Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 4th January 1851, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, THE METROPOLITAN DELEGATE COUNCIL TO THE...

Page 1
Page 1
1 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (1)
    • f United you stand, Divided you fall."
  • Text (17)
  • Transcript

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

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

      F United You Stand, Divided You Fall."

      f United you stand , Divided you fall . "

      To The Slaves Of England. M Y Sbiesds, I...

      TO THE SLAVES OF ENGLAND . M y Sbiesds , In little more than a month after you have read this letter Parliament will meet , and I see no possible means of enforcing your ri ghts from that Parliament , except by UNION ; and I do hope » and trust that , however some of your professing leaders may squ a bble , wrangle , and fi g ht that you will look not to their sordid interest , but to the means of elevating youtowh order .

      I attended a meeting , a very large meeting , on Sunday nig ht , at Manchester , and however some peop le may "wish to impress you with the idea that the men of Manchester are either disunited , and a . mere nullity , let me assure you that the men of Manchester were never more united and energetic than they are at present . Mr . Sutton , one of your old and staunch Mends , was in the chair . Daniel Dosotan , Jambs Leach , Mi-. Roberts , Solicitor , and thecelebrafced Manchester Paciceh , ( Dickenson ) and your humble servant , addressed the meeting , " and it is my pride and pleasure to tell you that I never heard more

      sensible speeches , or saw a more united meeting . The speech of the Manchester Packer was one of the most powerful , eloquent , enthusiastic speeches I ever heard in my life . That mceiing decided almost unanimously , to hold a Conference in Manchester on the 27 th of January . Mr . Mantle again proposed an amendment , to hold it in Loudon , and was very unfavourably received , and very roug hl y handled . I was to have attended a meeting at Leed s , on Tuesday , but my friends wh o invited me , having found it impossible to procure a place of meeting , they were obliged to put it off to the end of this month .

      I attended a meeting at Bradford on Monday ni ght ; it was a bumper , although it was not known t ill Saturday that I would be there . It was one of the most harmonious meetings I ever attended . Every man was allowed to express his own sentiments and opinions without the slightest interruption . 1 was received with the same enthusiasm and kindness that I have ever met with from the men of Bradford . They proposed a resolution

      that a Conference should be held in Manchester on the 27 th of January , and one in London in June . However , as the Executive had decided upon holding the Conference in London in March , I requested , in order to h a rmonise all parties , that the Conference should be held in Manchester on the 27 th of January , and in London in March . It was adopted , and the following resolution was nearl y unanimousl y carried : —

      "That , i n t h e op inion of this meeting , t h ere ought to be a Conference in Manchester in January and one in London during the month of March . "Edward Smith , Thomas Wilcock , Joseph Alderso . v . After the meeting broke up , sixteen or seventeen members were enrolled , and many working men in the body of the hall made most able and eloquent speeches , showing the necessity of creating union amongst their order .

      My friends , I assure you that I was never more delighted than I was by the feeling and the union which I saw manifested in Manchester and Bradford ; and I cannot tell you the amount of pleasure it would g ive me if all other towns were as well united . The members of the Land Company presented me with the following address ; and , at the close of the meeting , the Chairman ( Mr . Brown ) , who was a candidate—a Chartist candidate—for the Town Council , w h o perf o rmed his » duty most ably , proposed that a subscription should be made to defray Bradshaw ' s costs . This , however , I objected to , as it was not my wish to appeal' on the platform as a beggarman . This is the address from the Land Company : —

      TO TEARCES 0 COXXOR , ESQ ., M . P . Sir , —We , the members of the Land Company oi Bradford , held a meeting on Sunday , the 20 th day of December , 1850 , and it was resolved—" That we should return you thanks for the philanthropic spirit which you have displayed towards us in striving to get us on the land , which is our birth right . " Sir , we , seeing that the plan has failednor through you , sir , but through the government , its agents 7 and the unprincipled men that were located upon the land . Now , s ' r , we hope that when yon get this affair settled that you will be spared a little longer to come out and show the

      government , its agents , Roebuck , Bradshaw , and the world , that you will leave it better than when you found it ; and that when the time will come when nature fails , that yon will be able for to lie down upon yonr conch , and that you can say that you have fulfilled the will of him whom yon are now about to appear before . Sir , and this is our pra y er , and wish that the Supreme Tower will repay you for the labour which you have had whilst travelling through this wilderness of trouble . Signed on behalf of the meeting , James Coxxell , Joseph Aidehsos , Thomas Hirst . Now , my friends , when I attended the

      Chartist Executive Committee on Wednesday ni g ht last , I proposed the resolution passed by the men of Bradford , and I stated most co o ll y and calml y . the necessity of acquiescing in that proposition , for the purpose of once more uniting your order ; however , as I could not procure a seconder , my resolution fell to the ground . I suppose you arc aware that no man can stand antagonism better than I can , and that no man is less inclined to create antagonism amongst your order . But , after deep and mature consideration , I now tell you that ,

      as in 1839 , 1 8 43 , and 1343 , now your professing leaders are struggling for popularity and gain , while I am struggling—not as your leader , but as your friend—to unite you and weld your minds together . It disgusts me , and m a kes my blood run cold , when I think of some of your order placing confidence in mm because they oppose men that you dislike —because they are violent , mad , and enthusi a sti c , w hile they know nothing of your princi p les , andcarenot a straw for you , but merel y think of themselves .

      I have frequently told yon that Eng land would witness such antagonism in the ensuing session of Parliament as never occurred before . Ireland has been stated to be England ' s greatest difficulty , but since the revolution of 1848 , England has looked to France as its crutch ; and , if you read French news , you will find th a t the Nation a l Assembly of France is a house divided against itself , and th a t the special c o nst a ble Pkesidext is n o w beginning to totter upon his crutch ; and I cannot give yon a better proof o £ the fact that he feels the crutch tottering , th a n the following ext ra ct f ro m th e Mor n i n g Chronicle of Thursday last , and that will prove to yon the truth of my former predictions . Here is the extract : —

      EXPRESS FROM PARIS . Paris , Wedsespat . —Last night the official reception of the Legislative Assembly took place at the Palace of the Elysee on the occasion of the new year . M . Dupin headed the deputation , which was verv numerous . The President , in his answer , made evident allusion to the bickerings between the government and the Assembly . Among other tliin « s , when replying to M Dupin , who had stated "that all the acts of the Assembly , . is well as those of its bureaux , were inspired by a profound attachment for the person of the President , and a warm desire to a good understanding betwen the

      preserve two powers of the State , " the President said , J am willing to believe it , "M . le President , since you say it . Ton and I , each in the limits of our attributes , must endeavour to enforce respect for the laws of the country and the authority which is given to us by the constitution , without encroachment bv the one power on the other . I do not insist oil the prorogation of my powers , but I do insist , when I shall restore to the people the power which I h » ve received from it , to restore it intact and respected . My conviction is , that Trance wishes for peace jnd order , and it would blame the one of the two powers which would attack the

      oilier . " Now this will give yon the strongest definition of the present state of France , and the effect that it would have upon the govern-

      To The Slaves Of England. M Y Sbiesds, I...

      mental mind of Eng land , if the Eng lish pe o ple were united , whereas it will have no effect whatever , so long as you are disunited . You see that the Tenant League in Ireland is now creating a tremendous sensation , althoug h , perhaps , you never hear anything about it . Shabmajj * Crawford is one of the wealthiest landlords in Ireland , and is the best landlord in all Ireland . Thank God , he is an

      Irishman though an English member of Parli a ment , and has always seconded my motion for the Charter . His tenants adore him , his labourers and servants adore him , and all the money in the Exchequer would not extract a vote from him that was repugnant to his feelings ; and although this movement of the Tenant League desires , and properly , to reduce rents , and , althoug h , as I stated , Sharman Crawford is one of the most extensive

      landl o rds , I give yon the letter of this independent representative as the strongest proof , that he feels more for the poor than for himself . . Here it is , and I request of you not onl y to read it but to reflect upon it , and then you will come to the conclusion as to what your position would be if you were represented b y such members : —• Crawfor ds burn , Dec . 27 . Gentlemen , —I thank you fer t h e h o n our y ou have done me , in inviting me to the tenant-right meeting and dinner , which are appointed to take place at Ncwtownards on Monday next ; and I regret much , that it will not be in my power to be present with you on that occasion .

      On referring to the published requisition by which your meeting is called , I find the main object specified is , " to petition Parliament for the legalisation of the rights of tenant industry . ' In this demand I most heartily concur with you . There may be differences of opinion with regard to the details of the measures by which this object is to be effected , but you have well expressed , in these words , the trae " principle on which the tenant-right of Ulster is founded ; and , resting on this basis , your claim I is irresistible on every ground of justice and policy .

      If we take a review of the three great classes into which society is divided , namely , the agricultural , manufacturing , and commercial , we find that the prosperity and happiness , not only of those classes taken separately , but of the whole community , in all its relations , * collectively , depend on the exercise of industry ; and it is impossible that this great agent , in advancing the interests of mankind , can be brought into action unless a just proportion of the products of industry be appropriated to the producer .

      It is the boasted object of British laws to secure to the icdustrious creators of individual and nation ! wealth , the full right to make use of , and to sell , the productions of their own labour ; but , whilst the rights of property have been thus secured to other interests , the laud is still left under all the trammels invented to sustain the system of feudal lordship , and tenant servitude ; and the tenant class , unable to obtain land otherwise , must t a k e i t under the power of extortion which that system undeservedly confers upon the owners of the soil ;

      and it therefore follows , that if that power be not exercised injuriously to the tenant , it arises from the feeling of justice and mercy in the landlord's breast , and not from any means which the law gives to the tenant to protect himself from oppression . I wish to see this state of things altered ; I wish to have your tenant-right custom defined and confirmed by legislative enactment ; I desire that no man shall hold his rights as a boon from any other man , but that he shall be enabled to maintain them as a freeman , resting on the firm security of his country ' s laws .

      The tenants of Ireland are told that they may pay high rents by high farming . I have no doubt that improved agriculture would give greatly increased profits ; but it is impossible that improved systems can be carried into effect without a large investment of sunk capital in the improvement of the soil , and the increased number and size of agricultural ofiices . I would ask , then , can the tenant be expected to do this until he has legal security for thecapital expended ? Under existing circumstances every improvement made adds to his slavish dependence on his landlord's will and power . No man ough t to p lace himself in this position ; therefore it appears to me a . vain attempt to improve the agriculture of Ireland till that be obtained which you seek for— " the legalisation of the rights of tenant industrv . "

      I do not think it proper , at present , to enter into a consideration of the provisions by which this great object is to be effected , orinto any examination of the propositions of the Irish Tenant League , which are referred to in your requisition . I do not wish , as a member of Parliament , to pledge myself to any details until I am enabled to consider them in the form of a bill , to be submitted to the Legislature . But I hope it is unnecessary for me to assure you that you may rely upon my most

      strenuous exertions in support of any measure which shall , in my judgement , g ive a just security to the tenant ' s interests ; and I willingly join my voice with yours in the watchword with which your requisition concludes , — ' Tenant-rig ht an d public justice , ' I am , gent l emen , yours faithfully , W . Suarmax Crawford . To the Rev . J . M'Cullough , and Mr . John M ' Kittrick , secretaries .

      ' Sow , my friends , -however useless and ineffective my advice may be , I would recommend you—and most urgently—to abolish , a nd f o r e v er , that antagonism and dissension which now exists amongst your order ; adhere steadfastl y to your principles—the princip les of

      THE PEOPLE ' S CHARTER WHOLE £ SD ENTIRE ; and scout from your ranks any man , o r any bod y of men , who create disunion for the mere purpose of elevating thems elves , and living upon yonr disunion and credulity . I do hope and trust , that the working classes will not lose confidence in me , so long as I devote my property and my time , abandon friends and relatives , and def y tyranny # nd persecution , with a view of making your order happy , and leaving the world better than I found it . Your Faithful and Uncompromising Advocate , Feargus O'Connor .

      < < U « < In Knowing That Their Efforts ...

      - ^ ii ^ ryjL \ ^ f /^*<^ sp jy ^ 1 /< 4 <& U 4 jfc 7 % ^ * £ ***& - dfezzgr c # Ay ^ «~/ e < y -TOU- / < «^^ i ilFlfc » J

      And National Trades' Journal. -Tou- / I ...

      AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL .

      Jjjlmjyj*-, L088qk, Saturday, Janpary 4,...

      JJJLMJyj * -, L 088 QK , SATURDAY , JANPARY 4 , 1851 . ^ ayj 555 ^ U >

      The Metropolitan Delegate Council To The...

      THE METROPOLITAN DELEGATE COUNCIL TO THE CHARTISTS OF LONDON . Brothers , — We are all aware that when a principle for the good of the public is set on foot it requires support ,- and to make that principle popular and successful it is always necessary that the supporters should be numerous , and , above all , united ; thus we see the necessity of a brotherly union among the silent approvers of the principle of the People ' s Charter , which , would they but organise , they would soon increase , and become strong , powerful , and successful supporters of this cause . We have been organised and united , though , perhapsto a small degree ; but we are aware that

      , persecution , inflicted by the cunning aristocratic power of the time , led the unionists to disunion and sl u m b er , if we may so speak , and thus came the present disunited , unorganised state of the exponents of true noliiical liberty . But , brothers , let us leave the p ' ast with the past , and step in the bright path of the future ; experience it is said makes perfect , and what has been done stands as a guard for our protection , then let us try again ; we can organise , we can unite , if each mind determines upon it , and acts accordingly , in a true and determined spirit , to obtain this union for the establishment of the People's Charter .

      Then , brothers of London , strengthen your localities ; commence your visitings from house to house ; where you tliink of obtaining converts bring them to your balls , and frem among your own bodies , in such localities wherein you may reside ; select real sterling exponents of our principles as your representatives , and send them to the Metropolitan Delegate Council meeting on Sunday , 12 th January , lSol , at three o ' clock , at 26 , Golden-lane , Barbican , and then , by the united efforts of all , we w : Il raise the standard of the People ' s Charter in this crcat metropolis with such firmness and stability that it shall not fall till the wants Of the people are achieved . Hoping those localities that have not sent delegates will do so , I remain , On behalf of the Delegate Council , WlLLtAM ALEXANDER FLETCHER , Little Portland-street , Kes . mt-street , Caven dish-iquare , Dee . 2 o : h , ISoO .

      Mil. O'Connor And The Chartist Movement....

      Mil . O'CONNOR AND THE CHARTIST MOVEMENT . TO TH 8 EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sin , — "Will you permit me to offer a few remarks to your numerous readers , in relation to Chartism , and its great advocate—and may I not add , originator—Feargus O'Connor . With respect to the principles of " Chartism , like all other great principies , they met , for a considerable period , with the bitterest opposition , the most determined persecution , the vilest calumny and misrepresentation . Nearly the whole of the public press of this country is banded together to blacken its advocates , and cry do ^ n , and hunt down Chartism to the death .

      The " pulpit drum ecclesiastic " emitted a profound and continuous roll , a kind of devil ' s t a tto o , under the fistic and lingual operations of the alarmed episcopacy , against the new spirit of liberty abroad ; whilst government espionage , and governmental prosecution , endeavoured to crush out the germ of life from the fair body of Chartism , then infantile in appearance , and somewhat unseemly , from the foul filth with which its enemies had bespattered it , but possessing a giant-like eye , a god-like strength , a germ of truth and immortality , which neither the overflowing muddy waters of falsehood , nor the Marah-like ones of . hatred could extinguish ) nor Die ' devouring fires of raging bigotry and persecution annihilate and destroy . No , gentlemen , Chartism stood the test of persecution , of malign aspersion , of foul imputation , and , like the flower exposed to

      an unclouded and continuous burst of sunshine , its hea d somew ha t d roop ed for a t i me , its petals closed , but its root was unscathed ; the genu of life was intact ; and by the might of its inner life , its divine truth , it up-rose from its down-trod'len position , and presented to the world a stem of greater strength , a flower of sublimer beauty than heretofore , gladdening the rejoicing eyes of its secret worshippers . Aye , and the foul spots that had been cast upon its pearly cups , "flew off fuliginous , " and stained its enemies deeper still ; snail-like they had crawled over the surface of its fair fame , and left their reptile slime behind them , but the ever flowing stream of truth swept away the pollution , or r a ther c a rri ed it ba ck to t he foul a n d unho ly fountain whence it emanated , a n d many of th e worst enemies of Chartism are become its best

      friends , and ablest advocates . The name of Chartist is no longer a bye-word and a scorn , and the principles of Chartism are more or less advocated by every Liberal newspaper throughout the entire kingdom . Amongst its supporters—if not in name , in reality—are to be found some of our best and greatest men within and without the Legislative arena , and the triumph of its principles over factious opposition , governmental p ersecution , general incredulity , and almost universal scorn " , is amply demonstrative of the power of truth to uproot error , right might , good evil , God the devil , and should yet give us hope of a bright millennium in the future , —a political , moral , and social regeneration for our yet unenfranchised , and despoiled , and crushed , and down-trodden world . The history of Chartism is the history of every glorious principle

      which the world has witnessed , scorned , reviled , persecuted , damned , praised , raised , affirmated , and glorified . Through this circle has every great principle , every divine truth , to revolve , from which fact—based on the unswerving testimony of eventful history , till its very utterance may see a platitude—we may gather nerve to endure ' in our advocacy of the same , and hope of an ovation which neither men can prevent , nor the powers of evil retard . Truth must and will ultimately triumph , despite the pretended friendship of its secret foes , or the open attacks of its declared enemies . And as the principles of truth emerge from beneath the heap of rubbish with which their enemies have covered them , the advocates and supporters also share in their triumph , and have reflected on their all-worthy-heads the radiant glory of the ovation which divine ideas receive from the hands of a

      rejoicing world . And so is it with the great originator of Chartism . "Feargus O'Connor—he—the great O'Connor—Whom future ages will delight to honour . Who gave his name , his talent , manhood ' s prime , Hi s hopes , his heart , his money , an d his time , His reputation dearer than his blood , Who g a ve al l these a n d for h i s country ' s good . " He who sowed the seeds of great principles in much tribulation—who watered them with tears of affliction and bitter misery—who toiled early and late , in season and out of season—who bore the angry " winter of discontent" and persecution , the storms of foul abuse and malignant contumely , and the summer blaze of scorching vindictiveness ,

      legal penalty , and shameless and inhuman prosecution ; yes , so it is now with him . For " in the "highest places of the synagogue "—one of the morning papers—the name of O'Connor stands out conspicuously and legibly as worthy of regard . A niche in the temple of fame has been awarded to him , though reluctantly , and his greatest enemies are now compelled to acknowledge that some " good has come out of Nazareth ; " that the great and happy idea of the formation of Land Societies emanated from the fertile and clever brain of Feargus O'Connor , whilst as the advocate of the principles of the Charter , scarcely one of the papers raises its voice against him , and cries , " mew , " or attem pt s to depreciate his great exertions in the cause of the

      people . It is true , a few opposition Free Trade and Land Society journalists still harp away on a string completely threadbare , and which , like unskilful instrumentalists , the y on ly play to please themselves , extracting no music that can please anybody else , because they are jealous of his fame as the originator of the latter , and provoked at his non-advocacy of the former ; but let them trump away ; editors , like everybody else , must have some hobbyhorse to ride ; and , in the name of Heaven , as the jingle they make is move ludicrous than discordant , let them enjoy it to their heart ' s content . Their argumentiiniadabsurduaiabout O'Connor ' si Scheme has been repeatedly answered ; and it is to be hoped that the winding-up of the latter may complete the

      winding-up of the awfully long yarns which , Penelope-like , they have been spinning and unspinning tilltheir heads are like teetotums , much to the confusion and entire botheration of all common sense individuals . In conclusion , sir , I must tell you that once upon a time , believing in the " wise saws " contained in that very ponderous and revered book , yclept— The Wisdom of our Ancestors , I was mightily prejudiced against O'Connor and his Land Scheme , and the principles of the Charter were my utmost abhorrence . And wh y ? B e cause , like many others , I was contented topin my political faith on the sleeve of the old lady—a Tory periodical—for whom I then scribbled . I refused , like too many even now a days , to ex a m i n e bo t h si d es of t h e q ue s ti o n , and

      wrapping myself up in a mantle of darkness , conceit , and ignorance , crept into my mole-hole , and remained there , lest emerging into the blessed sunlight of truth I should be blinded by its g lorious irradiations . Finally , however , an explanation of the principles of Chartism first apprised me of my stupidity . I examined and listened , and read for myself , and the result was , my donkeyfied prejudice left me , my ears grew gradually shorter , my eyes became more enlightened , and I foundultimately . thatwhat I had regarded with horroi' , and scribbled against with ail my mii'ht and main , was by no means the hobgobblin I had imagined , and that Mr . O'Connor himself was

      not in evcrv deed the Ram Head and Bloody Bones which universal journalism had politely represented him . Well , what could I do , as an honest man , but sign my recantation to the public , and try to amend my error ? My present letter is a part of the redemption price I am paying for the injury which I mav have inflicted on " the Man of the People , —the cause he so worthilyadvocales—and my fellow progressionists generally . Its insertion , therefore , wilfgreatly oblige , b J ° Yours trul y , Thomas Bardel Brindley . Birmingham , December 30 th .

      Progress Of Tue Panama Railroap.—The Pan...

      Progress of tue Panama Railroap . —The Panama Railroad Company are collecting materials and labourers , with a view to commence operations as soon as the drv season sets in ; 400 men , exclusive of officers and engineers , have gone out from the United States , and vessels laden with timber and other materials , are leaving almost daily . No less than twentv-eight sail , comprising vessels of all classes , have left for the general depot of the company st-Kavy Bay ; also six steam pile drivers . These have all gone out since the 1 st of October ; fourteen vessels were loading for this company at one time . The steamer Gorgona sailed on the 5 th ult . for the same destination . She is designed to run on the Chagres river , for the delivery and transportation of materials at various points on the line of the read , as they may be needed . —Aew lork Journal of Commerce .

      Black Doll at Old Store Snors . —Is it "not probable that the black doll was an image of the Virgin sold at the Reformation with a lot of church vestments , and . other " rags of Popery , " as the Puritans called the surplus , and first hung up by some Puritan or Hebrew dealer . —Soles and Queries ,

      Mr. Oconnor At Manchester. A Meeting, An...

      MR . OCONNOR AT MANCHESTER . A meeting , announcing by placard that the unflinching advocate of the people ' s rights , Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., would deliver an address in the People ' s Insti' . ute , Hey wood-street , Ancoats , was held on Sunday , December 29 th , 1850 . On the platform we noticed Feargus O'Connor , W . P . Roberts , and T . Roberts , Esqs . ; also Messrs . Leach , Donovan , Sutton , Clarice , Nttttnll and Dickenson ; on the side of the platform we also noticed G . Mantle . . The chair was occupied by that sterling democrat Jofin Sutton , who opened the meeting in his usual good , . tempered and sensible style ; after which Messrs .-Leach and Donovan made splendid speeches . The Chairman then introduced Mr . O'Connor , who was received with tremendous applause . When the cheering had subsided , Mr . O'Connor made the following remarks : —My friends , I hope and trust that those dissensions which have been lately created

      m your ranks , will be done away with . ( Cheers , ) I am here for that purpose , and also to prepare your minds for the coming struggle . Nothing gives me greater pain than to see antagonism in your order—it makes my blood run cold when I reflect upon it . Itis . iinonthat antagonism the government base their . BCT ^ ngni : ' only think-that no . more than 1 , 800 persons in allEngland thought it worth their while to take part in the election of an executive—about one-twentieth of the electors of the West Riding of Yorkshire . Government will take advantage of our disunion , and will consider they are perfectly justified in refusing our demands ; therefore , I am here amongst you , requesting you to persevere in holding a Conference in Manchester ; and , if elected as a delegate , I will cheerfully sit in that Conference and abide by its decisions , and will visit every large town promulgating those views . I attended last Thursday , evening the executive meeting ; and there Ernest Jones * moved : — " That a

      Conference be held in Manchester , " which I seconded , but it was lost by a majority of five—two voted for it , and seven against it . I never give a single vote , either in the House of Commons or out of iC against my conscience : I would rather beg my bread than give up my principles . My uncle is now in the fifty-second year of his banishment , and he refused wealth and titles rather than abandon his principles . If I had offered me a million a year and all the titles you could heap upon me , I would refuse them , rather than abandon my principles . ( Great cheering . ) I know the men of Manchester have respect forme . ( Cheers . ) Iamgoing to Bradford to-morrow evening , and there I will tell the men of Yorkshire that the men of Manchester are resolved to

      hold a Conference in Manchester , on the 27 th of January next . ( Cheers . ) The men of London arc not as united as the men of Manchester . The latter arc closely connected with , and understand one another . In the opening of Parliament such antagonism will be witnessc ! as was rarely ever seen . Ministers always looked to the Irish members for support . John O'Connell had proposed to hold a Conference in Dublin , before the opening of Parliament . Now Sir Robert Peel is dead , greater contention in parties will be created . If the lickspittles looking for power were Whips for £ 5 , 000 per annum , they would become Tories for £ 5 , 100 per annum . I have advocated your cause upwards of thirty years , and I have often told you , that the press of

      England is your greatest enemy . It this splendid meeting had been called by the Financial Reformers , a host of reporters would have been present , but not a single reporter is hero , and you will never hear it beyond your own ears , except in the Northern Star . ( Cheers . ) In conclusion , let me again implore of yon to persevere in holding your Conference in Manchester . W . P . Roberts , Esq ., tho People ' s Attorney-General , made a neat speech , replete in sound reasoning and good sense , and was loudly applauded . After which Mr . G . Mantle requested to offer a few observations on what had been said that evening . Mr . Mantle protested against tho Manchester Council

      calling a Conference ; he denied their right to do so . ( Confusion in the meeting . ) He ( Mr . Mantle ) had several reasons for so doing . The first ' was , that an Executive had been elected by universal suffrage ; and secondly , that if a Conference was requisite , London was the nlace for holding such Conference , as London was the seat of government , and as the Conference was supposed to counteract the doings of Parliament , which could not be done elsewhere . Allusious had been made to the small number that had voted for an Executive . If the numbers were small , it was five times as many as voted for the Executive in ISil . Ho ( Mr . Mantle ) was one of those who formerly would have turned

      out with his pike or gun , but would not do ao now . He thought the persons who went about lecturing and agitating wore not the wisest of men , but those who staid at home with their wives and families ; and the man who endangered his situation and family comforts , was a fool for so doing . Here Mr . Mantle diverged from the question , and endeavoured to introduce some of the London men ' s names , hut the meeting reminded him of tho question . Another scene of confusion arose , the chairman using great exertions on behalf of Mr . Mantle , who proposed a resolution to the following effect : — " That it was notexpedient that a Conference should be held in Manchester . " Mr . Edward Houson seconded the proposition .

      Mr . James Leach rose to reply amidst loud applause . He was sorry to say that Mr . Mantle and Mr . Houson had misrepresented the Manchester Council . They were well aware the Manchester Council had higher views than quarreling about electing an Executive , or holding a Conferencethey cared not where a Conference was held , ao that it was not held in London . It was the aim of the Manchester Council to place the Chartist agitation in a more healthy position , and they were determined to do so as far as their own locality was concerned . Were they not frequently asked what proof they had that their present system of agitation would ever accomplish the enactment of the People ' s Charter ? Was it not a lamentable fact , that the present system of agitation was ridiculed

      and scoffed at in nearly every workshop ? It is also evident , from what has lately transpired , that the l a st ten y ea r s of f oll y , with all its platform braggadocio , and its private cowardice , was to be reenacted . He could , if ho thought fit , lift the curtain , and give them a peep behind the scene , but he would not . Mr . Mantle talked about majorities and minorities of the ' people ; it was all moonshine . He also talked about being in prison , He ( Mr . Leach ) had been in prison , but who could say that he ever was sent there on his own account —( cheers )—hut through the mad folly of others . ( Cheers . ) He was determined , a s on e o f the Counc il , not to allow such conduct for the future , and would propose an amendment- " That this meeting negative Mr . Mantle ' s motion . "

      Mr . Donovan seconded the amendment , and in support of it he would just observe , that Mr . Mantle had said that tho Executive was elected by eighteen hundred persons ; whereas , the last time Mr . O'Connor was in this hall , a public meeting of nearly three thousand persons had voted for holding a Conference in Manchester , and pledged themselves to support the same . ( Cheers . ) The Chairman was goins ; to put the motion to the meeting , when he was interrupted by Mr . Mantle , who was determined to reply , which caused another uproar ; a stout man on the platform caught hold of Mr . Mantle , and was about taking him from the platform , when Mr . O'Connor manfully rescued Mr . Mantle , and kept him covered with his body from

      the attacks of others , while Mr . Roberts was engaged in keeping off others . We noticed one man m p a rticul a r who leaped out of the body of the h a l l on to the plat f orm , and who Mr . O'Connor kept at bay , still holding Mr . Mantle by his side . Silence being restored , the Chairman put Mr . Leach ' s a men d m e nt , which was carried by a forest of hands and acclamation . The : Chairman then put Mr . Mantle ' s reso l ution , when six hands were held up for it . Mr . Leack then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr . O'Connor for his presence , which was seconded by Mr . Dickenson , who said , if ever a man deserved the gratitude of the working classes of England Mr . O'Connor was the man . He ( Mr . O'Connor ) had sacrificed famil y c onnex i on , wealth , and profession , to promote the interest of the working classes—he

      had made sacrifices which no man ever made before ; and he asked would the working classes see their best friend sacrificed—would they allow him to do a nation ' s work , and pay its expenses ? Mr . O'Connor was onl y on e m a n , they were many , and by a little exertion on their part they would rescue him fiom the sharks of the law . He ( Mr . Dickenson ) knew little of the dispute about the Conference , but what he had heard that night he most cordially approved of ; he had long seen the necessity of » renewed system of agitation . When Mr . O'Connor first came amongst them how did he find them ? He had to meet about a dozen persons in a cocklofthow different now . If he had staid at home they would not have had such a large assembly of persons here to-day . If he hail not started the Nortlicrn . Star—( cheers)—the people of Yorkshire and Lancashire would have been ig norant of each

      Mr. Oconnor At Manchester. A Meeting, An...

      others proceedings , and would not have had the star light to guidVthcm in die political wilderness . ( Great cheering . ) Mr . Hiekenson concluded by seconding tke resolution , which was unanimously adopted . Mr . O'Connor having replied , proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman , not only for his impartial conduct that evening , but for liis general good conduct in tho agitation of Chartism . lie ( My . O'Connor ) had known him many years : i » o , and had always found him consistent , and at his post . Mr . Hexrv Nuttall seconded the vote , which was carried unanimously , * Wo think this must bo an error of tho reporter , but we arc not in possession of the information requisite for an authoritative correction . —Ed . N . S

      The Manchester Conference. On Monday Eve...

      THE MANCHESTER CONFERENCE . On Monday evening tho weekly meeting of the council took place in tho large ante-room of the People ' s Institute . After transacting local business the following resolutions wore unanimously adopted : — " That the election of delegates to the Manchester Conference commence on Monday , January 6 th ; ISoI , and remain open till tho day of its meeting , to suit the convenience of the district . " " That all towns in Great Britain , with a population of one hundred thousand persons , be requested to send two delegates , those of more , in the same

      proportion , and those of less to send one . " " That all co-operative societies , numbering one hundred persons , be requested to send one ; and that all political bodies , having for . their object the regeneration of the masses of society , be specially invited to send their representatives , to agree to a general organisation of the democratic body throughout the empire . " " That each delegate be requested to bring with him five shillings , as a guarantee for the expenses of the Conference ; the sura that each shall pay to be regulated according to the number of constituents each delegate represents , "

      ( Signed by the Manchester Council , ) James Leach , Daniel Donovan , Henry Nuttall , William Foster , James Wain wrig lit , Joseph Entwistle , James Moody , Samuel Jones ; John Sutton , Chairman ; Joshua Gutteridce , Financial Secretary ; James Alcock , Corresponding Secretary , 12 , Byroni-strcct , Upper Duke-street , Ilulme , Manchester .

      Festival Of Tub Fraternal Democrats. The...

      FESTIVAL OF TUB FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS . The annual festival was held on Tuesday evening , December 30 th , at the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Fitzroy-squaro . About seven o ' clock a very respectable party sat down to an excellent tea . After the repast was concluded G . J . Harney was called to the chair , and commenced the proceedings by giving a rcsumc . of the business and leading events connected with the Society during the twelve months which had elapsed since their last festival . In European politics they had bu (; little cause for encouragement—nowhere had the people become possessed of those institutions which could alone ensure them prosperity in return for their toil . In England the chief incidents in connexion with their society were the four

      days debate , in the House of Commons , on Lord Palmcrston ' s Foreign Policy ; the chastisement of liaynau by Barclay's draymen , and the liberation of their lately imprisoned brother , Ernest Jones . In reference to the policy of Lord Palmersfcon , the speaker showed the fallacy of his boast , that the rights and liberties of Englishmen had been duly protected abroad , and instanced the case of Mr . Baker , who had edited a publication called the Radical , in Vienna , during the year 1 S 48 , and who had been put to death within twenty-four hours after the heroic Blum , and for whose murder Lord Palmcrston had never demanded satisfaction of the cowardly , butchering , Austrian government . Notwithstanding his professed liberality , Lord Palmcrston was as great iin enemy to true democracy as

      was the Tory Aberdeen . The lyneh-laiv , applied to liaynau by Barclay ' s draymen , and the meetings called by their society to defend the conduct of those men , had drawn down upon them the condemnation of a portion of the press ; but it had attracted public attention to them , and extended their sphere of operation ? . A correspondence had lately taken place between the Austrian and English governments relative to the treatment of Haynau , in which the latter denounced the conduct of his castigators ; but this would weigh but little compared with the approval stamped upon it by the British public . Mr . Harney then dwelt upon the services of Ernest Jones ; apologised for his absence on tho ground of the illness of his wife ; and denounced the conduct of those who were

      endeavouring to injure him in the public estimation . He then reviewed the progress of events in Sehleswig-Holstein , Hesse Cassel , and the larger Germanic States , and denounced , in eloquent terms , the slavish doctrine of non-intervention , which was only adhered to when the people's liberties were endangered , and ever broken when monarchy was threatened . The policy of the Fraternal Democrats was war to all tyrants . The same feeling which actuated an iidividual to assist his fellow-man when menaced with destruction , should actuate a nation to support another nation menaced with political death . He then called upon their continental brethren present to unite with each other , if no question of principle hindered , and show one undivided and gallant front to the unholy alliance of their monarchical and aristocratic opponents , until all Europe resounded with the cry of ' the Republic , Democratic and Social . ( Cheers . )

      Mr . G . J . Holvoake responded to the first sentiment— " The Sovereignty of the People , the Fraternity of Nations , and prosperity to the Society of Fraternal Democrats . " The sentiment of fraternity was a new and hopeful cry amid the language of nations , and promised to be productive of much good ; it was a sign of progress . Mankind had been enemies because they had been taught to consider each other as such . If this doctrine had been carried out , our foreign policy would not have been open to the just animadversion of the last speaker , but would have been founded on the just instincts of a generous people . The agitation lor tho Charter was meant to include in its operation , when accomplished , the majority of the wiale population of the

      United Kingdom . When the principle of fraternity became more familiar to their minds , they would include in their demands the people of the colonies , and would thereby gain an accession of power and sympathy . The colonies , by a few well managed displays of their power , had frightened the government into concessions , and set the people of this country an example they ought not to be slow to follow . Mr . Holyoake then alluded to the dissensions in tho Chartist ranks , which he attributed to a want of a thorough understanding of the principle of Democracy , which caused them to look to men instead of principles for their guidance . The materials for the attainment of liberty were abundant , but thev needed to learn the art of unity , and to have a

      thorough knowledge of the principles of democracy . D . W . Rufft responded to the following : — "Our Democratic brethren of all countries , and the speedy establishment of tho Iiepubliquc Democratiquc et Sociale . " Many of their brethren had sealed their fidelity to the cause of democracy by their death in its defence ; others were lingering in dungeons ; and some few were present in that room exiles from the land they would have died to benefit , probably leaving their families destitute of those necessaries which nature so bountifully supplied , but which tyrants fattened on , whilst they pined for want . How long was such a deplorable state of things to exist ? How long was the tyrant ' s crown to be gemmed with the tears of a nation , and set with the

      heart ' s blood of the people ? He . trusted the day would soon come when the spirit of fraternity would be widely diffused , and tyranny and oppression for ever cease . The Fraternal Democrats were the pioneers in the grand march of social progression in this country ; their object was to show that the interest of the whole people of the earth was one and undivided ; and he hoped to see the day when the blood shed in defence of that great principle would be so avenged as to give peace to the manes of those who had died for the world ' s good . ( Loud cheers . ) M . Englbs , ( who , with Carl Shapper , attend ed as a deputation from the German Society , ) also

      responded to this sentiment , thanked them in the name of his brethren for their sympathy , and expressed his best wishes for . the prosperity of the English people . He then entered into a long and elaborate statement of the causes of the failures abroad , and the consequent reaction , showing that it equally arose from the i gnorance of the DCOblc uttd the tmehery of their leaders ! Mr . Peiim responded to the next sentiment ,-The Martyrs of Democracy . " It was common to reckon as martyrs only those whose hearts were cold in death—those who had fallen by the tyrant ' s sword , or th e h e adsman ' s axe ; but they had martyrs even more to be pitied than those who > e sufferings and whose breath ceased together—they had martyrs among them who died each day a death of agony ,

      Festival Of Tub Fraternal Democrats. The...

      in knowing that their efforts to benefit their country had ended only in failure , and in increased oppre s s i on , which reaction ever produced . Thev had martyrs bleeding in exile , whose sufferings " were far greater than those whoso death they deplored . They had nations that were martyrs as ' well as individuals ; jforemost among whom was heroic Poland , whose ga'lant sons , oven in exile , were to bo found n §} d \ ns , in liberty ' s ranks . Neither must they forget tho glorious people of France ; though pointed at as the centre of reaction , thoy were not to be blamed for the acts of their legislators . The odium east upon them for overthrowing the liberty of Homo was a nwafor mart vi-flnai to all ,. „ , ^^ Z in knnwincr t . hnf . fhniv nffn »» e tr . i . « ., „ e * n . ~ :

      true and noble heartod'Frenchmen than death or imprisonment ; am ! when the crv of free Italy was again raise . ! , the bauds of Frenchmen would be tho first to raisj the glorious banner , arid relievo themselves from tho stigma their tyrants' had cast upon thi'in . It was their duty to cheer the muuyrs in their exile , and pour " the oil of consolation upon their galling wounds . They hail struggled , not for tho freedom of one nation alone , but for the emancipation of their common humanity . Mr . Collett responded to thoscntimoH oi ' " The Democratic Journals of Europe and America , may Tyra nn y beororthron-n by the LYess , wl . ich it seeks to enslave . " Mr . D . \ V . JIitvy gave the toast of " The Ladies , " and a vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , who ilitlv acknowledged the tamo .

      Dancing and sing'iig then lommeii ' . oil , which was kept up to an early hour , and all kernel to enjoy the festive scene . Deputations from tho German , Hungarian , Ports !) , and other Societies , were i :: atiwidance , and the Apollonic Society , commoted with the Institution , sang mtuty spirited choruses byween tho various sentiments .

      Hi Ijljf ~' The O'Connor, Defence Fund. ...

      HI IJlJf ~' THE O'CONNOR , DEFENCE FUND . 10 VRAItGKS O ' CONNOR , r . S ( J „ M . f . Honourkd axo Respected Sir , —\\ V , the members of the Norwich Charter Association , feel grieved to see tho po .-ition you arc p'ared in through advocating the political and social rights of the people . " Wc also deplore , in common with , you and every well wisher of his country , the political prostration of the groat mas . iofiho people , but , at the same timo , wo are sick of the folly , antagonism , and bickerings which arc taking place in our own order , lr , appears to us to be d » ue for the purpose of carrying on an endless agi ^ tion ; but wo think it would boTmore just and ht ' uniurable to unite ami assist in paying tho debt duo to you , than to be cavilling as to ' who should have tho power

      of calling a Conference , or anything else . ' Sir , while such folly is persevered in , wo trust th I you will consult your own interest , and have net . ii ug to do with u , for such conduct always ends iii persecution and confusion ; and in that ca-o you Would ho the victim . Dear sir , enclosed is a I ' ust Office Order for £ L » , made payable to you- ,-fJl : x !) . l . for the winding-up tho Land Company , and 17 s . ^ J . to assist you in paying the law expense ? . We trust you will not again enter into any of the Engli-n Law Courts , as you will never get justice dono . " L- ; t the Press , and your , and our enemies , say wht'tthoy please , our confidence in you remains the same , and wo recognise no other leader . Trusting ih . t you will yet triumph over all your enemies , an -. ; ive to sec your principles carried out , Wo remain ,

      ( Signed on behalf of tho members , ) Conrad Si ' tuxcat ,. St . Martins-at-Oak , Norwich . P . S . —I am instructed by the subscribers of tho above sum to say that they will do all they can to assist you in paying the debt which you have subjected yourself to ; ' but should anything el-u occur through tho folly of any individual , they hoi > o you will have nothing to do with it ( at ]« a » t not- lili you are paid ) , for it is only a lew that will pay for anything , and they say it is a tax upon those who do p > y . C . S .

      To Feargus O'Coxsoll, Esq., M.P. Hosouni...

      TO FEARGUS O'COXSOll , ESQ ., M . P . Hosouniio Sin , —At a meeting of the South Shields branch of the National Land Company , held on the 31 st of December , it was resolved : — " That seeing the backwardness of the majority of tho members to contribute towards the winding-up of the Company , that a Loan Hook be ope / Tod , to afford those who are inclined to advance small sums to assist you in winding-up the Company , such loans to be refunded fruitfUic first available money belonging to the Company . Will you , th reforc , btt so goort as to stato in this week's Star , if you approve of this plan , and if you promise to see it carried out . I am , Dear Sir , Yours sincerely , William O'ilfilun . 27 , Queen-street , South Shit-Ids . [ I highly approve of the plan , and will see i " , carried out . —Feaiicus O'Connou . ] i ¦¦ . tj'g . zarjuKM'i-. —* .-. — .

      To The Men Ov Manchester And The Manches...

      TO THE MEN OV MANCHESTER AND THE MANCHESTER COUNCIL . I beg most respectfully to acquaint the men of Manchester , and I hereby inform the Manchester Council , that in reply to the pcr .-onal attack of the latter body , as contained in the Star o ! Saturday last , I shall attend at the People ' s Institute , lieyrod-stroet , Manchester , on Sunday evening next , at ltiue o ' clock ; that being the earliest train ( after noon ) by which I can reach Manchester from J'orkshirc . I therefore request those who have assailed me to make the necessary arrangements , ami challenge every one to step forward , who has any thing to advance against me . Ep . nest . Tones , Bardwickc Lodge , 2 nd Jan ., 1 S-51 .

      Christmas At O'Connorville. On Thursday,...

      CHRISTMAS AT O'CONNORVILLE . On Thursday , December 20 th , the whole of tho allottees , with their wives and families , met together at the School-room , and partook of tea and other refreshments . After tho repast Mr . II . Ratclift ' c was called to the chair , and the following sentiments were spoken to by Messrs . T . M . Wheeler , G . Wheeler , Griffith " . Sturgeon , and Paris :- " The People's Charter ; " " F . " O'Connor , Esq ., the People ' s Champion ; " " Kossuth , Mazzini , and the Democrats cf all nations ; " " the Northern Star and the Democratic Press generally ; " " tho Land Plan" and "the Ladies . " The following address was then moved by Mr . Sturgeon , sci-onded by T . M . Wheeler , and unanimously adopted by tho meeting , who , in proof of their earnestness , tittered into a subscription , which realised tho sum of £ 1 Is . Sd , this beitig the second time thoy have liberally subscribed for this o ! ject . " TO FKAROUS O ' CONNOR , ESQ .. M . P .

      " Respected Sir , —We , the allottees of O'Connoiville , in public meeting assembled , hereby express our indignation at tho unjust decision given against you , in the case of Bradshaw , tf Nottingham , and assure yon , that however you may bo abandoned by those whose duty and interest it , is to render you support and encouragement to bear up under this system of unjust persecution , that wc , who are in a more special manner interested in this great undertaking , will never follow their example , but will endeavour , by precept and practice , to assist our true-hearted brethren in t > eir endeavours to remedy , by national support , that injustice which tho ruling powers have been long endeavouring to inflict upon you . Through a long life it has been

      your constant endeavour to improve tho condition of the labouring people of this empire , and though every obstacle has been thrown in : he way , yet enough has boon done to prove that if you had been properly assisted , the people of this country would have been placed in a far higher position titan that which they now occupy , and honour , as well as justice , demands that such a man should not bo allowed to fall beneath the tyranny of a vindictive government , aided and assisted by an unsrratcftil people . That such may not bo the result " is the earnest wish of your fellow-labourers in tho cause of human emancipation . " Henry Ratcliffe , Chairman . " " December 20 th , 1850 . "

      At the conclusion of the meeting a vote or thanks was given to the Chairman , and a round cf cheers for Mr . O'Connor . Dancing , singing , and other Christmas amusements wore then heartily indulged in until an early hour of tho morning , when all retired to their homes , conscious of having perfo rmed a p leasing duty .

      National Reform League. At A Council Mee...

      NATIONAL REFORM LEAGUE . At a Council meeting of this body on Monday evening last , some gratifying proof ' s of the spread of Social Reform principles wore brought to its notice . A forthcoming monthly periodical , The English Republic , edited by Mr . W . J . Linton , would embrace , it was stated , most of the views of the League , and a vote of support was therefore passed in its favour . The address of the new Executive Committee of the National Charter

      Association was discussed ; and much satisfaction was expressed at that portion of it which emphatically urged tho necessity of tho people being instructed in their social rights , in order to ensure their taking permanent interest in any political agitation for the Charter : a resolution was unanimously agreed to , recommending the members of the League to co-operate with tile Executive Commit ; \ : i ; J w ;; it . all other bodies advocating similar v-. r-, ; n unpractical measures that may be adojitc' lo i i-i '" . ' ) v .-gating such information among tho pec pie .

      Fire at the Puiiyisiis es Mn . Hia > ' ! . ! . -- '" i Thursday morning a lire broke out in - .. ; .. preai ! - •„ •* tho property of Mr . Jacob Bell , the i-w ! y :,. ;¦ . •;" member for St . Alkm's . Fortunately i ' . ' x ;¦ .- ' ;' ¦ u : > of Mr . Hell is nearly half a mile away , : ' . v ; i ., escaped anv injury . ' There being no wy ,-. \ ¦ ¦ . " , the firemen were obliged to stand and s .,-, ' ,. ¦ k mises burnt . The tiro is thought to bt , . e - •• . * an incendiary ,

      I J 1v Vs

      I 1 V Vs

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 4, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_04011851/page/1/