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Northern Star (1837-1852), 4th December 1841, Edition 4 of 5, Page 4, Untitled Article

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    • THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1841.
    • EotaT ami <EfeueraI Ententgpntt.
    • £0 afteattettf mtf Com0$ottimtt£
    • Respite and Pardon of Convicts. — Fbosi, Williams, anb Jones.—Her Majesty, wishing to
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      Untitled Article

      DELEGATE MEETING AT BIRMINGHAM . A meeting of delegates for the counties of Warwick and Worcester , -was held at the Chartist Room , Freeman-street , on Sunday last , at which the following per-Boaa were present ;—Walsall Mr . JohBGriffia . HBSaiBTTA-STREBT ... Mr . John Pare . Beohsgbotb Mr . Henry Prosser . Freeman-street Mr . Richard Thomson . Steelho ^ se Lank-... Mr . Samuel Davis . STOCBBErDGE Mr . John Ghanee . Bilston Mr . John ^ fcdley . "PTsdsesburt Mr . G A . Browning . Swallow-st-BEET Mr . Josh . Underbill . Wolyerhamfton Mr . William Simms , Mr . John ChaSce was unanimously called to the chair . Mr . Geobse White was appointed Secretary .

      The Chairman opened the business in his usual clear and perspicuous manner . He congratulated the delegates present on the improred prospects of the Ch&rtiBtcause inthii district : pointed out \ h& beneficial results of Mr . Mason ' s talented lectures , and the necessity of continuing him in the district where his services were so much appreciated . He concluded by hoping the delegates would lay down an efficient plan for paying him properly . A long discussion then took place on the best mode of properly proyiding for the lecturer , and causing each place to pay accordiBg to the number of members of the ^ National Chatter Association in each town . Messrs . White , Mason , Prosser , Simms , and others , i x > k part

      The Treasurer's book was then examined , from which it appeared that the following sums had been forwarded : — £ a . d . Birmingham ... 3 12 3 ^ WalsaU 1 S 6 Bilrton ... ... 1 17 0 SUmrbridge l 10 o DaTentry 0 10 0 Wednesbury 14 0 Stafford e 15 0 Bromsgreve ... ... 1 0 0 "RirtrtarmtTmtcr ... 1 0 0 Coventry ... ... 1 11 0 Wolrerhampton ... l 15 6 Beddich 10 0 Nuneaton 0 11 0 Steelhouae-lane ... 0 5 0

      A discussion then too * place as to the amount which each place was in arrear , and the necessity of making snch arrangements as would be calculated to give general satisfaction , Hi . Bbownikg moved , " That each Delegate should make a return of the number of members enrolled in the towns they represented . " The motion was seconded by Mr . Pare aad agreed to . The Delegates then gave in ** " > number of members enrolled , which was taken down by the Secretary , after which an estimate was made of the amount Which each place should be required to advance / It was then unanimously agreed , after mature consideration : —

      « That Mr . Mason be paid £ 2 per week , and be authorised to make out his own route , as the object of the Delegates was net so much to secure his services exclosivly t ) the places which advanced his wages , as lo enable him to attend where associations did not exist , in order to extend Chartist principles ; and also that the following should be the weekly Bum required from each place— a . d . Birmingham ... ... ... 11 6 BOiton ... 5 0

      Walsall 2 6 Stonrbridge 3 0 Wednesbury 2 0 BromBgroTe 2 o Kidderminster — 2 6 Corentry 3 0 Wolverhampton ... ... ... 2 6 Red&tch 3 0 NuneatDn 2 0 Dariastan ... ... ... ... 2 O

      £ 2 0 0 " It was then resolved that each place be called on to pay up their arrears t » the Lecturer's Fund immediately , ca culating fourteen weeks from the con'mencement of Mr . Muen ' s Berries , as one foitaigtts Bubscriptlona were required for his coach fare , &c , from Newcastle . That all money orders should be directed to Mr . Frederick Corbet :, AJa ^ i-street , Chancery Buildings ; and letters of business to Mr . George Whits , 39 , BromsgroTe-street , Birmingham . The following resolution was moved by Mr . Pbosseb , Beconded by Mr . K . Thomso . n , and carried unanimously : — " That this delegatB meeting disapproTes of the atrocious and unmanly conduct of the Anti-Corn Law 1 / eague towards Mr . Gteerge White , and declare their determination to stand by any man who honestly discharges his duty to the people . "

      The Chairman then directed their attention to the mode of procuring signatures ti the National Pet ' . on . He was determined to wait upon every shopkeeper in JStourbridge for the purpose of ascertaining their © pinions , and getting them to sign it-Mr . Cadlst said thej bad resolyed at Biliton sot only to solicit the signatures of the shopkeepers , but alBO to ask them to subscribe . to the support of the Contention , as Staffordshire would hare to snpply £ 25 for that purpose . A long and interesting debate wts held on the mode ol procuring signxtaxes , electing a member to the Con-Tention , and raising funds for that purpose ; after which Mr . Bichard Thompson moved " That each place in the district be requested to nominate a proper person to represent them in the forthcoming Convention , on the first week in December . " Mr . Prosser seconded the motion , which was unanimously agreed to .

      On tae motion of Mi . Grijtis it was unanimously agreed that the meeting be adjourned to Sunday , Dec . 26 , at two o ' clock . The meeting then separated . AU parties requiring petition sheets , &c , must apply lo Mr . George White , 3 * 9 , Bromsgrove-street

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      TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN

      AKD IRELAND . Baying assumed a position which has been acknowledged by the country , namely , that of a Csntral Board , to act in concert with the local committees throughout the nation , in superintending the raising' of funds by voluntary subscriptions , to aid cur indefatigable friend James Bronterre O'Brien is procuring a printing press , we deem it our duty to speak of the public affairs , with which we are connected , of that gentleman , without apology for our interference , well aware that the sober Bense of all reflecting Chartists and-honest men \ rill applaud rather than deprecate onr conduct in snch a mstt ? i .

      Fellow-men , without doubt ,, thousands of you will have seen in the public papers , or heard from ethers , of statements injurious to the general character of Mr . O'Brien , and cammnions assertions destrnctiTe to his moral reputation . With these det stable fabrications is oar business at this time , and as conscientious Chartists We will address ourselyes to you , fellow-men , as honest men should , in a bare statement of facts , bo as to give you a foil understanding of the whole matter ; and then ask from you a judgment upon , the actions of these anonymous scribblers and cowardly tile-bearers , ¦ who have , under coyer , « n <> a >'" E * y attacked the poli-* - and moral character of one of nature's noblest sons -one who has been formerly persecuted by seeming friends as well as open foes . He has come foith from \ ; repeated ordeal untouched , and he will also triumph over the present miserable charges cf his Radical enemies , eren the same unchangeable patriot he has erer been , without superior in honesty of purpose , and few equals in intelligence and industry .

      Mr . O'Brien has been charged by these naTnftlMu » 'ibellers with the selfish conduct of originating the Press Fund Committee of Laeds , and consequently of fill the local committees throughout the country ; ?>!<¦ Is the first serious charge made against Mr . O Drien ; this if the bead and front of his * offending ; and , men of Great Britain and Ireland , we seriously aak you , where is the mighty sin in such an appeal , even sup . posing it to be true ? Is it so great a crime in the yittAiMMi O'Brien , who has spent his all in the cause of democracy—who has brought his family to povertytiryaif to imprisonment—and impaired his constitution by working for you—by devoting his valuable fr » . itmfc « on your behalf ? Was it too much , in such a ssaa , to solicit assistance from you , to enable him to distribute knowledge among us , and support his TumHj i No , it was not ; every honest man must indignantly aaiwer so ; and yet this is the pitiful charge of lbo * e unhappy traducers of honest men ' s characters .

      Bat , brothers , it is not true . The Press Fund Committee originated in Leedm , by Chartists , by working men ; those founders of that Committee were tw « of out most active members , Mr . Wm . Roberts , and Mr . Saajaal Fletcher ; they deliberated upon the idea ; tiny thought it practicable , and they corresponded with Ms . CBriea , who was quite opposed to the proportion . He told them of bis enemies—that he had always been persecatod—and thoae whojengaged in his nfeerett would share the same fate—persecution and nio . By letters , which the Committee received , Mr . O'Brien intimated his intention of going to the United States of Amprfff ^ u be had no prospect of supporting fait family here , and aiding the cause of liberty fey residing in tfcat part of the world .

      The loss of each a man to our cause appeared in all its importance to the originators of the Committee ; they redoubled their efforts , and , at a public meeting , fifteen brother Chartists volunteered to do all in their power to get op a press fund to assist our friend O'Brien . Tcua was the Committee formed ; we have tqgHB , sad have proceeded so far in our business ; suceea has . in some degree attended our exertion ; , Jsspite these pettifogging enemies , we will be enabled t ~ > pre-¦ Brife oar friend with a prses , and put it in his power Kala to defend and advocate tbe rights of an untn , * rTrtVnt 4 psoptei

      Untitled Article

      This is a short statement of the commencement of the Press Fund Committee . Mr . O'Brien had nothing to do with it , and he has not even yet Thus the committee deny these false reports , andean npon their authors , and those who have circulated ibmrn bwe insinuations , lo prove them if they can ; give d » to for their assertions , or acknowledge their fault , like upright and honest men . The next infamous fabrication we approach with hesitation , but it does not proceed from any belief , on onr parts , of its correctness ; quite the reverse . It arises from delicacy , aa it regards the moral character of the same unpurchasable patriot ; that unfeeling charge is , Mr . O'Brien is an intemperate man . Men have made this assertion and assisted its circulation , who from their standing in the Chartist ranks , we are ashamed to

      mention in connection with such disgusting tnrin ^ t * . tiosa . This we can Bay from our personal knowledge of Mr . O'Brien ; we unhesitatingly contradict it While he resided in Lseds his moral behaviour was unimpeachable ; not the most fastidious could say ought again * t him . Chartists of other places beai the same willing testimony , and against these Chartist-destroying persons take the testimony of Mr . O'Connor , who declared at a public meeting in Leeds , that through all the years he has been intimate with O'Briea , and they were not few , he emphatically said , " he never knew him the worse for rtrong liquor . " Fellow-men , look at this , and can you pay one moment ' s attention to the falsehoods of these nameless traducers . Will you listen to them while O'Connor makes such a plain , open , honest statement , being witness to Mr . O'Brien's exemplary conduct

      Men of Great Britain and Ireland , we make these statement ? to eradicate false impressions from your minds . We do it injustice to an iDJored man—we do it for the love of truth and detestation of anonymous falsehoods . In conclusion , let us call upon you to take the claims of O'Brien into consideration ; weigh them and come forward to assist us in our endeavour to give him a press . Observe the man ! Examine his part conduct ! Look at his powerful writings , and yon must see

      the useralnera of furnishing him with the means ef giving to the working men of this kingdom the reflections of his mighty mind . We place him and his ease before you . Judge betwixt him and his accusers , and your reply , your honest convictions , "will bt unanimous that he has been falsely accused , basely attacked , and that his traducers ought , if possible , to be exposed , so that the nation may see who are the unhappj beings , whose tempers are so restless , and their cry so maliciously bitter . Signed , on behalf of the Committee , William Bbook , Secretary .

      The Northern Star Saturday, December 4, 1841.

      THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , DECEMBER 4 , 1841 .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS . Mt Dearly Beloved Friends , —I now proceed to a narrative of my past week ' s tour . Ob Monday night , at nine o ' clock , I left London . I arrived at Rochdale , at twelve on Tuesday , and was met by a splendidly arranged and very numerous procession at the Railway Station . When marshalled , we proceeded to the Butts , a place usually dedicated to public meetings . It is a very large square , and was crowded to excess , while all the avenues leading to it , were also densely crammed . We passed good resolutions for the

      Charter and the Petition , and had some good speeches from working men . I spoke at great length , and when the business was concluded , I very foolishly consented to be taken in procession in an open carriage , and borne through the town . I was warm after speaking , and the day was very cold , so I got a very bad sore throat . In the evening , about 500 or 600 sat down to s > very excellent soiree , and &Fte ? w&rda the the&tre was opened , which in a few minutes was filled in every part . Mr . George Howe was again called to the chair : he had also presided oTer the out-door meeting . Several very excellent speeches were made .

      James Taylor , Joseph Linney , from Manchester , and Liyesey spoke very powerfully upon the several subjects connected with the Charter . The petition sheets were on the table , and were being well signed . I attached my name , and being obliged to return to Jlancbester , I left cards of the Association with the Secretary , and have not heard the number of members enrolled here , bat I understand many joined . It was , upon the whole , the grandest day

      Rochdale has had in the cause . The demonstration was larger , as admitted by all , much larger than even any election demonstration ever witnessed is . the town ; and I never saw a finer or more determined spirit than was evinced from beginning to end of the proceedings . Oar only want was , the presence of Mr . Sharman Crawford , the brave and upright member for the borough , and who , I am sorry to say , was detained by severe illness , which confined him to bed .

      Heywood . —In consequence of an anxious desire npon the part of the men of Heywood , I visited that town on Wednesday , at twelve o clock , in company with Mr . Livesey . We had their room crammod with Chartists ; and both Livesey and myself spoke at great length . The people of Heywood are very forward and zealous , and promise to augment the National Petition in a fair proportion to their population .

      Boltok . —On the Bame day , Wednesday , I arrived at Bo ! ton , and here Chartism had a jubilee . The Chartists , for the first time , had been allowed the privilege of meeting in the great Temperance Hall , a magnificent building , capable of holding more than 2000 , and which was crowded to suffocation . Those who had tickets for the Soiree were obliged to be accommodated at two sittings ; and when tea was orer , the doors were thrown open at threepence admission to tne body of the hall , and sixpence to the gallery . More than an hour before the time appointed for commencing business , the whole

      place was inconveniently crowded . Mr . Wrenwick was called to the chair ; the several sentiments ¦ were fery ably spoken to by Mr . Hyslop , from -WiganjMr . D ; son , the people ' s representative chosen by 6 how of hands at the last general election ; Mr . Tickers , a young and able speaker , who has lately made his first appearance as an orator , and bids fair to attain a very prominent position in our ranks . The meeting was one of the most orderly and cheering I have ever attended ; but there is a circumstance connected with the Bolton agitation , which , apart from the subject of the Soiree , demauds separate

      notice . Mr . Isaac Barrow , a very extensive timbermerchant , finding the condition to which the Chartist ranks was likely to be reduced , by the treacherous conduct of Warden and others , put on the armaur of agitation . He is a person of independent means , and ha 3 , for the last two or three years , travelled about , at his own expense , expounding the holy principles of Chartism , and explaining their superiority over all other principles . He is a Member of the Town Council ; and although 1 had heard much of him , yet , as a burned child dreads the fire , I had a kind of natural dread of so

      apparent a disinterested course , when pursued by one of his order . But what was my delight and astonishment upon hearing him speak , to discover eloquence , patriotism , and encouragement in his every sentence . With him there is no flinching , no expediency , no truckling . I never heard a man say so much in so few words , or one who appears to understand the subject of Chartism more thoroughly . After I had heard his short but pithy and soul-stirring address , I no longer wondered at the increased spirit which now reigns throughout Bolton and the neighbourhood . The people love , honour , and esteem this man as they onght : he

      attends every ene of their meetings , and devotes his Sundays to visiting distant localities , to preach the gospel of civil rights , without mixing theological disputation with his political discourses . But for his timely enlistment , treachery would have ruined the cause at Bolton ; and I feel assured that myreaders will be glad to learn , that he is wealthy , and in circumstances above the reach of oppression or " exclusive dealing . " After the meeting I proceeded to the work of enlistment , and enrolled not 100 , as erroneously stated in the Star of last week , but 164 new members , about seventy of them being Irishmen and women ! That is real service . So

      much for Bolton , which now has one of the largest Associations in the Kingdom . Stockpobt . —On Thursday , I proceed to Manchester , on any way to Stockport ; aid , when ar-

      Untitled Article

      rived there , several anonymous letters awaited me all from pretended friends and foes , and all conveying the Fame intelligence , namely , that I was to be attacked by the Irian on my arrival at Stockport ; and that the head bludgeoneers had gone from Manchester for the purpose of organization . About an hoar before I started , three Irishmen called on me , and implored me not to go to Stockport , as there was a determination on the part of Finnigan and Co . to meet me at some of the Stations , in bodies of fours and sixes , and there to attack me .

      I did go , however , and sent the Irish word of the very train by which I intended to start , and when I arrived at the Station I refused to go to the hotel by omnibus . I walked , in order to afford every facility for effectuating the manly purpose of my assailants ; but so person molested me . Finnigan and his party ware however upon the alert , and I gained a glorious triumph over him and his blind followers . They abandoned the physical force , but how did they meet me or rather disappoint me ? Why , they issued large jostera calling a Repeal meeting of all the Irish , fearing to allow my

      gallant countrymen to hear my fair exposition of our country ' s woes and wrongs . Now , was not this a triumph ! They begin to find that wherever I catch a Paddy I make a convert to Chartism . In the evening , we had a very excellent soiree , in the only room which the poor people of Stockport can command , the Social Institution , capable of accommodating not more than about 300 at tea , and about 1 , 200 standing . The people here have been most brutally persecuted by their masters socially , and by the authorities politically . They are steeped in the very lowest

      abyss of misery , by redaction after reduction upon wages , until at length there is nothing to reduce-Good artisans and mechanics are sweeping the streets at 6 d . per day , —3 a . per week . The hall was filled an hour before the time of meeting , and one circumstance oonneoted with Stockport is well worthy of notice . They have established a Youth ' s Association , whioh numbers 250 members . I observed several young men Bitting opposite me , very tastefully d « oorated with medals and green ribands , and one in particular , quite a ohild . I asked a person near him if that child had begun to think about

      politics . " Aye , " was the answer , " that ' s our chap ; that ' s our leader . '" " Why , " said I , what do you mean V " Why , thai ia our marshal and treasurer ; he has composed and written a splendid address , to be presented from our body to jou to-night . I could scarcely believe my eyes . The subject of this narrative is Aaron Bentley , a child of about fifteen years of age . He is one of the handsomest children I ever saw , very small even for his years , but his figure is perfect . When he observed me to doubt his pretensions to office and distinction , he went for the address to show it to

      me , and while absent , his corps of full grown men , told me that there was not his equal in Stockport . Ho has been treasurer to the Youths' Association from its commencement ; and to use their own words , " there never was a screw missing of their money . " I was literally astounded , both at the composition and writing of the address . It was a very beautiful document ; so much so that I loft it with him to be framed . My readers will be astonished to hear that this child is a four-loom weaver , and has fullgrown men under him as assistants . He read the address , upon presentation , in capital style . Well ,

      we had a glorious display . One of my countrymen , Clarke , made an admirable speech : and just as I had oonoluded my harangue , a great beam , one of those supporting the floor , gave way with a tremendous crash , which was succeeded by the most horrifying screams , the whole body of the meeting appeared to me to disappear . I thought some hundreds were either killed or grievously wounded : but , thank God , the floor had only sunk and not a soul was injured . Before the business began I had enrolled about fifty members , and should , but for the accident , have added at least one hundred more to the body .

      I promised , however , to go again , determined not to leave my work half finished . I read several extracts from a most villainous work , written by Stephenson-Square Cobden , entitled , England , Ireland , and America , a production full of errors , ignorance , fallacies , and bad grammar , and teeming with bitter abuse of the Irish and the Catholio religion . From these extracts I traced much of the bad blood whioh this wretch has fomented between Protestant England and Catholio Ireland . It is a most blasphemous production , one which Bhould be read by every Irishman in the land ; but one which ,

      although well known to Finnigan and the professed Catholics , is nevertheless studiously suppressed by the bludgeoneers who are canvassing for Catholic support for the " bloody Cobden . " I wish every Irishman to read this work , and then we shall be able to test their value for their country and their religion . Stockport will shortly be depopulated if the work of tyranny is not stayed . The Stockport masters are amongst the foremost of England ' s spoliators and tyrants . They have ruined the working classes , and are now destroying the shopkeepers . So much for Stockport .

      Ashton . —On FrHay I visited Ashton , where I had heard of much disunion , but I was fortunate enough not to have seen it . We had the Charles town meeting room , capable of holding about 1 , 600 comfortably , but at twopence admission , the committee contrived to cram about 2 , 000 into it . We had a splendid meeting . Dickson was there from Wigan , and spoke -well , [ as did all the working men , — Aitken in particular ; and after a glorious night I found that I had left my friends £ 8 9 j . in pocket , after paying all expenoes , and collecting one pound for poor Wright , an oppressed Chartist . Wo enrolled sixty-two new members , and I left Ashton with a conviction on my mind that , in spite of all , Ashton was Ashton still . In fact , a more spirited mee ting could not be imagined .

      Oldham . —On Saturday , I visited my English political birth-place , Oldham . I have a good right to love the men of Oldham , because from the month of June , 1835 , to the present moment , no w six and a half years , their kindness to me has been uniform and unbounded . The Committee Bent a carriage and four to Manchester for me , at fire o ' clock , and with them I started at that hour to Hollinwood , where we met an Oldham procession , well illuminated , with bands and banners . When I Bay an Oldham procession , I mean a congregation of the population of all the surrounding districts . When

      we reached the town , it would be quite impossible to make any guess at the countless tens of thousands who were assembled to do honour to the principles of democracy . We were a long time making our way , or rather crashing through the streets , but at length we did arrive at the open space opposite the house of entertainment , and when all had jammed into one mass , the whole world appeared to be there . I spoke , but not at great length , as the nig ht was cold ; but I satisfied my children , for Buch the people of Oldham , old and young , call themselves . We then proceeded to the Soiree , but here we discovered a

      most miserable deficiency . Our room would not accommodate more than 300 at once , and we were drinking tea till long after ten o ' clock . That excellent gentleman and true patriot , Mr . James Hallidey , mUlowner , but not tyrant , was in the chair , and I found myself surrounded by the members of my old committe of 1835 ; a good proof that we have still hang together , in spite of all our enemies , and also a proof that we have the whole of the people with na . We had a spirited meeting ; but owing to the smallness of the room , and to the fact of the party being all previously enrolled , we added no more than about

      twenty names to the Association , while , space permitting , we should have enrolled more than 500 . I was presented with a very splendid medal by the female Chartists of Oldham , and with a very beautiful scarf by the female Chartists of Waterhead Mill . The medal was rendered particularly

      Untitled Article

      valuable from the foot that in addition to the six points of the Charter on one side was added a Repeal of the Legislative Union . I had intended to have oonoluded aa far as Halifax of this week's Yorkshire toor , but I learn that I have already obliged all Editorial Leader to be displaced for the insertion of as muoh as I have written ; and Yorkshire have a letter to itself next week . In truth , as far as I have gone , it well merits it , inasmuch as there never were two such demonstrations as Bradford and Halifax .. For the present I shall only say of them , that after the proceedings I enrolled 201 new members .

      Want of space now compels me to stop , and I the less regret the want of Leader in this week ' s Star , as you are all leaders , and your minds appear to be made up upon the subjects on whioh the Editor had written , namely , the humbug of Emigration , and the necessity of a cautious watching of the League in their newly assumed form . We can now trnst the people without weekly admonitions . I am just off for Dewsbnry , where the people hare erected a pavilion capable of holding 4 , 000 persons ; and I am , my dear Friends , Your kind and sincere friend and servant , Fra&gus O'Connor . Thursday , Dec . 2 d , Three O'Cloek .

      Untitled Article

      D . J ., Stockport . —We do not know how to advise for the best- The rascally lawyer ought certainly to be punished . Il is a clear case of fraud . We have handed the letter lo Mr . O'Connor ^ who will be better able to judge of the right mode of procedure than we are . Letters to the Executive must be directed to the secretary , Mr . John Campbell ^ 18 , Adderleystreet , Shaw ' s Brow , Manchester . The Female Chartist Committtee of the Borough op Tower Hamlets have sent us an address , for the insertion of which we have not room , calling strenuously upon their sister country women generally lo bestir them in the cause of freedom , and to help forward the Charter agitation .

      L . P . Cook . — His verses are not suitable for our columns . A Journeyman Tailor . —We do not see his plan to be at ail feasable , and have not space for his communication , except as an advertisement . C . Wbsiray , in a letter insisting on the necessity of a general spread of knowledge among the people , tags : — "Let us then employ the time which intervenes between now and the meeting of Convention by the distribution of tracts , lecturing , and public meetings , and thoroughly arouse the whole people to bach the Convention . Let us take every possible step to induce thti long-suffering people of Ireland to join in the struggle for the Charier and Repeal . Let all class-leaders in the

      National Charter Association gather the Stars every week ftom such of their class as can spare them , and transmit them to the Dublin Universal Suffrage Association , who will make good use of them . Then , I em assured , will the scales of political ignorance fait from the eyes of Erin's sons , and their minds be enlightened with the holy and sublime truths of Christianity . There is another maxim which we should consider likewise—• " Union is strength . " Without Union knowledge alone will avail us little . We should be but leaning on a broken reed . If we have not unanimity amongst ourselves , how can we expect to succeed against enemies who , however much they hate each other , would , when we made an

      effort to gain our rights , instantly combine for the purpose of crushing us . Let me implore the leaders of the people at this momentous crisis , to avoid personal bickerings , and let not private pique or wounded pride operate to the injury of our cause , and that they will not follow the example of a clique , who have Jrom feelings of mortified vanity , lately withdrawn themselves from our ranks and attempted to raise a faction of their own . " Stars to Ireland . —We call attention to the following extract of a letter received by a female Chartist in Barnsley , from her brother , raident at Cashel , and transmitted to us for publication : — ** With respect to forming a Chartist Association

      in Cashel . The cause was progressing rapidly , but from some cause or other , all the papers that were heretofore sent to Cashel , were stopped all of a sudden , and no Stars come to Cashel now , with the exception of three . The withdrawal of the papers from the persons that were in the habit of receiving them , has caused a great damp here ; some of them respectable persons , I am requested to mention these particulars to you in order that you may make inquiry why they have not sent as usual , and if it should be in accordance with the rules of the Chartist Associations , to be sent to those persons again . I receive the Star on Fridays regularly from you , but there was not a Star came to

      Cashel this three months , with the exception of the three that I have mentioned . The undermentioned are the persons to whom the Stars were addressed , viz .: —Mr . John Nolan , Mr . Patrick Fogarty , and Wm . Hackett , Ladies ' Well-street , Cashel , Tipperary , Ireland ; Mr . Thomas Nolan , Friar-street , Cashel , Tipperary ; Mr . Daniel Duggan , Lister ' s-square , Cashel , Tipperary .- Mr . John Mills , Grange , care of Wm . Hackett , Ladies' Well-street , Cashel , Tipperary ; Terence Creed , Whitesmith , Mainstreet , Cashel , Tipperary ; James Reynolds , Leatherseller , Main-street , Cashel , Tipperary ; John Byrns , Victualler , Thurlas , Tipperary : Michael Mahany , Esq ., Bukestown Mills , near Thurlas . ( Signed ) "John Kennedy . "

      HoBERf CruthRRS sends us a very angry note about the letter of" A Radical of tbe Old School , " in reference to Mr . R . J . Richardson , and the charge made against him , of having sold his brother Chartist , Dean . Mr . C . does not meet any one of the allegations contained in the letter of " A Radical of the Old School . " Mr . R . J . Richardson is doubtless quite competent to the defence of his own character . If the allegations referred to , but notoriginally made , by "A Radical of the Old School" be false , it is in the power of Mr . R . J . Richardson to prove them so , and the columns of the Northern Star are at his service for that purpose . They are not matters which any man can treat with contempt , and if Mr . R . J . Richardson fail to meet and answer them the public must of necessity conclude his

      silence to be induced by a consciousness that they are true ; and if they be true we quite agree with "A Radical of the Old School , " that no feeling of execration can be too strong , and no manifestation of that feeling too marked , for ( he deserts of such a man . We advise Mr . Cruthers , therefore ^ to keep quiet , and leave Mr . Richardson to play his own cards ; doubtless he best knows what sort of a " hand" he has . We have several other communications in reference to the matters referred to by " A Radical of the Old School , " all tending to place Mr . R . J . Richardson's character in a not very enviable point of view . We shall not insert them , because we think that until some reply has been made , enough has been said . No doubt that if Mr . Richardson can reply he will . If he do not , the people will know how to conclude .

      Untitled Article

      41 The Masons' Strike" is much inferior to the usual productions of the author , ¦ . .- # Mb . George Black . —We have much pleasure m acknowledging the receipt of a letter from , the Chartist of Arnold , testifying to the zeal and mtegrity of this person , whose intemperate ( anquage at Sheffield we censured m a recent num' her of the Star / We see that Nottingham and New Basford have also borne honourable testimony to his integrity of principle . Wetrustthat he will in future be more guarded in htsexpressions , and that the cause will yet derive much benefit from his patriotie zeal . Mb . Longhaid and several other Cobbespokdents , if they intend their communications to be

      noticed , must write only en one side ef the paper We have much unnecessary trouble from the omission of this little attention on the part of our correspondents , which we have often solicited from them . Mb . Wheeler trill oblige us by not writing so , closely . H . Pbitchard . —If the letters to which he refers be well written , we shall be glad fa insert them . But we cannot undertake to promise till tee have the means of estimating them . ScABBSo ' . —rSend the Sign of the Civil Publican . — The names of persons nominated for general Council , coming without their addresses , are not inserted . Erratum in our last . —We are very sorry to

      perceive that a stupid oversight m the reader " has completely destroyed the sense of one part of the verses on Democracy , furnished by our excellent correspondent F . The word " Rattling , " in the seventh verse , should havebeen "Rotting . " James Collier has our thanks . Edward Burlet , of York , has received the following sums fo r the purpose of purchasing books , &c . for Holberry , viz .. —1 » . Sd . from Mr . Mackering , Market Weighton , Is . from Mr . Campbell , York , and 6 d . from Mr . Corin , York . Any further sum will be thankfully received on behalf of the suffering patriot , and duly acknowledged .

      Attercliffe , Nov . 29 th , 1841 . Sir , —Many of your- readers are anxious to know what has becom i of Doctor Taylor , late M . p ., as his name has not appeared in the pages of the Star for a considerable time . Perhaps you can give us the necessary information . I am also desirous to know when Bronterre purposes to go on with the History of the French Revolution ? If this question meets his eye in the Star , he will ne doubt answer it , I am , Sir , Yours most respectfully , J . H . A .

      [ In answer to this and many similar inquiries , we can only say that we know nothing of Dr . Taylor . We have heard that he is in Ireland , but do not know . ~ E . Ti ] T . M . Wheeler returns his thanks to those places who have done Mm the honour of nominating him for the ensuing Convention , but must decline standing on account of his position as a remunerated correspondent of the Northern Star . Middle-Class Honesty . —To the Editor of the Northern Stab . —Sir , —The excellent manner in which the Northern Star is conducted , the selection of its articles ^ and the vast amount of useful information found within its columns ,

      must fill the mind of the general reader with awe and astonishment as to the abilities and sound judgment necessary in making the arrangements for bringing out each number in so complete and satisfactory a manner . With this tribute of respect , sincerely given , I venture to trouble you with a case of uncommon hardship cow nected with my trade , only this last week . In order that the matter of dispute may be fully understood , I beg to state that at the April of each year the pitmen of this locality are bound to a bond which sets forth the conditions to be observed by the parties thereunto subscribing in the working of the mine , and the prices to be paid for certain work to be done ; after which ,

      and in the same bond , there is a claute , which , in effect , goes to say that at any time throughout the year , the master shall be at liberty to alter or change the mode of working at the same . Should that change be disadvantageous to the workmen , he is bound to advance price accordingly to the satisfaction of the men ; or , if they cannot agree , then , by another clause in the same bond , two viewers are to be called in , one by each party ; and , if they still disagree , the two viewers above referred to , have to call a third viewer to act as umpire , andthemen , or masters , are bound to act according to the decision of the said umpire . Now , Sir , the master of St . Lawrence Colliery thought proper to alter the mode of working ,

      which alteration would make , on the lowest calculation , a difference for the worse of about Is . 6 d . per score , and he , { the master ) , would only pay 6 d . per score extra , thus lowering the wages of the workmen Is . per day . The me « , as a matter of course , complained , and he told them he would give no more at present , but if they would keep to work , and made the coals so much better , that he could get 5 s . per chaldron extra , he might give them something more ; Lut as this was only a conditional promise , and as he teas a person who had deceived them before , they refused to comply , and would not work in the altered mode any longer , ( they had tried it one fortnight . ) This produced an alteration , and as

      words ran high , he ( the master j threatened to discharge some of the most forward individuals , or , if they would not take their discharge , lo put them in prison for three months . One , at least , of them had been in prison before for laying one day of work on the glorious \ 2 th of August , liioD , and not having a taste for it again , and not being willing to work by the new or altered mode without a corresponding advance of price , they took their discharge . But , mark the cunning of the respectable master . He wrote thai man ' s discharge in such a manner as to prevent him getting work from any other master in the trade . Here is * copy of the discharge ;— " N . B . You are dischargedfrom this Colliery because you will not work according to the bond . " Now , few masters will hire a servant teho is not willing

      to work according to agreement , and he ( the master ) intended nothing else , or he would not have staled that which was not true , for , it was not a refusal to work according to the bond ; they only declined working because an advance of price was not given commensnrate with the additional labour which the new way of working entailed upon them . Sir , not being willing to trespass further on the columns of the Peoples paper , we will feel obliged if you can give insertion to the above , as we are desirous of acquainting our fellow-workmen of the real facts of the case . The men ' s names are kept back far the present , as they have not all got work yet . Will the Friends of Freedom in England and Scotland send , if they can , some numbers of the Star of the 30 / A of October , to P . M .

      Brophy , No . 14 , North Anne-street , Dublin . Notice . —Mr . T . B . Smith , having made such arrangements as will enable him to devote ten days or a fortnight to lecturing on the National Petition , and other topics connected with the welfare oj the people , at the commencement of the New Year , requests thai those places within ten miles of Leeds , tehich wish lo avail themselves of his services , will communicate with him on or before the 25 lh of the present month , in order that no disappointment may take place . All letters pre-paid , and inclosing a post label , and addressed to Mr . T . B . Smith , 56 , Beckettstreet , Burmantofts , Leeds , shall receive immediate attention . Letters unpaid , or not inclosing a label , wi-l not be noticed .

      Bristol Chartists again write to complain of being unreported in the Star . We again inform them that the fault is not with us . We are most anxious that the friends at Bristol , Bath , and the West generally , should favour us with much more intelligence of their proceedings than we qet from them . We insert everything that comes from them , unless it be too late , but we very seldom get any report from them . They ask if Mr . Simeon be appointed correspondent for the Statin Bristol ? We know no one in Bristol personally , and can therefore , have no choice . We shall be most happy to receive , and to pay all proper attention to , such intelligence as may be forwarded by any person in whom the friends have confidence ; and of which they can easily apprise us by a letter from the secretary . We received a letter from Mr .

      Simeon last week , informing us that he had been appointed by the friends to correspond with us , and inclosing a notice of thsir proceedings that notice was inserted , and it is the only one we recollect to have had from him ; except his letter of this week in reference to Brown , ythe Anti- Corn-Law man , which came to hand after our notice of Brown ' s meetings was in type . Tub Westmoreland Chartists are appealed to by the brethren in Kendal , to render all possible did in procuring signatures to the Petition . The Kendal Chartists desire to have the whole county canvassed , and they request each village to appoint proper persons to take charge of the Petition sheets , and to communicate for that purpose with the secretary , Mr . JohnRobinson , KendaL [ By the bye , Mr . Robinson should have given hit address more precisely . ] N . M . — We have no room .

      W . Martin . —The American Sunday School Song next week . J . E . Sharps . —Thanks . John Weaver , Ryde , —Wt believe that BrotUerre ' s Life of Robespierre has not been completed . Poetry . —As usual , we have shoals , that we have ntither time nor inclination eten to read . Bradford--Any friends having any communications for the Northern Star , will much oblige the correspondent , Mr . Joteph Brook , by leaving Uiem with Mr . Joseph Aldcrson , tailor , Bank-street , or Mr . Ibbelson , bookseUer , Bradford .

      Untitled Article

      Stockport Unemployed Operatives . —Having 1 enquired of respecting the * um of 7 s . given to ow Correspondent , Mr . Griffin , for the benefit of On Stockport starving men , but not acknowled ged in the Star , we wrote Mm on the subject , fy some means it appears that our letter missed reaching him for more than a week . Havhu got it , at last , he writes us in reply that it wa , paid on the same day that he got it , and sends , {* confirmation of his statement , a receipt signed b » James Mitchell . Mr . Griffin did not understand that it was to be inserted in the Star .

      G . Thirkkll complains of out having omitted by week to insert a vote of censure on Mr . W atkim for his conduct on the O'Brien Committee , anj says that great dissatisfaction has been cawed by the omission . We have no recollection of hat ing received any notice of it till now ; and if «» had , we claim to use our own judgment as to flu insertion of such matters . E . P . MkAd . —He pushes the bar , in his discussion with the Malthusian Bachelor , a little beyond < A , boundary of modesty . His communication wouli suit better the taste of the readers of son ** respectable" and "fashionable" paper than o ? the Northern Star . W ., Birkenhead , —His long report , wr itten o « both sides , aud received by Thursday ' s post , stosdj no chance of even being read this week .

      Has Mr . Nathaniel Morling , of Brighton , « , ceived a Utter from Mr . Wm . Martin , of Branp . ton , dated 21 st November ? Mr . M . wishes loan municate with-him rhe knows Ms address . Sheffield Polish Meetino . —Press of matla obliges us to reserve the address till next week . ME . Wm . Hogg can have a portrait of O'Brien h sending six Post Office stamps to this Office . POR THE EXECUTIVE , PROM THE SALE OP ROGQ FINDER ' S CLACKING . S . d Wm . Brook , Leeds 0 5 Joseph Breok , Shelton 0 7 Wa Groeett , Manchester 0 lo Thomas Bentley , Mill Bridge 0 3 George White , Birmingham Q lo John Haria , Hull 0 5 John Nickelson , Hall — 0 5

      3 9 H . Hall for J . Wright . —Do not know his address , Will some of the Gloucester friends be kind enough » send us the address of John Sidaway , of that plan W . H . Cheltehham . —27 » e Committee mutt order % transfer of the 10 * . J . W . Barnfield . —Send io the secretary , Mr . Camy bell , care of Mr . John Cleave , Shoe-lane , Fleet-strtt , London . Cannot speak positively about the o&tt affairs but think ituiUnot be proceeded with .

      Untitled Article

      J . R . Hunt , Southampton . —Must apply to ihe agt in London , who suppplies him with the Northen Star . We sent as many portraits of F . O'Connor It London as there were subscribers , and if not de& vered the'agent has them . Thos . Johnson , Lyme Regis . —His Idler has lm sent to Mr . John Cleave . J . WaKefield , Cikenckstkb . —Can have the booh he enquires for in the same parcel as H 06 W 1 Almanack and the Plates . FOR THE EXECUTIVE . a d . T . Breailey , Leeds 1 0 From tbe Chartist * of Canterbury , per J . W . Bamfleld ... 10 0 From T . Collier . Devizes 10

      VOE THE O ' BRIEN PRESS FUND . s . d . From W . H ., Cheltenham 10 0 FOR THE FORTHCOMING CONVENTION . 8 . d . From T . Collier , Devizes ... ... 1 0

      Untitled Article

      show an act 01 royal clemency on the happy occasion of the birth of a Royal Prince , has been pleased te notify to the Right Hon . Sir James Graham , the Secretary of State for the Home Department , tint those convicts who have behaved themselves well shall have their punishment commuted ; and that those who seem deserving of such a mark of clemeney , and who are now lingering on board tin hulks at Deptford , Woolwich , Sheerness , Portsmouth , Pembroke , Cork , and other prisons , shaO have their liberty granted to them . —London paper . ]

      [ This is well . Tbe exercise of clemency becomes the Sovereign ; peculiarl y at this time ; nor will the people hesitate in their acceptance of an ad of tardy justice , though it be dubbed by the niaa of mercy . The Glasgow Chartists have resohed to hold a meeting in tbe City Hall , on Mondiy next , to memorialize the Qaeento include Fret , Williams , and Jones , in the number of political and other prisoners that may be pardoned oa the baptism of the Prince . Let the hint be instantly acted on by the whole Empire . Let like memorials go from every town and village where there is a Chartist , and at once . —Ed . N . S . 1

      Eotat Ami &Lt;Efeuerai Ententgpntt.

      EotaT ami < EfeueraI Ententgpntt .

      Untitled Article

      ILSXOH . —An Awful and Distrbssimo Ciicumstance . —Murder and Suicide the result of Destitution . —Ou Monday afternoon , about halfpast two o ' clock , considerable excitement was caused in this town , by an alarm that was given , that a woman residing in the Smithey-street , had iost drowned her child in a washing mug , and hung herself . As I was at a house in the same street at the time , I immediately proceeded to the place , wflicn on reaching , I found the report but too true . On reaching the tfeps of the cellar , occupied by the onfortunate woman , and in whioh the awful circumstance occurred , I was met by a man with tie child in his arms quite dead , and on entering the cellar , I found they bad just cut the mother down and lain her on the bed . Mr . Anderton , surgeon ,

      had iost arrived ; he tried to let blood but none came , and he declared she was quite dead . As some of the neighbours knew she was in very bad circumstances , they began to look round the cellar to see if they could find any kind of food , and I went round with them , but could find none , not erena grain of salt ; nor any coals , and the fire oat ; no bed but one , and that a wretched one ; no bed-clotheSf except an old rug and some old sacks to cover herself and four children . From some of her acquaintances I learned that she was a very hard-working that

      woman—that the children are illegitimate , and their father would do nothing towards BupportiBg them ; that on their pressing her to go to the town for relief , uho told them she had been some fame before , and that they threatened to put her in prison if she came any more . The name of the woman 18 Betty Thompson , she is upwards of thirty years " age , and the child about nine months old , bne nw sent the other three children off some errands , ana locked herself and the child up , and drawn tM curtains , before she committed the dreadful aew Correspondent .

      LEEDS . —Free and Independent Oepbb oj Ancient Grebks . —The Foundation , Arcop ^ No . 1 , of the above newly-established and floHrulung order celebrated their second anniversary , <> Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at the house of Mr-Thompson , Shepherd ' s Inn , Bridge-street , LeeaSi when upwardB of fifty members , besides numeW " friends , sat down to an excellent dinner .

      Untitled Article

      Strike at Rhtnney Iron Works . —A ^ cwaderable degree of alarm was created in Mertnjr Tydvil , on Monday night last , by an ex press arming , requiring the presence of Wm . Thomas , W * ( a magistrate of the place , ) and the ? ewly . ®?* Jl ! lished police force . It appears that a general sttlW of the workmen had taken place , and that t °° whole of the works had consequently BtopP « - All sorts of rumours were in ckeufW "! that rioting had taken place , and " > a * , r ! workmen were about to proceed to Mewji Tydvil , about three miles distant , to cause a stopp * ff of the works there , and also to Tredegar m Nanbyglo in another direction with a like mtenuon . As yet there u no truth in them , and upon due enquiry , find that everv thins is auiet . bat every tnin «

      is at a stand . It is generally supposed ^ tn » . j » strike has arisen from the great reduction whicnn *" lately been made in the workmen ' s wages . y ^ S ? reductions have been enormous , and coupled w wj the discharge of vast numbers , is creating » fe * 5 r state of things in the densely and hitherto p « £ porously-peopled distrioL Many families are » a state of the greatest destitution , without ioooi and many thousands of them very »" from their parishes . In the . full «« of railway speculation and prosperity 01 »» iron trade , there was not a s " ffioJ «* 2 of people to be had , and there was pleW of work for every one . But the reverse is toe **" at present , and the prospect for the ensuing www is of the gloomiest kind . There is . »¦¦ «*»• £ redaction » j ? ain in almost the whole of tno worp

      the parish of Mertbyr . What will become of » J poor workmen it is impossible to guess . &BJ * anything take place between this and * « « °£ J : the week , I will not fail to write again .- «^ r

      pondent . Mr . Macnamara ' s Prize EssAt .-W e hf ^} favoured with a sight of Mr . Macnamara ^ newu published Prize Essay on Peace ; but havei have W j yet had time or opportunity to give . it . ™** fy reading which is necessary to form * J ^^ t been merits . From the casual glances we have yo » able to give at a few pages , the style Sf ^ Xes smooth and well connected . We promise ourseiT a rich treat in the reading of tt .

      Untitled Article

      4 THE NORTHERN- . 8 TAR . _ — T ^^^^^ ! ^ ; ^ ¦ " —— " ~ ~~ ' ^~^^ I

      £0 Afteattettf Mtf Com0$Ottimtt£

      £ 0 afteattettf mtf Com 0 $ ottimtt £

      Untitled Article

      TO AGENTS . Thk Parcels op Medals and op Portraits . — During tbe next few weeks -weshall have to send parcels nearly to all parts of England and Scotland . In each case we shall endeavour to send by the cheapest mode of conveyance , and shall toe obliged to any agent who will point out the best and cheapest mode of reaching him . We beg to call attention to this , that there may be no complaint afterwards . Those who will experience any convenience from having Petitions , or Sheets , or

      Poor Man ' s Almanack , or Mr . O'Connor ' s Pamphlet , or any other of our Publisher's Publications inclosed in their parcels , had better apprise him of the same in time . In all such cases , however , he desires as to state that money must be sent with the order . The price of the petitions and sheets are known ; and the allowance upon the other goods to vendors , is 25 per cent , therefore they can easily calculate what the amount will be ; and Ik all such cases goods to the amount of cash received will be sent .

      Untitled Article

      The National Petition . —Our publisher , Mr . Hobson , has printed the National Petition for 1842 , on a neat sheet , for the purpose of being extensively distributed amongst those from whom signatures are asked , lhat they may knout for what they are signing . lie is ready to supply them to the Associations and to individuals at the following charges : —MM copies for 2 s ; 1 , 000 / or 15 s . Petition sheets , of good strong paper , ruled in four columns , and holding two hundred names when filled , may also be had , price 2 d . each .

      The Petition and sheets may also be had from Mr . Cleave , London : and Mr . Heywood , Manchester . But in all cases the money must be sent in advance—the price being so low as to preclude credit . | S * Messrs . Paton and Love , of Glasgow , apprise us that they have made arrangements with Mr . Hobsonfor the supply of our Scotch friends with sheets and petitions . Those in Scotland , who require them , will do well to make early application to these gentlemen .

      Respite And Pardon Of Convicts. — Fbosi, Williams, Anb Jones.—Her Majesty, Wishing To

      Respite and Pardon of Convicts . — Fbosi , Williams , anb Jones . —Her Majesty , wishing to

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 4, 1841, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct731/page/4/