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GEORGE HEXRY SMITH AND THE TOUR KLRKDALE...
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Dueixg the past year the average mortali...
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THE DIRECTORS OF THE NATIONAL COOPERATIV...
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Xilli xli-A UUUM A.U1. PROGRESS OF AGITA...
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BOI/TOZtY At a large meeting at Bolton, ...
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MANCHESTER. At a meeting ofthe factory o...
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BLACKBURN. Another great mooting was hol...
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THE MINERS OF THE SOUTH. TO THE EDITOR O...
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TIffiLASCASIIIRE'MIKESS. TO THE EDITOR O...
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''Studying the Ancient's.—A young'profes...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
J^I^^I^ Uwfigs: Th Ss^I^^ ^Voyager To -^...
GEORGE HEXRY SMITH AND THE TOUR KLRKDALE CHARTIST PRISONERS . TO THK EDnOBOF THE K 0 RTHKRN STAB , Sir , —I have long been the object of calumny and persecution , not only by the government , but by some—now a few—of our Chartist brethren . Let Grocoifs letter be inserted , and the cause will T ) e seen . I am truly grieved to be thus obli ged to spend my time by writing in self-defence , while my energies might be more profitably expended in defending tne liberties of our degraded and oppressed countrymen . Still I should be wanting in aU due respect towards my moral character , if I silently submitted to tbefalse statements—and , by this time , false impressions—made by the four desi ^ nm " l & JEORGE HEXRY SMITH AND THE TOTJr KIRKDALE CHARTIST PRISONERS
mM ^ A— T < n *; . f . A T — . _ tTT a . J r * - ¦* « . ¦ men , atiz ., White , Leach , West , and Donovan . without an effort on my part to countenctthe effect of their malignantly-concocted manifesto . Ton are aware , Sir , of letters appearing in the Star , dated 11 th June , under the head of "Kirkdale Chartist Prisoners , " emanating from White , Xorman , and Donovan , These letters—in addition to some pre--vious ones—caused the Manchester Victim Committee to make an appeal , in the language of complaint , to the Chartist Council- of this localit y , of Tvhichlam amember j iheresultTvaSj another letter coming from our body , which appeared in the Star a fortnight after , the delay was owing , I presume , to your backwardness in not giving it early insertion . This letter contained partly the sentiments of the
Council , and partly the statements of the Victim Committee , which were attached after we , the Council , had appended our names . It is evident that this , our letter , has given great offence to George White , James Leach , John West , and Daniel Dono-Tan ; hence their virulent attack , and nnmerited ahuse upon myself . The Victim Committee came again to the Council , and threatened to resign their functions if we did not consent to convene a special members * meeting , in order to afford them an opportunity of laying their complaints before the said members ; wo therefore complied with thenrequest , when all communications were read bv -our secretary , touching the matters in dispute . Prom what transpired 1 could clearly observe the
baneful effects of calumny and misrepresentation . Under these circumstances our Chartist Council deemed it necessary and prudent to transmit to you their conclusive remarks upon the conduct of White , Tforman , and Donovan , as instanced m their letters dated 11 th of June . I posted a copy of a letter coming from Grocott on Monday , perhaps you did not receive it till Thursday ; at all events you objected to mving insertion to either my letter or the letter ofthe Council , not without a tew one-sided remarks , which you made in favour ofthe assailants . I confess yonr mode of procedure increased my indmnation * and Mr . O'Connor being in this
nehrhbourhood 1 directed my steps to that gentleman . He received me in a cordial manner , and said : " Smith , your letter , as coming from the Council , shall be in the Star next Saturday , together with Grocotf s , sent to you . " I observed , my object in appealing to him had no reference to the letter signed by the Council , but I solicited the privilege of replying individually to that infamous catalogue of false assertions issued against my character , by White and his three gaol companions . Mr . 0 ' Connor immediately replied , and said : " Smith , anything you may have to say in a letter concerning your character , as an answer to any charge against ^ ou , shall be inserted . "
Mr . Editor , I shall waste ns little of my paper as possible in defending myself in this dirty affair , but be content with merely attempting to counteract the effects which might accrue from what seem to le scrions falsehoods ; in the meantime , I shall pass over many ingenious statements which these men have palmed upon tbe public . Do not , Sir , be afraid of losing them ; men , like all other things , should only be estimated according to their intrinsic worth . Yonr Kirkdale correspondents question whether I have ever laid them under any pecuniary
obligation . 5 b , I do not consider I ever hai-e ; though I must say , 1 was peaceably at home when two of my Chartist brethren came last year as a deputation , and requested me to solicit a few of my friends to contribute to the Defence Fund . I readily consented , and procured for them near five pounds in one day ; in a few days after I obtained for them another five pounds ; true , theypaid mefor my time , as I had to pay other men to do my work . I have occasionally given my mite ; and , as chairman , I leave others to determine whether 1 have not
faithfully discharged my duty tOAvards those men , by ad-Tancing every possible argument in order to induce our audiences liberally to contribute on behalf of them and their families . Then they charge me with being the author of the ill-feeling ; as far as they are concerned this is bitterly false—I defy proof —onr members have appointed a committee to inquire the cause touching its origin and progress . I ¦ will abide the result of their investigations . Another talc will be told hy-and-by . They tell the world I have a love for secret intrigues and backdoor plots . 3 fow , Mr . Editor , do not you think it would be decent in these men to hold their malicious tongues , without they could manage to teU the truth ? Let than , if they can , name one instance of my being connected with intrigue , or in a
backfloor plot , if they cannot their ill-designed mischief goes for worse than nothing . Their next piece of misrepresentation says I was expelled from the "Rational Charter Association , for creating mischief and dissension . Oh , < Jeorge "White , how can yon say so ? John West , what do you know about- it ? I thought you were going to save all your thunder TintiTyou came among ns again . "Why , you will expend all your gammon , if you go on this way . The honest truth is here—members in this town can testify to the fact . In 1813 , Joseph Sturge commenced his political career in the complete suffrage movement—though a Chartist , ! joined that association . Oar Chartist lecturer ? , at that period , dealt in nothini but declamation and denunciation ,
abusing public men ; Stvrge had his share of calumny - , in short , they adopted an obstructive policy , * always invitmg discussion . I , therefore , * accepted their invitations , and opposed openly , not secretly , but on the platform , their -want of systematic practical discourses . Many thought , and even said , I -was paid to oppose their proceedings ; they therefore expelled me ; but in two years afterwards a deputation , coming from the iaembers , solicited my return to the 2 fation . il Charter Association , —I consented , and have been with them ever since . White was in Birmingham ; West in Macclesfield at this time ; yet they subscribe to this allegation , on the word of their companion Donovan . These four immaculate men say I have
carried on a correspondence with parties in prison , -which , coupled withotber circumstances , has caused n separation of prisoners . 2 fow this Is utterly false , and without the slightest foundation . I admit I lave occasionally , Avhen they were altogether , corresponded with Rankin , a man Avhom I respected , and do still , and trust I shaU to the list hour of my life . I love an honest man . and believe Rankin to lie one . In order to put that suspicion at rest , I liave obtained Rankin ' s consent to submit , at any time , all letters which hare passed to and from I ' ankin and myself during his past imprisonment ; indeed I shall take such of my letters in question to the committee . I omitted to " notice their complaint about a handbill which bore my signature , and
-which I presented to tbe members at a members meeting . I beg , Mi-. Editor , to ask you to insert the handbill , they complain of . I had my own reasons , together with the advice of many of our members , for publishing this little tickling circular . JSq person , except these men , have complained of this document being either offensive or libellous . I liave every reason to believe that our members now begin to see the necessity of a thorough reformation in our own body , as well as in the afiairs of government , and , with God's help , we Avill have such reformation . The letter of complaint of these men was introduced in an official manner to the Council ; that Council determined that I had done nothing "but what as an individual 1 was justified in doing .
If the members require explanation ofthe handbill , it shall be afforded them . The money which has teen afforded these men has been accompanied with insult and calumnies of myself and colleagues : this as another fib . I have no connexion with the Victim Committee , nor have I been a party to insult or annoyance , if they have been written to in an insulting tone previous to our correspondence in the Bar , I have nothing to do with that , nor could I neip-it . All I know about insulting letters is , that Mr . Ormesher showed me some abusive letters sent hy these men against me . Xow I did think West -was the only man amongst them worthy of my notice , I therefore wrote to him in order to appease Ms nnmerited anger , a copy of which I kept . He sent a xcry abusive reply . Again , Itoldhim , by letter , that I should be with him in whitsnn week afford mforma
if he thoaght proper , and would any - -tion : he fid not answer this . However , I paid him a visit I leave him to tell what took place between ns . Mr . Editor , I am tired of writing upon this unpleasant matter , but I must add another remark ; these Kirkdale gentlemen declare they will not belong to any bodv of men with whom I may be connected . This is vcrv pretty , —would they leave the cause for one man ? I would not leave it for ten , nor ten times ten , if 1 thought I could be of any umj to the cause of suffering humanity ; as long asl can even faintly believe there is in our body hope tor progress I shall not leave ; but this Ldo say , that the wise and Hie good must hand themselves together , or the consequences will be prejudicial to the cause of liberty . I now conclude with a sincere wish that we may all become better men , and arrive ata better nnderstanding .
I remain , In the Chartist cause , a Democrat , Geobgi : Hexrx Smiid 47 Upper Medlock-street , Hulme , iluklTth , 18 i 9 .
George Hexry Smith And The Tour Klrkdale...
August 4 , 1849 . . , THE NORTHERN ? I 1 ti ^ ' ~ " I ! ~ ' . "~ ; : ! g ^ gg 111 ¦¦ " . . m ^ w rnm i ' T . , — , l ZT'
Dueixg The Past Year The Average Mortali...
Dueixg the past year the average mortality in ibe model lodging houses has not been more than SeSlf of iri » t It h a the metropolis generally .
Dueixg The Past Year The Average Mortali...
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Dear Sib , —Ton will oblige us by inserting the enclosed letter in your forthcoming number , in reply to one which appeared in your columns last week . "We are , yours truly , Geobob White , Daniel Donovan . James Leach , John West . Brkdale Gaol , near Liverpool , July 24 th , 1849 . tO TILE EDITOR OF THE ^ OTrrnEIc : "T ATI V = - ^ ""* _ * " * * V » ilUi . lU . blAK .
Dueixg The Past Year The Average Mortali...
TO THE DEMOCRATS OF ENGLAND . Brethren , —Whilst the friends of libertv must feel deeply grieved at the prostration of the hopes of our continental brethren , and the unequal struggle in which the Hungarian patriots are engaged , and deplore the apathy which exists in this country , we , who participate with you in those feelings , and whose aspirations for the final triumph of democracy are no less ardent than your own feel how humiliating and degrading i 5 the task which is again forced upon us by some professing Chartists at Manchester . In addition to this , we hai-e-to suffer the natural anxiety which we feel concerning our homes and families , from Avkom we have still to endure a long separation but , as the columns of the Star have been opened for a renewed attack upon
us , we have no alternative but to defend ourselves We venture to assert , that no political party , in any country , can furnish a parallel to the suicidal conduct ofthe misguided creatures to whom we refer , as we cannot perceive what purpose these letters are calculated to serve , seeing that their style and tendency must lower usin the estimation ofthe public , and bring the very name of Chartism into disrepute and contempt . We should not demean ourselves by noticing their ribald abuse , were it not that there are some insinuations thereinto which we shall refer , and then leave the remainder of the incongruous and disgusting mass to float peaceably into oblivion . . '¦'¦¦ To those who are not aware of the origin of these scurrilous attacks , it may be as well to state that , some time since , one of our friends , with whom in the
we correspond , ^ published a letter Star , in which he called the attention of the Chartist bodyto our position , and made a feiv remarks on the insufficiency ofthe amount which the Manchester committee were enabled to allow us , and also urging the claims which he considered we had on the people . In the same number of the Star , there appeared a letter from one of our fellow prisoners , Daniel Donovan , describing tbe condition of his family , in which he alluded to some money being forwarded from London for their use , -ivhich be supposed was withheld from them hy the Manchester Victim Committee . He ivrote several times to that Committee for an explanation , and received no reply , and he consequently took it for granted that his statement was correct . These letters called forth
a long and abusive epistle from the Manchester Council , in which we were charged vrith falsehood , ingratitude , and abuse . We replied to this statement , and gave a description ofthe ill usage we had received at the hands of these parties , and showed that the facts contained in the letters of Messrs . Norman and Donovan , were not only correct , but remained undisputed . We concluded , by expressing our determination to live on felons * fare rather than submit to the insults and slanders of these parties , and requested our friends to make such arrangements as would release us from their further annoyance . The epistle which appeared in the Star of Saturday last , instead of giving the " conclusiAC particulars" promised by these parties , is a confirmation of all that we have stated concerning them ,
and does not even attempt to refute the facts previously referred to ; but as it contains some cowardly insinuations to which our silence might give importance , we are induced to notice them . In the first paragraph they say , " We could a tale unfold , but do not like to wound the public mind . " This is an old , and rather stale trick of cowardly reputation stabbers , who , willing to Avound , ' but unable to strike , endeavour to effect their object by inuendo and insinuation ; and , under pretence of not wishing to " injure the cause , " or " create division , " skulkingly disseminate the poison of then foul breath . Such characters as these have done more injury to the Chartist cause than the united opposition of its opponents could accomplish , and many of our best men have had their reputations befouled by such detestable shme ; hut it shall not avail these men . We defy them and their tale , which , as far as Ave are concerned , they may unfold as soon as it suits their convenience . It may then keep company | | |
with the other ** tales" which they have" unfolded " for the last six months . The second paragraph consists of a bitter tirade of abuse directed against White , who , it appears , is honoured by the especial hatred of this delectable fraternity ; in which they insinuate tfcat he is regardless ofthe welfare of his family , and also indulge in heartless mockery at the fact of his being confined for twenty-four hours upon black bread and water , in a solitary cell . There is but one mode of reply to such ruffianism as this ; but , fortunately for the slanderer , White is in a gaol , and therefore cannot do him that justice which lie so richly merits . Such conduct as this is totally indefensible . It is not argument ; neither is it an attempted . refutation-of anything at issue , but it is a cowardly outrage on a man ' s feelings , of the most brutal character . Alas for Chartism ! We are sunk low indeed , when such men are permitted to act as councilmen in an important town like Manchester . Well may our organisation be at such a low ebb .
The authors of this precious document seem desirous ef informing the public that we are not teetotalers , with a Tiew , perhaps , of causing some of the members of that body to sympathise with them in their disgraceful conduct ;" but it is to be hoped that they have sufficient self-respect , not to suffer themselves to be mixed up with such baseness . All who have known ' us , or mixed in our company , previous to our imprisonment , are aware that we have used whatever beverage onr means or our inclination would admit of , and , with aU submission to onr " benefactors , " we shall continue to do so . From the tone of their remarks , these men would seem to be a committee ofthe temperance society , instead of being members of the Council of the National Charter Association ; but we have yet to learn
whether there be a teetotaler among them . "We are not aware that it is any part of these men ' s duties to lecture us on such matters ; but as tbe allusion which they make to the " bottle " is done in such an insidious manner , we deem it necessary to explain the limits of our privileges in that respect . According to the rules which refer to first class misdemeanants , wcare entitled to purchase aquartof ale per day each . "We have been at times enabled to avail ourselves of thisprii-ilege . throughtheassistanco of our friends and visitors ; and ive leave you to form an opinion of the disposition of those Avho Avould thus convert the trifling privileges which the law allows us , and which forms the distinction betiveen our position and that of felons , into a pretext for calumny and cowardly persecution . Wo may be allowed to add , that the advantages which we enjoy have not been the work of lawyers , nor Avere they gamed at the expense of the Chartist body . We personally defended our principles in open court ,
and foiled the Attorney-General m his attempt to cast odium npon them , by mixing us up in the same indictment with such characters as Ball the perjurer , whom we had never seen before ; and any man Avho has read a report of the trial , will see that tho remarks of Mr . Xorman on that head , are perfectly correct , whatever these parties may state to the contrary . We conducted our own cases throughout , without creeping behind a lawyer's gown , and we do feel a proud conscionsness that we have performed our duty , and sustained our characters as democrats , IF this be the " aristocratic pride" alluded to by these revilers , they are right . We feel that we have discharged the duty which devolved on us , both as regarded ourselves , and the principles of democracy , manfullv / and unflinchmgly ; and it now remains for the people to do theirs hy protecting our characters from the malicious attacks of these men until we are at liberty , and once more in a position to defend ourselves .
The allusion to the messenger will be best understood bv the committee of investigation lately appointed * at Manchester . They are the likeliest party to judge , asthe proofs have been sent to them . And Mr . Nixon who was here on Friday last , and heard us question the party in his presence , can also bear testimony as to which side the term falsehood applies . We are sory to see the feelings' of quiet innbfensive people outraged , by dragging their names before the public , and are thoroughly disgusted at being compelled to notice such paltry matters , but , as we are accused of falsehood , we cannot avoid it . H any additional proof were necessary , in order to ' exhibit the real feelings of these men towards
us , and justify our statements concerning them which appeared in the -Star of the 7 th inst ., it will be found in the concluding part of their epistle . Here are their words : "We" should meet the arguments of four blackguards , if it was worthy of our attention ^ answer their , abuse in the Star of the 7 th inst . " There , brother democrats , what think you of such language ?¦ We complained of the scurrilous communications which those parties seritto us , and Avhich were read by the governor previous to being handed to us—you now see a sample of them ; ' Say , thenj are these men fit to occupy aiprominent position in the Chartist body ? and , are we not justified in onr determination to have nothing to do with such characters ? .-:.. s ... .. ~ :: !^
There is one important point which should not be omitted , as it tends to remove the odium which may ' attach to their letter , from the shoulders of the Manchester Chartists , namely : That , atageneralmeeting ofthe members of the National Charter Association , ' held at the People's Institute , on Sunday , July 8 th , > a committee , consisting of five persons , was appointed to investigate tne question at issue . ; This committee has written to ns in a business-like and creditable manner ; and we have replied to all their questions to the best of our ability . Yet , without waiting for the decision of this committee , duly appointed by the members , they renew their attack ,
Dueixg The Past Year The Average Mortali...
This conduct requires no comment from us . So much for these oeneroiis BENEFACions ! We wish to state ; in conclusion , that we deeply regret the necessity of having to refer thus pubhcl . v to such matters . Yet our friends can scarcely imagine the amount of annoyance to which wo have been subjected by these parties . We understand that the delegates who assembled at Todmorden , have made an arrangement by which' we shall be in future released from further vexation on this score . We are fully aware that our minds , and yours also , should be occupied with subjects of graver importance than that Avhich appears in these letters , but the facts which have been disclosed , tend to show the low condition to which the Chartist organisation is reduced , and point out the necessity of amendment . We , therefore , trust that the real friends of democracy will renew their exertions in the good old cause ; and although our present pros-. .... „^ - This conduct requires no comment from us . So
pects seem dark and gloomy , let us remember that truth and justice is on our side . Let each man avIio professes our principles cast off bis apathy , and , our release , we shall again unite with you in vindication of our common rights . Remember that though our Continental brethren are conquered , and the free interchange of thought suppressed by the " League of Kings , " the love of justice and liberty cannot be expunged from the human heart ! Arouse , then , you ivho still possess "liberty of speech , " though in a limited degree , and uphold the red banner of true Democracy . Remember that though they have been defeated , and a number of us immured in a prison , we are not yet vanquished ; for " Freedom ' s conflict once begun , Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son , Though baffled oft , is ever Avon . " We areyour Democratic brethren ,
, George White , James Leach . John West . Daniel Donovan Kirkdale Gaol , July 21 th , 1849 .
The Directors Of The National Cooperativ...
THE DIRECTORS OF THE NATIONAL COOPERATIV E BENEFIT SOCIETY TO THE MEMBERS . f > E . vriEM £ . Y , —From notices which have appeared in two recent numbers ofthe Northern Star , you will have learned the fact , that we did not deem it prudent that you should send any further sums of money to the care of the secretary , Edmund Stallivoed , until the termination and publication of the result of an inquiry into the monetary accounts kept by him—and which was then pending—should have been communicated to you . The inquiry and result , such as they ivcre , have been placed before you , and should have been subihitted to the Directors previous to their appearance in print : but tho
trustees have thought it proper to publish them without our knowledge , or Ave would have disclaimed them at the time . As the Directors of the Society , it noAV only Remains for us to state what were the reasons which induced its to caution you against making further remittances ; and having satisfied you upon that point , and made you sensible of the real position of tho Society , Avhich ought to have been done by the Trustees in their report , we will then make you acquainted with the only conditions upon which we can consent to further connexion with it .
In order to the settlement of tbe first of these points , we give in its entirety the only monetary document ivhich has yet been published , and it -will , of course , answer for itself . ¦*> Mi * w esowooweso ^ © 03 r-i m " 1-1 H . H i-l i-l < -l t > tt w ei t- » i c * co « s co -t > ^ O rl Ci CN r-l l . ? t- » CO < M *
• • • j • • £ ' > L ' . j r- * c ¦ 3 o a s > 3 co - 3 ? . 2 ? g « g =- § ... : « S ? 3 3 2 « t «» ' •¦!!* ' ¦§ s H 3 oSC ? g „ * m o c-2 g -o f . -a . . - » ^ j 2 o ¦ g 2 g < 3 " 3 g 0 a si b 12 S 3 5 — Cw i ^ ^ 5 Scj 5 « T . "rt H J 2 « " 2 sa .,. 3 , fl « jv , t £ o g 8 H > S „ - > s r i ¦ 1-1 -2 ^? , S ° ^^ , ; 2 a as S ^ -StcS' &^ ro ^ H v , 2 & ssESg 8 ¦ a
The Directors Of The National Cooperativ...
. ra q fl < ftftOf ( B ^ - -. H a M = 5 - ; ¦*• •*¦ -.- ' Hi ^ SHVOBM « £ 4 0 5 IS a n H Q H w ¦ Ci : ¦< j i-i . » -i a ? «* t 3 Bson t- -h ¦ _ , W CX CM ZV-3 ¦ - <•» 9 s * ' oj £ ? a 3
"t 2 § ¦ -S * " * w Z * k « Jz ; o c . ° S £ 01 2 e-i 53 S c " jj < s * s I S a c 2 ' 5 & w ** t * C 3 -Q fen -r
• 3 . 2 ^ o > < o . ¦ ¦ n a • go a ' ¦ § S 5 m X . ri 2 § r" •& a & 'S * S Sg . l ^ i a s ^ § S I ¦ - *¦ § g 8 £ ¦ ¦ fi J a-sg s s ¦ « H 2 O fa £ w O .
The correctness of this " balance-sheet" has been vouched by two persons , who were appointed as auditors by Stallwood , and who had not the most Temote connexion with the Society . Repeatedly had we asked for a balance-sheet ; and at the expiration of one year and seven months , the ' above made its appearance , and it was upon the first perusal of it that we discovered the position of the Society . We looked first to the receipts , and then to the disbursements ; and from the statements Contained in the " balance-sheet" we found them to stand thus : — £ s . d . To Receipts . . . . 281 19 8 To Expenditure . . . .. 206 10 5 Balance in hand . . £ 78 3 10 We found that nearly three-fourths of the ivhole sum received had been expended , and upon examination into tho nature of that expenditure , avc discovered tho folloAving amounts to have been spent upon the ostensible and legitimate objects of the society : —
£ s . a . By payments to Sick Members , . 53 13 'J . JKtto ditto Deaths . . 12 10 0 " Ditto ditto Accouchments . 7 3 0
The Directors Of The National Cooperativ...
£ 73 S 91 \ aessstssa Thus it appeared that out of the sum of £ 2 C 815 s . 5 d . as expenditure , which had been set down in the "balance-sheet" the sum of £ 73 Ss . Old . only had been spent in furtherance of the real 9 bjects of the Society . There still remained £ 133 6 s . 7 Jd . of an expenditure to be accounted for ; and upon further reference to the " balancesheet" we found that of that sum there Imdboon the necessary outlay of £ 35 8 s . 7 d . for books , stationary , postage , & c . There yet remained £ 97 18 s . 0 J-. of an expenditure , and to our surprise we found that this immense sum had been applied for " management" and " rent of office . " A sum equal to more than- one-third of the whole receipts of the Society . Here again let the "balance-sheet " speak for itself . ¦ £ s . d . Agente' Tecs—viz ., Entrance anil Quarterly . 22 14 Gi Secretary's Fees . . . 58 1 G 0 Officeltent . . . 10 7 C
The Directors Of The National Cooperativ...
£ 07 _ I 6 _ 0 J The rule with regard to the Secretary ' s , fees is as follows : — Hole 25 . —The Secretary to receive for his services twopence on everv month ' s subscriptions received on account of members in this society , the members to be computed from the names on the books at the commencement of each quarterly meeting night of each section . ¦ To have warranted the Secretary in , taking from the funds of the society £ 58 16 s . 8 d ; there ought to have been upon the books , from Hie very first day of its -existencei down to the time when he published tbe above- " balance sheet , " ho fewer than 370 members , and their subscriptions , ' at fid . ner week each . a fair avcr / ige . ' - Hvould hai-e
amounted to £ 631 , and some few shillings over . We ^ irc aware that there would have been many defaulters ; and if we allow £ 234 on account of their arrears , there ought still to have been received by the society £ 400 as " members' contributions ; whereas th ' e sum which has been acknowledged-as " members' contributions , " including the sum of £ 7 , 3 s ; 3 d ., " unaccompanied with details , is £ 225 9 s . 2 d ; , If there ever had been 370 ; members in ' ihe' society , how long did they-. re ' niairi ; ih it , and where are their subscriptions ? The Secretary , you must bear in mind / charges . 'for . 'that - ' number from the verv first day of thefexistencc of the society ; and their sub
therefore we Avarit to know " where are - scriptions ?'" Usually , societies do not ' number so many as 370 bnthefirstday of their appearance . Lach member pays upon entrance a certain fee , the average amount of which per member will be about 4 s . each , —rather over , than under . Now if d (« , persons had at any , time ioinedthe society , at the rate of 4 s . per head , the sum for " entrance fees ought to have been 474 ; the balance ' sheet sets forth the sum ^ of £ 44 8 s . 6 d . " Where then is the difference ot £ 30 ? This item of " entrance fee should be an exact index to the numerical strength Ot the society , and this item , of " secretary ' s feos " should also show the length of iimc during which
The Directors Of The National Cooperativ...
each member had belonged to the society . With regard to the first of these items , namely , " entrance fees , the balance-sheet gives £ 44 8 s . 6 d ., ivhich sum shows the entrance of 228 members only , whereas the Secretary has charged for 370 members , --being just . 142 members move than ever joined the society , and he has taken monev for them from the very birth of the society . The " number of 228 members would have given as " members' contributions , for the time over ivhich the balance-sheet extends , £ 380 , and the sum that has been acknowledged under that head by the Secretary , in his balance-sheet , was £ 225 9 s . 2 d . Is it not clear that the number of members charged for were never in , the society , and that the Secretary , in paying himself , has taken just what he nleased ? He has not been u each member had belonged to the society . With
tied by numbers ; his rule of action has been his own inn , The Trustees of the society say that they think Inm justly entitled to what he took , but pern' ] Ps > t would have been better had he set down what he took oyer and above his Avages as a" separate item . ^ y deny-that he had any right to exercise any such liberty with tho funds of the society . Ihe rules lay doAvn what he was " justly entitled to , and he had no right to take more . Was he not amply remunerated for any . extra trouble which he might have been at in tlie early stage - of the S y ' .. , i s » n » which he has charged for " rent of office - { m 7 s . 6 d . ) -the office being his own private , house at Hammersmith , and the rent charged for the office covering the whole rent ofthe ^^• -Weprotest against that item of £ 16 7 s . 6 d .
™ 7 ™ Uva 10 - - Spcretnry . received all the money , and he d , d just what . ho pleased with it . The lTnlnET ? , th atthe monies of the society shall be plnccd in the Land and labour Bank , where thev would have borne interest at the rate of £ 4 per cent , per annum j but out ofthe sum of £ 384 12 s . Old - which the Auditors say had been received up-to the time of their roport- £ S 0 only had been deposited m the bank . By what authority did the Secretary retain . the . difference , and thus deprive tho members of- the interest which it would have made had it been placed in tho bank ? Probably the Trustees Avere also of opinion that the secretary was -justly entitled to do so . " Here we give the report of the trustees , and , like the " balance sheet , " it will speak for itself : —
NATIONAL CO-OPEltATIVE BENEFIT SOCIETY . We , the undersigned , having accepted the office of Trustees , have , been appointed ( by the Directors and Members ) to investigate the accounts ofthe above Society , from tlie commencement up to the present period . £ s . d . We find the receipts amount to ¦¦ .. 348 12 D & And the expenditure to .. ,, , ' , 301 4-8 . 1 Leaving a balance of .. .. £ 47 8 1 Thirty pounds Of which is lii the Bank , and the remainder in hands of General Secretary and local Agents .
Brother members , —The principal objection of the Directors is . the charge for Secretary ' s Fees , and Bent for Office , and Avhich Ave have particularly investigated . We fmd that tho average number of members , as stated , nwounts to Hie number charged ; but from the irregularities of local Agents , ive find it impossible to give correct data when members joined the Society , the Secretary having charged 380 , to remunerate him for his services as founder , which we think him justly entitled to , hut , perhaps , it avouuI have given greater satisfaction if it had been made a separate item , , The Secretary ' s Fees are now charged in strict accordance with rule , and the Office is now discontinued . We , the Trustees , lii conclusion , call upon all Agents to send in their returns immediately , and that , for the future , the rules must be strictly attended to by local Agents and General Secretary , that a Balance Sheet may he issued quarterly , Avhich will be the means of increasing our num . bers , and make it a veritable IfATIOXAu BENEFIT
SOCIETY . ; James Gbassbt , ) Wilmam Shute , >• Trustees . James Peabce , ) With respect to this " report , " avc have to observe , that we do not understand tho arithmetic which , at 2 s . per head per annum , for one year and seven months , for 336 members , makes £ 58 16 s . as " secretary ' s fees . " We make that sum stand for 370 , but deny the right of taking for either of those numbers . And avo repudiate the report in ivhich it is set forth , that the secretary was "justly entitled " to have taken the money of tho members for those fictitious numbers .
This passage from the " report of the " trustees" is valuable , as showing in what a pretty state the books of the society -have been kept . " We find that the average number of members , as stated , amounts totho number charged ; but from tho irregularities of the local agents , we find it impossible to givocor rect data when the members joined the society . " The secretary iv . isnt ' no loss for such data Avhen he Avas taking his fees , as he then managed to discover that there Avere 870 members in the society from the very first day of its existence doivn to the moment when he issued the above "balance sheet . "
We have hoav stated to you pur objections tb the 1 balance sheet , " and Ave will also state to yon Avhat avo propose , to remedy the inaccuracies Avhich the above two documents have set forth ; Hitherto the Secretary has usurped all the offices of management . Has even paid himself the rent of his own house , as the office of the society , and has kept tho money out of the bank , ¦ -which ought to have been making interest for the members . Ho has paid himself just Avhat ho pleased i andhas got tho books in such a state—according to the " report" of the Trusteesthat it is impossible to say ivhcn the members joined—and 'altogether the whole of the afiairs are in a state of tho greatest confusion .
We therefore propose to you , that power shall bo given to us to so remodel the rules , & o ., as to bo enabled to enrol under Act of Parliament , so as to procure the honest administration of the funds . That the present Directors ,, or any other persons you may appoint , shall , for the first twelve months , constitute the , managing Committee , subject , of course , to removal , by a decision of a majority of the members , and that they shall have the power of employing a competent person to keep the books of the Society , such person to be entirely under tho control of tho Directors . That Fcargus O ' Connor , Esq ., M . P ., bo respectfully requested to act as Treasurer , as in his hands
the funds would bo perfectly safe . In putting these propositions before you , avc arc influenced by no other desire than that of the benefit of the society ; and should you think it advisable to act upon them , after our other avocations have closed for the day , wc shall be Avilling to devote one or tAvo evenings in each Avock to the affairs of the society . ; but should you rfljoct them , our connexion with it shall immediately ' ccase , as we would not , upon any account , continue to identify ourselves ivith a society , the management of which we do not approi'C . TnOMAs Clark , Christopher Dotlk , Philip M'Graiii .
Xilli Xli-A Uuum A.U1. Progress Of Agita...
Xilli xli-A UUUM A . U 1 . PROGRESS OF AGITATION IN THE NORTH . OLDHAM . Meetings have recently been holden in most of tho large towns of Lancashire for the purpose of manifesting the determination ofthe FactoryAvorkors to maintain the Ten Hours Act , " and render it effective inspitc of the millocrats ' conspiracy . At Oldham , more than 2 , 000 persons attended the meeting . Alexander Taylor , ; Esq ., presided , and the meeting Avas addressed by the Rev . Joseph It . Stephens , Samuel and Joshua Fiolden , sons ofthe late John Ficldcn , Esq ., and several other speakers . The resolutions included the following : — " That this meeting declares its decided and entire approval of the true spirit of the Ten Hours Act , and . expresses its determination not to accept
any compromise , nor enter into any arrangement by which females and young persons in . factories still work longer than ten hours a day ; and that we will do all we can to got the ivorking hours confined betiveen ' sixin the morning and six in tho evening . " , Mr , rlhcmns OaStltsr on coming forward to address the meeting was received with most I'ociferous cheering , and an aged woman , leaning on a stick , hobbled up to him , tremulously exclaiming , " God bless you . ' Just let me touch you . " Mr . Oastler said : —They ivcrc beginning a very serious work , and they had begun it in the right places and in the rig ht Avay . After having toued for thirty-three years , and settled the question , they were again compelled to take the field to protect the act which
they had-gained ; from violation . Who dared to say that the question ivas not' settled ? The Ten Hours Act was the law ofthe land ; ( Much cheering . ) A lawyer , a great in an ! in parliament , and in a high office ; mot him the other day , and asked him where he was going . He replied , " I am going to make the millowners of Lancashire keep the law , " " . Well ;" -said the gentleman ; "I am sure you are : right ; I wish you success . " But would it not have been a great deal better for that gentleman to have gone to Lord" John Russell ; and saved him IMr . Oastler ) from-thc trouble of doing the work of the ! government ? lib got nothing for it ; whilst the minister got his i £ 6 , 000 a year , - There was no doubt how the agitation Avould terminate . They should beat their opponents ; for they should luwe on their side the queen , the indues , the parliament , '
and the ; soldiers ] and ; as" for the police , he hated that'force' so much that'he hoped they would be ! against us , ; . The agita tion had begun ivell . It commenced at Todmorden , the birth-place , the home- ; place , and the grave-place of the victorious cham- ' , pion ofthe Ten Hours Aet ; there the standard was raised , and there he received from the Todmorden people a commission to hold fast by the Ten Hours Act'till he died , and then to be ; the messenger of their hearts' feelings to their victorious champion in a better world . ( Cheers . ) In the next place , tho agitation was carried into the I'cry heart of tbe enemy ' s camp . They went from the burial-place of John Fielden to the temple of Mammom—the Free Trade Hall—the temple dedicated to lies and frauds ; but for one ni ght it had been purified by truth . Now they were in Oldham , the place which gave their glorious captain the power to win the victory , and gain the prize . All hail to the working men of
Xilli Xli-A Uuum A.U1. Progress Of Agita...
Oldham ! But , though there was no stain upon the name ofthe late member for Oldham , there was a stain on Oldham itself . ( Criesof "Hear , hear , " and " Yes , yes . " ) Let the truthful working men of Oldham take care to scrub out that stain . Cheers . ) Let every man here reason with hia neighbour ; ask him whether he does not blush , Avhen . be reflects that John Fielden , a man of universal acceptation , had been ejected from the representation of Oldham . ( Cheers . ) He was not going to talk about the merits of that bill , or about compromise ; all argument on the head was unnecessary . But there aviis ono thought which struck him in Manchester the other dav , which he might perhaps do well to repeat . He happened incidentally to make use of this expression , " that tho laws of any countrv wore merely- the rp-Oldham ! But . t . hnn « l . t . 1 n > r » was no stain iinnnfhi
flection ot the conscience of thafc gantry . " The effect ivhich this had on the audittiaiar . d tlio chairmen was so striking , that ho thought there must be something in it ; and since than he found that there was . 1 groat deal in it . What sort of a conscience must there bo in this cotton district , where tho law of England was defied . ? ( Hear , hear . ) To scrub that conscience clean , and then smooth and polish it , this agitation would , he thought be very useful to the gentry , and especially to those who sat upon the bench . lie would tell them an anecdote in point , to show ivhat sort of a conscience there was in this district . He had tho anecdote from an attorney in Manchester , who some years ago settled in that town . A case was brought to this attorney : it was a complaint- against- a milWncr in Preston ,
who was charged with having defrauded his workpeople by altering the machinery of a sort of clock which showed how ' much ' work aims done . When the finger of the clock pointed to 10 , 00 , or SO , it indicated that so many yards had been done . The inillowner , however , altered the machinery so that the finger pointed only to 70 when SO yards had actually boon done ; so that out of every 80 yards there was a robbery of 10 . The attorney , who was only a young practitioner in this county , thought that it was very singular that a man of great wealth , piety , and liberality should be charged with such an offence , but seeing that his clients ' " case Avas a very good-one , he , brought it before the magistrates . They were satisfied ivith the guilt of the" humane and benevolent gentleman , and fined him under
some act oi parliament . Immediately afterwards , to tbe surprise of the attorney , the magistrates shook hands in the court of justice with the criminal whom , they had convicted ; and the gentleman even wished to shake hands with the attorney , ' . No , " said he " ayc don't shake hands with the criminals we convict ; " and all that the gentleman said was , laughing , that "they had been too sharp for him . " A system had groivn up , which had actually tainted the moral atmosphere ; and if no change took place , ivhat could avc expect but destruction ? But he had something else to mention . It Avas only the other day that Sir E . Armitago said that it was a very improper thing for the millowners to _ break the law ; that it ivas a very improper thing for the magistrates not to convict those who
broke the law ; for , if it was discovered that there was a law for the rich , and none for the poor , the Arhdlc country would-be thrown into confusion . Still , the ' worthy magistrate did not say that tho law should be kept ; but that it should be so altered as to suit the Avill of those parties who had broken it . My . was that all . He at last stated , forgetting that the Queen had just knighted him for his endeavours to prevent the poor man from breaking the law , that in the course of a little time , if the settlement which he Avishcd for could not be obtained , and if the millowners continued to work by relays , ho himself should also begin to work by relays ; that is if other parties broke the law , ho also ivoiild break it ! There they saw the mind of Lancashire again . Why , if he were to search round the universe he ivas sure that he could not find , in the most benighted recesses of heathenism , a national mind so blunted to tho truth , so dead to moral convictions , as the mind of tho millowners and
magistrates of Manchester , SirE . Armitago himself being the example ; and yet he Avas one of the best of them—the very best . - ( Cheers . ) Ho ( the speaker ) hoped , when Sir Elkanah read that , he Avould see tho wickedness of his position . [ After some further remarks , Mr . Oastler concluded amidst loud and repeated cheers . ] Samuel Fieldex , Es ^ . sai d ho felt much pleasure in coming before the ivorking-men of Oldham , ivho behaved so kindly to his father : for though some did not treat him Avell at the last election , he was always convinced that he had the hearts of the Avorking-men , and be died in that belief . He ( the speaker ) came there to aid them in their just movement against their oppressors , the millowners of that neighbourhood . lie stood there on very high ground , for he came there to uphold the poor man ' s law against the . rich violators of that law , avIio ought , to have boon the first to maintain it . Ho came . , there to ask the government to enforce the laAV on a set of rich men who had had tho audacitv
to break it . He came there to recommend them not to listen to any compromise with such a set of men ; for how could they compromise Avith those who had begun by breaking the law . What right had they to suppose that , if they did agree to a compromise , the millowners would keep it ? ( Cries of " Hear , hear , " and "That ' s it . " ) The men ivho asked the operatives to compromise were the men who Avent to Sir George Grey , to ask him for an eleven hours bill , avIio told him that they deprecated aU legislative interference ,. and that no one had a right to prevent them from working their hands to death if they chose . If this ivas their opinion , Avas it likely that they would stick to a ten-and-a-half or eleven hours bill ? He did not see Avith ivhat justice they could ask for any change , or how they mustered up impudence to go to government and ask them to make the ten hours act an eleven hours act . Were
not the people satisfied with the bill ? ( Cries of " Yes . " ) It had certainly improved their physical condition . There was much less sickness amongst them ; tkoAvork in all the factories Avasmuch bettor performed ; there was less spoiled work , and consequently much less abatement of wages for spoiled work . And he could safely say that in his own neighbourhood there ivas much less drinking . The people , instead of going , as they before did , to tho public-house for excitement , stopped at home and read , or ivcut to some literary institution , and at this season of the year many employed themselves in gardening . ( Hear , hear . ) Since the act had come into force , too , he believed that the ivorkpcoplc had had almost constant employment , and there had not been any material diminution of ivages . This had been the ea' ^ e in his district , and lie understood that in Manchester there had been in some departments a considerable advance in wages . The speaker then proceeded to show that tho Ten Hours Act never could have been intended to
sanction the relay system , inasmuch as that system prevented the Avorkpcoplc from obtaining those adi'nritages ' which the act ivas distinctly said by the Speaker of the House of Commons to have been intended to confer , Mr . Ilindley had recommended them to apply to parliament , on the ground that tho people in his borough ivere suffering very deeply from the shift system . This was very deplorable indeed ; but he was convinced that if the workpeople would show that they ivore determined not to give up one minute of the act , to listen to no compromise ,, the Home Secretary Avould feel it to be his duty to have the law enforced , as it vras defined by the ' law officers of the crown . The best thing they could do , therefore , Avas-to petition the houses of parliament , and to memorialise the Queen for the enforcement of the , law . For himself , he ivould never suffer one minute of the Ten Hours Act to be lost , if he could help it . ( Great cheering . )
Boi/Tozty At A Large Meeting At Bolton, ...
BOI / TOZtY At a large meeting at Bolton , presided over by the Hcv . 'O . Edwards , Mr . Oastler , avIio ' av . is received with tremendous cheering ,-asked why it was that they should have to meet there that night ? It was to su 2 > port tbo laiv .: But had they no queen , no government , no judges , no magistrates' ? Was it to be left to tbe people to vindicate the law ? Was it safe to excite the minds ofthe people iu these densely populated districts ? It came to this , that they must appeal to the sceptre , and not be ruled over by a set of tyrants , who were a disgrace to their country , ( Cheers . ) Who . Avere these law-breakers ? . He could name them ; 500 there were of them , and some of them
sitting upon the bench as magistrates . He ivould ask Avhether these men had a right to seek a victory over such a vast majority ofthe people , in a . cause , too , sanctioned by the throne ? He hoped that the millowners would not delude themselves longer , but retrace their steps . Let them look back for _ a quarter of a century , during which period the bill had been struggled , for , and they would see of ivhat kind of metal the ten hours men wero made . ( Hear , hear . ) After emphatically declaring his determination to fight to his last breath in defence of the spotless standard reared by' the . hand of that gallant man , John Fielden , who had now . gone to his reward , he concluded amidst loud and continued cheering .
The Rev . Mr . Scott , Dr . Fletcher , Mr . Garstaxg , surgeon , and several operatives , addressed ; the meeting , as did also Samuel Fif-loux , Esq . who ! was loudly cheered . ' After 1 referring ' to tho terms ; of tho bill , convening the . meeting , ,-which w . is for ; the purpose of deciding whether-they w . bre : willing to give ' up that which they had so long struggled for—ho said this was exactly tho question ' at issue ; He had been brought'out solely to show them that his father's sons were not willing to desert ! tho . cause —( cheers)—and he assured them , so far as he was concerned , the Ten Hours Act should never be wrenched from them . " He then proceeded tb narrate the principal facts connected with tho framing of the act , so as to shoiv its intention and meaning ; and then he gave an outline of the proceedings sub scquently to the act coming into operation , up to the time when Sir George Grey so deliberately and strangely receded from his promise that he would have a case brought before the judges , so as to ascertain , and goMe ^ e law , 'He then called upon the
Boi/Tozty At A Large Meeting At Bolton, ...
meeting to say if they were still in favour of Tci Hours . ( Cries of "Ay , eight . " ) Were there anv in favour of eleven Lours . ? " ( So ,. no . ) He found " , by a placard in the hall , that they bad ' tested the opinion of the operatives in tl ,: it town by ballot : that only five persons had voted for eleven hours ; and thntof the entire number , four onlv did not vote . The med . cal gentleman who moved * the resolution declared that ten hours were onouMi for any one to work in a factory ; the operatives proved by evidence and dv personal experience that thev greatly benefitted m health by working for that period only ; they had also proved beyond doubt that they were devotedly attached to the act ; the act Avas passed for them ; and what earthly reason was there , then , for change ? Messrs . Asliworth and -. „ -.:- _ ..- . . .
Oreig Avere the first parties m that neighbourhood to attempt to violate the act ; they Avere also tho parties who sent for agricultural labourers to their works , and aftenvards threatened to send thcni back again if they would not petition for a repeal of the corn-laws , " would the operatives , then , make a ' compromise ivith such men as these ? If thev did , what guarantee had they that the next step would not bo for twelve hours ? ( Hear , hear . ) The best thing to do was for the poor men to call upon the rich to obey the law , and to memorialise the queen to support them in their . loyaltv . ( Cheers . ) She had received their medal in testimony of her satisfaction at the passing of the act . The Speaker of the House of Commons had alluded to the question as a settled one ; and the intention ofthe legislature hud been sot . forth to tbo Messrs . Ashworth , in a , letter from Mr . Horner , the inspector , ivho stated that it Avas the opinion of the lan-officers of the
crown that ten hours , and no move , were meant by the act to be worked . For himself , ho would sooner give up business than violate it ; for by relays it was impossible to tell who performed good work , or Avho performed bad . The shift system seemed to be a scheme invented by the very devil himself . ( Cheers . ) They were not suffering at Bolton , because their masters , kept to tho act ; but if they permitted the present violation of it to go on at Ashton , . Stalybridge , and other places , thev might depend upon it that . Bolton also would have to concede . The millowners talked of foreign competition , but it Avas home competition they had to dread , and nothing else . The masters of Bolton , however , deserved the highest praise , and in conclusion he should propose three hearty cheers for them . The meeting then uave three times three cheers . Besolutions affirming the determination of the meeting to stand by tho Ten Hours Act were unanimously adopted .
Manchester. At A Meeting Ofthe Factory O...
MANCHESTER . At a meeting ofthe factory overlookers of Manchester and Salford , the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — " That it is the opinion of this meeting that the Ten Hours Factory Act is a measure ivhich , if strictly carried out , in accordance with its spirit , is calculated to improve the moral , physical , and intellectual condition of the factory workers ; we , therefore , give it our decided ' approval , and declare our firm determination to resist , by everv moans in
our power , any violation , infringement , or evasion of its god-Iiko provisions . " That this mooting anticipates with horror and alarm the spirit of insubordination which ivill inevitably result from the avaricious and inhuman conduct of a portion of the law-breaking manufacturers in these districts . This mooting , also , cannot too strongly denounce tho conduct of those magistrates who sanction breaches of the poor man ' s law , iu open defiance of the opinions of the law magistrates , and the Queen ' s Attorney-General and Solicitor-General . "
" That the thanks of this meeting are due , and arc hereby most cordially tendered to those manir 1 facturcrs ivho have paid due deference to tbo Liav relative to factories ; and wo recommend all those whom they employ to be diligent- and attentive in promotingthcircniployers' interests ; and we further most respectfully solicit those manufacturers—ia justice to themselves , from feelings of humanity , to preserve the peace of the district , tho safety of life and property , for tho greater stability of tho empire , and the mutual interests of all , —to cooperate with , and assist us in our endeavours to annihilate , at once and for over , tho system of shifts and relays ivhich is noiv being carried out by unprincipled men , who by it corrupt the morals of the factory hands , increase crime , and destroy health and life .
Blackburn. Another Great Mooting Was Hol...
BLACKBURN . Another great mooting was holden in tho Theatre Blackburn , on the 27 th of July . The Kev . Thomn Sharpies , M . A ., was called to the chair , and < I < ivered an energetic address in support ofthe To ; Tours Act . Mi \ William Fielden moved tho firs esolution : — " That this meeting disapproves of any attomp o alter or infringe " the Ten Hours Bill , and wc ho factory operatives and others , ivill use ever ionstitutional means in our power to promote it woA-isions in all their integrity ; and that wc als ionsider that the relay system is unhvwful and ir urious , and ought to be resisted . " Mr . Ricby seconded the resolution , which \ v ; i supported by Mr . Oastler , in a very lengthy speed ivhich excited the greatest enthusiasm . The resolution ivas unanimously adopted . After speeches from Mr . Armistead , the Rev . i IV . PraOKLi . v , and Samuel Fielden , Esq ., a menu ial to the Q ^ icen was adopted . The mooting was subsequently addressed by th lev . J . It . Stephens , and several other speakers Tho greatest enthusiasm in favour of the To : lours Act , was manifested throughout tho proceed
The Miners Of The South. To The Editor O...
THE MINERS OF THE SOUTH . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR , Sin , — -Having left with you for insertion the copy of a petition about to be presented to parliament by the miners of the counties of Northumberland and Durham , praying for immediate legislation on the subject of TWoioction to their lives , whilst following their dangerous calling , but ivhich , not having then arrived in London , I could not give Avith accuracy the number signing such petition therefore , I now forward the requisite information , and trust you will be enabled to give insertion thereto in your forthcoming valuable journal . Tho numbers signing tho petition to the Commons wore 7 , 000 , and that to the Lords 6 , 000 . That to the Commons was presented by Sir G . Grey , and that to the Lords by the right hon . Lord Whnrnclift ' c .
Sir , although it is noAv self-evident that no measure can pass the British parliament this session calculated to ensure tlie requisite protection to the minors , yet , as they may naturally expect that some measure of that cfiaracter will bo prepared during tho recess , it will be at once obvious that this petition , being a true digest of their feelings and opinions upon a matter of such great importance , cannot be overlooked by those to ivhom may be entrusted the framing of that measure , Avhetherthe same emanates from the Lords or the Commons . The miners will , I trust , not lose si « ht of the great value of petitioning ; and hoping that beforo tho meeting of tho next parliament they will begin in good time , and place upon the table of the legislature a petition from every mining district in this country , thereby giving due weight to their feelings and opinions upon this great question , I am , yours , & c ., July 30 th , 18-19 . M . Jube .
TO THE MGIIT IIONOUBABT . E THE LOUDS SNBITl'Ar , AND TEMrOIlAL OF TUB SELECT COMMITTEE 1 A ) R E . N < jtfl « lNG INTO THE CAUSKS OF ACOIUBSTS IX COAT , 3 IIXES , Tlie humble petition of the Underground Miners of tlio counties of Durham and Northumberland , SiiEWETir , —That your petitioners have learnt with much satisfaction that your Lordships * House have appointed a Committee to inquire into the Causes of Accidents In Mines , as your petitioners and their Mw-AVorkmen are perpetually exposed to such fearful accidents . And your petitioners believin" that your Lordships' Committee are anxious to acquire : the most txact knowledge of the practical working and condition of the mines , the improvident maimer of which arrangements , youv yetuionuvs are convinced , ' frequenfiy * load to these unfortunate calamities , Your petitioners wouUrthcrefore respectfully tender to yowv lordships , snch evidence hy some of their body , as will demonstrate to your Lordships the condition and exposure of your petitioners in their dangerous profession .
Trusting that your Lordships injustice to your petitioners , will accede to this prayer , for an examination of some of their body hefore your Lordships' Committee , And yoar petitioners will for ever pray , & o .
Tiffilascasiiire'mikess. To The Editor O...
TIffiLASCASIIIRE ' MIKESS . TO THE EDITOR OF THE XORTIIERX STAR . _ Sin . —I am glad to inform you that the union is still on tho increase in this county . Oppression is doing its work . Reductions and rumours of reductions of ivages are the order of the day ; consequently the miners are flying to union again , and there is every appearance-of a better and more extensive organisation amongst them than there ever has beenl . Numerous enthusiastic meetings have been held during the last'fortnight at Piatt Bridge , Iiindlev , and other piaees near Wignn ; Radcliff Bridge ; Hovwood Arms , Manchester , and the White Horse , Rochlale . Public outdoor meetings have also been held at tho Tront'of the Queen ' s Arms , Little Lever .- ; Farmer ' s Arms , Darcy Lever ; and at the Roar ' s Head , and Fleeco Inm ' Bolton . I shall be glad to receive communications from any colliery in Lancashire , or from any of the Miners working in the surrounding counties . 'Yours respectfully , D . Swallow . 25 , Sidney-street , Bolton , July 30 .
''Studying The Ancient's.—A Young'profes...
'' Studying the Ancient ' s . —A young ' professor of one ofthe royal colleges married a lady fifteen years his senior ; which ivas said by a Avitty friend to be a proof of his ambition , as he * ppoared desirous Ot studying tho " ancients . "
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 4, 1849, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_04081849/page/7/
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