Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 27th August 1842, Edition 5 of 5, Page 4, Untitled Article

Page 4
Page 4
4 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (2)
    • THE 50KTHEE,]S STAR. SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1842.
    • TO THE IMPEREAL CHARTISTS,
  • Text (15)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Untitled Article

      THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE . DEFEAT OF THE BRITISH TROOPS AT PORT NATAL . Cape of Good Hope papers of the 18 th of Jane armed on Tuesday . They state that the troops sent from the Cape to subdue the Boors at Port Natal tad been defeated . The commander , Capt . Smith , thus annonncea the event in his" report to tin Government on the subject : — ** Post Natal , Mat 25 . " Sir , —It is with feelings of deep regret that I have the honour to commnnicate to you the digastrons resnlt of an attack made by the force under my command on the emigrant farmers congregated at the Cengella camp at this place . " In my last despatch I detailed the various steps taken by the farmers to annoy the troops , and my determination to abstain , if possible , from hostiliites if it conld be done without detriment to the-honour

      of the sen-ice , in the rain hope of conciliating these misguided people , and smoothing the way to the ¦ quiet settlement of . their lon . £ -distarbed position as regards the Government of ihe Cape , But the Teceipt of an insoleDt letter , demanding that the force I commanded should instantly quit Natal , followed op by the removal by armed men of a quantity of cattle belonging to the troops , rendered it absolutely necessary that some steps should be taken in order to prevent the repetition of such outrages . ^ ** I therefore determined , after mature consideration , to march a force and attack their camp at the Congella ( a place about three milea from our position , where they have been for some time ' collecting ) , and set apart the night of the 23 rd instant lor that object . As the road leading to the Congella from the post the troops now occupy lies for the most

      part through thick bush , I thought it best to cro .-s the sands at low water , as , by this means , I « buld avoid annoyance from the farmers until within- a short distance of their Btation . FittiDg a howitzer , therefore , in a boat , under the superintendence of lieutenant Wyatt , of the Royal Artillery , . and leaving it under the charge of a sergeantpf the same corps , I gave him directions to drop down the channel to within 500 yards of Congellai and await the troops , in order that they might form under the cover of its fire , aided by that of two fix-pounders , which accompanied the force I took with me . This consisted of one subaltern , and seventeen privates , Artillery ; one subaltern , one sergeant , and two privates , Royal Sappers ; two captains , two subalterns , five sergeants , and 100 rank and file , 27 th IF ° ? iment ; and two mounted orderlies of the Cape Bifles .

      " Having previously sent out a picket to feel the skiris of the wood in front of our position , in order to prevent our movements being discovered , I put the whole party in motion at eleven ? . h . ( it being bright moonlight ) and arrived without molestation till within nearly eight hundred yards of the place I proposed to attaca . To my great mortification I found the boat had not dropped down the Cbinnel according to my instructions , but as I considered it imprudent to wait the chance of her arrival , I was forced to make the attack without tho valuable

      assistance a discharge of shells aad shot from the howitzer would have afforded me . Giving the order to advance , therefore , the troops had jast moved to where the termination of a range of mangrove bush opened to a level space in front of the Congella , when a heavy and well-directed fire from the , bush was poured on them ; upon which they immediately formed , and commenced a fire in return , while the six-pounders were loading .

      " Unfortunately , one of the dranght oxen being shot : caused some interruption , but this being soon # ot over , a destructive fire from our guns silenced for a while onr opponents ; but several more of the oxen being wonnded , on escaping oat of their traces , rushed among the troops , and caused much delay and confusion in the ranks . This circumstance again fayonred the Boors , who , taking advantage of it , opened a renewed fire with their long pieces ( much more destructive than a musket ) , and a severe loss among the troops was the

      consequence . " Finding , then , that I w * s not likely to accomplish the purpose for which I had put the detachment in motion , and that the men were fallin g fast , I thought it expedient to retire ; effecting this object after some delay , the partial rising of the tide xeBdering ihe road difficult . The troops , however , reached the camp about two o ' clock in tolerable order , leaving behind them , I regret to say , the guns , which the death of the oxen rendered it impossible

      to remove . " Thinking it probable this partial success of the farmers might induce them to make an immediate attack on the camp , I made such preparations as I thoHght necessary , and found my suspicions realised shortly after by a large body of them opening a heavy fire on three sides of it . This was met by & spirited resistance on our part , bns they did not finally retire until about an . hour before , daybreak .

      Such , I regret to inform yon , has been the resnlt of this attack , and the consequent loss has been se-Tere , the total in both skirmishes being such as detailed in the enclosed return . One ^ reat cause of failure I attributed to the mismanagement of the boat , in which I had placed the howitzer , by . the fehells of which I had hoped the farmers would have been thrown into confusion , but she dropped down too late to be of any use , and even then took up --a position too distant for her to fire to produce much effect . " "Among tie many nwiters connected with the

      subject of thi 3 report , and awakening the deepest regret , is the death of Lieutenant Wyatt , of the Eoyal Artillery , who for the two preTlous days had exerted himself much in making the necessary arrangements . He was killed early in the action . Of the zealous exertions of Captain Lonsdale and Lieutenant Lunnard , of the 27 ; h Regiment , I was also deprived , both these officers being severely wounded . In factj under the trying circumstances in which the detatchment was placed , I have only to regret that , with such willingness to perform the duty asssigned to them , the result should have been so nnfortunate .

      "" The loss on the part of the Boom it is difficult to estimate , but I am told it has been severe . The whole of his day they have made no movement , but I have to givetkem the credh of treating such ot the wounded as fell into their handa with great inmaniiy . These , with the bodies of those who f ell , they sent to the ca up in the course of the afternoon , and to-morrow the sad duty of interring our de - parted comrades will take place . " . What steps the farmers may take I cannot at

      this moment surmise with -any degree of ceriainty , though I think it probable th ; y will again demand that I quit the territory they call their own within a certain time . I shall , of course , do what I can to maintain myself in my present position ; but considering the number « f the disaffected , and the means they possess of molesting the troops , 1 beg to nrge tbe necessity of a speedy reinforcement , a 3 I scarcely consider the troops at present sta'ioned here sufficient for the performance of -th 3 duty to which they have been assigned .

      " I have the honour to be , Sir , your mast ooedient , humble servant , " J . C . Surra . M Captain , 27 ih Regiment , commanding . u His Honour Colonel Hare , C-B . and K . H ., Lientenant-Governor , &c .

      Untitled Article

      The North-Western Boundary question will not be entered into in the present negotiation , as the necessary surreys will be a long time before they are completed . It is understood in New York that the questions are to be submitted to the Senate separately , but this is not the case : the whole of the questions will be first arranged , and then submitted to the Senate simultaneously , and it is folly expected that they , as a whole , will not meet with any opposition , as the majority of that body is also predisposed to terminate the matter amicably if possible

      Untitled Article

      IHE WIDOW HOLBERRY . Brother Democrats , —I hope you will excuse me intruding on your patieoce at this important crisis , but the remains of the murdered Holberry demand justice Come out , then , individually , and exert yourselves in behalf of his disconsolate widow . According to the return * made by your energetic and patriotic Secretary , Mr . J . Campbell , dated June the 21 st , font hundred localities were enrolled in our Association . Well , then , my friends , for ths plan : Four hundred towns are

      enrolled ; I call upon one working democrat to come out individually in each , purchase a memorandum book and pencil , state the case of the widow of your murdered brother , and you may depend you will Bucceed . For my part . I have tried it in York , Chesterfield , and t&-day in Hull , and I have collected eleven shilling and one penny , from thirty-eight individuals , for which I return my Bincere thanks on behalf of the widow of my deceased friend and the frieDd of toiling millions . There is no excuse . To work , then , and send your monies to Mr . Joshua Hobson , General Treasurer .

      Mr . Editor , hoping you -will find room for the above few remark * , And you ¦ will oblige , Youtb in the cause of the distressed , WXLSIKGHAU MAKTIN . No . 10 , Seargant-Equare , Manor-street , Hull , August 21 st , 1842 . [ Wehave received alike communication from Mr . J . ' Barratt , Whittall-street , Birmingham , stating that he has , " on his own responsibility , ' collected for the widow £ 2 . 18 * . 2 d . It is impossible for us to give the items in these cases . Ihe contributors cannot expect it ]

      Untitled Article

      TO THE EDITOR OF THE KOBTHERS STAB . Sih , —I beg leave to inc'ose a copy of a letter "which I have received from Mr . Dancombe , M . P . As this gentleman has dene so much for the working classes , and for the promotion of the sacred cause in which so many of the latter are embarked , I would suggest to our various localities the expediency of thanking Mr . Duncombe for his Parliamentary aB well as his unofficial services on our behalf . I am , sir , Yours respectfully , J . B . Smit .

      ( COPT . ) " The Albany , August 15 th , 1 S 42 . " Dear Sir . —A press of bnsiness has prevented me sooner replying to your letter of the 25 th ult ., and thanking you and the Cha * tiats of Leamington for the Bind and flattering manner in -which you and they are pleased to express themselves in approbation of my bumble services in Parliament , in defence of the rights of tee working classes . I beg that you will assure them that no exertions shall be Bpared on my part to promote their welfare and protect their liberty . " I remain , " Daar Sir , " Your * f , uthfully , "Thos . Duncombe . " " Mr . J . B . Smith , leamington . "

      Untitled Article

      lotions come to by them , the previous discussions among the Trades separately , that their delegates might be instructed , and the after discussions by the several Trades , have made almost every Tradea * Society throughout that immense district a compact body of well-reasoning intellectual politicians , satisfied that labour will be always at the beck and in the power of capital , until able to protect itself by legislative power . The helping forward of our Charter movement , then , in the mere impetus derived from the extension of our principles , is one advantage , and no mean one either , arising out of

      this movement . But the Strike has done more than this . It has done more towards effecting and cementing a union between the honest of the middling elapses and the people than anything that has before occurred . The great bugbear of the middle classes has been " Chartist violence . " Their fear has been that under the domination of the working classes " property" would be unsafe . Not all the argument and reasoning in the world oould have so effeotually convinced them of the converse as the proceedings of

      the last ten days in all those districts where the Strike received a Chartist character . With all power in their hands to spread anarohy , and discord , aud confusion , and destroy property—in all those districts , with every temptation , and every provocation , to excess , no excesses were committed ; property waa respected ; peace was preserved , in spite of continuous efforts for its violation by others ; order , was kept , and the law was much more rigorously and carefully observed by the people than even by the authorities themselves .

      Such , therefore , of the middle classes as may honestly desire a union with the people now perceive that the barrier existed only in their own imaginations , and that property , peace , law , order , and the quiet of society are never so safe as when under Chartist guidance and protection . But the Strike has done another thing for us . It has shown the people the necessity of instantly repairing past

      oversight , by insisting on the full carrying out of our national organisation . It has shown them where their hands were weak . They nowsee thathadthe orgnnisation been attended to as it ought to have been , they would have been ready to do that effectually which has been abortively attempted . As proof that the people do see this , we give the following from our Trowbridge friends , sent to us in the report of their proceedings : —

      " The general complaint is , that there is no publio body sitting , either ia London or Manchester , to direct the movement ; by gathering correct information as to the Strike , and communicating it to the various localities , so that the people may know how to act . The men of this place are ready to strike , but they are in want of information as to whether those on strike intend to hold out , and whether others intend to strike . "

      From various other parts we have liko intimations . This , then , is a great good done . The people see where they have missed it ; and they will let the time past suffice to have been caught napping . They . will now perfect their organization , and prepare themselves to be always hereafter on the watch-tower and prepared . Let the people , then , take courage . Our movement has suffered nothing . On the contrary , it has gained much . And we shall abundantly make up in increased numbers , wisdom , energy , and watchfulness , for any deleterious effect of this untoward matter .

      To the Trades' delegates of Manchester , too much honour can never be paid by the people . Their conduct in this business has been , at once , that of patriots and of statesmen . They declared that the Btrike was worthless unless for the Charter , and when , after mature deliberation , they perceived its futility for the attainment of that object , they not le $ s nobly than prudently resolved to give it up . There is a silly kind of people who having once determined on a thing ,

      fear to find out that they are mistaken , lest the relinquishing of their position should subject them to a charge of " cowardice . " This is most absurd . The greatest of all cowards is he who needlessly assumes or retains a false position for fear of being called a coward . - ' The Manchester Delegates have exhibited none of this folly . Their last address does honour to them . We give it here as the best commentary on the whole matter of the Strike that can be given to our readers . Let it be read by all : —

      " We have carefully collected and calmly deliberated upon the evidence adduced by the assembled Delegates , as to the state of public feeling evinced by their respective constituents ; and we find that the labourer and the artizan haying , for a series of years , vainly struggled to maintain a standard of wages which would enable them to obtain even the commonest necessaries of life , arp of opinion that tho repeated frustrations of their efforts are to be solely attributed to their political disfranchJBement .

      ' Experience having proved the correctness of these opinions , we turned our attention to thrbest means of remedying the evil ; and having maturely considered the subject in all its bearings , we come to the conclusion that the only means by which the labour of tbe producing classes of this country can be fairly remunerated and properly protected , and themselves eventually raised from the depths of degradation to which they are at present reduced , is by the legislative enactment of the document known as the People ' s Charter .

      "And we recommended national cessation from labour until the arrival of this period . Owing to the occurrence of the late oivil commotions , of which we had not tho slightest anticipation , and which we exceedingly regret , we found that the carrying out of this resolution' would for the present be impracticable . But we dissolve with the firm determination that as soon as our organisation is sufficient for , and our resources adequate to , the commencement of a national cessation from labour until the Charter becomes the law of the land , we shall do so legally and constitutionally , and we fear not but the result will crown our cause with victory . " :

      This is the right view of the subject . ' Xet the organisation and the resources of the people be looked to : these minded , and their will is law .

      Untitled Article

      members—should have prudence as well as zeal ; or their services , however well intended , can be bat mischievous . Entertaining this feeling , we direct attention to addresses elsewhere inserted from Mr . Campbell and from Dr . ; M * Douall , to which the people will do well to give no heed ; bo far as they relate to the Strike , ? at least * Mr . Campbell is for still upholding and extending the- Strike ^ though he nvust know , as wellas the Manchester delegates , that it is at present utterly powerless for good , as a political weapon ; and must also know , that if powerless for

      good , its effects for , Vevil would be fearful . The Doctors whole document breathes a wild strain of recklessness , most dangerous i to the cause , if it should have any weight with the people . He , too , would have the Strike to go ont but without any specific object ; in the mere hazard that : " something may come out of it . " Doubtless if upheld under present circumstances " something " would come out of it . That something would be au increase of misery , destitution , and slavery ; imprisonments , punishments , burnings of mills and

      factories ; conflicts between the people and the military shooting ? , / sabreings , and tramplings under foot ; transportings , hangings , beheadings , and quarterings ; an atteiript at a bloody revolution ; the failure of the attempt to . do anything hut mischief , and the fastening round ub of the bonds of slavery more firmly than we have even yet felt them . This is the ouly iomelhing that could come out of it ; and we are very unwilling to suppose that any Chartist leader could coolly contemplate tfyq arousing of a storm like this , to reap only tho remnant of the whirlwind as the reward of patriotism 1

      Let the peoplo take rather the wise advice , and follow the dignified and manly example , of the Trades' Delegates of Manchester . Let them retire from a hopeless contest to recruit their strength Let them perfect their organisation , replenish their resources , impoverish the enemy by adopting the Doctor ' s advice lip reference to thei ; , *' - gold" basiness and then , when they are prepared for . the struggle see what will come out of it . ¦ -: ¦ v

      Untitled Article

      OUR UNJUST AGGRESSIONS AGAIN RE ^ PRESSED AS THEY DESERVE . Elsewhere our readers will find the official dispatch of Captain Smith ; from which they will learn that injustice , aggression , and attempted Oppression on the part of Great Britain , "the land of the brave and the free" ! has been again met as it deserved ; arid that the blows and the injuries have been , of course , as they always-are , borne by the people , who had no prospect of benefit from the exactions to have been perpetrated . Certain emigrants had settled down at the Cape of Good Hope ; they were cultivating the land and getting a living from it : tho genius of British love of freedom could

      not bear the sight , and a cold-blooded murderous attack upon the peaceful settlers in the middle of the night was projected and actually executed by Englishmen . The honest and brave Farmers , ho wever , showed that they could fight as well as dig , and our "bravetroops" wore well whacked , and sent scampering back to their quarters . The Captain has written home for reinforcements . Thanks to the League , he is very likely to get them , very ! We haye , aad are likely to have , enough of work for our "brave troops" to cut up their peaceful and unarmed brethren at home . ' ¦ ¦ : : -X

      Untitled Article

      THE COMPLETE SUFFRAGE UNION NATIONAL CONFERENCE . When the Birmingham Stuboe Conference was called , a few months ago , we ad vised the people to have nothing to do with it . We did so because it was a mere sectional , sectarian , and party matter . It was to be composed only of men who had signed Mr . STuaoK ' s declaration ; they were to be voted for only by persons who jjad signed that declara--tion ; and we deemed that declaration a most vague , indefinite , and unsatisfactory affair . It is clear that a Conference so constituted could be no adequate representative of public sentiment . We saw in it only a middle class movement from beginning to end ; we had , no faith in the honesty of the middle

      classes ( nor have we yet ) , and therefore we advised the people to have nothing to dp with the Birmingham Stuhgb Conference . And when that Conference came to the resolution of adopting our principles , and of yet refusing to co-operate with us , we advised the people to " leave them alone ia their littleness" and to go on their own way without minding them . We have always deprecated the offering of opposition to the SrirBGE men , we have always censured it as absurd and unfair to oppose them , so long as they uphold our principles ; but we have always cautioned the people to have nothing to do With them as a ptirlv . We have more than once given

      our reasona for this advice , and we have yet seen ho reason to withdraw it . On the contrary , we repeat it now . With the Complete Suffrage Union as a body , the Chartists cannot consistently hold any other intercourse than that of sustaiuing them in all public struggles against the common enemy---the factions . " -This ; it is their duty to do on all occasions . To act otherwise would be to degrade ourselves to the rank ; of a mere faction , looking for the ascendancy , not of principle , but of party , ; The Complete Suffrage Union are nov ? again upon the move . They seem desirous , in the present troubled state of things , to bast oil upon the waters of strife , and to make it serve also for the oiling of the

      wheels of agitation . ; : ' They have put forth an address of which the following are oxtraots , arid to which wa call earnestly the attention ofour readers : t- : ; V . ADDRESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE ' . . NATIONAL COMPLETE 8 UFFHAGBi UWION XO THE WOIIKINO AND UNENFRANCHISED CLASSES OF THEIR COUNTRYMAN . " FELLOw-CouNTnYMEN , —Your circumstances demand our deepest sympathy . Iu the midst of the exciting events which surround us , we have met to consider what steps can be taken to relieve your distres 9 ; and to promote your political freedom ; i We

      are assured that nothing short of an effectual reform in Parliament will secure the happiness and prosperity of the people . " We have resolved to convene a Conference of Delegates , to be elected at publio meetings in the various towns and districts of the kingdom , which Conference is to be held at Birmingham , ou the 7 th ; of next month , for the purpose of devising a specific courBeof conduct to be pursued by the friends of the people ' s rights , under the peculiar crisis iri which the country is now placed . " :

      Now , we presume , from the terms of this notice that it is intendod to make this a fair , national , and open Conference . That it is to be , in Mr . Sturgk ' s favourite phrase , " a . full , fair , and froe representation " - of the opinion * and sentiments of the Working and unenfranchised classes generally , expressed at public aud opeii meetings of the people . Here , tljen , at this Coriferencei tho people have a fair opportnriity of testing the loaders of the Combad snch

      plete Suffrage Movement- ^ they no opportunity before ' j it will aoWi if the peeple do their duty , be seen whether they are disposed to co-operate " fully , fairly , and freely" with the people to whom they have appealed for the carrying out of their own avowed purposes . We are glad therefore that this Conference is to bo held , we hail its being called by the Council of the Complete Suffrage Union as a happy omen ; we regard it as an indication that the Council of that Associatio n

      are disposed to consult the people as to the best means of carrying out their own principles and enhancing the universal : weaL ;; We admire this disposition , in the bouncil of the Complete Suffrage Uaion ; their readiness in times of peril and anxiety like this to lay down their own — perhaps too hastily assumed—party distinction , and consalt ; and ^ operate with their brethren , of like prinoiplel ,--- ^ the friends of the people ' s rights , " -rtt 9 to what can be done of th We

      for the sequririg ^ ose ; rights . trus t that this good feeling will be reciprocated by the Chartists j and that this Conference may afford an opportunity of amalgamating in one solid and compact body , all the true" friends of the People ' s Rights , ' whether of the middle or tho working classes . Thia may be done if the people do their duty ; and take care that the Conference is constituted in accordance with the oouveaing notice . This , let it be borne in mind , is not a Sturge Conference ; not a Complete Suffrage Conference ; it is

      Untitled Article

      ABERDEEN ' . —Formation of the Fi-AXDaEss ^ s of Aberdeen into a Democratic Association . — This body met in the Hall , 38 , George's-street , on the 18 th instant , for the above-named purpose , when Mr . Alexander Horn was called to the chair . A number of rules for the further government of the Association were read and approved of , when the meeting proceeded to the election of a Council and office-bearers . The following , are the office-bearers : —Air , John Garrens , president , Mr . Alexander Horn , vice-president , Mr . James Watson , treasurer , Mr . William Hunter , ' secretary , with ; eight of a Council . The resolutions passed at a public meeting , held in Dundee last week , were then read , when it was agreed to call a delegate from every trade , to meet on an early day , to take the Raid resolution into consideration . : ' - ' . ¦ : . ' ¦ '

      Untitled Article

      My dear FRiENps ,- —The ; circunistances which are now passing will teach the people of these conntries a very important lesson . ' It will teach them this fact : that if the people are ready to lend themselves as tools to aid faction , that faction in whose service they enlist , will goad them on into furious and headlong agitation , only stoppipg short at that point ; which threatens danger t © themselves ; but the moment the people arouse themselves for the assertion of their own rights , that moment will all grades of faction unite for the purpose of putting them down ! ' . '" . / Or ] :- ' . ' ¦ "' , : ¦ ' . ..... ¦ . " > - ' : - :- ' . •/¦• ¦ . ' .. . ,

      Suppose , for instance , that the recent Strike occasioned by the diabolical attempt to reduce wages , had been turned into a successful move for a Repeal Of the Corn Laws , and the restoration of the " practical" Whig Ministry into office . In such case , funds , ample funds , would have been at your disposal ; and urged on by the inflamatory harangues of your masters , —doubly secure in their own persons , —blood would have been shed as in in 1832 , and property woald have beep extensively destroyed ; but as you disdained their invitation to Revolution , your movement has been comparatively peaceful . I say tbe masters have a doable security : Firstly , they can keep out of sight , merely pulling the wires that move the puppets ; and , secondly , , they are secure from

      the circumstance of one or more of their order , and co-confiscators , being empannelled upon their jury . Odium , of bourse , will be thrown upon you , and upon your friends . I have been made the subject of attack in every ps per throughout the Kingdom , and Cor what ? For my prudence in pot furnishing lewd authority with any justification for my apprehension , and removal from you ! No } I hold it to be the duty of the people ' s leaders to avoid all chances of pHrchasing safety by committal to prison . However , it so happens that certain politicians will go vigorously with their party , so long as the waters are smooth , the cause respectable , and the undertaking riot dangerous ; but upon the other hand , when alarm spreads , and danger presents itself , the

      rashness of their followers furnishes ample pretext for desertion and betrayal . Contumely and abuse is poured by the deserter upon his old associates , as a justificatiori for his delinquency . They are nice , very nice , about shades ; they would have been . faithful arid true , had their advice been followed , bat consider themselves bound now to express'their dissent from the rash course recommended by interested demagogaes , arid rashly followed by their dupes . ¦ Such , my friends , are in general the excuses offered by sham-friends for deserting the ranks of the people . Now , I offer nonesuch ; but on the contrary , I am prepared to justify the general policy of the Chartist body , and to prove to the satisfaction , of all , save those who would ; fatten upon their nl n vr / M »«» n n v ^~ a ^ va « a mia ' M . ft tk . - — i ¦ ¦ au ^ &a '« M ^« b m * j ± ^** ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ^ l& oiaYci itiiiili iuuuu

      ^ ^ ** ^ j , . no » cr waa . au uiiserjf uucusyinu so much submission or with greater patience . It ia easy to denounce a starving pieople with acts of outrage ; but who will travel through the whole labyrinth as I have done , and taking a grand view of all its mazss ; who will then daTe to condemn you , upori any law , human or divine ? Upon the on » hand , I see wealth , unparralleled profits , unequal and unjust ; unequal , because the wealthy speculator can overpower and destroy the smaller manufacturer j and unjust , because labour is robbed of its share ; while , upon th « pther , misery , horrid misery , squalid misery , shocking misery , presents itself in the nakedness , paleness , aria unprotectedness of persons by whose labour all profit is made . Let the reviling philosophers look for one moment upou this side of

      the picture . The labourer while at work sees nothing save indications : of wealth and comfort . ' He beholds the well-furnished mill , the wealthy owner , and the well-paid subordinates , ; all , one and all , living upon the fruit of his labour . He feels hunger and distress : his beloved wife and little ones cry to him for food , and their calls must be unheeded ; and the law expects him , as a good and loyal subject , to submit to perish . The law taxes him , and compels him to pay the tax ; but when he and h& fellows ask for a million of money , to enable them to weather the storm , then want of precedent stands in the way ! He sees warehouses groaning under his handy-works , while his back is cold for the want of them ' ¦ He sees the cook-shop here , the land covered with a golden harvest , all bearing ample testimony of his Creator ' s beneficence ; he heirs the parson praying that their "fruits may be preserved to oiir

      kindly ttse , so as in due time to « may enjoy them f he hears and sees all , but hearing and seeing is his lot . The kindly fruits are not preserved for his use , though the toil to bring them to maturity for other ' s use does fall to his lot He hears , of the distress of all classes , but sees no diminution in the comforts of any , save his own . Heisforbidden to murmur on his own behalf , while he is asked to join in sympathy for those who but experience the comparative annoyance arising from a Blight stagnatioa in the market . 0 ! who cac walk , as I have done , through England ' s valleys of smoke and long chimneys , and see the parched inmates emanating from those earthly hells , and contrast their condition with that of their employers , without asking themselves , " Is this disparity between man arid man the will of an all-dispeasiflg Providence ? or wherefore has the wish of the Creator been thu 3 perverted 1 " : ; - ¦' . )¦

      I will now , my friends , direct yoor attention to the material points connected with the recent Strike . It would not have been prudent for the League to stop .. - ¦ ' . the mills directly , as originally interided , and it was therefore resolyed to adopt an indirect , but as sure a mode of eSectivg the object . Wages were reduce ^ and a stand was to be made for an increase to the rates paid in 1840 . Now , had matters so remained , the mill-ownera would doubtless have turned the Strike to the accomplishment of a repeal of tbe Cora Laws , and their policy would have ^ been lauded to tna skies by their section of the * Bress . In such ^ m event , a few murders would hav . e been nothing , while every apology would have been offered for the reni *»

      indiscretions of the people doing their business ; bQ » lo ! the wisest of the working men Bee that an advwca of wages to-day procured by a general risinfr m * J '•!* , followed by a reduction of wages upon the < auOi and they proelaim the Charter aB the means to tM desired end . Not to extract unjust or unfair wages , but to insure " a fair day ' s wage for a fair .-w work , " when at once the originators , with all grff of parties , backed by the whole press filb theian 1 * with howlings against the men , who have tornoa « n unrighteous attempt to a most righteoris purpose . _ It is true that I can appeal to miMoha ; , IttWsrf one of my speeches for the last four months save ji not cautioned you ^ councilled you I ¦ Hav n < assured you that the day of battle would come-i , ana have I not advised von ia fnld « buf arral'imW 'Ui ° f

      conflict ceased TaaL&laxa happy ¦ : to-MW ^ ^ J % instances my recommendation has bwa Ioi » w " v ] BtttaboTe 4 tluDgB , inyfHen 48 , leti « lW ^^ : i \ timidated by those whoVpold nowfadM **?* ™ : > all the consequences of other men ' iindiscretio 8 ; .. q I tellyon plainly that jnOTstrngRli ^ fiw i ^ !^ power should take advantage of every ^* 6 U « m event to acoomplish their end ; and had the CW " : B body abstained from taking any part in the rec « n » m proceedings of the masters , their conf aered waW ; I wonld have attributed the failurotoweww Wff „ , H Chartist apathy ; and thus a general split would n » To a assuredly followed . Above all ; let i » not lose agw u of the great and material faot in the general W sion : that fact is , that maoninery will destroy W land , and that ere lonjf , if the wages of the oper"' tive ' s labour is not regnlated in the uatoral }» W" I maiket , i below which m « i Qeed not work » r" 1

      The 50kthee,]S Star. Saturday, August 27, 1842.

      THE 50 KTHEE , ] S STAR . SATURDAY , AUGUST 27 , 1842 .

      Untitled Article

      RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHARTIST BODY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL ACT OF ITS MEMBERS . As n » ghfc have been expected , tho vile factious preas , and especially that vilest portion of it , the Queen Groaner's oracle , has laboured hard to aflix on the Chartist body the whole blame and responsibility of all the "riots , " " risiuge , " and excesses perpetrated by the geiters-up aud originators of

      the League "Sti ike" plot . These efforts have been but too much aided by individuals among the Chartists , who , from whatever motive , have certainly done what might be to damage the cause , by conduct which , to regard it in its best light , is highly indiscreet . We are glad to see that in this we are by no means singular in our opinions . We have been requested to publish tho following from the Huddersfield Councillors , in which the same view of the matter is taken : —

      " That we . the undersigned members of the General Council of the National Charter Association , resident in Huddersfield , feel imperatively called upon , in justice to ourselves and the body of which we form a part , to repel with the utmost scorn and indignation the accusation emanating from Rome portion of the publio press , that the recent riots and disturbances originated with the Chartists . We have every reason to believe that the accusation proceeds from the very " originators" themselves , who impudently presume to speak of the said riots as a ' Chartist Insurrection , " in the hope of diverting publio attention from the real authors of them , and to inflame and direct public prejudice against the

      Chartis'B , with a visw to secure ^ verdicts of Guilty" against the numerous parties who have been apprehended , and committed to the several gaols , charged with : heavy Crimea on very slender evidence . The riots neither originated with , nor have they been participated in , by the associated body of Chartists , whatever may have been the conduct of a few individuals bearing the name ; and , while we deeply sympathise with those of our brethren who hare rendered themselres liable to , and who may be visited with , the legal consequences of their own acts / we must strongly condemn all and every effort to connect us , or the Association of which we are officers , with either the acts themselves or their consequences . "

      We believe these to be the sentiments of all the reflecting of the whole Ch artist body ; and we hope sincerely that they will be universally responded to . Members of our body—and especially influential

      Untitled Article

      ^ . " "" . .. ¦ ¦ ,. . .. ¦ ¦ ¦ , ~ . . .. . . . Ba A DAILY PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE ^ H : Feom the 27 th No . of the Everting Star , ¦ published on Monday last , and forwarded to this office , we extract the following short addresa frojn Feaegus O'CbsNoa to the People :-r- >? -t :

      ' THE EVENING STAR ; " / " A DAILY PAPBB .--PaiCE THEE 3 EPENCB ; " : "Mr Fbiends , —The Tories have , attempted •; . 4 o suppress publio opinion ; I was silent for a time , but : noti idle ; and at length I have succeeded in in getting under my constant : management and controul , a daily paper , which shall speak for you until the muzzle is once more t ^ en

      from off your lips . The ' * Evening : Ster , " under toy management , shall advocate all . the principles of the Charter , name and all ; and with your support , it shall give to those principles an impetus which otherwise it would be vain to hope for . I do not ask you , already too poor , to buy this paper , but I do ask you to push it into every resort of the Working Classes . A servile Daily Press has damned us ! a virtuous Paper may be our salvation ! . ;

      : " RALLV , THEN . ABOUND : " THEE V EN IN G STAR , " THE CHARTER , / ; " © liberty

      an . . " Fearqus O'ConnoV The Evening Star may be had of all News Agents . ;¦ : ¦ -- ¦ ' : ' . '; . - ¦ ' ' - ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ : : : ¦¦ '¦ ;; - , . v . - ¦ .., - . '

      To The Impereal Chartists,

      TO THE IMPEREAL CHARTISTS ,

      Untitled Article

      4 . . . ¦ .-.. - - : - ' - - - ' .:,. ; "• ¦ l ^^ T'H&V Nfo ^

      Untitled Article

      Return of Killed , Wounded , and Missing , belonging to ihe Detachment under- Command of Captain J . C . Swiih , 2 ~ lh Regiment , on the night of ihe 23 rd and morning of the 24 lh of May , $ c . Royal Artillery- — -Killed—Lieutenant Wys . tt ; gunners , Springholl , Speed , and Hawkes . Severely wounded—bombardier Sadbrok . Slightly wounded , gunner Stnbbs . Royal Sappers- —Slightly wounded- —Privates Borridge and Sebbs . 27 th Regiment . —Killed—Privates A . CaUaghan , J . Fitzpatrick , S . Gree 3 On , J . Grffia , W . Grime , Robert Kerr . W . Bowles , and J . Bowne . 1 st and 2 nd Companies- —Dangerously wounded—Haycock , J . Fitzpatrick , and Jamea Fitzpatrick . Slightly wounded—H . Stoait , J . Baker , J . Glaney , -and W , Gallaghan . —Severel y wounded—D . Donohoe , James Kelly , and G . Sillivau . 3 rd and 4 th Companies . —Severely wounded—Captain Lonsdale . Sergeant Clynn , Privates J . Carroll , J . Ford , J . Kane , and Doherty . Dangerously wounded—Privates Kerberry . H . Coyne , T . Biggins , and J . Mulvey . Slightly woundedr-Scrgeafit Armstrong , Cogan , J . Ford , J . Kane , and J . Seaves . Missing—J . Bresden , 2 nd Company .

      Untitled Article

      AMERICA . - The Brit ' iBh Queen Belgian steamer , Captain Eckholt , has arrived at Cowes , from New Vork , wbieh she left on the 7 th inst-j and has brought lstters and papers to that date inclusive . - Although nothing official has transpired respecting the arrangements concluded , and in progress between Lord Ashbnrton and the American Government in their present negotiation , yet it is well known thai everything is oa the eve of being amicably settled . The negotiation is conducted on the part of the American Government

      Webster , and on the part of the British Government by Lord Ashbnrton , who have both full powers to settle every point , and who -are both instructed by their respective Governments to bring the matter to & peaceful conclusion . With this predetermination on each side to terminate the affair waicably , there will be very little difficulty to surmount . The North-Eastern Boundary question is already arranged to the satisfaction of both parties . The Creole ease is also settled , and the case of the Caroline is now being discuEstd aod in the course of adjustment . It is rumoured that the right of 6 £ arch quietioa has slsx ) been amicably disposed of .

      Untitled Article

      THE " STRIKE" MOVEMENT . Another week has passed over , and the country is yet far from having resumed anything like its wonted appearance of regularity . The strike still continues ; and that same spirit which incites drowning men to catch at straws , working in the minds of the oppressed people throughout the whole country , induces , very naturally , a disposition to extend it , in the desperate hope that something good may come

      out of it . As , however , the succession of events pass in review before us , we have yet seen no reason to recal the opinions which we first formed and expressed concerning it . It is the wasting overflow of a corrupt fountain ; for the purifying and guiding of which , to any good and sanatory purpose , the people did not possess sufficient means . There was no element of nationality , and , consequently , no element of success , in it . Regarded as a political movement , it has gone on from that time to this , slowly and gradually extending itself from

      one place to another ; beginning in one place just as it is subsiding in another , and so opposing merely Eectional , —aad that , too , a greatly divided sectional j—moral power of resistance to all the means of attack combined in the monied , municipal , civil , and military resources of those against whose aggressions upon right its aim was pointed . We saw that this would be its character . We saw it from the very first ; and hence our deep regret that the misguided z ; al of the people should have been induced , by a few hot-headed and short-sighted men , to seize

      upon it as a lever wherewith to lift the incubus of faction from off their shoulders . We felt certain that the weapon would be wrested from their hands , and turned fearfully against them . The event has verified our fears . The prisons are crammei full with victims . Arrests are yet being continually made . Honest aud good men , whose only fault is that they have more zeal than prudence , are compelled , in many places , to leave their homes and families , and skulk about in holes and corners , fearing to be seen . Throughout Lancashire it will be seen , by reference to our reports , that many of the workmen have already given in : while of those who do remain out , the

      greater part do so on the terms only on which the strike began , —the traces question ' , while of those who have gone in we believe that a considerable number hive had to submit to lower wages than they had before . In all probability next week will bring a general resumption of labour in those districts where the Stkike has raged most fiercely , by all parties who can get labour ; and the vauntings about never resuming labour until the Charter should become law will be matter of amusement for the enemy ; and this , too , at the moment when the northern districts of England and the western districts of Scotland are about beginning to consider whether they

      shall join in the Strike or not ! The people will now see upon whom of their friends and counsellors They may beBt placee reliance . Upon those whose eagerness to advance blinds them to impossibilities and makes them reckless of consequences ; or those who survey the whole battle-field , and re ' eonnoure carefully the outposts of the enemy before they make an onslaught . The Strike has failed ! So far as the efforts to give it a political character and to make it an engine for the carrying the Charter have been concerned , it has entirely and Bignally failed ! It

      was alwayB sure to do so ; and none but fools could , from its Erst complexioa and appearance , have anticipated any other resnlt . Deeply as we regretted the first intimation we received that efforts were making by a few influential Chartists to relieve the League of all the odium and responsibility of this bye-blow of corruption , by making it the fosterchild of Chartism , our regret is not lessened by the knowledge that it 3 consequences have been mischievous to some of its most strenuous upholders . But let the people take heart of courage . A veteran army with good generals , will extract even from

      defeat the means of aiding and sustaining further operations . Every misfortune is , by the wise man , turned to his advantage , and compelled to administer some comfort , even from the cup of sorrow . Whati though the Steike has not procured the Charter ! Has it done nothing for us ! Has it furnished no means of advancement in our progress towards honest legislation ! O yes ! it has done much , and will yet do much more ! It will be the people ' s own fault , if out of this great evil they derive not much good . It

      has . done much for the extension of our principles . It has brought the discussion of them home to the minds of thousands upon thousands who had never before , thought seriously of them . Our principles need only to be known ; can only be understood , to be received and cherished . It has shewn the Trades and Trades'Societies wherein rests their only safe resort for the protection of their labour . The discussion of Chartist principles by their delegates in Conference at Manchester , the noble reso-

      Untitled Article

      a " National "^ Conference ; a Conference of "the friends of the People ' s rights" of all ranks , classes , and opinions . Such are the term ? of the notice before us ; and it will be the people ' s own fault if such be not the ; character of the ; Conference . "We are p erfectly aware that this Conference might bei a twin brother of the ^ Strike ?; it might be a part of ; tKe free trading \ League ' Plot j its objeot might be to take advantage of the disturbed and unsettled state of things created by ^ the " Strike" Movement , for the purpose of ^ establishipg the Complete Suffrage Union upon the ruins Of the Charter organisation , and so of ultimately bringing round : the people to a point at which they could be sold neck and crop to the " Free Trade"

      gentry . We can see very clearly how all this might be i bat we have no disposition to believe that it is so meant . Had the Conference been confined to members of the Complete Suffrage Uiuon , we should have no hesitation in believing that such was its purpose ; and such the intention of its con-, tenets ; but we receive the fact of its being constituted , not of "Complete Suffragists" only , but of " the friends of the people's rights" generally , as sufficient indication that its ostensible , is its real purpose , and that its conveners mean to / gather fairly into one focus the intelligence and wisdom of the "friends of the people ' s rights" with a view to the devising of the best " speoifip course of conduot to be pursued under the peculiar crisis in which the couatry is now placed . ; ;

      At all everitSjWhatever the intention may bei we re ^ peat that it must be the people ' s own fault if this be not the character of the Conference . Let the Chartists , then , be up and at their duty ! Let them meet tho ^ Complete Suffrage men in kindly arid brotherly consultation . Let them show them that these are not ' . times for the indulgence of party-differaaces or sectional disputes , or nonsensical fastidiousness about names , and leadership , and shadows ,

      while the substance of our few remaining liberties is melting away , under the hot sun of despotism , before our eyes . Let the effort be fairly made to induce the Complete Suffragists to form with us one patriotic phalanx , which shall , by its firmness , its peacefulness , its intelligence , and its determination , offer an impenetrable front to the rude hordes of faction , while it marches steadily and successfully onward to the attainment of our Charter .

      To this end let the ; Conference , whether so intended or not , be made what it purports tote , " a Conference of the FaiiNDso ? the People ' s Riohts , from the various towns and districts of the kingdom ; for the purpose of devising a specific course of conduct to be pursued under the peculiar crisis in which the country is now placed . ; - The Confeirence meet on Wednesday , Sept . 7 th ; , this very near ; there is , therefore , no time to lose . About the work at once I We wish that another week had been allowed the people to deliberate upon the merits and qualifications of the parties to be sent ; but , inasmuch as the time is fixed , we say " about it at once" ! Let public meetings be

      cailed in every town , and every district where the " reign of terror" and the despotism of military law has not gagged the publio voice . Let all these meetings be called legally : TBBpeot the laws . Let no commotion or disturbance exist in any ^ lace , on account of them ; remember the business is one ; of grave importance ; national / interests—your own interests are deeply involved in it ; leave squabbling and fracas to the robber classes , while you preserve , and ^ -aa far as possible , enforce , order and decorum . That order , in all its forms , may be observed , let every meeting for the election of a delegate , be called by requisition ; of which the following may be the form : — : ¦ ... ; :- "to ; ; V- " ' ¦ •• ¦ ' ¦ :. - . V , ' ; ' : ¦ . ¦ ¦ ¦ ' / ^¦ v- / ¦ ¦ ¦ / . • ¦ ¦ ¦ '

      v . We , the undersigned ^ inhabitant householders of —r——— -, do request you to call , at an early dayj a meeting of the inhabitantsi ' of ' ——— , for the purpose of electing a delegate to a conference of delegates , to be boWen at Birmingham , on the 7 th day . of September , 1842 , for the purpose of devising a specific course of conduct , to bo pursued by the friends of the people ' s rights , under the peculiar crisis in which the country is now placed . "

      Lot this requisition be signed by seven or more inhabitant householders , each giving thereon [ his name , trade ,: and residence ; let it ba presented to the Mayor , Chief Constable , or other principal authority of the place ; and if h « 'refuse to call tie meeting , let the requisitora thea call it on their own responsibility ; and , above all things , let every such meeting be conducted with as much order and decorum as the service of a parish church .

      The next matter for consideration will be the character of the delegates to be sent to this Conference The people should consider deeply the importance of the deliberations to come before that assembly . Do not let it be deluged with ginger beer bottles ; with mere spouting , frothy , speech makers , —declaimers upon general principles , who can bring ; down the cheers of an audienoe , but who look no further ; let them recollect that this Conference is V for the purpose of devising a specifio course of conduct to be pursued ; and , that therefore , shewed , cool-headed , ineri—men of stern sense and solid

      judgmentmen not easily gulled or blinded , and yet open to conviction from fair argument , and not bull-headed and bull-necked , are the men they want—men who understand the Charter , not only as to its principles , but as to its details-r-who are thoroughly acquainted with the organisation of tho National Charter Association , and of the Complete Suffrage union—who understand the whole merits of the question of an union with the middle olasses i —who are proof against all the sophistry Of the Free-traders and Extension men , and ready with

      plain common sense answers to all their fallacious statements , and yet men void of faofcious dispositions •—ready to hear reason arid to give reason its due weight by whomsoever urged . Let them in every place look out for Buch a man—no matter whether he be a : " leading" man or not ; no matter whether he be a speaker or not , if such a man can be found send him to this Conference , and we have great hope that if England now do its duty , a firm and indissoluble . Union may be effected between _ the honest and good of all parties , for the prosecution , by the best means , of our righteous ciuse .

      When the delegate is elected , let his credentials be made out , and signed by the Chairman of- the public meeting at which he was elected , in the fdl- iowingform : — ¦' •' . ¦' :. : -. ' '' :. : ' . : ,- : - M To all whom it may concern , ;¦ ( 'i hereby certify that , at a public arid open meeting of the inhabitants of ————— , held this -r——day - of — - — , 1342 ; at / ; , ; , Mr . ; --- ^~ was duly ¦ ¦' elected j by a majority of the persona theri a iid there present , as their delegate to a conference of delegates , to be holden at Birmingham , on Wednesday , the 7 ih day of September now next , for the purpose of devising a specific course of conduct , to be pursued by the friends Of the people's rights , under the peculiar crisis in which the country is now placed ^ .. ¦/ ; . . ¦ ' - . ' .: ' . ' ' ; ' ¦ ; ¦ : . ' ¦ ; : ; V' '¦• , "¦' ¦ : ¦ - : ¦; , " " " - ' " Wituesa my hand , this- --day of ¦) — ' ' " - •'"• , 1842 . - A . ' ; .-yy \; O ' , O ¦ : ¦ ¦ -. ¦/ :. . ¦ , •• : . : ' ..

      "Chairman of the said meeting . " Let the exertion be made gonerallj and rationally . Lot every place which can send a delegate send him . Let every place which cannot send a delegate call its public meeting and appoint a Committee of wise and discreet men to consider the great question before the Conference , and to express upon it in brief , clear terms , their sentiments in writing , and let this be sent on their behalf , to the Chairman of the Conference , for reading to the body . But we repeat—let every place tbat can , send a delegate . Let means be instantly taken for providing the necessary funds . We know the people are

      poor and that these national delegations are expensive ; but this is a great matter—a matter worth making an effort for , and the people must make it . There are many of the middle classes in almost every place favourable to the Complete Suffrage movement , and these would , in all probability , contribute freely towards the expence of carrying Ont the purpose of ; , this " : great mpyement of their Council . : ; ¦ . . " ¦ ¦¦ . ' : ¦¦¦ ¦ ' . ¦ ¦¦>; ' : ¦ . ¦ . : .:. " . ¦ -: ¦ . ' ¦ ¦ . - . . " ; 'C ' .. ' ; -- ' \ r - Remember that the time is near . The occasion is pressing and important . About the work at once Prudence and energy in combined operation pan do great things .. - : " : ' -. ¦ "'¦¦"' . " : V- :: ¦ % . ' . ' . ' . . ' ¦ ¦¦ ¦¦ ,: . ¦'' ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 27, 1842, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct903/page/4/