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Northern Star (1837-1852), 4th January 1851, Edition 2 of 3, Page 4

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    • Tli ii GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE.— V:l- I'ir. -i . ViKi'i*-:- ol" -Ji» GSSTLIXIASS XAC&-
    • NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS.
    • 9onratts of Itatnofo
    • So tforrroponottue
    • fflE I0BTHE1H STAR SATUaaAY, JANUARY 4, 8S51.
  • Adverts (9)
  • Text (15)
  • Transcript

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      Whole Le To Such As This It Is Understoo...

      January 4 , 1851 : THE NORTHERN STAR , ^ ¦¦» - "* .. M i . n —^ «——> i ^—¦————m—ii , . i i i ll

      Tli Ii Gentleman's Magazine.— V:L- I'Ir. -I . Viki'i*-:- Ol" -Ji» Gsstlixiass Xac&-

      Tli ii GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE . — V : l- I'ir . -i . ViKi'i * -:- ol" -Ji » GSSTLIXIASS XAC & -

      Ad00413

      ZIXEi ' -jr : - .-Mi 3 unltcin * fcttI with z Ywwav of rt « late Thorn :- * Ainjnt . Esq .. Trta ? nlrr i > f tl : e goc ' icty of Antiquaries , : ifi"iin « :. ! i ! i < J wish miuioir ? written by two ul liis most siitv ? . aie fritr . os . A serwul ]< -: lte njTt-tats avery lik-iih o :- ! i ; r . ii « -intd lloinmi Sword ivociit ' y »! is «« vercunear > i . - « ye : sw . Tiiii number aUo iviitt : » 5 ns Tin : isr . aty ov XtLL Gwyn , C ! i-i > ter 1 . by lVtcr Cuuniii' / avin , K * j ., F . S . A ., bciii ? 5 ; . l- coimiU'iiceinent 01 an urijai-al Work , which will be o ! i :::: u-. d i *• riudicallv i « the -Masaane . Also , Mnom other ar-U-ies . The ir . ij . ulMisheil Diary if John first Kail < f "Egni-. tut . l'aitlll . ; FaiiudMi and Owen , the liivints 01 ' tlie Citv . - « 5 iiTj :: ; dJt < rtnidlittMl ;> "ot- « of an Ant 5 <] narian Tour on th . iU := ne , by C . K >> : ; eii Snrth . Esij ., F . S . A . ; Milton and the Auaui" Caduto of Salandra ; the Itarims of London and tlie Cia . ]!! - ? i ' oiis ; Ellisy of a NV . nrv { wiih an engraving ) , ic , « Vc l « -views of Miss Strickland ' s Lives ol the Queens of Scotland ; Vols . V . and VI . uf Soi . thej ' s Life : itc , » Vc . IVitl ; Literary and Antinnarian Intelligence ; Historical Chruidi'le ; aud Obituary , iucliuliii ~ Memoirs oi the MarchioiH-is CmnwalHs . Lord Xusent . ill . Hon . Sir tV . 1 L I ' rtnsar . tK-, Mr . llaiJiatl , Mrs . ISell Mania , & e . & e .

      Ad00414

      - NATIONAL CHA 11 TEK ASSOCIATION . Ollice , 14 , Southampton street Strand . rFHE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE X lii-rciiv announce tlie foliom ' ns meetings : — _ On Sua . 'Iav Evening next at the Hock Tavern , Lisson-« reve—l'rincess lloval , Circas-s : reet , Marj lebone—King juid Queen , Folev-street , rorUand-v lacv-l . nc » avers Ana > . Toiibridge-street , >' fcw-roud- « . " r . mn and Anchor , Cfcesliuv-3 - . ree :, Waterloo Town—filobe and . ne . ids . Morpiii-sneet . Coninicrciji ruad-cast—and iew bastern Literary and Scientific Institution , Morj . eth-street , Greenstreet . JeUinal tin-en . On the same evening the late Whittinstoii and tat Localitywi ! iinffc : inthe ! . ir ? eroninat the Woodman Tavern , "White-street , Waterloo ' Town , ( where fcr the future this localiiv wiil meet . ) O'uiii-sriaie ereainj Mr . l ' ronterra O'Urien will commence a curse 0 / b-etures at the City Hall , £ « , CoMenliise . 11 ti-Hcati . on ' Universal Suffrage , Currency , Capital , and Exchange . *

      Ad00415

      It HE LONDON CO-OPERATIVE STOUES are now opened at 7 « , Cuszlotte Sthelt , Firznor S < jr . tsE , In coun ' .-sion with the Society for Promoting Working JJcii ' s AsseciaUons . I . —OKKCT OF THE Storis . To enable members of the above-tiamcd Association , and Other isersons who may desire it . to obtain articles , ot daily u = e veifcclly frte from adulteration , of the best quality , and the lowest char £ t % after defraying the necessary exiiense of management , distribution , and providing for a reserve fund . Co-oi & 'i-attvc stores have been established with much success in different jarts of the kingdom . Tlie benefit to the subscribers may be judged of from the fact that the subsrribi-rs to the Pioneer -Store in Uochdale , divided 111 the last year & UU after payment of all exj'ens ^ s . although the goods were charged considerably below die ordin . iry 1 ' rice . 2 . —Omxation's or the Stores . Wherever practicable , orders trill be taken at the houses of customers , and goods will in all cases be \ i omjitly and car-ifallv delivered .

      Ad00416

      TO TA 1 LOKS . Bv approbation of Her MaiesUi , Queen Mctoria , and 1 L Fl . H . Prince Albert .

      Ad00417

      RUrriTiES EFFECTUALLY CUKED WITHOUT A ThUSSM DR . BARKER still continues to supply Hie aitlu-ted with the celebrated remedy for every variety of Single or Double Uupture , tlm efiieacy of winch , iu many thousands of cases , is too well known to need comment , li is applicable alike to male or &<>> a ! e of any age . perfectly free Jront dangers causes no pain , inconveniemv , or * confinement , and will be -ent free by post , with instructions , it-., on receipt of 7 s . iu 3 Wi ; 'ge stam- s , or a Post-ofiice . pavable at tlie General Post-otHce . Address , ALFUE * DBAUKEK , M . D .. 4 S , Livcrjiool-street , King ' s-cross , London . At home for consultation daily , from 1 « till 1 , and 4 till S ( Sunday excepie 1 . ) A great number of trusses have been L-f ; br-hinil by parsons cuiei , a « trophies of the immense success of this remedy , which Ur . « . will be happy to give to any reijuirin : ; them after a trial of it .

      Several Colliers From Kilmarnock Have Be...

      Several colliers from Kilmarnock have been hired by the "Hudson ' s Bav Company , to proceed to Vancouver ' s Island , in order to work the coal mines .

      Ad00418

      ¦ r ETTEUS TO TUE HIERARCHIES , Jj By Robert Owes . Also to Bichahd Cobdzs , E-q ., M . P ., with observations ou the means to well-place , well-employ , and well-educate the population ; and other interesting matter , in UUll OWSS'S JOURNAL , >* o . IX . contains LETTEKS TO THE CHARTISTS , AND TO THE CABI-N'ET MINISTERS . So . XI . will he published next Saturday . Tart II ., price id ., is now ready . Published wceklv bv Clayton , 205 , Strand ; and Watson , Queen ' s Head Passage , Paternoster Row . Price , Id ., and in Monthly Parts , U .

      Ad00419

      ENLARGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR . The First Xumber of the New Series or " THE NATIONIL INSTRUCTOR " Is now ready . SIXTEEN LARGE ROYAL OCTAVO PAGE , Price One Penny . IT 13 THE ADVOCATE 0 ? POLITICAL , SOCIAL , AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS . IT CO . VIiI . VS A WKEKIiY " LAKOrii RECORD . The Autobiography of Feargus O'Connor , Esq .., M . P :, Original Articles on Social anil Political Questions . Tales : Reviews : Poetry : Gleanings , & c .

      Ad00420

      CANTERBURY versus ROM E , TWO lectores , BY ERNEST JONES , Of the Middle Temple , Banister-at-law . Nowpuhlishing in four weekly numbers , price tivopence . No 1 , mil be published on Saturday , thelSth inst . Contents . —What is really the teaching of Christ f—How has he been obeyed ?—llow did the church perish ? —The fire taints exemplified : ambition , avarice , usury , insanity , blasphemy . The Vm'M . Cuukch of Exolakd . —British—Saxon—Norman—Anglican—Old Coifi—The Devil ' s inesseuaer—Church piracy—How the Charter was got , and what it was worth . —The Lollards—r ' ichetfields—The fiery pit—The price of wood—Luther's letter—The church property —Did the church help science , freedom , or learning ?—Papist and state churchmen , Dissenters and democrats . Published by Mr . Dipple , Holywell-street , Strand , London . ERNEST JONES

      Ad00421

      OPEXING OF A NEW PEOPLE ' S INSTITUTION . A PUBLIC MEETING of the Friends of A NATIONAL REFORM will take place on Tcesdav , the 7 th Instant , at tlie Eclectic Institute . 17 a , Denui iiktreet , Soho , at Eight o'clock in the Evening , ou ihe occasion of opening this new Institution . Mr . J . 15 . O'Brien will preside ; and Messrs . Hart , Ernest Jones , Ellis , Leuo , and other friends of the Working Classes , will address the audience on the objects of the Institute , and on the duties of the people in respect of the new year , and the approaching Session of Parliament . Admission , 2 d . each , to defray expenses . N . B Lectures , in future , every Sunday and Friday Evenings , at Eight

      Notice To Subscribers.

      NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS .

      Now Ready For Delivery With The Northern...

      Now ready for delivery with the Northern Star , authentic , highly finished , and heautiful STEEL ENBRAVINGS , UPWARDS OF TM FEET LONG , From the contractors' ( Fox and Henderson ' s ) own Drawing of the Interior and Exterior of THE CRYSTAL PALACE : OR

      GREAT BUILDING IN HYDE PARK FOIl The Grand Industrial Exhibition of 1851 . No expense has been spared in obtaining a correct and finished Engraving of this GIGANTIC UJI 3 ER-TAKING , And we feel assured our Subscribers will adrait , on seeing impressions , that the Plates are only secoud to the Buildiug itself in their

      extraordinary novelty aud dimensions . Price of Prints Gd . ; Proofi Is . each . Post Office orders for the number required , must be forwarded by the Agents to William Eider , at tbe Northern Star Ofiice , Great Windmill Street ; or to Mr . Pavey , Holywell-street , Strand ; or they may be obtained through their respective London Booksellers . The usual allowance to the trade .

      9onratts Of Itatnofo

      9 onratts of Itatnofo

      The Readers Of The "Northern Star," And ...

      The readers of the "Northern Star , " and the Democratic part y generally , are informed , that there is now a re-issue of the various Steel engravings lately distributed with the " Northern Star . " They consist of Kossuth , Meagher , Louis Blanc , Mitch el , Esxest Joxes , Smith O'Brie . v , Richaud Oastler , John Frost . These Engravings have excited the admiration of every one who has seen them . They are faithful portraits , and are executed in the most brilliant style . Price Fourpence each .

      There has also been a reprint of the undermentioned portraits , which have been given away at different times with the "Northern Star , " and which are striking likenesses , and executed in the most brilliant manner—Andrew Marvel , William Cobbett , Arthur O'Cossor , Henry LIcxt , Patrick O'Higgixs , F . O'Cosxor , Broxterre O'Uriex , W . P . Roberts . J . 11 . Stephens ,

      There is also a re-issue of the two large prints , " THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OP 1 S 39 . " THE PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL PETITION , by Mr . BUNCOMBE , in 1342 . " To be had of J . Pavey , Holywell-street .

      <

      Extensive Fire At Cumsor, Berks.—On Tues...

      Extensive Fire at Cumsor , Berks . —On Tuesday a fire , supposed to be the act of an incendiary , broke out on Lower Whitley Fai-m , ia tbe parish of Cumnor , the property of Lord Abingdon , occupied by Mr . Haines , and consumed three large wheat ricks , a hay rick , a stack of straw , a barn with its contents , about thirty quarters of beans , and another barn filled with wheat straw . Mr . Haines is fully insured . Th ' s is the third fire , supposed to be the act of an incendiary , that has taken place in the neighbourhood of Abingdon within the last month . " The two previous happened on a farm at Kingston Bagpuize , tenanted by Mr . Broofca , who was also fully covered from loss by insurance . The fire of Tuesday night raged so furiously , and the flames reached to such a height from the strong wind that prevailed , that it could he seen at the distance of ten miles . At present there is no clue to the perpetrators of these cowardly offences .

      The Dresden Conference . — The Daily News of Friday publishes the following significant hint from its correspondent : —«« The whole of Germany is indifferent as to the Conference at Dresden . * The immense majority savs : — 'We know beforehand what is in store for us at Dresden-that a 11 traces of the revolution of 1 S 4 S will ha effaced by them , and the new police laws will be let loose on the German people , a more compact central power be established , and that win be all . Let inatters go on , our turn will coiae , and then we hall have onr revenge . ' " A Word for Mr . Bennett . —Whatever we may say about the conduct of Mr . St . Barnabas Bennett , there is , at any rate , no doubt that he is adverse to the display of one , very great virtue—resignation . — Punch .

      So Tforrroponottue

      So tforrroponottue

      Xottisgtiam.—J. Sweet Acknowledges The R...

      XoTTisGtiAM . —J . Sweet acknowledges the receipt of the following sums { sent herewith ) , rizi-FoR Honesty Fcsd—Messrs . Bulter ls-Brooks Is—Ilcnaon ls-Hudson -id-W . Clarksen ls-Mrs . Perkins Id-Seven Stars 10 s Macsamaba's Actios . —Mr . J . wall od . Winding-up Fusd . —Messrs . W . Clarkson Is-J . Thurm . au 6 d-S . Gregory Gd-W . Gouldcrls-Chipindale Is K . Whitley Is—Francis Swan ls-, lohn Jacques Ud . Kefcgee Fund . — From tho Alderman Wood - ' s lUd . Second Collection fob Honestv Fund from the allottees of O'Coiiuorville .-Mrs . Dimmock fid-Mrs . Gambell lid —Mrs . Howe Is—Mrs . A : Bradford Gd—Mrs . Ford Gd—Mrs . Mead Gd—Mrs . Merrick Gd -Mrs . Harnett Gd—Mrs . HeatonM—Mrs . Smith 6 d . —Messrs . H . Avison ls-S . Blackbrough ls-li . Smith Is-Batts ls-T . Sturgeon Is —11 . Wolstenholme Is—W . Dimmock Gd-W . Gambell Gd-J . II ., Bradford Gd-T . Heaton Gd-T . Bailey H-l \ Ford Gd—J . Barnett ls-T . Mend Gd—M . Fitzsimon

      GdMartin Grfliths Gd—E . Whitmore sen ls-G . Wlutmore ls-S . Cole Cd-G . W . Wheeler Gi—Small sums Is . Ehxest Jones ' s Lectures . —We learn that Mr . Jones , in compliance with a general request , intends publishing his two lectures entitled " Canterbury versus Borne , " in four weekly numbers , as soon as he has ascertained that he will have readers enough to cover the expense . He is therefore , desirous that all localities or individuals in . tending to have the lectures , will write to him to that effect , stating the number of copies required . Seeing the torrent of invective and folly that is poured forth on occasion of this "Papal aggression , " it is hig hly necessary the people should learn what they hare to thank the Established Church for , aud what they have to expect at its hands . These lectures draw the veil asule , and expose the huge deception . They come most opportunely as an antidote to the vertigo that is throwing the people once more towards the arms of a grasping and

      designing priestcraft . They unveil the whole history of our church , and give an exposure of its sins , its dupli city , its income , and its frauds , such as has not often been concentrated in one focus . Mr . Jones ' s address is llardivieke Lodge , Moscow-road , Bayswatcr , London . Eiuutum . —The 3 s . Gd . announced in the last weok s 'Stab' from Messrs . Biookcr and Pafnam , Pottery Field , Leeds , for the Refugees , was intended for the Honesty Fund . S . II . H .-Write to Mr . P . M'Grath , Hi , High Holborn , London . Mr G . Wilson , Alloa . —lleceived . Petebloo . —Received 0 s . Sd . Mr . J . Dim , Blue Quarries , Newcastle . —It is impossible for us to publish the names contained in every list . Tiios . C . Ingram , Abeboavenhv , begs to acknowledge as below ( sent herewith . )—HonestvFund—C . Beams' . ' sGd ; T . C Ingram 2 sGd ; lt . Thomas Gd ; J . Folks Gd ;—Polish and Hungarian Refugees—W . Griffiths , Abergavenny , Gd ; Tolio Lewy Gd ; L . Berkley , Boss , Is ; J . Williams , Newcastle , Is .

      Polish and Hunoarian kefbgee Fvsd . —Collected at the City locality , Golden-lane 4 s 4 d ; Blyth , Burdge and Baughan 7 d ; Friends of democracy , Oriental Hotel , Southampton , £ U Tlie committee meet till further notice , at 50 , Golden-lane , every Tuesday evening , at nine o ' clock , aud at the Crown and Anchor every Saturday evening . Thomas Ferguson secretary , 3 , Gays-build iiigs , Elizabeth-street , Hackney-road . J . G . —As the time for holding a Conference is near at hand , and as the question has licen so fully discussed , ive must decline the insertion of all further communications on the suhject . Joseph Pickles , Greenock , expresses his sympathy for Mr . O'Connor on the decision of the judges in the late libel case , and having sent a subscription for the Defence Fund , advises him in future to avoid all courts of law . As an eight , 'Four acre shareholder' he says that if all the members of the Company had been of his opinion , and had acted up to the rules , there would have been no need of govermental interference . J . Hewitt , Long Buckley , should write to Mr . Mechi for the information required .

      Ffle I0bthe1h Star Satuaaay, January 4, 8s51.

      fflE I 0 BTHE 1 H STAR SATUaaAY , JANUARY 4 , 8 S 51 .

      Eighteen Hundred And Fiftr. If The Year ...

      EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTr . If the year which , has just closed is remembered at all iu history , it will be ou account of its pre-eminent dulnoss . It was the antipodes of 1848 . Iu that year the nations of Europe woke up into vigorous political action ; in 1850 they wont to sleep ; the political pendulum swung to tho other extreme . The ceaseless , insidious , and stealthy conspiracies and encroachments of the despots , who are forging new chains for Europe , has met with no resistance worthy of the name . Deep slumber has fallen upon the people .

      Chartism is not the only public movement which has exhibited languor and apathy during 1850 . Every other question of Reform—Social , Education , or Financial—lias been marked by the same characteristics . There was no " getting the steam up . " The Protectionists became dumb . The Financial Reformers dozed over their figures . The voices of Sir Joshua Walmsley and his co-agitators for the " little Charter , " died into silence . Public agitation of all lauds was awfully uphill work , aud disheartened every one who engaged in it . John Bull was not in tho humour . He wanted to be " let alone , '' and did not care a pin how much his pockets were picked , provided it was done quietly .

      There was , and is , no want of real grievances requiring redress—of real abuses requiring to be removed . Six out of every seven adult males are excluded from participation in political rights , and endure all the consequences of political inferiority . They are plundered , in a thousand indirect forms , of the fruits of their industry , without having the power to resist the plunderers . In the midst of apparent freedom , they are really slaves . In the House of Representatives there is no representation of Labour . Capital speaks for itself in every shape . Land , Funds , Shares of every kind—Mills , Warehouses , Shops—all , have voices iu Parliament , but the working

      man has none . When , occasionally , the one or two members who understand his wants , and sympathise with his views , give utterance to them in the so-called Council of the Nation , they are either listened to with contemptuous indifference , or cut short by insolentand impatient contumely . The House of Commons , that sits patiently for half a dozen hours three or four ni ghts to discuss trumpery matters of detail , affecting monied interests , cut short , in ten or fifteen minutes , a debate on the People ' s Charter . There was no end of legislation for the benefit of capitalists . The introduction of a bill for improving the condition of Labour was scouted as Communistic , Red Republican , and subversive oi all the best interests of

      society—iu short , the wolves legislated for the sheep , aud took good care there should be no impediments in the way of devouring them . But the masses , who know all this , have been as supine and indifferent during the past year , as if the political atmosphere had been surcharged with chloroform . They left to a few men of principle the arduous task of keeping alive the embers of public spirit , which escaped extinguishing iu the midst of this dreary aud deplorable apathy , far more fatal to the cause of popular liberty than the fiercest persecution . Parliamentary Reform has nothing to thank 1850 for .

      Neither has Financial Reform . The Whi g Chancellor of the Exchequer found himself in the strange aud unwonted position of having a- surplus ; aud , being ignorant what use to make of the money , ho managed to squander it in a way which did the least possible good to anybody . The Economists in Parliament had no heart in their work . They allowed themselves to be beaten , when the

      slightest spirit and determination would have insured victory ; and , out of doors , they allowed matters to sink into drowsy inertness . Yet in this department , too , all , or nearly all , the abuses which drew forth the tracts of the Liverpool Association , aud gathered together largo public meetings , yet remain untouched . The infamous window tax yet shuts out light and air from the dwellings of the industrious classes . The income tax

      continues its unjust and unequal pressure on poor clerks , and others who are caught within its net ; while owners of real estates , shopkeepers , and tradesmen , whose actual profits cannot be ascertained , escape with a far smaller per centage on the real value of their income and its sources . Heavy taxes on tea , tobacco , ami malt , limit the consumption of these articles in the households of the labouring classes ; taxes on paper and newspapers create an artificial aud injurious monopoly in favour of the capitalist , aud prevent the diffusion of knowledge . We knew all this , and more , in 1850—but did nothing for the lightening of those burdens—nothing for the more equal distribution of taxation iu proportion to the means of the various classes of society .

      Educational Reform was equall y unfortunate iu 1850 . As Dickens , in his" Household Words , " truly reminds us , we are in Educational matters , on a par with Spain , Portugal , South Italy , Turkey , and Russia . In other words , we rank with the most ignorant and

      Eighteen Hundred And Fiftr. If The Year ...

      degraded nations , iu the amount and nature of the public provision made for Education . Every other country pretending to be civilised , has recognised the importance of Education , and the duty of the State , in its corporate capacity , to provide the means for instructing the young iu such a manner as to enable them to grow up useful and good citizens . We are too fond of " liberty , " to impose any such restraints upon our untutored young barbarians j they are left to the glorious freedoin of the guttersor the almost worse fate of being

      , crimped by sectarian fanatics , and having the errors of superstition added to the darkness of ignorance . Year after year workhouses , lunatic asylums , and jails , multiply and expand , in order to provide accommodation for the augmenting stream of poverty , madness , and crime , which flows from this poisonous fountain ; yet we , who do not grudge millions spent in buildiug useless ships of war , and then knocking them to pieces again , cannot afford tbe price of a single frigate yearly , for the purpose of Educating the people !

      On one subject only was any excitement manifested in 1850 . A very fat priest presented himself among us with a red hat , rather largo in the brim , a red cloak , and purple stockings ; forthwith John Bull was roused to a state of fury , almost bordering on madness . That the people should be excluded from their own House of Parliamentthat those who usurped the functions of representatives should levy unjust , oppressive ,

      aud unequal taxes , aud spend them for the benefit of the privileged classes—that the masses of the rising generation should be left either to grow up in savage ignorance , or to acquire erroneous and superstitious ideas , almost more adverse to their well-being than ignorance itself—all this mattered not : John Bull was quite content to bear it all ; but a red hat on a fat priest was too much for him ; and so for the last two or three months of

      1850 , he spent his energies in frantic bellowings about " Papal aggression . " We repeat , that as far as actual improvements are concerned , we owe nothing to 1850 . Abroad , the retrospect is equally unsatisfactory . France groans under a terrible reaction . With a Republican form of G overnment , it is subject to a despotism as rigorous as that exercised by the Czar over the serfs of

      Russia . Liberty of speech , writing , and action are nearly as little known or respected in the one case as the other . The leading men are engaged in ceaseless intrigues and squabbles , for the retention or attainment of powerthe liberty and welfare of the people at large is their last thought . A tyrannical and insolent majority makes popular representation a mockery and a sham .

      Iu Germany , Russia , through the instrumentality of its bond-slave , bankrupt Austria , has gradually woven a net of despotism , which threatens to enmesh the whole of the states of the empire . The barriers which have heretofore interposed between Western Europe and its barbarian hordes are thus being craftily and insidiously removed ; and the time approaches for the fulfilment of Napoleon ' s prediction at St . Helen a : — " In fifty years Europe will become either Cossack or Republican . " At present the odds are in favour of

      " Cossack . " The nephew of the prophet , the nominal head of a Republic , is Cossack in his sympathies aud policy ; and tho political tricksters , intrigues , and adventurers by whom he is surrounded , however they may hate or oppose him , are equally reactionist and despotic . Prussia , tho natural leader of German Constitutionalism , has betrayed the cause , and basely ^ negotiated terms with the Autocrat , the object of which is to give added power to the dynasty of Hoheuzottern at tho cost of the li berties of the people .

      The moderate , constitutional , and brave people of Hesse Cassel , have already been crushed by the iron hoof of armed tyranny , and the policy of Russia appears as though it would speedily be triumphant in Holstein—Italy has been restored to the dominion of the priests—the press is silenced—liberty strangled— " order , " as understood hy tyrants , priests , and generals , is in the ascendancy . 1850 has indeed done little for the people anywhere . The darkest hour , it is said , is near the

      dawn . May it prove so in this instance . In the year upon which we have just entered , may we witness the revival of public spirit and vitality at home aud abroad . The seeds of a sound opinion ou all the questions we have alluded to , have been widely sown ; we trust , that under the influences of the coming year , they will spring up into a rich harvest of public good—and that 1851 will prove what we now cordially wish to all our readers— A HAPPY NEW YEAR !

      The Chartist Movement, The New Executive...

      THE CHARTIST MOVEMENT , THE NEW EXECUTIVE AND THE MANCHESTER CONFERENCE .

      Thosewhowillclosel yexaminetlieantecedeuts of all organic changes in tho constitution of this country , and analyse tho elements by which they were ultimately hrought about , must come to the conclusion , that no one class of the community can effect such changes . That they must , and do in almost all cases , origiuate with the struggling and suffering masses , is quite certain ; but that they can succeed , unaided by the varied experience , the best qualities , and the avowed support of at least a portion of the other classes , is an assumption as yet unsupported by the facts of our past history .

      One indispensable preliminary to this combination and blending of the varied powers and qualities of the different classes of society is , that tho masses shall , in the first place , bo thoroughly and universally in earnest . Whenever they are so on any subject , apart altogether from tho power they can exert , they create a species of political magnetism which extends to and affects all the other portions of society . It is before tho irresistible torrent of an all-cmbracinpr aud high-toned popular enthusiasm alone , that the weighty and firmlyconstructed barriers to progress are finally swept away .

      Apply this to the Chartist movement , and it indicates at once what ought to be aimed at by all professing Chartists . In some way or other a national and well organised party must be created . At present it does not exist . No one will pretend that an Executive , for the highest member of which less than two thousand votes were polled , can claim cither national authority or respect . Argue the question as wo may- —turn and twist as we please—there is no getting rid of the fact , that for the Central Executive of the National Charter Association only some eighteen hundred votes could bo mustered in the whole of the nation .

      It any other party was to assume national authority , or claim to be the head of a National Movement , on such a slender basis , there is not a Democrat in the country who would not laugh to scorn such a preposterous assumption . Surel y , then , we may ask Democrats to be consistent aud act upon their own principles . It is quite clear that , at present , the people at large , from some cause or other , do not take any interest in the existing Chartist organisation . We must endeavour to find out what these causes are , and to remove them . It is well known that the working classes of this country are , almost to a man Chartist in principle . How is it that we find them exhibit so lamentable and general an apathy on the subject ?

      That should , to every earnest and honest ad-Yocnteot ' the People ' s Charter , become a paramount question , and one to which immediate attention should be given , It cannot be too frequentl y repeated that the onl y way to induce the ruling classes of this country to make any great , or radical

      The Chartist Movement, The New Executive...

      change , is for tho whole people to present such an united and determined front as to render it dangerous for them longer to resist tho popular demand . The British Constitution is composed of stubborn , but yet elastic materials ; however immoveable it may be when an insufficient force is app lied , it will always give way when the requisite pressure is brought to bear upon it . Mere talk will not do it , The wild and foolish declamation about physical force and violent revolutions , is as mischievous as it is contemptible . Whatever may be the case in other countries , there is with us no need lor having recourse either to barricades , or bloodshed . If ever the necessity for them does arrive , they will be resorted to without previous babble or bluster about pikes , guns , or «_ i . „ J

      blunderbusses . We can understand and sympathise , to a large extent , with the use of such revolutionary weapons in continental countries , because iu them the patriots who struggle for political freedom , are in a position similar to the Californian gold seeker—thoy must work armed , or run the risk of being robbed and murdered . Force begets force ; and where at the outset deliberation , discussion , free speech , and free writing are denied , blows are the . natural , though melancholy alternative . But we have never yet met with an intelligent continental democrat who did not deprecate resort to force in this country . We have what they are endeavouring to obtain as the

      indispensable pro-requisites to self-government . There are ample powers given by the constitution of this country to enable us to form a legal and powerful organisation , forthe purpose of amending whatever is defective in tho constitution itself , or of extending its protection aud its privileges to whatever class is at present excluded from both . If these means have not been , are not now , rightly appreciated and applied , the people have themselves to blame . Either they are ignorant of their existence , or are too apathetic and careless to use them . When we have done that to tho utmost , and find them insufficient , it will be time enough to begin blaming other parties , and to look out for other weapons .

      The result of the attempt to elect a new Executive must , we think , have convinced the most earnest and sincere supporters oi that policy that it is a failure . To hold ofiice under such circumstances can only entail ceaseless anxiety and difficulties , without any corresponding advantages , either personal or political . We presume that every Chartist is a Chartist primarily , because he wants to see the People ' s Charter become the law of the laud . Whatever secondary and accidental , or personal motives may have subsequently

      crept in to influence him , that must be the great and crowning object of his efforts . We may also assume as a proposition needing no proof , that to gain the assent of Parliament to that measure there must , in some way or other , be organized a powerful and compact Peoples' Party . Wo must have the masses with us—we know they are so in heart and sentiment ; but we must also have them in person and purse . How ? That is the question to be discussed at the coming Manchester Conference .

      Whatever weight , then , may have been in the reasons formerly urged against that Conference , they have lost it since the election of the new Executive , and the policy it has adopted . The late Executive had the first trial to create a new movement . They appealed to the country to give a new Executive power to speak in the name of tho Chartists of Great Britain , and to support that Executive while pressing forward the great object which , no one will doubt , every member of it has sincerely at heart .

      To that appeal as many persons have responded as could be collected in an ordinary market town , to hear a lecture on vocal music , accompanied by illustrations , at sixpence a head . This caunot be accepted as a national response . The Executive themselves must be convinced that something else must be done , in order to organise and fairly represent tho Democracy of this country . To hold ofiice under such circumstances , except temporarily , can , in our opinion , only entail continual difficulties on those who are saddled with large responsibilities without having any means of meeting them .

      Another reason why we think all opposition should be withdrawn to the Manchester Conference , oh the part of the new Executive , is , that they have themselves abandoned the May Conference in London , upon which so much stress was laid by its advocates . Instead of that , it is now proposed to have a " Convention" in March . Why , when the change was made , not change to January at once ? There is not a single reason that wc can think of why March

      should be preferred to April , or February . Having once shifted their ground , and given up all that was so strenuously insisted upon as to the superior advantages to be derived from a London Conference in May , it would have been only a graceful end a brotherly act , for the New Executive to have removed all further cause for contention , by agreeing to meet , this month , in Manchester . There might have been something intelligible in the division that previously existed , but we confess ourselves totally unable to perceive any reason whatever

      now . Of the tone of the address agreed to by tho new Executive , at their first sitting , we have to express unqualified approval , in as far as it lays down a calm , constitutional , and argumentative policy . But we respectfull y put it to them , whether the state of the Chartist body , as disclosed by the appeal of the late Executive to it , and the small number of persons by whom they have been elected to office does not demonstrate that something more must be done to make Chartism a livinc reality ? b

      T \ o earnestl y assure the Executive and the Chartist body , that we have but one feeling and wish in this matter : —We desire to see all the advocates of the Charter lay aside personal differences , make mutual concessions on minor points , and unite together cordiall y , to devise the means by which Chartism may be made commensurate with the magnitude of its objects . We really see nothing whatever of a serious nature that stands in the way of such an union ; and wo need not tell them how suicidal it is for them to be wasting their energies in squabbling with each other , when there is so much work to be done outside demanding all tho powers they possess .

      We respectfully suggest to the new Executive and tho localities which support it , the propriety of sending delegates to the approaching Conference at Manchester , to consult with those who may there assemble earnestly and calmly how the movement can be made a national one . lhoro is yet time to do this ; aud i all parties will but unite to pull together for tiie Charter , and discountenance any personal vanity , ambition , or ill-feeling which may stand m the way of that union , we may yl see , in the year which we have now entered a resuscitation of Chartism , and brighter pros pects for the People ' s Cause than ' any winch shono on the year that has passed away

      Taxes On Knowledge . Nothing Need Be Sai...

      TAXES ON KNOWLEDGE . Nothing need be said at this time of dav sion are out of the questitn ^ TeXtSn has only been stayed because our Legislature 2 ? acUn ? J n 0 t " *«*»* « P " pie ? L 1 « T rdance , with P uUic « pwi To Gibson L at raa 8 t ^ ly r " chof *¦ M ™ rfn w' a 8 tyQar » the Chancellor had literally no repl y , except that he could not afford the

      Taxes On Knowledge . Nothing Need Be Sai...

      money . As this year it is understood ho will have a very considerable surplus , that excuse will not be a valid one . But , in fact , it never ought to have been accepted as valid . No Government ought to bo permitted , on any ground whatever , to impose fiscal restrictions on the diffusion of knowledge . Tax anything but that . It is of the utmost importance that any movement , having for its object the repeal of these imposts , should be kept on the hi gh ground of moral and political principle > nnnn „ Ao fliie vo . nvifc is nnripi'afnnri lm « . ; n

      , and also that it should aim at a total aud complete abolition . On Thursday night a meeting was held in the London Tavern , for the single object of repealing the paper duty , which , however desirable per se , is comparatively insignificant , compared with the repeal of the stamp duty on newspapers . It is trua that the duty on paper largely increases tho difficulty of providing cheap and good p eriodical literature ; but the newspaper stamp has the wonderful effect of debarring the working classes from

      acquiring that particular species of knowled ge for which they have the greatest taste , and in which thoy feel the deepest interest , because it it most nearly affects their condition and prospects . When we contrast the supply of newspapers in this country with the proportion they "bear to the population in the United States , the difference between a taxed jfiid a fettered press , and an untaxed and free one , is immediately apparent . There is scarcely a little village of three or four hundred inhabitants that has not

      one , at least , paper of its own ; there are few towns of an ordinary size that do not support several daily papers . To the English working men the daily paper is an unattainable luxury at his own fireside . He must read it at the public-house , the coffee shop , or the news-room , at a cost greater than he would be required to pay for a paper to

      himself in America . It is true , that in appearance , in getting up , in literary style , the British daily newspaper is superior to the American . But the superiority is on the surface only , as far as the labourer is concerned . The immense capital required to set on foot and maintain a daily paper in this country , has made such journals virtually the instruments of the moneymonger and the capitalist .

      The real sentiments an'd opinions of the labouring classes seldom or ever find utterance in them ; or if they do , it is only to be ridiculed or denounced by writers who have been trained to look at every subject through tho coloured spectacles of the capitalist . The removal of the Taxes on Knowledge would create a new national press , give birth to a new school of political thinkers and writers , and tend more to rouse the people of this country to healthy and vigorous political action , than any single measure that can be named .

      It was with great pleasure , therefore , that we found Messrs .- HoLYOAKEaud Collet were resolved not to permit the movement to siuk into a mere trading one , or , by permitting tho divorce of the paper from the advertisement and stamp duty , to incur the risk of having these saddled for another eighteen years upon the working classes , after the wealth y paper manufacturer had succeeded in escaping from the trammels of the Excise-office .

      The tone and temper in which both these gentlemen advocated the simultaneous abolitionof the whole of these duties , and showed tho impolicy of the one-sided and defective movement contemplated by those who called the meeting , did them very great honour . It did more , it convinced the meeting , and produced a feeling of respect and admiration on the minds of those who came with contrary

      views ; which cannot fail to have a beneficial effect on any future proceedings with reference to this subject . They showed that strength is not violence—that powerful arguments are weakened , not aided , by an antagonistic bearing , or resorting to aspersions either on motives or character ; and the result was , the unanimous adoption of their motion , condemnatory of the stamp duty and the tax on advertisements .

      The example shown , and the victory won on this occasion ought not to be forgotten , when occasions arise in future where tho leaders of the working classes feel it to he their duty to differ from the policy adopted by any other party . They will at once create a feeling of respect for the purity of their motives , and of admiration for the ability and gentlemanly courtesy with which they advocate what they believe to be true and beneficial for the community at large .

      O'Connor Defence Fund. The Response To O...

      O'CONNOR DEFENCE FUND . The response to our appeal lias so far been of a gratif ying nature . The letters received at this office prove that Mr . O Connor s position has excited sincere ami wide-spread sympathy , and that with proper arrangements , that sympathy will show itself in deeds commensurate with the occasion . System and organisation , however , are necessary in such cases ; and , as this is one which especiall y demands prompt exertion .

      it has been considered advisable to issue a circular containing the facts briefl y stated , together with directions as to the " course to be pursued in the various localities . The circular is so brief , and so much to the purpose , that we subjoin it , merel y adding our earnest request , that ils suggestions maybe immediatel y acted upon , throughout the length and breadth of the country . " Northern Star" Office , London . By tho recent decision of the Court of Queen ' s Bench in the case of O'Connor v . Bradshaw F . O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ., has been saddled with the costs of two protracted and expensive actions at law

      A Select Committee of the House of Commons , after the most ample investigation into the aflairs of "The National Land Company , pronounced its proceedings to have been conducted throughout « bonljide , " and added , that the personal character of Mr . ,, T' } rclation t 0 it . was unimpeachable and ummpeached . m ? ft ??* ° / * £ Keport ' Mn bradshaw , ( the Editor of a Tory journal published at

      Notting ham ) , accused Mr . O'Connor of personal dishonesty iu relation to the Company . An action for Libel was immediately commenced , which terminated in the Jury return , ing a verdict grossl y inconsistent with itself and wth the facts , namel y , « that the libeller was justified in Ins charges , but that there was SIPTa ? ™ for any Pewonal im P » " turn on Mr . O' Connor ' s honesty 1 " I he Jud

      ge , in summing up , acted tho part or a Hostile partisan , and misled the Jury into gmng a verdict , which threw tho entire costs ottue action upon Mr . O'Connor . mat gentleman tried tho question again , by moving for a new trial in tho Queen's liench . The case was re-argued at great expense , but , as the " Times" expressly states , th .. Judges "shirked" tho merits of the casein a cowarol y manner , and refused a new trial on quibbles—again subjecting Mr . O'Connor to all the costs . b

      1 his is but the last of a series of proceedings , all ot which indicate a determination on tho partot Govern ment , and the law authorities , him S JUStl ° ? Mr - O'Connor , and to refuse im cither redress for wrong done , orprotec tion against injury . v as ^ dvft ^ * ? " r ^ Wm with expenses , " K . K ?? A . Lord Melbourne years ago . of ^ J *?* , / and for ^ e in tho causa noroat ^ ' a d h t never travelled a milfl nor oaten a meal at their expense . onmiS ym P athise with an honest hut an oppressed man , are called upon to coma ftr-

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