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. " Union is sirengtb. " * TO THB-WOBKINO (BASSES.
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Al 1 Air Fsiesbs,—You will discover from...
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AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL *
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WP Z hereb VOL. . . 691. LOHDOK, SATURDA...
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»j _ NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION. A pub...
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¦ ii Cd&ttiftt imMUgcttcc*
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THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL ...
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Metropolitan Delegate Cockcil.—This body...
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Asiitos-uxder-Lyne. —A meeting of member...
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NATIONAL CHARTER LEAGUE, A respectable a...
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M. Soycr has taken possession of Gore Ho...
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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.
. " Union Is Sirengtb. " * To Thb-Wobkino (Basses.
. " Union is sirengtb . " * TO THB-WOBKINO ( BASSES .
Al 1 Air Fsiesbs,—You Will Discover From...
Al Air Fsiesbs , —You will discover from the v „ " irt that I will fomish you of the resolution , f , filf' tlie veritable Democratic party in France , LLt L however my principles and advice may be -Dimidiated for a time , that the clubbing of the Sind alone can carry out those princip les . In Speck ' s Star I defined for yoa the present 'State of parties in France , and now I will give "" " t ] ie clearest definition of the means b y Shilhich the DemoCTaticpar ^ e ^ ect to ^ bnsh k heir offn principles—and that is U AiUJ \ . 1 " i * tr'ct the following from the Morning C / tro-! 5 c 2 efe of Wednesday last Here it is : —
, _ - n 1 eetms of the ultra-Republicans which took , ; , Jxe ^ iorixs the mosfcnumerous that had ever l l \ he ld , ^ ll 1 S t 5 ie ^ t ' ^ " * were a ble to - * - ee to act m concert " * defence of the Republic . " v vVav * mcetius 100 representatives -were present , i . j lCr three hours' deliberation it was deter-31 eJ iba vnity of action was imperatively called ? ? » n -bpitirt ' ofthe Opposition , and a committee rawed , first , to regulate the mode , for the J Irare of convoking the members ; and next , in all , ,.. " ., Kiez' € S , to adopt resolutions to be communi' '? el to the * uole Opposition for the purpose of a Skiing a unity of vote .
\ ow from the above you will discover that { 1 { ko = e members who advocate the people's c cna ' ^ e rel y solely upon their own union . You 0 must also understand , that the union of one 1 hundred and sixty members o f the Legislative i Assembly of France -would not have the same c effect upon that Government that an union of
t thirfv members would have upon the English ( Government ; and for this reason , the French . Assembly sits by day , the members are paid f for their services , and very few—if any- ^ are i . absent ; while , in England , forty out of six 1 hundred and fifty-sis constitute a House—that i is , twenty-one members may speak the opii uions of three hundred and twenty-nine , one ! more than half the number of members . I
i think this will g ive you the clearest definition i of the value of" Annual Parliaments ' and 3 Payment , of Members . If you had Annual ] Parliaments and Payment of Members the ] House would sit by day , every member would ; attend and perform his duty ; whereas now , if i a debate lastsfor three , four , five , or six ni ghts , ! and if no more than forty members hear the arguments urged on cither side , when the debate is likely to close the whippers-in of both parties send messengers to the several clubs -where their lickspittles are amusing themselves , and without hearing one -word of the debate , iliev will rote for their respective leaders .
I do hope and trust , therefore , that you will gain some little wisdom from the resolution adopted by the representatives of the French people , and that you will define that to your professed representatives as soon as Parliament meets , which will be next Tuesday fortnight . I wish you to do so , in order that the Ministry may base its policy upon your union and not uponyour disunion , for voumay rel y upon it that the country never witnessed such a Parliamentary sensation as it will in less than one month . I have had a letter from my friends of Bradford , and also from my friends in Rochdale , and several other places , requesting me to
name a day when I can visit them . The men of Bradford state that the 3 rd of February will be the most convenient time for them ; and I will be with them upon that day ; and , as the Conference will sit b y day in Manchester , I will visit Stockport—where I first opened my Chartist commission—Ashton , Oldham , Rochdale , Middleton , and any other town in the neighbourhood , any evening from Tuesday , the 20 th , to the Saturday ni g ht following ; and I request that the inhabitants of those several towns will make their own arrangements as to the time I shall visit them ; and I hope then , once more , to establish a thorough union in the minds of the working classes .
My friends , nothing is more proper than that anything connected with your order should be fairly published ; and therefore let me correct an error which appeared in last week ' s Star relative to the proceedings of the Executive upon Wednesday week . The question put to me b y Mr . Habxey is very clearly stated , but my answer is not as clearly stated . Jlv answer
was"When caps amongst a crowd are thrown , ...-JUmaetbey fifrjnay wear them for their own . " . I further stated , that I did not personall y allude to any one who professed to advocate the people ' s cause ; hut that , after thirty years ' experience , I felt convinced that ninety-nine out of every hundred were trafficking politicians . This , I think , will convince you that I allow any use to be made of the Star , no matter how it may misrepresent me ; but , however , it is my firm resolution to adhere strictl y , if I stand alone , to those principles which will elevate your order .
I attended a meeting at John-street , on Tuesday ni ght last , and , notwithstanding the opposition that it is reported the London men would manifest towards me , I never attended a better meeting in London , and I never was more cordially received and welcomed ; and the only thing which seemed to produce any , but not much , antagonism , was the proposal of Sir . Stallwood to add " Social Bi g hts"' to the resolution that I had proposed ; and for which , I believe , only about five hands were held up .
Xow , working men , let me once more beg of you , and implore of you , not to mix any " ism " with Chartism . You remember how Chartism was mocked at , reviled , abused , and persecuted when it was first established ; hut , lika every other proposition , it was first mocked , then laughed at , then abused , then reviled , and then persecuted , hut now it is being thoughtof , and deliberativel y discussed ; whereas , if you mix any other "ism" with it you will enlist such a host of opposition as you cannot imagine ; and , therefore , it is that I implore of you to adhere strictly to the ONE ' - w / h , " thconlv "ism" that can elevate your order—CHARTISM .
1 suppose that you read the preparations that are now being made in Ireland to oppose the Government , in the ensuing Session of Parliament , and I hope and trust that you will be prepared to take advantage of that coming struggle ; and although a man cannot do a nation ' s work , yet you may rest assured that I will he upon the watch tower , and fairl y and independentl y define your princi ples . I will not allow the leaders of any party to state , without refutation , that your class would be satisfied with this change , that change , or the other change > but I will prove to the Government and the House that you will accept no change but the CHARTER .
I see the manner in which the Government , the judges , and juries , are carrying out Lord Melkoukxe ' S good old
maxim"RUIX HIM WITH EXPENSES ;" and therefore Mr . Jfixos , the solicitor who defended Veksos , and whom I never saw for twelve months after the trial took place , has now served me with a writ for £ 103 , for defeuding VebSOX . I shall not be at all surprised , however strong my evidence may be , if the judges should g ive a verdict against me , and saddle mo with his costs and my costs . However , I still rel y upon your order not to allow my oppressors and yours to crush me , aud " rain me with expenses . "
I find that the men of the Potteries , and the men of Sheffield , are not apathetic in the matto * ; and , at their request , 1 furnish you with the following placard , forwarded to me , together with a letter from Geor ge Catch , inviting me to attend a meeting at Sheffield hof ore or after the Manchester Conference ; aad iu reply , I beg to state that I shall he m happy to meet my Sheffield friends once n 'ore after the Manchester Conference ; and I *' " ! name the day , and afford them ample ii'ne for getting up * the meeting : — CHARTISM A L 1 TIXG REALITY : Tie ciemlers of the Charter Association are
Al 1 Air Fsiesbs,—You Will Discover From...
hereby informed that a special meeting will be held at Mr . G . Cavill ' s Democratic Temperance Uotel , 33 , Queen-street , on Wednesday evening , January loth , for the purpose of electing a delegate to the Manchester Conference , which is to be held on the 27 th of the present month . All persons friendly to the Cause , are cordially invited to attend . By order of the Council . Chair to be taken at eight o ' clock . & B . —The Sheffield Chartists have resolved by their recent acts , not to be behind the friends in the Potteries in the good work of gratitude to their friend and benefactor Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . A goodly number ot manufactured articles have been given gratuitously , the proceeds to be applied to the Honesty Fund . Articles by the way of donations will be thankfull y received for the above specific fund .
JNow , my Mends , let me once more entreat yoa and implore of you to dispel all bickering and antagonism , and unite , and club your minds and pence together to carry the CHARTER . Your Faithful and Uncompromising Friend and Advocate , Feargus O'Connor . i
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And National Trades' Journal *
AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL *
Wp Z Hereb Vol. . . 691. Lohdok, Saturda...
VOL . W . P . 691 . LOHDOK , SATURDAY , JAKUAEY 18 1851 7 Z """ «««»» - * ' -- ~~— . Zj « L _ . f i { fVl' Flve SMHittK * and Sixpence pet (( nnvin
»J _ National Charter Association. A Pub...
» j _ NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . A public meeting , called by the Executive Committee , was held on Tuesday evening , at the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street . The whole of the members of the Executive Committee were present , and on coming to the platform were loudly cheered . The attendance was very good . Mr . JiMEs Grassbi was called to the chauynnd said , that the meeting had been called by the Executive Committee . They had been , elected by the suffrages of the people ; every man had an opportunity to vote if they choose to avail themselves of it ; and those that elected them were in duty bound to support them . The Exchequer was empty , and they could not carry on the agitation without funds ; their expenses were light , they had but one paid officer—and he was poorly paid—the others gave their services gratuitously . The men of London did not need teaching , only direction ; but in the country they needed teaching , and for that purpose funds were necessary .
Mr . 0 Coxxor moved the following resolution : — " That the House of Commons , as at present constituted , is a corrupt assembly , and will never be improved until the People ' s Charter becomes the Law of the Realm ; we , therefore , hereby resolve to agitate for its enactment . " He agreed with the Chairman , that they must furnish the Executive with means , if tbey meant their agitation to be successful ; if they did not do this , government would believe that they were indifferent as to the attainment of the Charter . During the height of the agitation for Repeal Daniel O'Conneli received £ 3 , 000 a week ; and yet in England—a far richer country—they could scarcely obtain £ 3 a week . What more was necessary , not only to convince the
government but their fellow men , that their hearts were not interested in the principles they professed ? If every man who professed Chartism subscribed only one farthing a week , tbey would have funds sufficient to send lecturers over the whole kingdom , who would show the people the value of the Charter , and that it would enable them to be located in comfort in the land of their birth . For upwards of thirty years he had advocated their cause . Xo man had been more reviled or abused than he had been , and that , too , by some of their own order ; but he had still remained true to his principles . He looked to the Charter to elevate the condition of the working man ; he did not look to the interest of those who lived upon the labour of others without
contributing to the common welfare . It made his blood run cold , when lie was in Bradford the other day to ' see poor emaciated , careworn men , of twenty-seven I years old , looking the pictures of misery , whilst their employers , fifty years old , were far stronger , heartier men than those at twenty-seven , whose life ' s blood they had dragged from their veins . That such things were , was entirely to be attributed to their want of union . What did he care for the Charter , unless as a means to benefit their order ? What benefit would the Charter confer upon him individually ? None . Yet he would continue to advocate it though all others should abandon it . He was for the Charter alone . He would never join any party that went for anything but the Charter . Too
many irons in the fire always let some get cool . If they subscribed their money , they would prove to the government that their pockets as well as their minds were devoted to the Charter , and would enahletheirfriends to unite the minds of the whole country in its favour . He intended in the next session of Parliament to take bis seatwith the Speaker , and rise with the house ; they would see such a conflict in that house as had never yet been witnessed . He intended to bring forward a motion for the Charter , and though Lord John might attempt to count out the house , he would faithfully expound their principles . He believed the people were at length awakening from their apathy , and were beginniii " properly to estimate their value . Like
Brooks , of Manchester , " Lord love you , they were all for themselves . " When work was brisk the Charter was forgotten , but when trade was bad they were for death or glory . It made his blood run cold , to see a young enthusiastic man like their friend Jones have to endure imprisonment through the folly and ignorance of the people . He had also endured eighteen months' confinement in a damp cell , but the government could not conquer their resolution by persecution . France had hitherto been the great crutch England had leant on for support ; but the present condition of France was enough to make them look beyond mere political changes ; nnd France would yet become one of the creat difficulties of the government . Louis
Napoleon was endeavouring to be made Emperor , but Changarnier was at the head of the army , and possessed the confidence of the party of order in the Assembly . He trusted the two parties would fight until , like the Kilkenny cats , only the tail of one of them was left—the people would then gain possession of their rights . If he had his wish there should not be a soldier or a pauper in the land . He would abolish tithes . ( A cry of " No . " ) Was that a par-Eon that called •« No ? " " Those black slugs received ten million pounds and upwards a year , and if they could get an extra hundred thousand they would turn Puseyites or Catholics to obtain it . If there were no tithes , all men would be able to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience ;
and they needed no state church to teach them to do that . The-M orning Advtrtiter told them that Lord John would , in the next Session , offer them the Charter , or something like it . Both Russell and Sir George Grey stated , when Sir Joshua Walrasley broug ht forward his motion for Parliamentary Reform , that they preferred the Charter ' to his measure . Why did they say that ? Simp ly because they thought some who would tote for that measure would not vote for the Charter . Mr . O'Connor then referred to Ireland , and showed , by some graphic descriptions , the manner in which justice was administered in that countrv . He then adverted to the state of the peop le in the manufacturing districts ; and concluded a much applauded speech , by stating that he did not wish to inflame their minds by wordy eloquence , but to tell them plain truths . Some
men wanted to snuff him out of political existence ; if they did so , he would rest on his oars for a time , and then apply alucifer match to himself and blaze up brig hter ttian ever . { Cheers . ) He had devoted his all to their service , and he would never abandon them . He bad been offered to be made a judge if he would desert the Charter . He told the person wlo brought him intelligence of it , that if they gave him the Governor Generalship of India , and * every ( . ffice in the hands of the government combined , he would never abandon his principles . He did not come there to cater for popularity . He and his family had suffered more for their principles than any other family in the kingdom , and he would never agitate for anything but the Charter . ( A voice , " we want our Social Rights . " ) He wanted to see them united ; they would then get the Charter , which would give them all that they desired . The workin " man would receive double
wages for less work ; hut now , the man who earned £ 2 a week , looked with contempt upon the man who earned 15 s ., and he looked with contempt up'm the unwilling idler in the poor law bastile . Mr . O ' Connor then left the meeting loudly cheered . Jlr . Holtoake seconded the resolution . Mr . O'Connor had clearly shown them that the House of Commons was a corrupt body . It did not adequately represent the interests of the people—in fact in mig ht truly be said , it did not represent them at all . It was also corrupt in the manner it adm i nistered its functions ; and until they did get adequately repre sented they would never he able to re-aedv their grievances . . Many of las audience were ' in favour of social improvements ; they wanted a better law of partnership , a thing so natural and desirable , that the only wonder was that it should be refused . They could not get it now They wanted man v other similar measures , but if
»J _ National Charter Association. A Pub...
the people were represented in Parliament these measures would immediately be carried . A great calamity endured by the people was the want of education ; this was a greater evil than an uneducated man could be aware of . If the people were properly educated , every man would be able to expose eloquently the grievances under which he laboured , and then redress would quickly follow . It was an old dogma , that unless capital was protected it would not be employed . Capital needed no more protection than labour . It would be employed as long as it was the interest of the capitalist to bring it into the market . They often beard it assertea in the house , in supercilious terms , that the working classes were deficient in selfrespect—that they wanted to receive support , without earning it by honest labour . How easy it was to retort the charge upon them . The day was not
fat distant when any man , no matter of what rank in society , who received monev without giving industral service for it , would be looked upon as a degraded being , living upon the hard earnings of others , to which earnings he had no title . Mr . Holyoake then entered upon the question of the Chartist organisation , and stated his opinion that so long as they depended upon the unpaid services of men to work for them , they could not expect to have that work efficiently performed , at least , for any lengthened period . All instruction given to the people must be looked upon as having a commercial valued It was a disgrace to them to have publicly to ask for funds to carry on the agitation , and the evil must be remedied before they could be in a healthy , state of organisation . *» iMr . Siai ^ woon wished to speak . The Chairman stated , that the Executive had made their arrangements ; but he left it to the
audience . Mr . Stallwood wished to know of the Executive whether they would consent to have the words " and their social rights" added to the resolution ? lie knew the majority , both of the Executive and of the audience , were in favour of an agitation for Social Rights . Mr . Holyoake had no objection to it , but thought it unwise , as Mr . O'Connor , who moved the resolution , had left the meeting . Mr . E . Joses , who was loudly cheered , said , it would be like stealing a march upon the enemy , as Mr . O'Connor was opposed to the agitation for their Social Rights . Mr . O'Connor was not only a friend , but also a member of the Committee .
Mr . Reynolds also addressed the meeting on the question , blaming Mr . Stallwood for being premature , in not waiting until he saw whether the conveners of the meeting did not intend to broach that subject . Mr . Wheeler said it was misrepresenting Mr . O'Connor to say be was opposed to their obtaining their Social Rights . He was only opposed to any other question being mixed up with the agitation for the Charter . If Mr . O'Connor had been present , he had no doubt that he would have agreed to the addition .
Mr . Stallwood pressed his amendment . On its being put , only five hands were held up for it ( on the ground of its being ill-timed ) , and the resolution was carried unanimously . Mr . Huxxiballmoved the following resolution : — " That this meeting approves of the policy of the Executive Committee of the National Charter Association ; and , having implicit confidence in them as a body , resolve to render them every aid in their power . " Mr . Pettie seconded the motion . Mr . Retsoyds , in supporting the motion , said that he was sorry that for one moment it should he thought that the Executive Committee could possibly fail , in directing the attention of the people to their social rights . In the present state of the
country no physician was justified in telling the people that they must take a certain remedy , unless he also showed them what that remedy would do . It was a sign of either ignorance or folly for any man to say merely , you must get the Charter , and not tell you what the Charter would enable you to do . There were t ^ o classes of persons who were opposed to Social Reform , those who were timid and looked with dread on great organic changes , and those who were interested in the present state ef things . Who could look abroad at the present state of society and not be a Social Reformer ? Misery and wretchedness was the lot of the many , iu order that a favoured few might be kept in luxurious idleness ; it was to break up this system that they advocated
Social Reform . They advocated the Charter because it would lead to a social change , in which those who reared the crops would be the first to eat of themthose who made the cloth , be enabled to wear itand those who built the houses , be enabled to live in comfort in them . Some people supposed that Social Reform meant the destruction of property , and the breaking up of the bonds of society . If they destroyed anything , they would place a better in its stead—if they pulled down the hovel , it would be for the purpose of building a palace . The present state of society was only connected with teggary and wretchedness ; they wished to replace it by a superior oue , in which all could enjoy the means of happiness . Could the noble , decked with titles ,
show them the law written by God in heaven , or earth , which said that he was superior to his fellow man ? God gave this earth as a garden for the whole of mankind , well knowing that there would never be mote inhabitMvts upon it Item could be maintained in comfort ; but they had allowed a banditti , arrogating to themselves all the knowledge and property of the kingdom , to rob them of their inheritance . Look at this vast country , in the hands of three hundred thousand proprietors , when it ought , of right , to belong to its twentyeight millions of population . When the working roan came upon the earth , aud asked for his snavs of it , he was told that it was monopolised by these aristocrats . When in his desperation he applied for
leave to toil to earn his bread , how often did he find that even work was denied him . Look through the eight thousand streets of the metropolis , and see the number of famishing artisans , and the workhouses filled with some of England ' s best blood . Not content with depriving them of the soil by atrocious laws , they had so bound down the labourer that he dared not even combine to raise his own wages . A short time since , at that wretched humbug , the Crystal Palace —( cheers)—a working man was sentenced to two months' imprisonment for only asking for justice . ( Hear . ) The middle classes were continually combining to keep down the price of labour . He did not say that they met together for that express purpose , but their every act and
thought tended to that end . If one law was right to imprison the working man for combining in favour of labour , one thousand laws were necessary to hang those who lived by plundering thelabourer . Mr . Reynolds then showed the origin , and vile history of the aristocracy of England , and dwelt with great eloquence upon the state of affairs in France , stating it as his opinion that the revolutionary ball would again roll , and crush all the thrones in Christendom ; then would the government of this country offer them an instalment of their rights . He warned them against joining any party for less than their full demands , as all experience had proved the fallacy of such conduct . Nothing but the Charter would ever raise tbem to honesty . power , and might . The speaker than sat down loudly applauded .
Mr . G . J . Harney supported the resolution . The history of all political parties showed that a steady adherence to principle was the best ground to ensure ultimate public support . When the Corn Law Repeal was in the ascendant , they had warned the people that they would not derive the benefit from that measure which they had been led to believe . They had told the supporters of that measure that as bread got cheaper bo would wages fall The experience of the past fully mstihed their prediction ; during the last twelve months there bad been continental strikes over the whole countrv , endeavouring to oppose reductions in wages . * The conduct evinced by the managers of the EasternNorthernand other railroads , was
, , onlv a preparatory step to a general reduction of wa « es in the better paid departments of labour . Most parties were becoming convinced , from these facts , that the Chartists we ' re light , and that their ancient polisv was the correct one . He agreed to differ with some of his colleagues as to co-operative stores , and similar establishments , proving an ultimate benefit to the cause ; but in his opinion the failure of these plans would teach them the wisdom of first obtaining political power , and he was anxious to cultivate kindly and brotherly feeling between them . Thoush the present Executive was
but newly elected they confidently appealed to them for support . Most of them had been members of prior Executives , and the conduct of the whole had been long before the Chartist body . It had been insinuated that he was a violent opponent to all who did hot go the same length as himself . He was not so . He was ready at any time , m frienrilv debate , to show the superiority of the Charter over , minor measures , lie wished their measures success , for he felt assured that until Walmslcv , Cobden , and other similar men were at the head of affairs , they would always have a party at their command ; but when once they were in
»J _ National Charter Association. A Pub...
power theworking classes would see that no bcneB * W 0 U 5 J 2 tuem ; then the day for a struggle would hayecome . -a day , when at the same moment , they might perhaps acquire both their political and social ri ghts . He did not oppose anv party , struggling for any measure of reform , but he opposed any sale or bargain being made of the people . Mr . Harney then briefly referred to the election of the Executive , and sat down amid much applause . Mr . E . Jones —They were met to commence a new campaign , but they still meant to right under the old flag ; under that tlag many a victory had been won , —many a mental triumph achieved , and on that nag the result of those mental tviumohs
was msenbed , but it was still the old flag . It was not breaking up , and beginning neain , it was only recording the triumphs achieved . ^ He knew that among Democrats many different views were entertained . In an armv there wore many different regiments , each fighting under its own flag , each commanded by its separate officer , but all forming part of- the one army , and actuated by the same grand Object . So it was with the army of democracy . '• They had been told about antagonism , it was alt a bugbear , they were nearly all on one side . Though the Executive had only been elected b y some two thousand or three thousand persons , yet they were the active spirits of the kingdom . II sixty votes were only sent from one town , they must not consider that was the extent of Chartism in that place : they were but the leaven , which ,
galvimsed , as it were , ihe body of the Giort , —they were the fejjLwho could arouse and direct the energies or % rwMCppj ) Ulation ,, Mr .-Jones , in fervid language ; tbeifgave a supposed con versatibn b ' eiSeeii a working man imbued with democracy and men of the other classes of society , which drew immense plaudits from the audience . The Charter was the means to acquire all their fundamental rights . All men had a right to live ; those that would not work had no right to live by eating the bread of another . God had given the earth to all , and they meant to continue their agitation until they obtained all that God had designed they should enjoy . They meant to do this without bluster or violence , but so to organise themselves that physical force would bo a bugbear , and insurrection an old woman ' s dream . In the spring something more , would bo seen in London than the Glass Palace . On the 3 rd of
March they intended to have a national Convention . In tnat Convention they wished to have a dash of Irish blood ; but for this to be done they needed funds . Mr . Jones then eloquently and urgently appealed to them to do their duty , and be worthy of the high character ho had given o ( them to their brethren in the country . Mr . O'Brie . v was glad to hear that all the speakers proved one great fact , that any person who did not go for the attainment of the Social Ri « hts of the people was either an ignoramus who did not understand his trade , or else an impostor . Ho saw a policeman present who might be asked by his employers what had been said at the
meeting ; as he had heard much about Social Right ? , and might be puzzled to know exactly what it meant , he would inform him . Every man that came into the world was presumed to be as good as any other man . Everthing that God made he made for all , and if taken from them must bo restored to them . God made the land free for all equally with the atmosphere , and it must be restored to them . The policeman might say that looked like robbery ; but he would show him how it could bo done without injuring any man . Mr . O'Brien then followed this subject out ; also that of the Nationalisation' of Credit to a considerable extent , and was much applauded . The resolution was then carried unanimously .
A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , and the meeting broke up at a late hour . Several members were then enrolled , and a subscription entered into at the doors .
¦ Ii Cd&Ttiftt Immugcttcc*
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The Executive Committee Of The National ...
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL CUARTER ASSOCIATION Held their usual weekly meeting at their office , 14 , Southampton-street , Strand , on Wednesday evening last . Present—Messrs . Arnott , Grassby , Harney , Milne , O ' Connor , and Reynolds . Mr . Jones received leave of absence to deliver his lecture at Cowper-street . Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds presided . Correspondence of a highly encouraging and progressive tendency was received from the councils of the following localities , viz .: —Bormondsey ,
Bradford , Burnley , Cheltenham , Coventry , Dundee , Exeter , Greenwich , Hastings , Hebden Bridge , Leicester , Limehouse , Merthyr Tydvil , Paisley , Pudsey , Rotherham , Royton , Stalybridge , Sufctonin-Ashfield , and Warrington , also from Liverpool and Stockport . On the motion of Messrs . O'Connor and Harney it was unanimously agreed— " That for the future the votes of the committee be published , with the names . " The sub-committee appointed to correct the list of places to send delegates to the National Convention submitted their report , which was unanimously adopted as follows :
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION . In submitting the annexed list to the country the Executive have bad especial reference to the equalisation of electoral districts in proportion to the Democratic population . Tho law allows only forty-nine delegates to assemble in Conventionand they have endeavoured so to apportion the constituencies , so as to secure to the fullest possible extent a national representation . As it has been necessary , in some instances , to comprise several towns in the same constituency , it is hereby recommended that , where such is not yet in existence , a district-council be forthwitli formed , and the district agent ' s address forwarded to the general secretary . Should tho agents in any of the localities be unacquainted with the names and addresses of the agents in the others , in the same district , they are requested to communl cate with the Executive , who will supply them with the necessary information .
It is also recommended that tho several localities of a district each nominate one or more delegates , as apportioned to the constituency ; such nomination to be forwarded to the agent of the district ; that , within a fortnig ht of the time of nomination , public meeting * , of which four days' notice shall have been duly given , be held for the election of thedelegates , and that tho result of the election in each locality be forwarded to the district agent , who , with the council , shall act as scrutineer , and certify the return to the general secretary on or before Wednesday , the 26 th of February next .
LIST OF TOWNS AND DISTRICTS ENTITLED TO SEND DELEGATES To THE NATIONAL CONVENTION , CALLED TO MEET IN LONDON , ON MONDAY , THE THIRD OF MARCH ENSUING . Delegates . Aberdeen and North of Scotland 1 Dundee Perth , Cuperangus , Atiroatll , Montrose , Forfar , Brechin and districts 1 Edinburgh , Leith , Kirkcaldy , Linlithgow , and countiesof Fife and Mid-Lothian 2 Falkirk , Tillicoultry , Alva , Alloa , Stirling and
district I Glasgow , Paisley , Greenock , Hamilton , and Vale of Leven 2 Kilmarnock , Ayr , Cumnock , Girvan , Irvine , and county 1 Dumfries , Hawick , and the Border 1 Carlisle , Wigton , Cockermouth , Kendal , and counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland ... 1 Xewcastle-on-Tyne , Gateshead , Shields , Sunderland , and counties of Northumberland and Durham 2 York , Hull , and North and East Riding 1 Leeds , Pudsey , Dewsbury , Patley , Birstal . Wakefield 1 Bradford , Ketghley , Bingley and district 1 Halifix , Todmorden , Hebden Bridge and district 1 Huddersfield , Holmfirth and district 1 Sheffield , Barnsley , Rotherham and district 1 Preston , Burnley , Padiham , Blackburn ,
Clithcroe , Lancaster , and North Lancashire 2 Manchester and Salford 2 Bury , Bolton , and District 1 Liverpool , Warrington , and Wigan 1 Rochdale , Heywood , Middleton , and Oldham ... 1 Stockport , Ashton-undcr-Lyne , Staly bridge , Macclesfield , and Cheshire , 1 Nottingham , Radford , Carrington , Sutton-in-Ashfield , Mansfield , and County 1 Derby , Belper , Alfrt-ton , and County 1 Leicester , Loughborough , and County 1 Northampton , ^ Peterborough , Wellingborough , and County 1 Norwich , LynnYarmouthand County of
Nor-, , folk , ; 1 Ipswich and County of Suffolk 1 Hanley and the Potteries 1 Birmingham , Wolverhampton , Coventrv , and County " 2 Gloucester , Cheltenham , Worcester , and Counties 1 Bristol and District 1
The Executive Committee Of The National ...
— uKM ^ MMM nM ^ n ^^^^^ g ^ BaB ^ aMNnnM Bath and District 1 Merthyr Tydvil . Newport , " Monmouth , and South Wales ! ...... , i Exeter aud Tiverton 1 Plymouth , Devon port , Tavistock , Truro , and County of Cornwall i Swindon , Bradford , Devizes , Trowbridge , and County of Wilts " ] Southampton , Portsmouth , Isle of Wight , aud County of Hants i Brighton , Hastings , and Sussex 1 Greenwich , Dcptfovd , Rochester , and Kent 1 Westminster and Marylehono ; ] Lambeth , Southward and Suirov ..: ] Tower Hamkt * ! 1 City and Finsbury l
_ Ihc secretary reported , that the Literavv Institution , Carlisle-street , Portman-morket , had ' h » cn engaged for a public meeting on Thursday even in * , January 23 rd ; and that " the British School-room , Cowper-street , City-road , had been also engaged for a similar purpose , on Monday evening , January 27 th . The secretary : dso reported , that the United Councils of the Tower Hamlets met on Sunday last at the Woodman Tavern , Waterloo Town , at which meeting about forty Councilmen attended ; and that after transacting their local business , it was unanimously agreed that a Ball and Concert bo held on behalf of the Executive Fund ; and a sub-committee , consisting of Messrs . Stubbs , Westody , Ntwler , Reynolds , Verdelle , Waldron , and Alsford , were appointed to carry out the same .
Mr .-Collet , the secretary to the Committee for the Abolition of Taxes on Knowledge , attended as a deputation from the said Committee to solicit the corflpeeafcioh" and ^ sistarice ' MtheJ ^^ utive in this important object . Mr . Collet , " at ' great ' 'length , stated what tho Committee had done , in order to effect the removal of the obstacles to progression ; and trusted that they should have the support of all true Democrats in their endeavours to break down these barriers to tho spread of intelligence . On the motion of Messrs . Arnott and Harney , it was unanimously agreed : — " That Mr . Collet be received as the deputation from the Committee with thanks , and that this Committee guarantee thereto all the assistance in their power . " Mr . Collet having been requested to supply the secretary with a quantity of petitions for circulation , then retired , and the Committee adjourned to Wednesday evening , Jan . 22 nd .
nominations received to fill the vacancy caused by tho resignation of Mr . W . Davis , in the Executive Committee of the National Charter Association : — Thornton Hunt , Robert Lo Blond , Ruffy Ridley , Thomas Martin Wheeler , Edmund Stallwood , Edward Miles , and W . J . Linton . The following was written in a letter to a friend who had wrote to Mr . W . J . Linton , relative to his nomination , addressed from Miteside , Cumberland : — " If any number of my fellow-Chartists think I can serve them while I reside here , and only occasionally visit London , they may elect me to any office they please , and be sure of my attention to it . "
All persons are requested to vote for one candidate from the above list ; aud where localities are formed , let them send their votes to the sub-secretary of the locality , who is desired to transmit such votes , with the members voting for each candidate , to the general secretary ; but where localities do not exist , the votes can he sent by letter , addressed to John Arnott , 14 , Southampton-street , Strand , on or before Wednesday , Jan . 29 th . All votes received after that date will bo null and void . Signed on behalf of tho Committee , John Anxoxr , General Secretary .
Metropolitan Delegate Cockcil.—This Body...
Metropolitan Delegate Cockcil . —This body met on Sunday afternoon at the City Chartist Hall , Golden-lane , Messrs . Milne and Arnott attended as a deputation from the Executive . Mr . Arnott was called to the chair . Deputies attended from the following localities : —Limehouse , Emrnett Brigade , Greenwich , East London , Crown and Anchor , and Woodman . Minutes having been read and confirmed , money was paid in from several localities . — Mr . Blake moved , " That in- future the Council should meet once a month , as they had an active Executive in London they could dispense with their weekly meetings . "—Mr . Blyth seconded the motion . —Mr . Johnson attributed their slack attendance to the personal bickerings that had existed among . them . Ho thought it useless to continue
meeting unless they had some definite lino of policy to carry out ; at present they had none , nor had the Executive laid down ' any plan j he was in favour of abstaining from beer and tobacco , of exclusive dealing , or some definite plan . They wore all convinced of the desirability of the Charter , but they needed to be shown the means to obtain it , —Mr . Fletcher supported the motion , —Mr , Bloomfield was in favour of meeting weekly ; they Had plenty ofworktodo to assist the Executive in agitating London . The country would not send funds up to the Executive , if tho whole of those funds were spent in agitating the metropolis . —Mr . Ferdinando supported the weekly meeting . He did not think they could interfere with the Temperance question ; there were societies organised for that purpose
which bad achieved but little good . During the antagonism that was going on they should i ; e on the alert to defend the Executive from the attacks made on them by the Manchester Council . —Mr . Blyth spoke in favour of a weekly meeting . If the Council wodld adopt a system of sending lecturers into tho districts surrounding London , they would effect great good , lie knew several places in Kent where they would willingly be at the expense of getting up meetings , provided they were furnished with speakers . —Mr . Arnott was of opinion that tho Executive and this Council could act harmoniously ; tho Executive intended to get up a series of meetings in all tho metropolitan districts , in which they could greatly assist them . They were in a very critical position , and needed their most strenuous
support . —Mr . Ferdinando moved , and Mr . Vickers seconded , " That in future the Council meet weekly , " which was carried without opposition , no votps being tendered for the original motion . A letter was read from Mr . Stallwood stating that as he was no longer a member of the Executive , he was deprived of his seat at the Council , but his best wishes were with them . He recommended them to promote the election of Thornton Hunt to the vacant seat on the Executive . Holyoake was a member ; '* Le Blond was appointed ex officio ; and with Thornton Hunt they could carry out all tho ideas of the John-street Conference . —After some discussion , it was moved . and seconded , " That Mr . Stallwood be invited to sit and vote on the Council . "—Mr . Milne argued that they had no
power to confer a vote on Mr . Stallwood , unless elected by some locality . —The motion was then withdrawn , and a vote of thanks given to Mr . Stallwood for his long services on the Council . —Mr . Milne stated , that himself and Mr . Arnott were deputed to request the Council to assist the Executive in an extensive and judicious distribution o / tracts both in London and the country . They could not raise funds sufficient to send missionaries into the agricultural districts , and it was also difficult to get places to meet in ; but tracts , showing tlie social advantages which would result from the Charter , could bo made useful in all districts , and might be made a means of raising funds . —Several delegates spoke in favour of the system , but wished to know how the details were to be carried out . —Mr . Arnott said the subject had been discussed among the Executive , but tbey had not prepared a plan ,
believing that their first great work must be to raise funds to relieve themselves from debt , and place them in a working position ; nothing should , lor the present , be allowed to divert them from that object . —Mr . Blyth moved , and Mr . Johnson seconded , the following motion : — " That the localities be requested to pay one halfpenny per week for each of their members , to form a tract fund ; such sum to be brought to the Council on tho first Sunday in every month . " Carried . The delegates then had the good sense to resolve that the report of the Manchester meeting , held on the 4 tlt of January , was not true and faithful , ( not one of whom was present at the meeting in question , ) condemned the impartial leading article in this journal of tho same date , because of its partiality , and found fault with Mr . Reynolds for not reporting their meetings at all , after which the Council adjourned .
Hanley and Sheltox . —The following resolution was passed at a meeting held on Sunday evening , January 12 th;— " That this meeting consider the policy of the M anchester Council put forth in their programme of business relative to co-operation as being a departure from the principles put forth m their address to the public calling a Conference , and further , this meeting pledges itself to the support of the first Conference called for purely Chartist purposes . " , MANCHESTBit . -0 n Sunday , January 12 th , the usual Sunday evening meeting took place in the I ' eoplo's Institute . The meeting was opened ic the u sual manner by reading Mr ' Connor ' s letter from the Northern Star , and tlie Editor ' s leading article on " Chartist Policy , " which was loudly applauded for Us very argumentative style ; after which Mr . Sutton called the attention of the audi-
Metropolitan Delegate Cockcil.—This Body...
ence to what had transpired ] a ? t Sunday evening and thanked them on behalf of the Council for tfcj support they had -given on that occasion ; he had another little matter to introduce to their notico respecting himself , Mr , Sutton read a certain declaration , and the names of thoso who signed it , and commented upon them individually , as far aa he knew of them . Some , he said , were quite grangers to him and the Chartists of Manchester ; others , he believed , had joined only a few months since , and the greater portion of them were only known since the memorable year ISIS , whereas ho had laboured te
luously on the Council since 1842 ; he had endeavoured in that time to obtain for himsolt a good character , and he believed he had succeeded , from tho confidence ho had ui .-u .-cil in him . Mr . Sutton excepted . Mr . Shelmardino , who , ho nciicved , was an hone > t . man . A ! V > r which he introduced Mr . R , G . G . immago of Buckingham , to address the mceung . Mr . Gammasre gave a very interesting lecture oil " The Grnius ' of Democracy at home and abroad . " After the lecture a vote of thanks was aiveu to the lecturer . On Monday evening the Council held their usiuil weekly meeting , and after transacting local business / Mr . R , Shawcross wished to ask the Secretary a question , stating , as his reasons for doing so , ' that he had
read some extracts of minutes respecling a members' meeting held last Sunday we-.-k ! n that room , and from tlwt report some persens had been led to suppose that tho . Manchester locality consisted only of forty-throa mem bora ; he ( J ' r . SJ . a- « -eross ) should wish the Secretary to SMC w ' . mt UVCiVibm he had on the books , ami wh ; it was the-average weekly expenses of the locality . Ic was also stated that Edward llooson was * treasurer to die Council , which statement the Council knew was not I rue ; it also stated that the Council was split , whereas tho contrary was the fact , for thev were perfectly unanimous ; Tho Secretary said a few months ago ho
had taken au average of three months , and found that the average weekly expenses v-ovo thirty shillings per week , all the Council worhin" < -ratuitimsly ; with respect to the payinjr momhersj ' many had hcen struck off the books bv tholatoSacreUrv a great number wera out of work , awl <) tUore weve working short time , members so situated could nob pay . The number on tho books was above three hundred , and the paying member ? wore two hundred ami sixty-three . " Arrangements were made for holding a public m « ctine for tho election of delegates to the Manchesier ' Coiii ' eiviice , and tho Council expressed a wish that other localities would do liRowise .
| Sheffield . —Tlie Council held their weekly Meeting on Sunday evening , in the Democratic Temperance Hotel , 33 , Queen-street . Mr . Holmes in tho chair . After winding-up the financial business concocted with Mr . Thomas Cooper ' s lectures , itc , tho question of the Manchester Conference was next taken into consideration ,, whereupon it was moved by Mr . Lye , and seconded by . Mr . Thomas Hague : — " That a public meeting be called fm- Wednesday evening , in tho above room , for the purpose of electing a Delegate to the above Confureime , " Tho motion being put from tho chair , was curried without a dissentient . On the motion of Mr , James Whaley 100 placards were ordered to be printed and post' el , announcing the meeting . Carried
unanimously . The Council seeing that Mr . O'Connor was about to visit a few towns , it was resolved" That the corresponding secretary bo instructed to write to the above gentleman , requesting him to pay a visit either before or after tho Manchester Conference . " Thanks bcinsr voted to the chair , tho meeting adjourned . —Tho Sheffield Chartists have resolved by their recent acts , not to be behind tho friends in the Potteries in the good work of gratitude to their friend and benefactor , Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . F . A goodly number of manufactured articles have been j / iven gratuitously , tlie proceeds to be applied to the Honesty Fund . Articles by tho way of donations will be thankfully received for tho above specific Fund .
Asiiton-undek-Lyne . —A meeting of the members of the Ashton Democratic Association was held in the Land Company's-room on Sunday last . The President having taken his sent , the uieatmg was then opened by the reading of the rules of the Association ; after which the following resolutions wore passed : — " That a book fund be " . st . » l > n < = i' ««» , to be supported l » v volmi-nry siibscriDtiona and donations , " That cls <« -e- ; for the teaching i . f reading , writing , and arithmetic bo opened during the following week . " " Tba : a deputation be appointed to wait upon our democratic friends to solicit their aid in establishing our library . " The . librarian then informed the members thai the hooks belonging to the library were now ready tor circulation ; after which several new members were proposed , foradmission , andtlie meeting was a-Ijourmd till Sunday next , at ten o clock in the forenoon .
Cru'I'leoate Locality . —At a meeting of members bold on Monday last , thanks were < avcn to Mr . Jones for his attendance at Maiuhester . Messrs . Slocombeanil Taylor wr-ro anpoint' -d delegates to the Metropolitan Council ' ; and tanks were given to Messrs . Brisck and Moring , tlio retiring delegates , for their services . [ The other portion of the report is an advertisement . ] Exeter . —At a member * ' meeting held on Monday , £ 1 l / 5 s . was collected in aid of the Hoiu-sty Fund . Mr . Scott having rendered very « reat' :. ' -sistanco to the Chartist body , a vote of thanks was unanimouscly given u > him .
_ Coventuy . —The chinists . hcld their usual meeting on Monday evening , when a resolution condemnatory of the Manchester Conference was adopted , the Executive being the only hotly to whom tlie power of calling srC ' onfcreuce is delegated , [ The other rofohitions should have been sent to the Executive . ] Hull . —Tin ! following resolution was passed at the weekly mcrtiiiff of the council and members , held at the Malt " Shovel , A ' orlh Church-side : — " That this meeting views with sorrow , the unhappy difference existing between the Exi-c ; . iive aud the Manchester council , and hope the di-puto will bo speedily ended , in order that all parth s i ; . av work in union together , instead of quarrelling' . " "
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Asiitos-Uxder-Lyne. —A Meeting Of Member...
Asiitos-uxder-Lyne . —A meeting of members was held on Sunday \ n > i in , their room , Charlestown , when the following resolution was agreed to : — " That a loan fund be established , in ' order to assist in the winding-up of the Land Company . " Several members then paidu shilling each , and npreCu to contribute moru weekly . Hull . —At the usual wi ' ekly meeting held at the Malt Shovel , North Church Side , ' o :: Monday Evening , January J 2 / h , the Secretary read from the Star the recommendation of tho South Shields branch , which was approved of , as the best means of assisting Mr . O ' Connor in winding up tho affairs of the Company , and which , if taken up with spirit , would r . ft ' ord ample means to repurchase some o £ the allotments when brought to the hammer , lather than suffer tl . cni to be sold at a great sacrifice . In consequence of the smallncss of tho meeting the discussion was adjourned until Monday next . °
National Charter League, A Respectable A...
NATIONAL CHARTER LEAGUE , A respectable and numerous assemblage of the members and friends of the League met at tlo rooms of that body , Talfourd Temperance Hotel , Farringdon-street , on Sunday evening last , to hear a lecture from Mr L'lulip M'Gvath . The subject for tho evening was "Astronomy , " and Mr . M'Grath treated it in a manner to make it instructive , entertaining , and elevating . All present were delighted at his exposition , and although exceptions were taken to some of the theories of Mr . M ' Grath , by Mr . Side , vet this latter gentleman in the most handsome manner , in seconding a vote of thinks to the lecturer , expressed th « admiration which he had experienced during ihe delivery of the address of Mr . M'Grath . The council and friends have prevailed upon the talented lecturer to promise other addresses upon the same subject .
It was announced tl ? at on Sunday evening , 19 th January , a lecture will be delivered in the samo room , by Mr . Hurst —subject , " Chemical Discoveries . " At a meeting of the Council , held on Wednesday evening—Mr . " P . M'Grath in the chair—financial and other matters bavin" been decided , Mr . Doylo took occasion to call attention to a leading article of the jtVortftcra Slur of Saturday last , and expressed , in the wannest terms , tho satisfaction which such writina in the Chartist organ occasioned him . lie noticed to ihe Council the absence of all foul and vituperative language , and the general dignified and temper .-nc spirit which the writer bad
exhibited . He ( Mr . Doyle ) had read the paper recently with more pbasure than he had felt for a length of time , and he could assure the Council itat it attbvilcd Win infinite gratification to find that , at length , the Northern Star had , in the political philosophy , literaly power , and truthful exposition of its editorial department , placed itself on a level with the hr-t newspapers of the dav . Ho concluded . b y proposing ,- " That the Council presents is thanks to the eiiiior , and names its anxious desire that he may succeed in the enlightening aud elevating task whioh he has commenced . " Tho motion was seconded by Mr . Dixon , in an able speed ] supported b y Mr . Clark , and unanimously adopted . —*« : 3 l * . — . .
M. Soycr Has Taken Possession Of Gore Ho...
M . Soycr has taken possession of Gore House , opposite the Industrial Palace , and ho say ? , " It will be my study to devote this establishment entirely for the display of the . gastronomic art , where 1 am now making " preparatiens to accommodate thousands daily atm > Symposium of all Nations . " Cosr op a PiiosKcimos . —Tito Clerk of tiiu Crown , T . S . Shmtlcworth , Esq ., has allowed to Messrs . Cattorall and Catterall , solicitors , of Preston , for prosecuting Mr . Henry Hlackhnist , at the late Liverpool assizes , the sum of £ 21-117 s . 4 d „ being the taxed costs of such prosecution .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 18, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_18011851/page/1/
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