On this page
- Departments (1)
-
Text (12)
-
™w 12, 1852 THE STAR OF FREEDOM. 3
-
MR. FEABGUS O'CONNOR. *lr. O'Coskor's un...
-
MAZZINI AND « THE FRESCH SOCIALISTS." TO...
-
GUIDE TO THE LECTURE-ROOM, literary Inst...
-
EmxbuRgh Chair of Moral Philosophy. — Mr...
-
SmocratCc £fobtmtnt*
-
%r Our Friends will oblige by forwarding...
-
DEMOCRATIC REFUGEE COMMITTEE. The Commit...
-
BiRMixoHAM.—Haw of Progress.—Mr, Broom h...
-
CHARTISM. NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION. ...
-
<*h .W5T™^£ w W Jrej>0S,08nJ8 to hMd on ...
-
ia the>Cj^SfeeereeB rTSmsSmSm appoiiifii...
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Bonaparte Baffled. Ltwillbejseen By Refe...
^^ nled apathetic , and the selfish * j $ X & ^ ^ accepting b S ° V / w 1 too werinowii ; he stands revealed Btt t . Inle world , a perjurer , an assassin , a robber **« £ . "StiASl be mad to desire to be 1 , 16 ? . tv the Elysian ' saviour of society' - the «^ £ Decembrist tyrant : They have no such ^ Confident in th eir integrity and in the justice ieTw cause , thev refuse to bend before this enemy «* . ? £ ? freedom ; and treating his threats and his OI S the contempt they merit , calmly await the «* % haggle , conscious that if they fall , they mil ^ "" " cJone their duty towards their country , and " __ j » Jinmanitv .
q S is the attitude of the Belgian people , what-Vmav bave been the course pursued by the goment All honour to the true-hearted jury who i ? * baffled BoxapabTE ; aud who have kept un-^ ned that national honour , which the cowardly a nd servile Government were so willing to drag in There is something the more base , the more unerateful and cowardly , in the readiness of the Belgian G overnment to crush 'La Nation , ' inasmuch as that ionrnal had , after the amp d ' etat in December , forgotten all minor considerations in presence of the danger which threatened the national independence of Belgium . It had always been hostile to the Gorerampnt till then ; but when Cossack Bonaparte Hirceeded in overthrowing the French Kepublic and
usurping the Supreme Power , 'La Nation , ' feeling h ow fatal would be internal disunion , was content to mate every possible sacrifice to support the existing Government , since it was—whatever might be its faults—a Government chosen hy the Belgians , and which could not possibly defend from foreign foes the country that had been entrusted to its charge , if it was weakened bv the attacks of internal enemiesmercies who would not work with it , even in defence of the fatherland , and whose aid could not he counted upon in the day of danger . « La Nation' was wdbi . bio of all this . It felt the truth of the Belgian motto— 'L ' unionfait la force ; ' and determined to labour to secure for the nation that which , was most important and valuable to the whole people—National
Liberty and National Independence . Surely , tnen , firs patriotic ionrnal did not merit the treatment which it has received at the hands of the present Government . Shame upon its members ' . —they who ought to he fcLe upholders of the national banner and the national name , and to keep both pure and unsullied ; thus to become the base panderera to the vengeance of that blood-stained tyrant , who is the determined enemy of their country , and of their country ' s liberties . _
, . , , Again we say , all honour to the true-hearted Belgians who have preserved the honour of their country , and protected the Freedom of the Press , by acquitting 'La > ation . ' And all honour to our brave co-workers of that journal ; may they undauntedly pursue the path they have chosen , and continue to assail the already tottering iniquity which is torturing unhappy France 1
™W 12, 1852 The Star Of Freedom. 3
™ w 12 , 1852 THE STAR OF FREEDOM . 3
Mr. Feabgus O'Connor. *Lr. O'Coskor's Un...
MR . FEABGUS O'CONNOR . * lr . O'Coskor ' s unaccountable visit to the "United States , and his extraordinary conduct last week in the Law Courts , must , in some measure , have prepared the readers of the ' Star of Freedom , ' for the still more painful statements which , this week , have appeared in the daily journals . Not to dwell upon a melancholy theme , it is sufficient to observe , that Mr . O'Cosson's rencontres with a number of members of the House of Commons , have led to his arrest by order of the House , and his detention in the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms .
Whatever he the cause , we cannot doubt the insanity of Mr . O'Connor . The argument of the Atior-vest-General that Mr . O'Connor must be sane , since he could desist from his actions upon being warned , was but poor reasoning , as it is well known that persons labouring under mental derangement , are often aware ; that an act is criminal or i mproper , although they have not the self-control necessary to enable them to abstain from performing it . Mr . 0 Connor ' s unfortunate eiadition has naturally excited the lively sympathy of all parties . We caauut , however , refrain from expressing our disgust
at the conduct of certain persons who have attempted to trade in that sympathy . Refusing to imitate their example , we have nevertheless not been inattentive spectators of the melancholy state into which Mr . O'Connor has fallen ; but we have been silent on the subject , on account of our inability to advise his friends in the matter . We shall be glad , however , to co-operate with them in taking all possible steps to ensure that he is treated with justice and tenderness . It is necessary that his relatives and friends should now come forward and take the measures requisite to attain that result .
Mazzini And « The Fresch Socialists." To...
MAZZINI AND « THE FRESCH SOCIALISTS . " TO THS EDITOR OF THE STAR OF FREEDOM . Sir , —I was at first disposed to accede to jour entreaties , and not farther notice the " vexed question" between the Roman Triumvir and some French Socialists ; bnt observing how unanswered sssertions are believed by one-sided reasoaers , and reflecting also that tha duty of a Republican is cot eo much , to snake things pleasant to his friends as to promote the truth in ali matters of public interest , I feel bound to give your readers such information as I am able to obtain—thouth it happens to be in direct contradiction to that afforded them in tbe letter which appeared in your co-Inmiis some weeks back , with the signature of M . Xadaud . The gist of that letter was to prove the " pompous useleaness" of Mazzini at Rome , by a quotation of tbe special opinion of a Neapolitan refugee , 1 L G- llicchrdi , whose known antagonism renders his opinion about as eood authority
against Mazzini as the opinion of AT . Pfoudhon would be against Pierre Leroux or Louis Blaue . M . Ricciardi ' g opinion—to give it in a few words—is , that tbe Roman Republic was ruined "chiefly" by Mazzmi ' s «« refusing" to carry the war into Naples before Piedmont was overcome . Antagonist or not , he baa a right to his opinion ; bnt as an historian , ha should know something of facts . He should hcot that Mazzini was not elected Triumvir until the 29 th Of March , six days after the fall of Piedmont , at JJovara ; and that before the end of April the quadruple intervention was at work . lie should know that when , during that Month , delegates from Xaples asked for troops and arms , Mizzini was so far from being even unwilling to carry the * arto Naples , that he promised them a third portion of the
arms he was then hoping to procure { not having then snfieient for Rome ) , and gare orders to Garibaldi to enter tbe Neapolitan territory . The advance of the French army necessitated the recall of Garibaldi , and the French intercepted the expected supply of arms . These things were well enough known to reach even the unwillin g ears of M . Hicciardi . And he cannot be ignorant that M . Saliceti ( one of M . Blanc ' s anti-Maztinht heroes ) was in power at Rome up to the 29 th of March ; * o that , could the reproach of neglecting Naples be justly levelled against Mazzini , it would apply even more to the Neapolitan Saliceti , who had not the latter difficulties to encounter . Of course , I do sot Maine M . Xadaud—who gets his history second-handfor each mistakes as these . I am only sorry he should be so misled .
So much for tbe " proof" kindly supplied by M . Iticciardi . As to M . Nadaud and his colleagues , 'j am spared evea the easy task of quoting from the abundant evidence whioh exists in confutation of the absurd charge into which their anger had betrayed them : since , notwithstanding " W * can pbqvb ichat we said , " the " pompous uselessnesa" has been considerately suppressed in the French re-issue of the animadversions of M . Louis Blanc , lam , Sir , yours faithfully , IF . J . Lwio . v ( Spartacm . ) Brantwcod , June 7 th .
Guide To The Lecture-Room, Literary Inst...
GUIDE TO THE LECTURE-ROOM , literary Institution , John-street , Kteroy-square . —June 6 th t ~ i ) , *** ctnre . ^ nft-plaee , Moorfielos .-June 5 th ( 111 a . m . ) , fl . Ierson , M . A ., W ^«> ce , City-road—Jtme 6 th ( 7 J ) , Thomas Cooper , « Coivmbas and the Discovery of America . ' « lT ^ . m ? l 5 aU ' ' ** Holborn _ Jime 6 th ( S ) , P . W . Perfitt , We and Character of the Earl of Strafford / ( nY ^ , ^ ?^ Webber-street , Blackfriars-road .-June 6 th l ^ erav * SotttkweH ' 'HeU accor « ns to Believers and TJn . a |^ wdonEterarj Institution , Bethnal-green .-June 6 th ( 71 ) , ^ P ^ Cofiee and ReadinK Room , 59 , Ohurch-lsae , WbiteffiS » TerySnadsy , Monday , and Wednesday ( 8 ) , alecture or
te , ^ 0 rnm JP offee Honse . 60 , Reucross-street-Every Sunday , * ° ? ky . ans Tfanrsiay , ( 8 i ) , a lecture . ^ * * £ J B ° ^^ te . Denmark-sfreet , Soho—Every Friday ( 61 ) , ^^ iffi ^* " * " WW Soudiy l offi £ tdid - HaU ' IhilpotEtreei . toamjerdal-roaa-east-Tbeo t « rtav « I ^ f ; 7 o Sundaym 0 rnin 5 { 11 ) » Sunday eTemng ( 7 ) , fi *?{ , < 8 ) iThursday ( 8 ) , and Saturday ( 8 ) . ' B *'' 6 t ^ a iK !' ' Charl » , tre « l » Old Garratt , MuctafeWoiie * pS ^! S , 2 t »«*« t ®^ I ^ ds .-Every s « naaratiS ?" ? 5 y ' EdS « - «' ree ^ fteston . _ £ S : ture every ?»** Hmti ^^~ I ^ J ^ ^ . ^^ to ' cloci , ^^ opSedwStoS aS , Commuiiiitie E ^ i ^ wt ,: '
Guide To The Lecture-Room, Literary Inst...
THE GENERAL ELECTION . TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR OF FREEDOM . Sir , —AGeneral Election is an event of the greatest importance to the respective political factions , who hold in their hands the political government of this country . Narrowed , as the issue of a General Election is by the non-representation of the interests of the producing classes , it is still a great national event , and must demand a lesser or greater share of the attention of every active mind .
The leading heads of the Free Trade party have made the forthcoming election a test—not of the truth of free action ( or , as it is called , Free Trade ) as a principle ; for , notwithstanding all that has been said about the power of majorities , it is known to every thinking man that the truth or falsehood of a principle does not depend upon the counting of heads . The leaders of the Free Trade party are active , energetic , practical men ; and having money , and the will to spend it , they have necessarily commanded much influence , and forced their chief opponents , the Protectioniststo take sides .
, The Protectionists , with few exceptions , have ranged themselves under the leadership ^ of the Earl of Derby ; and the noble earl , with considerable tact , has endeavoured to widen the issue between himself and the parties to whom he is opposed , by calling upon the country to try the Derby Administration , not on Protection against Free Trade , but upon its merits considered in relation to questions generally . The design was excellent , and might , for tbe Premier ' s ownpurpeses , have told with effect ; but his followers have not adhered to it with closeness and
perseverance , and their opponents , who are wellsldlled in political jockeyism , saw the object aimed at instantly , and pertinaciously adhered to their original intention of makinsj the election turn on the question ofFree Trade . The effect has been , that some of thefollowersofEarl Derby havedeclared themselves unwilling to reverse the Free Trade policy of the late Sir Robert Peel , and otherslhave told their election committees to do as they may think best . A convenient , but not an honourable , way of escaping a difficulty ,
The "Whigs and the Liberals have entered into a compact to act together ; Russell , Graham , Cobden , and Wood , are leagued in one bond for the purposes of attack and defence . The "Whi g faction were beggared in reputation and bankrupt in hope . For twenty years , with but slight interruptions , they had enjoyed the sweets of office ; and with that amount of family affection which has distinguished them ever since they " adopted the advice of Fox—to govern the country through family alliances—they parcelled out lucrative and important offices for their own gain , and their country ' s loss . As a party , they were fast falling to decay—scorned by every man of honour for
their falsehood—hated by every intelligent working man , for their hypocrisy—the "Whi gs were forced into a coalition with the Liberals—not because they desired the company of their new associates , but because they were powerless ; and for that reason accepted of a union without friendship , in hopes of securing to themselves a release of power . All such coalitions are neither more nor less than organised hypocrisies , conceived in falsehood , born in treachery , sustained by fraud , and destined to produce infinite mischief . It is impossible that Russell , Graham .
Wood , and Cobden , can act together without the weaker yielding to the stronger power . If Russell and Wood govern , we shall have Whiggery—more Whiggery—if Graham and Cobden ( or either of them ) be predominant , the growing interest of the country will he made subservient to one dogma , and one dogma only—Free Trade , or unlimited competition internally and internationally . There is an old saying , known to every schoolboy — 'Evil communications corrupt good manners ?' Can the men of Sheffield call to recollection a Mr .
Ward , who , when he first wooed their confidence , was a thorough-going Radical Reformer , and an ultra Free Trader ; he became allied with the "Whigs , retained his economical doctrines in . their entireness , but was changed into Governor Ward . His attachment to his long-avowed political principles was conveniently , and to him profitably , laid aside , and the emoluments of office greedily grasped . The citizens of Edinburgh cannot have forgotten their reasons for rejecting Macaulay—the most brilliant writer of the day—an accomplished orator—but destroyed for all useful purposes , because of his alliance with Whiggery . The electors of Manchester obliged
Milner Gibson , the colleague of John Bright , to resign his appointment in the Ministry , so jealous were they of their independence , and so wisely afraid of Whig influence . By some hidden process , only known to Whig chemists , the whole dye and colour of their party is changed—the faded yellow of the Whig flag is changed—a calico printer has undertaken to impress it with a new pattern . The ' Cheshamiplace Compact' is the great renovator ; and , forthwith , the Whigs and the Manchester Radicals , though varying slightly in theory , are essentially one in practice . Will any good come out of such an union ?
None ; a clean thing cannot come out of an unclean ; and it would be as reasonable to sow tares , and hope to reap wheat , as to expect good fruit from so unprincipled a coalition . We know that we are treading on dangerous ground . In some places , the cry is already raised : Don'tdivide the Liberal interest ! ' which , practically interpreted , means : ' Don t divide the Whig interest . '' We would delight in such a division ; and why ?—because , so long as the Whigs can muster majorities in the House of Commons , every question of social and political importance is shelved . Once scatter the people ' s enemies—the Whigs ; let them feel themselves weak , the old men of their party will make common cause with the Conservatives . The
young men look for fame and success in the advocacy of doctrines more ^ Radical in their nature , and more advanced in their aims . Many men have given in their adhesion to this Whig and Radical coalition , under the impression that what they call a strong government is an absolute [ necessity for the good of the country , and that such government can only be established through the agency of the ' Chesham-place Compact . ' We own at once that we have no desire to see a strong Whig Administration-we prefer a strong public opinion and a weak Whig Government , to a strong Whig Government and a weak public opinion . In fact ,
experience shows that strong governments are generally despotisms—powerful for evil , powerless for good . A strong -Government , not made so from its reliance on the intelligence and suffrages of the whole people , folly represented in Parliament , is a consummation of political power not to be desired , but , on the contrary , to be deprecated , and , if possible , avoided . One result arising from the' Cheshom-place Compact , ' is to all the contending parties extremely agreeable . The questions of the Suffrage , the Poor Laws , tbe use and abuse of machinery , the Laws of Partnership , the Rights of Labour , are all laid aside to the very great convenience of aspiring statesmen , and to the very great loss of the best interests of our country . It is a much easier matter to raise a shout
for Free Trade or Financial Reform , than to explain to the working men how the improvements in machinery , every day bronghfc into competition with their labour , may be made advantageous for their interests —it is much easier to speak elegies over the grave of Feel , than to effect a beneficial change in our system of Poor Laws—it is more expedient to rant about Civil and Religious Liberty'than to venture a solitary word on the Suffrage—it is safer to talk of the extension of trade , than to express a deliberate conviction on what are , or what are not , the rightful claims of Labour . Whigs and Radicals on all these points have resolved to be silent , and the voice of Labour is to be hushed , while bankrupt Whiggery claims a first-class certificate at the hands of the
workng men . It is with regret that we writeagreat share of the evils enumerated rests with the working men—they have too often wasted their energies in abusing each other—they have burned their lamps dry in useless strikes , and . ' pitiable exhibitions of personal spleen . And now , when light is wanted , all is in darkness—when action is required , there is no strength , no defined purpose , no understood plan of attack or defence , their opponents have coalesced , and they look on in apathy , in anger , and iu feebleness . How long it shall remain so , it is for tbe working men themselves to say , —How long a general election shall be an event of national importance , and their voice not beard therein , it is for them to answer . What the future may be it is for them / and them mainly , to pronounce . Gracchus .
Emxburgh Chair Of Moral Philosophy. — Mr...
EmxbuRgh Chair of Moral Philosophy . — Mr . Macdsueafl and Mr . Fcrrier were the candidates for the vacant Professorship , which has been decided in favour of the former by twenty votes against thirteen .
Smocratcc £Fobtmtnt*
SmocratCc £ fobtmtnt *
%R Our Friends Will Oblige By Forwarding...
% r Our Friends will oblige by forwarding reports of Chartist meetings , and other Democratic proceedings . I THE SOCIALIST UNION . TO THE EDITOR OF THE . STAR OF FREEDOM . London , June Srd , 1852 . Sir , —Representatives of the'French Press , at this moment reduced to silence , we address ourselves , to aid our cause , to the Free Press of England . By giving tbe publicity of your columns to the document which we bave the honour to forward to you , you will add , to the material hospitality with which we have been received in this country , another species of hospitality , the noblest of ail—hospitality , intellectual and moral . Receire , sir , our cordial salutations . In the name of all those whose signatures are attached to the enclosed , Louis Blanc .
L'UNION SOCIALISTS . " It is not true that the usurpation of Louis Bonaparte has been absolved , in fact , by Universal Suffrage . As regards Europe , it is an imposture ; as regards France , it is a calumny . At all events , France would never have desired , through Universal Suffrage , to give herself a tyrant . For any man to believe that , would be to tuppose a people of madmen , as Jean Jacques Rousseau has said in the Contract Social ; and , as he has also said , * Madness doe ' s not make a , right , ' " j To replace , by an Independent Press , tho journals suppressed by the 2 nd of December ; as many as despotism condeains to silence , or their own cowardice to falsehood . To light up on the land of exile a beacon that our brothers of France may perceive from afar , from out the midst of the darkness in whioh they aro plunged . To facilitate the search after means of employment for our brethren in proscription .
To provide an organ for all true ideas—an echo for all legitimate complaints—a refuge for intelligence oppressed by force . To record the union of spirit and the convergence of ideas in tbe Socialist democracy . To create , in a word , a centre to fix many an errant purpose—to rally dispersed efforts—and to receive , as in a depot , the Cahiers of another ' 89 , those of the nineteenth century . Such is our aim . How shall we attain it f First , it was important to form a group of men endowed
with different organisations , but animated with the same faith , having different aptitudes ' , but so ' selected as at once to combine with and to counterpoise each other . This group we have had no difficulty in forming : for a long time past our spirits appealed to each other , and a secret sympathy united our hearts . '; The difficulty was , how to come together : This difficulty , by a kind of providential law , proscription has solved ; for almost all the undersigned aro proscribed , and among them there are eight who , having been named representatives of the people , do but pursue , under the only form now possible , the accomplishment of their mandate .
The spirit of exclusiveness and of pride is , we know well , fit only to create misfortune : it engenders hate , it results in impotence . We invite all Republican Democratic Socialists to ] oin in our work . If others besides us unite in a purpose similar to our own—the search after truth , the triumph of justice , the enfranchisement of the people—far from fearing our antagonism , let them reckon upon our fraternal welcome . It is penetrated with this spirit that we have agreed to work together in the service of the people , hand in hand , under the auspices of friendship . It remained for us to establish the material means of action ; it remained to give to our moral and political association , in order to put it in relation with the world around us , the character of an industrial association .
Here an unforeseen difficulty presented itself . The English laws render very hazardous , in an industrial sense , associations composed of a great number of persons , by the threat of a mutual responsibility , confused in its limitations , and impossible to regulate beforehand . We have , therefore , felt ourselves compelled to separate our moral and political association from an industrial association ; and three amongst us , who form our committee—Citizens Louis Blanc , Etienne Cabet , ' Pierre Leroux—have undertaken the exclusive direction of all that concerns the management of the Journal and the Review . It need not be added that all who thus remain unconnected with the industrial enterprise desire its success as ardently as the three who are charged with the responsible agency . Tbe latter have decided , on the strength of ; our unanimous
adhesion—1 . That the Journal and the Review shall be edited in the three languages most generally known—in French , Germau , and English—so as to constitute as much as possible the intellectual unity of the nations . 2 . That the Review shall boar tbe name of the association itself— ' L'Unios Socialite—( The Socialist Union ) . ' 3 . That the title of the Journal shall be' L'Europe Libre — ( Fhbe Europb } . ' Europe first ! because the * , true Republican principle , that of tha solidarity and fraternity of nations : because the definite triumph of justice can only now spring from a vast concurrence of efforts : because , - when-France is struck , all Europe is menaced or suffering . Europe Free ! because the first right to be reconquered at the present moment is liberty .
If the enterprise succeed , the People ' s cause will be found to have at its service a ; grand and fruitful power . If the immense and exceptional difficulties of our position prevent our raising the necessary sum , we shall have accomplished an imperious duty , and the moral and political association we have formed will still survive to prepare for better days . Profoundly convinced thaVthe victories of evil are but transient—that only truth is really invincible—that to the scandalous orgies of despotism which now afflict France will succeed a disgust that should render their return for ever impossible : that the 2 nd of December was the maddened agony of a departing world , as tho Pagan world was departing under the infamous reigns of Caraoalla and Heliogabalus , immediately before the triumph of Chris tianity , we are full of faith , courage , and hope .
We appeal once more to all who partake our convictions and are animated with oar sentiments . And even those who , without sharing all our persuasions , know us to be honest men , determined to fulfil loyally what we deem to be a uselul work , we invite to aid us . Members of the Committee . Louis Blanc , Ex-Mombre du Gouvernement
Provi-. Babei , Ex-Depute ( C 6 te d'Or ) . Pierre Leroux , Represeatant du Peuple ( Paris ) . Members of the Council . Bandsbpt , Representant du Peuple ( Strasbourg ) J . Ph . Bbrjeau , Joumaliste ( Paris ) . Boura , Negociant ( Vendee ) . Auouste Dksmoulihs , Typographe ( Paris ) . Clbubsi Duuc , Proprietaire , Agriculteur , Representant du Peuple ( Dordogne ) . Philippe Faurb , Journalists ( Sarthe ) . Ernest Leblots , Joumaliste ( Limoges ) . Jules Leroux , Typographe , Representant du Peuple ( Creuse ) . UlLiBBiBB , Instituteur , Representant da Peuple ( Nievre ) . Malarmet , Monteur en Bronze ( Haute-Saone ) .
Nadaud , Maoon , Representant du Peuple ( Creuse ) . Louis Neire , Typographe ( Paris ) . Pelletier , Representant du Peuple ( Lyon ) . Roum , Preprietaire , Cultivateur , Representant du Peuple ( Niovre ) . < Sabatier , Anoien Eleve de 1 'Ecole Poly technique ( Uerault . ) Alfred Talensibr , Avocat ( Haute-Vienne ) . Thieby , Marcband Bottirr ( Cote d'Or ) . T . Thore , Journalise ( Paris ) . Ia our next number we shall , give the articles of the " Actede Societe —( Deed' of Association ) " by which it is proposed to conduct the commercial enterprise . The subjoined letter will be a sufficient testimony to the character and purpose of the proposed " Union . ' . ' London 10 th May 1852 .
, , To MM . Louis Blasc , Cab & t , Pierre Leroux . ' Gentlemen , — We accept the office of Trnsuts of the " Union Socialists" proposed by you , under the understanding that we are not thereby considered to indicate any concurrence in your views , further than the desire that you should have the opportunity of making your ideas known , and should succeed in assisting your fellow-countrymen to support themselves in exile by their own exertions . We are , GentUmeo , yours faithfully , ( Sienedi i Edward Vausiitari NbAIB , l a , gnea nWllUAMC 0 NTN 0 HAM . The Socialist Union have established their offices" at 5 , Hart-street , Bioomsbury-Bquare , where any information may be sought and obtained , personally or by letter .
Democratic Refugee Committee. The Commit...
DEMOCRATIC REFUGEE COMMITTEE . The Committee hell their usual weekly meeting on Wednesday , Mr . Milford in the chair . Correspondence was read , including a letter from the Rev . G . A . Syme , of Nottingham , announcing the formation of a Committee in that important town , to render aid to the Refugees , Several contributions were received , including £ 10 from Viscount Goderich , and £ 1 from Mr , J , M . Ludlow . The Committee adjourned till Wednesday evening next , At special business will have to be . transacted , a full attendance of members is requested , j & - Persons willing to aid tbe Committee , bj taking subscription sheets , aro requested to communicate with G . Julian Harney , 4 , Brunstrick-row , Queen ' s-square , Bloomsbury , London , to whom all letters are to be addressed , fgr The Committee will meet every Wednesday evening , at eight o ' clock , in the coffee-room of the Institution , John-street , Tottenham-court-road .
Birmixoham.—Haw Of Progress.—Mr, Broom H...
BiRMixoHAM . —Haw of Progress . —Mr , Broom has leo ^ tured on the " Derby Government , " and " Hero Worship , " to attentive and well pleased audiences . We have had an animated debate on " Atheism . " Next Sunday evening Mr . Broom will deliver a third discourse on " Theology * Influence . " On Tuesday next a lecture on CarlyleV ' Pig Philosophy . " On Thursday a debate on the question , " Would the World be better without Christianity . " On Sunday afteraooa Mr , Broom will preach at Goster . green , at three o ' clock . He will do so to try the legality of tbe proceedings of the authorities , vho threaten to prosecute
Birmixoham.—Haw Of Progress.—Mr, Broom H...
him , if he continues preaching . Those friends who can give money assistance are requested to send to 2 , Suffolkstreet , Birmingham , where is given away our " Programme of Principles for the People . "— Correspondent .
Chartism. National Charter Association. ...
CHARTISM . NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Wo , the Executive Committee , have been taunted with inaction—that we " were traitors "—that we " must bo upset "—that we " must be ousted , " & o ., die . We ask why havo we been thus taunted and denounced ? Is it because we are less sincere , or that we havo swerved from principle ? Is it because we have not deviated from the policy wa enunoiated when we took office , that we were determined to do our utmost to pay the debt , which was left us as a legacy , and which , by strictly adhering to , it was well known that our hands were tied , and our energies fettered ? We emp hatically answer—** 0 . But it was because those who denounced us were determined to found thereon a pretext to upset all legitimate Democratic authority , and pursue a reckless and obstructive course , which policy has , and will , tend to place Chartism in such a position that we feel convinced every true Democrat must deplore
. .... . . In view of events which have recently transpired , and feeling a desire to relieve ourselves of the remaining portion of the debt , we resolved to invito several well-known and sterling friends to meet us on Sunday evening last , when—we have much pleasure in stating —a most energetic and determined spirit was evinced by those ass ? mb ! ed . It was first resolved to finally wipe off tbe debt , which was at once accomplished , as the subjoined list will prove . The next question whioh aross , was the necessity of foreshadowing a wise and energetic plan for future action ; and it was agreed to request the Executive to draw up an address to the country ; but as it was considered that a document of such importance would require mature deliberation , it was deemed advisable to defer the discussion thereon until Sunday evening next , to which time the meeting adjourned . LIST OF SUBSCBIPIIONS 10 COMPLETE THE PAYMENT OP MB
DEBT . £ s . d . & s . d . James Grassby ... 0 2 6 John Bezer ... ... 0 2 6 John Shaw ... ... 0 1 0 Thornton Hunt ... 0 5 0 G . J . Holyoake ... 0 5 0 Robert Le Blond ... 0 5 0 JohnArnott 1 0 0 Charles Murray ... 0 1 0 John Buckley ... 0 1 0 William Dexter ,,. 2 FrederickFarrah 0 2 0 R . Levy ... 0 10 ADelaforce 0 10 J . S . Clark 0 2 0 G . Farrah 0 1 0 Wm . Mdford ... 0 1 0 W . BvaMd 0 2 6 Julwn Harney ... 0 5 0 Gerald Massey ... 0 2 6 A . Bell 0 2 6 D . W . Ruffy 0 2 6 R . Mam 0 1 0 J . B . Leno 0 1 0 H . Rawlins 0 10 0 J . Washington - ... 0 1 0 A Friend 0 8 0 Total ^ - 6 d-James Grasbby , Secretary .
METROPOLITAN DELEGATE COUlsCIL . On Sunday , June 6 , the Council assembled , and another disgraceful uproar commenced Mr . Bhgb was called to the chair . An immense number of credentials were handed m from persons who were allowed to sit as delegates . Several delegates rose to state their objections to the new " delegates' " credentials , but were invariably put down by the Chairman , who declared that "he would hear no more . " He did not want speeches j ho wanted . business—Mr . Stratton stated that the manner in which the Bermondsey delegate was elected was disgraceful . He attended the " Locality" meeting , and he found five men there ; one in the chair , one drunk and asleep , the other deaf and asleep . These were the locality meetings who sent delegates to support the " Conference . " They hadraised mushroom localities , but a sunny day would wither them up .-Mr .
Bezer opposed the reception ot suon " ueiegaies . uero the intimidation exercised by a number ot persons who were not delegates became so violent , that even tbe Chairman affected to remonstrate , nnd said ho would not allow any spectator to approach the delegates . —Mr . Murray thought that to preserve the dignity of debate , these mtimidators should not be admitted . ( Groans and confusion . ) It was then announced that an aggregate meeting was to be held , and that the " business" o the " delegates' would be suspended . —Mr . Stratton stated that this meeting was called by a juggle . He was a member of the Observation Committee , and the Observation Committee had had a smuggled meeting , and agreed to call this meeting . He would protest against such mean and petty tricks . The Council resolved themselves into a publio meeting . —Mr . Blieh was called to the chair—Mr . Haggis moved the
first resolution , whioh was eulogistic of the Conference . —Mr . Loomes , a very young man , seconded the motion . When Mr . Loomes had resumed his seat , many speakers began to question his veracity , but the Chairman silenced them by announcing that he would bear no more questions . —Mr . Charles Murray . ( a member of Mr . O Brien ' s Reform League ) moved an amendmentdenouncingtheusurpation of those who formed this so-called " Executive . " They would be scouted by the trades . They would disgrace Chartism as much as they had disgraced themselves . He knew packed meetings too well to take that meeting as an exposition of the will of Chartism . ( Groans . )—Mr . Farrah , in seconding the amsndment , denounced " the smashing policy of the persons who had elected themselves as an Executive . "—Messrs . Grant and Wood supported the motion . —Mr . Ernest Jones also supported tbe
motion , and iuthe course of his speech laid down this moral maxim , that n 5 matter how great a rascal a man was , ho should not bo repudiated so long as he spread their principles and pushed on tho movement . — Mr . Stratton stated that iu a meeting packed for party purposes it was of no use for him to speak —( hisses and groans)—but , as he intended to speak the truth , he did not fear any noise that might be made by a set of bullies . He was opposed to tbe Manchester Conference , seeing that the majority of Chartists were opposed to it . ( Hisses . ) The country were opposed to it they could see by tbe amount of money subscribed to the new Executive . They could not rake £ 3 to pay their expenses of £ 5 10 s . ; and thus while Mr . Jones was puffing off the enthusiasm that this " Conference " had caused , they had commenced in insolvency , and must end in bankruptcy . ( Cheers . ) Instead of paying off the debt they ( the Chartists ) had contracted through the other Executive , they were trying still more to bring Chartism into disgrace by bringing it into fresh difficulties . They had elected an Executive by Universal
Suffrage , and at the dictation of one man they had destroyed their own work in a few months . It had been stated that we had a veritable People ' s papor ; but what did we find ?—we found that he ( Mr . Stratton ) had been slandered because he bad dared to speak tne truth . Tho " People ' s Paper " had reported him as saying what he never had stated , and what be did state they suppressed . He bad a letter in his pocket which Mr , Jones had refused to insert . ( Mr . Jones here interrupted Mr . Stratton . ) Mr . Strattoft then produced the letter , whioh was read . . The letter was one which advocated the cause of William Newton , the working man ' s candidate for the Tower Hamlets . —Bronterre O'Brien supported the "Conference , " if they meant what they said ; but if not , he trusted the Chartists would down with them . The noiso throughout had been so disgraceful , that the greater part of the meeting had by this time left in disgust . The motion was carried . —Mr . Finlen moved , andJMr . Wheeler seconded , a resolution condemning the government for the attempt to suppress open-air meetings . —Carried . —The meeting then broke up .
AffoxHsn Voice trow . Halifax , —To tbe Editor . —Sir , — In your " Noticesto Correspondents , " of Saturday last , I findsaveralparagraphs repudiating the expressions made use of by Messrs . Jones and Cookroft at the Conference lately held at Manchester . I have been informed that Cookroft naa denied having spoken thus . Boing anxious to know the truth , I have had a long con versation with Mr . Shackleton , your reporter at that Conference , and he assures me that Cockroft did speak as reported . Lot that be as it may , I know that such language is in strict keeping with him , and I can see no reason why he should deny baring giyen utterance to it whon it is strictly in accordance with We usual professions . There is a paragraph in Mr . Sweet ' s letter whioh requires notice . "Did Mr . Cookroft really represent the opinions of the men of Halifax ? " I have no hesitation in saying that he did not represent the opinions
even of the Democracy , much less the opinions of the men of Halifax . I do not dispute but that he represented a portion of the people of Halifax ; but I can assure you that it was only a very small portion . If we consider the last public meeting that took place in Halifax on Parliamentary Reform , I am fully borne out in my assertions , for at that meeting tbe People ' s Charter was moved as an amendment to the Parliamentary Reformo a' resolution , but when put to the rote was lost by a very considerable majority . I could not attribute the defeat of the amendment to any other source than the reckless policy which those men have been pursuing for sometime , which policy ; i have no hesitation in saying will have to be got rid of , before even the principles of Democracy are again in the ascendant in Halifax , —Yours fraternally , UiuahHinchcliffe , South Darloystreet , Halifax , June 7 th .
Asnio « -UNDEB-LiHE . —The weekly meeting of tbe members of the Ashton Democratic Association to « k place on Sunday * last , in their meeting room , Water-street Charlestown . Mr . Knott in the chair , The Secretary , Mr . Morgan , reported , that in comtquence of tbero being no fundi in hand no delegate had gone to the South Lancashire Delegate Meeting at Manchester . Messrs . Taylor and Scott were then appointed to inspect the condition of the library previous to its being re-opened to the members . The report was favourable to its being re-opened on an early day . In the meantime , it is hoped that the members will exert themselves in soliciting donations and presents from all friends of Democracy and Progress . Mr . William Ellison was elected Secretary in place of Mr . Morgan resigned . All communications mutt be addressed to Mr . Elluon , No . 20 , Gosford-street , Aghton-under-L .
yne Chartism n HAum . -To the Ewi 0 B . _ Dear Sir , — In your " Notices to Correspondents" is a paragraph from a letter from Mr . J . Sweet , Nottingham , addressed to Messrs . Oockrpft and Jones , in which he asks , "Did Mr . Cookroft really represent the opinions of tho men of Halifax ! ' referrine to the late Conference proceedings iu 2 . « £ ! I £ 1 ' J ° n * m MgrfMtioa of Mr . Sweet and others , who maymentally ask the same question , I have no hesitation in affirming , on my own responsibility , that be did not represent the opinions of the men of Halifax . He was the representative and personification of a deeply disappointed party , powerless for good from the existence amongst them
<*H .W5t™^£ W W Jrej>0s,08nj8 To Hmd On ...
<* h . W 5 T ™^ £ w Jrej > 0 S , 08 nJ 8 to hMd on S & turiay , June 5 th j of course too late for publication in that day ' s ' Star . ' Our friends mutf tend earlier .- Edito * . '
<*H .W5t™^£ W W Jrej>0s,08nj8 To Hmd On ...
of a strong vindictive feeling , which blinds their perception so strongly , that they cannot perceive the extremely ridiculous figure they exhibit , and tho contempt they are bringing to bear against men calling themselves Chartists . It is lamentable that men should allow a feeling of vanity so far to become the directing principle of their actions , as to lead them to despise and condemn all who venture to oppose their presumed " perfection" of policy . A dictatorial principle of action will not be submitted to by the people of this countrv , unless it proceeds from a man whose wisdom is established by thorough practical and numeroug proofs of disinterestedness of action , and an absence in all his efforts of pergonal vindictiveness of feeling , for personal sacrifices are not always traceable to an instinctive feeling of love to his fellow-men—sometimes it proceeds from an unconquerable thirst for revenge , which must end disadvantogeously . Possibly the existence of divisions in the Chartmt party may lead to its purificationby purging its
, organs of that declamation which sets man against man , and causes their common antagonists to sleep in tho calmest security . The repeated communications of the middle hOUl \ u . Tv . ® 11 recwed by the real democrats , as they JX . «(? - i- ckss is continually recruited from tha SJnS fn I ^ " ^ ' ' alS 0 ' that working BWU HW often nTitL « l ™ grea , te 8 J tyants to their own order . De-« mS ?» T . n BOg 00 . ' ' they do not convince , they cannot remove , the cause of tyranny . If iournali' . tB would < vm-Sid £ 2 d £ USe am ° ng 8 t the Pe ° Plethe knowledge which would generate a power to remove at their wil every prinoiple of tyranny . The opinions of the men of S are more of a practical character than formerly ; they are determined to take all they can get , and labour 1 r more - HX / re r ? , & 2 ~ ' ° HN CULMN ' - ' Ud n-8 treet '
Wksi London Democratic Association . — a few triends of Democracy met on Sunday last , and formed themselves into the West London Democratic Associa-Uon . Mr . Lucas was appointed chairman , when thefollowl M resolutions wore oarrird unanimously . Moved by Mr . Highley , seconded by Mr . Hutchins- " That wo form ourselves mto a society to bo entitled ' the West Londoc iJemocratic Association . ' Messrs . Ryland , Hunniliall and liiguiey were appointed a committee to draw up rules for ttio Association . Tha meeting then adjourned to Sunday evening 13 th at seven o ' clock in the evening . Bkaotobd misrepresented in last ^ Saturday ' s " Siar 01 rnEED 0 M . " -To thb ED « oR .-Dear Sir , —I saw in the star of Saturday last , a series of resolutions purporting to emanate from the Chartists of Bradford , or at least trom the Chartist council . Allow mo to state the truth of the case . On the first meeting , after a very angry discussion , oa Sunday , May 30 th , there being only six member ! present , it was adjourned to Monday , the 31 st . at the house oi iur
. w . Stanley ; when only five of them raado their appearance , and one of the five being opposed to the meet'" £ wking upon themselves to speak on behalf of the onanists . of such an important town as Bradford , the resolutions were passed by four individuals , who took upon themselTes to say , that Bradford shall adopt tho plan laid down by eight persons legislating for a whole nation ! Is this Democracy or Aristocracy ? It is high time that we began to act on the principles we advocate , and not make ourselves laughing-stocks to all the world , by acting directly contrary to our principles . Yours in the causa of truth . 32 , Adelaide-street , Tdohas Wilcox . Manchester-road .
Bbisiol . —The usual weekly meeting was held in the Young Men sRoom , Castle-green . The President , Mr . H . Alderson , in tbe chair . —Mr . H . Wilkins proposed the following resolution : — " That in the opinion of this meeting , the policy and the plan of organisation recommended by the late Manchester Conference , is the most efficient and practical , which , under present circumstances , could be adopted for the resuscitation of the Chartist Movement : and that the election of the Executive by tbe Conference was an act pf necessity , and , therefore , perfectly lagal . We therefore p ledge ourselves to support the Executive , and to render it all the assistance ia our power . "—Seconded by Mr . Charles Ol » k .-Mr . Hart proposed an amendment :-that we , the Chartists of Bristol , repudiate tho late Manchester Conference , and all its proceedings . "—Mr . W . Sheehan seconded the amendment . —On a division there
appeared : —For the amendment , 3 ; against , including the chairman , 8 ; majority for the resolution , 5 ; several members not voting . —Messrs . Sheehan , Hart , and White then ordered the Financial Secretary to erase their names from the books . —Meeting adjourned . 1 _ " Necessity , " accord . ing to Bonaparte tbe Second , justified his execrable eoap d ' etat , and it was , therefore , perfectly legal ' . ! ' Our five Wends may profit by the comparison . —Ed . ] Bradford , Yorkshire . —A meeting of the Democrats of this town was held on Tuesday evening , June 8 ch , 1852 , at Mitchell ' s Temperance Hotel , Union-street , for the purpose of discussing the lato doings of tho Manchester " Conference . " At half-past eight o ' clock there was a good number in attendance . Mr . Abraham Sharp was called to the chair . —Mr . Thomas Wilcock having addressed the meeting , the following resolutions were carried by an overwhelming majority : — Proposed by Mr . George Demaine , seconded by Mr . William Stainsby : — " That we form ourselves into a branch of the National ' Charter
Association , which baa for its Executive Committee—John James Bezer , John Shaw , John Arnott , Thornton Hunt , Robert Lo Blond , G . J . Holyoake , James Grassby , and W . J . Linton—the only legitimate head of the Chartist body , having been elected by tbe universal vote of the Cbarlfst party . " Moved by Mr . Thomas Wilcock , seconded by Matthew Wade Browitt : — " That this meeting repudiates the doings at the late " Conference" held in Manchester as anti-Democratic , and calculated to disgrace the movement and retard the cause of progress . " Moved by Matthew Wade Browitt , seconded by John Marsdon : — " That two delegates attend the West Riding Delegate Meeting to be hold at Mitchell ' s Temperance Hotel , on Sunday next , for tho purpose of representing the opinions of the members of this society . " Messrs . W . Stainsby and R . Ryder were appointed delegates ; Mr . Thomas Wilcock was appointed to act as secretary pro tern . After the appointment ot a Committee to draw up the following address , tho meeting adjourned until Monday next : —
TO TAB EDITOB OF THE 8 TAH OP FUtEDOM . Sm , —To our astonishment we havo heard that a ' Chartist Council , " consisting of about four persons , have passed resolutions to the cffecUuat the Chartists of JJrudford re-organised an Executive emanating from a Conference of eight men in Manchester , and also adopted a policy which , to say the least of it , will , if acted upon , prove the most disastrous thing the mind of man could conceive . We are amazed that a mere handful of men would so far disgrace onr movement in this town , as to endeavour to make England believe that our democracy was centred in the brains of eight men to Manchester , and that we must all bow to their dicta , tion . If these four men are going to stultify themselves , so far as to become the tools of a faction , ne can tc ' ll them that , ns far as we aie concerned , and also as far as democracy generally is concerned , in this town , it is not going to be made the laughing-stock of intellij , ent men , to suit a miserable and despotic clique . Wetell tneraweir
, conspiracy to unaermine our movement by attacking the characters of men who are by the people known to be sincere and honest democrats , will ultimately fail . The day has g « ne by for four or eight men to command the willing obedience of i nation , and we are proud that such is the case ; because , if it nere not so , the people would be the slaves of any party that chose to flutter them with higb- * ounding phrases , and with mere talk of Democracy , instead of sterling honest action . The policy adopted by the 1 four'ii completely at variance with Democracy . The people ' s aspirations are for pure liberty—that liberty which guarantees to all men the right to speak , tho right to live , and the right to differ upon questions without engaging in a hostile struggle ugainst each other . If fairly and honestly the people had been asked if they would adopt the antagonistic policy , and If the people had sane tioned it , there might then have been some reason for recommending it . But when we see this policy the work of a mere handful oi
men , we wouldusko very sensible man whether such A proposition , or rather dictation , is iu harmony with the principles of Democracy ? Tho » e principles declare that nothing shall be done , of a national I character , but through the assent of the whole people . We have > no hesitation in saying that our principles are violated by such con-. duct . And the men who would thus dhgrace our movement ought t to be treated as we would treat a known traitor , and that is , avoid 1 his advice , as we would avoid the sting of wasps or the poison of f adders . The antagonistic policy is condemned by the experience of f fifteen years . Chartist organisation is everywhere broken up , and i even this town , which was more vigorous in its demand for Demo-icr * cy in the memorable 1818 than any other town in England , is s now completely prostrate . We would ask , shall our principles be e
thus marred by the few , when It only needs the many to raise their I voices to annihilate tbe conspiracy ?—shall good and true men , who o have laboured in calm and in storm , be sacrificed to suit a tyranny y more odious than the worst ukase that ever disgraced king or auto- > crat ? Let the earnest and true heart come to the rescue ot our iflori . i . OU 3 movement , and let as form an association ia Bradford that will II beget honour to Democracy , and that will old to make our ; country y free . We remain , yours , & c . Ueorge Domain , Thomas Wilcock , Edmu-d Malone , James s Croft , John Mareden , James Lewis , John Croft , Matthew v Wade Browitt , John Gill , Kichard Croft , John Boardley , -, William Hodgson , John Smith , Joseph Wilks , Edward i Robertshaw , Michael Tankerd , William Stainsby . William a Greenwood .
Dbuocbaci in Jsbist . —To the Editor of the " Star of t Freedom . "— Citiren Editor , —The Socialists Democratic o Refugees of all countries , residing in Jersey , met together r on Monday week , at a banquet held in commemoration of if the victory of the Mountain over tho Gironde ( 31 st May r 1793 . ) Each toast and each gong vibrated with the most it enthusiastic patriotism . Several English Democrats bavins a solicited to represent by their presence the feelings whiohii " animate the new generation of Great Britain , were imme- e > diately admitted to this social circle . With redoubled en . athorium , all present , without distinction of nations , rose uai to drink from one and the same cup , the Freedom , Equa-a- , ljty , Fraternity , and Solidarity of all the Peoples MaViV these nob e sentiments henceforth guide an 0 £ r effott / t / ti Let us all s and united under the folds of one commoaia banner of Universal Freedom , against every shade andadl shape of oppression , until tyranny shall forever vanishshi from the service of the eartb .-CoKRKsrowBBW . Ship LocAiirs . ~ June 6 .-Moved by Mr . John Shaw . w ..
seconded by Mr . Henderson , and carried unanimously :- ; -:. 'That in the opinion of this locality , the assembling of off the late conference m Manchester was contrary to the lawawa i of Chartism , and calculated to injure the movement , bybyr creating two antagonistic parties o ! the people , when a at real union was so essential to the success of the principleslesi we profess . " Further " That the appointment of an Exe-cecutive , during the existence of one chosen by thecountry . ry ,, was an act subversive of all the laws and regulations o ! of ( the association , and treason to the masses . " V That nono ) party possessed tbe power of calling together a Nationalnal ! Convention , unless the Executive refused to do so , if re-re--queBted by a majority of their constituents , when it woulduldd be competent for the people to take their affairs into theinein own hands . " That Knowing the disposition of the prinvin-L cipal mover of the late suicidal policy , and believing that hit hitit chief object is self-aggrandisement , we hereby inform onnwu brother Chartists or our utter want of confidence in thtthtit integrity of Ernest Jones . " .
. BRAMOBD .-The Chartist Council met Sobool-room on Sunday , June 6 th . Mx la the chair . It was resolved to the West Riding Delegate Meetmg . J . Sunderland were elected ,
Ia The>Cj^Sfeeereeb Rtsmssmsm Appoiiifii...
ia the > Cj ^ SfeeereeB rTSmsSmSm appoiiifiiiril ^ Sabut & t ffi VSffiS ^ ^ K » 5 w ! wS K-U ^^ Tii KflgfWr ^ iH v ^ yaDicroit ' wiiini ¦ ^ 5 C'Sff t ^ v ' - '/ i' ^ ii ^ ^ ' 'J ^ M' ^ Vi
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), June 12, 1852, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_12061852/page/5/
-