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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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ORGANISATION r . LECTTRIXG . TO THE EDITOR OP THB NORTHERN STAB . SIR , —In tie article "which you did me the honour to insert in the Star of May 9 th , I pointed out the necessity of all those persons who were really desirous of bringing about some change in onr jresent system of | legislation , placing themselTes under the immediate direction and cwitreul of some small number of trustworthy persons , who shonld keneeforth have the sole ma absolute guidance of our moTements , with a vi = w to establish unity of action in eTery part of the country , and make one rigorous and undivided effort to reduce to practice some one of those numerous beautiful theories that have hitherto been attended with so little .
effect ; and if ev = r there was a time when imperious nec : ssity called with a voice of thunder for some demonstration , united and powerful , of the people ' s will , now is the time . Ministers have made the last grand -effort to extinguish our hopes by incarcerating our bold and generous leader , and thus strike a deadly blow to the liberties of the press . However , I will net occupy your valuable space with vain regrets , but proceed to point out , as well as my cireomsciibed ability will permit , the method I think is most advisable to pursue in the present emergency , to enable us to do something that will be really useful both to him and to ourselves . * Before I proceed , however , to enter into the details of the measure that I furnished your readers with a partial outline of so recently , allow me . to make a remark or two on the plan bud down by ilr . O'Brien , , a gentleman for whom I hare the highest respect , ) but with whom I cannot agree on the present occasion , and
whose theory the " canny folks" of " the modern ' Athens' seemingly are desirous of supporting , I Mr . O'Brien ' s plan , then , if I understand aright , is ' to appoint a certain number of men , 658 , if possible , or \ at any rate as many as would stand for the counties , j who are to go about the country lecturing and holding ! meetings , to give the people instructions , en vita vocx , j how to proceed in their demand for Reform ; and in the ' event of an election taking place all over the country , ! to return those men by "Universal Sufir&ge at the I county elections , or in such populous boroughs as those \ of the metropolis , Manchester , Birmingham , Leeds , ! &c dec . ! Now , Sir , as regards the lecturing , it may be productive of great public good ; but it will be a very difficult task to find a sufficient number of talented individuals , , j j ,
honest enough to answer the purpose , and willing to enter the field , especially while such men as Yincent , O'Brien , LoYett , Richardson , il'Douall , && , are in gaol , and while such men as Binns , Bragg , and Co ., are fined in £ 5 for holding meetings in the MarkeWplace , and men like Spurr and Neesom have to stand a trial at the Central Criminal Court for directing a strictly legal meeting in doors , in the people ' s own trades' hall ; but admitting that all these men were at large , willing to act , and as many more to assist them , still their advice would not and could not have the same effect aa if it came from a great central power , who had the guidance of the whole of the great majestic politicalmachine by the same arguments , even coming from the Bane men , in a printed and tangible form , all diversity of opinion would be avoided—the people ceuld digest the plans by their own firesides ; tie substanoe would not be driven out of their heads by the clamorous applause so usually lavished on a clever itinerant
lecturer -, and what is more important thwi all , although a very great number of statistical , explanatory , and j encouraging slips and tracts might be given gratis , as ! now practised by religious societies and Socialists , still i a very great number might be sold , and thus the mass ! of the people have something for their money , on -which ' tbey might fix their attention ^ and which woul d answer ' the double purpose of keeping them from the alehouse , ! and giving them sound political knowledge , and yet not be any more expense to the community , if as much , as having to support a dozen or more travelling lecturers , who , if they kept the spirit of the masses alive , would ' j very soon talk themselves into gaol , and the whole of ¦ the scenes of which we were witnesses at the last and the preceding assizes , have to be enacted over a §
ain-I hope you will not think me too prolix , but I never yet heard of any great change being wrought in the opinions of a people by oral instruction ; but if we look to the American and French revolutions , I think we shall find that thb press was the principal instrument in bringing about the desired operations in the public mind , aa the greater the talents of a public lecturer , the greater the probability of his career being stopped " by Government . What body of tyrants possessing the power with which our Executive are invested , will allow any man , or set of men , to undermine the '^ r authority , and them stand passivelv by ? Tis like heaving at Mount Atlas .
And now , Sir , as regards the elections of popular men : what power would they possess at the close of the elections , they did not possess before ' I was an observer of the enactment of the same farce , in what is termed a Radical borough , at the last General Election . I saw tiie people goaded to m ^ n ^^ by the bunts of Both Whig aad Ttrry etectore . 1 saw helpless honesty in rags * TnV bleeding and abused under the bludgeons of bloated specials . 1 saw broken windows
and broken heads innumerable . I saw a large sum a . money spent , collected by the non-electors . I sat * many persons who lost their wori in cons&qnence , anc were almost starred after by Whig and Tory capitalists for their generous devotion to the cause of liberty . Ii fact , Sir , I saw that , with competent leaders , th < people might be moulded into any form ; but , alas where were those devoted , those patriotic individuals able and willing to lead as enthusiastic nation to tb goal of victory ?
And are all those scenes to be re-enacted ? Forbid it every good feeling that pervades the breast of -m&n Let us make one decided and simultaneous effort i * accomplish the great constitutional object we have u view ; but let us be sure all is prepared to ensure sue cess , before we attempt to make the last struggle , anc this can never be accomplished effectually unless unde 'the paternal and judicious guidance of a great centra power . The Government might , and very likely would , pei mit the lecturers to proceed for a while , as they hat hitherto done ; but as soon as ever their advice wa likely to be acted on by any great portion of t . ' . e people their directors would be imprisoned , as they now are
and tis useless to say they could not be arrested , if tkeLr conduct was perfectly legaL Those who entertain ' that opinion , must not have heard of Baron Gumey ' s ' charge to the petit Jury at the harvest Assizes in 1839 , ' for the county of Chester , on the trial of Thompson ! and others , for conspiracy . He said , " It is of no con- ! sequence whether they know each other or not ; had ' they never met in their lives on any occasion , if their \ intentions are proved to be the same , they are guilty of ' conspiracy in the eye of the law . " So that no man can escape this human drag-net , whose intention it is ( to alter the existing state of things , no matter how con- ' stitutionaUy he goes to work ; and it would be the ex- ¦ treme of folly in any Chartist to pretend he is content ! with the laws as they are . -1
This central power , then , would be a pivot round ! whieh all the lovers of justice could rally ; a few subordinates might certainly suffer , and perhaps would , bnt the organisation of the people would still progress , i It would signify nothing if the numbers in union were \ five or five thousand in any town wherever something ! Kke rule was observed ; there the sensible and the I ¦ well-intentioned part of the community would resoit , | and as soon as a majority of the operatives were found " to be sufficitntly erganised to make a systematic demand for justice , success would be certain , and their every movement might be directed , whether for petition , i demand , or remonstrance , by the creat invisible intel-1 Hgence . ~ '
There might be a myriad of ' local lecturers possessing l great ability , whose duties ought to be to stimulate toe people to act with energy " and decision on every occasion when called upon by the secret directory , and in almost every instance they would be everywhere useful to organise and keep the people in a constant state of preparedness , but not to be permitted to propagate any opinions contrary to the principles of political equality and unbiassed justice . If any expense was incurred in the separate districts or divisions by sending lecturers or other persons to attend meetings or transact any business whatsoever , without the order or permission of the executive , let those parties who sent or invited them to perform such duties , bear the expense .
There is no necessity for men rambling over the face «* the country , at an incalculable cost , to teach people their duties , as all that might be done by sending the pith of the arguments they bad to effer in a penny pubts&Uon , to be supplied weekly , or oftener if required , £ 7 the executive . I know tiiis method of conducting business will be TBy unpalatable to certain persons who hare hitherto aide a living by their lecturing and agitating , but let tfee
most sanguine amongst them try to prove that ever » ejr object will be attained through the exertion * of psa going from town to town , and eliciting a halloo from the unlettered operative . No , Sir , tbe agitation , * - ever intended to be successful , must be conducted systematically and cautiously , I do not say secretly , as » fere would be no necessity for that ; bat certainly *«» from whom the proclamations or orders were ^¦ w , ought to remain as long nnknown to tkeir official »* aa possible .
I know some of your namerous readers , whea they ?*¦ <* Secresy , will cry treason ; but where I am **>* n tbe single exposition at tiny name would silence - Wsaca sUly clamours . ine people , Sir , are completely weaiy ot i ! gt ^ n ; n to pQS&ai discourses ; the multitode of Chutiit o » ioM , **** law lectraera , moral preacher * , Socialists , Tem-£ ***** * iTocates , and others who have so long been ¦* ° * e tiie public , has made eTery man willing to listen ~~» systematic politician . _ y )» lafeoweBB can now argue apoa , and analyse the
***** of , tJte most abstruse philosophical thesis , z **? of which would puzzle tbe grammar-school in-** niiy of many of our middle-class electors . Political rfpaomy , from the systems propagated by Malbranche , ted tv ? " ^ > daw 11 to ilits JLartineau . L- Bulwer , « tt BTsraeli , are as familiar to their understandings «¦ uu worth , Fenning , or Vyse : the plain truth is , S ; r , |^ people are prepared in mind , but they want organ-^ aon ; and as a further proof that the above picture « v u * 161 ? mettil acquisiaoEs is correct , the writer of - - * srtic * is self-taught in ererj respect
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The people , then , only want to be directed how to act . Many a time when I have called the inhabitants of the villages adjacent to my residence together to amuse and instruct them after their day ' s labour 1 have met with- " We do not want any more instructions ; we want to know when , how , and where we are to act > ow , Sir , you know I could not tell them because I was ignorant myself ; but if I had the central power to apply to them , I could easily have organised and given- satisfaction to these willing men . Perhaps , parties may think I allude wholly to military preparations . Why , Sir , moral force requires as The people , then , only want to be directed how to act . Many a time when I have called t . h « ink . wt . ^ .
, much or more arrangement than physical , and sometimes a little more to render it effective ; but had there been any directing power in existence , I would , as far as practicable , have organised them in any way the directory desired , and for any purpose . There are supposed to ba twelve thousand parishes in England and Wales ; and surely we might with ease organise and enrol one hundred men in every parish but if we were only able to enlist under our banner fifty in each parish , this would constitute a force of six hundred thousand men , a number for any purpose of either war or peace . ^^
. v V ? v ** the ^ ork > then > of "M agitators , to see that these men in every district , whether live or five hundred were in the Union , were made acquainted with every step taken by both friends and foes- hold communication with the county secretary , either by : post or special messengers , and transmit all money ! unspent to the county delegate , to be sent to the dii rectory . ; Let the local secre ' ary sent a weekly account of every ; movement in his district , with the number of paying ; members , and thus the directory would always know | their real strength , and act accordingly . The payment of local officers , servants , rent of reading rooms , newspapers , &c , to be defrayed out of tbe general fund , and sent to the executive to maintain them , pay for printing , and other expenses , and carry oat , the objects they bavo in view
Several kind friends have asked me if I did not know that Ministers would take cognizance of these proceedings . Certainty I k » ow they will , and will . have their ayrjnwoaisit work to get appointed on the directory ; bal , S entleinen will recollect that the first three appointed will have power to resign , if they think they cannot trust the other four appointed by Con-! gress ; and if we cannot find seven men amongst the ¦ Chartists sufficiently trustworthy to carry out so simple ¦ -a project , they are in hopeless condition , and they may lie down and hug their chains for ever . . Had the placard , for which Lovett was prosecuted , , emanated from a secret directory , it would hare had
, equal weight ; and he would all this time have been at j large . Many say they would engage in no secret pro-! ceeding ; neither would I to injure any one ; but to j regenerate myself , my children , and my country , I , would engage to do anything but play the tyrant or ; the traitor to the people . j Xo man who is afraid to consider in silence and I security the best method of emancipating his fellewcreatures , wil ! ever possess sufficient moral courage to beard an oppressor of his species to his teeth , or go like Sydney , with a placid smile on his countenance , to the ^ caffeld and become a martyr to the good cause ' of freedom .
Hoping the above propositions may meet with a favourable reception from those wh « take a pleasure in being the advocates of the public , and that I may quickly hear of the appointment of the committee of three to form the nucleus of the executive , I remain yours sincerely , A Republican .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —The letter of Mr . Parkin that appeared in the Southern Star of the 17 th instant , demanded , I considered , an answer , not merely because it Beeined to treat Mr . O'Connor unjustly , but because , also , it embraced propositions and arguments that were fallacious . I wrote an answer to justify Mr . O'Connor ' s " parting ! advice , " and to show the futility of Mr . Parkin ' s ob-: jection to it ; but the Editor of the Suuthern Star , refusing to publish my answer , gives so paltry a reason i for it , that I venture to send a c « py to you . If yon , also , deem my letter of no moment , I shall rest ; satisfied . i Tours , &c ., i Robert Colling . j May 24 , 1 S 40 . ! TO THE EDITOR OF THE SOUTHERN STAR .
] SIR , —The letter of Mr . Parkin , in tbe last number i of the Southern Star , embraces propositions and argu-: ments that , in my opinion , demand a further and more ¦ ser ious consideration . ; I must join issue with Mr . Parkin in the view which , he takes of Mr . O'Connor ' s " parting advice , " as quoted in his > Mr . P . ' s ! letter ; and as I am actuated , , not by the narrow spirit of merely controversial ; obstinacy , but by a siocere desire to see the political I energies of the people directed in the best and most j efficient way to secure an amelioration of their con-; dition , I tros *_ you will not ol » je « t to the publication of \ what I may say in reply to Mr . Parkin . ' . There is one fault ^ Ln this gentleman ' s letter , which 1 \ cannot avoid noticing in . the . first place ; it is the un-| charitable insinuation that Mr . O'Connor , under an : assumed adherence to the Chartists , has given advice
merely to serve the purposes of the Whigs . Mr . O'Connor has done much—very much , for the people , and till he show more manifest signs of deserting the cause in which he has laboured , and for his ceaseless advocacy of which he is now to suffer eighteen months imprisonment , he should , I humbly conceive , be permitted to enjoy a patriot ' s reputation . At any rate , I must be permitted to say , on my own behalf , that though immeasurably beneath Mr . O'Connor in the scale of political agitators . I shall deem it very unjust , and excessively uncharitable if , because I differ with Mr . Parkin on trivial points , 1 shall have the humble reputation I enjoy contaminated by the slightest ' association with the justly despised and repudiated name of Whiggism . My belief , at the present moment , is that Mr . O'Connor and Mr . Parkin are f riends of the people- as such , I shall speak of the one and address the other .
I am disposed to think that Mr . O'Connor ' s patting advice is a good ani sound .. ne . I think it is founded in rrason , and that the exptaience of the past two years establish its correctness . True , it is sent forth without the finishing stroke ; it tells the people what they should avoid doing ; it leaves them to decide -what they should do . And is this difficult ? Assuredly not . " Helps to read" are not required to enable us to perceive that Universal Suffrage is the one point to which the concentrated energies of the people should be directed , firmly , unflinchingly , and without that blustering parade , and empty thundering , which seem , but are not , tests of strength . Mr . O'Connor ' s most important and emphatic advice is , that the Chartists should avoid secret meetings , and of all advice this , in my opinion , is that which the working classes should most rigidly and scrupulously adhere to .
-Secret Associations are morally bad ; and while they may seem to favour those who are united in a good cause , they may a ' so be formed by others to conceal the most iniquitous and diabolical of purposes , destructive of the best interests of society . True , the late political persecutions seem to prove that even at an open meeting , &nd in the face of the world , a patriot may not raise his head , without danger to bis liberty . Yet , if this be bad—aud who can regard the tyranny of the recent political persecutions , and say it is not so ?— it is my firm conviction that Secret Associations are infinitely more disastrous ; where open meetings furnish one victim . Secret Societies supply miny . And this must and will be the case so long as the Government , from its oppressiveness , has reason to dread combinations of the people ; and so long , too , as villains can be found in society who—iniquitous as Judas—would betray the parents that nurtured them for less than Judas ' s price . While such execrable mockeries of men can be tound
in every town , village , and hamlet , and in every trade and occuj-atiou , not merely to insinuate themselves into the combinations of their frllow-men , for the purposes of Government espionage , but to take advantage of either the ignorance or tbe confidence of innocent and susceptible men , to tbrust them into schemes which they otherwise had Dot dreamt of , and thus designedly to place them within the itching clutch of baleless tyranny . While , I say , this continues to be the case , Secret Associations are more deadly than the viper , and ought most scrupulously to be avoided . They are
notorious instruments in the hands of a Government , to crush the rising Bpirft of discontent ; and , by victimising the bolder patriot , to awe his more timid associates into Blavish acquiescence . So deeply rooted are these convictions in my mind , that I should utterly distrust the man who would counsel the formation of Secret Societies . I should f » el that in yielding to that man's counsel , I should place my liberty in his handB , and offer myself up as a marked man , to be sent far and dealt with at a magistrate's pleasure and convenience .
. Mr . Parkin censures Mr . O'Connor for counselling the people to permit , unopposed , the wasteful extravagance of the Government and their tyrannous measures to limit the liberties and comforts of tbe people I mnst here , again , join issue with Mr . Parkin . Mr . O'Connor is again right , and I will try to prove that he is so . To see with what nonchalance the Honourable House squander away millions , ¦ w rui ^ t , not from the comforts , but the necessities of tbe people , is , in truth , more than enough to rouse every feeling of honest indignation in the breast of a thinking and patriotic man . Yet , would the united voice of the people effect the tm&lket cWge In the wjuandering propensities Ol the Government ? Suppose that every villanous act on the of the
part Legislature were petitioned against , and that in no case less than 2 , 000 , 000 of signatures were attached to the petition or remonstrance , would this course , on the part of the people , effect the reduction of one farthing ? Would any grant be retractedwould a more economical course be pursued for the future ? No ! The Right Honourable and Honourable House receive petitions as a matter of course ; even that they deem a trouble ; but that they are too magnanimous . Heaven save the mark , to yield to the grumbling remonstrances of a discontented people . ' !! But , admitting that petitioning and remonstrances would have the efi ' , occasionally , of causing a proposed grant to ^ e abandoned , or of any reduction to be made in the GOTernmeiit expenditure . Suppose , for example , that
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the grant of £ 70 , 000 taken from the people , ( thousands of whom have barely a roof to shelter them ) and spent on .. i ?« nlficent "tool" for the Queen ' s horses , were withdrawn in deference to the remonstrances of the people , would there be effected any real reduction in the Government expenditure ? Assuredly not . If her Majesty could not have a palace for her horses , her loving and dutiful Ministers would treat her to a palace for her dogs , or some other expensive appendage to the royal dignity (!) The Government , the Honourable House , and the determination to spend every penny that can be wrung from the necessities of the people , are no inseparable things . There are weeds that so insinuate their roots into the soil , that no mere Weeding will extirpate them . It is so with the Government expenditure . The abandonment of a proposed grantthe reduction of an oppressive tax—the sponging out a disreputable sinecure , is but the weeding alluded to . The villanously insinuated roots remain still , and the weeding is a fruitless labour . the erant of -P-n n ™ ? * I iT ~ -r JL ™ v ^ * i ' . taKe V . " ^ people , ( thousands
The Ministers boast of the postage reduction as a Whig boon to the people ; even this waa forced upon them by the middle classes , wid now new taxes are levied to make up the deficiency ! The same remarks are applicable to every measure proposed by the Government : — Firstly , then , we have the fact that the Legislature will not heed the remonstrances of the people ; and , secondly , we see clearly enough that if such a remonstrance were listened to and heeded , no real good would or could be effected while the root of all political evils remained unshaken or unbroken . But , there is still
another viuw to be taken of the sulgtct . The pment unnatural state of things lias within it the seeds of its own destruction . It is a state of things that cannot always exist It is like tbe opium eater that subsists on the poison which is fast hurrying him to the grave ; his passion for this poison and the disease that wastes him , grow together , till life is no longer able to endure the gratification of his unnatural salelessness . It is so with the Government and the policy it pursues ; yearly does its saleless appetite crave for more money and additional taxes , while yet more rapidly still is ruin spreading her blasting mildew through all clasaea of the people .
If the present course be still obstinately adhered to , destruction , at no distant time , must be the consequeuce . This has been seen many , many years ago , and such predictions have been derided ; yet , to recur to the similie of the opium-eater ; the failure , in point of time , of those predictions , merely proves that this country , from its extraordinary resources , has a tough constitution . The calculations of Paine , on this subject , will yet be verified ; and Cubbett , too , was right , when be said that the National Debt was our fast friend .
Better as it is for a working-man to reflect on the Government expenditure , and to contrast it with the miseries of millions around him ; and to see penal statutes passed with shameless ha « te , aud heartlesaness to render him and his class yet moro serf-like aud helplesi ; still these things should be endured , for they are infinitely more powerful than the united voices of millions , in hurrying on tbe period when n change must take place . With Mr . O'Connor I would say , if my appeal , like his , had influence , oppose not the Legislature in their flagrant expenditure , and their tyrannous penal measures . After all , these are but the effects of a deeply-rooted evil , and to combat with mew effects would be a course calculated only to produce
incessant divisions and alteratiens , as well as an incalculable waste of pecuniary and other resources . That this tuna of argument is bad , i admit , but the obstinacy of the Government leaves us no other . They might arrest the evil , but they will not . The people may petition and remonstrate , but the Government laugh at , aud deride their petitions . Tne people , then , have but this to do , to concentrate their energies to one fixed and immovablo point Universal Suffrage—let this and this alone be the bond of union , or if they turn atide at all , let it be to augment , in every town , the list of registered voters . The blind obstinacy of the Government , anil of the Right Honourable and Honourable Houses will work a ropo far their own exaltation above this sublunary sphere .
But my communication is already long , and I will hasttu to a close . Mr . O'Connor thinks that all our energies should be directed to the attainment of Universal Suffrage , as the means of annihilating the "thousand and one" evils that beset us . Mr . Parkin reverses the position , and insists on it , that all tho ? e evils must be severally attacked and overcome to gain Universal Suffrage . Here then tha road lies between these gentlemen ; and they are antipodes to each other . Lastly , I declare my conviction that Mr . O'Connor ia still right If Mr . Parkin would war with effects , in order to arrive at the cause , where would he begin ? The State Church , the Com Laws , the iniquitous Law of Primogeniture , enormous taxation , the National Debt , lie , &c , are children of the same parent The war of the people against the Government would be
endless and inexhaustible -, and there would be this further evil , the energies of the people never would nor could be directed with uny persevering and formidable power against so many objects . Even supposing the people could ba brought to act unanimously on oue selected aud given pbinraV » tBfir \ aud tHU neve * would be the casev , there would be endless disputes as to tbe point that should be selected . In fact , it wtuld be found that this course would lead to a splitting of the people ' s strength into a dozen directions , and weakness and disappoimnimt would ever be the result On the contrary , Universal suffrage is but a single point , aud to it the concentrated energies of the people may be directed vrith something more of unanimity . Universal Suffrage is , too , a right , and one of the highest order , and , if concentrated , would supply a power that could be applied at once to the very root of all our great political evils . Rouert Colling . Brighton , May l'J , 1840 .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —It is some time Bince I communicated to you respecting a plan how the Charter might become the law of the land speedily , by the working classes being strongly united and combined together throughout England . Scotland , and Wa es , for each to contribute towards raising a fund in cumplianco with tue whole of the brave colliers iu making a turn-out That au adequate sum be raised sufficiently to maintain the colliers , their wives and children , that the Convention , or in other words , the Committee of Management , to
assert -what cumber would be depending for support , In my opinion half a million of money would be quite sufficient to carry this important object . Now , the sum , large as it might appear , vrould be trifling for each to contribute to , suppose we say three millions of souls , or should there be but two millions of people to raise this amount , what would it be to gain their freedom . The working people have got every thing in their own hands ; only let them be united to a man , and determined , having confidential leaders . Had this plan been acted upon at our first start , victory must have been ours , say two months , from the commencement
Now , what thinking man would study for a moment that the victory would not be ours ; let any one consider that might deubt it , whtn all the noble colliers were out , how long would the coa' . s last ? Whenthe coals were consumed , ( what then ) could the mills go on that goes with steam ( you will say no )—could the Great Western or any other ship with sUarn power carry on—could the passengers travel on the railroadcould the horses be shued—how would the plough get on—in short , what can be done witi . out coal ? I say the brave colliers , although so little thought of , working
continually in dangeT , not Beeing , or enjoying the blessed day light as any of us that does not work under ground , or those that never works , and their hearts as hard as a stone ( our oppieasors—but a day will and must come that all tyrants will be subdued . Wbat trouble and uneasiness tluy givt ) to thu working man , his wife and family , no encouragement for labour nor lor old age ; after all their toil , they reaping the fruits thereof . Oh if every working man would study his own interest—but thanks be to G <> d they are numbering fa ^ t But I must return to my subject .
Now there being no coal , all or nearly all the working people would have notldng to do , some might say what a dreadful thing this would be , for we could have nothing to eat ; any one thinking this way would be wrong , for they could throw themselves on parochial relief , and people throwing themselves on , being at a long distance from their own parishes , some would be afraid that their homesteads would be broke up and sent home ; this would not be the case . As for blood being shed , not a single drop would be lost , each one acting prudently . But the country has been in a shocking state for a long time past , and borne sadly upon the industrious hands , believing if the attempt was to be made at this time , to forward this project it would not carry ; therefore , I will propose another in the lieu of it , which it cannot injure any plan I have eeen in tbe poor man ' s guide , the Northern Star .
First , That every Working Man ' s Association in England , Scotland , and Wales , now established , immediately to pay weekly contributions to meet any emergency , such as pamphlets explaining the five points , setting forth the good that will arise by the Charter becoming the law of the land—and to open the eyes of those that are blind , as there is a portion that are still gulled by their enemies , although they take them to be friends . This will have a great tendency for organization—let them be given to those led astray . Secondly , for a Committee of Management to sit in Leeds . All monies to be sent to the Bald Committee ; that they report in the Northern Star weekly what suma of money received , wherefrom ; and at the end of each month the report of disbursements , and what money in hand .
Thirdly , Each member enrolled to pay twopence entrance , and one penny per week , so long aa needful . That all members' names be sent to the Committee of Management weekly , as fresh ones will be entered for some weeks to come . This will show what strength is in the country . That the Committee have a book for that purpose . Fourthly , The said Committee to be just and wise men . Niue in number . To be chosen from nine of the largest towns—bay , fiYe from England , three from Scotland , and one from Wales , they being properly
remunerated for their labours : and « ha ! l h . iv » fho numerated for their labours ; and shall have the management of all our affairs , and to seud lecturers to the parts -whtie wanting , ami to pay them fairly and equally for the time they are on duty .
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Fifthly , That a sufficient number of tracts , already alluded to , shall be printed at the Northern Star office , to be sent to each Working Men ' s Association , for the spread of knowledge , which it shall be every member ' s duty to hasten the Charter to become the law of the land . Sixthly , The Committee to defray all expenses from the fund . I also propose to tfie country , that when the Committee get the number of three million of members ' names—or , suppose I say two millions—pledging themselves , as they become members , that when the Committee ore enabled to state the latter number , that they one and all , on a given day , suspend labour , and not resume work until the Charter become the law of our land . This Is open for Improvement . Fifthly . That * sufficim , * : rnmh » . ~ t- t «» f « , i . flo , w
Sir , begging the Insertion of this in your glorious paper , the Northern Star . "England expects every man to do his duty "—I wish to do mine . I say , then , to every patriot , do the same ; and , friends throughout , send to the editor any amendment I am , Sir , Truly yours , A LoVer of Liberty .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THK NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Can you inform me when tho " gallant" 45 th regiment of Foot , now stationed here , is likely to be removed ? If every species of dishonest }/ and bluckgvardism be proof of their " gallantry , " then indeed the 45 th must be a redoubtable act , of which the inhabitants of this town can bear ample testimony . Two of them were yesterday apprehended for robbing an unsuspecting countryman ; and it would 4 > e endless to recount tbj acts of their villanies through the medium of servant ,. gJr ! s . instances of which are of daily occurrence . I wiruld recommend persons keeping servants to keep also a good look out after their cellars and larders . V
I have been given to understand that these worthies Were sent here as a protection to us against any Chartist outbreaks that may take place ; I think our lives and property in infinitely greater danger from our " gallant " pirotecfoj j frt than from all tue Chartists in the country . A desprate row betweea a party of this respectable corps , . and some young men of the town , took place last evening in CliipnejUiain , originating , it appears , from toe great a ' Ui ^ pfiy bf gallantry on the part of one of these valiant sons of Mara , towards the wife of a man who reside ^ Overmonnow ; and who , not at all relishing the hero ' s ; tnethod of proceeding , adopted those measures which couldjnot fail at least to convince him of it . The soldier . £ dt ? the force of the husband ' s argument , and hostilities irtmediately commenced .
A great . many persons had now assembled , when several of the soldier ' s coincides ran to his assistance , armed with bludgeons , and a desperate affray began ' , which would , no doubt , have terminated fatally to some of them but for the timely interference of the police , who prevented further outrage . Some of the parties are seriously injured . If you , Sir , can give me any information as to when we shall be likely to losa our " gallant" protectors , you will greatly oblige .
Dear Sir , Yours respectfully , An Inhabitant Monmouth , May 13 th , 1840 .
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TO THB EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAB . SIR , —It must be evident , to every thoughtful mind , that before Democracy can be established , there must be more political knowledge infused into the minds <* f the working masses of society , the majority of whom are so politically ignorant , thafe they know not their wrongs , much less how to redress them . Why is it that the Charter is not instantaneously proclaimed the law of the land ? Why is it that such nobles of nature as O'Connor , Vincent , O'Brien , Lovett , Collins , and hundreds of others , are cast into dungeons , there in dreariness to linger out months and
years of their existence upon a starvation diet ? And , above all , why are those just and virtuous men , Fro&t , Williams , and Jones , doomed to a life of banishment and of slavery ?• Why , because the people ( the working classes ) are » ot intelligent enough to respond to the call for freedom ! How then are they to be made intelligent ? That ia the all-important question . Let those who do know their rights—those who prefer liberty to slavery—let them , I say , form themselves into associations for the purpose ef diffusing political knowledge . Let these associations be divided inte classes of tens or twenties , as best might suit , for the purpose of collecting the weekly contributions .
Let there be an association of this description in every county ; also one in each of the principle towns , and the speedy success of the " Charter" will be certain . Let each association have a council to direct the movement of its own charter or town ; let branch associations be established , each branch to send a member to « it on the council . This plan of agitation would be safe , practicable , and certain of its object , and could be put into immediate operation ; for surely out of tho twelve hundred thousand who signed thd " National Petition , " that one hundred thousand could bo found
¦ Kl * WfltUd . and cou , ld subscribe ono ponny por vrock fnr the purpose of diffusing ' tho principles of democracy . These contributions would amount to upwards of £ 400 per . week , which would support one hundred competent democratic lecturers , pay for the weekly distribution of one hundred thousand political tracts , and then leave ample funds for their expuiists , such as advertisements , bill printing , posting , &c . &c . Tyranny having to contend with such an > organized , moral , and intellectual power , would soon be made to disappear ; it would be impossible long to withstand it
In conclusion , I hope , Mr . Editor , that some such means as I have described will be immediately taken for the speedy attainment of the " People's Charter . " Hitherto there has been too much talk of doing , before wo had the power , thus exposing our&elves to the barbarous laws of our tyrants . Let us now profit by experience , get the power first , and then talk of doing afterwards . The power wanted , —and which can be easily obtained , —is to make a majority of the " slave class" acquainted with the principles of tho " Charter . " Let us again erect the banner of " I \ 'oce , law , and order , " but at the same time be prepared to resist aggression . Let us discourage aud condemn all violent language , which tends no much to injure our cause .
Every Radical must now bo up and doing , or be faith less to his principles . E . H . Simmons .
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TO * HB EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . SlB , —I was stiuck in reading Mr . O'Connor ' s letter to the"fustian jackets , telling them he believes there are not seven men out of tho working classes that will be sorry Jftrhkai being in prison . I can tell him for once he is vrtong '¦• in iiiylocality there are more than twenty that feet for him next to a brother , all of the middle class ; and have done all in their power to help the good cause , and will still do all in their power both in their purse and person ; so iu future he must not be so pointed with his remarks . I am sure they are willing to pay the extra price for the Slur ; the man who will keep back for the halfpenny will not give one mite bj subscription . By inserting this in the Star , you will much oblige John Cameron , 13 , Adelphi-street Hutcheson Town , lGth May , 1840 .
P . S . I am not used to writing letters for the press , but I cannot let this pass . All the readers of the 67 ar that I know about me , are -willing to pay the extra halfpenny for the wives and families of those Chartists now in the fangs uf the base and bloody Whigs , and 1 tell all those who want good government not to buy a paper from , any who will not go the hutf-hog . If all the working men would do this , tyranny would soon fall to the ground , leaving Universal Suffrage master of the field . ' J . C .
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MESBRS . LOVETT AND COLLINS . TO THE DELEGATES OF THE LATE CONVENTION . Fellow-Citizens , —As the period is now rapidly approaching , when the full term of imprisonment awarded to these honourable and virtuous men will expire , and they will come forth free and unfettered , allow me to offer you a suggestion . However much Messrs . Lovett and Colliip deserve the sympathy aud admiration of all honest Chartists , sympathy for their sufferings , and admiration for the patriotic manner with which they have eudured them , their recent indignant refusal to compromise themselves and their principles , by accepting the wean and dishonourable terms of liberty offered them by the Whig Government , is an additional claim upon the respect of the working men of the United Kingdom .
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===== I understand tho men an 4 women of Birmingham intend giving these victims of Whiggery a public entry and entertainment on their release . Now , as Messrs . Lovett and Collins stand in rather a different light frem the rest of their immured brethren ,-inasmuch as they were imprisoned for an act of the Convention itself , while exercising their functions as members of that body , I , as an humble member of that body— aa one to whom the obnoxious resolutions , which the "law " called a " libel" ( for the publishing of which by order of the Convention they have been punished ) were submitted before being brought before the Convention , at their public sitting , and aa one who spoke and voted for the passing of them in Convention , respectfully submit to those delegates of the late Convention , who may happen to be at liberty , the propriety of putting themselves in immediate communication with the Birmingham Committee , for the purpose of being present at vhe public expression of sympathy and respect about to be given to their late colleagues . t ™^ -.- * .. ^ ?! , „ ™« , i . »¦ « ..
Those places whose delegates ate incarcerated , or unable to attend , should appoint a special delegate for the occasion . Such a " reunion" would be productive of much good to the Chartist cause . Hoping this suggestion may meet the approbation of those for whom it ia intended , and improved upon as much aa possible , I am , Yours , obediently , Robert Hartwell , Late Delegate for tho Tower Hamlets , London . 85 ; Cornwall Road , Lambeth .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THK NORTHERN 8 TAR . Sir , —I have noticed in soveral of the late numbers of the Star a good deal of correspondence concerning tbe rising of the price of the paper . Some are for rising it—some are for it remaining aa it ia ; and one is for lowering , because it would extend the circulation of the Journal amongst the working class . Now , Sir , I have been a subscriber and purchaser of tho paper this sixteen months , and I am determined so to-dOi ' BOlongaa it continues to advocate the rights of industry . Indeed , Sir , I consider there is no way so easy , nor no mode so well calculated , to raise a small pittance for our incarcerated brethren , as putting the halfpenny on the paper ; and then who would grudge it for the benefit of their brethren , who have got into trouble for maintaining and supporting the cause of the people , deserve to be slaves ; and , to use the language of Mr . O'Connor , they are not worthy of such a paper .
In regard to the other subscribers in this place , I can say nothing ; but for myself I think the small rise cannot hurt the sale of the paper ; and , feeling confident that the money so raised is going to a good and charitable purpose , I think few can say against it . Sir , by inserting this , you may call forth the opinions of your readers in Scotland , whether they approve of the rise or not . Youra respectfully , Richard Coopfr . Falkirk , May 4 th , 1840 .
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TO THE RADICALS OF BIRMINGHAM , MORE ESPECIALLY THE ATTENDANTS OF THE BULL RING MEETINGS . Men and Women of Birmingham , —Ye , who last Summer was so much in the foreground of the inarch of liberty , to you I address myself on behalf of the wife and seven helpless children of Mr . Edward Brown , whose honesty and integrity In your cause , both in prison and out of prison , has been the theme of admiration to all parties , even to bis moat bitter opponents . Attendants of the Bull Ring meetings ! you who have , by your approbation and applause , goaded ^ Mr .
Brown on to excitement , I call upon you , now that he ia incarcerated , to come forward and by contributing your mites save the wife and helpless family either from starvation , or the alternative of seeking ah asylum in the parish bastile of Birmingham , which most assuredly they will be compelled to do if you do not redeem the pledge , which you repeatedly made to him when he was addressing you in the Ball Ring and elsewhere , viz ., that of supporting his wife and family if he should fall into the clutches of your ' a and his moatbitter oppressors .
Men and Women of Birmingham , I am sorry to say that the subscriptions have barely averaged seven shillings a week since his incarceration , which yon must be aware 1 b not one shilling a head per week . Now if you do not come forward and support the family of the man that you have so oft times applauded , I have not the least hesitation in saying that you deserve to be the pitiful slaves that you are , and you will give your enemies the opportunity of saying you are content and completely satisfied with your present degrading situation , and will Hot support your friends when in distress . You have nobly done your duty to the family of Mr . John Collins and likewise to him . Now do your duty to Mr . Edward Brown ' s family . I only ask of you to contribute a trifle each , and you will not only keep the family hut leave something for him , which , God knows , he wi ll be in want of when he leaves the bastile of Warwick .
Men and Women of Birmingham , you are expected to do your duty , and you will confer a lasting obligation on your true friend , W . C . Mott-street , Birmingham , May 25 tb , 1840 .
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It is no longer a matter of doubt that her Majesty ia in a way likely to realize the hopes of all her loyal subjects , by perpetuating , in the direct line , the succession to thethrone . —Ministerial paper .
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BRITANNIA'S LAMENT ! Composed March , 1839 , while sailing up the Mediterra nean , in the brig Leander , of South Shields , BY ROBERT PETER , A SAILOR , An advocate of Radicalism , a hater of oppression , and a deiester tyrants . High on a rock ' 8 o ' erhanging brow Of Albion's ocean land , . Where sullen surges swept below , And washed her sea-girt strand , . With downcast looks and pensive mien , Britannia , once the ocean Queen , Ih mournful silence stood : She gazed upon her native isla , Her eyes glanced o ' er her sacred soil , Washed by the briny flood .
Vast navies coursing e ' er the main , Come dashing proudly on ; She saw them , and ahe skhed again , For these were not her own : Onwards , impell'd by favouring breeze , Their atreaming pennons swept the seas Their ensigns waved on high ; While from their dark embattled side The wHves recoiling , backwards glide , The foaming waters fly .
She saw these hostile fleets advance -Towards fair Albion ' s shore-She saw them o ' er the billows dance , She heard their thunders roar . I look'd on while the hoatile band The trident from her nerveless hand Essay'd in vain to wrest ; I mark'd her pine in silent trots , I saw the briny tear-drops flow , And her I thus addrest
" Why , famed Britannia , mournest thou ? Wby robed in sable weed 1 Why is thy ocean sceptre now Become a feeble reed ? Is it'the kostile force of those Who rashly dare thee to oppoae With threata of haughty scorn ? la it that fear or slavish dread , Now makes thee hang thy drooping head , Dejected and forlorn ? " Haat thou not in thy ocean isles Brave hearts as daring now , Aa those that throng'd thy embattl'd files
When victory wreath'd thy brow ? Say , have thy sons , with victory crown'd , For deeds of valour long reuown'd , Degenerate become ? Do not those patriotic fires That urged to fame their martial aires , Glow in the breaat ' of some ?" . " Son of my ocean-circled land-Child of that rugged clime , Whence Freedom roused her loyal band in each oppressive time ! Think ' st thou 'tis fear of coming strife—Of war with all its horrors rife , That now my breast alarms ? No . ' from my ocean ' s briny car I sec the panoply of war , The gathering din of arms .
" I see against my rights and laws Threats of defiance hurid ; The Northern Bear spreads out his paws O'er half the Eastern world . But . though the despot of the North Sends all his swarming Iegion 8 forth , O ' er mountain and o'er plain—What tho' beneath th' oppressive weight Of his o ' er-crowding myriad-fleet Groans the o'erburdened main ;
" Tis . not his haughty threats I dread , Nor fear of coming foes , Now makes me hang my drooping head And bend by silent woes ; For I know that at the trumpet ' s sound My valiant sons would rally round My sceptre on the main : I know that hi the embattled field They'd acorn to foreign foea to yield , And tyrants' threata disdain .
" But 'tis for them , my free-born sons , Their wrongs I now lament ; Because throughout my country runs Murmurs of discontent : My people are dissatisfied ; Dissension rears her hydra head Throughout my native Me ; For Anarchy , with , meagre Want , And Poverty , frequents the haunt Where Plenty once did smile .
•• By legislattveTaMHBstamps Their industry ia vain ; . My commerce and my trade is « ramp'd , My glory ' s on the wjire : My honour ' s fallen to dec » y , For other nations bear the away Of commerce on the main . By legislative powers abused Are now my laws ; my fleets disused , Inactive now remain .
" For this I mourn the people ' s wrongs I mourn the land's disgrace , That they have passive suffered long "Neath legislators base . Shall proud Oppressions iron hand Bend British souls , and o'er my land Rule with tyrannie sway j No ! should my aons submit to this , My fame is lost in nothingness—My glory meets decay . " For know 'tis Liberty ' s watchword—Tis Nature ' s stem decree . That thry who wield the freeman ' s sword
Must firat themselves be free . Once more let Justice rule this isle , Again let peace and plenty smile , And equity reward the toil Of industry and care : Grant to my s < on 3 their just demands , Then I'll defy all hostile bands—The threat ' ning power of foreign lands , And combined nations dare !"
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Marlborough-Srreet . —Affair of m Honodr . " —A couple of seedy-looking foreigners came before Mr . Long to have a case of assault settled . Mons . Bonani , the complainant , had a large patch over his left eye , and Signor Michael Angelo had a still larger plaster on the lower part of hia frontispiece . It was evident the parties had recently been engaged at a bout of fisticuffs , but that they had not managed the affair exactly according to British notions of '' fair play" the scratched faces , bitten fingers , and uprooted hair , sufficiently indicated .
" Sare , " said the frenchman , " all de varld know is von man of honneur , and ven dis a man wisout any charactere came a to my house for reproach me , I ' opende door and say , ' Valk from my eyes , I nevere sal look into you any more ! ' Den he call me von fanfaron , and run to me and take my turn into his mouse and bite a me till I cry like a lion ! I has von bottel blacking in my hand , vich I envelope in some papier , and after 1 strook him wis de bottel , den he beat and kick a me till I have not none sensation !"
Mr . Long—Did you do anything else to provoke him ) Frenchman—Non , Monsieur . I not provok him in de least , for 1 only say he too moch dam rasca for respectabal society , and den he vant me to fight vid him o la Anglais , but as I have not had de English education , I nevare learn de box . In defence , the Italian asserted that the first personal demonstration was made by the Frenchman . Frenchman—You pull avay my hair fuss . Italian—You scratch on my face . Frenchman—You kick all my legs verj disagreable Italian—My face more disagr&able aa-yoor legs .
frenchman—You bite a me wis your mouse . Italian—You knock out my two teeth , and ! oat my lips wis your bottel blacking . Frenchman—And you insulte * my honneur ! ! " Honoar , " as Shakspeare says , "is all over vital , " and it was quite evident the Frenchman considered the insult to his , honour- poorly satisfied by two of the Italian's teeth . ¦ Magistrate—You are both foreigners , and have been friends , and as your damages appear to be pretty nearly equal , cannot you try to make tho matter up 1 Frenchman—I nevare pardon dat man . Mr . Lone—Why not 1
Frenchman ( with dignity )— My honneur not paremit . , - . Mx . Long would not enter into the double-refined notions of the complainant , and after giving both parties a suitable caution , came to tho determination of dismissing the case .
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In consequence of several persons having died in Bridewell from excessive drinking , the police have received orders to remove all such to the hospital instead of the watch-house . The house-surgeon of the Northern Hospital ,: to rid himself of this nuisance , has adopted the plan of shaving half tho drunkard ' s head , after the stomach-pump or other measures have been used . This has bo far succeeded that the applications are less numerous than formerly * —Edinburgh Chronicle . FoRFAKsmRE . —The on dit is , that Captain Raitt , of Anniston , is to start on the Conservative side for this county at the next election , in opposition to Lord Hallyburton , and that Mr . Gladstone will contest the Angus burghs . —Arbroath Journal .
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— . — — - _ TH _ B NORTHERN STAR . I , ,.., , * ,
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TO THB BDITOB OF THE NORTHERN STAR . 8 IR , —Tour insertion of the following will oblige , Yours , ( Sec ., . ' R . Hariwell .
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i' . TO * Xfe EDITOR OP THB NORTHERN STAR . r _ k £ ' ' '' SiR , ^ B « rnft fully " convinced of the necessity of the people . Hupp * rti » g the families of the incarcerated Chartiste , I have frequently pressed upon my friends the necessity of subscribing for their support . But , owing to the tartness of trade , aud the number of tbe sufferers , they : said their mite would make little difference to the whole of their families . I could not succeed . Not being willing to give it up , I thought might get something 1 « r at least one suffering family ; and , as ( Jeorge White bad been amongst them , I
proceeded in his wife ' s behalf . It may be an inducement to others to use their endeavours for others , as it is every one's duty , however poor he may be , to lessen , as far as lays in their power , tbe Bufferings of the oppressed . 1 will thank- you to Insert the items in your valuable paper , for the satisfaction of the subscribers ; as it may be an inducement to others to follow their example . I remain Yours respectfully , John Haigh . Ossett Street Side , Hay 27 th , 1840 .
[ We cannot give the Items . The introduction of the system would flu ^ B * paper with subscription lists , and nothing else . —Ed . } .. , - ^^
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^ m TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —I have seen several letters in your paper for and against the additional halfpenny on theater ; and from what I know of the subscribers , there is enough to convince me that the additional halfpenny would injure both your paper and the cause you are engaged in supporting ; yet I should not have troubled you with my thoughts on the subject , had I not eeen a letter , the writer of which recommends a penny per paper advance , and the way to get this without injury t » any one , would bo for every subscriber to get a gill of ale less a week . Good God ! to tell starving men , who cannot get a gill of ale in a month , no , nor in six months , and whose table is not graced with balf a pound of meat during that time—I wty , to teH these that they must get a gill of ale lefca a week , such a recommendation they consider an insult to their already wounded feelings , a tantalising and trifling with their poverty and misery .
Instead of this , let committees be formed in every locality ; let us bestir ourselves ; let the sympathies of the people be appealed to ; let those who are able exert themselves , and I am sure the poorest of the poor will throw in their mite ; the cause will not be so much injured , people ' s feelings not so much wounded , and more money would be got by this plan . I remain yours , in the cause of Democracy , Robert Sutcliffe . Booth Town , near Halifax , May 18 , 1840 . P . S . Another assistance would be , for every agent and shopkeeper , who is friondly to the cause , to have a box in their shop , after the manner of a missionary box ; a good sum might be got in that way , sis there are many who do not take the Star who would give liberally ; and there are those who are too poor to take a newspaper who would put in their mite . R . S .
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TO . THE nujiLEV CHARTISTS . AND TO A WRITER SIGNING HERSELF "A FRIEND TO THE PEOPLE . " Having perused a paragraph in the Northern Star of the 23 r < l instant , in answer to one inserted by me on the previous Saturday , I feel it a duty to myself and the public to make a short reply to the writer who signs herself " A Friend to the People , " in order that they may come to a correct conclusion aa to which of the two is rightly informed . It pppears that she is ignorant of the manner in which the sealed writings came into the hands of the late Rev . Thomas Philip Foley ; therefore , for the information of herself and the public , 1 will briefly btate how it waa .
At the close of a trial which took place at the Neckinger , Bermondsoy , London , in December , 1804 , the writings of thu late Joanna Southcott were sealed up , and delivered to the care of Mr . Wi Ham Sharp , remaining with him until liis death , which took place in 1823 or 1824 , when they were sent to Mrs . Jane Townley , who resided at No . 17 , Weston-plaw London , and they continued in her possession until sje died . Previous to her death she bequeatuud her property to Mrs . Ann Underwood , whom she appomk-d executrix along with Dr . Owen Pughe , executor of her will . Mrs . Underwood residing in tho same house with Mrs . Townley , the sealed writings remained undisturbed after the death of the latt < r . Mrs . Underwood appointed Dr . Owen Pujjue and another gentleman her
executors , and I have now bo ' ore mo a letter written J > y the former , shortly after the death of that lady , addressed to myself , in which he gives me an account of the manner in which the property was disposed of . In the year 1825 , the executors of Mrs . Underwood met somo friends in London , when a discussion took place as to where the sealed writings might be deposited with safety , and it was then unanimously agreed to consign them to tho care of the late Rev . T . P . Foley , with him te remain until they were demanded by " the great and learned . " The Reverend Gentleman ' s circular , which he issued to the friends , with the consent of Dr . Owen Pughe , after the writings were in his possession , will also prove the truth of this statement ; tint letter I have shown to the Editor of tbo Nortliern Star .
I shall now leave the public to judge whether " A Friend to the People , " or the writer of this article has made a true statement of fact 3 . A Constant Reader of the Northern Star . [ We have just one word to say about this affair , which is , that all future correspondence on the subject of those sealed writings" must be carried ou through some other medium than the columns of this paper . — Eu . N . S . ~\
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 30, 1840, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/king-y1kbzq92ze2686/page/7/
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