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AS^OCMiVEi MBOTJK
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SIb. ' Editoe,—The competitive pliuciple...
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YOL. HV. P.7Z3.,. - IMW SAT1JMY, SEPTEWB...
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Rational 3i.anu company
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A public meeting was held on Sunday even...
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NATIONAL LOAN SOCIETY. At the meeting at...
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Cfmvtist Intelligence
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NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION. Ofiices—14...
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Manchester—The unhappy division which to...
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Mltc fttfftmgs.
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CHARTIST ORGANISATION. An aggregate meet...
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THE STAFFORD CONSPIRACY AGAINST LABOUR.
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POLITICAL VICTIMS' ASSOCIATION. This bod...
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TUIS liXOiXiSSUi V1UTJUV1S. A public mee...
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ffiomapTOtonw
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OFFICIAL MANAGER OF THE LAND COMPANY. TO...
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TO THE EDITOR OF TUB " NORTHERN STAR." S...
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New College for Xouso Mks at ai. BiRNACi...
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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.
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As^Ocmivei Mbotjk
AS ^ OCMiVEi MBOTJK
Sib. ' Editoe,—The Competitive Pliuciple...
SIb . ' Editoe , —The competitive pliuciple hs 3 bC $ a permitted to yrork out its mission ; and its shortcomings have plainl y demonstrated that a people ' s happiness is not its destiny . The condition of the working classes ia all countries speaks trumpet-tongued against it - It is not the complaint of men , but the practical realisation of its insufficient powers for good , that condemns it . As the idol of usurpers , and the adopted role of the wealthy and the proud , it has had its day , to the undoing of the majority of mankind ; and
now it stands before the world as a- huge failure , impotent in beneficial results , and destructive to a nation ' s peace and glory . It IlFes ; bat the life that is within it is fast departing . Tried in the balance of public favour , it has been proved to be lamentabl y deficient , when tested with but a modicum of honesty of purpose . . It must g ive place to some more truthful plan , whose basis shall be laid sufficientl y broad , to meet the increasing "wants of a more educated and better discip lined people . What shall be substituted for it , is the great question of the day . Hi ghly
g ifted minds are now struggling to emancipate the inhabitants of this island , through the agency of a more universal regulation , from the tyranny which Competition , as developed by its chief promoters , and as patronised b y the Capitalists of our own day , has encircled them with . Like minds are busy elsewhere ; and society will yet be baptised with a governing rule , which , while it will for ever dissipate class distinction , knowing no aristocracy aave that of merit and mind , will be the great lever that ' shall lift up the human race to its deserved height , and secure to Industry its fair and just reward .
Will 'the product of deep thought yet . to shine before men , assume the form of Associative Labour ? I believe "it " will . The reactionary element , it seems to me , must be made up of that idea . Competition , it would appear , was intended to destroy ; Association may prove to be the succouring hel p of the many . The former has proved itself to be a national scourge , wheresoever applied ; who shall say , that Association will not be the sovereign balm to heal the wounds of humanity ? Men may denounce Socialism and Com-2 IBMSM , and shudder at the mere mention of these terms . But I would desire of these
alarmists to remember , that their ideas of the practical application of the theories so-called , are of their own creation—not the meaning of those who are the true disciples of either . Associative Labour is one thing ; a Community of Property another ; and Socialism has its own particular object . Men may agree to work for a mutual purpose ; and yet be ranked as opponents of both Socialism and Communism . It would be well for Society if our scribes of the press and the pseudo-thinkers of
the age , . would reason more and declaim less . They know nothing of the virtues of that which they condemn ; but prate loudly against that which , in fact , is but the emanation of their own brains . But the secret is , the former are paid to object , not to reason ; and the latter are too often guided b y what these dissentients write , "We want an increased number of self-thinkers ; and , to give them place , we can dispense with that numerous class who y ield to others the great privilege of individual judgment .
I am addressing , I fain would hope , men , who when they have read the heading to my Letter , will not necessaril y conclude that it is but another mode of expressing what the world understands by Socialism and Communism . In truth , I am not writing about either of these plans } to speak a word in their favour , or offer an opinion against them , it is Associative Labour I am now concerned wita , and that onl y ; an idea that is as easy
to be worked out in this artificial state of our history , as it is for men to trade one with another . If we will truthfull y reason upon this , wo shall see that it is so ; but if we are to be blinded by prejudice , and make up our minds to pronounce that devilish of which we are xeally ignorant , then wherefore comp lain of injustice being done to the industrial bees of our land , since all are drones , in respect to inquiry , and yet desire to partake of the honey not of our own producing .
Let us , as working men , look about us . "What do we see ? On one side a hill of Capital ; on the other a mountain of "Wretchedness . Asjjwe grow older , we see the large money-holders of the country literally absorbing the smaller capitalists . The system in vogue tends to create a , Tery rich and a very poor class , to make the one more independent , and consequently more exacting ; the other more dependent , and consequentl y more slavish . And this is capable of read y proof . Tour Moses and Sons , and such traders , have a Moating capital of £ 30 , 000 .
Ten per cent profit on this amount , yields them £ 3 , 000 per year—a goodly income , niethinks , as proprietors , not workers . But , with the trader of £ 1 , 000 floating-capital , ten per cent , is but £ 100 , a sum wholl y insuificient for his immediate exigencies . Hence , whilst the one can live in a princel y way upon ten per cent , profit , it is clear that the other cannot keep on his legs with any such return . Bring the two into Competition with each other—which is being done every day—and who can wonder that the greater fish swallows the smaller ! . Now , picture to yourselves , as ,
indeed , you well may , the working man in -such a conflict . What are the lineaments sketched out , as representing him ? He is penniless ; his floating-cap ital consists in the diligent use of his fingers , his bodily energy , and the application of his mind to the avocation he follows . "Necessaril y his labour must fall a sacrifice , in the work of Crucifixion that is going on . The man with £ 1 , 000 capital at once declares his inability to compete with the man of £ 30 , 000 ; but , as he must live , as he must maintain a certain position in society , so long as he continues to be what he is , his battle musfcbe fought , —not with theLeviathan of the Stock Exchange , but with his
workpeople—those to whom he is accustomed to pay wages varying from 15 s . to 30 i . per week each . His means of living , as he terms it , must bo obtuiued from this source ; and so depreciation of the wages of labour immediately follows . And a g lorious achievement is this for the £ 30 , 000 jack-fish ; for as the minimum wage is always the rule , so his labourers , male and female , must work for him at the same price that the roach-fish has been successful in reducing his workpeople to . Sometimes , the aggression comes from the larger fr y ; to be concluded , of course by the smaller ; but no matter who commences the onslaught , the termination is precisel y the flame , —the victims are the working classes .
This is Competition ; its practical workings ; its unexaggerated every-day results . It is no ¦ wonder that the masses are so badly paid and ¦ so little cared for . I confess I am surprised to see certain portions of them so well requited -as they are . But I would tell every working man that is in the receipt ol 30 s . per week , as -an average rate of wages , that he ' is indebted for his income , much more to his own independent conduct , to his fixed determination , SO far as in him lies , to resist a reduction of his weekly wages , than he is to any kindness -or consideration of his position thoira him by those who are the purchasers Of his labour ,
Uow , when I advocate ASSOCIATIVE La boub as a remed y for this terrible evil , I am but demonstrating a power which the associates themselves really possess . TVho is it that is the mainstay of such huge firms as Hoses and Son ? The great consuming class -of the country—great in point of numbers , — the working classes . I venture to say , that < U » s . out of , evmpouad of the £ 30 , 000 returns
Sib. ' Editoe,—The Competitive Pliuciple...
annually , is iom fide , the contribution of the labouring circle . Well , this is a culpable encouragement , unquestionabl y , on the part of those whose interests I am here speciall y considering ; but , still , it is an evidence of their power , if they would but appreciate the proper exercise of it . External aid , then , I say , such men really do not stand-in need of . They could create a great market b y and for themselves . As class distinction has been so long the rule , exclusive dealing mi ght be permitted to have a chance in the issue ; but even this would be unnecessary ; for it is perfectl y compatible to sell as low as the Leviathan spoken of , and yet fairl y remunerate the producers engaged in the fabrication or manufacture of the articles sold .
Associative Labour , then , clearly means a g iven number of men , the larger the better , for the . working-out of the principle , agreeing to become a corporate body , under previousl y arranged rules , with the view of making their labour realise the highest possible return . Here are two classes . The one are those who have subscribed to the formation of a capital ; the other those who work as weekl y servants . One rule prevails throughout the firm , " viz ., that a just rate of remuneration shall be paid for all the work done for it ; and that rate of remuneration shall be determined by a pro .
perl y constituted board , composed of represeutatives , duly appointed b y both orders . In other words , men should work according to a definite scale of prices ; to be augmented or modified , as the case may be , with the consent of the board just mentioned . To become part proprietors in such a firm would be but the contribution of a given sum of money ; and as the profits accruing upon the business would be shared onl y amongst those whose cap ital was embarked , so it would be a lasting encouragement , tending to decrease the number of casual employed , and increase that of partholders in the property .
A trade , numbering some 5 , 000 men , then , agree to raise £ 5 , 000 , for the purpose of commencing business , as here pointed out . The money is obtained , the shop is opened , and the principle is at once in operation . Wh y speculate upon success ? Here are 5 , 000 men alone , irrespective of the public at large , whose wants are to be met ; and this is a bespoke trade , one would think , not to be thought of lightly . It is not the interest upon the money embarked , as it would be the weekly return for the labour done , that would be looked for under such circumstances ; and one great benefit would immediatel y result ; viz ., a tone would be given to the trade generall y , to make the p rices paid in the Associative shop the accepted rule throughout .
I know that , at first , the employers would not rest easy with this reforming notion spreading itself around them . They would , doubtless , seek to destroy it forthwith , by denying employment to those who sympathised openly with its welfare , and by try ing to beat the shop out of the market . But all this would be withstood in a little while . It is but for the working men to be true to their order , and all the opposition that could be broug ht to bear against the practical realization of the good intentions sought to be established would avail but little . Common-sense would return to such men the moment they discovered that their opposition was fruitless .
To Associative Labour , then , I point , as the redeeming feature of Industry ; a plan perfectly easy of adoption ; the same thing that has formed your bridges and your railroads , and that has g iven to the well-to-do classes all the power they now possess . "When the attempt is made , it must be on a large scale ; that which the world calls respectable . Business men must be called into action to govern ; and every possible care taken to avoid fraud . Imparting to the principle a fair
amount of confidence , when thus launched , I feel assured the movement would soon assume the form of' a great fact ; ' that the labour of the country would receive a health y impetus immediately the princip le became to be generally adopted ; and the working classes would henceforth be able to command a hig her price for their labour than they can now obtain , or ever hope to receive , so long as the Competitive principle predominates throughout the land . CensOB .
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Yol. Hv. P.7z3.,. - Imw Sat1jmy, Septewb...
YOL . HV . P . 7 Z 3 .,. - IMW SAT 1 JMY , SEPTEWBEB 13 , 1851 . ¦ : £ S £ . ^ 3 &&~
Rational 3i.Anu Company
Rational 3 i . anu company
A Public Meeting Was Held On Sunday Even...
A public meeting was held on Sunday evening at the City Chartist llall , Golden-lane , to hear a report relative to the proceedings in the Court of Chancery for the appointment of an official manager to wind-up the affairs of the Company . Mr . Batten was called to the chair , and briefly explained the objects of the meeting . Mr . Wheeler gave in a report of the proceedings—which has already
appeared in the "Star , " —aud suggested the idea of a monthly meeting of the shareholders to watch oyer their interests and enter into communication with the Official Manager ; by which arrangement much expense might be spared aud useful information given to that officer . Messrs . . Hopkins and French supported similar views . Mr- Stratton at some length urged the necessity of a committee being appointed , aad if necessary a counsel , also to protect the interest of the shareholders . The allottees and the directors had counsel—the shareholders bad
none . He objected to compensation being given to any of the allottees ; many of them bad received large sums of money from the Company , and yet were so ungrateful as to refuse the payment of rent —he did not include all , but onlyga portion of the allottees . The speaker then dwelt upon the advantages arising from the Loan Society , and urged those who were not so to become members . It was the germ of one of the greateat co-operative movements ever undertaken by working men . Mr . Hopkins showed , by practical details , the value of co-operation , and the easy manner in which worKing men could emancipate themselves . Mr . J . AVilson made some remarks upon the general nature of cooperative movements , regretting that they only produced partial and local benefits , and were useless
to effect any national good , lie feared that the failure of the Land Company would hinder persons from joining in any new company . Mr . Wheeler at some length showed that the society was fast acquiring the confidence and support of the shareholders throughout the country . Mr . French moved , and Mr . Stratton seconded , that a public meeting of the shareholders be held on Sunday evening , September the 21 st , at the Hall , Golden-lane , ' to appoint a committee to watch over the interests of the body . The motion was carried unanimously , and the meeting was ordered to be efficiently advertised . After some further discussion on the subject of cooperation , the meeting adjourned until tne ensuing Sunday evening , at the Whittingtonand Cat , Churchrow , Bethnal Green .
National Loan Society. At The Meeting At...
NATIONAL LOAN SOCIETY . At the meeting at Golden-lane on Wednesday evening , Mr . Stratton reported the result of the meeting at Greenwich . —Mr . "Wheeler gave an encouraging account of the progress of the Society in the country districts , and read a vast amount of correspondence . Several members were enrolled , and other business transacted .
Gbee kwich . —Mr . Stratton lectured on Sunday evening , at 5 , Gales-row , Straightsmouth , on the * Advantages to be derived b y joining the National Loan Society , ' A . discussion took place after the lecture , in which Messrs . John Shaw , Hewitt , Robinson , Fussell and others took part . A feeling "was created in favour of the society , and members enrolled .
Cfmvtist Intelligence
Cfmvtist Intelligence
National Charter Association. Ofiices—14...
NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Ofiices—14 , S 6 uthampton-street , Strand . The Executive Committee of this body held their usual weekl y meeting as above on Wednesday evening last . Present : Messrs . Araotfc , Hunt , Milne , and Reynolds . Messrs . Harney , Holyoake , Jones , and O'Connor being out of town , were absent . Mr . S . Grassby , through illness , was also absent . Mr . Thornton Hunt presided . The correspondence received was read , including a report from Ernest Jones . r The Chairman reported that the aggregate meeting of the Metropolitan members , held in the Coffee-room of the John-street Institu ^ tion , on Sunday afternoon , September ffch , was of a hi g hl y progressive and practical character .
The Secretary reported , that , in accordance with the motion agreed to at the above-named meeting relative to a series of Monthl y Concerts being held in aid of the ' Charter Fund , ' he had engaged the Hall of the . Literary and Scientific . ' Institution , John-street , for Monday evening , September 29 th , for the purpose of holding the first Concert . After a length y discussion on financial and other business , the Committee adjourned to Wednesday evening , September 17 th . Signed on behalf of the Committee , John Arnoxt , Gen . Sec .
ERNEST JONES ' S TOUR . On Tuesday , the 28 th ulu ; I lectured in Manchester , to a most crowded and enthusiastic audience . I am happy to inform you that perfect union now exists among the Chartists of Manchester , the two localities having now joined into one , and recognising the acts of the late Convention and the Execufcivc . I enrolled twenty-one new members . On Wednesday the Town Hall in Staleybridge was filled with a large gathering . Trade is rather "brisk" in Staleybridge—its effects are apparent in the enrolment—only fourteen—the Council disposing of thirty cards besides .
On Thursday , the 23 rd , I lectured in the Assembly Rooms at Bury . A Branch of the Association was formed ; I enrolled fifty-three members ;; the Council disposed of twenty cards . Mr . Jonathan Bury was elected treasurer , and John Jones secretary , of the locality . On Saturday I reached Bingley , A band and open carriage were waiting at the station , and a procession formed from thence into the town , when 1 addressed a spontaneous gathering in the Market Place ; and thence we proceeded to the Odd Fellows Hall , where a tea party and soiree had been prepared . The Hall presented a beautiful sight—the tables were crowded , and an excellent band poured
forth enlivening music . After the tea party there was a ball , interspersed with songs and recitations , two bands alternating their melodies . The Chartists of Bingley are to be congratulated on their selection of pieces for recitation and singing : every one of them conveyed sound political and social information . Gatherings like this are very gratifying . They can scarcely become too general—for the people need amusement , and if they can be supplied with innocent recreation they will cease running to the gin-palace and the beershop . Entertainments like that at Bingley are some of the beat practical promoters of Temperance , while at the same time , so conducted , they both refine the feelings and instruct the mind .
On Sunday I delivered two lectures in the same Hall to large audiences . The enrolment of members was eleven ; but that is no test of the enrolment of hearts , inasmuch as it will be recollected that the admission to ' the soiree was eightpence , that to the two lectures fourpence , that « ' Bingley Feast" had but recently concluded , that a protracted strike had terminated shortly before , and that 1 , 500 hands were and are out of work atone firm alone . ~ . . . The police and overlookers were openly set on the watch to see who attended the lectures , and one employer threatened his hands , "that he would turn adrift any of his men who should presume to attend the lectures !" Such gatherings and enthusiasm as that evinced in the face of all this , proves that the true spirit reigns among the men of Bingley . Several Democrats attended from the surrounding villages , and intended forming localities .
On Monday , the 8 th , I addressed the Democrats of Bradford , in the Great Temperance Hall , which was literally crowded with its large and enthusiastic audience . Considerable discussion took place after the lecture . I enrolled twenty-four members . A sound spirit prevails among the men of Bradford , and they are determined to make a decisive stand at the next election . 1 will postpone the few remarks I should wish to make , until the conclusion of my route , next week . Ersest Joshs .
Manchester—The Unhappy Division Which To...
Manchester—The unhappy division which took p lace in this town a few months since is at last settled ; both parties have agreed to form themselves into one locality of the National Charter Association , pledging themselves to use their best endeavours \< j carry out the business of the late Convention , A general member ' s meeting was held in the People's Institute , on Sunday afternoon last ; Mr . W . G-rocott in the chair . After a little discussion , a Council was elected , consisting of
twenty-one persons , for the next three months . The business , though warml y discussed , was disposed of in a friendl y manner and a good feeling prevailed throughout the whole of the proceedings . In the evening- , excellent addresses were delivered in the above hall by Messrs . Burns and Shell , of the National Trades Association . — N . B . —All communications for this locality must be addressed to No . 8 , John-street , Porter-street , Butler-street , Manchester .
. Birmingham . —At the usual weekl y meet ingat the Ship Inn , Steelbouse-lane , on Sun day evening last , it was unanimousl y resolved that the Secretary write to the Executive for 100 of the monthly circulars for September . A p lan was also brought forward , and adopted , for the purpose of getting up a course of lectures from the following gentlemen , namel y : •—Messrs . Reynolds , Harney , Jones , Thomas Cooper , Thornton Hunt , S . Kydd , and F . O'Connor , should he be in England ; the course to commence in October . It is therefore hoped that all true friends of liberty will rall y round the Committee , and assist them in getting up the above meetings . LlTEKARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION ,
Leicester-p lace , Little Saffron-hill . Mr . K ydd lectured here on Sunday evening , on the Persecutions carried on against the democratic party in Naples , and the other Italian States . ' The masterly manner in which he handled the subject , and the fervid bursts of eloquence in which he denounced the conduct of the despotic rulers of this fair portion of the earth , were highly appreciated by an enthusiastic audience . Tiik Sheffield Women ' s Rights
Association . —On Wednesday evening Mr . ( xeorge Hows , of Boston , delivered a lecture in the Hall of Science , Rockingham-street . Mrs . Mary Brook in the chair . At , the couclusion Mr . Bradbury moved , and Mr . Cavill seconded , a vote of thanks to the lecturer , which being agreed to the meeting separated . In the course of the meeting large green posters were brought into the room , announcing three lectures by Thomas Cooper , commencing on Monday next . The bills were headed 'Sublimity of Chartism . ' The cause here appears to be making rapid progress .
Brighton Democratic Association . —A large meetin g of iha members and friends of the above Association * took place at the Free Butt , Albionstreet , on Sunday evening , to receive Bronterre O ' Brien * who had been engaged to deliver it a covuBs vi two lectures at the Town Ball on Monday a . id Tuesday , the first on Free Trade and Protection , the second , on the Causes of the Failure of I Universal Suffrage abroad . Job Scott in the chair .
Manchester—The Unhappy Division Which To...
M : Br , en addressed his friendsatsoroe length on the necessity of educating the people in . their ?' v w « H m their political rights . He was oudly cheered throughout his address , and after tie usual votes of thank ' s to the speaker and ch « ir- Sk ^ * he DJ ? e n separated , highly delighted with ™™ , tnev had heard .- On Monday evening , notwithstanding the shortness of the notice , a very numerous meeting took place in the . Town Hall . -tW . Woodward in . the chair , —to hear Mr . U linen . lecture on Protection and Free Trade . The lecturer was received with loud cheers . He said he was not there to advocate the system of tree Trade of the Manchester School , or"Protecturn , as it is advocated by the Duke of Richmond , tte deprecated the system of Free Trade , which
would import manufactured goods duty free , which England could produce in abundance , while from the social . condition of English workmen they could not compete with tho foreigner * on equal grounds . He could not believe that the Protectionists were sincere m their desire to protect native industry , when they prevented the free importation of goods which the soil and climate of England- could not produce , and contended that neither the Free Traders nor the Protectionists ought to settle the question until the great body of the unrepresented were admitted to . their rights as citizens in the British House of Commons . . Mr . O'Brien was listened to with great attention . The leoture-r . "Why ¦ JJniversalSuffrage had Failed abroad—on Tuesday evening , was more numerously attended than the
one on the preceding evening . Mr . O'Brien proved that in aU those countries where the people had won Universal Suffrage , that they lost it through not having . knowledge of their social rights , and , consequently , could not apply a proper test to those candidates who sought their votes only to betray them . He went on to say , that the present Executive of the National Charter' Association seeing this , had been the first Executive that saw the necessity of advocating the political and social questions together . Mr . O'Brien spoke at great length on . the nationalization of ; land , public credit , and equitable exchange , and concluded a very instructive lecture by assuring the people that it was ( he only question that would raise them from the
condition of wages-slaves to freedom and plenty , and the study of which would secure to them Universal Suffrage when obtained . He was loudly cheered throughout his lecture , which shows that the people of Brighton are beginning to stir . After a vote of thanks to the lecturer and chairman , the meeting separated . Bbthnai . Greex . —On Sunday evening last , Mr , William Davis delivered a lecture at the White Horse to a highly respectable audience ; after which an animated discussion ensued , in which Mr . Taughan , Mr . Kelt , and Mr . Smith tookpart , which was satisfactorily answered by Mr . Davis . Several members took out cards , and the meeting adjourned to Sunday , the 14 th .
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Chartist Organisation. An Aggregate Meet...
CHARTIST ORGANISATION . An aggregate meeting of Chartist delegates was held on Sunday afternoon , at the Coffee-rooms of the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Tottenham-cour t-road . Mr . Thornton Hunt was called to the chair , and , in a long and able address , dwelt upon the present state of the movement , and reviewed the position of the Democratic party in the different states of Europe , and also in England and the continent .
Mr . Nichols , of the Boxton Locality , moved the following resolution , after having explained the method of organisation adopted in his district ;—" That in the opinion of this meeting the distribution of tracts , containing sound political and social information by duly qualified district visitors , would be a mi ghty engine in spreading the principle of Democracy ; we , therefore , resolve to use our utmost energies , and hereby call upon our brother Democrats to render aid to the Tract Fund recently established . " Mr . G . Holyoake seconded tho resolution , in a sound and argumentative address , and it was carried unanimously . Mr . Matthew John , of Merthyr Tydvil , moved the following resolution : — " That each locality be requested to send iu to the Executive the names of voluntary and efficient tract writers , in order to the formation of a list of such persons . " The nervous and manly eloquence of the speaker was highly applauded .
Mr . Bliou , of Greenwich , seconded the resolution , and dwelt upon the many advantges to be derived from an efficient system of tract propaganda . Mr . Nichols supported the resolution . In Hoxton alone they had disposed of twenty dozen of the Executive Circular . If all places had acted with equal energy , the Executive would not have been destitute of funds . Mr . Bbzkr showed the manner in which tho religious seels made uso of the tract system , and adduced strong reasons why Chartists should in that instance follow their example . Mr . G . Holtoakb , and others , also spoke to the resolution , which was unanimously adopted . On the motion of Messrs . Nichols and G . Holyoake , it was decided that a series of concerts should be got up at the John-street Institution , in aid of the funds of the Executive . It was also
decided that an aggregate meeting should be held monthly , and that tho ensuing one should ha held at the South London Hall . In answer to questions , Mr . Abnoii explained that the Tract Fund would be kept distinct from the General Fund of the Association . Mr . Abnoii brought before the meeting the subject of the desecration of the monument erected to Sharp , Williams , and Hansard , in Victoria-park cemetery . They were aware , that in obedience to the voice of public opinion , the directors of that company had employed Mr . Cox to restore the
monument to its original state : this has been done ; but the architect , though ho had called aud sent various times , was unable to procure payment , and was treated with great contempt . Some strong remarks were made upon this mean conduct , and the meeting fully agreed that legal steps should be taken to enforce payment of the debt ; and in the event of its not being complied with , that a public meeting be again called upon the subject . A vote of thanks was given to Mr . T . Hunt for presiding over the meeting , also to Mr . Milm > , who was called to the chair after Hunt ' s departure , aad the meeting adjourned .
The Stafford Conspiracy Against Labour.
THE STAFFORD CONSPIRACY AGAINST LABOUR .
A meeting of delegates from the various trades ' shops and factories in and around the city of Glasgow , was held in the Now Chapel , 68 , Nelson-street , on Friday , tho 5 th instant , for the purpose of taking into consideration the case of the Wolverhampton Tin-plate Workers and tho committee oi the National Association of Trades . The meeting was called together by a very strong and spirited address , aud the result was a goodly attendance of delegates . Mr . John Fletcher was called on to preside . After
reading the bill calling them together , he said that this was one of the most important questions so far as regarded the freedom of labour that thoy had been called upon to consider for a great number of years ; and he hoped the meeting would give tho subject that consideration which the importance of it required . Ho then introduced Mr . D . Sherrington , who said that the parties present would require some little explanation why this meeting was got up , and also as full a statement of the case of tho Tin-plate Workers as if was possible for him to give , in order that they might be enabled to judge whether it was a subject for their interference or not . The cotton spinners had taken up the question at their last monthly meeting , and had instructed their committee to issue subscription-sheets , to assist in bringing the case before the judges of the Court of Queen ' s Bench ; but as the question was of so much . * . i _ * - « i _ . {^^ iAt f / iki / ilvo / i / in /» p I Jin rr district resolved calling
importance , tho Glasgow on a meeting of this nature . He was proud to see that the Trades and other parties had responded so nobly to the call as they had done . He then read several portions of the evidence adduced on the trials , and explained tho origin of the contest , to . aether with extracts from the noble defence made by the prisoners' council , and showed that the verdict of the jury at Stafford , if sustained in the Court of Queen ' s Bench , would be a virtual reenactment of the odious combination laws ; because , as he said , although the law would still allow them the privilege of combining together , ol what ; use would it he if it wo to be conspiracy at every tutu they might take ? If , 'or instance , to stop the operations of any manufactory by a strike , or to persuade men to ; leave , or to endeavour to cause a higher rate of wages to ho pavd , weie to bo construed into a conspiracy to cause the manufacturer to alter the mode of conducting his business ? How , iu tho name of wonder , was it likely
The Stafford Conspiracy Against Labour.
that they could ati . all . defend ' themselves from the grasping hand of the tepitalists , or what ctiahce hadthey in betterim / their ' condition ^ if that verdict were to be the law ? . If such" wereto-be their position he saw no other course for the working classes , then : to . break up all their unions , antf become the serfs of the master class j—but he hoped * better . He could woj see how iff was possible for the judges to sustaiBsnch an o . ( T » a * ' verdict ; ' and he'trusted . as this was * a case interesting to . every section' of labourers in * bis country , that nothing wdiild lie wanting on their part to sustafe ' the committee ^ i ' h their noble defense of the rigbts-of labour . ""' ¦ ' ' - ¦ Mr ; Mathbw CoxiBtf , and' several othew , ad-? , < W * the meeting o » the importance of ' the ques-Jlion , ansi urged the necessity of subscriptions- being raiScu ..... . , .. * ' . _ . . i ; j
A numfeey pf delegates gpve in reports that tfc * question -b ad been taken- » p by . their respective tradesj ' arid altogether the feeling was such ae-eould be wished , amoitmust have been highly gratifying to the Glasgow cotton spiuness , for the efforts * they had made , i' ., ¦ : . - ; ' r o A resolution condemnatory ofc the verdict of the special jury , and declaring ^ . it to be their opinion , "That it was a wide sfre . tch of the Conspiracy laws-,. and a deadly blow ! aimed , at the freedom of the labouring portion of the community . " A-- oommitte ^ was ^ alsiji " ele ' ctedi . ' consisting ; ' eS ii $ iro , mmwH ^ frihlFj $ 0 tpfa : oall : ¦; upon ; , th « , Vauoua committees of iheaisociatei trades and' to take every means to raise funds for the Defence Committee .
A vote of thanks having been given > to the chairman , the meeting separated ; each person present being so ^ impressed with the importance © 1 the case , that there is every possibility of its being warmly taken up in Glasgow .
Political Victims' Association. This Bod...
POLITICAL VICTIMS' ASSOCIATION . This body met as usual at Mr . Duddridge ' s , the Dock and Duck Tavern , Queen-street , Dean-street , on Sunday evening . Mr . Sheppard in the chair . The minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , Messrs . Bryson , Bezeb , and Fossell reported that they had completed the arrangements for holding a public meeting , on the subject of the Lyonese Conspirators , on the 9 th inst , Mr . Martin gave notice of a motion for next week , to extend the privileges of honorary members . The second address was read by the secretary , and copies of it were ordered to'besent to the "Northern Star , " and the " Glasgow Sentinel . " The association arbitrated on the case of Small versus Fleming , acquitting the latter of having any connexion with the police iu 1848 , and exonerating the former from any vindictive feelingin bringing the case forward .
The rest of the evening was occupied io an animated discussion upon the nature of revolutionary failures . ADDRESS OF THE POLITICAL VICTIMS * ASSOCIATION . " Brother Victims and Democratic Friends , — Our motives for again addressing you is to keep alive the spirit of sympathy in the Democratic bosom , In the present agitated state of Europe Great Britain cannot expect to remain tranquil , amid the surrounding volcanoes of revolution that are preparing for an eruption of popular liberty . And from whence can this spirit of Democratic sympathy more appropriately flow , than from those who have already felt the iron grasp of oppression , and are now devoting " all their energies , notonly to seek
retributivejustice for themselves , but to surround the path of future patriots with that protection which the law still affords , instead of leaving them to the capricious tyranny of government hirelings , whose standard of promotion is graduated by the scale of public oppression ? "When the people of this or any other country consider it their duty to censure the government for their mat-administration of national affairs , it is too often the case that they try to silence public admonition by the hand of persecution ; and in this they are too often suocessful , as their position enables them to have the Executive power of the Country at their command . And , although the judges of this country are made officially independent of the Crown , that they may the more justly exorcise their divine-like office , yet they have ot late given too many proofs of their aristocratiu bearing , in aiding the oppressor against the oppressed . But this spirit of injustice must not only
be condemned , but totally extinguished by the force of public indignation , which can only be effected through tho medium of some associative body , willing to undertake the task of exposing such villany , and possessing sufficient devotion for the people ' s cause , to enable them to grapple with the giant power that now threatens destruction to the last remnant of popular freedom . " It is folly to believe , and mako others believe , that a ruined aristocracy , who can only exist by oppression and robbery , will be influoiicod by a sense of justice , and accede to the people that which belongs to them ; and although the oppressed are ten thousand times stronger than the oppressors , the latter are united by nil the ties of similarity of interest and class ¦ aggrandisement ; while the former waste their strength in disunion and selfish pursuits , thereby leaving their political rights unprotected , and their industry at the mercv of their enemies .
" When some one more enthusiastic than the rest of tho suffering people , or more deeply impressed with a sense of the wrongs that have from time to time been inflicted upon the working classes , steps forward to admonish them for their apathy , or to point out the way to avert tho impending ruin , ho becomes obnoxious to the govern , ment in the exact . proportion that he becomes useful to the people ; and thus our best friends seldom escape the demon of persecution , which the law , from its oppressive tendency and latitude of construction , never fails to assume when wielded by the power of oligarchical oppression , And to make this demon one of the principal scourges by which the doctrines of democracy are to be taught to the people , is one of the objects that the promoters of this association have in view for maintaining it as a permanent institution . "J . M . Bkyson , Secretary , " 25 , James-street , Lower-marsh , Lambeth , to whom all communications must be addressed . "
Tuis Lixoixissui V1utjuv1s. A Public Mee...
TUIS liXOiXiSSUi V 1 UTJUV 1 S . A public meeting , called by the Political Victim Association , was held on Tuesday evening ac the Literary Institution , Leicester-place , Little Saffronhill , to take into consideration tho sentences and trials of the above men . The meeting was numerous and enthusiastic . Mr . John Shaw having been called to the chair , commenced by reading a letter from Mr . O'Brien , explaining that hia absence was owing to being compelled to attend a meeting at Brighton . He ( Mr . Shaw ) was glad that Englishmen were ever ready to meet and sympathise with the enemies of tyranny , whether at home or abroad ; and he deeply felt the importance of the subject thoy had met to discusslie and his brother victims had suffered
in the cause ; they had fallen victims to a system ot police espionage , and their brethren in Lyons were not a whit more guilty tlmu themselves . The speaker then referred to a leader in the Morning Advertiser , respecting the designs of Austrian paid agents to destroy Kossuth on his liberation , and read extracts therefrom ( which called ierth loud expressions of indignation . ) The speaker then dwelt upon the manner in which the trials of the Lyonese conspirators had been conducted . lie was opposed to violence , but no means too harsh could bo employed to rid the world of men who inflicted such horrible atrocities upon the people . ( Cheers . ) Mr . John FuasBiL moved tho following resolution : — " That ' in the opinion of this meeting the recent infractions ' of the Constitution of 1818 , by the majority of the National Assembl y , have been alike insulting to the people of France , and detrimental to the best interests of the human race .
This meeting , therefore , sympathises with the Democrats of Frauce in their endeavour to restore the right of Universal Suffrage , and tho other rights of tho people , and believe that the recent charges against Gent and others at Lyons for conspiracy , have been manufactured by ilia police ; and that the sentences passed upon them have been cruel and unjustifiable in the extreme . " So men wove better able to deal with this question than those who had suffered in a similar manner . 'None were more dreaded by the government than rai-n who had
suffered imprisonment - , and who , when liberated , dared again to lift up their voices in defence of Liberty . Hitherto , when menhau been imprisoned tbey were generally silenced . Now the reverse was the case , and , in the words oC Macauly , the persecuted few becano a powerful party . Tho Times had asserted that they had scotched the snake , not killed it . If the Times looked at the present meeting it would see that they were net even scotched , but were alive a » l vigorous . Government had thought by impQsiaj » 6 ;* . $ years bail upon them to chain their toivjftaa ,:, kut , thanks to the
Tuis Lixoixissui V1utjuv1s. A Public Mee...
f ragment o ^ Qvit'tMion , they could speak freely , provided they did , ftot bring the government into contempt , ' this ho would , not attempt to do . It ° ? w fae' = ° contempt' td the Queerer governments of knglanU to denounce the ! conduct of Louis Ifa * ppleon aod his Attempts to ' assume' the purple in , it ranee ; . _ Tho men of-Lyon ' sn did not conspire against the republic-they were only the opponents S eecem ? es of the ^ public ; , and even the wi ™ * Was comPelled to . admit this , , , Wby then buTL ! eyC ° nv w ^ It was jbeoaugoTraneo was monarlT !?"*& ' ^ S ^ wfeie itself into a thw « p ^*« iS \ J ^ -S ?^ K »« uafioh to which they were pla ^ edtn Engl and : ' > Thbysought but to return to tho o . ld laws and constitution ' 6 ? the land
They had never been oonapiratorior rioters ; none wereever . C TOTic . ted m the whole of ; the aeitatioa for that oHenee , aave the few who were the victims of the Powei andDa yis Whi g plot . The speaker thenshowed how , Jhe- constitution of . 'France had been I broken by the 'Assembly , and that « h > people wer ^ f justified in cbnipitip & to J' ^ ore it again to its ori ^ iginal democratic snarpe . Jhe cause of democracy ' iroosfc and would i & uws * , not oa ^ f in Franc e , but all . thenations of Europe'jand the"Jterbaroussentences ( passed upon the LyeUesef victimij ' . would but ha » tea that glorious even t * The Speaker' concluded by reatiiftg the words of ( Sent , and , cisner ? after the termination of their tifia . i ' y and defended the ch »« racter" of Gent from tRe-, wfamyatfembted to be
cast upon it , The speafee * was loudly cheered . Mr , fi ' Etea seconded tKe ' . re & olutidn . the subject was of the highest impovtsa ' oe-to all love ^ ofliberty * The waf between liberty and tyranny had beeft long , aad the friends " - of the latter" ware eve * scheming to disguise its real features from the people . ¦ One dhy they were for eonstitutfonai Freedom , at . anottier for scientific liberality ; but ,, under all their disguises , when " their trickery was-laid : bare , they resorted to the old game offersecuiion . : Louis Napoleoti > ought ; out of old * reminisences > to have had some- sympathy fifa flhe fate of OSher prisoners ; but it was not so .- ' Thoy commuted the seatence of death , but the transportation to whiobi they were subjected in the desolat * isle to whiebv . they , were sent , wae worse than deat & . He thankedi God that they would not long have t » , endure such , ' senteoees-rthe tablte would soon be / . turned , and I . thfflFJjrdaf ^ pe ' red 'hseft in triumph to France . Government never committed a greater mistake than
in-persecuting idea fovopuuon ' a sake , no man waa was-ever convicted by such a course :. The first element in the creed of a Chartist was that no man . should suffer for his opinions . Under a Chartist government all opinions-might be fully propagated * provided it was done in a > fair and legitimate man * ner . It was time that they adopted the spirit of the resolution passed theother day in Kew York" That kings and tyrants had leagued together long enough , aad it was time the people leagued against them / '' If Yankee Doodle really meant that , and he believed he did , it behoved Austria and theother tyraunie governments to look well to if , for from such teachers the lesson weald be infectious . It was a new feature in their movement to hear them , calling meetings about prisoners in Naples , in Ve « nice , in Lyons , and other places . He believed that government was looking with an anxious eye to these meetings , and he knew that they were attracting attention abroad .
Mr . Dica spoke in favour of the resolution , and commented strongly upon the conduct of the Executive iu burking tho advertisement of . the Eclectic Institution , and called upon the people to reprobate such conduct in theur yaid serv & ats . He had no cause ot complaint against the ' * Northern Star , " which he must say fairly reported thei * meetings ; but he wkhed to know why the adver * tfaement did not appear in the " Northern Star . " Mr . Whbeleb explained that it was solely because Mr . Arnott had not sent it , and they had no right without his orders to insert it in aa advertisement for which he paid . After some words from the Cbairmav , the discussion was dropped for the present , and the resolution was carri-d unanimously amid much applause . Some discussion took place in relation to the above subject .
Mr . Fussbll stated they had nothing to do with the Executive . The meeting was called by the YlO " tini Association . Mr . Bloomfield defended the Executive ; and after some further speaking of a warm nature oa both sides of the question , a vote ' of thanks waa given to tho chairman , and the meeting was dissolved . National Reform League . —At a meeting of the above body on Wednesday evening last , it was resolved : — ' That this Council protests against the conduct ot Mr . Dick at the meeting called by tne Victim Committee , Ray-street , Clerkenwell , on Tuesday , September 9 th , and respectfully inform the Victim Committee and the public , that such conduct was by no means sanctioned by the League , and that they deeply regret the interruption caused by his uncalled for and malapropos interrogatories . "
Ffiomaptotonw
ffiomapTOtonw
Official Manager Of The Land Company. To...
OFFICIAL MANAGER OF THE LAND COMPANY . TO THB EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sib , —On reading your report of the proceedings before tho Master in the Court of Chancery , on tha 4 th inst ., regarding the election of an Official Manager of the Winding-up of the National Land Company , I was much surprised and indigu .-. nt , on finding that Mr . Uradshaw , of Nottingham , is Still pursuing With rel < 5 htle » s vengeance poor O'Connor * for I perceive that his creature Mr . Earnest is put forth as one of tho candidates . Surely , sir , every honest minded member ot" our community will raise Ilia voice , and protest as loudly as he can , and , as I do , against this audacious proceeding ; and I call upon you as the guardian of Mr . O'Connor ' s character in his absence , and , as the enemy of such
malignant creatures , to oppose with all your force the appointment of this Bradshaw ' s nominee , as it is palpable to any one possessed of half an eye , that the sole object with which he is put forward is that liradshaw , cuckoo-like , may turn O'Connor out and take to the nest himself . Should such an . unhappy event , as tho appointment of Earnest , occur , it is too clear that it will be folly and idleness to expect tiie return of one penny of our money ; as the payment of a dividend to us , would tend to show that O'Connor is not so bad as his arch enemy , Bradshaw , has painted him , and wishes him to appear . Tho insertion of this in the next Star may perhaps do good , and open tho eyes of many . lam , sir , Your obedient servant , Sept . Otfa . A SilARKHOLDER .
To The Editor Of Tub " Northern Star." S...
TO THE EDITOR OF TUB " NORTHERN STAR . " Sir , —In your paper of Saturday last an advertisement appears , signed John Sfcaw , which consists of a aeries of inuendos , implying a general forgery of the names of Shareholders to the promoters of Mr . Ainger ' s appointment to the office of Official Manager . I beg to say , from my knowledge , having seen the proposal papers , wiiieh are now filed in the Masters' Office , that this-is a falsehood and a calumny on the Secretaries oS the forty-five Branches who sent up proposals for Mr . Ainger .
It is quite true that some of the names are apparently written in the same hand , without being attested by the marks or crosses of tho Shareholders ; but this 1 foel warranted in saying , w as done by the Secretaries and others with the authority-ft ud consent of the Shareholders whose names , are so inserted . Tula fact , I believe , will be cleauly aad satisfactorily established before the prope ? tribunal on tho 2 urd instant . I may just remark , that this pari try production
baa found so much favour somewhere , that means have been furnished to get it printed on excellent paper in circular form , and to pay postage , to send it through the length and breadth ot tha country . Trusting that the Branch Secretaries will triumphantly exonerate themselves from tho calumnies cast upon them , and that from tho numerous candidates in the field foe the office of Official Manager an upright and e' ^ oient m an maybe appointed to bring tho Company ' s affairs tea close . 1 remain , yjurs faithfully ,. l ' HILU' jjt'G-BVTK . 1 , Bontl-street , Chelssa , Sept . 11 th .
New College For Xouso Mks At Ai. Birnaci...
New College for Xouso Mks at ai . BiRNACi ? . —The clergy of Su J & avnabas , of which the Uov . W . J . L \ Bennett wis until lately hcumbciic , have issued proposals fev the establishment of a college , for young men , in © annexion with , their church , it ia intended to res & ivo young men living apnyt fro m their parents , as . students , or a . e ^ rentices , cr oilka clerKs iu Loudsm . The cxpenbB ; io each yuuilg Ulan , for board and lodging , is not ia exceed from 23 s . to , 30 s . a week As soon as a sufficient number of young men have applied for admission , suitable premises ttiU bo engaged ^ aud the coiiege will bo opened . The institution will bo under tu ' o superintendence cf thellev . ^ asies Skinner , M . A ., latu fellow of University College , Durham , and the lion , and Rev . It . Liddell , M . A ., incumbent of St . Paul ' s Church , Kniahtsbridgo .
Mosumkkt to ins Late Lobd Mslvillb . —The committee of arrangements for the erection of this testimonial at their * last meeting deto mii . cd that tl ; e statue of Lord Melville should be iu bronze . Mr Steele will bo able to product } tj-. o statue of t ' material without any difficulty , being in i *> *¦ < . •* of a foundry where he can cast wks of t '" . C largest description ,
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 13, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_13091851/page/1/
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