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£HE NEW LAND I COHPAKY.
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TO THE PEOPLE. M y Friends, You will hav...
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* '¦/ -*' ' y ff J- Iff' "' / * a 2 •"" ...
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" wrti rally around mm, again end again,...
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THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO THE CHARTISTS O...
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NATIONAL LAND AND LABOUR BANK. A meeting...
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Pai sley.—This branch meets the first Mo...
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€wtmt MUlHmt *
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At a Council meeting of members of the N...
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matter, and support their wn erder,—We r...
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Hakltjy and Shblton Branch-Win hold thei...
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V' V& ' i-i ' "¦- . a Pi l ' \ X ^ x v S...
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Transcript
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
£He New Land I Cohpaky.
£ HE NEW LAND I COHPAKY .
To The People. M Y Friends, You Will Hav...
TO THE PEOPLE . M y Friends , You will have learned , as well from the prospectus of Irish noblemen and gentlemen , sanctioned by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland , as from Sir William Somerville ' s " Landlord and Tenant Bill , " and from the several agricultural publications with whick the world is now favoured daily , that the question of the Land has become the all-absorbing topic with all parties and classes ; and , being the first to g ive the popular mind the proper direction upon this subject , I shall be the last to abandon its completion and fulfilment .
The last Conference declared , and wisely , that upon the . closing of the present Company , a New Company should be opened ; and , in compliance with that decision , it is now my pleasure to announce to you the conditions of the New Land Company . Having maturely considered the rules and provisions of the old Company , and three Conferences having met for the purpose of considering-, amending , and improving those rules , I have no substantial changes to suggest in the details ; while experience has taught me the necessity of altering some of our provisions . The conditions , then , upon which I propose to establish the New Company
are—Firstly—That the price of shares shall be 5 i for a two acre share ; 71 . 10 s . for a three acre share ; and 10 Z . for a four acre share . Secondly—That the expense of delegates to the Conference of the New Company shall be borne by the several localities , instead of being paid out of the general fund of the Company . TAirofy-That , if the law for the protection of Benefit Societies is extended to the present
Company , the New Company , instead of compelling us to resort to complete registration , will also be enrolled under its provisions ; but should the statute not be extended to the present Company , the members of the New Company shall at the first Conference appoint honourable trustees , in whose name land shall be purchased and contracts made for the benefit of the shareholders .
Fourthly —And this is rather matter of detail : When the funds of the New Company shall reach 2 , 000 / ., the members shall then elect delegates to meet in Conference , to decide upon trustees and other officers , for the management and government of its affairs . Fifthly—That until the meeting of the first Conference , the Company shall be managed by the present Directors , with one clerk at ; a salary of l / . per week , and that the Directors shall receive no additional salary up to the meeting of the first Conference .
I will now state my reasons for the proposed alterations . The increase in the price of shares I suggest , lest it might be necessary to raise money by way of mortgage , and with that view to secure a larger amount of p aid-up capital which may be invested in the purchase of estates ; and , even further , because I consider the figure , at those rates , excessively low . I propose that the expense of the several Delegates to Conference shall be borne by the
localities , because it will insure the more popular vigilant control of the members over the travelling expenses of their delegates ; and so enormous , and , in my opinion , so unjust , have been the charges ' of some of the delegates for travelling expenses , that I shall submit to the members of the present Company , previous to the meeting of the next Conference , the propriety of adopting a resolution that all delegates shall be allowed the third-class fare , provided the Conference meets in summer , and
that the carriages are enclosed . Perhaps the greatest change that I have to suggest in the management of the New Company is in the mode of balloting , and this alteration is consequent upon the fact , that the assistance of the Bank must , upon good faith , be confined to the operations of the present Company , unless confidence and reflection may sanction its application to both , without injuring the members of the present Gompanv—that is , that if national confidence
should become so extensive as to enable us to locate the members of the present Company , and if , upon good faith being kept with the Depositors , they should ! choose to re-invest their funds upon the security of the second Company , they would be at liberty to do so . But in order to supply this gap , to provide against the necessity of extensive mortgaging , and the securing Lof funds , independent of mortgage or loaa , I propose the following alterations in the Ballot—that is to
say-That any paid-up member may increase his chances in the ballot by additional p ayments , thus : —a two acre shareholder who has paid up may secure any number of chances , by paying 5 / ., or the price of his share for each ; thus , if he chooses to have six chances in the ballot he shall par up 30 * ., and in the event of drawing a prize the 25 / ., or the amount of the additional five shares , shall be placed to the credit of the redemption of his rent , at the
rate of four per cent ., but shall not be withdrawn ; that is to say , if A and B are two acre shareholders , if A has six chances and B only one , and if both draw prizes , and if the respective rents in ordinary cases would be 7 l . ayear , A , who has paid the five additional shares , shall only pay 61 . a year , while B , who has only paid one ' share , shall pay Jl . a year , A thus receiving his own Land as security for his own advanced capital .
Now I have no hesitation in saying , that this system would bring us in a large amount of money , and would secure a still larger amount " of outlay in improvements , by occupants of that class , while the principle could not possibl y operate to the disadvantage of any , as the chances of all would be considerably increased by the more frequent turnings of this description of property . Of course the same rule would apply to the three and four acre shareholders . The Expense Fund would remain the same as at present .
The reader will observe ; that while the principles upon which this Company is established differ , in some respects , from those upon which the original Company was established , that the objects are , nevertheless , identical ; while compensation for increased price of shares will be found in speedier location , while the accumulated capital will be eventually distributed amongst the shareholders . If there is any error more absurd than another , it is the presumption as to the necessity of enrolment or registration for such a company ; and happy . indeed , would I have been , if we had not allowed the interference of meddling beasts to drive us into the meshes of the law . All funds left for charitable or other
purposes are left by will , and . trustees are appointed . And when this Company is represented in a Conference , I shall be prepared to recommend the appointment of Sharman Crawford , and two other gentlemen , who will be jealous of the interests of the poor and watchful of my administration of their funds , as trustees , and in their name all estates shall fee purchased for tke stipulated purposes , and without the bother , the vexation , and expense of law , the conveyances shall be made by the trustees upon the members taking
possession . I am glad to find that the good sense of the people has smothered the ignorance of the fools . Think of a beast , who writes in the Manchester Examiner upon a question of which he is as ignorant as s cuckoo is of navigation , telling his readers , that , out of 100 , 000 / ., paid into the Bank , if 75 , o 0 ( tf . is invested in the purchase of Land , that the Bank is obliged to pay the interest upon the whole 100 . 000 / ., out of the interest upon the appropriated 75 , 000 / ., sinking altogether the unappropriated 25 , 000 / ., upon ¦ which sum the Bank receives a profit over its liability of lis . 3 d . per cent on Exchequer bills . Then , think of this fellow ' s presump-
To The People. M Y Friends, You Will Hav...
tion in putting down the manager ' s salary at 6007 . a year , when it is but 400 / ., and then , think of his lying rascality , when he tells you—Firstly . —That no bank EVER FAILED with Societies' money in it ; and then he tells you , that where such bank HAS FAILED , that the good-natured creditors have invariably acquiesced in the liquidation of the whole amount due to trade societies . Don't you think you see it ?—and don ' t you wish you may get it ? Now , what think you of a set of needy , warm-hearted , devoted creditors , having demands upon a broken bank , so far sympathising with Trades' Societies as to exempt that order of creditors from the usual rule ? But x : __ : * i : J < i . __ _ . , , .
what think you of this very fellow paying up his share , and signing this great bubble deed- — and what think you of his seventeen years ' service of your order , when scarcely a man of his class would condescend to speak to him ? My friends , this Society shall le established upon confidence in me , and security in vour trustees ; but the Bank is established upon the best laided security , and not upon love
or affection . And what would you think of a Joint-Stock Bank , with 100 , 000 / . capital paid up in not less than 1001 . shares—which the law prescribes—that is , 1 , 000 shareholders at 100 / . each , or 100 shareholders at 1 , 000 / . each ? and what do you think of the law that compels them to declare a dividend , and gives to them , THE SHAREHOLDERS , the whole profits made ? Now , wouldn't you like to distribute your confidence in that way ?
But , my friends , apart from love , affectien , and confidence , the whole of the Land purchased for the Company in my name , is perfect legal security to the depositors , and as soon as the Company is completely registered , or enrolled , under the 9 th and 10 th of Vict ., as the case may be , then the whole of the property will be assigned to the trustees , and by them will be made available security to the depositors ; and neither I , nor the trustees , could diminish that property by a farthing , or
apply it to other purposes than as security to the depositors ; and if 1 die to-morrow , that security would not be shaken . But in order to show you the authority upon which the press writes , I beg to submit the following let * ter , which appeared in the North Devon Journal , and which should have been signed "Humbug , " instead '' Anti-Humbug . " Now , read this letter of" Humbug , " and judge of the value of the information upon whicttthe Press founds its knowledge of our plan .
THE CHARTIST LASD COMPACT . TO * BE XDITOS Mf IHE ' SOUTH DEVON JOOEUAX .. * Sib , —In your last week ' s paper appeared an announcement from a Mr Heath that he had been 60 fortunate as . to secure an allotment from what he styles the ' National Land and !» sibonr Company , * and that fce Had paid j £ 2 . odd for ' . a house and two acres of escelleat land . ' Hi * concluding advice to the labouring clasies , to go and do likewise , ' induce * me to trouble you with a faw remarks , which I trust may lead them to pause ere they sdopt it . I believe this Land and Labour Scheme to be a device of unprincipled and designing men , wno impose upon the credulity of the unwary by hoIdtBgout in prospect advantages whieh can never tie realised by those who are so unwise as to mallow the gilded bait . When this scheme is so confidently recommended to our notice , it is but natural that we should
inquire—1 . —In nhose names the monies subscribed are in . rested ! 2 . —What security they give for the same , and what guarantee that their promises shall be fulfilled ! 3 . —Whether the subscribers hare any and what control over the administration of the Company ' s affair * ? As to the first point , it is sufficient fur any intellgent honest man to know , that the head and chief of the concern is Mr Feargus O'Connor—a briefless birrister , who but lately occupied a strong room in ( I think ) Carlisle gaol , and was maintained for some months at the public expense , while undergoing a sentence of imprisonment
for * sedition !'—that the land is purchased by him in his own aame , and that he exercises rights of ownership overit . In proof whereof I need only remark that his qualification for a seat in the House of Commons is one of the estates he has purchased with the money of his dupes . Trne , other names are given as connected with the scheme , hut they are , generally speaking , men of straw—puppets who are only set in motion when the mountebank pulls the wires from behind the sc « nes ; witi the exception of Mr Thomas Buncombe , who , atthough member for a metropolitan boroagh , had lately to pledge his privileges as an H . P . to exempt him from arrest for debt for some thousand pounds .
In the next place , the only security for the cash invested and for due performance of the contract , is such , and such alone , as the said Feargus O'Connor can give , —th » value of which can be estimated by the foregoing portraiture of his character ? Lastly , the subscribers have , confessedly , no control , whatever , over the concern ; and , ( as every one must be aware , from the fact that the land is purchased and the conveyance drawn in his name , ) for aught they could do
to prevent it , Feargus O'Connor might enjoy the property unmolested during his lifetime , and , at his decease , bequeath it to his heirs . It was one defect of the aid benefit clubs , that their originators held out fallacious inducements which eventually disappointed the hopes and expectations of industrious cartful men , who anticipated aid therefrom in the season of adversity—of old age and decrepitude ,. And the same must inevitably be the vase with any scheme which promises advantages disproportionate to the amount of contributions .
Mr Heath informs the pubHc , t > . at for a house and two acres of land , he has paid but £ 2 . 13 s . A & . to this Chartist Bubble Company . Will he also be so kind as to tell us who has possession of the ' title deeds ? ' and whether he has not to pay a pretty heavy interest on the total value of the property—fully equal to a moderate rental f He has clearly suppressed some such important fact . That' excellent' Land can be purchased in England for 27 s . per acre , with a house to the bargain , is a monstrous absurdity which no one but a lunatic would credit for a moment . Until Mr Heath supplies the required information , the working classes will be cautious how they act upon his suggestion to' Go and do likewise . * I am , Sir , your obedient servant , Anti-Huhbcg . Barnstaple , February , 7 th . 1848 .
Now , what say you to that specimen of "Anti-Humbug . " Well , my friends , the Directors are now empowered to enrol members in the New Company , and may it go on prospering and to prosper until England becomes a paradise , and I shall have proved myself worthy of your affectiou , your love , and your confidencethe only reward I desire for my service , persecution , and labour .
And with this single observation I conclude , namely—that if I chose to carry on this p lan on my own account , 1 would undertake , in less than ten years from this day , to possess the same amount of ministerial favour that Baron Rothschild now possesses , as I would be as rich , if not a richer man ; but as you accepted me as a present , I am resolved that the gift shall be profitable to you , and not to myself , as I am determined to leave the world better than I found
It . As my motion comes on on Tuesday week , for the extension of the law to the Land Company , if within that time the Attorney-General does not realise our expectations , and as the prayer will now be for enrolment , and not for handing it over to the Government , I shall expect a monster petition , signed by membersand non-members , to back me in my appeal , and I will not flinch from the performance of my duty . To work , then , slaves ; sign the petition for your emancipation , and let it be understood that we pray but for the protection of the law , and not for the violation of any one of its provisions . Let no time be lost—let the petition sheets be directed FOR M E to the Land Company's Office , No . 144 , Hig h Holborn , and let both ends be left open ; andabove all things , take care
, THAT EVERr BUNDLE OF NAMES SENT IS ATTACHED TO A WRITTEN PETITION , HOWEVER , SHORT , because , if names come alone , they will be stopped at the Post Office . And as the English lion is a whimsical beast when roused , who knows what size the monster may grow to in a whole week , having two Saturdays and two Sundays , and all should be posted on Sunday evening , the 27 th of February , at the latest . i remain , your devoted and faithful friend , FeaKgus O'ConnoK .
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AND ' NATIONAL _ TRADES' JOURNAL . VOL- XI . No 539- LONDON , SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 19 , 1848 . ~ Z ~~ J % ^^ f ™™^ " - ^ v-i t *¦ ^ j . JL . V ? xiF-xyj . p gj , i | , | am | Sixpence per Quarter . ti orfn n ¦ j ti . j i »» l
" Wrti Rally Around Mm, Again End Again,...
" wrti rally around mm , again end again , > m TO THE INDUSTRIOUS PEOPLE OF ENGLAND . M y Friends , The time has at length arrived when duty compels me to address you . I have struggled with you for now nearly sixteen years , as no man ever struggled with the people before , and during the whole of that period it has been my pride to have propounded practical measures for your consideration , and my every thought has been absorbed in the creation of such a mind as would lead to that result . . _ __ . _
A man , if he be insincere , does not spend the best of his days and the whole of his fortune in antagonism to the strong oppressor , but he developes his poorer for mischief , and then sells the popularity , that by bis cunning and his treachery he has achieved . The history of my day has yet to be written ; and the advent may be hastened by circumstances now passing around us in Europe , to which thought is not yet directed .
The humble peasant looks not beyond the door of his cot , the operative beyond bis loom , the blacksmith beyond his anvil , or the shoemaker beyond his last , while circumstances at adistance from him may be operating upon his condition . So it is now with the people of England , and my pride is , that the universal bubble of despotism , now about to burst in Europe , will have a less pernicious effect upon you , than upon any other people of the world . And why ? Simply because your mind is directed to the possession of the labour-field , from which , by the application of your industry , you may secure your reward in comfort ,
plenty , contentment , and peace . It is this wholsesome direction of the mind of England that has made my name terrible to tyrants ; because I have gathered up the will of England into one volition , which now bids defiance to the theorist and the quack . And dreading the effect of this powerful combination of thought , when developed in the House of Commons , and circulated throughout the world , the enemies of your order , the enemies of your interest , and the withholders of" your liberty , have sought to deprive me of that useful position in which the confidence , the courage , and , independence of the electors and non-electors or Nottingham has placed
me . Men of England ! Have I ever deceived you ? My conscience answers " Never . " Have I ever , in the most trying times , abandoned the post of danger ? or have I withheld my strength , my energy , or my property , from your service , when your necessities called for their expenditure ? If , then , an individual can establish such a claim to a nation ' s confidence , is he not justified in calling upon that nation for its support ? Mistake me not as to the term support . I do not use it in a pecuniary sense . I use it in a more endearing sense—your affection , as illustrated in your own
song—We'll rally around him , again and again . " Men of England , if I have not deceived you in our chequered and trying progress , from absolute weakness . to acknowledged strengthat is not to be presumed that I would have deceived you upon so important a question as my right to sit in Parliament , even under the previsions of that tyrannical restriction—( Property Qualification)—which we seek to destroy .
If I had presented myself to the electors of Nottingham without a sufficient qualification , and had allowed them to waste their confidence and power upon a mere useless struggle , I should hold myself in utter contempt ; and , therefore , as the day is now named ( THE SECOND OF MARCH , ) for testing that qualification , it will be consoling to you , as it is satisfactory to me , to be able to assure you , upon " the true faith of a Christian , " and upon the honour of a gentleman , that no member in the House of Commons can produce a better , a more
legal , equitable , and unexceptionable qualification than I can ! But then , my friends , met as I have been by persecution upon every turn , it was to be expected that a eombination of treachery and wealth would be created to try the experiment of . weakening your influence through my rejection . And from the experience that I have learned from ; past Committees , it may be that no sacred bond or obligation may save me from a similar fate now . And , although I do not write to prepare you for such a result , having no possible right to anticipate it , yet I ask you not to be taken by surprise if another election for Nottingham should he the result of the petition against me . If such should be the case
I will stand before the men of Nottingham again , and I will swear , upon my oath , before the returning officer , to the same qualification which I now possess ; and my return having been procured by the most pure and honourable means I shall expect a similar result b y the same means , strengthened by your enthusiasm , your justice , and your sense of wrong , attempted to be practised against me because I am your friend . Men of the Midlands , yea , men of England , if they should force us to this repetition of our strength , the assurance of our power , and the courage of the electors and non-electors of Nottingham , we will show them such a Not , tingham as England never saw before .
If treachery should triumph , I will again throw myself upon the people of Nottingham , and from the time 1 arrive until I" bruise the serpent's head" I will never lay mine head upon a pillow , I have traversed your streets by night and by day , and have spent my own money freely to secure the men of your choice when I had no other interest in the election . I fought the great battle of Nottingham in your Marketsquare , for Joseph Sturge , and rather " than allow tyranny such a triumph , as my loss to your eause would be , I will fi g ht the battle again .
Every town in England , within , one hundred miles of Nottingham , will contribute its delegates ; while Mansfield , Sutton-in-Ashfield , Derby , Leicester , and , though last not least , Carrington , and my agricultural children from the villages , will rally to the cry of "The Charter is in danger / ' and will join me in my watchhour to guard the fortress against the enemy . My friends , the enemy , presuming upon the lull which the hope of the free castle and the Labour-field has created , may calculate upen your apathy , but they will be deceived , as , when I am unjustl y dealt by , my daring in the cause of justice knows no bounds ; and , by heaven , I would rather risk my life against the most fearful odds , than' allow Whiggery the triumph that my rejection would insure .
Men of Nottingham , my every act has been so consistent and free from imputation , that 1 will be amongst you immediatel y after the decision , should it be unfavourable , and there , in the Market-place , I will read for you my qualification and the opinion of Counsel upofl it , and then England will understand the nature of her future struggle . She will see that all legitimate means of developing the people ' s wrongs and advocating their cause are denied to them , and that their future course must be regulated accordingly / H 'fhe nations of he world are"now , one and
" Wrti Rally Around Mm, Again End Again,...
all , bestirring themselves in the cause of freedom , while Whig tyranny hopes to shackle the English mind b y the appliances yet at its command . And having some experience now of its resuscitated hope , I have no hesitation in saying- the monster is more insolent , daring , presumptuous , and cruel than ever . But having fought it in its palmy days of power , when persecution wa tolerated because not boldly resisted , shall we turn our back to the enemy now , when , aftsr years of struggle , of suffering , and persecution , we have defied its vengeance ? My friends , I remain , Your faithful friend and Unpurchasable Representative , Feargus O'Connor . oll kn „ 4-: __ : „ . _ . 1 1 . ., „ „
The Executive Council To The Chartists O...
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN .
Bbothbb Chartists , —We feel ourselves called upoa at the present time to direct your attention to one of the most foul and unjustifiable attacks made by faction , against our much-esteemed and beloved champion ^ Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . for Nottingham . The base supporters oi' a corrupt and demoralising system , fearing that by his presence in the House of Commons , not only as the member for Nottingham , but as the representative of the unenfranchised " millions of toiline slaves in Great Britain and Ireland , would in him have an advocate , who would make known their wrongs in the Senate House of the nation , nave , for the purpose of acoompliahiog tbeir base designs , presented a petition
againt bis having a seat in the House of Common * , on the plea that hia qualification is not sufficient . Brethren , we think we can with confidence appeal to you , and ask , has Mr O'Connor at any time deceived you ? We feel that your answer will be an emphatic * bo 1 ' Snob being the ca & C rean you for one moment believe that he would act so impolitic & part as to tender a qualification that was insufficient to meet the demands of even that absurd portion of our system the Property Qualification , well knowing as he did that no means would be left untried to deprive him of his Beat , and you of hie influence in the Legislature , and at the same time throw away . the almost superhuman exertions of the brave men of Nottingham at the late election ? No , friends ,
Mr O'Connor eould not act so foolish a part , and we can confidently assert , that there is nos in the House of Commons a member who baa a bstter qualification than that of Mr O'Connor . But that avails Toothing ; the object of the tools of faction will be served , ho matter which way the thing ends ; for if he keeps his seat , which we have ever ; reason to expect he will , yet they will have succeeded in throwing upon him an enormous expense to de fend himself from their hellish plot . Brethren , this ought not to be—nay , we have that faith in the Democracy of this country , to say it shall not be . They are fully aware of the many sacrifices Mr O'Connor has made on their behalf , and the readiness with which he has at all times come to the
rescue of the poor man , when the fangs of the oppressor had laid hold of them . On such occasions hia purse , his person , and his labour , were freely expended for the people . We think , therefore , brother Chartists , it is the duty of the people now to rally round our champion and patriot , by pouring in the funds to enable Mm to defend bis seat / without a farthing expense to himself . In fact , it ia the people ' s seat , and they are in honour bound to defend it . There is no time to be lost—the second of March next is the day appointed by parliament for tho examination of this important question , therefore we have only this week to do the work in . Thereforelet
the watchword be ' Now ' s the day and now ' s 'the hour , ' and we expect every man who has a spark of Democracy within his system , to subscribe his mite , be it ever so small , and prove to the world that they are Chartists in something more than name ; and teach faction that they shall not crush our champion , and we stand calmly by and not stretch a nerve to assist him . No ; our love for our fatherland forbids it , Our allegiance to the holy cause of freedom forbids it . Oar love to our offaprini ; forbids it ; and our duty to our-chief , whd has stood by us in calm and storm , in prosperity and adversity , and has ever been ready lo take the field , when the glorious Charter of our and our children ' s liberty has been in danger .
In conclusion , brethren , there is no time to be lost ; send your subscriptions at once to Mr Clark , Hi High Holborn , London , by Post Office Orders , or small sums may be sent in stamps . We are , gentlemen , your faithful friends and servants , the Executive Council , Christopher Dotlb , secretary .
National Land And Labour Bank. A Meeting...
NATIONAL LAND AND LABOUR BANK . A meeting of the Masons of the Craven Lodge took place on Tuesday , the 15 th instant , at the Craven Head , Drury-lane , for the purpose of hearing a statement with respect to t ' . ie affairs of the Bank , and of considering the propriety of placing part of the lodge funds in the Deposit Department . The meeting was most respectably attended , and every facility given to the Bank-Manager , Mr Price , in his endeavours to place fairly before the meeting the several advantages held out in the Bank prospectus . After apologising for Mr O'Connor ' s absence , who was unavoidably detained at the House of
Commons , Mr Price commenced a long address , by stating that he was instructed by Mr O'Connor to attend , in accordance with a request from some leading members of the lodge , but that his main object was most distinctly not to ask for assistance to the Bank , but to explain its princi p les , and t « allow those principles to have full effect after the most mature reflection . He was not aware what banking establishment at present had custody of the lodge funds , but , judging from the appearance of its members , they were not men to entrust them to any but the most honourable hands . Let them , therefore , reflect deeply on what they were about to do , and weigh the advantages promised by the National Land and Labour Bank , before they
ventured to leave an old established and respected connexion for the mere sake of higher interest . The first thing to be considered was the character of the hanker ; and Mr Price entered into that of Mr F . O'Connor , and dealt with the attacks made upon it by a portion of the press in sv . ch a manner as to convince his hearers , thatfif any treachery was ever meditated by that gentleman , he had allowed the best opportunities to pass without carrying his evil intentions into practice . With regard to Mr O'Connor ' s claim to support from the masons 111 particular , Mr Price remarked , that when a banker built his counting house there was an end of all connexion between him and his workmen , except that he was always ready to take charge of their savings and pay ne inteiest for them : Mr O'Connor , on the other
hand , however , employed a vast number of masons throughout the country , and as fast as one job was finished another was begun ; in addition to which he took charge of their money , and gave a liberal rate of interest for it . Mr Price then explained the mode in which depositors in the Bank would have a valid claim ( in the event of Mr O'Connor ' s death ) , on his executors for the amount of their funds ; inasmuch as when a loan was effected with the Land Company , the title deeds would be conveyed by a short instrument te Mr O'Connor in trust for the
dep ositors . All expenses of this nature of the Bank , ing Establishment were paid by the Land Company out of the Expense Fund , which would explain how the Bank ] could afford to pay so high a rate of interest as four per cent without any pressure . Mr Price stated , that when money was deposited by the trustees of a benefit society , it might be withdrawn without any notice , provided it was required to pay members on strike . Various questions were put , at Mr Price ' s { invitation , to which he gave ready and it is believed satisfactory replies , for the meeting
separated highly pleased with the explanations given , and several members , who before strongly opposed the Bank , gave it their unqualified approval . It is confidently expected that when the result of the meeting Incomes known to the different lodges , the matter will be warmly taken up , and that the funds will be diverted from their present custody into that of the Labour Bank . A vote of thanks to Mr Price was kindly proposed and seconded by two of the members , and carried unanimously , after , which at a late bo « r , the meeting was dissolved .
Pai Sley.—This Branch Meets The First Mo...
Pai sley . —This branch meets the first Monday and third Saturday of every mouth , at eight o ' clock in the evening , in their Room ; 113 , George-street . Stockport . —On Sunday next Mr James Leech of Manchester , will lecture in the Lyceum , Wellingtonstreet , at six o ' clock .
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At A Council Meeting Of Members Of The N...
At a Council meeting of members of the National Charter Association , held at the Assembly Rooms , 83 , Dean-street , Soho , on February 8 th , Mr Cuffay , moved and Mr Milno seconded , the following resolution : — ' That tho lecture , delivered by Mr Gill on the 6 th inst ., be sent to the Northern Star for insertion . ' Thos . Almond , chairman . [ We are sorry that want of space prevents us from gratifying the wish of the Council ; however , we give the following extract . The lecturer Wing described the horrors of the last French war—having shown who bore the blows and expenses of that war—and who received its honours and emoluments , proceeds
: 1—There is a war which is justifiable—selfpreaemtion . Reason sanctions it , and nature approves it ; the Greater of life has implanted it in our hearts . The brute creation will defend its food and its young , and man is justified in protecting hia life and property against those who would deprive him of it . If he is robbed , has he not a right to recover that which is stolen ? Liberty is bis birthright ; if this be taken from him , is he not justified in endeavouring to regain it ! The Creator gave the earth to man , with power ever everything upon it , for his use , on which he should live by the sweat of his brow ; "But man has marred Jehovah ' s plan —what He made freeman has enslaved—that which He gave to all . " a ,-few have- mononoliaed . In the
streets and lanes , the garrets and cellars , of this great metropolis , thousands of unwitting idlers are dying of starvation . Those who have built the palaces and other national structures of our greatness are without a shelter for their heads ; the weavers of cloth , and those who-have fashioned it into garments , are without a rag to cover them ; the bees who have made the honey are denied its sweets , and are suffocated by the class-made laws of faction . Look to Ireland in her misery and destitution—look to yourselves , fast approximating to her condition , and say whether there should be peace with such a state of things as this . We are called upon to strengthen our national defences , when we have lost everything we had to defend , and we are
expected to do this by those who have robbed us , that they might enjoy their stolen property . Be our answer this : —Give us our Charter , and we will cherioh it—give us our liberty , and we will protect it—give us our land , and we will defend it—make us happy in the possession of our inalienable rights , and then yon shall find every British-homestead a ca tle , each house a garrison , protected by its natural defenders . Do this , and yon will not need the ballet or impressment ; the plough , the loom , the anvil , and the workshop shall furnish forth recruits , and you shall find an army of free soldiers , ready at command to protect their liberty , lives , and property—an army that shall set at defiance the combined forces of all the tyrants of the world . The' Iron Duke' fears an
invasion of the French . I tell the doting old man that he fears the onward march of freedom . I tell him that his greatest enemy ( democracy ) is already landed—is in the oamp—is in the centre of the metropolis . I tell him , too , that we are determined to have our rights before we fight fer tho property of ethers , If we are too ignorant to have a voice in making the laws which we are compelled to obey , we are too ignorant to draw a sabre or pull a trigger ia their delence , The banner Of liberty waves triumphantly over the mountains of Helvetia , and the hardy Switaers are prepared to defend it . Rome has raised the shout of freedom . Sicily , like a phoenix from its ashes , has arisen , demanded , fought for , and obtained her tights—and
all honour and praise he given to the heroic women of Palermo , who threw their household goods and bailing water on the heads of the hired assasaias of their tyrant . The king of Naples has con-Ceded , but his offeta are rejected by the Sicilians . No terms should be made with tyrants—the } should be sent to the right about . Kingcraft and Priestcraft have too long misgoverned the earth , it is time they were swept away , and only looked at in the book of time with horror and abhorrence for the bloody record of their reigns . In France and Spain , in Portugal and Germany , the tree of liberty is spreading its roots . This is the invasion you are called upon to resist . The thrones of Europe are tottering , and will you prop them up ? The people are struggling
for freedom , and will you aid their oppressors to enslave them ? No , my 1 ' riendfl , we will rather assist them , till not a vestige of irresponsible power remains on the earth . The Democrats of Europe are uniting in one common bond of brotherhood , and the prejudices of nations are fast giving way . Our principle ? , promulgated in the Star , are copied in the French and German papers and disseminated through those countries . Chartism has taken root in Ireland . As a body , we are acknowledged , feared , and respected , by all the political sects in our own country . Let us then , before we talk of assisting other nations , struggling to be free—let us preve our sincerity by emancipating ourselves—let us extend our organisation and enlist recruits under our banner . Tell me of
heroes and conquerors' laurels—here alone is true honour and glory to be found , in the land of patriots , whose common object is the redemption of man from thraldom . I will take the man of a . hundred battles and place him in juxta position with cur indomitable chief , Feargus O'Connor . Liokat the shrivelled , blood-stained warrior—he totters under the weight of his honours—he cowers at the blast of his fame . The dying shrieks of hia million victims must for ever ring in his ears—the ruin of many a happy home is on his head—the maledictions of widows and orphans follow hia steps—the ensanguined plain be ever before his eyes . Tottering on the brink oi eternity what hope can Christianity give this destroyer of his race ? Yet he still thirsts for his favourite bevera ge
and vampire-like calls for blood , But look on the robust form , the open countenance , and manly brow of O'Connor . He builds houses instead of destroying them—he makes happy homes , instead of blasting them , he cultivates the land instead of destroying the harvest ; instead of enslaving , he has devoted the bestyears of hia life in the regeneration and enfranchisement of man—instead of death , he ' is surrounded by the stalwart sons of toil ; instead of ourses the ( blessings of mothera and their offspring everywhere attend his footsteps . Whose laurels are the greenest ? which of them is the greenest ? We can now give a practical illustration of what Chartism is , and what it will be , by pointing to the happy homes on the Chartist estates . The proof of a
nation ' s greatness is to be found in the happiness of its peasantry , and not in its standing army , its rural police , its prisons , or its bastiles . We can now present a miniature model , where men dwell together in peace and harmony—where they rise with the lark and lie down with the lamb—where they bow for themselves , and reap the fruit of their industry , free of the interference of exacting landlords and in defiance of executions and ejectments . Such would England be under the Small Farm System , with the Charter for its protection . Should foreign foes then dare invade us » Britannia ' s sons would atrikefor home and their fatherland , and hurl the hostile invaders in the waves ; that wash our sea-girt isle . This is a state of things worth living , and , if needs be—dying for . For
Par dearer lbs grave or the prison , Illumed by one patriot ' s name , Than the trophies of all whobava risen , On liberty ' s ruin te fame . [ The lecture elicited bursts of applause . ] Address of tds Members of tub Orange So ciktt OF QuEENflHBAB , 10 THR WoUKMG CLASSES . —We , the members of the Orange Society , held at the Marquis of Granby , Queenshead , have viewed with extreme pain , the rancorous animosity which formerly existed betwixt the membeis of our order and another portion of her Majesty ' s subjects ; not , we are sorry to say , without ample cause . We have Ions since abandoned the principles on which societies bearing this name acted . We acknowledge
only the principles of Universal Brotherhood , and exist only for the purpose of supporting each other . Our attention has been called to the impolicy of the working classes lending their hard-earned money to the profit-rnongering capitalist , to bo afterwards used as an engine of oppression , We resolved fast winter to commence acting on a different principle , and accordingly we withdrew our gold from the hands of the profit-mongers , and opened & co-operative store , for the purpose of supplying our owa members and neighbours with a good article at a reasonable price , and thus reduce the enormous profits whiah were at that time being realised . In this we have been eminently successful . In consequence of the attack which has been made on the Chartist Land Scheme and Land and Labour Bank , our attention has been
called to those institutions . We immediately procured a copy of the rules , which w » hava carefally read and discussed . After mature consideration , we have come to the conelusien that the bank offers the beat possible security—infinitely superior to the promise-to-pay security of other banks . We are likewise of opinion that the purpose to which it is to bo applied , viz : —that of emancipating labour from the grasp of capital , and placing the labourer in an independent position ; together with tho superior interest which it offer ? , arc advantages which ought not to be slighted or neglected . Accordingly , ^ e have come to a resolution to send what spare capital we have to that bank , amounting at present to tho sum of £ 20 . Hoping that the working classes will begin o look seriously into the
Matter, And Support Their Wn Erder,—We R...
matter , and support their wn erder , —We remain , youra truly , the Members of the Orange Society , Queenshead-Jobn Lilly , Secretary . Southampton . —Mr Saunders delivered a lecture on Tuesday night , Feb . 8 th , at the Burton Alehouse . The lecture was highly applauded a subscription was commenced m support of Mr O'Connor ' s seat in parliament .
Ipswich . — 1 herewith acquaint you « f a move , ment in that class in which I am happy to atate you take great interest , namely , the working clasaeA and you will , 1 am sure , feel much more interested when I inform you that the meeting ef which I am about to speak was convened , presided over , aad addressed entirely by working man . A meeting called by handbills washeld on Monday evening , Feb . 14 tb , in the Temperance Hall . The attendance numbered from six to eight hundred . The following resolutions were unanimously adopted , and concluded with three hearty cheers for Feargus O'Connor and the Land : — ' That it ia opinion of this meeting , that all war is inimicable to man ' s best interest , inasmuch as it prevents the development of tboie teelingg
and habits which alone can aeeure pence on earth and gosd will to man ; this meeting , therefore , pledges itself to oppose to its uttermost , everything that has a tendency to create a war spirit amuag the inhabitants of this country . " * That this meeting believes tho invasion cry has been raised as a pre « text for creating places for the idle scions of the aristocracy , A . nd to retard the growing spirit of democracy , and therefore protests in tire strongest manner possible against any increase in our naval and military establichments ' ' That it is the opinio of this meeting , that the spirit of war is fostered and engendered by the corruption of irresponsible government , which would be best remedied , by the adoption of the People ' s Charter as the law of
the land . ' That the petition new read founded on the resolutions , be signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting , and that E . H . Adair , Esq ., M . P ., ba requested to . present aad support th © antne . ' An application was made for the use of our town hall , and wa « refused by the Mayor ; the meeting was presidetfover by Mr Francis . The proposer and seconders of the resolutions , were MrBoe ley , Mr Warner ; Mr Gosling , MrM'Phersonj Mr Garrod , Mr Pearse ; Mr Chapman , Mr Cook . The meeting originated with the council of the Charts ? Association , Chorlkt . —A public meeting was held here on ths 9 th inst ,, in the George Jnn Large Room , for the purpose of hearinc a lecture from Mr Donovan , on
the Land and the Ch > rter , Mr Rhodes presided over the meeting , which was a bumper . After the National Petition had been read to the meeting , its adoption was moved and eecemded , when the chairman called upon Mr Donovan to address the meet * ing , which he did in a most able , talented , and spirited manner , for about two hours and a half . and resumed his seat much applauded , after which the chairman rose and made a few remarks on the utility and necessity of adopting the National Petition ; the motion being put , every hand in the room was held up for it , when three cheers were given for our friend and champion . Feargus 0 'C"nnor , three for the Land and the Charter . A vole of tbanka was then awarded to Mr Donovan for his abh and
talented lecture ; a like compliment waa given tokho chairman ; the meeting dissolved highiy delighted * As Mr Dovovan was at liberty the following evening , arrangements were made to have another lecture » n the same subject , accompanied with remarks on the National Land and Labour Bank . These lectures have made a deep impression on the mimli of the working classes of this town in favour of the Charter and the Land Plan . A Chartist Association is being formed . National Registration and Csntiui- Elkctioh Committee . —This body met at the Assembly-rooms , 83 , Dean-street , Sohe , on Tuesday evening , Feb . 15 th , Mr Godwin in the chair . An additional quantity of the committee ' s address was ordered to be printed for distribution . A letter was read from Mr Birley , relative to the late Blackburn election ; the secretary ( Mr Grassby ) was instructed to reply thereto . The committee then adjourned .
National victim CeiatimE . — The secretary ( Mr J . Simpson ) acknowledges the fnllowing on behalf of the general fund : —from Sheffield , per M * w , J , Holmes , Is , 9 d , ; Mrs Tanner , Totneea , lav The committee would remind their friends of the address issued on behalf of ths > law-made Widow Jones . FrbsIOn . —A branch of the National Charter Association was formed on Sunday evening last , in the room of Mr Frankland , Lane-street . Mr John Bartlett was appointed secretary , Mr John WeighJ president , Mr Peter Eddlestone , treasurer . Tho above room will be open to the public every Sunday evening , from six o ' clock to ten , when the Korthkbh Stab , Weeklt Express , Labourer , and other popular publications will be read . On Sunday , evening next the following subject will be discussed : ' Were tho wants of the working classes better attended to in ancient than in modern times . ' Discussion t & commence at half-past sis .
St Helen ' s . —Mr Donovan lectured at this place on the 2 nd inst . The National Petition w & a adopted . Staunton , near Sxig ' s-Ekd . —A public meeting was held » t the Feathers Inn , on Monday evening week . The meeting was addressed by Mr Sidaway ,. apd other speakers . A branch of the Charter Association was formed , and officers appointed . Tiverton . —The quarterly meeting of the Chartist Association took place in the large room at tho Half Moon Inn , on Friday . Feb . 4 th . Mr \ V . Kibbey was called to the chair . The chairman stated th ? . * collectors had been appointed to wait on their friends , and receive their contributions for the defence of Mr O ' Connor ' s seat in parliament ; and it there were any friends in the room who had not been called on , and were willing to give , their contributions would
now be received . The secretary of the Land Company then stated , that there bad" been collected from the members of the Land Company , and the Chartists , of Tiverton , upwards of £ 1 . ( te , and that the collection was still going on . It was then proposed , ' That the committee be empowered to appoint collectors to take in the subscriptions weekly , instead of at the monthly meetings , as heretofore ; a ? . d that the members be considered level on the books up to this night . ' Sis committeemen were then chosen to fill the place of sis whose term of office had expired . The secretary and treasurer were then reelected for another six months . The balance "beet was then read , but the treasurer not being present it was agreed that it remain over till the next meeting night . Three cheers were given for Feargus O'Connor , Esq . and Julian Harney ; and thasks being voted to the chairman , the meeting separated .
Tbio . nmouth , —On Monday , the 7 th inst ., the first stone of a Hall was laid by Master Upton , eleven years old , the son of Mr James Upton , of the said town , a raembfr of the Land Company , and a Chartist . The town appeared quite animated on th © occasion . The Teignmouth Saxe-Horn Band , composed of Land members , and conducted by Mt Chasty , schoolmaster , of Shaldon , a sine re Chartist , played through the streets . It is worth remarking that this building , which will be 63 feet long by 33 feet wide , was set on foot by the indefatigable agent of the National Land Company , Mr James Edwards , owing to the proprietors ot the public rooms entreating of hira not to have Mr West lecture there during his late tour in Devon , though Mr K . was after
paying *! . 10 s . 6 d . for the use of one room for a few hours , with which he would not comply . Thanks to six working men—Chartists also—three months will not roll around until a Hall will be ready , which shall be epen to all parties . In the evening the band and several friends—over forty—sat down to a good substantial supper , at Mr Windeat ' s Temperancehouse . Alter the cloth was remejved Mr Edwards was elected chairman , and Mr Upton vice-chairman . Tho chairman explained the proceedings very minutely , and closed by stating that he felt quite assured of succeeding in their object , and securing for themselves a remunerative rate of interest for their outlay , besides having a place of meeting from
which the people will not be excluded at the wink of any aristocrat in existence . On ' Success to the undertaking' being drank , Mr O'Brien , of Exeter , responded in a neat ? peeoh . ' The people , tho source of all power , ' was given with all the honours . On the health of that noble patriot , Feargus O'Connor , Esq . M . P . being proposed , every countenance glowed with joy , after which the cheering lasted for ten minutes and more . ' The other directors of the National Land Company , ' 'T . S . Duncorabe , Esq . M . Pmay he soon be restored to perfect health . ' ' T . Wakley , Esq . M . P ., land the friends of labour throughout the empire . ' At twelve o ' oloek the chair was vacated . Three cheers were given for the Charter .
Receipts of the Central Registration akd Election Committee , Dundee ; per Jam ' - 's Graham , 8 a . Yd . James Graasby , Secretary . Mottium . —Mr Robert Wild delivered an addvsss on ' Class Legislation , ' to a respectable and numerous audience . A vote of thanks was given to Mr R . Wild , for his able lecture , and untiring exertions in the cause of democracy . * 1 . 8 s . was colleeted to aid in the defence of Mr O'Connor ' s seat in the House of Commous .
Hakltjy And Shblton Branch-Win Hold Thei...
Hakltjy and Shblton Branch-Win hold their half-yearly meeting in the Christian Brethren s Meeting Room , Market-street , Hanley , on Monday evening next , the 21 st inst ., to examine the accounts & t * d elect t > fficetBit > Tth » ia « taiKmon . ths . EhLAND .-Mr J . Bowden will lecture *» « " « P taoa on Sunday , February 20 th , at six 0 clock in the TSuAw LANE .-Mr "Thlfvtf at lecture at this place , on Sunday , February 20 th at six o ' clock in the evening . Subject : The powers of ' Coventry . — Persons wiehirg to join the National Benefit Society can do so at the house of Mr Hosier , every Friday evening , Coach and Ilorses ' -yard , Much Park-street . The members ot the National Charter Association , meet every Monday evening , at eight o ' clock , at Mr Priohavd ' a Temperance Coffeerooms .
V' V& ' I-I ' "¦- . A Pi L ' \ X ^ X V S...
V ' V & ' i-i ' "¦ - . a Pi l ' \ x v J V fci i A r " *» rfT \ V , S u ff i
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 19, 1848, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_19021848/page/1/
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