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a THE NORTHERN STAR. . January 18, 1851:...
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Published this day. uy G. forger, Holywdl-street ^ Strand, ¦ Loudon (sixteenpagesSro.}. Price 1 J-i-, $o. 3of
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The Numbers and Parts of the First Serie...
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Tlie " National Instructor'' is supplied...
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sro (jronTsyonoents.
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The Polisd and Hungarian Refugees,—South...
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THE FD.SBURY POLICE ESPIONAGE CASE. Wo h...
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THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, J ANITA KY 1'. »*»5I.
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« CHARTIST POLICY." Considerable discuss...
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PROGRESS OF ABSOLUTISM IN GERMANY. The C...
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MORE HELP. The National Public School As...
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Transcript
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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A The Northern Star. . January 18, 1851:...
a THE NORTHERN STAR . . January 18 , 1851 : " ^ ___^______________________ . ___ _ _ — _^_ m— «¦¦——¦—¦——_—m »^——«——— Ma > aa » Mw ^ —¦ - — ^
Published This Day. Uy G. Forger, Holywdl-Street ^ Strand, ¦ Loudon (Sixteenpagessro.}. Price 1 J-I-, $O. 3of
Published this day . uy G . forger , Holywdl-street ^ Strand , ¦ Loudon ( sixteenpagesSro . } . Price 1 J-i-, $ o . 3 of
Ad00408
THE OPERATIVE , A WEEKLY JOURN'AL FOR THE PEOPLE . This magazine isconducted by some of the most active members of the amalgamated society of the iron traces , and is deTofcd to the promulgation ol those great principle * of industriid co-oiteration , political enfranchisement , and social reform , upon nhich tbe welfare of the masses depends . It also contains tales , reviews , and general inf . auiation , so as to fit it for the women and the home . Workii : ? maa , give your orders at ence to the nearest LotfevH .-r . f-jt a journal devoted to your interests , and containing , at once , the elements of anvssement and in-Etruetion .
Ad00409
rVU . E LONDON CO-OPERATIVE •¦ - STOKES are now opened at 76 , CiiiBLorre Sthect , rrr ^ aor Squabe , In connexion with the Society for Promoting Working Hen ' s Associations .
Ad00410
THE CELESTIAL SCIEXCE OF TIIE STA 11 S . "Mil . F- MOORE having after years of 111 sedulous devotion to the study cf this sublime science , made himself perfect master of it in all its branches , respectfully offers his Services to a discriminating and enlightened public , trusting that by personal dciuonsfxations'jmen'aybeeowviuted of its truth and importance . In Horary Astrology , Prrfessor M . has been eminently successfu '' , tlie accuracy ol his calculations and the perspicuity of his judgments bave caused hundreds , who before ojisidered it to be au imposture aud a client , to join the ranks ofthe wise and bear their grateful testimony to its reality aud esceedtii" usefulness , when legitimately practised by educated and competent persons . This department of tlie Art ( ll . A . j esteemed the most
Ad00411
JJiitrm-mu made ea . * y ; or how to ivin a Lover . "MISS JULIA BOOTH will send free to JLt-L any address , on receipt ef fifteen postage stamps , plain directions to enable Ladies or Gentlemen to win the affections of as many « . f the opjiosite eex as their hearts may desire . The proposal is simple , aud so captivating and enthralling ; hat all may bs married , irrespective ot age , appearance , or jtusid-. u ; aim last , though not least , it can be arranged with such ease and delicacy that detecticn is impossible . Address , Miss Juua Booth , 14 , Handcourt , Holborn , London .
Ad00412
Sew publishing , in four weekly numbers , of twenty-fou pages each . Trice 2 d ., the number , By E . Dipple , Holywell-stveet , Straud , London , ( to whom all orders are to be forwarded ) , pANTERBURY - « er « tf ROME , yJ Two Lectures , with historical supplements , by JEKSEST JONES . Xo . I . this day ( Saturday ) the 18 th inst . Xo . IL on Saturday , the 25 th inst-Contests of No . IL—The Boyal Church—the atrocities of its foundation—The heiress of Lincoln , a romance of real life—The bov-king and the bishop-Leaf , the apprentice—The martyrology of the uacanonised— « Tuning the pulpits '—The European Japan—The veil torn , and the sanctuary entered—The Church contrasted with Christianity . Supplements to No . I . and II . complete a condensed history ofthe Anglo-Papal Church and its leading prelates .
Ad00413
NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Office , 14 , Southampton-street , Strand . 11 HE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - hereby announce the following meetings : — On Sunday afternoon at three o ' clock the Metropolitan District Council will meet at the City Hall , 2 C , Goldeu-lane , Barbican . On Sunday evening next at the Rock Tavern , Lissongrove—Princess Boyal , Circus-street , . Marylebone—King and Queen , Folcy-street , Portland-place—Bricklayers ' Arms , Toubridge-street , New-road—Crown and Anchor , Cheshire-street , Waterloo Town—Globe and Friends . Morgan-street , Commercial road-east—and New Eastern Literary and Scientifi- ; Institution , Morpeth-street , Greenstreet , Sethnal Green . On the same evening at five o ' clock , the United Delegates of tlie Tower Hamlets will meet at the Woodman Tavern , White-street , Waterloo Town ; and at eight o ' clock Mr . J . B . Leno will lecture at the above tavern . Subject : Texts from tlie Stree : s . On the same evening at the City Hall , 2 C , Golden-lane , Barbican , Mr . James Finlenwill lecture , Subject : The Struggle of Parties and the Position of Principles .
Ad00414
BEAD THIS . p HE COUNCIL OF THE BERMONDX SEY BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL CilAKTEB ASSOCIATION beg to apprise their Democratic brethren and the public generally , tba' . they have engaged the South Londou Hail , Webber-street , Blackfriars-road , for three Wedresday evenings—January -Jflth , February 5 th , and February 12 th , when Mr . E . Jones will give a course of three lectures . Subject : 'The People , their Wrongs and Bights , their Power and Weakness . Chair taken at eight o ' clork . Jo .-m Peakcev , Secretary .
Ad00415
TO TAILORS . JBu approbation of Her Maiesti / , Queen ltctoria , and H . 11 . IL Pnnc ' c Albert .
Ad00416
TOOTHACHE PREVENTED . Price Is . per packet ; p & st-frec , Is . Id . BRAND'S ENAMEL , for FILLING DECAYING TEETH , and RENDERING THEM SOUND AND PAINLESS , ha-, from its unquestionable excellence , obtained great popularity at home and abroad . Its curative agency is based upon a TRUE THEORY of the cause of Tooth-ache , and hence its great succc .-s . By most other remedies it is sought to Mil the nerte , and so stop the pain . But , to destroy the nerve is itself a very painful operation , and often leads to very sad consequences , for the t . ioth then bvcomes a dead substance in the living jaw , and produces the same amount of iiiilammation and pain as would re . ult from any other foreign bodv embodied in a living organ . BRANL-E'S ENAMEL docs not destroy the nerve , but by RESTORING THE SHELL OF THE TOOT ) I . completely protects the nerve from cold , heat , or chemical or other agency , by which pain is caused . Uy following the directions , 15-STAXT EASE is obtaned , and a LASTING CUKE follows . Full instructions accompany everv . paeket .
Ad00417
ENLARGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR Nos . I . and II . of the New Series or " THE NATIONAL INSTEUCTOi " Arc now ready . SIXTEEN LARGE BOYAL OCTAVO PAGES , Pi-ice One Penny . II 13 THE ADVOCATE OF
The Numbers And Parts Of The First Serie...
The Numbers and Parts of the First Series of the National Instructor that were out of print , have now been reprinted , and may be had on application . Subscribers are requested to complete imperfect copies forthwith .
Tlie " National Instructor'' Is Supplied...
Tlie " National Instructor'' is supplied by all the London Agents for similar publications : or by A . Ilcywood , Manchester ; W . Love , and G . Adams , Glasgow ; Robinson and Co ., Edinburgh ; J , Sweet , Nottingham ; J . Guest , Birmingham .
Sro (Jrontsyonoents.
sro ( jronTsyonoents .
The Polisd And Hungarian Refugees,—South...
The Polisd and Hungarian Refugees , —South London Hall , JE 2 13 s . id . ; Eecture by T . Brown , Fraternal Home , 12 s . Id . ; Liftcn , Gd , ; Mr . Clancy , 6 d , ; J . Clancy , Gd . ; Belvidere Tavern , 5 s . fid . Smith ' s Workmen , 3 s . 4 d . ; Miller ' s book , 9 d . ; Ree , 8 d . ; Compositors , Is . ! M . ; Mark Hall , fid , ; Rev . Hugh Hughes , Minster , 2 * . 64 . 1 . W . tonott , VSs . ; Mr . liamtan , froin King and Queen Concert , 16 s . ; Society of Smiths , per Oliver , 3 s . ; Noble . Gd . , Welshman , fid . —Any mistake or omission respt-cting monies , write to T . Brown , Seccetary . —[ This list came to band too late fur publication last week . —En . N . S . ] Tub Executive . —Mr . E . Stallwood strongly recommends Mr . Thornton Leigh Hunt , tbe Editor of ( be 'Lsiom , ' to tbe Chartists , as a fit person to fill the vacant seat m
the Executive , and that ihe votes be recorded immediately . KoxTiSGHAM . —J . Sweet begs to acknowledge the receipt of tbe following sums , sent herewith : —For Honesti Fund —A Friend 2 s . Cd ., a Well Wisher fid ., Mr . Wild 4 d ., Mr . lladdon Is ., Mb . W . Brown ( Id Winding-up Fund—Mr . S . Taylor Is ., Joseph Scothorn Cd ., James Scothron ( id ., John Haddon , Wimeswould Is ., Charles Hall 6 d ., W . Brown fid . David Mokbisos , Gallatown by Kirkaldy . —The 'Fife Herald ' has not reached this office . The I'utteiues . —Mr . Thomas Dickenson , of Manchester , writes a cheering description of tbe Chartists of Hanley and Shelton , where he lias lately delivered two lectures . After highly eulogising the members of this district , he states that they have a most comfortable hall , and a Sundny school , which is attended by about one hundred children .
S . iialev , Bradford , has very mucn misunderstood us , if he imagines that we desire to give the slightest countenance to any legislative interference with the civil and religious liberty of-. iuy portion ef our fell-.-w citizens . But while we would guarantee the same rights and privileges to them that we claim for ourselves—that is , not to blind us to the mischief which may be inflicted upon society , by works that enslave the intellect , or produce a morbid and unhealthy state of moral being . We wish to combat error by truth , to meet superstition by knowledge ; and with that view shall , on all occasions , express an honest , unbiassed , aud independent opinion on such works as seem to us calculated to aid in oing so . It is onetaing to expose what wc conscientiously believe to be mischievous , both mentally aud morally , and another tiling to invoke the aid of tlie civil power , to put down opinions to which we are opposed . As to the use of tbe term 'Black slugs , ' Mr . O'Connor has been long in the
habit of calling things by what he thinks their proper names . With him a spade is siinpiy a spade , and we fear be is too old to be cured of his habit , by the well meant remonstrances of our correspondent . Mr . E . Jones has sent us a letter , which would occupy about a column of the * Star , ' denying the correctness of Mr . Alcock ' s report of the Manchester meeting . We can only repeat that we pl « ccd the report of Mr . Jones before the public at the same time , a > d with this we think that gentleman ought to be contented , as far as we arc concerned . James Dow . vie willsce by reference to the leading article , and our note to Mr . Holyoake ' s letter , bow fully we concur in the opinions expressed on behalf of himself and f How subscribers to tbe ' Stab , ' at Campsie . Geo . Hardv , Ju . \ ., Sheffield , will perceive by the announce mtntinour advertising columns , that an Index and Title Page to the first vol . of the 'National Instructor , '
will be issued with tbe number for next week . A . Henderson , James Uownidl , aud John Johnson , of Leicester . —We have forwarded your communications to Mr . O'Connor .- ' H . Hamlin , Hull . —AU Chartist intelligence Bent to this office receives our immediate attention , and U always inserted in full , if propei ly written for publication . Wc sincerely lament that we do not hear more frequently from the Chartists of this town . Polish and Hu . vgahian Hbfogee Fund . —Cock and Castle , Elizabeth-street , Hackney-road , 4 s . The Committee meet at 20 , Golden-lane , every Tuesday evening , at nine o ' clock , —T . Ferguson , secretary , Mu , T , FfEiDEx , Todniorden , begs to acknowledge the receipt of the follow sums for the Honesty Fuud : —John W . Sutcliue Is Gd—A Friend 2 s-J . Schoifield 6 'd—A Friend 2 d—J . Law 2 d—J . Lord oil—J . Hollinrake 3 d—J . Sutcliffi . 2 d-J . Clitle 2 d-J . Dawson 3 d—T . Horsfall fid
—E . Marshall fid—J . Leach Is—J . Howarth Is—0 . Haworthfid—J . I la worth fid—E . Haworth fid—M . Jackson ( id—J . Wad . worth Cd—C . Dewliirst Cd—J . Barker Gd —J . Southwell 2 d—J . Stansiield U-R . Brook 2 s-J . Haworth Is—J . Mavland Gd—J . Robinson Gd—J . Lord fid —S . StottGd-J . Crosfby 6 d-lt . Greenwood Is fid—S . Whitham ls-M . Whitliamfid-J . Barker fid— W . Barker Cd-W . Satellite Is—J . Mooney fid-S . Whitham fid-T . Greenwood Gd—W . Barker Cd—T . Ficldeu Sd—It . llrook ISs—J . Firtli Cd—A Friend 3 d—L . Midgley fi—J . Horsfall 3 d—J . Greenwood G-J . Marlandls-J . LawGd—T . Asrenfid—W . Barker fid—W . Proctor fid—J . Woodbcud Cd—W . Barker Gs—Chartist Association 10 s . G . Bateson , Shipley . —Ths money received for the Honesty Fund last week was stated to be from Spilsiiv instead of Siiiplev . Mr . Downie , Campsie . —The present quarter expires in three weeks after this date .
The late Manchester Meeting : —Mr . James Mann , the corresponding secretary of Hehden Bridge , informs us that no member of that locality visited Manchester on tbe occasion of the late meeting . Wc have also received a letter signed by T . S . Longbottom , J . Longbottom J , Young , J . B . Howefall . J . Horsetail , J . Pickering , I . Picknip , and T . Dyson , stating that no person from their locality went to Manchester with sticks , and that they have confidence in the ntw Executive , and are prepared te support them . J . Dean , Belper . —We do not know whether the clause yoa allude to has been repealed , but feel certain that yon cannot hawk articles of foreign manufacture without a license . Tlie bye-laws in some towns prohibit hawking altogether , and we have knoivn some cases where the'licensed h .-nvker . Las been fined , aid forfeiled his goods for breaking them . T . Frost , Croydon . —Tlie question Is decided , and further discussion would be useless .
The Fd.Sbury Police Espionage Case. Wo H...
THE FD . SBURY POLICE ESPIONAGE CASE . Wo have received a letter from Mr . P . Johnson , complaining of the apathy of the Chartists generally in not supporting them against the recent act of police tyranny . The expenses , it appears , amount to nearly £ 5 , which includes the fine of £ 2 , the solicitor ' s fee , and the expenses of a public meeting , nearly the whole of which has been paid by a hard-work ing man . This is wrong , and we trust that the Chartist body will render the assistance required . Subscriptions , in money or postage stamps , are to he sent to Mr . Philip Johnson , 41 , Turnmill-street , opposite Clerkeuwoll Green . The following sums have been received ;—P . Johnson , 2 s . Cd . ; Thomas Brown , Is . ; Mr . Johnson , Od . ; Mr . Poole , Od . ; A . Found , Is . ; M . Hopkins , Is . ; W . Osborne , 2 s . Cd . ; Mr . Batchelor , Is . ; Mr . Corks , Is . ; Small sums , 2 s . Od .
Mr . Smith O'Biuks . —The newspapers up to the end of September state that Mr . Smith O'Biien had arrived in ilob . irt Town by tho steamer from Port Arthur , and had accepted his ticket of leave on his word not to leave the colony . Ellis , the party implicated in assisting Smith O'Brien to escape , hy giving him a pnss = ige in the \ icioria cutter , had managed to get clear off with his vessel without paying tbe fine ( £ 00 ) , in which he had been amerced .
Fatal Boat Accident at Dkyoni'OUt . —On Wednesday , as two watermen , named Yeo , were engaged in taking Lieut . Sauuierez , H . N ., from Mutton Cove to her Majesty's .-team vessel Volcano , in the Sound , and when passing over the Budge , the boat upset , and one of tho brothers , a tine young man , was unfortunately drowned . The other brother and Lieut . Sauuierez had a very narrow escape , but trere fortunately rescued . The body of the drowned man was recovered shortly after . Tho boat was upset by the force of the weather at tho time .
Ad00420
TO THE READERS OF THE " NORTHERN STAR- " - With the commencement of tho Session we purpose to make several important alterations and improvements in tlie shape , contents , and publication of the Northern Star . It will , in the first place , contain Sixteen instead of Eight pages ; thus g iving greater facilities for filing and binding it , and permitting at tho same time of superior arrangements in the classification of news , correspondence , reviews , and original articles .
The Northern Star Saturday, J Anita Ky 1'. »*»5i.
THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , J ANITA KY 1 ' . »*» 5 I .
« Chartist Policy." Considerable Discuss...
« CHARTIST POLICY . " Considerable discussion appears to hare taken place , in various parts of the country , on the observations contained in our leading article under this head last week . That great difference of opinion should have been expressed on the subject was to be expected—that resolutions condemnatory of our suggestions should have been passed , was quite natural . We are , however , somewhat consoled for this condemnation and rejection of our advice ,
when we glance at some of the other resolutions , passed at the same time . For instance : In the Metropolis , at the meeting where we were condemned for speaking out , and suggesting a friendly abandonment of further controversy , Mr . Reynolds was censured for keeping silence on the subject . In another resolution , the report of tho Manchester meeting was formally pronounced to be " a tissue of falsehoods / ' by persons who were upwards of two hundred miles distant from that meeting Comment on the value of such resolutions is
superfluous . It is a proverb , that " tho man who pleads his own cause lias a fool for his client ; " and the law lays down as an axiom , " That no one shallsitasjudge in his own cause . ' Weturn , therefore , from those who arc heated by having been personally engaged in this controversy , to tbe Chartists of the country at large for a decision on this question . It is a vital aud important one . If we saw any chance whatever of the belligerents being reconciled , a separation of the Chartist body into two Associations would be the very last step we should advise . Division of power is , per se , an evil .
Wo only recommend it because it is a less evil than the utter waste of power in internal disputes . However limited the means and the influence , possessed by either o f tho sections of Chartists , it would be at least directly exerted for their avowed purposes in the one case . In the other , all must agree , that both are not only unprofitably , but most lamentably and mischievously misapplied . It is impossible that Democracy can assume either an organised form , or a progressive position in this country , so long as Democrats are thus rent into factions , and turn their arms upon each other , instead of the common enemy .
Besides , there is tins further advantage , as it seems to us , that peaceful separation and the adoption of an affirmative and constructive policy at the present moment , by both parties , present the most effectual and likely means of reconciling and re-uniting them at a not distant period . Let each party have time to sober down and calmly review the points in dispute , which now give rise to such bitter animosity and harsh language . The result , we have little doubt , will be that they both will discover they are , to a great extent , lighting with shadows , aud that no real
cause of estrangement or quarrel exists between them . In the meantime , the very insignificance , and almost impalpability of the questions at issue , contribute to protract the dispute , and prevent its settlement . The dust and the confusion created by the contest blinds tho combatants themselves , and the whole affair presents more of the aspect ot what is generally called an " Irish row'' than a controversy , conducted according to the recognised and systematic method of discussion . It has been assumed that in the course we have taken on the subject , we have been
actuated by party or personal prepossession in favour of Manchester on tho one hand , and personal or party prejudices against London on the other . Nothing can be more void of the truth . There has not ( at tho moment we write ) been the slightest personal communication between us and any member of tho Manchester Council , save those officially sent to this office ; nor have wc been in that city for upwards of five years . Of . their private views and feelings , therefore , we are utterly ignorant , and the course we have taken has been entirely spontaneous aud independent . As to tho LondonExecutive there has not been—and
there is not now , any cause whatever that should induce the slightest unpleasant feeling between us . We are not conscious of having knowingly given them any offence . We know of none they have offered to us . The matter has been to us from first to last purely a public question , upon which wo have brought to hear the light of our previous experience of public life , with a , Hnwjve desire to terminate in an honourable and beneficial manner a controversy which wo mostdeeply regret .
Wo do not wish to give cither party a triumph , or to keep alive angry passions . The sole object we have iu view , is the organization of the Chartist feeling of the country in the best possible mode that existing circumstances will permit of . We should have much preferred one organization ; but if that is , foi the time being , impossible , there is , as they say in Lancashire , " no need for crying over shed milk . " Let us adopt the next best course open to us , and that is , that each
section of the Chartist body shall set about organizing themselves in the manner most consonant to their present views and feelingsappoint such officers as they respectivel y have tho highest confidence in , and in future confine themselves to the creation of a public opinion in favour of the enactment of the People ' s Charter , by all such means as may bo available . Even one thousand pounds a year , wisely and economically expended by the two parties in this way , will produce more effect on tho popular mind—do more towards
« Chartist Policy." Considerable Discuss...
the great objects in view than £ 100 , 000 expended in travelling to seek for " votes of confidence in the Executive , " from meetings , excited by angry and conflicting passions . There is not a sensible business man in the Executive that would value such votes at more than the worth of the paper they might bo written upon . for practical purposes . Which ever of the versions of the Manchester meeting may be accepted as tho correct one , it must bo abundantly evident , that no prudent Executive would either base its power or its prospects upon such a heterogenous and disunited body as assembled at that meeting . In order that we might not be accused of either
garbling or suppressing its proceedings , we gave in extenso the authorized accounts transmitted to us by both parties ; but so resolute are some parties not to be pleased with anything we may do , that even that has been construed into an offence on the part of the Star . Really , when tho so called leaders of English Democracy find fault with our acting on the great maxim , audi alteram partem—when it has become a crime to be English enough to " hear both sides , ' and give that " fair play '' for which Englishmen proverbially contend , the chance of a mutual understanding at the present moment , becomes the faintest that can be possibly imagined .
Looking calmly at all that has transpiredlooking forward to the future prosperity and progress of the People ' s Cause—we feel constrained to abide by the recommendations we gave last week . If the policy we suggest be frankly adopted , and carried out in the same spirit as we propound it , Chartism will again become a powerful element of popular opinion . Our energies will no longer be suicidally
destroyed in intestine quarrels , but be turned against the abuses aud the practical grievances of our representative system . The concentration of all our available powers on this one vital and fundamental reform , will speedily bring around us those who have been drawn from the ranks , disgusted by the acrimony and tho divisions they found in them It will also enlist in the service of the cause thousands
of warm-hearted supporters , who have nevei yet been mixed up in any former agitations , but who , convinced of the importance of representative reform , as the only safe foundation for other reforms , would gladly assist any organised body with a definite affirmative policy . In our endeavours to bring about so desirable a consummation , we have avoided—and shall continue to avoid , as far as possible—all allusion to topics that can only tend to keep alive hostilities on both sides . Much that is
asserted is exceedingly provocative of criticism , and not difficult of confutation ; but we resist the temptation , for the far higher object of inducing , if possible , the supporters of the London Executive and the Manchester Council , to cease the fratricidal warfare in which they have been too long engaged—to resolve that , as they cannot agree to act together , they will agree to differ , and each take that course which is most consonant with their own conscientious convictions , for the promotion of tho common object—namely , TO MAKE THE
PEOPLE'S CHARTER THE LAW OF THE LAND ! We appeal to the good sense , the good feeling , the patriotism of our fellow-countrymen in this matter and trust the response will not onl y be an encouraging , but a triumphant one , for the PEOPLE'S CAUSE .
Progress Of Absolutism In Germany. The C...
PROGRESS OF ABSOLUTISM IN GERMANY . The Conference of Ministers at Dresden has caused a temporary , lull in the storm o f politics , which has raged over Germany with more than tropical fierceness for the last three years . The pause affords an opportunity of looking round and seeing what are the natures and extent ofthe disasters occasioned b y this protracted conflict of so many hostile
elements . One general feature strikes the eye in its first survey of the scene of desolation , and that is , the indiscriminating manner in which the storm has spent its fury on every prominent object ; the strongholds of Absolutism aud the hard won harvests of the people , have each in their turn felt tho force of the tempest ; and if the one has been shattered by the lightnings of Democracy , the other has been beaten down by the heavy hail showers of Despotism .
To abandon metaphor , let us see in what position Germany now stands , after an incipient struggle of threeyears' duration , between the people and the princes , —between the Governed . and the Governors . At one period in 1848 , which we may fix at the selfdeposition of the Federal Diet , the people were for a moment the masters , and for a while—however brief—political power reverted to its original source . Up to that time the whole struggle , on the part of the people , had been to wrest from their rulers those rights which the latter unjustly withheld , —no more
was asked , and iu the very flush of victory no more was taken . From that time the contest assumed entirely the opposite character , and those who had heen the assailed when defending arbitrary and absolute Government , now became the assailants of those free and liberal institutions which in the hour of danger they had heen themselves the first to promise , and which , although extorted in the end , were , after all , the just due of those who enforced their surrender . In 1848 the German
people were virtually in possession of all those rights which had been promised them forty years before , when the victorious career of Napoleon frightened Absolutism from its propriety . A Federal Parliament and National Legislatures , a Free Press , Trial by Jury , the Right of Meeting , and many other scarcely less valuable institutions , were won by the German people during that eventful year . What now remains of these spolia opima—these rich spoils of tyranny ? Tho Dresden Conferences are a too sufficient
answer . One by one the people have been either cozened , or openly robbed by tho strong arm , of nearly every one of those rights which they had earned with their blood and sweat at the bayonet ' s point , or in the cannon ' s mouth ; and now the robbers are assembled in solemn conclave , to divide their booty . This is no exaggerated descri ption of these meetings , which , though styled " Conferences , " have nothing of a deliberative character about them . The main points were settled long before even tlie issue of the notices to the several States . Nicholas , the Arch-Pontiff of Absolutism , and his worthy disciples of Austria and Prussia , drew out the programme ; and from that it would be
sacrilege for the mere neophytes , who are called on to give their mere nominal sanction , to depart one hair ' s breadth . The people arc to bo bound down ti ghter and safer than before in the fetters which they fondl y fancied they had burst for ever . Tho re-establishment of the old system which the people of Germany never ceased their efforts to shake off for five and thirty years , is tho be-all and the end-all of the Dresden Conferences , as is plainl y avowed iu tho Austrian notices and the onl y halt-vopudiated " instructions" attributed to Prince SCuwAimENBuliG ; and , inpointoffact , allthat the Miawters there assembled have to confer about is , thebest inode ' of adjusting the conflicting claims which have grown since 1815
up . At that time , Austria was looked up to as the very incarnation of Absolutism ; and no other German power had as yet acquired a sufficient sense of its own importance to enable it to question the ri ght of Austria to supreme rank and preponderant influence in the General Council of the Sovereigns of Germany . Now , however , the case is far different . Prussia has made enormous strides in everything which tends to make up the material greatness of a
Progress Of Absolutism In Germany. The C...
nation / and in wealth , industry , cor nm ^ aud population , she now stands nearly ° ' level with her haughty rival . Sho feeis * own might , and , although . willing to 1 . Austria as a compeer , she refuses to reco * ' in her any one title to superiorit y . ft , ?! Sc these two , there has arisen , during th 0 j fi 9 peace , a third power , scarcely less jeaIou ° ^ , its dignity , and basing its pretensions tQV ' treated with on equal terms on hardly -, 1 firm conviction of its strength . Two of nf six monarchies of German y contend each f exclusive supremacy , but the other f far from willing to assume the part of p ? ' ' ° spectators of such a contest Prussia ^ Austria are each great powers in Europe l " Hanover , Saxony , Wirtemburg , and Ba \ v consider themselves as being conjointl y wonf ' of equal consideration in Germany . Jlo ¦ they have , throughout the whole course ' , these proceedings , offered , some a u \
others an open opposition to the h ' pretensions first formed by each of the [^ leading powers . The consequence is , that " ° scheme after another has been proposed and ° ° aside . First , Austria wants to have the old D't of 1815 restored in all its primitive inte ^ rit bearing with it , of course , her assumption f the presidential office . Prussia very natural ! , opposed this very modest propositio n 3 l brought forward tho " dual plan , " j t ] been called , by which the supreme author !?! was to be divided between the two , 0 t , j , j l alternately . The minor kingdoms then lift 1 up their voice and put forward their clai m l Under the old regime they had been too imioK
in the position of mere feudatories of Austria and now that circumstances have cinanci ' pated them from such a galling tutelage , the " are averse to consent to its being reinforce d ' However this delicate point of di gnity may b decided , one of the three rival claimants must be discontented , unless indeed , the -whole question of hegemony , or headship u dropped altogether . '
Another moot point , which seems cspe cially difficult of adjustment , is tlie mode in which the central power shall be consti . tuted , so as to observe a due regard for the relative weight of the individual states in the confederation . The fate of the last proposition brought before the Conference will illustrate the difficulties with which tho settlement of this matter is surrounded , h was that a council of state should be formed to possess thesupreme executive , and exception , ally also the legislative power , consisting 0 { seven ministers , with nine votes ; Austvia aiid Prussia to send each one minister with two
votes , and the remaining five votes to be di * vided amongst the remaining states . The four minor kingdoms at once protested against such an arrangement , by which the two others appropriated to themselves such an outra * geous share of power , and with equal selfish * ness each claimed an entire vote for itself as the price of its consent , leaving one vote onl y for all the other four and twenty states . Brunswick , Baden , the Saxes , the AunhauUs , tho Hesses , the llnnse Towns , and the others , of course grumbled at being valued at a ninth part only of the confederation ; and so this mode of making things pleasant has likewise fallen to the ground .
In fine , the present position of German affairs seem to be this—that the soverei gns aud statesmen are squabbling among them * selves to gain as large a share of power in the new confederation , but that all are agreed in ono important point—that tho people are to be jealously excluded from any participation in the management of their own affairs . One and all the princes represented at these conferences , are resolved that the represon - tative principle shall bo carefully excluded from the plan , bo fur , at least , as tho popular voice is concerned . There is to be no Federal Legislature elected by the free and general
votes of the people of Germany , nor will amstate be permitted to have legislatures of it s own in the sense of those created b y the r . v rious . constitutions granted after the movement of March , 1848 . Where they do already exist , their powers will be limited to mere consultive functions ; but as to real power , such as the imposition of taxes , the granting of supplies , or the enactment of measures ^ they will bo rigidly denied them . Reaction is in the ascendant , Russia has decreed the reestablishment of absolutism in its worst and most tyranous forms . Time will show with what results .
More Help. The National Public School As...
MORE HELP . The National Public School Association has already borne good fruit . The Educational Question has been removed from the category of debateable theories into that of practical public measures . Sectarianism is knocked on the head in Manchester , at all events . Tlie difficulties which have heretofore seemed so insuperable , have melted like ice in the sunshine
Churchmen and Dissenters of all deiiominations , have at last found out that it is possible i to teach the rising generation the leading ; principles of morality , and the ordinary ^ branches of school instruction , without insisting , at the same time , upon their beings ; crammed with any particular creed ; and ««• : ther , that to do this , efficient voluntary efforts * are not enough , but that there must be a rcgu-ilar provision made by a public rate for thoio purpose .
All this is exceedingly gratifying , and not a a little suprising . We are naturall y excited tote speculate as to the cause which so unexpectedly ! ) brought together tho Dean of Manchester ^ Church clergymen , Wesleyan Ministers , Iutlele pendent Preachers , and Unitarian teachers , fofo this object . Without being too curious ou tlitlv subject , it is so singular an occurrence that wnv may be pardoned for venturing upon a sueses or two . r fa
Remembering the . cause of all other « reaoa reforms in this country then , we cannot " hdicl ] suspecting that the parties alluded to have bobo come convinced that the time for the cstauab hshmentof a National System of Education cannot be staved off much longer ; and , thoromi lore , rather than permit the enactment of » f » i broad , sweeping , and comprehensive measurart : thoymoan to forestall it h y such arrangement ^ as will m the main preserve and maintnitni ; their influence as a class . This has , indcecccc . been the practice of the priestly class in al a ages . They resist progress and imnrovemcmcn as long as they can , and when the tide lo likely to become too strong for themthcvde : de :
, terously launch themselves upon it , and guicuiii it as far as possible to their own cuds and id in forests . There can he little doubt but this us the real fln / miw ofthe new movement in MaMan cheater , else why propound a new scheme , tc , :: like , and yet so much inferior to that so 0 i " cently adopted at the Manchester Educatioaiom Conference h y Mr . Cobden and his friend s ? ls ?! If tho new converts to the doctrine th tin public schools should be secular in their foufoui dation , had no arriere pensee , they wouvotn never have dreamt of setting on foot a sepsep ? rate agitation . Having resolved on doidoii that , however , it will be the duty of the Se ^ tional Association to see that thev do not mt mm
or prevent the realisation of a thoroughly \\ y « sectarian plan of instruction . It is hig h tiili tiiii that tho disgrace was wiped away from t ra it country , of being next to Papal Italy , Sp Spm and Portugal , and to despotic Russia , in in ' want of any systematised and adequate ptc p > vision for the education of the people . So far as we comprehend the plan of of parties , who are , it appears , to be headed [ led the Bishop of Makciiestek , in oppositiontionn the National Aosociation and Mr . Cobdobd » : the leading provisions of both are identical . icaU any rate in words * Tho differences are , ap , app rently , m the deiails ; and they ought tot too closely watohedi . test these details should aid n trahse tli & sesmiijg advantages it holds out outt
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 18, 1851, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_18011851/page/4/
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