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Northern Star (1837-1852), 8th September 1849, Edition 2 of 3, Page 1, « A !!LJ!Ly- 620. LOHDQH, SATDBDAY, SEPT...

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  • Departments (3)
    • ME. O'CONNOR'S TOUR
    • Rational Harm <£ompm
    • €%avti*t iwtellimtt
  • Text (23)
  • Transcript

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      Me. O'Connor's Tour

      ME . O'CONNOR'S TOUR

      I Have Had Numerous Applications Asking ...

      I have had numerous applications asking me to state the brderin which I shall visit the several towns to which I have been invited daring tny intended forir ? tbrong h E n g land , Scotland , and Wales ; hut the fact is that I have alread y r ec eived so m a ny invitati o ns , and all requesting the nrst visit , that 1 could not complete my tour in a year .

      I shall shortly pahlish a list of the places I propose visiting , and also a programme of my lectures ; but my principal topic trill he the LABOUR QUESTION , a full d e velopement of the LAND PLAN , and the n a t io nal benefits likely to result frem the PEOPLE'S CHARTER . FeABGUS O'CoNXOB .

      Lahoial Fbeeholi) Beneht Building Socety...

      lAHOIAl FBEEHOLI ) BENEHT BUILDING SOCETY . SHARES , £ 15 EACH . Payable by weekly instalments of Sixpence per Share . Director * . Feahocs O ' Cosxor , Esq ., It P ., Ma . T . Class , Mb . C . Dotxe , Mb . W . Drxos , Mb . P . M'Grath . Trustees . Taojus Pbice , Esq . 'William Gazelet , Esq .

      Treasurer . Feabgus O'Cojwob , Esq ., M . P . Solicitor . Wiuuui Peowilyo Eoberts , Esq . Bankers . - Tub Naiiokal Lasd axd Labour Bass . Offices . 144 , High Holboex , Loxdos . Corresponding Secretary . Financial Secretary Thomas Clabk . Philip M'Geatd .

      The above society presents to the middle and working classes advantages which eminently entitle-it to their deep " attention . It derelopes a clear .. and practical plan whereby the savings of industry may he invested in the purchase of convenient plots of Freehold Land , a t the wholesal e market-price . The field of British commerce presents no investments so secure as that of

      Land , be the quantity large or small ; and , upon the terms wh i ch th is S oc iety g ives its members' possession of it will be always convertible into cash , at a high pr o fit t o th e Tenlor . This Society places the attainment of Laud within the reach of that numerous class ¦ which , without the aid of such an institution as the present , would find it utterly impossible to obtain possession of that great social advantage .

      The intention of this undertaking is , to buy Land as near to market towns as possible , and to allot it—without houses—to the members , so that they may pursue their respective callings ; each having , at the same tune , bis piece of Land , whercfromto derive the necessaries and csmforts of life . Those members desirous of having houses on the' allotments can he accommodated , b y t a k in g up the nece ss a r y shares to cover the additional expenses of building . The Directors are most anxious that the principles of the Society should be thoroughly understood by the public . In

      order then to make it clear , let us suppose an indi v i d ual de s ir o u s o f possessing Freehold Land of the value of 30 / . ; he joins the Society , and subscribes for two shares , at the rate of sixpence each per week ; in about eleven years he will pay for his Land , and Mill become the bona-fide proprietor of it . So , in like manner , with respect to any quantity of Land , shares being taken to the extent of its value , upon "which a subscription of sixpence each , per weekj must be paid . Let it be here clearly understood , that it does not follow , from the foregoing illustration , that members are to

      wait eleven years for their allotments . For , according to the rules of the society , whenever the joint subscriptions of the members shall amount to the price of fifty shares , an assignm e nt o f them shall tak e p lace by b a llot ; and each member who has paid up one year ' s subscription upon . his share , shall be deemed eligible for every haDot that shall occur . The assi gn ed sh a re money to he inve s t e d in the first eligible property offered for sale . It shall he divided into allotments , the possessors of which shall mortgage them to the Society , for the a mount du e o n th e ir r esp ec tiv e sh av e s

      at the rime of their entering upon the occupation of their allotments . The mortgage to be redeemed by the termination of the Society , or as much sooner as the members , by increased subscriptions , shall think proper Some members must , of necessity , he the last to receive their allotments ; hut the rules provide compensation for the delay , inasmuch as the bonuses and interests paid upon all previous assignments of shares will be carried to the credit of unlocated members , thereby

      diminishing the amount of their payments . This brief outline , together with a perusal of the rules , will , it is hoped , show both the soundness and practicability of a project , ¦ which , if supported with spirit and energy by the land-seeking portion of the community , ¦ will be found the medium of conferring on th e m , to a gr ea t e xtent , that freedom and indepen d en c e wh i ch a ll so a rdentl y desire . We m a y just a dd that the freehold secures th e vote .

      Rational Harm ≪£Ompm

      Rational Harm < £ ompm

      S£- Aberdeen - .—A Great General Meeting...

      s £ - Aberdeen - . —A great general meeting of this W- branch was held in Mrs . Bains' hall . GS , Castlc-strcet & on Mondav , 27 th August . The meeting was called ^ - for the purpose of reading and commenting upon % _ the proceedings of the late Conference , and other p matters connected with the branch , Mr . Charles H Slaver having been voted to the chair , the secretary p read the resolutions submitted to the Conference , W as reported in last weeks Star by Mr . Philip p ? JPGrath , secretary to that body . A strong , and fe somewhat animated discussion took place , in which 0 : most of the members present took part . Mr . W . fe- Jvon moved , and John Thomson seconded , the fe ? following resolution . — " That this meeting having § 1 - heard the resolutions agreed to ft the late Confess rence , do approve of the same , and express their Pr opinion that the acts of the Directors be as far - ' . limited as possible until the Company is legalised . £ : —" That if the Court of Queen ' s Bench decide that

      % - '' - the Company is illegal , they are of opinion that it | ' :-r should be wound up" Moved as an amendment by % - ' ' -Thomas Thaw , and seconded by James Jack : — t ' " That the Company he wound up , aud that the %£ Directors be allowed until the 29 ih September , 1850 , £ * : to make a final settlement with the members . " k ?? Upon the motion and amendment being put to the t li Tote the motion was carried by a large majority . &\ " The secretary then gave a statement of the arrears % . ' ¦ " 4 ue upon the books fbr local expenses , and also the % -l liabilities of the branch . The meeting then com-%% monced to the election of office bearers for next & f . quarter , when the following , by amajority of votes , W were duly elected . Charles Maver , president ; David £ " j . Burns , vice president ; William Porter , treasurer ,-; t- Bobert Robertson , secretary ; A . Fiddes , Jonn M ; Thomson , William Lyon , James M'lntyre , Robert ami

      M Findlav , David Wright , William Lyon sen ., | $ : < 5 eorge Smart , committee . The chairman then ' ^ L save notice that the meetings would he held as if : usual upon the first Friday of each month , and the |& meeting separated . .... m ± : Edinburgh . — The quarterly _ meeting of this i » branch was held in the Hall Society Close , Netherfe"bow , on Mondav evening , Mr . John Kevin in the ^ ohair . After the usual business , it was moved by Sp Walter Pringle , and seconded by David Chestney — IP « That in the opinion of this branch , it is desirable § 1 that a district delegate meeting be held on as early ^ a dav as possible , in the most central place , and IfSthatthe secretary communicate with the various Siranches in the district , requesting them to take tne ^ matter into consideration / ' A sub-committee was fWthen appointed to communicate with the Directors il « xfai procure information on matters affecting the 4 v ^ Bpaeral interests of the Company .

      5=%#- : Tjeigias Phodcce.—Some Rather Ex...

      5 = %# - tjeigias Phodcce . —Some rather extensive - Ifeiortations of live plants are taking place at the # lS £ sent time from abroad . A vessel arrived from illlfchpnt . has brought thirty-one baskets and fifteen lll & xes of live plants , as a portion of her cargo , the ^^ rooduce of Belgium , mm

      €%Avti*T Iwtellimtt

      €% avti * t iwtellimtt

      ^ C {U Jf0 L^^^/^, ^^^^ /St 0/4^Sp^*^^

      / St { 0 / U 4 ^ SP ^*^^

      ^^^^)^R > /St {0/U4^Sp^*^^ —Jjjdnatjonal...

      ^^^^)^ r > —JJjDNATJONAL TRADES' JOURNAL . ?

      « A !!Lj!Ly- 620. Lohdqh, Satdbday, Sept...

      « A !! LJ ! Ly- 620 . LOHDQH , SATDBDAY , SEPTE 1 HBERTK 49 ~^^ 7 ^^ — . .. ' . - ——_ -- __ lJ : » tu ^ V' Five ShHHaga and Sixpence per Quarter

      A Free Land Gift. To The Working Classes...

      FREE LAND GIFT . TO THE WORKING CLASSES IN GEOTfUr AND LAND MEMBERS oiI P & kSSk * Bb . othebs . ~ I bave a proposition t ^ . which every working man is interests . I Le ^ Z ^ l" ™ ' ™ Me * odist , ia the neiour nnll ^> l ! fe hnndredcolIecl 4 cards Zw „ f T Cards are Plated into a number of small sqaares , and when filled up at one penny each , it amounts to £ 1 . Each person in takwig up his card pled ges himself to fill it out for the good of the cause , and when money enough is raised they purchase a piece of ground and build a chapel , why cannot we do the same ? I believe mnn > nan

      be done by voluntary contributions , than compulsion upon the paid-up member * . Let each branch secre tarj * purchase a hundred plain cards . audrule them and issue them out to parties who will undertake to fill them up ; there are numbers of working mennon-members—who have the cause at heart , would take a card to fill up , and there are thousands who will give their pence , if asked , to assist the plan . Every - man has his connexions , his hatter , shoemaker , grocer , butcher , friends , and acquaintances ; many of the tradesmen will give their sixpences and shillings ; even those who do not approve of our plan will gire their mite to a customer . Let your wives take your card when they go a-shopping ; and who will refuse tbe pleadings of a mother for her children , or the maiden for her sweetheart ? Lend your card to acquaintances to introduce into their Several

      workshops—do anything that may . suggest itself in an honest manner , to get jour card MV ; and a * soon as half-a-crown is collected take it to your secretary to be transmitted to Feargus O'Connor as a FREE LAND GIFT . Why should we be more mealy , mouthed than the Primitives ? they work for the soul ' s health , let us work the same for our bodily comforts . I call npon every member to try his best ; let the poor member give bis penny , the mechanic his sixpence , the shopkeeper his shilling , and the rich member his pound , and show to oor worthy father that we are" determined his object shall be accomplished . ' ^ Let us appreciate his value by carrying out the object of his ambition , which is , to leave the world better than he found it . By so doing we shall add ten years to the life of our great benefactor ; it is not bodily exertion on our farms that will hurt him , it is the wounds we inflict by our own actions . J . Major . 43 , Whttley-street , Reading , Berks . * Any branch secretary wishing to have a printed copj of the collecting card , direct tome , postpaid , with enclosed stamp for return letter , and I will send one by return oi post .

      The Lasd Am) Labour Question. To Mb. A W...

      THE LASD AM ) LABOUR QUESTION . TO Mb . A WAL TON AXD T H E LON DO N TRADES . Sib , —In my last I endeavoured to give an outline of my plan of a complete organisation of the trades , and how all other sections of labour ( for I mean it to apply to all departments of industry ) might be brought to bear on the land . I speak of the trades principally on account of the better system of organisation , which could , with a better activity and energy , be made more efficient than any other system of union at present existing , and with the union of the other industrial classes , for any given object , might easily form a society of more than a million of members . This strength would enable them to buy the best of land , at the lowest price . To make the payments certain and

      continuous I have proposed the system of collection to be a per centage on income , collected weekly . On all incomes not above twelve shillings a-week , two and a half yer cent . ; above twelve shillings , and not above fifteen shillings a-week , three per cent . ; above fifteen shillings , and not above eighteen shillings aweek , four per cent . ; all above eighteen shillings to pay five per cent . The payments to extend over a given number of years , and not to cease on location , or to have any connexion with that event , but to cease when the stipulated number of years expires . As a matter of course , the smaller the income the period of payments would extend over a lonsertime ; but I would so regulate the time as to make the amount of payments , in a small degree , largest where the incomes were largest ; but all to amount to , at least , about £ 10 ; by the time they were fully paid up this would give a large sum for original purchases , and make the location progress more speedily .

      As my intention is to combine all industrial occupations with a permanent residence on the land , so that all those wishing to carry on their former trades should have it in their power to do so by having part of tbe money laid out in purchasing land and buildings , and part given them for the purpose of carrying on their former occupation , either singly or in the form ot association ; for 1 see no reason why an association , possessed of capital , could not compete with any single individual , who it may be has either plenty of capital or credit , but whose workmanship depends entirely on the hired labour of those who have no interest in the matter , but the competition wages which their employer is compelled to allow them . On the other hand , every individual of the association has a direct interest in the amount and quality of the work done , as the first increases their profit , and the last establishes their character as workmen , and by that means increases their trade .

      I am , therefore , convinced that every occupation , when hired labour is required , can be more profitably conducted by association , both for the party to whom the work does , or shall belong , as well as the workers , who , by this means , will add the employers' profits to their wages . This might he objected to by some , as calculated to create greater competition in the Labour market ; but as the land would be the most profitable field for employment , those in possession of it would bestow as much of their time there as would keep their competition within legitimate bounds ; in fact , having the land to fall back upon they would be the first to retire from unprofitable competition , but thcextendedfieid , opened by the society ' s operatives alone , would do

      far more than overbalance all their opposition . Again , those parties who would be inclined to devote their whole time to the cultivation of the land , for all , in preference to their former trades ( and these would form a large number ) I would give them double quantity of land ; this I would purchase with the money required by those combining farming with trade to carry on the latter occupation . I am satisfied good land could be got in superior situations , owing to the quantity the society would be able to purchase at one time , at an average price not above £ 30 per acre . Those wishing to combine farming with trade or manufacturing , would each get one and a half acres of land , with commodious , suitable buildings , at the rate of £ 10 an acre ,

      to assist with seed and implements , and enable them to live until they were , comfortably settled , in regard to former employment , and also to reach the first crop . Those intending to devote their whole time to agriculture would get three acres of land , with building , £ 10 an acre to commence with ; so that the case with both parties would he as follows-. — The first class would have , for land , £ 45 ; for building , £ S 0 ; sustentation money , £ 15 ; and to commence in an associate capacity in their former occupation , £ 00 . Thesecondclass would have , for land , £ 90 ; for buildings , £ 80 ; for sustentation money £ 30 . Both , parties to pay , instead of rent , interest on the capital expenditure , at the rate of four per cent .

      My mode of location would be easy and simple . When an estate came to be located , say 150 locations , I would take fifty of the oldest members , that is , those having first joined the society ; this would be one-third ; the other two-thirds I would allocate bv bonus , giving them credit for the amount by deducting the interests of it from their rent-charge , at the rate of four per cent . ; say bonus , £ 6 5 s ., I would deduct os . ; £ 12 10 s ., deduct 10 s , ; £ 25 , deduct £ 1 ; and £ 30 , deduct £ 2—sad on paying £ 200 , to be free of all rent-cbarge whatever , and to be entitled to a conveyance of the property by paying the requisite expenses . I would give every encouragement to parties to purchase , as it would always

      enable the society to locate the members the more speedily ; and the more members located the society would be the more powerful , both in a social and political point of view , which would be the grand aim of its existence . I confess it sounds hard and harsh to my ears to urge a whole people to purchase the land that is by natural rig ht their own ; but to purchase their lost rights , either by blood or partly with money , is the only way I can see left to them to get possession of that right so unjustly withheld ; and I for one would much rather prefer the latter course ; one thing I know , the people only will get justice when they are in a position to demand it . The plan here faintly sketched out , would , in a few years ( if carried out with vigour ) ,

      The Lasd Am) Labour Question. To Mb. A W...

      place the people in that invincible position , and , with sufficient knowledge , he able to keep their power , in defiance of all opposition . Trusting , gentlemen , that time will soon arrive , and that you will accelerate its speed a thousand-fold , _ ,. I remain , & c , Brechin , a . Campbell .

      Crii>M.Egatb Locality, 28, Golden Lane.—...

      Crii > m . egatb Locality , 28 , Golden Lane . — At the usual weekly meeting of members on Tuesday last , it was resolved that a public meeting 09 held on behalf of Hungary as early as possible , and that collecting books be given to members to receive subscriptions for that object . The Secretary reported , that the balance sheet was prepared for the quarter , and that the income amounted to £ 21 10 s . Id ., the expenditure to" £ 23 . The expenditure of the locality had been for two public meetings , publishing tracts , three contributions to the Hungarian testimonial , and £ 3 Nfc . fid . to the victim fund , with other incidental expenses in connexion with the propagation of political

      informauon . A vote of thanks was given to the'Cordwainers for the fund which they had raised for tha victims . It was stated that Mr . Magee's work-hox realised 10 s . 6 d , which had been paid into the victim fund , and a vote of thanks was given to Mr . Magee . Orders were received in the locality for various publications and political phmphlels and reviews ' , stated to be supplied by Mrs . Fussel , who is considered to be really deserving of support , having a numerous family on her hands to Maintain After transacting other business , the meeting adjourned . FiNSBDBY LoCALrrV . r-At ' a meeting on Monday last at Humphries Cofieellouse , Clerkenwell-green , after transacting other business , it was resolved that the members should meet on Monday evening ) at seven o ' clock , at the above house .

      Mr. Kydd's Tour. To The Editob Of The So...

      MR . KYDD'S TOUR . TO THE EDITOB OF THE SOUTHERN STAR . Deah Sir , —I have by arrangement lectured at Bingley , Keighley , and district , for these last eight days . I have before had occasion to remark on the manner in which the leading men of these districts arrange their local affairs . ' In most cases they have regular places of meeting ; either their own property , or rented for a stated time ; a library and

      school attached , and the effects of these arrangements , at all times desirable , are clearly manifested . Men of naturally strong minds are well informed ; the youth are carefully restrained from the vices and follies common to their age ; and those patriots who have grown grey in the cause of radical democracy , find for themselves a resting place , and are surrounded by influence congenial and agreeable . Comment would be useless . Let me say to other districts—profit by the example , co-operate and do likewise .

      The two most remarkable meetings which I have of late attended ; arc those of Halifax aud Todmorden . The Halifax meeting was held on the Wednesday of last week ; the Mayor in the chair . The object of the meeting was to sympathise with fallen Hungary . The Odd Pellows' Hall , a spacious and handsome building , was crowded to excess , and the butcheries of Russia and Austria , the imbecility of tbe English administration , and perfidy of the suicidal French , were denounced in good Yorkshire English . It wants only a few men of strength of nund , and moral courage , to give to the public opinion of Yorkshire its proper complexion . The sub-stratum of thought is sound and manlike , often expressed in rude phrases and ill-arranged

      words , but always bearing with it the ring of genuine metal . Maudlin , soft-tongued , smoothedfaced hypocrisy , may be tolerated when there is nothing else needful ; but when the Yorkshiremcn speak out they say what they feel , and they speak in words " hard as cannon-halls ; " their sympathies are sound , and they scorn those half-eyed statesmen who have no pity far the laiiab , and clamour for compassion to the wolf . At Todmorden , on Tuesday evening , the Odd Fellows' Hall was filled , and the resolutions , carried unanimously , embraced the following sentiments : — " The Hungarian struggle was justifiable and heroic—the fall of Hungary is fraught with omens of coming evil for England—the British ministry

      deserve impeachment for not yielding to the universal expression of a powerful public opinion , and recognising , de facto , the independence ^ Hungary—the doctrine of international non-intervention is sound in principle , and has heen grossly violated by tbe united governments of France and Russia—who seem to have coalesed to wage war against the civil rights of the citizens of other states . " We now call on the British , ministry to use their influence , either by remonstrance , arbitration , or otherwise , to restore the independence of Hungary , and the freedom of Rome—to oblige the other powers of Europe to confine their interference within their own territories—to prevent at all times the destruction of separate nationalities

      and independent constitutions—the spread of despotism and barbarous absolutism . We sympathise with the persecuted patriots of all lands ; and should the upright Mazzini , the noble and generous Kossuth , or any of their compatriots , be driven by the pressure ot circumstances to look for a home on the shores of England , we welcome them as brethren , in the hope that when their country requires their aid , they will he restored to the lands of their fathers , to protect and celebrate the freedom of their fellow citizens , and aid in the destruction of kingly usurpation , merciless despotism , and priestly misrule . I have not a copy of the resolutions at hand , but I know that I have rendered their

      meaning faithfully . On a recent occasion , the Times newspaper , ( the miters ofvhich enjoy the reputation of writing for the world , and being believed by nobody ) , snecringly said , in reference to yourself , " that Chartism had a foreign as well as a home policy . " The malicious sneer was in part true ; and the Todmorden resolutions induce me to think that , in the better future , England will demand at the hands of her rulers , a foreign policy as well as a home policy— " A consummation most devoutly to be wished . " Faithfully yours , Samujjl Ktdd . September , 5 , P . S . —Parties desirous of writing to me , must do so directly , and address , Post Office , Oldham . —S . K .

      The Moxet Subscribed For Doctor M'Douall...

      THE MOXET SUBSCRIBED FOR DOCTOR M'DOUALL'S WRIT OF ERROR , OR OTHERWISE .

      On the 25 th ult ., a letter appeared in the Northern Star from Dr , M'Douall , requesting that the balance in hand be remitted to his family . Mr . Harney desired the subscribers would write , authorising me to do so . This was not responded to during the following week . This week I have received letters instructing me to forward the balance in hand to Mrs . M'Douall , from Nottingham , Preston , Northampton , Holmfirth , Dundee , Cheltenham , Royton , and several other places . With these instructions I have complied , and the amount is now in her hands . ...

      The Liverpool Committee have written to the Editor , censuring mo for asking the subscribers what I should do with the money . The Editor is at liberty to publish their animadversions oft my conduct . The money was neither theirs ( the Committee ' s ) nor mine ; and , as the effort to obtain a Writ of Error was not made—yet £ 10 of the money was lost—I thought it my duty to appeal to the subscribers before parting with more . I have my own way of doing business , and I do not feel bound to be led by the nose by every knot of fault-finders . One cannot please everybody ; therefore , it is perhaps as well to take people ' s acrimonious doses as coolly as possible . I suppose it is my reward for attending to the business , and paying postages , feo now for the winding up : —

      EECEIVED . PAID . 1819 . £ . s . a . 1819 . £ ¦ S . d . Feb . 3 .. Ill March 23 . Postage — 10 .. 119 9 Stamps to Dr . — 17 .. 3 5 10 M'Douall .. 0 10 10 — 24 .. 0 9 0 March 24 . Cash to March 3 .. 010 Cobbett .. 10 0 0 — 17 .. 17 1 Sept . 6 . P . O . orders _ 24 .. 2 7 1 -to Mrs . M'Douall 11 7 9 — 31 .. 219 4 Cost of Orders ., 0 13 Ami ! 7 .. 1 18 7 — 14 .. 11411 — 21 .. 113 8 — 28 .. I 17 11 May 19 .. 0 18 1 June 30 .. 0 16 July 7 .. 010 August 4 .. 0 4 0 £ 21 19 10 £ 21 19 10 Those sums under the head " for Mrs . M'Douall , " have ail been paid over to the Victim Comittee , with the exception of two sums—18 s . 3 d . I sent direct to Liverpool on March 5 th , and 10 s . on the 15 th of the same month . William Kideb ,

      F Ssr 0 L 'Painting Done For Assembly Co...

      F SSr 0 l 'PAINTING DONE FOR ASSEMBLY CO NYESTIOif ^^ NATIONAL Mr " Mnv ° 5 n Chartist Hall ... 1 11 11 * Mr . Maynard ... n 1 o JohnArnott Z 0 0 6 Chambers ' s Warpers ( Carlisle ) . ' . ' . ' 0 10 0 D . Hopkins ... ' n o n A Friend , Chorley . '" . Z '" T ° c 1 ark ' - Harding - ' " ° 3 ° P . " M'Grath Z J £ Js . Boonham ... . *; : ;;; ;;; { J { £ 2 10 9

      lam instructed to make a public ackniywled * . ^¦ ^^ Stl ^ f 0 ^^ ^^ Han , on account of their handsome conduct in remitting the above contribution ; and I do tb " t ? more readily because lam aware that they behaved with equal public spirit during the existence 3 E Convention and Assembly . ManoSS ftSf-KS"J T at 0 ncf * ° this ma « er . There are , ? w & i ' ?? , ° , d and tonoumble men in all these places , who will look to their honour and the credit of the Chartist party , both of which are deeply concerned in the settlement of tho bill of Mr . M'Gowan . Thomas Clark .

      ¦ • Shoemakers' Exhibition For The Chart...

      ¦ SHOEMAKERS' EXHIBITION FOR THE CHARTIST PRISONERS . TO THE EDITOR OP THE tfOBTHEBJf SMB . Sm , —Will you be good enough to permit thefoU lowing statement of the particular disbursements of the money which was collected by the late exhibition of prize boots and shoes for the benefit of the Chartist prison-sufferers to appear in your paper . This plain column of figures will , no doubt , give more satisfaction -than any remarks of mine , seeing that , in the distribution , the utmost care has been taken to treat all alike , according to their families , and therefore to do away with every suspicion of favouritism . Yours truly , „ , , John M'Tuiair . London , September 4 th , 1849 .

      Messrs . West , White , Loach , Donovan , Rankin , and Cropper- ' ... 5 0 0 Mrs . Rankin , with 3 children ... 0 11 6 Mrs . Cropper 2 ditto ... 0 10 0 Mrs . Leach . 5 ditto ... 0 14 0 Mrs . Donovan S ditto ... 0 14 6 Mrs . West 0 ditto ... 0 11 6 Mrs . White 3 ditto ... 0 11 6 Mrs . M'Douall i ditto ... 0 13 0 Mrs . Young ( no family ) ... 0 7 0 Mrs . Jones . . 2 children ... 0 10 0

      Mrs . Lacey 5 ditto ... 0 14 G Mrs . Sharp 3 ditto ... 0 11 0 Mrs . Abel 3 ditto . ... 0 11 6 Mrs . Bezer - 4 ditto ... 0 13 0 Mrs . Cavity 3 ditto ... 011 0 Mrs . Williams 4 ditto ... 0 13 0 Mrs . Ritchie ( no family ) .... 0 7 0 Mrs . Prowten 2 children ... 0 10 0 Mrs . Shell ( no family ) ... 0 7 0 Mrs . Cenway . 1 child ... 0 8 6 Mrs . Bryson ( mother ) ... 0 5 0 Mrs . Irons . 5 children ... 0 14 6 Mrs . Scadding 2 ditto ... 0 10 0 Mrs . Shaw 6 ditto ... 0 16 0

      Mrs . Fussell 5 ditto ... 0 14 0 Mrs . Pool 2 ditto ... 0 10 0 Ditto ( addition through the death of her children ) ... 0 5 0 Mrs . Herbert 1 . child ... 0 8 1 Mrs , Cuffoy ( no family ) ... 0 7 0 Mrs . Mullins ( mother ) ... 0 5 0 Mrs . E . Jones 3 children ... 0 11 0 Mrs . Brewster 2 ditto ... 0 10 0 Mrs . Looney 4 ditto ' ... 0 13 0 Mrs . Crow 3 ditto ... 0 11 6

      Mr . Henry Angue ( to supply some Mr . Henry Angue ( to supply some of his prison wants ) ... ... 0 4 0 Papers , Post-office Orders , and Postage 0 2 7 i £ 22 19 1 Total amount collected , £ 23 .- ^ Balance in han d .

      Cuffay, Mullins, Lacy, Bowling, Fay, And...

      CUFFAY , MULLINS , LACY , BOWLING , FAY , AND OTHER EXPATRIATED POLITICAL VICTIMS , NOW ON THEIR VOYAGE TO VAN DIEMEN'S LAND .

      The friends of the above who may not yet have given to the fund raising on their behalf , and intend to do so , are informed that Mr . and Mrs . Mullins , ai ^ d other relatives of the unfortunate victims of Whig tyranny , will leave England in a vessel which will sail from the port of London on the 15 th day of October next ; and as the funds will be forwarded by them direct to the several victims , it is earnestly requested their friends will bo prompt with their aid , as the subscription list will finally close on Wednesday , October the 3 rd , 1840 , All Post-office orders on their behalf must bo made payable to James Grassby , 90 , Regent-street , Lambeth , London , at the Lambeth Post-office .

      The Suffrage

      THE SUFFRAGE

      IO THK EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sm , —Being an old and constant reader of , and subscriber to , your valuable paper , I have taken the , liberty of addressing to you , and through you , to our Chartist friends generally , a few remarks on the importance of a speedy and effective union of the different classes of the friends of social and political progress . It is truly lamentable to observe the dissensions that exist and the prejudices that are fostered by crafty and designing knaves , amongst a body of men who ought to have but one common object in view ; but as it is my object to conciliate and unite , rather than by denunciation to still further separate the apparently-hostile sections of Reformers , I shall refrain from indulging in any strictures calculated to give offence to the most fastidious of our friends .

      Belonging as I do to that portion of reformers who estimate the value and importance of political questions only in the proportion that they may bo rendered available to the furtherance of some social end ; and believing that if we could be at once put in possession of Universal Suffrage we should then have gained but little , unless the popular mind were imbued with right principles and views of social economy * , yet , nevertheless , Iholdittobethepar ^ mount duty of all who call themselves reformers ' , to exort themselves at all times to obtain political rights fojv the great mass of the people , who ' . have beon ' iso '' lohg aud so unjustly excluded froip ' a ' participalibii ; in them . And this duty is the ^ hbro imperative' at the present time , when w & : bkve such

      abundant evidence of the existence ofjftlh enlightened , though , perhaps , imperfectly ^ rganised public opinion . This position being admitted , ( arid few thinking men will he bold enoug ^ tp .- deny it ) , the question naturally arises , " What course , under existing circumstances , ought we to pursue to obtain for all , their political ri ghts ?" No doubt tho Chartist organisation was , and still is , well calculated to effect ' it ; but owirg to a combination of adverse circumstances , created chiefly by the bitter and unrelenting hostility of a corrupt and prostitute Press , and the selfishness , pride , and ignorance of the aristocratic sections of the middle and working classes — the most detestibUofo . il aristocracies—its progress has been retarded , and its

      usefulness neutralised . But a new era seems dawning upon us , and there now appears some probability of obtaining an instalment of our rights . A portion of tho middle classes—from motives which wo must not too closely scrutinise—seems disposed to harness themselves to the car of political progress ; and it will , I think , bo sound policy on the part of the Chartists , to keep them well up to the collar—to use the whip of persuasion and argument—and put their shoulders to the wheel , to help them over all the obstructions that will be unremittingly thrown in their path . Let a vigorous agitation be immediately commenced by the working men , in

      conjunction with that portion of the middle class who are so favourable to our views , as to give us household suffrage , and by the next session of parliament we shall be able to exhibit such an array of moral force , as shall make our tyrants tremble ^ and at the same time enable Messrs . O'Connor , Buncombe , and other true friends of the people , to successfully carry out the published programme of the Parliamentary Reform Association , which , undoubtedly , will be the precursor of the Charter . It is , certainl y , desirable that the Chartists should adopt this line of policy , which they may consistently do , without abating one jot of their ardour for the Charter . But , Mr . Editor , we must anticipate some little objection to this plan , from those of our friends who are accustomed to act more from impulse than

      The Suffrage

      reflection ; on the ground that wo may again be deceived by the middle-classes , as we were after the passing of the Reform Bill . To such I would submit thnt : —Firstly , the features and circumstances of the present case are altogether different to what they were then . The Reform Bill was designed to give power to the middle class , while the present scheme proposes to invest a large portion of the working class with political rights ; and surely we may with confidence rely on their honour and fraternal feeling , in using their newly-acquired power , to . effect the emancipation of their less fortunate friends . Secondly—I see no rational ground of hope—taking a glance at the slow progress we have made during the last seven yearsthat the most sanguine can indulge in , of obtaining

      tho entire . Charter for many years to come , unless we are prepared to act in accordance with the suggestion I have thrown out . If the mountain will not come to Mahomet , Mahomet must go to the mountain . While the different sections of reformers remain isolated and divided , they are powerless for good , and their disunion ensures to our enemies an ' easy and certain victory , And , Lastly—In addition to the services of our recognised parliamentary chieftains ,, we may calculate on the countenance and support of many liberal-minded men in tho House , who do not at present hold what they call , the extreme opinions advocated by us . 1 hope that the Chartists will not incur the responsibility and reproach that must attend the rejection of this proffered instalment of their riehts . Mr .

      0 Connor has set us a noble example , which it is our duty , as well . as our interest , to imitate , Foar of trespassing at too great a length on your valuable columns ; prevents me-from saying but a few words on the necessity of an immediate infusion of popular and vigorous blood into the oresent corrupt House of Commons . I must , therefore , confine myself to a brief allusion to the Labour question . Thepresent depressed , and constantly deteriorating condition of the working population of /« e and happy England , and , as a consequence , the steady increase of our parochial burdens , must force the discussion of this question of questions , on our reluctant and incompetent rulers . All classes of the community are beginning to complain of the great pressure of the poor ' s rates on the industry of the country , which now amount

      to within a trifle of what they were when the new poor-law was introduced . Since the passing of that act , the Malthusians have resorted to the expedients of punishment , imprisonment , and semi-starvation , m the vain attempt to banish poverty from the land , but without success . Pauperism still exists , and steadily increases , in spite ot their philosophy and restrjctivelasvs . Now , it must beobvious to any unprejudicsd mind , that our aristocratic legislators do not know how to deal with this question , or they would not allow it to assume such a frightful aspect ; and one of the reasons why we demand the suffrage , is , that we may send men to parliament who are thoroughly conversant with the remedy for this social disease which afflicts the body politic . We should then see our huge prison-like alms-houses , where multitudes of able-bodied persons of both sexes are kept in

      listless idleness , or at mischievous and unprofitable employment , at an enormous expense to the ratepayers , replaced by self-supporting pauper colonies , in which the policy of employing the colonists in reproductive labour on the land , would , no doubt , be satisfactorily demonstrated . That many such beneficial social measures would result from the contemplated extension of the suffrage , there can be no question , and working men should evince their appreciation of its importance by a strenuous and systematic agitation to obtain it . We may form some idea of the value of the franchise , by observing the tenacity with which its present possessors clung to its exclusive exercise , and the jealousy with which both Wh > g and Tory governments regard all popular movements tending the enfranchisement of the masses . That the middle and working classes may sec tho propriety of at once forming an invincible coalition is the earnest desire of a Southampton . SociALtsi-CiMimsr .

      The Currency Question. To The Editob Of ...

      THE CURRENCY QUESTION . TO THE EDITOB OF THE NORTHERN STAB . ' Sir , —It appears to me that Mr . Brook has not given the subject of the currency a fair examination , or tho principles entertained by those parties who are favourable for a change of tho currency have not been impartially examined by him . I am perfectly agreed with Mr . Bvook as to the necessity of a change in our social and political economy . The present system is nothing more than legalised robbery , and so long as it is allowed to exist wo shall have a carnivorous state of competition , followed ty a train of demoralising principles , destructive to the real happiness and " peace" of all classes of the

      community . It does not require much depth of penetration to discover that the obnoxious quality of competition owes its existence , to a considerable extent , to the laws which govern our currency . It is only necessary to ascertain whether these laws allow the circulating medium to expand in a just proportion with an increasing population ; if this should be found not to be the case , but , on the contrary , the tendency being to prevent , as much as possible , an increase in tho quantity of money , it will be seen at once that , with an increasing population and a restricted currency , competition will exhibit itself in the most unjust and tyrannical character . The present system of currency is a gigantic swindle , giving to tho non-producer the power to abstract from the producer the major portion of the fruits of his industry . This power arises from tho fact of our

      currency having a metallic base ( being a " commodity" specially protected for the benefit of the money aristocracy ) , and this one of tke scarcest commodities in the world , it follows as a matter of course that its supply in this country will always bo limited , and being a commodity must really bo under the same eternal influences as all other commodities , and therefore liable to be bought by the foreigner . And thus abstracted from circulation its abstraction produces a result serious in its consequences to the labouring population by reducing their wages—beneficial to the money-lord by advancing the rate of interest ; henco it is the interest of tho labourer to have an abundance of money in the countrv , and beneficial to tho money-lord , and all who have fixed incomes , to kive a deficient circulation , which means extortionate interest and low prices , which cannot be produced without lowering

      w # gos . Mr . Brook appears to think that the advocates lor Currency Reform base their advocacy on the fact , that because bankers obtain large possessions through the exercise of the privilege they have granted to them , that therefore the people ought to ' have the same facilities for making themselves rich by having tho same privileges granted to them . I have not seen any such motive as this advanced by any writer on the currency question—in fact , it is absurdity itself . Tho nation is none tho richer by the acquisitions of a banker—he produces nothing . Hence , if he possess any property , he has obtained it through the exercise of a . power conferred by an act of parliament—lie , to speak plainly , is a robber by licence—therefore , that wMch he possesses has

      been obtained through vicious institutions ; had the people the same privilege , their accumulations would be of the same character . Under a just system of currency—that is , a circulating medium representing value , and not value itselt—not issued by private companies , but issued by a real Bank of England , " having its centre in London and branches in every town in the United Kingdom , paper money as the circulating medium , based , as the national debt , on all the property of the nation , issued on the produce of the country , withdrawn as the produce went into consumption—thus a just equilibrium would be produced between money and produce—there could be no fluctuations in pricelabour would become the standard of value , a reduction in value could not take place without being

      preceded by a corresponding reduction of labour by the application of machinery , efce . —usurers would not be able to extract the fruits of the labourer by increasing the rate of interest—the money issued not being of any intrinsic value , the rate of interest required by the national bank would not be above one per cent ,, to pay the necessary expenses of its management . As cottage property is calculated on interest for money at five per cent ., and considered to pay badly if tho owner does not receive seven per cent ., to cover repairs , & e ., it follows , that should money be issued at one per cent ., cottage property must come down in rent very materially . If five

      per cent , produces seven and a half , what will one per cent , produce ? The solution of this question will show to the world the annual robbery which the present system of currency enables tho owners of property to inflict on the working classes . Were this the only injustice the people had to bear it would be to a certain extent tolerated , because they would be , by industry , enabled ; to enjoy , to a greater extent , the fruits of their industry . It unfortunately is not the case . There is an enormous national debt , —which was contracted to preserve property , the whole of the interest of which is paid b y the peo ple , —the owners of property , b y

      The Currency Question. To The Editob Of ...

      ^ C jf 0 l ^^^/^ , ^^^^ befflfm possession of political power , have unjustly thrown the burden of this debt from their own shoulders on to the shoulders of the people ; thef 5 ^ i !? *?" ly , , ono , this ' bufc ti * y have in reality ^ rW debi ' hy the Currency Bill of 1819 . me debt was contracted when the money of ths country was constituted of paper , which money permitted prices to advance as taxation increased , thus giving the power of charging taxation to price . Sir Robert Peers bill of 1819 restored the original standard of value to gold , making gold tho basis of the circulation of paper . As paper money , when a legal tender , represented taxation prices , , gold money , as a legal . tender , represented intrinaitf value . When this change was effected , tho price of

      commodities immediately sought an equilibrium ; as parties were compelled to sell their commodities for an article which never can be anything but intrinsic value , the prices Ml to an intrinsic value , —' thus the people were compelled to pay tho sama amount of taxation , and were effectually deprived of tho power of adding their amount of taxation to tho intrinsic value of their productions , Tho fundholders , pensioners , and all classes living on fixed incomes , were benefitted by tha change , inasmuch as their incomes remained tha same , while every article they consumed was re * duced one half or more in price , —hence their power was augmented to a considerable extent , while tha

      power of the people was diminished . Industry has been . pressed down to tho very dust ever since , — working men have become the veriest slaves of capital , —the noble attributes of man have beea paralysed , —he has been reduced to the sad necessity of craving from his fellow-man tho liberty to live ; this has generated disaffection , which has sought a remedy in political changes . The Reform Bill was to do a great deal for tha people ; the people , however , found no benefit from it ; in fact , the Whig ministers have received the greatest advantage as it has given them the greatest share of place and pension ; they , however , have nearly run their race , —their name will bo handed down to posterity with contempt , —they have proved themselves to bo the purest representations of de * ception , and will receive their reward .

      Mr . Brook gives three propositions , which ho states he is prepared to argue . I am at a loss to discover what he means by his first proposition , for it is evident that were all institutions right there would be none wrong , and is not the currency an institution ? His second proposition charges a class of individuals as being swindlers , and yet in a former part of his letter he advises the laius : fair & principle . Bow can the evils ^ o speaks o ^ in his third proposition be rcmedicd ' on the let-alone principle . If Mr . Brook will enlarge a little more oa these propositions perhaps his ideas may be calcu * lated to arouse the public mind to reflect on this subject , which I should indeed he glad to witness , as it is without doubt one of the most important subjects . Yours truly , John Culuax , Juu .

      The Hand-Loom Weavers Op Kkaizes Borough...

      THE HAND-LOOM WEAVERS OP KKAIZES BOROUGH TO THE TRADES OF YOKE SHIRE .

      Fmow Workmk . y , — Amidst the many aud weighty appeals ' made to you ot late for your sympathy and support , to aid freedom and constitutional right against the fearful and iniquitous inroads of the worsts of despotisms , wo venture to lay before you vand the public a case , although not so generally wide spread in its blighting sml destructive consequences , yet without a parallel in the manufacturing districts of England . The case to which wc would call your attention is another of those attacks , so frequently made by Messrs . Walton and Co ., on the last remaining wages of their hand-loom weavers—an attack declared by all to be not only unnecessary , but a most wanton act of cruelty , and in which not another

      master m tho town will participate . Prior to this attempted reduction , the hand-loom weavers of Messrs . Walton and Co . were receiving less remuneration for their labour than any other place ia Yorkshire , by ten per cent . Their average wages ( if wages they could bo called ) , were from six to eight shillings per week , for regular skilled labour . But wages that ranged so high were considered by far too enormous for the hard-working artisan ; therefore , in strict conformity with all their previous actions , they now generously propose another fall in the labour market of from five to twenty-five per cent . ! The announcement of such a reduction was received by their workmen with surprise and horror . So much suffering had they endured from poverty and starvation , " That from want of sleep and sustenance Their minds distempered and their bodies numbed . " They were totally incapable to provide against an event which they believed impossible .

      "But formere want , how hard to suffer wrong , Want brings enough of other ills along . ' " Nothing now remained for the poor hand-loom weavers , but tho most gloomy prospect—cither a , living starvation , or a successful resistance . Wo appealed to our own trades—we told them a plain tale . They responded to our calls , and advised us by all means to make a determined stand . They all supported us with pecuniary means to the utmost of their power , and still continue to do so in the most honourable manner ; so also have the gentry and trading classes of our own neighbourhood who have seen the gross injustice practised upon . us . Eellow worknwn , —Wc have briefly stated our circumstances to you ; our members on strike are 120 , which , with their families who have to be supported , amount to near 3 U 0 individuals . You have ever shown your sympathy for the oppressed , and we confidently hope our appeal will not ho vain , but that you will render us what pecuniary assistance you have in your power .

      A deputation will bo appointed to visit the manufacturing districts of Yorkshire , to vxpla'n the circumstances , and solicit aid m our behalf . I am , on behalf of the distressed hand-loom Weavers of Kuavesuovougli , G . He . v . siiai . 1 , , Secretary . Committee Room , Mr . Edson ' s , Old Elephant and Castle , Kiiarcsborough , Sep . 4 , 1819 .

      The Miners Of The North

      THE MINERS OF THE NORTH

      At the usual delegate meeting of the miners ot Northumberland and Durham , held on Saturday last , at the Cock Inn , Newcastle , the following resolutions were agreed to , viz . : — " That the project of forming an emigration fund bo postponed until a future period . " " That tho subject-of . making a provision for the lecturers , in case they should be overtaken by sickness or any accident befal them while following the business of tho society , be referred to the colliers again , there being some misapprehension regarding tho matter last time . " "That to facilitate the appom tment of the lecturers '

      routes , each colliery forward to the general secretary the particulars , time , and place . , if they want the attendance of the same , so that the secretary luljht make out a proper plan , and thus ensure a more punctual attendance . " The subject of appointing parties to address the miners , and the resolutions to bo proposed at the general meeting on fcjliadair's-hill , being then discussed . It was resolved , — " That delegates meet immediately after the dismissal of the public meeting , at the house of Mr . Robert llobson , Mount , near the place of meeting , and that all monies due to the board be paid tliere at the ' same time . "

      Tho Chairman then begged leave to read from the Northern Slav , of that date , an article on "Colliery Alurders , " which article gave great satisfaction , and produced an emulation to procure copies of the paper containing the comment on colliery explosions . A letter was then road from Mr . Wyld , M . P ., stating his intention , if possible , to attend tho meeting , he being anxious to learn the special complaints on the ventilation of tho pits in this district , it being his intention to make a tour among the collieries for that purpose . It was then resolved , " That that gentleman be apprised that One of tho propositions to be brought bctoro the meeting would be connected with the ventilation of the pits hero , and if ho could attend he would hear the feelings and convictions of a

      goodly , number of the miners upon that question . Tho delegates from Castle Eden gave a lucid statement of the hardships and grievances to which the miners had for a long time succumbed , using their best arts of persuasion to procure an abatementof the rigour of the same from their employerbut ho being deaf to all they could adduce , tha whole body of men had resolved to ceaso work until they obtained a redress of their grievances ; and it wassineerely desired that no miner should apjly there for work during such struggle . The secretary reported that there was an in creased number of members , but not so large as in the preceding fortnights ; but from the reports , of tho lecturers , and letters received from West Stanley , and Copy Crooks , there seemed to be an anxious desire for lecturers to visit the collieries that have

      not yet jomed . , Tho meeting was closed by the usual expression of good fooling , and determination to carry out the good work , now far advancing towards completion , and but wanting the united energies oS all to crown it with success . M . Jude , Chairman . [ We are informed that the miners of Hough Hall , West Hetton , and Crowtrces , are also on tUQ strike . ]

      Is osk day , we learn from the Perth (' ourrft ^ tho Duke of Athol with his single gun brought down twenty-four head of dee \\ The Daily Heivs questions whether tho most accomplished butcher of our timo has ever slaughtered so many cattle in one day as his Grace has slaughtered deep , for this « net h « at * in , g but slaugb . twi . ngv

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  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 8, 1849, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_08091849/page/1/