not whether he can write or read , he is entitled to a vote . I call upon yoa , workinf men , to go on in your agitation , and by getting Universal Suffrage you will speedily get universal education . This war exemplified in the conduct of a female in America ; she endeaveureel to educate her slaTes , bat the brand of slavery rankled ia their hearts , and she could not succeed . The blessings of education will prove in vain , unless you attain to the moral dignity of freedom . This noble woman felt this , she emancipated her slaves , and in the words of an homely saying , they then took kindly to education ; but Mr . Jones says

      how will yoa get the Charter ? Will the Houses of Parliament reform themselves ? The force of public opinion in France , compelled their hereditary House of of Peers to abolish itself , and public opinion will gain ns the Charter , not if it is expressed in the mild , quiet , amiable , social method ; but public pinion backed by a million of mes , possessed of arms and sinews , and who know how to use them 1 It is useless always to crave in a peaceful , humble , legal manner . History shows that every reform therein mentioned has only been gained when they dared not any longer to withhold it . How were the dissenters emancipated ?—how was the Catholic Emancipation Bill carried ? Bid not the iron Duke state that he

      dared no longer to refuse it ? and the time will shortly come when he dare not refuse the Charter . How was the Reform Bill carried ! The people met day after day , sent petition after petition ; the men of Birmingham roused themselves , and the Government quailed before them . It was now the cant phrase to call the men of Birmingham selfish , because , be i n g d eceived by the middle classes , they would no longer join in their half measures—because they were determined to abolish all monopolies . Mr . Jones says that argument and reason were the weapons we should employ . This might be true with human beings , but not with a House of Peers . Did they stand firm in their imbecile power when Earl Grey had authority to create a new batch of them ? No , they very considerately walked , or rather sneaked , ont of the House , until Earl Grey found himself in a majority , through the desertion of these craven Peers . And this will prove equally

      true with respect to the Charter ; they will quail , aa they have ever hitherto done , before the power of a mighty people . I do not expect that this discussion will make many converts to either side ; but it will show to the country , and the middle classes in particular , tbat large and intelligent bodies of their fellowmen are daily meeting to discuss the means by which to promote their political and social happiness . It will show to them the folly and danger of much longer standing aloof from a struggle that is almost divine , that will elevate man out of tbe dust , that will infuse into his body almost a living soul ; and , sooner or later , in proportion as you remain faithful to the cause , in proportion as you unite , man and woman , in the cause , ( for why should one half of the human race be excluded ?) the Universal Suffrage bark will vide triumphant o ' the storm , in spite of every party and of every passion which may be arrayed against it

      Mr . Jones—When I spoke of the venality of the press , I excluded no paper . I believe they have all exaggerated in favour of their own party . I have no doubt the New Moral World itself occasionally has done the same thing . I had no wish to depreciate any of the papers . Mr . Parry accuses me of charging you with ignorance and violence . I only adopted your own language . Have you not a moral and a physical force party ? Are not Frost , Williams , and Jones transported ? Is not this positive proof that you have been guilty of violence ? I do not charge the whole mass with being violent ; I believe you a , ll desire the public good ; but when I see men goiDg astray , I deem it to be my duty to step forward aad give them a warning voice . Mr . Parry apoka

      lightly of us as a party , and said two policemen would take the whole . I believe one might do it , for we should all go without . It ia not correct that the Socialists think the Chartists Ignorant ; but we think them imprudent I admit tbe truth of your Charter ) I admire your principles ; I signed your petition era I entered on this discussion ; but I think our princi ples best . ' Who are the class that press most heavily upon you ? Is it the Lords ? is it the Commons ? Partly so ; but it is those who hold in their power those mighty iron machines which have brought you to misery and degradation . These the Charter passes entirely over . I speak to you as working men . Is not machinery the great cause of your distress ? In whose bands is the machinery ? Why in the hands of your employers ,

      w ho are re g ardl e ss of y our interests , if it interfere with their profits . A fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s work , appears to be the height of the ambition of a Chartist Though Tytherly is but in its infancy , yet I trust it will soon give bright hopes of the world ' s regeneration We do not depend upon a majority to effect eur object * Mr . Parry has Appealed to history , but in the two great instances he has given you , viz . Catholic emancipation and the Reform Bill , you had the middle classes and many of the upper classes with you , elements of which you are now deficient- To gal a tha Irish Emancipation Bill every influence was exerted , but does not misery taint that unhappy land ? Beware ho-w you play with the feelings of the people ; let them not again be miserably deluded with false hopes . For centuries have the working classes been struggling for reform , arid in what better position are you now ? You have Frost and his companions slumbering sixteen thousand miles off , to the lullabies of a distant ocean

      bubble after bubble has burst . " Hope deferred tnaketh the heart afefc . " In your political harangues you have promised to your followers a perfect millenium . Every class is opposed to you ; your groans will never reach the Government , until you have the co- operation of the middle-elass ; but this is almost impracticable . I know that if you were united you could despise both Whig and Tory , and I have no doubt but , some day or other , your principles will be carried into effect , but I fear the time is distant I do not blame the working classes as violent men . I wonder that , in the midst of so much suffering , and so much excitement , they have remained so patient . The principles on both sides are true . Chartism is good ; bnt , in my opinion , not so good as Socialism . We have no interest in being divided . In my time I have assisted in every measure of reform ; but I consider that Socialism being independent of King , L o rds , or Commons , is most calculated to spread happiness amongst the members of the human family . ( Great applause . )

      The Chairman then called for a show of hands , and it was so equal that not being able to decide , another show was called for , when The Moderator , being appealed to , gave it as hia opinion , that the numbers were equal . Mr . Parry then came forward and announced that his share of the . proceeds should be devoted to those gallant men now on strike , the masons . ( Great cheering . ) Mr- J ones should devote his proceeds , according to a previous arrangement , to that which would prevent all strikes , the Tytherly Community . The Chairman and Moderator then thanked tha meeting for the considerate and gentlemanly manner in which they had acted , and the meeting dissolved .

      The discussion throughout was excellently managed by both disputants . The attendance of Chartists was not so numerous as might have been anticipated , but this was owing partly to the charge for admission , and it also being held at so late a period in the week . Mr . Parry also was not known to tbe great majority of the Chartist body , but henceforth he will deservedly be held in high estimation . The profits , it appears , are £ 10 , when rent of HaH and all the expences are paid .

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      We learn that Sir Robert Peel has sent agents to the Continent for the purpose of collecting detailed information relative to tha average rates of wages , the prices of food , and ether circumstances bearing on tbe condition of the humbler classes . Sir Walter Scott ' s Novels . —What would Sir Walter Scott have said if he had seen his immortal Novels on sale at a few pence each week ? We think " this is popularity" would have escaped him . His family have done wisely , in these times of Jack Sheppards , to bring healthy reading to every one ' s fireside ; and we certainlv have it in the powerfully drawn characters of the Waverley Novels .

      Thr Weather . —Much damage was done in the metr op olis , and t he s u r r o undin g coun t ry , b y t he late stormy weather . On Monday nig ht week , a new shop-front in Church-street , Bor o u g h , wu blown into the street . Many stacks of chimnies have been , thrown down , but with no fatal resalts . The low lands on the Surrey side ef the river hare been flooded . The river itself was violently agitated . A boat with two boys was upset on the river between Wandsworth and Putney , aad one of the boys was drowned . Three men were overturned in a boat off Rotherhithe . but were all saved . Near Greenwich , a man was blown from the yard-arm of a coastingvessel , but he sustained no injury beyond a wettis ? .

      On Tuesday morning , near Deptford , as a barge laden with Russian deals was coming up the river , a great quantity of the timber was blown off into the water : a workman jumped ont of the barge into a small boat , and was picking up the pieces of tin * ber , which he had previously gathered together with an oar , when a heavy Bwell of the water upset the boat , and the man waa drowned . During the night of Monday , a hundred barges , laden with coal , got loose from their moorings on the river , aad sank . On Wednesday afternoon , the tide rose to a great and unusual height , and caused a considerable destruction ef property .

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      TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN . Brxthren , —We the auditors of the accounts of of the Executive beg to call your particular attention to tttt baiasoe sheet which u pablianed in to day ' s Star . Ton collectively agreed to elect an Executive body and pay them for their services ; now , brothers , unless the association performs its duty to that body , they cannot expect very great progress to be made in the glorious cause we are engaged in . You will not fail to perceive that several localities have not paid for their cards ( which by the bye ought to be a ready-money transaction ) and consequently have not sent a farthing in the shape of contribution * to enable the Executive to prosecute their labours . We beg to be understood

      that we do not attach any blame to , or find fault with those districti which have bnt recently enrolled themselves in the National Charter Association ; but there ars others from -which we expected better things ; we sincerely hope those localities that are in arrears with the Executive , will make arrangements for liquidating their debts immediately ; we do hope the officers aad members ef the association will make it a point of duty to sesd the moiety required by tbe plan of erganisatiun to tbe Executive above all and before all other claims . Tou mutt see plainly , unless this is done , that tbat talented body will have to straggle continual } ? against the stream , to the great injury of our sacred cause . As the Executive have accomplished so great an amount of good with tbe limited foads you have placed at their dispesal daring the last four or five months , what may we not expect from them if prcperly supported ?

      . Brethren , oar enemies are watching tot tha sign ot ; a break up in our great and glorious organisation ; they : well snow that onr chief and greatest difficulty , is a I want of funds ; let us disappoint them—let us strictly ! abide by the plan of organisation , and we shall soon : create such a feeling in the public mind as will carry j all before it , and finally cause our beloved Charter to become the law of these realms . ! Hoping that you -will receive theae few remarks in i -the spirit in which they are given . ; Brother CoartiBts , I We subscribe ourselves , ' . Yours , in tbe cause of democracy , ¦ William Robson , ) . ... i JOHSMATSABD , / AudltOW . London , >~ ov . 30 th , 1841 .

      Untitled Article

      THE NORTHERN STAR . JL

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 11, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct577/page/7/