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TO THE WORKING CLASSES.
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Jfr FRIENDS, A fortnig ht , or a twelfth...
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"RUIN HIM WITH EXPENSES^'-Lord" Mfowrne....
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AND MTIOMAT ; TRATIES' JOURNAL. ^ • ' -N...
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^ • ' -NT ""*' ^ * >-^ V^ - ^-A- ^X , » ...
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' The folly of to day may T>e the wisdom...
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"What is to be done for the people must ...
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Stockport.—Mr. George Candelefc lectured...
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REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT. On Tuesday evening...
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PARLIAMENTAJRY AND FINANCIAL KJSFOItM. M...
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PARLIAMENTARY REFORM BANQUET AND MEETING...
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MEETING IN NORFOLK. A soiree was held on...
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MANCHESTER, _; ; A largo moetmg was held...
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Financial and PAitwAMENTAnY R^Foira.—Oh ...
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An American paper has this advertisement...
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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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Transcript
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
To The Working Classes.
TO THE WORKING CLASSES .
Jfr Friends, A Fortnig Ht , Or A Twelfth...
Jfr FRIENDS , A fortnig ht , or a twelfth part of the < SpbsI ( JBj has now passed ova :, and with the action of some promised tinkering of the T ^ di laws , and long and tedious discussions th reference to English barbarous treatment ! fhcr colonies , can the keenest eye , or the ^^ discriminating genius , pobtoutone sing le article of benefit that the country has derived , ** is likely t © derive , from a fortnig ht ' s chatter . ,,,.., _ . * . „ „ ^
It is true that Members in that House base £ har notions upon the presumed opinions of & e peop le ; and if I am to look upon John AjtfflT ' Roebuck as the veritable representative of the mind of Sheffield—I -would characterise Sheffield as a barbarous and atrocious town . In the bloody days of Pitt and Cas-TtE REAGH there never was made , in the House fif Commons , such a speech as the honourable jfeniber for Sheffield made on Monday night . He not onl y sanctioned , but lauded , the atrocious and barbarous acts of murder and Blonder committed by the NOBLE Lord
( FoBR » xGT 03 J » the Representative of Her Bbijassic Majesty , in one of her Colonies . But as yon "will read that speech , and are capable of estimating its -value , I will make no further comment upon it ; nor is it necessary , as the veteran Hume gave him such a castigation , as neither lie , the House , nor the public will forget But is it not a convincing proof that he —like others—presumes that the peop le of this «*» nntrvhave abandoned thoseprinciples which , ™ hen ' " 'HUNTING FOR POPULARITY , " le was one to advocate ? || ill the men of Sheffield , then , allow thejAorld to presume that their feelings are represented in the speech of their representative ? * I > am not of that the
Opinion ; because I have ever looted np on nien of Sheffield as a bold , a generous , and an independent people . But 1 -now leave this subject in disgust , and turn to one which , . although not to your order of the greatest importance—is , nevertheless , of great importance : I mean Mr . Milner Gibson ' s intended proposition for the Abolition of Stamps upon [ Newspapers , the Duty upon Paper , and upon Advertisements . Uotiung furnishes the Ministers , and your enemies , with stronger grounds for opposing any measure calculated to serve the interest of your order , than the boasted satisfaction based Upon your apathy .
As one undertaking to instruct the working classes , I have always considered , it my duty to instruct them as to the value of any measure to be discussed in Parliament ; and as your -disfranchisement and degradation is based upon your ignorance , I now consider it my * hity to draw your attention to the effect that Mr . Gmsos ' s proposition would have as regards the enlightenment of the people , and the conversion of their opponents . The Times in a most whimsical article , would make Mr . Gibson ' s motion a mere financial question , and endeavours to shew us the very sli g ht importance it would be to the public in a pecuniary point of view ; but I will take a different view of the subject .
Therearemany young politicians who are yet old enough to remember when the stamp upon a newspaper cost fourpence ; and they remember that in those days , newspapers , catered for the support of those who could afford to pay that fourpence , and that but few working men in those days , were in the habit of reading newspapers ; and those young men will be able to estimate by comparison , the great change that has taken place as regards the press since the stamp was reduced to one penny . I shall not take the squinting view of this question as the Times does ; I shall view it in a national and a general sense , in the hope that no minister will be much longer able to base his opposition to popular demands upon popular ignorance ..
I have frequently explained to yon , - the effect that any tax has upon the consumer or the purchaserof tiie ^ anufiu Bto ^ ^ rticle . I have told you , ' that *!?* it' " reqmre ^ - six different descriptions of raw material to manufacture any article , that the manufacturer of that article -would measure his greatest profit , by the profit he would make of the tax so paid—that , is , if the tax upon those
articles aruounted to twopence each , or a shilling for the six , instead of charg ing a shilling more for the article composed of those six , he would charge two shillings more , or make the purchaser pay him a hundred per cent , profit upon the dut y he paid for the raw materials . But as the manufacture of knowledge is by far the most important iabrfo , I will come 4 o the position of the Timts .
If the stamp was taken off newspapers , those journals which now cost od . would sell for 3 i ; thus proving to you that the newspaper manufacturer does make a profit of 100 Z . per cent , upon the duty he pays for the stamp : and further , and which is of still more importance , the managers of those papers would write for the mind , and for the interest of the threepenny instead of the fivepenny customers . But let us see the effect that the reduction of
2 d . on the Times would have npon that paper If we estimate its circulation at 30 , 000 a week , and reduce the p rice from 5 d . to 3 d . it would reduce the cost to the readers by 78 , 000 ? . a year ; and as you know that I am fond of the land , let me tell you , that at 237 . an acre this would purchase , annually , 3 , 120 acres , and in twenty years , would locate 15 , 600 persons upon four acres each , and there would accrue from the rent , at the end of that time , a capital of TEHREE HUNDRED and TWELVE
IHOUSAKD POUNDS . Now , as the Times measures this question by Ministerial necessity , I have just as good a ri g ht to measure it b y State necessity . Again , the Times shows us , that as regards the dut y upon advertisements , that a servant seldom advertises more that twelve times , which amounts to 18 * . ; but the Times has not told us that its circulation mainl y depends upon thoseadvertisements—it has not told us that its matteris cooked to suit the taste of this advertising community ; whereas , if the columns of all newspapers were freel y open to advertisers , then every newspaper would cook its matter to suit the taste of the majority of the people .
Go to any solicitor ' s office—to any barrister ' s chambers—to any shop keeper that wants to Tray or sell—to any auctioneer ' s office—pawnbroker ' s office—merchant ' s office—or banker ' s office , and there you will find the Times , taken in for its advertisements ; and there you will find the minds of these customers regulated by this MORNING DIAL . My opinion is , that if the stamp was taken off the newspaper—the duty was taken off the paper—and off advertisements , that those papers which costoa . now , would , by the enormous competition created in the knowledge
market , be reduced to 2 \ d , "OhI hut says the Times , "the stamp permits ns to send it free of postage ! " "What an absurd argument . Would not any Act for repealing those stamp duties also enact that papers should go free of postage ? And such an alteration would make ignorance a crime—would diffuse knowledge , and put every man in possession of what was daily going on in the world . « Quick sale , and li g ht profit , " is the Trader ' s motto ; and the newsvendors would
* e better remunerated by receiving a halfpenny pro £ t Up 0 n eacn papej . Dy the augmented sale , than they are now b y receiving a y » ^ that , in my opinion , there is no question that more urgentl y deserves support than the proposition of Mr . Milker Gibson ; and the people may rest assured , that the Government will frame its mind according to their ^ h 5 and , therefore , it is their duty to send Potions , however brief , from all parts of the wnat ry . msupportof Mr . GiBSOs ' sproposition ;
Jfr Friends, A Fortnig Ht , Or A Twelfth...
- - , __ — but while I give the advice I fear those who need it will not follow it . The motion comes on on the 26 th inst ., and , therefore , there is ample time for forwarding petitions to the House , and I do trust that the people will see the deep interest they have in the question . Tour faithful Friend , Feargus O'Connor .
"Ruin Him With Expenses^'-Lord" Mfowrne....
"RUIN HIM WITH EXPENSES ^ ' -Lord" Mfowrne . TO THE CHARTISTS . Mr Fbiends , I haye received numerous invitations to attend public meetings . It is my intention to he at Halifax on the 18 th of March , at Sheffield on the 19 th and 20 th , and at Bristol on the 25 th of February ; and I think , that in the present state of Parliamentary prospects , that I can do more good at those meetings , in the way of uniting the public mind , than I can do in Parliament ; but although Sampson was a strong man , and Solomon . was a-wise man , yet neither of them could pay money if they had ' nt it ; and the . veritable fact is , that the Land Company and Chartist- expenses have so completely exhausted my Exchequer , that I cannot—and will not—again be made » sacrifice to a nation , if the peop le suppose that
a man can do a nation ' s work . I think the manner in which some poor men forward their 2 s . 6 d . and 5 s . is an honour to them , and a disgrace to those who impose the tax upon them . I full y expected—I had a right to expect—that my loss by the defence of the Chartist Prisoners , and to relieve them from oakum picking , would have been discharged in a fortnight ; but , happy is he who expects nothing , as he id never disappointed . , I hope that this is the last appeal that an individual will be reluctantl y compelled to make to a nation , to discharge its duty . But , however you may fail in the discharge of yours , I am determined that even your ingratitude shall never destroy my resolution to persevere , to the death , in the advocacy of the peop le ' s rig hts . Your Faithful , but Sacrificed Friend , Feargus O'Connor .
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' The Folly Of To Day May T>E The Wisdom...
' The folly of to day may T > e the wisdom of the morrow . "
TO THE LAND MEMBEBS . Mr Friends , In order to prove the truth of my oftrepeated maxim , let me call your strict attention to the following letter , written b y Mr . CuEFOED , the Representative of the city of Hereford , to his constituents in public meeting assembled , and from it you will gather the truth of my prediction—that the landlords , to save themselves from ruin , must bring their
Land into the retail market ; and that to secure to the people the benefit of Free Trade in Corn you must first have Free Trade in Land . Here follows the letter : let me beg of you to read it , and from it you will learn , that however reviled MY Land Scheme has been , it must , and will be , ere long adopted , as the only remed y to save all classes . Tour Faithful Friend , Feakgus O'Conkob . Extract from Mr . Clifford ' s letter : —
"I should possibly have differed from the views of many gentlemen for whose opinions I entertain great respect , as to the remedy to be applied to the present agricultural distress ; hut I concur trith them in a feeling of alarm and regret at the existence of that distress . and in thinking that the utmost rigilancs and the most careful consideration are required at the present moment from aU who are interested in the cultivation of the soil In my opinion the remedy i * not to T > e found in the restoration of a . protective duty . JL 1-though depending entirely upon land , I never can be a party to any measure which has for its oDject the raising of the price of food fer the benefit of any particular class , however numerous , influential , and valuable that class may be , and even could I consent to become the advocate of such a measure , the conviction , whether weU or Ul founded ,
existing in the minds of a large portion of the population of this country , as to its cruelty and _ impolicy , would render success most dangerous , if not impossible . Mr . Clifford adds that he thinks the landed interest is unequally burdened , and any measure having for its object the removal of that inequality should have his support , ' provided it be not brought forward , like the recent amendment in Parliament , as a cover for the restoration of a protective duty , ' He thinks it unjust , however , thatmany articles of primary necessity should pay an import duty—such as tea and tobacco , which are undoubtedly essential to the comfort of the labouring classes , "—while corn is admitted entirely free . He thinks , however , that it is only to the removal of the unequal pressure of local taxation that * we caulook with any prospect of success * Some remedies , he thinks , are in the power of the agriculturists themselves , viz ., -draining , deep cultivation , and the more economical management of manures , coupled with greater energy and skul among the occupiers in some parts of the country . '
'But , ' says he , ' almost all improvements must proceed from the landlord , and the question is , where is the capital tocemefrom ! The answer is simple . The land is the landlord ' s capital , let it only be free , and let his hands be untied . Give aim some extended powers of sale in cases of strict settlement . In aU cases make it possible for him to dispose of small portions of his land without being an enormous loser by the operation . Let us no longer submit to the enmurous , costly , and vexatious proceedings now necessarr for the transfer of land . That which lias been done in freland can be done in England . ' He concludes a long letter as follows : — 'Free trade in land will , in my opinion , do more to improve the present disastrous state of things than any other measure , for it would be the parent and origin of aU others . At aU events it , as weU as every other plan , should be tried before Parliament is asked to restore duties for the sake of protection , a course which could not fail to embitter and perpetuate the animosities by which the community is now so unfortunately disturbed . *"
"What Is To Be Done For The People Must ...
"What is to be done for the people must be done by the people . "
TO THE IRISH EXILES . Mr COUNTRYMEN , Though residing—or rather existing —in England , and although England is a freer country , and a better governed country than Ireland , I call you exiles , because I feel convinced that no people in the world entertain such a love for fatherland , as the Irish people . Yea , poor Padd y , accustomed to the cheerful society of his cheerful and hospitable countrymen , when they can be hospitable , would rather live upon a dry potatoe at home than live sumptuousl y away from home .
No man will doubt that the Irish peop le are stedfastly attached to their country j while the repl y to such an assertion may be , how comes it then that they abandon the land of then birth , and flock in thousands and tens of thousands to foreign countries , in the hope of preserving a miserable existence ? M y answer is , because the power of tyranny and oppression , both forei gn and domestic—that is , English and Irish—is so great that they cannot even preserve that miserable existence at home .
But then , my countrymen , you must understand the reason wh y you thus Buffer . It is because you have been selfishl y used for individual benefit ; it is because you did not see the truth of , or did not act upon the maxim , " what is to be done for the people must be done by the people ; " and my object in writing this letter is to show you what is now the people ' s duty . Tou are full y aware that during the O'Conxell ag itation his great power was based upon the PRESS , and that he preserved that power by diffusing his own opinions —if not knowledge—through the Press , and b y expending large portions of your hardearned savings in advertising in the Press .
No newspaper that was independent of this system could long stand against Ms reviling and denunciation , and for that reason the independent mind of Ireland could not be independentl y expressed , or independentl y circulated . No man is better aware of the difficulties against which an independent Newspaper has
"What Is To Be Done For The People Must ...
to contend , thanH am ; and no man better understands the valuojof an independent organ —however prosecuted and persecuted its owner maybe—than I de mand it is from : i knowledge of the value of an joflependent Journal , andfromaconmtio ijg ^ fnat without such an auxiliary the true jjfwse of liberty cannot prosper in Ireland ^ r ^ elsewhere , that 1 now address you , not as a mendicant , but as a lover of justice , and my country , . My countrymen ,. . wj ( iat circumstances do you think would give ^ gf eater pleasure and deli ght to the English and / jibe Irish Governmentas - ^ -
, well as to the political manufacturers of Ireland , than the » ahno « tfcement that the Irishman , the veritable , representation of true democratic principles , had expired ? and what so great a stigma upon ' the Irish character , as that its death was caused b y Irish indifference ? Would not your rulers be justified in saying " here , in the expiration of the Irishman , we have the strongest proof of Irish contempt for democratic princiDlesj ^ and how that portion of the Press , againMwhich , the : Irishman has bravely and magnanimously stood , would luxuriate in its'ffownfatl . . . i
My countrymen , you must understand "that this is not a begging letter , but that it is dictated b y a thorough knowledge of the value of an organ representing popular feelings ; and upon the principle that no man , as the proprietor of such an organ , who hearda tyranny , embarks capital , and devotes his time to the promotion of your interests , should be allowed to suffer and become a sacrifice to popular indifference .
To my own knowledge , the proprietor of the Irishman has expended more money in procuring able editors and assistants , than is usuall y embarked in a newspaper in the outset ; and upon this fact alone do I base my belief in the sincerity of the proprietor pf that paper ; and having discovered from authority — upon ' which I place the greatest reliance—that this paper is likely to fall , if not sustained by your justice , I will not call it kindness , I now appeal to your sense of justice , to establish com mittees of Irishmen , in the several towns of England and Scotland , for the purpose of preserving the life of the representative of your princi p les ; and I will venture to assert , that in those towns the SAXON will not be outdone b y the CELT .
M y countrymen , you are perfectly aware that ministers of the Crown , and ministers pf the Church , officers in the army and navy , and all sorts of Government tools and toadies are paid , and well-paid , for what are ludicrously termed their services , while the owner of a newspaper , which may command more power than all , unitedly , is not onl y not paid , but is frequentl y victimised for his services . I believe that no organ has done more to unite the democratic mind of England and Ireland than the Irishman , and I feel convinced that no circumstance would give greater p
leasure to your enemies than the announcement of the fall of that paper ; and I also feel convinced that nothing would more justif y the continuance of oppression and tyranny than the fact , that millions professing democracy had allowed their organ to perish . M y countrymen , what I now invite you to do is this : to appoint some early day for holding meetings , for the purpose of discussing the value , of the Irishman , and the necessity of preserving its existence ; and upon that day let your sincerity be tested by something more substantial than mere declamation and praise
let it be tested by your subscriptions ; and bear in mind , that a mere mite from each man professing democratic principles will keep the good' shi p afloat , and save the crew from shipwreck ; for , depend upon it , that should that paper perish through your ingratitude , while the proprietor would but suffer individually , you would suffer collectively . Tou should take the Irishman in all your readingrooms ; it is a splendidly written paper , and powerfully developes principles : and let me ask you what your' feelings would be ,. if you read an announcement that the advocate of
those principles had perished through your neglect ? I trust that those meetings will be held prior to the great Democratic gathering that is shortly to take place in Dublin , and that the several English representatives who attend that meeting will take with them the STERLING op inions of those they represent , namely , the subscriptions from their several localities : and as I intend to be one of that deputation , I hope I shall not go emptyhanded . At that gathering , also , I will appeal to the generosity of my countrymen ; and what a slur it will be upon the English Democrats , if I collect more at one Irish meeting than a nation has g iven .
My countrymen , in conclusion , let me remind you that a man cannot do a nation ' s work , unless sustained by the justice of the nation ; and therefore I hope that my appeal , not so much on behalf of the Irishman as upon behalf of my country—will have its due effect , as well upon the Eng lish Democrats as upon the Irish exiles . Your faithful Friend and Countryman , Feargus O'Connor .
Stockport.—Mr. George Candelefc Lectured...
Stockport . —Mr . George Candelefc lectured in this locality on Sunday night last , to a numerous and attentive audience . The chair was occupied by Mr . Middleton , who briefly addressed the meeting . Mr . Candelet , entered into an argumentative address , on " The benefits of Co-operative Stores . " The great object of Co-operation was to emancipate labour from its present helpless and prostrate condition , and to secure its freedom and independence in reference to capital . There were only three requisite elements to its success ; first , the creation of a favourable opinion ; secondly , its organisation ; and thirdly , its direction . Mr . C . concluded by alluding to the Parliamentary and Financial Reformers , and said he had pledged himself publicly
and privately , never to relinquish his demands for its principles , until crowned with success . Though he would not oppose them , but do all he could to facilitate their success , he would never be satisfied with anything short of the Charter , except a ? an instalment of what he considered to be right . Houseimh . —M . H . Maraden delivered a lecture at the room , Underbank , on Sunday evening last , on the Queen ' s Speech . " The lecture gave general satisfaction , and at the conclusion , a subscription was entered into , to defray the debt due to Mr . O'Connor , when the sum of fourteen shillings ( herewith enclosed ) was subscribed . This is net the last subscription for this purpose . That other localities may do likewise , is the sincere wish of the Chartists of Hohnfirth . Bradford . —We have had some glorious meetings of the democrats of this town . On Sunday , the
10 th of February , Mr . James Leach of Manchester , delivered two addresses , to numerous and attentive audiences , in the Temperance Hall . Mi . D . Ligntowler occupied the chair on both occasions . Ine lectures gave great satisfaction . —On Monday , the 11 th of February , a tea party was held in the above hall , when a goodly number sat down to tea , af ter which a public meeting was held . Mr . Thomas "VVilcock was called to the dhair . The proceedings commenced by singing a hymn from the Chartist hymn book ; after which , Mr . D . Lightowler sung one of his own composition , which he had composed while in the Wakefield House of Correction . The Chairman gave the first toast of the evening : " The people ; may they not only know that union is strength , and knowledge is power , hut endeavour to produce the first , and acquire the second . "—Responded to by Mr , George White , of Leeds . —The seooad sentiment was s " Education ; the first greal
Stockport.—Mr. George Candelefc Lectured...
element necessary for the people towards gaining their JUBt . rtehts . " RespondedI to by Mr . J . Booth ? of Queen sjttead , lecturer on phrenology and mesmerism . —Tte . next sentiment was ' : "That in the opinion of this meeting , Universal Suffrage is the right ol every man of sane mind and untainted with crime ; and the document called the People ' s Charter embodying such right , we call upon every person tollabour for the making that Charter the law of the land . ' ^ -Responded to by Mr . 1 ) . Lightowler , of-Bradford , in an admirable speech . —The next sentrnient was : "Frost , Williams , Jones , Cuffay , Mitchel , 0 Brien , and all banished patriots and martyrs in the cause ;; of liberty . "—Responded to by Mr . Joseph Alderson of Bradford . —The room was then cleared for dancing , which was kept up till a late hour . ~& .. .. .
. M ?^ fntB ; Tii ) Yii»—A number of true democrats ^ ™ V i m andIer ' 8 Arms > Nant-y-gwenith , on the 29 th ult ;; to commemorate the birth of the immortal Thomas Paine . After partaking of a substantial supper , Mr . H . Thomas , an old democrat , was elected to" the chair . A number of patriotic toasts were given and ably responded to by several speakers . Arrangements were also made for a meeting to re-organise the Charter Association in this town , £ ;; r , ; Aberdeei ^ t- The . members of the National Charter Assocjatioh , residing in'this city , held a meeting ^ Momv ~ evening last ; itfthe'TJhiouHall . Mr ; Lyon was , called to the chair , and after the satisfactory settlement of financial ., matters COB " nested with the public meeting held hereas » e-
, ported in . last Star , Mr . D ., Wright read a letter from . Mr . . G . W . M . Reynolds , expressing the pleasure that his visit to Aberdeen had given him and his wife who accompanied him , thanking the Chartists for the glorious reception they had met with , and promising to visit Aberdeen about the month of June . Mr . Wri ght also handed over to the treasurer £ 1 as a donation to the local funds from Mr . Reynolds , and moved " That the cordial and sincere thanks of the Chartists of this city be given to G . W . M . Reynolds , Esq ., and to his excellent wife , for the honour done to the Chartists here , and the great impetus given to the cause by their kind and generous visit to Aberdeen , and also for the donation of £ 1 to the local funds of the association . " This was seconded bv Mr . G . Smart .
and unanimously carried . Mr . D . Wright then moved "That a public meeting be called on Monday evening , to petition parliament in favour of Mr . Hume ' s motion , as an instalment of our principles , and to memorialise her Majesty to dismiss her present ministers , as they are unworthy of the confidence of the people , in consequence of Lord John Russell ' s finality declaration that no measure would be brought forward this year for the extension of the franchise , and that he was determined to oppose any such measure . " This was seconded by Mr . William Lindsay , and unanimously agreed to . Parties were then appointed to take the Hall , 206 , George-street , for the above meeting . Speakers were appointed , and other preliminaries arranged . It was then agreed to take
a place of meeting for a quarter , for the weekly meetings of the Cbatist body , and that the first meeting be held on Wednesday , the 20 th inst ., and be called by handbills , and that all parties willing to become members of the National Charter Association be invited to attend . Mr . William Forbes was appointed interem treasurer ; Mr . D . Wright financial and . corresponding secretary ; Mr , G . Smart local secretary ; all pro . tern . After the enrolment of several persons as members of the National Association , the meeting separated . South London Chartist Hall . —The spirited men of South London , acting in concert with the provisional committee of the National Charter Association , convened a public meeting at the above Hall , on Monday evening last , the 11 th of February . Mr . Hobden wss unanimously called to the chair , and in a few brief remarks opened the proceedings .
Mr . G . J . Earney , whose appearance was greeted with much applause , in a telling speech , proposed the first resolution as follows : — " That this meeting is of opinion that the present degraded position of the working classes is wholly derived from the evil system of class legislation which prevails in this country , and hereby calls upon all classes to assist us in the promulgation of the principles laid down in the document called the People ' s Charter , as we consider it to be the only means by which all classes can be benefitted . " — Mr . Doyle , in an able speech ; seconded the resolution , which was adopted unanimously , amidst loud acclamations . —Mr . Clark , with his wonted ability , moved the second resolution as follows : — " That in order to make effective the demands for the People ' s Charter , it is necessary that the friends of that measure should forthwith form themselves into
an association , and that this meeting hereby calls upon all classes to adopt the course here indicated as the one most essential to their moral , social / and political elevation . "—This resolution was seconded by Mr . Tomlinson , and abl y and eloquently supported by Messrs . Dixon and P . M'Grath , and , like the former , adopted unanimously . A vote of thanks was given the chairman , andthe meeting terminated . We understand it is the intention of our South London friends to hold another meeting , on an early day , to promote the cause of democracy , when we trust the men of South London will do their duty , and fill the hall with their presence .
A Public Lecture was delivered on Sunday , Feb . 10 , at the Commercial Lecture-hall , Philpot-street , Commercial-road , by Mr . J . S . Sherrard , the subject was , " On the Science of Education . " A vote of thanks having been given to the lecturer , Mr . Sherrard kindly offered to lecture again on Sunday evening , the 17 th inst ., " On the Duties of Governments . " It was then resolved , " That all members of this locality pay a penny each for twelve weeks , towards paying Mr . Nixon ' s law expenses . " Finsbuky . —On Sunday evening last a meeting was held at Mr . Blake ' s , 8 J , Leather-lane , Jlolborn , Mi \ Dicey in the chair , when the local plan of organisition , recommended by the Provisional Committee , was adopted , and thirteen persons enrolled . The appointment of officers was postponed until Sunday evening next . CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION AT HANLEY .
On Monday evening , a great meeting of the Chartist friends in the Potteries , took place at Hanley , the local authorities having lent the Town Hall for the occasion . It being known that Mr . Reynolds had been invited from London , and had promised to attend , the spacious building was crowded to excess , long before the hour advertised for the commencement of the proceedings , and in spite of the unfavourable weather prevailing at the time . When Mr . Reynolds appeared upon the platform , he was welcomed with enthusiastic and prolonged applause , which lasted for some minutes . Mr , Daniels , the miners ' local agent , was called to the chair ; and in a brief but eloquent speech , he explained the objects of the meeting . Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds was then called unon to
address the assembly ; and on rising he was saluted with a fresh outburst of deafening cheers ; He delivered a long speech , in which ne reviewed the social and political abuses existing in the present systems , and pointed out the necessary reforms . He denounced the aristocracy in terms which excited frequent cheers , and drew a bold and truthful picture of their rapacity , ignorance , intolerance , and heartless cruelty . He traced the institutions of England from their commencement down to the present time , showing how incompatible were the systems founded in barbarous ages with the wants , interests , and intelligence of the nineteenth century . He likewise showed how the land had been taken from the people and monopolised by a few ; and he expounded at great length , and with striking effect .
the meaning of Proudhon ' s maxim : " Property is robbery . " He next dilated upon the vaunted excellence of the British Constitution , proving that it was the most wretched hodge-podge of antagonistic and inconsistent principles ever conceived , and refuting the doctrine that it worked well . As an instance of its faultiness , he showed that under its influence there had been no less than eight civil wars and twenty rebellions in this distracted country . Alluding to the Queen ' s speech , which wouldjead the superficial observer to suppose that peace , contentment , and tranquillity existed in the country . Mr . Reynolds proved that the whole system of society was in reality convulsed by agitation . Every glaring abuse had its repressive society . There was the middle-class agitation—there was the
anti-statechurch agitation—there was the agitation for the reform of the law—there was the sanitary agitation —there were trades' agitations—there were the Free Traders' and Protectionists' agitations—there was the Repeal agitation—there was the Currency agitation—there were a hundred other agitationsand last , hut chief of all , there was their own gh > rious and transcendent agitation for the People ' s Charter . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Mr . Reynolds then spoke at great length upon the principles involved in that document , illustrating his remarks upon the six points with many telling examples of existing abuses , and the certain results of the required reforms . After a speech of two hours' duration , Mr . Reynolds sat downj amidst the most enthusiastic cheering . Mr , L . A . WIQN then moved the first resolution , as
Stockport.—Mr. George Candelefc Lectured...
follows : — " That this meeting highly approves of the object for which the people are assembled together this evening , namely , the erection of a hall or suitable building wherein the working classes can meet for improvement or instruction , untrammelled by sect or party ; and urgently request that all who feel interested in the welfare of that portion of society , as well as the rising generation , will assist , by pecuniary means or otherwise , this laudable undertaking . " Mr . Lawton dwelt eloquently upon the necessity of carrying this resolution , and handled in an able manner the considerations to which it nat » - rally gave rise . Mr . Berrinoton , who represented the Chartists of Hanley m the National Convention of 1848 , and who is known as a staunch and unflinching Democrat , seconded the resolution , which was carried by acclamation .
Mr . Woollby moved , and Mr . Moreton seconded , the next resolution , which ran as fol-Iows : / i - " That the thanks of this meeting bo gratefully tendered to G . W . M . Reynolds , Esq ., for the kind and liberal offer of his services on this occasion , and for . cheerfully responding to the first appeal made to him by the working classes in this important , district ; and although it is but a feeble acknowledgement to express our admiration of his excellent and instructive addressour duty , as recipients of his . lun ^ dhes 8 "isdbuhly ; ehhanced / wlien we know thaHh ' e same fraternal ' ahd benevolent ' spirit is'invariably displayed to all the sons of toil in the United Eingd om ^ fAgaii ^^ e thank our esteemed visitor , and may he eontifwe'to
labour in his mission until the domination of kings , priests , and nobles are powerless for evil , and the glorious principles of democracy reign triumphant . " This resolution having been carried amidst loud cheering , Mr . Reinoldb returned thanks for the honour done him , declaring that as the unpaid and disinterested advocate of the cause of progress , he should never rest until he saw the people triumphant , and that the only reward he required or coveted was such an approval of his conduct as had just been vouchsafed to him . Mr . Berrinoton moved , and Mr . Woollet seconded , the third resolution , to the effect that" The best thanks of this meeting be given to Mr .
Daniels , the able advocate of Labour ' s Rights , for his impartial conduct in the chair ; and may he never relax in is exertions until that useful body of men , the ( North Staffordshire miners , ) have obtained their proper elevation in the social scale , with full and complete justice . " This resolution having been carried , the Chairman returned thanks ; and the business portion of the proceedings terminated with three tremendous , and most enthusiastic cheers for the Charter . The Hall was then cleared for a few minutes , to enable the arrangements to be made for the ball which had likewise been advertised ; and dancing was sustained with much spirit until mid-night .
Review Of Parliament. On Tuesday Evening...
REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT . On Tuesday evening last the hall of the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Fitzroysquare , was crowded by an auditory , intent on hearing the weekly review of the proceedings in parliament . Shortly after eight o clock , Mr . Henry Ross was called to the chair , and having briefly addressed the meeting amidst loud applause , proceeded to call on l Mr . Tomlinson , who said he had just came from school —( prison)—where he had been eighteen months , and now he was come to show his persecutors the gratitude due to them for the care they hud taken to teach him . They had imprisoned him as a Chartist—they had freed him a Republican . ( Loud cheers , ) He ( Mr . Tomlinson ) was no orator , and what little knowledge he possessed he had acquired in time stolen from . the
hours of rest . Mr . Tomlinson proceeded to comment on Lord John Russell ' s reply to Mr . Hume that no Reform was needed . He ( Mr . Tomlinson ) would ask the meeting if no Reform was needed when the unrepresented western districts of London had a population of 130 , 000 , with 10 , 000 houses rated above ten pounds rental , while Warwick was represented by two members , with 245 electors . On this small ground alone it was sufficiently proven that Parliamentary Reform was wanted ; but , when even that insignificant Reform was refused , could they expect that the real , the great , and the necessary Reforms would be granted , or Reforms that would elevate the social and political condition of the working men of England ? In respect to Mr . Horsman ' s affair , and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners , the Bishops blasphemed every Sunday ; they had their ten commandments ; they repeated them , but they misconstrued them .. " Thou Shalt have no other God
but me , " was the words , but they worshipped gold ; " Thou Shalt not Steal , " was another ; but yearly these descendants of the Primitive Fathers wrung from the sinews of an already over-burdened people the sums of ten millions . They talked of " blasphemy ¦! " but did not those state priests lift up their heads to the all-seeing God , and utter blasphemy every Sunday in the year ? They said it is now as it was in the beginning and should be in the end . Why , what a libel was this ! Were there any bull-headed bishops in the beginning , or foxhunting parsons , cotton lords , or factory slaves ? ( Cheers . ) They held up their hands and whined " 0 Lord , we have done that which we ought not to have done , and left thatundone which we ought
to have done . ( The facetious tone in which this was recited forth by Mr . T ., called forth loud cheers and long continued laughter ) . Why should they act the hypocrite weekly any longer ? Let them leave off their evil doings and set to work , and do that which they ought to have done long ago . Three months agitation from the pulpit , would do more than three years in the press , or on the platform . ( Hear and cheers . ) He ( Mr . T . ) had read and marked the skirmishing between the Protectionists and Free Traders , and he would state it as his firm opinion , that Free Trade , under the present arrangements of society , instead of a blessing , woulifprove a curse . ( Hear , hear . ) Let trade be as unshackled as the air ; if the wealth producers held no better position towards their employers than they held at present , Free Trade would dra ?
them on to that gulf of ruin , which had swallowed every nation that had based its power—not upon the happiness of its people , but on its unrestricted commerce . ( Loud cheers ., Mr . T . then proceeded to prove his assertion regarding Free Trade , by statistics of the productive power already in existence in this country , in America , and Germany , compared with the population of the world ; also comparing the increase of machinery with the increase of population , and inviting refutation if his statements were incorrect . He concluded an eloquent address by calling on the people in the name of those who had died for the sacred cause of Democracy , to unite and agitate for the Charter , as the only means whereby they could obtain the power to frame a code of Democratic laws , and secure the social ri g hts of the people . Mr . Tomlinson sat down amidst a burst of enthusiastic
applause JuhiAn Harnby , who was received with protracted applause , delivered a lengthy and energetic speech , in . the course of which he commented on a variety of topics , his observations exciting the most enthusiastic cheering . He concluded by moving the following resolution : — "That the proceedings of parliament , thus far , warrant the conclusion , that unless the pressure from without is brought to bear upon the government and Parliament , the present session will terminate , like its predecessors , in leaving the people still subjected to the taxation and tyranny of irresponsible rulers ; this meeting , therefore , " appeals to the industrious classes to unite , orsaniso . aeitate , and struggle for the
obtainment of the People ' s Charter , as the only means of securing to the people the blessings of political and social justice . " Mr . Ghassbt , in a short and energetic speech , seconded the resolution . He concurred in the opinion , that this nation , if much longer oppressed by the present unjust and oppressive system , would soon imitate Babylon in its coufusion , and , ultimately , in its fall . ( Cheers , ) He ( Mr . Grassby ) believed there were but two ways in which the pro ~ blem could be solved : either by the manufacturers working out their own and their country ' s ruin , or by the people taking their affairs into their own hands . He feared tnab they lacked energy fov the
latter course , but hoped he might find himself mistaken . If they had the energy , he would toll them that the Charter was the means to save the country ; and the means to get the Charter was by an organised , well-directed , and persevering system of agitation . Mr . ¦ Grassby sat down amidst great applause . Mr . Dixon , who was greeted with applause , on coming forward to support the resolution , said they had neen told that unless the pressure from without became greater there would be no reform . within . With that he entirely agreed ; and further believed , that no measures that would permanently , ameliorate the condition of the people would ever emanate from the government , until' they were literally forced from them . He did not soatemp late a pay-
Review Of Parliament. On Tuesday Evening...
aieaf revolution , bat a moral one—a complete revolution of ideas —( hear)—by which the Charter would become the political creed of the . ' great majority . ( Cheers ^) He knew there were not many sterner , men than little John , when he thought there was no danger —( a laugh)—and none coufd put a betteii face on a bad question . ( Hear . ) Yet , notwith * ' standing their late apathy , on the continuance of which his lordship reckoned , he ( Mr . D . ) thought there was some little danger to the little Lord ' s finality policy . The landholders were furious . They talked of " Going at it , " of hanging , and what not . Ihe commercial classes were clamouring for their rights , but to be successful , not a class ; but the whole people must go for a reform that would give
mauve w eacn , and comfort to all . ( Cheers . ) it the present government were exchanged for a government of . the working efosses to-morrow , they might legislate so as to put themselves in the same position as their obnoxious pyedeeessors . Batwhat the Chartists wanted , was not to exchange ) the rule of one class for that of anther , but a fullmeasure of political Justice to all ; and whatever ' differences of opinion might exist now , the time , was approaching whcua it would be feit to be the ' interest of all classes of the people to unite for the ' good of all . No better basis of union couM be found than the People ' s Charier . With these remarks' < Mr . Dixon cordially supported the resolution , and sat down amidst much cheering . Mr . M'Grath expressed his satisfaction to wit- , ness such a crowded and enthusiastic meeting , and ; hoped that such meetings might increase in
number and in enthusiasm . He concluded a lengthy speech , which was warmly applauded , by support * ing the resolution . Mr . Vernon , who on coming forward , was loudly : cheered , addressed the meeting on the sham fight between Mr . Horsman and Lord John Russell , after . which' he adverted to the motion about to ba ; brought forward for the repeal of the taxes on-r knowledge . After commenting on the iniquity of those taxes , and appealing to the people to support the movement for their repeal , he sat down amid ' much applause . ' On the motion of Mr . Harney , seconded by Mr . ••' M'Grath , a vote of thanks was unanimously awarded to the Chairman , who returned thanks in a short and felicitous speech , and concluded the . proceedings , of the evening by calling for :-three cheers for the ; . Charter ,. which were most heartily . given ; thu'rtermihating ^ he of the " . ' most enthu- 1 siastic , crowded , and orderly meetings which have '' taken place for a length of time .
Parliamentajry And Financial Kjsfoitm. M...
PARLIAMENTAJRY AND FINANCIAL KJSFOItM . MEETING AT NOTTINGHAM . On Friday last a meeting of the inhabitants of Nottingham and the surrounding locality was ' held in the Exchange Hall , for the purpose of hearing addresses from Sir Joshua Walmsley , M . P . ^ and George Thompson , Esq ., M ; P ., who attended J as a deputation to explain . the objects of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform . As »' i sociation . The room was densely crowded , there being upwards of a thousand persons present . ; The chair was filled by Mr . Alderman Bean , who has grown grey in the , cause of reform . The C h a i rman having opened the business of the evening ,
Sir Joshua Walmslbt , M . P ., presented himself , and explained the objects of the association . The hon . gentleman then proceeded—Lord John Russell , on Monday evening last , told you in the House of Commons that he did not mean to introduce any measure for the extension of the franchise this year . ( "Shame on him . " ) Now you call "Shame on him . " Let us see how far that shame extends . I am no panegyrist of Lord John , but I would ask , what has he done to call for that shame ? Lord John Russell means this— " I don ' t believe that the people of this country are in earnest for reform , or
that they want an extension of the franchise . There are a few demagogues "—( I speak feelingly upon this point , for I come in for that title } - * " there are a few demagogues who are clamouring for an extension of the franchise , but the people of this country don't desire it . " ( Laughter . ) We want to convince him that you do desire it , and this is our mission this evening , and for this we are travelling from one end of the country to the other —asking the { people to convince the government of this land that they are in earnest in demanding au extension of the suffrage . ( Vehement applause . ) After a few more observations the hon . gentleman resumed his seat amidst loud cheers .
Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., said the scheme they had propounded was one which would icreate such a House of Commons as would fairly , represent the people . If they united together in .. aiding ^ the scheme they should soon have power enough to ^ otitrol the legislature of the country on Parliamentary Reform . Parliamentary Reform could not be obtained while the majority of the House of Commons were interested in keeping up all the government salaries ; they wanted church reform , but they could not get it from a parliament , the Jargo majority of which had some connexions living upon the people . They wanted to reduce the army and navy but they could not do so with the present house without a long course of agitation . After a few more observations , Mr . Thompson concluded hj recommending the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association to the consideration of the meeting , and asking them all to enrol
themselves as members . ( Cheers . ) Mr . 0 . ( Jul , founder of the People ' s College , Nottingham , in a few forcible remarks , moved ;—" That this meeting , approving of the principles on which the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association is founded , pledges itself to > support the executive of that association in carrying out its objects—namely , an extension of the suffrage , the shortening the duration of parliament , and economy in the expenditure of the public money ; and at the same time expresses its thanks to the deputation ( Sir Joshua Walmsley and Mr . George Thompson ) for their attendance on this occasion . " ( Cheers . ) Mr . George Parkin seconded the motion , which was carried , unanimously . Sir Joshua' Walmsley and Mr . Thompson having returned thanks , a vote of thanks was given to the chairman , and the meeting separated at nine o ' clock , having occupied about two hours .
It was arranged that a local committee should ba formed to receive the names of members , and to organise a branch association .
Parliamentary Reform Banquet And Meeting...
PARLIAMENTARY REFORM BANQUET AND MEETING . On Tuesday evening last , the Parliamentary Reform Association had a splendid banquet at the Prince Albert Tavern , Netting Hill . The dinner was served at six o ' clock , and the largest room was not sufficient to give accommodation to the guests . Mr . Serle presided as chairman , and discharged his office in a most gentlemanly and satisfactory manner . On his right sat Mr . Lushington , M . P . ; Feargus O ' Connor , M . P . ; Mr . Williams , late M . P . for Coventry ; and on his left sat Mr . M'Gregor ;
M . P ., and Captain Kennedy . Mr . Lushington , Mr . M'Gregor , Mr . O ' Connor , Mr . Williams , Mr . Walker , and Captain Kennedy responded to the difierent toasts , and their speeches gave the greatest satisfaction , and elicited the loudest applause . The whole proceedings were conducted with the most perfect harmony , and have left a deep impression upon the guests . Wo trust the districts in the neighbourhood of the metropolis will evince the same amount of sp irit and enthusiasm in carrying out the good cause of Parliamentary Reform .
Meeting In Norfolk. A Soiree Was Held On...
MEETING IN NORFOLK . A soiree was held on Tuesday evening at the Independent Chapel , South Creak , to hear addresses from a deputation of the National Reform Association . Beyond 250 persons sat down to tea , and after the removal of the cloth , the chapel became thronged in every part with an attentive audience gathered from the surrounding agricultural districts . The chair was taken by the Rev . Mr . Somers , who , after introducing Mr . J . H . Tellett and Mr . T . M'Enteer , as members of the deputation referred to an unsuccessful effort recently made by the landlords of this locality to inclose a common of 600 acres that for time immemorial had been in the possession of the poor of South Creak ' , to the great advantage of the humble residents of the neighbourhood . The meeting was subsequently addresstd at length by Mr . Tellett , Mr . M'Entecr , and other gentlemen , amidst the moat enthusiastic applause , and after the enrolment of members , separated . .
Manchester, _; ; A Largo Moetmg Was Held...
MANCHESTER , _; ; A largo moetmg was held a * the Free Trade Hall on Wednesday night , which was addressed by Sir J . Walmsley , Mr . G . Thompson , and other speakers ; and resolutions in accordance with the object ol the meeting we » re adopted . : ' >
Financial And Paitwamentany R^Foira.—Oh ...
Financial and PAitwAMENTAnY R ^ Foira . —Oh Monday evening last a numerous and highly respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Great 'Yarmouth was held at . the Corn Exchange , in that place , for the purpose of establishing a branch of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . Mr . 0 . Barber was called to the chair , and a series of resolutions , in accordance with the requisition * were adopted , At the close of the meeting , members were enrolled , and upwards of 120 were entered in less than an hourj besides which several were compelled to loavo without tickets , owing to the great number of applications to join the hew . branch society , which promises shortly to be the most powerful ever established in the town . ; , ¦ . . . .
An American Paper Has This Advertisement...
An American paper has this advertisement;—' « Two sisters ' want washing ? " How many , besidefl the two sisters , " want washing 1 "
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 16, 1850, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_16021850/page/1/
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