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Northern Star (1837-1852), 2nd September 1843, Edition 3 of 5, Page 5

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    • fliENDSAt tnis distance irom TO THE PEOPLE.
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      both at home and abroad , was too vaJnable te be passed oTer . Thai testimony seals the doom of » Eree-TadeJ " . It shows , conclusively , thai all the attempts to rednce the " Free-Trade" principle to pT&c&c& i' has failed in maintaining for us our "foreign trade . " It also shows that "sre are being regularly -driven out of ihe markets of the world ; and that B National Extinction" awaits us , unless we give a new direction to national energy . Mr . Buses shall prescribe that sew direction for ns in our nest . Meantime we crave the reader ' s serious consfderafor the matter presented him already . It is big with mighty impart . May it have a just and doe effect !

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      THE DAMNABLE . ACT . TEE BEA 1 2 & 0 T 1 TES OF ITS CO 2 TCOCTOBS 2 X 1 YU . LGKD . "Wjb shall commence our commentary by pnb-Fsnrng the order of the " Deffl-Kings" of Somerset House , as issued to the Swansea Board of Guardians : — STVASSEi , Arc 21- —A special Board of Guardians tnt held here to-day in consequence of a letter having fcsea received from the Poor Law Commissioners epos ths distressed state of the country , in allusion to the strike of the coppennen . The board "was very folly attended , every Guardian in the Union baring been | inTTiTnpT » pr > - The JRev . Dr . Hewson having taken the chair , read Ice letter , aa follows : — " Poor Isw CommiBsioneis' -office . Somerset-honse , August 14 .

      1 . " Sir , —3 am directed by the Poor La * Gomndjaloners to Etate , that thai attention has been drawn to the strike of the workmen employed in the Swansea copper works , in consequence of a proposed reduction of their wages , and to the probability that it will lead to a large number of applications from ablebodied men for relief for themselves and' families , in consequence of the loss of their accustomed means of support . 2 . " The Commissioners , therefore , having regard to the difficulties which , under such circumstances , the finardians would doubtless txpsrience in dealing with the numerous applications far relief which might be snddedy made to them , feel It their duty to offer sues advice to the Guardians as the Commissioners consider may be useful to them , in the Jevent . ol such difficulties actually occurring .

      3 . " The Commissioners need not point ont to the guardians that , so long as there is room in the workbouse , the best course is , undoubtedly , to order all able-bodied applicants for relief into it . 4 . " The Commissioners feel assured that the Guardians will be anxious to meet the rails upon the poorrates which most probably will arise from the abovementioned cause with promptness and vigour ; and the Commissioners do not donbt that if due precantios fcs used , and proper arrangements be made beforehand , His Guardians trill be enabled to meet ibis pressure , should It actually occur , T * iih less difficulty than might otherwise be apprehended .

      5 . " "Under the circumstances , however , the Commissioners think it right that the Guardians should be quite prepared for any sndden pressure upon the funds under * ftp'r control which may ultimately ensne from the states ? the copper-iroitaien ; and they would recommend that a special meeting of the Board should ii railed , aad that the financial situation of the Goar-^ i anq in respect to the funds of those parishes in the Union likely to ba affected by such pressure should be investigated ; and that fresh calls , if found to be necessary , should be immediately made , and served upon toe overseers of such parishes , who should , in the meantime , be warned of the nec 3 ssity of securing sumdent funds beforehand to meet the numerous claims upon the parishes which may , and probably will , arise lor relief . In the event of the existing rates being inimgpiont for this purpose , fresh rates should be prepared , and got ready for signature by the justices .

      6 . " The Guardians wfll likewise do well to consider whether persons who become chargeable to the parishes in Question , and whose settlements are in other pznshes , sh&uid uot be removed to their respective jrvrUfrp * as quickly as possible- This course appears fc > be recommended by the consideration that the ratepayers , if the apprehended pressure Bhould arise , cannot relieve themselves from the burden of supporting their own settled poor , 7 . " The Commissicners on previeus occasions , when STToilar esses of emergency to the present one bave octirred in Staffordshire and other places , have issued an out-door labour-test order te the unions where it was found to be necsssary . This order , -where carried into effect , has afforded the Boards of Guardians mud * assistance in enabling them to deal with the numerons

      applications suddenly made to them for relief , under a TPTnfly pressure to that which it is feare 4 may soon arise in toe Swansea Union . The Commissioners enclose a copy of the order far the consideration ef the Board of Guardians , and the Commissioners will be prepared to issns a similar order to the Swansea Union . In the TP Pttntimft , however , means should be friken 1 forehand to procure some stone and oakam , or such other materials us may be accessible , in order to to in readiness for the purpose of setting the able-bodied men to wort , in return for the relief afforded them . These materials , s not used , will bs available for setting to work the able-bodied Tr ^ at- ? " of the woikhunse . The Guardians should also be prepared to appoint a superintendent of eut-door pauper labour , and to procure tools , if necessary , at the shortest notice .

      8 . "At the special meeting which the Commissioners iscommena should be held , they suggest that the question of where the out-door labour should be carried on , j * care of need / should be discussed , ana the whole of the arrangements litoieh It may be necessary to make be considered . The exgjnses in carrying out the provision ! of the order abov *« fered to , will be a charge upon the parishes to wMchthe paupers relieved arjd set to work under it may be chargeable . 9 . "The Commissioners think it necessary to observe that in case of a strike of workmen for higher wages W-Kn their employers are willing to give , a question arises whether the Guardians would be justified in refusing ci discontinuing relief when the ¦ men might obtain employment , if they chose to accept it , at wages sufficient to furnish the means of subsistence for themselves and their TmnTlitML

      10 . "In reference to this question , the Commissioners would remark : that the poor-isles constitute a fend for the relief of destitution . The amount so levied is withdrawn from the capital ¦ whica mnst itself furnish employment to the labouring classes , and proves a severe burden on the middle classes , who are themselves liable to bs reduced to poverty by the contingencies of trade and the excess of public bnrdfens . 21 . " So long , however , . as real and involuntary destitution exists , so long must the Guardians , in discharge of th&ir public duties , require frcrn the ratepayers , and distribute to the applicants for relief , that sustenance which the necessities ef the latter class demand . 12 . "But the question becomes a different one if tbe destitution is self-imposed , and - » ben the guardians are satisfied that individuals supported by the poor-rates may obtain employment at wages adequate for the iHp ' ntensace of themselves or families .

      13 . " "With the disputes bet-ween masters and voTkmtn , or -with the agreements of either class amosg themselves , the Guardians have nothing to da If , thertfure ^ fche Guardians are in a situation to say , that the men pow applying for or receiving relief may obtain trork within their reach at wages sufficient lor their maintenance and frfri * of their families , and it only depends on tbtmselves to accept it , thty = re justified in icfnsing relief to those persons , simply becanse tcey can no looser be considered as destilnte . lt is jnot , however , snfficient tba ; they should bij -vaguely to any large immOBT in a mass , * employment msy bs had '; but on being sstiESrcl in tsch rodividnsl C 2 Si that work is offered or may be procured by the man in $ aestion -within b practicable diiiance , relief might then be / erased to that man , always provided that the Grnardians are satisfied of the sufficiency of the wases offered for the actual maintenance of the parties , and that all eases of great urgency cr ots . mere temporary nature from m&njentary fear of violence should bs dealt

      with as exceptions . 14 . " It is not the object of the poor-istes to aid either masters or men in any struggle against each other , and it must be assumed that the law will be found scffieifcntiy strong to protest those willing to woik from the prolonged action of forcible interference . - ; 5 . " The Commissioners will bs ready , should the necessity for such a step arise , to sanction a temporary , dfpsrtore from the prohibitory . order , to the extent ¦ which may b ? requisite npon the * fcses being reported ; to them under article -4 . j * - " The Commissioners , in making the foregoing re- 3 Dai k « , do not wish to excite any unascesKary appre- ; ^ Kusan in the minds of the Guardians . Their object : i ? simply , that -whenever the crisis may ar . * se , it may <

      asa the Guardians fully jpreparei to meet » e pres-^ He upon the Tnion . "I au , Sir , your most obedient Servant , •¦ B . Chjlpwick , Secrets ry . " To the Cleik of the Guardians of the Swansea Union , Swansea . " J > tH £ wso 5 then said , that as far as the copper- ! Vwkas were concerned , it did not appear nectssary J Ihrt they should make any provision , as not one -of ' r ' Jem had applied to the Board loz relief ; but their j conduct in striking had affected other large bodies—the < coiaers , for zestance , wto were thrown ont of work by j them . Some of the colliers bad applied for relief on i Friday last , sad had been told to come there that day . j Kor > e of thfcni -were , however , in attendance , and there- j frae , perhaps , there would not be sny necessity of i going into the question even as respecEed them . ; 1 i I ' f ¦ i

      ilr . Tivian , 31 . P ., said , as a partner in the Swansea j Coal Company , he had expressed his strong desire tha * j the men should he found work ; and , as that had been ) Q&Efe , he was surprised that any of them should have \ * J > plu 3 forreli ££ - 2 > r . Hewfioc explained that it was » sort of prospective application , as ihe men had thought that they should be cut of -arsrlc from Saturday last

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      Mr . Tivian said no man could regret more than he did the present unfavourable state of things . The coppermasters had , after the most mature deliberation , and the most urgent necessity , proposed to rednca the wages of the men ; still , however , allowing them wages fully competent to their maintenance ; and one of the meat painful things arising ; in consequent of the strike wa * , the way in which it affected the poor colliers , whom he piUed . He had recommended that work should be found them , and that bad } « n done , for although not at cutting coal , yet they were employed about the works , and paid st the coppermen were , in money , there being no shop in connection with the Swansea Coal Company . " ....

      A desultory conversation ensued , in which it was stated that the coppermen were determ ' ned to prill stand out—that on Saturday they had given notices to draw out £ 1 , 300 from the Savings' Bank—that they were about to break up all their benefit clubs , in which they had £ 25 . 000 , and divide the money to enable them to continue on strike . We pass over several sections of this cold-blooded and ferocious edict , in each and every one of which will be recognized the anxiety of the " Trustees" of the Poor Law Fund" to make destitution and pattpjekish more hkixoc 3 than the blackest crime I From the mass of infernalism we select for comment those sections which develope the real object of the "Devil" law . Those sections are from No . 9 to

      13 , inclusive . To them we call special attention for the benefit of those whose wages are henceforth to be regulated by a Board of Guardians under the controul of the Poor Law Commissioners , and whose duty they are told it 1 b to protect the middle classes from those burdens which the destitution of the poor is likely to impose upon them . From these sections we learn that if wages

      adequate for tho maintenance of a man and his family is offered by an employer , that such man refusing such offer is to be deprived of all parochial relief ; and that the Guardians upon whom in his poverty he is likely to be a burthen are to be the parties to judge of the question of maintenance ; and they are to be the local Executive of the devil-kiugs of Somerset-bouse and to mark the amount ichich the masters are willing to give ! I ¦ ' !

      Let us suppose 8 very possible case , by which tbe standard of " sufficiency" will be judged by the Poor Law Guardians . Suppose a copper miner , earning thiTty shillings a week , to have a wife and three children . He is threatened by hi 3 master with a reduction of five shillings a week . His master is either a duly Elected or an Ex OJficio Guardian of the poor . The man resists the reduction , and applies to the parish for relief . His master is upon the * Board . " The roll of tbe really destitute is read over—tbe amount given to them is the standard by which a SUFFICIENT MA 1 STE $ AKCE is to

      be jndged , the will of the master i 3 s no doubt , the basis of the judgment of the Board . Say H would amount to as much as five shillings and sixpence a week ; and suppose the GuardianE , anxious to make out a good case for the "devilkings , " saj to the miner : we'll allow you ten shillings a week for your family . This ofier at once compel him either to submit to the proposed reduction or to starve , and leaves him for ever at the mercy of the master who may henceforth reduce his wages to a little above the standard established as a " suitable maintenance" by the Guardians . If

      this rule is once acted upon , and if the working c asses should ever tolerate such an infringement of their rights , tbe power of adjusting the rate of wages , at wMch the masters shall henceforth condescend to employ them , will be vested wholly and entirely m the hands of the Poor Law Commissioners . However slow then this vile Starvation Act was in developing its real object , can any man now have a doubt that the intention was to starve the poor into complete subserviency ! making poverty a crime , and themselves the arbitrators as to what constitnied " svficient maintenance , and therefore sumciem wag * s ?

      We have but very little sympathy for the middle classes , who , as a constituent body , have tolerated that system of invasion upon the poor , which has » t length come to their own door . Was there a man of them , who , had he thought , but must have come to the conclusion that the aristocracy , although chosen as the representatives of the middle classes would stave poverty from their own doors as long » i possible , and that bankruptcy should only reach them after the rain of the middle classes had been

      accomplished . The middle classes will now discover that tbe system , notwithstanding all their representative power , has reached their order ; and that instead of being the agents between producers and consumers capital upon the one hand is hourly making paupers and pauperism upon tbe other hand is hourly making bankrnpts of them . Instead of being the governing party , as in former times , when the whole wealth of the conntry was equitably distributed among the whole popnlatien of the conntry , and which was by no other means so fairly adjusted as by admitting the claim of the unwilling idler to all the necessaries and evtn the comforts of life , they are now the reservoir from which the paupers must draw ; the broken reed , npon which the destitute must lean .

      What a satisfaction it must be to their order to read the gratifying intelligence that the amount raised for ihe support of the poor has gone ^> n an--nnally diminishingsince the whole fund was consumed by the staff for carrying the law into operation ! Bat will they not awake to a knowledge of the fact , that when the Poor Law Fund was highest , their own condition was best ? Although we have never joined in a fruitless endeavour to repeal , or even to amend the damnable act ; and although we have

      viewed the vagaries of Rebecca in no very favourable light ; yet , Tfho but must anticipate a junction beiwetn the " fair lady , " who vows vengeance again&i the Poor Law system , and those who have now learned the uses to which it is to be put » and who but muit arrive at the conclusion that property ha ? traced war upon poverty ; and who but must adznn , that we were right nearly six years ago , whtn writing upon this very subject , we divided the ciiiafct , wi ' . houi reference to political creed , into J Ji > ch Oppressors and Poor Oppressed . ?*'

      Mr . ( Joebett , when opposing the biarvation Act told ib = Maiiimsians of that day , that , when brought into l \ v . \ operation , it would shake their titles to lh « r e-iiies ; and that the people would never tame ' j submit to such an infringement upon their infc . ; . irea : lights . He wa ? a true prophet upon more ocea ?"; -jiis than that ; and m the document now before us we rt-c-j ^ nize " ibe begicniog of the end . " We sec ihe coining of that time , ewhen disinherited poverty will demand from the holders of national proptrij . the title by which it has been applied to their sole u ? e , behoof , and benefit .

      Perhaps the day of r ckoning may have been postpouec Lj a mure cunning management j butassuredly a more unfortunate season than the present for the assumption of such extravagant power could not have been selected , wben tbb Minister is assailed not by one , or two , but by every interest in the country . And although that class whose rights are thus insolently aad audaciously invaded may be despised as affording no parliamentary strength , yet if there is

      truth in the assertion that "huugeT will break through sione walls , " it may be equally true that tbe power of the unrepresented may break through the forms of Somerset House . What we feai is , that this recent tyranny will strengthen the hands of * Rebecca " and those who contend for the redress of sectional grievances ; and in truth we can scarcely blame * n insulted nnvrilling pauper from taking the shortest possible cut to relief .

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      Union ; while Mt-O'Connell has very pointedly hinted at the assistance that Ireland would be likely to receive from France in the event of the English Minister having recourse to force . Every man possessed of common sense , however , must be aware that to any compact between France and Ireland , the ocenpant of the tottering throne of the former country would be no party ; therefore , French sympathy does not mean the sympathy of Louis Philiippe , who , in the success of the Repeal agitation would ^ ee the downfall of French despotism . May it not , then , be very reasonably supposed , that with all the professions of Irish loyalty , added to professions of French sympathy , that the

      Monarchs of both countries , through the advice of their ministers , are designed to meet and combine for the purpose of opposing democratic intrusion by royal combination ! If , as we learn , the English Cabinet is opposed to the marriage of the Spanish Quces with the son of the French King ; and if that project is , as we understand , nearer to the heart of Louis Phillippe than any other consideration at the present moment , —always barring the transition of France from Monarchy to Republicanism—surely we may be pardoned for wondering that the moment of England ' s rejection of such a scheme should be selected as the time for inviting the English Queen to the shores of France ! while we can well

      understand 'that even the temporary occupation of the throne of Spain would be but poor consolation for the loss of that of France . This Royal meeting is to all intents and purposes but the precursor either to a Conference of Crowned Heads for the protection of Monarchies against the raging desire for Republican institutions , or tho forerunner of an understanding between their two lv Majesties . " The reckless manner in which the French King has furnished the means of creating revolution in Spain and the destruction of every liberal institution by the tyrants whom his money has placed in power , will at once betoken the horror in which the prospect of a Spanish Republic holds him : and we doubt not

      that the iwily monarch will judiciously play Spain against Ireland , and out of British terror at last accomplish his desired object . The present position of France with regard to Spain is not very dissimilar of that of England to Ireland . If Spain proclaims for a Republic , the fottifications of Paris will furnish bat a poor barrier against the national demand for a similar form of Government : aud should the English Mini&ter drive the Irish people to a knowledge of their own power , the infection of popular strength would not be Blow in crossing the Irish Channel . Thus we Eurmise that the present royal visit is likely to terminate in a gambling speculation , with "the safety of thrones" for the stake .

      While monarchs are engaged in gambling for thrones abroad , let us take a review of our ills at home . All must now be awake to the awful inroads made apon the social comforts of the working classes . Perhaps the best picture that can be drawn of the present gamblers in human labour is to represent them in their former character , and in their present position . In the olden times , when a good understanding existed between the master , and some twenty or thirty manual labourers , they played

      for pence , and tho game was fair . If the profits of the masters were comparatively small , it was because an equitable distribution was made of the profits of all : and society was seldom disturbed by any misunderstanding , which the good sense of the interested parties , did not very speedily reconcile , without the interference of the law , the military , the special constables , or tho police . At that time , the small masters were not invested with the double character of employers and justices !

      When machinery was introduced , and as it progressed , they began to gamble for shillings in the first instance , and ihe pennies were put out of play . As new inventions or improvements went on , they began to gamble for pounds , and the shillings were also put out of play . As toon as the accumulated property was able to contend for representation with the landed interest , the gamblers in ponnds were able to achieve an amount of representation , which compelled their Government to appoint them

      to the magistracy of the country ; and thus , armed with the two-edged stvord , the power of capital to reduce wages , and the power of the magistrate to coerce into an acquiescence , they began to gamble for hundreds , and put the pounds out of play ; until at length thoy have not only rendered all the real money in the world incapable of representing their stakes , but have g one to tbe extent of gambling for the produce of foreign sta tes ; Great Britain and Ireland being too narrow a field for gambling speculations .

      We believe it was ; during the vice-regency of Lord Towxshekd , in Ireland , that the demands of patronage by the Hutchinsons and Bekesfords became so extravagant that the Viceroy , upon one occasion , observed— "I do believe that if the Hutchinsons and Beresfobds got a gift of England and Ireland , they would want the Isle of Man for a potatogarden . " So it is precisely with oar manufacturers . They have gambled for all at home . They have cheated until they have won all . They have placed it out of play by a non-consuming producing power > and now they ask for some higher stakes to represent their power of cheap production .

      It may not be unimportant to shew tbo immediate effect that this progressive system of gambling is likely to have upon the parties engaged . Let us group them , and mark their progress . Suppose that a number of persons sit down at a gambling-table , to play for penny stakes . As long as the play is confined to those stakes , the penny will represent something , and have its value in the market . If the play is changed to shilling stakes , the penuies are put out of play and out of the market ; and he will be considered impertinent who offers to pay a shilling in pennies . The sbillinK then becomes valuable

      as it represents the slake played for . If , however the gambling increases to pound stakes , the shillings are put out of play , and cut of the market ' , and the man who attempts to stake twenty shillings would be laughed at . As the blood warms , and the desire to speculate increases , the stakes increase with it . uutil at length they arrive at hundred pound stakes , when pounds are put out of play : and it not unfrequeistly occurs that tbe hundreds are put out of play by bonds , bills , I . O . U ' s ., Post Obits , and mortgages , rendering what may be considered real money but an inadequate representation of the gambling speculation . Observe , then , the effect which those altered

      stakes will produce , as if by magic . As lou » as a penny represents a stake , it was of certain value and four or five pennies would be looked at twice before they would be given , say to a messenger who brought a note . When the stakes increased to a shilling , however , the penuies would bo freely giren in handsful , as they represented nothing , vrhile passing importance would be attached to the shilling . And this again , when put out of play , would be as freely given as tbe pennies were ; and so on : each increase ef the stakes rendering comparatively valueless those smaller amounts which were previously played for .

      Now such precisely is the position of our present speculators in human labour . They have got more artificial power than would supply the world with produce ; and in the wildness of speculation , they have lost all thought of the land at home , so inadequate to represent the stakes they play for . If the system be not checked , no power on earth can much longer suppress that popular fury which , though long pent up , will in its rage destroy the whole system , leaving no trace of what is called England's greatness . Machinery has put maaual labour out of play and rendered it comparatively valueless in the gambling market .

      We have now drawn a picture of the stakes for which Monarchs and capitalists play . But notwithstanding the power of both , the people ( without King , Queen , or knave ) have the whole game in their hands , provided they play their cards with judgment . The position of Mr . O'Connkll is one of awful responsibility j—one which if supported

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      may result in great and mighty changes j-one from which should he be driven by a combination of crowned : heads and knaves , will lead to the temporary prostration of the democratic cause ; and is one therefore which every friend of liberty should strengthen by all the means in his power . No man can doubt for a single moment that the feeling created by him is strongly in favour of demooraoy , whatever his viow may be ; while all must come to the conclusion that those aspirations so universally raised by one man can never be checked by the individual power which called them into existence

      The working olasses . haye lost much by the consideration of who shall do , rather than what shall be done ; while their constant shout has been measures not men . " We trust , ' however , that in the nineteenth osntury the publio mind is top far advanced to care whether O'Connbll or the Chartists shall lead in t \ e road of democracy . We feel convinced that the people are being conspired against by their enemies ; while we feel equally asbured that even had Mr . O'Conneil joined in that conspiracy , the means that he has taken will have the direct tendency of

      frustrating the machinations of the people's enemies . If repose is necessary , after his gigantic exertions during the summer , God forbid that we should take advantage of that repose , to gratify any personal animosities . More has been done in Ireland within the last three months to [ advance the democratic cause than ever was done before ; aud in the full reliance that it will eventuate in benefit to the whole people , we say to Mr . O'CoNNELi ,: " Go ; take r . est ; make no compromise ; return to the struggle when you are refreshed ; and fear nothing so long as your motto is : " Ikelan& for the Irish .

      Rep eal , an © NO SURRENDER ! " Do this and England ' s Charter will not long lag behind Repeal

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      MR . O'CONNELL AND HIS NEW CHARTER . We have received many communications upon the subject of Mr . O'Connell's backward move with respect to the Suffrage , substituting " wife" tenure , for "land" or "houBe" tenure , and Household Suffrage as an improvement upon either " manhood " or Universal Suffrage ; but we shall abstain ( fa strict accordance with that policy which we have deemed it right to observe since the commencement of the Repeal agitation ) from a single comment upon the subject calculated to furnish any argument

      that the Liberator may use as proof of " Saxon " hostility to Ireland . We may observe , in passing , that he has paid his own countrymen , so well prepared for ; the full enjoyment of their rights , but a torry compliment , by acknowledging their unfitness in 1843 , for that description of franchise which in 1836 he drew up as the only standard with which Englishmen should rest satisfied !! We have nertr made odious distinctions between the " Saxon" and tho " Celt ; " and we trust , therefore , that the

      different franchise proposed by Mr . O'Connell for the " Saxon" and the " Celt" will not be hereafter urged by him as proof of English indifference towards the Irish people . ' We have laughed at much that we have not thought it prudent just now to comment upon ; but our anxious correspondents may rest assured that no false step of ours shall furnish Mr . O'Connell with any , the slightest , pretext for marring , obstructing , or retarding the Repeal Movement .

      We attach importance to the success of the undertaking from a conviction of its universal , rather than ita local effects ; and therefore we abstain from grappling i sectionally with tho great question of national independence . Our readers may rest satisfied either that the democratic principle must receive an astounding impetus from the accomplishment of Mr . O'Coninell's praise-worthy undertaking , or the Chartist cause must receive an increased strength from any apparent shrinking upon his part . In either case the Chartist body will find that our

      policy has beeu directed to the furtherance of their cause ; and that nothing could more tend to the injury of our party , than furnishing ; Mr . O'Connell with a justifiable pretext for abandoning the Repeal agitation , in consequence of the opposition of the English Chartists , as evinced in the spleen of their only organ . We are quite awake , aud not unobservant of passing events . We fully understand the value of Union , the extent to which it exists in

      Ireland , and tbe reward to which it entitles the Irish people . They have not yet said , nor has Mr . O'CoN . vfxi . said , that they will bo satisfied with less than a Repeal of the Union ; and until we see something more than symptoms of defection , we shall abstain from creating any useless alarm , which would only tend to the frustration of thit object that we have as much at heart as either Mr . O'Connell or Dr . Me . Ha i . e .

      Fliendsat Tnis Distance Irom To The People.

      fliENDSAt tnis distance irom TO THE PEOPLE .

      oty veab jt , — Leeda—the post taking so long to travel—aud lecturing every evening somewhere , and on Sundays two or three times ; besides travelling , and tho time occupied with receiving friend ? , who crowd round me by scores in every place , anxious to " hae a crack wi me " , this being my first visit to Scotland—I find it dirficuU , and , in fact , impossible to devote so much time to writing as I could wish . I shall , D . V ., be in England again soon , and ( hen may be able to "hold counsel" with you more largely , because more leisurely , upon the great subjects which interest us al ) .

      I had a very large meeting of Repealers and Chartists last night to hear from me an exposition of my views upon the present aspect of the Repeal and Charter movements . I spoke at great lengthgreat length for me at least—nearly two hours—shtid never had I a warmer , more heartily approving , and more enthusiastic audience . After the lecture an attempt was made by soma of our friends to test the value of the Repealers ' plaudits during the lecture and at the close of it , by proposing a resolution , pledging them to the practical embodiment of its leading recommendation by joining' with the Chartists hand in hand for tho obtaining of the people ' s liberties—the Charter and Repeal . This , however , the Repealers would not do .

      A priest who was present was their chief spokesman . Ho paid some high compliments to my lecture , but said that the Repealers did nothing on their own judgment—they surrendered their judgments entirely to Mr . O'Connell ' s prudence , and they must have his consent before they could take one step ia the matter : whiile at the same time he and another gentleman who spoke , a Doctor , I ; think , both admitted tho value of Chartist co-operation , and expressed themselves individually anxious to give and to receive all possible aid in the struggle going on between tbe Repealers on the one hand , and the Chartists on the other hand , against the common enemy of man and liberty .

      I may hereafter have much to say to you upon the lessen to be learned from this meeting ; but I desist now , because , though I am now writing in Glasgow on Tuesday noon , this will not be received at the Star Office until Thursday morning , when a long letter might not find admission . My last was posted on Monday and was yet too late for that part of tho paper in which it seems to have been intended that it should appear . I regret that it was not inserted ; but as the same subject was taken up by my old friend , at much greater length , I can only now commend the whole matter of Organization again most earnestly to your attention , and express my ardent hope that good may come out of . the consideration of it by your 'delegates .

      I have now lying by me an extract from the Times newspaper , from which I shall hereafter shew you more and perhaps better arguments for Organization than any other yet shewn you . I am just now off to Kilmarnock , where I have to spout " to-night . " To-morrow night I hold forth at Edinburgh , on Thursday night at Leitb , and on Sunday , sometime , I hope agaiu to greet my friends at Hull . Meantime I am as I have ever been , Your faithful friend and servant , William Hill .

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      NORTH SHIELDS JCOURT—Tuesday , Aug . 29 . K 0 ODIE AGAIflST JOHN AKD GEOEGE CARB , PROPRIETORS OF SEGHXiL COLLIERY . Mr . Roberts , of Bath , appeared on behalf of Vtoodie . The sitting ' magistrates were John Fen wick , Esq ., J . H . Fryer , Esq ., and J . Sidney , Esq . On Moodie being called and sworn , Mr . Roberts rose ; and , addressing the Magistrates , stated ho was requested by the complainant to slate the case . Magistrate Fenwiok— 'Are you an attorney ? Mr . Roberts—I ami I may just state that I am " Roberts , of Bath ; " and have como 300 miles , for the purpose of stating tho case ; and in order that you may give it your jmosfc serious consideration , I beg to inform you that on your decision rests the fate of 130 cases of the same nature . Magistrate—That matters nothing ; in our decision we shall be strictly guided , by the evidence adduced .

      An Attorney ( whose name we did not learn ) here rose on behalf of Carr and Co ., and referred to a clause in the bond agreed to by both parties , in which it is stated that ! if any dispute arise between the men and their masters , such dispute shall be decided by two viewers ; and , in cases where they could not come to a decision , they should elect a third , whoae decision should be final . Mr . Roberts—The men bave a strong suspicion that they cannot get 'justice from such decisions ^

      They suspect the honesty of viewers ; and I believe I may say of viewers what Horn Tooke said of a special jury : — " It is like giving me a dozen of rotten oranges out of which to select a sound one . " The magistrates are looked up to as the natural protectors of the poor ; and on their decision depends the amount of justice administered to those who look to them for protection in the present state of society . If that gentleman holds to viewers , I cannot agree with it . Themen are not satisfied with the decisions of viewers . j

      Messrs . Cart ' s , attorney—I will agree that tho men shall have the appointing of one of the referees and the masters tbe appointing of the other ; and if the two elected cannot come to a decision . They shall appoint a third as umpire and his decision to be binding- ! Magistrate—That proposition is perfectly free for the masters and free for the men . It is a just wap of settling a difference ' of opinion . Mr . Roberts—The men say it is not a difference of opinion ; it is a fraud . \ Messrs . Cur ' s attorney—My clients agree to two indifferent persons . ' from the to

      Mr . Roberts asked l ^ ave Bench retire for ten minutes , for the purpose of consulting with the men . This was granted . On returning he said he had laid the proposition of the gentleman before tbe men , and he found they had a strong leaning for a magisterial decision ; but would agree that the case should stand over till that day fortnight ; and if not then mutually agreed on , it should again be brought before that court . Messrs . Carr ' s attorney ; did not agree to Mr . Roberts ' s proposition . \ Magistrate Sidney—We have no power to decide in the case . The parties have agreed by bond that all disputes shall be settled by referees . Mr . Roberts again asked leave to retire for ten minutes , which was granted ; and it was finally arranged that ihe men ehould appoint one refereethe masters the other : the appointed having the power to appoint a third if necessary , whose decision is to be binding on all parties concerned .

      I understand the ground of complaint on tho part of the men to be—that in the measurement of the coals 19 ibs . more have been added to the cwt . This overweight has been practised from the 10 th of April to July the 18 th ; The sum claimed by each man is eleven shillings . —Correspondent .

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      TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERH STAR . Sir , —For some time past I have observed , with much p 3 in , your columnsocoupied with complainta , by and on behalf of tbe incarcerated Political Victi'r . s 9 nd their families . Now this , I mustpositively declare , originates in the gross neglect of the parties resident in the neighbourhood of . the Victims . Had there been one individual who would have exerted himself , be raighfc have done a great deal towards keeping item froai starvation . Dewsbury , for instance , has bad it" "h ^ e of persecution to encounter . I have now befjre me a

      lawyers bill , respecting the defence of Mr . Dj-xhint , at York , to the amount of nearly £ 20 , all of v ? V > c ' j b-s been paid . Then there was the defence of V < " > - »!» Sheldrake and Clissett , at York . We now ( oofc after their families , and support them , allossrv ; tk

      starve if we had not exerted ourselves . When th 3 !? ss strike bad ended , our Organization was broken up and a few have done the work . We got men with pvhEcriptiona books , who went about their own local ! tv , and got weekly subscriptions of a penny , or more , as it could be afforded ; and by these means we are en&bled to afford relief to our imprisoned brethren , an \ Jfep them from the fangs Of Pickersgill Had n'l plar s bestired themseles , and looked after their Vtcf ^ . o , as they ou ^ ht to have done , instead of being apathetic , the complaint of the Victims would notjaave been so eoipral . My good friends , be up and doing ; in the good can ° e , and let not your incarcerated friends , and their families , fall victims to starvation . I remain yours , in the good cv . -se . James Fox Secretary to the Dewsbury Victim Fund .

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      BOLTON . —Loyal Ohdeb of Ancient Shep > Hr . RDS . —The Loyal Lamb Lodge of the above Order , No . 341 , held their first anniversary on Saturday , Aug . 26 th , at the house of host Basendale , when upwards of 130 sat down to a good substantial dinner . After the cloth was removed , the young men and maidens enjoyed themselves with dancing and singing , which was kept up with great spirit , till time announced that the Sabbath was fast approaching . Thurso , Aug . 19 . —The Margeret , M'Leod , ofand from Inverness , sprung a leak 15 th instant , went ashore in entering tho harbour , aud has becomo a wreck ; cargo saved , and hull sold .

      Coroner ' s Inquest . —On Monday , an inquest was held &t the Queen ' s Arms' Inn , Bradford , oa the body of a young man of the name of Disor , who was drowned , on Saturday , in the Bowling Fish Pond . It appeared in evidence that the deceased , who was nineteen years of age , vrect , in company with two other lads , one aged eleven , the other twelve , to bathe ; the younger lad could swim . Deceased , after being a short time in the water sunk . The > boy VJho wns in the water with him , immediately swam to the place , and saw deceased at the bottom , struggling ; but , through fear , durst not go near him . Both boys ran for assistance . Shortly afterwards , hundreds of persons were on the spot ; but upwards of an how * elapsed before the body was got out of the water Medical aid was useless , as life was extinct . The jury returned a verdict accordingly .

      The " Duel" Mpbdeb ;—At the Central Crimiar Court the parties in the late fatal duel were called on to surrender and take their trial . Mr . Cuddy the second of Colonel Faweett appeared , as did Mr . Gulliver , the surgeon ; with respect to the latter gentleman a 7 iolle prosequi was entered , and he was discharged . Mr . Cuddy was then put on his trial , and after a prolonged investigation , the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty , and he was immediately released . v ivf-.-s ;'

      -The Travpebs TsBasped . —A servant of an cfR . cer , quartered at Chatham , was walking out the other evening , when he met two persons apparently countrymen . They spoke and asked him why he remained a soldier , and did not desert , and so forth ; and it ended by the fellows offering him £ 1 for his clothes , saying they would give him others . Tho servant acquiesced at the same time resolving to giva them up to justice . Ho mentioned that he wished to return his master ' s dog that he had with him , and told them to remain in a certain spot at Rochester . He iaform d his master of what had occurred , who sent a sergeant and four men , in plain clothe ? , to seize them , when they were immediately recognized as being a sergeant and private of some Depot quartered there . They are awaiting their trial : Their object was to secure their victim , give him up as a deserter , aud get the reward .

      Ludicrous Cibcumstancb . —Oa Sunday evening much excitement was occasioned in the High-street , Kensington , by loud cries being suddenly heard proceeding from the interior of Kensington old church . A large crowd immediately surrounded tbe railing of the churchyard , the gates of which were locked * divine service having been concluded aboue half aa hour . At that juncture police constable Swain , T 176 , who had heard the cries in the station-house in Church-court , arrived with a key of the gate ^ and on entering the churchyard , followed by the

      crowd , the head of a girl was perceived out of one of the gallery windows . jwho loudly supplicated to be released from the ( to her ) terrible situation she was in . The policeman immediately sent for a lantern and the keys of the church , which were speedily brought , and on proceeding up the gallery stafra they found tbe alarmist , who was in a dreadful state of fear , to be oae of the children of the parochial charity-school , about eleven years of age , who having gone into one of the pews , had fallen asleep , and did not awake uutil after the whole of the congregation had left , and the church was locked up .

      Fatal Coal-pit Accident , at Swinton . —Oa Saturday morning last , a fatal accident occurred ia what is called a ladder pit , in Moss Lane , Swinton , belonging to the trustees of the late Duke of Bridgewater . ' 1 his pit is an old one , and till flooded a month back , it was used for the colliers to go to their work by . It is about a hundred yardB deep , and the descent is made by a series of ladders , each about eight yards long , and a landing place at the foot of each ladder . It seems that three boys , named Robert Lansdale , Robert Worsley , and James Thorp , of the ages of ten , eleven , and twelve years , were amusing themselves by going dowa the top ladder , and when they had descended about four yards , being overpowered by the "black damp " ( carbonic acid gas ) , they all fell down to the first

      landing place , about eignt yards from the surface . Fortunately , it waa strong enough to support them , otherwise all must have fallen to a depth from which they could not have been recovered . Another lad , named Thoma 3 Knight , who was near the surface , on hearing his companions fall , immediately called to a man named Feter Richardson , who was passing by , and told him what had happened . Richardson ran to the assistance of the boys ; but in descending the ladder , the deleterious gas overcame him , and he likewise fell down- Thomas Worsley , the father of one of the boys , then came up , and m like manner fell to the landing , overpowered by the noxiou 3 IK" " ' A" 1 alarm was then given by a man named William Charlton , to some men in a brickcroft ia m acjounng field , and one of them , named Jesse Holland , having had one end of a tied round */

      rope .- — — - « v-v tii ; u 1 VUUU ! h n WaIf \™ nAured *? deficend tbe ladder ; but , 'hen about halfway down , he fell , and was pulled p by the rope . He soon recovered from the effects ij- ^ L * ' £ D he * hen direoted that some water wild be thrown down the aperture . This being nmediately done , he agaiu descended with a rope » undbjm , and an extra rope , which he fastened to bonus Woraley ( the father of one of the boys ) , nd , Iiolland making the signal , they were both rawn up . Again Holland descended , and was a iird time drawn up , together with Robert Worsley . l man named Wm . Ormrod next went down with eter Biohardson . Then a man named Wm . Arden escended tu the same way , and was drawn up with ames Thorp . Arden again descended , and was ulled up together with Robert Lansdale , who was ie arsfc boy that fell down , and was brought ont

      ist . Mr . Hilton , surgeon of Swinton , was by this me m attendance ; and , as the sufferers wera roaght out , all in a state of insensibility , and several i them to all appearance dead , he applied such smedies as were available , with great assiduity and erseverance , and at length had the satisfaction of jeing all but one restored . The boy Thorp , aged ivelve years , was past recovery ; and Peter Liohardson was upwards of two hours before sensiility was restored . It is supposed that the cause of 'horp's death Was , that Richardson , in descending , ill upon him ; and , lying over hi 3 body , deprived im of the benefit of the partial purification of the ir , caused , by the throwing down of the water , liohardson bimself had suffered more than any other f the survivors , probabiy from the same cause ; An iquest was held before Mr . Ratter , ou Monday , on ie body of the poor lad , aud a verdici ot" Accidenll death" was returned .

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      THOMAS DUNCOMBfi , ESQ . We understand that the good men of Manchester have it in contemplation to invite Thos . Doncombe , Esq . to a publio entry to their town , to have an opportunity of testifying the high estimation in which they hold their almost only parliamentary friend . The time will be about the beginning of October . Should such be their intention , we have no doubt 'bat the demonstration will surpass anything heretofore witnessed , even in Manchester .

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      EXTENSIVE SEIZURE ] OF " POCKET PISTOLS " IN IRELAND . On the morning of Tuesday Jiwt a gentleman of this neighbourhood gave private intelligence to one of our vigilant plot-huBtiDg police—Head Constable Cox—to tbe effect that Mr . Butterly , a respectable grocer and spirit dealer , residiog in Shop-street , had that morning rec Jived from England a large contraband consignment of pistols and other implements tot the express purpose of arming the Repealers ; and , more awfully ominous and audacious , they were branded as if in utter defiance and contempt of Lord Eliot ' s Arms' Bill , with the dreadful word j" Repeal ' ¦ " Here was an opening for an active man . | A badge of merit , the first

      vacancy in the list of sub-inspectors , and a letter of tbauks from the valorous ; De Grey danced merrily before the mind ' s eye of the Head Constable . There could be no mistake in the matter . The information came from a gentleman—one of the right sort—a Conservative every inch of him ; and like Napoleon on tbe eventful morning of Waterloo , the incipient subinspector bad but to stretch forth his arm and annihilate the enemy . This seizure made—Repeal must be blown . Imagine then the worthy functionary poising his portly person , of six feet in circumference , upon the Tholsel steps ; his chest dilated to a racst awful magnitude with the mighty importance of the duty he was about to perform ; his keen grey eye rapidly revolving as he proceeds alone . There is no time to

      procure assistance . Numbers might create alarm and defeat the object ; and besides tbe whole glory must rest upon his own ample i shoulders . Just see him moving down Shop-street ; with majestic step . He reaches the shop of the doomed " arms importer . " Gentle reader , bave you ev ^ r seen the final operatorthe finisher of tbe law , commonly called the hangman , while about adjusting the ] fatal noose ; with what extreme politeness , what blandness of voice , he urges the victim about to be operated on to move on one atep farther—just a little step or so— 'till he gets him on the trap 1 No you have ! not ; or , if you have , the occurrence has for years bt-ein eo rare that you forget j but let it suffice that you arelnow assured Head Constables can be excessively politeiwLen they are about to nab

      a man . " Good morning , Mr . Butterly ; could I speak a ' word to you in private ?—ah ! I have information that 1 you havo got a large number of pistols into your house tbis morning ? " " Oh yes , " { replied Mr . B ., somewhat relieved , " stay , I'll shove you a pistol " "Ob no , sir , you have got a chest or large case full of pistols ; my information is precise , I want to see them—to see tbu case . " Resistance was out of tbe question . The grocer was caught . He led the way to his store-room . There , was the package—shipping marks all on . The straw was removed—and sure enough , a most splendid ; array of small arms was there ! The constable ' s hand was upon them ! But " tear-an-agera , constable dear , j don't break tbe delph ! " l'herie they were- ^ -aa many pistols as would appropriately fit up the arms' room of the

      Riiadamanthas on her ue $ t expedition , a « formed otd of the most beautiful crockery ware ! Most creditable to the ingenuity of the Stoffijidshire pottery men—the shape was perfect—lock , 4 tock , and barrel , of genuine brown delph , and each caipable of holding full haif-apittof the real " mountain dew . " There they wore , veritable crockery-ware " pocket-pfstols '' made for the convenience of gentlemen anglers and others who when out cf town love to a taste of something to keep the chill out . Could it be possible 7 There might be a mystery below . Deeper search however only brought to light certain other crockery implements , which , taken individually , rhyme with " Coe , " and which we fear will long strike the mind when the word Coe is pronounced . All was over . The seizure was abandoned .

      Fame , dignity , and reward vanished before the rattling of the delph . iThe vigilant officer descended vety quietly . The inflation was gone . He gained the door , when melancholy to relate , at a little distance stood his respectable informant , the thumb of his sinister hand resting waggishly on the tip of his nasal organ , while the thumb of biB dexter hand slightly touched the digits which were spread in fan form Jfor an instant before the horrified guzi of the disappointed functionary The merry informant loves his practical joke ; and be had it And poor Eliot ! the crockery men of Staffordshire turn your arms'bill into ridicule , while your Conservative friends feel delight in hoaxing your spies . We trust their plot-hnnting propensities may mvet Bid better groundB than io this case ,. -- Drogheaa A rgus .

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      CMTHEROB . —A public j meeting waa holden here , on August 29 sh , to elect ' a representative to the forthcoming Conference . Mr , Heaton moved , and Mr . Barker seconded , " Mr . Richard Marsden as a nt and proper person to represent them in the Birmingham Conference , for the : re-organization of the Chartist awTement . " Carried unanimously .

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      ZiQNGTON ( SrAFFOROSHtRE Potteries ) . —The Directors of tho Working Man ' s Hall and Scientific and Political Institute , whioh is intended to bo erected as soou as possible , desire all parsons holding cards for the collection of funds to exert them > alv . ^ and bring in their cards on Sunday night , tho 2 'id insfc ., to the committee , at the House of Mr . V . ' . a . Nicholson , Church-street , where shares rua > be taken , and every information , together wius the rules , may be had . The Chartists of tho Pou ries are also respectfully informed that a delega : ^ to tho Conference will be ohosen on Monday ovr-iing , at six o ' clock : the place will be anneui ; c < -i by placard in due time , when we hope that tii . i * aU will attend .

      LONG BuCKIiEY . ~ At a meeting of the Chartists of this locality it was resolved , that no p' * son be entitled to any assistance from the Victim Fund , who cannot prove , by his card of membership , to be clearly identified with the Chartist cause .

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      South Shields . —The working people of this once prosperous town are at present in a most miserable condition . The staple trade of the borough is shipbuilding ; and the dull state of trade in general has completely paralyzed this branch of British industry . There are several excellent new vessels , adapted for the coal and other kinds of trade , that have been on sale for years , and are ; as yet unsold , and likely to continue so . The shipwrights , who used formerly

      to earn from 25 i . to 30 s . per week , ara parading the streets , talking over their miserable condition . A few of their numW ate employed by the parish at Is . per day . Crime is rapidly on the increase ; and the corners of the streets are constantly placarded with bills offering rewards for the apprehension of offenders . In most cases it is sheep-stealing and potato-lifting . The Messrs . Cooksons are about to close their extensive alkali works , employing 700 men . These , and their dependents , will then be thrown upon their respective parishes ; and this town will lose the circulation of somewhere about £ 600 weekly . The middle classes are all on tbe move .

      Public meetings have been held at the Cross , and on MessrB . Cookson ' s premises , convened by these parties . Speeches have been made , shewing the deplorable condition of the working classes , and begging Mesbrs . Cooksons to continue their factory . This is glorious ! Heavy shop ^ rent s , small profits , and increasing poor-rates , are excellent " arguments . " Shipwrights , joiners , blacksmiths , and chain-makers , are nearly all out of employment . The Poor-house is already filled , and the Poor Law Guardians are all in fidgets . A few more j works closed , and we shall soon have but two cla ? ses ^—the very rich and tho very poor . Then for a melee !

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      WHAT'S IN THE WIND \ WHY DOES OUR QUEEK GO TO SEE THE FRENCH KING ! Tvs Sessh -w has tiosed > and tbe next busines 3 of our showmen is to P ^ de amusement for our Queen . It appt v > that two young Princes of the House of Bourbon h ™* at tbe re < * ue 3 t <* . the * august Site , the EV * *• Barricades , dehvered ! an invitation to the & *** * o honour his Majesty with a visit ; for what parpo ^ « * not for BS t 0 inquire , although we xnaj' * pardonedfor a gnesB . The Royal ministers ^ speech , spoken at the clofie of tbe St . James's season , d . *» largely m denunciation of the present agitation for a Btpeal of the

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      NORTHERN STAR 5 — - — _ " ¦ ' , . ^_^__ ¦ - * m .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 2, 1843, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct666/page/5/