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jfABRATITE 0F KALCWLM M'GREGDR. JfOV VI....
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AND- NATIQMiaMDES' JOURML.
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X ' " and she VOL. . NO. 477- LONDON, SA...
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHARTIST LAND C...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Jfabratite 0f Kalcwlm M'Gregdr. Jfov Vi....
jfABRATITE 0 F KALCWLM M'GREGDR . JfOV VI . if I cau Tmtrammel mysdfibr a short time , for , rti to say , I do not flesire eutire or CTen lon S reggm thewitching influencetliatlfeelKatMeen JeaSe , c sena « es over my every thought , I will 3 fte jeader the unadorned narrative of " THE n ^ O > T fELL " & rsncn " minehost" turned out to The reader must picture to himself a stranger - st accustomed to all the comforts of a happy
e . or those which the best hotels can furnish , '< 1 i the chosen societ y from the ranks of the gay , . rt « jg , and well informed , as his companions , , _ jflt ( ed with all the dissipation that courts and A ,- ^ rH of lively fashion afford , sitting in the , - ne corner of an Irish cabin , with au aged and - lettered peasant , and his two peasant children , as Vgloit and companions . Yet , strange as it may nnear , and cloyed as I supposed my appetite for
rieasorable enjoyment to be , I found a chord ionched , which till now had remained mute and dead within me ; I felt a mixture of honest delig ht snd astonishment , mingled with no small share of self-reprsaeh , for having spent so many years of the best of my life in search of what is termed polite litejatoresnd a knowledge of the world , while I left unheeded and was ignorant of the sphere and circle where valuable knowledge may he acquired and pure
de & ht enjoyed . The O'Donnell , a muscular looking jaaa of neatly four-score years , with his snow white jecis streaming upon his brawny shoulders , with p iercing blue eye that seemed to read my inmost Noughts , and a freshness that frugality and contentment alone can give , sat in the chimney corner , leaning forward upon his staff , with the prop of the loose , young Phelim , upon his left hand , while I occupied the opposite niche , with Kathleen upon my right , busily employed in airing sheets , pillowcases and a night-cap , and mending stockings , not inattentive to her father ' s oft-told tale , nor much
pnt out of the way by the presence of a stranger . The little circle thus arranged after supper , and at my request , the O'Donnell gave me the following history of his times and family .
SABRATTVE OF THE O'DONNELL . " Weil , " said the patriarch , "I ' m running on to fourscore years , and , thzaks be to God , I never had a day ' s sickness . I ' m living in this townsland , and my ancestors before me , over FIVE HUNDRED TEAKS , but we have so SURE account before that time , eery in them days , and till William come with the English , it belonged to ourselves , hut now we ' re glad , - * God be praised , ' to rent a bit -of it . I had a large s § ot of over IQQ acres from the ould Lord , God # estbIssowl , hutI gave it up to Jack and
Nedeeo , when they got married , and I come to this place with the Gossoon here , and Kathleen . I had two boys and two girls be my first partner / God Testier sowl , ' as goodchilder as ever a poor man was blessed with ,-and all , thanks be to God , well to do . Well , sure whea they all got married , I used to-act as herdsmen to the ould Lord , and b * A I p icked up with ihe dairymaid that used to milk the cows , as comely *^! as you'd see in a day ' s walk , and . the said Loi-i and my Lady was very fond of us both , and when the young Lord was born . Phelim
here , too , wasHnmi on the same day , and the poor woman that ' s sick in there now with theaheumaties , being so clean in herself , they took hes to the castle and gave her the nursing of the present Lord , and they'd M her have Phelim there to see him on Sundays ,-and lie and the young Lord was great playfellows together , heing they were fosterers { foster-brothers ) , and we went on that way till Phe & raeen and the young Lord was about 16 years , always taking Phelim with him shooting £ nd
coursing , and bird catching ; and sure there was no one like Phelim with him . When he'd come forai school it was , » wSaere ' s Phelim ? ' . and what he done was always sure to be rig ht . Well , my dear sir , this went on till fiie young Lord went to College , and wishing to settle Phelim first , he got the ould Lord to g ive him -a laise of this spot , for all our owe Jives and 31 years , and he helped us , and made great improvements - , and Phelimeen is always putting by for Kathleen , ia « ase she might get married . "
God forgive mel hut my whole frame trembled ¦ when I heard the last sentence . " And , " I observed , hastily , " what then , is Kath . fhat is , is Miss O'Donaell going to be married ?" - " Na , sir , " rep lied Kathleen . "I hare no notion ef it yet . " This assurance gave me relief , and the O'Donnell continued , ¦ " Well , the young lord would come over to see as , and send us help , and would have Phelim down to the castle shooting and fishing when he came home from College , and Kathleen shosH go to help in the dairy . But sure , as bad
lock . would have it , when the young lord bad done with . college , the ould lord ctied , and then the young one went on his travels , and indeed he brought home an English wife , and ever since the ould place has been turned out of the windows , and all the ould people have been sent upon the world . Nothing was good enough for her ; and all English sarcants and all English people , and all jcome to the castle ; and them that was good enough to drive the © aid missis , God * est her sowl , was At fit to drive the new one : and who ever heard of a lady beu ^ r
dressed b y Mclly Mulligan—that was the one that used to dress the ould lady—and think of axing Teady for a plate at dinner , or calling to Murtough , the footman , to tell Curly , the coachman , to stop . 0 , says she , upon oy honour , it ' s enough to frighten * lady out of her wits : —so nothing would do , there wss no company good enough for her , so ' pon my word , they say she took the sulks , and said she'de * tog > at home and never go out till she routed the whole house , and made the young lord sell op bag and beggage , and go off to England ; and as they
hadn ' t tauch spare money . Captain Sqneezetenant , that was always frig htening the English woman out of her wits about the danger of stopping here in the winter , and telling her lies ahout the Irish , he comes down with the money , and all the laises being out when the ould lord died , he takes all , castle and all , and they makes him a magistrate , and sure he came here a raw gossoon about forty years ago with his father , without ' shoes or stockings , but the father was a great man about elections , and was made bailiff , and would whip np all the cheap farms over
tte heads of the tenants , when the laises would be running out , and now he has the parish to himself , and nobody dare say ' Why did you do it , * whatsomwer he does , and God help us but he ' s ruining the whole parish , and sure though we has a laise of this spot , as I tould you , we don ' t know the day we may gtt Hie road , > s he begun already to clamper—( go to law)—for ould conditions , so we have no heart to bring manure , or do any thing that would rise the rent upon us , or may be put us out after all we done . "
"So , nor the devil an inch of it they'll get from »* , " says young Phelim , starting up , "they shall never have my sweat , they shall have my life first , fw be the CROSS of—God forg ive me ! I'll die teoreni giveitnp . "Hould your tongue , you foolish boy , " said the kflier , " yon don ' t know what you ' re talking about , * eSAXOK LAW is too strong for you . " " Yes , " observed Kathleen , with a sigh , " let them k * e it rather than be hurt , and you shall keep all ffi money , and we'll both work to keep father and Mother . " J Was about to say , " No , you never shall * ort , '» ilut t restrained myself .
Well , " continued O'Donnell , " Kathleen reffiail ied at the Castle after the Captain and his Wkeeper come there , but , one day , she comes ^ singhoiuc ona Sunday , just as we were going , 0 ^ ss , and she cryin ? as if her heart would break ;
Jfabratite 0f Kalcwlm M'Gregdr. Jfov Vi....
and she never would tell me the reasonof her laving , but I believe she tould her mother . " "Yes , " said Phelim , "The villain , and I'll have bis life . "What , then , " said 1 , no longer able to restrain my indignation , " did he insult you ?" Kathleen wept ; and with a deep , deep sig h , answered " No , sir , l'de kill myself first , but he caught me and asked me to—" " Enough , enough , " I ejaculated hastily , " He s a villain . " O'Donnell resumed his narrative . A * t « l hL . *« . *• . — ____
"Well , sir , " he continued , " I ax you , is not it a hard case to be in dread of being sent to the road in my ould age , " rising slowly from the bench and , with great care , pulling an old leather bag from his breeches pocket , "look there , your honour , " he continued , taking a roll of old papers out of several old bandages of leather and linen , " look there , them is the papers of the lands of Crief and O'Donnell ' s Town , that was in our family for hundreds of years , and the Crowley ' s , land Bryan's , and Moore ' s and Father O'Farrel . all has there ' s . " " And how did you lose them ? " said I .
"Lose them , "he replied ; " why , when William and the English come over here , the ould Lord ' s great-gra ndfather was a corporal ; and I often hear my grandfather—God rest his sowl !—telling how he heard his father say , that Corporal Buttermilk watched Father O'Farrell ' s great-grandfather , night and day , till he found out his cave in the mountain . He was a priest , and was obliged to hide himself there ; and he and my ancestor used to be in it together ; and he'd come out to celebrate mass in the hills ; and sure , Buttermilk , the ould Lord ' s
ancestor , nabbed them both , and they murdered them for being papists and saying mass—the Lord save us!—and he got all the lands of the O'Farrell ' s , the O'DonnelPs , the Moore ' s , the Crowley ' s , and the Bryan ' s . Musha , Phelim , show his . honour the blessed cave ; I'll engage hut not a child in the county but knows it , and blesses it when he passes . It ' s on the way to Father O'Farrell ' s . And now , " he continued , still standing , and with great energy , " I ax you—is it any wonder that my ould blood should boil , when 1 think of an
upstart spladdereen living on the spot where my forefathers owned ; for , indeed , that child there , ( pointing to Kathleen ) , could show you where the ould house stood ; and to think that she , a real O'Donnell—for her mother was a cousin of my own , and she has the eyes , and nose , and hair of the O'DonnelFs—should be a scullion in his kitchen ; and that the thief should dare to offend her . " Here the old man seized his staff with both hands , winding it round his bead , and looking at Kathleen said , —
" My child , why didn't yon tell me the re & soB of your laving ? and , ould as I am , but I'd have the villain ' s life . Now , your honour , " he concluded 5 ¦ " is it any wonder that we should hate the Saxon laws , and that we should love our priests that sheltered « s when the enemy come , and that lost their all rather nor forsake us ; for sure , if they'd only turn Freest ants , tltev mig ht keep their estates and be gentlemen - and now , in my ould age , I suppose I shall be turned on the road . God hel p us !!!" " I do not wonder , O'Donnell , " I replied ;" and I join fully in your hate , and hate myself for having lived so long in ignorance of the history of such a race ; but yon shall never be turned upon the road- " ( To le continued . )
And- Natiqmiamdes' Jourml.
AND- NATIQMiaMDES' JOURML .
X ' " And She Vol. . No. 477- London, Sa...
VOL . X . NO . 477- LONDON , SATURDAY , " ' ! DEGMBER 1 & 1846 . m ^ 5 ^ . ™«» - ~ ~ 7 . ¦ - ¦ -. ' -r ^^~ : ¦ ¦ - ¦ - ^;? " ; . -.- ¦ - »¦;•;• Five Shillings and Sixpence per QaiUter 'V » " ' ' " ' ¦
Annual Conference Of The Chartist Land C...
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHARTIST LAND COMPANY . The delegates assembled at the People ' s Hall , Loveday-street , Birmingham , on Monday , December 7 th . The following is the
USr OF DELEGATES . Mr . James Sweet , Nottingham and district . Mr . William Haukb , Oldham and district . Mr . E . Rouse , Reading aud district , and the sere ral district * in France . Mr . William Brook , Leeds and district . Mr . George Cavil , Barnsley and district . Mr . Joh . v GilbebtbO . v . Carlisle and district . Mr . John Smith , Bradford and district . Mr . William Cuffay : , Metropolitan districts . Archibald Walk . ee , and Robert Burkell , Scot tisli districts . Daniel Donovan and William Dixo . v , Manclies ter and districts .
Mr . William Coxs , jun ., Pershore and district . Mr . Hekrt Ross , Metropolitan districts . Mr J . Shaw , 00 . Mr . Robekt Wild , Ashton-under-Lyne , and districts . Mr . Charles Smith . Halifax and districts . Mr . James Brown , Preston and districts . Mr . James Bootel , Wigan and districts . Mr . Hurry Pack , Plymouth and districts . Mr . Geoege Hollow ay , Birmingham and districts . At eleven o ' clock , Mr : James Sweet was unanimously elected president of the Conference . Mr . T . M . W & eeler was unanimously appointed Secretary .
SiTANDIXG ORDERS . Oo the motion of Messrs . Biook and Smyth , it was resolved : — Tig * the Conference assemble at half-past niceo ' clock in the morning , sit until one , and then adjourn for dinner until half-past two , then resume their sittings , and conclude for the day at sic o ' clock . On the motion of Messrs . Donovan and Smith , it was resolved : — That the directors be allowed to submit motions , bat not to vote thereon . On the motion of Messrs . M'Grath and Carill , it was resolved : — That each delegate on making a motion be allowed to speak for ten minutes , and each other speaker five minutes .
On the motion of Messrs . Dixon and Guffay , Mr . William Lees was appointed room door keeper , and occasional messenger ; his salary to be 3 s . per day . The Conference thvn adjourned until two o ' clock .
AFTERNOON SITTING . At two o clock the Conference resumed . A protest was presented from Bury against the election of Mr . Darner , and declaring that Mr . Ireland had the greatest number of votes—Upon which Mr . J . Skaw moved : — That a Committee of five be appointed to investigate the return , and report accordingly . Seconded by Mr . Brook , and carried unanimously . The following persons were selected as the coramittee : —Messrs . Cavil , Cuffay , Wild , Dixon , and Gilbertson . Mr . O'Connor moved : — That a committee of seven be appointed to examine the financial accounts of the Company from its commencement to the present time . Mr . Brook seconded the motion . —Carried unanimously X 1
. . _ .... .. _ In moving it Mr . O'Cossor suggested that they should be selected from different parts of the coun try , in order that all mig ht be fully satisfied Messrs . Donovan , Gem ? , Walker , Burrell , Shaw , W . Brook , and Page , were appointed . Mr William Dixon brought forward the case ot a disputed claim to a house in the Chartist Co-operative Land Company , between Messrs . Barber and Doughton , of Aehton-under-Lvne , arising out of the sale ol a share , which turned up a pmc . Mr . Walker said be intended to submit a motion to the effect that no person shall be allowed to sell a share after drawing a prize . He would , therefore , Bueeest that Mr . Dixon ' s question should stand over until such time as his intended motion was dis-P ° Mr . O'Connor thought it rather a question for the directors than the Conference .
Mr T . M . Wheeler said the case had been already considered and disposed of by the Board of Directors ; the facts were that a Mr . Mills , Who held a share , wished to ro to America , and consequently had transferred his share uwwiniiH to the ballot , and when the
Annual Conference Of The Chartist Land C...
ballot took place , it happened to turn up a prize ; the person to whom it was transferred , held other shares at the time , but immediately transferred them ; this question had been submitted to the board , and decided on its merits to be a strictly legal transaction , f ¦ ¦ ¦' .: Mr . Smyth thought the country was of opinion that no man could legally transfer his share after having obtained his allotment by ballot . Mr . T . M . Wheeler said such things were of daily occurrence . A man held shares , he became depressed in circumstances from slackness of work or other misfortunes and thus was compelled to dispose of them ; such was the case with Mr . Mills . Mr . O'Connor thought there was no cause for alarm ; he had offered eighty pounds for a four acre allotment at Herringsgate , and his offer was declined . _ __ '_ _ .
Mr . G . Cavil moved that this Conference agrees with the decision made in this case by the Directors , believing it to be strictly legal -: ? , . Mr . Gilbbrtbon seconded the motion , . which , after a few words from Messrs . Cuffay and Donovan , was carried . < r Mr . "O'Connor in carrying out the programme of business , brought forward the question of a i
BANR OF DEPOSIT AND ISSUE . - ^ Sand said it was an important question—it would obviate the necessity of either salejor mortgage of the Land . Mortgage would to a certain ertenb-arlpple their exertions , as for twelve thousand' pounds worth of property , they could hot expect to get ; tnOre . than eight thousand by mortgage . He thought their bank giving three per cent ., would be far better , and much more secure than the existing banks . He had received many votes from trade societies , requesting him to establish a bank , and promising to withdraw their deposits , and deposit their cash in the People ' s Bank as soon as established , and there ' s would not be like many others , mere bubble security , but the good and substantial one of land . This would afford the
company time to wait , and not force on a sale ; whereby they might , if they determined to sell , realise sixteen thousand pounds for their Herringsgate property ; which , it would be seen , the amount of rent realised would justify a capitalist giving , and thus would they be enabled to carry on the operations of the society much quicker , and locate one thousand , where now they could only locate one hundred . The people had now begun to see the value of Land , and the Star of last week exhibited at one view the mind of the working men of England , Ireland , and Scot , land , all co-operating for one object . The people were anxious to obtain immediate possession of land , and hence the necessity of taking some effectual step to secure that object .
Mr . Burrell rose with great pleasure to second the motion , he believed a bank of deposit and loan was the best thing that could be adopted . A provident bank had been established in Scotland , * and the security offered was the docks and harbours of Greenock , which no one was likely to purchase ; and our national Bank of England offered no ' better security than eight hundred millions of debt . He thought the proposed bank should be managed as a separate and distinct concern , apart from the Land Company , although in aid of its objects , and he would like it to be placed under the direction of the British Guarantee Society , which had the sanction of government , and he thought its directors should be paid as well as the directors of any other banks . He cordially seconded the motion .
Mr . Clark said many members of the company desired that their allotments should become freehold , the motion submitted would have the effect of accomplishing this . He believed , if the Bank could give three per cent ., gentleman ' s servants and other small capitalists would be happy to bank with them , taking their Chartist Land as their security , and he believed the allottees , in six years , would be able to possess their allotments as freeholds . He did not agree with Mr . Burrell , that it should be separate and distinct from the society . Mr . W . Dixofjsaid his constituents were much in favour of this object , and a trades body , with whom he was well acquainted , were ready to withdraw their money from the savings bank and deposit it in the people ' s bank . '
Mr . Donovan said he thought the proposition was calculated to put the people in possession of the land much speedier than they otherwise tould .. He believed the plea was well calculated to make the company what it was intended to be , the regeneration of the working classes . Mr . Wild said the question had been discussed amongst his constituents , and he thought if the trades put their funds in their hands , there might be circumstances occur that would compel those societies to draw out their deposits , at the rate of thousands per week . Now he thought if a capital of £ 50 , 000 was raised there could be no difficult in keeping a capital of' £ 15 , 000 in hand to meet such emergencies . His district was desirous of becoming freeholders , and he thought this was the only course calculated to give the directors the power to hold the land until such times as the allottees could purchase their own allotments .
Mr . Smyth , Bradford , thought a vast number of freeholders would be the depositors , and consequently , no danger to be apprehended from precipitate withdrawal of eapital . Many thousand pounds from his district only waited the establishment of the people ' s Bank aud would be immediately deposited . Mr . J . R . Smart said hisdistrict was unanimously in favour of a bank of deposit and loan . Mr . Pigs said , he was acquainted with persons who were ready to deposit five hundred pounds in sueh * bank immediately it was opened , he wished it to be in connexion with the movement , and should support it .
Mr . Shaw said , he was instructed to support the proposition , and not to part with the land under any circumstances whatever , the company was formed to get the land for the people . He knew there were many persons who were ready to deposit their superfluous cash with them . Mr . O'Connor wished to be permitted to say a few words more before they adjourned . He meant by his projected plan , three departments , first , deposit ; second , redemption ; third , sinking fund . As regards the withdrawals , timely notice would be given ,
the redemption fund too , would be security for more than any sum likely to be withdrawn . He hoped this Conference , before it separated , would put its veto , on selling the land , altogether . The great obect was to get the ( and and keep it . If a run was made , which he did not anticipate , a mortgage could be readily obtained to meet it ; establish this bank of deposit and the locating of the people would be easy —as easy to locate a thousand as it was now a hundred ; he had credit himself to raise a capital sufficient to meet any run that might be made . ( Loud cheers . )
The question was then adjourned , after which , the Conference , likewise , adjourned until the following morning . TUESDAY . The Conference resumed its sitting this morning at the time appointed . Mr . Sweet in the chair . Mr . Gilbertson reported from the committee on the Oldham District election , that the election was informal , and that Mr . Hauler ' s election was consequently null and void . Mr . Burrell moved that Messrs . Hamer and Martin Ireland be allowed to sit as representatives of the Oldham district . Mr . Henry Ross seconded the motion . Mr . Brook moved as an amendment that the reportjust presented be received . Mr . Rousk seconded the amendment . The original resolution was carried .
Mr . Cuffay moved that the votes g iven by the two delegates just seated count as one . —Mr . J . Shaw seconded the motion . Mr . Brook moved , a * an amendment , that the minutes be read . —Mr . Clabk seconded the amendment . Amendment carried , and the minutes was accordingly read and confirmed . The Secretary handed in a protest against the election of Mr . Smith for the Halifax district which was referred to the committee on contested elections . The adjourned debate on the
BANK OF DEPOSIT AND ISSUE , on the motion of Mr . O'Connor , was resumed by Mr . Shaw , who briefly expressed a wish for its
success . Mr . Bhook said the question of sale and mortgage had been much discussed in the Leeds district , wlie ' re a strong feeling prevailed against the selling of the land , and they would be much gratified when they heard that this motion was adopted . Mr . Gilbertson coincided with the view of the last speaker . Mr . Bradley said his constituents feared that the Government might take steps to break np the Bank , and therefore wished that persons desirous of withdrawing money to the amount of one hundred pounds should give six months ' notice . Mr . Smith , Halifax , would support the proposition , if small deposits could be received . Messrs . Cavill , Conn , Brown , and Hamer , supported the motion .
Mr . Holloway read some res lutions passed at Kidderminster , in favour of leaving the question in the hands of the directors , and from bther p laces in favour of a Bank . He supported the motion .
Annual Conference Of The Chartist Land C...
. Mr , Rouse said , he represented some fourteen towns , ail opposed to the selling of the Land , under any circumstances . His constituents in France would undertake to deposit some seven hundred pounds . Mr . Cuffay said he had received no instructions as regards the Bank , but he was instructed to oppo » e the sale of the Land , and hence be would support the motion , and trusted great caution would be observed . Mr . Smyth ' s instructions was to support the motion , ¦ Mr . T . M . Wheeler would support the establishment ofa bank of deposit , but he thought branch banks would betounweildy for them to manage at present . He thought a redemption fund was an absolute necessity . .
Mr . O'Connor would be sorry to see any large capitalist or m » ney-monger deriving benefits from the results of his labours . As to the suras to be paid in , he would say any sura , as they had threepenny instalments he could not see why they should not pay threepenny deposits to ' the Redemption Fund , and it would enable theraembers to place the money in banks instead ; of the publican ' s store . He was decidedly opposed to loans . If they mortgaged , they sacrificed , and if they sold , they mut . t do it in away that would insure a profit . There was no mortgage on a tittle of their property . He had been offered seven thousand as mort » ageoji the Redmarleyestate , but had declined the offer , determined to leave the
question unembarrassed for the decision of Confer ence . As to the question of having the bank separate , it was impossible ; for where would be the security . Separate and distinct directions , would , of course , be necessary . As to branch banks , they were impossible ; they must have but one central reservoir for the receipt of cash . He hoped they would come to an unanimous vote on the question . He had never charged a shilling for his travelling expenses to view estates , although it had cost him fifteen pounds , in a week , but henceforth as they were a wealthy society , he should consider them better able to piy than he was . ( Loud cheering . ) Again he trusted they would come to an unanimous decision . Mr . Brook thought the best way would be to subrait a distinct proposition , he would therefore propose the following : —
That it will be more conducive to the interest of the IiRnd Company , both collectively and indhidually , that funds requisite for the carrying out the object of the company be raised by the establishment of a bank of deposit of either sale or mortgage . Mr . Burrell moved : — That a committee of five persons be appointed to draw up a code of rules , on which the bank shall he established Mr . Walker seconded the motion . Mr . J .-Shaw proposed as an amendment—That the directors shall submit the details of a plan tor the establishment of a bank of deposit , and report the same to-morrow . [ Mr . Shaw ' s amendment was not seconded . ] , Mr . Donovan moved the following amendment—That Mr . Burrell , and all persons who have any information to give , do convey the same b y letter to the directors .
Mr . Brook seconded the amendment . The mover and seconder having expressed a wish to withdraw the motion , it was accordingly withdrawn , and the amendment was unanimousl y agreed to . Mr . O'Connor next submitted the next question on the programme : — Wfeat sort of cottages shall be erected for the allottees for the future , and how much money shall ba expended in their erection . Me thought the cottages should be as much alike as possible , and four rooms the greatest number of corns He thought such cottages would not cost move than seventy pounds in their erection . Indeed he thought three rooms sufficient , giving the occupant the privilege of adding at his own pleasure and expense , and Jthen these cottages would not cost more than sixty pounds each . It was of all tilings necessary that a plan of cottages should be decided on .
Shaw thought it an important question for the consideration of this Conference , he would therefore propose-That a committee of five persons be appoin ted , consisting of the following persons , Messrs , ItoSS , Smart , Wild , Sceon , and Burrell , to carry out the object contemplated , Mr . Caviix seconded the motion . Mr . Smtth moved—That three room cottages on one floor be adopted . Seconded by Mr . Page . Mr . Burrell moved—That each allottee shall hare his choice as to the size of the house he may wish to occupy , always provided , he does not exceed the sum appropriated for tliat purpose . Mr . Bradley seconded this amendment .
Mr . Wild thought the rule had better remain as it was . Mr . Clark thought the several class of houses should be uniform , making the largest four rooms , and that no larger be allowed unless the allottee shall be prepared to deposit the cash requisite for that purpose . Mr . Cuffay was opposed to the motion for a committee . He wished faith to be kept with the present members , he would wish them to have all that had been promised . Although as a democrat he admired equality and uniformity , he could not forget that the present system was founded on a rule adopted by the late Conference , and on which promise the shares had been taken up .
AFTERNOON SITTING . Resumption of the debate on the plan of cottapes . Mr . Henry Ross , said he did not agree with Mr . O'Connor , that the cottages were too large , at the same time a feur room'd house was large enwugti for moderate families . He thought that the members should be allowed to exercise their taste , and if there was a little diversity , it would only be in accordance with nature ' s laws . He was desirous of seeing some regulation made by which shareholders could build their own houses , he knew many members that would like to do so . Mr . Gilbertson , said he was instructed to vote for two , three , and four rooms , according to the several classes . Mr . Smyth , thought three room'd house would be deemed a paradise by the poor woolcombers .
Mr . Dixon , thought four rooms quite sufficient , and as many as would be kept comfortable when obtained . Mr . M'Grath could not agree with any of the pro . positions now before the Conference . He thought provision should be made to suit the condition and circumstances of all parties . He would more the following resolution : — That there shall be but two classes of houses , comprising respectively three and four rooms , of not less than twelve feet square , and thst it shall be optional with the allotees as to which of them they shall have , allotees however to have houses of larger dimensions provided they advance the requisite capital for that put-pose . Mr . Doyle would second the motion . Mr . Brook , suggested a slight amendment to Mr . M'Grain ' s proposition .
Mr . M'Grath , had no objection to adopt Mr . Brook ' s suggestion . Mr . O'Connor said the object of this discussion was to ensure economy in the cottages combined with comforts . He agreed with those who said , the members of the company had elected a Conference like this , to make alterations and amend rules for the government of the Company , and would doubtless be satisfied with the conclusion this Conference might come to . Mr . Ross had said he objected to
unilormity . He ( Mr . O'Connor ) did not wish it in the way supposed . They might build the cottages like Noahs Ark if they wished . but he wanted an uniformity in price , and if the allotees wished and had the mean ! ,, they might if they liked build castles . He did not think they broke faith , seeing that they did not charge for that they did not build . They must come to some description of a house ; he had drawn up this rule for the opinion of Conference , and which he would submit : —
- That the society shall not , out of the funds , build any house of more than four rooms , for four acre , and three acre occupant * , and three room'd houses for two acre occupants , no room to be less than twelve feet square ; whilv all lots balloted for shall be assigned to the parties getting prizes before the houses are built , then leaving it optional with such occupants , as to whether or not thej wi . h for any addition to the society ' s regulation and for which such occupants shall pay themselves before such alterations are undertaken , Mr , Hbnbt Ross seconded Mr . O'Connor ' s amendmen ; .
Mr . Shaw in reply said , the opinions he had heard expressed had only convinced him more forcibl y of the neceosity of his resolution . If it wax the opinion of this Conference that four rooms should be the maxims , he would submit , but he did think that a committee was the best medium of coining to a just conclusion . Messrs . M'Grath and Smyth withdrew their repotive propositions , and the vote was taken , and
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the motion of Messrs . O'Connor and Ross declared to be carried . The next portion of the programme was introduced by Mr . O'Connor relative to
placing one family on the same allotment . He submitted the following motion 'That in order to locate members of the same family upon the same estate , the ballet in future shall be taken as follows : —In such cases , that is to say , suppose the numbers wishing to * hazard their shares on one ballot shall amount to four shares , and suppose the number to be ballotted for be fifty , in such case when forty-six shall be drawn , all chances of such members then resting their chance upon one ballot shall cease in that ballot , Mr . Brook seconded the motion , Mr . Donovan thought the resolution would be unjust , and called upon a family to make too many sacrifices . ^ It was an intricate question ; they had discussed it much in Manchester , and the more they discussed itthemoredimcultthey found it . Hethought it would be beneficial to locate families together ; they would be better calculated to work together than strangers .
Mr . Wheeler thought Mr . . O'Connor ' s proposition was decidedly unjust , as it would do away with nine chances eut of thirty . Mr . Smith approved of the resolution submitted by Mr . O'Connor , 'and could see no injustice in it ; the sacrifice , ; if sacrifice it " was , was > entirely voluntary . Mr . Rousb proposed the following : — That to enable persons to be located together , the compartments be divided in proportion to the number of acres ( making the family allotment to consist of a given numbir of acres ) the given number to be decided by a subnequent resolution . Mr . Cuffa y seconded the amendment . Mr . M'Grath thought Mr . O'Connor ' s a just and equitable proposition . He thought it was necessary that the family wishing to be located together , should belong to one class , and all the names of the family should be put on one ticket .
After some remarks from Messrs . Clark , Bradley , Holloway , Walker . Wheeler , and Dixon , Mr . " O'Connor intimated a desire to make an addition to his motion , and said he thought his motion instead of being an injustice , was the very contrary . The addition he wished to make was That no name should be placed on the ticket , but the names of such as were of sufficient age to occupy , and that only five names should be placed on one ticket . He thought this necessary to give security that the houses should be kept in proper order and repair . Mr . Burrbll was of opinion that a scale should be drawn out , on which members wishing to be located together should be required to act . Mr . Cuffay moved that the Conference resolve itself into Committee to consider the question . Mr . Wild seconded the motion .
The question was put , and an equality of votes were declared , whereupon the Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of going into committee . Mr . Ross thought the number of acres should be limited to four for one of those family or co-operating parties . Mr . Page was decidedly of opinion that minors should be excluded . Mr , T . M . Wheelbr said , in some places in Scotland nearly the whole of a town was desirous of cooperating together . Mr . Donovan said , the more they discussed the more complicated the affair became , he could not see that Mr . O'Connor ' s plan was just : lie thought it was almost impossible to decide this question before they had discussed the rules . He would move " That this question stand adjourned until the rules be disnus « ed . "
Mr . Whbelbu read some instructions forwarded to Mr . Wilkinson , from the Exeter district , who wa * unfortunately detained at home by severe indisposition . The instructions were in favour of the bank of deposits , & c . Ac . Mr . Cuifay seconded Mr . Donovan ' s amendment , which was , however , subsequently withdrawn . After some remarks from Messrs . Doyle , Wild , and Brook , the amendment was put and lost , and Mr . O'Connor ' s motion was declared to be carried , Mr . O'Connor moved , That no person make part of the aggregate of shares , constituting the family or co-operative party , under the age of eighteen years . Mr . Shaw seconded the motion . Mr . Cum ! supported the metion as being well calculated to keep the land in the hands of working men .
Mr . Clark objected to the proposition on the ground that any person who had paid their shares , had a right to the benefits resulting therefrom , and the lease should be made out in the name of the
minors . Mr . O'Connor explained that in law they could not make the lease to a minor , the father orguardian would take it . Mr . Clark persevered and moved : — That minors have the same right as majors , Mr . HoLLowAV seconded the amendment . Mr . Donovan opposed the motion , as unjust and impracticable . After some remarks from Mr . O'Connor and Cuffay , the Cunferenco adjourned forthe night ,
WEDNESDAY . The Conference resumed its sitting at the usual time , Mr . J . Siveefc in the chair . Mr . Giluertson reported from the Halifax District Election Committee , "That the election of Mr . Charles Smith was null and void , in consequence of eross irregularities . " Mr . Brook moved , and Mr . Smyth ( Bradford ) seconded , thai the report be received . Received accordingly . Mr . Smith entered into an explanation , and stated that if any blame was attached to him , it must be imputed to ignorance on his part , and should another election occur , and he be returning officer , he would act differently . Mr . Conn moved that Mr . Charles Smith be allowed to take his seat . Mr . Shaw seconded the motion .
After some discussion , this motion was withdrawn , and Mr . Smith retired from the Conference . The adjourned debate on the " Family ballot" and allocations was then resumed . Mr . Ross said he had received no particular instructions on the subject ; it was anything but dear ; but he thought the best way was to fall back on the motion of Mr . O'Connor . Mr . Burrell said neither the motion nor the amendment came up to his views , he would therefore
move-That in the event of minors having allotments as . signed to them on the same estate with their parents , the directors shall appoint two trustees to act in conjunction with the parents , whose duty it shall be to employ a sufficient amount of labour , and expend the requisite quantity of manure upon the minor ' s estate , in order that the rights of the minors may be secured , the rent guaranteed , and the value of the estate preserved , and further that the whole proceeds of the allotment , after the labour and other necessary expenses are paid , be invested in the redemption fund to the credit of the minors .
Mr . O'Connor said he should be sorry to have to become the step-father of all the minors ; it would be a difficult and complicated affair . This business was found a cumbrous affair even to the Lord Chancellor , and he thought it could not be carried out . lie appealed to fathers , w mid they like to live in the castle while trustees managed their funds ? If it was carried , he should move that Mr . Wheeler be the father ; he had hoped it was a crotchet of Mr . Burrell ' s ; he was not aware that Mr . Wheeler had the bump of philopregenitivenesa so largely developed—why , there would be a whole army of young Wheelers . ( Loud laughter . ) Mr . WiLD ; thought it would be well if we refrained from legislation on the subject until a case occurred requiring it . Mr . Smyth thought such cases was certain to occur , and should be provided for . Mr . O'Connor moved that the Conference go into a Committee of the whole house .
Seconded by Mr . Dixon , and carried unani mously . Mr . M"GnATH said some members seemed to think that the admission ot minors into tUecompanv hart beeni njurious , but he differed from that , in asm ' uehas the fund so created helped the adults , and the minors when they became majors had something to fall back on . He thought the idea of minors possessing the same right as adults was ridiculous , as duties attended rights which the minors could not perform , lie thought it necessary for the Conference to deline the rights of minors , and concluded b y moving a resolution ^ accordance . n ( - „ Which was seconded by Mr . Wild . *
Mr . Clark thought the parents would make better guardians than the Land Company . Mr . M'Grath seemed to think his motion would create an aristocracy , and that theminors would receive nine hundred pounds without labour , but it would be an extraordinary thing to find families of six without some ol them being able to lab air ; for instance , a good stout boy of fourteen was able , and frequently was as useful , as men on the land , Mr . O'CosNon said Mr . Clark in opposing Mr . M'Grath ' s , had supported the original resolution . Mr . Clark had said his system would not introduce
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the middlemen system but he thought by admitting four or five children onrthesame land as the lather , they wouldintroduce the very worst feature ot that system . lie would use the words of the late . Mr . Gobbet , and tell them that they could not legislate on the , subject , therefore he said let the fathers , the natural protectors , be the guardians of the children . . IF they passed the resolution proposed by-Mr . M'Grath . nnt a father in England . wtf « M take . up ^ a share for his child . . , ~ r ~ Mr . Shaw would support Mr . O'Connor s nintion . ^ Mr . Cupfai said he would sup port Mr . O'Connor ' s motion . . Mr . Dixon said he thought it was wrontt thafftby man , should obtain the tee-simple of twen ty ncres of land , but tbe more he considered the cast : the more he was lost in it . .
Mr . M'Grath said they must not forget that theproperty would always remain the property of the Company , until such time as they had Imudifc ithe thought fathers were bound to support their chil- > ^ dren on their allotments . Mr . BuRRKLLsaid he believed it was quite consistent with the laws of the country . thatminorsshould hold . He thoutiht it would be the father ' s part to look to his children , but it would likewise be the \ v duty of the Trustees to see that the property and \* rights of the Company were duly secured . ^ Mr . Holloway said he thought if Mr . v lark s prooosttion was not ndnntrd . it wfiuld create i .
issntistaction among all those who were favourable to amalgamation . And again , if fathers found Mr . O Connor s proposition was adopted , they would immediately transfer their shares to other pCtVO ' . ifl . Mr . Donovan said if Mr . O'Connor ' s proposition was adopted , it would be detrimental to the interestsof the Company . He thought when capital wns paid in by one person , and circumstances compelled that person to transfer it to another , the person to whom ; it was transferred could not feel that interest- in it , ^ and the paying up of shares would decline in pro- " portion .
AFTERNOON SITTING . , Mr . Cuffay presented a petition fiotn Glasgow against the return of Mr . Walker , signed by William McMurray and William McDonald , and moved that it be received ; at the same time protesting against its' praying ' form . Mr . 0 'Ci > nnob seennded the motion . Carried unanimously . , , - . The debate o » Family Compact , as regards balloting for allocation , was resumed . Mr . Smyth said it the parent got the share the child should go with , and vice versa . Mr . J . R . Smart had arrived at the conclusion to vote with Mr . O'Connor .
Mr . Brablby had arrived at a similar conclusion , with Mr , Smart , Mr . GiLBKRTSON woul 1 support the orig inal motion . Mr . Brown said , looking to the fourth rtile , anybody was eligible to become members who took out cards and rules , and paid one shilling and fourpence ; and the evil had , therefore , commenced with the origin of the company . He would , therefore , move : — " That henceforth no person be admitted into the Chartist Land Company under the age of fourteen years , " Mr . Cuffay seconded the motion . Mr . Shaw opposed Mr . Cuffay ' s motion . Mr . Ross moved , — " That the Finance Committee be allowed to make
their report . Seconded by Mr . Wild , and carried unanimously . Mr . John Shaw said , they had thoroughly sifted Mr . O'Connor's accounts , and found them correct to a halfpenny . Mr . Wilo moved , that the report be received . Mr . Smart seconded the motion . Mr . Smyth wished to know the total sum received , and was informed it amounted to £ 18 , 250 . -k . ll } d . Mr . O'Connor related the immense sums it cost him in travelling to see estates , which wen ; not , nor would they be , entered . He had vouchers for all ; and never were men better satisfied than were the seven the Conference had appointed as a committee . And all he required was that they should refute and put down the rascals that went about the country stating that he was spending the money of the people in support of the Northern Star .
The report was unanimously adopted . Mr . Jons Shaw moved the following resolution : — Rrsolvkd , —That we , the undersigned Delegates , having been aopoiuted to scrutinize the Accounts of Fbargbs O'Connor , Esq ., as Sub-Treasurer to the " Chartist Co-operative Land Company , " have now to report , that , upon the most minute examination of such Accounts , we find that every Farthing which has been received by him is duly accounted for . The Vouchers have been produced for every item of expenditure , however trifling , and that from the Bank Book , which has been submitted to our inspection , it appears , that the various sums which he has received have been faithfully deposited in the hands of the Company ' s Banker , in conformity with rule , and that upon comparing the date of the Receipts with the Bank Deposits , they equally correspond with each other .
"That in consequence of the infamous calumnies which have been circulated with the malicious intent of injuring the reputation of Mr . O'Connor ; we hereby declare the unbounded satisfaction which the inspection of his accounts with the Society baa afforded us , and at the same time to express in the name of our numerous constituents , the gratitude which is duo to him for his long and faithful services in the cause of the working classes . ( Signed ) John Shaw , William Conn , Jun ., Hjsnby Page , William Brook , Robhrt Burrell , * Archibald Walker . Daniel Doiwvan , Chairman . Mr . Smjth ( Bradford ) , seconded the motion .
When , after a few words from Messrs . Burrell , Ross , and Dixon , Mr . Brook said , he thought the gentlemen who made calumnious statements did not think themselves ignorant ; therefore , he was anxious to be on the committee : and , having been , he could now return to Leeds , and say the assertions that had been made were falsr , and that Mr . O'Connor was in every way worthy to be trusted with the working men ' s money ; and ho should now calltor implicit confidence in Mr . O'Connor . He thought it was their duty to
say to Mr . O'Connor , " You have served us faithfully and well ; and we will not allow you anv longer to go about the country at your own expense . " He thought they ought to express their thanks in even a more substantial way , and place Mr . O'Connor in such a position as to be out of the way of all his opponents . , Mr . Conn said , prejudices had prevailed to a great extent in the agricultural districts ; and hence he was happy to have formed a member of the Finance Committee . He could now return , and say , that he had seen those accounts , and that they were perfectly iatisfactory .
Mr . Walker said , he was equally satisfied with the other members of the committee , and should have pleasure in returning to Scotland and stating the same . Mr . Pa g e ( Bath ) reiterated the like sentiments . Mr . Shaw - said , he was much obli ged to Daniel O'Connell for making us a present of the " madbrained Fear » us , " and he was sure the people of England would make the most of the present . The motion was carried unanimously , amid great applause . Mr . O'Connor said he could only thank them for the attention they had paid to the subject . He thanked them sincerely for the appointment of the committee , and the committee for the resolution they had adopted . Mr . Sifrrn moved that the resolution just adopted be printed in the shape of a circular , and distributed in all the districts .
Mr . Dixon seconded the motion . Mr . Clark had been through the country , and was sure Mr . O'Connor never stood higher in public opinion , and thought the motion unnecessary . Mr . Shaw supported the motion tor printing . Mr . Ross also supported the motion . Messrs . Smart and Cuffay supported the motion , which was carried with the condition that the resolution should be advertised in two Irish papers , a Scotch paper , and two or three English provincial 1 apers . The Debate on Family Parties for purposes of ballot tor allocation , was again resumed by Mr . Donovan who said he did not think the arguments adduced in favour of the original motion of any value . He had two sisters , members of the Company , and did they think he should be more careful for his sisters than he would for his own children ? Well , if land was to be cultivated for females , he could not see why it might not also be cultivated tor children also .
Mr . Ross moved that the Conference resume its sitting . Mr . Cuffay seconded the motion . Carried unanimously . Mr . Rouse said he was in favour of Mr . Clark ' s plan . Mr . O'Connor in reply , said , he had shewed fully the _ superiority of \ m motion over others , and the majority of members had expressed their approbation , it would therefore be unnecessary for him to take up their time . Mr . Burrell , with consent , withdrew his amendment . The original motion made by Mr . O'Connor , as declared to be carried .
Mr . Shaw moved that the directors get ten thou * sand hand bills as per motion of Mr . Smyth . Mr . Shaw moved that the family circles for ballots for allotments of land , shall be confined to four persons . Mr . Smith seconded the motion . Mr . O'Connor moved that the number be five . Mr . Clark seconded the amendment . The ruot'on for four was carried . The next subject on programme wag conaidered-. ;• W hat expenses shall be borne out of tho Expense r iind . ( Continued in the Fifth page . )
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 12, 1846, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_12121846/page/1/
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