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Northern Star (1837-1852), 26th August 1843, Edition 3 of 5, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      LET US ORGANIZE ! WAY TO DO SO EFFECTUALLY . Tbe general cry for K an efficient Plan » f Or ganvsa&on " 13 one of the most nopefal ** 3 « ds of the times . * It bespeaks a general desire on the part of fhe-working classes bo to apply the poorer that TJ 3 ODH « 3 B give , that it may eventuate iu rial jjood io the oppressed _ tasy . They are unwilling tha : their exertions should be longer frittered away on isolated and deleted portions of the system which Lends them into die < JnsS ; and they 2 onj { for an opportunity to direct their concentrated ener *; v-s to ihe full oTerihrow of the entire system hself , and the establisDment in its stead of the reign of truth aid righteousness . Hence the demand for an * 'efyiCTEKT i * lan of Organization . "

      But if these desirable effects are io accrue from Organization , that Organ i zation must be txficikht It must be one that will collect together the ** cat iered and individual units of the working classes , and unite them Jbrmli / and SECBXELY-in one in-Tindble Trhole . To be ihna ejtjcieht and thns secure , ii mustieinlhin the law . This 13 the first and permanent requisite . If this be wanting , all fffirienty 33 a > an end j and to talk of SECnBiir , sader Esch circumstances , would be -wicked -mockery Let us have an Organization within the law , and ire can apply the united strength of the confederated l » dj to a snceessfnl overthrow oLJaction : 1 ft us be ' without the 3 avr , and the moment thai onr rfrensth l > eoomeftfonnidable or even , annoying , faotion will employ thepewers of the law to remoye ihe

      antagonist from the field . ! This faction has always iutherto done ; tins faction will always continue to do , bo long as the people permit it , by placme them selves -wiihin its legal grasp . All political" Unions ' of ibe masses -have hitherto failed , from this cause . It is / high time we learned wisdom by experience ; and endeavoured so to orgaraze as to secure the benefit of lite xarw ' s asROiECiHHi , instead ot being , as luiborto , thexcoipiente of the " law ' s texgeajcce" ! ^ Ehereis one particular connected with the Political Organization of & people against the acts or existence of its government , deserving of the most Berions attention . Hitherto it has been passed over , ¦ with out even nofice ^ and this passing-o ver has led to the dlsmpnoo and breaking-np of all political societies . . It is ths ixtebist ot

      gotersliESTS IHAT XIX SUCH COHBIKATIOjiS SHOBXD BE VJIHODT she £ AX £ of TTry _» . w ; and they invariably jemi of tfieir-exisfeacfi , and-even in some cases indirectly acknowledge them ; until the time arrives when the power acquired by their means is to be directed for tha aceomplisBmcnt of the intended object . THEN do Governments step in , and with ihe law In one hand , and the key of the gaol in the other , make short work of ii : and thus rid iheniselTes of ironblesome customers . Thisi policy of Government tpvink nl the existence of an iftezal political society when it is treat , —when It can do no harm , —haa led many to calculate on a continuance of Euch toleration , and to conclude that it was neediest © 8 tep the least ont of the way to procure the ihll protection of the law . Experience

      has however , woefniiy taught the folly of all such ^ alculationssad expeciaiions . Governments always have , and always wifl , ns 2 ihe powers they possess Io protect thev own anthorityand to pnntbh thoFe "who vtonid assail or deprive them , of it . T © expect they would do otherwise is to proclaim a man a natural-born fool . The people , when opposed to a government , and especially when professedly associated for that purpose , employ aU the power they posses 3 fat the accomplishment of their object . Government in " putting down" such opposition , when it presents itself in an illegal form , does no more . TlieeTilis in the people placing themselves in the bands of thosa whose interest it is to crush their efforts for governmental reform . " We mast try swwto aToid that evil .

      To » 7 oid that eril we must Organize in accordance With the laws now in being to p&otect all associa- \ sions established for Mutual Benefit , who choose to stail -themselves of thai protection , by complying ] With the law's requirements . This we can easily do . ' -3 V > do it , will involve so sacrifice of principle ;; wfll entail no tronblej will run us to no additional expense : but it 'will save us from an infinity of finesse and dcnible-deaRng ; inacmnch-as it will ren- : < ler unnecessary all the * 2 brts we have hitherto had ' nnoeaangly to make to evade the law ; such efforts * iavinff always ended in the discovery that we had broken the law at the very time we were congratn- i SatingoBrselves on a -yery elever evasion of it I ' of

      Several ontlines and snggcst ^ onB for a plan Organization have been placed before the conntry . A few weefe ago-we gave many of such snggestaons in one long article ; and intimated that we BhonJd , st a f tttnTB trnie , publish some suggestions of onr own . Indeed , on sevEral oceaaons , we have spoken * t x Tiss in course of -concoction , to accomplish the perfect , and safe , and secure , —because legal , —Organization of the people . That tlxs ws hate sow 3 » ' * a ojrci . o 4 iB . ~ » -the expense of mcch thooght , Xnnoh tide , and zansh labour , it has been perfects ! : and we nave now to present it to the Chartist body , * s one eminently calculated to accomplish the object aflsagesersllT ^ eidre . . _ . _

      Before we insert the Plan itself we shall here give » 2 etterirom : tb * Ilev . "STlIlisiB Hfll , sent by him for ovr la ^ pnbliBafion , bnt reeeivsd at such a late hour as precluded As possibility of its being then inserted . HiatletieriEfas jnainly to fee qaestion of Oi-j > &niyjtica ; iherefore tnis is the most fitting place for it . "With the-siewsassa . leaaonsof Mt ^ Bhju , -we , in the main , most heartily coincide , indeed , for a long period there has been , on Uub subject , a perfect oe 6-seas of lee&sgbetwefen tie present conductor of the Northern Star and Mr . TTttt ^ Conversations , con-EtQtations , snd coanselliDgs toge&er , have often been lad respecting it . At that time it was the duty of ins present conductor to co-operate with Mr . H ill Snths ^ getdng-np" of the ^ tarj and in that capacity several of flse articles respecring the proposed plan of t > rganization"diat have appeared from Urns to time , setting forih the advantages that we n % ht

      © btainj and the ease with which they might be compassed 5 several of the articles wtich then appeared in tbeSsr , werefrom the same pen that now writes this . "We mention this to show that the qnestaon of Organization is not a new one to the present ^ inductor of the Star . Tar from it . For aeonsderable period iisattennon has been directed to the subject 5 and be las long seenthat the time wonld arrive when the improved opinion of the masses would resnlt in the establishment of a M-ASatonce 3 HT 1 CLEST and SAFE , because pfcin , clear , defined , and leigiL "With this iBtroduction , necessary to enable the reader toinow of the entirety of feeling 5 n the main , ob this subject between Mr . Hill and twrrselves , : we now give nis letter ; besptaMng for it Ihecalm ionsderation and rarntst attsntion of erery jnan who desires to see the nnits of C 3 iartism gathered together , and bound np as a powerful and energetic whole : —

      3 O THE PEOPLE . HT DEAS PBIK 2 TDS . —I write this on board the steam vessel en voyage from Dncdee to EiiBbnreh . Y on Ttill , I inovr , itjoice to hear teat my tour baa done more-already for me than my hopes looked to , in { he -way of rtdBvi ^ oiaang my tr&ned pnyaical energies rphw haazg air of these Bionntwms , coupled ¦ with the partial rest irMch I lave taken , baa done much for me . 3 am much better ; and hope to be able soon to bring ioto our common stock of labour more strength of body , sod more consequent vigour and determination of mind , gum £ have had for years gone by . I have psxsed already through leiih , Edinburgh , Aberdeen , Horitrose , Arbroa th , and Dundee . I suppose that tbe respective secretaries will have told you aa about the meetings in e » th place . 1 shall notj Jberefore , take up space vria the trumpeting of my ovn fame . Suffice it that I find the Ssotch ,

      « AUttat » y fency painted them "; S cool , "thinMng , f ! ismTn » '" % ^ "g . rawming-peopla , "wbo ¦ w ffl look teloretbey leap , and think before they speak . TEfce -sraim hand of friendBhip greeted me in every place , ana 1 found the temper of the people so raited to * ni 5 own , that 1 us TnTHit ) at home rath them . 1 2 nd the movement to be here , as in England , Teiy apathetic in its chaneter . "Alas ! yomlmow iiiflcsjiBetoo-welL " It ha » . not yet recovered from its exbausfion .

      ^ eeaa ^ a * , evoy ^ rtire , tesm "Hrounfis mwt &nL Tkrt all mrlpp-d tbe lonntean of her Ufa . Onr conntay seemed as In atieadly trance . Or B-woon aad Btnpoi she -would ever lie-Nor ocoe recal her wonted energies , ' But Us , qmeseeat , yet anqt £ etly Hex fcte erpectSng - 33 » KplrUof tts people haanot departed from themneither xre they aaleepj they are merely -weak from McenVefcrt . They ^ ni any again and present jet to £ he enemy a front broadened , boldened , and nardeiied ly all ihat * & * & ! bon * ^ Exoerlance i . a ^ itslmoas rtlliiolhe

      teachHr , ana - Lwt * Wrer upon the Soottash hreihreD «> r Trpon you , my En gn » h conntryjnen , to whom I now more specially address my » el £ &e 3 Dta& be ^ a to iMaHee * onr -pvwen . We muat prepare ourselves not jnere ^ to demonstrate opt pp-trer infreat display" & meefings and petitibna , tai-ptotesrionB , but to tie iVf or a incceasf ul c # unteraction of Jhevren-ordered and akilfnlly arranged forces of coizopgon . And , in order to thii , vremnxfc be organ !» ed 33 » firaV thing to be looked to ii'nehaa Orgauiation at iball enable the whole people , at any given time , Within arawnablB period , to taoir the mindi or each © Uwr "Hpon mw aivea quMtton throu | hoat th » -whole 'Ov

      ^ B ^ &OlX * : 33 w ^ wwt of » nt 3 i » n Org « ni » iaan ii the rock on yffiyw flCbCTB hith £ rto » plit . We have never been maBtoi ^ W « i h » T » alwayi acted In secUonal divhaouB , j ^ W ^^ ooi afcreofth hai bean lort in the mo 3 eof ito rf tpplieation ^ i ^ Wefflaat bavei done Trith this . Wezaust fM ^ . ^ n ^ jpfz ^ onVBagb an one a * can be universally adopted ; It inurt . be each « n one aa may be ta / dy Beted on Without fear of interruption from the lezal pawsr ^ ii ' of perverslGn by the ennniBg and the selfii , ^ jf-ont ^ owh parlyZ To form such an Organization as tfcjaia most easyx'if Uib peop le be sot otstiEata ; bat Jt WiD ^ regnire than to make mutual concessions , on

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      nutters -which are of no vital importance ; and to agree to act harmoniously , though , in some matters tbby may differ hi opinion . - The plan of Organisation which wb have already had in partial operation has proved a failure ; and I am not surprised at it ; for , though I do think that it never had a fair chance given to it , there was mnch cf the dements of failurs in the plan itself . It was necessarily so lax ana vague in Its general provisions and ao indeterminate in its details ; it left bo ranch to be supplied by the constant vigilance of the people themselves , separate from the written document ; it was , in fact , cf ahetr necessity , ao fall of fence and finesse that thb straightforward blunt honesty of the ; unguarded people was continually running its head against Borne post or other . Thus , it tos continually violated ; -was never in fact brought into effective operation iu any one place that I know of . We had a name to live ; while , as a national society , "we irera dead . ;

      There is no hope for us but from Organization ; and there is no use in any ( Xrg&nization , 'which is not , at the same time , ao perfectly dear a » te be at once apprehensible , -without tiplacation by everybody bo perfectly simple and comprehensive as to befitted alike to the circumstances of every locality—so perfectly tffisient as that it shall give tbe opportunity ol free , and almost instantaneous , communication of the 'whole body with its several parts , so that the whole energies of the -whole people may be brought to bear on any given point , without hesitation or delay . ¦ A national Organization which did not possess all these qualities ¦ would be nsdess to us ; while any plan of Organization , even though it had all these qualities , if it -wanted the not less important ¦ one of conformity to law , wsnld be much worse than useless to us .

      The difficulty is to form a plan 1-which shall be at once perfectly rational , perfectly { efficient , perfectly simple , and pssfectly legal . Any * plan of national Organization which does not embrace all these points of commendation is unworthy of onr notice . Among the many $ ood things which O'Connell has Baid , 1 remember one saying of Ms , that " the next best thing to being right yourself is , ' to pet yonr enemy completely in the wrong . " I fully accord with this doctrine ; and hence I have ever been most anxious that the operations of the people should be conducted peacefully and legally . I tnotr that , if their moral strength 'was but marshalled , and their numbers organized , they are invincible and irresistible . They are able thus to carry any measure of ¦ a wholesome and

      sanatory tendency , ¦ w ithout -violating any of those forms and appearances of lvsr -with -which the harpies have fenced round the carcase of : corruption , in the heps of feasting undisturbed thereon . There is no po- * -er in any state auwessfnUy to resist the righteous demands of a people who are united in purpose and op-nion , and organized so as to enable them to express tueir opinion , and to prosecute their purpose as one n : an . Of this the factions are most perfectly aware ; and hence their highest dread' boa ever been the Organization of the people , and their greatest care to provide against its , existence . And hence , from the time -when the House of Commons ¦ w as first sought to be emancipated from the direct ccntroul of the Crown , and placed in its ^ ue position aa

      an independent branch of the Legislature , and as the index of the people ' s mind , for a period of abont 250 years , an incessant struggle has bren going -on between those "who would organize and those yrho would destroy the expression of the people ' s will for goed . The lynx-eyed jealousy of faction has watched every movement ; and having in its cwn hinds the power of lawmaking , has met every organised movement with new and more tight restrictions , till it was thought that effectual provision had been made against the possibility of any National Organization existing , other than such as might accord frith the designs and purposes of the dominant class . The Jo - ws now iu force , in reference to political societies and Katiocsl Organiaition , are comprised in two most sweeping and comprehensive statutes , the 39 Gbo . UL chap . 79 . passed in Jnly , 2759 , and the

      57 Gto . HI . c l » , passed in March . 1817 ; and ao well are the meshes of these two insidious and Infamous statutes spread out . that it was doubtless deemed to t > e impossible for any «• National" Organization to escape them . By the united force of those acts , every society the members of which , or any members whereef shall , either verbally , or in writing , subscribe , or assent to , any test or declaration , not required by law , is an unlawful combination and confederation . See the carefulness with which villainy has drawn the net-strings ! Not coctent -with prohibiting such oaths , tests , or declarations as night be against the law , the words not required by law extend tho prohibition to < dl voluntary declaration of whatever character ;! even » declared determination ,- by the members of any society , to uphold the Jaw , might by this clause be construed as illegal ] > ;

      By the Acta before named , every Society composed of different brandies or divisions acting , IV A . NY masker sepajaldy or distinctly from each other , or of which any juxrt shall have any distinct President , Secretary Treaswer , Ddegale , or other DJRcer tl OS . aits PERSON acting as such , elected or appointed by or 'fur such part , or to act n » a > Y OFFICE for such part , shall be deemed and holden to ba an unlawful combination and confederacy . I . 2 « ow , these provisions render it totally Impossible for us to hava any system of purely political National Organ i zation Eore efficient than the one we had , which has proved , on trial , to be an titter failure ; while tho penal clauses of those laws are such as are by no means to be tnflsci with ; and show us that It wonld be niter madness to connect ourselves with any Orga izv

      tion whereby we should be suljsat to them . Having declared the cases hi -which Societies shall be deemed ' ¦ mjln-wfnl combinationa and confederacies , " these Acta provide : — That any member of any such society , and every person uho shall , directly or indirectly , maintain correspondence or intercourse teiih any such society , or with any division , branch , committee , or other select body , pnesidad , treasurer , secretary , delegate ' ; or other officer , or member theret-f as such ; or tcAo shall by contribution if money or otherunse , aid , abet or support snch society or xtny member thereof , as such , shall incur certain penalties . " The penalties are of two kinds . " 1 . By summary process on information before ONE Justice of the Peace ; 00 conviction , a fine of twenty pounds , « r three months ' imprisonment in the common gaol . ; 2 . BY INDICTMENT ; ON CONVICTION , TRANSPORTATION

      FQfi SETEN YEARS . " This win shew us at once that this business is not to be trifled with . We must not have an Organization which is not perfectly legal ; there is 00 use in onr having one which is not perfectly efficient ; and the question is—How are we to compass both ? 1 still maintain the opinion which I have always holden . that it is impossible to do so otherwise than by taking advantage of Borne one or other of the fonnB and names incidental to some one or other of the special exemptions provided by the law iUelf .

      Charitable Societies and Religious Societies of all kinds are specially exempted from the operation of the acts I have referred to ; and , as I believe the Christian religion to inculcate all the doctrines of truth and righteousness , as well social and political as personal ; as , in feet , I hold politics to be part and parcel of Christianity and inseparable thertfrpm—being mixed t > p with , springing ont or , and sustaining all its principles and doctrines , I wonld be glad to see , for the first time since the age of the Apostles , a true Cavbolic and CbriFtian church , acknowledging in all the fullness of their comprebensiv « import the precepts of that religion , which being hitherto tatked of , but neither understood nor practised , has been , and 1 b now being , made the most fearfully tffective test 'that ever tyranny employed for the destruction of man ' s liberty and of all clear recognition of the principles : of moral right .

      I hold the principles of Chartism to be Religions principles , and every Chartist Society to be const qnently a Religions society ; and I would gladly see them so declare themselves , and leave to the vile herd of despots the option of openly and manifestly trampling on their own laws , or of crushing along with Chartism , Methodism in aU its various shapes , and all the other isms of « dissent" in all its varieties of aspect . Bnt a very large portion of the English Chartists have declared against this opinion . I regret this ; I wish the people had been prepared to take what I think would be the best course ; bnt I am not therefore the ass to bs obstinate iu my own conceitedness of purpose , and seek to browbeat every body else iato it I am content to have my opinions estimated by the people , and to take for

      them jnst as much ii > fiuence as they are thought worthy of . Stall therefore , retaining my own opinion aa to the best eonrse of action , I now recommend to you that which I think to be the next best and the only one open to yon 5 and that is to oreanizs yourselves into one immense national benefit society , embracing all the true democrats of England , Scotland , and Wales , and Ireland in one bond of brotherhood . This may be done through the medium of an Organization with a Land Fund attached , to which Land Fund each member may or may not contribute , as he may feel ; disposed . This will enable all to use their own judgment on the Land scheme . It will force no one to give in Mb adhesion to that project unless he feel bo disposed . Everfone belonging to the Organization must pay to the general

      lund ; and the general fund will be for purely political and agitating purposes j -while the separate land Fond , to which every m&a may pay or sot a » he pleases , will Rive ub a title to enrolment under the Benefit Societies' Act ; and thus give ns the protection of Xhe law instead of making us obnoxious to the law . We sbsll then escap © all the fangs of the Acts of Parliament I have before adverted to . We may make thdt Organization as efficient as we please ; we may have branches , districts , wards , classes , and every other sub-division that may © a neoawary , and these mayalllegaUv andwfely correspond with each other j ana thus may all the uses and purpoieB of a National Or g ^ mz&tion be secured to n . ' }

      Thus shall wspat our enemies ' * Completely In the * Wttig , by fencing oarselvM round with the provisions Slf * ££ ** £ > ""^ « religions , to * <>* iega 3 , »^ t ;^ iB g ^ i a leBe - npoa aieirolhl BhewiD Ont SHF X ^"" - ^ , sawavsputfi ss shall either make a speeia ! law for it . ntfaeEtoa ct cou ^ e cas - make no provide ,. The , * J" bTjeil to time and circumstance , and dealt with when they come . * To -woTk , then , in making out the . pl 33 , y on v . ™ several already before yon I shall probably gi , e you

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      another next week . I ask no preference for mine above others , ; beyond what yon may think due to its merits . But I do implore you to adopt some plan , and act on it universally . Without union , yon are powerless for good ;; without Organizition , your union cannot be manifest ; therefore I say , Organize , Obgamze , O&GAKIZE *! Yoar faithful friend and servant , William Hill . TuEBiay , Aug . 15 , 1843 .

      We have before expressed a general coincidence of opinion with Mr . Hill on this matter ; the only difference betwoea ub being as to the desirability of presenting Chartisa in a religious aspect . In this we certainly disagree with Mr . Hill , and agree with the people : but as the point is rightfully fore-gone by Mr . Hill , in deference to the unequivocal feeling of the great body of English Chartists , it ia pot ] worth while further to allude to it . The mention of it at all is to prevent the possibility of our general expression of agreement in opinion with the object and scope of the above letter being taken to refer to this point amongst the rest . At the close of his letter Mr . Hill intimates the

      probability of his sending a plan of Organization for publication this week . At the time of our present writing it has not come to band . OUR PLAN however iB in type ; and shall be immediately placed before the reader , i We had it ready ibr publication last week , had time ai = d space permitted us to give it : time to accompany it with the requisite explanation and commentary ; and space for the whole . Here , fthen , the Plan is . We present it as a whole ; Revised to enable us to have the advantage of legal protection , and making provision for a plain , simple , understandable , efficient Organization of the

      people in Classes , Branches , and Districts ; with an Annual Convention of Delegates , for legislative purposes ; and with a General Executive Committee for the execution of the general plan embodied in the Laws and Constitution of the Society , and for the carrying ont of the measures of practice determined on by the Annual Convention . For this pcheme of Organization we bespeak earnest investigation ; desiring each one to withhold aU opinion , for or against , until he has read the whole , with the commentary ] that follows ; and weighed well the reasons adduced in favour of its adoption . First , then , for the plan itself : —

      CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OP THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION , ESTABLISHED 70 B THE MUTUAL BENEFIT OF ITS MEMBERS . ( Enrolled under the Acts , 10 . Geo . IV . c . 56 , and 4 and 5 WilRam IV . c- 40 . J

      CHAPTER 1 . —BASIS . SECTION J . ~ OBJECTS . 1 . The : objects of this Association are to effect , peaceably and by reason alone , a change for the better in the condition of its Members , and of all classes of society , by inducing the body politia to act upon those principles of self-governmekt , which , when applied to practice with , ihe Tequisite knowledge , will ensure health , permanent prosperity , intelligence , union and happiness to all , by teaching how to produce and dittribitft , iu the wisest and most equitable manner , the best kinds ef wealth most abundantly ; and to govern ' most beneficially , without force or fraud , by the removal of the causes which produce evil , and the substitution of those which produce good .

      SECTION II . —MEANS . S . These objects are to be attained by the following means : —¦ First—By creating a new public opinion in favour of this change in the condition of man , through the medium of public meetings , lectures , missionaries , diecosaions , petitions to Parliament , tracts , cheap publications , and the Newspaper Press ; all these means being so employed as to bring the objects of this Association prominently before the public , and thb reasons that may be urged why the the principles on which this society is based ought to be applied to general practice ; and thus induce all to join as members of this Association , to procure for themselves the manifold Benefits that would accure from its principles being generally adopted .

      and the objects Bought fer achieved . Second—By raising from time to time , by subscriptions among the members , or by voluntary contributions ; or bequests , or loans , various stecks or funds , for the mutual assistance , maintenance , and education of the members , their wives , and children , or nominees , in infancy , advanced age , sickness , or other natural state or contingency ; also funds for defraying the incidental expenses of the society . Third—By applying such stocks or funds for the purchase or rental of land , whereon to employ the labour of the members ia the production of food and clothing , under snch arrangements as shall secure Plenty to those so employed , and Benefit to all the rest .

      SECTION III . —PRINCIPLES . 3 . The fundamental principles of this society are : — First—The end of all Government ought to be the happiness of the governed ; and to attain this end , Without injustice to any , it is necessary to subject those who have the power of making the lawn to a wholesome and strict responsibility to those whose duty ; it Is to obey them when made . Second—That this responsibility can be beet enforced through the instrumentality of a body emanating from , and immediately subject to , the whole people ; thus : completely representing their feelings and their interests . Third—That this representation to be just , roust be

      equal ; and to be full and complete , must include the Suffrage of all who have arrived at the age of majority , and are liable to be called upon to bear arms in defence of the common country . Fourth—That to prevent cabal and parly intrigue against the interests of the represented , it is necessary that the representatives should , annaally , resign their trust into the hands of those for whom they have acted , that they may receive the reward due ip their faithfulness or i ; eg ]! gence , either in continued confidence , or in rejection in favour of some more worthy object Fifth—That the represented ought to be protected in the exercise of tbeir rjebts of franchise , that

      their snffisge may be an expression of their own freely-formed and honest opinion , and not swayed by the power of wealth or station acting upon dependency ; and this protection can be best afforded by a general adoption of the plan of private voting , under finch arrangements as shall secure the election from all chance of fraud or deceit Sixth—That ability , talent , moral character and general fitness , ought alone to be the test or qualification ( and not a mere possession of property ) , necessary to entitle a citizsn to act as a representative of his fellew citizens ; and as so man , much less a body of men , have auy right to expect SEB . VICES without remuneration , whenever any membti of the body politic is called upon to

      de-Tote his energies and talents for the weal of the people , he ou&bt to be maintained at the expence « f those whom he is semng . Seventh' —That the first duty of the people is to employ 3 BuSicient amount of its labour in the tilling of the soil which it may occupy , so as to produce , if it be at all possible , within itself » sufficiency of all ihe first necessaries of life : and that , after each member of the body politic has been supplied with BOMK produce up to the point of temperate enjoyment , tho surplus wealth , if any , is alone available as an article of legitimate commerce , to g ive to other people in exchange for luxuries and delicacies : the equitable standard of value in each case being the actual amount of labour expended upon the article , added to the eost of raw material , when-measured by the same standard .

      CHAP . II . —MEMBERSHIP . EL 1 G 1 BILY , AND CARDS OP MEMBERSHIP — 4 Every ptrson stall fee eligible to become amember of this Association , by entering his name on its books ; he thereby -expressing bis agreement with its principles and objects , and his determination to abide by its laws . Cards denoting membership shall be given to each individual member when he joins ; and all cards shall be renewed every three months . 5 . Right of roting—Membera of the society shall have the privilege of speaking and voting on any business of the' Bociety relating to the general funds and general purposes , such as th 6 election of officers , Ac ; the members paying to theSpecial'Fund ( to be hereafter provided for ) shall alone have the decision of matters connected with-that fund . No member , under any circumstances , shall be entitled to more than one vote .

      6 . Suspension , —Tbe privilege of members shall be suspended j by tbe Don-payment of subscriptions for three months , unless satifactory reasons can be given to the ma&agera of the branch for such non-payment : such suspensionf being devoted by the withholding of the quarterly renewal card , until tbe arrears are paid up , or tho managers are satisfied with the reason adduced for such non-payment . 7- Dismissal . Members may be dismissed from the society by the managers of their branch for any aggravated offenoe against the principles or laws of the society ,- the dfcmissed member may appeal against such dismissal to » general meeting of the Branch , or to the District Board , whose decision shall be finaL '

      CHAPTER III . —ORGANIZATION . su now 1 . divisions . 8 . This Association shall consist of tbe members joined together in accordance with the preceding provisions , forming altogether a- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hating BkaNCHES ; aud shall be governed as follows , via : — An annual Convention , and General Executive Committee-, District Councils ; Branch Boari ?; and Classes .

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      SECTION II . —ORGANIZATION OF BRANCHES . * 9 . Formation of Branches . —PnmnB desirous of forming a branch of this society , shall forward to the general Executive Committee an application for A charter , signed by at least ten ; names , and in accordance with the following form : — ' We the undersigned inhabitants of in tbe county of , having been made acquainted with the objects , principles , and laws of tbe "National Charter AssociatipnfoiMutual Benefit , " and being desirous of promoting tbe objects of that society , and Willing to abide by the rules which aro now promulgated , or which may be from time to time enacted , in accordance with the constitution of tbe society , and in accordance with the laws protecting Benefit Societies , do hereby request that fa Charter may be granted to us to open a branch of the society in abovementioned .

      Name 0 / street Name fin full ) . Age . Trade . or place 0 / abode . On the receipt of such application , the General Executive Committee shall institute inquiries as to the knowledge and general fitness of such persons for promoting the general objects of the society ; and upon satisfaction as to these [ particulars , a charter authorizing the applicants tot open a Branch of the National Charter Association for Mutual Benefit , shall be issued , and to remain a Branch of the said Association , so long as they labour to promote its interests , and advance its q hjeats . by a strict adherence to its i&ws and constitution , and a due performance of the duties of membership . For such CHARtEE the sum of . ' ¦ shall be paid to the General Executive Committee .

      I 10 . Constitution of Bnmche 9 . -r-Ewb branch shall con * sist of the persons to whom a Charter has been granted , and of tbe persons enrolled under it , so long as they continue to comply with the laws of the Association : but neglect of the laws , or nonconformity thereto , shall subject any branch bo offending to forfeiture of its Charter , at the discretion of the General Executive Committee . Against such decision the branch may appeal to the Annual Conference , at its next session , whose decision shall be final . Should that decision be in accordance with the ! decision of tbe Executive Committee , tbe mouieB in hand , belonging such branch , shall be returned .

      11 . Duties of Branches—Each branch shall carry into effect the rules as to the admission , suspension , or dismissal of members ; the collection and application of funds ; the obtaining and management of places for ( public meetings , and for meetingpof the members and their families , for business , instruction , and entertainment ; and generally to co-operate to carry out the objects of the Association . 12 . Government of Branches . —Tbe Board , or Committee of Management of each branch shall consist of seven members ; namely , a president , secretary , treasurer , and four others who shall be appointed by the members of the branch :

      13 . Election , and Tenure of Office . —Three members of such Board shall resign office each quarter in rotation ; tho member * elected by the fewest votes going out at the end of the first quarter ; and afterwards the three next longest in office . All the members to be eligible to re-election . The nominations Bhall be made at least two weeks before the day of election ; and tha election shall take place at a general meeting of the branch held within seven days of tbe 1 st of the respective months of March , June , September , and December , in each year . The persons then elected shall enter upon office on the 1 st day of the following month .

      14 . Duties of Brandt Boards—The duties of the Branch Boards shall consist of general supervision of the business of the branch ; entering into arrangements for tbe due possession of a place of public meeting , where desirable ; and for the due occupation of such place of meeting for lectures , discussions , discourses , meetings for members , and nil other purposes not unlawful or inconsistent with the objects of the Association . They shall also arrange for tbe enforcement of tbe rules of the Association , by providing means for the due collection of the ' subscriptions of the members , either by the Branch ; Secretary weekly sitting at an appointed time and place to receive them ; or by Visitors appointed to wait weekly upon the members at their own homes to collect them ; or by Class Leaders , whenever it is deemed expedient by the members of any branch to form themselves into classes ; and tbe branch boards shall generally listen to , and carry out , the suggestions and instructions of the

      members of the . branch , when such instructions do not palpably infringe on the general laws and rules of tbe body . ¦ 15 . Classes .- ' Whenever the members of any branch determine that it might conduce to the welfare and advantage of the Branch to be divided into Classes , the Branch 3 « fl » fl have hereby the power to constitute them of ajymHpinembers as may be determined on , according totoeality . Each Class , when constituted , shall choose for itself a Leader , aubjeot to the confirmation of the Branch Board . The duties of the Leader will be to arrange for conversational meetings with his class , at a place of meeting moBt convenient ; to hold friendly discussions relative to tho principles and objects of tbe Association ; to read the tracts , and authorized documents and reports , of tbe general body ; to collect the subscriptions of the members , and weekly hand them over to the Branch Secretary ; and generally to infuse a spirit of kindness and forbearance amongst the members .

      : 16- Appointment of Auditors .- 'At the time of encc election for members of the Branch Board ( two Auditors shall also be appointed , to remain in office till their successors are appointed . They shall be nominated and appointed just in like manner as the Branch Boardmen . Their duty shall be to look over tbe accounts of the banch as often as they please ; but never less than twice a quarter ; and , at the end of the quarter , report to the general meeting of members tbe condition in which they find tbe boobs at that time . They are not to confine ( heir attention to a mere adding up of the accounts ; but satisfy themselves as to the correctness of each item , by calling for explanation and vouchers whenever" there is the least doubt It will also be their duty to report immediately to the branch , whenever they discover any , the slightest defalcation ; or a departure from the ; strictest rules of business and or ' der .

      SECTION III—ON ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS . 17 . Formation of Districts . —Great Britain shall be divided into districts , comprising a union of branches for district purposes , conformable to arrangements which may from time to time be made by the Annual Convention , and subject . to such revisions by the General Executive Committee , as local or temporary circumstances may call for . The siza of the district shall be governed by the neceBakieB of each case , regard being first had to the ability of the confederated branches to maintain and employ a district lecturer .

      . 18 . District Councils . —Each district shall be governed by a District Council , consisting of one member from each branch , elected by that branch to serve for one quarter ; and one member from each branch , as district delegate , to be elected every montb . The nomination arid election of the Quarterly District Councilmen shall take place at the Bame time , and in the same manner , as ; tbe nominotion and election of the Branch Board ; * be election of the monthly delegate at the usual weekly meeting of the branch , after a week ' s previous nomination . 19 Place of Meeting . —The District Board , so constituted , Bball meet either in a fixed place regularly ; or move from place to place , as shall be deemed most advantageous by the majority of branches comprising tbe district .

      , S 0 . District Officers . —In addition to the District Board , so constituted , the branches In the district shall also appoint a District Secretary and a District Treasurer . Nominations for these twe officers may be made by any branch , three weeks previously to the election of Branch Boards and District Councilmen ; such nomination to be immediately communicated to the secretary of each other branch throughout the district The Votes of each branch shall be taken for each candidate ; and those who have the majority of votes , when the declaration is made by the Branch Secretaries at the first District Council meeting after such voting , ahall be deemed to be elected . Tbe District Secretary and Treasurer shall attend the D strict Meetings , and shall be at liberty to speak thereat , but not to vote .

      21 . District Auditors . — -Tb . 3 District Council , at tbeir first meeting la every quarter , shall appoint two auditors from am ones t tbe members of tbe Association , not District Councilman ; and these auditors are required to perform similar duties , and are hereby invested with tbe necessary power over the accounts of the District Council , as the branch auditors have over the accounts of the branch . 22 . Duties of the District Council . —The District Council shall make arrangements for the district lecturer to' lecture in each locality of the district , according to their best judgment ; they shall examine as to the fitness of any lecturer in their district applying to become general lecturer : for the society , and certify

      tbeir opinion to the Executive Committee : they shall examine , appoint , and suspend voluntary or local lecturers ; see that their labours are suitably directed ; draw up regular plans for local lecturing ; assist in superintending ( he arrangements for places of meeting in the several branches ; or make the necessary arrangements for taking and occupying a place on behalf of the whole district , where it la determined to have only 0 M place of public meeting in the district , that operations may be concentrated . They shall also review and finally determine all matters of complaint appealed from any branch in the district ; see to the general efficiency of the : branchu ; and generally , cooperate to carry out the objects of the socifty .

      ; SECTIOH 1 * — ANNUAL CONVENTION . 23 . Constitution . —The legislative powers of this Association shall be vested in on Annual Convention op Delegates from the several districts of the Association . Tbe scale of representation being one delegate for every five hundred members . 24 . Mode of Nomination and Election —Every branch in thf district shall have , tho power to nominate the number of Delegates required for their district , at a meeting of the members holden specially for that purpoee between tbe 31 st day of January and the 7 th day of February in each year . When the nominations are made ,

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      they shall be immediately communicated to the District Secretary , so that an alphabetical list of the whole nominated in the district may be made out , and sent te each branch by the District Secretary , with the least possible delay ] The election for the number vante / 1 shall take placeiat a Special Meeting ot the members in . each branch , holden for that purpose between . the 21 sfc and 31 st days ! of March , in eacb year , and of which meeting a full week ' s notice shall be given . The names of the [ persons nominated shall be put to the vote from the ] list in tbe orrier in which they stand , by the President or Chairman j and the number

      proclaimed in each case , pro and con . registered by the Branch Secretary . A return , attested by the signatures of the President and Secretary skill be prepared at the meeting , and transmited by the next post to the District Secretory ; who shall , from tracb returns , declare on wbbm the election has fallen , and communicate such declaration to the General Secretary , and also to the Secretary of each branch in the District , within three days after the day of meeting for eleetion . The returns from each branch shall be duly filed and preserved by tft ' e District Secretary , amongst the papers of the Association .

      25 . Annual Session . —Aa annual session of the Convention shall be holden on the first Monday in the third week of ! the montb of April in each year ; and shall continoefite sittings so long as is requisite for the transaction of business to be brought before it ; and it may adjourn , { from time to time , within the twelve months after its first meeting : 26 . Powers of Convention . —The Convention shall have power to make and revise the laws of the society ; to consider upon , and report as to the progress of the principles of the society , and the efficiency of the means

      employed to extend a knowledge of them , and induce their enforcement in practice ; to consult and devise new means for addressing tbe public mind , so as to operate upon it ia favour of fcke ch&oge in condition sought to be effected by the society , that want may be unknown , and ] plenty everywhere abound , with a SECURITY by the law for its full enjoyment ; to appoint tbe seat of Government ; to elect the General Executive Committee , the General Treasurer , and the Trustees of the Society ; tojappoint paid efficers , and fix the amount of salary ; and ] generally to transact such business aa may come before it .

      27 . Qualifications of Delegates . — -No person shall be eligible to situs a delegate , who has not been a member of a branch' at least six months , if the branch has been that time in existence ; nor shall any one be eligible who la ( not a regular subscriber to the funds of tbe society , and clear on the books . 28 . Ex-offccib Members Members of the General Executive Committee and the trustees of tbe society may sit and apeak in Convention , though not elected to represent any district ; but in such case they shall not vote . ] 28 . Tenure of Office . —The delegates shall be elected to serve in Convention for twelve months ; or until the

      next general election . 30 . Removal ] of Delegates- —If any delegate should become so situated , by absence from the district , or otherwise , as not to be in a fit position , in the estimation of the district , jto continue its delegate , the district may declare the office vacant . 31 . Vacancies . —On the death , resignation , orreraoval by the district of any delegate , the president and secretary of the district fur which such delegate waa elected , shall certify the same to the General Executive Committee , who ahall forthwith issue their precept' for the election of some other member to supply the vacancy .

      32 . Votes of Officers . —JSo lecturer or other salaried officer , elected as a delegate to Convention , by any district , shall : vote on questions personally affecting themselves . 33 . Place of Meeting . —Tbe annual er special sessions of Convention , sball be held at Leeds , Manchester , Birmingham , Westminster , Edinburgh , Glasgow , or snch other place as the enrolment of these laws may authorise , and as may be determined on by the annual Convention , or by the General Executive Committee . Section v .-Useneral executive committee . 34 . Appointment—The General Executive power sball be vested in a Central Committee of Directors , to be chosen annually by Convention , from lists of

      nominations from tbe different branches of the Association , made at special meetings for the purpose , in the second week of March in each year ; such nominations to be sent to the General Secretary forthwith , that a general list of tbe whole may be in the bands of the members before the special meeting for the election of Delegates to Convention , j 35 . Officers .--The Central Committee shall consist of a president , treasurer , general secretary , and two other members . Three persons shall also be annually appointed ot confirmed by the Convention as the trustees of the Society , ] who shall be ex-officio members of the Board . Two competent persons shall also be appointed annually by Convention , as G&iieral Auditors . 36 . Qualification—Every member of the General Executive Committee , sball be a > regular subscriber to the funds of tbe Society .

      37 . Powers and Duties—The General Executive Committee ihall direct and control tbe general proceedings of the Society , jfor and in the name of the Society ; they shall see that the laws are obeyed , and that the various ordoro of tho Convention arc carried into effect ; they shall receive all applications for Charters , and grant them where expedient ; they shall appoint general missionaries , and lecturers , when applied to by the district councils , and certified of tbeir fitness . They shall publish each tracts jand other works as they may consider calculated to promote the objects of the society ; they shall summon the annual or special sessions of Convention as provideh by the taws ; and generally they shall take tbe most efficient means in their power to promote the dissemination of the principles , and their application to practice . '

      CHAPTER IV . —SPECIAL AND GENERAL DUTIES OF OFFICERS . SECTION I . —PRESIDENTS . 38 . Duties . —The President of the society shall take the chair during ; the sittings of tbe Convention ; and be shall preside at [ the meetings of the General Executive Committee at which he may be present . The Presidents shall only have a casting vote . The President of the society shall be ihe active superintending officer of the hoc ety . The presidents of the district councils shall preside at the meetings of ench councils . The Presidents of each Branch Board shall preside at the meetings of the branch or of the board at which he is present Each chairman } shall superintend the business of tbe Branch or Board of which he is chairman , and regularly authenticate the minutes , as entered and confirmed in the minute book . 3 S . Casual Chairman . —It at the hour at which the business of any meeting should commence the chairman should be abaent , the directors , managers , or members present at such meeting respectively shall elect a chairman for the occasion .

      SECTION II—SECRETARIES . 40 . General Duties—The secretary of each bowd , council , or committee , shall perform the following duties : ( 1 . ) He shall ] attend at all meetings of the board , council , or committee , of which he is secretary . ( 2 ) He shall record correctly tbe names of the members there present , and keep the minutes of the proceedings in a book provided for that purpose ( 3 . ) He shall keep all the accounts , documents , and papers of the board , couccii , or committee , in such form , manner , and place , and for snch use , as the laws require , or board may appoint . ( 4 . j He shall also receive , in the first place , all monies payable to the board , council , or committee , of which ke is secretary , and pay over the same jto the treasurer , after defraying such expenc 98 as may be directed . ( 5 . ) He shall , j under the directions of the board , council , er committee , conduct its correspondence , and transact all business committed to

      him by the laws 41 . Resignation of General Secretary—It the general secretary should' wish to resign , he shall give the General Executive Committee three months' notice , or pay a sum eqn&l to tha three months ' salary . If his services should be dispensed with , the like notice Bhall be given , or the like amount of money be paid . ' 42 . Dismissal- -Should any secretary neglect his duty , or conduct himself in a manner likely to be injurious to the interests jof the society , the board , council , or committee for whieh he officiates may remove him from his situation , and supply the vacancy , until another secretary be duly appointed .

      SECIION III . —TREASURERS . 43 . Duties—The treasurer ot each board , council , or committee , shall ] have the charge of all subscriptions and other monies paid to the secretary ; and he Bhall pay all monies authorised by the resolutions of the board , council , or committee , on an order signed by not less than two of ito members ; and his books shall be a check on the secretary of tbe board , council , or committee . A duplicate , or abstract ! thereof , kept by the secretary , and authenticated by | he treasurer , shall be laid before each counoil or committee meeting . He Bhall balance his accounts quarterly , and supply the secretary with an abstract thereof ;[ and shall , if required , attend the meetings of the board , council , or committee . He shall also pay over the , various funds as provided under the heads of " Fonda" and •• Returns . " 8 ECTIOK IT . —TEUSTEES .

      44 . Dudes . —The trustees of tbe society tor the time being , may , by the direction of the General Executive Committee , purchase land , buildings , implements , and other things which may be requited for the purposes of the society . They may also boy , Bell ont , or transfer Btook when and t as directed by the General Executive Committee . Thejtrnsteea shall , when required , execute a declaration of trast of all the stock , funds , or property standing and 'being in their names belonging to the society . I 45 . Negleet . —lt i any trustee of the society , at any time for a period of fourteen days , neglect any of the duties required of him , the directors may suspend such trustee , and appoint another in his place .

      SECTION V . —AUD 1 TOBS 46 . Powers . —Every auditor shall have access , at any time , for the purpose of inspection , to all tae books , papers , deeds , and documents whatsoever , necessary to the due performance of his duties . Any general auditor , in tbe execution of his duties , may call for the production of the books and papers of any branch or district ¦

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      47 . Duties of General Auditors . — -Tire general accoanfci of the society shall be audited at least quarterly , by the auditors of the accounts of the General Executive Committee .

      SECTION VI—RESPONSIBILITY OP OFFICBBS . 48 . Limitation , —No trustee , treasurer , or other officer of the society , shall be liable to make good any deficiency which may arise in the funds of the society , unless such persons shall have respectively declared by writing under their hands , deposited and registered in like manner with the laws of the society , that they an willing so to be answerable ; and every such efficer , or the whole of them collectively , may limit such respon * sibility to the sum specified in such instrument or writing . But every such officer shall be personally responaiblefor all monies or other effects actually received by him on account of , or to and for the use of the society . ( 10 Geo . IV . c . 56 , s . 22 . )

      49- Priority of Claims—Any monies or effects belonging to the society , er any deeds or securities relating to the same and coming into the possession of any officer ef the society , may be recovered before any othet debts are paid or satisfied , on the death or bankruptcy . &c , of such officer ( 4 and 5 WilL IV . c . 40 , s . 12 ) .

      SECTION . Yn . —OFFICES . 50 . Vacancies—Every vacancy in any ; office , unless otherwise provided for , shall ba Me&jm-by the body in whom is vested the original appointment Bat ia tbe meantime the vacancy may be filled up by the other members of the committee or board until the general body shall appoint 51 . Re-eligibility—On the termination of the tenors of any office , the retiring member may be re-elected .

      CHAPTER V .-BUSINE 3 S . SECTION U—MEETINGS . 52 . General Executive Committee Meetings . — -The G > ne ral Executive Committee shall meet weekly , or oftener if necessary , at such time as they shall appoint , at tho general office of the Society in such place as the enrolment of these laws may authorise , and as the Convention may determine . 53 . District Council Meetings . —Each District Council shall meet monthly , or oftener if necessary , at each place as they shall appoint 54 . Brandt Board Meetings . —The Board of each branch shall meet weekly , or oftener if necessary , at such time as they shall appoint

      55 . General Meetings . —Every branch shall hold meetings as often aa expedient for the purpose of conversation , hearing lectures or discussions , or otherwise extending the general principles , and promoting good feeling , intelligence , and morality . Meetings for bosisess shall be constituted of those who hold cards of membership for the current quaiier . None else ahall be allowed to take part in them , or vote either for the election of delegate to Convention , District Council , or Branch Board ; or any malter affecting the Association . 56 . Notices . —No business , except of the mostnrgent nature , to be determined by the meeting , shall be considered at a general meeting , without at least seven days' notice ; and at quarterly meetings no business shall be transacted implying expense or other responsibility tu absent members , unless at least ten days ' notice thereof has been given . Snch notices shall be made to the Secretary in writing , and hung up in the meeting room of the branch .

      5 f . Adjourned Meetings—Meetings held according to adjournment shall be devoted exclusively to the business for which the meeting was adjourned .

      SECIION . II . —ELECTIONS . 58 . Votes . —At elections of officers , and delegates to Convention , the votes sball be taken by a show of hands , unless a ballot be demanded ; and when a ballot is demanded , the votes shall be taken by tbe use of voting papers , where more than one person is to be elected ; or by the use of balls where that is more convenient 59 . Scrutineers—Two members shall be appointed as scrutineers , to receive the votes , and report the result CO . Time—An hour shall be fixed , after which no vote shall be received ; and every election shall ba finished by the meeting then assembled , and without adjournment

      SECTION III . —QUORUMS . 61 . Quorum of Boards . —Three of the members shall be a quorum of each Board ; but such quorum shall be unanimous in ail its resolutions , unless there be present a majority of the members of tbe Board .

      SECTION IT . —CORRESPONDENCE . 62 . By Secretaries . —All official correspondence shall be conducted through and by the agency of the several secretaries ; and no letter or document shall be considered genuine , unless expressed assigned by order and on behalf of the body by whom It is authorized . CHAPTER VI . —DISSEMINATION OF THE

      PRINCIPLES . 63 . lecftw-ers . —The public promulgation of the principles and objects of tbe society shall be more particularly confided to salaried lecturers and district missionaries . The amount of salary shall be determined by each district 64 . Ej-ami 7 utiion . —Koia&hn&Btl chaH be appointed to the office of lecturer or ¦^ ffjiT' * - ¦ wtnvArm % r ^ unless he is a member of the society , and cntil he has been examined as to his qualification by the District Council . He ehail produce testimonials of good character . Ba shall answer general question * ,- and he shall satisfy tha examiners that be possesses the requisite oratorial powers for lecturing and debating ; and the District Council shall certify as to his fitness to the General Executive Committee , who shall then make the appointment

      65 . Certificate . —Each lecturer aid district missionary shall , upon his appointment , receive a certificate of snch appointment from the General Executive Committee ; and upon any such lecturer or missionary resigning his situation , orbeiag dismissed therefrom , ha sball deliver back such certificate : such appointment , withdrawal , or dismissal , to be published in the organ of the socleiy , signed by the officers who usually sign official documents . No oue bat those bearing such certificate , or appointed by the District Council as a local lecturer , shall be allowed to lecture in any branch , or be recognfzad as lecturers of the society .

      66 . Dismissal—Any lecturer or district missionary shall be deprived 0 / his office for neglect of duty , 01 such discharge ot it as would injure the cause which he was appointed to promote ; or on account of mental or moral incapacity . Such dismissal to be by the General Executive Committee on application from a District Council or Branch Board , and satisfaction given that the case calls for snch an exercise of power . 67 . Local Lecturers . —The District Council may appoint , after examination , parties to the station of local lecturers , who , along with the district lecturer , shall ba under tbe controul of the District Council .

      CHAPTER VII . —FUNDS , SECTION I . —GENERAL EXPENCES . 68 . General Fund—A fund for defraying the general expences of the Society , such as salaries of General Secretary , and other general officers , salaries of lecturers or missionaries , rents of Halls , or places of public meetings , &e ., &c ., shall We raised as follows : — First—By each member paying two-pence for bis card of membership when he first enrols his name on the Society ' s books ; and one penny every time it is renewed , which shall be every three months . Second—By each member contributing weekly to such fand the sum of one penny , either direct to the branch secretary , or through the class-leader , or weekly visitor , as maybe determined on by the branch itself . Third—By donations and contributions from friends :

      and by collections at the general meeting for lectures , discussions , conversations , or entertainments 69 . Appropriation of General Fund—Ihe earns of money received by each Branch Secretary for cards of membership shall be monthly remitted to the General Secretary for the use of the General Executive Committee . The General Executive Committee shall also be entitled to , and receive , one fourth , of the member ' s weefely subscriptions , which sball be remitted monthly to the General Secretary , by the Branch Secretary . The other tfw-ee-fourths of the penny weekly subscription , along with the donations , contributions and collections , shall be lodged with tbe Branch Treasurer , to be used by the Branch Boards for local expences , and for the satisfying of the levies of the District Council for missionary and lectnriDg purposes ; which levies shall always be at tin rate of a certain sum par member throughout the district ; and when laid , shall be paid by the Branch Treasurer , to the District Treasurer , or to hta order .

      SECTION II —SPECIAL FUND FOR THE EMPLOTMEKr OF THE MEMBERS ON THE LAND . 70—Land Fund—A fund for the purchase or rental of land , and for tbe erection of suitable ^ buildings , shall bo raised by subscription , at the rate of sixpence ( or threepence ) per week from snch members as may be able and willing to contribute to such fund . 71 . Fines . —Every contributor to the land fond neglecting to pay the weekly contributions to that fund shall be fined for such neglect at the following rates : — For one montb , one halfpenny ; „ two months , one penny ; „ three months , fourpence ; „ four months , eightpence ; „ five mouths , one shilling ; „ six months , one and sixpence ; and „ each subsequent month , one shilling .

      And any contributor continuing such neglect until the fines incurred thereby are equal to the amount Of aU tbe monies actually paid by him to the land fond , snob Contributor shall thereupon be dismissed , and such monies sball be applied io discharge of the fines so incurred . Bat the directors or loeal managers may remit any of the said fines upon satisfactory evidence being given them of sickness or other sufficient occasion foe aueh neglect 73 . Appropriation of Firm . —AW sums arising from the payment of fines under the above rale shall form part of the land fond . 73 Check Card— Every member shall be provided with a check card , on which all contributions to the land fund shall be entered at the time of his paying the same , and this card shall be a sufficient voucher for all Bams so paid , until they reach the earn of one pound , when a certificate , or scrip , shall be given him , agreeable to tbe following form > - ( Continued in our seventh vaae . J

      Untitled Article

      c THE NORTHERN ¦ ST A B ' " _ ' . ¦ . - - — - ~ -

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 26, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct665/page/6/