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THE POLISH AND HUNGrAEIAN REFUGEES.
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TO THE WORKING MEN IN»THE RTJRAL DISTRIC...
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TO THE OLD GUARDS. My bear Friends,—It g...
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O'Connorville, Oct. 14th. Sib,—It was my...
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/6 , ^L^2^6^ /yOiA^c^f^ c/^SZi^ / ' ^/i^...
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, AND NATIONAL TJADES' JOURNAL.
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TOL MI. P, 677. LOHDOH, SATDSBAY, ^OT OB...
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LETTER FROM MR. M. DOHENY TO THE CHARTIS...
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A VERITABLE STATEMENT OF THE LAND PLAN. ...
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Sin,—I formerly wrote you, showing what ...
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THE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE AT THE JOHN-ST...
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THE PROPOSED CHARTIST CONFERENCE. TO THE...
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THE, NATIONAL CHARTER LEAGUE AND : TflEi...
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MR' . SEATTLE AND THE DISCONTENTED ALLOT...
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TO FEARGUS O'CONNOR ESQ., M.P. Dear Sir,...
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The Kingston Daily Advertiser s^MS^ woma...
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, diod U^W ,^^, extj^dmartag«^«^ea m/^^m...
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i r\ ¦ b 'r
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Transcript
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
The Polish And Hungraeian Refugees.
THE POLISH AND HUNGrAEIAN REFUGEES .
To The Working Men In»The Rtjral Distric...
TO THE WORKING MEN IN » THE RTJRAL DISTRICTS ASD MANUFACTURING TOWiS .
To The Working Men In»The Rtjral Distric...
My Friends , — I have frequently ioW you that although Ireland is my country the woria is my Republic , and thatI look upon every manias mv countryman , whether he . be black or white , Turk , Jew or Atheist ; and now anneal to vou on behalf of your countrymen appeal to you o d Hungarian and mine , namely , tne roiis ¦ Zai Lma . ihank Gobhowever
SfiSZ England ,, , , ; 0 berioL peop le may be , » sWlfte JL for the expatriated . The blood y Jforthern Bear , and the infernal man , woman and child butcher Haynatj , have compelled several brave , noble , virtuous , and independent P oles and Hungarians to leave the land of their birth , and seek shelter in this country : and where , I rejoice to think , they have received it harmoniously and hospitably . But then , mj ftiends , as
" Words are but wind , and Actions speak the mind , " yon are not to limit your hospitality to the mere reception of the exiles ; you must not by our charity , but by your legitimate kindness and subscr iption for their support , prove to their oppressors that the English people appreciate them more than they do their Imperial tyrants . - The kind and hospitable men of London have shown their hospitality to the expatriated victims . They have taken a lodg ing-house
for them , and allow them as much as they can afford to support ' them ; but you , men of the rural districts and manufacturing towns , must be aware that London cannot perform England ' s duty ; and therefore do I appeal to yon now to transmit to me anything that you can afford , to prove to the Russian Bear , the Hungarianbutcher , and the Poles , that England has not forgotten her duty to patriots who have strugg led for the liberty of their country . On "Wednesday last , a deputation of Poles waited upon me to present me with a splendidly executed' memorial , expressing their
gratitude for my sympathy , which was signed by sixty-five Poles and Hungarians , while in reply I tell them , that they deserve more gratitude than I do , as they have sacrificed thenlives , and lost their liberty in a straggle to secure freedom for their country . One of the deputation was a young man , twenty five-years of age , had been an officer in the Polish army , hut bravely sacrificed his commission , and nobly joined with the people to secure liberty for his country . Would you find an officer in the English army thus sacrificing his
Commission , pay , and station , in a struggle for his country ' s rights ? No , as I have often told you , in Poland , Hungary , Italy , Austria , Prussia , Prance , and Ireland , you will find numbers of the highest classes risking their lives and liberty to secure freedom for their country , while in oppressed and trodden down England , the working classes stand alone , and are opposed by every other class of society . Nay , more , they are like a rope of sand , whereas if they were united to day , they could secure their liberty to-morrow .
The men of London have also taken a large house adjoining the hospitable lodging for the refugees , for the purpose of holding meetings , with a view to save the Poles and Hungarians from starvation | and when that building is ready , it will be my pride and my pleasure , to attend the first meeting ; and again , men of the rural districts , and of the manufacturing towns , let me implore of you to contribute
your mite , to prove y our respect for the valour and courage of those who risked their lives to secure the liberty of their country . Let me have the pride , the pleasure , and the honour , in announcing in next week ' s " Star , " your gratitude , affection , and patriotism , represented by your subscriptions , to maintain the brave Poles and Hungarians . Your faithful friend , Peabgus O'CoSNOE .
To The Old Guards. My Bear Friends,—It G...
TO THE OLD GUARDS . My bear Friends , —It gives me pleasure to announce to you that I have received several letters this week , approving of my proposition to hold a Chartist Conference at Manchester . Many desire to know the time that the Conference should be held ; but , as I am not a dictator , I leave that wholly in the hands of the men of Manchester , who should appoint a good working committee , to name the day and arrange the business . If yon read the
newspapers now that Parliament is not sitting , and that the " Show-box" can furnish no materials , you will find that they are devoid of news of every description ; and , I have frequently told yon , it is always my desire to use the time of cahn to prepare you for the storm , Wealth is becoming so monopolised by the capitalists and labour speculators in this country , that it is an impossibility that the system can much longer continue ; and , therefore , my object and desire is , to prepare you for the coming struggle- ritten
Yon will read Mr . DOHENY ' sletter , w from New York—an exiled Irishman—in this week ' s Northern Star , and you must understand , that althoug h America is a Republic , yet , nevertheless , there is as great an agitation going on in that country , with the view of putting the people in possession of the Land , and greater than there is in this country for the Charter—which are the meansby which I hope to put you in possession of the Land ere long . In England , and in Ireland , many bloody and atrocious murders have been recently committed . In England they have been committed by bloodthirsty ruffians looking for money ; in Ireland they have been committed by the plundered poor , who could seek no legal
satisfaction from their oppressors : and from this fact you will discover that in Ireland , as well as in England , there is " one law for the rich , and another law for the poor "— " more danger to the peasant that shoots the squire ' s hare than to the squire who shoots the peasant's head . " Previous to the holding of this Conference , it is my intention to traverse the country , with the view of preparing the national mind for the coming struggle ; but as you are aware that I never have , and never will , travel a mile or eat ameal at your expense , you must first pay off WHAT YOU OWE—and not WHAT I OWE—for the defence of Chartist pr isoners , exemption from oakum picking , and other taxes which yon have imposed
upon me . All newspapers are now rejoicing at the extensive emigration that is taking place in Ireland , while the largest portion of the fertile land of the country is waste and barren . The industrious men—the men with intellect and capital—emigrate from that country , while the tyrant lords will , thank God , be obliged to support the old , the decrepit , the worn-out , and unemployed pauper . Old Guards , write to the Northern Star
next week , from your several districts , stating -whether you approve of this Conference ; and , men of Manchester , let me implore of you to lose no time in selecting your committee , and arranging your business . I onl y received Mr . Doheny ' s letter this morning ; it will occupy considerable space , otherwise I should have addressed you at greater length . , Old Guards , on Monday next the Financial Reformers propose to hold a meeting at the London Tavern , at twelve o'clock , and it is
my intention to be present , and there to define the principles of veritable Chartism ; and although the time of several may be occupied , I trust that many of your order will be present on the occasion , I remain , Your Faithful and Uncompromising Friend , Feabgus O'Cohkob .
O'Connorville, Oct. 14th. Sib,—It Was My...
O'Connorville , Oct . 14 th . Sib , —It was my intention , had the state of my health permitted , to have forwarded the enclosed for insertion in the Northern Star before the crops upon the estate were gathered , but the like occasion having prevented me completing the undertaking entered into with Mr . Dixon , I now trans-
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/ 6 , ^ L ^ 2 ^ 6 ^ / yOiA ^ c ^ f ^ c /^ SZi ^ / ' ^/ i ^ p ^^ u ^ e ^ y 6 fr-H , *^ z ^
, And National Tjades' Journal.
AND NATIONAL TJADES' JOURNAL .
Tol Mi. P, 677. Lohdoh, Satdsbay, ^Ot Ob...
TOL MI . P , 677 . LOHDOH , SATDSBAY , ^ OT OBER 12 , 1850 , ~ ~ 1 Z ^^ J ^ MS
Letter From Mr. M. Doheny To The Chartis...
LETTER FROM MR . M . DOHENY TO THE CHARTISTS OF ENGLAND . Brother Democrats , —More than a year has now elapsed since I took the liberty of addressing you . I then intended to write a series of letters , with the view of proving how far superior the condition of the American working man was to that of the English working man , and to what extent that superiority was owing to republican institutions . The paper through which I purposed to communicate with you , soon after ceased to
be published : and chiefly on that account , and ,. to some extent , for other reasons that since supervened , my object has , up to this day , remained unfulfilled . This has always been with me a matter of regret , being convinced of the utter futility of attempting any large amelioration of the workman ' s lot , until he is elevated above the petty prejudices growing out of a false reverence , and binding him , through his own fears and My , to the tyranny by which his mind and body have been warped .
I now re-assume this design , so long interrupted . I select as a medium of communication , a journal to which you are accustomed , which you havehbnoured with your confidence , and , in which , " perhaps , yon read sentiments not in accordance with mine . Although this may be true , and although I am removed far from the sphere of your efforts , lam satisfied the "Northern Star" will not hesitate to publish the opinions of one whose strongest sympathies have been ever engaged in the cause of those for whose welfare it has struggled .
It may be here necessary , for the purpose of obviating any misconception , to state distinctly and emphatically , my belief—nay , my conviction—that the objects of the English and Irish Democrats are not identical . They are not even analagous , save to a certain limited extent . Nor would they be identical , in my estimate , if the " Repeal of the Union " were made the first point of the Charter . No , believe me , God has marked out for the two races , separate and distinct destinies ; nor is that separation incompatible with their harmonious action for a common good .
I rest my conclusion on these grounds . You are Englishmen , so are they who have usurped your prerogatives and deny you human rights . England is the common country of both parties , and theirs inseparably as well as theirs only , for good and for evil . Neither they nor you have any interest apart from her or outside her . .. _ In Ireland , on the other hand , there are two distinct classes , opposite in feeling , strangers in blood , aliens in race , and opposed in interest .
These two classes are , the owners and the inhabitants . To the former belongs the soil , and to them also belong the latter , as fully , as entirely , and as unqualifiedly as its meanest appurtenances , to have and to hold , to them and the successors of their rapine , to use and abuse as long as usurpation is immortal . They are not fettered and labelled as "born thralls ; ' ' but they are owned and worked equally effectively , and their sweat and blood and brains are filtered , drop by drop , into their cups of
joyance . These owners are known in Ireland as the " English interest , " in other words they are the English garrison . In my conviction , the freedom of Ireland is incompatible , not only with the masterdom , but with the very existence of this '' interest . " There is an antagonism between it and the people which ho law can . ever remove . The foothold of a class , in any country , which is maintained by a power outside that country , and any lasting liberty or p eace for the rest of its people , are manifest absurdities , and self-evident contradictions .
Were the Charter , therefore , enacted tomorrow with repeal as its first provision ; and further , were there to be a Parliament in College Green , chosen by the whole people , there would remain in the country seeds of civil strife , which no Legislative power could deal with , and sooner or later should end in disruption and ruin . The total extinction , then , of the English interest is indispensable to Ireland . The objects which are common to the Democrats of both islands , and the agencies by which these objects may be attained , will be developed in the course of this and subsequent letters . 1 now proceed to discuss them .
As a preliminary , permit me to re-state , in the clearest and fullest sense , a principle which it is necessary we should hold in common , or my efforts would be worse than useless . Here it is : That no distant or immediate advantage—no prospect of partial , or even of entire and ultimate triumphshould ever induce you to misrepresent , to discolour , to conceal , or to falsify , your final objects . Trust me , when you have stated them truly , fully , clearly , and determinedly , they are already half accomplished . And here let me be understood as
speaking of the object only . The means you are not bound to define , for which one reason is sufficient—you may not know them . Having a definite and essential end in view , it is your business to attain it , and your duty to shape your means so as to overcome the obstacles in your way . Thus you will at once perceive that , in my view of your duty , all compromises should be avoided . Compromises , in your case , have two fatal consequences . Materially , they check your object ; mentally and morally , they degrade yourselves , and are so far a justification of your
exclusion . For the first , you will find abundant proofs in the history of your own times . Many of you—alas how many—drowned your childrens' cries for bread in your own insensate shouts for " the bill !"— " the bill , the whole bill , and nothing but the bill !" When the bill became a law , you shouted for the candidate of the people , or the candidate of the government—for these became convertible terms . Well yon remember—do you not ?—what happened to the Dorchester labourers , in the very first year of . a reformed parliament ? A new agitation came , and , taught by experience , you forbore to join in it . The cry for a large loaf was not that of the
nation , or of the people , but the cry of an interest or a faction . You did not join in it ; but you did what was as bad—you opposed it . In the one case , you would be fools or cheats ; in the other , you subjected yourselves to a more criminal imputation . A new and more rational demand for aid is now addressed to yon . You are asked to rally for Household Suffrage . So much of your claim is conceded to you that a man's right to the franchise is recognised , with no more barbarous condition on his intelligence than that he should own a house .
If yon appreciate your own convictions , you cannot heed those men without most guilty treachery ; you cannot do so without pandering with the holiest truths . Prudent men , I know , will offer you most sage advice . They . will tell you to accept Household Suffrage as an " instalment of justice . " "Instalment of justice" is a barbarous jargon , or , redeemed from that character , it involves the pettiest hypocrisy . Justice does not admit of "instalments . " Whatever contravenes it is injustice—it is crime .
But , in your instance , there cannot be a greater absurdity than to talk of accepting anything . To such ofyou as are not householders ( four-fifths , at least , of the entire ) , nothing is offered , and nothing can be accepted . To accept , on your part , would mean to be satisfied with privileges conferred on others , between whom and yourselves a line of demarcation is drawn , marked , impassable , and insulting . That you should be advised to combine , b for this
to sweat , to shout , to resolve , and to eg , distinction by men , who are themselves in their sober senses , or think you are so , is , to me , the most unintelli gible of riddles . There is some reason in asking one of yon , who may possess a house , to accept the franchise , the meaning of which addressed to him would be , that he was to compromise all your claims , on having his own proper demand complied with . This may be a prufwu ° ur 8 e > mm » ^ d he may flatter himself mat it is a fair and good adjustment . And , no
Letter From Mr. M. Doheny To The Chartis...
doubt , it is ; but it has two sides to it . In respect to your claims , instead of being an instalment , it very possibly would become a barrier against your further progress . You all know , pretty nearly , how long this , thing , called the " Constitution , '' has existed—a long , long time , is it not ? You are acquainted with the famous achievement of the Barons at Runnymede , and the great charter to which they set their signatures or their marks . You know , top , how , ever since , that document has been boasted of by English writers ; and how these boasts . have been copied ,. and repeated , and-exaggerated , until ; to deny the Godhead , would ; be less criminal , less infatuated , than to deny that the Constitution of England was the " admiration and envy of all surrounding nations . " ... . Now I suspect that you , even in this advanced age —it may of course be owing to ' your stupidity and stolidity—are utterly ignorant of . the blessings and benefits conferred on you by this charter of rights . '
You cannot discover , I warrant , where it haa'fed an empty belly , or clothed a naked back , or mois « tened the lips of fever , or mitigated' one of those material and malignant curses that stalk through the homes of the poorV Furthermore , if you look into it narrowly , you will find ,, that while it strengthened the hands of the strong and the proud , it left the weak weaker , and the poor more defenceless than ever . This . is not alone a historical , itisanatural and almost inevitable truth . As long as the baron and the . serf were equally exposed to the exactions , the caprice , or the bad passions of the king , they naturally assisted each other in resisting TiiSj-. encroachments ; but when . the lord was secure r < against injustice by virtue of this iron charter , which he inscribed with a mailed hand , he was indifferent to his serfs' suffering , or rather , he felt infinitely greater security in working him , lashing him , and grinding him to the purposes of his own uncontrolled will .
In fact , the few and scanty liberties acquired by the people for ages after , came in . the very opposite direction . They were the creation of the different kings who attempted through their agency , to curb the pride , and control the lawlessness ' of the barons . So it has been on every successive occasion , when concessions have been made to the people . To take the most recent instance , that of the Reform Bill . What was the governing motive , think you , of those who proposed that celebrated measure ? The extension of the Franchise , of course . Trust me , my friends , there were other and not less powerful influences . Go you , to-morrow , to any registry , and you will find the Reformers as busy and as
inveterate in opposing the admission of a claimant as their opponents . The sole test with both parties is , what faction will he give the vote to when he obtains it . If for the Tories , then the Tories become indignant at any opposition to his just claim ; and if for the Whigs , the Whigs would sooner part with " the apple of their eye , than that a fellow citizen should be defrauded of his " birthright . " When the Whigs obtained their end ; when they believed they had a sure majority , they proclaimed that Reform had reached its final goal . And then , what was the value to you of the " Instalment of the Bill ? Was there immediately formed a Household Suffrage Association under the auspices of your great guiding lights and methodised patriotism ? Did the emancipated Bourgeoise confederate
as one man , to vindicate for you the privileges you had won for them ? Alas , no . Their voice was the loudest in your condemnation . And , so it would be again , an increased suffrage would be your weakness instead of your strength , by thinning your ranks and transferring your member to the carnpof the enemy . All popular movements have been successful in proportion to the physical strength by which they were backed . Whenever , then , the party to be acted on moved or compelled , can rely on physical sustainment equal to that by which they are pressed , the chances of the suppliants ( for then they become really such ) are infinitismaliy diminished . Therefore , if this supposition be correct , and be your own experience its test , your plain , direct interest would be against , and not in favour of " Instalments . "
The consideration to which this branch of the subject leads , ' as illustrated by the practical working of Universal Suffrage in this Republic , are too important to be dealt with here , and I , therefore , conclude for this day , assuring you of the sympathy and sincerity with which I am , Your obedient servant and faithful friend , Michael Dohehy .
A Veritable Statement Of The Land Plan. ...
A VERITABLE STATEMENT OF THE LAND PLAN . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Notwithstanding the evil presages of the " Free Trade " necromancers , when Mr . F . O'Connor originally propounded his " Land Scheme , " to counterpoise the evils of increasing pauperism , the voice of Nature proceeding from Mother Earth manifests her power of sustaining all her creatures exuberantly , if they will prove true to themselves and to each other ; in proof whereof , contrast the first Chartist estate , when colonised in 1846 , with its present appearance , and its present appearance with that of the surrounding farms , upon which a full average of agricultural science is displayed , backedbyafullaverageof farming capital . Ten years agojHeronsgate ( frequently mis-called Herrinsgate , )
was cultivated by Mr . Hunt , the then proprietor , assisted by his kinsmen , the Putnams , to whom he bequeathed the property ; it is therefore natural to surmise , that " the most" was made of the ground in the popular acceptation of the expression , especially since it is an ascertained fact , that when Mr . Hunt died he had a considerable amount of cash vested in the funds ; consequently there was no " shilly shally" from lack of " ways and means ;" nevertheless , himself ( a bachelor ) and three of the Putnams , his relatives and successors , were the only inhabitants sustained upon the farm ; now there are upwards of thirty families located thereon ,
with a tidy dwelling-house for each , together with allotments of land , varying from two to four acres , in divers stages of tillage and modes of culture , according with that in vogue in the county from whence the allottee migrated ; yet in no instance has an allottee sought parochial assistance , notwithstanding each subdivision contributes separately , not alone to the rates for relieving the poor , but all other parochial charges which exceed the amount paid by the late proprietor in no less a ratio than one nusmREn ajjd seventy-five per cent ., as witness " facts and figures , " extracted from the parish rate books ,
Heronsgate , before purchased by Mr . Eeargus O'Connor , stood in the parish books . Gross . J RateaMe Value . | " ^ SBS ?" £ 100 0 s . Od . £ 75 0 s . Od . I £ 2 10 s . Od . I £ 75 0 s . Od . I * The dividend commonly struck . Heronsgate , at the present time , according to re-valuation , within the past six months , by direction of the poor-law commissioners , stands thus : — Gross . I Rateable Value , i Rate atEightpence £ 201 16 s . Od . £ 180 10 s . Od . in the Pound . £ 201 15 s . 0 d . £ 180 -10 s . Od . £ 6 7 s . lOd .
Prtsuming that a concise topography will materially assist in estimating the difficulty of re-modelling a society of persons , removed from distant localities ( heretofore employed in manufactories , ) upon land , which two or three generations ago was the haunt of the heron , the bittern , and other waterfowl , but . which the Berlin and Milan decrees forced into a state of semicultivation . I shall quote ( as well as recollection serves me , ) from "Dugdale ' s Survey" the etymology of Rickmersworth , the parish in which the Chartist estate is situated . "Ric , " in the Saxon diction , meant abundant ; " mere" is still common in many parts of England to express a large pool or lake ; and " worth " signifies a street , frequently terminates the compound . Rickmersworth may , therefore , be said to derive its name from being built upon the confines
of an overflowing stream . Heronsgate , with equal probability , may be said to be a heronry when the heron was considered a dainty , even at royal feasts , and flying the hawk was a royal pastime . The Duke of Bridgwater ' s Inland Navigation Mania , as theprofitmongersofthe day maliciously expressed it , formed a channel for the superabundant water , and the rushy marshes were speedily transformed into a range of luxuriant meadows ; a gradual acclivity of one mile discloses the site of the Chartist estate , where the haunt of waterfowl is transformed by man's industrv into a fruitful field , and the fruitful field , by O'Connor ' s genius , sub-divided into garden farms , bearing the imprint of an Omniscient Providence , ever careful to provide abundantly for an increasing population .
A Veritable Statement Of The Land Plan. ...
nut it , hoping the' account will prove acceptable , rny design being to place in your hands a weapon that will annihilate the calumnies of your revilers . The new rating of the parish exhibits an- " increased averag e of ten . per cent , upon the entire parishj whilst the Chartist estate , alone is increased one hundred and seventy-five per cent . ; and to avoid the possibility of cavil , I inclose the copy in the handwriting of the relieving officer , from whom I procured it officially . If the inclosed meets approval , I purpose transmitting , from time to time , intelligence likely to subserve the cause . If made use of I shall expect a copy of the Star , and I remain , Sir , respectfully Your obedient servant , Edward Barber .
Sin,—I Formerly Wrote You, Showing What ...
Sin , —I formerly wrote you , showing what I raised from my garden ground , following the ; ad * vice of "Mr . O'Connor in his admirable instructions on the Land Plan . I now send you the produce of two f ^ Us , which I planted with potatoes , watered with liquid manure , which ! lifted last week , the gross weight of which was 632 lbs ., which , allowing twenty-eight pounds to the peck , gives twenty-two pecks sixteen pounds , or at the rate of over 112 bolls per acre . I also cut a cabbage of the drumhead'kind , about two weeks ago , the weight of which ' was thirty-four pounds , the heart alone weighing seventeen pounds ; In fact , Mr . Editor , I am more and more convinced that the cultivation of the soil is the most profitable investment for libotlryand that Mr . O'Connor ' s statements are ho : hftre theories , but can be tested by those who have the head and the hands to adopt them . lam , < fec > , Leslie , Fifeshire , Oct . 7 th . D . Crockatt .
The Democratic Conference At The John-St...
THE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE AT THE JOHN-STREET INSTITUTION , TOTTENHAM COURT-ROAD .
A meeting of Delegates to the Democratic Conference was held on Sunday afternoon , to hear the report of the sub-committee on the means by which a union of the various bodies of Democratic and Social Reformers could bo effected . Mr . J . HoiiYoake was called to the chair . Twenty Delegates answered to their names , in addition to Mr . Fussell , who had that day been invited , and at the suggestion of the Executive and the Sub-Committee , Messrs . Browett , Ferdinando , Wilson , Greaves , Campbell , Bates , Britsck , and Delaforce , were received as delegates from the London Organisation of Trades . ' V- " . On the motion of Messrs . Harney and Miine , Mr . Thornton Hunt , Mr . Hooper , and Thomas M . Wheeler were invited to sit on the Conference .
The Chairman read a letter from Mr . Thomas Cooper , stating his inability to attend , owing to prior arrangements . The Secretary then read the minutes , which were confirmed ; he also stated , that according to instruction , he had written to invite Mr . O ' Connor and Mr . Reynolds to attend , but had received no answer . Mr . Wheeler suggested that Mr . O'Connor had left town prior to receiving the invitation . A letter was then read from Mr . Shackle ton , of Halifax , detailing what he conceived ^ to be the errors in . previous movements , and laying ; down a plan of organisation of an extensive character , in which the distribution and sale of tracts was the leading feature . A long and extremely argumenta tive and eloquent letter was read , addressed to the
Conference by Mr . J . Linton , who was compelled to be out of town . In it he urged upon the delegates the impropriety of distracting their ideas and energies by advocating so many measures as adjuncts to the Charter ; showing that true wisdom would induce them to confine their objects to that alone , instancing the examples of the success of this unity of action , the achievement of the Reform Bill , and the Repeal of the Corn Laws , and referring to the mixing up of other questions , with the Financial Reform Movement and the Chartist Agitation , as proving detrimental to their success . Mr . Linton concluded by declaring that whatever decision the Conference adopted , he should ever be found fighting under the banner of the Charter .
The Secretary then read the following report from the Sub-Committee : —
OBJECTS AXD RULES OF THE ( The names suggested are appended . ) Objects —To obtain by peaceful and legal means the enactment of the measures herein demanded , thereby securing for Graat Britain and Ireland a just , wise , and good government , and such an equitable and profitable distribution of the fruits of industry , as may be conducive to the best interests of all the members of the commonwealth .
DECLARATION OF PEDJOIPLEI . That all mankind are brethren , and are born with an equality of rights . That the earth , with all the native raw material on and beneath its surface , its seas and rivers , and the atmosphere surrounding it , are naturally and inalienably the common property of the whole human race . MEASURES DEMANDED OF THE GOVERNMENT . 1 st . Manhood Suffrage , with the necessary adjuncts thereto , as embodied in the People ' s Charter . 2 nd . Free access of labour to land , making home colonisation possible . 3 rd . A law of partnership , on the principle of limited responsibility , making association of workmen possible , with such other regulations as shall secure the independence of indubtry . 4 th . The establishment of a just and industrial poor law such as would provide profitable employment for the able-bodied unemployed poor , and a comfortable maintenance for the aired and infirm .
5 th . The abolition of all legal restrictions on the freedom of speaking , and the publication of opinion . 6 th . The establishment of a national system , of secular educatkn .
RULES . 1 , All persons acquiescing in the objects of this Association shall be eligible to become members by taking out cards of membership , for which , with a copy of the objects and rules , they shall pay not less than threepence . 2 . That the general government of this Association shall be vested in a Central Committee or Council , consisting of twenty-eight persons ; seven to be elected by the members of the National Charter Association , seven by the Fraternal Democrats , seven by the National Reform League , and seven by the Social Reform league . The said Committee or Council shall use their utmost energies to superintend th ? movement , perfect the organization , and direct its power . They shall bo empowered to call for voluntary contributions , when required to carry out its objects ; to appoint a secretary or secretaries from their own body , who shall be the unly paid officer or officers ; and to issue notices one month previous , convening a National Conference , which shall assemble in London on the first Monday in May , 1851 , into whose hands they shall resign their trust .
3 . That the members formed into localities shall be empowereil to enact bye-laws for their own guidance ; to impose payments for local purposes , and to nominate not less than seven of their body , including a sub-treasurer and sub-secretary , to act as a sub-committee or council for three or six months . The said officers to see that the monies received for cards of membership are duly forwarded to the Central Committee at least once a month . They shall also promote and extend in every possible legal way , the objects and principles of the Association , and otherwise act as the Central Committee shall direct . y
NAMES SUGGESTED . 1 . Democratic and Social Union . 2 . Charter Union of Democratic and Social Reformers , 3 . National Union of Chartist and Social Reformers . 4 . Democratic Union of Chartist an d Social Reformers . 0 . National Charter and Social Union . The Committee , in conclusion , trust their brother democrats will give to the foregoing propositions that consideration which their importance demand ; and they will bury all' innate prejudice and party-feeling , be determined henceforth toact together in unity , and thereby ensure the speedy triumph of true democracy . Signed on behalf of the Committee , D . W , Rdffv , Chairman , John Abnott , Secretary . Mr . Wusblbr moved , and Mr . Stallwood seconded , " That the report be received and discussed seriatim . "—Carried .
Mr . Wheeler moved , and Mr . Stallwood seconded the adoption of tho first clause in the report , advising tho fusion of all parties into one Association . Messrs . Fussell and Swift supported the motion , and shewed that the idea of a Federal Union , each retaining their own funds and organisation , could not be carried into effect under existing laws , and that all could unite on grand principles without any loss of consistency . Mr . Rogers protested against such a Union ; the different opinions held by the various sections of Reformers would ever debar them from acting cordially together . He had not sufficient faith in the leaders of any of the parties , to allow his own movement to be swallowed up in theirs ; he had been an advocate of the Charter from its first promulgation , but he could not agree with various clauses in the after part of the programme . —The clause was carried with five dissentients .
It was then carried that ; the name should be next discussed . In addition to those in the programme , Mr . Stallwood moved , " National Charter and Social Reform Association . " Mr . Leno moved , " National Democratic and Social Reform . " Mr . Delaforce moved , " Democratic and Social Reform Union . " Mr . Thornton Hunt moved , " Charter and Social Reform Union . " Mr . Godwin seconded , and Mr . Wheeler sup-
The Democratic Conference At The John-St...
ported , Mr . Stall wood ' s motions He stated , ;; that whatever might : bo : the feeling ; in that Conference , the bulk of the Chartist parly- wouldnot join any society in which thename ., ot ^ he .-Charter was not retained . It was endearedVto . them by ties of the strongest description '; if , ' rio- . feeling more sacred prompted them , pride alone ' would demand its retention . r ! ' Messrs . Harney and Fossbll eloquently supported it for the same reason , but would vote for the second proposition jn . the programme , as better expressing their feelings ^; ¦ £ hey implored the Conference not hastily to dewdjupon what at first glance might seem an unimportant question . Mr . . Shaw argued strongly hffaybur of the fourth proposition . " "' ¦"' ¦ ' ^ £ " . 1 '¦ ? .- , ¦¦ iMn-Wilson spoke in favour of ' thUArSt proposition . ¦' ^ iZm ! : ¦ -. tion . ¦ ' ¦ * ' 3 * SV
g ; ¦ _ After ! considerable discussion ; m #£ > J ) £ laforce withdrew his motion in favour of Mi ^ Meho ' s , and Mr . T . Hfont withdrew his in fayour > o | fMr . Stallwood ' s motion , with the change of theiword "Association'" ' into " Union . " , ' ; ,.. " The vote was taken as follows ' . —First proposition , 0 secondproposition , 5 ; third proposition , 2 ; fourth proposition , 5 ; fifth proposition , 0 ; Mr . Stallwood ' s motion . 7 ; Mr , Lerib ' s motion , 9 . - ; Some discussion having taken place as to persons voting more than once , Mr ; . Leno ' s motion and Mr . Stallwood ' s ; were plabed ? agamBt each other , when the fprmer received 10 votes , and the latter 14 . MfaSJtiMoQi ' afended najge'df . '' National Char' terapd s S 6 cial "Reform Unidrij ^ was consequently adopfied . ^ The 1 result ; was received jwith great ap- ' plause , whib | i § % as' ihimeeiately'rebuked by the Chairman , and Messrs ? Harney and Fussell .
OBJECTS AND RULES . ;' Mr . Clements moved , and Mr . Ivort seconded , the adoption of this clause . . ' Mr . Stallwood moved the omission of the words "by peaceful and legal means ; " they threw a stigma upon their victims who had suffered imprisonment , and he would not willingly bind himself always to observe them . At the same time , it must not be understood that he was advocating violent measures .
Mr . Hahnki sooonded the amendment . Ho thought the words entirely uncalled for , and that there was no necessity to pledge themselves to any particular line of conduct . He did not conceive that the retaining or omission of the words had any reference to physical or moral force doctrines If called upon , under pain of some punishment to adopt such a test , he might even then hesitate ; but there was no necessity for its voluntary adoption . Mr . Fussell supported the original motion . He wished the words had not been introduced into the
clause , but , as they were there , he thought they would be placing themselves in a false position to staike them out . Government were , without doubt , acquainted with what was taking place in that room : and it was unwise to throw out such a challenge in their present disorganised position . If a union was effected , and the people properly organised , they would so rally round the standard of political and social freedom , that peaceful and legal means would be quite sufficient to attain their object ; and he for one was unwilling to adopt any other measures until they had completely exhausted all moral means . He . believed that by omitting those words they would alarm , the doubtful and timid among their supporters . -
Mr . Gbassbt thought they had no need to trouble themselves about government spies . He was desirous that government should really know . ' what was going on . It did not matter how much honey they put in their speeches , government would never believe that they meant to act legally and peaceably . He owed nothing to the government but hate ; and he cared but little whether the words they put in suited the government or not , provided they were suitable for the people . Mr . Harney protested against it being put forth that those who were in favour of omitting the words were going to drag the movement through a physical force revolution .
Mr . Le Blond thought their aim was the best means of securing adherents , and not the best means of catching the government . He believed the public would join them more readily if the words were left in . It was sometimes necessary to fight to secure legal and peaceful means . Hampden fought in defence of the law , but they could fight just as readily if those words were left in , and if their object was to secure the aid of the masses he should ad vise their retention .-: Waltbr Cooper was in favour of retaining the words . He did not care much about the government , but he was anxious not to give their opponents any cause for triumph . He believed the omission would cause them to lose power . He was
anxious to gather up all parties under the banner of their union . He knew that hundreds , aye , thousands of Socialists , throughout the kingdom , believed that the Chartists were in favour of a physical force revolution . He was aware of the numerical strength of the Chartists ; but would they not be benefited by the aid of the advanced mind of the Socialists ? The time had now arrived when the mind , not physical power , must govern the country Of what use was it to have physical power to pull down the institutions of the country , unless they had mind to build them up in accordance with the advancsd progress of society ? Mr . Bezer argued in favour of the omission of the words .
Tho question was then put to the vote , when thirteen appeared for the omission and thirteen against it , leaving the casting vote in the hands of the Chairman . Mr . Holtoake gave his vote in favour of the omission . It must not be supposed that he was less a man of peace for so deciding ; they had no right to obtrude their opinions , either for moral or physical means , upon the public ; neither had government any right to demand such a concession . If called upon for a profession of his principles , he should have no objection to declare them , but he had no right to parade them before others . Mr . Thornton Hunt moved , that in the clause just discussed they prefix the words— "In order to organise the movement of the people . '' The clause , as it stood , did not clearly define the whole objects of the Association . The motion , having been seconded , was unanimously adopted .
Mr . Harney moved , and Mr . Stallwood seconded , that the word " profitable" be omitted from the same clause ; if there was an equitable distribution it would be a profitable one . He trusted the day would soon arrive when the whole system of profitmongery would be abolished . The motion was carried , and the clause , as amended , then adopted . On the motion of Mr . Haeney the Conference then adjourned until Sunday next , to meet at three o ' clock in the afternoon , at the same place . During the whole of the proceedings the room was densely crowded with the most active and influential of the various sections of working class reformers , and the proceedings seemed to give general and unqualified satisfaction .
The Proposed Chartist Conference. To The...
THE PROPOSED CHARTIST CONFERENCE . TO THE EDITOR 01 ? THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —The Conference proposed to be held in Manchester seems te give great satisfaction in my locality . I hail it as a means whereby great results may be accomplished . I wish to call the attention of the Chartist body to the following remarks respecting the National Land Company : — 1 st . —By whom , and through what body , was tho National Land Company brought into existence ? 2 nd . —Has the National Land Company proved itself impracticable by fair and impartial means ?
3 rd . —Is it the duty of the body that brougnt it into existence , and acknowledged its principle , to quietly see it strangled by a corrupt government and swindling allottees ? To the first question I answer , it was brought before a Chartist Convention in 1845 , by the acknowledged leader of the Chartist body , yiz ., Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., and by that Convention adopted as a means to draw the surplus population of unemployed hands to cultivate , by spade husbandry , the land of their birth—the land inherited by their forefathers—the country more congenial to their nature than the back woods of America .
To the second question I say , that tho Company was first countenanced by government , —then opposed by it ; and political economists have thrown every obstacle in its way . That the present Company must be wound up I do not deny . I believe there is no other way of getting rid of those vagabond allottees who have no regard for either principles or honour ; their late conduct towards the unlocated members in refusing to pay rent is of a fraudulent character , and their present attempt to obtain means to throw it into Chancery is of a swindling description . Has not this been brought about by our Whig reforming government in its opposition to the Company ? Why did the Chairman of the Committee , appointed by government , employ the notorious opponent of the Company , "the Whistler , " to furnish him with
The Proposed Chartist Conference. To The...
evidence , well knowing his tool would endeavour ttf bring such evidence to condemn the Company altO " , gether ? Besides , this " Whistler" was employed ' secretly by . the Chairman , not open and honourably by the Committee ; Then , again , " why "did the registrar allow provisional registration year afte * year until the Company became a powerful machine ? "Why ,: i say , aid they countenance it at all S Because it was weak it was legal ;' when , it beoamfif strong and powerful , and likely to ameliorate the condition of the poor , and make a practical subdivision of thei land , it was illegal . Are these'fair and honourable means to try a principle ? * Are the Chartists , as a body , satisfied with such atrial ? If the working classes wish to commence practical their
operations for own redemption , they must begin with the land as a raw material , and expect government and political economists to throw oh * Stacles in their way , ay , and even persecution , too . To the third proposition , 1 should suggest tha propriety of placing' the matter on the programme ! of'the proposed Conference , to see if the- ' Chartisfc body have confidence in the Land Plan or co-operation . As * they formed the body that gave it existence , it is they , who should be satisfied that tha scheme has had a fair trial . If it should be proved that it has had a fair . trial , and failed , then abandon it . If it should- be proved that it has met with undue persecution , then endeavour to place it in a healthy position , and show the government and the political economists that Chartists are made of sterner stuff than they imagine , and that they will ^
not give up a scheme which , if supported according to its ; merits , would emancipate the working classes , and create such , a moral revolution in the physical , social , and moral condition of the people as the world never witnessed . It would accomplish this , mighty change without anarchy , confusion , bloodshed , or ^ jiijury to any class ; and these are powerful reason ' s why the next Conference of the Chartist body ought to reconsider , co-operation , ( amongst its own body ) for the land . ' Now the times are comparatively good , it is tho duty of the Chartist body , in particular , to devise means for our present and future operations , that we may be ready to take advantage of the . coming struggle , and be prepared with a practical example of co-operation to guide the public mind to a successful issue . Yours , die , 12 , Byron-street , Hulme , James AfccocK . Manchester .
The, National Charter League And : Tflei...
THE , NATIONAL CHARTER LEAGUE AND : TflEiREPORTER OF THE " STAR . "
The, National Charter League And : Tflei...
to the editor op the nobthekn stab . Sib , —Your last week ' s journal contains a letter from Messrs . Allnut and Nobbs impugning the veracity of a report of a discussion which I furnished to your paper ; were my own feelings consulted I should treat the matter with contempt , but . justice to the Somers Town locality compels me to refute tho falsehoods contained in that document . Messrs . Hornby , Humphries , and Thurston did not state that they agreed with the policy of the League , it is well known that they have been among the sturdiest of its opponents ; they did state that in as far as the League agitated for the princip les of the Charter it was impossible they could oppose it , but they would not consent to place themselves under the conduct of leaders who had been guilty of political
suicide . They did not state that they would never belong to the old association , neither did they agree with the policy of joining the Middle-Class Reformers , as laid down by the League ? . Mr . Wheeler did not oppose the League , he spoke for a few minutes in answer to Mr . Weeks' condemnation of the French Revolution , when twelve o ' clock having arrived , he was compelled to vacate the chair ; he is , and has been ever since his residence in London , a member of that locality . Great forbearance was shown to them , for they commenced a personal attack upon the private character of members of the Executive of the National Charter Association , and the insult was not retaliated upon them ; forbearance was likewise shown towards them not only in allowing them to choose-which of the twoshould reply to each individual speaker on the opposite side , but also to exceed the allotted ten minutes , whilst their opponents were strictly kept' to time . I have thus exhibited the fallacy of each of their
separate statements , and substantiated the truth of my report . I know that in thus doing I am contributing to prolong their lingering existence ; they stated that the : discussion . was the best advertisement they had for a . long time received . By misstatements they endeavoured to get up a personal discussion between Mr . M'Grath and Mr . Hornby , and other members of the locality , failing in this they fall foul of the report ; they have thus secured a second advertisement , but shall not induce me to favour them again unless they consent to pay advertisement duty . Thomas Martin Wheeler , Chairman and Reporter of the Meeting . We vouch to the correctness , of the previous report , and also of the present refutation . Robert Thurston , J . Hobnby , G . Humphbies . John Wilkin , Chairman . By order of the Somers Town Locality . October 6 , 1850 .
Mr' . Seattle And The Discontented Allot...
MR . SEATTLE AND THE DISCONTENTED ALLOTTEES AT MINSTER
LOVEL . TO THE EDITOR OP THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —I perceive by last Saturday's paper , that y ou have been furnished with , a long rigmarole epistle from the immaculate old butcher , Beattie , in . which he states that eight distinct charges were laid by him before the Nottingham meeting , and which , he endeavours to make the public believe , were suppressed by me .
In answer to such statement , allow me to say , that the report of that meeting was correct in every particular . Mr . Beattie . and Mr . Bradshaw were several times told by tho members then assembled that they looked upon them as swindlers in withholding the rent due to the Company . As I never court the smiles , or fear the frowns of any man , or set of men but as I wish to he just to all men , there ought to he no fear in speaking or writing that which is true , and I beg to tell this hired miscreant , that he had better refrain from telling more lies , or , in case of another visit to Nottingham , he will not find me standing between him and danger as upon the late occasion .
All that Mr . Bradshaw said was , that he demanded the Nottingham members to send a deputation to Minster , to defend his character , which , he said , was a good one ! I am afraid he will not keep it long , if he associates with bad men . The allottees ( with some honourable exceptions ) . have broken faith with the shareholders , and such allottees ought to bo ejected forthwith , and others occupy their places who would act more justly . The 7 nembers will not submit much longer to be duped by them . Yours truly , Ja 3 ies Saveet .
P . S . —Is the person signing himself "J , Wilcock , on behalf of the Allottees , '' the same individual that paid a mere shilling or so in the Nottingham No . 2 Branch ? If so , will he be kind enough to inform the members how he came in possession of an allotment—whether by bonus , transfer , purchase , or otherwise ?
To Feargus O'Connor Esq., M.P. Dear Sir,...
TO FEARGUS O CONNOR ESQ ., M . P . Dear Sir , —As the character of every public person , whether of enviable notoriety or not , should be generally known , that the public might be aware of them , I take the liberty of sending you a specimen of tho disposition of that Persecuted Lamb Beattie , of Charterville . Sir , perhaps you might not remember my writing to you of his bragging and boasting during his stay here , after his paying a fraternal visit to those beautiful boys at Lowbands , and consulting as to how thoy should keep their allotments , some of whom can raise between forty and fifty bushels of wheat on an acre of their shocking bad land , with other crops in proportion , yet cannot afford to pay rent to you , for tho benefit of the Company . But , sir , to return to poor Beattie , a respectable tradesman of Cheltenham , in journeying to see his relatives near Oxford , visited Charterville on his way . He called upon a located friend of mine , George Bubb , j \ nd in looking over the estate they met Beattie , and when after , of course , a round of abuse of you , hearing that that gentleman came from Cheltenham , Beattie said I was at Cheltenham the other day ; I looked out for that Hemmin , and if I could have tound him I would have murdered him . Now , sir , thinking such a prowling wolf as this ought to bo exposed , I have only done my duty , by writing this letter . I wonder if Beattie felt very much for the treatment of his brother Haynau by those naughty brewery-men . , Sir , with great respect , I remain , yours truly , IT , Portland St ., Cheltenham . John Uemmix . October 8 tb , 1850 .
The Kingston Daily Advertiser S^Ms^ Woma...
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 12, 1850, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_12101850/page/1/
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