On this page
- Departments (5)
- Adverts (2)
-
Text (12)
-
U.,™ 16. 1850. : THE KOBTHERHJTAK.^ _ ' ...
-
P0ttrg.i:A
-
' :: - * ALAY OF LOTS. -------Weave* hat...
-
UCMCISJ
-
The People's Review. No. 2. London: C. M...
-
Efeeliold Land Societies injurious to th...
-
mimic mmmmm<>
-
BRITISH COLLEGE OF HEALTH, Uew-boad, Lok...
-
! Taxes oh Knowledge. — We understand th...
-
vavmm*
-
A Gaud.—Admiral Parker begs to inform En...
-
If Mankind are liable to one disease more tlian another,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
U.,™ 16. 1850. : The Kobtherhjtak.^ _ ' ...
U ., ™ 16 . 1850 . : THE KOBTHERHJTAK . ^ _ ' 3
P0ttrg.I:A
P 0 ttrg . i : A
' :: - * Alay Of Lots. -------Weave* Hat...
' :: - * ALAY OF LOTS . -------Weave * hath Hs crownof stars , the Earfh Ber glory robe of flowers ; . . . < rhe grand old woods have music . Green leaves and silver showers ; ^ Wrds have homes where honeyed blooms t „ beauty smile above ; , ffi h yearning hearts their . rainbow dreams ; And we , sweet we have love ! There ' s suffering for the toiling poor On Misery ' s bosom nurs'd ; Sich robes for ragged souls ; and crowns For branded-brows , Cain-cursed ! But cherubim villi clasping wings , Ever about us be ; " ^ nd happiest ot God ' s happy tUwgs , There's love for jou and me !
We walk not with the jewelled great , "Where love ' s dear name is sold ; _ let have we wealth we would not give For all their world of gold ! ¦ ff e revel not in corn and wine , Tet have we from above Tjanna divine ; Then we'll not pine : Do we not live and love ? I know , dear heart , that in our lot May mingle tears and sorrow ; But Love Ms rainliow builds from tears , To-day , with smiles to-morrow ! The sunshine from our sky may die , The greenness from life ' s tree ; But ever ' mid the warriii « f storm Thy nest shall sheltered be !
I see thee—Ararat of my life !—Smiling , the waves above ; Thou hails ' i me , victor in the strife ; And beacon ' st me with Love I The world will never know , dear , Half what Tve found 3 n thee ; jBut iho' noug ht to the world / dear , Thou ' rt all the world to me ! Gerald Masses .
Ucmcisj
UCMCISJ
Ireland—A Letter to John Bright , M . P , fyc , ~ § c . By Eigby Wason , Es ^ . Ayr M'Cormick and Gemmell . IX this Letter , Mr . Wason protests against John Bright ' s proposed remedies forthe relief of Ireland as inefficient , and not calculated to produce the devised end—the employment of the people . In lieu of those " remedies , " Mr . Wason advocates the reclamation of waste lands , and he proposes to raise the
necessary capital hy Tontine . The scheme may Ue worthy the consideration of those who have money to * invest in such an enterprise , hut can he of no interest to our readers . Mr . TYason s plan—though more business-like than the propositions of Bright or Peel—is only another scheme for using up Labour for the henefit of Capital . Ireland needs more honest —more revolutionary measures—to restore her children to a state of comfort and freedom .
The People's Review. No. 2. London: C. M...
The People ' s Review . No . 2 . London : C . Mitchell , Red Lion-court , Fleet-street . IFohse and worse 1 The first article—which is , nominally , a review of Harriet Martineau ' s Wstory of England during Thirty Years' Peace —overflows with the critic ' s ill-feeling towards the Chartists , Red Republicans , and all other reallyearnest reformers . It would beeasy to cite contradiction upon contradiction , and absurdity upon absurdity , contained in the reviewer ' s article , but we can better employ our space . Another long article , on the tyrant Strafford , concludes with the reviewer observing : _ " We have tears for him , though he would have scorned them for us , & c , & c . " Very magnanimous , no doubt ; but had ice as manv tears at command as , altogether , "would
form a stream equal to the Thames , not one drop should we have for any such scoundrel . Strafford felt the weight of the people ' s just revenge ; and may every such murdering villain meet with a like end . The sufferings of the oppressed demand our sympathy , but the destruction of oppressors excites our exultation . A vegetarian article ( containing plenty of absurdities ) on The Science of Diet , concludes with the precious assertion , that " much of the failure of the French and German Reformers is attributable to their nnfortunate addiction to the use of stimulants !!! " One of the least objectionable articles—though tlie writer thereof would seem to be a mere surface politician—is the one on " The Politics and Prospects of Germany : We extract the following passage : —
THE GERMAN BEFCBUCiNS . Of course , the discontent rose from year to year , and broke out into open revolt after the French revolution of ISiS . The men who knew the histsry of Geriaany and the characters of the German sovereigns , declared immediately that Germany never could be happy , united , and free , as long as monarchical government should subsist . They declared thaifthe German people could not expect to fee relieved from any grievance they had to complain of , because , by abolishing those institutions upon which alone their government reposed , the princes would be assisting in the work of their own destruction . Thev showed that all the individuals
who were sitting on the thrones of Germany were most viscions characters , voluptuous drunkards , perjured , covetous , and tyrannical . They proved that such men would never keep any promise which might have been extorted from them , and forewarned the people that if they did not introduce at once republican government , the revolution would continue for many years . But the old liberals deceived the nation . Having been duped by the princes , they promised all kinds of liberties . The greater part of the Germans believed them , and instead of overturning monarchy , they were satisfied
with the promises of liberal institutions . Only the Badians were clearsighted enough not to be deceived . 2 hey claimed openly and manfully republican government , and as this was not granted to them , they rose « p three times in arms , in order to confer it by force , But they have been hitherto overpottered by numbers . However , the result of the three fiadian revolutions was , that a powerful republican party was formed and organisedin Germany . Three ^ forths of Prussia , a large majority in Baden , Wurtemberg , Saxony , and Thuringia , besides -which it embraces a respectable minority in Austria , Bavaria , and Hanover .
This praise of the Baden Republicans—¦ which we do not object to—is in direct hostility to the praises of moderation , so loudly chaunted in the first article It is the constant complaint of the "friends of order and progress" that the Baden Republicans , by their "haste" and " violence , " prevented the triumph of "constitutional liberty . " We are Tery happy they did so ; for far better any kind of political system than that " organised hypocrisy , " which , hitherto , has monopolised the title of " constitutional liberty . " Art before the Exhibition , is the title of a well-written article .
The Peopfe ' s Retrieio is edited by " Friends of Order and Progress "—a designation which sounds very like the " Order and Libert y ' * of iouis Philippe , and the " Order , Family , and ir operty , " of Louis Napoleon . Judging them hy their own productions , we must say we Believe that the likeness observable between them and the Ordermongers of France , is not one of mere " sound , " " signifying nothing . " conclude
To , we find in this very number of the JRecMio , the best possible descri ption of its editors , supplied by ono of their own friends the author of Bob ' Thin g s Political Alphabet , * ho , in the following lines , most happily bits off his literary and political associates : Ip * lilh ' pnt Ileformers who have grandly undertaken 2 £ set SIjs on Ms legs , if eacb may save his litt ' e bacon : J Tj ^ ^ * P naantnr 0 5 i 5 t 3 antjTa S aelyC 0 sn , o I , o , Jtaa ¦ * " » of « B the horrors in the viorMdisUkea & eclKipvMican
Efeeliold Land Societies Injurious To Th...
Efeeliold Land Societies injurious to the Wel-/ ore of fie People . By a Wqukmas Man . Loudon : Vickers , Holywell-street , » e heartily accord with the author of this Pamphlet ; the character of which will be best ^ plained by the following extracts : — OBJ ECTIONS TO THE FREEHOLD LAXD SCHEME . 4 W ° hj fict , then , to these societies , because Kerf , ^ . the ri S * ° TOte t ° depend upon a Pro-| ^ V Qualification , which must amount to a 40 s . chT Sl d" We intend , hi opposition to this prineiti , thatthe rj S ht t 0 haTe a Toice in parliament , doW * 130118 ^ D > ' mean 3 of representation , iWt . ?? depend B P on ttc Possession of a 40 s . waoMi , nor Up 0 a th e ownership of any amount of i
Efeeliold Land Societies Injurious To Th...
property however large , but that it is the civil and constitutional right of every man , attained to the age ^ f-twenty . ona-ye « s , LDpsse § se 4 of asound mind , and under no criminal sentence-of th ~ elaw . "" "T 6 Tnake the right of the ' franchise to depend upon the ; possession of a . mere piece of land , or like another class of politicians , upon the payment , of a certain amount of rent , is to depart from every principle of liberty and justice , " for it is attaching rights to mere matter , and making man the agent of that matter . " But what can be more unreasonable and unjust , more absurd and ridiculous . It is an insult to our common sense , and a degradation to our common humanity .
2 . We object to these societies , because they are helping to perpetuate this principle , of property qualifications . Many excellent and well meaning persons , who have joined these societies , fancy they will have a contrary tendency . Such persons , we believe , avc swf « mg wider a great delusion , it must be plain to every thinking man , that m proportion as this principle is practised , so in proportion must it be strengthened and perpetuated . The middle classes , who are generally m favour of this principle , are well aware of this fact , hence , they will only give their support to an agitation which embodies this principle . .... 3 . "We object to these socieues , because by joining them , we should be virtually acknowledging that our rulers are right , and that the pervading principle of our constitution is just . The language ol our actions would be to the government , " lou are have the
rifht in declaring that no person should franchise , but those that pay rent and possess property . Vfe will , henceforth , take your advice , and instead of opposing the principle of Property « uaiifieations . we will endeavour to practise it , and thus take advantage of those great privileges , which our glorious constitution' offers to every person . Yes ! working men and dhartists of England ! you , who have joined these societies , this is the language of your actions I Ton , who have a thousand tunes thrown up your hat in the air , and cried Jne Charter and no Surrender ! " are now literally eating your own words ! Tou , who have denounced the Whi"S and the middle classes as infamous , called them all kinds of hard names , designated them the Teatest tyrants beneath the sun , are now crouching , cringing , and crawling at their feet , and allowing yourselves to be made instruments in the propagation of their corrupt principles !
4 . We object to these societies , because of their abuse of the representative system , and destroy the true equality of man ' s political rights . All men have equal rights and privileges . " Every man has a right . for one vote , and no more . " He that possesses more than one vote , possesses that which does not belong to him . "We have no more right to monopolise votes , than we have to monopolise the land , the sea , or the air . A monopoliser of votes is a monopoliser of power . He acts an unrighteous part towards his fellow-men . He is a traitor to his country , and an enemy to the people . These sacietieslead to this monopoly of votes , and we need no greater proof of the corruptness of their principles , and the " uniustness of their policy , than in their so doing . Does the reader require proof of this remark ? Let him refer to the speeches of Mr . Taylor , of Birmingham , who boasts of being the founder of these societies , and he will find that
gentleman declaring that he already possesses seven votes , and that it is Ms intention to oltainmore I Yet , this gentleman can denounce the monopoly of the aristocracy , whilst he himself is monopolising as much power and as many votes as seven men should possess ! 5 We object to these societies , because there are safer , quicker , easier , and more useful methods to obtain land , and to gain all our social and political rig hts . We take it for granted , that this Freehold land Scheme is ji middle class movement . We draw this conclusion from the simp ' e fact , that the principal leaders and supporters of these societies are middle class men . Their founder being a workin ? man . does not invalidate our position . Working
men can , and working men have before this , sold themselves to the advocacy of middle class interests . 3 > ow , taking this for granted , we ask the middle classes of this country , whether it would not be more honourable to themselves , and more useful to society—whether it would not be more magnanimous of them at once to come forward , and join the working classes in an agitation for the People ' s Charter . Such an agitation would receive the support of the working classes , for it would be more in accordance with their feelings and principles , than the circuitous method which these societies are taking . We ask the middle classes to give this fact their serious consideration . Lot them remember , that they will never receive the
hearty support of the toiling millions , until they have erased from their creed the principle of property qualification , and inserted in its place the enlightened principle of " Manhood suffrage . " Such an agitation , as we have here proposed , need fear little or nothing for the government . Ifo government would dare te resist . It would sweep every obstacle before it . Such an agitation would , in half the time , and by less than half the labour bestowed upon these societies , place men in the House of Commons , that would not only repeal corrupt and unjust laws , redress long and grevions wrongs , hut would also pass measures for the better distribution of land , and for the better regulation of the interests of labour .
6 . We object to these societies , because it is improbable ( even granting for the sake of argument the justness of their principles , ) that they will gain the " objects'' they have in view . It is one of the " grand objects" of these societies to gain over the counties . For this purpose they have established themselves in many counties throughout the United Kingdom . But they forget , in doing so , that there are many ways by which they may be baffled in gaining this end . Are these societies sure , for instance ? that the Freeholders will use their votes on the side of true liberty ? Are they sure that they
will resist the crushing influence of the Cottonlord , or the gold of the Landlord ? Their being poor will not cause them to do so . Freemen are generally poor , yet they are the most corrupt body of men upon the face of the earth . Their promising will not cause them to do so . The middle classes , when they obtained the Eeform Bill , promised that they would aid the toiling millions in obtaining their rights . But have they done so ? Have they fulfilled their promise ? Kb ! Take them aa a . body , and they are still unwilling to use the same honourable means to gain the working classes their rights , as they used to obtain their own . ~ VYe recommend this pamphlet to our friends . It deserves an extensive circulation .
Mimic Mmmmm≪≫
mimic mmmmm <>
PICTURESQUE EXHIBITION OF THE BRITASNIA BRIDGE . A new and highly interesting exhibition has just opened at S 09 , Regent-street , adjoining the Polytechnic . It is a representation of a tour from London to the Britannia-bridge . The excursion is supposed to commence at Hampstead , of which a view is given . This is followed by several of the principal places that are passed on the rout , Coventry , Birmingham , Chester , Conway , are separately presented to the spectator . The last view is that of
the Britannia-bridge , where the excursion is supposed to terminate . The views are all painted by Mr . J . W . Allen , the landscape painter , and are of a very superior character , and reflect great honour and credit to the talents of this artist . The effect of daylight is given , and the brilliancy and tone of the paintings are preserved . This exhibition is highly instructive and interesting , and is superior to most things of this kind , and gives us a glimpse of all the chief objects of interest and note passed by the traveller , from the metropolis to . North WalesJ
British College Of Health, Uew-Boad, Lok...
BRITISH COLLEGE OF HEALTH , Uew-boad , Lokbox . Feuow-Couxirtmeji * . —In the name of humanity and justice we ask how much longer are the remains of the poor to be cut up in the hospitals , in order to p nt guineas into the doctors pockets ? Oh ! the infamy ! Are the poor who die in hospitals aware that doctors make money by selling their remains to medical students , who pay them so much for a leg , another so much for an arm , & c ., & c . ? Down with the odious traffic , say all Hygeists . Anatomy is perfectly useless in the cure of any disease . People arise !' .
! Taxes Oh Knowledge. — We Understand Th...
! Taxes oh Knowledge . — We understand that Milner Gibson , Esq ., M . P ., has received six individual petitions from persons in this town for the repeal of the knowledge imposts which ho is unable to present to the House of Commons , the regulations respecting petitions not having been complied with . For the guidance of others who mav wish te "et up petitions , to assist in the good movement , we state that individual petitions must be written in the I singular number ; that all petitions must be signed I at the bottom , and that no petition can be received without one or more signatures on the same sheet as the prayer . The secretary of the Birmingham Association for the Abolition of the Taxes on Knowledge , 14 , Russell-row , Ladywood-lane , might be advantageously consulted by our friends who wish to prove themselves friends to progress , and sincere haters of all shackles on the intellect of man . — £ jrmingham Mercury .
Asilet ' s . —Her Majesty has presented Mr . Batty , the proprietor of this theatre , with a pair of pure Arabian ponies , recently imported , whose first appearance in ibe arena is to take place as soon as their obiectious to the substitution of " saw-dust " for the " sand" have been . reconciled , and their efforts to square the circle overcome . There cassot be a greater treachery , then first to raise a confidence , and then deceive it ,
! Taxes Oh Knowledge. — We Understand Th...
TAXES ON KNOWLEDGE .-HDiiElJTATIOir TO THE PREMIESi . ^ , .- ., , - — . , Ji A * "' ' Ofl ^ Monday ^ a ^ deputatioa-from-tle-ISfewspaper Stamp Abolition Committee waited oa Lord John Russell , at his offlcial . residence'in Dowaiag-street , on the subject of ' . th ' e Taxes oh / Knowledge . Tho deputation included , among others , ; Mr . Jaases Watson , Mr . " Moore , Mr . Livesey , and Mr . Holyoake , and was accompanied by the following members of parliament : Mr . Cobden , Mr . Kershaw , Mr . John M c Gregor , Mr . Monckton Milnes , and Mr . Mowatt . Mri Milner Gibson . introduced the deputies . '' ¦ ' Mr . J . DJ CoiLBT , secretary to the committee , said , —My Lord , in ' agitating for the repeal of all the taxes on knowledge ! we have placed the newspaper
stamp prominently-forward , because we consider it as the key-stone of a system . We would not venture to say that the paper duty was originally imposed for the purpose of hampering literature , or that the advertisement duty had- no other object than that of impeding communication , hut the penny stamp on newspapers appears to us to have been retained in 1836 for the express purpose of prohibiting newspapers to the working man . It is to obtain the repeal of this prohibition on the working man's newspaper tha * we are here to-day . : Tho regulations of which we complain are contained in the Newspaper Act , , 6 & 7 Wm . IV ., cap . 76 , which we contend ought to- be repealed . First , because it erects a censorship , investing the Commissioners of
Stamps with arbitrary power . Second , because its provisons are so stringent that they have never been carried into effect . Third , because the' means of eaforcin « those provisions are beyond measure severe . The act declares every periodical publication brought out " oftener than once in twenty-six days , and containing any public news , intelligence , or occurrences , or any remarks or observations thereon , " to be a newspaper , unless it reachs a certain size and price . But by the 25 th clause , all persons who shall have given notice of publication to the Stamp Office , and shall have paid the advertisement duty , are exempted from penalties till they in their turn receive notice of the illegality of their publications . In exercising their discretion , the stamp
commissioners appear to be actuated by no consideration either of morality or of utility ; three indecent publications dealing in libels , with specification of date , place , and . person , are stated by Mr . Keogh to be not liable to the newspaper stamp duty . One of these was put down last year by a private prosecution for a scandalous libel , the defence to which was that the proprietor knew nothing either of its truth or of its author , but published it for a living . Under the present administration , all expressions of opinion are permitted to circulate freely ; the only thing prohibited is that fact which would prove the best antidote to erroneous doctrines . It has not been found practicable to prevent working men from studying politics , but an efficient
bar is placed to their being taught by persons who understand anything of polities or of political economy as a science , the capital which would go to remunerate such persons being forcibly withheld from that purpose . But the act is not merely stretched by the construction put on the 25 th clause ; from the beneficial operation of that clause all registered newspapers are excepted so that it is clearly illegal for any such paper to publish a part of its impression without a stamp , yet this is constantly and openly done for , the sake of cheap postage . According to a return . made last month to the House of Commons , there are fiftyone newspapers thus published contrary to law in England alone . The Newspaper Act contains no
postal regulations ; the newspaper stamp is not a postage stamp . As a large proportion of the stamped newspapers now go by post , we cannot think that this plan would cause any serious loss to the revenue . If it be said that the act works well , because under it no prosecutions have yet taken place , we reply , first , that the commissioners stretch the act more and more in favour of the public ; and secondly , that the penalties amount to absolute ruin . The power of seizing the presses of offenders is a most effective method of stopping publication . It will be in your lordship's recollection , that Lord Monteagle , in proposing the change in the law , rested his case mainly on the success with which that law had been defied . The immediate effect of
the change was to annihilate the unstamped , and to add eighteen millions annually to the stamped press . Since then a demand has arisen for still cheaper publications , and though the greater part of the supply exists contrary to the letter and often to the spirit of the act , yet this encroachment has been wisel y and kindly permitted ; the only thing now prohibited is the systematic record of important facts . We are anxious that the theory of the law should be assimilated to its practice , and that all
restrictions should be abolished . When this committee was formed it was thought not impossible that some method might be found of obtaining the repeal ef mischievous restrictions , which should be more satisfactory to both parties than a series of breaches of the law on one hand , and of prosecutions on the other .. That the laws which prohibit the communication of knowledge are doomed , we are convinced , but we would fain owe thisconvic-. tion to your lordshi p's . sense of justice rather than to political antagonism . In this stage of our agitation we are bound to confess that we have no
power to extort anything ; whatever is given now will be a concession , not so much to a popular demand , as to reason and justice . We venture to hope that your lordship , in liberating the press from all taxation , will be willing to perform ah action worthy to be placed beside the enfranchisement of the Dissenters and the passing of the Reform Bill Mr . E . Edwards , Secretary to the Compositors ' Association , directed his lordship ' s attention to the injurious consequences of the newspaper-stamp , as also to the objects of the deputation itself , in respect to the regulations of the post-office . It is impossible , he said , not to notice the increasing appetite of the community for that- kind of mental food wfiich the newspaper furnishes . During the last ten years ( since , indeed , the reduction of the duties on paper , on advertisements , and the stamp on newspapers , ) a new order of literature had sprung up , eminently calculated to soften down the
asperities of the people , and to impress them with a true sense of their responsibilities . For example , let the eye be turned on that department of the press , called publications . With but few exceptions these periodicals are of an exclusive character . They do not interest the general reader , their contents being suitable only to particular classes of professions . And it is here that the compulsory penny stamp on newspapers is seen to operate most prejudicially . The periodical called the . BiiiZderis by law restricted to the publication of such matter as shall interest the building trades . Its proprietors would jeopardise their property were they to publish any portion of the parliamentary debates , the proceedings of the courts of law and police offices , the Bankruptcy and Insolvent Debtors' Courts . Such news would immediately subject them to a governmental prosecution , for the Builder would then cease to be a periodical . In every - sense of the word such matter would cause it to be set down as
a newspaper , and every copy printed must bear a stamp , or grievous penalties would follow the infraction of the law . So with the Athenmum and journals of that class . Nor can we except , in these remarks , the work called Punch . Albeit , our whimsical friend may not publish the debates , and law , and police cases , yet his baton is repeatedly being levelled against particular obstructions to the world ' s progress , as manifested in events quite recent , which events are , to thousands of men , decidedly news . How often is it seen that some hon . member ' s speech , delivered but some five or six days previously , is quoted from , and favourably or severely animadverted upon ; yet it is clear the Act
of Parliament does not give Mr . Punch this privilege of observation , as by it at least twenty-six days ought to expire before such remarks would become , so to speak , the property of the periodical press . Of course your lordship is aware that the works named are not made amenable to the law . They severally published stamped and unstamped copies : the former only for the convenience of postage , the latter for the generality of their subscribers . Were they compelled to publish their entire impression on stamped paper only , like the newspapers are , they would fall in sale directly , because their price , for the town editions , would have to be enhanced twenty-five per cent ., and more . Punch sells for fourpence a stamped copy ,
threepence for an unstamped copy . To interfere with this work because it publishes news ( and sere the law followed out , it must necessarily be objected to ) , would be to diminish its sale , for its price must be increased to fourpence , or the profits of its proprietors must pay the cost . Now , it would be a grievous thing thus to interfere ; and , consequently , the law is shown to be as inoperative as its workings arc proved to bo essentially partial . But these objections are comparatively insignificant , when the restriction is considered as preventing substantial and really useful information from being published , while the law allows men to publish demoralising periodicals , and political writings of a very mediocre character . To name the works now issuing from the press , would be but to advertise them to the world : but your lordship , 'doubtless , is
aware that many periodicals are now published ot a decidedl y political character , whose articles are directed against certain abuses of the state , and also for the advancement of particular party views . Now , it seems very anomalous that a leading article on a debate may bo published , while to print but a summary of the debate itself would make the publication a newspaper . Thi * , however , is tho aotual operation of the law ? What , then , is required ?—not the suppression of the political works alluded to , but the repeal of the law that prevents an editor from printing such matter as to him ' shall appear nw » t likely to advance the success of the journal he is connected with . Then , were the c ompulsory penny " stamp abolished , these publications mignt all be , and would be , turned into newspapers ; they would severally contain matter interesting to all
! Taxes Oh Knowledge. — We Understand Th...
classes . This would brin" the antidote to the poison 4 as soon as , it has been issued ; but now ihe ftmer . 18 often heeded , though it is not forthcoming . The-postage , and re-postage of . a . newspaper ., to ,, any part ot the country / for one penny is a great boon ; ? u ! v li ; i 8 ' appreciated , : f 6 r 'i ^ i 3 'notsought iir r ^ iT , e ^ stin 8 arrangement in this respect . All that your lordshi p a ' a " solicited to help us in is , to allow men to print what they please ( always being subject to the law of libel ) , upon' any sized paper , and without any stamp upon it , if they arc so disposed ; while , for the convenience of transmission , any number of copies might bo printed upon stamped paper procured , as now , from the proper authorities ; or affixinc a penny Queen's
ueau inoreon , each copy would be forwarded to its destination as at present .. This alteration would immediatel y lower their cost . Papers which now sell for fivepence , would then sell for fourpence in the towns where published ; and this reduction WOUld not Only tend t 6 an increased sale , but would also cause many new journals to be originated , dependent upon their merits for popular support , in London and the great towns of the north , where a large number of inhabitants are located upon a connned area of ground , this diminution would be deservedl y appreciated . So it would be in the less populous districts , because the addition of the penny stamp , while it restricts the sale , tends also to throw into the hands of larse capitalists , a
power which experience tells us has not been used for the welfare of tho people generally . Having thus set forth tho serious objections to , and stultifying operations of the law , a passing word may be urge > l ivpon the advantages of an unrestricted press . Englishmen full well know that tho pen is a better weapon for them to wield than the sword . If it be less exterminating , it is far more truly effective in what it performs . Politics are becoming more and more to b e appreciated ; and a sense of their importance will endear men to those institutions Of their country which , diffusing liberty , defy demagogical control . A free press in England is a desideratum to be sighed for , not a thing to be guarded against . The best way to paralyse the
uplifted arm is to induce the mind to think . The press , with Englishmen , is all the force they stand in need of exercising .- If its advocacy be sound , success will be sure to follow , its noble efforts . Do not fear , my lord , by letting men write and print , in their publications , political matter , the peace of the country will be endangered . Rather conclude , by its dissemination , that impracticable schemes would be nipped in their bud , and designing men be held up to the ignominy of those they sought to betray . After further expatiating upon the value of the newspaper , the expenses consequent thereon , and the necessity of a large sale to realise any profit , the speaker concluded by saying , that though he spoke as a compositor—one wishing to
see the large numbers out of work in employment , which he . thought the abolition of the stamp duty would , to a great extent , give them—he did not ask from the government any particular favour for his calling . Printers were , so far , like the Bordeaux merchants , they would wish the government to leave them alone . It was for the benefit of the country he advocated the repeal of this enactment , for he was confident nothing " would tend to promote such great satisfaction in this country , with existing liberties , than that of giving the people an untaxed press . . The Rev . Thomas Spencer called the attention of Lord John Russell to the moral bearing of the question . He said that benevolent men were perpetually devisinsr new schemes for the
improvement of the condition of the people , and calling upon government to aid them by legislative enactments , but if he ( Mr . Spencer ) might give his advice it would be that government should not undertake the management of the people ' s affairs , but that they should remove all obstacles out of the way and repeal those taxes which cheeked the communication of knowledge ; " and thus allow full scope to those who were willing to convey sound principles to the popular mind . He would briefly apply to this some of the great questions of the day . 1 . National education ; ' It would be impossible to devise a scheme that would not be attended with much injustice and dissatisfaction . Some wished for secular education WtUipm religion , and others
for education combined wSh religion ; and each party would object to paj ^ sjees towards the scheme of the other . Whereas ; . 4 S & instead of increased grants on taxation for education , the government would take . away the tax of three-halfpence per jD on paper ,-one shillir > g >« and ; sixpence on advertisements , aridj . the penn ^ stamp on newspapers , it would benefit all- "these ^ parties equally , and would enable them to ' carry on their own system of education with greater facility and much less cost . Instead of complaints that the church of England obtained four-fifths , and the dissenters only onefifth of those grants from public money , the sordid strife for money would be changed to an honourable strife for truth , and in the end truth would prevail .
2 . The promoters of religion , temperance , emigration , and other important matters , would be able to disseminate bibles , tracts , and useful knowledge , with tenfold facility . A paper confined to religion only , to temperance only ;' or to emigration only , ia top dull ajud-excluaive for the-generality of readers , but if all these papers mi ght insert the most important intelligence of the day , it would add great interest to those publications . 3 . As to politics , the benefit would be incalculable . The most hopeful education would take place , that of our young men and of the adult population ; and when these were filled with enlightened views and honourable sentiments they would take care of the education of their children . The Bible declared that " He that
withholdeth cVrn tho' people should curse him ;" and the corii laws have been repealed . Tho Bible also declares , " That the soul be without knowledge it is not good ; " and " My people are destroyed for lack of Knowledge , " and yet the taxes on knowledge—the corn-laws of the mind—are still unrepealed . Since the repeal ; of the corn-laws the millions of England have consumed much more food than formerly , and when the mental corn-laws shall have been repealed , it will be found that the consumption of mental food will be increased in a still greater proportion . It was a grand national benefit when the people were enabled to get cheap bread ; but the government should remember that " man doth not live by bread alone , but by every word
that proeeedetU out of the mouth of God ; and these words which God speaks to men in national revolutions and in public calamities , or ia great prosperity , are only to be heard through the channels of public intelligence : and it is by the public press that the dealings of Providence can be generally made known . The people , too , will derive much information from the great Exhibition of Industry of Works of Art and Skill ; but the government should also remember that the highest authority has pronounced it to be mere hypocrisy to be wise in these matters , and yet not to discern the signs of the times . And how shall men know the signs of the times but . by constant reading of the newspapers , which record all the events of this and other countries , for the mediation of thoughtful men * By enabling the people to ponder over these
events of daily life , rulers would imitate the supreme Ruler of all ; for when he gave to the Jews his revealed word , the Bible , he conveyed to men not only the knowledge of his laws and of the way ot salvation , but the history of the world from tlie beginning , and of their own nation in particular ; and not merely the history of ancient times , but in the Books of Kings and Chronicles in the Old Testament , and in the Acts of the Apostles in the New , he placed before them the events of the times in which they lived . In like manner the daily and weekly papers are the Books of Kings , Chronicles , and Acts of the present dayy and the people of this country should have free access to them . Objections to this are made by men who think it ia
better to keep the people in ignorance of what is going on . But this is ' a dangerous error . The people will get at some information , and if good and wise men are prevented by law from presenting it to them in a cheap form , bad men will evade the law , or in some way convey garbled intelligence , creating a bad feeling towards the government , and towards other classes of the community . ' If they had a cheap newspaper the people would read it at their own fireside , and would quietly discuss with their neighbours the events of the day ; but if by the taxes on knowledge- the newspapers are made scarce and dear , they will assemble in tho publichouses and beer-shops , where alone they can obtain access to the newspaper , and in pot-house politics
exists the danger to the peace of society . It is to these places that all riotous proceedings may be traced ; but there is nothing to apprehend from the politics of sober and domestic men . At present the seller of gin and beer has the advantage : ! He invites the masses by announcements of balls , cheap plays , free harmonic concerts ; he has well lighted rooms and a cheerful fire , and , above all , he has the newspapers of the day ; and by , all these attractions he soils his deadly drinks , and ruins the people by thousands . If those who wish to do the people good could present a more powerful magnet by cheerful rooms and abundance of newspapers full of good principles , or if they could prepare newspapers which every man could afford to take at his own house , then would the
power of the dealer in strong drink receive a death blow . But it is not only more prudent to let the people have Opportunity to correct their errors 6 f opinion by reading such papers , but they have a positive right to know what is going on . Because a citizen obeys tho laws , he ought to know what the laws are and what new laws are being made , Because he pays tho taxes , cither directly or indirectly , ho ought to see whether those taxes are of proper iiinount and equitably levied ; and this ban be done by reading the debates in parliament . Every citizen is more or less affected by social changes , and he has a right to know what things' arc going on that may affect his own prosperity . If out of employment , ho ought to be able to make known his wants to such as may have work to give ; and thisimplies cheap papers and no duty on advertisements , As a
! Taxes Oh Knowledge. — We Understand Th...
man , too , he is bound to intenestt himself in the affiurs of his fellow-men , to uridoS yburdens and to break every ^ yoke ; for thi * hfe religion re l OTsrf lum , ;„ as a Chrjg . t . ian , .. too Jie-. fe calfed ' „ to think upon and promote all . thing ^ t OTe true honest , lovely , or of good . report !; and-for these a free , press is highly essential . At present the greater part of the English people never read a paper ; and- of those who do the greater part read them at the public houses ; and hence the mistake people make in their benevolent intentions towards their ; fellow men . They relieve vagrants-, give indiscriminately to beggars and encourage pauperism , merely because they have not seen the statements of the mischievous effects of such conduct , and that
such ' benevolence only encourages intemperance , idleness , and crime . It is true there are dangerous errors in the minds of somcj -which might find vent in cheap newspapers ; but these errors are less dangerous when brought to light ; they can be answered ; arid none are more frank and honest in telling the truth than working men to each other . Hear , for instance , a working man address his fellow-workmen on intemperance , and you will admire his fidelity and plainness of speech . But at present , if a well-wisher to the people would disseminate sound reason in reply to error , it will take him £ 5 to advertise even a penny tract ; and if he would establish a daily paper , it would require a capital of many thousand pounds . That the good
eftects to be anticipated from cheap newspapers aro not fanciful theory , but real and well-founded , may be seen from tho condition of the people in the United States . In the free states , it may be safely asserted that the people are a moral people , sober , industrious , and evincing great self-respect . You will scarcely see rags or drunkenness . The great succosss of education , temperance , and religion , must be . ascribed to the cheapness and universality of the newspapers . In Boston , New York , and other cities , every man may have his daily paper for a halfpenny , and if he wishes for first-rate intelligence , he can obtain it for 2 R , and thus almost every house takes m its daily paper ; and men can read of public affairs without going to places where
their health is destroyed , their money spent , and their tempers soured by strong drink , and from whence they return angry with themselves and with all around them . At the debate respecting war with England , ElihuBurritt published articles in favour ot peace , and these were sent in slips , or . " Olive leaves , " to all the papers of the States , and inserted by them , and thus the efforts of some men to inflame the mindsof the people against the English were counteracted , and a more brotherly spirit infused into their minds . A cheap newspaper would be a great boon to our own people ; it would imply confidence on the part of the government ,
and would inspire attection in the people towards their rulers . And if any one step can vastly tend to educate , improve , ^ ind elevate their minds , it is the removal of the existing taxes on knowled ge , and especially the penny stamp on newspapers . Lord John Russell received the deputation with his usual courtesy . He of course declined to give any answer to a demand for a reduction of taxation , but observed that the fact of the government having reduced the stamp from 4 d . to Id ., and the postage of letters from 6 d . to Id ., was an evidence that the government were not indisposed to promote the enlightenment of the people .
Vavmm*
vavmm *
A Gaud.—Admiral Parker Begs To Inform En...
A Gaud . —Admiral Parker begs to inform English persons residing abroad , that he will be happy to collect any sums of money that they may con « sider due to them from foreign powers . Individuals native of any part of the British dominions , who have been cheated in their change by the postmen of a foreign power , who have paid half a franc more than was requisite for a passport , or who have accidentally dropped bad sixpences into any foreign lake , river , or sea , are advised to lose no time in applying . Admiral P . has it in his power to offer extraordinary advantages , owing to the number of officers and bailiffs before the mast in his employ , and also to an arrangement he has entered into , by which all the expenses of distraining , seizure , & c , will be paid by the English people . First-rate reference to Lord Palmerston .
There is not a much more deplorable sort of existence than that which is dragged on by an old man , whose mind is destitute of the materials proper for yielding him some entertainment suitable to the more sedate time of life ; I mean , useful knowledge . For the remembrance of fifty years spent in scraping of money , or in pursuing pleasure , or in indulging vicious inclinations , must yield but poor entertainment at a time of life , when a man can at best say , he has been . The inhabitants of Dorton Hamlet were last week invited to a farm house to commemorate the birthday of a grandmother , aged eighty-five ; her eldest son , aged fifty-five ; and her youngest daughter ' s grand-daughter , aged fifteen . They were all born on a Candlemas-day . He that wants a heart , wants everything . A wrong head may be convinced , but who can give a heart where it is wanting ?
Happiness . —It is happy for a person to leave the world possessed of every one ' s love . Happiness and Riches are two things , and very seldom meet together . Parljamentart Refoth . 1 . —In a free state , every man who is supposed a free agent , ought to be in some measure his own governor ; and therefore a branch at least of the legislative power should reside in the whole body of the people . —Blackstone ' s Commentaries . Rather Worse , —Lord John Russell recentl y remarked , in a metaphor applied to Reform , that "hy getting under weigh in a calm you may fall upon the rocks . " He is obviously preparing for the celebrated command of tho Channel Fleet , but ho must remember that if a shi p waits at anchor till the gale has come , she has literall y to " cut and run . " We hope to see him in that predicament
soon . Appropriate Names . — The New York Literary World , in a chapter on names , observes , " Shoemakers' spouses should be Peggies ; gamblers ' ladies , Bets ; and Sue , would be just the wifefor an atorney ; Sophies should be of a sedative disposition , and confectioners wives should always be Patties . Sometimes a name will excite remark . All the papers copied the marriage of Henry Apple and Sarah Apple , but we could see no impropriety in the making of two apples into one pair . The people op Paris , with their usual love of saying something against the powers that be , have a joke that Napoleon built barracks , Charles X . churches , Louis Philippe fortifications , and Louis tfapoleon prisons , each according to his disposition . The Virtues practised by the Heathens . —There is not a virtue which the Heathens have not shown
to be practicable . Do not pretend that it is impossible for a Christian to forgive injuries , when we know , that Phocion , going to suffer death unjustly , charged it upon his son , with his last breath , that he should show no resentment against his father ' s persecutors . Do not excuse yourself in giving up the truth , through fear of offending those on whom you depend , when you know that Attilius Regulus gave himself up to tortures , and death , rather than falsify his word even to his enemies . Do not excuse yourself from a little expense , trouble , or hazard of ill-will , for tho general good , when you know , that a Leonidas , a Calpurnius Flamma , the Decii , and hundreds move , voluntarily devoted themselves to destruction , to save their country . If you pretend to be a Christian , that is , to profess the most pure and most sublime principles in the world , do not infamously fall short of the perfection of unenlightened Heathens .
Courtship . —The plain English of the politest address of a gentleman to a lady , is , I am now , dear madam , the humblest of your servants : bo so good as to allow me to be your Lord and Master . The Narrow-minded Man . —Little knows the narrow-minded man the pleasures that fill the heart of a beneficent person , on reflecting on the good he has been enabled to do to worthy objects . Suakspeare Right Again . — "What ' s in a name ? " asks the Swan of Avon . Very little , we should say , recollecting how lately our ambassador at Athens has shown himself anything but Wyse . A Boston editor says : — " A boat loaded with castor-oil sunk in the canal .- Whether this will open tho navigation earlier than usual neat spring remains to be seen . "
Cutting his own Thp . oat . —Lord John Russell says , " We should be idiots if we did not observe what was going on in other parts of Europe . " We think it rather injudicious of his lordship to mention this , as it must naturally make .-us reflect what is standiag still here ; namely , the Govermeht . Unpublished Anecdotk of Dr . Johnson . —One evening , as Boswell was speaking of Mr . Hudson ' s management of tho Berwick line , ho observed that tho gross receipts were very groat . " Sir , " replied Dr . Johnson , "they are nothing to the gross frauds . " Boswell was silenced for the rest of the evening .
The independence ot a good man consists in a superiority to every influence , but of moral persuasion , and to every force , but of rational conviction . It proceeds from a sense of dignity , and personal rectitude : it is that decent pride , that characterises generous minds ; that high sense of honour , that will not suffer them to yield to profligacy , or to stoop to meaness 5 it is a kind ol majesty ,-. ; essential to virtue ; or more properly speaking , it is the grace of ingenuousness , and the freedom of innocence .
A VERSox was once expressing his admiration how so learned and well-written a dedication came to bo matched to a very foolish book . " Truly , " replied his friend , " they may be very properly matched , for they are no way of kin . " The "Rale" Curb for it . —Wo see , from the daily newspapers , that it is proposed to remove the railings which at pvesnt surround St . Paul's Cathedral , and to throw the space which surrounds it open to the public . Would if not be better to throw
A Gaud.—Admiral Parker Begs To Inform En...
the inside open to the public , and thus ( to use a venerable but appropriate pan ) do away with other '' railings , " which must be far more obnoxious : to the Deanand Chapter ? ......, — ,. ,,,, ... ... „ .. ISobody likes to ocnohody , hut everybody ia pleased to think himself somebody ; but tho worst of the matter is , that when anybody thinks himself to be somebody , he is much inclined to think everybody else nobody . ! '
PniDB .-i-Pride , in people of birth and fortune , is not only mean , but needless . The contempt a proud man brings on himself , is a counterbalance for his greatness .. Pride ever roust , and ever will , provoke contempt , _ Anecdote of Quin . —As Quin was one morning near the Lower Rooms , in Bath , he was met by a celebrated gambler , who said to him , "So , Mr . Quin I see you are going to take your ride , to get « ^ S vn ! , tC t 0 y ° ' ! 3 lnner" *> Yes , " replied Quin , and you are going to get a dinner to four
appemodel epitaph . Here lies the body of E phraim Snubbs , Who got his hvmg by mending tubs ; Tie caught his death while it was rainln ' And met his fate without complainin' ' Two nephews of the old Emperor of Austria Ferdinand , were disputing upon a certain occasion in presence of their uncle , who was considered as not possessing an over quantity of sense , and one
of them growing angry , said to the other , "You are the greatest fool in all Vienna . " " Young gentlemen , " observed tho sapient emperor , " you seem to have forgotten my presence . " A topno lady , noted for her affected manners , recently entered the show-room of a fashionable milliner , with whom her famil y were acquainted , for the purpose of making some trifling purchase . " How is your mother , miss ? " politely inquired tho tradeswoman . " She is not very well , " replied Affectionate . "Ah ! what is the matter with her ?" — " She fell down stairs and hurt her courtesy bender . " " Her what ?"— " Her courtesy bender . "Courtesy bender ! what is that ? " inquired the puzzled milliner . — "Why , her knee . "
If Mankind Are Liable To One Disease More Tlian Another,
If Mankind are liable to one disease more tlian another ,
Ad00317
v- " » ..,- w » aw «»«« J ^ IH IIICULIUIJO JIUIIIUIUUj we require to have a knowledge of over the rest , It is certainly that class of disorders treated of in the new and iro proved edition of the "Silent Friend . " The authors , ia thus sending forth to the world another edition of their medical work , cannot refrain from expressing their grati . fication at the continual success attending their efforts , which , combined with the assistance of medicines , exclu . sivel . y of their own preparation , have been the happy cause of mitigating and averting the mental and physical miseries attendant on those peculiar disorders ; thus proving the fact , that Buffering humanity must alwaya derive the greatest advantage from duly qualified members of the medical pro . fesslon adopting a particular clase of disorders for their exclusive study , in preference to a superficial knowledge ol all the diseases that afflict mankind . Messrs . It . and L .
Ad00318
AMAZLNG SUCCESS OF THE JUSW MODE OF TREATMENT WHICH HAS NEVER FAILED . DR . ALFRED BARKER , 108 , Great Russcll-strcet , Bloomsbury-sqisare , London , ( near the British Museum ) , having had a vast amount of practice at the various'hospitals in London and on the Continent , is enabled to treat with the utmost certainty of cure , every variety of 'disease arising from solitary and sedentarj habits , indiscriminate excesses , and infections , ' such as
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), March 16, 1850, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_16031850/page/3/
-