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TO THE OCCUPANTS ON O'CONNORVILLE
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My dear Friends, & Saturday last was a p...
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Ifarax MiBKCT.—Yesterday cons-derable ex...
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AND NATIONAL MDES , JOURNAL. VOL- X. NQ ...
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O'CONNORVILLE. england'sTmay DAY. Saturd...
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Now have I not a right to be happy ? 1 s...
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Awondburt.—On Saturday, the bells of the...
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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.
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To The Occupants On O'Connorville
TO THE OCCUPANTS ON O'CONNORVILLE
My Dear Friends, & Saturday Last Was A P...
My dear Friends , & Saturday last was a proud day for me and ana an auspicious one for you . Your class hare r _/ ui r _«/ inanrtc \ Kppn } pft tn pnwv . f . tm > nt . benefits frequenuy oeen tea to expect great oenems
freq ftoi from extravagant promises , and have been as as frequently deceived . Such , however , was was not the case with you on Saturday , as it was was my p ride to hear one and all declare that ev « every promise , however extravagant , had been mo more than fulfilled , and every expectation me more than realized . You are now placed in thi the most honourable situation that man can
po possibly aspire to , in a situation in which , by wl wholesome and moderate labour , you maybe in independent of man ' s caprice and fortunes fr frowns ; in a situation which will enable you to to lav up a sufficientstore in the days of youth ai and health to live upon in your old age , or * \ rhen sickness may overtake you . What a a sensation of delight you must have expenf
e enced on last Sunday morning , when , or the fi first time in your lives , you awoke to the c cheering thought , that your day ' s employment $ did not depend upon foreign marketsor domest tic tyrants ; when you were enabled to survey 3 your labour-field from your castle window , i and , to know that , if tired , yon may lay you i down and rest in your own bed , attended by ^ your own wife , and surrounded by your own i children . Having placed you in that
honourable and enviable situation , let me now counsel you and implore of you to attend to my advice . There is a beer shopadjoining your land : avoid it , I beseech you , as a PESTILENCE , for if any enemy can be the means of ousting yon from the lovely spot on which it was my p ride to locate you , it will be man ' s greatest , most vicious and inviting enemy , drunkenness 1 have earned a right to address you on this subject , because it is mv boast to say that I have NEVER BEEN TIPSY in my life , and if I had been addicted to that base destroyer I never should have had patience , never
health , strength , or constitution , to have redeemed you from starving , and , therefore , I pray you to worship sobriety as a great and adorable friend and Deity . Drunkenness is the first step to poverty , to crime and disgrace . You never see a teetotaller being convicted of crime , you never see a teetotaller starving , or his family in misery ; and what possible pleasure can the supposed enjoyment give you ? 5 ? ext , I would caution you , not against the sinfor it is no sin , nor yet crime—of poaching , and I do so , because you are in the neighbourhood of poachers , and because I know the
fascinations that the pursuit has for the young and thoughtless . Do not become poachers , because the practice will inevitably lead to drunkenness , to idleness , to neglect of your land , to disgrace . Do not take the first step , for that is the most dangerous step ; if you do you will be marked and watched , and your otherwise " good character will be ble ± mished by that one propensity . Do not allow your school-house to be turned into a discussion-room as to which is the best form of religion , and , above and before all , neither attempt to force your creed on others , or allow
preachers of any denomination to disturb your simple society ; for , so sure as you do , so sure will feuds , and quarrels , and dissension , and strife , he the result ; and those who come amongst yon to cast out devils will make ahell of your paradise . Avoid religious controversy as you would avoid a plague , and worship your God each after the dictates of his heart ; hut do not frown upon those who worship in a different manner . Now , disputes as to what is most acceptable to the Creator has been the principal cause of poverty for the industrious , and plenty for the idle ; for , believe me , that those who profess so much solicitude about
your souls are mainly actuated by a love of gain . A murderous , plundering , adulterous king changed the religion of this country to gratify his lust , and to enable him to rob the poor for the purpose of bribing the rich ; and the whoremonger and drunkard , George the Fourth , had the matchless effrontery to order hew prayers , and to make alterations in the prayer-book , so that yon are now Protestants by Act of Parliament , whereas your forefathers were Catholics ; and if the beast Harry had wanted to marry a Jew , you would have been all Jews . So , I pray you not to allow cunning preachers to
disturb your minds , that they may live upon your fears . Again , if a religious man , or a solicitor , should come amongst you , except our own poor man s LAW SEEKER , Mr Roberts , torn him from amongst you , for he comes to strip you and then to laugh at you . Avoid grumbling , for it leads to ruin . Love your wives and your children , because it insures respect and makes your children respectful , loving , and dutiful ; and , above and before an , take care and attend to their education in
youth ; for , bear in mind , that , with the ready means of instruction at command , your children ' s ignorance would be a brand upon the negligent parent . It will give me great pleasure to visit you frequently , to encourage and instruct you , and help you—that is , those who deserve it—and my displeasure will be a warning to your neighbours to doubt yon ; for , indeed , you may be happy if you are only prudent , and always bear in mind , that your failure would be a censure upon me , and would arm our watchful enemies with food for
slander , as they would , ascribe your failure to the fallacy of the principle , or to anything to wound me ; they would pass over , nay praise , your crimes , if they enabled them to stab me . 1 am very sanguine in the hope , that before September twelvemonth I shall be able to place ONE THOUSAND more in your position , and to go on still more rapidly each succeeding year , in proportion as the blessings of the system are felt and developed . Indeed , if the working classes only willed their own emancipation / and were not possessed of the notion that thev should pay up to-day , and be located
to-morrow , I would makea paradise of England in less than FIVE YEARS , and would cheerfully slave every hour of the day for such a nnble purpose ; but 1 can scarcely blame their haste , as , truth to say , the transition from perfect slavery and dependence to perfect freehom and independence , is a in / charming filing . If those with money would lend it at three-and-a-half per cent ., on the best security in the world , I would change the whole face of society in TWELVE MONTHS from this day , and locate thousands on their own land ; but Labour has always been our greatest
enemy . Now , my friends , wishing you God speed health , comfort , and happiness , and assuring you that I shall frequently visit you , and , promising you a letter upon what your next operations should be in next Saturday ' s Star , I take my leave for the present , and am , Your sincere and affectionate friend , Fea . rg . us O'Conkob .
Ifarax Mibkct.—Yesterday Cons-Derable Ex...
Ifarax MiBKCT . —Yesterday cons-derable excitement was caused in the City by intelligence from St Petersburga . According to an Imperial Ukase . 30 . 000 , 060 of silver roubles , out of 114 , 000 , 000 which have accumulated as the basis of the Russian paper circulation , are allotted for "the gradual purchase ofpublic securities , Russian and foreign . " Of this amount , which may be roughly stated at £ 4 , 760 , 000 sterling , about £ 2 , 000 , 000 has already been emp loyed in the recent arrangement with the Bank of France : about £ 750 . 000 is supposed to be destined
for the Dutch and other continental markets , and theremaining £ 2 , 000 , 000 , it is assumed , will be laid out in the English funds ; if , indeed , such parchase has not already been privately perfected . Supposing a purchase to be made of English stock to the Take of £ 2 , 000 , 000 , this will cause an annual payment to Russia of about £ 70 , 000 , with the certainty that , if ever this payment be extinguished , it will only be by buying the stock back at a greatly advanced price , or by paying it off at the rate of £ 100 for every £ 88 now received .
Americas Sympathy for Lseukd . —This ( Saturday ) morning ' s papers contain a correspondence between the American Minister , Mr Bancroft , and Loid John Russell ; the former remitting , and the latter acknowledging , a draft , for fifteen thousand dollars , subscribed by the people of New Orleans for the relief of the distressed Lish . Raima Albert Nota , one of the most distinguished dramatists of Italy , died lately at Turin , aged sevmty-two .
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And National Mdes , Journal. Vol- X. Nq ...
AND NATIONAL MDES JOURNAL . VOL- X . NQ 498 . LONDON . SATURDAY , MAY 8 , 18 ^ 7 . ^ gfeu '
O'Connorville. England'stmay Day. Saturd...
O'CONNORVILLE . england'sTmay DAY . Saturday last will be a day ever remembered by those who had the good fortune to witness the spectacle of an oft-deceived class more than gratified ; by the more than realization of their fondest and most extravagant anticipations . ' The morning was lovely , as if made for the occasion ; and at an early hour the busy labourers were at work , finishing the roads , or rather gravel walks , after the damage bus * tained from casting some thousand tons of stable dung upon the poor man ' s estate . Shortly , theoccupanta began to come with their furniture , all anxiously looking for their own spot ; and , without a
single exception , all expressing the most unqualified joy at the grandeur of the scene . About 10 o ' clock , Mr O'Connwr arrived , accompanied by some friends , and was hailed with blessings , and welcomed with the clasp of many a blistered hand ; his first question was— " Now . are you happy ; who was right , the Whistler or If" and theanswerof one and all was"Eh , d—n him . sure never was anything like it ; bat I am happy . " The women , if possible , appeared still more overjoyed ; while the children , like lambs released from the fold , gambled about in mirthful play . Many persons came from distant parts , from Lancashire , Lincolnshire , and Cornwall , all to see andjadge for themselves ; and all ready , oa their return , to testify to the grandeur of what they had
witnessed , and all declaring that even FEARGUS bad not half described the place . After the visitors and occupants had taken an ample surrey , all were summoned to the schoolroom , to witness the pleasing ceremony of introducing the first HOME COLONISTS to their HOMESTEADS and domains , and , truth to say , never , we believe , did those present witness such a scene before . The working jacket was laid by , and a more respectable looking class of honest men it was never our fortune to behold ; and , certainly , a more auspicious ceremony never was witnessed , while the free mothers , rescued from the cold gripe of Mammon , with their own babes in their arms , added great dignity to the spectacle . As soon as the necessary arrangements had been completed ,
Mr Doyle moved , and the meetingseconded , Mr Wilkinson ' s appointment to the chair * The Chaibmak said—Ladies and gentlemen , for without being guilty of flattery I may now apply those appelations to the sons and daughters of Labour , whose future avocations will be confined to the honourable maintenance of the most independent position man or woman can occupy , that of honestly earning their own bread by the sweat of their own brows . ( Cheers . ) Hewasashareholder —( cheers )—in that noble society , that religious and beautiful society , established by the energy and talent of their distinguished friend who was now before them . ( Cheers- ) He had come from Exeter to witness the joy which must on such an auspicious occasion fill
every heart , and , for himself , he could truly say that never in his life had he witnessed sncha scene as had that day gladdened his heart , and astonished his eyes . ( Cheers . ) Ob , it was most charming , and he could not envy the feelings of the man who aimed at the destruction of such a holy institution . ( Cheers . ) Many nostrums that had been proposed for the welfare « f the working classes had failed , and each failure , very naturally , made men suspect the security or success of succeeding projects . ( Hear , hear . ) He confused that frequent disappointments had made him too somewhat more sceptical , but , knowing our friend , and believing in his powers , and conscious ot his energy , I canvassed the plan in all its bearings , and have proved my faith in it by becoming a
fouracre shareholder . ( Cheers . ) And now , having seen with my own eyes what may be effected by study and perseverance , I am going to take another four-acre share this day for my son —( cheers)—and I shallnot be ashamed to see my child committed to the society of his fellow-labourers . ( Loud cheers . ) lam sure the gladness that is visible in every countenance before me , bespeaks a cheerfulness and joy which I never witnesssd in my life before ; and then , if we cast a glance upon the magnificent scene presented to us from this spot , we must wonder and admire what one man ' s energy has created . ( Cheers and " aye . " ) Hei « every man will be master of his own time , and guardhn of his own family ; and , I feel assured , that the good man will not become a worse
man , and that the bad man will become a better man . ( Cheers . ) Here is a place tor the education of your children ; there are magnificent villas fit for freemen and industrious men to Uvein ; and there is your vineyard , 8 urrouHding each man ' s hearth , to yield you its fruits by wholesome and moderate labour . ( Cheers . ) I was not prepared for the position to which your kindness has elevated me , and , as Mr O'Connor and I have to proceed to Gloucester after the day ' s ceremony is over , I shall conclude by asking you one and alt before you retire to rest , to contrast your present situation and your future prospects with that you hare left , and those prospects you anticipated from the hardest life of toil . ( Cheers . ) I will now introduce MrDovle . ( Loud cheers . )
Mr Dotle said—Friends , I had not the slightest idea that I was to address you , until oar worthy chairman announced my name , and , consequently , I am quite unprepared to make a speech , —indeed , I hardly know what tosay on this auspicious and everto-be-remembered occasion . I will , however , endeavour to say something , and , I hope , to the purpose . Friends , it gives me unalloyed pleasure to find on this , the 1 st of May , on this , the moat glorious and eventful day for the sons and daughters of honest industry , a gentleman occupying the important and honourable position he now so ably fills . I have two reasons for biing pleased ; the first is , that he . a man of wealth , and possessing considerable influence , uses both for the furtherance of human
happiness ; and the second , that he , discarding all the prejudice appertaining to his class , has boldly and nobly embarked in the sacred cause of human redemption . But it must not be imagined for one moment , that , individually , I attach the least value to wealth , yet , when I find a man , such asour venerable chairman , possessing wealth , and along with it virtue of the highest order , then indeed I am bound to offer my tribute of respect and gratitude . Mr Doyle then went into the question of eo-operation , and adduced some striking facts in proof of its superiority over individual exertion . For instance , said the speaker , in the vicinity of ledbury , workingmen pay at the rate of £ 30 an acre rental , for land which is let out in small allotments , while the land
on this ( the People ' s First Estate , ) was purchased ont-and-ont for £ 20 an acre . This fact , said Mr Doyle , not only proves the benefit of co-operation , but it also proves the value of land in the retail market , as compared with the wholesale . For if any one of the persons occupying a small portion of land near the town of Ledbury , bid the means within his reach of purchasing one acre of it , and provided the party owning it was inclined to dispose of it , 1 venture to assert that £ 300 would foe the lowest amount taken for it . MrDjylenext made a fervent appeal to the occupants , upon the necessity of their living in peace and harmony with each ether , and amongst many observations upon this important point , uttered the following : —Friends , you have , I hope , to live forthe remainder of your lives upon this beautiful
portion of your native land , and allow me , with all the sincerity and fervour of my heart , to implore of you to act together in the holy bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood , mutually assisting each otherin time of need , unfeignediy rejoicing when extraordinary success crowns the efforts of any one amongst joo , and repelling at once with vigour and determination the most remote tendency to quarrelling , illfeeling , or envy . . Recollect , the eyes of your friends as well as your enemies are directed towards you , and while the former will grieve if they find you are at enmity one with the other , the latter wfll exult at such a misfortune . Therefore , sisters and brothers in this great social and political movement , make a firm resolve to disappoint your foes , aad gladden the hearts of your friends . Mr Doyle sat down loudly applauded . The Chairman now introduced their friend ,
Mr O'Coknob , who , on rising , was received with enthusiastic cheers and waving of hats and handkerchiefs . He said : My dear and beloved friends what eloquence of mine can equal the impression that what you hare this day seen has made in your hearts —( cheers)—and yet what I now witness is bnt a feeble outline—a meagre , unfinished sketch of that full-length portrait of freedom , happiness , and contentment which will eventually result from the novelty I have ventured to propound . ( Cheers . ) While joy fills your hearts here , the song of gladness resounds throughout the land . ( Loud cheers . ) And must I not have a cold and flinty heart if I could survey the scene before me without emotion ? Who can look upon those mothers , accustomed to be
dragged by the waking light of morn from those little babes now nestling in their breasts . ( Here the speaker was so overcome that he was obliged to sit down , lus face covered with large tears , and we never beheld such a scene in our life ; not an eye jn the building that did not weep . ) After a short
O'Connorville. England'stmay Day. Saturd...
pause Mr O'Connor resumed : Yes , this is a portion , of a great feature of my plan to give the fond wife back to her husband , and the innocent babe back to its fond mother . ( Here the speaker was again compelled to pause , and delivered the remainder of his address sitting down . ) My friends , your virtues have been implanted by nature ; your vices are consequences of oppression and misrule . ( Hear , hear . ) The man who drives you to madness , to wickedness , despabyto crime , and death ,. mulitipiies your sins to justify his own oppression . You are refused work , and then called idle —( cheers)—you are ' compelled
to live upon the labour of your wives and children , while the dotr is closed against your industry , and then you are called unthrifty , dependent , and profligate ; while I assert for you , that there is not one in every thousand of the working classes who would not rather support his wife and family by the sweat of his own brow than be compelled to live as a prostitute upon their labour . Now , that is the very essence of my plan . I wish to distinguish between the willing and the unwilling idler—( cheers )—so that the willing idler should lose all sympathy and compassion , while the willing workman shall suffer
no abstraction from his store for the support of him who will not work . ( Cheers . ) I want to see what man is capable of producing . I wish to see roan in his proper place—woman in her honoured position , and the child to be reared in its natural affections ; ( Cheers . ) The novelty of the undertaking has startled many ; but only because it required a practical experiment to prove its efficacy . It is the only novelty that has been produced since the world was created for the elevation of man to his proper posu ition in societv . ( Cheers . ) True , many warmi
hearted philanthropists have charmed you with the assurance that the Land is man s rightful inheritance , ; bnt not one has ever attempted to put you in possession of it . ( Cheers and no . ) No , the theory has been used to put the advocates in possession of the land ' s prod uce , and the fruits of that patronage which your gullibility can realize , for themselves , but your order does not possess one acre the more , while a foolish reliance upon those fascinating first principles has diverted vour minds from the reality—THE
ACTUAL POSSESSION OF THE THING ITSELF . ( Cheers . ) Now these are the most dangerous , because the most ignorant and designing reformers . ( Hear , hear . ) In fact they live upon your credulity , prosper upon your confidence , and laugh at your folly . In the outset I was met by the difficulties attending the realization of my plan , but is it not always so ? When did labour ever yet propound a scheme for labour ' s benefit that those who live upon labour ' s folly have not denounced as Utopian , while , strange to say , the most Utopian scheme propounded by the rich , and all DEPENDING ON
LABOUR , is . heralded to the world as a thing of easy accomplishment , and promising the most profitable and certain results . ( Cheers . ) Thus if Mr Stephenson undertook to make a railway to the moon , and if he could secure a committee with an influential lord , a wealthy squire , a cunning solicitor , a great banker , and a few religious parsons , ( cheers and laughter , ) the advertising press would at once see the great national advantage , and the certainty of success , consequent upon the speculation ; and
bear in mind , from the working of the iron mine to the quarrying of the stone , and the piling of the heaps , all would be labour , but yet , strange to say , labour cannot effect any of the most simple work for itself . ( Loud cheers . ) Now this was my difficulty , a difficulty which I saw , the difficulty of persuading men accustomed to live in the world . of artifice that they could live in the world of simplicity , ( cheers ); the difficulty of persuading men that thev could do what their fathers had done ;
of persuading men that they could do for themselves what they are now compelled to pay othert for doing for them , ( cheers , ) OF PRODUCING FOR THEMSELVES , and exchanging THEIR CORN for all the other articles they want , but cannot so profitably produce . ( Cheers . ) I know there is a great difficulty in accomplishing what man never attempts but while we see husbandmen working and making fortunes for others , I see no difficulty in the same men , or other men of the same class , working and making money for themselves . ( Cheers . ) I hare never found any difficulty in making money of other
men ' s labour applied to the land , and from that fact I learned my experience , which I am now determined to convey to you as NATIONAL PRO - PERTY . ( Loud cheers . ) Having so far pointed out the supposed difficulties , ! will now draw your attention to ( he facilities . The main feature is confidence , and , I say with some little vanity , that I possess as large an amount of that ingredient as any man living , or that ever lived , ( loud cheers , and " you deserve it , " ) that , then is the first requisite ; and next comes UNION and CO-OPERATION : by your aggregate confidence and co-operation , I undertake to realise
my every promise , and your most extravagant anticipations —( cheers)—and here , in passing , as Mr Doyle ' s announcement as to rent may have taken you by surprise , let me iQ . form . 70 u what your respective rents will he for four acres , three acres , and two acres . I now speak without reference to the interest for the respective sums of £ 30 , £ 22 10 s ., and £ 15 , given to occupants , and I now pledge myself that the rent of four acres , with house , will not pass £ 12 10 s . a year —( tremendous cheering)—three acres will not exceed £ 10 5 s ., and two acres will not exceed £ 6 15 s . ( Renewed cheers . ) Now
this has been done by confidence and co-operation ; and mark how , by making the most of everything , and this was only known to us , the directors , white Mr Doyle has been engaged here in preparing for your reception , and therefore he could not be aware of what we only discovered by going over pur expenditure —( hear , hear )—but I see the news is as gratifying to him as it is to you ; and I'll tell you more , it is notour intention to stop the ploughing or labour out of the capital—( cheers)—and by in dustiy and grabbing up useless fences and a w ' oodwe are enabled to make you a free gift of those
piles of roots and fire-wood and posts that yon see piled for two years' consumption . ( Loud , cheers and "Thanks . " ) We will only deduct from the capital the dung and seeds . ( Renewed cheers . ) Now , twenty-two acres of these roots buried in the ground , did press hardly upon the means of subsistence . I have put them in their proper places behind your dwellings , and you wil convert them to their proper use , to boil your pots ( Laughter . ) I found eighty-one acres of ground , and twenty-two acres of wood , fences , and " headlands" here , that pressed hardly on the means oi
subsistence , and I leave it 103 acres , 1 rood and 30 perches —( cheers)—and many a drop of my sweat has enriched the land . ( Cheers . ) Now a word of comment . In sight of where we now are a worse cottage than the three-roomed cottage lets for 61 . 10 s . a-year ; you will have a good one , with wells and roads , and FOR EVER , with two acres of land , and all the protection you desire , for Gl . 15 s . —( cheers ) —while I assert , without fear of refutation , that a five-roomed cottage and four acres of this land would let to-morrow , every one of them , for 30 / . a year , and is not that payment for your
confidence in me . ( Cheers , and " Bless you . ' ' ) This land has * been . styled average land : you have now seen it , and 1 tell you that a crow never flew over land capable of being made to produce more than this land ; you have been told that it was all stones , but I can't see them —( no , nor we)—it is an early soil—a fertile soil—a genial soil—and a healthy soil ( Cheers , and " ay " . ) Now , ! etrae consider the inducements to labour upon it . Firstly , you have possession , and no tyrant can oust you ; secondlv , every delve is for yourselves , and no tyrant can monopolise the lion ' s share ; and , thirdly / if should you dislike a
O'Connorville. England'stmay Day. Saturd...
free life , you will always go back richer men , as every day's labour uphuslianded in YOUR SAVINGS BANK will be purchased-from you at its full val 3 e , and I amnow commissioned , when your eyes have been opened to the delusion . to offer and pay down in cash the respective sums of £ 40 , £ 60 , and £ 80 , for a two-acre , a three-acre , or a four-acre allotment ; so that up . to the hour of vour location you have not been deceived or juggled . ' Will any man tell ? I " . No , no , not for five times as much . " ) Now then , whose . account was just , the Whistler ' s or mine ? ( Cheers , and "Yours ; no neither , it ' s far better than we ever expected , " rejoined by all . ) Is this not then a day of triumph for me , and for our
brethren yet to be located ? and have I deceived you ? ( "No , no , it ' s beautiful . " ) Another inducement to-be industrious I may now mentionit- is V , this , that in August next I . will give , out ol my own pocket , a premium of £ 7 to the most deserving , of £ 5 to the next , and of £ 3 to the next . ( Loud cheers . ) I think the directors are quite right in looking for a sound foundation for what they are pledged to carry out , before they hold oat further benefits ; ( hear , hear , ) but by August next I feel assured that -they will be enabled to ojer yet more advantageous terms to the members , when the plan , only now in its infancy , is more fully developed ; " arid here let trie state , that their studv ,
| heir delight , is to be able to realise more than their promise , and your hope ; ( cheers , ) but while I thus hold out the inducement to emulation , let hie not be misunderstood—my object is to create social comfort , ' as well as plenty , in the cottage ; and therefore , do not suppose that the man who grows the largest cabbages , or has the cleanest ground , or best crop , is to receive ray money—no , I will test his affection to his wife and children , as well as his ability to labour —( loud cheers)—I will dive into the baby ' s thoughts as well as into the land—and I have a keen eye—and I will prefer the man upon whom his wife smiles naturally , and to whom his children run joyously , to him who shall merely train them
for the judge ' s eye —( loud cheers , and waving of handkerchiefs , )—! will be able to discover whether the affection and feelings are natural , or induced by training for the reward . ( Cheers . ) That will be an inducement to increase happiness , and then , as you were the first to display your courage , and exhibit your confidence , I am not afraid to tell you , that no man who is industrious , sober , honest and affectionate , SHALL EVER LEAVE THE CASTLE IN WHICH I HAVE PLACED HIM , so long as I have a coat to sell or a second shirt to pawn—( loud cheers , and clapping of hands , )—no , with God's blessing I will let tyrants know and revilers understand , that I can bear oppression and
denunciation , but I cannot brook defeat . ( Loud cheers . ) Upon the other hand , I should esteem myself culpable , nay criminal , were I to foster , encourage , or save the idler or the dissipated from that just reproach rod condemnation which is sure to follow all who shall be turned out from neglect , dissipation , and idleness ; I will not stand between them and the fate they have brought upon themselves . ( Hear , hear . ) Herein ' then exists the material difference between our society and all others , undertaken as mere speculations to gull the credulous and confiding . In other societies , the puffing press is enlisted , all is , THANK GOD , OPPOSED TO ME . ( Cheers , and " never heed them . " ) Thesa deceivers puff , while
puffing and lying pays , and , in process of time , a call is made for more , and more , and more , still the press approves , til ] , at last , there is one call too many for ADVERTISING , PRINTING , and payment of officers , still the press approves the PRINCIPLE but denounces the DETAILS- ( laughter)—then the shareholders are called together to hear of their ruin and some ATTORNEY'S FORTUNE , and they , learn that they are all still liable to the SHARKS . ( Cheers . ) Now , upon the other hand , I have made as much as paid all our expenses for nearly two years , while it has not cost you a shilling for advertising , and we have made a large profit of printing . ( Cheers . ) And why ? because the projectors of another society would hire a host of offi . cers and should insure toleration from those officers
by disbursing patronage to idle servants ; for instance in our case we would have a corps of LAND SMELLERS and LAND TASTERS . ( Cheers and laughter . ) We should then have DRAFTSMEN and VALUERS , ENGINEERS and PROJECTORS , SURVEYORS and ROAD MAKERS , ' ARCHITECTS and ARTISTS , OVERSEERS and PAYCLERKS , BOOK-KEEPERS and their CLERKS , and a committee of SALARIED idle OFFICIALS , who would not know a cabbage from a HAND-SAW ( Roars of laughter , and 'that ' s it . " ) Now , strange to say , I fill all those offices , and bailiff as well , and it is my pride to say , that , up to this moment , I have not charged for my travelling expenses to visit and
bid for estates , and here is the book in which your accounts have been kept from the commencement , in which there is not a figure of mine , but all the monies have been paid by me . ( Cheers . ) No SUNDRIES , no STATIONERY , no ERRORS , no POSTAGE , no charge for an expensive staff nor yet for the man of all work . ( Cheers . ) And , now , my friends , observe , that , according to the terms under which you invested your money , a much higher rent would be chargeable , but we have limited it to 5 per cent , upon the outlay , in order that the most unexceptionable security may be given to the bank , and the most encouraging prospects held out to you . ( Cheers . ) 5 / . a-year of ours will be security lor
31 . 10 s ., and the more valuable you make the 5 / . a year the better security it is—a security which no bank that ever was in the world before has offered . ( Cheers . ) Thus , unlike other societies , you see you are not to be disinherited because you were the most fortunate . ( Cheers . ) No , mythoughls-will be ever on you , my heart will be ever with you —( loud cheers ) and every advantage that accrues to the end you wil ) have your share of it , and , again , I assert and pledge myself , that a section , when wound up , will leave an . incalculable amount to be returned to each shareholder ; while , in the outset , we have relaxed the
mode of fixing the rent , which gives you an immediate and permanent advantage , and will enable you to purchase your domains , as not an acre shall be SOLD or MORTGAGED . ( Great cheering . ) I will now call your attention to the mode of punishment I wish you to adopt , it is this-NEVER BEAT A CHILD , it makes them hardened —( loud cheers)—and cunning and artful —( hear , hear )—but yet they must be punished , and I ' ll tell you how ; say to a child that requires punishment , " Now , Will , or Betsy , thou shan ' t come to weed or work in the field , or go to school to-morrow . " ( Roars of laughter . ) ' Now I feel convinced that that would be much more
efficacious than beating . ( "Aye ! Im sure it would , from a mother . ) Try that , and I'll answer for the effect ; but , tell me , who ever heard a factory child crying for being told it should not work . ( Cheers , and " Never . " ) Let me now show you your security , aad the security of the plan . A person has taken one acre of land from Smith , and two rooms in his house , and has paid bis rent in advance £ 10 a-year . Now Smith will have three acres of laud , and three rooms for £ 2 10 s ., and his tenant will live and make vast profit too , and I promise you will not work for any other master . ( Hear , hear , and "' No . " ) Well , if the tenant thrives , and the landlord fails , we shall know to what to attribute it . Again , I have been
commissioned to look out for board and lodging for unhealthy , not sickly , but smoke-stricken children , belonging to London tradesmen ; and who may be educated , say from 10 to 14 years of age ; and I understand that the parents would willingly pay 5 s . a week for board , lodging , and washing ; here then is one added to a family , and ten shillings over the rent of house and four acres paid . . ( Loud cheers . ) And what an inducement to tradespeople and friends for woe to the man or woman , with 34 spies upon them , who would dare to neglect or ill-treat the
stranger ' s child here . ( Loud cheers . ) And what delight- to the parents to run down on a Sunday , and see the dull city MOPE turned into a sportive country lamb . ( Cheers . ) And what an inducement to the parents to abandon the SMOKE of bell for the AIR OF HEAVEN . ( Cheers . ) Again , I will presume that a man is pusliedfor his rent , and I now speak in presence of the most practical farmer in this parish , and our kind neighbour , Mr Biggs , and I ask him if L overstate the price , when I say , that for nine weeks in hay time and harvest , a man will earn a pound a week . ( Mr Biggs : « Yes , and more . " ) Here then
O'Connorville. England'stmay Day. Saturd...
is more than the rent of 2 acres , nearly the rent of 3 acres , and all but the rent of 4 acres for 9 weeks work , leaving nearly 10 months for labour on your own farm ; ( Cheers . ) Now what practical man will dare to uphold the Free Traders' opposition to ma n being his own' master , against such , facts as these . ( Cheers . ) They tell you that population * presses hardly upon the means of subsistence ; so it well may when a fifth of the land is occupied with useless timber and fences , for no other purpose than to preserve the game for the idle . ( Cheers . ) And yet you have had a marvellous benefit from the game laws ; for , but for the fact of Dr Eyres having the right of shooting over this property , gentlemen and farmers
would have put it up some hundreds of pounds higher , but they could not stomach the notion of another possessing their useless privilege , but , as I told him . he would have nothing but PEASANT SHOOTING HERE NOW . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Now you have that much benefit from the game laws ; and , as to mv subject , the man who cannot get on here will always be able to realise a large amount for his holding . But mark , another and a still greater advantage that it confers . The Autocract of Russia has lent , or is about to lend , your rulers two millions of money , in the vain hope of propping , the system . Now all these speculations will have a wonderful effect upon your poor starving brethren of Manchester , and the
manufacturing districts ; but what will you care for the price of food when you grow it for yourselves ? if speculation affects it , you wont be at the loss . ( Hear , hear . ) If it is low , your kitchen will be a good market—if it is high , your neighbours' necessities will require the supply , and your industry will furnish the article . But some have gone so far as to assert , that those in want wont buy from you , ( laughter)—yes , you may well laugh , for , rest assured , the man who wants pork will make no difference between your pig and the tithe-pig of the Bishop of Exeter . ( Laughter . ) How delightful it must he to you , then , to be independent of foreign speculators and domestic economists ! . How charming to be
your own masters , ( cheers , ) your own servants and your own producers . Have I not always told you that FREE TRADE could be only carried out by FREE LABOUR ? ( yes , ) and have I not told you that the Land would be the next thing contended for ? ( Yes . ) The duty of a Government is to cultivate the national resources , and how can that be so-extensively effected as by setting every man , woman , and child , to task work for themselves . ( Cheers . ) Ah 1 how you will long for the peeping sun , till now shut out from you , and how you will regret his early departure . ( Cheers . ) How I have mourned to see gray-headed old men compelled to crack stones from morning till night , at eighty years
of age , men who had entitled themselves to honourable living and idleness , by labouring from ten to forty . ( Cheers . ) I'll ( five you an instance : —a poor old man , eighty-two years of age , came to me some weeks ago , and told me that the parish officers had taken one of his two loaves per week off since wheat had become dear , and asked me to go to law with them ; I said " No , I have too much on my hands , but come to me every Saturday night , and I , A STRANGER , will give you from my own pocket what your guardians refuse you . " ( Great cheering . ) This , then , is one of your inducements to labour , when young , for yourselves ; that you work hard when-health and strength and nature permit , and
when health declines you have your retiring pension , and your children ' s society , and why shouldn't you ? ( Loud cheers . ) Again , see what a different race I will make—see what a noble edifice for the education of your children . ( Cheers . ) While a sectarian Government is endeavouring to preserve its dominion , and fostering sectarian strife , I open the sanctuary of free instruction for the unbiassed training of youth , and woe to the firebrand parson who shall dare to frighten the susceptible mind of infancy , by the hobgoblin of religious preference . ( Tremendous cheering , and waving of hats . ) Let the father nourish , and the fond mother nurture , their own offspring —( cheers )
and then we shall have a generation of FREE CHRISTIANS . ( Loud cheers . ) Again , what a sight to see 35 free men marching to St Albans , not to hold up their hands in mockery and insult , for a choice of tyrants , but to give their vote freely for a choice of representatives . ( Loud cheers . ) How respectable you will be then ! ( Laughter . ) But they tell you , you can't live upon two , three , or even four acres ; but see what Mr Gillett has done ; he gave 236 / . for two acres of bad land , built a house , and last year , besides supporting his family made 57 / . profit , and says he will make more this year . ( Cheers . ) . Again , look at Samuel Briggs , of Oxfordshire ; he rented four acres , and now he
has purchased that and forty acres more , and . has built many houses , all by his own industry , upon the first four acres . ( Cheers . ) And let me now assure you , once for all , that no man living has yet discovered the capabilities of an acre of land . ( Hear , hear . ) A fine old roan , now 70 , has an acre and fifteen perches joining Lowbands estate , and he wants 600 / . for it , and will get it ; and he has realised over 1 , 100 / . ( Cheers . ) Again , see the great value of co-operation in the item of building , you build one house , and pay retail price for every article , even to your laths , locks , stones , and nails . I build several , and purchase every thing at the wholesale price in the cheapest market , and do so with land .
You want one acre , and pay 120 / . for it ; I want 500 acres of the same land , and buy it for 40 / ., and give it to you for 40 / . ( Loud cheers . ) And then comes the great charm—Independence ! You look at home for support , instead of depending upon the whim , the ability , or bounty of foreign countries . ( Cheers . ) In short , I have brought you out of the land of Egypt , and out of the house of Bondage , and here , with God ' s blessing ! your industry , and my love for my first-born , who were poor , but confided in me , here you and your children , and your children ' s children , shall abide in the land I have brought you to . ( Tremendous cheering and waving of hats . ) Yes , it would break my heart to see one
of you disinherited ; indeed I could not bear it . Yes , and you will be industrious ; this week ' s collection for this holy cause is . nearly 3 , 200 / . ( Tremendous cheering . ) And mark what my greatest jov is—it is that the largest portion of that has been snatched from the GIN PALACE and the BEER SHOP . ( Great cheering . ) So when the market for abstinence , and virtue , and industry was opened , those reviled for their drunkenness , their idleness and vice , soon took advantage of it . ( Cheers . ) Yes , my friends , but let us have an inducement to be honest , industrious and sober , and I will pledge myself that there will not be a rogue or idler , or a drunkard in the land . If you meet a drunken
man , or even woman , in Manchester , the creature is an object of envy ; but woe to him who shall be branded as a drunkard by the sober eye of the watchful and prudent here . ( Loud cheers . ) See , then , what example does , and see the comfort the wife will derive from her refofmed husband . ( Cheers and waving of handkerchiefs . ) I have been reviled for securing a pound ' s worth of labour for every 20 s . of your money spent . ( Cheers , and " Never heed them . " ) No ; your joy shall be my apology . Now , my friends , I am drawing to a close , and as you have now seen all for yourselves—land and houses , roads and wells , firing and water—I am entitled to ask you—Are you gratified ; are your hopes realized
or disappointed ? ( A general cry of— "Its far , far finer than we thoug ht—its beautiful . " ) Are you happy ? ( " Yes , yes , " and cheers . ) Is any among you deceived ? (" No , no . " ) Have the directors fulfilled their pledges , and redeemed their word ? ( " Yes , yes , and more . " ) Will any man take the price for his allotment I have been commissioned to offer ? ( " no , no , nor five times , " ) In speaking of the directors , it is my pleasing duty to bestow upon them that enconium which their zeal , their honour , their ability , and honesty , justly
entitle them to , ( cheers , ) and master as I am of the subject , I am candid enough to confess that but for their co-operation and watchfulness I could not have succeeded . ( Cheers . ) I have never had one dispute , or cause of dispute , with my brother directors , and so great is my confidence in theiri , that , in my absence I leave them the full use of my name , and in their keeping it has not been dishonoured , and yet there are some envious of a situation which all who aspire to are not able to fill , but which appears easy till tried with seven days and five nights work in some weeks . ( Cheers and " aye . " )
Now Have I Not A Right To Be Happy ? 1 S...
Now have I not a right to be happy ? 1 shall nowproceed to give each man his capital , only stopping price of dung and seeds ; and until we make up our accounts , we'll give each two-acre man 6 / ., each three-acte man 9 / ., and each four-acre wmn 12 / ., ( cheers ); and as the directors have very judiciously [ ml off the grand demonstration till Whit Monday , to enable many friends to visit this paradise , and as you are many of you tired after long journies , I shall postpone the ringing of the bell till Monday , the 24 th , when 1 will sleep on the estate if any of my children will give me lodging , ( cheers , and " all , " ) and then vou shall have the satisfaction of saying D-N THE FACTORY BELL . ( Mr O'Connor concluded amid the most vociferous cheering , and waving of hats , by moving a vote of thanks to the
excellent chairman , who ; though Mayor' of the . city of Exeter , was not asha | ned ; Jortfraid to commit his - <\ child to the . compahy' ^ nd ^ arnp le of his fellowlabourers . ( Tremendous cheering . ) ' "' Mr Wilkinson returned thanks for the ( honour ¦ conferred upon him and repeated his avowal that he was nevermore gratified in his life . When Mr O'Connor proceeded to hand over . ' the respective sums mentioned to the several occupants ; : Mr Westmoreland instantly returned his to bo Disced in the Redemption Department , and Mr Kerfoot allowed his to remain in Mr O'Connor ' s bands . This ¦ pleasing ceremony being concluded , Messrs O'Connor and Wilkinson started lor Gloucester , amid the prayers and blessings of the happy farmers who have been rescued from slavery , and who consider themselves amply rewarded for their confidence , which we assert has not been misplaced .
Awondburt.—On Saturday, The Bells Of The...
Awondburt . —On Saturday , the bells of the parish church were merrily rung for a considerable time in honour of the allottees taking possession of their farms at O'Connorville . The bell-ringing created considerable excitement in the town , and caused many to inquire for the first time the objects of the Chartists , and the purpose of our glorious Land Comvt & ny . Ashton-uhdrk-Ltne . —On Saturday , the 1 st of May , at 12 o ' clock , the bells of the parish church commenced ringing a merry peal in honour of the allottees taking possession of their allotments at O'Connorville . The bells rung upwards of one hour and a half , to the surprise of not a few of the inhabitants .
Bacdp . —The friends of freedom hero held a taint on the 1 st of May , in the Chartist room , which was beautifully illuminated . The evening's entertainments consisted of songs , recitations , and addresses by several of the raerabersof the Land Company . , Bolww . —The 1 st of May was celebrated here in a very spirited manner . At the festival , the following sentiments were responded to by Mr M . Stevenson , Lomax , Raynor , and others : — " Mr Feargus O'Connor , the Champion of Universal Liberty , and Founder ef the National Land Company , may he live to see the fruits of his untiring zeal and unflinching perse verance in the people ' s cause brought to a speedy and happy issue . "— " The Landowners at O'Connorville , may this day be celebrated through all succeeding cenetations , a 8 the day when the foundation of British Liberty was laid to emancipate the toiling millions from dais-misrule and slavery , "— " The speedy re * turn of Frost , Williams , Jones and Ellis , and all other exiles . "
Cabmble . —A numerous and respectable meeting of the shareholders and friends of the National Land Company took place at the house of Robert Bainbridge , St Cuthbert ' s-lane , on Saturday evening . Mr Gilbertson was called to the chair , who , after some lemarko , s » t « -MThe neoole , the only legitimate source of power . " Responded to by air Roney . The following toasts were then given : — " Tho People ' s Charter . " Responded to by Messrs Fish and Stephenson . " The National Land Company , and may the fortunate allottees on the O'Connerville Estate , who have this day taken possession of their allotments , meet with complete success . " Responded to by Mr Foster . "Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., and the other directors . " Spoken to by the chairman and Mr Foster . ' * T . S . Duncombe , Esq ., M . P ., " and several other toasts were given in the course of tho evening . IIcLt On Monday evening , May 3 rd , a tea party and ball was held at the Ship Inn , Church-lane , to celebrate the location of the allottees at
O'Connorville . LowBANns . —Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather , the glorious 1 st of May was celebrated by festive sports both ovit-door and in . A cricket-match , came off , and is spite of the weather was well played . The bells of Red Marley Church rung a merry peal for two hours . Alter the cricket-match , fitty-four of the men employed on the estate , sat down to a very excellent cold dinner , provided by Mr Lloyd , of Staunton , Swanwich , which gave ample satisfaction to all present . Mr Cullingham was called upon to preside , and Mr Moody , branch secretary , was elected to the vice-chair . The cloth having been removed , the first toast was— " The People , the legitimate source of power , "—which svas spoken to by the
chairman , amidst great applause . I he foilowing toasts were also given : — " Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., the Founder of the Land Plan , " with nine times nine , and onetime more . — " The treasurer , trustees , and the other directors of the National Land Company , " with three times three . " Health and prosperity to the successful allottees at Herringsgate , their wives and children , " with three times three . "Duncombe , and success to the National Trades' Association . " - — " The editors of tb & Northern Star , the Northern Star , and the rest of the Democratic Press . " Several songs were sung amidst greatapplause . Noitikoaam . —On Saturday evening a supper took place at the Seven Stars , Basher Gate . Mr J . Boscok presided , and the festivities of the evening were kept up till a late hour .
Pershore , Worcestershire . —Depabtorb op in Auotmb yon 0 'Conkortjm , b . — hYid & y last , the 30 th ull „ was a high day with the Chartists of this locality . Mr Wra . Howse , one of the fortunate allottees at O'Connorville , having determined to leave his " cold quiet home" for "the land of promise " on the above-named day , the members of the Pershore branch of the National Land Company resolved that the public , both friends and foes of the cause , should be fully apprised of the happy change that awaited our friend Howse ; accordingly , before five o'clock in the morning , a coach and four horses , decorated with laurels , evergreens and flowers , and having a full load of staunch Chartist working-men , preceded by an excellent band of music in an open vehicle ,
and headed by the splendid banner of the Cheltenham . branch of the National Charter Association , and other r colours waving in the morning breezo , proceeded to i the residence of Mr Howse , situate at the pleasant ; little village of Pensham , about a mile and a half ( from this town . Arrived there , he was saluted by a t few hearty cheers which made the welkin ring , and I aroused from their slumbers the few remaining ; rustics who had not yet escaped from tho hands off Morpheus , and who came , gaping opened-moutbed , , to the scene of action , scarcely believing the evidence e of their own senses , having to the last moment been a assured by the farmers , their employers , that this s Chartist Land plan was all a humbug , and that it t was only a deep-laid scheme of Feargus O'Connor ' s ' s to net hold of the people ' s money . Here , however , r ,
was a coach and four , which vehicle had never before * e been seen in Pershore , in the memory of the oldest nt inhabitant , really come for the purpose ofcaryingoff ff in triumph their neijrhbour Wm . Howse , who had id been duped by that Feargus O'Connor into a heat at little house and two acres of good land , and had , even m without consulting tho feelings of the Pensham £ 50- 50 tenants-at-will , been transmogrified , through tho ex- xertions of that very self-same Feargus O'Connor , the he enemy of tho working man , from a bard-working , ng . eight-shilling-a-week-iabouring serf , into a worthy hy and independent freeholder ef the county of Hert- rtfordshire . Mr Howse having taken his seat away'ay went the merry company , followed by the hearty rty and lusty cheering of the astonished villagers , irs ,
with the band playing merrily , the morning sun ran smiling cheerfully on us , and our friend Howse stand- nding in a conspicuous place on the top of the coach , ich ,, ( the observed of all observers , ) and holdirg is hishisi hand a coloured plate of O'Connorville , framed ; we wei entered Pershore about 6 o ' clock , where , notwith-ith-i standing the early hour , hundreds of the inh & hitantmntt ! had already congregated in the streets waiting the the : arrival of the Chartist farmer , and although someomei few grumblers were occasionally heard to wpresoresfi their disapprobation , vet the great majority appearedaredi pleased that the plan had so far succeeded , and theiihein hearty good wishes followed the hero of the day day
After parading the town we halted , and giving threihred cheers for the Charter , three for the Land , three foe foil Feargus O'Connor , and three for Farmer Howse , we , wn proceeded , with colours flying , to the Defford Stntioiation of the Bristol and Birmingham Railway , thredhren miles from Pershore ; where , on the arrival of tut" tun train , Mr Howse took his seat for Birmingham , ant . ami amidst the puffing of the'engine , the enliveninteninn strains of the band , and the cheers of his friends , ous , ouit first Chartist Farmer departed for O'ConnorviiloTiilej This demonstration has put the working men oin on the qui vive , and as the result , we expect a larg < larg <;< accession to our ranks . , „ , _ WjcConk , Jun „ Sub-Sec . see .
Sheffield . — A Tea Party was held in tho DemoJemoc cratic Temperance-room , 33 , Queen-street , on Moi Mora day , in commemoration of tho Emancipated SlnveSlnvet taking possession of their holdings at O Connorvillervilki Several new members were enrolled , Southampaos . —A festival was held on Mondalondas cvenin " , Mr George Goodman in tho chair : Tfa : Tbt first toast was " Feargus O'Connor , the founder cider i the Land Company . " Responded toby Mr J , Sidf . Sid ! way , iato of Rouen . A number of other toasts weits weB given , and responded to in appropriate speeches , ' Ma , ' number of patriotic songs were sung . WorsbW Common . —On Monday evening a pura pun lie tea took place in honour of the location at 0 'C « 0 'C «« norville , Mr George Booth in the chair . Anumlnumtl of patriotic toasts and songs were gives in the come couu ofthQeveaioe ,
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 8, 1847, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_08051847/page/1/
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