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THE NORTHERN STAR, SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1840.
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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.
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. HOUSE OF LORDS . —Friday , January 17 . At one o ' clock , the House was informed that her Majesty would receire the address on the royal speech at two o ' clock , their Lordships adjourned tbe House until Monday , and the peers in attendance proceeded in procession to present it . Monday , January 20 . The House of Lords assembled at the usual hour . Tbe Lord Chancellor stated that the address ef that Bouse had been presented to her Majesty , and he read her Majesty ' s answer .
Lord Strangford availed himself of the opportunity of expressing his satisfaction at the language of the royal speech regarding Turkey , and to express regret that all mention of the Portuguese slave trade had been omitted in her Msjestps speech . . He also adverted to the conduct of Lord Howard de Walden , as British Minister , in his negotiations with the Portuguese Government . Lord Melbourne stated the caicmastance . of the prooeedings between Viscount Sa da Bandeira and Lord Howard de Walden on the subject The Duke of Wellington stated his regret that the negotiation had terminated as it had done , in a manner that he considered to be so fatal to the objects had in ¦ new by on Government
After some remarks "by the Marquis of Londonderry and Lord Brougham , the conversation dropped . Lord Brougham presented a tell forthe " enfranchisetneat of copyholds . " Lord Melbourne intimated his intention , &t &n early day , to move * ft * Tit « to the army of iadia . Their Lordships then adjourned . Tuesday , January 21 . A Bill for " Exhibiting a Bill for the Naturalisation of Prince Albert , " went through all its stages ; and it was afterwards conveyed to the Commons by Mr . Justices Eratinfi and Maule , ( the Judges ftTf ""'"*" f all Xaturalizatioa Bills ) where it was read the first and second time . Tbe Bishop of London presented petitions against further public grants to Maynooth College , and for chmtli extension .
The Duke of Richmond presented a petition from persons belonging t # the Church of Scotland , complaining of the suspension of Bevea ministers of their ¦ church without nny apparent cause , and contrary to the -wishes of the parishioners among whom they for a long time had resided , and by whon they were universally esteemed . Lord Brougham vfinflafl -with pain to the transacticfUfi that had lately taken place , ufr which weee so -discreditable to one part of the . eolw He thought that meaeeres should be taken ftpr the quiet of that part of the United "E ^ nc ^ , and as promptly as possible .
Lord Strangford asked Lord Melbourne whether there were any prospect of a termination of the Jintartanate state of hostility in the river La Plata . The Noble Viscount had given reason last year to hope that it would be brought to a conclusion by the amicable arrangements of her Majesty ' s Governnifnf t Lord Melbourne stated that he could not hold out any hope of a cessation of hostilities . Lord Brougham moved the second reading of the Rrrfpmrhiapmppt of Copyholds mil- He said that there had keen SftO or 400 divisions of territory , in every OQ 0 of which property was held by ^ different law ; and that it was certainly a most anomalous thing , and the wonder was that such a system had been allowed to -exist so long . He Intended to propose to refer his important hill to a select committee , as best calculated to PTMnine its details .
The Lord Chancellor concurred in the bill , which was then read the second time , Lord Brougham deferring the naming of the committee till Thursday , in : order to get the names of Noble Lords who would attend ; and to which day their Lordships then adjourned . HOUSE OF COMMONS .-Friday , January 17 . Mr . Sheil re-took the oaths and his Beat . Mr . T . Doncombe having presented a petition frem Thorogood , now imprisoned in Chelmsford Gad , on account of non-payment of Church Rates , gave notice that he should call attention to its prayer on the 30 th instant .
Sir R . Inglis , on presenting petitions from places in Warwickshire for increased chnrch accommodation , intimated that on an early day he intended to direct attention to the necessity of gi-ring further and full means of religious instruction , in connection with the establishment , to " all" tie people of this country . Mr . Labonchere , in answer to Mr . Hntton ' s in quiry , with regard to a clause in the 9 th Geo . IV ., prohibiting the imputation of flour into Ireland , said that a bill for attaadmg such clause was under consideration . Sir J . C HobhouBe ( among several notices that were afterwards given ) stated that on Thursday next he ' should move thanks to the British army in India , for their recent services . Mr . Labonchere , in answer to an inquiry from
Mr . Baines , said that he believed there would be no objection to present , at an early period , thr report of Dr . Bowring , on the subject of what has been termed the Germanic Commercial League . And in answer to a question from Mr . E wart , regarding the monopoly of the salt trade with Sicily , enjoyed by France , stated that the Government of tha cotatry w * e engaged in negotiating ^ a commercial treaty with the Government of Naples , which would , he hoped , be satisfactory , doing away with the duty on Neapolitan oil , « fcc . Lord J . Buasell , on some papers having been moved for , respecting the labours and expenses of the revising barristers , and Mr . Home having put a question on the subject , said that a bill for the amendment of the present system of registration was coder consideration .
The usual «« wrinn ^ l Btinriing orders were afterwards read . Mr . Fox Made , in answer to Mr . Mark Philips , . said that the farther report respeetingthe hand-loom weavers would be presented immediately ; bat that 4 he general report of the commissioners thereon would not be ready till Easter . She Chancellor of the Exchequer , in consequence -of-Sir R . Peel ' s inquiries , said that the experiments regarding stamped postage covers were proceeding , - and might be completed in six weeks ; ana that , perhaps , they might t > e applied in the first instance , in the metropolitan districts only . With regard to the
- conveyance of Parliamentary t > Qls ( about which Mr . Goulburn made inquiry ) , he thought that was a subject for the house to deal with , nehad fixed the price as low as possible . The Chancellor of the Exchequer , in reply to Mr . Home , said he intended to move for & committee for bank currency inquiry . Lord J . Rassell then resuming the question of privilege , as involved in the proceedings , " Stockdale v . BXadsard / ' moved that Stockdale be called to the bar , which was done , and Stockdale was called in and examined . His lordship afterwards moved that Stockdale , in his proceedings against Hansard , had been guilty of a breach of the privileges of that house .
Mr . Law , the Recorder , moved as an amendment , that Stockdale be discharged from further attendance . An extensive debate ensned ; Mr . Pemberton , Sir - C . Grey , and Sir E . Sugden , < 5 cc . taking part in the discussion . Tae honse eventually divided . There appeared , fjtt the motion , 249 ; for the amendment , 100 ; majority in favour of the orudnal motion . 149 . that the
proceedingwas " a breach of privilege . " Lord J . Russell next moved that for such breach < ft privilege Stockdale be committed . : Sir E . Rnatehbull moved , as an amendment , that as is the proceeding judgment had been allowed to go by default , the Boose was not in a condition to ptoeeed farther . Lord i . RasseH resisted this amendment , as calculated to nullify all their proceedings . On the division there appeared , for the motion , 239 ; for the amendment , 105 ; majority of 134 in favour of the motion for a commitment to the ¦
BeggBtttdfrAiBB . . •— --. Lord J . Russell proposed to defer the motion for calling the sheriff to the bar til } Monday . Sir R . Feel asked whether proceedings might not take place in the Qneen ' s Bench before Monday that would alter the position of the parties ? . The Attoraey-Generaldeclared that no proceedings would be adopted that would alter their position ; - £ ¦ $ he had no objection to die House meeting to-¦ dajV to proceed with the business . it having been moved that the sheriff attend on -Saturday , Mr . Kelly proposed as an amendment , that" the
House , at its rising , do adjourn till Monday . " The House divided again . The numbers weretat . the motion , 116 ; for the amendment , 26 ; majority m favour of the original motion , 80 . Mr . Kelly gave notice that , on Monday , be would move resolutions to the effect that' Messrs . Hansard , in . consequence of the action brought . against utem by Mr . Stockdale , be indemnified by tEe House , ana that tbe Attorney-General , if any other actions were brought against them , should be instructed to defend them . The House adjourned at one o ' clock .
Saturday , January 18 . The House met to proceed with the case of privilege arising out of the transaction in the case of Stockdale v . Hansard . On the motion of Lord J . Rassell , the Sheriffs ' officer ( Hemp ) was called to the bar and examined . He proved the levy and sale to the amount of £ 695 , asd the payment of £ 640 in the Sheriffs' office ; adding that he had entered into covenants with the Sterne to execute the doty they directed him to perform , bat that if he had done what was wrong he barably begged pardon of the Honse . -Tfee Shenfls were next called in and examined by fee Attorney-General , tc . They said the money
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had tot been paidwer to SWefciafe ; tlwy considered ? H a . ™ * nd 8 of *• Owte-SSwiffir Tkey !»* »* ***** * aj step exeepi b , order of the Court of Queen ' s Bench . They had authorised Hemp to sell the goods . The Under-Sherif Fraaces was also examined : the money , he said , was now in the hands of Messrs . BurehelL . under tfee oontroal of the ^^^^ «^ StM « aJe : tney « i ! n « dered
Sheriffs . Mr . Sheriff Evans ( after the olose of the examinations , and on the Sheriffs being aak <^ whether they wished to make any further communications ) said , if in the execution of a most painful duty they had done anything to incur the dispfeasare of the House they certainly deeply deplored it . SirR . Ingli 8 thereupon moved that the sheriffs be discharged from farther attendance on the House . Lord J . Russell proposed as an amendment that the sheriffs be ordered to attend the house on Monday . After some discussion , the house divided . There were for the motion 64 , for the amendment 166 , majority in favour of the amendment 102 . The sheriffs , as well as the other parties , were then ordered to attend on Monday .
Mr . Law moved that the evidence taken be printed " for the use of the members only . " LordJ . Russell moved that it be printed " and distributed with the Votes . " This amendment was carried without any division , so that as the evidence is distributed" with the Votes , " it is purchaseable by any body as heretofore . Lord J . Russell gave notice that on Wednesday next he should call the attention of the House to that part of the Queen ' s speech which recommends a provision to be made for Prince Albert . On motion of Lord J . Russell the customary preliminary resolution of the session , in considering the Queen ' s speech , was adopted—namely , " that a supply be granted to her Majesty . " After
some conversation , in consequence of a question put by Sir R . Peel regarding leiter-covers provided at the House for members only , the House adjourned . Monday , January 20 . The House met at one o ' clock for the purpose of conveying to her Majesty the address on tbe royal speech . At five o ' clock , on the resumption of the House , the Speaker read her Majesty ' s answer tlmnVintr the House for ksaddress . SirE . Knatchbull complained that no adequate netiee had been given of the time when the address would be presented , so that members on his side of tta House had not had the opportunity of accompanying the presentation to her Majesty .-
Lord J . Russell observed that he had pursued the usual course , and that he had mentioned , on Friday night , that he expected the address would be received on Monday at two o ' clock . Sir E . Knatchbull replied that if any such communicatien had been made it was in a very thin house ; he had heard nothing of it Mr . "Wakley reminded the Right Hon . Baronet that it was mentioned in the Votes that the Housewould meet at one o ' clock ; that he considered was ample intimation . He expressed astonishment that there were only four members from the opposite side in the royal chamber , although upwards of 100 members were present . " We Radicals , " exclaimed the Hon . Member , used to be denounced as dis-loyal , but now disloyalty does not belong to us . " The Speaker called the Hon . Member to order by reminding him that there was no question before the House .
Mr . Bradshaw said that he was one of the four . Mr . Blackstone remarked on the sort of loyalty evinced , for , in the royal chamber , at the time when the Queen ' s aunt vras lying dead , and after mourning had been ordered , he saw members attired in " cut green coats , with brass buttons : "—the brother of a cabinet Minister was so dressed . Captain Boldero presented a petition from Stockdale praying to be further heard at the bar , as he had nrrer contemplated any breach of the privSeges of the house . Captain B . moved that Stockdale be called to the bar accordingly ; but the house ordered the petition to be printed and circulated with ihe Votes . Mr . Christopher gave notice of his intention to introduce a bill to authorise the sale of the printed Parliamentary papers . Mr . Pakington inquired whether it was the intention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce any bill regarding the pernicious beer-shop system ?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer answered that if he saw there were any prospect of carrying a bill on the subject through the house , so that the law regarding the beer-shops might be amended , he would immediately bring in a bill ; but at present he did not see that he should have any rMTTti of proceeding with such a bilL At tbe same time , though he gave this answer , he should reserve to himself the power of initiating such a bill , if he saw any change of feeling on the question . Mr . Pakington thereupon gave notice that on Tuesday , Feb . 6 , he should move for leave to bring in a Bill to improve the present system of licensing houses for the sale of beer . Mr . Heatheote inquired whether the proposed Bill to amend the clause regarding the importation of flour into Ireland , would be limited to that part of the kingdom , or extended to the whole country ?
Mr . Labouchere answered that the Bill would be limited to Ireland . Lord Palmereton , in answer to Sergeant Jaekton ' s inqui ^ , gave the date , May , 1835 , of the note of Lord Howard de Walden , ' to the Portuguese Minister , marked " confidential , "' regarding the signature to a treaty for suppressing the Slave Trade , and making the conveyance of negroes for such purpose piracy . Sergeant Jackson observed that the explanations did not satisfy him . He thought that the conduct of Lori Howard de Walden had affixed a Btain on the diplomacy of this country which it had not before sustained .
Lord J . Russell afterwards moved the resumption of the consideration of Messrs . Hansards ' petition , touching the ease " Stockdale r . Hansard , " and then proposed a resolution , declaratory that the money now in the hands of the Sheriffs , in consequence of the levy , ought to be refunded to their printers , Messrs . Hansard . Mr . Kelly opposed this motion , and moved , as an amendment , the following resolutions : 1 . " Tha * it appearing to this House that an action has been brought against James Hansard and others , for the publication by them , under an order of this House , of certain papers containing libellous matter upon John Joseph Stockdale , and that judgment has been obtained and execution issued by due course of law against the said James Hansard and others in such action , it is expedient that the said James Hansard and others be indemnified against all costs and damages by them sustained in respect of such action .
2 . " That in case of any action or actions teing hereafter brought for the publication of any papers under the order of this House , the Attorney-General be instructed to defend snch action , and to report thereupon to the House . * The Attorney-General ropported Lord John Russell ' s motion , and contended for the right of the House to " privilege" the sale of its papers . Sir E . Sugden , with great energy , denounced the Attorney-General ' s speech , as wholly consisting of unsupported assertions , and as against all law and every principle ef the Constitution ; for it held neither more nor less than that whatever the House of Commons chose to call its privilege was to ride over all law , and deprive the subject of all remedy . Sir R . Inglis , Lord Howick , and Sir R . Peel ( who strongly supported the right of the house to judge of its own privileges ) , afterwards took part in the debate . The House then divided , and the numbers were— .
¦ For the motion 205 Against it 90 Majority 115 Lord J . Russell ' s resolution , it was understood , was then put , as to the money being refunded by the sheriffs forthwith . Captain Boldero proposed , as an amendment , that Stockdale be called to tbe bar , agreeably to the prayer of his petition ; but he eventually withdrew it . The House then divided on the original motion , and the numbers were—, ,. Forthstnotion — . f 9 r . "¦"" " - " - Against it 86
Majority ... — 112 On the motion of Lord John Russell , the sheriffs were called to the bar and informed of the resolution regarding the refunding , to which the house had just come ; and on being asked whether they had anything to say to the House , both bowed , but made no observation . They were then ordered to retire—a result that was greeted with loud cheering . Lerd J . Russell moved that the sheriffs , having been guilty of a breach of privilege , be committed to the custody of the Sergeant-air Arms . Mr . Law and Sir R . Inglis condesaned the proceedings as requiring them , in ordering them to refund the money , to forswear themselves , —to be guilty of direct perjury .
Mr . feergeant Jackson moved the adjournment of the House , that there might be time for temperate reflection , for he considered the proposition to be a most harsh one . After some discussion the house divided , Ayes 8 « Noes . „ 189 Majority against tbe adjournment 103 After some further discussion the Gallery was cleared for a division on the question of adjournment , but none took place , and it was agreed that the sheriffs should be ordered to attend the House next day . Tuesday , January 21 .
After-many petitions had been presented for private bills , several others were presented by SirR . Inglis , < fcc for the extension of Church accommodation ; by Mr . Fox Maule , from the royal burgh of Elgin , and three other places in Elgin ( founded on the result of the appeal cause in tbe "Auchterarder" case ) , against the introducing of minister * into parishes acaiast the
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wish of the parishioner * , at being contrary to the oonatttafiaa of the Church of Sootlaad ; and by Mr . O'CooneU , from Mooagban , praying the Honse not t £ consent to the restoration of Orsnge ifnmtnathfti la Ireland . Mr . KeDy presented petitions from the Sheriflb , referring to the resolutions of the Hoase in the ease , Stockdale v . Hansard , declaring that they had been gnilfcy ef breach of privilege , -and ordering them to refvnd to Messrs . Hansard the amount , levied , in which theyex pressed their deep sorrow and concern that they had incurred the displeasure of the House , especially as they had considered that they were only fulfilling the dnties which they had sworn to perform . The petitions were read and ordered to lie oa the table . of the parishioner * , at being contrary to the
Mr . glaney gave notice that , on Tuesday week , he would move for a Committee "to inquire into the causes of the discontent *»»<« t < ng amongst a large portion of the population in many of the manufacturing districts , with a view to remove the evils and remedy the complaints , so as to ' strengthen the affection of the people to the institutions of the country . " And he stated that . Mr . Pakington would on the same day move for a bill to amend the laws relating to tbe sale of beer . Mr . F . French gave notice , that on the Slat instant , he would move an address , praying her Majesty to appoint a Medical Commissioner or Board , for the purpose of improving the medical profession in Ireland . Mr . Mackinnon gave notice that , on the 30 th last , he would move for a Bill to improve the laws relative to turnpike trusts .
Mr . Bume moved for a return respecting all the sums paid out of the consolidated fund to the several branches of the royal family , in the years 1838 and 1839 ; also for an account of all the sums paid , during the same period , towards her Majesty ' s Civil list ; which was ordered . Sir B . Inglis observed , that in order to make that return complete , it ought to contain the whole amount which her Majesty would have received , provided she had not been advised to give up her hereditary revenues . Lord J . Russell said that there could be no objection to the production of both accounts .
Mr . Hume added , that the only difference between the return he had moved for , and that desised by Sir R . Inglis was , that his return would show the actual amount of the money received , while tbe one which the Hon . Baronet wanted would tmly show an imaginary amount He took that opportunity of giving notice that if , the proposition of making an . < anM » allowance to Prince Albert of £ 50 , 000 should be-persisted in , he should take the sense of the House as to reducing it to £ 21 , 000 , so as to place the allowance on an equality with that ef the other members of the royal family . , . Mr . Kelly then moved , on the petitions previously presented by him , that the sheriffs be called to the bar for the purpose of being discharged from further attendance . Sir R . Inglis seconded the motion .
Lord J . Russell moved as an amendment tbe resumption of the adjourned debate . The motion proposed by his Lordship at the previous sitting , for the commitment of the sheriffs , being again put , f After further and considerable debate , in which Lord Teignmouth , Mr . Law ( the Recorder ) , Mr . Erie , Mr . D'Israeli , ic , took part , The House divided on Mr . Kelly ' s motion Ayes 99 Noes 210 Majority against it ill The House then proceeded to Lord J . Russell ' s motion of the former night , the proposition that the sheriffs be committed to the custody of the Sergeantat-Arms , and on that question the House dividedwhen the numbers were For the motion } 95 Against it » 4
Majority for the motion for the commitment of the sheriffs ,. 101 Lord J . Russell then intimated that it was not his intention to proceed against the under-sheriffs , or tbe sheriffs' officers ; therefore , on his Lordship ' s motion , they were discharged from further attendance . He would , however , move that Mr . Howard , Stockdale ' s attorney , be called to the bar ; that individual was called to the bar ; but the propriety of ftTn . nr )) njpg him , so as to make him criminate himself , called forth discussion . Adjournment was moved , to which Lord J . Russell said he hod no objection ; bat that at the next meeting of the House , he should proceed with the case . He was for proceeding with the case now .
Mr . Kelly said that he should oppose the bringing to their bar any othet pejttn on account of this transaction . Lord John Russell moved that Howard do attend to-morrow . Mr . Law proposed as an amendment , that the House do adjourn . The House thereupon divided , and the numbers were —for the adjournment , 39 ; against it 113 ; majority against it , 74 . Howard was then ordered to attend to-day . Lord J . Russell , in . answer to Col . Sibthorp ' a inquiry said that he should bring forward the proposition regarding Prince Albert ; but that the question © fprivilege would have precedence . - Lord J . Ruewll brought in a bin to carry into effect the recommendations of the Church Commissioners , which was read the first time .
Mr . E . Tennent obtained leave to bring in a bill for extending the Copyright in designs in calico-printing from three to twelve months . 1 Colonel Sibthorp said that he should move a clause making the annuity of Prince Albert cease , should he survive the Queen , except he resided Bix months in England in each year . The remaining business being disposed of , the House adjourned .
The Northern Star, Saturday, January 25, 1840.
THE NORTHERN STAR , SATURDAY , JANUARY 25 , 1840 .
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WHERE ARE WE ? HOW ARE WE ? WHAT DO WE WANT ? AND HOW CAN WE GET IT ? These are enquiries that cannot longer be prevented from forcing themselves on every mind . They may be differently answered by each of the classes of society according to the media through which the respeetive subjects to which they point may be contemplated ; but all must answer them . However painful or ungratifying be the view , wears all now so situated that we must look around us . We are abroad ! Few , or scarce any , landmarks shew themselves to our pleaseu recollection , as the evidence of home . --Our once happy country is " Almost afraid toknowitaelf ¦ "
a spell has come over the spirit of oar joyousness ; the healthful air of freedom greets us not , and we ask in anxious half-amaze " Where are we !" We are on the extreme ledge of an awful precipice 1 We are at the mouth of a volcano I and , however fearful be the task , if we desire to escape destruction , we must look steadily into the gulph ; that we may see how to avoid the fall and render harmless the explosion .
That we are on the eve of a great national crisis * and that the convulsion , come when it may , will effect most momentous changes in the whole constitution and arrangements of society , cannot be for a moment doubted by any one who is not entirely insensible to what is going on around him . A gain and again hare we sought to direct the attention of the people to the real state of things as they exist . The . events of every day convince us more aad -mew fully that it is out most important duty to warn them hot to be deceived by fictitious appearances , or ah artificial contemplation of affaire .
The state of the country becomes every day more and more critical ; the factions are concentrating all their powers , and calling into vigorous exercise all the means which they possess for a great and important struggle ; a struggle which will not terminate till entire despotism , or an enlarg ed and secure freedom , shall have been established . We are at this moment in the most perilous position that can be taken by a nation . The different elements which constitute what is called society , have no principle of coherence or consistency . Tbe only ruling power is intense and grasping selfishness ; the only acknowledged deity is the idol Mammon , seated on a throne of blood . The land of our
fathers , that land which is hallowed to our heart ' s best affections , by every tender recollection , and every endearing association—thaf Bacred spot , in which are concentrated all the blandishments of affection , all the sweets of friendship , and all the softening and ennobling charities of home , is threatened with a severe and iron rale , which , if once allowed to be established , may require ages of exertion , and oceans of blood , to uproot and destroy it . The present state of England is so anomalous ; so entirely different toall that has previously existed , that it > vain to look to history for a parallel . We have a Court , acting under the immediate influence and controul of a Government , grasping , selfish , and unprincipled ; looking solely to indmdnal enioy-
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ment and aggrandisement , sad ready , without a moment ' sheaitation , to sacrifice thereto aU of honour * erof worth , or of prosperity , that yet remains to us ; an aristocracy who , boasiting that they are the natural guardians of the realm , appear most anxious to convince all who are made of convineible materials of their utter want ef sympathy with the wants and privations of their humble and indigent brethren—of their total nnacqaaidtance with the simplest and most common springs of human feeling ; a middle class of money-mongers and capitalists , the generous souls , who offer little wages as an equivalent for much work , and who expect to be hailed as benefactors by the half starved wretches , from whose meni and agnandfeement . sad ready , without a
bones and blood they have drawn forth their golden god , and who , for aught they care , may die in a ditch , and be d—d , when they can coin gold for them no longer ; and a people famishing by thousands , dying upon heaps , of the united effects of famine and hard labour—producing all , while permitted to enjoy nothing—goaded by wrong and misery to despair on the one hand , and to distraction on the other—threatening , in their alternate paroxysms , to permit the glimmering lamp of liberty to be extinguished , or at once to overthrow it , and , applying its last flicker to the mass of combustibles around us , produce a fire which may « ajge with uncontrollable and devastating fury till it destroy the social edifice , and leave us nothing but a mass of blackened rubbish from which to start to build
again . Such is the position in which we now stand ! Such is the state of matters in our body politic ! The picture is neither over-drawn nor over-coloured . It is important to show this fully ; and that we may do so , let us look at the respective limbs , in this horribly diseased body , a little more in detail . First , then ,
TrjE COURT AND THE GOVERNMENT , in what light has the Queen , at such an awfuEorisis been presented to thecontemplation of her subjects } Iv is the province of a Sovereign to feel for all the people's ills the anxiety and yearning of a parent ; to view their wrongs and grievances , their evils , and afflictions as matters of first rate importance , and to think of self , of royal wants and royal conveniences , only when the people ' s sufferings have been allayed . Such was in olden times—in by-gone days , and among barbarous people—the wont of royalty : but we live in other and more " liberal" times ; and now , the Virgin Queen of England , meeting her Parliament under circumstances of most fearful
interest—when our flag is spit upon by foreign powers , and our commerce is destroyed by rascally *• shopkeeping" smugglers—when distress and famine stalk amongst the people—when the gallows-tree frowns on the good—when the false glare of liberty is lighting patriots to death—when the very vitals of society are threatened , and the throne totters to ; its base , and the light of England ' s glory seems ready to be finally extinguishedplaces before them as a matter at first consequence and highest import , the beggarly affairs of her own personal comfort , bed-room convenience , and pecuniary affairs . >
"Mr Lords and Gentlemen , —Sinoe yon were last assembled , I have declared my intention of allying myself in marriage with the Prince Axbb&t , of Saxe Coburgand Ootfia : — " The constant proofs which I have received of your attachment to my person and family , persuade me that you will enable me to provide such an ESTABLISHMENT AS MAY APPEAR SUITABLE TO THE BANK OF THE PBINCB AND THE DIGNITY OF THE CaoWN . " First portion of the Queen ' s Speech to Parliament , Thursday , Jan . 16 , 1840 .
What is the real meaning of this insolent and heartless paragraph 1 When rightly interpreted , it eads thus : — " British Serfs rejoice ! shout lustily , if long toil , and penury and pain have left youstrength eneagh ! Forget your woes , ye Wretched Ones ; laugh out loyally in the death-grip of famine ! for Tour young Queen i » to be married ; and some few thousands of yon vakj perish , to feed tbe Royal Bridegroom !"
So exclaim the rulers of Britain , the Slave-Empire . And is HiHffonderful , if from the depth of the Slave ' s heart , that dungeon home of Misery , the fierce cry of indignation , should arise ] ! Thousands are being trampled to death beneath the iron heel or omnipresent Poverty ! Millions are writhing under the scourge of Unjust Powerl Despair has set his foot upon our fathers' homes ! and the Marshals of the Masque of Anarchy ; Torture ' s Masters of the Revels , dare to insult the long-suffering of public opinion—dare to outrage common decency , by proclaiming from their place (?) in Parliament , that the marriage of an individual is the first and most important subject for for national consideration . !!!
We take up the challenge : let us discuss this most important question . Long and happily live Victoria the First—and the last ! We desire nothing but good for the kindhearted being ( for so we are disposed to believe hert who is , by the concurrence of unfortunate circumstances , obtruded before the foul array of the iniquitous , Few opposed to the injured and enlightened Many . May no unhappiness throw its shadow over her life's brightness ! Bat , Millions stand at the gate of Justice . Though an angel from heaven should bar our way , we turn not back , nor wait .
" Fiat justicia , ruat calum " " Let justice be done , though the heavens shonldjfall . " Members of the Cabinet ! is your conduct gentlemanly , is it manly , is it decent , —thus to expose a woman to such fearful conflict ? You , who are the Queen ' s advisers , is this , your advising , honest ? From your heartlessness , not hers , proceeds this vile and inhuman avowal of preferring the extravagances of One to the most necessary rights of Millions . On your heads , not hers , be the attendant infamy ; on your heads , if unintermitted wrong drive the wronged mad , let the phial of wrath be poared out *
Seven shillings a-week is the allowance ( according to your laws , ye sycophants of Royalty [) for the maintenance of the family of a hard-working man : One thousand pounds A-DAY is your allowance for a Qveen , who certainly is not at all necessary for the nation ' s welfare ; who does nothing for the public service . IS THIS JUSTICE ! The mere trimming 0 / the Queen ' * wedding-dress ( to be once worn ) will cost a thousand pounds—w ) ticb , at the . rate of mveftgifflmgs a-week * would maintain a labotjbeb AUD H % * Ai 5 iY I * OIl P 1 FTY- > EVBN YKABS ! IS THIS TOLERABLE ! And now a further robbery of the
wretched People is to be committed , ay ! will be committed , to provide for the " establishment" of the Queen ' s husband , who ( though it is to be supposed that he will live with her ' Majesty ) can not be maintained " suitably to his rank" out of her thousand pounds * day . The New Poor Law orders that no out-door relief shall be given to able-bodied persons . When a poor man is prevented by the operation of your partial and unnatural laws from earning by his incessant toil his poor pittance of seven shillings a-week , you , * Ministers of the Crown , " ordain that he shall be torn from bis family and imprisoned at your pleasure ; yet you have the shameWIs effrontery to propose , that the bread-taxed "helot , " the famishing labourer , shall contribute "his
proportion" towards pensioning an idle foreigner , who can never do more for his pauper-patrons than to beget a race of greedy pensioners . Is this insolent requisition : from Royalty seemly ? Is it prudent ? The Sovereign , indeed , " can do no wrong ; " but the Sovereign ' s advisers are responsible for the sins of their advising . The People ' s eyes are on you . Look you to the < consequences ! Read , if you can read , the judgment of the people—from whose fiat you may , after all , find that there is no appealing ; read , we say , their judgment on your shortsighted selfishness in the necessity which you feel to exist for making this accident of Royalty a means of consolidating your ftail powers ; in the necessity you feel te exist for special commissions—for esomdos—
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for multitudes of state prosecutions—for kg | Jittd outrages and judicial murders—for an incwased military force , and for an unconstitutional standing army of blue-coated devils-myrmidona ; and ask youwejves whether , with this evidence before , you , you can still think that the labouring men—the produoersiof the Nation ' s wealth ; the men of industry , of every class and occupation , will sacrifice their own happiness to continue the existence of thismonstrous wrong ; this LIE , which does not even bestow happiness on the isolated being in- Whose name it is committed ? Which of them think for multitudes of state Droseeotion »~ for limited
you , will crawl past and say , " I will labour without hope of rest or enjoyment ; when my very sinews are worn out , I will cheerfully die like a dog upon a dung-hill , to give the means of profusion and unenjoyable splendour to one whom I never sawwhom I have no reason to respect V * Which of them will be content that his children shall be tortured slaves—that his sons shall be murdered , or murderers , in quarrels which neither concern them nor their country , to keep a family of less than ordinary intellect and respectability , in receipt of enormous
pensions , for doing nothing ? Which of them , think you will be satisfied that his daughter's—the fair and guileless beings on whose love he would pillow his toilworn age—should sell themselves to wretchedness and infamy , in order that the Queen Victoria may be forced , by the contamination of state policy , to stock a palace with idiots ? ? Think you that loyalty , the bastard of tyranny will always be permitted . to usurp the place of justice ! Do not we implore you so deoeive yourselves . The dream will have an end , and the awaking may be awful !
We shall , doubtless , be much abused for the style of this article . It will be called M ungentlemanly , " " ungallant , " " coarse , " " rude , " &c . &c . Good sensible people ! all these epithets apply only to the manner in which we have uttered this TRUTH . Be wise enough to disprove our assertions before you cavil at the tone . 'Tis pity Truth has not the ¦ manners of a courtier t Is it gallant or gentlemanly to rob and insult the wives and children of mechanics and peasants ? To hang and quarter the husband and father who dares to resist the oppression ?
To denounce the robbers may be rude ; but if it be so considered , let them avoid the unpleasantness by withholding the occasion for it . In the very next column of a contemporary paper—in direct juxtaposition with this evidence of courtly heartlessness , we found the following report ; which reads well alongside it : — " Destitution . —Ann Brown , a young woman of very interesting appearance and genteelly dressed , was charged by the police with having been found Bitting on the step of a door in Regent-street , at half-past one o ' clock this morning . The prisoner stated that all her
relatives were dead , and that she with a female acquaintance , had contrived to support themselves by dressmaking since March last . Latterly , however , they could not obtain employment , and , being in arrears of rent , they bad been turned out of their lodgings . She had entrusted the only few shillings she had in the world to her companion , who had contrived to give her the slip , and being thus left entirely destitute , she had wandered about the streets until , overcome by , fatigue and cold , she had sunk on the step of a door unable to proceed any further . Mr . Dyer ordered her t # be discharged , and the unhappy creature left the effice despondingly "
While now writing , we cast our eye casually on a a provincial paper , and the first thing we see is : — " Death from Want of Food . —About nine o'clock on Thursday morning last , an elderly lpm ? , while walking along George-street , Hulme , carrying a basket of joiners' tools , fell against the door of a house occupied by Mrs . Jones , who , bearing the noise , went out , and found him lying on the ground . He appeared to be dying , and she sent for Mr . Owen , a neighbouring surgeon , who came within five minutes ; but the man was then dead . An inquest was held on the body at the Globe Inn , George-street , before Mr . Chapman , tbe borough coroner , the same day , when the above circumstances were stated . Jane Walters , of Frank-street , Manchester , wife of John Walters , brewer , stated that
the deceased was her father ; that bis name was William Salt ; and he was fifty-five years of age . " He lived with her , and was a joiner . He left her house a little before nine o ' clock that morning to go to Mr . Onnrod ' s , of Upper Brook-street , to do some work for him ; and he was then apparently in good health . He went out without meat , she not having any , her husband and herself being out of work , and the deceased having been out ef work for two months . For the last two days , he had only had one meal a day . He had a son , Thomas Salt , who sent him bis dinner ; . on Sunday ; but he was not in fall work . She . had only one ettfid ; anil the deeeased lived the same as they did ; but they had not sufficient to eat He bad not applied for relief . The jury returned a verdict that " the deceased died for want of the common necessaries of life . "
Now , if Royalty be actually more serviceable to the State than industry , then by all means let it be supported—let its every wish be pampered at whatever cost ; but let us first know its worth . Why should a Queen be at ail preferred to a peasant ' wife—to a respectable dressmaker , or a honest joiner ? And why , when her people are thus confessedly dying from mere lack of food , should a Christian Queen , having already a thousand pounds a-day , be advised to ask that famishing people to give her another thousand pounds a-week to keep her husband supplied with slippers , pocket handkercheifs , and night-caps ?!
Is this evidence of our position , that we have a Court , grasping , selfish , and unprincipled ; looking to individual convenience and aggrandisement without reference to the means ! If it were not , other evidence in plenty is at hand ; but we think this abundantly sufficient evidence of all those qualities , not in the poor young girl , whom we sincerely pity , and as sincerely love , but in the wretches under whose influence she moves , and who , by turns , flatter and betray . To-day , if it suits their purpose , loud in demanding Reform ; no
steps too violent for them to advise , no language too stringent to be used . Executioners and axes ; kings in petticoats ; Queens groaned at , and in breeches ; crowns reversed , and rolling heads of monarchs , their chosen insignia . To-morrow , when in power , kickingdown the ladder by which theyascended to the proud elevation they sought for , but making the power thus obtained the instrument of their individual agrandisement ; the most hear tless tyranny , the most determined , best placed , and deliberately executed despotism marking every step of their demoniac career .
THE ARISTOCRACY , Existing , like the Court , in a world of its own—has surely afforded proofs in plenty of our charge against it , of having little or no sympathy with the people ; little or no knowledge of the springs of human happiness and feeling . * , What is their conduct , sitting in solemn con-« Uve , ifrtM 8 awt&Wi » ent ! They meet in professed obedience to her Majesty ' s summons , for the purpose of considering divers weighty causes of national interest , and of high importance ; and when so metwith the affairs of a nation almost in a state of bankruptcy—with discontent every where alarmingly prevalent , thousands of the indnntrinnK aIuoao
without the means of earning even a temporary supply , and men going up and down the country trying all means ( according to their version of the story ) to excite to acts of violence , rebellion and treason—with-all this before them—the out-calculating rascals—the obstinate logheaded boobies can find nothing better to do than to stir up the worst passions of our nature , and to quarrel about the omission of their favourite watchword whenever mischief is in the wind , and merge the pressing affairs of this great empire in a silly discussion as to the necessity of designating the intended spouse of the Queen a Protestant prince . For the sympathies and feelings of
THE MIDDLE CLASSES , we think it is enough to point to all the wily trickery of the Reform Bill , and the Municipal Corporation Humbug ; to the New Poor Law and its attendant horrors—to the banished Cotton-spinners and the Dorchester Labourers—to the trades' Union persecutions—and , in short . to all the atrocities which have been perpetrated under both . Whig and Tory
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* Every physiologist is aware oft tiia fact The royal blood of Europe , through thecvery means employed to keep it pure , i » fwt fl » wiss , t « dnaa » ity . _ . * .., . ¦¦
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Governments , from the first rise of mMfce ^ bw ^ [ domination , and through all its gradual extonloB , ' till now . The record , all through , is 000 of ttfina and cruelty , and . their whob character has been sustained by all the Juries upon all the trKli for sedition , treason , &e which have recently dewcrated our halls of public justice . To complete the miseries of this unhappy state of things , a small portion of Governments from the ftrit ri ~ . ir *« Kiu ^ i-. % "?
THE PEOPLE themselves appear determined torush upon their owa destruction . There are actually some w&eactaa though they were desirous of burying the prefMtt prospects , and the future hopes of the industriour mifl « ms , ia one common grave . ' > We know the distresses of the working clasaee— ; we honour their virtues , and we admire their fof * bearance . If—imperfectly instructed , and goaded by •' suffering , as we know themtobe—wesaw the cotintrj ? ; in a blaze , from Land ' s-end to John-o ' -Groat ' s , much and deeply as we should lament proceedings
so mad , and so inefficient for any useful purpose , we should feel no surprise . We know that the moneymongers feel no sympathy for the distresses they have caused , and , oomplaining , as they are , of a surplus population , we have no doubt that a serious outbreak which would enable them , by their redcoated butchers and the help of the executioner , to dispose of a few thousands of the working men . would be to them most pleasing and acceptable . But , again , we say bbwa&b . The cause must not be sacrificed : and the cvisewill be sacrificed , if acts of outrage and violence be committed by tie people . , v ¦ ' ¦ . , ¦ - ' ; '
We have said before , and we repeat it , every movement of the masses is well known to the Government . However close and secret they may suppose their consultations and plans to be , all is faithfully report **' by the satellites of power . Ufa the people bo firm , peaceable , and open , and nothing can long keep from them tfeeir ; just rights ,. The- game fa 'WH ' in their own Rands ; one false step may throw , it into the hands ' -of their deadliest foes , and if so , we unhesitatingly tell them that if they do not know how the cards may be played for the advancement of the popular - cause , their adversarie s will soon convince them that they know how to use then ] for their oppression and destruction .
We do most earnestly beg of the madmen , irto have been so reckless and insane aa to . conceive and try to execute deeds of violence , to pause and reflect calmly on their position . We implore them not If their own act to ruin a cause for which both we and they have suffered and endured so maoh . Let our deluded friends , deluded we say , fi > r nothing but the delusion practised upon them b y thei baee and hired tools of the bad and vicious foctioni could have induced them thus to damage U » cause ^ md put the lives of their best friends fit
peril . Let them , we say , recollect the fearful odds there are against them . The soldiery will fight , if ordered by their officers to do so ; thaVd pint is settled ; the officers will order them if tfiiiSaagistrates desire it ; that point is settled alste , ThmtofU are but ill armed , and worse disciplined ; in |<) dcoats are well armed , and in perfect niiUt « ry |* in « ing , and are in many cases led on by titled ^ iad trained bloodhounds , to whom killing is but Bgorti Besides this , it must be taken into the account Ihftt ; the man who takes up a gun in the pay or 0 & 1 | fee
side of Govern menti if he escape being « hot , ro ( ttew > risk of being hanged ; but he . who appean » 1 ^ 5 ta ^ against the powers that be , though lu > oppof&ft be the devil hinuelf , and hiaown oftuse-ii ^ vrnk ' , righteous under Heaven , if lie escape W Itt&hmis pretty certain to grace the halter . Tiih ' 'tm ' though a notorious rascal , is a loyal subjeoi ^ f t §| Queen ; the other , though he may be a concenlratia ! r of human virtue , is a rebel against it 4 Cromu W €
do not wish to see our oountrymen" opgoind to eddi like these . We ask them to look oa th * other ridej let them think of every expedient which *• & Tftftj the standard of their moral character . Let uww of intemperance be exchanged for those of i » bj&jyj let those dens of iniquity and immorality , lliflfgia' ) : palace , the public house , and the bieer ^ <ov be aa V once abandoned . We want to se ^ f tb ^ piS ^ i . classes of this country so aet , that in the nwrnesfaf ^ of calm reflection they- ban respect theknelv ^ , When this is the case , and not till then , will thifi \ who now wish them well , but who tremble les ^ il \ they had power , they should abuse it , eome forwaf £ : 1 to aid them in their glorious contest , and wh * A ja ; how refused , even as a boon , shall "soon be acknovv > - ledged us an undoubted right .
The industrious classes , when arrayed in peace and in union , are firmly fixed and strong as the oak ,, which defies every blast , and mocks the power ot the storm ; but when they appear with violence and yet disunited , they are like the tender reed , TKhich bows before each breath , and is trampled under foot . The people of this country m ff ijjpii | f ! Mi . i in their myral strength . We ojjPl&jKJtt ioem / to exert it . They have now readfca ^ i ^ i point of civilisation —they are thinking ^ iwtmf , men—they knsvr what ¦
is for their benefit , and can discern the means which lead to its attainment . Let them exert tta-jfofe of their mental powera , and concentrate their few * , on the one loved subject . Neither " the Attorney * not . the Solicitor-General , can file a criminal information against the mind : it ia on * of those active rebels , or rather patriots , thitvrill enjoy freedom . It cannot be confined by prison walls , nor by heavy chains : Tindal cannot condemn il , and it can evsa escape the penalties of an Act passed in the sanguinary reign of George IIL '
We feel that no beneficial change esn be effected while the people remain as they are at presenfci ' «* B ^ have seen the wise and salutary rewnunend » tie » « f the late Convention neglected and oUsregarffrdV The money has not been withdrawn from the Sa ^ g ^* ' Banks . Exoiseable articles have not been abat ^ aed from ^ -exclusive dealing has not been carried out * and , in short , no good thing recommended hasboea generally adopted . We see then that many of them , for whom we have toiled and watched , and laboured .
' ' ' are , if not useless , at least apathetic and indifc ^ ferent ; and while we would not censure witk . severity , for we know the sickening effects of hept ' deferred , it is our duty , as sincere and"hojwat diw ©» tors of the public mind , to declare jfaafc nothing can bo gained by violence ji *' that to a brave ,. peaceful , firm , decide , ^ continuous expression of the natioa ' a will , every just demand most ultimately bp catoedtfU * ' * ' ' - ' y - ' ' ' ^ i :- ~ - ¦ (*!> & *!*¦*¦ ¦ ¦ ' ¦' : "¦' ' ;¦ V : ¦ . ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ - .,:
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COLLISION BETWEEN THE LORDS JJSfQi THE COMMONS . The question of parliamentary privOett htH assumed the most important aspect , and will ioftt tablylead to a struggle between the Lords » &dtfa » Commons . It is no longer a mere quarrel with the judges ; it is no longer a debate concerning the law of libel , but has widely extended its compass , and now embraces , two branches ofthe legislature . All
appeals from the decisions of the Courts of Justice must ultimately be made to the House of Peers , who will either reverse or affirm the judgment of the inferior tribunal . So , in the present case , the House of Commona acknowledia ^ d the jurisdictio of the Queen ' s Bench , by ordering the Attorney General to plead before it , and if they desire 4 h » reversal of the judgment , by which Lord Dkskah denied their privilege , it will be necessary for them to appeal to the Lords .
There is little doubt but that the Upper House will affirm the sentence , and then there must be war between the rival houses . If the Commons , how ever , prefer to take up another course , and to conf tinue attaching , committing , and imprisoning , 4 hey will certainly come at last to the fountain . head and ' . seize ' the Lord Chief Justice of England ; ttw Lords will then interfere for one of their own . body and , therefore , a collision cannoi be avoided * whichever path may be pursued . In < truth , tb » event will not arise solely froi £ _ 'ibia jfispated question , but wQl be the oonaeonia ^ , <^ ^ l ^^ f ^ H ^ Bill , which for the last seven y « ua ttm tai ' widflft
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* THB ftORfrgEJtN STAR ; c ^ J wish 1
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 25, 1840, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/king-y1kbzq92ze2668/page/4/
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