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Northern Star (1837-1852), 21st May 1842, Edition 3 of 5, Page 4, 2To aseanevjs antf Corre0ptinr»*nt0

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    • We did >ot keceivb Me. O'Coknob's reply to the Irish Universal Scfprage Association in time fob insertion.
    • THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1842.
    • 2To aseanevjs antf Corre0ptinr»*nt0
    • Ctiartti&t 3Hntcnt' s^nc?.
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      Untitled Article

      AN ADDRESS FROM THE MALE AND FEMALE CHARTISTS OF BIRMINGHAM TO FEARGUS O'CONNOR , ESQ . TO FBJLBGCS O ' COSKOE , ESQ ., THE CHAMPION OP THE

      • T 0 IU 5 G MILLIONS . Honoured and noble-minded patriot , —At a time like this , wien the e ) es of the working classes of the whole British empire are fixed upon you , asthe eyes of the tempest-beaten sailor are fixed upon the beacon which directs him to a safe harbour—when those upon whom we hare looked as our best and ablest advocates ; have deserted onr ranks , and are now serving in the ranks of your calumniators and enemies—when money and talents of no mean order axe lavishly employed to cheai and delude the workiug classes into a belief that you are unworthy of the confidence that they bare reposed in you—at a time when your energetic mind has most need of support , these people hare conspired to rob you of the palm

      of merit which you haTe bo nobly won and so jusily deserve to wear—when the meretricious glare of respectability , and the specious pretences of middleclass hypocricy , are thrown ont as lures to entrap our fellow white slaves , and to destroy , by disunion , the mighty movements they dread , and to lower and dishonour in onr estimation the man who has borne with unflinching firmness the battle and the breeze of their fiercest persecution—the man whese talents excite their ea ? y and whose honesty has acted as a foil to expose their trickery ;—at such a time as this , Sir , we ,, the male and female members of the National Charter Association , resident in the borough of Birmingham , deem it me&l and right to set an example of graiefnl aud faithful attachment to yon ,

      and by this public address , to shew that our firm . ] confidence in your patriotism is unabated , and our j opinion of your honour and honesty unchanged . Our lore and friendship is not diminished one iota to-I wards you—the man of our choice y the only chief j npon whose giant energies we can firmly rely—the j only individual whom we consider to be eminently j calculated to direct the energies of the sovereign peo- j pie in the attainment of perfect emancipation from j the shackles of class tyranny . j By your foresight , tact , and wisdom—by your ¦ deep legal knowledge—by your patriotic zsal , ever j in active operation , we have been enabled to go on j from victory to victory , and at length to obtain a '

      glorious triumph over middle-class expediency , and i compelled onr persecutors to acknowledge the justice '; of those divine principles which we have , under your ; auspices , firmly maintained and disseminated at all ; hazards , through evil and through good report ; yes , ; noble (^ Connor , we owe our present prond position i to you mainly , and we will not forsake the victorious i chief any more than we did the imprisoned victim of ! patriotism . Maugre all the enmity ai . d scandal of . jealous and ambitious upstarts , we , the men and j women of Birmingham , pledge ourselves still to j fight the moral battle of right against might , under 1 the banner of the National Charter Association alone , j Under this Dinner , you , Sir , and nearly five bun- i dred other brave patriots , have suffered the treat-j

      ment of felons . Our persecutors now patronize our principles , and they most adopt the name also and ; become reconciled to our organization and leaders . > Yon shall not be robbed of yonr hard-won laurels j wiilst the chartists of Birmingham have a heart to ' beat with gratitude , -or a tongue to tell you how ' much they love , respect , and venerate the champion i of their rights and liberties . May God preserve { you , honoured Sir , till all the people ' s enemies are put under their feet ; and when old time shall-lead j you to your end , may goodness and you fill up one j monument . j This , Sir , is the sincere and heartfelt wish of your ' brother and sister Chartists , the members of the \ National Charter Association , resident in Binning- i ham . i

      Presented to Mr . O'Connor , at a public dinner , i held at the Black Horse Inn , Prospect Row , Bir- ;' miagbam , on the 17 th of May , 1842 . i

      Untitled Article

      TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN , j Brother Democbats , —Now that the bustle j attending the presentation of the National Peti- ; tion is subsided ; now that the thousands upon } thousands of individuals have decided on adopting j Caartist principles ; now that such facts are plainto every sane man ; permit me to offer what I con- '• aider a few 'plain , common-sense remarks . You j have all heard how the petition has been treatedj how it has been sneered at ; how it has been mocked , at by our bitterest enemies ; and how i : has been I sinisterly supported by our sham-friends ; you have heard how Roebuck said the petition- was j drawn utx bv a cowardly demagogue ; you have

      heard how Mr . O'Connell said he separated him- j self from the petition in ioio ; you have heard I how Macaulay and Bob Peel spurned the demand of ! the millions ; and thus , in consequence of the prayer j of the petition being so unfairly treated , thousands' i have made their minds up not to petition again . Now I wish to put a fair question to every man , —' " Did he expect better treatment from the _ misrepresentatives of the people V I can only say for myself that I did not , so that on that score I was not disappointed . But I will tell you how I have been most agretably disappointed—by the proud display the Londoners made on the occasion ; the provinces owe a debt of gratitude to the London men , for the noble manner in which they came out on the

      day of the presentation of the Great National . Well , what are tfie rasal * a of the Petition ! So fir , in-my opinioB , these &ts the results : during-the sittings of the convention in London , each of its members was busily engaged in agitating the trades , and I may safely affirm that more good has been effected in London towards the propagation of Chartism , than ever wa 3 done before in the same space of time . Moreover Mr . Geave sent copies of the petition to the Sun , Times , Advertiser , HeTald , Chronicie , £ c . Qc . It appeared in all the daily and weekly papers , lihere was not a single newspaper through the length and breath of the United Kingdom , that had not something to say on the

      National Petition . Thna wera our principles laid befor ? the whole public to a far greater extent than ever I expected or anticipated . We have been endeavouring to bring our opinions prominently before the public , and at last we have saeceeded . Mark , my opinions as regard petitioning are , that I will petition , memorialise , remonstrate , or do any thing that can by any means bring our opinions before the country . Just look at as now and four years ago ; see the multitudes now , as compared with then , that openly avow and advocate our principles What were we then ! A despised , contemned party ; powerless as to numbers and disunited , because we did not know each other . What are we now ? As far

      as numbers , and intelligence , and patriotism are concerned , the most powerful political par : y in the state . Why is such the fact ! Because we have , by fearless agitation , at every meeting brought oar views forward , and because onr own organ , the Northern Star , has steered the Chartist ship throngh rough and smooth weather , amidst tronbled waters , bsset with Whig and Tory breakers , shoals , and quicksands , until now the CharU 3 t body has one mind and one opinion on great first principles : mind you , I am no blind worshiper of the Star—it , like other papers , must commit errors , but I look at the good it ha 3 done the cause ; and I despise the man or set of men who "would detract from its merits and usefulness . My 2 CTice to the

      people is this—to support the pres 3 that advocates their cause—such press is to be found in the Star , the Welch Trumpet , edited by Morgan Williams , the Commonieealihsvum , edited by T . Cooper and J . H . R . Bairstow , and the Chartist Circular . lae Circular , from its cheapness , ought to be widely circulated . — Every Chartist writing to any other person , ought to enclose the Circular in his letter , and thus extend onr principles in all directions . Four years ago we had only some half dozen Radical Associationsnow we have nearly 400 places united in the National Charter Association ; and I expect that there will be 4 , 000 votes polled at the forthcoming , election for thaExecutive . SeehowNorthLancashirehasbeen

      agitated ; where , twelve months ago , there was one association , there are now ten in that district , owing to the exertions of Bsesley and others ; see how Yorkshire is organised ; Todmorden with its upwards of 400 members , all good paying members ; the Halifax , Hnddersneld , Bradford , Bmgley , and other districts , have done their duty nobly by the Executive ; so has Lancashire . Observe what Doyle has done / or Cheshire ; he has propagated Chartism in places in which it was never known before . Mason , Bairstow , West , Ridley , Stallwood , and scores of others have done the same , but to shsw you the more plainly how our principles have and are extending , in every part of the kingdom , read the following : —

      " Coalbrook Dale , 8 th fifth month , 1542 . "Deis Sis , —No doubt thou will be well pleased to hear the success that Chartism ha 3 met with here ; our cards are all sold , and I paid £ 1 2 s . lOd . for cards we had from thee , to brother Mogg , on 22 nd of April , which he promised to send to thee in a Post-office order , and order us another hundred cards ; these cards he has not sent yet ; I believe he has not received them . We have sold every card we had here ^ and are sadly in want of more . As we could not disappoint them any longer , we actually sent a poor man to Wolverhampton last night , and he has returned this morning , bringing all the cards and publications \ q could get there . We will likewise send some money to the Execntive as

      soon as we can , but when thou has heard how we get on , thou will see we have none to spare just at present ; we ean hardly help ourselves . We have now about 150 enrolled members ; things are -going on prosperously . This morning , I understand there has been a very large meeeting to hear the Star read and other publications , and five or six shilling ' s worth of circulars and other cheap publications were sold , which we have just received from Wolverhampton . But the best has got to come ; threa weeks ago ' myself and two friends took a walk round Donnington "Wood , Old Bask , and Oaken Gates , amongst the colliers j thev wanted a lecturer , so we promised Mogg on Wednesday night following , in the Marketplaoe , Oaken Gates , and set the crier on . We ex-

      Untitled Article

      pected to find 7 or 800 there , but when we got there they were obliged to go into the Bull Ring ; there were about 240 O persons present . J . Halford , a young man from the Dale , promised to lecture there last Monday . When he got there , there were about 4 , 000 waiting for him . The Charter has takennothing else will go down there . The magistrates are alarmed , and are holding meetings to prepare themselves against an outbreak . I was in Shrewsbury last Thursday and Friday , and of course endeavoured to find out what standing it has got there .

      I find they have been holding weekly meetings , and lecturing amongst themselveB , but have not attempted to start an Association . I have got them to promise to make a start . A young man , a shoemaker from Bilston , of the name of Moseley , has undertaken to be their Secretary , and to begin to enroll names . Last night , I promised to order some cards for them , which you will send as soon as possible , directed to John Batho , Robin Hood , near " Old Faetory , Shrewsbury . He will see that the money is sent to the Executive fer them , and be kind enough to give them what direction you can .

      "I have likewise written to Messrs . Mason and O'Connor . We intend to have a grand demonstration on Whitsun-Tuesday . They are coming from all parts , even from Wales . We expect from twenty to thirty thousand there ; and if Mr . O'Connor will come , 1 dare say there will be 100 , 000 persons present . It is like the centre of greatest attraction in Shropshire . Use thy influence to persuade him to come ; and Chartism , in one stroke , is planted in every town in Shropshire . " I remain thine respectfully , " John Child . " To Mr . John Campbell , . ' * Corporation-street , Salford . "

      Now , my friends , is not such news gratifying ? Much has been , much remains to be , done . Lincolnshire , Bedfordshire , Rutlandshire , Oxfordshire , Kent , Essex , Sussex , Surrey , Middlesex , Westmorland , Norfolk , Suffolk , Cambridge , the mountainous parts of Wales , and the Highlands of Scotland , must and shall be agitated . Let us , then , go on more determined than ever , until the citadel of corruption be thrown down by the battering-ram of trnth , and the temple of liberty founded on its ruins , inside which will be admitted the whole family of man .

      In conclusion , I must inform my constituents that I will visit the following places after the hurry of the elections for the Executive shall have been overnamely , Norwich , Ipswich , Lynn , Yarmouth , Harleston , Bury St . Edmund's , Wisbeach , and Cambridge , remaining one night in each place to address the people ; and the district mast make arrangements where to begin , so as to make the route as convenient for me as possible . I remain , Your brother democrat , John Campbell . Corporation-street , Salford , May 16 th , 1842 .

      We Did ≫Ot Keceivb Me. O'Coknob's Reply To The Irish Universal Scfprage Association In Time Fob Insertion.

      We did > ot keceivb Me . O'Coknob ' s reply to the Irish Universal Scfprage Association in time fob insertion .

      Untitled Article

      THE KIDNAPPING SYSTEM . HORRIBLE DESTITUTION OF THE OPERATIVES IN SYDNEY , NEW SOUTH WALES . Some time ago , we directed the attention of the readers of the Northern Star to the subject of emigration generally , and pointed out to their especial notice the atrocious system of cruelty pursued towards our fellow-countrymen in the distant dependencies of the British Crown . We this week call attention to circulars from the Operative Stonemasons and the Boot and Shoemakers , of Sydney , New South Wales , addressed to their brethren in

      this country , and severally dated October 28 th , 1841 , and which appear in another column . These circulars will enable our readers to perceive the state and condition of the working classes , who , by false hopes , and delusive promises have been induced to quit their " fatherland" for a settlement in what has been " a colonial paradise . " Besides the circulars we this day publish , we have others now before us from the labouring classes—the house painters , the journeyman bakers , watch and clock makers , sawyers , and various other trades , varying in their details , but all embodying the most heart-rending statements of destitution and dictres 3 .

      We see no reason to doubt the truth of the various allegations thus made ; they have been drawn up in compliance with a resolution passed at a meeting of delegates from the trades at Sydney , and are sufficiently varied to warrant us in coming to the conclusion that they are the plain statements of unvarnished truth . These documents have been sent to England for the purpose of publication , by placard , or otherwise , the trade 3 of Sydney guaranteeing the expence ; and the object of them appears to be the warning of the operatives at home against the delusions practised

      by those infernal furies , in the shape of Bounty Emigration agents , who are trying to kidnap the people of this country into a state of bondage wor . e than death , for the purpose of increasing their illgotten gain 3 by the nefarious traffic . These pitiless wretches appear to be well supported by the master rascals on the other side of the globe . The shoemakers , speaking of a man who had gone out to Sydney in order to better his condition , and who had been induced to do so by a statement sent to England from the master boot and shoemakers , in October , 1840 , say , " On the arrival of Matthews ,

      he applied for work to Mr . Sloman , who was at that time Secretary to the Society of Master Boot and Shoemakers , bnt was told by him that he could not find work for the man assigned to him . Matthews told Sloman that he brought a statement of the Sydney wages with him . Sloman laughed , and told him that was one of the statements he had sent home , and that he had sent them to all the grindery shops he could think of in England , Ireland , and Scotland ! " This certainly needs no comment ; it is strong presumptive evidence of a wellarranged and well-understood system of fraud and

      delusion concocted between the bounty agents at home and the blood-suckers in the colony ; the one seeking to enrich themselves by kidnapping the people here and dooming them to slavery , while the others are endeavouring to make themselves " respectable" and " powerful" in the Colonies , by reducing the wages of the operative , and thus securing to themselves a greater aggregate of profit . The means resorted to by these bounty agents to seduce their deluded victims , are promises of immediate and constant employment with high wages . Representations , in fact , are put forth which induce the working man to believe that , in a few years he will be able to realise a fortune and spend the evening of

      his days in ease and comfort . Iu all these respects , the poor emigrant find 3 himself miserably disappointed . He arrives in the colony with his wife and family , he seeks for employment , but can find none ; he offers to work at any price—the labour market is over-stocked , and the wages of all become reduced in consequence . This is , however , the best side of the piciure ; in very many cases employment cannot be procured at all ; hundreds of emigrants on landing , find themselves houseless and hopeless wanderers , at a distance of 16 , 000 miles from their native land , without a friend to sympathise with them , or a heart to feel for their destitution and distress .

      Bad as the condition of the working classes in thi ; country is , emigration evidently , under such cir cumstances , only makes bad worse ; and we be ] our countrymen to pause , and ask themselves hov they can endure to see their wives and childrei fainting beneath a burning sun , and dying for hunge : nnpitiedand unaidedin a foreignland , before they ven tare to givethemselvesap without hope or remedy int < the grasp of the oppressor ? We are told that lam

      is eheap , that it will amply repay the cost of culti vation , that wages are high , and employment easfl ' obtained . Now how stands the fact ? The circular of the trades are all dated October or November and they all agree that during the previous si : months many operatives in every branch have beei unemployed ; that an influx of emigrants has tender to reduce wages very considerably ; that every net importation increases the general distress ; that m

      Untitled Article

      hopes , or very slender ones , are entertained of a change for the better , and that , in the midst of all , provisions are excessively dear , rents most exorbitantly high , fuel and clothing high in proportion , and vegetables not to be procured at any price . There is some variety in the statements of prices , but nothing material . The highest wages will not amount to more than eight shillings per day , and the average rate of wages will not be more than thirty shillings per week . This would be reckoned tolerably good wages in England ; it is a mete starvation pittance in New South Wales . In England , the occupant of a house at ten pounds per annum is

      deemed respectable , at least according to the Whig estimate of respectability established by the Reform Bill ; in Sydney , the . ' occupier of a single room not above nine feet square must pay a rental of eighteen pounds four shillings per annum , or seven shillings per week , and he must pay it weekly or go about his business ; for a cottage with two rooms , 15 ? . per week is charged ; for one with three rooms , £ 1 53 . ; and a house containing four rooms , we learn from the document before us , the usual weekly rent is £ 1 15 s . To all this must be added the cost of fuel , food , and clothing , all which are from one to three hundred per cent , higher than they can be procured in this country .

      Looking at these facts , it is plain that the working man , even when in constant employment , and receiving the highest rate of remuneration , will only be able to procure for himself and family the bare ncces saries of life : comforts , to say nothing of luxuries must be entirely out of the question . Nor has he the remotest chance of altering his circumstances , or of bettering his condition . But if such be the abject condition of the operatives when in full employment , and receiving the highest rate of wages , how deplorable must be their condition when deprived of employment for months together !

      Owing to circumstances , into an examination of which we will not now enter , but the chief of which is unquestionably the bad , ambitious system of government whica prevails in all our dependencies , the colonies are not able to provide work fortho existing population . In every branch of trade numbers were out of employment , wandering through the streets in idleness , ready to take work at any price ; and thus , by lowering the rate of wages , bringing npon themselves and the whole working community accumulated and increasing

      distress . These things should be deeply pondered and well considered by the operatives at home who may be induced to look to New South Wales as a land of ease and plenty . We are aware that the country is as yet but thinly peopled : brought into proper cultivation , it might easily bo made to yield produce for at least five times the number of its present inhabitants . The fault is not in the land , nor in the people : it is in tho system , and is inseparable

      from the system . It is said land is cheap , and bo it may be nominally ; but cheap and dear are relative terms . Any article 13 cheap , whatever its ostensible price may be , if those who want it possess ample means by which to secure it ; and every article is dear , even though its actual price may not exceed one penny , if the person wanting it be destitute of the means wherewith to purchase it . The working man in the colonies has no such means ; and henco to become alanded proprietor is to him impossible .

      Under a system like this how fearful must be the consequences of a continual iniiux of newcomers from the mother country . On the one hand is suspicion and distrust , and on the other privation and want in their most appalling forms . Multitudes of human beings , who with high hopes and deluded expectations have left their native shores , find themselves , after the privations and hardships of a four or five months voyage , left , with every hope blighted , to perish by the most cruel of deatb . 3 as outcasts in a foreign and an inhospitablo

      clime . And why , we ask , is all this 1 Is it for the honour and interest of England ? Does this atrocious system of cold-blooded murder in the co ] enies tend to promote the comfort of the people or to secure the stability of the throne ? Not one of these ends is answered ; not an advantage is secured which can in the remotest degree compensate the country for [ all this guilt and wretchedness . What end then , we again aek , is answered by it 1 It serves to build up despotism , to arm tyranny with additional powers , to destroy ,

      without the odium of murder , the human machines which have increased more rapidly than was consistent with the unhallowed designs of capital . Bad as wa are we dare not openly batcher those of our operatives that we find it inconvenient to keep ; the plan , therefore is a system of kidnapping by bounty agents . The poor wretches are stowed like cattle into emigrant ships ; in some instances disease and fever consigns them to a watery grave ; or , at all events , they aro sure to be got rid of by want and starvation when arrived at the scene of their fearful destiny .

      We have thought it right to direct the attention of our readers to this important subject , because it iB with the people that the ultimata decision of the question relative to emigration rests . The transportation scheme will still be acted upon , and a system of wholesale murder perpetrated according to law , unless tho people with one voice declare that such things shall no longer be . We have yet more facts in store . The West Indies and the prosecution of the same horrible slave traffic in Irishmen well merits an exposure , and shall have it .

      If the people must emigrate let them not seek the colonies ; let them look to the free states of North America ; but we again repeat as we have often done before , that emigration is unnecessary . We have ample resources at home for the whole of our population , were it five times greater than it is , and it is bad government alone which prevents their developement . Let the people ponder those thingB well . Let our march be onward !—our watchward , union ! ! and our determination be , never to quit the land of our birth until its capabilities have been fully drawn forth and found inadequate . Then it will be time to talk of emigration , but not till then .

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      THE " COMMONS" HOUSE . We commend to ourreaderos the speech of Mr . Duncombb on the Bribery Committee . It is refreshing to find one man among such a gang honest enough to make confession of the character of all . Not of course that any body is surprised at Mr . Buncombe ' s statements , since the character of the " Honourable" (!) House is pretty well and generally known ; but it is _ pleasing to find one among them honest enough to own it .

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      A . K ., of Sheffield , writes in commendation of a plan for an attack upon the tax chest , proposed by Mr . Moir , who has lately been lecturing in Sheffield . The plan is for every Chartist to take a sheet with the list of all exciseable articles at the head of it ; then let the individual waited upon , if he approve of the plan , sign his name to those articles that he will abstain from : let one or two millions of signatures be got ; let it be announced through the columns of the Chartist press that every one that has signed the above will abstain for six months ; and then see what the effect will be . H . D . Griffiths . —The matter of his communication may t > e of considerable local interest ; but has

      not enough of public interest for our columns . Thomas Fkancis . —2 ' // e resolution cannot be inserted . Jonathan Gipson . —We have not room . C . M . Williams . — We know nothing of the letter to which she alludes—we think that it has not reached us . Northampton Chartists . —We can have nothing to do with local quarrels . J ., Bristol ' . — He cannot answer ; but have sent his letter to Mr . O'Connor . Poor Law Bastiles . —A correspondent writes us , that about a month ago , a poor woman , upwards of iixty pears of age , desired to leave the Mac-, clesfieid Union Poorhouse , of which she teas an

      inmate . She gave the governor ^ Mr . Bobinson , legal notice to thai effect . Mr . Robinson , on learning the poor creature ' s desire to go away , told her she must give up her clothes , as they belonged to the parish ; and the wretched creature was actually stripped of all her clothing to her petticoat , and turned out of the house in this situation . If this be trite , it is a case of gross and shocking brutality . All letters and correspondence for the adult Chartisis of Strichpoi't must , for the future , be directed to Thomas Clark , news-agent , Heatonlane , as he has removed from Temperance Yard ' . H . B . Marley and James Hoppey . —Their communications came too late for this week . Brompton and Knightsbridge Chartists must send their resolution to Mr . Stallwood ,

      privately . Our Newcastle Correspondent must please only to write on one side . Sheffield Chartists . —We have not room for the letter of Air . Ward . Job Plant , —// he wishes Feargus O'Connor to see his letter he mast se ? id it to him : the Northern Star is no post-office . Wjll any Char list beverage manufacturer who wishes to forward the cause communicate as soo ? i as possible with Mr . Crockford , No . 3 , Cieve ! andstrcet , Middlesex Hospital , London , who wishes to become ayenifor London , and will give one penny in the shilling to the Mary ( ebone Association . All . Communications for the National Charter Association of Birmingham are requested to be sent to E . P .. Mead , No . I , Hatchet-street , Newtown

      row . Glasgow . — The report of the adjourned meeting in St . Ann ' s Church came too late for insertion .

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      Mr . Micklethwaite can receive his phte from Mr . Heywood , by calling . W . Dry dsdale . —All right . James Arthur ;—Yes . X- H . B . —We have not one copy at the omce . Mr . Richard MOUGA . N , Newhnan . —The parcel was sent on April 23 rd , by Pickfords . FOR THE CONVENTION . s d From a few friends In Falkland . 5 0

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      NEWCASTLE . —Mr . Abram Duncan delivered his second lecture , in reply to tho objections raised by the' House' against hearing us at the Bar , on last Thursday evening . Mr . Duncan was cheered throughout his whole address , which took about an hour and a half in delivery . After which , Mr . Sinclair moved the following resolution , which was seconded by Mr . Fraser , and carried unanimously :-" That this meeting is ( if possible ) more convinced than ever that nothing short of the whole Charter can remove the present distress so alarmingly felt by the industrious classes of this country , and hereby pledge themselves to become members of

      the National Charter Association forthwith , and by our united efforts procure those rights to which we are entitled by the laws of God and the dictates of common humanity . "—The adjourned delegate meeting of the 24 th ult . at Newcastle , was resumed today in the Banks of the TyneInn , South Shields , at one o'clock , as announced in last number of the Star . Oii the motion of Mr . Douglas , Mr . Stephen Binns wa 3 elected ; to preside , and Mr . Sinclair as secretary pro tern . The secretary read the minutes of last meeting , which were confirmed ^ likewise which

      the explanatory letter from Mr . O'Brien , was highly satisfactory ; and the Other letter received from Mr . O'B . as representative of this district in Convention . The secretary then read the plan proposed by Mr . Hall , of Ouseburn , for the better organization of tho counties of Durham and Northumberland , which was adopted unanimously , namely , " Form of a proposed plan for the better organisation of the Chartists m the counties of Northumberland and Durham , 1 st . That a Committee of five be eleoted by the members of the National Charter Association residing in the counties of Durham and Northumberla&d , to be entitled

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      the Northumberland and Durham Central Committee . That they hold office for six months ; each locality , haying resident Chartists , to be allowed to nominate one individual to serve in such Committee and that the five be elected from such peraoas nominated according to the plan of the National Executive Committee . The Committee being empowered to elect their own office bearers . That the said Committee superintend the publication of a cheap Monthly Magazine , and that a regular plan of all lectures delivered in the two counties be inserted therein monthly . That no leoturertbe countenanced by the Chartist body , except euoh as can produce credentials from such Committee . That the lecturers and sub-secretaries furnish a

      correct report of the progress of the cause to the Committee each month for insertion in the Magazine . That the committee meet once in every month , or oftener if necessary , and that all business of importance be communicated to the central secretary , prior to the regular sittings of the committee , in order to ensure a regular remittance to the Executive . That the committee keep a book containing a correct list of the numbers of payable members in the district , and that they remit monthly to the Executive Committee one fourth of the contributions of such members as are enrolled in their books . That all cards of membership come through the same channel , and that a regular balance sheet of all monies received ana paid by the committee be published in the

      Magazine quarterly . That the proceeds of the sale of the Magazine be appropriated to defray the necessary expences of agitating the two counties . That the Magazine be entitled , 'The Norlhumber-, land and Durham Democratic Magazine . " Price two-pence . Whereupon Mr . Douglas moved , and Mr . Waightman seconded , " That a provisional committee be now appointed to carry the plan into effect , and that the following gentlemen form that committee : —Messrs . Sinclair , / Cockburh ; Stephens , BinnB , Hall and Cross . " Carried unanimously . The following : resolutions were likewise agreed to unanimously , . * ' That arrangements be immediately entered into to raise funds towards procuring a regular lecturer to this district , and that such fund

      be under the controul of the provisional committee . " "That the provisional committee now appointed be instructed to correspond with the meeting of delegates , at Darlington , on the 22 nd inst ., and submit the plan adopted to-day for their consideratidni " "That Mr . Sinclair be apppointed treasurer for the lecture fund , and that he be instructed to enter into arrangements with Mr . Abram Duncan , or such other whole hog Chartist lecturer as may be agreed upon by the provifiionalcommittee . " "That a correct report of the proceedings here to-day be forwarded by the secretary to the Northern Star , requesting the editor to insert the same . " "That the thanks of this meeting be presented to our chairman and secretary , for the efficient manner in which they have done their duty this day .

      The Chartists of Newcastle held their weekly business meeting , on Monday evening , as usual , in the Chartists' Hall , Goat Inn , Cloth Market . Mr . Wm . Deeg was unanimously called to the chair ; The minutes of the prior meeting having been confirmed , Mr . Sinclair gave a repo ? t of the delegate meeting at Shields , ( of which the above is a copy , ) after which Mr . Cockburn , in a very able speech ^ in which he showed the p fiiciou 9 nes 3 of the Anti-Corn Law League , in this district , in their attempts to attract the attention of the unwary oppressed from a substance to a mere shadow , moved the following resolution , which was briefly seconded , by Mr . Sinclair , and carried unanimously : — " That the Newoastle

      Charter Association , seeing the injurious tendency likely to accrue to the cause of real liberty by the unprincipled sophistry of the avowed advocates of the Anti-Corn Law League , in this locality , do hereby challenge Mr . Falvey to meet one of their members and discuss the subject with him upon equal terms , in any town or village , in the counties of Northumberland or Durham , a week ' s previous notice of such discussion to bo given in due form , and that the secretary be instructed to correspond with Mr . Falvey , and make the necessary ai rangemeats for that purpose . " After somo private conversation the meeting dissolved .

      ABERDEEN . Great Public Meeting .- —A public meeting of the inhabitants of this city was held in the new Temperance Hall ,. George ' s-street , on Friday evening last , for the purpose of adopting the new plan of organization agreed to by the late Scottish Convention held in January last , and also to hear a report from Mr . James M'Pherson , of the manner in which he had discharged his duties as delegate for the city of Aberdeen in the National Convention . Long before the time appointed for the commencement of business , the hal } , capable of containing from twelve to thirteen hundred people , was crowded to excess . About a quarter past eight o ' clock Mr . James M'Pherson , accompanied bv the members of the Council , appeared on the platform and was

      loudly cheered . On the motion of Mr . Rule , Mr . A M'Donald was called to the chair * Mr . Kendry moved the adoption of the plan of organization . Mr . David Wright seconded the adoption of the plan . The Chairman put it to the meeting , and it was carried unanimously . Mir . Waddle then rose and read the names of those persons who had beep selected by the Charter Union and other Associations in the North , as the Excutive Committee for the Northern District of Scotland , namely , Messrs . Duncan Nicolson , John Frazer , Archibald WDonald , Alexander Kendry , G eerge Ross , John Pallor , David Wright , James M'Pherson , and John Legg . Mr . W . said , as he knew all those persons to be sterling Chartists , and mien in every respect qualified for the office , he would move that those persons be appointed by this meeting . It was seconded by Mr . Large , and they were unanimously appointed . The Chairman then

      said he had the pleasure now of introducing to the meeting that sterling advocate of the poor man ' s rights , Mr . James M'Pherson , who , on coming forward was received with tremendous bursts of cheering from all parts of the building . Mr . M'Phersen delivered a long address , and detailed the proceed * ings of the Convention , and the manner in which the petition had been . treated . Mr . Duncan Nicholson then moved a vote of thanks to Mr . Jaa . M'Pherson , whioh was seconded by Mr . Wright , and earried by acclamation . Mr . Trap moved a vote of thanks to the Convention as a body , which was seconded , and carried amidst great cheering . A . vote of thanks was also tendered to Messrs Duncombe and Leader , for their patriotic conduct in supporting the People's Petition , and , after a vote of thanks to our veteran Chairman , the meeting broke up , highly delighted with the proceedings of the evening .

      The usual Weekly Meeting of the Aberdeen Charter Union , was held in the Hall , 38 , George'sstreet , on Monday evening last , Mr . James M . 'Pherson in the chair ; the minutes of the previous meetings having been lead and confirmed , the Corresponding Secretary read a number of letters from various associations in the North , likewise one from Lord Lyndhurst , in answer to a petition which had been forwarded to the Queen by the inhabitants of thia locality . After the transaction of some business of less importance , the meeting broke up . The Female Association met on Wednesday evening last , when Mr . DaviU Wright delivered an excellent lecture on the state and condition of the people before the Reformation , compared with what it i 3 at the present day . After the usual business had been transacted , and a vote of thanks to the lecturer , the meeting separated .

      FALK . IRK . —Chartism . —The Rev . Mr . Bradehaw of Tillicoultry , delivered a lecture on Chaxtism , in Falkirk , on Monday , the 2 nd May , to a moat respectable audience , Mr . B . very ably defended the whole six points of the Char $ erj andconv bated the objections brought against it by its opponents , to the entire satisfaction of his audience . SUNDEIRZiAND .- MONKWEAKMOUTH —On Tuesday evening this place , which is situated on the north side of the Wear , was visited by Messrs . Chappie , Dobbie , and Taylor , of Sunderland , as a deputation from the Charter Association of the latter place . Although the general , population of this town may be regarded considerably behind their Sunderland brethren in intelligence and public spirit , yet there are many intelligent men amongst

      them , who feel it their mission to open the eyes of the mentally blind , and bring " glad tidings" to those who are in darkness and sorrow . And well have those regenerators began their work—the meeting which has been held proves . The place of meeting was a largo room attached to the Britannia , Thames-street , Monkwearmouth . This room , which will contain about 300 persons , was completely crammed , Mr . Doobie was called to the chair . After a suitable introductory address he called upon Messrs . Chappie and Taylor , to speak . Both these gentlemen acquitted themselves to their own credit , and to the great satisfaction of the meeting . At tho close several entered their names as members of the Association , and it was determined to hold another meeting next Tuesday

      evening . Finder ' s Blacking . —Due to the Executive this week , from the sale of R , Finder's blacking :- — 8 . d . Mr . Hankin , Carrington .. 0 6 Cuthbert and Co ., Tiliicoultry ... 18 Mrs . Smith , Nottingham ......... 1 6 * 3 8

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      . POLMONT , ( by Falkirk . )—Shop-lifting - The shop ^ of a . grocer , in this village , w » 3 broken into on Sabbath morning , the 8 th current , and a quantity of goods extracted . The plunder would have proved more extensive had the depredators not been scared while Choosing their stock . From the oiroumstance of a ham being removed from its station , the wise ones are not slow in hinting that the same individuals are concerned in the robbery who have so unsparingly paid their nightly visits to the potato heaps of some of the lieges" in this quarter , of late , as it is well known that tl murphies and bacon" are a favourite dish . As the case is . in the hands of the proper authorities , it might be premature to say more at present .

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      Fatal effects of IflTOXn ^ vrtOT ;—A quarreV ensued between a labourer arid" £ «; wire on ^ abbata morning , the 8 th instant , in Bav &gate ; , which teri minated fatally . As far as the circ \< n » Btances are yet known to the public , it would appear , that the drunken man , while aiming a blow tf fc hi 8 ^ nfortunate partner , by some means or oth er the ^ olosr alighted on an infant , four months old , which the mother held nf her arms , and nhicU caused its death . The man and his wife , with a ntcmber of witnesses , have been examined by the authorities of Linlitngow ; but f we have not as yet" heard fi" the result . How long will our authorities dencrance the recreation of a railway train running on Sabbavb , and encourage , by their laxity , the selling of ardenv spirits on that day , while murder and every other crime , which disgraces human nature , emanate from the practice of open public houses on the Sabbath ?

      SUNDERIiAND . —Stravkd from Home . —Oa Saturday week , a young man named Joseph Dodd , belonging to Sunderlandj ( evidently under the influence of insanity , ) rose from his bed about three in the morning , and having difessed himself-ran out of the house followed by his mother , but ; mjfortunately he succeeded in making his escape . His friends have been in search of him ever since ; but have not got him yet . He has been discovered to have been at Ferry Hill , near Darham . Since then

      he has been seen near Boroughbridge , when he stated that he was going to Leeds . He . stands 5 ft . 10 in . high ; was dressed in fustian jacket and trowsera , black waistcoat and neckerchief . He is of fair complexion ; had a prayer book in his hand , and appeared to be labouring under great religions excitement Should this meet the eye of any who may have seen a person" answering this description , they are most urgently requested to communicate particulars to his father , George Dodd , 'Nile-street , Bishopwearmouth , Sunderland .

      Foot Race for £ 5 aside . —On Monday afternoon , afoot face between two Knights of the Thimble , took place in Ryhope-lane , near Sunderland . The competitors were John Keighley and John Watson The distance was one hundred and ten yards . Keighley , who was the taller and more powerful man of the two , was backed at bLx to four ; but there was not much betting . They got off well together , but Keighley soon took the lead and came in a winner by about three yards . FoBESTRV ;—On Whit-Monday the Court St . John Onler of Ancient Foresters , held their annual meeting at Brother Keighill's , High-street , Bishopwear mouth . After the meeting a numerous company sat

      down to dinner , Mr . W . Chappie , in the chair ; Mr . Metcalf occupied the vice-chair * There were the usual quantity of toasts and sentiments , but on this occasion they had more character than usual , and loyalty and patriotism were properly interwoven . ; The following are a sample of what tras given : —The Queen , and may she bend her ear to the united prayer of the millions . " "The people , the source of power ; may they speedily be enabled to ebjey that liberty and happiness of which they have been so unjustly deprived . " "May the benevolence of Forestry extend to every quarter of the Globe . "

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      PUBLIC DINNER , AT HIGHBURY BARN . On Whit-Monday , the grand annual dinner of the United Societies of Carpenters was held at Highbury-Barn , the profits of which , and of the ball in the evening , were to be devoted to the benevolent purpose of erecting alms houses for their aged and infirm bre thren . Upwards of three hundred sat down to a most excellent dinner , got up in first-rate style . The gallery was crowded ¦ with ladies , and an excellent military band added much to the hilarity of the scene . At the conclusion of the repast the company adjourned to the beauteous gardens attached to the house , and reassem bled at four o ' clock , when Mr . Joseph Butler , who had been previously elected , again presided over the assem bly , and commenced by assuring them that though he

      had presided over larger meetings , he never felt more deeply the responsibility attached to the situation on previous dinners connected with these societies . They had confined their attention to social harmony , and to matters connected with the trade ; but , on this occasion they had still higher objects to bring under their notice . The profits of the dinner were te be devoted to the purpose of raising a fund for the support of ; the aged and infirm . ( Cheers . ) He would confidently appeal to both sexes for support in carrying out that great object . Was it not a disgrace , that the aged and infirm members of their trade should be wandering through their streets in poverty ; alwuld be scouted and treated with contempt ? He was convinced that the young members of the trade would sympathise

      with them , and appreciate this effort to provide an asylum for them , hot knowing how soon they might be reduced to a similar state . Another new feature in that day s proceedings ' . was , that while , on other occasions , they had confined their attention , to the mere surface of things , and had not looked to the cause of the evils and the distress which had existed , they had now ijeen the folly of this , they were determined to be misled no longer , but would take their affairs into their own hands , and see if they could not better their condition by- hayin ? the poorer of legislation vested in themselves . The .. first ; toast to which their attention would be directed was— " The working classes , and may they speedily obtain a just .. reward for their labour . " The steps taken by the working classes , within the last year ,

      would , he believed , ultimately secure this object By adopting this toast they would show to the worlds he hoped , that as a trade they were at length alive to the importance of looking to their political condition . Was not trade in a most depressed condition ? Did they receive a just reward for tbeii labour ? They were well aware they did not , and unless they looked to the cauae of this they would become more and more degraded—their situation would daily become worse and worse .... The next toast that would be proposed went to remove the cause of the evils which oppressed them ; it struck at the root of bad legislation , which had created all the misery and degradation which existed in the whole world . He knew not whether it might be palatable to the whole body , but he thought that it would This toast was—The Charter . The House of Commons had treated their petition with contumely and insult ; it had solemnly declared that the working classes had no right to a share in the legislation of the country ;

      that they were to be regarded only as slaves and beaala of burden . Tbe question for them to consider was , would they any longer submit to this state of things ? It had been said by an excellent authority , that for a nation to be free it waa ^ ufiicient that she willed it ; they had not this freedom , and if they did not will it they were not deserving of it The subject of the Charter being broached in this public manner would show it did not emanate from a party , but from the whole body . It would declare to the world that the aristocracy had at length forced them to become politicians . As that worthy advocate of the Charter Dr . M'Douall was present he should not say more upon the subject , and the other toasts also were in hands that would do justice to them , He was well aware that they would give a fair hearing to all persons who might address them , either for or against the toasts , and he also trusted that the toasts would give universal satis faction , and that their liberal example would speedily be followed by other trades . ( Great cheering . )

      Mr . Tapp rell stated that he had the honour to be entrusted with the first toast , " The working classes of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland , may they speed ily receive a just reward for their labour . " fle need not go at length into the subject , ; whether they did receive a just reward for their labour . They had sufficient evidence to prove the contrary , but he trusted that his trade would have sufficient spirit to stay the torrent of downward degradation info which they were certainly going ; that they would evince that power of intelligence , that moral courage which Would enable them to achieve a reform greater than any other which had taken place in the world . Reforms , hitherto , had not : generally been for the benefit of the working classes , but for the upper ranks ef society . To achieve

      this great measure of Reform they needed ho physical force , a'l they required was nnion and determination . A mighty power lay in the possession of the trade societies of Britain which had never yet been exercised as it ought upon these great national questions— : ( hear , hear ) . He trusted they would determine to make sucn use of passing events as to turn them to thedbenefit of the working population . It remained with them to say whether they w « uld go forward with the Hiighty power they possessed , concentrating the intelligence and the industry of their body to the reforms now in contemplation . They had been told that they were not fit to exercise the power of legislation ; that if ihey had a share in the making of the laws they would destroy property and produce anarchy and confusion

      throughout the land . What ! the men who produce all the weilth—all the property iu existence—destroy the fruit of their own labour ! It was a base calumny —a foul libel upon the working man to assert such an opinion—( hear , hear } . It was the base cuinberera of the earth—it was those who took all from them and gave them nothing in return , that were the destroyers of property . He felt bitterly indignant at hearing sucb assertions from men who must know they were false . They knew too well the value of property to conspire for its destruction ; they had taken too much care and pains to produce it to be guilty of such insanity ; they wanted to preserve property , to enact good laws , thatthe produce of the earth might be more equitably < H « - tributed . AU they desired to destroy was class legislation- ( hear , hear ) . They wanted to attain tbefr jastr

      position in the Legislature ; and until this was efleotedr ' he could see no prospect of their condition betogBe ^^ J filed . He had ever been the advocate of trade socletfeB , ^ yet they were far from being so formidable ;' tulthi 9 - might be rendered . They saw one trade after atipt ^ e ?^ driven into the very earth . It mide ; his very teiit ;; : bleed to Bee men involved in poverty and wretcbednes&i ^ by causes which they could not control : ' what was : $ » * ' ' cause that poverty and intelligence seemed ta progress together ; that surrounded by the elements of ;' wealftir > they should be involved in destitution ? WouK'Sjef- ' allow this slate of things , to continue ? Would "they " : not press onward with the great body of theiif tRbH ^ w ^ ' ^ working men , until they had attained tneufjldlfticaf ^ rights ? It was for them as a trade to » answe ^{| h ^ £ , question . The celebrated Bentham said . itwasvDl . ft % ' ?{ * keeping tie ruling few uneasy , that they could ^ dj # ft * * success , He hoped they would act upon Mtfiw »

      The Northern Star Saturday, May 21, 1842.

      THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , MAY 21 , 1842 .

      2to Aseanevjs Antf Corre0ptinr»*Nt0

      2 To aseanevjs antf Corre 0 ptinr »* nt 0

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      THE NEW EXECUTIVE . Wjb call attention , ia a most especial manner , to the letter of the Executive to the members of the National Charter Association throughout the empire . The prudence of the people and their fitness for the discharge of the eleotoral duties of freemen will be now tested , and we cannot doubt proved abundantly , by the discreet exercise of their right in choosing men to guide and steer the vessel of . Chartism at the most critical period of its voyage .

      Much of the future success or failure of the efforts of the people aftsr right depends on the character of the men chosen to this important office . Sound judgment , calmness and firmness of purpose , and the most unflinching integrity , should , in the members of this body , be linked with untiring energy and prudent zeal . Let every man , therefore , before nominatinga candidate , ponder well and . seriously upon his character , and consider that he is in a great measure confiding to that man ' s courage ,

      honesty , and temper , the destinies of the whole movement . Let none , then , be nominated for this office who are not well known , and whose character for clear-sighted intelligence and stern honesty stands not " above suspicion . " Of all men in the world the Executive must be out-and-out men . They must be such as enjoy the entire confidence of the entire country—not merely of a section or of a cabal . They must be backbone Chartists

      wedded to the whole Charter ; wedded to the working men , the architects of their own fortunes , the saviours of themEelrea . No half-and-half man , no " new-move" progressive-advancement man , no " complete-suffrage" O'Connellite , no short-sighted simpleton ( however honest and sincere a Chartist he may be ) with his eyes full of middle-class snuff is fit for nomination on this committee . There never was a time when it was more necessary for the Chartist body to look well before the

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      leip . If other than such men as are proof alike ajainst the calls of interest , and , " respectabilityj " and will adhere always , and right forward to the old ship , though fifty new sprung butternieB should flutter in the breeze—if other than such men as are capable of being elevated without turning giddy--if other than such men as , knowing the grave and responsible character of their position , can bear friendly criticism , or even reproof , if necessary , without losing temper and hazirding our cause by petulance and overbearing—if other than reasonable , modest , clear-sighted , honest-hearted , but yet firmly determined men , be elected upon this Committee , the cause will have Buffered great injury .

      We have perfect confidence in the people ' s prudence . They are hot now to be guided like ohildren . They need little either of admonition or advice No man can either long or far deceive them by fair seeming . We bid them Only to exerbise their prudence and to determine not hastily upon whom to recommend for nomination ; and when the candidates are nominated , not to vote without deep and due consideration .

      We abstain from recommending individuals ; becanse ( among other reasons ) if we did so , every man who was not recommended , and yet thinks himself eligible , would consider himself " denounced , " and would proceed accordingly to denounce us . Now , we have made up our minds , that neither the spleen , nor the vanity , nor the ambition of indiyiduala shall find in us a weapon wherewith to wound the cause . The people have the whole raoe of public men before them ; they know who have been consistent in their adherence to Chartist principle and policy , and who have not : they know who have , through

      the whole movement , exhibited an even and forbearing temper , looking past all minor matters to the one great cause , and who , if any , have seemed to forget all but their own greatness and importance ) ; they know that a testy , quick , quarrelsome , short-sighted , headstrong , impatient , or violent man is no man for them ; they know tha ? a man who runs after every " new move" that comes upon the carpet is no man for them . We have no fear that they will prove their wisdom by the discretion of their choice .

      Ctiartti&T 3hntcnt' S^Nc?.

      Ctiartti&t 3 Hntcnt ' s ^ nc ? .

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      SLAVERY . We purposed saying something on the awful revelations of the report of the " Childrena Employment Commission , " given elsewhere . We have not room this week for it , but shall yet make some comparison between the amount of guilt " which may be reasonably deemed" to appertain respectively to the ¦• ' infernal , " " iron-hearted , " " bloody" planters of the West Indies , and the " respectable , " "benevolent , " " Christian , " " religious" owners of some of our mines and manufactories , as iwell as of our j ^* % I vw «* al In v % nt 3

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      4 THE NORTHERN STAR .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 21, 1842, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct599/page/4/