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Northern Star (1837-1852), 2nd March 1850, Edition 2 of 3, Page 5, efjavttst SttteJttflOtcfc

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      ;.: ¦ •5-Lbttbrs :; A To The Working Cla...

      ; .: ¦ 5-LBTtBRS a TO THE WORKING CLASSES . LXXVB . nfforU are things , and * small ar » p « Fink ' falhag—Wkedew—uponathon ^ it , proaaees That which makes - thousands , perhaps millions think . " BOOK

      THE CHARTIST MOVEMENT . EBXE ST JONES AXD DR . M'DOUALL . BBOIHEU PaOtETAKIAJTS , ' la some other column of this paper , you ^ ill find an account of the reorganisation of jhe Chartist Provisional Committee . Much praise is due to Mr . Reynolds , and Messrs . Abs oH and Staixwood , for their conduct in savin" the Chartist party from complete

      disorganisation . "With the zealous co-operation , and ready support of the localities , in town and country , there can be no doubt that the committee will be enabled to , at least , lay the f oundations of a movement for . the Charter , more potential than has ever yet been seen . Will the committee find that co-operation and support ? If so , the result cannot fail to be that which I have just stated . If not , the blame of failure will attach , not to the committee , hut to the Chartists generally .

      Should any of my country readers object , £ hat gome of the members of the re-organized committee are not " leaders , " and that their aames can hardly be said to be inown beyond the Metropolitan circle j it may be answered that in their respective localities they Sve been leading writers for many years Zst ; and if they have not acquired general Ltorietr , & cir names are at least as well Sown « were those of otters some years aeo when circumstances placed than at the Wl of the Chartist movement . There was a time when the name of the writer of this letter was less known than the names of those vho have just been called by the Metropolitan d elegates to assume a position at the head of

      the Chartist movement They will probably lose nothing in your estimation — they certainly gain in mine—from the fact , thatmostly , or entirely , they belong to the order of hardhanded Proletarians . If , with one exception , ( Mr . Davis , who is an able speaker ) the new membersofthe committee arerather famous for working , than for speech making , they may be none the less efficient on that account . Oratory is necessary , and very well in its way ; but there are higher and holier qualifications for " leadership" than the power to « speechify' '—a power too often sadly abused _ too often employed for selfish ends rather than for the public welfare .

      "Whatever revision of the rules , general or local , may be deemed requisite by the country Chartists , or any portion of them , it is to be hoped , that differences of opinion with regard to matters of detail , will be no bar to the acceptance of the new plan of organisation as a whole . The re-organised committee , having no purpose to serve but that of the enactment of the Charier with the least delay , at the least cost , will undoubtedly do everything practicable to render the plan workable , and { as far as possible ) satisfactory to the Chartists of every locality .

      I must warn the Chartists against the stale trick of sowing division in then- ranks , by raisin the question of " moral , " versus " physical" force . To listen to the " virtuous indignation" harangues of certain gentlemen whoassume to be monopolists of all kinds of " morals " " moral force included—a stranger to the Chartist party might suppose that some person or persons had of late been guilty of the " unpardonable sin" of recommending " physical force" as the only means calculated to bring about the tr iumph of Chartism . "Without discussing the question of the right of the

      oppressed to have recourse to sucn a means ol ridding themselves ofoppresssion j without examining the policy of , or necessity for , appealing to physical force in defence of Eight , it is sufficient to declare that no man has thought it necessary to say anything in favour of " physical force , " or against " moral force ; " and those who insinuate the contrary , insinuate that which they know to be false ; that which , If believed to he true , might again divide the Chartist party into hostile sections and contending factions .

      This " dodge" is as old as the notorious -Calton-Hill resolutions . Surely the Chartists will not permit any such " dodge * ' to work the evil wrought by the concoctors of those too celebrated resolutions . From what I know of the men who compose the re-organ ised committee , I venture to believe that no : suchquestion as " moral" versus " physical force , will divide them . I venture to hope that no other question will g ive hirth to dissensions in the committee , but that each with all , and -all with each will , in the campaign now commencing , be the order of the day .

      - The circumstances of the time are propitious for an earnest recommencement of Chartist agitation . It is now evident , that whatever toleration the working classes may be disposed to show to the advocates of the . "little Charter , " they are not disposed to engage in any movement for anything short of the " six -points . " They are hlind , who cannot see that instead of retrogradingin their political knowledge and reforming aspirations , the working classes have been advancing until now the rastmass of those wfcp were Chartists—purely and amply—are Chartists and much more . Of course f speak of the metropolitan and ma- i 3 ia & ctaring districts . But even in the agricultural districts containing a population hitherto

      sopolitically ignorant andinert , there is a spirit abroad whichthe Chartists have only to take advantage of and direct , and they may , in a "very short space of time , command the material ¦ Strength which has hitherto been the main physical stay of the present iniquitous system . It is very evident that the squirearchy , the : parsonoeracy , and the bull-frog farmers are generally aid furiously hated by the starved and trodden down peasantry ; and if that hatred has hitherto heen blindly and ineffecioally manifested , it is because no attempt , worthy of the name , has been made to impart to the unhappy labourers the glad tidings of Chartism and * the great truths of Democratic and Social Reform . It is lamentable to see

      ^ ese poor men fighting the battles of the Free Traders , who are no more their friends than they are the friends of the Paci-ory "Workers . Yesterday week , ( "Wednesday February 20 th , ) a Protectionist meeting "was held in tho town " of Dorchester , under the presidency of the High Sheriflj Henry Kalph "Wiiiett , Esq . The farmers came into the towi armed / with , " enormous sticks . " On 4 he opposite side a crowd of men had been induced to arm after the same fashion for " free 1 rade . " The meeting was held in the Riding . "School of the barracks . The speeches of the * 'farmers friends" were as usual , pretty full

      • of nonsense , mixed up with a deal of mockloyalty , and some real denunciation of Charrfisni and Bepablicanism . One speaker , Mr . H . ( J . Stubt , M . P ., distinguished himself by such an out-pouring of slang and vulgarity , ^ h at had he been a speaker at a Chartist ^ neetinor he would certainly have been hissed iromthe platform . He talked about " all my « ye , and Bobbt Peel ; " described the member for Tamworth as " an old washerwoman , ' ' -and " a slippery cove ; " observed that " Her "Majesty ' s Ministers are Whigs , and they stick

      to office like bricks , " & c . & c . ; and this sort Of wit (!) and eloquence (!) drew from the « % fifen « Jfarmers "laughter / ' " much laughter , " " cheers , " and "three cheers for Mr . Stubt . " . Would that I could add that this linheciliiy' ^ as unaccompanied bj brutality ; ? iot so howeVer . The shoutera for Eree Trade * ho formed part of the meeting , interrupting lie Protectionist speakers , the cry of" Torn them out ** WE ^ are lori | followed np by corres-^ ndia S £# ; 1 ^ oferflwu tb ? J Sherborne

      ;.: ¦ •5-Lbttbrs :; A To The Working Cla...

      -Several of the farmers , here-united' in a body , and raising their stieks , -drove those who appeared to be advocates of : Free Trade out of the building . In this process several unnecessary blows were given , and we noticed two or three-sticks and riding-whips fall severely npon the heads of those who were being pushed on tt the green . The half deors were closed , and the speaker proceeded , but a stone flung through the open door was the signal for a fearful volley from the expelled ; The formers then collected in a body and rushed on to the green ; aroingthrir opponents out of the gates of the barracks . Cheers were given for this exploit , and the nttceedings

      recommenced , hut immediately afterwards the building was stormed in all quarters . Through the windows on either side large stones were propelled with fiightful violence , the glass flying in fragments all over the large building . The occupants of the platform quickly deserted their post of danger , bat it was not until several parsons had been injured that the meeting adjourned . Mr . Oak , the banker of Blamdfbrd , was much : injured , and blood flowed copiously in many streams down his face . A * ias ' the waggon was drawn out on the green beyond the reach of the fire , which was still hotly continued from the people outsidt .

      The speech making went on , and the farmers seem to have had it all their own way while the meeting continued . But On thefarmersleaving the yard they were received with volleys of stones from the mob . They again formed in a body , and with uplifted sticks courageously rushed on , and routed their opponents . The melee became general aU over the field , parties of four or five tustling together for the possession of a bludgeon . In one portion of the field wasawa person ( we are informed he was a butcher ) turn upon a young man . who apparently had thrown a stone , and strike him with a bludgeonwith as much violence as

      , possible on the side « f the head . The party struck feU down insensible , and for a considerable time it was feared he was dead . He was carried by four men to the hospital , accompanied by a great crowd of persons , whose exclamations added to the fearful contusion of the' scene . Before we lef t Dtrcltester , we visited the hospital ana found the man whose name is William Allen , a journeyman tailor , alive ; but in a precarious stats . Shortly after this we observed Col . John James Smith led down tha street , wousded in the head . - Several formers were having their wounds dressed in the shop of Mr . Davis , and when we came away ths town was in a state of great agitation .

      A correspondent has written to say that William Allen died the same evening . He adds that there was hardly a partisan of Protection but was severely wounded either at Dorchester , or by the villagers oa their way home . Here let me observe that brutal as the conduct of the farmers appears to have been , they acted no worse than the Leaguers acted towards the Chartists at Manchester , on more than one . occasion , in the course of the' Anti-Corn-Law agitation . Indeed , tho Free Traders though as brutal , had less excuse for their brutality . The Chartists only desired to employ the legitimate weapon of argument , in exposing the fallacies of Eree Trade ; yet they were encountered by hired gangs of bludgeon men

      —armed ruffians employed by the League to hreak the heads and limbs of men they dared not encounter on the fair field of free and open discussion . The middle class Free Traders of Manchester set an examp le to the middle class Protectionists of Dorset . Let me add for the benefit of those precious patriots , who , with matchless assurance , lay all the blame of Chartist suffering to . the ' account of the Chartists themselves—thus acquitting the government , the aristocracy , the middle class , and the Press-gang , of aUblame—¦ that , however short their memories mayvbe , thousands of the democrats of London , / have noi yet forgotten the special array of " respectable'' and aristocratical bludgeon men on the " 10 th of April . " Next to the fact of William Allen ' s

      violent death , the fact that he -was killed in a mere faction fight , mahiclihe had no interest , is most to he regrett § 9 ' .. What interest had he , an operative tailor ^ - in a combat between the partisans of a landed aristocracy on the one hand , and a moneyed aristocracy on the other ? If , indeed , he had fallen in a contest of his own order against-both sets of plunderers , —if he had yielded up his life in a conflict for the rights of himself and his brother proletarians—although , his premature and violent death would have been lamented by his kindred , and his class—their regrets would have been accompanied by the consolatory reflection , that he had fallen in a righteous and glorious struggle , and had joined

      the army of martyrs , who in this and other Janus , have died in defence of justice and the rights oi man . I implore the men of Dorsetshire ( I . know that these words will be read by , at least , some of the working men of that county ) not to allow themselves to be made the tools of either landlords ,. or moneylords , farmers , or shopkeepers . Let those privileged factions light their own battles , and should they , like the celebrated Kilkenny cats , destroy each other from the head to the tail , it will be a happy riddance for humanity . ' Let the " few" and true men in Dorchester , Blandford , and other towns , take the initiative . Let them send for cards of the National Charter Association , if only to the extent of half a dozen copies . Let them

      make a beginning . Let them form a staff . Let them prepare the way for an energetic propaganda of Chartist principles ; and , assuredly , if the Provisional Committee can but command the means , they will not be long left to struggle in the good cause without help from head quarters . Brother Proletarians , "the harvest is plentiful , " while , unhappily , the " labourers are few . " But , with your support , the Provisional Committee will soon find the labourers to gather together the rich crop of democratic moral power , the seeds of which were long since sown by the handg . of Oppression . Brother Proletarians , — "With hlartfelt sorrow I direct your attention to the statefaent in another column , concerning the ill-healtfrg f our eloquent , energetic , and beloved friend , Ernest Jones . I

      have information which leads me to the belief that , notwithstanding that Mr . Jokes is reported to be " considerably better , " he is , in reality , suffering under serious ill-health ; and I know that his family view with alarm symptoms which , to say the least , predict a broken constitution . If immediately liberated , that result of his sufferings in yonr cause may be averted . If not- ^ -if kept in prison for the full , term of his sentence—I fear that the most gloomy forebodings of his friends will be realised . I trust—and I think I may venture to predictthat energetic steps will be immediately taken , towards obtaining , if possible , the immediate liberation of our persecuted advocate , and all other sufferers yet remaining in prison for " political offences . "

      Another painful subject demands a few words—I allude to the unhappy position of the family of Dr . M'Douall . In tbe . Star of the 16 th of February , was published , a letter from the Liverpool Committee , which Contained the appalling statements , that the family of Dr . M'DouaU were in a state of " actual starvation . " That statement has had the effect of bringing in a few shillings for the family ' s assistance . But , surely something more might be done . The comparative " prosperity" pervading the manufacturing districts , should enable the Chartists of Lancashire , Cheshire , & c , to secure the family of Dr . M'Douall from the unhappy

      position indicated in the letter above alluded to . Though exceedingly averse to dwell on subjects which must be distressing to the feelings of the parties concerned , I think it necessary to print a lew words from a letter recently received from Mrs . M'DouaU : " My affairs are come to a most distressing crisis , and unless something is done very speedily , Dr . M'Douall ' s family must know the want of the mere necessaries of life . Every other privation they have already experienced . This is a confession that no amount of personal suffering could wring from me , but when I consider my children my courage fails . "

      Some time ago I received from a friend of Dr . M'Douixl ' s a statement , that the Doctor laid claim to a sum of £ 70 due to him by the people of the Ashton district , for salary and travelling expenses , whilst representing them in the first Convention ; and the said statement set forth that there were hundreds in Ashton who were personally aware that the claim was a just one . It was further stated , that the Chartists of Xewcastle-upon-Tyne were indebted to Dr . M'Douall the sum of over £ A , for a fortnight's agitation in the service of the National Charter Association , Declining topublish that statement at the time it

      came into' my hands , I have now made public the substance thereof , conceiving that existing circumstances command this publicity . It may be time enough for the Chartists of Ashton and Newcastle to arrange accounts with ~ Dr . M'Douall after his liberation , but I respectfully submit to them , that the voice of justice enforces the appeal of humanity to their sympathy , ^^^ triist . will be practically exhibited in aid of Dr . M'Douall's family . If the sorrowful words I have quoted from Mrs . M'Dodall ' s letter fail to move the hearts of those who should aid her appeals from myself or any other person cannot but be useless * -

      In concluding this letter , I must name a circum-; stance respecting pur friend Caul Schat-peb , which has come to my knowledge within the last few days . Quitting Weisbaden he proceeded to Cologne , where he learned that the motherless infant , born under the afflicting circumstances narrated in my last week ' s epistle ; had died the day before his arrival . He had scarcely set foot In Cologne , when the police of tbe hypocritical and brutal Sing of Prussia commanded his departure , and he was forced to leave that city without being permitted the sad consolation of taking even one look at the grave of th 9 mother of his children ! Ii'AMI W PEUPLE . Feb . 28 , 181 0 , . - .. ¦ :: - -.. . . ..

      " Tmj&Alew&B Democrats - ; - ' ;- (Assem...

      " TMj & AlEW & b DEMOCRATS - ; - ' ; - ( ASSEMBUNG IN LONDON ) TO M ^ EMOORACJ pp ALL bpUSTRIES . _ ^ qiiaUtg ^ Liberiy—Prateriihg . ¦\ Brethrbn op the Human Race . — We conceive this to be' a worthy . oecasion to address to you afow words of consolation , encouragement , and fraternal sympathy—an occasion when , in common with the democrats of all lands , we are renewing our allegiance to the principles consecrated by the glorious and over memorable 2 iih of February . On that day commenced the great European revolution destined to terminate in the annihilation of caste-rule and class-slavery ; destined to bring to

      an end for evermore , the despotism of the few and and the degradation of the many ; destined to extinguish oppression and misery , to emancipate labour , establish the reign of justice , ' and inaugurate the fraternity of nations—the brotherhood of all mankind , without distinction of clime , colour , speech , or creed . " . Knaves may affect to believe and fools cheat themselves into the belief that the revolution is finished ; lying journalists may proclaim that " Order reigns IN Europe ; " the Ordermongers may exult that the rule of the sabre has superseded that of the popular voice ; but we tell them that

      Body-killing tyrants cannot kill The public soul . The privileged assassins murdered Robert Blum , but ( as the martyr himself predicted ) from every drop of his blood a defender of liberty has arisen . They flogged women , and , lo ! universal humanity invokes the destruction of their brutal sway . They gave cities to the flames , and , behold they have kindled a volcano , which , in its overflow , will sweep them away—in its eruption will consume them . The revolution is not finished because the people have been defrauded of the legitimate fruits of their struggles and sacrifices in 1848-9 . The revolution is not finished , because the progress of popular . hv telllgence assures the ultimate , universal , omnipotent determination of tbe people to have , to hold ,

      and enjoy all their rights—political and social . . People of France , you have been grievously deluded by intriguers , and cheated by traitors . Your martyrs , your sufferers in dungeons and in . exile , attest the fury and the fear of your betrayers . But terror cannot stay the march of truth , and in Universal Suffrage you have the means of making that-truth triumphant . Hold fast by that great right ; for by its wise exercise you may regenerate your country , and ensure the salvation of Europe . Peoples of Germany , Italy , Hungary , and Poland , we mourn the sad issue of your struggles for freedom and justice . But happier days will come . The European revolution must and will continue till every land is purged of tyranny , and every nation has broken its chains .

      . People of the British Isles , it is for you to prove to the world that while your bretheren of other lands are periling and suffering so much for liberty , you are not content to continue the victims of misgovernment , and the sufferers from unjust social arrangements . The extremes of wealth and poverty , splendour and misery , developed to a greater extent in this than any . other country , cry tmmpet-tongued for a mighty change . " Laws grind the poor , arid rich men rule the laws . " " Riches accumulate and men decay . " Awake , then , brother proletarians , andi demand , struggle for , and win political and social justice . Peoples of all countries , we grectyou as brothers , and in the inspired words of Beranger we cry unto you— Unite and form the holiest alliance ! Kations join hearts and hands !

      Signed on behalf of the Society , John Petiie , Chairman . James Gbassbt , Treasurer . 0 . Julian Harntst , Secretary . Edwin Gill , Sub-Secretary . London , Feb . 2 i , 1 S 50 .

      Metropolitan Chartist Conference. The De...

      METROPOLITAN CHARTIST CONFERENCE . The delegates composing this body met on Wednesday evening , in the Coffee-room of the Institute , John-street , Tottenham-court-ioad . Mr . John Milne in the chair . Mi * . John Arnott was elected secretary to the meeting , and called over the names of the delegates . Correspondence was read from Loughborough and Lambeth ; and also from Mr . Stalhvood , apologising for non-attendance , from ill health .

      Mr . G-. W . If . Reynolds , in the name of the conveners of the meeting , addressed the delegates , stating the reasons why they had been called together . He said that the secession of six of the nine members of the Provisional Committee , had suddenly left himself and his two colleagues—Messrs . Arnott and Stallwood—in a position of considerable embarrassment ; and they had two alternatives to choose between . One was , to retire from their posts and abandon the undertaking : the other , to take upon themselves all the responsibility of the condition in which they were placed .

      They unhesitatingly adopted the latter course , being determined that so far as matters depended upon them , the Chartist cause should not experience the sli ghtest check nor hindrance . But feeling that they , constituting a small section of the original Provisional Committee , could not possibly carry on . tho administration of this great movement , and that they were placed as it were in a false position , they naturally fell back upon the constituent power which . had raised them to office ; and they at once determined to summon the Conference . They were prepared to

      give an account of their stewardship ,. and to continue to work with the same conscientious zeal as heretofore in the good cause . He' ( Mr . Reynolds ) should hot do more than allude to the unfortunate differences which had taken place ; and even this allusion he only made for the purpose of expressing a hope that whatever explanations might be demanded and given , would be vouchsafed , and likewise received in as friendly a spirit as possible . He then proceeded to state that , in his own name and that of his two colleagues—Messrs . Stallwood and Arnott—he should ask the Conference to fill up the vacancies which had

      occurred in the Provisional Committee , and award to the new" combination such an extended lease of power as might be deemed necessary to enable the committee to develope a vigorous policy , and have full time for carrying the same into eflect—so that when the moment should arrive for the country generally to elect its Executive , the new authority might find the country well and adequately prepared for the furtherance of the movement . In conclusion , Mr . ' - Reynolds observed that at the various places which he had visited in the provinces , a most excellent spirit prevailed ; and it only required a proper policy to give a grand impetus to the Chartist cause .

      Mr . Dayis moved , and Mr . Drake seconded : — " That the members of the Provisional Committee , who had resigned , be called on to explain why they had done so , and that they each be allowed ten minutes for that purpose . " Carried , Mr . Exdd then rose , and stated that his reasons were , that he could not act in unison with some of his colleagues ; and , therefore , he thought it his duty to resign , but that he would nse his utmost energies in the cause of Chartism . Mr . Grassby similarly explained .

      Mr . Harney stated that his reasons had appeared in the "Northern Star , " and that he did not think it necessary to enter into any other statement . He was fully prepared to explain and defend every action of his political life , if called upon so to do . Mr . M'Grath stated' that why he had sent in his resignation was , that the policy he advocated was at variance with the opinions of the present members of the National Charter Association ; but although he had considered it his duty thus to act , he was determined to do his utmost to make the People ' s Charter the law of these realms .

      Mr . Dixon considered that he had acted in strict conformity with the Plan of Organisation which they had agreed to , inasmuch as that plan stated theirs was to be a purely moral and unobstructive agitation ; out , as he had found that the contrary had bejen adopted , he had sent in his resignation . Mr . Clark stated , that tha reason why he had resigned was , that several little knots , calling themselves Chajfiiats , had passed votes of censure upon hin \; fcut that he denied their ri ght to denom ^ tc themseMs the gener

      Metropolitan Chartist Conference. The De...

      r ^ l Chartist ' bodies of those specific localities . He . compared them to the ^ three tailors ; of , looley : street , " : iW ho caUed ; "themsBlves the : ; people .: bf England ; » and he said , ; that if ins policy were submitted to the working classes generally it would bo stamped with approval . { Loud interruptions , and cries of "No , ho . '') He declared that he had i toiled nnweariedly m the Chartist cause , and had made many thousands of converts to the doctrines of democracy . ( A Voice : "You have been living

      upon usj you have been paid , by us ! " ) He demedthat he had received any payment from the Chartist funds for four or five years past ; but declared that he had expended a considerable portion of . his income in supporting the cause . Onl y a few weeks ago , he had visited several towns at his own expense , to advocate that cause . But , as the so-called Chartists seemed to him to have organised themselves m small bodies against him , he , had felt it to be his dut y to resi

      gn . Mr . Utting then moved , and Mr . Hobden seconded : — "Thatthe resignations tendered by thesis members of the Executive Committee be accepted by this Conference , - and their . places forthwith filled up . " Mr . Bentley ' supported the resolution , and said that it appeared to him that the most important question was the policy that should be adopted in future ; and he warned the working classes against being sold .

      t Snow * charged Mr . Clark with inconsistency , ; andsaid the principal reason he had in doing so was that , at the London Tavern meeting , he had written a note to the reporter of the . "Daily News , " to the effect to ; do him the favour of taking down what he said in vindication of the Parliamentary Reform Association . Mr . Clark rose , and denied that such was

      the tenor of the note . He said it was perfectly true he had written a note to the reporter of the "Daily News ;' ' but it was merely to say that he would explain that point in the programme of the National Parliamentary Reform Association , which promised the emancipation of so many millions of men by means of the clause specifying the claim to be rated . But he denied having -written such a note as Mr . Brown had mentioned .

      Mr . Brown : Then I . will produce the note . ( Loud cheers . ) . The note was then produced , read , and ran as follows : —

      THIT BEPOIITEB OF TOE " DAItl NEWS . " DeahSih , —May Task of you the favour to take a few notes of what I intend to say in defence of the Parliamentary Reform Association . T . Clark . Mr . Davis advised Mr . Clark ,-in future , to abstain ! from satirising working men ; as , although they might not possess the eloquence which he did , yet that he ( Mr . Davis ) considered it wrong to indulge in that sarcasm which Mr . Clark was too fond of adopting .

      Mr . AllNUTT said he rose to speak to the resolution , and deprecated the policy that had been pursued by . Mr . Harney , in using violent language at the London Tavern , and expressed his entire dissent from such a course . After some explanations from Mr . Harney , Mr . M'Gkath said , that he claimed a right to speak to the resolution , and ! would allude to the policy that should be pursued . He ( Mr . M'Grath ) was fully of opinion , that the working classes could not , unassisted , gain their rights , and adduced several historical facts in support thereof ; and he also thought it very wrong to denounce those who advocated a less measure of reform .

      The resolution having been put and carried unanimously , Messrs . Davis , Milne , Brown , Harney , Miles , and Grassby were elected to fill up the vacancies in the Provisional Committee . Mr . Almtoit moved , and Mr . TJmNG seconded , "That the Provisional Committee hold office for three months . " Carried . Messrs . Utting and Bentley were appointed to audit Mr . Clark ' s accounts . . ' . ' ,

      Mr . Pearcey . moved , and Mi-. . Clark seconded , the following resolution : — " That this Conference deprecates all factious opposition at public meetings , but at the same time advise the working classes to attend , and vindicate the right of free discussion , at all meetings called for Parliamentary Reform . " Mr . Harney moved , as an amendment , the Previous Question ; which was seconded by Mr . Grassby . On a division , the Resolution was carried by 14 to 10 .

      An unanimous vote of thanks to the chairman , for his impartial conduct hi the chair , closed the proceedings .

      Proceedings In Parliament. Public Meetin...

      PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT . PUBLIC MEETING . . _ The usual weekly meeting was held in the Institution , John-street , Fitzroy-square , on Tuesday evening last . Tho hall was ciwded . Mr . Hobden was called to the chair . Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds moved the first resolution , which was as . follows : — " Resolved , that the farther the session developcs itself , tho more apparent does it become to the industrious classes that they have nothing to hope for nor expect at the hands of the legislature in respect to their own just and often repeated demands for their natural rights and privileges ; and this meeting , therefore ,

      nob only recognises the paramount necessity ol agitating for tho People's Charter , but pledges itself to sustain that agitation by all legal and peaceful means . " In commencing his review of the parliamentary proceedings of the previous few days , Mr . Rej-nolds touched upon the discxission which had taken place in the House of Lords , relative to the Orange procession at Dolly ' s , Brae . Mr . Reynolds pointed to the fact that Lord Stanley , in giving an account of that procession ,.. and the circumstances attending it , had emphatically pronounced it to be a legal one ,, although such was the dread of it , that a troop of cavalry , ' and a constabulary force had been sent to escort the procession . Lord Clarendon , tho Viceroy of ; Ireland , in

      defending his own policy upon the occasion , had likewise admitted that the procession was legal . Lord Roden , the individual principally concerned in the affair , had insisted upon the same point ; and Lords Bnniskillen , Winchelsea , and Brougham , had also declared that the procession . and meeting were perfectly legal . But how strongly did these assertions contrast with tho course adopted by the government and the . legislature , when the working men of London announced , in 1848 , their intention to hold their own peaceful and legal demonstration on Kennington Common ! . ( Hear , hear . ) What was the conduct then pursued by the aristocracy and the government ? Old acts of parliament were raked up , whereon to found a proclamation

      to the effect that the contemplated procession and meeting were both illegal , and that it was contrary to law for more than fifty persons to assemble for a political ohject ^ ( Hear . ) Yet , in Ireland , there was the procession , with all its members armed to the teeth ; and because certain noble lords were mixed up in that demonstration , rio attempt was made to declare it illegal . Nor was it illegal but he ( Mr . Reynolds ) was anxious to show how there was one way of interpreting the law for . the rich , and another for the poor — how the aristocracy might do what it chose with impunity , and how the working classes , when fearlessly assembling to demand their rights , and . discuss their wrongs , were denounced as a riotous mob , ready for plunder

      and spoliation . ( Hear , hear . ) If the . working classes did not agitate , the Prime Minister declared that they were satisfied with existing institutions , and did not want reform ; and if thoy ' did agitate , then the Attorney General was set to . work , spies were employed , and political persecution was commenced , and carried on with an atrocious violence . ( Hear , hear . ) Such was the dilemma in which the industrious millions were placed by the tyrants and oppressors who ruled them . "Whatever the people did was sure to be wrong :, whatever the gpvernmen ti and aristocracy did , was sure to be right . ; The people were stones—veritable stones ; and they would remain so unless thev took their

      affairs \ nto their own hands and demanded boldly , despite' of all persecution , those rights and privileges which an execrable . oligarchy had usurped . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . ' Reynolds then alluded to the report given by the ' speaker ^ of the House of . Comtnons to allow . Mr . O ' Connor to vindicate his character against tho foulj scandalous , and mendacious ' aspersions thrown upon ' it by the-vinewshmemb' er ' for Sheffield . Mr . ' O'Connor had , inquired whether he could ' ndt avail'himself of someiforhv of the house "to eriter ; upon that' vindibatibn , ; which it ' wotuYibe so' easy 'ftp himself to give ; 'but which it woull . be so unpalatable for certain parties to hear ; butthe ' speaker replied that there was no form of tlw houso which goAild be rendered available for

      Proceedings In Parliament. Public Meetin...

      sucha purpose . ( " Shame ! ' !) And yet every one would , recollect that some , few years- ago , ' when Lord George Bentinck made an onslaught upon the ' character of Sir R . Peel—whom he charged with . '' hunting the noble Canning to death' '—the very same speaker forthwith allowed Sir Robert to" avail himself of some form of the house to vindicate himself . ( Hear , hear . ) And not only did Sir Robert make a three hours' speech upon the occasion ; but a debate was raised upon the subject , and the ' whole evening was taken up with the matter . It was , therefore , evident that Mr . O'Connor was merely refused a hearing , because he was the staunch , uncompromising , and honest , friend of that working class whom the government persecuted , the

      legislature neglected , and the aristocracy detested . Mr . Reynolds next touched upon the government policy now pursuing towards the Colonies , and exposed the one-sided measures adopted with a view to propitiate the Colonists . He explained the scandalous mockery in the constitutions of Australia and the Cape of . Good Hope , and prophesied that in a few years time England would lose all her colonies by tlie fact of their assertion of independence . He then directed attention to Mr . Hawes ' s answer respecting the cruelties and atrocities perpetrated , in certain emigrant ships ; and he warned the people not to be deluded by the monstrous humbug of that grand emigration scheme , got up by Sidnev Herbert and other , aristocrats .

      Mr . Reynolds implored the industrious classes generally to put no faith in anything ' which the aristocracy undertook or propossed in their behalf ; the philanthropy of that aristocracy was a mere sham and deception , to cloak the most infamous intentions ; the present idea now , was to adopt in England the " clearance system , " so atrociously applied to Ireland ; and tho first test of the experiment was-to be applied to the unfortunate needlewomen of London . The aristocracy wanted to depopulate this country , to such an extent that only just so many workers and toilers should be

      left , as were sufficient to supply the indolent rich with the luxuries of life ; and thus the surplus population was to be got rid of by emigration ! But every man who was a husband , a father , or a brother , should warn the poor * toiling women of the metropolis , and elsewhere , not to be deluded by the tremendous humbug of the Sidney Herbert project , for the emigrant-ships we ' re nests of debauchery , cruelty , and misery ; and when the poor female emigrants arrived in Australia , they would find to their cost how lamentably , and how iniquitously they had been deceived . Mr . Reynolds resumed his seat amidst loud cheering .

      Julian Harney seconded tho resolution , in a speech of considerable length , which elicited much cheering . ¦ Mr .-Vernon said , after the impressive and cloquent'spceches made by his friends , the mover and seconder of the resolution , there was little left for him to say on the subject . He read in the resolution that , " the further the session progresses , the more opposed it is to the people . That nothing can be hoped from the legislature . ' Now , presuming this to be the truth , and the speech of Mr . Reynolds and of Mr . J . Harney , in support of the proposition , with the plaudits with which they had responded to their remarks , justified him in assuming that the meeting at least believed this true . He would ask

      what is the use of paying any attention to the doings of a set of men , when they were sure no good can come of them ? Tho fact is , that the people must look to themselves and not to others—what an individual , or a people suffers , is the result of something which thoy themselves have done , either by design or in ignorance—or of something whichthey ought to have done , but have omitted for one other of the same causes ; let every one present assure himself of this fact , and cease to complain of others —let them immediately begin to reform themselves . Ho had suffered a long and wearisome imprisonment , for open and advised speaking ; but even at the risk of what would be a still greater punishment , the loss of the confidence of his brother

      democrats , he would say what he believed to be the truth . He had ho objection to a meeting on Tuesday night , to examine into the conduct of the House of Commons ; but he should like one . on a Wednesday , to examine into the conduct of the Chartists . Their friends who had spoken had told them what the members of the legislature had been doing during the past week . Now , he would ask , what had they been doing for themselves ? He verily believed , nothing , and they were looked upon as nothing . The only business of their representatives is , to dispute and quarrel who should have the greatest share of the spoil . The fault was not in those who tyrannise over the nation , but in the people who permit thorn to do so . The masses—there were thousands of glorious exceptions—were divided

      by their own selfishness—families could not live in harmonyr-each couple would have their own little , although miserable home—they thought of nothing but themselves—they only wished a change for their own benefit . Prance , and the continent of Europe , had been alluded to . They were trained differently there . Two or three generations—fathers , grandfathers , children and grand-children—all living under one roof—merging self , to a great degree , in the desire to make others happy . A nation is only a large family . A people so trained were , at any time , prepared to make personal sacrifices for a general good . A Frenchman holds his life , even , only in trust for his country and his principles . In England , the want of faith in a principle , and

      their division was the enemy ' s strength . He liked to see the co-operative principle spreading ; it would bring men together , make them know one another , and so prepare them for a greater move in advance . The people must learn to act with energy and unity . . When men are prepared to act thus , will the disgraceful epithet , now so commonly applied to the most useful members of the community , © f the lower orders , be wiped away —then , and not till then , will the people attain their just position—that of Sovereign in all lands ( Cheers . ) Mr . J . BnoxiERRE O'Brien delivered a lengthy , satirical , and powerful speech , which excited great applause . ¦ < ¦ ¦ ¦ <>¦' Tho resolution was then put and agreed to unanimously . The meeting then separated ,

      Efjavttst Stttejttflotcfc

      efjavttst SttteJttflOtcfc

      Stockvout.— A South Lancashire Delegate ...

      Stockvout . — A South Lancashire delegate meeting was held in this locality , on Sunday last . The meeting was hot numerously attended—but the right sort of materials seemed to have been selected , to re-organise the Chartists of this division of Lancashire . Mr . Thomas Storak , was appointed chairman ; Mr . William Benfold , secretary ; Stockport was represented by Mr . James Williams and Mr . William Benfold ; Staleybridge ;/ by Mr . Samuel Cooper ; Manchester , by Mr . John Jackson and Mr . William Schofield ; Ashton , by Mr . Thomas Storak . Letters were pub iri and read by . the Secretary from Rochdale and other places , expressing their approval of the objects of the meeting , and bearing upon the formation of a local lecturer's

      plan . The delegates having entered into a lengthy consideration of the rules of the hew Association , Mr . James Williams moved the following resolution , which was unanimously agreed to , viz : — " That the eight rule be expunged , and the following substituted : — ' All persons acquiesing jn the -objects of the Association , shall be eligible to become members by taking "but cards of membership , for which they shall pay threepence , and shall also pay one penny per week , as contribution to the funds ef the Association ; one-fourth of the same to be sent to the Executive , monthly . Cards of membership to be issued annually .- " It was also agreed "that the word ' General' be substituted in the fifth rule for the word 'local '" Tho local rules were then

      brought under the notice of tho delegates . In reference to which the delegates unanimously rejected the rule which requires the names of the agents to be sent for the " approval of the Executive , also that the second rule be made to read 'three months in lieu of six months . '" It was also , agreed " that each delegate must use every endeavour in his respective locality , to raise funds fist- the relief of Dr . M'DouaU and family , to defray tho legal expenses of Mr . O'Connor , and other liabilities . Sho following resolution was hIso agreed to ' : — , v That in the opinion of this meeting ,, it is highly necessary for the several surrounding localities of Chartism of this district , to express the-mselves as to whether the Executive Committee shoulder should . not be

      members of any other political association . " . The local lecturer ' s plan will be dvawnup at the next delegate meeting ; moaatime , all . localities are urgently requested to send delegates to . the same , which will be held in Staleybridge ,. back of the Masons' Arms , HigVStveot , March . , 10 v All localities are requested to- send in the names of persons competent and wilting to serve on the same , and how often thoy wish , to receive a lecture . After the thanks of the meeting had been voted to Messrs Storak and Benfold , for thea efficient conduct as officers , the meeting separated . . Rochdale . —Mr . D . Donovan , of Manchester , delivered the first of a course of lectures on the Organisation of Labour , in the Chartist Association

      Room , Pvdohdale . Mr . Donovan , entered fully into the present state of the working ; classes of the United Kingdom , showing how the people of Ireland were buried without coffins , to the great disgrace of a civilised country ; how the streets of London were disgraced by the seduction of the fair se ? , and concluded by pointing out our seyeral ^ sMbU-iJyils . Mr .,, Donovan was warmly applauded during the delivery , of his lecture , which gave ' general . saws ^ c ; , tiori . After the lecture , tbe ^ oUowimg ; resolution was agreed to ^ -proposed BiJ ^^ fc ? . W «' condef by Mr ; Bake ,- " ThatW 0 he p ^ arteM Itochdale , agree to do aU in ou ^ pow ^^ propt , the ' maxim of " ruin him -wUh ^ xpense ^ i ^ beihff : carried into •^ cW ^» n d /; : ^^ tb ^ M commence » subscription ; m , ^ ora > rrMefrajt ^ e expenses incurred bf ^ enemics ^ fre ^ oni ^ ML - < mwmMm . ^ mm ^ m * fl »* W .

      Stockvout.— A South Lancashire Delegate ...

      and will not allow them . tO ; trample the Champion of Liberty beneath , thell * feet . ' . ' - ; ,.. . , \ ! '' : NEweASTLK-upoN-TjANEirrAt ' -a' meeting of members on Sunday evening last , in their room , Cock Inn , Head of , the Side , after reading ; ' the report of the trial of O'Connor versus Bradshaw , and the strange decision of the jury had been commented U P ° "» the following resolution ' was . adopted : •—That a subscription bo entered into to assist in defraying tlie ' exponses of Mr . O'Connor . " It was also carried : _« That parties . be empowered to SSSr * W ? in th * event of Mr . Harney con-S £ ™ itNewcasile . " Tho following persons were then nominated as council for the nlxt quai * ter :-Georg e Smith , Thomas Linton . , t mV .

      ane , John Hudson , John Brown , Martin Jude , £ ™ ' M- ames Nisbett ' No- 10 ' Gibson-street , corresponding secretary . A xT ?™'" 7 '' Ls oneral meeting of the members ot the National Charter Association residing in this city wasjield on . Monday evening last , " in Mrs . Bains Hall , Caledonian Hotel , Mr . Lyon in tho chair ; a committee and office bearers were elected as local ' agents for the National Association for three months : several parties were enrolled members . Mr . John Garden then ' moved the following resolution : — " That we , the Aberdeen members of the National Charter Association , while not binding ourselves to all Mr , Julian Harney ' s sentiments , feel it to be bur . duty to express our satisfaction

      with tho manly and independent conduct- of that gentleman , both in his connexion with the National Charter Association , and in his bold and unflinching advocacy of the cause of democracy , in the Northern Star ; and we do - . earnestly' hope that he will still continue his valuable . labours in connexion with tlie association , until veritable reform , political and social , has achieved a glorious triumph . " This was seconded by Mr . "William Lindsay , * and unanimously agreed to . The meeting then adjourned . Plymouth . —At a meeting of Land members , and those few others " who have hitherto , supported the Chartist cause in this ' . . town ~ -R . Hellings in tbe chair—it was' unanimously resolved ^—r" That wo

      accept of the resignation of Messrs . Clark , Doyle , Dixon and M'Grath , and ball on themto :. resigu their , office as Land Directors also , as we have no further confidence in them . Wo also would remind Mr , Clarkyin answer to his .. sneer at tho Birmingham men about the few , that it is the few who have hitherto supported . Chartism in every town , and we do . not think that gentleman will get the support of the many by his present conduct . "—It was also resolved : — " That we enter into a collection in aid of Mr . O'Connor's ' Law Expenses , and tender that gentleman our sympathy , and assurance of unabated confidence . "—Thirteen shillings was collected with promises of more .

      Birmingham , Ship Inn , Steelhouse-lane . —At the weekly'meetingion Sunday evening , last , a subscription was entered into towards " defraying Mr . O'Connor ' s expenses in the late libel case , when 13 s . was collected , and the subscription ordered to remain open for a week , or two . Pour shillings was collected . at Mr . ' Fussell ' s ( the Freeholder ' s ' Tavern ) for the same purpose . The council have determined npon issuing tracts ,, as soon as the necessary arrangements , are completed ; and also to commemorate the 10 th of April by a public soiree ; the profits arising from it to be equally divided among the victims . They likewise wish to call a district delegate meeting at an early date , and hope tlie following places , namely : Bilston ,

      Wolverhampton , Walsal , Dudley , Westbromwich , and Smethwick , will immediately communicate with the secretary , John Newhousc , so th . it steps may be ' . at once taken for calling the above meeting . _ South Shields . —A public meeting was held in the Town Hall , South Shields , to petition parliament for the repeal of the taxes' on paper , on advertisements , and the stamp on newspapers . The meeting was addressed by Mr . Dickinson , in a speech full of argument and eloquence , and by Mr . Robinson and other speakers . Edinburgh . —The committee for raising a fund

      for the benefit of the widows of the lato Williams and Sharp , having succeeded in collecting the greater part of tho arrears for tickets of the concert held here on the 8 th of October , beg to state that they have experienced considerable difficulty and delay , occasioned by a defaulter , and who still owes 13 s . Gd . to the fund . - ' The committee have come to the resolution to send the sum in hand , £ 3 3 s . 2 d ., and when the balance is recovered that also will be sent . £ o have been previously sent and acknowledged . The following is the account of the income and expenditure , and is respectfully submitted by the committee : — £ s . d . Total Income ... 18 14 0 Total Expenditure „ 10 10 10 Total received ... 8 3 2 Balance due ,, ... 0 13 0 8 16 S

      Stockvout.— A South Lancashire Delegate ...

      Wilixim II . ' Davie ' s , secretary ; James Sleaxdbb , William M'Kkchsie , Finance committfto ; W . Fraser , Lauchlan M'Gregok , G . Bremxer . — [ We understand the £ 3 3 s . 2 d . has been sent to the treasurer , G . W . M . Reynolds , Esq . ] Bristol—On Sunday evening last a large and spirited meeting was held , when great regret was manifested at the disappointment of Mr . O'Connor's intended visit . A resolution was carried that each member should pay one shilling to the Honesty Fund , but that those unable to do so should subscribe according to their circumstances . Friends from Martock , Somerset , ( forty miles , ) visited Bristol on Monday , to see and hear Mr . O'Connor .

      . Dehby . —At a meeting of Chartists and Lund members , held on Sunday evening , Feb . 24 th , at Mr . Belfield ' s , Temperance Hotel , Green-street , the following address , proposed by Mr . W . Short , allottee at Snig's End , and seconded by Mr . W . Chandler , allottee at Minster Lovel , was unanimously adopted : — " TO FEAROUS O ' CONNOR , ESQ ., M . P . . ..- '' Dear Sib , — -We , the Chartists and Landmembers of Derby , in meeting assembled , beg to assure you that ,-having watched from beginning to end "The Great Libel Case ,- ' . ( as the never-so-wise proprietor of the Nottingham Journal has been pleased to christen it , ) we are—to a man—more deeply rooted , and grounded in the conviction we have so long entertained of your : " Honesty , Philanthropv , and

      Integrity . So minutely investigated has your character been , on two different occasions , that wo believe the issue of those scrutinies will not only gain for you a legion of additional friends , but give an extra impetus to . those heaven-born political and social principles which you have for the last eight and twenty years so disinterestedly and nobly advocated . We regret that tho trial , in spite of the glaring evidence put forth in support of the prosecution , should have terminated in favour of the all-pompous defendant . How stupid and inconsistent the vordict ! . What : a magnificent specimen of the march of intellect , in this , the nineteenth century of boasted civilisation and free institutions ! Oh * ! sacred powers of discrimination and judgment ,, how are you robbed of your utility ?

      , " If this , indeed , be a sample of the wisdom of the middle classes , the sooner they are disqualified to sit on juries the better . But , pshaw , it was not their lack of ability to return a conscientious verdict ; the question at issue was so plain and simple , that the way-faring man , tho' _ a fool , need not have erred therein ; . it was prejudice to tho gentleman ,,, whose character was at stake , that blinded their eyes to eyery sense ' of justice . Well may the working classes of this country evince a moral loathing to trust them . Dad ifc . havebeena certain Anti-Corn-Law-Ag itator ) who once received £ 80 , 000 for his . ' services , instead of Mr . ' 0 € onnor , who , to the knowledge of many , has spent a fortune in the cause of tho People , tlie verdict would , no doubt , havo been vice versa ; so much for the

      middleclass ascendancy . But , dea-r sir , the time is not far distant , we hope , when the tables will be turned ; when honest Righb shall exult over Might , and justice , in triumphant majesty , proclaim the consummation of oppression . Covslson , who apneared against you on }) x & trial , rcceiv . es from this meeting an ' everlasting disapproval of-his perfidious conduct . Deeply , dear , sir , do we- deplore that one of our own' towrismeB-. aJ & ould have bad no more love for , his character tlfcur to besome one of the partisans of Bradshaw . The statement he made in the Exchequer Com * , as to his weeldy income , w .-ia a fabricatioh ' of the most pnlgftble- dye , the confirmation of which-, one of our members , on whoso honest' testimony yen may aflly , will tiiliy establish

      ina letter , ' which'he intends penning m a day or two to you ; . In conclusion ,, dear sir , we beg to tender you oun united commiEoration ; each and all of us solicit the privileg * of . sympathising with you , in your sadicaycer of unmitigated persecution , and earnest ^ do we hope that tbe enslaved myriads , for whese- rodemptio * your bowels of compassion yearn , will , by one spontjaaeous effort * fly to avert tho desire- of vfcur enemies— ntuy him u < ith cxpavus . " Tho UUtlo band of the graikfcl hearts of Derby are already in the field , and wo feel a happy confidence within us , that our humble subsenptto 118 will not sully the columns of that paper of which you , dear sir , are the too liberal proprietor . " Signed , on behalf of the Association , " W . Iiewis -Faire , Cor . Sec . "

      | , ^He City Of Cakikrbury.—We Are Infor...

      | , ^ he City of Cakikrbury . —We are informed that a deputation , consisting of the leading liberal electors ^ of . Canterbury , have . wait , j & jy > op Mr . E . 4 a ' m ' es i ;; $ ^^ ' cirouit ^ vi ^ ttestihg him tc ^^ etf ^ a ^^ f ^^ O > candi p date in'ihe-rcohi' jof Lord Al ^ ems ^ ' ^ KMsJas affl jwptedtheChikern Hund ^^ J ^ j ^^ ¦ ^ . 'EinrjEiiMipTEU . ; Eaoiiet ( . z § 1 ^ ' | iQ W 5 ^ 5 b imquire'ihitd ' tWsi eleotion ^ 'w ^ rMvi ^^ Saw ^ M b ? ib ; eify : brwght ; before tbe # ^ nd ^^ HiOpHB ibeing attached to the petition , a ^ t f ^ fijjBlW ' K deft-ay tho , expenses of tbf . mpry .: MMig / l «» f t $ « Mm of England . 'J ^^ 0 m ' W'"' '"— " i '/ OWi '

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 2, 1850, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_02031850/page/5/