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Northern Star (1837-1852), 28th October 1843, Edition 3 of 4, Page 4, Untitled Article

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    • THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1843.
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      Untitled Article

      NEWCASTLE . ' -GLORIOUS PEffONSTRAUON AT SHEDDOS'S f On Saturday , the Slit " in ^ wiL the . largest meeting Hi&t h * alx 5 £ ib . eki Jn ' tfaa . jST ^ B ^ f ' g Snji ^ Kl for jorae ywia ^ TSMbea , ' ^ A 8 "it » Td plaol ; -tLI \ wa * iam » $ ed fia t the woVkjiag men ; on Jfce : 2 fw £ mm ^ begaaa * kle abpald assemble in '" the Forth at-ten- o ' clock Jn the inbruing , an ^ i | to ~ in-procession from thesee 16 the place of rneetmft ^ piwe ^ by iha following gentlemen in acoach ar&wri by ioht grey horsea : —T . & 3 > imeombe , Eeo . .. M J » ^ re » gU 3 O'Ckmnor , Esq ., and W . P . Roberts , Esq .- the friends of the people . Seon after five o ' clock , large processions of the oppressed sons of toll , with the banners of their respectiTe callings &t their be&d , with various ap-pfbpTSrte mottoes , " sad in nuuay instances preceded by excellent lands of mmdc , xoi ^ it be seen-wending their way-to theratherihg , - .

      The morning vas Tery unfavour&bte to raca ft ekplay , it raining constantly from before eight o ' clock until after eleven ; and it was doubtful about nine o ' clock whether it would be advisable to hold an outdoor meeting , or not , on account of the rain . About tea o ' clock the men were becoming impatient to proceed to the place of meeting ; and Iming formed themselves into line , proceeded along CoWngwood and Moaleystreeta , down : Xtean-Btreet-Bide , and across the Bridge towaidB Sheriff-bill , vrbere they -wet * to W joined by the men of tht Wear and tos Tees , and the rest of the county of . Durham . A person who had obaerred Jhem crossing the Tyne Brid £ o tells us that he marked the time they took , and that in dose column , at a quickiah pace , they took three quartets of as hoar in crossing the Bridge , - . f ? 0 ? fi 18 * to last , in close succession . :. ' ~' - LT ^

      • " A >< ont eleven tfclock , T . S . Tnuwombex' ^< q ^ ri ^ . i 5 . 0 'ConEor , Esq ., and W , P . Boberts ^ Esq ., id scar- " riage - drawn by four grey boraes , drove at ' a brisk pace towards " the Bl&ckTdl , and overtook five latter part of file procession a little beyond gheriff-bill , and ha-ving Blackened tneir pace , drove in the rear of the procession to the place of meeting . They were hailed at several clusters of houses by the road side , T > y the wires , daughters , and sweethearts of the working men , apparently assembled for this purpose , with enraptured cheers , and " may God bless the poor * r sb '» friends . " The numbers on Sheddon ' s bill were beyond on most to ^ Ttgn ^ expedaSaoiis . We thought the numbers 4 hat passed through Newcastle was great ; but we had not seen one-third until we approached the place of mee&sg . We hare heard the number estimated at . sixty or eighty thousand . It cleared up by -twelve o ' clock , and was a beautiful afternoon .

      . As the carriage approached the place of meeting , the jnraf . dcslenhig cheers emanated from the assembled thoggyr . /^ Saving drove up to within a few yards of - the hustings , the gentlemen alighted and walked to . the bastings , ' where the Executive of the Miners' Asso nation were ready to receive them . The cheering continued from the time of their alighting from the carriage Ectil they were safely landed on the hustings ; when it subsided . * Mr . John Tulip was unanimously elected to the chair . The Chairman briefly opened the proceeding * by exjpressmg a hope that each speaker "wonld get a candid hearing , whether far . or against such subjects as might J » discussed by the meeting . Mi . T . then called upon Mr . Harare !! , who would move the first resolution .

      Mr . HasweB rose and said , he would not occupy any mere of their time *>>« " read the resolution , as there wsrs several gentlemen present whom they would be anxious to hear . Mr . Walklnsbaw seconded the motion . The resolution was to the following effect , and was agreed to unanimously : — That , in the opinion of this meeting , it is the duty , ss Well as the Interest of this Association , to adhere strictly to the restriction question , as it is essentially necessary to out very existence as a society to keep all onrjnembeis equally employed . *

      Hz . Bssslay wrt «* an exeetleni speech in support of fee resolution , and showed that the reason that lawyers , bishops , kings , it , had such good wages was not Hie quantity of work they perform , t » ut because they have a restriction upon their number , whick affords them better wages ; whereas if they were as plentafnl as Miner * , and no better protected by law , tfcey would be equally as badly ofil The restriction -question enables them , to live sumptuously eTery day ^ sad the more you restrict yourselves , the more you will be respected , and the better will your condition in 2 iffl . be . „ ~ Mr . Ghartfcori moved the second resolution , which W * s aa follows : —

      , »» That a pettaen be presented to Parliament , praying for a repeal of the export duty open coaL " ' Mr . B . ^ Watson , In a reiy energetic address , in "whidi he reverted to the handle which the masters ¦ would make of the export duty , at the next binding , if it was not removed befere then , he begged to second the zesolu&m . - Mr . Simpson f elt dissatisfied at the resolution , and moved as an amendment : — " That if this meeting lecogiUBe pstSfcoiuBg Parliament , the first thing they should petition , for would be a' elaoBe to give due protection to the labouring man . " _ Tb « amendment was aeeonded by one of the meeting ^ td » e name did not transpire . in of

      - W . P . Roberta , Eaq ^ spoke support the resolution , and na -upon rising greeted with most en-Jfioaiartic cheering . -She resolution was carried by a large majority . . Mr . Mitchell was called upon to move the third re-Mim&m : — ^ That in the opinion of fM » meeting a more safe and fflM"i * system of ventilation ought to be established bj jinking a greater number of shafts , and those shifts to be more equally placed ; and that we petition Parliament to obtain that object " Toe resolution was briefly seconded by MtXiyesey , and alOy supported fay

      Mr . O'Connor , who reviewed the whole of the resolutions , andeangratulated the Miners on the business like manner in whico . they did their work . He -was feappy to sae them assembled in their tens of thousands that day ; and was extremely happy that one cut fif the 658 has beard their discussions and was prepared toUytbeireasenot only before the House , but at the loot of the throne , if it would do them any good . He fully concurred with the whole- of their proceeding that day , and eulogised the conduct of Mr . Sonpsonj in

      bringing forward his amendment . It showed that the Pitmtn would not be led by the nose ; that they were capable of judging for themselves , and determined to ¦ fise it Be wa » sorry that there should be an occasion for such a resolution as the case now before the meeting —that they should 1 » necessitated to petition for the light cf heaven * and liberty to breathe the air of the nr > fizament Bot he wonld stand by the Piuaen , because he believed they were on the right road . Jir . O'Connor concluded his eloqutnt speech amidst the thundering applause of the whole meeting . The resolution was earned unssbsoxcsly .

      Fourth . " That the present machines for weighing oeaJs are faulty , and weigh very much on » of truth ; we therefore resolve to petition PaiiiEmest to pass a measure compelling master Colliers to have machines on the beam and scale principle . " Carried unanimously . Mr . Beealey , in a very neat speech , presented an address from the Miners of 2 f orfcfaumberland and Durham to Mr . Buncombe . On receiving ¦ which Mr . BnneombeToseand was greeted with thunders of applause , waving of hats and handkerchiefs , which lasted some time . He delivered a lengthy and eloquent address which we regret we have cot room for , and concluded amidst the meat enthusiastic thunders of applause , which lasted for several minnies . The ihaaks of the meeting was voted to T . S . Due . combe , Esq ., MJP . ; to Peargus O'Connor , Esq . ; M W . P . Roberts , Esq . ; and to the Chairman . After which the meeting separated .

      Untitled Article

      LATEST NEWS . —FOREIGN . SrAis .-r-The Etpectador states that the provincial ; regiment of Segovia had prononiiced _ ai Cb&inartin , and that for ^ horsemeD , sent ont from Sisdrid to - « mch the moTcments of tbo xerolter ? , had joined i them . Nobody was allowed to leave Madrid with- i ont beiiy ; provided ynih a pass from the authorities , ^ id " j ao pasports vftre de ^ Teied at ths police for Sara § ossa or Anason . On fee 16 th so change had taken place at Barcelona . The firing eontmntd on both sides . The junta had issued a decree , compelling , " under t > ain of

      dfiath , all persons irom ^ he age of seventeen to axtv ^ o take np anns , Th e insur gents bare plenty of Eoney j they hare coined in ^ old to the amonni of 75 , 000 dollars in one week . The troops of the junta Teeaved daily five reab and three rations of bread ; the offioers also are paid with Tegularity . A letter of the 18 th firom St . J-an Wed de Port says :- — "The last arriTals from Sarsgcs * aconfirm tire seHE of the breaking off of the negotiations and the wsnmp&ai of hostilities . General Ck > ncha seems te have got posesaon of ihe suburbs .

      Spaui . —A TFsrng is annfinnced as having taken > place at S * lamKH 6 &J headed by the medical Students . Ccki has refused to recognise the present usurpinj ; government of Spain . i IlAtT . —A letter fxvai Bslogna of the 15 ih inst ^ states tbJ& fTeeh diBturbances had taken pla ce in that city mod itei seifijlboarhood . In the eveuin ^ of tie Srd ^ -the popnlace came to olowg with the Carb ' meBTS and ^ SwiK . The Swiss having given vfay , - & iroop of Bragoons was izamediateJj seat to the assistance of the Caibineers , and soon restcred " order . " On &b -84 , several mUitsrj posts were aitackodio ibe lo ? rer atj . Smiiar octbreafe -were said toiave oaearxed in other parts of the pTovm )» . ? M atre ^ rol lite patriots eonairaed . ThrprfepB rf kBolo « n » contained seventy political offenders , jmd ^ StfjROMi were defained at Pesaro until Hay could i » e /» felj rmbvedio Jort &n Leo . ^

      Untitled Article

      B ^—Mr- C . * B $ mi ijrn lecifflra at fes . ioomB ttttiteHaSonzl aarffriBBMiaaon Ja llus ^ J , on Siuiday ereaong iKxfc - ; : 71 ' >

      Untitled Article

      LATESl ^ FROM IRELAmMS Theadjo ^ med meeting of the Repeal Association was held on Tuesday in the Conoiliatioa Hall ; - the atkiidanoe . wap ty no means so nnmerons as ob 'fee preceding days . Mr , J . H . Borke , ex-justioe of Ihe peace presided . : i \ - . r ^ ^ --Tho proceedingB were of no particular interest The following is-all thai is worth a notice in : the coarse of O'Connell's jpetch : — 41 It was said that they onght to conciliate certain reformers of EDglandvrith . Joseph Stnree at their

      head ; but their number was small , and not Jikelyjo increase . No one more desired that they might become strong and powerful than he did ; but he confessed that his apprehension on tha subject exceeded his doubts . It was also said that they ought to conciliate the Chartists , but thai he never would consent to until they disavow physical force and abandon the ictolprant principle of preventing others from speaking and thinking" as they pleased , or from seeking any object which they considered legitimate . " ;

      The Liberator " again called for " petitions" ! to be got ready against the meeting of the (*• Saxon" ) Parliament , praying for the " dismissal of Ministers . " He said he would not venture on any . simultaneous meetings , not even ef a comfy . Tinder the present circumstances of irritatioa , ana concluded fcy moving the appointment of a comjnittee to

      The Northern Star Saturday, October 28, 1843.

      THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , OCTOBER 28 , 1843 .

      Untitled Article

      THE LEAGUE AND THE ELECTIONS . A great fuss is made just now , by the League , because they have managed to return Mr . Pattison , a " Liberal ? for the Gty , in room of Alderman Wood , a "Liberal ? deceased . "Their song of triumph" on the occasion is both lond and long : though ordinary folks will be puzzled to see wherein the " triumph" consists , seeing that they have OHly saved themselves from defeat , by the returning of one Liberal" in the room of another !

      It may be , that Mr . Pattisom is looked upon as a more decided n free-trader" ' than old Sir Matthew Wood ; and that therefore the return pi him , is opposition to Mr . Basing , the Government candidate , is a ' * triumph . " But before we can allow it to be a" triumph " , even in that sense , we must have it shewn that Mr . Basing was the representative of , or battled for , the opposite principle : the principle of ? & 0 Ti . « U 0 K . In this character he did not appear . He too , was a * free-trader . " The only difference

      between the two men , Pattison and Baking , was that the one was called a Whig and the other a Conservative : both being opponents of those principles of commercial policy that once made England truly great , because comfortable and happy ; and the abnegation of which has reduced her population to the horrid state in which we now find it , when the workers have to endure Bnch awful misery as to cause them to " wish Almighty God to put an end to their Bufferings before morning . "

      Basins was a mere Whig . Follow him home ; run his principles out ; and he isnothing more than a Whig . He was for "free trade" } though like little Lord John Russell , he had some undefined notions about " finality" ; or applying the principles slozcly , so as not to throw all into disorder and irretrievable confusion . He was in favour of the New Poor Law ; though he might consent to some modification of the more harsh portions of it , when the necessity was proven . Indeed , he was , in very deed and truth , a Whig ; and his defeat by Pattisos , was only the return of one Whig over the head of another Whig , to fill np a vacancy occasioned by the demise of a third Whig . A rare occasion , certainly , for * songs of triumph" !

      The City Election being thus sefctled / pnblifl attention is now turned to the one pending at Kendal . In that Borough , which numbers a constituency of nearly thhbb htodbed asd pipit , a Tacancy has occurred , through the death of a Lkacub man , Mr . Geosoe Willux Wood . The League are therefore on the alert again . We are to have another "triumph , " if the League , succeed in returning another man in the room of the man they have lost ; and thiB we are of course to expect , seeing that the League tell us that they have ' a majority of the three hundred and fifty in their favour 1

      The most notable matter connected with this Kendal election , is the sort cf contest that has -already taken place , in the choice of a League candidate . The claims of not less than six "freetraders " , all panting for a seat , have been preferred ; and among them , the claims of our old friend , Goodt Thompson . Poor Old Colossi . How ae ib tossed from piliii to post ! How he is

      used , and then laughed at ! The Coloitel would give his ears to be able to write M . P . at the tail of his name : and yet , spite of all his endeavours to accomplish it , nobody will have the poor man ! He has cried " xcha wants me" to almost every constituency in England : but all Beem instinctively to shrink from him as from a close connection with a daft old woman , whom all may pity , at a distaste ; and some even seek amusement from her vagaries .

      It really is a hard matter for the poor Colossi , to be so Bsed . Hull wouldn ' t have . him . Manchester said " nay" . When a vacancy was announced for Sheffield , and the Colonel was only talked of , the hitch with Wabd and Parkbb was got over , or accommodated ; so fearful were the Sheffielders or ihe threatened invasion . Since then Goodt has cast a _ eheep's eye at Sunderi&nd ; and when Geobgh

      i Williak Wood was ** gathered to his fathers " , the K'jndal men were implored by all that was good and ' great , to gratify the craving ambition of the hawked-\ about-but-rcjected Colokel . Mother Goose gave i-him a lift . She begged and prayed that he might j not be disappointed this lime ; she gave her guarantee \ for the Colokel ' s goodness , squeezeableness—( of ! which , no doubf , she has had ample

      proof)—I A > T > DO-AS STBISG-ANIHrnsTBIMJ FOB-A-SBAT-ABLK' sess , would the Kendal men hut return him . . Shame on them ! they have refused ! Hia \ claims have been repudiated—get at nought . ] Mother Goose ' s tabdoimg seems , like the ¦| Colonel ' s efforts and merits , to be at a discount . He is quieily passed over with the other four—( to j fame unknown)—and he is doomed ' to drive his pre-! tensions to another market ; whether with any I better success remains to be seen .

      And who havo the "Free Traders" of Kbndal fixed upon , as most congenial to their feelings and desires ? The anatomist Wabbubtok ! Dead Body BiU Wabbdbios ! The Tree Trader" in the dead carcasses of the poor 3 The cutter-up of the friendless and the unprotected ] The dissecling-lavj pro-; eurer , to enable drunken brutal" students" to " hack / 3 and " hew , " and " cut , " and " Blash" tho dead poor , in the workhouses and the prisons ! Amiable candidate 1 more amiable constituency ! * ' Sure such a pair were never seen . "

      A great stir has been made by the League , in the City , about bribery . They have vapoured much about prosecuting for bribery ; and have evtn offered rewards for caaes to bring before the tribunals . They have spent an uncommon amount of virtuous indignation respecting bribing practices . Do the League know why Dcad-bodyBUl WiBBipaoN ia without a seat 1 Do they know anything of Bridporl 1 Do they know why the cchbr-tjp op the poob had bo

      sudj 4 enly to decamp from " tho House" ! Do they want cases to go before the tribunals with ! If so , how is ; it that they have overlooked Wabbdetok and Brid-\ jH > rl ? If their horror of bribery be as pure and as glowing as they pretend , why have they made Wax-> Busies their candidate 1 How io all these things i come to pass ! He is the last man to bring fori ward on the M pnrity of election" prinoiple 1 And , j-talking of bribery , brings to mind that there is , at jpxesent , a petition against the return of Bbight Sobs himself , on the ground of bribery and other corrupt practices . Will the League prosecute John , ! or theirowa agents , should the charges of bribery be -- ' broughiioaje ! Will they offer a retcard to all who 1 can givereridenoe ? Will they seek to vindicate the

      Untitled Article

      ^ 1 ^ aitheyiahew l ^ lpr new-born s * al afc ^* bribery u notsbeer : ? flp& 4 ioa f We should li ^^ peei | Sai try . ' -:.--- ¦ ' : ^^^ : ^ .-,. < -, l ^ ** < aose , ; we » M a ^^ iire ^ ow the £% Qtm jfe . getting ; oh ^^ gl £ || pne spoonies dwngi -Don ^ : they kho ^ p ||^ Se . tQen want tfce "tra ^ f ^ Ji ^ i ey »* f ^ g ^ eIecHons , and each one cost rthem as > a ^^| tiie city one has cost , —¦ maugre all thedei ^^ poiiaTagainst bribery , —they ^ will need J ^^ & ^) J 00 , bp 0 before they have " . . half the " Hoi ^^ Spse who have faith in that sort of , process , > njjhi not to withhold the *

      means ! Pray let them be forthcoming . The Leagne mil ap p ly them J You need not fear that ! Don ?* , then , be backward . Send in the eeat-money . ? oere will a way be found for it all : and when ali \ b again expended , you will have found out the truth and worth , of another portion of ChartiBt policy . It has" cost you £ 50 , 000 to find out that it is useless to again petition the present u House ;" and hopele&s to expect your w measure" at its hinds' u Far-fetched and dear bought is good for ladies ? whether ia petticoats or breeches ! By all means , then , make your future purchases in the same market !

      Now , don ' t let the finders of the League-cash think thai we have been bribed to thus urge upon them their duty . We assure them that it is not so . Our hands are clean ; though we believe that that ia more than many of the Press-gang can say . Our advice to them , to send in their money , is perfectly disinterested . We see a lot of hungry mouths , waiting for the opportunity to swallow a plum . We

      know their owners' propensity for mischief , if the feed be not found . They are capable of making away with all that can come to hand : there are also a lot of good easy simple souls , who have more cash than wit , and who are innocent enough to administer to their necessities . " It would be a pity to dissuade them from their purpose . Let the cash roll in , then , for the sooner the £ 100 , 000 is raised , tho sooner will it be spent !! Good luck attend it 5

      Untitled Article

      pressed to go for nought ! Is thejB jon to be a mockery ! is the promised tb . ot £ ctiqn to be afiction t Is the law to be trodden uttjyrfoot 1 And is the qbeat law bseakeb still to : ^ B |^ ed in the Commission , as LordLietttonantoffClMtyl ¦ - ¦ : - ; : - But to our story . The Miners' Association have Agents Iq different parts of the country , to plead the cause of " Union" amongst ; the working Miners in ail parts ; and to shew them the atiiintages to be derived from a general legal combination to protect Miners' labour from the aggressions and assaults of capital . These agents have been

      of immense service to the community at large independently of their own immediate purposes . They have been the means of dragging to light a vast amount of oppression and tyranny , practised in dark corners and far-away places . Amongst other things , they have exposed the practices of the Duke of Hamilton , the Cabbon Ibon Company , and many individual Coal-owners , who live in the habitual violation of law . Some time ago two of these agents were in the neighbourhood of Airdrie , in Scotland ; in the several localities of which they held meetings of the working Miners . At one place they state : —

      M As they proceeded on their way to a meeting , they were told that the employers were intending to apprehend them . On inquiring who were intending them this piece of kindness , the reply was— ' Mr . Maugle , the manager at White Ridge Colliery . ' They proceeded to the meeting , however , unmolested ; but it may not be amiss to shew why this worthy is an enemy to union . In defiance op the law , he it employing females to a considerahlc extent both at White Rtdge Mines and Rosehall Collieries : both

      belonging to Messrs . Miller and Aidie . These worthies were some time ago summoned before the Magistrates at Airdrie , to answer a charge of em-? la ying females in their pits , contrary to the Act . ' hr Magistrates dismissed the cask on the ground that none but the elscal was entitled to pboskcote ; AND TH £ ! FISCAL WILL NOT PROSECUTE ! If a poor Miner wa < j to break his contract with his employer , the case would not be dhmitsedl The Magistrates of Airdrie would have * jurisdiction' then ! " :

      Now what is to be done ! Will not Sir James Gbahau interpose ! Then some one else must 1 This shameful disregard of the law for Protection must not be permitted to continue . Our advice is this : that the Convention , or the Executive , of the Colliers Union , instruct their aotive and talented legal adviser to repair to Falkirk , and get up oases against the Duke of Hamilton and the Carron Iron Company ; that he take the necessary steps to cause these cases to be laid before the Fiscal

      and tha Magistrates ; that he require them to put in execution the requirements and penalties of the act ; and that if thet again eejuse , he prepare to appeal to the higher courts , to force them to do their duty . If this course be taken , we believe it will eventuate in the assertion of the " majesty of the law , " even over the lawless Duke of Hamilton . It will enforce the law of pbotection ; and read a lesson to all other law-breaking Coal-King tyrants throughout the kingdom .

      It is a matter that the miners' union should , in our opinion , immediately look to . The labour of females , degrading and debasing to them as it is , is resorted to , because of its cheapness . That labour is thus brought into competition with the labour of the males . Wherever a female is employed , a male is iuperoeded . Thus a surplus is caused in the Miners' " labour market . " How can they hope to maintain wages , under suoh circumstances ? Remove the females ; keep them at home to look after their families ; decrease the pressure on the labour market ;

      and there is then some chance of a higher rate of wages being enforced . The Miners , therefore , even on this , the lowest ground we can take , are called upon , in obedience to the dictates of interest , to enforce the prohibitory clauses of the Act against the employment of females in mining operations . We therefore trust ; and we hereby loudly request ; that they : will take tbis matter in hand , and prosecute it to a successful issue . ' In so doing , we are sure they will serve the Miners in particular , and do service to the country generally .

      THE TRUCK SYSTEM . It is not alone in the employment of females that the Coal-Kings are in the habit of daily disregarding ihe law . Other laws are continually set at nought . The truck system very generally abounds . Not content with reducing the wages of the poor toiling Miner to the lowest possible point ; not content with the perfect vassalage which the system of bonds induces ; not content with increasing the size and capacity of the . " tubs" ; not content with the

      cheating practice of " setting-out : " not content with all these means and appliances of oppression , the tendec-eoaled Coal-Kings , having an eye to interest , can not even let the poor bound slave expend bia thrioe-e&rned pittance where be likes ; but forced him—( he ; knows the penalty)—to take it to the truck shop ; and there be again robbed to the extent of one quarter of his income ! Nor is this latter practice confined to one locality . It abounds all over the kingdom ! The law passed to repress it is a dead letter . It is set at nought .

      Even the Duke of Hamilton's district is not free from this curse . Even there , it is in full vogue . His " Grace :, " as Lord Lieutenant , has been memorialised on the subject ; and called upon to do his uttermost to enforce the law against truck . It is needless to say that tho Duke has taken no such steps . . Living in the constant violation of the law himself , how can he dare to attempt to force the law on other 3 !

      The following hand-bill will , enable the publio to form Born © sort of idea of the plundering resorted to by the keepers of " Tommy Shjps , " upon the poor werkies Sound to their counters . We give it just as we have received it . It has been sent us by a friend . Mr . Steel knows nothing of it ; but will , no doubt , be surprised to see his address so prominently set forth , and such an advertisement given him "for nothing . " The Bill , however , is a startling exposure of the " truck" bobbing practices : —

      " important Information . —The publio of Coatbridge and neighbourhood will do well to stop and read Steel ' s comparison of prices of provision : — Prices generally cbaTged Prices geneby the Stor < rally charged belonging | p it Steel ' s Protbe Iron and vision Stores . Coal Masters Oat neal , per pecfc 9 d 8 d Potatoes * dp 9 ^ i 84 Barley do 12 a 8 d to tod Flour , do ... 12 d 8 i to lOd Butterpor pound ... ... 1 M 6 d to 9 d Cheese do 7 d to 8 d 4 % <\ to 5 A 4 Bacon , Ham , do 6 d 4 d to 4 | d Beef , Ham , do 8 d 4 d to 7 a Tea , per rz . 5 ! Sjd Tobacco , per do 3 . J i 3 d Salt Herring , per Ib . ... 2 < i id Brown Soap , do . ... ... 6 £ < 1 5 d to 6 , ] d Whisky per gill ... ... 4 d 3 d Four Ib . fine loaf 7 d bki

      " It is a well known fact that the working classes , in general , pay too little attention to the savings effected Id the purchase of provisions . That such is the casein general to the Colliers and Miners of Coatbridge and neighbourhood , ia without doubt . In most cases , worken dealing with the Stores belonging to their employers might easily save four shillings per pound in expending that amount . Such a saving in these times of depression , and low wages , is certainly of tho utmost consequence , and would go far to remedy various

      grievances which , the working classes ate daily labouring under . ' A workman with three Bhillinca per day , andatliberty to lay out his earnings to those who supply him cheapest , would then find himself better off than with three shillings and sixpence under the present restrictive truck system . In order to open the eyes of the Buffering industrious classes of Coatbridge and neighbourhood to this important fact , the above comparison of prices is respectfully submitted for their perusal , by Andrew Steel , wholesale and retail provision dealer , Coatbridge . "

      There ! that Bill tells its own tale . It needs no comment ; not even explanation . It sufficiently explains itself ; and an explanation of infamous practices it is . From another part of the country , Stafford , we learn of similar practices pursued by the Coal Kings . One case we will mention . It is a very peculiar one . We have it from a man on whose veracity we . can depend : — -

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      " A free trader , nam d Bateman , who was High Sheriff for the county of Stafford ; pays one portion of his men in coals , *] and they have toe privilege of trading * freely * with any person except theib master ' s cosToicBBsj ! If they ^ ell one ton to any of his customers , they are to be discharged ! One poor unfortunate wretch jAoj twenty tons of coal due to him as wages . He cannot sell them ; therefore his family is compelled to starve ! Now , that is what we call a stunner I" 1 It is indeed a stunner ? The time was in England , when this man would have been made to feel that it was a " stunner ; " for he would speedily have been " rtunned" with the power of the law . Now , however , Capital hlabove the law ; and the Executive is powerless ; dare not attempt to deal with its

      aggressions . | It is not alone with the Coal Kings that the plundering practice obtains . It is prevalent in the manufacturing distriotsj ; and in the nail-making counties of Worcestershire and Staffordshire , it is all but universal . Iu the latter plaoa it is likely to lead to an extensive turn-out ; and all the world is aware , that the alledged existence of j it in Wales has formed a prominent feature in the ] list of grievances put forth by the Rebeocaites- In all these places , where there is a superabundance of labour , and where the labourers live out of the large towns , truck , prevails . Nayi it even rears its head in some of the large towns themselves . .

      What then is to be done to extirpate it ! Are things to remain as they are ? Is cupidity to be allowed full swing j , and no power to interfere Surely not . The shopkeepers are as much interested in putting the plundering system down , as the workmen themselves . ; The system deprives them of custom . It takes their livelihood out of their hands . It ia destructive to both shopkeeper and workman . ! Why then don't iihey unite with the men to enforce the law ! Why don't they follow the example of their brethren at Stourbridge , and at

      Sheffield ! In the former place : — " The shopkeepers have at length come forward , and formed themselves into a committee to put down if poBBible the truck rystem—with every prospect of doing much good , as a great many of the moneypaying masters have promised to aid them in every possible way they can . They have all the magistrates in their favour . ! They propose to give every encouragement to the men to lay informations against the truck-masters , by giving them employment at ready moneyi should they lay informations and lose their work ; and paying all expenoes in case of the informations failing . "

      That is an example ( worth following . The shopkeepers generally would find their account in it , if they would act in a similar manner . And why not ! The law is clear and ( explicit . The power of the trdckstess consists in the povebtt and helplessness of their bound slaves . Let the shopkeepers but strengthen the hands !; of the weak ; let them but defend the defenceless ; and the truck system would be shivered to atoms . ] We have Baid that the law is clear and explicit . To shew that it is so , ! and to guide our readers in laying Informations against truck masters , we will here give several of the clauses from the Act itselfthe 1 st and 2 nd William IV ., o . 37 . We will give entire the 3 rd , 4 ih , 5 ih , 6 ih , and 9 th clauses ; and a portion of the 10 th : —;

      " III . And be it further enacted , That the entire amount of the wages earned by or payable to any artificer in any of the trades herein-after enumerated , in respect of any labour by him done in any such trade , shall be actually paid to any such artificer in the current coin of this realm , and not otherwise j and every payment made to any such artificer by his employer , of or in respect of any such wages , by the delivering to him of goods , or otherwise , than in' the current coin aforesaid , exoept as herein after mentioned , Bhall be , and is hereby declared illegal , null and void .

      "IT . And be it further enacted , That every artificer in any of tho trades herein-after enumerated Bhall be entitled to recover from his employer in any such trade , in the manner by law provided for the recovery of servants wages , or by any other lawful ways and means , the whole or so muoh of the wages earned by suoh artificers in such trade as shall not have been actually paid to him by such his employer in the current coin of this realm . "V . And be it further enacted , That in any action , suit , or other proceeding to be hereafter brought er commenced by any suoh artificer as aforesaid , against his empl oyer , for the recovery of any sum of

      money due to any such ] artificer as the wages of bis labour in any of the trades herein-after enumerated , the defendant shall not be allowed to make any set-off , nor to claim any reduction of the plaintiff ' s demand , by reason or in respect of any goods , wares , or merchandise had or | received by the plaintiff as or on account of his ivages or in reward for his labour , or by reason or in respect of any goods , wares , or merchandize sold , delivered , or supplied to such artificer at any shop , or warehouse kept by or belonging to auch employer , or in the profits of which suoh employer ! shall have any share or interest . 1

      ** VI . And be it further enacted , That no employer of any artificer in any of the trades herein-after enumerated shall have or be entitled to maintain any suit or action in any court of law or equity against any such artifices , for or in respect of any goods , wares , or merchandize sold , delivered , or supplied to any such artificer by any such employer , whilst in bis employment , as or on account of his wages or reward for his labourer for or in respect of any goods , wares , or merchanizo sold , delivered , or supplied to such artificer at any shop or warehouse kept by or belonging to suoh employer ; or in the profits of which such employer shall have any share or interest . I

      "IX . And be it further enacted , That any employer of any artificer in any of the trades hereinafter enumerated , who shall , by himself or by the agency of any other person or persons , directly or indirectly enter into any contract or make any payment hereby declared ] illegal , shall for the first offence forfeit a sum not exceeding ten pounds nor less than five pounds , and for the second offence any sum not exceeding twenty pounds nor less than ten pounds ; and in case | of a third offence any suoh employer shall be and be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor , and , being thereof convicted , shall he punished by fine only , at the discretion of the Court , so that the fines shall not in any case exceed the sum of one hundred pounds . i

      " X . And bo it further enacted , That all offences committed against this 'Act , and not herein-before deolared a misdemeanor , shall be enquired of and determined , and that all fines and penalties for such offencos shall bo sued ] for and recovered , by any person or persons who shall sue for the same , before auy two Justices of the Peace having jurisdiction within the county , riding , city , or place in which the offence shall have been committed ; and that the amount of the fines ; penalties , and other punishments to be ihflioted upon any such offenders Bhall , within the limus herein-beiore prescribed , be in the discretion of such Justices , or , in oases of misdemeanor , of the Court before which the offence may be tried . " I

      Here then is the law . It is simple and effective , if applied . Every case where a workman is paid in goods instead of money , is one of truck : and notwithstaudiag he may have have had the goods , he can compel the payment in money , and fine the tbuckster besides . Bring this law generally to bear in one or two districts , and the truck system would speedily disappear . : We trust that the Miners' Association will direct their attention also to this matter . Their members

      in many parts of Scotland are suffering severely from the plundering practice . They can , by means of their combination , ana" their law adviser , put it down . " In doing so , they will materially serve the Miners generally ; and the Scotch ones particularly . They can also serve their own Association , at the expenoe of the enemy . [ There are cases plenty . A little time spent by an active business man would soon prepare them for the petty sessions court . In all oases , where proven , the wages must be paid ; and a penalty , within certain limits , must be inflicted also . Say there were three hundred oases : land out of them , two

      hundred convictions were obtained ; thb penalties alone , that MUfST be injticfed t woxilD amount to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS I Would this be nothing ! The [ penalties must be applied either in aid of the county rates ; or a portion , to the informer , —not exceeding twenty pounds in any one case , —and the rest to tho county rates , at t ^ tte discretion of the Justices . Say the Justices gave onefifth of the penalties to ] the informer ; that would pay for all expenses in j getting op the cases , and leave something for the general fund after all . Besides this , see what an ; amount of money , in the shape of wages , would-be put into the pookets of the men 2 That alone ought to induce the Associa-

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      tion to take up the matter . By so doing , they will materially serve , themselves- ; and perform their part towards " putting dowa" a most iniquitous and oppressive system . ¦ .. — ¦

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      THE LONDON AND SHEfFJpCJ ) TYPEFOUNDERS . ' ^^® ?' - ... .. - \ fA ' , . i---c .-We have received from this oppressed and persecuted body of British Artizans , a lengthy address expository of their grievances , which at this time of the week , ( Wednesday ) , it is impossible for as to give entire . The pith of the document will ha found below . . ; We understand that the turn-out still continaes , and that the Trades Delegates of London are exerting themselves to assist the tura-euts in establishing a type-foundry for themselves , in opposition to the merciless monopolists who at present have almost the entire of the trade in their own hands , and are grinding their workmen to the very dust . In this noble effort we trust that the Trades of the

      metropolis will heartily support their Delegates . Thera is no hope for the human , race , until the wealthproducers shall be found "taking their affairs into their own hands , " by establishing Co-operative Societies for mutual support and mutual profit . Mastsbship must be annihilated ere man can be really f ree : and to effect this , the only way is for the operatives to labour for themselves . This they might do by Union ; and until such time as that union exists , the working classes will ever be

      exposed to the hideous wrong to which the Typefoindersare , at this very time , subjected . In the meantime , we earnestly entreat of the Trades of -every town throughout the kingdom to afford present aid to the London and Sheffield men . Their situation is most critical ; and , we trust , will be immediately considered , pracrtca % considered , by all who claim " a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work . " The Type-founders

      complain—. 1 st . That while the type of the present day has been wonderfully improved over that made bat ten or fifteen years since , that this improvement has been effected at the expense of the workmen . That the improved type requires avast deal more of time and labour in the casting and finishing , fir which additional labour no additional remuneration has been afforded . That while wages have decreased , the cost of moulds and other materials used by the workmen have remained nearly the same as formerly .

      2 nd . That the trade of Type-founding was introduced into England from Germany , by German workmen , who were content to receive German wages , and thus established in tbis country the low prices paid for labour in Germany . That consequently the English workmen have sever been able to raise their wages Up to the general standard of English prices . Aud that whenever the workmen have endeavoured to obtain a fair remuneration , the employers have threatened to import Germans to suppiaut the English operatives altogefherl

      3 rd . That a combination exista among a few firms to drive out of the market the rest of the employers , men not so wealthy , bat more honourable than themselves , to the great ; injury of the trade , and detriment of the public , and printers in particular . 4 th . That a most infamous system exists of fining the workmen , whenever it suits the caprice of the employers . That under this system the men have suffered the most galling oppression , and been subjected to the most rascally of robberies . And that by such meanB their employers have succeeded in amassing their piles of plundered wealth . .

      The address says that" it is impossible for language to describe the amount of long-suffering and misery , or the daily and fruitless attempt of the men to o . btain justice , previous to the present tarn-out ; baj the cup ' of wretchedness was filled to overflowing when , in July , Messrs . Thorowgood and Beaslet , V . and J . Figgins , Caslon , of London , and Stephenson , Blake , and Co . with Boweb , BROTHEBS , of Sheffield , all united to effect a reduction of twenty-three to seventy-five per cent , on our wages , " i . e a reduction of the wages of men who averaged under 18 s > a week to Twelve Shillings 111

      The address concludes by soliciting the aotive sympathy and pecuniary aid of the Trades and Working Classes generally , an appeal which we earnestly hope will be cheerfully and promptly responded to . A curious fact has come to our knowledge . Mr . Beaslet , the lordly profit-monger , the man who has figured at the Police-office as the vindictive persecutor of his oppressed workmen , is a "Liberal" ; nay , mora , a Corn Law Repealer ; and was most active in canvassing for the " League" man , Pattison , shouting at the top of his voice— "

      NoTftonopply I" " Down with the Monopolists ! " Truly , this leviathan profit-monger is a precious specimen of the " cheap bread and high wages" school 1 If there were any dupes of that school amongst the Type-Founders , surely the pranks of such mouthing hypocrites as Beaslet , and Co ., will open their eyes . When the working classes shall , by co-operation , labour for their own interests , and produce for their own enjoyment ; and when that labour shall be protected by just and equal laws , securing to the workman the fruits of his skill and toil ; when , la short , the Charter is law , and the people have the good sense to say to the speculators ia industry and

      the traffickers in human bones and sinews , " stand ye apart and govern yourselves , but no longer rule us , or presume to direct our energies , " then will the Bbaslet ' s be brought to their proper level , Twelvb shillings a-week , and Beaslbt a Corn Law Repealer 2 Forget not that , working-men ! particularly ye Sheffield Tjpe-Founders , who may soon have an opportunity-to say whether you are for the protection of your industry or not ; and if so , how that protection is to be obtained . Think upon your " no monopoly" friend and then say whether you will again hold np your hands on the side of the" cheapbread" hypoorites .

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      IS CHARTISM DEAD 1 Mother Goose , ia her midnight lucubrations , has often dreamed of seeing the giant , Chartism , consigned to "the tomb of all the Capulets" ; aud as often has her affected dolorous voice cbaunted its requiem . But still she is doomed , on every publio occasion , to see the giant walk forth in might and majesty , with increased strength and more emboldened front . Alas ! poor Goosey . You are . too premature in the assumption of your office of sexton . The hole you have dug in your dreams , is an omen of your own approaching dissolution ; a sign of your speedy return io your original nonentity .

      This Goosey knows full well . The thought preys upoa her mind . Her midnight visions are replete with the melancholy produced by realities ; and she awakes , with soul perturbed , exclaiming— " The Charter ' s Dead ' . " She would fain persuade other people to think so too . The " people are losing confidence in Feargps O'Connor . " " The attendance on Mr . O'Connor ' s lecture was very meagre , compared with former times . " " What a falling off was there . " And all this , at the time that Mr . O'Connor ' s progress throughout the country is attended with proofs of success never before exhibited !

      But if Mr . O'Cqnner ' s audiences are "falling off , " what are we to say respecting poor Beggs , the "Complete" advocate . At Leeds Mr . O'Connor and the Chartists , though Chartism is dead , can , for three nights together , fill ihe Large Room of the Commercial Buildings ; and leave a considerable surplus , after paying very heavy expences of rent , Ac ; while the "intellectuals ? even when Beggs visited them , were farced to bury themselves in a little parlour , in the yard of the Black Boy Inn ; a small room that the , Chartists had to leave because of its 8 mallness , some six years ago ! At Bradford , Mr .

      O'Connor could fillthe Odd-Fellows' Hall , and leave the Chartists £ 8 ia hand , after all expencea were paid ; while Beggs was left ttarvihg in z , mat room , for want of auditors . At Hudder / jfield Mr . O'Connor filled the Philosophical Hall . and made , according to the Bradford Observer , the oaly clever speech he ever made in his life ? while poor Beggs was stuck in the Guild-hall with an audience of seventy ; and those too mainly Chartists , vrhohad gone | o see what tho H Complete' * was like * If therefore Chartism ia downt Ipray where is Ciaspleteiml '

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      THE COAL KINGS AND THEIR LAWBREAKINGS . THE TRUCK SYSTEM . We do not hear that the Duke of Hamilton has been made to " eject" the more than sixty females , who are working in hiB coal works , at Redding , and to employ men in their stead ; or that the Carron Iron Company have been forced to obey ths lava , and dispense with the services of the more than one hundred females that they employ . We do not hear that any steps have been taken to compel the Magistrates and Fiscals to enforce the law ; that law which they have refused to administer .

      Now , this state of things is most scandalous . It reflects the greatest disgrace upon all the " Authorities , " from Sir Jakes Gbahak downward , to tho sycophantic Ftsca ^ of Falkirk ; the official who dare not act against the GREAT Duko of Hamilton , but who is content—for a consideration—to wink at his illegal practices , and refuse to enforce the positive requirements of an Act of Parliament , even when called upon by the illegally-oppressed to do so . . Sir Jakes Graham cannot plead ignorance of this shameful disregard of law . His attention has beeu called thereto more than once .

      We have brought the facts before his notice a many times ; and though he might be inclined to disregard what -appears in the Northern Star , yet the facts have been placed before him in a legitimate manner . He has been memorialised on the subject . The following will give the reader an idea . of the nature of the memorial : — " Falkibk . —The memorial to Sir James Graham lrom the colliers of this place , was forwarded to him a short time ago , with a great number of signatures attached thereto . The memoral stated that females were being employed in the Duke of Hamilton ' s pits

      at Redding , and by the Carron Iron Company at Carron-hail . It also stated thai although informations had been laid before the Fiscal and Sheriff of the county , and magistrates , that they would not interfere to vindicate the law , though they knew it was being daily and openly violated ; and it called upon tho Home Secretary to cause an immediate inquiry to be instituted into the allegations contained in the memorial ; to the truth of-which the memorialists were ready to testify on oath . As yet no answer

      has beeu returned . The mon here are determined to leave no stone Unturned to cause the law to be carried out , and the women removed from the pits : for not only is the Duke of Hamilton , and the Carron Company employing females , but a Magistrate of the County , at Glen End , of the name of Sir . La : mont ! Yonr correspondent also lately saw two women coming from the pits iu their pit clothes at Clackmannan . These coal works belong to an Englishman of thenamo of Wilson . **

      Now , what answer has Sir James Graham given ? Has he directed the Lord Lieutenant to inform the Magistracy that the law must be obeyed ; even though the enforcementof it should entangle the Lord Lieutenant himself in its meshe 3 ! Has he directed the Fiscal to proceed ? Has he , in fine , taken any steps to enforce the law ; or is he too , content , to wink at it 3 daily violation , because the Duke of Hamilton is a culprit 1

      Let Sir Jamfs Gsaham read and attend to the following ; and then let him say what is to be done . At all events , if he will not move , we muBt try to get some one to move . The Act , prohibiting the employment of females , haBbeen passed for the purpose of protecting weak aud almoBt defenceless labourers against the inhumanities and degrading subjections of the hard-hearted , unfeeling , Capitalist . That measure of protection shall not be a dead letter ! If the law is to be powerful to oppress and persecute the poor , when it has hold of them , —it shall , as far as possible be made to restrain the rich , while the restraint exists ! When the Colliers

      Protection Act passed , we heard a great deal about the necessity of Protection ; and of the wisdom , policy , and justice of the strong arm of power interfering to prevent the continuance of that Bcandal and disgrace upon our common species , dragged to light by the Labourers Employment Commission . The law authorising this interference was passed amid the acclamations of all parties . It was hailed as a boon to the poor minors ; those who go into the bowels of the earth , and endure hardships , and brave danger , to procure means of comfort for the more fortunate portions of the community . Ib all the virtuous indignation then ex-

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      Since the above was in type , we have received the Nonconformist ; and by it we learn that the rejsotion of the seat-seeking Colonel has chagrined the Complete Suffrage men very much . They even threaten rebellion . They talk of " starting another candidate ; or that every ¦• Complete' elector sheuld refuso his vote . " Only think of that ! Why the " Complete " men will be as Toryfied as the " blue-tailed Chartists" just now , notwithstanding all their horror of Tort-Chartism ! "Start another man , " forsooth : and let in thb Tort ! Verily we are getting on . The " Complete" men are finding out , —what the Chartists have been long proclaiming , —that thero is no difference between Whig and Tory , except in

      name ; that both are enemies to a general Suffrage , whether designated n Complete" or Universal . Their pet has been coolly passed over ; rejected . They see that the Whig 3 have no objection to use the "Complete" men in furtherance of Whiggery ; but that Whiggery is not to be used in furtherance of the peculiar schemes and projects of the " Complete " men . This the " Complete *' . meB don't relish very well . They show symptomsVof fight . They talk of " starting another man"V regardless of the fact that their doing so may eau&ktfee Whig to be " rejected" also ! Bravo " Complete ^ men . Another leaf out of the Chartist book ! There will be very few left in a Bhort time ; for all will be in general and practical use !

      Of course if they do " start another man " , it will be the Colonel . They can hardly thiuk of passing over him of their own accord , and starting another candidate over his head . By all means let him go to see what the Kendalers are like . If he can persuade them to be dressed in Green , so much the better for the " Complete" men ; even though the Green should be turned up with " Yollow ?

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      4 , T H J . y J | Q R T H E R N STAR _ i

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 28, 1843, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct674/page/4/