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contributedtestifto its ! The irit of co...
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TO TAILORS. Ba avvrobation of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, and
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A Check-Mate.—A few weeks ago a young man from the neighbourhood ot Manchester was met in
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the street at Liverpool by one of his ne...
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NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. : Now ready for d...
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The . readers of; the " Northern Star," ...
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J. Pattbon, Berry Edge.—By a typographic...
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THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 81,1850
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THE MANCHESTER CONFERENCE. Shall there b...
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THE DIVORCE COMMISSION. The absurdity of...
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WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH THE f POPE AND THE...
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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.
Contributedtestifto Its ! The Irit Of Co...
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To Tailors. Ba Avvrobation Of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, And
TO TAILORS . Ba avvrobation of Her Majesty , Queen Victoria , and
Ad00411
H . R . M . Fnnce Albert . ¦ NOW READY , THE LONDON and PARIS FASHIONS fer AUTUMN and WINTER 1850-1 , the most splendid and superbly-coloured PRINT ever before published by Messrs . Benjamin READ and Co ., 12 , Hart-street , Blooms-Tjury-square , London ; andby 6 . BER 6 ER , lIolyweU-street , Strand . This exquisitely engraved Print will be accompanied with Riding , Dress , Frock and Shooting Coat Vat-• terns , aUef the newest and most fashionable style , and every part folly iUustrated both for Catting and Making-np . Also the registered Cape and Cloak Paletot for persons of aU nations , the most convenient garment ever neiore lntxodoced , and witt admit of great variety »^ j 5 l ° | a" ( snaHng-up : every particular explained . K ^ « T „ ? - eording to act of parliament by Re *? and Co :, 28 . h Angnst 1850 . AU ££ ons VO ^^^ J ^^ J ^ Bb ^ to into « iUV «^ '^^^ KI 2 SS ! par
Ad00412
ImE LONDON CO-OPERATIVE STORES are now opened at 76 , Chaslotte Street , Frrzaov Scuabe , In connexion with the Society for Promoting Working Ken's Associations . 1 . —Object of the Stokes . To enablemembers of the above-named Association , and other persons who may desire it , to obtain articles , of daily nse perfectly free from adulteration , of the best quality , and the lowest charge , after defraying the necessary expense of management , distribution , and providing for a reserrefund . Co-operative stores have been established with much success in different parts of the kingdom . The henefi t to the subscribers may be judged of from the fact that the subscribers to the Pioneer Store in Rochdale , divided in the last year £ S 0 l ) afterpayment of aU expenses , although the goods were charged considerably below the ordinary price . 2 . —Operatioxs of the Stokes .
Ad00413
HEALTH WHERE 'TIS SOUGHT . ' HOLLOW AT'S PILLS . Cure of a Disordered liver and Stomach , when in a most hopeless state . Extract of a Letter from Mr . Matthew Harvey , of Chapel Hall , Airdrie , Scotland , dated the 15 th of January , 1850 . Sir , — -Tour valuable pills have been the means , with Cod ' s blessinz , of restoring me to a state of perfect health , and at a time when I thought I was on the brink of the grave , I had consulted several eminent doctors , who , after ^ oi uc vrbat they could for me , stated , that they considered
Ad00414
LETTERS- TO THE HIERARCHIES , By Robert Owbk . Also toElCHARD COBDKN , Esq M P . » w ^ observations on the means to weu-place , well-employi and well-educate the population and other interesting matter , in . ROBERT OWEN'S JOURMl , ' No . 7 and 8 . No . 9 will contain LETTERS TO THE CHABr TISTS , AND TO THE CABINET MINISTERS . Published weekly by Clayton , 265 , Strand ; and Watson , Queen's Head Passage , Paternoster Row . Price , Id ., and in Monthly . Parts .
Ad00415
Education for the Millions , ENLARGEMENT OF THEJATIQNAL INSTRUCTOR . The First Number of the New Series of THE NATIONAL mSTRDCTOH " Will be published on January 4 th , 1851 . SIXTEEN LABGE ROYAL OCTAVO PAGES , Price One Penny . The object of the Proprietor , Fbargus O'Cohhob , Esq , ., M . P ., is lo place within the reach of the poorest classes that Political and Social Information of whick they are at present deprived by the Government" Taxes on Knowledge . "
Ad00416
' liberty—Equality—Fraternity . * EARLY NEXT FEBRUARY WILL BE PUBLISHED The First Number of THE P E OP L E . » 'We'll struggle on till all be won the good God has designed . The Euros of the People—the Monarchy of Mind . ' A NEWSPAPER established by private individuals is manifestly inadequate to the attainment of any great National object . 'It is , ' says a distingulshed Irish writer , 'in many particulars defective , in many others injurious , and in some dangerous , unsafe , and untrustworthy ; it may be bought or bartered ; it may be traded with and trafficked on ; it may be corrupted , conquered , or intimidated , and offers no guarantee for firmness , independence , or honesty . "— Influenced by these considerations , a number of Irishmen—deeply Interested
Ad00417
Politics : The world a republic . Religion : To do all the good possible . G- CAVILL , Democratic Temperance Hotel 33 , Qneen-street , Sheffield , TOBACCONIST AND GENERAL STATIONER , Agent for the 'Northern Star , ' and other Cheap Publications , Begs to announce that the above extensive premises have been refitted with a plentiful supply of good beds . Those friends who visit this town will meet with ample accommodation on the most reasonable terms . N . B . —Chops , steaks , and all kinds of Temperance Beverages always on hand . Public News Boom up the Passage .
Ad00418
On the 1 st of January , Price Sixpence , No . 1 of a New Monthly Journal , THE ENGLISH REPUBLIC An endeavour to explain Republican Principles ; to re ord Republican Progress ; and to establish , a Republican Party in England . Edited by W . J . Lnrros . J . Watssn , 3 , Queen ' s Head-passage . Paternoster-row .
Ad00419
NATIONAL CHARTER . ASSOCIATION . Office , 14 , Southampton-street , . Strand . THE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE herebyannonnce the following meetings : — On Sunday Evening next at the Rock Tavern ,, Lissongrove—Princess Royal , Circus-street , Marylebone—King and Queen , Foley . strest , Portland-place—Bricklayers ' Arms , Tonbridge-street , New-road—Crown and Anchor , Cheshire-street , Waterloo Town—Globe and Friends , Morgan-street , Commercial-road-east—and New Eastern Literary and Scientific Institution , Morpeth-street , Greenstreet , Bethnal Green . On the same evening , Mr . James Finlen will lecture at the City Hall , 26 , Golden-lane , Barbican . Subject : — ' The Charter and the Chartists . ' £ On tbe same evening the late Whittington and Cat Locality will meet in the large room at the Woodman Tavern , White-street , Waterloo Town , ( where for the future this locality will meet ) Messrs . Davis , of the Executive , and Crowe , late of Totnill Fields Prison , will attend and address the meeting .
Ad00420
Woodman Locality , late Whittington and Cat . NOTICE . THE CHAETIST LOCALITY who lately met at the Whittington and Cat , have now removed to the Woodman Tavern , White-street , Waterlootown , where Mr . William Davis , of the Executive , and Mr . Robebt Crowe , late of Tothili Fields Prison , wiU lecture on Sunday next , at eight o ' clock . R . Blooufteld , Sscretary .
Ad00421
FRATERNAL FESTIVAL , ON NEW YEAR'S EVE , DECEMBER 81 st , 1850 , THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS will hold their Annual Festival , in . the LlTEBABT AHD SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION , JoHN . StBHET , Tottenham Codbt-Road . Arrangements have been concluded to render the programme worthy of the occasion , as the Fraternal Democrats will be honoured with the presence of several of the most distinguished chiefs of the Continental Democrats , French , Gtrman , and Italian . The Programme will include Tea , Concert , and Ball . Short addresses will be delivered by several of the principal exponents of British Democracy . The members of the Apollonic Society , assisted by the powerful organ of the Institution , will'perform a selection of pieces between the addresses ; at the conclusion of which the Ball will commence in the Hall , and the Concert in the large Coffee-
A Check-Mate.—A Few Weeks Ago A Young Man From The Neighbourhood Ot Manchester Was Met In
A Check-Mate . —A few weeks ago a young man from the neighbourhood ot Manchester was met in
The Street At Liverpool By One Of His Ne...
the street at Liverpool by one of his neighbours walking with a young woman , a relative of his wife , but with whom he was considered to be rather too familiar . The neighbour dodged them and found that they had taken their passage to America . The neighbour hastened home , and communicated the lact to the wife , who promptly came to Liverpool , saw the captain , and told him her story . He told UfE , ™ ^ £ ck a * " 1 sell her goods immediately and 2 E ? « a hln l ! ne dw 80 » « n * W * J" 8 t as the EoT « , about t 0 leave . She was taken on ?^ fI ; fi ? t K J Troraan was wntashore . When the feithless husband went below to his berth he found his wife there instead of his paramour . "
Notice To Subscribers. : Now Ready For D...
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS . : Now ready for delivery with the Northern Star , an authentic , highly finished j and beautiful STEEL ENGRAVING , TWO FEET LONG , ; ; From the contractors' ( Fox and Hender son ' s own Drawing ofthe '' ' v , . ClYSTAL PALiCEi V OB . - .- ¦ ¦ : GREAT BUILDING IN HYDE PARK . FOR - - ¦ ¦ ' The Grand Industrial Exhibition of 1851 . No expense has been spared in obtaining a correct and finished Engraving of this GIGANTIC UNDERTAKING , And we feel assured our Subscribers , will admit , on seeing impressions , that the Plate is only second to the . Building itself in its extraordinary novelty and dimensions . Price of Prints 6 d . j Proofs Is . each . Post Office orders for the number required , must be forwarded by the Agents to William Rider , at tbe Northern Star Office , Great Windmill Street ; or to Mr . Pavey , Holywell-street , Strand ; or they may be obtained through their respective London Booksellers . The usual allowance to the trade .
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The . Readers Of; The " Northern Star," ...
The . readers of ; the " Northern Star , " and the Democratic party generally , are informed , that there is now a re-issue ofthe various Steel engravings lately distributed with the " Northern Star . " They consist of KossuTH , Mbaohbb , ' "' ¦ .: LOUIS BlANC , MlTCHEI ,, Ernest Jonbs ; Smith O'Ekibs , ' Richard Oastler , John Pbost . :
These Engravings have excited the admiration of every one who has seen them . They are faithful portraits , and are executed in the most brilliant style . Price Fourpence each . There has also been a reprint of the undermentioned portraits , which have been given away at different times with the * ¦ ' Northern Star , " and which are striking likenesses , and executed in the most brilliant manner—. Andrew Marvel , William Cobbeii , Arthur O'Cojwoh , Hehrt Host , Patrick O'Higoins , F . O'Connor , Bronterre O'Brien , W . P . Roberts . J . R . Stephens , There is " also a re-issue of the two large
' prints , " THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF 1839 . '
" TBE PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL PETITION , by Mr . BUNCOMBE , in 1842 . " To be had of J . Pavey , Holywell-street .
. __ Co (Bormpomrcm**
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J. Pattbon, Berry Edge.—By A Typographic...
J . Pattbon , Berry Edge . —By a typographical error in last week ' s ' Star ' your donation was announced as Is . fid , instead of 2 s . Gd . Mr . D . Fhobt , Grauhorough , wag misprinted in our last Gainsborough , near Rotherham . Mb . Hopkinsun , Hanley . —The insertion of your advertisement would subject us to prosecution , under the . Act for the Suppression of Lotteries . 6 . CiuuT , Helper-. —Your communication would be charged as an advertisement ' . •' Ma . Heuhik , Cheltenham . —I take the subscriptions to 41 , Turnmill-street , and pay them in presence ofthe
Refugees . With any existing differences I do not , neither will , interfere . Whosoever has lit the torch must extinguish it . I do not lay the fault at the door of any ofthe Committee , nor upon the Refugees . It would be folly to know much on such matters . What I do know is that the Refugees are in great want , and require immediate aid , which I hope will be rendered . —W . Ridel Mb . Pitman , Jersey , and others who have sent postage stamps for the representation of the Crystal Palace , muit state by what conveyance they can be forwarded than through the post , as they would be worthless if sent by post . Agents must send cash for this plate with their orders , or obtain the eufsravisg through their London booksellers . It has baea feund very inconvenient to connect the accounts for plates with those : for the news ^
paper . > -. Mb , Yealb , Bristol . —The order was rect ^ ved , butwekriow they would be damaged if sent by prat How can we otlieririseforward them ! Cr . Habsiwell , Bradford . —The 5 s . was acknowledged in the * Stab' of the-7 th , as'from Mr . Chapman's shop . > Nottingham . — Mr . J . Sweet acknowledges the receipt of the following sums , sent herewith for Honesty . Fund : — Eagle Reading-room , * s . ; : Mr . Iaman ,-4 d . ; Mr . Dalton , Is . ; Mr . Burbage , 6 d . ; Mr . Broadbead , 6 d . ; Mrs . Richards , 6 d . ; Mr . Makin , 3 d . . ; Mr : W . Parker , Is . ; Mr . 'John Pair , lsl ; Mrs . Roberts , Is . ; Mr . Bend , 6 d . ; Mr . Brown , Cd . ; Mr .--Wood , 2 d . ; Mr . Bostock , 6 d . ; From the Eagle Tavern , 10 s . ; Mr . W . FuUer , 6 d . — - For Machamara ' s Action : —Mr . H . Hextall , 6 ti .- For Winding-up Fund : —Mr W . Hall , Is . ; Mr . J . Wass , Gi . ; Mr . W . Day , 6 d . ; Mr . J . Brown , 6 d . Polish and Hongabian Befdgees . — Mr . Hall , Is . ; Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds , £ 1 Is . The Committee meet at tho
Crown and Anchor , on Saturday evening , and 26 , Golden Jane , on Tuesday , Dec . 21 th . —Thomas Fbb « u » on , Secretary . T . BfiowNB List . — Proceeds of a Ball at the South London Hall , ISs . lOd . ; Mr . Beal , 4 d . ; Mr . Edmonds , 2 d . ; A Welshman , Cd . ; Mr . Clench , Is ; ; An Englishman , 2 d ; Mr . Salmonds , 6 d . ; Smith ' s Workmen , Is . 3 d . ; Mr . Kean , per J , Arnott , is . ; Collection at Lecture Hall , £ 2 15 s . lOd . ; A Friend , Id . Ernest Jones' Lectures . —We learn - that Mr . Jones , in compliance with a general request , intends publishing his two lectures entitled' Cantebbdbs versus Roue , ' in four weekly numbers ; -as soen as he has ascertained that he will have readers enough to cover the expense . He is therefore desirous that all localities or individuals intending to have the lectures , will write to him to that
effect , stating the number of copies required . Seeing the torrent of inveciion and folly that is poured forth on occasion of this ' Papal aggression , ' it is highly necessary the people should learn what they have to thank the Established Church for , and what they have to expect at its hands . These lectures draw the veil aside , and expose the huge deception . They come most » pportunely as an antidote to the vertigo that is throwing the people once more towards the arms of a grasping and designing priestcraft . They unveil the whole history of our church , and give an exposure of its sins , its ouplicity , its income / audits frauds , such as has not often been concentrated in one focus . Mr . Jones ' s address is Hardwicke Lodge , Moacow-road , Bayswater , London ? . J . Woodhowb . Stockport . —Your suggestion is made . too late to be of any service .
The Northern Star Saturday, December 81,1850
THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , DECEMBER 81 , 1850
The Manchester Conference. Shall There B...
THE MANCHESTER CONFERENCE . Shall there be a Conference ? If so , where an & . when ? The discussion of these two questions has largely occupied our columns for some weeks , and may fairl y be assumed to be the topic that most excites the attention and interest of the Chartist body at the present moment .
We have hitherto forborne the expression of any opinion on the subject , because we were desirous that all the arguments on both sides should be stated without any interference on our part . So much has been said about '' dictation" that , had we given utterance to the impressions produced by the perusal of the voluminous correspondence which has appeared in the Star , it is probable that we should have been similarly charged ! V
As , however , we . may fairl y presume that all that can he said for , and against the proposed Manchester Conference has now been said , there can , we trust , be no impropriety in oar offering a few observations on the subject . And , in the first place , without meaning to give offence to any party or individual , we are compelled to express our extreme regret at the spirit in which questions of public policy are
too often discussed by professing Chartists . Surely the question whether a Conference should be held in the month of January in the City of Manchester , or in London in the month of May next , might have been debated without the introduction of any rancorous , personal feeling , or personal vituperation . The use of such weapons leads the impartial observer to infer that the ostensible is not the
real battle , because there is nothing in the nominal question at issue to eduee such bitter personal animosity and abuse . It gives rise to the suspicion that the combatants are not straggling to promote the great cause of the People ' s Charter , but an object of some other kind , in which their passions , their prejudices , or their interests are so deeply involved » that it leads them to merge the general in the
particular , and to fight for persons instead of principles . This evil spirit must be cast out of the Chartist camp , if we are ever to exercise any real or powerful influence over the intellect and the sympathies of the nation . The continual coarse and gross personal vilification of motives , actions and character , bandiedbetweeh gaumed Chartist leaded fo l past Mes , nas
The Manchester Conference. Shall There B...
more than anyone single cause , contributed to pl & ce Chartism m its present position , How can those who do not respect themselves expect to be respected by others ? If those who ; take the most ¦ . prominent part in the movement show an example of division , acrimony and self-seeking ^ how can they expect unipny goqdrfeeling , or patriotism on the part of those who follow them ? . . . .. ^
Like begets like m the moral as well as in the p hysical world . If we would really reform our institutions and purify and regenerate ; society , we must attempt the mighty and beneficent work in an appropriate spirit . If we do not , we had better cease our efforts . Not to us has been delegated the holy mission ; we must take the beam out of our own eyes before attempting to extract the . mote from our brother ' s . The first step , to genuine reform is to reform ourselves . -What was the question essentially under consideration ?
A deplorable apathy and general disorganisation pervaded the country . The once powerful army of Chartism was disbanded and scattered . Skeleton staffs and nominal localities alone remained to indicate that it had once existed . At a time when the action of a powerful , united party could exercise most important , most valuable influence on public opinion , and especially over the present electoral body , there was neither unity nor power . Fifteen years of agitation had ended in the sad and lamentable result that the People ' s party were more dispersed ^ -more weak— -more , helpless than , at almost any part ofthe whole of that period . v
Looking at these facts , ' the gentleman who , from' the beginning had borne , the brunt . of the battle—whose time , . talent , energies , and money has been freely and unstintedly devoted to the cause—thought himself warranted in suggesting that a Conference should be held as early as possible , for the purpose of . re-organising the movement , and placing it upon a national basis , if possible . The . position he occupied , and the sacrifices he has made , surely warranted him , of all ' men connected with the movement , to offer such a proposition . There was no assumption of dictatorial power either in the suggestion itself , or the language
in which it was made . During the long , and too often angry and acrimonious debates that the suggestion has caused , Mi * . O'Connor has scrupulously abstained from making any remark , or taking any step that could , in the slightest degree , add to the excitement or the bad feeling which , unfortunately , has exhibited itself . He had but one object in view-rsimply to make Chartism a living , acting , and vigorouselement in the political world . He has abstained from saying or doing anything that might tend to prevent the realisation of that paramount object . . One would have thought that , looking at the dismembered and shattered condition of
the Chartist ranks , all who professed themselves Chartists would have eagerly and warmly responded to that appeal . Whatever mi ght have been the consequence no harm could have been done by holding a Conference . Inertness , apathy , or personal alienation , were sure not to be cured by separation and isolation . If , upon coming together , and dispassionately comparing notes , it had been found that there were not the elements in existence for the
formation of a national movement , however mortifying the discovery might have been , it would , at least , have set the question at rest for the time . being .. , People would not any longer have troubled themselves about impossibilities , or been parties to sham Organisations and nominal Executives—worth as little , in a national point of view , as the paper that described the one and gave the names of tbe other . '
If , upon the contrary , such an investigation of . facts , in conjunction with a searching , but charitable , inquiry' into the causes of past failure and disappointment , showed that the materials did exist , and could be combined , if the requisite ^ means were employed , a great step towards ultimate success would have been taken ; . Either way , an early Conference must have done good . Even with reference to holding another in London during the year , it could not have been otherwise than beneficial . If it gathered together and marshalled
the scattered ranks , the London Conference would have gained in strength and influence by such a preliminary organisation . If it showed what the causes were , and where they lay , which prevented that being directly done , it would again have performed an essential service , and cleared the way for the more efficient action of a London Conference . The state of Chartism , and the certainty that an early Conference must , in any case , have a beneficial result , therefore amply justified the proposal of Mr . O'Connor . The next question is , where should it be held ?
In order to answer that question , we ask our readers calmly to look over the history of the last thirty years . What do they find ? That during the whole of that period there has not been a single successful or important movement which Jbas not originated in the provinces . London is always the last to stir , or when it takes the initiative , such is its overwhelming bulk , and the consequent segregation of its parts , that no powerful and well compacted concentration of popular energy is produced . We speak from a personal and varied experience in these matters—both in the provinces and in London—which has fallen to the lot of
few . We have taken a part in all the movements , commencing with the Catholic Emancipation Act , of 1829—we have mixed with the people in every part of the country , both agricultural , mining , and manufacturing—we have been for the last five years professionally thrown into the midst of every variety of classes and parties in London : and , as the
result of that experience , wo have no hesitation in saying , that a healthy , vigorous , successful public movement can seldom , if ever , originate in the Metropolis . It must be rolled up to London from the country , and , in proportion to its extent and influence , will the isolated sections of Reformers in the Metropolis be moved to act in concert with each other , and with' the country at large . ' .. '¦
Let it . not not be supposed for a moment that we impute either ignorance or carelessness to the people who dwell in the vast wilderness of brick and mortar that lines both sid es ofthe Thames , Far from it . They are perhaps the most active , enlightened portion of the whole community ; but the high pressure system of trade which obtains among them the immense distances which separate one district from another , and the peculiarities of their social habits—all contribute to prevent them acting in concert , unless upon rare occasions , and under a very extraordinary impulse .
In country towns there is a neighbourly feeling , which exists only to a very limited extent in London , if , in many oases , it exists at all . We have known people live next door to each other for ye ars ; weddings , christenings , and bonals took place in the interval , but they never crossed each others doors , scarcely knew more than each others names . Aheorbed in their own particular pursuits , and moving in a circle of friends and acquaintances pertia < ps some half-dozen miles off ;; they had neither time nor inclination to cultivate the neighbourly feeling next door .
Hence one great difficult y of moving London . When yon do get a large meeting it is not London , but the friendl y parties who reside in different parts of . it that are brought together by a common feeing . The outer public is scarcel y stirred . Htfw different all this ismaprovjacial towrj Tb , 8 re the movement , , f popular at all , is a rea * one , and ZZlf Cl T With Jt ' Th « Wahops , factor es , warehouses counting-housek . shops and tree -corners , all reflect its influeSce J *
The Manchester Conference. Shall There B...
testify to its power . ; The spirit of combination is among them , and it ! needs bui . a worthy cause and appropriatemeasures ' to , elicit it , to direct it , and to make its power and energies felt , either in the removal of abuses , or the improvement of existing institutions . The history of thej Chartist movement in London , for the last two years , is perhaps the best possible proof that can be adduced of the general truth of these views . We have not the slightest doubt but that those who .... . ,. ; ,.,. . , ; ...-.. . . « . a . « : M .
have acted , as Executive officers during that period have exerted themselves to the utmost to keep the movement alive , j and that they have been earnestly supported by the few members in each locality who have taken an active interest in it . But the circumstances have been too powerful for them , to contend against . No one will argue that the present organisation is either national in its influence , or commensurate in its means , with the difficult , but great and glorious purpose in
view . Two years' trial should be sufficient . Wh y obstinately persist in a policy which has so conclusively failed ? Why not once more throw ourselves upon the whole country , and by holding a Conference in the great capital of our industrial classes , endeavour to give unity , consistency , numbers and funds to a movement national in , its objects and requiring national exertions for their realisation ?
We see no reason weighty enough to countervail these grave and Important considerations . -However pure : the motives , or sincere the . opiniohs ot those who / stand inihe way of such a meeting , being a full and faithful reflection of the opinion of the ; Chartists of Great Britain , they cannot be acquitted ofthe charge of obstructing a measure which might reanimate and reinvigorate Chartism , and which could not possibly do the cause any harm . If , on the contrary—which we do not allege—there should be any truth in the
suspicion that this opposition is principally instigated by any paltry , petty , personal ambition or animosity , then it must be stigmatised as a public crime—treason against the cause of the people . If there is any one subject we would more earnestly press upon the attention of the Chartist body than another , it is the necessity for banishing such feelings from the movement . What does it * matter to the . true disciple of great principles , who gets the credit for carrying them into operation , so that the object is successfully achieved ? The men who
in past ages most truly and substantiall y improved society have been content to " do good by stealth , and blushed to find it fame . ? ' Absorbed in their lofty task , finding the greatest and the purest pleasure in its prosecution—a reward in the very work itself , they have cared but little for " the fickle breath of popular applause . " The men who attempt to improve society in this spirit must succeed , because they start from hi gher principles and impulses ; those who do so from lower motives must expect to be beaten , because they have not the same superiority , and on the lower
ground they have chosen , society is far stronger than they are , or can be . ¦ If Chartists will put away this spirit from among them , and endeavour to act out the ennobling precept , — . " He that would be greatest amongst you , let him be the servant of ' all , " —1851 will witness' the resuscitation of Chartism , and impart to it a more commanding and beneficial influence , over the ruling bodies of this country than it has ever yet
possessed . To a calm , self-possessed , but determined party , who have an equal abhorrence of bluster and servility—who have unbounded faith in the truth of their principles , and the goodness of their cause , and an unconquerable determination to prosecute their object in a spirit worthy of both , until they achieve success—no effectual or enduring opposition can be offered .,., To a party which indul ges ^ in ' mutual abuse and recrimination—which is torn
by intestine divisions—weak in numbers and in funds—and which contents itself with abusing classes and railing at effects , instead of grappling with causes , no opposition need be offered . It will fall from its own inherent weakness and defects . We sincerely trust that those who may assemble in Manchester . in January—be they few or many—will choose the better and the nobler part , and inaugurate a new and superior Chartist movement . We had intended to have suggested the leading points to
which , m our opinion , the attention ofthe Conference should be especially directed , but the length of these remarks precludes us from doing so on this occasion . We shall yet be in time next week , though as we know but little of the special circumstances of any particular locality or existing ' organisations , we can offer onl y general suggestions . It appears , however , to us , that the principal object of the Conference ought not to be so much the consideration of what will suit existing localities as the preparation of an organisation likely to
rally the industry of the nation under the banner of the People's Charter . If they essay , this noble and all-important object in a fitting spirit , with a deep sense of its greatness , of their own responsibilities , and a spirit of mutual charity and conciliation , they can scarcely fail to lay the foundation of a fruitful and substantial Chartist movement . Chartism is the political creed of the masses . Let us organise and wisel y direct their pecuniary resources , then-knowled ge and moral power , for the attainment of political equality .
The Divorce Commission. The Absurdity Of...
THE DIVORCE COMMISSION . The absurdity of our law of Divorce has long been palpable to all the world . Either we should have prohibited divorce altogether , or we s hould have made it attainable to all classes . We did neither . Divorce was allowed , but the price of obtaining it was so great that it was only available to the rich . ft is , indeed , scarcely possible for the uninitiated to comprehend the full extent of the obstructions set up by the law to legal
seoaration , even of the minor kind , which did . not permit either party to marry again . The law seemed to treat the continued compulsory association of an " ill-assorted couple" as a most meritorious and desirable achievement It beset every step of the process towards liberation , with the most costl y forms , and it is only by the expenditure of from £ 500 to £ 900 that a simple separation from bed and board , but
restraining both parties from marriage , could be obtained in the semi-Ecclesiastioal Courts . If the party wishing to be separated desired to etlect a complete severance of the marital tie , he had to proceed further . After having , ma Common Law Court , obtained damages against the seducer of his wife , and a favourable decision from Doctors Commons , the next step is to go to the Legislature for a special Act of Parliament .
In fact , though the House of Lords is the place in which Divorce Bills originate , and where they are virtuall y settled , yet the whole of the three estates of the realm are called upon to decide whether a married couple shall or shall not be finally and completely sep arated and at liberty to enter again into the married state . No matter how deep or grievous the injury sustained-no matter ^ owCerit t lV 0
r " Qeci ?? ara P'e relief—ifthe suf fererhasnot at east £ 2 , 000 to spare for the purchase of justice he must be content ^ 2 ?! upwithoutit . Trul y , iu & £ * $£ ** " one law forthe rich and another for the poor . " Our Supreme Court show * SL « ¦ the disgraceful &* vicioC a ttUudT JfSfi justice , not administering it impartially "S out fee , favour , or reward . ' ' V JSilSSS * ha i ? 8 Ued a Commission to inquire into the aubject , with the view we presume ofrectifyirig ^ ^ ZllZiml
The Divorce Commission. The Absurdity Of...
lies , and placing the law upon a more rational and equitable basis . The question is one surrdunded " with diffi . culties , and will require tobe dealt with deli , eatery , but firmly . As far as possible the ex . perience of those ; countries in which greater facilities for ; Divorce-now exist , should be carefully collected and considered . In this respect we may learn much from Switzerland and the United States , in both of which , wq believe , the law sanctions Divorce for incomllie » . and placing the law upon a more rational
patibility of temper , and personal ill-usage , as well as for adultery and does this in such a manner , that redress , is accessible to all parties , at a trifling cost . How far this apparently laxer system conduces to stimulate and multiply divorces , on slender ground * -, or for vicious purposes , or how far the law is neutralised by " the family affections , bonds , and responsibilities that naturally grow out of the married state , it would be useful and important to ascertain , before making any alteration incur own law . :
-. The main difficulty in the matter is , the necessity for the state protecting itself , and the issue of those unhappy couples who are driven to divorce , from the evil consequences of their , separation ' .. , Society has assumed that the father and mother are the only proper and responsible persons to be entrusted with the due education and nurture of their off * spring . Pronouncing for a separation between the father and mother , it is bound to see that this responsibility's not shifted on to the shoulders of the community , and thus a license and an encouragement be given to immorality and practical-injustice ; . .
These are ; important points , and may be found difficult to settle satisfactorily , but they are far inferior to the dail y and hourl y evils inflicted on society at large by the present system .. Our legislature seldom meddles with morals , or ventures into the domain of the passions . It contents itself with overt acts , and thus . wilfully ignores any knowledge or cognisance of the primary instincts and passions which operate so largely and so powerfully either for good or evil to the community for which they profess to pass laws . But it is impossible that society can be corrupt
at its core without the virus showing itself on the surface , and to deal with it then , without tracing it to its source , is the sheerest charlatanism . The causes which poison the peace of families—which set bad examples up in the midstof households , and cause them to exercise a deleterious influence on the minds and actions of children during the whole of their after life ; which lead to the formation of illegal unions , and the bastardiisng of their offspring , where the parties would have gladly legalised both—these are things that need looking into , and ought to be forthwith amended as far as possible .
For our own part , it appears to us that the first step in any reform must be to place divorce equally and fairly within the reach of all . In the second , to guard against giving any encouragement to hasty or ill-grounded separations . We think that the Court which is entrusted with the jurisdiction in divorce cases , should have the power of deciding them finally , with reference to the simple question of
complete separation between the parties , The question of damages is , however , a separate one , and must , in all cases , be modified so much by the varying circumstances' of each case , that it had better be left to a jury and a common law court . Under such arrangements , divorce from the bond of wedlock would no longer be treated as if it were a luxury , and not an act of justice .
If the commission which has just been issued , lays the foundation for such as amendment as this in our laws , it will earn for itself the gratitude of all who wish the homes of England should be pure and happy ones .
What Shall We Do With The F Pope And The...
WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH THE f POPE AND THE BISHOPS ? ; . It is evident that the Ministry will be compelled ^ to do something to allay the stormy agitation which flows so fierce and fast over the whole country . "What shall it be ? Earl Wincheisea recommends the sending of a , cartel of war to His Holiness , unless , within one hour from its deliverance , the bull appointing the Bishops is not humbly withdrawn and apologised for . Others recommend a
measure merely prohibiting the Eoman Catholic prelates from assuming titles conferred by a foreign potentate , on pain of deportation from the country ; and Dr . M'Neiie , foreseeing that banishment " either to the Continent or to any of our Colonies , would not prevent the expatriated dignitaries from receiving the submission and homage of their own flocks , while it " would make them martyrs in the eyes ofthe world , and give them additional power in spreading Roman Catholicism—proposed to cut the Gordian knot by hanging them all It is true , that in the evening ofthe flame day which he
on made—he retracted what he himself termed " that ' atrocious sentiment , " and declared that he was unconscious of having uttered it ; but if he had been a Chartist orator , on his trial at Liverpool Assizes we knowsneha p lea would have been laughed at ; . The simple question for the judge and the jurors would have been " were the words uttered or not ? " And they would have been contented with evidence much less explicit and unexceptionable than that which substantiated Dr . Mobile ' s recommendation of capital punishment from the pulpit .
Giving him , however , all credit for the assertion of his unconsciousness of the utterance of such a sentiment , and for the sincerity of its withdrawal and disavowal , we must insist on the fact , that it indicates the growth of a spirit among us most deadly to popular progress and true freedom . If , at the very outset of this ill-omened agitation , a man of great ability and influence has allowed himself to be carried away in the warmth of extemnoro
speaking to such an extent , what are we to expect from men less carefully trained , and who speak with far less responsibility to tbe public ? Already we have seen at Birkenhead the Irish labourers employed on the docks there , assembling , and by mere brute-force , preventing the holding of a public meeting adverse to Roman Catholicism , In turn , we have seen the Protestants meet , * surrounded by police and soldiers , ready to shed bloodfon the slightest occasion , and tho other party , onl y deterred from attending by the overwhelming display of disciplined force .
Some means must be found to put a stop to all this , and none of the plans we have adverted to seem very satisfactory or effectual . Suppose that the Sovereign was to issue , with the consent of Parliament , such a prohibition as should allay the alarm and anger so generally expressed . What then ? For all practical purposes the proscribed titles would
CI ? W , ' the Romai 1 Catholics Dr . Wiseman would still be Cardinal Archbishop Westmin ster , and Dr . Uiiaihorpe diocesan of Birmingham ; . while , at the same time , tne interference of the State with the internal organisation of the sect would be cried down as a violation of the religious freedom and equalit y we profess to have conferred by the Act of 1829 , and subsequent legislation .
The onl y statesmanlike , dignified , and permanently satisfactory course would be to institute formal diplomatic relations with the court of Rome , and b y means of a concordat acquire and exercise the same veto upon the appointment of all ecclesiastical dignitaries by the Pope , as that possessed by the Governments of Roman Catholic countries . The unauthorised intrusion of foreign priests , under titles taken from our territory by the Pope , would thus be put a stop to in a manner at once consistent with" the dignity of the nation and the just requirements of the case : while
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 21, 1850, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_21121850/page/4/
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