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Northern Star (1837-1852), 1st March 1851, Edition 2 of 2, Page 1

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    • m* Ch« Charge Chester, charge! On Stanley, on 1 W. Were the. last words of Marmion."
    • fiatiottal Hans tsompanp.
    • ^a mm^m
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      M* Ch« Charge Chester, Charge! On Stanley, On 1 W. Were The. Last Words Of Marmion."

      m * Ch « Charge Chester , charge ! On Stanley , on 1 W . Were the . last words of Marmion . "

      «« «« 5ow's The Day, Aim Now's The Hour;...

      «« «« 5 ow ' s the day , aim now ' s the hour ; See the front of battle lour ; See -approach proud Stanley's poVr , Stanley , chains , and slavery 2 " )) TI ) THE ESTD ^ E 5 JI ) ENT CHARTISTS

      » Ir MY FBiEifDsi ^ r Though I stated it before , I OH ret ! repeat it a | ain ; I told you 'thit before mrltatrliament i ) M ;" . assembled a month , you » uld > uld see suchTa straggle as you Sever , wit-• ssedssed before , and niy prediction has been yerihL A . 1 *& JohnTRusseli . cannot loon .-an iilmiiiministration—Lord Stanuiy cannot form u ai administration--L 6 rd Abekdees cannot inn nn an administration ; bat bad it not been as tbr the Papal question , and the death of Sir . ( . obwbebi Peel , Lord ; Johk Russell -would aaveave continued in office . : VAnd now , vorking nen-ien—y <> whose very Wood , " sweat , marrow , ind nd bones , your oppressors coin into

      luxurywo would implore ofjyouto ; be united , and deve-, , pe , pe the real feeling' of tie working class mind c » to your oppressors ; " " c --. > . 0 Ob ! if the Couference-r-that taa teen 3 ) oli ) olishly , ridiculously , i and absurdly postponed i ill ill June—was to Have met in London , on the ird rd of March , theS your order-would- see . the ifiedKct that your united mind vould have had i popon your oppressors . 1 I attended the meeting of your Executive on i IVeYednesday night last , - and I stated to them , i a la I stated to you in last week ' s Star , and , as ' . ' . ii repeat to you now , that a more absurd , a inonore ridiculous , a more foolish and laughable

      i irarojecfc could not have been adopted ; but your ¦ epepreientetivestelline that your order could noHot club sufficient money .- rNow , could a itrejreater absurdity be propounded ? . And could i fotfoa give to the Government a stronger definiaoaon of your disregard e ^ poIbJcs * Not count njng the i ^ 'ndon delegates , and putting down ibihe Conference at forty-nine , that would be foiforfcy to come from the country . Supposing fcbijhen , that they were to sit a -week , and -were toto bare forty shillings each for their services , aiand that it would cost forty shillings each to bibring them to London and take them back , jtit would amount to one hundred and sixty pipounds . And what will the Government say , w-when they learn that forty thousand men in ^ England , Scotland , and Wales , paying a and

      ppenny each , could supply this fund , are a not prepared to do it ? Twenty thousand payiihig twopence each , ten thousand paying fourp pence each , five thousand paying eightpence eeadi , two thousand five hundred—out of a j population of over twenty millions—paying one H shilling and fourpence each . Now , I ask you , ¦ v what your oppressors will think of yourcon-£ Sistency , and your policy , -when they learn t that , at one meeting of Financial Reformers , lien times as much can be subscribed as cover twenty millions are not prepared to sub-( ccnHfi * I wish to God that I had not been ruined by i expenses , and then I would give you , not only £ 160 , but ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED POUNDS , to develope the present state of the mind to your oppressors .

      Working men 11 assure you it makes my very blood run cold , when I reflect upon the strife and struggle that now exists amongst your professing leaders , and even yourselves ; out I will again repeat for you the old Manchester manufacturer ' s maxim— " The Lord love you , we are all for ourselves in this world . " For six "days now both parties , Whigs and Tories , have been trying to create a new Government , but they have failed ; and

      yon see the little attention that the people pay to the straggle ; whereas , during the agitation for Reform , then , as the middle classes and several of the aristocracy were with yon , yon \ rero ready to cut off the King ' s head , bum Bristol burn Nottingham Castle , and risk your lives to secure that measure of Reform , the first blow of which was struck at your own order . Again , you were ready to risk vour lives to carry FREE TRADE , — "HIGH

      WAGES , CHEAP BREAD , AND PLENTY TO DO . " Now , what benefit have you gained by Reform and Free Trade ? Not aparticle ; and , as I have told you a thousand times before , no measure but the CHARTER will confer the slightest benefit upon yonr order ; and I never will lend my aid to carry any measure but the CHARTER . Good God ! is it not enough to make a man ' s blood run cold , when he reflects upon

      the manner in which the popular mind is now attempted to be directed ? In the year 1839 , -when you were poorer than you are now , over i' 20 , 000 was subscribed to support a Conference , and carry on the Chartist agitation . I , however , was an unpaid delegate . We sat for seven or eight months , and the money from your pockets created froth in the mouths of your representatives ; but , when it was exhausted , they became flat and vapid .

      My friends , I suppose you are aware that a groat many of your professing friends are now endeavouring to snuff me out ; but I snap my fingers at the snuffers , because I have that faith in your order that you never will desert a man who has given np friends , relatives , acquaintances and profession , to advocate your principles . Now , let me give you an instance of the virtue of the Press ; and I will show you how it can attach different meanings to the same

      sentiments of different parties . The Nottingham Review of last week has an article abusing me for having voted upon Disraeli ' s motion , which the Nottingham Review construes to mean Protection ; bat as I profess to be the mere mouthpiece of the electors and non- electors of Nottingham , I do not think that I could give the editor of that paper a more definite and distinct answer to his charge than the following placard , published in reply by the Section Committee of Nottingham . Here it is : — FREE TRADE AXD MR , O'CONNOR . 10 TEE ELECTORS JKD SOS-EKCTOKS Of XOTIISGHAM . Gestlbmej :, —In the Review of last week appeared an article under tbe above title , from the pen of the proprietor or editor , which , after expressing great surprise at the divison on Mr . Disraeli ' s motion , in the House of Commons , as as follows : — «« That the severe distress ^ rhich contimies to east in the United Kingdom , amongst that important class of her Majesty ' s subjects—the owners and occupiers of land—and which is justly admitted in her Maiestv ' s sneech . reniWs if . the dntv

      of her Majesty ' s Ministers to introduce , without delay , such measures as may be most effectual for fee relief thereof , " Says , « It is a disgrace to Nottingham that one of its representatives should be found to give his vote along with that gentleman . " Then follows much maudlin sympathy with the condition of the sorting class , and winds up by saying "That if Mr . O'Connor means to stand by his opposition to Free Trade , he must say good-bye to Nottingham . " Really this man of the Review is a great philosopher and philanthropist : he sees nothing but starvation , poverty , pauperism , and crime , and an inevitable return to Protection and

      re-enactment of the Corn Laws , by the above motion . It is a great piiv , in his opinion , to disturb the well fed ! well housed !! well dressed !!! stockiogers and nrtizans , by any such means . If there a distress in the agricultural districts , he would have them bear their sufferings patiently , without Complaining . We should like to be informed by the writer in the Review what are the duties of her Majesty ' s Ministers ? If it is not to inquire into the e edition of the people , and to devise remedies for the removal of their grievances ? Does their business chiefly consist in drawing their salaries on garter day ? If so . the sooner their services are

      dispensed with the better . We can inform the Review class of politicians that neither Lord John Russell , Mr . Disraeli , nor any other man will ever «* permitted again to re-enact the Corn Laws ; tsA c they understand the signs of the times , they will speedil y take the next step in advance , viz ., reduce the expenditure , and give the people their political rights . The country has been cursed long enough with the stand-still policy and shuffling inconsistency of the miserable faction at the head of - ^ wirs , and all good men ought to rejoice that tbeir political thimbhVjiggingis about drawingto a close . . We cautien the electors against being led astray

      «« «« 5ow's The Day, Aim Now's The Hour;...

      by- * e false reasonings of the Review . So far . " from Mr . O'Connorbeing to blame upon the present occasion , we consider his conduct highly commendable . Any government refusing to inquire into the complaints of the people , by whom they are fed ; paid , and clothed , and on whom they depend ; for the comforts and conveniences of life , ought tone driven with ignominy from the officeXrhusb , by their conduct , they disgrace . The sjeech from the throne at the commencement of the ^ regent session , concocted by Lord donn Rusself and his colleagues , admits the prevailing distress of the agricultural

      community . We ask , aft * this admission , is it not right that a remedy should , be found ? AH the sophistry and nonsense promulgated by selfish and interested politicians for their own aggrandisement , ' will-not make the thinking portien of the people believe that " it can be right to plunder them by an infamous system of taxation , and a refusal to concede to them tbeir political rights , thereby adding insult to injury . For our own part , we are deterr mined to oppose any man , or set of men , let them belong to what class or party they may , whorefuse to do justice to the working population of the United Kingdom ,

      And remain , Gentlemen , - "Sours respectfully , ( On behalf of the Election Committee ) , . Jambs Sweet . / J ^ b « 'SkbRIUtt . I feel very grateful tom ^^ JHenda ^ r the very able placard & ej -l &^ 0 x ^ nei ^ kdi tha very clear definition they have given of my policy . 3 fow , Disraeli did not propose Proiectlon—and if he had , and if I stood alone in the House , I would oppose it ; but "what he meant , and what I was in favour of , was a reduction of taxation . Does the editor of the

      iZeeieto suppose that I have not equal feeling for all labouring classes?—and what does ho think of "HIGH WAGES , CHEAP BREAD , AND PLENTY TO DO , " compelling the badly paid labourer to pay , some years , nearly eight millions a ' year to support unwilling idlers with IDLE LAND , IDLE LABOUR , AND IDLE MONEY ? If the editor of the Nottingham Review had condescended to read my policy , frequently defined in the Northern Star , he would have learned that we have idle land , idle labour , and idle money in this country ; while we have honest and industrious men and women consigned to the infernal POOR LAW BASTLLE . But what does the proprietor of a newspaper care for the pauper who cannot afford to read his journal ?

      My friends , and men of Nottingham , I have had many struggles in your town before , and when the next struggle comes , I will meet my enemies and yours in the Market Place , and on the PLATFORM ; and I defy any man , not only in Nottingham , but in the world , to charge me with one dishonest , dishonourable , or unprincipled act during the whole of my life . Good God I my friends , did you ever hear ,

      or did the -world ever hear , of a man of my class and order contending against the reviling of every newspaper , and every party who was opposed to yonr principles in England , Ireland , Scotland , and Wales , as I have done for thirty years—and also against the reviling and slanders of trafficking politicians , who profess to advocate your cause , but who , I tell you , would rather be better paid for advocating and supporting principles which would be injurious to your order .

      My friends , I have told you for the last three or four months , but , as a good thing " cannot he repeated too often , I will tell it to yon again—that the Papal Question , and the death of Sir Robert Peel , would break up the Government before Parliament had assembled for a month , and you see that my prophecy has been fulfilled . Again , let me repeat to you the maxim of Pitt and several other Ministers , that " Ireland is England ' s greatest difficulty . " On Tuesday last , twenty-one out of twentyeight of the Roman Catholic Bishops and Archbishops assembled in Dublin , for the purpose of considering this infernal Papal Question , and here is the brief report which the Freeman ' s Journal gives of the resolution of the Catholics . It says : —

      " The utmost cordiality of feeling , and the most perfect unanimity of sentiment prevailed . After sitting in deliberation for some hours , their lordships agreed to the draught of certain documents , which will be brought before them in a more perfect shape to-morrow . The documents referred to , when published , as they will be presently , will diffuse consolation , and impart the utmost confidence to the Catholic people of Ireland , who will see , in the union and firmness of their bishops , the strongest pledge for the united and courageous action of the people in this crisis , when religious liberty must be forfeited or won for ever . " Now , mark the pungent and potent words in this report . It says : —

      " THE DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO 'WHEN PUBLISHED , AS THEY WILL BE PRESENTLY , WILL DIFFUSE CONSOLATION , ASD IMPART THE UTMOST CONFIDENCE TO THE CATHOLIC PEOPLE OF IRELAND , WHO WILL SEE IN THE UNION AND FIRMNESS OF THEIR BISHOPS , THE STRONGEST PLEDGE FOR THE UNITED AND COURAGEOUS ACTION OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS CRISIS , WHEN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY MUST BE FORFEITED OR WON FOR E 7 ER . " Now , what do you think of those words , — " The strongest pledge for the united and COURAGEOUS ACTION OF THE PEOPLE in this crisis . "

      Will not that confirm the truth of Pitt ' s maxim , that " Ireland is England ' s greatest difficulty V You see Lord Aberdeen has refused office , Sir James Gbaham has refused office , and Mr . Gladstone has refused office ; and Sir John Cam Hobhouse , who threatened to turn the Thames into the House of Commons , when he was a revolutionist , and sweep all the members out , is now elevated to the Peerage ; and his HONOUR now has the same effect that bis OATH would have had six days ago .

      Now , my friends , in conclusion , let me remind you that a man cannot do a nation ' s work , and that it is difficult for a man , opposed as I am by your professing leaders , to do your work—although no man in the world can charge me with an ungentlemanly or dishonest act ^ -let me , I say , in the name of God—in the name of liberty—in the name of your wives and your children—in the name of

      justice , honour , honesty and sound sense—let me , I say , implore of you not to be stultified by agreeing to hold a Conference when the Exhibition takes place , and when , as it is stated , Parliament will be prorogued . Club your pence NOW , and I will give my mitepoor as you have made me—to assist in developing the popular mind at the fit and proper time . My friends , I remain , Your faithful and Unflinching Friend and Advocate , Eeargus O'Connor .

      M-Anp Mational Trades' Journal ' ¦

      M-ANP MATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL ' ¦

      &J£*:Wf~ > N^Mb«Atwiri ^. I1.I8ib.; ^S^^...

      & j £ * : wF ~ > n ^ Mb « Atwiri ^ . i 1 . i 8 iB . ; ^ s ^^ u »

      Honesty Fund In The Potteries. To The Ed...

      HONESTY FUND IN THE POTTERIES . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sib , —Since my last communication I have received the following sums : —Messrs . Tulitts , Brighton , 3 s . Cd . ; from John Billington and friends , Waterhead-mill , near Oldham , 8 s . fid . ; from Ralph Strwer and friends , Sandbacb , 4 s . ; from Robert Warner and friends , Abbey-place , Oxford , 5 s . The disposal of the china , & c , will JWttake place on the first Monday iu March ; it will be deferred two or three weeks , ia order to give numerous person * who have corresponded with me an opportunity of sending in their contributions . Robert Hopkisson , secretary . Old HuU-street Terrace , Hanley , Staffordshire .

      The Land Plan. "The Reader Will Learn Fr...

      THE LAND PLAN . "The reader will learn from the following address , from the located members who still hold their allotments on Minster Lore , that if all were as honest and industrious as they aire , my Land Plan would have been successfully carried out Here is the address t—

      TO FBABGUS o ' CONNOK , ESQ ., M . P . ¦ ' We , the undersigned Allottees on the Minster Lovel Estate , beg to address you upon your letter in the Star of the 15 th of February , in which you again state in your Bill to the House of Commons for winding-up the Land Company , that you will give the allottees a lease for ever , on condition that they pay up their rent ; we rejoice at your neverceasing kindness ; it shows the great interest you feel towards the industrious allottees , to give them every encouragement to carry out your noble Land Plan . Our inexperience , short crops , and a low price for our produce , and a continual excitement kept up by your ungrateful revilers , are causes which have prevented us from doing iustice to the

      Land members , and of assisting you to emancipate our order . Since the ejectment of the revilers we hive been at peace ; therefore , we trusti that we snidl be ableVthis summer to do that which will -4 N & £ ftI our - praise , and the thanks of the Land menre «* -iwehope to be able to pay that which Ireeure to us our holdings , our little castles , where all is quiet , that we may live as freemen , and speak ofyour good name—your just and only reward—is the prayer of your faithful allottees : Charles Neppard , Thomas Belstead , John Littlewood , Charles Willis , Benjamin Mundy , William Smith , Joha Stone , John Hayes , Charles Ireland , Henry Kirkham , Charterville , Feb . 24 th , 1851 .

      My friends , in repl y let me assure you , that I would give no small amount , to have had all men located upon the different estates as industrious , and honest as you are ; and then I should have carried on my Land Plan , and have relieved the poor from the oppression of the rich . Your faithful Friend , Feakgcs Q'Connob .

      Fiatiottal Hans Tsompanp.

      fiatiottal Hans tsompanp .

      Hon.—At The Usual Weekly Meeting Of The ...

      Hon . —At the usual weekly meeting of the members of the Land Company , on Monday evening , the 24 th—Mr . H . Hamlyn in the chair—the Allowing resolutions were unanimously passed : — " That a petition be forthwith forwarded to the House of Commons , praying for the speedy passing of the Bill for Winding up the Land Company in its present form , and that the following be the petition : — ' To the Right Honourable the House of Commons in Parliament assembled . —The petition of the unlocated shareholders in the National Land Company residing in Hull and its vicinity , seeing that a Bill is brought into your Honourable House to obtain powers to wind up the affairs of the said Company , Sheweth , that we are satisfied

      tbe failure of the said Company has been caused principally by the unjust and unprincipled conduct of a majority of those who have been located on the land ; inasmuch as they have drained the funds of the said Company for their location and maintenance without ever paying back one farthing for the space of four years , either as rent or interest on monies borrowed by them ; thus causing considerable loss , if not entire ruin , to the said Company . We , therefore , pray your Honourable House to expedite the Bill in its present form , and thus bring the affairs of this Company to a settlement . And your petitioners < fcc ., & o . " It was also resolved : — •« That the petition be signed by the officers of this locality on behalf of the members , and forwarded to Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., for presentation . " A vote of thanks to the Chair man concluded the business .

      The Ministerial Crisis. The Extraordinar...

      THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS . The extraordinary occurrences of the past week have caused the greatestexcitementamongall parties * On Saturday morning last the Times astonished the public with the announcement , at the head of its first leading article , " Lord John Russell has tendered his resignation to her Majesty , and only holds office till another Government can be formed . " The Marquis of Lansdowne arrived in town from Bowood on Saturday morning , and had an interview with her Majesty at twelve o ' clock . Lord John Russell arrived at the Palace shortly after the Marquis of Lansdowne , and joined him in the conference with her Majest y . At half-past two o ' clock , almost immediately after the departure of the noble lords , her Majesty wrote a letter to Lord Stanley , commanding his immediate attendance . Lord Stanley arrived at three o ' clock , and remained in conference with her Majesty for more than an hour .

      At five , a letter was addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen by Prince Albert , requesting his lordship's immediate attendance at the Palace . He returned at six , and immediately replied to the note of the Prince Consort . At half-past nine the Earl of Aberdeen arrived at the Palace , and had an interview with her Majesty and the Prince Consort , which was prolonged until nearly midnight . In the course of the afternoon , Lord Stanley despatched a courier to the Right Hon . W . E . Gladstone , who

      was supposed to be in Paris . A despatch from Lord John Russell had been forwarded to Lord Clarendon the previous night . Sunday was a day of hard work for the Cabinetmakers . In the morning , Lord John Russell and the Earl of Carlisle visited the Marquis of Lansdowne ; while Sir James Graham was having an interview with Lord Aberdeen , and the two proceeded to confer with Lord John Russell . Lord Aberdeen , at a later period of the day , visited Lord Stanley . At nine o ' clock , Lord Aberdeen had an interview with her Majesty and the Prince .

      At an early hour on Monday morning , Lord John Russell received Viscount Palmerston and others of his late colleagues , after which he had another interview with her Majesty . The Chancellor of the Exchequer—as though certain of Atsfate—had commenced by that time to remove from his official residence in Downing-street , Lord Stanley was visited in the course of the morning by Mr . Disraeli , Mr . Forbes Mackenzie , and other expectant members of the new Cabinet ; and also received a letter from Mr . Gladstone , promising his appearance in London on Wednesday morning . At five o ' clock , her Majesty addressed a letter to the Earl of Aberdeen , commanding his lordship's presence at the palace . At nine o ' clock , the Earl proceeded

      to the Palace ; Lord John Russell and Sir James Graham arrived there about the same time , and joined the noble Earl at the conference with the Sovereign . On Tuesday afternoon another and final interview took place between his Lordship , Lord Aberdeen , and Sir James Graham . The result of this last deliberation was the abandonment of the wellmeant attempt to reconstruct an Administration under Lord John Russell , with the addition of some of the principal members of the Peel Cabinet . Upon the announcement to Her Majesty of the failure of this combination the Queen was pleased to desire Lord Aberdeen to undertake the formation of a Cabinet ; but this task was respectfully declined by that Statesman , on the ground of the want of Parliamentary strength to carry on such a

      Government . A second summons was then addressed , by her Majesty ' s command , to Lord Stanley , " who appears to have accepted the commission to form a Government without further hesitation . " On Thursday at five o ' clock Lord Stanley proceeded to Buckingham Palace , and at an audience of the Queen expressed his inability , at the present moment , to form an administration . This proceeding is understood to have resulted from the unwillingness of Mr . Gladstone and Viscount Canning to agree to certain arrangements under which Lord Stanley proposed to carry on the government . After Lord Stanley had placed his resignation in the hands of the Queen , a dispatch , written by His Royal Highness Prince Albert , was forwarded to Lord John Russell at the noble lord ' s private

      residence in Chesbam-place . Up to ten o ' clock on Friday night her Majesty ' had not intrusted the duty of forming a Cabinet to any member of the Legislature . At noon tne Queen had commanded the attendance of his Grace the Duke of Wellington at Buckingham Palace . « was understood that her Majesty bad done this , not with a view of intrusting the formation of a Ministry , but solely to obtain the counsel ana advice of the noble Duke in the present difficulty . The Marquis of Lansdowne was summoned to the Palace immediately after the Duke of Wellington had taken bis departure . In the * evening he / Majesty again commanded the attendance of bis Grace the Duke of Wellington at Bucking ham Pa \ ace . It ia generally rumoured that Lord Joun Russell will be ag ? . in called upon to-day ( Saturday ; to undertake the reeanstsustion of the- Cabinet .

      ^A Mm^M

      ^ a mm ^ m

      National Charjcer Association. Offices-U...

      NATIONAL CHaRJCER ASSOCIATION . Offices-U , Southampton-street , Strand . The Executive Committee of this body held their usual weekly meeting , as above , on Wednesday evening last . The whole of the Committee were present , Mr . John Milne was called to the chair . Correspondence . was received from Derby , Glasgow , nantax , Hastings , and ' Nottingham ; also from Bristol , Edinburgh , Falkirk , . Liverpool , Loughborough , Peterborough and Tillicoultrystating

      , ; that at present they were not able to take part in sending delegates to the ensuing Convention , but the majority were of opinion , that if the' said Convention was held in May or June , they would be enabled to do so . Also from Cheltenham , Coventry * Hamilton , Nottingham , arid-Staieybridge , requesting that the question of the postponement of the Convention till the 2 nd of June , be re-considered ; and also from Greenwich , Leicester , Marylebone , and Merthyr Tydvil , approving of the late vote of the Executive relative thereto .

      ^ Mr . Jones read a letter he had recived from Sir George Grey , with reference to the case of William Cnffay , which stated that he ( Sir George ) could not receive ^ . deputation , hut that a . statement of the case in , writingjwould meet with , proper attention . . - O ^ themtion of Messrs ; Jones ' and Grassby , it was unanimously agreed : — " That a statement be drawn up for that purpose ; " Mr . Jones undertaking the drawing up of the said statement . On the motion ot Messrs . O'Connor and Jones , it was agreed ( Mr , Holyoake dissenting ) : — " That the question of the postponment of the Convention till the first Monday in June , be re-considered . "

      Mr . Jones then moved , and Mr . O'Connor seconded : — " That , owing to the disturbed state of public affairs , the National Convention assemble in London on Monday , the 24 th of March ensuing . " Mr . Harney moved , and Mr . ' Grassby seconded , the following as an amendment : —'' The " Executive , while voting the postponement of the Convention , having resolved to summon that body at a date earlier than June , should any political event render such a step necessary ; the Committee earnestly appeal to the Chartist localities to use every exertion to forthwith obtain the necessary funds , in order that the Convention may he summoned at an early date , should the change of Ministry render such a step advisable . "

      A lengthened discussion ensued , and on the amendment being put , Messrs . Arnott , Grassby , Harney , and Reynolds voted for , and Messrs . Holyoake , Hunt , and Jones against it . For the motion : Messrs . Jones and O'Connor ; against : Messrs . Arnott , Grassby , Harney , Holyoake , Hunt , and Reynolds . Mr . Hunt then read an address and programme of business , and on the motion of Messrs . Grassby and Arnott , it was unanimously agreed : — " That the addresses and programmes submitted , be referred to a sub-committee , consisting of Messrs . Harney , Holyoake , Hunt , Jones and Reynolds , "

      After the transaction of financial and other busi cess , the Committee adjourned to "Wednesday even ing , March 5 th . Signed on behalf of the Committee , John Arnott , General Secretary .

      South London Chartist Halt,.—Mr. Jones D...

      South London Chartist Halt ,. —Mr . Jones delivered a lecture on the 21 st ult . on the "Lives of the Spartan Kings—Agis and Cleomenes—and the laws which they instituted relative to the abolition of debts and mortgages , and the division of the soil . " Mr . Pearcey in the chair . —Mr ; Jones commenced by giving a brief outline of Ancient Grecian History —more particularly as it referred to Sparta—showing that whilst Sparta abided by the laws of Lycurgus , and the Land was National Property , so long was she prosperous and at the head of the Grecian States ; but , having subdued her great rival , Athens , she becomes effeminate and luxurious ; a few citizens became possessed of great wealth , and the whole land of the country got into the hands of 100

      proprietors , and the fame of Sparta was gradually diminishing . At this juncture one of her two Kings , Agis , conceived the great idea of restoring the laws of Lycurgus : in this he was seconded by his whole family , who were the most wealthy in Sparta . His propositions were rejected by the Senate and oppb ' sed by the rich ; bat calling the people together , he and his family abandoned the whole of their wealth to the service of the State , and demanded the aid of the people in carrying out his two primary measures—the abolition of all debts , and the division of the land amongst all the citizens . In this dilemma Leonidas , his brother King , and the nobles , finding they were powerless had recourse to artifice , and stirred up a war with Aretus , commander of the

      troops of the Achaian League , embracing the most powerful States of Greece , They then pretended to agree with Agis in support of his measures , but thought it would produce too great a convulsion if both were carried at once , whilst war was impending over their heads . Agis , to preserve unity , agreed to this course , and it was decreed that all debts and mortgages should be abolished . Agis then marched against the Achaians , and , contrary to the wish of his enemies , was completely successful . He then insisted on his other remedy , the nationalisation of land , which he at length effected . Mr . Jones then showed how the rich plotted against him until they weaned the people from him . Leonidas , who had

      been banished , then returned home with a host of foreign mercenaries in his pay , and Agis and all his relatives were murdered . The people murmured , but submitted ; funeral honours and public games were instituted to his memory , but the laws he had instituted were speedily abolished . Leonidas , now the king , compelled the widow of Agis to marry his son , Cleomenes , who , from being a haughty tyrant , was changed by her counsels into a convert to the principles of Agis , which he carried into effect with still greater vigour . The power of the nobles , after a long struggle , was too great even for this horo . They brought against him the united forces of the Achaians and the Macedonians , then the most powerful nation in the world , led on by of Alexander

      Antigonus , one of the successors the Great . Cleomenes , to meet this terrific array , released the helots or slaves , and was victorious in many conflicts , but was ultimately compelled to abandon Sparta and seek assistance from Egypt . This was promised him by King Plolemy , the rival of Antigonus , but he dying , his successor acted treacherously to Cleomenes ; and after a struggle , partaking of all the heroism of their country and their time , himself and his followers slew each other rather than be taken prisoners . Mr . Jones then applied these facts to the present time , and stated , that so long , as the rich were allowed to retain their wealth and power , there would be no hope for the triumph of Democracy . It was objected that such doctrines made the rich their enemies . He wished it to be so . He wanted to force

      them into hostility , for when the mask was torn away a portion of their power for mischief was destroyed . He mistrusted all reforms which sprung from , or were supported by , the rich , well knowing that their interest was opposed to that of the people . Mr . Jones , during his lecture , was loudly applauded . Jons-siREET Institution . —A public meeting was held on Tuesday evening to consider a statement said to have been madeby 3 fr . O'Connor relative to Mr . Harney at the Manchester Conference . A warm discussion arose , in which much angry ' . feeling was manifested , and a resolution was adopted exonerating Mr . Harney from the charges said to have been made against him . —[ There would be no great difficulty in doing so , after Mr . O'Connor ' s plain and decided contradiction of the truth of the report alluded to . ]

      Washington Localits , Crown and Cushion , Colville Place . —Mr . Leno lectured here on Sunday evening , subject : — " Life on the Road . " The lecturer very graphically depicted the scene of a youth forced from home , by want of employment , and his wanderings in search thereof . Mr . Leno detailed many adventures and scenes on the road—compared wages slavery with negro slavery—and concluded by recommending co-operation as a means of remedy . Messrs . Lawler , Wheeler , and Sibley supported the views of the lecturer . Mr . Hoppey , in an eloquent manner , detailed his own experience , and showed that the tyranny and imposition of masters drove the best men to become tramps ; and that they ought to be honoured , instead of scorned . A vote of thanks was given to the lecturer , and to Mr . Roberts , the chairman ,

      Nottingham . —A public meeting , called by placard , was held in the large-room , Seven Stars , Barker-gate , on Monday evening last , for the purpose of electing a delegate to represent the town and county in the forthcoming Chartist Conference . —Mr . Henry Lowe ,, sen ., presided . —John Skerritt read the report of the county delegate meeting from the Star , and then proposed Mr . W . Felkin , of Sutton-in-Ashfield , as a fit and ' proper person to represent Nottinghamshire . in the Conference . —Mr . S . Sheldon seconded the nomination . —Mr . Emnicrson , of Arnold , in a very appropriate speech , recommended Mr . Felkin to the notice of the meeting . —The Chairman proceeded ta take- the sense of the

      South London Chartist Halt,.—Mr. Jones D...

      meeting ,, when every hand was held up .-Mr . Felkin was then declared duly elected . —The following resolution having been proposed and seconded , was unanimously carried : — " That we , the Chartists of Nottinghamshire , deeply regret the decision o ! the Executive Committee in postponing the assembling of the Conference to so late a date as . Tune , believing that it would not be so effective as at an earlier period of the year . We , therefore , beg most respectfully to rcquesta reconsideration of the matter , and , at the same time , suggest that the assembling of the said Conference ought not to be later than the first Monday in April , more particularly so in consequence of the resignation of Ministers . "—Mr . Skerritt informed the meeting that an Election Committee had been formed for the purpose of

      returning a Chartist to represent the borough in parliament at the next General Election , and called upon all present to exert themselves to r . iise the reouired funds for that object . —A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the business . Exeter , —At a members' meeting , held at Greenskde ' s Crediton Inn , Paul-street , on Monday last , the following resolution was unanimously carried : — " That , believing the postponement of the meeting of Conference from March to Juno would not be beneficial . to the Chartist movement , we fully agree with Mr . O'Connor that the more speedily the Conference meets to organise the Chartist body the bttter . " Leeds District ;— The adjourned delegate meeting of this district was hold in the Bazaar , on

      Sunday morning , when Mr . Booth , of Pudsoy , was called . to the chair ; considerable discussion took place respecting the postponement of the Conference by the Executive . The meeting intended nominating Mr . Brook , of Leeds , to represent the district on the 3 rd of March , but in consequence of the proceedings of the Executive it was thought advisable to adjourn the meeting until further notice . The following resolutions were passed unanimously before the meeting broke up :- " That in tho present diaorganised state of the Chartists throughout the country , it is highly ilesirable that a Conference should be held at tho earliest opportunity , to originate a plan whereby an effective union may he accomplished , "— " That this meeting were gratified , when an announcement appeared in the Star calling

      one tor this purpose , to be held on tho 3 rd of March , and immediately took measures to hare this district represented ; and that after much labour in our several localities to effect this object , a notice was given that the Conference was postponed until June . "— " That this meeting cannot separate without recording its opinion that the conduct of tho Executive in this matter is unwise , and detrimental to the interests of the Chartists , and more especially at a time when a General Election is both possible and probable . " On Sunday evening , at the Bazaar , Mr . Brook delivered an address on the Ministerial Crisis , to a large audience . Delegate Meetinb . —On Sunday last , February 23 rd , the Bradford district held a delegate meeting at Bingley , and the following delegates were

      present ;—Mr . J . Gawthorp , Farnhill ; Messrs . E . Smith , and J . Hudson , Bradford ; Mr , J . Firth , Keighly ; Mr . A . Hill , Wilsden ; Mr . R . Roper , Singly ; Mr . J , Southwell , llowarth . Mr . Gawthrop was called to the chair . It was moved , seconded , and carried unanimously;— " That the Conference should meet on the day specified , if possible , i . e . March 3 rd , and if not thenit should not be deferred for any great length of time . " It was also resolved : — " That the Executive should be empowered and instructed to take the necessary steps by tho publication of tracts , lectures , & c , & c , to have the people fully instructed on the question of their political and social rights . " "That it is the opinion of this meeting that the Chartist agitation might be carried on with far

      greater efficacy by a general fund , which might be raised in tho following manner , Each Chartist to contribute the sum of threepence , and the whole of the subscriptions to be invested at about four per cent . We are of an opinion , that if one united effort was made , that one million democrats might be found willing to contribute the above sum , and the interest of that would pay a general secretary and two lecturers at the rate of £ 110 s . per week , and leave £ 240 for a tract fund or some other equally important object . " The meeting was adjourned until Sunday next . Sheffield . —At the weekly meeting of the Female Association , a public tea meeting was agreed to be held on the 25 th of March . Votes of thanks were given to Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., to the editors of the Northern Star , and the

      editor of the Sheffield -Free Press , for publishing their business . After the enrolment of a few additional members , the meeting adjourned . Manchester . — On Sunday evening a lecture , duly announced by placard , waa given in the People ' s Institute , Heyrod-streot , by Mr . Thomas Dickinson . Mr . John Sutton occupied the chair , and opened the meeting by reading from the Northern Star Mr . O'Connor's letter ; after which he introduced Mr . Dickinson , who gave a very instructive and amusing lecture on Homology ; the lecturer explained the title of his lecture , by saying that it meant "A Conversation on Man . " He then entered into some very interesting remarks on the progress of the human species to a higher state of existence . That the perfection of moral or

      political ' . freedom was a work of gradual progress , and that we ought not to grumble , if xue do not accomplish all our wishes ; but , having done our duty as men and citizens , have faith in the omnipotence of truth and the law of human progression . In conclusion Mr . Dickinson exhorted his hearers to bestir themselves , and organise in preparation for the next election , which will bo in a very short time . The lecture throughout was well receieved , and often applauded . A vote of thanks was given to tho lecturer , and the meeting separated , highly pleased with the evening ' s proceedings . Finsburt . —Tnis association held their weekly meeting on the 23 rd ult ., at the German ' s Coach and Horses , Turnmill-street , Clerkenwell . Mr . Lombard in the chair . Mr . Osborn gave in a

      cheering report of the committee ' s successful progression in the obtainment of a Finsbury Chartist Hall , and urgently pressed the members to take up shares ; tbatthey only want an addition oftwentyfive more to make tho number of shareholders on their list complete , and that each share is £ 1 , payable by instalments . Mv . Weoderi gave notice that ho will , next Sunday evening , propose a resolution— " That this association shall lie disolved , and that its members be joined to the National Charter Association . " Mr . Carter gave notice that he will , on the following Sunday night , move a vote of confidence in the veracity of our invinciable and much persecuted friend and patriot , F . O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . After which Mr . Osborn proposed the following question for discussion , viz .,

      "Is it good policy for the Chartists to oppose the National Reform League V He stated that he believed it was now time for us Chartists to decide upon what shall bo our future conduct towards the National Reform League . He would not introduce this question , if he was not aware that there are many Chartists with difficulty kept back from opposing them ; and his motive waa to tell those gentlemen that their efforts for good would be perfectly futile ; for how could about two thousand disorganised Chartists—if they coujd muster that number—put down that League that has near forty thousand members , and many of then > with great talents , and large capital ?—Mr . Weedon argued that the so-called National Reform League was a middle class movement , and consequently a

      dodge , and like all their tricks , which were got up to delude the working class ; for if they were sincere in their motives , why did they not strive with the Chartists to obtain the whole of the Charter and nothing less . —Mr . Cater considered that both speakers were in error . The first when he stated the low number of the Chartist body , for he ( Mr . Osborn ) must know , by the many years he has been in the movement , that tbeir name is legion , and not to be calculated by thousands , but by millions ; and that the second speaker should not condemn the League by the acts of the middle class of former times , for he firmly believed that nearly the whole of them would before this time have joined our millions , and we should have obtained tho Charter , and received the benefits of its means , if it had not had to suffer the created disunion of a few jealous persons in our ranks . On account of the latethe ot Mr

      nes ' s of the evening , and at request . Nuttall , the question was adjourned till eight o clocK next Sunday evening . PonsBY .-The Chartists of this place having been at considerable trouble and expense in sending delegates , on two separate occasions , to Leeds , to elect a delegate to the Conference , and having raised money for that purpose , and chosen Mr . Brook to represent them , think that the Executive have adopted a very unwise step in postponing the Conference , and that it would have been better if it had met on the 3 rd of March , as intended . The following opinions were given to their delegate . — » That the disorganisation of the Chartist body , at the present time , arises in a great measure from dissensions of the present leaders . " " That we repose the greatest confidence in Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., for his unflinching advocacy oftbe

      South London Chartist Halt,.—Mr. Jones D...

      cause of Chartism , and that wo still think hittfe worthy of the proud position he has so long held in spite of all slander and persecution . '' ' Lrickstkr . —Edward Thompson , on behalf of thfl Chartisis of this locality , approves of the postponement of the Conference , and states that they are ill prepared , to meet the expense . They are for the dele * gates being paid from a common fund , and think id would be best for all localities to send up their sub « scriptions before the delegates met , so that tha Mecative might judge whether it would be prudent to hold a Convention or not . ^ Manchester . — A nubile mcetintr . to deeida

      whether Manchester should or should not bo repre « sented in the forthcoming Conference , was hold ia the People s Institute ; tho hall was densely crowded . Mr . Grocott was called to the chair . Shortlv nftefi the commencement of the business , Mr . G . W . Mw Reynolds , accompanied by Mr . W . P . Roborts . ' toot their scats on the platform , and were received with every manifestation of respect The Chair * man intoduccd Mr . W . P . Roberts , who pro * posed Mr . O'Connor as one of the delegates to represent Manchester in tho London Conference , giving as his reasons Mr . O'Connor was entitled ] to occupy the proud position of their delegate , hisj consistency and straightforwardness—his disinte * rested and devoted attachment to Chartism—anJ

      his unflinching and determined opposition to con * necting Chartism with , or rendering it subordinate to , any other " ism . " Mr . Roberts denounced ! all attempts to introduce the crotchets of middle ] class Reformers into the Chartist Association , and concluded by calling upon all professing Chartists to make the Charter not only their political , but their religious creed , and neither swerving to tha right hand nor tho left but continue their onward course to the cry of the Charter ; he had groafc pleasure in proposing Mr . O'Connor . Mr . Roberta then sat down amid loud applause . Mr . Thomas Ormesher briefly seconded the motion . Mr . Leaclj came forward to move an amendment , but an ar * rangement having been made between him and Mr , ' Mantle , that the other candidate should be pro *

      posed and seconded before speaking to the amend * ment , Mr . R . S . Chadwick proposed Mr . Gcorga Joseph Mantle as the other delegate for Manchester , which was seconded by Mr . Hooson . Mr . Mantla then rose and said , . he would not detain them long ; they knew his principles and opinions too well to make a long speech necessary , If he went to London it would be to uphold Chartism ; no overtura of class , or mockery of compromise , would diverf ; him from tho Charter , intact , unqualified . Mr . Leach then proposed an amendment to the effect that it was inexpedient to hold a Conference afi present , but gave way , upon a resolution being passed by tho meeting— " That Mr . Reynolds should be heard first . " Mr . Reynolds spoke for upwarda of an hour , and made a powerful impression on tha

      minds of Ins hearers , who testified their approbation by loud and repeated cheers . Mr . Leacb then commented rather severely upon some of'thd remarks made by Mr . Roberts , who declared himself still a Chartist ; but that there was no necessity for a Conference , on tho ground that formou Conferences had been failures , and concluded by proposing his amendment , which was seconded by Mr . Donovan , amidst considerable signs of impatience . The Chairman finding ho could not procure Mr . Donovan a hearing , nor persuader him to desist from speaking , amidst shouts from all parts of the meeting , the chairman was proceeding to put his motion , when Mr . Dickenson moved an adjournment . In support of Mr . Dickenson ' s motion very few hold up their hands . Mr . Leach ' s amendment was rather more numerously supported , but upon the original motion being pub

      a ivhole forest of bands were held up . Tho Chairman then declared Messrs . O'Connor and Mantlg duly elected , and the meeting broke up . Dfinnr . —The Chartists held their usual weekly meeting on Sunday evening last , when the question of the London Conference was taken into consideration , and the following resolution was unanimously passed : — " That in tho opinion of this meeting tha Executive committee have acted very injudiciously in postponing the assembling of the Conference till Juno , which stop , in our opinion , is calculated to do tho cause a . serious injury ; and wc recommend under present circumstances that it be held in tha first week in April , which will give ample time foe all places named to send delegates . We consider it highly necessary that the Conference should ha assembled at the time Mr . O'Connor makes hia motion for the enactment of the People ' s Charter in the House of Commons .

      Hanley and Shelton . —At a meeting of members tliGfollowingresolution was unanimously adopted :- ^ "That it is the opinion of this meeting that tho postponement of the Conference till the first Monday in June is impolitic , and that the time of meeting ought not to have been altered without appealing to the country . Wo think the Conferenca ought to be convened as soon as possible ; in which case we are prepared to send a delegate , mid pay his expenses .

      Parliamentary And Financial Reform. The ...

      PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM . the council op tiif . national parliamentary and financial reform association to the people . Fellow Countrymen , —It devolves upon us to address you at a moment of grave interest . The government of Lord John Russell is virtually defunct . A new administration must forthwith be formed ; and the nation will possibly be required to express its opinion uj . on public policy . Parliamentary and Financial Reformers of every class , and of every shade of sentiment , are deeply concerned in the event . It now becomes our duty to give full expression to our demands . We ara required to be bold , energetic , and decided . Wa have great and sacred finds in view ; the moment ; has arrived when we must nerve ourselves for their achievement . Fellow Countrymen , let us review our position . Tho Radical Reformers of Uie United Kingdom ,

      having objects of common interest , have for years lacked common union . It has , indeed , been no selfish motive that has distracted us . Our want of union has mainly arisen from ftar of injuring a government in which , though none of us shared , soma of us confided . Our very latest experience of the administration , on questions involving Parliamentary and Financial Reform , may serve , indeed , to show that the fear was as groundless as the confidence was misplaced , and may teach us allto lay to heart how far preferable to dependence on a party , is reliance on our own energies and earnest efforts . Fellow Countrymen , these apprehensions need nn longer affect any of us . Our path is cleared of the one great difficulty ; we may HOW unite to tread It in pursuit of our common end . Our re * quirements are just . We ask—For Free Trade , in ail its integrity .

      For Parliamentary Reform , immediate and complete . For Financial Amelioration , economical and equitabk . This is the British reformers' bill of rights ; and if they ask for nothing more , the British people can , assuredly be satisfied with nothing less . Such being our reasonable requirements , howmay we best attain them ? It is known to all of us that the aristocracy , ai . though one exclusive oligarchy , is severed into two factions , each faction with its followers . Being nearly equally divided , these factions , in a political crisis , are compelled to bid one against the other for tho people ' s favour . The administration of

      Lord Melbourne offered as a boon a fixed duty upon corn ; tho government of Sir Robert Peel subsequently outbid them by proposing a total repeal of every tax on our food . In like manner other tenders for our favour will be made by the various factions now bidding for place and power . Be it our task , setting aside all other considerations and prejudices whatsoever , to secure , that tho party , which is allowed to rule , provides for us nothing less than the full measure of justice we demand . The Parliamentary and Financial Reformers of Great Britain—comprising the independent voters of the empire and the great masses of the industrial population—are those whose favour public parties , of necessity , must seek .

      Fellow-countrymen , the people hold tho balance ; our weight thrown into either scale may turn the beam . Let us bear in mind , then , the importanceand the responsibilities of our position , not merely as they affectourselves , but as they affect'the entire unenfranchised and overburdened people . Let us pledge ourselves one to another , and tosociety at large , to be earnest , energetic , and united in the performance of tha duty now devolving on us . Let us pledge ourselves to accept no government falling short of full acquiescence in our three demands ; and , if a government Deformed , distinctly recognising , and implicitly pledging itself to carry out our principles , let us not be diverted from our object by any other cry , but let acquiescence in those principles be our single test . To the people neither the support of factions nor the aggrandisement of families can , or ought to be , matters of concern , " Whig "and "Tory " are nothing to us , save as they will adtho i

      vance People ' s Bll of Rights . Upon parliamentary and financial reformers who , under the present limited system , are electors of the United Kingdom , it now devolves to advance the interests oi tho bread-eater , of the tax-payer , and of the unenfranchised man of intelligence . The council are anxious to impress tha immediate necessity of preparation . Arrangements cannot too soon be made to bring forward competent and faithful candidates for parliament , prepared to fight the people's battles , upon the people ' s principles . In making their selection , let electors take the non-electors into their confidence ; and , sinking for the future every minor difference , unite in obtaining a complete expression of the nation's feeling in favour of the People ' s Bill of Rights . ( By order , of the Council , ) Joshua Walmslet , President . Saturday , -February 22 , 1851 .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 1, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_01031851/page/1/