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Northern Star (1837-1852), 2nd December 1843, Edition 3 of 5, Page 4, Untitled Article

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    • THE JSOETHERN STAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1843.
    • NOTTINGHAM—.An adjourned meeting of Framework-knitters, was held at the Shoulder of Mutton, Barker-gate, in pursuance of the notiefl. • 1.1 » » . • • »• •• t _ l_-_M
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      Untitled Article

      CQAJ iMlKEBS ^ OOK ^ , OUT—BKEAKERS — AHEAD }! laB . Editor , —Yomrii ] oblige n > e by eivins publicity b > tba following exposure of & deep inid piot of the *• Coal Kings" lor the purpose of breaking ap tbe Miner ' s Movement , and prejudiciu ? tbe public mind against that nstful body of men . 3 Sj - so doing yon will oblige , Your * , faithfully , Williax Bixos . Manchester , No ? . 2 Bth , 1 S 4 S-

      Untitled Article

      10 TH £ COAX MrSE"BS A > "D THE TTBL 1 C GE ? EB . AiaY . EEia ^» w . Cor 7 sTBTMES , —3 > Iy © Igect in obtrndinjj fluiltttei npan your i . otiee ia , that it contains facts with which yon ought to be acquainted . Yon are 3 irare that the Coal Miners of ibis county have nnited themselves -with their brethren of If orthmnberland . -Darham , Cumberland , Yorkshire , Staffordshire , Cheshire , Derbyshire , Shropshire , Scotland , sufl Wales , for tbe purpose of shertening the houra of labour , and getting an advance of ¦ sragts . As Boon as the agitation commenced tbe Coal Kings and thai satellites got up a cry tnat the Miners -were about to Btrike for an Ad-ranee of -wages , and that they could not give more to their -workpeople vitbont railing the price of coals is the market . They therefore advanced the coala about lOd . per ion-, and made the public believe that the Trarkiag Miner ¦ was in the receipt of Use whole of the benefits &f each advance .

      In Manchester , if a person gets into conversation ¦ with a friend , ami the sviject turns opon tie aimers ' HlDTement , they invail&kly say— -why , ike Coal Miners Bin * BOW be in the receipt of good wages , ff > r coal has been advanced a great deal : and if we ssk the reason , the answer ie—0 , the coal miseis , have had their ¦ wages ^ d-ranced , it is them tl-at set the benefit , and , peor things , they deserve it . But tfce truth must be told , * twj the public be undecema in this mittci ; and I 'will bo-w give them a real stat . ineni of the facts aa they are , and leave them to jadge who it is that is benefited by the advanced price of coaL Id tha first place the " coal Jongs" lave savanced tke price at thft pit ten-peree per ton ; or one halfpenny per hundredweight . Out of this the Coal Miner gtva , and 3 have taken the highest note of advance , twopencehalfpenny . Consequently the coal proprietor is pniting into his pockets sevenpence-halfpenny per ton , in addition to the profit that he waa receiving befow

      time . But this is not all ; tbere is another party steps in for s shi ^ re before tbe ceal gets into the hands ol fha eonsHHier , I tw « h » t » tbe retail coal merchant . Tfcia gentleman sires to the " coal iings" tenpetee per ton of an advance ; but be advances coals to the consnner one penny per hundred -weight , or one shflling Sid eightpence pet ton . 'Ihe pnblic -will see , by this . Trho are the parties -who are receiving the benefits yri "" g from the advanced price of co&L "We are told by one ol the inspired penmen : " That the labourer aball be the first partaker of the fruits ; " but is this the case with the j » or coal Miner ? No , quite the reverse . The consumer pays an addition of one shilling ypH eigbtpenoe per ton for his coal , out of which the poor slave , who ventures his life in procuring them , gets twopence-halfpenny , the " coal king" sevenpencetsalfpenny , and the reUil merchant tenpencel >* ow 2 must turn to the Miners themselves , and warn them of the . attempt about to be made to break op their TJnioa .

      Brethren , tbe time baa come that all men of any experience In ihe various straggles that tbe working classes have had with their oppressors knew would eome . S # long as your movement was powerless , and you were centent with tiflnxg about your grievances , the masters took little notice of you . But the moment your GfganiSLtipn began to look formidable and you began to act as well as talk , then they began to plot and conspire how they were to break yen up and spread esnfusion in your ranks . " To be forewarned is to be forearmed . " I therefore embrace this opportunity of putting yon on your guard , in order that you may be prepared when they open their batterits upon you . 1 hare by -a . sort of necromancy or legerdemain got hold of the following printed circular , a copy of which has "been sent to every coal master in the county of Lancaster : —

      iCOPT . ) •* Sir , —At a very lar « e meeting ef operative Coal Miners , Golden on Monday last , at Haaelgrove , TrtliCQ xesohed in a demand of advanced wages tqual to six shillings and upwards per day , and a determination to get only a limited . quantity of coals , to produce about two shillings per day . " These two rircamstsncee united require tbe serious attention of the Coal Proprietors , and demand from them a prompt , firm , and united course of proceeding . And I sin instructed hereby to request the favour of your attroditTice at a general meeting , to be held on Tuesday neat , the 28 th instant , at two o'clock in the afternoon , prompt , at the Albion Hotel , Piccadilly , Mancbester , fox tbe purpose of taking the same into founders ticn . " I am , Sir , " Tour obedient servant , « * Msxchis 4 er , Not . 23 , 1842 . "

      Thfire , "Mlwom , Vhai think you of that specimen of Coal Xixg falsehood ? Can yon longer doubt their determination to keep yon in slavery ? Sorely not . But before J go further , I wS ) take a second peep at this monstrously lying document , and refute the false atatementa it contains . The masters who got up ibis scandalous and lying circular knew that they were slandering the Co&l Miners of Lancashire , when they stated that at the meeting held at Hazdgrove a demand for an advance of wages was made equal , to six shillings per day . 2 io such determination was come to at that meeting . The Coal > fiTvPfwi iVmyVi four shillings per day , and that for eight hems' work ; which wonld enable th&m to earn twenty nftHTingn per week , as in mining operations

      Saturday and Monday only make a day betwixt them . And is twenty shillings per wetk : too much for a man who ventures his life in the bowels of the earth , in order to procure an article which contributes so materially to the comfort of bis fellow-men 1 But it is not the demand of is . or 63 . per d&y th ^ t the Coal Kings are r ^ of . The fact is , the Miners hate begun to work as wen as talk about the matter : they have shortened tfreir hours of labour ; and by so doing they have kept the production , if anything , rather below the consumption ; and by ihis means the poor " Kings " have been obliged to part with their stocks to supp ly the "Want * of their customers . This it is that has alarmed them ; they have found out that you have a power , and that you are beginning to know bow to use it- They dread tbe sbortning of the . boars

      of labour ten times aore than any advance of wages One of those fine fellows , that I know , was so anxious for his men to work , that if they werked eleven days per fortnight he gave them threepence per day extra , and if twelve days , fivepence per day . One morning an explosion took place , and one of the men was very ill burned . The men brought him out of the pit , and of escmiae -worked none tiiat day , far irnicb tbey lost their extras ; and the irretchh&i the heanlessnesa % o say to his men , conld yon not have thrown Mm on one side nntU you bad done your work and then brought him up ! This tyrant knew the value of cver-piodnction . He knew that if be could only get his men , by any means , to produce him a stock before hand , that then be would have them under Ms thumb , and he could do as he liked with them ,

      Brethren , the time has arrived when you must be prompt , firm , and united . The masters are determined to hurrry yes to a crisis . They held their meeting this day , in the Albion Inn ; bui itwaB a clftse meeting . Ko getting to know their determination . Be hired spy , In the shape of a policeman , is sent to their meeting to watch the proceedings , and demand a copy of all } resolutions passed . O , no ! tbiB was a meeting el Ihe masters ! Saving liad to do with these gentry before , I think that I am acquainted with tome of their tactics ; and aliitonih 1 am seitber a prc-pbet , sor tbe 80 S « f one ,

      I venture to predict that tbty will endeavour to induce a few colliers to strike in various parts of the country for some cause or oth « -r , and by that means endeavour to break you up -with expense . I have given yon warning ] iook out J Watch them ; You cannot possibly do better than continue to work short time : keep the markets barely supplied , and you have a rfmn . ee . In this is your strength and their weakness . There must be no more such jobs as the Cumberland one . Proceed with your organization as quick as possible , and prepare for the worst . Be firm , be sober , and be steady .

      You may ask my advice as to how you are to act i ! the masters ihonia attempt to force you to a strike . IwHlgive it you in a few vc orda . You see what has been done in Ctunberiaad , and ought therefore to beware and not split upon tbe same ruck . If they sho * ld determine upon making the men in various parts of the country sign abominable testa , the men would probalOy tarn rot Tfcis ttouIq jurt ^ ^^ j . ^ eJ wm . * ni tt £ mastaa of men oolUeries would be provided by the otha inastew , boShM to the supplying of his cmtomea with coal and protecting h ££ from injury by

      making -up any loss occasioned by bis -works standing . By this means you might have 800 or looo men upon your bands in this county , -wbich -would be very serious . Defeat would be fataL Here 3 a my plan . * and if the "Sings" bring it on , upon them be the blanje . If ihey attempt this , there must be no partial strikes ! Your watchword must be that of your Cornish brethren ' OHX XSJ > Ali . " 2 ?» w , then , follow up yoar ' prfr sent plan of keeping the market bare ; &ad if they should attempt to coerce yon . stkiks at omcb , oki XSD ALL , PJW 3 M THX l ^ LSVS BSD TO JOHB

      O"SBOATS , XST > yOTJBXEEK DATS WILI . SETTLE IHB QVESiios J J 1 wish to be distinctly understood Jn this matter . I am opposed to strikes , if they can be fffoMfid- Botif ihemasleEs arehot-head © a enough U dire yon to the desperaU alternstive , the end will justify the means ; and may God protect tbe suffering poor from * the cruelties of the oppressors , * is the earsert prayer of , The liners' Triend , And Public ^ obedient servant , Wh . DJX 03 . VaD&etter , 2 i » t . 25 th ^ Ui 3 ,

      Untitled Article

      Bbat > FOR » . —Mb . R . Oastlkr . —On . Monday evening , the friends of Mr . QasUer , heid a meeting in the Temperance Hall , according to the arrangements of the Oastler Liberation Central Committee . On the platform were W . B . Ferrand , Esq ., M . P . tbe Rev . Mr . Morgan , B . D ., Bev . J . L . Frost , M . A . Rev , Mr . Sherwood , Rev . Mr . Cooper , Mi . William Walker , of the firm of Wood and Walker , of Bradford , Tatham , Esq ., of HudderBfield , Mr . T . Brook , Dewsbary , Mr . L . Pitkethiy , Huddersfield , J . Pollard , Esq ., ( magistrate ) , Mr . Balme , Mr . Milner , \ ix . Auty , of Bradford , Charles Walker , Esq ., and maETother gentlemen , lay and clerical . Mr . Wiliiam Walker was called to the chair . Several resolutions were unanimously adopted by the

      meeting with great applause . The substance of which are as follows : —*• That a general subscription be raised amongst all grades of our countrymen and countrywomen , for the express purpose of procuring the liberation of Mr . Oas * ier , and enablin / j him to prosecute his philanthropic labours . " " That booksellers , and others , be re ^ nested to receive subscriptions in aid of the liberation . Fund ; and that they and all other peisons wishful to forward the proposed object be requested to communicate their names and address to Mr . Pitkethiy , Baxton road , Haddersfield , who as secretary will furnish them with books for the purpose ; and persons employed in the various manufactories and -workshops be requested to assist in the accomplishment of this

      object . " At the close of the meeting several gums of money were subscribed . Mr . Charles Walker , £ 10 , man ; other gentlemen £ 5 and £ 1 each , Mr . Au > y £ 1 for himself and £ \ for his wife ; the Woolcombers m the employ of Messrs . Wood and Walker £ 2 2 s . < 5 d , A vote of tbanks was moved to the clergy , and carried unanimously . The thankB of the meeting were carried by acclamation to the chairman . Three eheers were proposed for the " Good Old King f and loudly responded to , by all parties . If atythiiig was wanting to convince the oppressors of the poor of the respect in which Mr . Oastler is held in Bradford , this meeting must put to flight all doubts on thesubjeet , as Tories , Whigs , and Chartists

      all joined with one accord to support the Liberation Fund , to the utmost extent of their power . The Poor Law ( or Bastile ) Bill was most ably exposed by Mr . Anly . The whole of the gentlemen on the platform addressed the meeting . Mr . Smyth and ilr . Kydd also spoke on behalf of the Factory Children , and in support of the Liberation Fund . Sub .-cripnon Books are now in the hands of a number o ; working men ; and it is hoped that ere Christmas is ushered in , that Mr . Oastler-will be At liberty . The taccory bands are nobly doing their duty on this occasion ; a spirit of emulation seems to pervade all ranks , truly proving ihe affection the working-men invariably feels for the friend of the oppressed : no matter what his political or religious creed may be .

      Eizleh ' s Machines . —The friends and believers in the practicability of Mr . Etaler ' s Plan of Machinery for the regeneration of the world , and for superceding human labour , met on Sunday last , at the Cross . Keys , Wray-street , Bradford , when a number of persons enrolled their names and formed a society for the purpose of instituting a fall enquiry into the above theory , with a view to its being pnt into practice . The following resolutions ware passed , namely , " That the members of this BOcicty are of opinion that Mr . Etzler ' s views are quite practicable ; and if men do not fairly examine , they ought not to judge rashly of them , ( nor throw obstacles in the way of others reducing them to practice , ) by the circulation of their old and wornout notions of things . " The members will meet every Sunday evening at six o ' clock , at the Cro 38 Keys , Wray-street . —John Dawson . Churman ; John Greenwood , Secretary .

      The Jsoethern Star Saturday, December 3, 1843.

      THE JSOETHERN STAR SATURDAY , DECEMBER 3 , 1843 .

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      THE QUEEN AT NOTTINGHAM . As our most gracious Queen is to arrive at tbe Nottingham Station on Monday next , on her way to the Duke of Rutland ' s ; and , as it is all important , that she should be put in possession of the real condition of her loving snbjecis , wh » -will not be allowed to OCCnpy the platform , and are too poor to pay for a seat in the gallery , we understand they have resolved upon welcoming her with a silent view of her working subjects : and that while they will abstain from any . theslightest mark of disrespect , they trast that that knowledge which will not be

      communicated to ihe Royal ear , will carry conviction to tbe Royal eye . The men will shew their wives and children npon the auspicious occasion ; and we have to request that her Majesty ' s managers will pray that her Majesty may be graciously pleased to put down the glass of the Royal carriage when passing the Town Common-side , in order that her Majesty may aee and judge of the real condition of her loyal and loving subjects , -who trust that they will be blessed » nd gratified with something more than a view of the blind that shuts out poverty from Royal inspection .

      We are not averse to her Majesty travelling where she pleases , and seeing what she pleases ; as long as we have not to pay for it . But while Bhe travels at our expense , we require to see and be seen , to see , in order that we may have tke worth of onr money—and to be seen in order that her Majesty may know the source from -whence her Exchequer is filled . On euch occasions her Majesty may perhaps hear a cheer for her Ministers ; or what is more likely , the national band of well-tuned voioes ehaunting the National Anthem , " Spread the Charter through the land . "

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      SMALL CAUSES LEAD TO GREAT ETENTS . While the destitution of the working classes of this country should enlist the sympathy of the rich and the support of the press , we find that estate bestowing more space npon small matters wholly unconnected with the interest ol the working classes , and the daily journals content with a mere passing glance at national poverty , or with the publication of assurances that general distress is a

      consequence of national vice and immorality . Meantime -we learn that nearly every state in Europe i 8 agitated to its centre , in consequence of the visit of the Duke of Boboeacx to this country ; and , fur thermore , in accounting for the distress now raging in the stocking-making districts , we are gravely informed by the trade correspondent of the London press that it is a consequence of the Queen ¦ wearing long petticoats !

      There is a story told of a Spanish Princess , once upon her travels , being presented with a specimen of gloves and silk stockings , in a town celebrated for the manofaciare of those articles . Tbe glores were first presented , and were graciously received by her Minister ; but his modesty , was so far pnt to the Wash npon the presentation of the stockings > that he exclaimed with passionate vehemence , flinging them on the ground , " A Spakish Pbimcess has KO legs 1 " In their turn , the imporerished stockingers may exclaim , O for an English . Q , U 6 ? n iritll legs I" However the anecdote may serve as matter for laughter , it must be a subject of deep

      regret to every sane man , to every thinking man , to every honest man , that the visit of the grandson of a deposed tyrant , and the length of the Queen ' s petticoats , should lead to the anticipation of foreign convulsion and domestic suffering . When , in the name of common sense , shall we arrive at a period when crowned heads and aspiring youths will be allowed to prosecute their travels like ordinary individuals ! We find the passage of her Majesty through this impoverished land chronicled with a disgHSting minuteness : but the swallowers up Of wealth have taken care to present the fair side of lie picture only to the Royal eye . . -

      If the Queen of England had any power , she would be allowed to see both sides of tbe picture-However , as her keepers have resolved upon exhibiting her with blinkers , we rejoice to learn , from a communication from Nottingham , where the longpetticoat fashion has created so muoh poverty , that there , at all events , the sufferers have resolved npon presenting her with the true condition of her loving subjects . Talk of " cordial reception , " and " enthusiastic loyalty" indeed , such as that displayed at railroad stations , the property of the rich , and under

      the controul of tbe Government j wonld the Directors or the police allow naked pauperism to ocenpy any portion of their premises ! No . Those exhibitions are for luring Majesty into a belief of the popularity of ha Ministers . Will they venture to hring her to Manchester , to Leeds , to Oldham , to Hnddersfield , to Bradford , or to Halifax , there to witnesB the * improvement of trade , " and the eendition of those whose labour furnishes her with all the comforts sf life t No ; her route is through the ranks of the rich , the opulent , and the privileged

      Untitled Article

      and therefore the satisfied and uncomplaining . The eye , and especially the eye of the disconsolate working man , must look jealously upon the gliding pomp of Majesty , which Bays , " Behold my greatness ] it should satisfy you with your own littleness . " But the days are fast approaching whea those senseless pageants most pass away , and when the journeys of Firat Magistrates will be undertaken for general benefit , rather than for individual gratification . That will not be , however , until the people ' s representatives have a tight hold of the people ' s pursestrings ; and then Royal journeys will be estimated according to their general value .

      Untitled Article

      RECONCILIATION . It is with no ordinary pleasure that we direct the attention of our readers to the report of the discussion , which took place on Monday last , between our friends at Nottingham ; and from the manner in which the proceedings were conducted , all who read must come to the conclusion that misunderstandinfft rather than desire to create dissension , led to the apparent differences which have so happily terminated . And while we are thus ready to do every justice to other parties , we claim for ourselves the

      same measure of justice at their hands . Without attempting to rub the sore , or re-open the subject we think that we have a right to say that , in the opinion we ventured to give , we were actnated by the best and most laudable motives ; while the happy result of the meeting between Mr . O'Connor and our Nottingham friends goes far to establish the fact , that we-acted wisely by withholding from the public ear matters which merely required a mutuaj explanation to ensure satisfaction .

      It has been held prudent , as manifested in several votea of different Conventions , that local disputes shonld be locally discussed and settled in those localities where they originate . There the causes of complaint are first seen ; there proceedings are matured ; there preliminaries are arranged ; there discussion takes place ; and the verdict there passed should be satisfactory to other localities where dissension has originated oat of any portion or distortion of the original dispute . When we trace the several disputes that have arisen in our ranks to their real source , we almost invariably discover that they have not originated with theChartist body , but wilh dissatisfied 'individuals , who are allowed to faa the most insignificant charges into grave

      accusations . We state these things here more especially for the purpose of justifying our hereafter non-interference in , or notice of , local or sectional disputes . We have now lying before ua correspondence of a most mean cnaraotor , which , from the similitude , we must Buppose to he stereotyped , and transmitted to tbe various localities , containing not so much charges , as threats of vengeance , against Mr . O'Consok . But while we highly appreciate the motive of those parties who have thought it their duty to put him upon his guard , upon the principle thai to be forewarned is to be forearmed , we shall abstain from making the Northern Star a vehicle for even its Proprietor ' s defence , feeling assured that the accused will at all times find his safety to consist in the purity of his actions .

      Onr brave , onil'aching , and warm-hearted friends of Sunderland , and the North , have our thanks for the candid manner in which they have dealt with Mr . O'Connor , by transmitting a correspondence which now lios before us . Without any further notice from us , he will find ample satisfaction in their short but conclusive reply . The working classes will find enough to do in combating open enemies and professing friends , without being led into party and sectional squabbles

      for the mere gratification of disappointed and ambi . tious individuals . We are aware , that whilo an unfounded disagreement existed in Nottingham , artful and malicious " tricksters" have been at work , sedulously endeavouring to make the dissatisfaction of Nottingham a ragng plague to be spread throughout the Isad . We rejoice to find , however , that the good seuse of our friends there has stopped the fever , destroyed the infection , and thus prevented the spread of sickness through the Chartist body .

      This example will doubtless be imitated wherever itB stern principles aie to be sternly maintained , and to the working men themselves , who anticipate benefit from the accomplishment of their principles , we look as the physicians to arrest tbe progress of that contagious malady intended for their destruction . We shall not further venture to expatiate npon the subject , but leave with the people the chastisement which the promoters of disunion are sure to receive at their hauds , when their machinations are discovered .

      WHY DID CHARTISTS SEEK TO AID THE REPEALERS ! RADICALISM IN FORMER TIMES . Our readers will remember our friendly expostulations with the conductors of the Dublin Wot Id in reference to certain advice they coarteously tendered us regarding the Repeal movement , and the state ef Chartism . In our remark ? , we gave the World credit for the best intentions ; and honestly expressed « ur admiration of its political character and general policy ; and we rejoice to say that the observations of our contemporary , in reply to our remarks , have given us no cause to retract the favourable opinions we before expressed .

      In the World , of November 18 th , appeared the Editor ' s answer to our article . We had intended to have rejoined last week ; but press of matter prevented us . As the World has very candidly allowed us to speak for ourselves , by quoting into its pages the most important portions of oar article ; it is only right that we should , as we do most willingly , return the compliment . The World says : —

      " We never have been fond of controversy with contemporaries ; indeed , we endeavour to avoid it , feeling , except upon rare occasions , it leads to nothing but a waste of time and space which might be much better employed . The gladiatorial displays of Dublin news-

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      papers , for instance , are not calculated to inspire a taste for the jays of such contests , where personal abuse is but too often substituted for sound argument 'Whose ambition is aroused by witnessing the proprietor of the Evening Fott pouring forth his scandalous phial upon the head of the proprietor of the Evening Packet . which the latter is sure to promptly acknowledge and pay bacfc with compound interest ? Such strife ia productive of no beneficial results ; it advances no good prinolpies , and seldom even serves the cause of faction .

      We , however , turn with pleasure to the No ) them Star , in which we find a lengthy article is reply to some observations made by ourselves , cowshed in a tone and conceived in a spirit the revetaeof what we have been deprecating . We are greatly obliged to the Northern Star tor the kind spirit in which Ik has recaired our remarks , which were well Intended , and feel not a little nattered by the compliments paid to ourselves . We will now , in justice to the Star , allow it to speak for itself . "

      We too , can say in all sincerity , that we have no taste for the sort of " controversy" described so truly by the World ; otherwise we have temptations enough to embark in " gladiatorial displays" every week that passes . For though "Chartism is dead" (?) the Northern Star ( much to the mortification « f the factions ) is still alive and likely to be so while the principles of Democracy exist ; and when will they " die '"? and as we have said , not a week passes but we have some snarling our at oar heels . And ' tis because we believe that " suoh strife" is rarely " productive of beneficial results" that we

      engage in it as little as possible . Occasionally we let our contemporaries know that we can " argufie " as well as they ; and then , when they have got the drubbing they have provoked , they say : " 0 what a blackguard I We never thought the Northern Star would have laid us sprawling in the mud 2 Sless us how uugentlemanly ! We must decline any further contest" ! Such is the way we have been treated by parties who are unceasing in their endeavours to make us " show fight , " and then shrink from the battle . The Editor of the World we are happy to say , appears to be a very different character .

      Admiriug , as we do , the spirit in which the above extract has been penned , we would have thought it all-sufficient to have quoted it into our pages , but for two or three errors into which our contemporary has fallen , and which the World we are sure will not be offended with us for correcting . The World quotes fully our defenoe of Mr . O'Connob ' s attempt to join the Repeal Association . Wo repeat the conclusion of the argument : — " True , Mr . 0 'Connob—aye and others of the Chartist leaders who joined the Repeal body—had entertained feelings of hostility towards Mr . O'CONNBLL ; feelinga engendered by his repeated betrayals of the

      principles of liberty , ( Which we can prove if need be ) , and his disgusting libels of the working classes of this country ; but when they thought they saw him Inclined to act honestly for once , when they thought he was really in earnest in his agitation for the Repeal , they generously smothered their feelings of resentment , — honour to them!—and made sacrifice of their own wrongs on the altar of the common good . Should Mr . O'Connor be reproached for so aeting ? It might have been mote in accordance with the loftier ideas of patriotism , seemingly entertained by t&e World , that Mr . O'CONNOR should have sacrificed his duties as a public man to his resentments as a private man ; but we are not of i the same opinion . "

      On ; this the World remarks : — The Star must admit that this is yerj clumsy special pleading . The Bepeal Association is a body which owes its existence to Mr . O'Connell , and is known to be completely under his control , and It would seem to us that Mr . O'Connor , in seeking to become a member , gave a practical contradiction to many of the charges be bad been in the habit of putting forth . Id wishing to identify himself with the Association he either Bought to embarrass Mr . O'Connell , or place himself under his command . Now , for the Star or Mr . O'Connor to tell us that he was anxious to serve one whom be had described as politically corrupt , merely that he might : advance the interests of bis country , is what we should not have expected . "

      We must plead " Not Guilty" to this charge of " speoial pleading , " " olumsily , " or otherwise . Thank God , we are ( as the Duke says ) " not learned in the law . " " Clumsily" we may argue . We pretend not to be the Cobbbtt of the Press ; but whatever be our deficiencies , we are not consoious of any " speoial pleading" in stating our case , whatever that may be . The best answer we can give to the foregoing , is to request the World to read pur observations in the preceding artiole over again . "But when they ( Mr . O'Connor and the Chartists ) thought they saw him ( Mr . O'Connell )

      INCLINED TO ACT HONESTLT FOn ONCK ; WHEN THEY THOUGHT HE WAS REALLT IN EARNEST IN HIS A 6 Itation POR the Repeal , they generously smothered their feelings ? $ c . <| t ? . Now what " special pleading" is there here ! To us it appears to be all "plain sailing . " We , Mr . O'Connor , and the Chartists generally , may have been very foolish in supposing that Mr . O'Conwell could be honest , even for once ; it may have been very " clumsy " in us to have entertained such a hope ; we may cot have had as many opportunities as the World

      has , for coming to the conclusion that the Repeal Movement at the Corn Exchange was all hum ; and that " tbe best thing that Sir Robert Peel could do , " to put it down , was to send a baton of the ' Young Ireland' lawyerlings to mangle law in tbe Colonies , and appoint a score or two of other Patriots , ready to die for fatherland , to lucrative situations in tbe Customs , Excise , and Constabulary Force" ; we may have mis-judged of , and misconceived , the whoIjB ; matter ; but even if so , and if events ultimately prove that we were wrong , O'Connell , and not us , will be the sufferer .

      As , to Mr . O'Connor ' s motives in joining the Repeal Association , we hare already stated them , so far as we know them ; and we believe we have done so correctly . It may bo that , without wishing to 11 embarasa" Mr . O'Conjvell , he had an idea of helping to keep his countrymen steady to his professed purpose : and that he stood in need of some such help , Mr . O'Conhell's conduot daily testifies . A few weeks ago , Mr . O'Connell assured his hearers that Repeal should be obtained within six months , if they observed perfect peace , OR his head suouto be upon the block ! Last Friday , in an address to the Irish people , he tells them that "if they remain quiet , in another twelve months REPEAL WILL BE AT HAND" ! First the

      Irish people were told that this was the Repeal year ; next that by April , Repeal should be had , or Mr . O'Connell ' s head should be forfeited ; and now that if they will onlj obey Ms " commands , " in another ilwelve months Repeal will be , —not obtained , — but AT HAND ! Does the World call this " special pleading" 1 We do , at any rate ; and very " olumsy " pleading , too . Let O'Connell look to it . He may carry his Repeal pitcher to the well of delusion once too often . ' The World quotes " with pleasure" the concluding portion of our article , which our readers may remember was a defence of Chartism as it is , compared with what it was " forty years ago . " In reply , the World saye : —

      The f Hr denies that forty years ago the principles of the Charter were eithtr well underatood or effectually advocated . This is strange ; for we had thought representation co-extensive with taxation , waB a theory of the British Constitution . It is acknowledged by the Star that forty years ago the Richroonria , the Foxes , and the Greys , spouted Universal Suffrage , notwithstanding tbey afterwards threw the measure overboard . Wereauch men likely to bring forwar d such a question in Parliament unless they know they were powerfully sustained out of doors ? They were Incited to activity through party motives—bat then , Universal Suffrage waa embbaoned upon the banner they unfurled . We have not space to-day to pmsue the argument , but shall be happy to do so on another occasion , If oar able contemporary be not already wtifiued . "

      Ti uei " Representation co-extensive with Taxation " has been the " theory" of that thing called the " British Constitution " : but the ^ ory is one thing ; the practice has been andther . When , the monster Harry , and the ehe-tiger Elizabeth , summoned Parliaments at their will to register thei * ediotB for the despoiling of the Church and the poor , and the enacting of "Aet-of-Parliament creeds , " where was this boasted theory then 1 When Cromwell ' s gang cursed the country with the "Excise" ; when a ** janta" of Whig aristocrats and London merohants , calling themselves a " National Convention" (!) gave the Crown to Dutch William , and , —presumptuous idiots , —bound themselves and their posterity to ao-

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      knowledge and obey the sovereignty of William and Mary and their heirs FOR EVER , where was the theory then ? When the Septennial Act was passed , authorizing the enact ers and their successors to sit for seven years , instead of one ; and when war was made by a corrupt Legislature upon the people , of America for asserting the principle that " Taxation without Representation is tyranny , " where was the theory then ? Now , it was just these invasions , and setting at nought of this theory } that had rendered the mass of the people ignorant of the principles of the Charter , 1

      "forty years ago . " We did not acknowledgetha f "forty years ago [ the Richmonds , the Foxes , and the Greys spouted Universal Suffrage . " Our words were that these parties ' had some years before' * that period so spouted , " 'Tis sixty years since , " or thereabouts , that the shoy-hoys affected to advocate these principles . At tbe subsequent period of " forty years ago , " these ; worthies were silent as "dumb dogs" upon the subject . True , when the question was brought forward by these men , they undoubtedly were sustained by a party out of doors ; but not suoh a party as exists now . The World has ndfe

      forgotten the " kicking out" of the Whigs ; and the Whigs say " the 0 hartists did it all" ! Forty years" sines Birmingham bad not a Chartist Mayor , as Dr . Priestley knew to his cost ; nor were the Corporations of such places as Leeds , Sheffield , Nottingham , Leicester , and Northampton composed to a great extent , as they are now , of avowed Chartists , or mon professing the same principles under another name . " Forty years since" the factions were not , as now , glad to go cap in hand to the Chartists to solicit the support of the longreviled , but now courted , because growing , Democracy . But we are but repeating what the World has not refuted : and we are sure

      ihskt so ardent a lover of freedom as the World will rather bs rejoiced than otherwise , to find itself corrected , and convinced , that bo far from The Worii > standing still , it Has slowly but aurely progressed ; and that © very day is hastening the downfal of that system which has been the bane of this , and the u seven-century " -curse of the sister country . H If our able contemporary be not already satisfied , " we shall at a future day , be happy to resume tbe subject . With such a controversalist as the World , we shall be happy to break a lance at any time , when tbe interests of the public , and not personal or party vanity , demand it . As to the issue of such contests we care little . It matters not whether we succeed

      in correcting the World , or the World succeeds m correcting us , so [ that information be imparted to the people , and truth be triumphant I

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      " Leeds , 27 Nov . 1843 . " Gentlemen—In compliance with the solicitations of a deputation from the Committee for promoting a subscription to effect tbe liberation of Mr . Oastler from the confinement under which he has so long suffered , and to make some provision for his future wants , I wish to cast into the 'Subscriptions * my contribution of Five Pounds which they conceive may have an influence beyond the mere amount of that subscription . " In taking this step I wish to guard myself against any misconstruction ; you will therefore allow mo to say that my views are as much opposed as they ever

      have been to Mr . Oastler ' s upon the political and economical sabjecta on which -we have hitherto differed . " Yon must permit me also to add , from recent allusions that have been made to my acquaintance with Mr . Oastler ' s late excellent father , that , though I bad a great respect for that gentleman , and bad the pleasure to enjoy his friendship for many years , I n ° ver received from him ( as Mr . Oastler seemed at one time to suppose ) any obligations , or any assistance towards my / establishment in business ; and that in uniting with his son ' s friends in serving him in his present exigency , I am wholly uninfluenced by any considerations of that nature .

      •• With my best wishes for tbe speedy attainment of your humane object , " I am , gentlemen , " Very faithfully yours , " Ewd . Baines . " To the Committee for promoting Mr . Oastlert Subscription . " It is , indeed , refreshing to find that tbe burning contests of party do not entirely obliterate human feeling . They have done , and still do , much mischief in the world : but such instances as the one now

      recorded , go far io show us the utter folly of con * tinuing them ; and give a foretaste of the kindlyfeeling , true consideration , and even happiness that might universally exist , and of which this world ia capable , could we but learn common sense enough to bear and forbear with one another . The reference to " recent allusions" concerning Mr . Baines and Mr . Oastler ' s father , in the last paragraph of Mr . Baines ' s letter , we are somewhafc concerned with . That " recent allusion" was made by us . It was reported in last week ' s Star .

      Concerning the matter , we are glad to be set right . We deem it necessary however , just to observe , that in making such " allusion" we were not without authority . Mr . Baines knows that the statement has been often made ; and by those too , whom it might be presumed , had reason for what they said . It has , up to this period , been uncoatradicted . Now , however , we have Mr . Baines's negation to the statement ; and for having made the " recent allusion" which has drawn forth Mr . Baines ' s explanation , Mr . Hob 8 On thus publicly expresses bis regret if it has caused Mr . Baines the least

      annoyance . Turning from Yorkshire to Lancashire , we find a similar spirit , in connection with the Liberty Fund , " existing , there . From Manchester we hare the following : — M Within the last week the Central Committee of Lancashire , Cheshire , and Derbyshire , for raising a fund for the liberation of Mr . Oastler , have held several meetings , and made the necessary arrangements for appealing to the public on behalf of that truly honest and patriotic man . In a few days a public meeting will be called for this purpose in the largest place that can be procured in Manchester . At a meeting of the Central Committee , held at the Old Swan Inn last night , Mr . Thomas Daniel in the chair , an address to the working people and their friends was unanimously adopted . "

      A copy of that address we have been favoured with . We regret that we cannot find room for it . It is a fair and candid setting-forth of Mr . Oastler's case ; and will , we trust , have the effect of rousing up the entire Faotory Population of the Great Cotton District to " come to the rescue" of their fhibnd and unswerving advocate . Liverpool is also on the move . Nay , London , tho wen ; the social excrescence ; the sink of corruption itself , feels called upon to take part in affording freedom to the captive patriot .

      Halifax is arranging for a meeting also . Barns * ley holds one on Wednesday next . SheBield and Wakefield will speedily follow ; and we trust that the example so numerously set will not be lost on other places , but that every town and village in the manufacturing districts will emulate it . The Central Committee meet every Monday at the Railway Hotel , Brighouse , at three o ' olook . To that committee , the arrangements for public meetings should be communicated ; as by that course

      being pursued , the committee may be able to secure for them the services of influential gentlemen who have placed tkemselves at their disposal for this business . The committee also invite tbe attendanos and co-operation of all friends . The last meeting was attended by W . B . Ferrand , Esq ., M . P , Joshua Pollard , Esq ., J . P ., Jonathan Scholefield , Esq ., Wm . Cooke , Esq ., T . R . TATHAH . EEq ., T . S . Brooks , Esq ., J . Thornton , Esq ., Mr- L . Pitkethley , Mr . John Leech , and Mr . J . O'Roubkb .

      In conclusion , we call upon the Factobt Workers of England , TO DO THEIR DUTY on this occasion ! Mr . Oastler has done more than his towards you . You have benefitted , directly and palpably , from his labours . Whatever amelioration in the working of the stern , iron , realities of tho Factort System may have taken place , —and muoh in that way has been done , —to Oastxeb you are indebted for it . You owe Hist a mighxt best in return . We now want you to pay it ! We know that he has your grateful and hearty thanks ; but in his hew of need do let him have some little of your cash . He did not spare his cash in your service . He was , when he began to work for you , in as happy a position as man could

      possibly wish to be . He lived in a most lovely spot . He had an income of £ 500 a-year , or just upon £ 10 a-week . He was revered and belovedby all aronnd him . If happiness ever found anjabiding place on this earth , surely it was on his hearth . He heard of your wrongs . The tale sunk into his heart . Me satisfied himself that what he had been told was true : and then he boldly came to the rescue . Money or comfort was with him , no question . He spent his all . Nay , the very debt for which he has been cooped up within the walls of a prison for now three years and a half was incurred to obtain -protection for suffering infancy . It was to prevent Y 0 ira children from being worked to death , that Oastler became a "debtor : " you are ' therefore " debtors" to him : you ought to PAY urn I !

      Every Factory worker ia bound , by all the ties of humanity , to contribute to this " Libertypurchasing Fund . " Let us trust that all will so consider it i Let but tbe Factory Worker ^ ive twopekcb each , and the work is done I Only twopence each !! Who is there , that knows anything of what the Factory system was , and what it is , but will spare thai small sum , to rescue their friend from prison-confinement 1 Let tbe Factory Workers only do that , and Oastler will be placed in a position to do them far more essential service than any he has rendered yet , great as that has been . Then , Factort Workers , TO THE RESCUE !!

      Nottingham—.An Adjourned Meeting Of Framework-Knitters, Was Held At The Shoulder Of Mutton, Barker-Gate, In Pursuance Of The Notiefl. • 1.1 » » . • • »• •• T _ L_-_M

      NOTTINGHAM— . An adjourned meeting of Framework-knitters , was held at the Shoulder of Mutton , Barker-gate , in pursuance of the notiefl . 1 . 1 » » . • »• •• t _ l _ - _ M

      given last wees , Dut owing to a puDHo meeting lawug place , it was but thinly attended . The following resolution was passed unanimously— " That seeing the downward course of the Framework-knitting trade occasioned by a spurious , and thereby a superabundant quantity of goods , it is the opinion of this meeting , that until a general union be formed of tho men , and legislative protection afforded to them , tbere is but little hope of ameliorating the conditioa 01 the operatives ; we therefore recommend for that purpose , that branch unions , in accordance with the Miners' plan , be forthwith formed : and when so , that *

      a general meeting of delegates be called to fo " £ general code of laws for their guidance ; and shonltt tho assistance of the central committee , on "" J petition business be required by any of such branea unions , by giving them notice their case will M punctually attended to ; that whereas it WM agreed on Monday , the 20 th inst ., at a gen f ™ £ meeting of all branQbe . 8 of framework'knittersi tw » a levy of one penny per frame be forwarded w-m Central Committee to defray the out-standing aeDWi but as that resolution has not been generally complied with , it is requested that such subscriptions w > forthwith forwarded to the Central Committeeat uw Shoulder of Muttob , Barker-gate , Nottingham . G . Woodward , Chairman to the Committee .

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      There have been several fires during the week a * Liverpool , but , fortunately , thsyhavo all oeens «» under without much damage haying been done .

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      THE QUEEN'S BENCH .-FOURTH COUNT . In consequence of an announcement which appeared some time back in the London papers , to the effect that , on the 28-, b , Lord Denman would give judgment in cases still pending , Mr . Roberts , the zealous and energetic Attorney-General of the Chartists , attended on that day at the sitting of the Court , having travelled all night for the purpose . Lord Denhan not having made any reference to the case of the men implicated in the fourth count , we surely have the strongest right to conolude , that

      the whole proceedings are at an end , and w ill not be again revived . And , if so , the several parties charged with grave offences at Lancaster , will have gained that signal triumph , not more over the Government than over the Free Traders who originated the Revolution , and then directed the Government in selecting for vengeance those who refused to be their willing tools . We trust that notwithstanding the continuous denunciation of the English Chartists for their illegal conduct , that our

      Irish brethren , with all the advantages of a heavy purse , " respectability , " and a large portion of the press , will be able to boast of as great a triumph and establish for themselves that peaceful character which they deny to the English Chartists . Too much credit cannot be awarded to Mr . Roberts for tbe able manner in which he has brought this momentous trial to a close ; and our friends over whom the verdiot was held " m terrorem" should rejoice that they will now be in a better situation to aid in the good work of Re-organisation .

      We may how fondly anticipate such a resuscitation of Chartism as will ensure a full , free , and fair representation of the whole people in the forthcoming Convention , while it will also furnish them with more materials from which to select the officers required to work the national machinery . The shackles being now taken off some of our best men , the cause will go on improving , until success crowns our united exertions .

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      THE OASTLER FUND , LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVE . It is with heartfelt pleasure that we refer to the general and earnest movement , now being made to effect the liberation of one of the best men this land bas in it , —the truly great and good Richard Oastler . \ His long incarceration in a prison for debt has been a national disgrace . It is indeed high time that the stain was wiped out .

      Our readers will not need reminding , that we have ever set forth his many claims to public support , and continually called upon all classes to perform their duty toward him who has served them , by not only procuring his release , but also placing him in a situation , when out of captivity , far above want , or even the ; fear of it . It is , therefore , with muoh gratification that we witness the matter , at last , taken up with becoming spirit , and every indication given that the long-desired object will be fully accomplished .

      Richard Oastler has been useful . He has done muoh to ameliorate the condition of Buffering humanity . He has been an important wheel in the complicated machine of ( human progression . He has contributed muoh to the " onward" march of mind . He has done society service ; and sooiety bas now a duty to perform towards him , which , we trust , will be faithfully discharged . Richard Oastler , in what he has done , has been honest . He has bad no interested ends to serve . Self , with him , has been no consideration . He was convinced ; and he spoke . He felt ; and he acted . He did not considerately weigh the pro ' s and the con's on his own interests ; but he threw himself into the gap , bodily , —ready for the sacrifice , if sacrifice was needed .

      The immolation ] was demanded ! The " pound of flesh , '" was insisted on . The " Bond" was exacted ; and the penalty has surely been paid ! It is the firm conviction oh the minds of all parties , of Oabtler's sterling integrity and truthfulness of purpose , that hasj obtained for him the high moral standing in the land which the present movement proves him to hold ; and the fact that men of all creeds , and of all politics , cau , for the time being , sink their several differences , and unite to do honour to moral worth , puts one in love with human nature itself , thusjfihowa to be loving , and sound , and heart y at bottom , when fairly appealed to , and occasions arise which thrust aside the factitiousness and conventionalisms of society .

      Yes ! in this case men of all parties do unite ; the political friend ^ and the political opponent ; the churohman and the dissenter ; the workman and the employer ; the master and the servant . Ati take their stand on the common ground of humanity , and tender the warm-hearted hand of fellowship and aid to suffering uprightness . The movement ia indeed general . Meetings have already been hol ' den at Huddersfield , Bradford , and Bingley . Leeds , as we announced last week , is preparing . The meeting in that town is to be on Monday next . In ; all probability , it will be in the

      Court House ; but at the time of our present writing thia is not ; definitely settled , as the Mayor , who has the granting of it , has been out of town , and could not be seen , j It will , however , be holden , either in that building , or in the large room of the Commercial Buildings . The platform , on that occasion , will , as we are given to understand , be occupied by men of all parties ; the Tpry , the Whig , the Whig-Radical , the Radical , and the Chartist . There will also be men there of no political party ; bat all will join in sympathising with the wrongs , and ia rendering

      needful aid , to an injured ma « . We expect on that occasion to see the Peer , the Clergyman , the Christian Minister , the Alderman , the Councillor , the JBurgess , and the politically , proscribed , meet together for once , and , unitedly , do a good deed . jMany , very many parties , well known to be politically opposed to Mr . Oastler , have already signified their intention to be present , and to take part jin the procef dings ; and we need scarcely add that , ; wiihout doubt , those who agree with Mr . Oastler , either amongst his Tory or Chartist friends , will be present also .

      Connected with ] this movement in Leeds , there is one circumstance that has gratified the immediate acting frienjds of Mr . Oastler in no small degree . With pleasure do we accede to the request contained in the following note , and give publioity to the letter that accompanies it . The tribute therein so generously paid to the integrity of a political foe , j is indeed honourable to the heart of the writer . The ease between the

      two men , was Hot an every day one . The " war ef words , " and sometimes of actions too , has tbeen bitter and almost unoeaBing . Still all natural kindliness could not be smothered in political contest ; and Mr . Baines has shewn that he possessed strength of mind sufficient to throw paltry revenge to tbe winds , and act the part of one man towards anether in time of need . The conduct he bas pursued is highly creditable to him , as the following will abundantly prove : —

      To the Editor of Ihe Northern Star . , SIR , —Yoa \» ill greatly oblige the Leeds Operative Committee for promoting Oastler ' s Liberty Fund , if yon will insert the following communication in yow next journal . They seek for its publication , not only as a tribute to the high moral standing of Mr . Oastler , as evidenced in the aid thus freely and generously tendered him by a political opponent , bat also for the justification of Mr . Baines , whose explanations onght to be known to prevent misconception . We are , jSir , yours respectfully , I John Hutton , Chairman . \ Wm . Bxdeb , Secretary Leeds , Not . 20 , 1843 .

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      " A . Z THE NOR THERN S T A TL .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 2, 1843, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct679/page/4/